Finally!

It's finally here! One final week until I get to spend some much needed time with Adam.  I'm so thankful to get to spend Labor Day weekend with him...and not to mention the UT Football team at their game on Saturday.  In anticipation of my visit, I purchased this dress from Urban Outfitters:

More and more orange keeps creeping into my wardrobe...

I'm also excited about BOOMSDAY!  I had no idea what Boomsday was until Adam moved to Knoxville.  I've done my research and found out that Boomsday is the largest Labor Day fireworks show in the nation and it happens in Knoxville! Over 400,000 people come to watch fireworks and live entertainment, eat food and play games. I'm excited! There is a whole schedule of events planned on September 4th as a part of the Boomsday Festivities...check it out! 

http://www.boomsday.org/schedule/

I'm hoping this week will fly by...but typically, in anticipation of anything, that's not the case.  It's been a long month for me.  But I think Adam and I can both agree it's been good...stretching for me, but good. 

That's all for now.  Hoping to have some pictures to upload after this weekend!  

Pan Seared Chicken and Veggies

One thing that I have really seen Adam grow in over the past year-and-a-little-over-a-half (ha!) is his love for cooking. This is definitely something I cannot complain about.  Who doesn't love a man who can cook?!

Thankfully, before Adam left for Knoxville, he passed along a few of his simple cooking tips to me. I can now (almost) say with confidence that I can cook a pretty good pan seared chicken breast.  I called Adam the other night and he walked me through the steps one more time...just for good measure...and well, to make sure I didn't burn something up!

It turned out great though!  He reminded me that I needed to start with a medium hot skillet and when I begin to hear the butter sizzling, it's time to  throw in the pounded out,  pre-salted and peppered chicken breast. Let it sear for about 4 minutes on each side and then finish it in the oven (set to 350 degrees) for another 4 or 5 minutes or so.  It turned out great!  I used the same skillet then to saute some cut up squash and green peppers.  I quickly boiled some brown rice adding some cilantro for flavoring. I plated the rice and topped it with the pan seared chicken and plated the sauteed veggies on the side. Viola! Here's a photo of my meal!

Sweet Summer

It's been a long time! Wow, I didn't realize how long it really had been since I had posted.  The past month has been a blur! I have been helping Adam paint furniture and get ready for his big move to Knoxville, TN as well as helping Kaitlin move into her new apartment behind my apartment.  It's definitely been a bitter-sweet time in my life.  Nonetheless, I think I have learned a lot about relationships in general this summer.

Me sporting my Tacky Christmas Sweater and red shorts for "Christmas in July" 

One of the biggest things I think I am taking away from this summer is how much more important it is to build, cultivate and maintain relationships than it is to devote all  your time and energy into pursuing education.  I'm not saying pursuing an education is wrong, (obviously not since I'm continuing my education in graduate school) however, I chose not to take courses this summer so that I would finally have a real "break" as I have taken many a summer class the past few summers.  As I reflect back on this summer, I see how I was able to really invest time with friends I normally wouldn't have had time to because of school and other obligations.  I had a lot of sweet fellowship this summer.  I'm so thankful that Kaitlin initiated "Women's Fellowship Nights." Thursday nights were definitely the highlight of the week as we had themed potluck dinners planned each week. I think my favorites were "Christmas in July" and "Mexican Fiesta Night."  Life really is about others - loving them and serving them...And I got to do a lot of that!

I think one way I was able to really love and serve was by helping Adam prepare for his "transition" to Knoxville.  If you aren't aware, Adam, my boyfriend, moved to Knoxville, TN to begin graduate school at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.  This summer, I cannot (literally) count how many times we took trips to Peddler's Mall and Murray Merchant's Mall looking for unique antiques and furniture for him to use in his new apartment.  It was a lot of fun though! We could start our own show as much as we love hunting for antiques and bargains. We even hit up some yard sales around the Murray area.
 

Adam with his Grandfather in front of the Budget truck that was 

rented to move all of his stuff to Knoxville

Reflecting on how much fun we had doing all of this, this summer really makes me miss him, but surprisingly enough, I'm really beginning to embrace the long distance relationship.  It's only been a week so far, but I've been coming up with some really neat ways I can serve him and love on him from a distance. I would share them here, but in case he reads this, I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise! I'll post some of them after he knows about them for sure.  Most recently, I purchased a MacBook Pro and was excited to Skype with Adam for the very first time!  I'm so thankful for Skype...I know it will help us out a lot.  We scheduled our second Skype session for tonight at 9 p.m. my time...so I'm excited about that.  Over the past few days, I have been really busy when Adam has called and haven't been able to give him my full attention and I know how frustrating that is for him.  As soon as we get on a routine, I know things will be easier for the both of us.

Me with my new MacBook Pro!

As for now, the orange in my wardrobe is ever-increasing and I'm enjoying loving on and serving others.  I hope all is well with you all!  I hope you take some time to reflect on your summer and think about some of the major "take-aways"...you might just be surprised!

Why I'm Not a Nurse.

Well, all things for my good, right? 

This morning,  I had to make a visit to the doctor's office for my yearly blood test lab.

 I passed out.

Now before you start making fun of me too quickly, let me get something straight.  I'm not afraid of a little stick in the arm. 

...used to be...but not anymore.  (Ha!)

Just moments after the blood was drawn, cotton swab pressed, and bandage applied, I start to feel woozy.  I felt tingly, saw spots, started sweating...and if you know me well enough, I'm never sweating! I'm usually FREEZING! So this is a big deal. 

I explain to the nurse that this happens all the time (yes, it happens every time).  Like a yearly broken record, I ask her for some candy.  Today, to my unfortune, they are all out of candy.

She runs down the hall and returns with a cup of Sprite.  I gulp.

Too fast. 

Way too fast. 

I start to get heartburn and then I tell her I think I'm going to throw up.  She grabs the small trashcan and I start dry heaving.  Nothing came out because I was not allowed to eat anything prior to the blood being drawn. If you've ever experienced this, you know this is one of the worst feelings (I believe) you can experience.  Ugh. It's awful.  This happens repeatedly until finally my body calms down.  The nurse thinks its best I lay down on the table and she gave me a cold compress for my forehead. 

A few minutes later, someone down the hall finds a lone peppermint and gives it to me. As always, a little sugar seems to do the trick.  I lay there for another 15 minutes or so and its all over. 

I was still a little woozy, so I called my mom and she drove me to McDonald's to get a McMuffin and a large OJ. 

The bottom line: it's embarrassing!  Its crazy how my body reacts to blood being drawn.  I asked the doctor about it and she said it just something psychological. 

Of course.

It's just crazy how different we are made from one another.  How one thing will affect one person one way and one another. 

All things for my good.

I really am thankful I'm healthy and typically only have to visit the doctor once a year...despite my body's way of responding to the blood being taken away. 

Conclusion after the craziness: God is in control, because I'm certainly not.

We do not expect to understand fully the purpose for our trials until our Lord calls us home to be with Him. But we do know that He loves us too much to harm us, and that He is far more concerned with our welfare than we are. God's choices are always right. He is capable of carrying out any project to a successful conclusion without the possibility of fault or failure. Nothing in His universe happens by chance or accident. For every effect there is a cause. God "worketh all things after the counsel of His own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory" Ephesians 1:11-12 Yes, God is in control.

My Weeks: Pre-Planned.

Let's face it.  My summer weeks are pre-planned...for the most part. 

I've never been a TV watcher...or much of a movie watcher for that matter, and I've definitely never been one to have "a show" that I plan my entire day...or week around. 

Well, times have changed.

Maybe it's because it's summertime or maybe I really do like the shows, but this summer, I have become one of 'those people'.  I have 'a show' ...a few shows actually....and my week is planned accordingly. Besides being sucked into The Bachelorette and The Voice, I think the underlying reason I really love these shows is the fun fellowship that comes with it each week.  Everyone gathering at someones apartment, (usually Melissa's, Kirby's or Liz's) huddled around the T.V., making inside jokes and most importantly staying connected via Twitter to friends that aren't in Murray (most notably, @KatyDail)  These shows inevitably  knock out my Monday and Tuesday nights. But for now, it's worth it!

Monday: 7 p.m. The Bachelorette

Tuesday: 8 p.m. The Voice

On to Wednesday nights.

I'm so thankful for my Wednesday nights!  I'm thankful for Chris & Brandy Lawrence and their willingness to open their home to students who are still in Murray for weekly bible studies.  Each Wednesday, we've been meeting to study the book of Colossians.  I've studied Colossians several times before, but it's always crazy to see what new things you gain from studying something again.  We've also been choosing a chapter of Psalms each week and studying it on our own.  This week, I've been studying Psalm 50 and meditating on God's Authority.

The Mighty One, God, the LORD,
   speaks and summons the earth
   from the rising of the sun to where it sets.
² From Zion, perfect in beauty,
   God shines forth.
³ Our God comes
   and will not be silent;
a fire devours before him,
   and around him a tempest rages.
⁴ He summons the heavens above,
   and the earth, that he may judge his people:
⁵ “Gather to me this consecrated people,
   who made a covenant with me by sacrifice.”
⁶ And the heavens proclaim his righteousness,
   for he is a God of justice.

Just reading the first 6 verses gives me the chills!  How powerful is He!
I think my favorite part is verses 8-12:

 I bring no charges against you concerning your sacrifices
   or concerning your burnt offerings, which are ever before me.
⁹ I have no need of a bull from your stall
   or of goats from your pens,
¹⁰ for every animal of the forest is mine,
   and the cattle on a thousand hills.
¹¹ I know every bird in the mountains,
   and the insects in the fields are mine.
¹² If I were hungry I would not tell you,
   for the world is mine, and all that is in it.

It's another reminder that the Lord is in no need of us...or anything we think we can do for Him.  He has no need of our "good works." 

It reminds me of my favorite verse, Isaiah 64:6:

 All of us have become like one who is unclean,
   and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags;
we all shrivel up like a leaf,
   and like the wind our sins sweep us away.

The Lord has no need for our "righteous acts"...in fact, it says they are like "filthy rags" before the Lord.  All he wants is a heart that is broken over its sin, understanding the grace it's been given that it doesn't deserve.  He desires a life that's willing to die in order to gain Christ's.

Wow! And that's only two small parts of chapter 50! Thanks Chris for this weekly challenge.

Now, bring on Thursday nights!!!

Thursday nights are super special! It's what we like to call "Women's Fellowship Night." Each week a group of women who are all in Murray for the summer get together at someones apartment for a pot-luck of sorts all based around a theme. Whether it's appetizer night, pajama night, breakfast food night, or an upcoming Fourth of July theme (BYOF...Bring your own flag)...it's one definite good time!  I've really gotten to know these women a lot better! I can't wait for this Thursday!

Friday & Saturday nights are typically date nights for Adam and I.  A time where we get to work on projects together, wander around Murray, play guitar and sing together or get dressed up and head to Nashville for a concert or something.  No matter what we are doing, I'm always excited to spend time with him.  I've said this before, but it still stands true, it never gets old.  Thankful for such a wonderful boyfriend!

And Last, but certainly not least, Sunday. 

I teach the 2nd grade Sunday School class at Hardin Baptist Church.  It's a new adventure every week.  I think I could start my own show of, "Kids Say the Darnedest Things"...but seriously.

I've been teaching on a bi-monthly basis for well over a year now.  I've loved getting to know the kids and their families too.  With a vision to disciple my children as a mother someday, this has been some excellent training! This past Sunday was the last Sunday in June, so I will not resume teaching my class until August.  During the month of July, I'm planning on getting involved in one of the adult bible fellowship classes.  Another great addition to the transition!

As for now, it's Tuesday.  Hello The Voice!

Staying Occupied!

Staying Occupied...a perfect blog post title because that's exactly what I've been doing this past week!  It is just one month and two days until I help move Adam into his new apartment in Knoxville, TN.  I've been trying to keep myself busy-- helping him paint some furniture for his apartment (as shown above), shopping at thrift stores and working on some little projects of my own.  We painted his kitchen table a deep, charcoal gray and for a pop of color, Adam wanted to paint his stools UT orange! I thought this was perfect!  It turned out great!   I've been working on my room at my apartment as well.  Partly because I've been living there for three years now and thought it was time for a change, but I thought it would also be neat thing to share with Adam.  We've been to Peddler's Mall,  Murray Merchant's Mall (Trends n Treasures)  and Wal-Mart about a million times!  The good thing about the first two places is that it seems like a new store every time you enter.  Vendors are always bringing in new items for their booths.  Needless to say, we've found lots of great treasures!  I found a great, old weather vane arrow.  I painted a white coat over the existing black coat and then a final deep, brick red coat.  After it had dried, I took some sand paper and roughed it up giving it a real "weathered' look.  After laying it all out on my bed, placing the arrow between two sets of pictures I had taken and framed, it gave me the idea that I could make a giant compass on my wall!  I rushed out to Wal-Mart (once again) and picked up some letters to indicate North, South, East and West.  I haven't hung all of this up yet, but I'm excited to soon!

Despite trying to stay occupied and keeping my mind off things, the reality that Adam will be leaving is really starting to settle in.    Knowing that he's not 'just down the road' when I call him will be tough as well as not being able to see him when I want to.  I know he is going to be an excellent graduate student and I'm already praying that the Lord is working on the hearts of the fraternity men he will come in contact with at UT as head of the Fraternities.  I know this upcoming long distance relationship will not be easy---it's going to take lots of hard work and two understanding hearts.  I anticipate some major sanctification, road-trips and Skype usage!  I'm looking forward to talking with Adam about our expectations and coming up with a tentative communication schedule. (I know...the word schedule sounds terrible....but I'm going to need one or who knows...we could be playing phone tag for days!)  Learning how to be flexible, more understanding and patient will be coming my way for sure.  I've started looking for some verses to begin meditating on and thinking through as I prepare for his move to Knoxville.  Reminding myself of truth will be huge during this transition time! Here are just a few:

John 14:1-2
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you."

I think this will help take my mind off missing Adam and remind me that my trust and hope is not in Adam, it is in Christ -- and I will be with him someday!  He's preparing a place for me in Heaven!

1 Peter 5:7

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

While this verse is simple, it gets straight to the point.  I foresee myself getting upset or frustrated and immediately going to Adam with all of it (as I am prone to do).  Taking these frustrations to the Lord first in prayer, knowing he cares about everything going on in my life will not only be better for me, but better for Adam too. 

Job 23:12
"I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food."

During this time, remaining in the Word, both reading and applying it, will be so important! I want to meditate on this verse to hold me accountable and remind me of how important the Word is to my daily life.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

This last verse is one I have memorized before, but I think it will be a great one to meditate on during this time.  Doing each of these three things, being joyful always, praying continually and giving thanks in all circumstances, will prove very hard during this time!  But these three things are God's will for me and I know His Will is much better than mine.  If you want to pray for me, this would be a great prayer to pray. That I would be joyful always, pray continually, and that I would give thanks in whatever circumstance.  Pray that Christ's Will would be done and that my will would yield to His. 

The countdown (unfortunately) begins. One month and two days.

Wedding Season, Indeed!

There have been so many weddings this summer already! It's been a lot of fun helping out and attending.  As I mentioned in a previous post, one of my best friends, Kara Dean got married to Cody at the end of May. I was happy to help her with a few last minute touches the week of the wedding.  The "Cricut," hot glue gun, ribbon and birdseed came in handy!

 More recently, this past weekend, Lauren Harlan and Josh Burzynski got married.  Sadly, I wasn't able to attend, but I hear it was a beautiful outdoor wedding and that Lauren looked stunning! I'm so happy for them!

This past weekend, Adam and I traveled to Frankfort, KY for Will Wilson & Michelle's wedding.  Will is one of Adam's best friends from Henderson County High School.  Adam was a part of the wedding party and had a lot of fun catching up with some of his old friends.  This weekend was a special one for me too! I was finally able to meet all of his friends (and prove to them that I wasn't a myth or just someone Adam had photoshopped into all of his Facebook profile pictures...ha!) I was able to hangout with the Dilbeck family - Chris & Ashley and their three children Harrison, Noah and Campbell.  The kids were absolutely precious and provided some sweet entertainment.  I loved  getting to know and spend time with Danielle Crafton. Both the Dilbeck family and the Crafton's work/volunteer for Younglife, a high school ministry.  It was encouraging to learn about another ministry and how God was using them in the lives of high school students.  Another reminder of how God is SO big and that he's definitley not just working in a few areas here or there.  I'm so thankful for all that they are doing in Henderson with Younglife!

I met so many sweet people this weekend.  Everyone was so welcoming and treated me like they had known me forever.  The highlight of the night was definitley dancing.  Adam and I, after countless AOII and Alpha Sigma Phi formals and events, have become quite the dancers! We had so much fun Saturday night which was evident by how sweaty and exhausted we were when it was time to leave.  Congratulations to Michelle & Will, Lauren & Josh, Kara & Cody!  More weddings to come this season!

Joyful, Ordinary Day

It's been one of those days where you really didn't do anything out of the ordinary, but for some reason or another, it was just really enjoyable. As I sit on my couch typing this, Heather is completing a volunteer pedicure on my poor feet. To save you from any unnecessary commentary, let's just say that I didn't get the good feet genes. My feet are a replica of my Father's feet if that's any indication. Nonetheless, Heather volunteered to give me a pedicure. I'm beyond thankful! For as long as I have known Heather, she's always been the "cosmetologist type." She's always ready to try something new--a new hair color, a new hair style, a new product advertised on TV...you name it. She's even given the reins over to me, which as she quickly learned, was not a good idea. I tried giving her highlights. In Heather's words, or rather screams, her hair looked like limp spaghetti noodles. I'll never forget that. And Heather will never let me color her hair again.

This morning, I woke up and spent some time with my "temporary roommate", Katy. I wish I could remove the word temporary...I'm definitely going to miss her when she lands her big job in Nashville. Katy traveled to Music City today to meet with some big shots at Northwestern Mutual. It's been so neat to see how patient and prayerful she's been through this whole process. We are all anxious to hear something soon!! After saying goodbye to Katy for a few days, I was off to work.

It's been considerably slower this summer at work, but I've kept myself busy thinking of new ideas for Career Services. I met with Regina for a long time in her office bouncing off ideas. It's amazing how we are always on the same page about things. We were like little kids today in the office getting so excited about some of our ideas. I've absolutely loved getting to know Regina and spending so much time with her working on Career Fair madness.

After work each day, I've been doing my best to have some kind of physical activity, whether it's me hitting up the gym to walk the incline, struggle through some P90x, or look like a fool in the confines of my own apartment doing Zumba. Today, I chose Zumba. The funny thing about the workout was that I was doing all these salsa moves and cuban dances then all of a sudden, the USA Tribute "American Mix" came on which consisted of country line dances, Elvis' "The Twist", and more. I just found it funny. It was an intense workout though! Don't let it fool you!!!

After the workout, I geared up for "The Big Apple Adventure". I volunteered to help out with VBS music at my home church, Elm Grove Baptist, this week. Each night, I've been able to teach music and motions to children ages 18 months-6th grade. It's been a lot of fun, exhausting at times, but fun. I love children a whole lot and have really enjoyed (especially the little ones) dancing around, singing and laughing. It's crazy how these kids learn so quickly and look up to you like your a real rockstar. Throughout the week, I have made sure to pause the music and talk to them about Jesus and what they have been learning in their bible study groups. Tonight in particular, was the night they were talking about how you must be born again to enter the kingdom of Heaven. I hope that after tonight the kids have a clearer understanding about what it means to be born again than Nicodemus did in their bible story. I'm praying that children would be saved this week and give up their lives and gain Christ's. "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." Luke 9:23

I'm missing Adam tonight...he's been hard at work as he is the facilitator of the Multicultural Camp going on this week at Murray State. It's been a humbling experience from what I can tell. The first night someone broke a huge window, second night a guy pukes up and down the stairway...and no telling what all has happened today. Adam has been a trooper! He's so good at dealing with conflict and problems. I'm so thankful that he remains calm and seems to always know what to do. I love that about him! I'm praying that God would give him the energy he needs to get through the rest of the week! I know he's already exhausted after only a few days!

Thankful for this joyful, ordinary day!

Purpose

Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Today, I begin this blog as a way to hold myself accountable to keeping up with my friends and family while growing in a new stage of life, remembering that God has promised me that He makes all things work together for my good. I don't have to worrry, wish, complain or wonder. However, as I'm sure you'll see, I can be prone to those things. It's my hope that I will be reminded of the many promises the Lord has given me and truly believe them.

Many of my very close friends have or will be moving away soon to pursue jobs and careers outisde Murray. Right now, Heather Aubin is traveling to Nashville each week to work at NewsChannel 5 as an intern. She's enjoying meeting lots of different people who come on the set and is gaining much of the experience she was needing. I'm really excited for her!! Katy Dail is still in the job search process, but she has some great leads! I'm praying that God would bless her with a safe job (in Nashville preferrably) so that I'll be able to visit :) Kara Dean just got married to Cody Brown and they are returning today from their HoneyMoon in Mexico!! I can't wait to hear about their trip...and see pics of course. Along with those friends, my boyfriend of a little over a year and a half, Adam, will be moving to the University of Tennessee to pursue his Masters Degree in Higher Education as he works as a Graduate Assistant...and a pretty cool one at that! He will be head over all of the Fraternities at UT. It's Adam's hope that he will be able to use this position for God's glory. I'm praying that Adam will be able to build relationships with the guys and have opportunities to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with them. It will be one crazy mission field, but I'm confident that the Lord will work in Adam to will and to act according to His good puropse...Lord, please save these men! As excited as I am for Adam to live, labor, work and go to school in Tennessee, I know him being several hours away will be a learning and sactifying experience for me. I'm thankful for the advice and talks with Aimee Childers (soon to be Aimee Magana!) about long distance relationships. I know that there will be good come from this. I pray that mine and Adam's relationship would only grow stronger through this time in our lives, if that is the Lord's will.

I'm SO thankful that so many of my good friends will still be living in Murray or really close too it :). Kaitlin and Melissa both have been blessed with great jobs and Kirby just found out today that she got the teaching position at Lone Oak that she had applied for! I look forward to spending time with these girls and so many of my other friends here in Murray! I'm thankful for so many opportunities for good fellowship. The Lord is so good.