Fun Times.

2011 has not disappointed so far. It seems like every time I turn around something is going on....


Like my sweet friend Dorothy's wedding -- where I got to see a very good friend Ginger. It had been awhile and was so good to catch up!


Or spending the day in Starkville with these two -- so young, yet so wise. Thankful that I get to know them and have journeyed with them!

And of course, these two. They have been my true sisters in Christ for a long time, but now they are also my sisters by sorority. I used to think it was a bit weird, but after having grown-up and revisited initiation, I totally get it. Thankful again to journey with these two.

So that's all for now. Cheers!

A simple stem.

One of the themes I am trying to accomplish in my new home is simplicity. I wanted everything about it to be bright and airy, giving the appearance of cleanliness. The walls are whitish/grey, and I have really tried to keep counters free of clutter, bookcases void of too much stuff...well, you get my point.

So with this table I decided a glass jar, a picture and the lamp where ALL that would grace its presence. But it needed something -- the empty jar just wasn't cutting it.

So the other day I went to Hobby Lobby to get flowers for the front doors (pink hydrangas -- lovely) and I picked up a few "filler" sticks too. But once I got the hydrangas arranged I decided I didn't want any filler...so I had two sticks of filler that I could either (a) take back or (b) keep for another day. I decided since they cost around $5 and the hassle of driving back down lakeland wasn't worth that $5, I'd keep them.

And then I had a vision. The filler sticks would look great in the jar. And so I started putting it in the jar, piece by piece....and bam. It was just the quiet, calm touch to complete the table.

Love it.

IKEA: my home's best friend.

Ikea has quickly become one of my all-time favorite stores. It's possible that much of that love comes due to the fact there is not one here and I am only able to visit once/twice a year. My home has grown to love it too -- I have two rugs and recently purchased this great table for my entryway.

So the other day during whitedeath2011, I decided to be productive and put the table together. I emptied the box:


And then I organized it as any slightly OCD person would (after all, there were lots of pieces):

And then I realized I had no idea where my screwdrivers were....so I figured, who am I kidding anyway, and I called my dad. He came over last night and walllaaaa:


I am truly thankful for my daddy. He is so patient with me, is willing to do whatever I need and loves me through the small little graces like putting my table together.

No other gods.

So I have started a bible study that deals with idols, more specifically, what we make our daily gods. And while the OT viewing of "gods" [gold, brass, etc] doesn't really resognate sometimes, I am being enlightened on my sheer necessity for strength in Christ to overcome all of my gods. gods (little g) do not neceesarily always deal with materialism. They can come in many forms and for me, particularly the mind. Infatuation, fear, mystical ideals....well, there are so many things that we make our gods putting them before our High King.

I am so thankful for a loving Father that teaches me in spite of myself, so that I may cling to Him and learn to remove all that hinders me to Him. My prayer last night -- let me know You and only You, and may that be my only desire. For knowing Him intimately bears fruit and that is who I am called to be.

Here's to 2011.
Cheers!