Finally... He has a name!!!

It's official, our sweet little boy will be named Miles Ray Roberts. We are so excited to have come up with a name that we both love! The Ray is part of a tradition that is ongoing in the Roberts' family. 

We're currently on week 23. Things have been going good so far. I slept last night so I won't complain too much in this blog :) Brent and his parents put Miles' crib together last night. I love it! I can't wait to get his whole room finished. But, at this point... one step at a time is sufficient! Our first baby shower is January 22nd, and I am so excited to have friends who want to share in this special time with us! I'm already overwhelmed by their love and support thus far. I know those sweet baby gifts are just going to melt my heart! 

I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!

4 more months!

Had another doctor appointment yesterday. This time we got to hear the baby heartbeat on the doppler. It always melts my heart! Our little bambino is in there and he has been moving a lot lately! Brent has been wanting to feel him, and FINALLY the other night when it was real quiet (and he was real patient) he got to feel the little pings that will only get stronger from this point! He was so excited, and I was excited to get to share that feeling with him. It's hard to believe that in 4 months he'll make his entrance into the world. We are praying he'll be a world changer for Christ! Hopefully soon I'll have a post with his name! 

Friday is Brent's birthday! I gave him a little gift from the baby. (I gave it to him early, couldn't help it!) Anyway it made him grin from ear to ear! :)

Now on to more Christmas parties, and more Christmas cards! I love this time of year. Unfortunately though,  I won't be doing Christmas cards! I guess I'll replace them with birth announcements :) (or Baby Shower Invites, ha)

Oh Christmas Tree!

In front on this very tree, 6 years ago today, Brent asked me to be his wife! It is so hard to believe that it has been that long. I'm just as excited today to have that ring on my finger as I was the day he first placed it on there! Ole Miss is a special place to us. I'm glad that Ole Miss is a part of this wonderful memory.

2011 brings another new addition!

Well, it won't be in the form of a baby! But, my brother proposed to his girlfriend, Kim, and she said YES!!! In 2010, I gained a brother in law and in 2011 I'll gain a sister in law! I am super excited! I know that my brother and Kim will be very happy together! Looks like a Gatlinburg wedding in September! :)

Still nameless...

So excited that we're having a boy! Although, I had a name picked out for a girl. Brent and I have been wavering on names since we found out baby is a boy. Nothing is sticking. We know that the baby will carry on the Roberts' middle name of Ray. But, still that first name has us so stumped. If you have suggestions please post them! I'd love some help. Maybe I need to buy a baby name book. Hmmm... Other than that everything is good. I am pretty sure I feel our little bambino in there kicking. It brings a smile to my face each time. I used to look forward to each dr. visit just to have reassurance he's in there, but now I get that assurance everytime I feel those little pings in my tummy! I am so ready for Brent to be able to feel it and to be able to talk to him. I know he's ready too! SO many of our friends are having little boys. I'm so excited that our baby boy will have great friends with amazing parents!

It's a BOY!!!

Just in case you've yet to hear! We are so excited. No name has been decided on. I'll have to post that when later!!!! This picture is a pool that my co-workers had going on in the office! :)

Diabetes, really?!?!

Well, the sugar thing did not turn out to be nothing. After hours of testing I have been diagnosed with type 1A gestational diabetes, if I weren't pregnant I'd be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. With a family history, I'm not surprised. I just wish it could have waited until AFTER the baby was born. But, it can be diet controlled... so there is no harm to the baby as long as I do all the things that I need to do!

I'm so excited we should get to see what our baby is on the 17th. We've been back and forth on names. I hate to throw any out there too early b/c they are definitely subject to change at this point!

On a different note: Brent is about to begin another season of coaching JV basketball. I am looking forward to watching and supporting him at this thing that he loves to do! I continue to be very thankful for him! He has been my rock through this pregnancy especially with diabetes diagnosis. He has kept me encouraged and has made sure that our fridge and cabinets are stocked with foods that are good for both the baby and myself. I told him yesterday... most things that are too good to be true are too good to be true... I'm just glad he isn't!!!!!  

Hello there 2nd trimester!

In week 14, and my energy is slowly making a comeback...  Went to the dr yesterday. Got to hear the baby's heartbeat! It's my favorite part of the visit. Found out the pain I feel in my stomach is round ligament syndrome, from the ligaments growing to hold up my growing uterus!  Yesterday, my least favorite part was finding out that my sugar level was so high it had flowed over to my urine... which led to  my finger being pricked... now I have to go back next week and drink the sugar drink. ERR... The doctor didn't seem worried, but Brent and I freaked out when we got home and really thought about it. So we made a run to the Kroger and picked up almonds, apples, cheerios, and whole wheat bread. Brent googled me a diet and I'm going to try it out until I can get back to the doctor next week.

I have lost 6 lbs and put on 1. So I'm down 5, and with me currently being overweight, that's good news!

I'm looking forward to our next 'scheduled' visit. We'll get to do a full sonogram... if we decide to find out the sex we'll get to know that next month. It's so exciting I don't think I'll be able to wait. Brent has decided to find out the sex of the baby (which could change)!

I have to brag on him a little here. He has been so amazing. Brent has been very attentive to my needs, and very compassionate to my aches and pains. He started clearing out our "junk closet" to make room for the baby's stuff, and did all the reseach yesterday about my sugar levels, and he has been doing our crib shopping research!!!!! He's not a sideline Dad at ALL and the baby isn't even here yet. This process has just made me love him more and more. I'm so thankful to have a husband who loves me and prays for me.

Stay tuned for more updates! :)

She's Married!!!!

Well, I have to admit it was one long weekend! The Wedding is OVER! My sister is now Whitney Allen, she is finally stress free, and on her way to Jamaica!!! I did take my camera with me to capture all those sweet memories, but I forgot to take any pictures :( Don't worry I'll steal pictures I like from other bridesmaids! I loved her photographer! If you're in the area and need a photographer for wedding, engagement, maternity, or newborns check out Becka. http://www.bluegenesphotography.com/ or find her on Facebook: Bluegenes Photography! Check those sites for pics from Whit's wedding too!

Our 3rd doctor visit is next week! I'm excited to post about it. We're 13 weeks and counting. Almost one trimester down, 2 to go!

Skittles, anyone? Oh that's just me!

Fall weather has FINALLY reached me way down here in Mississippi! I'm loving it! I'm even more glad that I'll get to spend just about my entire pregnancy out of the reach of 101+ degree temps. Thank you Lord!

Speaking of pregnancy... we get to go to our 3rd doctor visit on the 19th of this month. Our 13th week is approaching Saturday, which is the day before my little sister gets married! A lot of people have been asking me the same questions... so I'll answer them here:

1. Am I sick? Yes, but it is not bad.
2. Cravings... Skittles and strawberry milk.
3. Oh my gosh I'm exhausted!
4. Not sure yet if we're finding out the sex, and no we haven't decided on any names.

Before I forget to mention it... If you get a chance this season check out the Biggest Loser. A guy I graduated from high school with is on the show. Look for Patrick House on the green team! He's a great guy. It's neat having someone from MS on the show!

Look forward to dr updates and Wedding updates (and if I can remember my camera, pictures)!!!!

Sinus overload!

When I went to the doctor I explained to him that I was having real bad sinus draining. He told me I could take Tylenol Cold and Sinus and that would be completely safe for "baby." Well, I went seeking out this medicine at Walgreens and Kroger only to learn that you now have to have a prescription in the state of MS!!! I am so mad at those meth lab people who have made it where hard-working people can't even cure the common cold with an OTC medicine.... We now have to run to our local healthcare provider and pay for a doctor visit just to get a prescription!!!! I hate that a few people always ruin things for everyone. 

That's my rant for today. So I guess it's call and bother my doctor OR drive to Memphis! You can still run your meth labs in TN apparently!

10 weeks and counting...

We had our 2nd dr visit yesterday. The most amazing thing I've ever heard in my life... our baby's heartbeating at 176 bpm. I'll just start crying thinking about it. I have life growing in me. It is so surreal!

Right now Brent and I are leaning towards, NOT finding out the sex of the baby. BOO WHOO, WAH,.. I know I know! We're sorry that is annoying to almost ALL of our friends! (And, there is still a slim chance that we'll change our minds!) Right now my thought is that I really don't care what the sex of the baby is. We have waited so long to concieve that we'll be excited no matter what! So why not wait and have a sweet, additional, surprise on Baby's B-day! PLUS... I think it will cut down on the flack about what to name the baby! :)

Although, a friend of a friend is doing something really cute. They are having a gender reveal party! They are going to get the sex of the baby put in an envelope...they'll take it to the baker and have them bake a cake according to the sex, blue for a boy, pink for a girl. The cake will be completely neutral on the outside...then at the party they'll cut into the cake and everyone will know what they are having by the color of the cake! Cute, but probably not for us!

Thanks for following along!

Save the date: April 17, 2011

After a few years of "trying" and praying.... Brent and I are expecting a baby in April. We are so excited. Right now we are 9.5 weeks along. It has been a fun, overwhelming ride! So far sickness has been very minimal...mostly just exhausted. Baby is growing fast. We get to go to our 2nd OB visit next Wed. I hope that we able to hear our baby's heartbeat! :) More updates to follow. Please pray this is a safe and successful pregnancy.

Bridal Shower

Here are a few pictures from Whitney's Bridal Shower, as well as, an engagement photo (taken by my very talented Aunt Jackie!)

Decorations:

Bridesmaids:

Engagement Photo:

Here and there...

Life has been a whirl wind lately! I started my new job Monday. I'm working on day 4 and I am sick and tired of TRAINING!!! One thing that is for sure...being the new person is absolutely NO FUN! For those of you who know me, you know why! I like to jump in and work. I'm not one to sit around and watch everyone else work! Hopefully, this will pass soon and I'll be a productive member of the team before I lose my sanity!!! If you're in town stop by and see my office. Right now I have one picture and a McCarty bowl. HA!

On a seperate blog I'll post a few pictures from my sister's Bridal Shower. It was beautiful and we had a great time! I'm excited for 10-10-10 when she'll be Whitney Allen. I FINALLY have a bridesmaid's dress. The color will be LAPIS, aka dark purple.

More later! Thanks for stopping by! Hopefully I can update everyone on the baby making process in September. No news until then :)

Relay for Life

This weekend our JA Chapter participated in Relay for Life. I had a great time raising funds to fight cancer. Cancer breaks my heart, I hate it! I've been fortunate enough not to be personally affected by it, nor has my immediate family.... But, I have co-workers and friends who have battled or are currently battling cancer, and a few that have lost the battle. It is so hard on their bodies and the effects of the treatments and such stick around for so long :(

I was so excited to raise funds for such a great organization, The American Cancer Society. I didn't realize all the great things they are doing for cancer patients. They give out free wigs (they don't even put it on insurance), find volunteers to drive patients to their treatments, have beauty classes for women, helping them to know what to expect, and so much other stuff they do that really blesses my heart!

Special thanks to all those people who have dedicated their lives to aid those affected by cancer! The ACS says they are the "Official Sponsor of Birthdays!" I love it!

Birthday Bliss!

Yesterday marked the 28th year of my life! Where has time gone, and did it have to go so fast? I feel so old!

My birthday was amazing! I want to take time to brag on my friends, family, amazing husband, and my big GOD! I have to give God thanks for 28 years of life, and for all the people he has put in my path during the course of these past 28 years.

I had sooo many emails from friends, and facebook all wishing me a Happy Birthday! I was overwhelmed and overjoyed! I'm blessed to have all of you in my life. I had super sweet messages.... that really touched my heart! I had 6 visitors, and countless texts and calls.

My husband, however, went above and beyond to make sure I had the most special birthday! He took me to do my favorite thing, SHOPPING and EATING! ha! He even went to the stores with me. It was his first day back to teaching school, his legs were in pain from standing all day, but he was a trooper. I'm so lucky! He always has all the little things covered. He got me a "precious" birthday gift (as he called it, lol). It's a pearl bracelet that I can wear with my pearl necklace...not to mention a wad of cash to go shopping on! Money that he worked his rear off for by cutting grass last week, and might I mention in Heat Advisory Weather! You don't have to tell me. I'm blessed. I have the kind of guy that girls dream of marrying. Sometimes I wonder what I did to deserve something so good, but am reminded that I did nothing! It's all by God's grace!!!! So all the thanks go back to GOD!

And, thank you all for being so dear to my heart!

RADICAL

Brent and I have been praying about doing a bible study with the college students! Here it is! Radical by David Platt

It's amazing! David Platt is totally gifted and passionate about Jesus Christ. Through this book he is challenging me to look deeper into my faith. To see what it really means to follow Jesus. This book has brought me under great conviction! One minute you're AMEN and the next OUCH!

See next post for video! Check it out. It has the power to change your life, and help you take back your faith from the American Dream!

David Platt: Radical the Book & Radical the Bible Study

The only thing consistent is CHANGE!

I am excited to announce that August 16th I will be starting a new job! I am leaving my current job of 4 years and 3 months. That's a lot of "family" time. I will truly miss the people that I work with. They have been my family and home away from home for the past 4 years. I am excited though to be working closer to home. I will go from traveling 1 hour a day to 10 minutes, maybe. I will be working at Ray Poole's State Farm Agency in Batesville. I'll be doing customer service stuff and marketing! Yay, bring it on!

Of course my parents played 20 questions with me. I know they have my best interest at heart, but seriously, I'm 28... Besides, I bathed this decision in prayer. I feel confident that I am making the right move!

On another note, we failed to get pregnant again last month. My hormone levels are where they need to be. We're just hoping to get lucky now! And, we will... In God's timing! (which has absolutely nothing to do with luck)  With all the stress of deciding to move jobs... I doubt we'll have gotten pregnant this month but, nothing is impossible with God... So we'll see!

Love people, serve people!

I love serving Christ through loving and serving his people! I pray that He'll use me to reach people who are searching for the truth in need of a Saviour.

One thing I'm super excited about is Crown Club. This is a group composed of Junior and Senior girls (nominated by people/civic organizations in our community) to promote volunteerism. I'm looking forward to helping develop a passion in these girls for serving in their community. We have our first meeting this month and the girls are being asked to bring a few school supplies with them, these will be donated to local schools for children who need them. I'm thinking that next month we'll have them bring baby items to donate to the local Sav-A-Life organization. Maybe a food drive for Thanksgiving to donate to a family in need or to re-stock the Panola Food Pantry. Christmas time we'll adopt a family or do an angel tree child.  Other ideas I've thought about are: working with the Boys and Girls Club, painting fingernails at the Nursing Home, a clean up day in the community, Prom Closet, or storytime on the square.

When God reveals a need to us, he is entrusting us with an opportunity. We shouldn't have to pray and ask should we help... we've already been told to help!

Oh, Germany!

This fall God brought an amazing young lady from Germany to our town and hearts! We all came to love Hannah. I was fortunate to have her in my Sunday School class, as the 11th and 12th grade girls teacher.

Hannah was overwhelmed by the number of believers in our country! She's gone home to be in a small group (of believers). I can't even fathom that. We have it so good here and have no clue. Her passion and hunger for the Word of God has been an inspiration to me. When she would miss class she would ask me if we could make it up! That's rare in that age group, trust me!

I'm praying daily for Hannah to be able to convey her excitement of the gospel and acquired knowledge of God with Germany. God is going to use her to change  her country... to spread the good news! She has already started a bible study group. If we could skype our Sunday School lessons then she'd have that set up too!!!! :) Love it!

Who knew when she came here...that I would recieve the hugest blessing. I didn't even realize, it was under my nose the whole time, FBC Batesville, through God, was able to help raise up a missionary through a foreign exchange student!

Playing catch up!!!!

I know I'm so behind! A week of vacation leaves you so far behind when you come back to the real world! I'm back at work...blogging... While I have hundreds of emails and such to tend to! Oh well... It'll be there when I finish (sigh).

Vacation: This is the 2nd year we were invited to go to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Coaches Camp in Black Mountain, NC. It has been a great experience both times! Our friends were able to go with us this year, which was so nice to get to build that relationship, and experience this week with friends! This year we got to hear from Tommy Nelson, who has written a Bible Study on the Song of Solomon, which he taught to us during our time at camp! AMAZING is all I can say! Get the book or check him out on YouTube.com.

In our huddle groups this year I was given an opportunity by God to minister to a fellow sister in Christ. It was a sweet time. I've been praying for my friend since we left the Mountain. She is hurting so bad... The study on love, sex, marriage, and romance really opened her eyes. She's been on the brink of divorce and her and her husband are living 600 miles apart. I know that God is going to heal their marriage. I think great things are in store for them. I'm going to continue praying for her and encouraging her. If you think about it...please pray for her too!

When we got home we were fortunate to have a birthday party on July 3rd and a cookout on July 4th on our calendar! We had a blast at both events. I say this a lot, but I am so fortunate that God has given us Christian friends. Rest has been sparse since we've returned. Last night our men's church softball team played 3 games in the playoffs! We were excited as this has only happened 2x in the past, oh 10 years! We get to play again tonight, and in order to win it all.... we have to win at 7, 8, 9, and 10. Hmmmm! I have a big God, so we'll see!!!! I hope Brent can make it. His poor muscles were cramping up last night, and this morning he was slow to walk me to my car! :) I think he's praying for rain!

Summer Reading Update

I finished "A Voice in the Wind" and have started the second book in the Trilogy (Mark of the Lion). Can I say.... AMAZING! I  had to drudge through the first 3 chapters, but after that it was on! I am loving this book. It is opening my eyes to so much that I was oblivious to before. The main character Hadassah has the heart of a servant! She has learned to face her fear of telling people about the Lord. In a time where people hated Christians she learned to stand for what she believed in...she told it in truth and in words, proclaiming Jesus is the Christ. Her faith is remarkable!!! It is so inspiring!  I can't tell you what happens to her as a result, but read it. I promise it will transform your heart and mind. The book is stellar! Book 2 has been great so far! I'm about halfway through it. My heart has been broken for the Lost people around me again and again through this book. This trilogy is changing my life. You should give it a read! You won't be disappointed.

To Thee I Wed....

 On June 18, 2005 I said "I do" to the most amazing man.

The past 5 years have been filled with so much joy, passion, emotion, and love!

My heart overflows that God knew before I was born that I would be paired with Brent. God knew exactly what kind of man I would need. Through Brent, God has showed me his unique love. He has given me a tangible illustration of how great His love for me is. An unconditional love that is more than I can even wrap my mind around. To prove His love He died on a horrible rugged cross, the worst kind of death to die in those times. He did it all for me (and you). Our sin nailed His hands to that tree and let Him hang there to die. He knows the depths of our hearts, but loves us the very same. True love is sacrifice, and God sacrificed the thing dearest and most precious to Him for us. It's humbling.

I'm so thankful that God is faithful. His Word says that He knows the plans He has for my life. I'm excited about the plans that God has for our marriage. We will continue to walk daily in the light, together!

Thank you God for Brent and the love that you have shown me through him!

YUM YUM... Paula Deen's Buffet

This past Friday night, Brent and I, and 6 of our other friends, ventured to Tuncia for the Paula Deen Buffet!

Paula Deen's is designed with Southern-style flair... so I felt at home! The buffet is divided into stations, each named after a Deen family member or restaurant, which offered home cooking, seafood (CRAB LEGS), smoked meats, and desserts galore!!!

I ate crab legs for my first time. They are a bit of work to eat, but they were pretty tasty. We had a great time!

Praise the Lord

Well, you all know that Brent and I have been trying for a while. Last month the Dr. had me get bloodwork done to find out that my progesterone is too low. So he upped my dosage of Clomid. This past Tuesday, I went to get more bloodwork (I have a huge bruise to prove it)... Wednesday the Dr. called me w/ the results to let me know that all my hormone levels looked great! YAY! So I'm on the right dosage, finally! Just a little praise testimony! God is so faithful!

Let the games begin!!!

This summer is off to a quick and busy start! With Brent playing softball and our new found love for volleyball! It seems we have something going on every night! We are so blessed that God has sent us Christian friends who enjoy the same things that we enjoy! (that and that Brad and Kerry put up a Volleyball net in their backyard!) 

Our winter game nights of Cranium, Scattegories, Apples 2 Apples, Rook, and more... Have officially been replaced by outdoor games like volleyball, bean bag toss, ping pong, and that's just so far this summer! It looks like if you want to host "game night" you better find some game you can all play in your yard! haha, that could get interesting!

I need to get a picture of our "group" for this blog! Participants include: the Lightseys (including Easton--he's not real good at Volleyball yet, but he's only 8 months... so he'll learn), the Pylates, Aunt Tina (aka Christina), Ra-Ra (Rachel), A-Mar (Amanda), the Walters, the Ludlams, and Brian F. That's just the core! It's not an all inclusive gang so if you think you can hang with us then bring it! :) Just watch out for Aunt Tina...she's dangerous!

AEC Mobile, AL ( April 29-May2)

What a fun time! 7 ladies (including myself) from our Chapter of Junior Auxiliary headed down to Mobile for our National Association Area Education Conference. The longest part of the trip was picking everyone up. The gathering process started before 4 on Thursday and we made it to Hattiesburg (a 3 hour trip) at around 10:30. We did stop for dinner and I don't know how many bathroom breaks!

We had a great time brainstorming about new ideas that we could bring back and implement as service projects for our community.

In addition to all the learning we did... we had some great fellowship time. Only people on the trip will appreciate this part of my post. Recap: Stopping in Vaiden and Katie cleaning up the parking lot (lol), Newk's...good customer service (sarcasm) and huge rice krispie treats, BANANA, the smell of oil in the air, the coffee shop :), Wintzell's (yum), floor butter, how did Jenny get those beads?, Where is Lori's phone? You'll recognize it...her picture is on the background!, hiding the reserved note on our table (it was handwritten anyway), when Jenny figured out we won the award and she banged her hand on the table (nobody noticed... ugh  yeah everybody noticed), the Christmas Card Photo (i.e. photoshop for Lori), Katie's singing debut (I missed the live version, but the video was awesome), Jenny's red boots, scary dude trying to pick up Landon, 2 many stops on the way home, oh... I'm sure I left something out. All in all it was a great time... who knew us tweeners could have so much fun!

Summer Reading

I have embarked on a Christian Fiction series written by Francine Rivers called "Mark of the Lion." I started book one Saturday "A Voice in the Wind." Our youth minister, a dear friend of ours, suggested these books to me.  I'm excited to see where the series will take me in my walk with Christ.

Bunco Baby!

Here's a snapshop of the people in our group:

Back: Ginger, Candie, Andrea S., Rachel, J.J.

Front: Brooke, Cindy, Andrea H.

Bunco is a social event! We have a blast!

Eight of us get together once each month, leaving our cares and worries behind...  and the kids with Daddy, of course. There is a pause in our diets as we eat appetizers, dinner, and desert!


Topics of chatting vary from our faith, kids, neighbors, jobs, current events, TV shows, and anything else that tickles our fancy!


Oh yeah, and we play a silly, mindless dice game with wild abandon, hoping to leave with a prize!

"Before the Morning"

In life there are often so many things that trouble our souls. For Brent and I, lately our own personal hurt has stemmed from not being able to have children yet after much trying. After 2 months on Clomid and nothing I'm fighting off the Devil's attacks to plant seeds to make me doubt God's perfect plan for my life. He won't win! I stand firm in God's promises for my life. He is faithful, and His ways are not our ways. I know that God will in His own way and timing fill this desire in my heart to love a child of my own.

 This morning on my way to work I was tuned in to AFR and this song came on: "Before the Morning" by Josh Wilson. The lyrics filled my heart to overflow. God knew I needed that encouragement this morning.

Here are a few lyrics:

Or maybe there are things you can't see

And all those things are happening

To bring a better ending

Someday, somehow you'll see, you'll see

Would you dare, would you dare to believe

That you still have a reason to sing?

Cause the pain that you've been feeling

It can't compare to the joy that's coming

So hold on, you gotta wait for the light

Press on and just fight the good fight

'Cause the pain you've been feeling

It's just the dark before the morning

Oh, that you Lord for that encouragement! I'm so excited and looking forward to what God has in store for our lives. It's going to be amazing. No matter what... I will follow God, walking by faith, trusting in him with all my being, and I'll be sure to make sure He gets all the glory!



Be sure to check out the video testimony about this song. It's worth your time!


Video: http://www.higherpraisetube.com/video/8451/Must-watch-Before-the-morning-Josh-Wilson

Prom

This year I was honored that I was asked to do "hair" for the Prom! So I wanted to post a few pictures! Aren't these girls beautiful!!!!

Lauren and Lindsey

Lauren and Joey

(Joey started getting ready at 11:00 a.m. He couldn't wait!!!)

Lindsey and Mitchel

(As you can see from the picture...Mitchel waited until the last minute!!!)

Riley

My sister is getting married 10-10-10! 

She is about to become the stepmom to the most beautiful little girl! I'm so excited for her to "officially" be my niece.

How did Jesus do it????

Facebook makes me so sick sometimes. Today I read a posting by a girl that I've taught in my Sunday School class now for the past 3 years. She's riding the "Party Bus" to Prom and was making sure her boyfriend was going to be able to "keep up with her."

UGH! It makes me feel like such a failure. I pour love and prayer into these girls and I feel like they run as far in the opposite direction as they possibly can. It makes me want to cry out to God to please quit breaking my heart for the things that break His... I can't hardly stand it. How does God stand it.

It really does bring me to a point of revelation in my own spiritual life. Why do we continue to do things that knowingly hurt ourselves, others, and most importantly God?! (rhetorical question) Dang you Adam, Eve, and Satan for bringing sin into the world. I think I could have managed just fine frolicking in the garden without my clothes on! Was that apple really worth it?!?!

Lord, help me today not to sin against you or my brothers and sisters. Show me how to be more patient, kind, and compassionate. Allow me to be slow to speak and slower to anger. Oh Lord, I'm humbled that Jesus went without sin for 30 years. I can hardly go without sin for 30 minutes. He fought all that temptation and sin just so he could die on that dreadful tree for me. He knows my heart but loves me the same. HOW AMAZING! Lord forgive me for the countless sins that I committ daily. And, thank you for loving me enough not to leave me like you found me!

10 years GONE!

Keeping up with a blog is going to prove to be a bigger chore than I'd originally imagined!

So the date has been set for my 10 year high school reunion. UGH! Please don't tell me it's been 10 years since I left adolescence. The song "Real World" by Matchbox 20 keeps plaguing my mind with its lyrics.... "I wish the real world, would just top hassling me, and you, and me."

I'm still debating whether or not I want to attend my high school reunion...Isn't that why I got Facebook?!? Oh well, I have until May 31st to make a decision! Right now I'm leaning towards NO! Besides, I didn't start attending Brandon High School until I was a Junior.

AH, but this does lead me to reminise over some of the characters that I came across at ole BHS. I have to laugh out loud thinking about my physics class. Alyssa pumping me up with smarties at lunch so I could do better on my test! Moose streaking (NUFF SAID). PURL and white trash bags. Pep rallies...oh my... I'd never seen anything like it. I grew up in Basketball country...NOT football country! I learned fast that football is LIFE in Mississippi. I'm okay with that as long as it doesn't interfere with March Madness!

Hmmm...maybe I'll get an annual out and see if it helps sway my decision any!

God love high school, but please don't make me go back! :)

The Beginning!

I decided to start blogging as a form of personal reflection, and to share His goodness to me with you.

Be forewarned: I overuse the exclamation mark!!!! If that bothers you, I'm sorry! I intend to write from my heart... don't expect a lot of political correctness on this blog! :)

ENJOY :)

Peace and love!

P.S. I named my blog "Candieland" in memory of my friend Lanie. She used to call me Candieland ALL the time. She passed away April 09' after dealing with the death of her 3 month old baby in April 08'.