Giving Thanks

I have been silent for almost a month. It is not completely by choice. I have been out of town, to a wedding, back in town and back to routines....the holidays are coming up so I'm gearing up for lots of baking...I still have work and college. So yes, it's been crazy.

However, I have also been quiet by choice. The Lord has been teaching me a lot of things lately. Things that I cannot explain--I don't even want to attempt to--and so I do not try.

All of it, though, has caused me to come before the Throne. Seeking, praying, and praising.....

In this season of giving thanks, I want to always pause and thank my Lord for what He is doing. For the confusing moments that draw me closer to Him. For blessing me beyond measure with so many things. For extending me mercy and grace each day, things I do not deserve.

Sigh. I might be an English major, but my words are failing me today. I'm thankful for family and friends who love me even when such events happen ;) I encourage y'all, in the midst of this week, to really pause and thank God--for the little things and the big things. Stand with arms high and heart abandoned in awe of the One who gave us all of this.

He is good.

I might be back before Thanksgiving but if not....may you all have a wonderful day, full of laughter, food, family, and blessings <3 p="">

Remembering the Other 364

Yesterday was the Fourth of July. The majority of Americans undoubtedly spent the day having barbecues and shooting off fireworks. My day was slightly different in that I spent the first part of my afternoon in the movie theater and then the remainder of the afternoon underneath a shady tree, bawling my eyes out, to Karen Kingsbury's latest book. Then we had grilled out burgers, had deviled eggs and strawberries dipped in white chocolate, and then watched "Yankee Doodle Dandy." It wasn't the average type of day, but at the same time, it was stereotypical. I did all of the things that we just associate with the holiday. (And just for the record, one day it is my dream to spend the Fourth of July in Washington D.C. =D You can't get more stereotypical than that.)

It's on the Fourth of July that we remember fighting for our independence from England. Being a American History fanatic in middle/high school, I grew up reading and learning about "taxation without representation" and the Founding Fathers. These were men who believed in democracy, in getting a fair shake, in following a set of rules and yet having your say as to what those rules are. However, as the years have passed since that day when fifty-five men put pen to the Declaration of Independence, we have not honored the memory of Washington, Adams, Franklin, Jefferson, and others like we should have.

We have been richly blessed to live in the United States of America. We have the ability to worship the Lord in freedom and peace; there isn't any fear of secret police arresting you at clandestine meetings. We have the ability to vote for whichever candidate we want, regardless if they are Democrat or Republican; we aren't forced to vote for the Government's candidate. As Americans, we have been given the freedom of speech, the freedom of religion, the freedom to keep and bear arms--not all countries can say such things for their citizens. It's for all of these reasons that we should get down on our knees every day and thank the Lord. Because they can just as easily be taken away from us.

It's common knowledge that we live in very interesting times. Our freedoms can be and sometimes are being stripped away at any possible moment. The last thing we need to do is turn a blind eye. The men who fought and died on the battlefields of Valley Vorge, Saratoga, Bunker Hill, Lexington and Concord believed in a cause. An important cause. They wanted the future citizens of their beloved land to always carry important freedoms close to their hearts.

We truly live in a beautiful country and I'm not ashamed to say it. I love this country. I love looking at the American flag soaring high in the sky. I tear up during events that honor our military. And yes, I love all of our patriotic songs and dressing in red. So as we have our barbecues and fireworks, as we gather with family and friends, may we try to remember that the Fourth of July is more than a day. Its name should be synonymous with "freedom" and we have those every single day. May we cease turning our eyes away from God in these days....without God, we are nothing. The Founding Fathers knew that.....and we should too. We have much to be thankful for three hundred and sixty-five days of the year.

And just because I couldn't resist, I had to add a video of our National Anthem sung by Carrie Underwood. Happy (albeit belated) Fourth of July, y'all!

New Year's Eve--A Movie Review

Title: New Year's Eve (2011)
Starring: Halle Berry, Ashton Kutcher, Jessica Biel, Bon Jovi, Katherine Heigl, Sarah Jessica Parker, Abigail Breslin, Ludacris, Sofia Vergara, Michelle Pfieffer, Hilary Swank, Seth Meyers, Hector Elizondo, Josh Duhamel, Robert DeNiro, Lea Michele, Zac Efron. (WHEW!)
Rating: PG-13
My Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars


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Sometimes, our years do not go the way we want them to go. We have unrequited dreams, that list we crossed nothing off of. It's the year in which we don't seem to grow as a human being or it is the year in which everything good is held from our grasp. It's the year that we just want to have over. The upcoming year holds so much potential and promise, even if it is just for a short time. So every December 31st, people gather all over the world to toast the dawning of new days. Anything seems possible. But there is still that one day left to go. The ball has still to drop, the champagne is still to be uncorked.

It is on this day, New Year's Eve, that stories and people intersect, even in a big city such as New York City. You have the woman in charge of handling Ryan Seacrest and getting the Times Square celebrations off without a hitch (Hilary Swank.) You have the husband and wife (Seth Meyers and Jessica Biel) awaiting for their first child. There is the man who has to give an important speech (Josh Duhamel) only he is more focused on the memories of the nameless woman he met last New Year's Eve. There is the aspiring singer (Lea Michele) who is stuck in an elevator with a holiday hater (Ashton Kutcher) You have the chef (Katherine Heigl) who is bitter towards her ex boyfriend (Bon Jovi). See? There are yet more people walking and living on this day--this New Year's Eve--what none of them know is that the year really does hold great things for them. Waning moments do not matter in the least.
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I remember the very first time I watched the ball drop in Times Square. It was a momentous occasion as I got to stay up MUCH later than my usual bedtime. However, I also remember thinking that the ball drop was not what I expected and, well, frankly boring. I thought it was an event highly overrated and considering I still don't watch it, I must have the same sentiments. After "New Year's Eve"'s predecessor bombed, more or less, at the box office, I figured that this "sequel'" was also going to be overrated (and the critics didn't like it to begin with). I must say, though, that this movie pleasantly surprised me.

The casting department definitely went with the attitude of "go big or go home," for every name on this list was an A list star. You have Emmy winners, Oscar winners--those are good things to have in a film. While this movie did not give members like Hilary Swank and Halle Berry much opportunity to shine, everyone did do the best with what they were given. However, the downside with doing a movie such as this is that you don't get to dwell on just a few particular characters. You get a cursory glimpse into many lives. That being said, there were a couple of more "poignant" vignettes than others. I loved Zac Efron helping Michelle Pfieffer fulfill her New Year's Resolutions in the span of a few hours (even if the age difference was majorly awkward.) I loved the funny story line of Seth Meyers and Jessica Biel trying to compete with another expecting couple for the first baby due in the New Year.....I am not an Ashton Kutcher fan, however, and this movie still did not endear him to me.

If I had to gripe about one particular thing, it would be the weird pairings between people. I get that opposites attract, I really do, but seriously? What was with the age differences? Ashton Kutcher and Lea Michele? Or Josh Duhamel getting with one of my not so favorite actresses? Ah well. It isn't for me to know the mind of the writers. What I do credit them with is keeping the content very low. This is a mild PG-13 rated flick. There is one "F" word and a few other basic profanities. There is also a tiny bit of innuendo (mostly involving a maternity doctor and then Sofia Vergara. Big surprise, huh?), but nothing that usually comes with romantic comedies nowadays.

I would say that if you are looking for something fun and festive to watch, give this film a try!

He Has Made All Things New Again

He hung from a cross that I placed Him on
He felt the beatings I inflicted upon Him--and did not complain

His hands felt the nails I hammered

His head was pierced with the crown of thorns I had placed upon His head

He heard the taunts I shouted at Him--and He remained silent

He saw me turn my face away from his humiliation

Yet He said "Father FORGIVE THEM....for they  know not what they do."

Darkness reigned--sin and Satan appeared to have the final say.

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Three days later, Jesus Christ showed His power, His might, His greatness, His Awesomeness.

Death had been overcome; sin had been vanquished.

Christ revealed that he did come to remake the temple in three days. It was not the temple men had expected. But Christ was the Temple.

He had, willingly, pain the price for my sin. 

He opened wide his scarred hands.

He let me rest my weary head on His shoulder.

No more would animal sacrifices be required. He had been the ultimate sacrifice.

Angels rejoiced! Heaven sang! "No more were we to seek the living among the dead. He was risen--JUST AS HE SAID."

Though I fail every day, and my sins are laid upon him day after day, He still extends His grace to me. He told me to go and sin no more----but He loves me with an everlasting, amazing love that took the cross for me. A cross that was rightfully mine.

HE HAS MADE ALL THINGS NEW THIS RESURRECTION/EASTER DAY!!! Let us rejoice!!!

Happy Easter everyone!

On Mother's Day

Life has been a roller coaster ride for me; I can admit that unashamedly and honestly. There are events in my life that I wish hadn't happened, yet because I experienced much spiritual growth out of them, I don't need a "re-do" moment. However, in the midst of the trials and tribulations, the tears and the pain, the highs and the lows, there have been a few constant things--one of which is my mother.

My mom is my nearest and dearest friend. While I long for the day that I can do typical things with girlfriends as most do, I know that these interim times have built a strong foundation between Mom and myself. Where would I be without her? I don't even want to think about it. She is one who gets me going each day.

Mom is a person who encourages my plans--like my desire to go to culinary school. She has graciously allowed my takeover of the kitchen (and also knows when to stay out =) Mom was never a person to tell me I was terrible at something--she let me discover that on my own (case in point: I have come to the realization that I cannot sing. Sure, I have a few good moments, but mostly, I am terrible; lip synching is the thing for me ;-)

But the thing I love the most is her constant belief and prayers for me. I have been going through a period of struggling with doubt, believing that nothing good will happen to me. But you know what? She is right there, reminding me of the nature of my Heavenly Father and that "weeping may last for the night but joy comes in the morning." It used to be that I would say these things to her--it's role reversal time, I guess.

I have been truly blessed by my mom. I love her so very much.

99.5 Percent Done!

Though it has become far too commercialized, Christmas is my favorite holiday. There is just something about turning on Christmas music, watching Christmas movies, baking too many sweets, and getting into the theme of things with buying gifts for people.

I have only just begun listening to Christmas music (let's see, I have got Celtic Woman, Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, and Steven Curtis Chapman on the docket) And I haven't fully started watching holiday movies (except what I have gotten on the Hallmark Channel--and set up on Turner Classic Movies) The kitchen is always in use but "Christmas cookies" haven't been on the docket as of yet. But buying/making gifts for people.....that's a whole different story.

I was really off the ball this year. Golly, even my brother's birthday present didn't get here on time! And actually, only one friend got her birthday present this year and someone else got her wedding present. Now, if you ask anybody, that was super odd for me. Giving is one of the ways in which I love to show people I care; cards just won't cut it!

So, I resolved to be different. While no one will see high ticket items arrive in the mail (or sit under the tree) I wanted my dear friends to know just how much they mean to me--and so, twenty-two days before Christmas, I am 99.5 percent done. That missing .5 percent is because I am waiting to get two small items until next week =) Now, things aren't shipped or wrapped yet (I'm not that on the ball) but I am very happy with where I'm at.

Christmas is more than just presents, I recognize that. But just as God sent Christ to us in the form of a "Christmas present" to show us His love, so I do the same thing!

**So, tell me, how are you doing with your shopping/making? And do you enjoy this time of year for that reason?

In Fond Remembrance

Arlington--sung by Trace Adkins

I never thought that this is where I'd settle down,
I thought I'd die an old man back in my hometown,
They gave me this plot of land, me and some other men,
for a job well done.

There's a big white house sits on a hill just up the road,
The man inside he cried the day they brought me home,
They folded up a flag, and told my mom and dad, 'We're proud of your son'.

And I'm proud to be on this peaceful piece of property,
I'm on sacred ground and I'm in the best of company,
I'm thankful for those thankful for the things I've done,
I can rest in peace, I'm one of the chosen ones,
I made it to Arlington.

I remember daddy brought me here when I was eight,
We searched all day to find out where my granddad lay,
And when we finally found that cross,
He said, 'Son this is what it cost, to keep us free'.
Now here I am a thousand stones away from him,
He recognized me on the first day I came in,
And it gave me a chill, when he clicked his heels, and saluted me.

And I'm proud to be on this peaceful piece of property,
I'm on sacred ground and I'm in the best of company,
And I'm thankful for those thankful for the things I've done,
I can rest in peace, I'm one of the chosen ones,
I made it to Arlington.

And every time I hear, twenty-one guns,
I know they brought another hero home, to us.

We're thankful for those thankful for the things we've done,
We can rest in peace, 'cause we were the chosen ones,
We made it to Arlington, yea, dust to dust
Don't cry for us, we made it to Arlington.

To the brave men and women who served--and paid the ultimate price--to ensure our freedom, we say "thank you." We owe a lot to their sacrifice.

Listed below are some old classic movies that would get you in a "Memorial Day" mood. They really put things in different perspectives.

* The Purple Heart

* The Fighting Sullivans

* Thirty Seconds Over Toyko

May you all have a blessed weekend with family and friends.

A Mother's Love

Thank you, Lord for a Mother's love

Love that was born with a child

Her eyes can see with wisdom

There's hope behind her smile

God has created a mother's heart

With strength to guide our way

And teach us of our God above

Thank you, Lord, for a mother's love

Even as Jesus walked the earth

He was placed in a mother's care

To hold Him close to clam His fears

His deepest thoughts to share

And as Mary's heart knew the greatest joy

And felt the deepest pain

God gave His strength from above

Thank you, Lord, for a mother's love

Thank you, Lord, for a Mother's love

Her children call her blessed

Grace and glory will be the crown

Of a heart that You possess

The greatest gift of a mother's love

Is found upon her knees

Trusting in our God above

Thank you, Lord, for a mother's love

A very happy Mother's Day to all the Moms out there; say hello to them for me. To mine, I love you, Mom, so very much. I appreciate all that you do for me. Lord willing, someday, I will have a child say these things to me.

And no--I didn't write those lyrics =) But I mean them!

On My Cross

Every Good Friday, my "song" comes to mind. I once heard it at a concert and I have loved it ever since. It sums up all of my thoughts, my feelings, my thanksgiving in ways that wouldn't sound nearly as good.


On My Cross--sung by FFH

How wide is Your love
That You would stretch Your arms
And go around the world
And why for me would a Savior's cry be heard
I don't know
Why you went where I was meant to go
I don't know
Why You love me so
Those were my nails
That was my crown
That pierced Your hands and Your brow
Those were my thorns
Those were my scorns
Those were my tears that fell down
And just as You said it would be
You did it all for me
After You counted the cost
You took my shame, my blame
On my cross
How deep is Your grace
That You could see my need
And choose to take my place
And then for me, these words I'd hear You say
Father no
Forgive them for they know not what they do
I will go
Because I love them so
(Repeat chorus)

May you be encouraged by the words of this song. It is so true! Because of His grace, His unfailing love, His compassion, His mercy---Christ took everything off of my shoulders, your shoulders, and put it on His---for the rest of eternity.

My God! My God! How thankful am I that you have never, and never will, forsaken me!

The Day After Valentine's

The day after Valentine's Day finds all arrangements of flowers on clearance prices....though no one seems to have a desire for them anymore. Chocolate candies and cards are either just removed from shelves or are also on discount. Reds and pinks are exchanged for the greens of St. Patrick's Day and the pale colors of Easter. Men are glad that it is another three hundred and sixty-five days until they have to worry about giving their significant other any "token of their affections." Yet in my family, the "love" is put on hold until February 15th, Mom and Dad's anniversary.

Commitment is, like, an out dated word anymore. Honestly, I would like to know the statistics of those who give flowers and say "I-Love-You's" How many are giving to the same male/female year in and year out? Or how many have a different other each Valentine's Day? For the past twenty-three years, my wonderful Mom and Dad have been husband and wife. Even though Mom doesn't really get flowers, Dad hasn't given them to anyone else in a long time.

Their legacy means a lot to me. I think it becomes even more so with each passing year, especially as I have gotten older and hope for a romance of my own. Having a success rate with them, on my mom's side (49 years and nine months), and my dad's side (55 years and nine months) is such a blessing but it also challenges me. If I had to choose between romantic happenings now and yet have a marriage that doesn't last.....or wait a few more years and have more of a legacy.....I will take the latter, despite how hard it is to hold on for God's best.

I am so thankful for Mom and Dad today. I want to thank them publicly for their years of commitment and service to each other. So it hasn't been perfect; they have had their moments of good and definitely their moments of bad. But they have something for which I long--a marriage that works.

I love you both so very much!!

There's So Much To Be Thankful For

Courtesy of Julia, I have been tagged. However, I felt this one was worth doing, as I was going to post about what I am most thankful for anyway. There is truly so much that I have been blessed with this year, it overwhelms me. I thought I would share them with you.

1.) I am thankful that I am the Lord's child; that His grace and mercy extends to each new day. He continues to show me Himself when I am in my lowest moments...and He gives me a shoulder to cry on in the midst of them. I think every year I discover this truth more and more. But with all that has gone on this year.....I believe it more so.

2.) I am thankful for my loving family and all that they mean to me. Each is so very different and yet, we are all so very close. Dad is my protector and guider; Mom is my confidante, Garrett is the one who keeps me light =) I am even blessed to have my dog, Nikki.

3.) I am thankful for my dear friends. Those who read this blog and those who know me on a more personal level. You all have been there for me in so many ways at so many times. The Lord has blessed me richly with some like-minded fellowship after so many years of being alone. (Granted, it is all on the Internet, but....)

4.) I am thankful that I live in the United States of America. Okay, so we have problems. We've strayed from God. But we are still the most free nation on the face of the earth. I cannot even begin to grasp what it would be like to have that freedom removed....I don't want to know.

5.) I am thankful for the daily needs I can easily take for granted--food, clothes, shelter. With the economic fallout that is talked about in the news, I recognize that many are not as fortunate. So my family doesn't have big bucks; things are tight. But we are still better off than some.

6.) I am thankful that the Lord has given me talents to use for His glory. Because of Him, I am able to play the piano and write. I can express who I am in these two things (writing more so, but piano by how I play) If I didn't have that....

7.) I am thankful that I have a desire to remain under my father's authority until marriage. I am blessed that he is there protecting me and I can bounce things off of him--always getting his input before I do anything. I am learning that I can have ideas, desires, and goals, but I can have them in an honoring way.

8.) I am thankful that I am keeping myself pure--even to my first kiss--until my wedding day. Oh, there are definitely days when I doubt it will ever come to pass. But then, there are the days when I know there is just a beautiful love story out there waiting for me.

9.) I am thankful that I was able to be homeschooled most years of my education. Don't think I am isolated and delusional....because I am not. But it was parents who exposed and taught me about things. I am thankful that my parents found freedom to pick and choose what we best for my course of study so I could best enjoy it. (That said, I am SO thankful that I have only 200 pages of Dickens left =)

10.) I am thankful that I have the opportunity to post on this blog and that I can show you a little glimpse into my daily life and thoughts. It is a joy for me to do!

I hope you all have a very Happy Thanksgiving! God bless.

Thanksgiving Plans and Traditions

I'll be posting on Thanksgiving about all that I have to be thankful for.....which is a lot. But today, my mind is thinking of all that will go into the day. Garrett and I are convincing Mom that it is better to go grocery shooping today, since the stores will be CRAZY tomorrow afternoon! My mouth is watering from all of the foods we'll be eating. I thought I would take a few minutes and give y'all a glimpse into my home on Thanksgiving Day.

Up until we moved here in 2000, we spent every Thanksgiving with Nana and PopPop (my dad's parents.) I have many fond memories of setting the table; that was MY job. Bot now, it is too far to go to Florida--and Nana has a little difficulty flying. We miss them more than ever this year, but we are still maintaining some of the traditions we do every year.

We eat the same breakfast every year: Dutch Boy pancake. Maybe I should post the recipe some time; it's really good. We eat as we discuss what we have been most thankful for. Then, we go downstairs and watch the Macy's parade.

I don't think there has been one year that I have missed it. I do turn off some of the dances--the Radio City Rockettes in particular =) Then, we watch the dog show....and root for the beagle every time.

Now, we don't really watch football on Thanksgiving. Perhaps we used to, but I can't quite remember. Dad is usually thumbing through the paper and Mom and I are busy cooking. Besides, this year, the teams who play stink =)

Food....who can't love it?! If given the choice, I would eat the sides and THEN the turkey. I am the mashed potatoes queen!! And I just love green bean casserole. Mom makes a corn pudding that is SO good and she makes the best pumpkin pie. I could get hungry just thinking about it. For me, Thanksgiving wouldn't be Thanksgiving without the trimmings. This year, we're going to have a family we know over to share our meal with us.

Black Friday. I have only participated once--in 2001 at the mall around 10:00. I will never do that again!! But believe it or not, Garrett and Dad go every year. Not necessarily to the mall. They go to Best Buy, Office Max, Wal-Mart, places like that. They get up at a ridiculous hour and battle the crowds. THEY get the pleasure of getting my MP3 player =)

So, what about you all? What are Thanksgiving traditions you have? What are your plans? What is your favorite thing to eat? And do any of you go shopping on Black Friday. I would enjoy hearing!