Break.

I haven't written in a while, and to be honest, I'm not apologetic about that. It's been a rough week, and I just need some time to think and breathe. Maybe when I get all of these jumbled up thoughts in my head straightened out, I'll be back, but right now I need a break.

Tebow, Hair, and Schedules.

What a week! I love the parties surrounding NY, but it seems like January always just drags on and on.

I love Tim Tebow. Seriously, the guy is amazing. Maybe he isn't the best quarterback (a point proven by tonight's game), but he is a great guy. How many celebrities that make millions of dollars every year give all the glory to God? You could probably count them on one hand. Plus, he is kind of gorgeous...

My hair and I have had a hate-hate relationship lately. I want it to look nice, it wants to look like I missed my KISS audition. Oy. I did mess around with it tonight and came up with a new style that I like. Now if it will only cooperate for church in the morning, I'll be happy.

The 2012 calendar that I bought is already filled with little black scribbles telling me when the NHS play is, when the mission trips are, and when I will have a minuscule amount of free time. My poor brain is on overload.

Here is a sneak peek at my schedule for this next week:

Sunday: Small groups, 10:31, Retirement party for a staff member, family birthday party.
Monday: Homework, hanging out with Josh, Ashlyn, and Cory.
Tuesday: Co-op
Wednesday: School, office, babysitting, prayer and worship, Midweek.
Thursday: School, office.
Friday: School, prayer gathering, mix event.
Saturday: babysitting.

I am going to need lots of energy drinks these next few days!

In other news, I went to see Ashlyn in The Drowsy Chaperon on Thursday night. It was wonderful! Ashlyn played the part of Kitty, and she was phenomenal, as usual. I'm excited to see her as the lead in The Man Who Came to Dinner in March.

I also just finished baking 72 mini cupcakes for my small group in the morning. They were stacked so high on the plate that I couldn't fit the glass cover over them! I still have to get up in the morning and ice them, but that shouldn't be a problem.



Proof of my baking skills...and stacking skills.

Well, I am off to bed, but before I go, I'd like to share some prayer requests with you.

-My friend's grandma was in a bad car accident involving a deer on Wednesday. She has a lot of glass in her eyes, and she goes to see a plastic surgeon on Monday.

-There is a group of people, including one of our student associates and an intern, flying back from Africa tomorrow. Pray for safe travel for them.

-My friend's sister was supposed to have her baby on Wednesday, but she is still hanging on. The doctors think that the baby might be breach and that they might have to do a c-section. Pray for health for mama and baby girl.

Be blessed!

Eve.

Tonight at Bible study, we studied Genesis chapters 2 and 3. These chapters explain Eve being created, Eve and Adam sinning, their punishment, and their banishment from the Garden.

"So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds in the sky and all the wild animals.
   But for Adam no suitable helper was found. ²¹ So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and then closed up the place with flesh." Gen 2:20-21

Even though Adam was in control of and had the companionship of thousands and thousands of animals, he was still lonely. His soul still craved another human being. And instead of creating Adam 2.0, God created Eve. She wasn't macho or strong; she was quiet and soft. She needed the strength of Adam, and Adam needed the comfort and solace that she provided.

So many women try to do the job of a man. I'm not saying that women are trying to build things and race cars. What I am saying is that women try to take charge. We want things to run our way. We want to be successful both at home and in our career. We want to rise to the top of the corporate ladder and fight for respect. That's not how it should be. Working and providing for a family is the job of a man. The women's job is to build up a strong home. She should raise up strong and holy children, and she should challenge her husband in his walk with God.

The man said,
   “This is now bone of my bones
   and flesh of my flesh;
she shall be called ‘woman,’
   for she was taken out of man.” Gen. 2:23

Adam needed Eve. He wasn't satisfied until she was by his side. He didn't want someone who would try and tell him how to do his job, or sit around all day, doing nothing. He desired someone who would make him dinner, who would praise him when he had done well, and help him to do better when he failed. He needed Eve.

Girls: Guys need to be needed. You alone were created for man. Wait for God to bring that perfect man into your life. And when he does, be ready to embrace him just as he is.

Guys: We try. We try so hard to please you. From our hair and makeup, to trying to make conversation, we want that approval. Don't flirt with us if you don't mean it. But if you truly feel like God has led you to a certain girl, don't hide it. Let her know.

I would encourage you to read the book Captivating by John and Stasi Eldridge. They are an amazing couple, and they have so aptly captured the desires of a woman's heart.

Be blessed!

Happy January!

It's 2012 my friends? It seems like good ole 2011 just flew right by!

Here's a small recap of the highlights of 2011:

-I started blogging! Can you believe it's been almost a year?

-I got to help put on a prom for a group of special needs students.

-We went to Houston and experienced God in new and exciting ways.

-We went to camp at a new location, and felt God move in powerful ways. We also enjoyed the lake, the food, and the fellowship.

-I got to celebrate my best friends sweet 16.

-I got my very first mode of transport. Yes, I am talking about Darrell. Also known as my truck.

-My sweet 16 came and went in the light of a day at co-op.

-I got to celebrate my birthday with some of my very best friends. And we killed Just Dance 2...

-Christmas was a blast, as usual.

-I was able to ring in the new year with some amazing people!

I was so incredibly blessed last year, and I'm so excited to see what the Lord is going to do this year!

Have a happy new year, and be blessed!

Christmas 2011.

This was yet another wonderful Christmas! Christmas Eve we went to church for service. It was great to sing carols and listen to Andy speak. We started Christmas morning with Christmas at our house. Lance got the Kinnect for XBOX, and I got a new camera! It is so great, and I'm just glad I have my own camera again. Around eleven we went over to my aunt and uncle's house to do Christmas with them and my grandma. We exchanged gifts, ate brunch, and then sat and talked for a while. From there we went to my dad's aunt's house. Dylan, my two year old cousin, was the star of the show. He had a blast riding around on this car/bike thing that my aunt's got him. It was pretty cute.

New Year's is coming up, quite quickly I might add, so I've been thinking about the ever popular resolutions. Every year the same thing happens: I start out doing really well with my resolutions, and then by February I've failed. And like every other year, this year I'm determined to stick with them.

So, here's my list so far...

1. Be healthy. Obviously this is always at the top of everyones list. Sad, but true.

2. Be more organized. Ugh.

3. Say "no" more.

4. Say "yes" more.

5. Be swept off of my feet.

6. Have a more regular quiet time.

7. Be more spontaneous.

8. Be open to trying new things.

9. Speak kind words more often.

10. Use less sarcasm.

What are your NY's resolutions?

Christmas Confessions.

Ok, so all of my confessions really aren't about Christmas, but I like alliterations, so Christmas Confessions it was. Now that you've finished reading that pointless sentence, we can get to the confessions.

1. I am in love with anything Apple Cinnamon scented. It's amazing. I've never been one to enjoy "spicy" smelling things, but a lot of things have changed this year, so I guess my scent preference isn't exempt.

2. I may or may not (definitely may) use men's body wash. Now, obviously whenever I shower before going somewhere I use a pretty, girly body wash. But the stuff I use is called Irish Spring, and it literally leaves your skin tingling, not to mention is leaves my bathroom smelling like a hot guy. Definitely an added bonus.

3. It's two days until Christmas!! I just bought my last gift last night. Hallelujah! I'm so excited for the Christmas Eve service at church tomorrow night. This is seriously my favorite time of the year.

4. I'm super stoked about the NYE party I'm co-hosting! Ashlyn and I are meeting Tuesday to do a little post-Christmas shopping, and we're going to put our creative heads together to plan an awesome party. I'm sure it will include a few sparkles.

5. I am slowly putting off the fact that I have to go to Walmart for the second time today. I need to get stuff for my mom's stocking, and some ingredients to make sausage balls and spinach artichoke dip for Sunday. Yum? Maybe.

6. This year I bought two out of three Christmas presents with my own money. I feel like an adult. Correction, I feel like a broke adult.

7. I am in desperate need of a haircut. Honestly, my bangs are so long, I don't think they even qualify as bangs anymore. Sad.

8. If Adele ever came to Springfield, I would pay a ridiculous amount of money to go see her. Because, let's be honest, the woman has a voice that sounds a little bit like heaven. And I'm insanely jealous of her hair.

That's all I've got, folks! Merry Christmas Eve, Eve!

Forgetting.

Every time I update my blog after a long time, I always say "I promise I didn't forget about blogging". Well, this time, I did. Sad, right?

I've been forgetting a heck of a lot of things this month. I don't have amnesia or Alzheimer's, I'm just super busy. For instance, last night Ashlyn texted me and told me about what a great night I had missed. I was really, really confused, and then I remembered: she had invited me to a Christmas party at her house, and I forgot. Duh. So today I bought myself a weekly planner to keep track of all of my social outings ;)

It's officially four days and counting until Christmas. What?!?! I still two gifts to buy. Don't tell me I've procrastinated, because I have only heard that about twenty times this week. It's a horrible habit that I'm going to break...one day.

On Saturday we went had a Christmas Carolling Progressive Dinnering Mix Event with the youth group. It was freezing, but an absolute blast. We started off with appetizers at the Woodalls, then ate our main course at the Holmes, and finished with dessert at the Stones. There was one house that we went carolling at, and the teenage girl at the house just stood on the front porch and stared at us as we tried to spread Christmas cheer. Awkward.

I'm really excited to go shopping after Christmas. After all, every girl should buy a new New Year's Eve outfit! I discovered Forever 21's $10.50 jeans this week. Never again will I buy jeans from any place else. Ever. I love the wash, and they are long enough for my dang legs! If you've never tried them before, check them out.

I hope your Christmas is filled with joy, and you are abundantly blessed!