What Does Love Look Like? September 30, 2008

 

 

 

 

It’s amazing how one so tiny can capture your heart in 1 second. That’s how it’s been when I met all of my nieces and nephews for the first time. There is an instant love that washes over you upon first glance. It is true “love at first sight.”

I met Ward last night, he was everything I thought he would be and more. His sisters loved him and each took turns holding, kissing, and hugging him. I have a feeling that this boy is not going to lack in sisterly love. Mary Fran was especially excited, and was hopping around the room like a “grasshopper”. Combine that excitement with an hour past bedtime and you get the picture.

We are all so thankful for the healthy, safe arrival of Ward and can’t wait to watch him grow! I’ll post some more pics later.

Oh, BOY! September 29, 2008

Well, looks like I’m in the waiting for another reason today. It just so happens that Ward, my nephew, is on his way! Funny thing is that Fran had a dream that she would have him on the 29th, and looks like her dream is coming true!!

Well, I’ve been an aunt to girls, I think I have that mastered pretty well. But now that we’re adding a boy, I’m going to have to learn how to do “boy activities” it shouldn’t be too hard as I grew up with 2 older brothers who gave me all manners of weaponry on my birthdays and Christmas. I’m looking forward to this challenge of being an aunt to a nephew!

Time to pull out my old work clothes. I’m probably going to be getting muddy

In the Waiting… September 27, 2008

I’m in the waiting.

For those of you who don’t know me well, I have chosen the path of “waiting not dating” for my future relationship. Now, before you read any further I want you to know that this was a personal decision led by the Lord. I am not telling you that you need to do the same, that’s between you and Lord. But early on in my teen years I watched my brothers make the same decision and I made the same with the careful guidance of my parents.

The road has been easy so far, I mean I just turned twenty one so I’ve got time until I begin to get concerned

But recently I’ve noticed that I have not been waiting well. And I do beleive there is a difference in waiting and waiting well. I’ve been going through the motions, but my heart has not been in it. I’ve found myself giving over to fear:  what if Mr. Right never comes along? What if I’m 50 and still unmarried? What if I miss Mr. Right? What if I never get married at all?  It’s enough to send you into a panic! I’ve also been believing the lie: well, once Mr. Right comes along then real life will begin.  I’m afraid I’ve just set myself up for a major dissapointment.

But why? Why do I work myself into a panic or set myself up for dissapointment? I beleive it comes down to one word: Unbelief.  Unbelief that God has everything under control, unbelief that God  has a perfect plan, unbelief that God cares, unbelief that God is working all things for my good, unbelief that God will at the appointed time bring “Mr. Right” into my life. And the list could go on and on.

And unfortunately, if I’m waiting for my “real life” to begin I’m missing the whole point of this waiting season! Yes, God has a plan for me right now while I’m waiting. He’s working his plan in me right now in the waiting. I’m reminded of a Jim Eliot quote: “Let not our longing slay the appetite of our living.” Oh, that I would not let the waiting slay my appetite for living and serving!

I recently heard a song that I dubbed my “theme song” for this particular waiting season titled “While I’m Waiting” by John Waller the words really spoke to me about my mission during this time of waiting.

I’m posting a video off of youtube that someone made, I’m not sure who but I really liked it and you can read the lyrics while listening to the song. I hope this is as much of an encouragement to you as much as it was to me.

Let it be said of all of us that we are serving, worshiping, running the race while we wait.

Fabulous Friday: “The One Who Dances” September 26, 2008

 

 

 

WARNING: Do not let this face deceive you!! This is normally what you see when you look at my mom. A sweet, innocent, angelic type glow, and I’m here to tell you there is more to this face than meets the naked eye.

The other night I was in the office perusing some of my favorite blogs when I heard tobyMac’s “Boomin’” playing in the kitchen.  How odd? I don’t remember turning my CD mix on, who is playing my music?  I had recently made an iTunes mix for our trip to Harrisonburg featuring Rascal Flatts, Kenny Chesney, Bryan Adams (yes, the star of the 80′S), Third Day, Selah, Ana Laura and tobyMac, and Travis Cottrell. I knew mom liked the song by Ana Laura “Giver of Life” and Travis’ “Still” but imagine my surprise when I walked into the kitchen to find my 53 45 year old mother dancing to “Boomin’”

I’m not sure what to say about that moment. I think I stood there for about 10 seconds trying to absorb it all. It’s not everyday that you see your own mother who gave you life doing the “Electric Slide” to tobyMac.

When mom saw me standing there she looked at me and said “I really love this song!!” All while doing a grapevine pattern across the kitchen floor. Again I stood there, not knowing if I should believe my ears or my eyes. Was this really happening? Is that really my Mother? How do I feel about all this?

After doing a quick check of my feelings on this, I decided to join her and boogey down to “Boomin’”. After all, it’s not everyday you get to do the electric slide with your mom. In the kitchen.

A Very Special “Wordy” Wednesday! September 24, 2008

In lieu of “Wordless Wednesday” I am going to post the third and final installment of our trip to JMU, complete with pictures!!

After resting and straightening my hair again. We set out to find the stadium. At this point I would like to give a huge shout out to “Juanita” our GPS system. She did a wonderful job getting us where we needed to be this past weekend. And if you have a GPS system, I highly recommend naming it. It makes it so much more personal.

Anyhoo.

After finding the parking lot (which was very nice, by the way) we walked to our seats that were on the front row. I was so excited until I learned that I couldn’t see the other side of the end zone. But I did get some great shots of the players! It also gave us a good chance to get up close and personal with some of the JMU fans:

 

 

 

I give him points for creativity! He really was hilarious to watch. In a weird, unusual sort of way. After acclimating to the different atmosphere, the Mountaineers ran onto the field. I was all a-flutter with excitement, and snapped 2 or 11 pics of the boys:

A few minutes later, the game started with great fan fare and we were up 21-0 at halftime. It was great, everyone around us was so excited and up beat. We were all laughing, talking, singing the fight song with gusto! Until the 3rd quarter when JMU made a sudden comeback and it quickly became 21-14 in the third quarter. Things kind of went downhill from there when they suddenly took the lead and this is what I was left with:

And that’s when the wailing and gnashing of teeth began. Extremely dissapointing, but renewed hope for beating them next time! And with that folks, I bid you good day…

The One That Got Away: Part Two September 23, 2008

After I partook of a delicious breakfast, I headed back to my room to watch “College Game Day” and straighten my hair. It’s what Saturdays are made of. After finishing those two important items on my agenda, mom and I headed out to find the nearest mall to buy shoes and jackets for the night game. I found some cool shoes that looked like Sperrys but cost a lot less. SCORE! I also spent a good chunk of my birthday money on some new clothes at Eddie Bauer. It was turning out to be a great Saturday: College Game Day. new shoes, new clothes, and my hair was behaving. Listen, it’s the simple things, folks, the simple things.

Once we were done at the mall, we set out on a hunt to find the perfect place to eat. I wanted to eat at Outback, but realized they did not open until two o’ clock and since it was only one o’ clock I decided to look for somewhere else to eat. I quickly spotted a Ham’s and didn’t think much about it until I noticed their sign. It said: “Welcome App State Fans!” Wow! They are really nice to welcome their rivals like that!  “Prepare For A Loss.” Wait a minute, that’s not funny. I mean how ridiculous. Oh, were going to beat them tonight!  “Go DUKES!!!!!” Oh, please. As if…I quickly decided then and there that we had to eat at Ham’s and spread some App State Cheer! Upon entering the establishment I noticed a waitress coming up to us with a purple shirt that read “Beat App State” and on the back it read: “Revenge is Sweet” I’d like to say that I was kind and sweet but in reality I did what any all american fan would do: I took a picture without her knowing it. It was priceless.

After eating lunch, we headed to Target to look for stadium seats, and found some for the “Seattle Seahawks.”  Wait a minute, I thought we were in VIRGINIA. Um, the Seahawks? Well, ok. Whatever floats your boat.

After Target we sought out a place of refreshment known as “Kline’s Dairy Bar” hands down some of the best ice cream I’ve had in a year, mainly because it was full fat, real sugar, real cream. Not a speck of fat free, splenda, 1 % milk in it. Oh my, I thought I could hear the hallelujahs as I took my first bite.

After devouring my ice cream I rested on the hotel bed while I watched the Gators trample the Vols. I wasn’t exactly sad about the outcome, in fact, I was quite happy. There. I said it. I’m a Gators fan. Please don’t hate me.

It was then time to get ready for the game, but that is another story for another time. So look for a special “Wordy” Wednesday tomorrow with pictures and commentary from the big game! Until then…

 

The One That Got Away September 22, 2008

Well, we’re back. Let’s just say that the ride up to Virginia was a lot more fun than the ride back, ahem. The ride up was like “oh, look at the beautiful mountains! It’s so beautiful I’m so glad we could come on this trip!” The ride back was like “why? Why? What happened?” Yes, we lost 35-32. And having lost, I have come to a very important conclusion in my life: I don’t like to lose. I have realized I am waaay more competitive than I thought I was. But in defense of my “Mighty Mountaineers” they played well, especially during the first half. And it was a very exciting game, one that I’ll remember for years to come.

Upon arrival in Harrisonburg mom quickly realized that she had forgotten a few items mainly, oh, everything! Make Up, shoes for a night game, toothbrush base, toothpaste, stadium seats, jacket, and a few more that I can’t think of right now. So off we went to Target to purchase the much needed items of a Jacket and make up. We also picked up a couple of friends as well:

Ahh, the glorius caramel rice cakes and Coke Zero. Food of the gods. After Target we went in search of a place to eat. After running through our options, we decided on “Texas Road House” we were the only ASU fans there. Everyone else just looked at us and then whispered to each other. It was great for building ones self confidence!

After the “Road House” we went to the hotel where the players were staying. Now lest you think we’re crazy fans who are stalking the ASU players please know that we had already arranged to pick our tickets up at this hotel. I only saw one player while there and didn’t even know his name. Once we got our tickets, we headed back to our hotel, and I watched football and “Showbiz Tonight” while noshing on my caramel cakes and Coke Zero. It was heavenly! I promptly went to sleep and slept the sleep of peaceful babies until mom got up at oh, four saying “it’s so hot!” She then proceeded to turn on the heat, which smelled like burning fabric. Yeah, my peaceful sleep was gone.  I did manage to get a few more hours of sleep until  I heard mom say “Molly, if you don’t get up right now, you’ll be late for breakfast, and I’m going to breakfast with or without you!” Not being one to miss the most important meal of the day I promptly got up and was ready to go in record time.

And so began our trip to Harrisonburg, Virginia. Tune in tomorrow for the rest of the story…

Fabulous Friday!! September 19, 2008

And what a fab Friday this is! Mom and I are headed to Harrisonburg, VA to watch the ASU-JMU game this weekend!! Should be loads of fun! I’m going to try and take some video for everyone to see. Hopefully, I’ll be able to up load it on my computer.

I went to the Methodist Church’s bazzare this morning. They had some really good food, and I bought Evie some ginger pumpkin muffins. She loved them! Of course as I was walking through the yard sale part of the bizzarre, I found myself thinking “only in America would we get up at the CRACK OF DAWN to look at other peoples stuff.”  I have never been more proud to call myself an American as I was this morning. Unfortunately, I did not find anything that I couldn’t live without.

So, I’m pretty sure that mom and I will make a stop in Winston Salem on our way to Virginia, there is a great little shop called ETC… that we love to stop at. It’s a consignment store and I normally can find some really great deals on slightly or never worn clothing, it’s fantastic! I’m getting giddy with excitement! Who knows? I might take some video in the store for you!! I know you would love that!

Well, this post has been a whole lot of nothing. Actually, I really had no idea what to blog about today, I had thought about another thought provoking, serious type post, but didn’t feel up to it. So since it is Fab Friday I’ll post one of my favorite clips from “When Harry Met Sally” I haven’t seen the whole movie so I can’t vouch whether it’s a good pick or not, but I have seen this part and I love it! Enjoy!

Wordless Wednesday September 17, 2008

Go Apps!

Mirror, Mirror… September 16, 2008

Tonight I was in the grocery store looking at the magazine rack, and my eye was caught by a magazine cover with the headline of “America’s Hottest Girl!” It had a picture of this girl and yes, she was pretty, but she was lacking clothing. I’m not trying to be judgemental I’m just stating what I saw. I really didn’t stare at the picture very long, but my immediate thought was  so if she’s “America’s Hottest Girl” what does that make me and every other girl in America? Chopped Liver?  As soon as that thought popped in my mind, it was quickly replaced with another, ”well it depends on how you define beautiful, you’re beautiful to me, Molly.”  At just the right moment the Lord stepped in and corrected my thinking!

But all this has gotten me to thinking about how much pressure there is today for women to be a 5 star raving beauty, that everyone loves. It is everywhere, just go into any grocery store, Walmart, book store and you will see all the magazines advertising the latest way to shed 10 pounds, get rid of acne, or help you be more fashionable. Now please, don’t get me wrong, I’m a big advocate for being healthy and taking care of yourself. We are to be good stewards of what the Lord has given us. But there comes a time when enough is enough! How many times have I thought that if I just had a different color of hair, or if I could just be a little slimmer, or if I could get a tan, and not burn so easily, I would be happier in life? Or I would be more attractive and popular?

But I realized that in the grand scheme of things it is not about your hair color or dress size or the color (or lack thereof) of your skin. It’s all about the beauty of your heart. You could be the prettiest woman to walk the face of this planet, but have an ugly, bitter, cold heart that will eventually show on the outside and make everything else ugly and bitter. But God promises something greater to the woman who has a “gentle and quiet spirit” he promises an unfading beauty that becomes better and better through the years. I do not beleive that having a gentle and quiet spirit means that you walk around on tiptoes whispering to everyone, no! I beleive it means that you have a genuine joy and kindness that is contagious and brightens the day of everyone around you. It is the mark of a beautiful girl, it is God’s definition of beauty. And I love the fact that if you keep nurturing this beauty by time spent with the Lord, you will grow more and more beautiful. In fact, you will be radiant!

But all that said, I do want it to be known that I love all things girly: make up, clothing, new hairstyles, the color pink etc… but the moment I start letting that define me and tell me my worth, I know it’s time for a heart makeover.

So as I continue on this journey with the Lord, allowing Him to shape and mold me into who HE wants me to be, I’m going to be more aware of the condition of my heart, rather than the condition of my face.

But please, by all means, don’t let me go out without my hair done or my make up on. And now I give you some pictures of some beautiful women…