FRIENDS

I got to see lots of friends this past week. It started out in Birmingham visiting with my friend AH, her husband Tommy and their new baby, AD. These are my friends that were blessed with adoption and it was wonderful to be able to spend time with that bundle of goodness. That sweet little one has truly been prayed for.





I then spent some time with my friend Sarah. She was a friend of mine at Ole Miss -- I felt like a big sis to her as she was coming in when I was leaving. We catch up about once every few years! We also went to see Sara Bareilles and she was absolutely amazing. Definitely recommend!





I then came back for a "family lunch" with the same friends -- AH, Tommy and AD except this time my whole family and AH's mom joined us. I truly feel like they are my family as AH is the friend that I've had the longest -- we've known each other 22 years.

And I just love this one of my lil bit.


Needless to say, life has been ultra busy, but soooo sooo good. I am truly thankful!!!

A strange Godsend?

My devotional this morning was on King Saul and the evil spirits that tormented him. David was sent as a young boy to come and provide comfort to the King, and his musical talents would often drive the spirits away. (See devotional below).

Within this message, E. Elliott talks about how God can either send (or allow) things to come our way for a few different reasons. It can be to get our attention, to help us remember our need for Him, our helplessness -- there are many things for which things come our way.

So I'm sitting in my hotel in Greenwood with my stomach in knots. I hate bad weather. Probably as much as I hate snakes, or turbulence. And if you talk to me on a regular basis -- you know that both are on up there with the devil. And here I sit, knowing we have some of the worst weather in a long time headed straight toward us.


So I can't help but wonder, is this the rocky sea before me and my precious Jesus is saying, Oh why, my child, do you continue to fear? Trust me. I am commander of the storm. Worst thing that happens -- you die. Then your faith will be your eyes. I am in control. Believe.

A strange Godsend -- E. Elliott

King Saul was tormented in a strange way from time to time by an evil spirit from God (1 Sam 16:14). His servants suggested that harp music might drive it away. One of them told the king about Jesse's son David of Bethlehem who could play, and who was also a brave man, a good fighter, wise in speech, and handsome. Furthermore, the Lord was with him. David was sent for, and besides these God-given gifts, he brought with him a homer of bread, a skin of wine, and a kid. The king loved him and made him his armor-bearer. Whenever the evil spirit came upon Saul, David would take his harp and play so that Saul found relief, recovered, and the spirit left him alone.

This story shows us that among the baffling intricacies of the sovereign plan of God there is often evil which is not only permitted but sometimes actually sent by God. We wonder why. Surely part of the reason is that we may learn our own helplessness and need of Him. Saul was a powerful king, but it took his servants, who happened to know of a small-town boy, to suggest a remedy for the king's trouble. God sent the trouble. God sent the boy. That boy had been prepared by God, equipped with gifts which the king needed. Picture the boy, idly strumming his lyre as he passed the time of day in the pasture with the sheep. He could not have dreamed of the use God would some day make of that skill--to comfort a king's tormented spirit and later to become the "sweet singer of Israel."

Home.

Dining Area:

Entryway:

Guest Bathroom:

Guest Bedroom:

Master bedroom:

Den (pic taken at Christmas):

Kitchen:

A tribute to my sweet friend.

This is Laura. Whew, if only I could share how much of a favorite this girl is to me. We've walked through some hard stuff together, and she amazes me at her growth, strength and love for others. She is the greatest mom ever to her happy little child, and I am truly grateful I get to know her.

She is also one of the most transparent people I have ever met. Refreshing. She's the kind of friend the Lord desires for us to have. I am truly thankful for you SM.

I came across these photos the other day while searching for a work photo. We were acting silly and didn't realize someone was actually taking pictures. I love it.

And then we took a real one.

I'm a slacker.

The past few months have been so busy, thus I have slacked off on the blog (are we surprised?!). No.

I read this in my daily devotional this morning and it spoke so loudly to me:

"He manages perfectly, day and night, year in and year out, the movements of the stars, the wheeling of the planets, the staggering coordination of events that goes on on the molecular level in order to hold things together. There is no doubt that he can manage the timing of my days and weeks. So I can pray in confidence, Thy list, not mine, be done."

I love this. Love it. Thy list, not mine, be done.