so, if i updated it in blue, that means i think i can cross it off, if it is red, not so much....
so for the past few years, i have made a list of things to do with
the amount of things to do correlating to the age i turn that year. the
first two years, i did pretty good, but for some reason last year i
didn't to well. this year, i debated not doing a list, but let's face
it, i turn 30 this year and i want to have a fun list, a list with small
things that i can do to make myself a better version of me, and i am
going to really try hard to do these things. i have been reading lots
of devotions from proverbs 31 ministries, from streams of the desert,
and from made to crave, and know that i can so do this with the help
from the Creator of everything, My Heavenly Father:) so, some of these
may be repeats, others will be knew, but regardless, i don't want to
look back and think that life passed me by... you only get one and i
want to know that I spent my days on this earth, drawing closer to God,
having fun with friends, helping/serving others, not working all the
time, and being the best version of myself! here's to my 30th year of
life being the best yet!
1. reading the Bible - i'm
going to be real honest here, reading is so not fun to me, no matter
what it is, so instead of trying to be like everyone else, i am going to
do what is best for me. i am going to focus on small amounts and
really pray and focus on those. i've really got to work on not
comparing/worrying what other people think. if anyone has reading plans
for the Bible that are SMALL, short passages at a time, i am so for
that, send them my way. good
news, i am reading the the kids storybook bible, and it is fantastic,
adults will like it too... works for me and on my level, but still
working on reading my Bible more
2. make
my bed each day - why is this on my list every year, but so far in
2012, every day that i have been home, i have made my day, so we are on
the right track, haha - i'll
give myself a failing grade on this one, but i work from home, live by
myself and no one is ever here, it doesn't matter, but the rest of my
house is spotless, haha
3. learn to sew -
i met a girl at church who knows how, so hopefully one saturday, i can
pay her to teach me, i hope she has a lot of patience, things do not
come easy to this girl. maybe
one day, can't seem to find the right person to teach me. my friend
christine tried, but we never finished up. in fact, my sewing machine
is still there.
4. go hiking and spend
some time outdoors - for this somewhat girly girl, most of you are
probably laughing, God created a beautiful world and nature is pretty,
so i think it would do me some good to get out and enjoy it!!! my
friend kase and i made a list of fun things to do in the next six months
on new years day, and this made the list, so i think this will happen:)
didn't really happen, but i am hopeful that i'll meet the man of my dreams soon and we can do this together, hahahaha.
5.
food - i want to continue with my trying new foods and restaurants. i
have lived in charlotte for over three years now and there are several
restaurants that i have not tried, so i want to try at least five new
ones this year and five new foods. i am going to cabo fish taco in two
weeks, which i have wanted to go for a while, so we are already on our
to a good start!!! - can't really think of a lot of specific foods i tried, but i did try some new restaurants:: cabo fish taco, crepe cellar, fern, cowfish, and i am sure there are others:)
6. serve in the local community more, plain and simple, just do it! - our church partners with greenway park, still volunteer with make a wish, and will continue to do as much as i can.
7.
read more, let's face it, i said it before and everyone who knows me,
knows this... i hate reading, but i have set a small goal to read 10
minutes a day, everyday. so, the first book i am reading is 1000
gifts:) - i am going to stop putting this on any list, i don't like to do it, haha.
8.
break the starbucks addiction, haha - who would have ever thought that i
would be so addicted to coffee. i got a keurig for christmas, so i am
hoping this will help. i am drinking more coffee at home. new goal,
$25/month at starbucks, I CAN DO THIS:) - according
to the fact that i got 9 starbucks giftcards for my birthday, i'd say
this would be a negative and i am okay with it. i have found new drinks
that cost less and have less calories... Sbux 1, Kelsey 0
9.
i want to go ziplining. seriously, love all things related to heights,
not scared at all, so this has to happen this year! - still want to do this, so much
10. personal fitness goal:: lose 15 pounds. - this is a must for overall health and well-being:)
11.
continue to get better at crocheting, i enjoy it but don't stop and sit
still long enough to do it often enough... so improve, do more, and
learn more patterns - needs improvement
12.
be more focused in general, i get easily distracted. i think one way
to be more focused would be to turn the TV off and read, journal, pray,
etc. i think in this fast paced world that we live, we all need to do this more
13. try to write daily in my peaks/pits/praise/prayers journal. saw this on pinterest, and i love it!!! - i did good for six months, haha
14. cook more often. i would save so much more if i broke down and cooked more and ate leftovers, so i will do this!!! - doesn't happen, i really just do not enjoy cooking
15. try a hot yoga class. - still need to do this, maybe i can squeeze it in before dec. 31
16.
live expectantly. i read a verse in my devotion the other night and it
is so true. "whatever you ask for in prayer, believe." mark 11:24 - need to remember this verse it is a GOOD one
17.
i want to be a counselor at camp care this summer, now if i could get
in touch with the right people. hopefully this will happen. i would still love to do this
18.
be intentional about catching up with my friends who live in different
cities (whitney - baltimore), (kelly - atlanta), (bay, holly, and
michele - raleigh), (heather, kaleena, ashley, and candice - raleigh)
(casey - raleigh) - life is busy, but that is no excuse as to why we
shouldn't stay in touch. i have
seen my raleigh friends or more specifically my college friends more in
the last three to four months than maybe i have combined since i moved
to charlotte, for which i am thankful...candice is about to move, so i
need to schedule some more time with her. also, casey moved, so i don't
get to see her nearly enough, but before she moved i got some quality
time in there. i need to see heather more as well:) i wish i could
schedule a trip up to baltimore to see whit, but her and hubby are busy
remodeling like crazy:)
19. i've been in
the same role at my company for almost five years, and i've been
frustrated that i haven't gotten a promotion due to restructuring and
the economy, but i want to have a better attitude and really work hard
in my current role and see my studies through the end. if and when God
decides it is time for me to be promoted, i will be ready. explore
different positions that i may want to do in my company, as well. this
one i can say i did and did so with hard work, i got a new position in
site management, i am now a strategic site relationship manager at my
company:)
20. try something new, anything. -
21.
i want to go to a shooting range and maybe get a gun for protection...
goodness, my roots are showing and i love it:) i will take a concealed
weapons class and be educated, don't worry! (pretty sure i am going to
be able to talk lindsey jo into doing this one with me as well.) lindsey
and i purchased a living social and we are going jan. 5th, so excited.
i am still looking into getting my concealed weapons permit and all
that.
22. i want to go to the CMA awards
in nashville for my 30th birthday. i have already informed lindsey and
crystal and they say they are on board, so we will see. it is the one
thing i want to do for my birthday:) how awesome and fantastic would
that be!!! - while i could not
be more thankful for how awesome my birthday celebrations were, this one
is probably the one that i am most sad that didn't happen. if i had
expendable incomes and lots of connections, maybe i could have made it
happen, but it didn't happen. i am hopeful that one day i can cross
this off of my bucket list.
23. spend
less and save more! i got out of debt in 2010/early 2011, except for my
student loans and my mortgage, so my big thing for this year to live by
a budget and to SAVE money! - this is probably my biggest goal for 2013 as i want to buy a new car without financing
24.
adopt/sponsor a child from a third world country, more than likely
haiti and possibly from mission of hope, my church had the information
one sunday and i didn't do it, but i have been praying about it and i
need to do it:) - i sponsor
jasmine, the little girl that has stolen my heart at cambry in les
cayes, haiti.... i am praying about sponsoring one from MOH, the
organization i just returned from in november this year
25.
purge, i have a lot of stuff that i don't need, that others would be so
blessed by. i need to donate to people who need it:) - i have been purging a lot of my clothes to consignment, goodwill, or to people who need them and i had a yard sale for one of my haiti trips and that was a great way to purge
26. either go sky diving or on a hot air balloon ride:) yes, i really want to do one of the two. - my
mom and i did this for her birthday and my 30th, but we did it back in
may, it was AWESOME to do something like this with my mother:)
27. learn to do a complete push up (weakest arms in life) - i
am a lot stronger and proud of myself on this one, i can almost do a
complete one not on my knees, huge ACCOMPLISHMENT for this weakling
28.
crafting/DIY projects - one or two nights a month, take time to enjoy
crafting and doing things i find on pinterest. after all, it is
cheaper and super cute! - haha, what was i thinking, i don't like to sit still, i like to be on the go
29.
look into going back to Haiti or on another mission trip... really
praying about this one and trying to figure out where God may want me to
go. - well, pray about one and you may go on two, hehe... i went in July with Blessback and then in November with NCC:)
30.
spend a weekend in the mountains, possibly go skiing, oh goodness this
could be hilarious. this is so happening, as we are going for Jillian's
30th, and i am so excited about a little mountain fun:) - i
have been to the mountains three times this year and they have all been
awesome trips with great friends, super thankful for these trips and
great memories.
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Friday, November 9, 2012
haiti 3.0
i leave for my third trip to haiti in 14 months time in less than 36 hours... i need to be asleep at this moment, but of course, my mind won't stop running through things i may forget or maybe i am starting to get a little nervous. it is funny with each trip i am a little less nervous, but with this one adds a new element, as i am not going back to cambry- the orphanage where i have spent my time the previous two trips. i am going with my church this time, new charlotte, and i am excited, but my heart is heavy that i will not be able to see jasmine. that sweet little girl, with a little sassy on the side (which i absolutely love) will not be there to greet me. so, let me start by asking you to pray that i am reminded that our loving Heavenly Father is watching over her and that i can go to cambry another time. for this time, God has called me to a new orphanage and a new place in Haiti to meet new people and for that i am very excited.
when i was trying to decide, going back and forth, trying to think of the logistical reasons why i shouldn't go twice in one year, God kept nudging me and saying that he would work it out. i had many friends who were also sources of encouragement, but i am always so thankful when God sends us tangible reminders of His plan. when i went to check my vacation time at work, even after entering my desired days off for christmas and thanksgiving, i still had exactly one week left of vacation that i could not carry over that i would have lost (coincidence, yeah right... He was saying... i'm moving the obstacles). when i worried about the money, he helped me come up with a great idea to raise money without having to ask for just donations. i love kids, as we all know, so i babysat and instead of paying me, they gave money towards my trip... i even had a family i used to babysit for all the time in raleigh donate (they are so special to me) and they wanted to help. teresa, my friend's mom, with whom i lived for a few months also wanted to help and gave me money (she repeatedly told me, there are senders and there are doers or people who go)... and last i donated some clothes to a family member and she donated to my trip. i added it all up and would you believe i had exactly the right amount, i shouldn't be shocked, because God is always going to provide the way, when it is in His will!!! tonight, one of my close friends even gave me additional money as she knows herself how expensive preparation for mission trips are, so that paid for my food/snacks for the trip, cannot thank her enough.
with all of this, i am so excited, there is a lot of love to give and share in this heart of mine. i am so thankful that God has provided this opportunity, and i cannot wait to share this experience with you all when i get back, for now my hope is that i will be able to share Christ's love to a country who needs it. will you please join me in prayer for the following::
1. pray for safe travel
2. pray for no sickness
3. pray that we are able to help in whatever capacity or need mission of hope has for us... whether it be construction, painting, cleaning, playing with the kids, etc...
4. pray that we will be able to visit the villages and the people and serve them by showing them Christ's love
i also have an additional prayer request:: my grandfather was diagnosed with cancer again this week, this time it is skin cancer, but the type that spreads. he will have surgery to remove the cancerous nodule on monday, while i am away. please lift him up in prayer, that he will be comforted, rest while in the hospital next week, and that the cancer is localized and that it has not spread.
thanks for all of the support, prayers, and if you would like to follow our team blog while we are in haiti, please click on the following link
http://www.
when i was trying to decide, going back and forth, trying to think of the logistical reasons why i shouldn't go twice in one year, God kept nudging me and saying that he would work it out. i had many friends who were also sources of encouragement, but i am always so thankful when God sends us tangible reminders of His plan. when i went to check my vacation time at work, even after entering my desired days off for christmas and thanksgiving, i still had exactly one week left of vacation that i could not carry over that i would have lost (coincidence, yeah right... He was saying... i'm moving the obstacles). when i worried about the money, he helped me come up with a great idea to raise money without having to ask for just donations. i love kids, as we all know, so i babysat and instead of paying me, they gave money towards my trip... i even had a family i used to babysit for all the time in raleigh donate (they are so special to me) and they wanted to help. teresa, my friend's mom, with whom i lived for a few months also wanted to help and gave me money (she repeatedly told me, there are senders and there are doers or people who go)... and last i donated some clothes to a family member and she donated to my trip. i added it all up and would you believe i had exactly the right amount, i shouldn't be shocked, because God is always going to provide the way, when it is in His will!!! tonight, one of my close friends even gave me additional money as she knows herself how expensive preparation for mission trips are, so that paid for my food/snacks for the trip, cannot thank her enough.
with all of this, i am so excited, there is a lot of love to give and share in this heart of mine. i am so thankful that God has provided this opportunity, and i cannot wait to share this experience with you all when i get back, for now my hope is that i will be able to share Christ's love to a country who needs it. will you please join me in prayer for the following::
1. pray for safe travel
2. pray for no sickness
3. pray that we are able to help in whatever capacity or need mission of hope has for us... whether it be construction, painting, cleaning, playing with the kids, etc...
4. pray that we will be able to visit the villages and the people and serve them by showing them Christ's love
i also have an additional prayer request:: my grandfather was diagnosed with cancer again this week, this time it is skin cancer, but the type that spreads. he will have surgery to remove the cancerous nodule on monday, while i am away. please lift him up in prayer, that he will be comforted, rest while in the hospital next week, and that the cancer is localized and that it has not spread.
thanks for all of the support, prayers, and if you would like to follow our team blog while we are in haiti, please click on the following link
http://www.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
respect during an election season
i have tried really hard to keep quiet during this election year, more than anything... i want to respect every one's right to vote and their opinions. the past few days, i have been made to feel "stupid" or ignorant, maybe not knowingly, but i am pretty sure my friends know where i stand. so, this is my outlet, and i feel like my voice/opinion needs to be heard.
first and foremost, i am a christian and my own convictions/beliefs (just mine, not speaking for every believer here) do typically align with more conservative values. i'll go ahead and get the two big ones out on the table.
abortion in my book is killing an innocent baby. i personally believe that at the point of conception, a fetus is a human life. yes, there are horrible circumstances in which many people think abortion is necessary, but i do not feel this way. you may think this is asinine, insane, ludicrous, crazy, whatever, but this is my personal belief. i believe that God has specifically thought of each and every person, and i don't think it is our decision to terminate/kill a baby that our God/creator thought of... every little detail (from that baby's hair color, if they will be talkative or not, if they will be short or tall, etc. i'll reference the bible in case you want to know where this thought/belief/reference comes from...
"For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well." (Psalm 139:13-14)
"Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations." (Jeremiah 1:4-5).
i know and have heard many of my own friends talk about how crazy it is that as a woman that i would let politicians make decisions for me about my body, well to that i say, i put my faith and trust in God and i pray that the leaders of our country will do that as well. i know many of you may not agree with me, and that is okay. that is why we live in a country where we are all entitled to our opinion and the beauty of a democracy.
same sex marriage - i am not going to spend a long time on this one. the Bible is pretty clear here, so i do not agree with this. do i dislike people who are homosexuals, of course not. the Bible is also very clear that we should love one another. i have family that i dearly love that are in same sex relationships, while she and i both know what the Bible says, that doesn't mean that i treat her differently, nor do I love her any less. i am not judging anyone, for me, and my beliefs, i am going to vote for someone who has the same beliefs as me.
Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind, it is abomination. Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things (Leviticus 18:22, 24)
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. (1 John 4:7-8 ESV)
so, the other issues... i will not say that i 100% agree with all issues, but what i will say is this... our deficit is out of control, we have got to stop spending. we all know that. i don't agree with giving as many handouts as we have been, it has to stop somewhere and people need to start working, for example, people on welfare need to work. i have read about this and both candidates agree that they should. as for the economy in general, we definitely need change/rebuilding...
i was talking to my dad the other day, and he was telling me about a friend of the family who used to run two electronic/appliance stores and due to the recession/failing economy one of them closed, so now after 25 years or more, he now runs the smaller store that is barely surviving, but only after driving a school bus in the morning, running this store during the day, driving the bus in the afternoon, and has another job, i believe cleaning after all of that, just to make ends meet.
my parents, work harder than they ever have, to make ends meet, and they have never asked for help. my dad, at almost 60 years old, works (self-employed) as a painter/pressure washer/cabinet stainer in his business which at times may require 12-14 days and then works part time at the sheriff's department as a janitor/maintenance, to supplement when business is slow and to make ends meet. my mom has worked as an insurance agent for nearly 15 years. they work so hard, but at the same time, the economy isn't thriving, so times are tough.
i want someone in office that can create change and create jobs and a thriving economy and i believe that is romney/ryan. i've read his five point plan, and i am especially like with point 4 and point 5.
Part four is to cut the deficit, reducing the size of government and getting the national debt under control so that America remains a place where businesses want to open up shop and hire.
Finally, part five of Mitt’s plan is to champion small business. Small businesses are the engine of job creation in this country, but they will struggle to succeed if taxes and regulations are too burdensome or if a government in Washington does its best to stifle them. Mitt will pursue comprehensive tax reform that lowers tax rates for all Americans, and he will cut back on the red tape that drives up costs and discourages hiring.
with all of this, i'll close by saying, i do not think that my friends who are voting for obama are wrong or stupid, that is your right, and i am grateful that we live in a country where we are entitled to vote and voice our opinion. regardless of who wins on nov. 6th, i know that i will be praying for the leaders of our country, i cannot imagine the stress that is riding on our the president/vice president's shoulders. i do not have to always agree/support the decisions made by him, but i can pray. so, all i ask is that you not make rude, disrespectful comments about who i am voting for, and i will continue to do the same. our country as a whole will be making that decision on nov. 6th. even though we may have a difference in opinion that doesn't mean that i don't still love/like you, it just means we don't see eye to eye on this and that is okay. please don't think it is just because i am "stupid" or "ignorant." i have done my research, and this is just my opinion.
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. (1 Timothy 2: 1-2)
and we that, i'm back to not saying anything, just needed to say to get that off of my chest.
exercise your right for your voice to be heard and go VOTE:)
first and foremost, i am a christian and my own convictions/beliefs (just mine, not speaking for every believer here) do typically align with more conservative values. i'll go ahead and get the two big ones out on the table.
abortion in my book is killing an innocent baby. i personally believe that at the point of conception, a fetus is a human life. yes, there are horrible circumstances in which many people think abortion is necessary, but i do not feel this way. you may think this is asinine, insane, ludicrous, crazy, whatever, but this is my personal belief. i believe that God has specifically thought of each and every person, and i don't think it is our decision to terminate/kill a baby that our God/creator thought of... every little detail (from that baby's hair color, if they will be talkative or not, if they will be short or tall, etc. i'll reference the bible in case you want to know where this thought/belief/reference comes from...
"For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well." (Psalm 139:13-14)
"Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations." (Jeremiah 1:4-5).
i know and have heard many of my own friends talk about how crazy it is that as a woman that i would let politicians make decisions for me about my body, well to that i say, i put my faith and trust in God and i pray that the leaders of our country will do that as well. i know many of you may not agree with me, and that is okay. that is why we live in a country where we are all entitled to our opinion and the beauty of a democracy.
same sex marriage - i am not going to spend a long time on this one. the Bible is pretty clear here, so i do not agree with this. do i dislike people who are homosexuals, of course not. the Bible is also very clear that we should love one another. i have family that i dearly love that are in same sex relationships, while she and i both know what the Bible says, that doesn't mean that i treat her differently, nor do I love her any less. i am not judging anyone, for me, and my beliefs, i am going to vote for someone who has the same beliefs as me.
Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind, it is abomination. Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things (Leviticus 18:22, 24)
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. (1 John 4:7-8 ESV)
so, the other issues... i will not say that i 100% agree with all issues, but what i will say is this... our deficit is out of control, we have got to stop spending. we all know that. i don't agree with giving as many handouts as we have been, it has to stop somewhere and people need to start working, for example, people on welfare need to work. i have read about this and both candidates agree that they should. as for the economy in general, we definitely need change/rebuilding...
i was talking to my dad the other day, and he was telling me about a friend of the family who used to run two electronic/appliance stores and due to the recession/failing economy one of them closed, so now after 25 years or more, he now runs the smaller store that is barely surviving, but only after driving a school bus in the morning, running this store during the day, driving the bus in the afternoon, and has another job, i believe cleaning after all of that, just to make ends meet.
my parents, work harder than they ever have, to make ends meet, and they have never asked for help. my dad, at almost 60 years old, works (self-employed) as a painter/pressure washer/cabinet stainer in his business which at times may require 12-14 days and then works part time at the sheriff's department as a janitor/maintenance, to supplement when business is slow and to make ends meet. my mom has worked as an insurance agent for nearly 15 years. they work so hard, but at the same time, the economy isn't thriving, so times are tough.
i want someone in office that can create change and create jobs and a thriving economy and i believe that is romney/ryan. i've read his five point plan, and i am especially like with point 4 and point 5.
Part four is to cut the deficit, reducing the size of government and getting the national debt under control so that America remains a place where businesses want to open up shop and hire.
Finally, part five of Mitt’s plan is to champion small business. Small businesses are the engine of job creation in this country, but they will struggle to succeed if taxes and regulations are too burdensome or if a government in Washington does its best to stifle them. Mitt will pursue comprehensive tax reform that lowers tax rates for all Americans, and he will cut back on the red tape that drives up costs and discourages hiring.
with all of this, i'll close by saying, i do not think that my friends who are voting for obama are wrong or stupid, that is your right, and i am grateful that we live in a country where we are entitled to vote and voice our opinion. regardless of who wins on nov. 6th, i know that i will be praying for the leaders of our country, i cannot imagine the stress that is riding on our the president/vice president's shoulders. i do not have to always agree/support the decisions made by him, but i can pray. so, all i ask is that you not make rude, disrespectful comments about who i am voting for, and i will continue to do the same. our country as a whole will be making that decision on nov. 6th. even though we may have a difference in opinion that doesn't mean that i don't still love/like you, it just means we don't see eye to eye on this and that is okay. please don't think it is just because i am "stupid" or "ignorant." i have done my research, and this is just my opinion.
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. (1 Timothy 2: 1-2)
and we that, i'm back to not saying anything, just needed to say to get that off of my chest.
exercise your right for your voice to be heard and go VOTE:)
Thursday, October 4, 2012
so beyond thankful...
so, i have written about this before, but now that i have moved into a condo on my own again... i need to take a minute to express my deepest gratitude for how God has provided friends and family to help and that i am sleeping soundly now.
anyone who knows me well, knows that my absolutely biggest fear in life is that someone will break into my house. most of time people laugh or think that i am being funny, but it truly is my biggest fear. i say i could almost handle snakes, spiders, rats, etc more than this fear, and i am really not joking. i remember moving out of my townhouse with my best friend from college, holly (whom i lived with for three years out of college) in raleigh, and her saying, "how do you think you will be living by yourself in charlotte?" i was like, i got this! confidence can go along way, but even with a security system, lots of prayers, furniture against my bedroom door, and locks and double locks, nothing could have prepared me for how scared i was in that house. you have all probably read or heard me talk about it, but the truth is you cannot put a price on peace of mind and sleeping soundly at night.
i think there were so many lessons that God was trying to teach me in the months leading up to moving out of my townhouse. i think i was afraid to move out, as i have a huge fear that making huge financial decisions will cause major problems, and i have worked hard to get where i am today. i didn't want to make the wrong move, and get myself into a bind. i continually prayed for discernment and for peace while making the decision. once i made the decision to move, a lot of things have to go into effect and God totally provided, like He always does. i knew that signing a year lease to a new place right away wouldn't be the smartest move financially, as i didn't want to commit not having renters in my place. i prayed and my friend Christine and her mom came to me with an offer to allow me to stay in Charlotte. there are truly no words to describe Teresa's, Christine's mom, generousity, as she allowed me to stay at her house rent free for three months, while i continued to pay my mortgage. the property management group found renters after 8 weeks, so i am beyound blessed to have renters now and that has been a huge stress reliever. teresa, christine, and her husband doug have done so much for me in the past three months, that i will probably never be able to say thank you. teresa has the biggest heart, and i saw that everyday that i lived there. christ shines through in her life daily; what a witness! she loves to cook, and it brings her joy to be able to provide for others:) christine and doug helped me move stuff from my townhouse to teresa's and even helped move a few things to my condo now; never once did they complain, they did it willingly and i am so thankful for friends like this.
my dad has been a huge support, as he works two jobs and probably works 12-14 hours daily. he never complained though and just stepped up and helped in whatever way possible. he got me storage units (climate controlled) in my hometown for half the price, and even got some of his workers/help in his business to help load all of my furniture from my townhouse to the trailor. my brother got recruited to help as well:) when i moved into my condo he arranged to get the truck and drove here, after loading all of it in lincolnton and helped as much as possible. luckily, another blessing, tyler, jake, and grant were here to help me move, which was a complete blessing. my dad has a bad back, so he isn't able to carry a lot of the real heavy stuff, so the boys and i moved all of it on saturday! i cannot even say thank you enough that these guys would spend two hours on their saturday morning to help me! they all had good attitudes and were laughing the whole time, which made moving not as bad! i must also add that my mother came on saturday and was a total trooper, she never complained until she got hungry, haha. if malia doesn't food, watch it (kidding mom)!!! we had some good laughs! my friend ryan even came and helped me put together an entire desk, it was in three different boxes! we managed not to scream or anything at each other, but it sure did take us like 5 hours. oh, and i should add that lindsey and crystal came the week before i moved in and helped me move a bunch of stuff, what a blessing those two are that they would spend an entire saturday helping me move things and we had such a blast just hanging out, catching up, eating which which, buying couches, etc.
the point of my forever long post and public shout outs to everyone who helped me, is to say that i have been completed reminded of how blessed i am to have such amazing friends and family. sometimes i get caught up in how will i do this or i hate asking for help (much better at helping others), so this was a great example of how we are all called to help/love one another. i just wanted to say how incredibly thankful i am to everyone who helped me, who have prayed for this whole situation to work out, and to praise JESUS that i am sleeping soundly at "FORT KNOX!" all i had to do was ask, and people showed up and were so willing to help! i am reminded in scripture where it says,
"This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you." John 15:12
"Bear one aother's burden's and thus fulfill the law of Christ." Galations 6:2
so, to teresa, christine, doug, grant, tyler, jake, lindsey, crystal, kasey (she helped me pack my townhouse even before she moved), my parents, my brother, charles, david, jessica (even carrying empty boxes), and anyone that i may have left off...
THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart!!!
anyone who knows me well, knows that my absolutely biggest fear in life is that someone will break into my house. most of time people laugh or think that i am being funny, but it truly is my biggest fear. i say i could almost handle snakes, spiders, rats, etc more than this fear, and i am really not joking. i remember moving out of my townhouse with my best friend from college, holly (whom i lived with for three years out of college) in raleigh, and her saying, "how do you think you will be living by yourself in charlotte?" i was like, i got this! confidence can go along way, but even with a security system, lots of prayers, furniture against my bedroom door, and locks and double locks, nothing could have prepared me for how scared i was in that house. you have all probably read or heard me talk about it, but the truth is you cannot put a price on peace of mind and sleeping soundly at night.
i think there were so many lessons that God was trying to teach me in the months leading up to moving out of my townhouse. i think i was afraid to move out, as i have a huge fear that making huge financial decisions will cause major problems, and i have worked hard to get where i am today. i didn't want to make the wrong move, and get myself into a bind. i continually prayed for discernment and for peace while making the decision. once i made the decision to move, a lot of things have to go into effect and God totally provided, like He always does. i knew that signing a year lease to a new place right away wouldn't be the smartest move financially, as i didn't want to commit not having renters in my place. i prayed and my friend Christine and her mom came to me with an offer to allow me to stay in Charlotte. there are truly no words to describe Teresa's, Christine's mom, generousity, as she allowed me to stay at her house rent free for three months, while i continued to pay my mortgage. the property management group found renters after 8 weeks, so i am beyound blessed to have renters now and that has been a huge stress reliever. teresa, christine, and her husband doug have done so much for me in the past three months, that i will probably never be able to say thank you. teresa has the biggest heart, and i saw that everyday that i lived there. christ shines through in her life daily; what a witness! she loves to cook, and it brings her joy to be able to provide for others:) christine and doug helped me move stuff from my townhouse to teresa's and even helped move a few things to my condo now; never once did they complain, they did it willingly and i am so thankful for friends like this.
my dad has been a huge support, as he works two jobs and probably works 12-14 hours daily. he never complained though and just stepped up and helped in whatever way possible. he got me storage units (climate controlled) in my hometown for half the price, and even got some of his workers/help in his business to help load all of my furniture from my townhouse to the trailor. my brother got recruited to help as well:) when i moved into my condo he arranged to get the truck and drove here, after loading all of it in lincolnton and helped as much as possible. luckily, another blessing, tyler, jake, and grant were here to help me move, which was a complete blessing. my dad has a bad back, so he isn't able to carry a lot of the real heavy stuff, so the boys and i moved all of it on saturday! i cannot even say thank you enough that these guys would spend two hours on their saturday morning to help me! they all had good attitudes and were laughing the whole time, which made moving not as bad! i must also add that my mother came on saturday and was a total trooper, she never complained until she got hungry, haha. if malia doesn't food, watch it (kidding mom)!!! we had some good laughs! my friend ryan even came and helped me put together an entire desk, it was in three different boxes! we managed not to scream or anything at each other, but it sure did take us like 5 hours. oh, and i should add that lindsey and crystal came the week before i moved in and helped me move a bunch of stuff, what a blessing those two are that they would spend an entire saturday helping me move things and we had such a blast just hanging out, catching up, eating which which, buying couches, etc.
the point of my forever long post and public shout outs to everyone who helped me, is to say that i have been completed reminded of how blessed i am to have such amazing friends and family. sometimes i get caught up in how will i do this or i hate asking for help (much better at helping others), so this was a great example of how we are all called to help/love one another. i just wanted to say how incredibly thankful i am to everyone who helped me, who have prayed for this whole situation to work out, and to praise JESUS that i am sleeping soundly at "FORT KNOX!" all i had to do was ask, and people showed up and were so willing to help! i am reminded in scripture where it says,
"This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you." John 15:12
"Bear one aother's burden's and thus fulfill the law of Christ." Galations 6:2
so, to teresa, christine, doug, grant, tyler, jake, lindsey, crystal, kasey (she helped me pack my townhouse even before she moved), my parents, my brother, charles, david, jessica (even carrying empty boxes), and anyone that i may have left off...
THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart!!!
Saturday, September 15, 2012
family dynamics:: now and then
so, the next day/blog says, describe your family dynamics of your childhood and your family dynamics now... this could take a little while, but i will give it a whirl:)
my biological parents were married the first six years of my life, and we lived in florida til i was 3.5 i believe and then moved to lincolnton (my parents were from here). i have a few, very few, memories of this part of my life, but the dynamic between my biological parents that i remember was not all that great. after they split, i know my grandparents had to step in and help quite a bit, as my mother was basically a single mom for a while. we did have to go to steve's house for visits, but i remember not wanting to go, nor moma wanting us to go. at seven, my biological father passed away and enter my step-dad, who is my dad, but i call him roger or rog. i guess, at seven it was a little too late to start calling someone else daddy. rog enters the scene and basically became the boss, and i didn't like it one bit. he told kendall and i want to do, and didn't let us rule the house anymore.
the dynamics between my extended family were great! my grandmother, who could be the star of my blog with the amount of times i mention her, was like the glue that held us together. she loved so much and it was contagious. she cooked and spoiled each and everyone of her grandkids. i cannot remember a time when i didn't want to go to her house. mom and pops was the best! all in our family got along, we celebrated every holiday and birthday there.
family dynamics have changed a bit. my grandmother has passed away, which has changed things a bit. we have all gotten older and people are busy. we celebrate holidays at my parent's house, which is not the house i grew up in, but it is spacious and nice! some have married and divorced, so we have new family members. we try to get together as much as possible.
within my own family, jamie and jennifer are together, chris and lisa are married, and kendall and kevin are married.... our family has grown. family get togethers are different. even christmas morning is different, but that is what happens when you get older. kendall and kevin are about to have a baby, so that is going to change things even more. i am excited to be an aunt.
my biological parents were married the first six years of my life, and we lived in florida til i was 3.5 i believe and then moved to lincolnton (my parents were from here). i have a few, very few, memories of this part of my life, but the dynamic between my biological parents that i remember was not all that great. after they split, i know my grandparents had to step in and help quite a bit, as my mother was basically a single mom for a while. we did have to go to steve's house for visits, but i remember not wanting to go, nor moma wanting us to go. at seven, my biological father passed away and enter my step-dad, who is my dad, but i call him roger or rog. i guess, at seven it was a little too late to start calling someone else daddy. rog enters the scene and basically became the boss, and i didn't like it one bit. he told kendall and i want to do, and didn't let us rule the house anymore.
the dynamics between my extended family were great! my grandmother, who could be the star of my blog with the amount of times i mention her, was like the glue that held us together. she loved so much and it was contagious. she cooked and spoiled each and everyone of her grandkids. i cannot remember a time when i didn't want to go to her house. mom and pops was the best! all in our family got along, we celebrated every holiday and birthday there.
family dynamics have changed a bit. my grandmother has passed away, which has changed things a bit. we have all gotten older and people are busy. we celebrate holidays at my parent's house, which is not the house i grew up in, but it is spacious and nice! some have married and divorced, so we have new family members. we try to get together as much as possible.
within my own family, jamie and jennifer are together, chris and lisa are married, and kendall and kevin are married.... our family has grown. family get togethers are different. even christmas morning is different, but that is what happens when you get older. kendall and kevin are about to have a baby, so that is going to change things even more. i am excited to be an aunt.
my top 5 hobbies and why i love them
i have always disliked this question, why might you ask.... i wasn't gifted (to my knowledge in the past 29 years) with any real talents, so i could never say, basketball, swimming, etc. i guess i should be glad it is really asking what i like to do. 1) i absolutely love to scrapbook, i absolutely love to put pictures and memories in a book and to be able to flip back through. i love all the detail and that i can be a little creative if i want:) 2) i really like to crochet, no i am not 90, but especially during the winter months it is nice to be able to crochet a scarf a hat. casey taught me the basics and my great aunt jean, who just passed away, was great at it. she got me magazines and taught me some things as well. 3) i really like to clean, yes i said it... kasey smith, if you are reading this, i hope you are laughing. i enjoy organizing and cleaning, a little too much, but it is what it is. 4) i love decorating my house for holidays and things... it just makes me happy to come home and have a place that is decorating for whatever holiday it may be. my mother was never much on the decorating, so it has been fun to do it having my own place. 5) last but not least, i really enjoy going to sporting events... lame to some, and maybe not really a hobby, but i like it and could go to a college football game every weekend:)
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
what i'm loving wednesdays
so i see this on other people's blogs and i thought i do it tonight. sometimes i think taking the time to focus on fun, positive, and good things and taking a break from the worry is just what we need...
so, what i'm loving right now
... that my "name twin" as we like to call each other, kelsey (her last name is moore) from church and i have been meeting up at the gym a lot. it keeps me accountable and it is fun to work out with friends...
...that i got to spend some quality time with holly and michele tuesday night with some pei wei, baskin robbins, and bachelor pad finale...
...that i am going to the clemson game this saturday, never been to death valley, love some college football...
...along the same lines, that it is college football season...
...that i potentially found a new place to live (rent), it is gated and access controlled, woohoo...
...that i got to see casey-c this morning for breakfast, a week long stay in raleigh, just happened to be when i was there for training...
...that i faced my fear of going back to athletic conditioning tonight and didn't die...
... that i can tell the people at starbucks to put one less pump in my drink, so it is less sweet and less calories, it is so much better...
...three way texts with my two favorite k/caseys, iphones are the way to go...
...that i am understanding my "not so new" job more and more...
...this great new polish, "miss fancy pants" and that i am have been painting my own nails each week, it looks great and saves me money...
so, what i'm loving right now
... that my "name twin" as we like to call each other, kelsey (her last name is moore) from church and i have been meeting up at the gym a lot. it keeps me accountable and it is fun to work out with friends...
...that i got to spend some quality time with holly and michele tuesday night with some pei wei, baskin robbins, and bachelor pad finale...
...that i am going to the clemson game this saturday, never been to death valley, love some college football...
...along the same lines, that it is college football season...
...that i potentially found a new place to live (rent), it is gated and access controlled, woohoo...
...that i got to see casey-c this morning for breakfast, a week long stay in raleigh, just happened to be when i was there for training...
...that i faced my fear of going back to athletic conditioning tonight and didn't die...
... that i can tell the people at starbucks to put one less pump in my drink, so it is less sweet and less calories, it is so much better...
...three way texts with my two favorite k/caseys, iphones are the way to go...
...that i am understanding my "not so new" job more and more...
...this great new polish, "miss fancy pants" and that i am have been painting my own nails each week, it looks great and saves me money...
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