Sweet Home Alabama...

where the skies are so blue...and the air is so humid...and the tea is so sweet...and family and friends are so near....

It was so good to be in Alabama for a long weekend, and I certainly covered a lot of ground and saw a lot of people I love. Thankfully, I was able to fly home this time (the eight hour drive leaves me utterly exhausted). My sweet college friend, Megan, picked me up at the airport in Birmingham. We spent some time catching up and then met (lifelong friend) Rachael for lunch. Rach was kind enough to drive from Auburn to pick me up, and after lunch we headed back to AU. I really felt somewhat nostalgic when we drove into downtown Auburn. I hadn't been there since before I got married (1.5 years ago), and I just have so many wonderful memories with precious people from my four years living in this little college town. It was good to be back, spend quality time with Rach, and see another close college friend, Marci. The next day, Judd (lifelong friend and practically brother) and I headed to Montgomery for the wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner of our good friend Jake. Judd was a groomsmen in the wedding, and he took me as his date to the rehearsal since (girlfriend) Amanda was home in Texas. It was good to catch up with Judd and celebrate Jake and Sarah's wedding weekend. The wedding was beautiful and it was an absolute treat to spend time with (lifelong best friends) Rachael, Mallory,

Jake, and Judd. The five of us were best friends from high school.

Of course, it was also wonderful to spend time with "the madre" who made the trip from Jackson for the wedding.

After the wedding, I rode back to home-sweet-home Jackson, AL with Mom and Judd's mom. After one night in my bed at home and church at First Baptist the next morning, Mom, Dad, and I loaded up in the car again to head to Hattiesburg, MS. My Aunt Kevin married Perrin Lowry on her front porch, and I enjoyed more sweet fellowship with (grandparents) Papa and Grandy, aunts and uncles, and a few of the cousins. After the wedding we headed over to (other grandparent) Granddaddy's house for a quick visit. While I was there, Granddaddy insisted that I go through some of (late grandmother) Mama Grace's books and pick out some to add to my library. Mama Grace was an academic, a college English professor, and an avid reader. She collected books from all of her travels, and her library is absolutely enormous. I pilfered through her shelves and found a couple of my favorite classics (and others) to add to my collection. Here is my loot...

Several of these books have Mama Grace's name (Grace Smith) penciled across the front, and I love that I have inherited them. What a neat heirloom! I picked out a few more but had to leave them at home because I ran out of room in my suitcase. After visiting with G-daddy, the parentals and I headed back to Jackson for my last night at home. Mom was gracious enough to drive me to Birmingham today, and I caught my flight back to Lou with Whitney Alexander! It was a busy but fun trip home!

In other news...

While I was gone, Adam traded in his Honda Civic and got this....

It's a 2002 with only 55,000 miles and in excellent condition. Because Adam works at Carmax, he got to buy it at wholesale price, so we cut our car debt in half! Even though we will pay more for gas, we think it is a smart move to get out of our car payment quickly. Now we don't owe much at all. Thank you, Carmax!

Meet My Friends!

God has been so kind to bless both Adam and me with precious, godly friends during each season of our lives. We have deep friendships with people from home, Auburn, and now Louisville. I try to remind myself to never take these friendships for granted, but to remember what a gift they are--another reminder of the Lord's kindness toward me. This weekend we had a group of some of our close friends over, and as I looked through pictures from the night, I was reminded how much each friend means to me...especially these three girls below. These have probably been my closest female companions here in Lou.

I'll start with Diana or "D" (far left) because I've known her the longest. D, Adam, and I all grew up in rural Clarke County, Alabama. Each of us lived in a different small town, mind you, but all in the same county. There's just something about coming from the same place that bonds people together, and you just can't understand small-town, south Alabama unless you came from there. I cannot express how thankful I am for Diana's friendship. Adam and I moved to Louisville at the beginning of a harsh, gray winter, and Diana was the only soul we knew. She immediately reached out to us, introduced us to people, took us with her to Highview (now, our home church), and basically just helped us adjust to a very different place. I remember that right when we moved, D was returning from a trip to Israel. The morning after she arrived home, she was at our apartment wanting to go out to lunch. She has continued to be such a sweet, giving friend. She's the kind of person who will do anything in the world for you. She's also the kind of person that you can say anything to. I just love me some D!

Next we have Whitney (in black next to D). Whitney and her husband, Mat, moved to Lou a semester after us from Mobile, AL (also our neck of the woods). I instantly liked Whitney and felt like we had a lot in common. In fact, the first time she came to our apartment, she said, "Wow, our apartments are decorated very similarly." I just love hanging out with and talking to Whitney. She is very real, and she's a whole lot of fun. I'm especially inspired and encouraged by watching the way Whit cares for her home and for Mat. She is the ideal wife and homemaker--a fabulous cook (her artichoke dip is to DIE for), a great decorator, and super creative. It is so evident that she absolutely delights in caring for her husband and her home, and I just love this about her! She is going to be an amazing mom one day. And, this is the lucky man who got to marry her....

Adam and I are so thankful for the friendship that we have with Mat and Whitney as a couple. As you could probably guess from the picture, Mat keeps us laughing constantly. He is a HOOT! Oh, if only everyone could get to know Mat Alexander...

Last but certainly not least is Christy (glasses, far right). Christy was my first close friend in Louisville, who I didn't already know from home. I'll never forget the first time I met Christy. We were in our first SWI (Seminary Wives Institute) class only about a month after we had both moved to Louisville in January '09. Before class started, I was sitting alone (being my quiet-somewhat-introverted-when-I-don't-know-anyone self) when this teeny-tiny girl in a gray sweater with blonde curls and glasses plops down beside me and introduces herself. She was so outgoing from the beginning. She starts telling me about how she and her husband have come to Lou for seminary and how she just got a job at Bridal Warehouse. I pipe up and tell her about my new job at Ann Taylor, and we immediately start griping about how we both have college degrees and the only jobs we can manage to secure are retail positions. From that day on, Christy and I were friends. Our friendship developed during the class and eventually moved outside the class when we introduced Ben and Adam to each other and then all ended up joining the same church. Christy and I both decided to start seminary, and now we have become school buddies as well. If I call Christy for a quick question, we usually end up talking on the phone for 30 minutes to an hour. A lot of our conversations consist of venting about how tough it is to work, be a wife, and go to school all at the same time. In the end, we always determine that we will make it. It's just nice to have someone walking the same path as you--someone who understands your struggles. Christy is such a sweet and true friend. And she's married to this guy.....
Adam and I have had a lot of fun with this couple as well--lots of game nights, late night Graeters icecream runs, and a hilarious camping trip.

So, there they are! What precious, godly girls! I am so very thankful to call them friends!

Every now and then...

I get a hankerin' to paint something creative. Sometimes I like the finished product, and sometimes I hate it. The children I nanny inspire me to let my creative juices flow! They are very artistic and paint all sorts of neat things, which are displayed throughout the house. Also, their grandmother was an artist, and many of her gorgeous paintings are hung about. This weekend I attempted to replicate a piece of the kids' art that is displayed in their formal library. Here is how my (smaller) version turned out.

When Trials Come...

When trials come no longer fear
For in the pain our God draws near
To fire a faith worth more than gold
And there His faithfulness is told.

Within the night I know Your peace
The breath of God brings strength to me
And new each morning mercy flows
As treasures of the darkness grow.

I turn to Wisdom not my own
For every battle You have known
My confidence will rest in You
Your love endures Your ways are good

When I am weary with the cost
I see the triumph of the cross
So in it’s shadow I shall run
Till You completes the work begun

One day all things will be made new
I’ll see the hope You called me to
And in your kingdom paved with gold
I’ll praise your faithfulness of old!

-The Getty's

This is a song written by Keith and Kristyn Getty about experiencing trials. Although these words aren't scripture, they are based on scripture, and I think they are precious words to read and sing when the trials do come (as they will for us all). These words have been especially comforting of late, as my dad has just been diagnosed with malignant Sarcoma in his leg. It has been difficult to grapple with the reality that my dad--the one who loved me, cared for me, provided for me, and shepherded me spiritually for 20 something years is facing a serious illness that could potentially take his life. We are so thankful that his situation is not any worse than it is (so many people are experiencing greater trials). Nonetheless, this is a testing trial in the life of our family that could easily lead to anxiety, fear, or distress. We constantly need reminders of how we, as believers, should respond to trials. In trials and testings, we must remember that God is refining our faith, conforming us more unto the image of Christ (making us perfect and complete). Trials of darkness, produce treasures of the morning. (James 1:2-4) After a trial, one is less of himself/herself and more of Christ. Each morning, the Lord provides new mercies to help us face the trials of the day. We must rely on Christ's wisdom, rather than our own, to help us respond to trials correctly (James 1:5) For, every trial that we face has been known and experienced by Christ Himself (Hebrews 4:15) We must trust that His ways are always good and right, even when our own circumstances seem bad and are difficult to understand (Psalm 100:5, Romans 8:28) Furthermore, we face trials by hiding in the shadow of the cross, remembering that we are in Christ (Col 3:3) Finally, regardless of what happens in our circumstances (sickness, pain, suffering, or death), we have the hope that one day all things will be made new. One day, Jesus Christ will put all things under His feet and will reign with total dominion. And because we are in HIM, we will reign too. All things will be new and gloriously perfect--no suffering, no sickness, no crying, and no pain (Rev 21:4). THIS is our hope. Therefore, we do not suffer and grieve as those with no hope. Come quickly, Lord Jesus!

Being without a car in America is like being unable to walk.

These were the words of my neighbor and new friend, Ban. Ban is precious woman from the country of Jordan in the Middle East. She and her two young daughters (Miriam, 5 and Rima, 3) moved to American 9 months ago with high hopes for a better life. For reasons that I can't completely understand, Ban has not seen her husband face-to-face in 4 years. He had to work far away from the family (when they lived in the Middle East) and was unable to come to America with them. He is working with the Embassy now in an effort to join his family in America, but the process is slow and frustrating. So, Ban is here alone with two little girls. She is unable to get a job. She has no car. She goes to a center in town where she learns English and receives some financial support. However, it takes her 2 to 3 hours to get to this center by bus, even though it is only a few miles away. Ban's situation is difficult and she is facing so many trials in her life right now, but she has hope! Ban is a follower of Jesus Christ. I befriended Ban with hopes that I could be an encouragement and help to her, but she has ended up being an encouragement and help to me. I am so blessed by the strength of her faith. She is often tearful as she expresses her loneliness and weariness to me, but her final words are always the same: "I trust God. I trust the time of the God." She rests on the truth that God is sovereign over every aspect of her life. He is sovereign in providing her daily bread. He is sovereign over the timing for her being re-united with her husband (partner and provider). He is in control and He will provide for the needs of His children. I try to encourage Ban by reminding her that faith is strengthened through trials, all the while wondering if I could ever endure the hardships that she faces. Ban is a God-send. When I think that I am suffering, I need only to look around in order to realize how comfortable I truly am. When I think I am in want, I look at Ban and remember that people all around me have no transportation, while our 2 person family has 2 cars! Oh, how blessed we are! But, oh how ungrateful we are! May we, as the Church of Christ, be continually reminded of God's faithfulness and His many, many good gifts to His children!

Lately

Well, lately I have not been blogging, and I have the same ole' laundry list of excuses. Namely, the busyness of spring. We've had a lot going on (as always). So, let me catch you up on what's been happening lately, as well as what's coming up (since there's a good chance I won't post again until the end of the semester).

About two weeks ago, Adam and I got to go to Destin, Florida for a work trip for Adam. He is now working part-time for the seminary in the office of Institutional Advancement. Each year, this office puts on a retreat in Destin for the Foundation Board members, and we got to go help out. It was great to get away from the "grind" of work and school for a few days. We met so many nice people on the Foundation Board (truly awesome people), and I really enjoyed getting to know some of the people that Adam now works with. Of course the warm weather, beautiful scenery, and nice hotels of Sandestin were a perk. I was bad about taking pictures, but here are a few that I snapped before....

Bay
Our hotel
we swiftly returned to real life. We returned from Destin on Sunday to immediately begin churning out a 10-15 page Hermeneutics paper due on Thursday (which neither Adam or I had started) JOY! Needless to say, it was a week of lots of caffeine and little sleep. I was up until 5 a.m. Thursday morning finishing up. But, we survived, turned in our papers, and slid head-first into SPRING BREAK (well, the school calls it "spring reading days," but, you know). The first weekend of SB was especially great, as we celebrated the Resurrection of Jesus! Words can't express my thankfulness for Christ's sacrifice and my joy because HE LIVES! We didn't get to go home, but we celebrated with our "family" of sweet friends here. PF Changs for Easter lunch isn't exactly traditional, but it was pretty darn good. Again, no Easter pictures. I really should get better at that. And to top it all off...THE WEATHER HAS BEEN WARM...almost hot, to be honest. It has truly been glorious. So, Adam and I decided to fire up the grill and sit around outside for a little while tonight. We tried a new recipe...Greek Chicken (below). It was just ok. Not a favorite for either of us.

The grill master!


So, SB2010 has started off great. After I finish typing, though, I will begin doing research for BIG paper numero dos of the semester, which is due shortly after SB. Should be a fun rest of the week! :) We have several things coming up to look forward to, though. Mom, Dad, and Jenny are coming up for a visit next weekend (we will miss Will). Then, the next weekend, Adam and I run the Kentucky Derby 1/2 marathon! WOOHOO! I'll try to document some of these events in picture.

Happy Birthday Jenny!

Yesterday was this pretty girl's birthday, and I am so thankful for her life! God was gracious to bless me with a sister so close in age. Although we are different as night and day, we have always been close. Jenny is probably the smartest, most talented, and most well-rounded, person that I know (and I'm not just being biased). She's a dynamite athlete. Seriously, the girl can pick up any sport and excel. When she was young, she played Little League with the boys, and she set all kinds of records during her softball days. Her athletic talent is always something I've admired since I was the girl who was scared to even play T-ball (yes, laugh). When she was 13, Jen taught herself to play the guitar, and she is currently working on mastering the piano. God has gifted her in leading others in worship. In addition to this, the girl's got brains. She can study for one night and completely ace an Organic Chemistry test. She's blown through a Biomedical Science major with practically straight A's (as a college athlete for 2 of her school years). Jenny never meets a stranger. Everyone that meets her instantly loves her. She makes friends faster than I've ever seen. While I have always been so proud of my sister and, clearly, LOVE to brag on her, all these things I have mentioned mean nothing if I don't also brag about her love for the Lord. I am continually encouraged by Jenny's walk with Christ. She truly KNOWS and LOVES Jesus Christ in the most intimate, personal, and passionate way. She's the real deal. The theme of Jenny's life is "Love God--Love people," and she truly lives this out. Jen is a "champion of the underdog," and she has truly shown me what it means to minister to "the least of these" both spiritually and physically. Through Christ, she has overcome a period of intense bondage in her own spiritual life, and she is using her own trials to reach others with the Gospel. I am blessed by her passion, sincerity, and faithfulness. I could go on, but I think I've made my point. I am so proud of my sister, and I am so thankful for her 22 years with me on this earth! So, Happy Birthday to YOU, Jenny (just a day late)!