Sunday, February 28, 2010

Beautiful Blogger!!

Thank you so much Courtney for my first blog award!! I was sooo excited when I saw it last night.


On a side note, my weekend was very busy, but good. I had to work, but got to see a lot of houses as well. We are definitely narrowing down the search and I am hoping to put an offer in sooner than later.

Check back this week, I am going to try and post my testimony, something I have wanted to do for some time now. :)

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

A Thank You, A Secret And A Promise

A thank you: I got a thank you note by snail mail today. It was unexpected and made my day! It was from the interior designer I worked for this weekend at the home show.

A secret: I have been teaching an after school art enrichment class at St. Edwards. I have younger students, elementary school age. What's the big secret? I love it! That may not sound like a big deal, but for me it is. I have never had any desire to teach elementary school. When I did my elementary placement for student teaching I hated it. Maybe I am getting better at the classroom management part, maybe God is changing my heart? Who knows, but I am glad.

A promise: I have recently been really believing God's promises to me. I always do, but I admit there are times of doubt. As many of you know, I am searching for a teaching position, and it's been hard. But I have recently come to a new place of belief. I know part of my purpose in my life is to teach. God has made that clear to me time and time again. Instead of the doubt I choose to believe the promise.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Spring!

I can't wait for spring. Maybe it's because we have gotten so much snow, and I am over it. I know I still have another month or so before it starts warming up, but here is a list of things I am looking forward to most:
1. Our anniversary!! We are planning a little weekend trip, maybe to the Outer Banks in NC. We saved the top of our cake, and I can't wait to eat it. The same day is also Easter.
2. The Masters. My husband got me into watching this event long before I started playing. The course is always beautiful and it's the first of the four majors.
3. Moving into our new house! Although I don't know where it will be, I am excited about making it our own and moving in.
4. The grand opening of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. The galleries have been closed for some time now, and I can't wait to see all the new stuff. There is suppose to be more modern and contemporary art!
5. Wearing my spring clothes again. I love how the seasons make you feel like you have two completely different wardrobes.
6. More Interviews. I am hoping that as spring comes, more schools will start searching for teachers for the upcoming school year.
7. Being able to play golf again. Ever since I got my new clubs I have wanted to play more.

Why are you looking forward to spring?!?

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

House Update and Flashback

Me and Clarke finally got a realtor! It was a hard choice since both our mom's have friends who are realtors, but we decided and are so excited!

You would think the next hardest part would be finding our house, but it's not. It's finding a time when both of us can go look at them. Clarke works a regular 9 to 5 job, while I work randomly with a lot of Saturdays.

Here is a picture of my parent's first house on Dolphin Drive in Stuart City, Florida.
They did not have that huge boat in the front yard! Although I recently learned that we had a sailboat when I was too little to remember. Who knew?!

This is also the first house I ever lived in, as I was born just down the street from here.
Side entrabce to the house. My mom said it was a different color when they lived in it, I wanna say yellow? These pics were taken when I was in Florida about 2 years ago.

Can't wait to offically start house hunting!!

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Quote

“It Is On The Strength Of Observation And Reflection That One Finds A Way, So We Must Dig And Delve Unceasingly.”
-Monet

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Olympic Love

Me and Clarke are really enjoying the Olympics this Valentine weekend. It seems we can't turn it off since the opening ceremony on Friday night (which was amazing).
opening ceremony

I love all the stories about the athletes who have overcome so much and have finally succeeded. Maybe it's because my pastor is doing a series about comebacks and overcoming obstacles and setbacks in life. Either way I find it inspiring.

One of my favorites is Hannah Kearney, an American skier who in 2006 didn't even make it to the finals. Last night she won the gold!

Another is JR Celski, an American speed skater. After a bad crash back in September most thought he would never skate again. Last night he won the bronze!

Tonight the figure skating starts, which is by far one of my favorite events. Can't wait!!

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Photo Editing

Decided to fool around with this picture of Betty. I used gimp, which is a free photo editing program. It is okay, but I do prefer photoshop, maybe just because I am more familiar with it? Neways, here is the picture of Betty, straight out of the camera:
Here it is after I rounded the corners, cropped it, added text and played around with some filters:
Isn't she so cute?!?!

Monday, February 8, 2010

Cardboard Testimony

I recently saw this video on kelly's korner and thought it was amazing. If you haven't seen it, you need to. It is so powerful, a true testimony how God's power and love can change our lives.


I have been thinking what my cardboard testimony is, and I finally got it:

Front:
paralyzed by anxiety

Back:
living with peace and confidence that God's promises have given me

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Stay Strong

They played this song at my church this morning, and I just read the lyrics for the first time. Love it, so I thought I would share.

Stay Strong
by the Newsboys

You're in the moment now
A bitter root
A wandering eye and then
The ties that bind start wearing thin, within
You're in the moment now
When all that you've been blessed with
Is not enough
Here's where the ground gets loose
Here's where the devils call your bluff
Stay strong
You are not lost
Come on and fix your eyes ahead
There's a new dawn to light our day, our day
You've gotta stay strong
You and I run
For the prize that lies ahead
We've come too far to lose our way, our way
We've seen the tragic flaws
The tortured souls
The saints with feet of clay
Here's where sin becomes cliche'
We've come through wilderness and watched
The cloud by day
The burning sky into dawn
Have you forgotten who you are?
Did you forget whose trip you're on?
Stay strong
You are not lost
Come on and fix your eyes ahead
There's a new dawn to light our day, our day
We've gotta stay strong
You and I run
For the prize that lies ahead
We've come too far to lose our way, our way
Get up, there's further to go
Get up, there's more to be done
Get up, this witness is sure
Get up, this race can be won
This race can be won
We've gotta stay strong
You are not lost
Come on and fix your eyes ahead
Our Father's dawn will light our day, our day
Come on and stay strong
His grip is sure
And His patience still endures
There'll be no letting go today, no way
Come on, and stay strong
You and I run
For the prize that lies ahead
We've come too far to lose our way, our way

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Best Superbowl Commercial Ever

My husband found this, and I think it is the best superbowl commercial ever!


I just love Betty White!! :)

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Tents for Haiti

My church is having a tent drive for the people of Haiti. The rainy season is coming and the only shelter most have are a sheet that is held up by two sticks. The Richmond Times Dispatch wrote an article about it, which I thought was pretty neat.
We are partnering with Convoy of Hope. If you live in the Richmond area and want to help, I would be glad to bring your tent to the church!

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Being Persistent

In one of my recent quiet times I came across a passage that really spoke to me:

The Parable of the Persistent Widow, Luke 18:1-8 (NIV)


1Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 2He said: "In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. 3And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, 'Grant me justice against my adversary.'

4"For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or care about men, 5yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually wear me out with her coming!' "
6And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"

I thought about my job search, how at times I want to give up, but I don't. I think this parable spoke to me because it was such a sweet reminder of the promises God has made to me. I know He will open those doors that need to be opened, He will give me those opportunities I need.

I know there is a purpose to God wanting me to be persistent as well. It brings me closer to God as I share my hopes, dreams and desires with him. It teaches me about perseverance and not giving up. I am growing as I wait for Him to provide me with opportunities and open doors.

Just wanted to share this with everyone, and whatever it is that you long for in your own life, be persistent in praying to God about it.
 
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