...and I think to myself, what a wonderful world.

my mood at the moment...

2005-09-30T11:35:00.000-04:00

And the pain falls like a curtain
On the things I once called certain
And I have to say the words I fear the most
I just don't know

And the questions without answers
Come and paralyze the dancer
So I stand here on the stage afraid to move
Afraid to fall, oh, but fall I must
On this truth that my life has been formed from the dust

God is God and I am not
I can only see a part of the picture He's painting
God is God and I am man
So I'll never understand it all
For only God is God

And the sky begins to thunder
And I'm filled with awe and wonder
'Til the only burning question that remains
Is who am I

Can I form a single mountain
Take the stars in hand and count them
Can I even take a breath without God giving it to me
He is first and last and before all that has been
Beyond all that will pass

Oh, how great are the riches of His wisdom and knowledge
How unsearchable for to Him and through Him and from Him are all things

So let us worship before the throne
Of the one who is worthy of worship alone

"God is God" - Steven Curtis Chapman

now that i have the time

2005-09-22T13:51:00.000-04:00

It's Thursday... thankfully. Maybe this is just me thinking out loud but... I swear, the past few weeks (and I can't decide if this is a blessing or simply a reminder) have flown by... and I don't know if that's something to be joyful over or if it's meant to be an awakening on my part as to how little time I have to live the life that I've been given. I'm thankful that today's Thursday, 'cause Thursday leads to Friday, and Friday leads to the weekend but... I'm surprisingly uphappy with myself, 'cause I'm literally wishing my days away instead of enjoying them to their fullest. This concept is surprisingly depressing (at the moment, at least), but there's such truth to it. There's always something to say about realizations though... it gives you no excuse to avoid what needs to be done, and in this instance it's to live my life the way and in the manner God intended me to. I have such potential that I'm not even acknowledging simply because I'm ready for the day to be done... I'm ready to sleep after an exhausting day... I'm ready for tomorrow so I can do such and such with "what's his name"... I'm ready for Friday so I can "enjoy" my weekend (I mean honestly, why can't I enjoy today?!)... and so on. Wow. I don't think I can say anything else.

This, in itself, pretty much defeats the purpose of my desiring to live for the moment not for the moments to come but regardless... 56 more days... 56 more days!

this is what boredom looks like...

2005-09-21T00:40:00.000-04:00

50 things you may have not known about me:

1. What is your middle name? Nicole

2. What color underwear are you wearing now? white with pink puppies... compliments of Vicky's Secret

3. What are you listening to right now? silence!

4. What are the last 2 digits in your phone number? 29

5. What was the last thing you ate? 100 Calorie Pack Ritz Snack Mix

6. If you were a crayon what color would you be? pink

7. How is the weather right now? warm, warm, warm, warm, warm

8. Who was the last person you talked to on the phone? the boyfriend:)

9. The first thing you notice about the opposite sex? those beautiful eyes

10. Favorite type of Food? Italian... good Lord, Italian!

11. Do you drink? only the weak stuff apparently (strawberry daquiris, amaretto sours, etc.)

12. Do you smoke? yeah, 'cause that's attractive [sarcasm]

13. Ever get so drunk you don’t remember what you did? couldn't possibly drink enough to do that

14. Hair color? blonde

15. Eye color? blue... occassionally grey... or so I've been told

16. Do you wear contacts? nope... can't stand stickin' things near my eyes

17. Favorite Holiday? oooooo, toughy... Thanksgiving or Christmas

18. Favorite Month? May or September... when I love North Carolina most

19. Have you ever cried for no reason? seriously, what girl hasn't?!

20. What is the last movie you watched? The Skeleton Key

21. Favorite Day of the Year? cheesy buuuuuut... January 2nd... David and I's anniversary:)

22. Are you too shy to ask someone out? no need to bother

23. If you can say something to someone right now what would it be? "I love you!"

24. Hugs or Kisses? I'm all about kisses for David... and big hugs for everyone else

25. Chocolate or Vanilla? chocolate and vanilla... together!

26. Do you want your friends to respond? if they're willing

27. Who is most likely to respond? no one

28. Who is least likely to respond? everyone

29. What books are you reading? in the midst of the 5th Harry Potter book... again

30. Piercings? 2 in each ear although I seldom wear earrings in both

31. Favorite Movie? good gracious... that's impossible!

32. Favorite Soccer Team? boooooo soccer

33. What were you doing before this? driving home

34. Any pets? 1 pooch

35. aim? nikbrown06

36. Butter, Plain or Salted popcorn? mmmm, butter...

37. Dogs or cats? does that even count as a question?!

38. Favorite Flower? roses... tulips... lilies...

39. Have you ever been caught doing something you weren’t supposed to? oh, I'm sure

40. Are you taken or single? very taken:)

41. Have you ever loved someone? yep... and still do... like you wouldn't believe!

42. Who would you like to see right now? David (duh!)

43. Are you still friends with your ex’s? that I am

44. Have you ever fired a gun? if that includes while playing Duck Hunt then... yes

45. Do you like to travel by plane? love it

46. Right-handed or Left-handed? right

47. If you could be with someone right now, who would it be? David (duh... again!)

48. How many pillows do you sleep with? 2

49. Are you missing someone? my girls:(

50. Do you have a tattoo? don't have a high threshold for that kind of pain

These are supposedly 25 questions that no one would ever think to ask:

1. When you look at yourself in the mirror, what's the first thing you look at? good question

2. How much cash do you have on you? none

3. What's a word that rhymes with "TEST"? best

4. Favorite planet? Saturn, 'cause it has rings?!

5. Who is the 4th person on your missed call list on your cell phone? Tiffany

6. What is your main ring tone on your phone? speedy way

7. What shirt are you wearing? pink polo shirt

8. Do you "label" yourself? nope

9. Name brand of your shoes currently wearing? Rainbow

10. Bright or Dark Room? it's all about the mood

11. What do you think about the person who took this survey before you? she's one of the best

12. Ever "spilled the beans"? of course

13. What were you doing at midnight last night? sleeping

14. What did your last text message you received on your cell phone say? "Love u back!"

15. Do you ever click on "Pop Ups" or Banners? yeah, 'cause that's a good idea [sarcasm]

16. What's a saying that you say a lot? "oh, shut it!"

17. Who told you they loved you last? the boyfriend:)

18. Last furry thing you touched? my Bud

19. How many hours a week do you work? none unfortunately

20. How many rolls of film do you need to get developed? 1

21. Favorite age you have been so far? 20, 'cause it was awkward... but a good sort of awkward

22. Your worst enemy? myself

23. What is your current desktop picture? a picture of David and myself at Nikki and Tim's rehearsal dinner

24. What was the last thing you said to someone? "I love you!"

25. If you had to choose between a million bucks or to be able to change a major regret, what would you pick? "Forget regrets or life is yours to miss... " - Rent... but I'd go back and change them regardless

5/12/06

2005-09-20T09:11:00.000-04:00

I'm seriously just notorious for forgetting about this ole blog of mine. But such is life, I guess... especially when you're busy... and tired... and simply not around. I thought, though, that it was high time that I said "hello" to it again. So, in a nutshell...

Things are well. School is going... just going. 18 hours is far less demanding than I imagined it would be (praise God!), so I have little... very little... to complain about. But, of course, 5/12/06 can't come soon enough. I'm still contemplating in my head whether I'm really ready for it or not. School - as draining as it can be - is comfortable, and the more I think about finally stepping into that life bombarded by responsiblity and a "real" job I start feeling increasingly less comfortable (which freaks me out!). But, don't get me wrong, I'm excited, 'cause making that step opens up so much for me... so, I'm just anxiously awaiting my cue (but with a bit more anxiety than I'd like).

Other than school... life is good. David's still an absolute blessing. Jonah Project is up and running for the semester. Jennifer Whittle is singing with the band now (yay!) which makes me super excited. The harmonies are ridiculous ('cause we actually have them now), and the blend is perfect really. Thinking about it makes me feel all good inside. My brother is dating again which is huge people... huge! And I'm such a big fan of her. Just the other day we were sitting at lunch talking (and mind you, her and I haven't spent loads of time getting to know one another quite yet), and every few minutes one of us would make a statement or comment and the other would look and say, "Yeah, me too!" It's a good feeling to like someone that's special to someone that you love. I'm just excited for him. My brother's a good fella. Hmmm... and as far as the nutshell goes... I think I'm done.

Just for kicks and giggles, I thought I'd take a poll...

David's family is planning their summer vacation (which I've graciously been invited to accompany them on), so David compiled a list of the "Top 5 Hot Spots" (if you will)...

1. Northern California (San Francisco, Napa Valley, Oakland, etc.)
2. Southern California (San Diego, etc.)
3. Northern Italy (Venice, Verona, etc.)
4. Southern Italy (Rome, Capri, Positano, Pompeii, etc.)
5. St. Thomas

Which would you prefer? I'm just peeing my pants knowing I get the opportunity to go!

such a slacker...

2005-07-14T14:37:00.000-04:00

Gah, I've been such a slacker with this whole blogging mess. But I guess it only makes sense for this to suffer rather than something else in the midst of this busy life I lead. Wow, I don't even know where to begin...

The summer's cruising along nicely (but too quickly for my liking). Besides working with those precious (yet insanely rambunctious) 2 and 3 year olds on a daily basis up at the church, I've been blessed to have already enjoyed two weeks of vacation. Mid-June I went with David's family up to NYC and Boston for about a week. Vacationing with the Lillard's is always an absolute pleasure. We hit up a Red Sox game which I was pretty excited about, 'cause the energy in Fenway (especially after the World Series) is freakin' ridiculous. After the game we headed down to the field just to catch a glimpse of the stadium from a different angle, and low and behold Matt Damon was out on the field playing catch with some little kid all decked out in his baseball get-up. To say the least, I was beyond thrilled 'cause he's just hot like that. For the most part, the trip was nice and well-needed (if I chose to delve anymore than that...well, I'm just not, and for good reason...). Three days after we got back, a small group from JP left for Alabama to do some mission work in Livingston for ARM (Alabama Rural Ministry). There are no words (no words!) to possibly even begin to describe the sheer joy that that trip brought into my life at such a vital time. I fell in love with the staff, my group (all over again), the kids...practically everything and everybody involved in that week made it perfect (for lack of a better word). I miss it like crazy!

Now I'm just trying to get ready for Nikki's wedding (finally!). Preparing myself for the beach. Enjoying my friends (and missing some others). Trying to calm myself down enough to enjoy the thought of my final year in college. Just attempting to live life the best way I know how. Thank God for his guidance, 'cause otherwise my attempt would be pretty pathetic. It's so nice to have a sturdy and reliable hand to hold.

that's how you treat a woman

2005-04-19T17:56:00.000-04:00

"Be very careful if you make a woman cry, because God counts her tears.
The woman came out of a man's rib.
Not from his feet to be walked on.
Not from his head to be superior.
But from the side to be equal.
Under the arm to be protected, and next to the heart to be loved."
- Hebrew Talmud

Amen to that!

today, i am enough

2005-03-15T12:42:00.000-05:00

Today, I am enough.
I am smart enough.
Wise enough.
Clever enough.
Resourceful enough.
Able enough.
Confident enough.
I am connected to enough people to accomplish my heart's desire.
I have enough ideas to pull off magic and miracles.
Enough is all I need.
Enough is what I have.
I have more than enough.

As I do all that I can do, I'm able to do more and more.
I am excited to be alive.
I rejoice and re-choice every day to make my life better.
I am happy, healthy, prosperous, successful, rich, loving, loved, and beloved.
I am comfortable with myself, so I am comfortable with all others.
I confidently greet each day with a smile on my face and love in my heart.
Everyone who meets me is warmed by the radiance of my attitude.
I work on my attitude continuously.
I associate with friendly, caring, nurturing people who are involved in doing important things.
The people with whom I associate want more for me than I want for myself.
The projects with which I am involved wow my soul.
I am passionately on-purpose to do good, be good, and help others to do the same.
I am enough.
I have enough.
I do enough.

renovation

2005-03-14T16:45:00.000-05:00

I'm practicing patience this week. We'll see how it goes...

I'm pretty excited about heading to the beach in two weeks. Since my spring break consisted of a simple day trip to Chapel Hill, homework, and sleep I felt it only appropriate to treat myself to two days of shopping at the beach with my mom. I need a break...and a Ralph Lauren polo. And it's just enough to get my mind off of things (I'm gonna be a senior for the final time in a few months, you know!). I just need two days of warmth and sunshine...two blissful days to be carefree! I'm in the process of convincing myself to be like that all the time; easier said than done. But I'm working on it.

Yesterday was so gorgeous. Days like that need to show up more often.

finally...

2005-03-12T15:31:00.000-05:00

This makes me smile.

I watched Gladiator last night on TNT. Yeah, never again. It's an awful idea to put a movie like that on television, 'cause they practically take half of it out. But man, regardless...that's such a great movie. After the past few days of basketball, it was nice to finally watch something with substance. Yeah, I'm gonna get hit for that one.

"What we do in life echoes in eternity." - Maximus

good song...

2005-03-04T16:55:00.000-05:00

The bridge is all crumbled
The water soaks into rocks
That fell at the bottom of the road
(At the end of the town)
The town that we lived in
The memories shaken apart from the weeds that grow

Over the sidewalks
Running away from the streets we knew
Sidewalks
Like the time we thought was made for you

Out on the front porch
Watching the cars as they go by
Eighteen blue, twenty-one grey
Looking ahead for the first time that we could drive
Out on our own
To speed away

From the sidewalks
Running away from the streets we knew
Sidewalks
Like the time we thought was made for you

All of the days have passed us by
All of the sun is gone away

Sidewalks
Running away from the streets we knew

Sidewalks
Running away from the streets we knew
Sidewalks
Like the time we thought was made for you
(Sidewalks)
The bridges are crumbled
(Sidewalks)
The water soaks into rocks
That fell at the bottom of the road

"Sidewalks" - Story Of The Year

friday's are even better

2005-02-18T17:17:00.000-05:00

Today's been a pretty decent day. My mom and I went to Starbucks before my 9 o'clock class. As much as my mother can drive me crazy, it was nice to spend just 5 minutes with her - just her and I. My professor told me I had a good research question for my proposal due at the end of the semester. I sent out a few emails to some folks that came to JP for the first time last week - yay for new faces! I saw a friend. My English professor enjoyed the word (yes, my professor asked us to create our own word that describes a phenomenon that has yet to be given a term) I made up for class - and she's a hard lady to beat a decent response out of. Shibui's still my favorite though. It's Japanese for "a kind of beauty that only time can reveal." I get to see my baby tonight which is always a pleasure. Never a dull moment! Found out I got an extension - well, "we" as in my entire class - for a rough draft that was due next week. Hallelujah for extensions! I might buy some J. Crew flip-flops tonight. My first pair of flip-flops since this summer. I've gone 7 months without buying a pair. That's fairly monumental, I think. My puppy is fast asleep on my bed (which is just sweet!). That makes me smile. I'm wearing my new Adidas shoes which I thought to be quite a steal seeing as I only paid thirty bucks for 'em. Hopefully the good stuff will continue.

I rode home with my brother today. As always, our discussions haphazardly lead us to the famous Hollywood elite. We both agreed that it's stupid that people simply watch a particular movie because a "Brad Pitt" type happens to be constantly present on the screen. We just happen to enjoy good quality movies for what they're worth. More times than not (and quite fortunately), those good quality movies are accompanied by a nice looking actor or two. And you have to understand, I don't have your typical feminine taste in male actors. I think Topher Grace is hot, and that's unusual for most girls to wrap their heads around. I like Joshua Jackson - yes, because he's good looking, but also because he's ridiculously talented. Yes, Brad Pitt is beautiful, but he's almost too beautiful. But I'll stick with the uniquely attractive.

soft drinks are good

2005-02-12T14:37:00.000-05:00

I took my first shot last night. And considering half the shot ended up in places other than my mouth, I also took my last shot last night. My body's not made for alcohol. I'm not made for alcohol. I have no taste for it. But for the sake of my lovliest of friends who exceeded any sort of excitement I've ever seen by my mere touching of an alcoholic beverage, I'm glad I could entertain you! Next time, just give me a Dr. Pepper.

There are no words to express how happy I was to spend time with my friends last night. No words.

summer escapades

2005-02-09T08:24:00.000-05:00

The summer itinerary that's keeping me motivated...

June 15 - leavin' for NYC, Boston (hittin' up a Red Sox game!), and Cape Cod with David's family and my big brotha.
June 26 - headin' to Alabama for a load of the greatest mission work ever!
July 8 - a glorious weekend in DC with the ladies for Nikki's bachelorette party. WATCH OUT NOW!!
July 30 - fulfilling my duties as maid of honor in Nikki and Tim's wedding.
July 30 (again!) - the beach with my family and David.

Pretty nice motivators.

super bowl sunday

2005-02-06T17:29:00.000-05:00

Go Eagles!

it's been a while...

2005-02-05T15:58:00.000-05:00

Finally saw Finding Neverland last night. Movies like that should be praised by critics and awards should just be tossed at them for being so ridiculously good! Johnny Depp is purely incredible. He has this astounding way of making every role his own. He truly makes acting an art. He's so versatile and creative...he's just so freakin' talented. David remarked last night while we were in the car that it's movies like that that make him want to make his own. Seriously...

I've been missing Italy a ton lately. It's so soaked in history and tradition you can't help but want to take everything in. I immediately felt more intelligent after I left, because I was simply surrounded by a culture unknown to me that thrives in preserving its history. And is that not remarkable. It was the first thing I was exposed to - besides Italian gas stations - that made me take Italy for what it is - breath-taking! We got to climb the steps of the el Duomo and gaze across the entire city of Milan. It was hot and busy and exciting. It was my first day in Italy, and I already had such a love for it. Then there's Venice. Venice. There are no words for the sheer beauty of that place. And it's romantic beyond anything I've ever experienced. Being in that city alone gives you such a longing for its atmosphere. Just hearing the name provides you with the same feeling. I miss the gondola rides, the gelato (wow!), the excitement, the shopping, the food (accompanied with an even bigger wow!), the atmosphere, the beauty, the way I felt while I was there. It was a dream come true to be given such an experience...now all I do is dream of it.

reminiscing...

2005-01-31T14:00:00.000-05:00

Do you ever have that feeling that there's so much that needs to be done but you just don't seem to be completely aware of what exactly it all is?

It's the story of my life.

My boredom took me to a new level the other day - the "reminiscing-after-flipping-through-the-senior-scrapbook" level. It's funny 'cause after you graduate you swear on your life that high school will remain a distant memory - one you choose to forget - but it always seems to creep back in and bite you in the butt. It never goes away. And it's weird the people that you miss and, at the same time, not so much. I spent 13 years of my life in public school with the same people and half of them I haven't even caught a glimpse of since graduation. Some people I don't care to see. Others I wish I saw everyday. I find myself looking back on it more often than I ever would have admitted before.

The thought of high school just seems bittersweet.

politics in the classroom

2005-01-28T14:15:00.000-05:00

Boat shoes are such an unflattering term for such a cute foot ensemble!

I can't even begin to express how much I revel in the delight of attending a liberal arts university. We were discussing in my English class this afternoon the concept of the convention of coherence. My teacher introduced the prior elections as an example: Did people vote for George in regards to morality issues or was it simply out of fear (the latter really cracks me up!)? A guy in my class raised his hand and proceeded to comment, "Well, it's funny that you should mention our president and coherence in the same sentence..." Now, ordinarily comments like that would set me off - 'cause being president is such a thankless job and nobody gives credit where credit is due - but in this circumstance, I've come to laugh at those who are disappointed in the ways of this past election. I've come to the conclusion that liberal's excuses are infantile at the most. Jump off the protest bandwagon and get over it! But what I laughed most about while sitting in class was the girl sitting two seats over from this fellow. No sooner had he made his remark then she proceeded to say, "Oh, shut up!" No rebuttal. No nothing from this guy. It was classic.

the other song in my head...

2005-01-27T11:38:00.000-05:00

When I wake in the morning
I want to blow into pieces
I want more than just ok, more than just ok
When I'm up with the sunrise
I want more than just blue skies
I want more than just ok, more than just ok

I'm not givin' up, givin' up, not givin' up now
I'm not givin' up, givin' up, not backin' down

More than fine, more than bent on gettin' by
More than fine, more than just ok

When I'm wet with the sunshine
I want more than just a good time
I want more than just ok, more than just ok

I'm not givin' up, givin' up, not givin' up now
I'm not givin' up, givin' up, not sellin' out

More than fine, more than bent on gettin' by
More than fine, more than just okay
More than fine, more than bent on gettin' by
More than fine, more than just ok

More than oceans away from the dawn
More than oceans away from the dawn
More than oceans away from who we are
More than oceans, more than oceans, yeah

More than fine, more than bent on gettin' by
More than fine, more than just ok
More than fine, more than bent on gettin' by
More than fine, more than just ok

"More Than Fine" - Switchfoot

my body feels weird

2005-01-25T17:40:00.000-05:00

Screw Sudafed and all the strange effects it has on my body!

My brother gave me this really cute card for my birthday with these two little kids sitting at the edge of a pool "butt" naked (you only see their little hiney's from behind!) - one with a bucket on his head and the other in a white sailor's cap. In all his humor, the picture was supposed to represent him and I when we were little ones. And yes, there were many a time throughout our childhood that that picture was a perfect depiction of the madness we used to cause. I cut it out today and put it on my desk, 'cause it seriously just makes me laugh every time I look at it.

Bible study was such a pleasure last night. We started our new book on contentment which has already proven to be remarkably perfect for all of us - amen to that! And - YAY! - we had twelve last night. I'm just super excited that I get to end the busiest day of my week with those ladies talking about the love of our lives.

"But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express." - Romans 8:25-26

'cause jokes are always fun...

2005-01-24T08:26:00.000-05:00

There's this guy who had been lost and walking in the desert for about two weeks.

One hot day, he sees the home of a missionary. Tired and weak, he crawls up to the house and collapses on the doorstep. The missionary finds him and nurses him back to health.

Feeling better, the man asks the missionary for directions to the nearest town.

On his way out the backdoor, he sees this horse. He goes back into the house and asks the missionary, "Could I borrow your horse and give it back when I reach the town?" The missionary says, "Sure but there is a special thing about this horse. You have to say 'Thank God' to make it go and 'Amen' to make it stop."

Not paying much attention, the man says, "Sure, ok."

So he gets on the horse and says, "Thank God" and the horse starts walking. Then he says, "Thank God, thank God" and the horse starts trotting. Feeling really brave, the man says, "Thank God, thank God, thank God, thank God, thank God" and the horse just takes off.

Pretty soon he sees this cliff coming up and he's doing everything he can to make the horse stop. "Whoa, stop, hold on!"

Finally he remembers, "Amen!" The horse stops four inches from the cliff.

Then the man leans back in the saddle and says, "Thank God."

are you ready for some football

2005-01-23T16:59:00.000-05:00

In the midst of watching the NFC championship. Pullin' hard for the Eagles, pullin' hard!

I don't like Michael Vick. He's overrated. He rushes the ball too much. Doesn't pass enough. Granted he's quick on his feet - real quick on his feet - but as a QB...well, he's just overrated, and I hope he loses. And Jim Mora, Atlanta's head coach - there are just no words for that man. None. "FACEMASK! FACEMASK!"

*Grin. Their defense is hurtin' him.*

As for the AFC: not a big fan of Tom Brady. Because of that whole Super Bowl fiasco last year, it only seems appropriate that I bear some hatred for him. So, my loyalties lie with the Steelers and Ben Roethlisberger - the undefeated rookie quarterback who is only a mere 22 months older than myself. He's pretty incredible.

This whole thing would be much better with Jake and the Panthers!

a lazy saturday afternoon

2005-01-22T14:11:00.000-05:00

I can't bring myself to do anything productive today - nothing at all. So, Newlyweds and Target Tahitian Vanilla scented candles are my getaway for the afternoon...

So, I've decided - well, fantasized - that Positano may quite possibly be one of the most beautiful places in the world to have a wedding ceremony. There's just something about Italy that entices romance...and it's just simply breath-taking.

HOLY CRAP - IT'S MY MOTHER'S 50TH BIRTHDAY!!

"If I never see your face
If wings take you away from me
And tomorrow never happens, baby
If the world comes tumblin' down
And crumbles all around us
Fate turns cruel
You're on your knees
So desperate for one truth
Know that I have loved you." - Jessica Simpson

...because I've been watching Newlyweds all afternoon!

four more years!

2005-01-20T22:30:00.000-05:00

"We go forward with complete confidence in the eventual triumph of freedom. Not because history runs on the wheels of inevitability; it is human choices that move events. Not because we consider ourselves a chosen nation; God moves and chooses as He wills. We have confidence because freedom is the permanent hope of mankind, the hunger in dark places, the longing of the soul." - George W. Bush

Proud of my president today.
Proud of what he stands for.
Proud to be a citizen of the most remarkable country in the world.
Proud to be free.
Proud to have faith in a Savior that offers grace to the humble.
Proud to have peace of mind.
Proud to have hope.

"My hope is in you. Show me your ways. Guide me in truth in all my days. My hope is in you." - Third Day

it's nice to finally see some white around here

2005-01-19T13:40:00.000-05:00

Hallelujah - it's about time this stuff started falling from the sky!

Wednesday's are good days. They always are...
- I don't have class on Thursday's, so my bedtime's at my discretion.
- THE WEEKEND'S APPROACHING!!
- I get to watch new episodes of 'Lost' with David. It's addicting!
- I can save my homework for Thursday and not feel bad about it which...
- ...opens up time for me to do as I please.
- There's pleasure in knowing that I only have one more day of classes for the week.
- I get to work out which is healthy - and healthy's always good.
- FOR THIS PARTICULAR WEDNESDAY: snow and children's choir at church.
- And lastly, Wednesday leads into Thursday...which is another good day!

I think this may be the sweetest thing I've ever seen. David and I played with one right before Christmas which was a HUGE treat for me, 'cause I'm absolutely in love with them! Talk about the most captivating blue eyes you've ever seen. And so adorable. And he howled - cocked his head back and howled. I was pretty keen on not giving him back and just running out of the store with him under arm, but David suggested that wasn't such a good idea. Oh, I want a big dog. It's strange, and I never thought I'd say it. But I want a big dog!

couldn't resist the urge

2005-01-18T17:10:00.000-05:00

"I couldn't resist the urge to be close to something that amazing." - Charlie, Dawson's Creek

Cheesy - definitely. Dawson's Creek thrives on those types of one-liners. Sweet - of course. Amazing's a nice word to be associated with. Okay, so I watched Dawson's Creek today...sad, but true. I'm not very fond of the college episodes, so I'm still not quite sure why I watched it. Joshua Jackson, maybe. Definitely seems more appropriate. I'm a sucker for the charming and the good-looking. And my is he charming and good-looking.

Girls fun night was a blast! Eight women of God in one room is pure joy.

And since I know she'll eventually grace my blog with her presence - Catherine Bethea, hopefully my blogging escapades will continue to remain "cute" to you. I'd hate to disappoint, so, for your sake, I'll keep them entertaining:)

I've taken quite a liking to design shows lately for reasons that most girls would agree: Ty Pennington and Andrew Dan-Jumbo. But apart from that, I find incredible interest in the intricacies of design. Shoot, I'd mess up my room any day just to let someone have at it and make it into something that would be beyond anything that would ever seep out of my decorating genes.

And on that note, there's a sweet chocolate lab outside my window wearing a little winter coat.

overwhelming...

2005-01-17T17:21:00.000-05:00

Nate Berkus. Wow. If he wasn't remarkable before...

I've found that, without fail, it's unavoidable for me NOT to cry while watching Oprah. I can't seem to escape the tears when it comes to her show.

Last night was a blessing! Jack Morris, the associate pastor at Friendly Avenue Baptist, spoke to us on how to overcome the obstacles we face on a daily basis. His words were simple and understandably straight-forward: to jump into the word and to set our focus on Jesus Christ. He was so entertaining and got such an overwhelming response from everybody. David was so excited by the end of the service, because so many people were eager to have Jack back to speak again later on in the semester.

"God brought you here. Now let him use you here." That statement laid on my heart so heavily last night. I kept repeating it in my head. We've been given life and breath by our maker, and all he asks of us is our service - to simply use the passions he's given us to further his kingdom. I pray that I make myself available to him.

I'm excited. GIRLS FUN NIGHT TONIGHT AT BIBLE STUDY!!

it'd be nice if I had the money

2005-01-16T15:07:00.000-05:00

I went to CompUSA a couple of months ago with David so he could pick up a few things for his computer. Since none of that computer mess makes any sense to me, I wandered off by myself. And that's when I fell in love with the wonder that is known as the iPod. It'd be nice if I had the money. It'd be nice even if I didn't have the money...which just so happens to be the case at this moment. While David did all of his computer business - he's just so cute when he gets overly excited about smart people stuff:) - I had the best time playing around with that thing. I bonded with it for a good solid 20 minutes. I'm sure I looked silly, 'cause I know I had to have had the goofiest grin on my face...but seriously, it was too much fun! Imagine my excitement when I found out about the iPod shuffle - which, for me, is miraculously within my price range (which simply means it's miraculously within my price range but still out of reach). I have a hard time justifying what I buy, because I feel like when I splurge I'm gonna regret it later and that's just too much for me to have to concern myself with. But then sometimes I'm just like "oh screw it"...let me have my fun and be reckless with my money while I still can. That mentality hardly ever wins though.

The first Jonah Project of the semester is tonight. I'm stoked, because I know the Lord's hand is working steadily in this ministry and some awesome things are gonna come to the forefront this semester. I just pray that we be willing and ready servants unto him.

"For no one else in history is like You, and history itself belongs to You."

the song in my head...

2005-01-15T15:17:00.000-05:00

You are every part of me
And with every breath I take
Your love will light my way
And for every day I live
The promise that I made
Is I will never let you go, babe

I swear I never knew love like this before
And for everything you are
I gotta make you know
For your love

And I'd give anything for your love
'Cause baby I'd never make it alone
And forever I'll stand by your side
I just gotta make you see, yeah
I only live for your love

When I was running out of faith
You still believed in me
And never let me fall
And the times I lost my way
You're the one who held me up
And brought me through it all

I swear I never saw it like this before
'Cause baby with your love you gave me
The reason to go on
For your love

And I'd give anything for your love
'Cause baby I'd never make it alone
And forever I'll stand by your side
I just gotta make you see, yeah
I only live for your love

And everything I am and all that I could be
Would mean nothing now if you're not with me
Shinin' your light on me when night is closin' in
When I was weak you were the one who made me strong
You gave me faith to carry on

And I'd give anything for your love
'Cause baby I'd never make it alone
And forever I'll stand by your side
I just gotta make you see, yeah
I only live for your love

"For Your Love" - Jessica Simpson

hallelujah, it's the weekend

2005-01-14T13:31:00.000-05:00

So, I used to laugh at the fact that people obsessed themselves with facebook.com. Well, leave it to me to ultimately laugh out loud at myself! I'm hooked - ridiculously, as always. I've bit my tongue and now join in the ranks with the other true facebook fans. It's silly, but I guess that's what's so great about it. I'm constantly attracted to the silly and childish...but, as always, I have no complaints about that!

I'm excited it's the weekend...
Having conquered my first week of class for this fine spring semester, I feel it only fitting that I be rewarded with - well, blessed with - a four day weekend (hallelujah for no Tuesday/Thursday classes!). I'm pretty pleased with the semester thus far. No casualties yet. I'm seriously just super stoked about finally - FINALLY - jumping into the classes for my major. In my Research Methods class, Dr. Supple - my 30-something year old teacher who doesn't look a lick over 26 or 27 - made the comment that being an HDFS major definitely doesn't reel in the big bucks...and I'm actually pretty happy about that. I love my major, I love what I'm learning, and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I'm going to adore my job. And to me, that's the biggest thrill - being content with the job without the allure of the money. Sometimes I feel as though the money blurs the pleasure of the adventure...but, don't get me wrong, the money is an added bonus for doing something you love. Wow, I'm becoming pretty fond of this feeling of complete contentment...

Well, I'm Lake Norman bound to embark on a weekend of birthday festivities for three of the most glorious woman I've been blessed to be kin to - BIG BIRTHDAY WISHES TO THAT BEAUTIFUL WOMAN THAT BIRTHED ME AND TO THE TWO FANTASTIC WOMEN THAT HAVE SPOILED ME UNMERCILOUSLY FOR THE PAST 21 YEARS!!

and the blogging begins...

2005-01-13T20:51:00.000-05:00

Thus, I have stumbled upon something new, and I just don't know what to do with myself...