Circle of Friends

 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.

Blessed Beyond Measure

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. 

Spring Day at the Zoo

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

Losing A Friend

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.

A Friend

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

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

I was going through some old pictures last night and found this one of Joe Dan and I when we were in high school. Joe Dan was probably one of my very best friends during middle and high school and we still keep in touch today. I'm so thankful for such wonderful and fun memories with wonderful friends!

New Years Eve 2008

I was so blessed to spend this New Year's Eve with a wonderful group of friends. Last year, my New Year's Eve was awful, and it proved to be an even more awful year as it progressed with certain people. This year though, I truly believe I started it out right, and can't wait to see what blessings this year has in store for me. I mentioned in a previous post here, all the desires I have for this year. I want my life to be a blessing to the Lord.
Last night I spent the evening at Kendra's house and had an amazing time. We ate a lot of delicious food, laughed a lot, and played the Wii A LOT! We turned the Wii off just long enough to watch the ball drop and then it was back on for more Wii time. I think it's safe to say that the Wii is going to get a lot of use this year!

Check it Out!

My friend, Kristyn, is a bridal consultant here in Knoxville. I've added the link to her blog, so if you or someone you know is in need of someone to help plan their perfect day, get in touch with Kristyn at Panache Productions! She's doing a giveaway this month, and you have until December 31st to enter! So check out her blog, enter the giveaway and tell your friends!

Prayer

If you've been reading my blog lately, then you know about my awesome friend, Gary. He recently went through a heart transplant on September 11. He is doing wonderful so far!

From his surgery, he has met others waiting on the transplant list. Last week he met a girl who I believe he said is 18. She is waiting on a heart and will remain in the ICU at St. Thomas hospital in Nashville until a heart is found for her. Only about 2% of her heart is working. This is a very scary time for her and her family. Gary was able to visit her last week and witness and encourage her.

Please pray for this young girl. Pray that God watch over her, keep her out of pain, and find her a heart soon. I know how the power pf prayer works, because it's through prayer and God's grace alone that I still have my friend here with me today.

Simply Saturday

Saturdays and I have a love/hate relationship these days. I love Saturday because normally I just go to school all day and come home and relax from the week. Here lately though, I've been working on Saturday nights, and closing nonetheless. Samantha and I both close tonight, so we'll be nice and sleepy at church in the morning for sure :-)

I have stayed busy at school this week, and today especially. I had two haircuts and a pedicure today and then ran the front desk the rest of the day. It was a pretty simple day.

So far, since being home from school, I have loaded and run the dishwasher, put a load of towels in the wash, picked up the kitchen and bathroom, and picked up around the living room. The list for when I get home from work, is much longer than what I've done so far. I still need to put away all the clean laundry, pick up my bedroom, do two more loads of laundry (and then I will have no dirty clothes in my house, except for what I'll be wearing), take out the trash, mop the floors, vacuum the carpet areas, and bring down and put away winter clothing. Hopefully I'll be in the mood to clean when I get home from work. Otherwise, I'm going to be a cleaning machine tomorrow. My goal is to not have to lift a finger after church though. At least at my house.

I have pictures to pick up from Walgreens, and then I must go to work for the night. I'm glad Sam is working tonight, otherwise, I might be one unhappy little girl. I love working with my Sam!

Little love in my heart...

At the moment, I'm absolutely in love with....

• Fall weather. It's a chilly, breezy, sunny day here in Knoxville. You know the kind of day I'm talking about. It's cool but the sun feels so warm on your skin. I love it!
• the leaves on the trees. Here in east Tennessee they are beautiful shades of yellow, orange, and red. Just enough are falling to make that crunchy sound under your feet. It reminds me of being little and making huge piles in the backyard and jumping in them.
  
• Tennessee football. Even though it hasn't been the best season, I'm still in love with my Vols. And I love them even more since pulling out a win Saturday! Go Big Orange!
• Paisley. She is the sweetest little thing ever. I love coming home to her. As I type this, she is laying next to me on the couch with her little head on my lap. So sweet!
• my wonderful friends! I had a great weekend with some great friends. I'm so thankful for such awesome friends.
• my God. Life has been a little on the rocks lately. With death clouding my family, the ending of some relationships, and some financial worries, my God is still in control. I'm so thankful for His saving grace and mercy. I have no doubts that if I were without His hand on me I would be in a totally different place in life.
  

What are you in love with today?

I know, I've been a slacker

I know it's been awhile since I've posted. I've been slackin' on a lot of things, including but not limited to: laundry, cleaning house, keeping my car cleaned, and blogging. But, I've gotten caught up on most of the aforementioned, so now it's time to catch up here!

I can't remember what I've posted up til this point, so I'll give a quick rundown, in bullet form, because I feel like bullet form tonight :-) {And because this is my blog, and I can do bullets if I want to}

• This is a picture from Tiffany's wedding shower a few weeks ago. That really tall girl on the far left, yeah she's the youngest of the oldest. And the tallest. Tiffany had a really good turn out of our family and friends and received a lot of amazing gifts that she needed. And we all had fun. I can't believe in just a few short weeks, Tiffany will be married! Time is sure flying by!

• I went home weekend before last, and Monday before I came back to Knoxville I surprised Raylon at her school and had lunch with her. I was the coolest person in her world that day and I was so happy that I got to spend those few minutes with her. I stopped by the store and got her some candy and a rootbeer to make the surprise even better and she loved it! I love doing little things for her, and I know she'll always remember the things like this. I know I still remember some of the fun things my older cousins did for me! And to top it off, they had school pizza, so of course I was excited!

• Whittani and I went to Pigeon Forge and went to the Rod Run. We had such a good time. I'm so thankful for such a wonderful friend! Love ya Whit!
  

• I started work at Chili's and like it so far. I'm not going to lie though, I was really used to not working! But I still have a few nights off a week, so that's exciting!
• School is going well. We went on a field trip today to the wig stores here in Knoxville. It was fun to have a break from class for a little bit. I have a straight 100 average for the month of August, and I'm pretty sure I'm looking at keeping it that way for September as well.
  
• Nicki was in town last week and it was fun to hang out with her for a few hours. We went to shopping and to dinner and had a blast. I love just hanging out and talking to her. She has such good insight on things, not to mention that she's filled with a little bit of Greenbrier gossip :-)
  
• This weekend is going to be filled with fun with friends and I can't wait! And my sister Lacey is coming to visit, so I'm excited about that too!
  

And I think that's about it. I do have one more post from when I went home last week, but that's for another day (tomorrow) because I'm about to watch the newest episode of 90210, since I missed it last night! Who else is watching 90210? What do you think of it?

Update on Gary

Gary Wayne's surgery went wonderful. He got his new heart and was awake and talking last night. This is a huge answer to prayer. As long as the heart works with his body, he should be able to live a much more normal life than he's been living. I can't imagine what he has gone through the past year or so. Not knowing if his heart was going to give out on him in a blink of an eye. I'm so thankful for God's hand in this. If it were not for Him, Gary would not be alive. I know that for awhile I struggled with the fact of WHY. Why was my friend, who was only 19 at the time, only have a 5% chance of life? It was hard to imagine. We grew up together. Went to the same church our entire lives and were the same age. It was crazy. We weren't supposed to have heart failure. But it happened, and it made me put more faith in God.

Thank you all so much for your prayers during this time.

Please Pray Today

A dear, dear childhood friend of mine is going into surgery today. He has been sick for quite some time. He is only 20 years old. He's needed a new heart since last year. This morning, around 1:30 am, his family got the call and there is a heart for him! He is in surgery now, so please pray that everything go ok, that the heart works well in his body, and that he recovers quickly. The new heart is an answer to a lot of people's prayers. God is so good!!

Also, please pray for the family of the donor heart. For Gary to receive another chance at life, another one had to be lost.

I'll update more later....

A day on the lake...literally

Saturday was another fun day on the lake. Our journey started at noon and didn't end until 7am Sunday morning. We had a blast...and it was interesting to say the very least. We had to make several stops at other docks to pick up more of our crew so it took us all day to get to Sequoyah Marina for Fire on the Water to watch the fireworks. We also ended up stopping to wait out a storm too. The firework show was awesome. After partying with friends we started the journey back to our dock at around 2 or 3am. It was dark, cold, and everyone was so tired! We didn't even make it back to our dock. We found an empty slip at another dock close by, tied up, sent someone to get the trucks, and headed home! Needless to say, no one got to bed before 7am Sunday morning, but it was a blast! Famous quote from this trip: "It's not about the time or the destination, it's about the journey!" The picture above is Margaret and I, the two classiest ones there! Looking forward to next weekend already!

IGP~Intense Glistening Power

Sunday I spent the day on the lake with wonderful friends. We had a blast hanging out, having fun, and "glistening" in the sun! There was definitely some IGP going on, as you can see from some of the pics! I'm so thankful for friends who pick me up when I'm down. Things with Josh have left me heartbroken, but I'm determined not to let it get me too far down. I'm too full of life for heartbreak to keep down for long. Not to mention, Tosha and I have rekindled our friendship and I'll admit, I've missed her! Now I'm counting down the days until this Saturday, when we take the boat out to Fire on the Water, a spectacular firework show on Norris Lake! Hope everyone is having a good week!