chirp, chirp.

I was at my parent's house last night. I woke up this morning to the birds chirping - not unusual to hear, especially in the spring. But I thought while lying in bed - wow those sound like their right outside the window. A few hours later, after coffee and a shower, I opened the blinds. I noticed a bird hopped up on the windowsill and the way it quickly scurried along caught the corner of my eye. I went over to inspect, and there was a bird's nest built in the windowsill. The Momma Bird flew back and forth with food in her beak, scurried over and dropped it into the nest where my Mom and I counted 5 baby bird beaks. Back and forth she went, occasionally freezing if she sensed us. The nest was built on a tilt so we didn't have an aerial view of the babies but a side view. We stopped watching, I put my make-up on when I noticed, one of the babies was out on the windowsill! I didn't know how he'd gotten out or what he was doing. He paused, teetered a bit, paused and then he was gone! He fluttered into the bushes. I called mom back in to watch, it was truly incredible! The mom came back a few times and another bird, maybe the dad - I'm not sure. A little bit later and two little birds were left, but they were stuck. The windowsill was pushed out so the nest had been built but the birds had to carefully fit into the crack to get in and out and the babies just couldn't quite figure it out. They knew their siblings had gone but they kept going towards the side where there was no crack for them to slip out of....oh the stress! We felt so helpless, watching them struggle, wanting the mom to come back and help them, but what could she even do? It was crazy! (I was able to sanp a few photos).

My dad came home, we showed him what was going on and asked him to help. He suited up and went through the bushes to somehow adjust the screen and let the birds be free! Well as he appeared to help them, one of the birds got through the opening and hopped up on the windowsill! She flew away into the bush! But there was still one bird left...he had to have been tired. At one point it looked like they were both sitting down to rest lodged there between the window and the screen. Dad moved the screen just a little bit - we didn't want to squish the little guy and he was able to get underneath. Once he figured out where to go he moved along. He got to the windowsill and paused like he was contemplating what he had to do and what it would take, we cheered him on "you can do it!" and in the blink of an eye he was gone! All that was left was an empty nest. I felt sad for a moment, like it happened too fast - much like life sometimes. Yet it was one of the neatest experiences I can remember to see nature and creation come together so perfectly.

There was a bird's nest in Clemmons we kept an eye on for a while, but something got the eggs so we didn't get to see all of the beauty unfold. That experience made this experience even more exciting. I only wish we had noticed the baby birds sooner! But, how awesome to get to see them fly, for the very first time! My mom of course remarked on the empty nest and the momma bird, much like many of our parents are experiencing. It also seems to fit with the Hallmark commercial Mom showed me last weekend - now it's a tear jerker so get ready. I couldn't help but think of so many things watching the events unfold - God's amazing creation, animals and humans ways of caring for their nests and babies, the fear and unknown that lies out in the great wide open, the thrill of flying and the sadness at leaving or losing loved ones. I know to many it would just be a bird's nest but it was truly a wonder. I'm so thankful for that little glimpse of many things I got to see this morning.

God knows

Today I caught myself thinking a bit too highly of myself. You know, one of those moments when you're feeling entitled to a certain treatment or response from others. About a minute after feeling that way I had this understanding of "you're being prideful." It's like the Holy Spirit said it to my spirit. I was driving and admitted it to myself out loud asking for forgiveness from our loving Father. I thought, I didn't have any quiet time this morning, let me check the Bible verse of the day. I pulled up my handy dandy Bible app and sure enough: "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility come wisdom." - Proverbs 11:2. If that wasn't a reminder of what I had just realized I don't know what is. God knows what we need huh? A little dose of humility and some time with Him.

28

I turned 28 a few weeks ago. It feels a little different. I guess it's considered "late twenties" and that sounds...older. My mom was 28 when she had me. It's weird to think about that. I have friends having babies. That's crazy too. I still feel...young! I feel like a kid myself. I guess I just don't want to grow up. I know I am a grown up, but I relish youthfulness, whims, freedom in ways. I've always heard age is a state of mind. I was talking with a friend who said her older patients don't feel old, they just know they're old because they hurt in the mornings! So maybe the feeling of "not feeling old enough to (fill in the blank with whatever task)" doesn't really go away.

There are moments when I just want to freeze time. I don't want to see my parents get older or deal with the things that age can bring. However, I know we can't change time, or slow it down. So I just remember that each day is a new day and even if I stress out about aging or when to have kids, or what life will be like in a year with jobs, or 5 years, or 20 years, I can't really control it. Life happens and thankfully God is faithful. He doesn't leave us because we are growing up. He desires for us to grow in Him. My husband doesn't have concerns about "getting old" (no surprise there). He says he's even excited about it. I think his main reason to be excited about aging is that the bible equates age with wisdom. If we see what God is teaching us now, in our twenties, we will be able to impart wisdom as we age on. That helps put it into perspective. Life moves forward and we can't stop that. But we can seek to grow in wisdom, hope and love. We can also seek to make a difference in whatever stage of life we are in (student, boss, parent, etc.). I hope that I will be able to age gracefully in the truth that God is with me each step of the way and He wants to prosper me, not harm me - He has a plan and wants to use me! It's so much easier said than lived. Help me Lord.

January

Whew, anyone else struggling to get motivated this month, and realizing the month is close to being over?!?! How do people ever set and complete resolutions they begin in January...I feel like the whole month has consisted of me trying to catch up. Bills, calendars, plans, two steps forward one step back. I have had several thoughts I've wanted to blog but haven't sat down to write them. But at least I got this one out, and off my chest. Whew!

Day 29 - impromptu party!

Tonight we had small group. Sometimes in our email about small group we will encourage people to bring a treat...sometimes they do, sometimes they don't! Well tonight we had quite a yummy spread! It turned out to be an impromptu Christmas party. We enjoyed grazing the table for homemade pretzels, sweets, popcorn and a veggie tray. Food and fellowship often go hand in hand (even in the Bible!) and I am thankful for both of these things!

Day 28 - Christmas Decorations!!

Today I am thankful for Christmas decorations! It is so fun to warm up a room with Christmas lights, candles, figures, etc. I've been decorating for our Christmas party coming up on Saturday and have enjoyed getting out my decorations - unpacking it is even fun! Sometimes it's the little things. :)

Day 27

I am thankful for good conversations with good friends. Sometimes it seems so hard to catch up with everyone because life is busy and we all live in different places. But when it works to talk on the phone or have a face to face conversation with a dear friend it is such a gift! Thankful for many friends from many stages of life!

Day 23 of thankfulness

I'm thankful for games. I haven't been known to be a big "game" playing person. But some games I really like (catchphrase...etc.). We also played a fun game tonight, "fishbowl" similar to "celebrity." It was really fun to act things out, pull together and guess random stuff to get the answers right! I see how they can break down barriers and get a group bonding through laughter. Games are fun and I'm thankful for them!

Day 21 of thankfulness

Our shop was busy today and it was fun to wish people a Happy Thanksgiving! It reminds me to be thankful thankful for community. Though I didn't know all of our customers, I enjoy the hospitality industry and am glad to live in a place where people are generally friendly and neighborly even. Though our world has gotten more closed off in ways (cell phones connect us but also seem to disconnect us), face to face interaction with people in my own town is good. I encourage you to take part in Small Business Saturday coming up on the 24th, get to know the locals who run restaurants and shops where you live. They invest into the community and I'm sure would love to have a new friend as well. Let's continue to make our community what the word truly stands for - a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goal.

Day 20 - today

Again, finding it hard to be thankful right now in this very moment. Maybe it's because by the end of the day, I find myself somewhat weary. In the morning, I can be thankful for the sunshine, for rest, for a new day. But now that the day is done - I must praise Him. He gave me today. I toiled, and ran errands and enjoyed conversation with friends, and tough conversation with another. But I have lived today - I can be thankful for that. Yet in the heat of "what am I thankful for" sometimes sarcasm just creeps in more easily than thankfulness. I will fight that off and be thankful for today. I was alive. I was able to drive to work and see my friends and kiss my husband. Tonight, I'm choosing to be thankful for today.

Day 19

Today I'm thankful for the simple act of being able to get my nails painted. I got a manicure today and it is such a nice treat. I love picking out the perfect color and admiring the look for the coming weeks! Yay girly things!

Day 13 - jobs

Sadly sometimes it's hard to find things to be thankful for...it seems that there is always something "wrong," or a worry to be had. Today was one of those days. But even in my frustration with work, I can be thankful I have a job. I have an income. I have people to care about and serve, and a way to impact others. I am going to try and prayerfully do my jobs the best I can, even when it's frustrating. And even in the midst of feeling like it should be Friday, I will choose to be thankful today.

Day 12 - time away!

Really thankful for time away with my hubby from the "normal" routine. I've always heard it's important for couples to get away, and spend time together. I can definitely see the benefits. It's in these breaks that we get to just relax and be free with each other. That could be sitting quietly and just reading, or taking a walk and dreaming. I am thankful we had the opportunity to get away this weekend for our friend's wedding and add an extra night to celebrate our anniversary!

day 8 and 9!

Just saw that this never went through - sad day!



For my day 8: I'm choosing to be grateful for a vehicle. I took my car to get the oil changed and there's a small issue we will have to fix. I am still driving the jeep I started driving when I was 16. There are times where this has caused me frustration, possibly even some embarrassment, but I also realize it is a blessing to have a way to get around! I am thankful that God has provided this for me and that it is still running with over 260,000 miles on it!




Day 9: I am thankful for road trips. I like the open road, sun shining and music playing. Another simple joy. Car rides give time for reflection and quiet or conversations with friends or phone calls. Didn't realize until right now that these two posts are both related to cars in some way. However, that's a part of practicing thankfulness in everyday things.

Thankful Day 5

Today I am thankful for autumn. It was a lovely fall day with leaves of color, blue sky and a cool breeze. Beauty all around - sometimes the simple things are all we need to have a moment of thanksgiving.

Thankful for: rest.

Day 4 of thankfulness:
Today I am thankful for rest. Matt and I had about 24 hours to relax, spend time with loved ones and rest - watch TV, nap, etc... We enjoyed worship and church festivities but last night and this afternoon we were able to just chill. It seems like these afternoons are rare. There is always something to be done, somewhere to go. When we can keep the Sabbath and take a day of rest, we are reminded of how important it is, and how restoring it is as well. Thankful.

Gratefulness, Day 3

november 3, 2012:

tonight i'm thankful for my sweet dog. she's fifteen, and everyday she's around we are grateful. it's true, there's nothing like a having dog, a friend.

Ashby and me a few years back at the beach. Love.
My mom's super tan leg behind us.

November. A month of gratitude.

I figured I would try to do the thankful each day post on here instead of facebook. That way I can write as much or as little as I want, and it will keep me blogging.

So today, November 1st, 2012:

I woke up and realized the sun was shining. It has been a few long days since we've had sunshine. This week has been tough with "sandy" affecting my sister in NYC and friends and family in northern VA. It has also been tough for other friends and situations personally. As I reflect at the end of a long day....I realize that this morning I was thankful for the sunshine, and tonight I will be thankful for that too. It is the reminder that each day is new and I am so glad.

My sister posted this photo taken from Hewitt's office. A rainbow after the storm. A reminder of God's promises to His people.

Resting in that, and in the sunshine tonight.

Liebster Award!

Jenny from Williams Way nominated me for this super cool award. I haven't blogged in ages - so I feel bad that she has been following me, it has probably been terribly disappointing...haha! But this gave me a good reason to get back on it. Here are my 11 random facts followed by answers to the 11 questions she asked me.


Oh! and here's how Jenny explains the award: "The Liebster Blog Award is given to bloggers by bloggers. It’s a way to acknowledge each other and say “you’re doing a great job”. It is for blogs with 200 or less followers, so it’s also a nice way to spread the word about smaller blogs and get them more readers and followers!


When you receive the award, you post 11 random facts about yourself and answer 11 questions from the person(s) who nominated you. You pass the Award onto 11 other blogs (make sure you tell them you nominated them!) and ask them 11 questions. You’re not allowed to nominate the blog(s) who nominated you! (To get the button, right click the picture on my page and save the picture to your computer. You can then upload to your blog.)" Thanks Jenny!

Here are my nominees:
Life and The Times (my sister)
Los Dos Daubertos
Sarah Gabriel
Vibrant Grace



I follow some other bloggers but these are my buddies, so - if you're in, here are the questions I have for ya!

1. What makes you happy?

2. Is there anything that challenges you daily?

3. Where would you like to travel?

4. What's your favorite weekend routine?

5. Reading any good books?

6. If you could do a day over, what day would it be?

7. What is one of your favorite places? Could be a vacation spot, or a local coffee shop...

8. Do you like facebook? (haha)

9. Current music kick?

10. Describe your dream job.

11. What do you value in friendships?


And now...here are my 11 random facts followed by answers to the 11 questions she asked me.

1. I haven't blogged in a long time because we opened a frozen yogurt bar this spring. This has kept me very busy and my brain somewhat sidetracked. I've missed putting my random thoughts out for the world however, so maybe I can pick it back up now!


2. Matt and I went to Cambodia this summer to visit my brother Logan. He was serving with International Justice Mission. It was a wonderful trip - and material for a separate blog post!


3. My sister got married in May. She looked stunning. Also material for another blog post.


4. I think instead of having a sweet tooth, I must have sweet teeth. Seriously, why are desserts and sweet treats so good?! Ah....


5. I took my first "pilates barre" class last week. The teacher complimented my form. I felt pretty awesome. (haha)


6. My family dog is 15. She's the sweetest. It's hard to see her age. Every day we have her is a good day. But it is sad to think too much on it.


7. I miss the ocean. I've seen it three times this summer, which is a pretty good number, but it doesn't feel like enough!


8. Live music makes my heart happy. Something about the performance and seeing all the elements actually happening in front of me. Oh I do love it. It draws me in. Must go to a concert soon!


9. I'm enjoying working in the hospitality/food industry. Generally customers are happy in our yogurt shop. This makes the job fun. When customers are not happy it is hard but a good learning experience.


10. I wish I was good at decorating. It is not something that I feel naturally gifted at doing. However I'm growing more confident as we move around and settle in new spaces. I am also developing a taste for certain items, putting things together, etc. It is fun!


11. Some of my happiest times are when my family is all together. It doesn't happen a lot but I love when it does!



Now here are my answers to Jenny's questions!


1. If you knew you would not fail, what is the first thing you would do?

This is a hard one! I feel like maybe something sporty? I always wanted to be a lifeguard but never took the training course - seems like a silly answer but I'll go with that. I'd be a lifeguard. And work at the beach - that seems even scarier! haha

2. (Borrowed this question from Sarah) Describe yourself as a paint color. Give a name and tell why it fits you.

"Bask in the Sun" - a nice shade of soft yellow. Warmth. I like that shade of paint first of all, and I love the sun. And yellow.

3. What were you most scared of when you were a child?

Bad guys of any sort. Kidnapped, fires, murders. Eek!

4. What is your favorite quote right now?

A friend's mom recently passed away...their family always loved Jimmy Buffett. This week I've remembered the quote I associated with their family: "wrinkles only go where smiles have been."

5. If your mom called you right now and said she's cooking dinner and wants you to plan the menu what would you choose?

Dirt Cake for dessert. Maybe this crispy chicken dish she made when I was growing up, we were talking about how we haven't had that in forever. Yes, that would be a fun dish to have again.
6. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

By the sea.

7. Describe your favorite hobby. . . why is it your favorite?

Zumba has become pretty a highlight of my week! Love it - I've never had so much fun working out.

8. (Borrowed from Sarah, she had fun questions) What elements are must-haves in your dream home?

Windows are also something I'm realizing I appreciate more and more. It's funny how you all the sudden become a "grown up" and care about features of a house. Windows, a great master bedroom and bath.


9. This dinner that your mom is fixing...who would you invite?

My family, duh! And of course Matt would be by my side. (free food? he's there! ;)


10. If you had a day off with absolutely no obligations or limits, how would you spend it?

Sleep in, stay in my pj's for a while, and go be in the sunshine, either by a body of water, or just in the park. Clean up and have a nice dinner date - this girl always loves a reason to dress up a bit!

11. Who do you look up to the most, and why?

I look up to my parents the most. I look up to each of them for different reasons. My dad because of the Godly, genuine man he is. My mom for the ways she raised us, continues to care about us and adapts as a pastor's wife, I think as I grow up I realize the sacrifices they both made for us a kid's. I look up to them both very much and am thankful for their example of marriage.

Reflection on 2011

A new year, a new you. Just one of the many slogans about new years resolutions. I wanted to take some time and reflect on different points in 2011. Here are a few highlights of things learned, trips taken:


-I picked up a lot of worry in 2011. More particularly, the same worry kept creeping in. I also realized the power of consistent communion with God. Because at times, this worry felt so heavy, so intense it was tiring, and definitely frustrating. I learned the beauty of laying everything down at God's feet. I learned that it takes continually praying, and waiting. It takes determination to decide not to worry about something, though you can easily slip back into those patterns. I saw God answer prayers, give peace, tell me to wait on Him, and never tire of me...for that I am grateful.


-We got to go to Disneyworld! Oh my goodness, SO fun!

-We found a church! Hooray. We haven't joined Christ Community Church yet, but we definitely both feel at home there. This is a praise! We are on the prayer team, taking the LEAD class, and host a life group.


-SummerShine had a great season and I enjoyed my travels to the campgrounds (CA,CT,NC,SC,VA,MI...) including NY City, with Regis and Kelly!

-Matt and I have realized the power of praying together. Last January is when I started worrying more and also when Matt began to dream about opening a YMCA here. Through both of these experiences we realized that there is power and beauty in praying together. Though we often would say a "goodnight prayer" before we went to sleep, to really get on our knees and pour our hearts out to the Lord, with each other, has been so encouraging. It has deepened our relationship with each other and our relationship with God. For this I am also grateful.


-We took at trip to DC to visit Logan! Good food, lots of history and quality time with dear ones.

-My sister got engaged to a wonderful guy! So excited to have a soon to be married sibling!


-Matt returned to seminary (now at Gordon-Conwell) and is enjoying it so much! Yay!


-Took our anniversary trip back to Tybee! Enjoyed dinner with sweet friends and a beautiful weekend together.

-We learned to wait. Wait and be patient and trust and wait. On the YMCA, our church's fundraising campaign, a possible business venture here in Southern Pines...wait.


-I logged out of facebook on my phone. This might seem odd, but I found myself looking at it whenever I had down time. I didn't like that instead of just being still, I was browsing random people's statuses. It has been a great decision.


These are just a few things we experienced in 2011. I pray that 2012 will continue to be a time of growth and God's blessing!