gather together

new blog. new business.

2010-06-06T21:57:00.003-04:00

It's been a very long time since I have posted. I actually won't be posting on Gather Together anymore. I very recently started a photography business. Sara Davis Photography. I would be so thriled if you would follow my brand new Sara Davis Photography blog. I am very thankful for the way God is already blessing me through this new and exciting adventure. :)

As a side note, check out this picture I took of my little friend, Carsyn, today. Those cheeks are the cutest I've seen.

i celebrate your life, carl...

2009-09-14T21:23:00.008-04:00

happy birthday, carl...

3I thank my God every time I remember you. 4In all my prayers for you, I always pray with joy...6being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.~Philippians 1

I remember so many times over the past 29 years that you have brought joy to my life (and to the lives of your family and friends). You are a thoughtful brother, son, husband, and friend. You make us laugh, and you make us know we are loved. For all of these things, I am so thankful. I celebrate you today, Carl, and I love you.

*Unfortunately, all of mine and Carl's baby pics together are in Greenville, but maybe I will post one later. :)

it's your birthday, becky bam...

2009-09-14T08:57:00.005-04:00

happy birthday, sister...

14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.~Ephesians 6

Thank you for the truth and peace you bring to my life. For 27 years, my life would not have been nearly as fun and meaningful without you by my side. It's your birthday, Becky Bam, and I love you.

i miss summer...

2009-08-30T22:50:00.009-04:00

a fun weekend in sc with amy and her sweet boys. a festival and catch up time with marianne p. celebrating many special birthdays. a couple of days at the beach with melanie and family. celebrating my dad. talks about faith, walking, and peddle boating with ashley. babysitting holt gaston. sleepovers with lauren. servant-hearted parents helping me paint my house. church and brunch with steph every chance we got. sleepovers with lauren. celebrating our country with my brother and his wife, my sister. serving my community with my bible study. celebrating my 30th. beach days with my dear family and friends that are family. having amy and the boys here with me for a few days. a play date with my best friends and their little ones. an insightful night with jenny before she left for bolvia. exploring shreveport with emily. experiencing waco with marianne and the rest of the cox fam. several quality convos with shannon. catching up over dinner with lauren and jennifer. shopping and fellowship with lisa, wes, and ag. a beautiful road trip with my sister. precious time with my grandparents. experiencing rebecca m's workplace. fun hang out times with my bible study. talks with ellie about living life for Jesus. a day of girlie fun with amy and eve. celebrating the soon-to-be arrival of precious taylor heritage.....and spending time with my Savior....especially that. learning and re-learning the importance of fellowship. thank You for this summer. i surely miss it, but i am very thankful.

i have many pictures to document this summer. but this post is long overdue, and i ran out of time to collage all those pictures...so i decided to include some family pics from our photo shoot on the beach. i love my family:

the perfect surprise

2009-07-27T23:40:00.007-04:00

the beach. excited anticipation. giggles and beauty all around. smiles. precious faces. some that i had not seen for too long. hugs. sweet hugs and kisses. wise planning. unbelievable planning. the perfect cake. and my style at that. thoughtful gifts. beautiful gifts. delicious treats. the perfect hostess. the perfect beach house. thirteen amazing friends (and three patient husbands). thirteen fantastic kids. awesome shock. overwhelming joy i had never experienced. a unique love i had never felt. the biggest surprise. the perfect surprise. the most generous surprise. the most generous love. all for me. to celebrate me. i am loved. and loved very well....such thankful praise.

the thirteen amazing friends...

six fun "big" kids...

seven sweet little ones...

...such thankful praise.

goodness

2009-05-10T21:59:00.005-04:00

i went to two different places looking for a mother's days card for mom. i didn't end up getting her one. none said what i would have wanted to say. how i felt. honestly, it is so hard to put into words my feelings about my mom. how much i love her. all the reasons why. there is so much goodness inside of her. and she shares that goodness in the most humble, selfless way. she is the most fair person i know. she loves me as much or more than anyone else i know. she is funny but if you don't look and listen closely, you will miss it. i admire her faith. and i admire her constant, giving spirit. she is certainly my biggest role model and absolutely my biggest fan. my words do not do her goodness justice. but she is my kind and gentle mother. and i could not be more thankful.

Doesn't she look great in her monogrammed polo?

(aka mother's day present from me)

and we talked...

2009-05-02T18:58:00.011-04:00

we hiked around the lake...

we played on the paddle boats...

we explored God's mountain creation...

and we talked...

more important than anything else we did during our third annual friends weekend, we talked. in that moment...that saturday night in our mountain condo, there was no other place i would have rather been. answering questions and listening. hearing what the Lord has done, what He is doing, and what we long for Him to do in us...it's what that weekend was all about. and it's what our friendships are all about...consistent encouragement and constant faithfulness. the One that sustains our friendship gave us a sweet moment to remind us just that. sitting down together without the miles of distance, the craziness of phone tag, and the busyness of life to remember. to catch up. to celebrate our joys. to encourage each other in our struggles. to give perspective. and especially to point each other to the One that gave us this friendship so many years ago.

we talked. i needed it. and He knew that.

my bff

2009-04-17T08:25:00.004-04:00

A happy heart makes the face cheerful~Proverbs 15:13

since 6th grade, her happy heart and cheerful face has made me praise God she is my bff.

today is no exception. i love you, amy.

her spirit

2009-04-15T22:33:00.015-04:00

Ashley and I were a part of the Bible Study I told you about a few weeks ago. She moved from Greenville to Raleigh two years ago this summer. Since then, she and I have been getting together almost weekly for accountability, bible study, and prayer. Oh, what a blessing this time together is to me. We talk about how special it is all the time. It's a time of safety, of realness, and of understanding. A time with a friend in my current town that knows about people and my life in my former town without me having to explain those people and that place. Even though we do miss our time with the other girls, we know that God placed each of us exactly where HE wants us to be. And how sweet it is of Him to place Ashley and me here together to grow this unique connection He had already formed. And in this really cool way, it's a connection with the other girls, too. One that is deepened with distance. I am in awe of His craftiness. And of His plan. And the way He continues to bless this beautiful, important bond He created years ago. My time with Ashley reminds me of this. And it's a reminder of His perfect plan for every aspect of my life.

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another..." Hebrews 10:24,25

Ashley is organized. She finds a way to keep everything in order yet she makes time for fun every single day. I love her energy and her passion. Her flexibility and her faith. Her patience and her productivity. And her spirit, especially her spirit. Her amazingly, happy spirit. Since I have known Ashley, but especially since she moved 15 minutes away from me almost two years ago, God has used her friendship, accountability, and her spirit to encourage me. I am so thankful for that weekly, consistent blessing in my life.

*This is a picture we took with Shannon's camera last week. Shannon came to visit us after flying into Raleigh from visiting Marianne in Texas. By the way, Shannon just started a blog herself. You should check it out and read her perspective of our friendships here.

75 Again

2009-04-12T00:49:00.008-04:00

Just as my Grandpa turned 75 in February, my Grandma turned 75 today. We went Winston-Salem to celebrate with her. We all also wrote letters for her and put them together in a book, just as we did for Grandpa....

Dear Grandma,

Humor and Laughter. Honesty and Wisdom. Thoughtfulness and Hospitality. Faith and Strength. And Love. When I think of you, what I have learned from you, and what I love most about you, these are the words that flow through my mind. These are the things that make me so thankful. These are the things God has used in you to mold me and make my heart so full of praise.

Humor and Laughter. You make me laugh. And I love your laugh. I can hear it right now. I am smiling because I love the thought of you getting so tickled that you can hardly stop. Your laughter. It's a beautiful thing. God has used it to bless me. To make my spirit come alive. And fill my heart with joy. I am so thankful.

Honesty and Wisdom. You are a wise woman. And you are an honest woman. I think those two go hand in hand. Especially when it comes to you. I love that you are not afraid to show and say that you care. You say how you feel and you mean it. Your honest words are wise words. You say the things that need to be said, even the tough things. The wisdom that comes from that is so rare. I am so thankful.

Thoughtfulness and Hospitality. I love your thoughtfulness. Whether you are calling to check on me or sending me a card in the mail, when you remember me it makes me feel so special. And no one can make others feel more welcome in their home than you. Your house is one of my favorite places to be. I feel so peaceful there. It is very special that many of my closest friends have been there with me. I will never forget the love and hospitality you have shown to them. They love and adore you. I am so thankful.

Faith and Strength. I have seen your faith grow since you and Grandpa started going back to church quite a few years ago. I feel that your faith was strengthened through your church family. And when Grandpa got sick, your faith did not fade. I heard you praise God many times even in the hardest and most unclear of times. I saw your faith grow during that time. Not just because Grandpa got better, but mostly because you had to rely on God for your strength. Depending on God strengthens one's faith. It has strengthened your testimony and drawn you closer to Him. I admire you, Grandma, for the way you trusted Jesus. I am so thankful.

Love. I love the way you love me. And you do love me. And you are proud of me. You make it so clear. You make me feel important . And I never doubt that. You tell me and you show me. You always have. Through so many different ways. It makes my heart feel thankful to know that you love me. I am so thankful.

It is truly one of the biggest blessings in my life to be your granddaughter. You are my role model. You are my friend. And you are my Grandma. My beautiful Grandma. I love all of our talks. I love the way we our hearts connect. I love the love we share. And I love that you are my Grandma. I am so very thankful.... I love you.

*Remember a few weeks ago I told you about my friend, Lauren, and her pencil portraits. Well, take a look at this work of art below. It's of my grandparents. I told you she was good.

a new kind of connection

2009-03-20T21:20:00.005-04:00

some people write and they write so passionately that you can't even help but be drawn in. over and over. time and time again. and their words effect the way you think. the way you give. and the way you love. especially the way you love. this is true of a friend of mine. her name is ashley.

ashley and i went to middle and high school together. i can't remember having but just a couple of classes together. i don't even remember really hanging out together. i remember ashley. i just don't have many memories of her. i would have said we were friends. i definitely always liked her. and always respected her. we had many mutual friends. but i don't feel that we ever really connected...not the way i connected with many of the girls in her "group" of friends.

through blogging...and through encouragement...but especially through Jesus...in Jesus, there is a sweet connection between ashley and me now. so many times...no, every time after reading her blog or reading a sweet and witty comment she leaves me, i am left feeling encouraged and challenged in a new and unique way. ashley is unique. a blessing. her faith is like none i have ever witnessed. her vulnerability and honesty are rare. she has purpose. to bring glory to Jesus. to bring Him honor. that's what matters to her. it's all that matters to her.

i was in the same building with ashley every weekday, 10 months out of the year, for 7 straight years. since high school, i only know of ashley and i being in the same place one time (at our high school reunion...see pic below). but through the world of blogging, and especially through Jesus, He has given us a special connection. one that just wasn't there before. i am truly thankful for that. and i praise Him for that. just read ashley's blog, you will be encouraged. you will be challenged. and you will want to keep reading. i promise.

peace. wisdom. humility.

2009-03-15T15:07:00.010-04:00

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.~James 3: 13
wisdom and humility. what a perfect combination. these are two words...along with peace...i think describe my friend, marianne, best....

all the way back at the very beginning of 2004, rebecca and i joined a bible study. a bible study that would shape, challenge, and encourage us in ways like never before. marianne was leading the group. she is the wife of the joe, the then youth pastor of my home church in greenville. the other girls in the group, along with rebecca and me, were all (or eventually would be) volunteer leaders for the youth group. we were living life together and doing ministry together. marianne was our leader. teaching us wisdom and humility in the way she led and in the way she lived. i left greenville at the beginning of 2006, ashley left in 2007 to move to raleigh and teach in cary :), and then marianne and her family moved to texas last year.

(and emily is leaving for louisiana this coming june...check back in a few months with that story).

the third weekend in february, marianne flew to nc to visit us girls and some other friends. it is hard to believe that the last time we had ALL been together was last january at rebecca's wedding. it's hard to believe because we picked up like we had just been together...not that actually over a year had passed. marianne brings a sense of peace that is just not quite there when she is not with us. she brings wisdom. definitely wisdom about Jesus and His Word. but also wisdom about everyday, ordinary things. but maybe those go hand in hand because of her life of prayer and devotion to Him. marianne brings humility. just her virtuous spirit encourages our hearts to be humble before the Lord. marianne is the same marianne that left us almost a year ago. a little wiser. and a little more wonderful. because it's just like her to grow in her faith. or maybe i just noticed and appreciated her a little more. so, probably, it's a combination of both. marianne has been one of the most significant mentors in my life.

and she continues to be...

from texas to north carolina...

waco to cary.

peace. wisdom. humility... that's what she continues to bring to me.

happy birthday...sister

2009-03-11T21:21:00.014-04:00

i love my sister. i am not talking about rebecca, although i do love her, too. beth is my brother's wife, and that makes her my sister. some of you may not know, but she has been hanging out with my family since she and rebecca were in sixth grade. rebecca's best friend...and to make a very long story short, she married carl. i honestly believe i loved her like she was a part of our family even before she and carl were very serious. i think we all did. (well, rebecca did most of the time.) God had a plan...a perfect plan to place her in our family. beth is thoughtful and silly. creative and sensitive. dependable and fun. beautiful and humble. she is my sister and my friend. she loves my brother in the most precious way. she teaches me about faith and love without even knowing. i thank God for her and praise Him for creating her. and i celebrate her life today. she is a blessing to me. today is her birthday. and i love her.

being myself

2009-03-03T21:21:00.011-05:00

truly being myself. that is what my friend, lauren, brings out in me. i think she just naturally has that effect on people. when i think about it, it is really quite amazing that we are so close. she lived with my sister in college. she was and continues to be such a blessing in rebecca's life. i thank God for their friendship...for giving my sister an encouraging friend in college. lauren is one of my sister's best friends, and over these years she has become one of mine. i am not quite sure how it happened...we lived in the same town for a couple of years when i moved back to greenville after college, but it wasn't until she moved to baltimore that all of sudden she became one of my closest friends. a friend i knew i would have forever. i would go with rebecca to visit she and brian. we talked on the phone and never ran out of things to say. when i say we had fun together, that doesn't even begin to describe it. lauren brings out a side in me that i love. and i think i bring it out in her, too. weirdness. ask rebecca. but most of all, i love that when i talk to lauren, all i can see is that she is one of the most honest and genuine people i have ever known. she isn't afraid to to share her feelings. and she's not too prideful to admit her faults and weaknesses, and i find that to be one of her strengths. she talks to me about Jesus. and she asks me to pray for her. she makes me feel important. and that is because she shares her life with me. the Lord uses her to encourage me and give me confidence. she reminds me of the One i live to please. that His love and approval is all i need. being who He made me to be. truly being myself. that's what lauren brings out in me.

the second weekend in february i got to go visit lauren and brian and their two boys, Carter and Greyson, at their beach house in topsail island. brian and carter even got me flowers and a card for valentine's day. the card had a sticker that said, "2 cute, 2 talk, 2 you"and then the inside says, "it's valentine's day, be picky." isn't that great!? lauren is also a wonderful cook, and she cooked for us all weekend. we sat around talking a lot...we always talk. it's one of my favorite things about our friendship. i edited a lot of pictures while i was there. (aren't you proud of me, rebecca?) and i helped lauren start a blog. you should definitely check it out. she draws beautiful picture portraits. she is selling them. you should buy one. i am.

i also took lots of pictures while i was there. for christmas, my parents got me this really cool new flash. i am still so sad because i forgot to take it with me to my grandpa's party. but i did get good use out of it at lauren's, as you can see in my first collage of pictures above. i think it makes my pictures look a little more professional. i love my new flash. and i love lauren, brian, carter, and greyson...i told lauren while i was there that she and brian really are a team. they work so well together in parenting and in their marriage. i loved being reminded of that in my weekend with them. i am thankful for a weird, fun, and encouraging weekend.

75

2009-03-01T22:06:00.006-05:00

February was a busy month. I went out of town every single weekend. I hope to blog about each weekend, but given my track record in blogging lately, I am not making any promises.

The first weekend in February my Grandma gave my Grandpa a 75th birthday party. Grandma and all their children, grandchildren, and spouses wrote letters for Grandpa...we put them all together into a scrapbook. My Grandpa is the most sensitive man I know. We put the scrapbook on his chair that morning of the party while he was out taking care of the farm. We all went to decorate for the party, so when he came back he had time to read all the letters. He said as he was reading the tears just kept flowing. I am posting my letter. I love my Grandpa...

Dear Grandpa,
I celebrate your life everyday but especially today. I praise Jesus for the way you live, the way you serve, and the way you love. I praise Him that you were born to my sweet Grandma Jean, that you married my beautiful Grandma, that you are the father of my precious mother, and that you are my my gentle and faithful Grandpa. I praise Him for all these blessings. I praise Him for the gift of you.

I have always loved your relationship with Grandma. It has inspired me, comforted me, and given me so much joy. I love the way you love each other so deeply and so purely. The way you take care of each other is very special. I love to hear your conversations with each other. I love to hear you laugh together and speak truth to each other. I love watching you dance together. I love that you go on trips together, making fun memories and strengthening your bond because of memorable experiences. I love that you go to church together and learn to love your Lord even better together. And I love the way your love grows.

Over the past almost thirty years, some of my most treasured memories are the ones spent with you. Thank you for teaching me to ski, hydro slide, and ride horses. Thank you for teaching my friends to do the same. Thank you for welcoming so many of my friends into your home and into your life, making them feel special, too. It means so much to me to know that many of my closest friends know you and Grandma. Your house and the farm are so special to me. Both places are filled with fun times and bring peace to my heart when I am there. This is because of you. You are one of the most peaceful people I know. That is one of my favorite qualities about you. Peaceful people bring peaceful memories and peaceful blessings. Thank you.

Some of the things I love most about my mom, I think she inherited or learned from you. Peacefulness. Gentleness. Integrity. Quiet Faith. Sense of humor. Wisdom. Selflessness. Self-control. Patience. Goodness. Love. Thank you for teaching these things to my mom. I am thankful that I have been given the opportunity to witness these qualities not only in my mom, but also in you. I think you and my mom are very much alike. And that is blessing to me.

There are so many things I have learned from you....just watching you live your life. And there are so many things I love about you. You have given me the example of living a life of responsibility, specifically with money. You have shown me how to live a life of patience, in EVERYTHING you do. You do not complain and in difficult times, your faith does not falter. Your faith in Jesus is strong, but it also continues to grow. You love and serve your wife in the most special way. You work hard, harder than anyone else I know. You take care of important things and people. Your sensitive heart and respectable nature show those that love you most that you are a man of integrity...a wonderful man of God. Thank you for teaching me, in the most humble way.

You are my role model. You are a source of strength in my life. A source of peace. You are one of the few men in my life that, if it be the Lord's will, I would want my husband to be like. You are my precious Grandpa. I am honored to be able to say that. I adore you. And I love you...

she chooses joy

2008-11-09T22:50:00.008-05:00

This is Marianne. Marianne is Amy's little sister. I have known her since she was 7 and Amy and I were 12. That being said, I have seen her go through many seasons and stages. Witnessing her life and seeing her give it to God has been a blessing to me. And through every season, through every single moment we spend together, I am reminded of that blessing all the more.

I am always so thankful when friends or family are in or driving through the Raleigh/Durham area and make time to see me. Marianne was in Raleigh this weekend because she was in a wedding. Even though her weekend was packed, she made time to go to church with me this morning and have lunch with me afterwards before heading back to Greenville, SC. That is just like her. Rather than sleeping in or going ahead and getting on the road for a long trip home, she made time for me. She took time to invest in my life and just be with me...even if just for a couple of hours.

My time with Marianne today reminded me of one of my favorite seasons with her. It was during the Fall of 2004 to the Spring of 2005. Marianne and I were both living in Greenville, NC...Marianne in her junior year at ECU. Amy was engaged and living in Greenville, SC. During that time period Marianne and I made several trips...5 to be exact...from NC to SC and back to NC until Amy got married in April. That's a total of about 12 hours per trip....60 hours total of riding together...60 hours of talking and listening. This was an important time in Marianne's life. It was a time of tremendous spiritual growth. She had lots of questions, and I, of course, always have lots of questions. We talked and talked. But we listened even more than we talked. Our friendship grew, and this girl that once was "Amy's little sister" became my friend and like a little sister to me, too. Not that I didn't always adore her, because I did, but now God used this special time together to grow and secure a bond between us that wasn't there before. And that bond will be there forever.

I have told Marianne before that there is just something special about her that I can't even describe...something I don't think I have ever seen in anyone else...at least not to the same extent. When I think about Marianne, the first word that comes to mind is joy. I can just see her dancing around, her face bright, and her spirit soaring. I have seen her joy in the happiest of times...joy in the most frustrating of times...joy in the most "unfair" times. Joy...joy and confidence that comes from Jesus. She chooses joy every day in every circumstance. She chooses to follow Jesus. She chooses joy.

all smiles

2008-10-26T10:27:00.008-04:00

At the beginning of October, Kelly (and Madison), Amy (and Brent) and I went to the Myrtle Beach area for a long weekend. We decided last year to start a tradition of taking a trip together at least once a year. This was our second year. I won't go into all the details of the trip, but it was definitely one of the most fun weekends I have had in a while. (And I have proof of that...I took 655 pictures over the course of the weekend!)

I don't get to see Amy nearly as much as I would like, and this particular weekend was the first time I had seen her since my birthday in July. She brought my birthday presents, and one of them was this really cool book....

The special thing about Amy giving me a book about smiles is that of all the people I know, she is probably the one that has the most recognizable smile...when I think about my best friend her big, beautiful smile is the first thing I see. And most times after she smiles comes the biggest, loudest, most contaigous laugh you could ever hear. I love that about her. What she wrote to me in this book says it all....

Of all the pictures and smiles in this book, the smiles on these faces are my favorite:

We shared a lot of smiles over our long weekend. Here are just a few of my favorites:

I think my favorite "smile" picture I took all weekend is this one of Amy's five year old, Brent. You are sure to hear more about him and his little brother, Conner, in November.

Isn't Brent handsome?

what an honor

2008-10-12T13:44:00.013-04:00

Last month, Sara turned three. Her mommy, Melanie, is my best friend. Sara is named after me. And that is a blessing to me. That Melanie would choose to name her daughter after me is an honor I can't even describe. Isn't she very pretty?!

He wants us all

2008-09-03T21:39:00.010-04:00

The pastor at my church just started a really cool new series this past Sunday entitled, "Why I'm Not a Christian." If you don't attend The Summit, I highly recommend that you listen to the first sermon of this series, "How can there be only one way to God?" ...I was truly convicted and encouraged...I give God the glory for that!

I loved this excerpt from the sermon...

"This is the one place where there ought to be radical diversity...because in this room we should have together the morally upstanding seated right beside the moral failures and we'll have the black and the white and the Hispanic and we'll all be united praising God because it doesn't matter what kind of sinners we are but what kind of Savior that He is. The Gospel doesn't produce division...it destroys it!"

I am so thankful the God I know and serve loves and wants us ALL.

argyle

2008-08-27T22:51:00.004-04:00

Argyle is one of my favorite things, truly. When I got back to school on my first day of work, I had this picture waiting for me in my office.....

My co-worker, Jennifer, found this picture for me on ebay. Aren't the dresses in the picture just precious?! That same day another co-worker, Phil, gave me a package of navy and pink argyle notecards he found on clearance at Target this summer. WOW...two argyle gifts in one day. I am so thankful to have thoughtful co-workers that know me well. What a fun way to start my first day back to work (and in case I haven't talked to you, I am ecstatic to be back at work...I LOVE MY JOB!!).

Here is a pic of me in my own argyle dress....and Rebecca is sporting her argyle, too :) Oh how I would love to have a spring/summer argyle dress like the ones in my new picture hanging so beautifully in my office....

katie and holt

2008-08-15T22:36:00.014-04:00

Recently, I got to take some pictures of my pregnant friend, Katie. As you can see, little Holt will be here very soon. Katie's husband, Jason, is the youth pastor at my church, and we thought it would be a nice to surprise him with some pictures of Katie when he got home from the youth mission trip he was leading in Malaysia.

Katie and Jason just recently moved only 10 minutes away from me in Apex. While most of my friends in the Triangle live in Raleigh or Durham, I am so thankful to have friends that are just a short drive from Cary right down the road to Apex. One of my favorite things about Katie is her laid-back nature, and I think her personality is captured in these pictures. I am looking forward to meeting Holt very soon and also looking forward to having Katie living so close.

Busy Weekend in Greenville

2008-08-03T10:56:00.007-04:00

A week ago I had a very busy weekend in Greenville...

I was so excited to get to spend a little time (45 minutes!!) with my good friend from high school, Kellie and her two little girls, Dayla (2) and Bailey (3 1/2 months). I was especially looking forward to seeing Dayla since it had been since November that I had seen her (WAY TOO LONG!) I couldn't believe how much Bailey had changed since our mountain weekend just 2 months ago. I love these girls...Kellie is a friend I will have forever and her energy and boldness for Christ amaze me all the time.

Patrick organized a wonderful Surprise Graduation Party for Meredith. I was so impressed with his thoughtfulness. What a deserving celebration for my brave and diligent friend!!

These girls and I went to Atlantic Beach (Fort Macon) for the day. My favorite things about the day were sitting at the shore with my sister talking in our beach chairs, spending all day with these girls talking and catching up, and on the way home each of us went around and asked the whole group one question (Emily's idea, not mine, actually!) We went over to the fort for just a little while...I could have done without it, really, but at least we got a pretty group picture and we really did make it as fun as can be. I surely love spending time with these girls.

On Sunday before I drove back to Cary, I went to Emmie's first birthday party!! Emmie is one of Traye and Gina's three beautiful daughters...Taylor and Gracie are the other two. Traye and I have been friends since fifth grade and our families have lived across the street from each other since 7th grade. Sadly, I have not gotten to spend a lot of time with Emmie this first year of her life, so it was a blessing to be at her party to celebrate her and to see Traye interact with his little one year old. It was also a blessing to spend some time with this family since Gracie was the only one I got to see at our annual family beach trip this year. Emmie loved her presents, her cake, and swinging with Daddy. She is a cutie. A perfect way to end a fun weekend.

Question to Experienced Bloggers

2008-08-02T09:28:00.004-04:00

I have a question, and if any of you know the answer, please leave a comment and let me know!! As you can see, I post a lot of pictures. Oftentimes, the pictures I post CANNOT be expanded by clicking on them. But sometimes you can click on them and they will expand, very rarely. I add the pictures the same way every time. But this is really getting on my nerves because many of the pictures I post are collages, which makes some of the individual pictures small and hard to see without expanding. I would like my readers to be able to expand these pictures by clicking on them. Does anyone have any advice on how to make certain my pictures can be expanded from now on?! Thank you so much!!

beautiful affectionate love

2008-07-31T00:20:00.006-04:00

Today marks not only Mom and Dad's but also Carl and Beth's wedding anniversaries. These are two of the most precious marriages I know. I see such important similarities in these two marriages. Although there are definitely differences, some of my very favorite things about Mom and Dad's marriage, I now see in Carl and Beth's.

I was never one of those kids that did not like to see my parents show affection towards one another. In fact, it was the complete opposite feeling for me. I loved it. What a comfort it was for me to see my parents holding hands in the front seat of the car on family trips. Or seeing my Dad put his arm around my mom in the pew at church on Sunday mornings. Or my Dad giving my Mom a hug or a kiss in the kitchen before or after dinner. Or seeing them snuggle on the couch together at night while the TV was on....just being together. I love the way my Mom will just stay downstairs while my Dad is watching one sporting event on another ...even though she may have no interest in what he is watching whatsoever...or even if she is falling asleep on the couch....she is down there, just to be with him....just to be together...and Dad wouldn't have it any other way. And I love how just about every night they go to bed together. Then and now when I see these things, my heart is blessed. It is filled with such comfort. Such peace. Such thankfulness. Such joy. Bursting with love for them and love for my Father in heaven for this blessing in my life.

I see the same kind of things in Carl and Beth. I love that they give each other countless kisses even when others are around. I love that they often hold hands when walking side by side. I love that when we are all hanging out at Mom and Dad's they sit together, so closely, so sweetly. And I love that when we are at church, I look over and see them holding hands while hearing the Word and worshipping the One that created this precious love they have for each other. I love seeing these things, and I am so thankful that I do. Just like seeing my parents loving each other, the same feelings of comfort and joy fill my heart when I see my brother and his beautiful wife, my sweet sister, loving each other.

I praise Jesus for these marriages. I celebrate them every day, but especially today. I remember my parents love for each other then and now, and I remember Carl and Beth's wedding day four years ago...absolutely one of the happiest days of my life...and how their love has grown every day since. Thank You, Jesus, for the beautiful gift of these two loving and affectionate marriages. And thank you to Mom and Dad and Carl and Beth for blessing me with your constant and unending love for each other. Happy Anniversary!

beach week

2008-07-24T06:13:00.011-04:00

Ever since I was in 9th grade my family has been going to the beach for a week with the Briley family and the Welborn/Garcia family....that's 16 years and it's definitely one of my favorite traditions. I have so many fun and special memories during each of the beach weeks. We have had many friends, boyfriends, and girlfriends come and go throughout the years. There are so many people that have been a part of these beach weeks. We have stayed in several different houses and each house has their own unique memories. This year at the beach was no exception...lots of fun, relaxation, and of course....lots of pictures...I was only there from Sunday to Wednesday, but I was still able to make sure I took advantage of all the photo opportunities.

Sunday...I drove to the beach that morning...mostly everyone else had gotten there Saturday, so unfortunately, I missed Karaoke night. When I got there, I met everyone out on the beach. After some fun in the sun, lunch at the house, and some more beach time, Beth, Rebecca, Meredith, and I went shopping. While we were out shopping, of course we stopped at one of our favorite things about beach week, SWEET SPOT! It has the best ice cream...Hershey's. I would totally go there every day of beach week. If you are ever Emerald Isle, it is definitely the best place to get ice cream. I had a peanut butter and chocolate milkshake..yum yum....Carl and Beth had to leave that night after dinner, so I made sure I got plenty of pictures that night. :) Travis couldn't come because of work...sad that my whole family couldn't all be there together and that Carl and Beth had to leave so soon. :(

Meredith, Beth, Rebecca and I

It was such a blessing to get to spend some special time with my sister. We got to talk a lot and just be silly together. We have the most fun together, laughing and sharing and understanding each other. My time with my sister was definitely one of my favorite parts of this beach week.

Monday...Patrick and Meredith had to leave on Monday morning. I missed Meredith (and Patrick) every second she was gone. I miss the days when we were both there all week together...going to Sweet Spot at least three or four times :) Ohhhh, maybe next year....This was another day of fun...kids playing in the water and dancing on the deck...great picture opportunities.

This was quite possibly one of my favorite pictures I took this beach week. I love Andrew and Gracie's expressions. Precious.

The sky sure was pretty on Monday night.

On Monday afternoon, Rebecca and I took at little road trip down the beach to Pine Knoll Shores to see our good friend, Jaimee, and her adorable and happy little boy, Cole. This was the first time I had gotten to spend an extended amount of time with Cole since right after he was born because he was sleeping during my other visits. It was such a joy to be with him and see his sweet personality. My favorite thing about my friend Jaimee is her faithful spirit. She has the gift of faith, and I am so thankful to have her faithful friendship in my life. This was another highlight of my time at the beach.
Tuesday...Rebecca left me on Tuesday, but not before another morning on the beach together and shopping with mom. I especially loved sitting together on the beach that morning, just being together. I love the pictures I took that night on the deck after dinner. I told everyone to wear their best outfits because I was going to be taking a lot of pictures since it was my last night of beach week. Kristen and I gathered the three little ones and the young girls and we all went for one last outing to Sweet Spot. This time I had an outrageous oatmeal cookie milkshake...delicious! We missed Travis Welborn Tuesday night, too...he definitely makes things more exciting :)
Another pretty sky Tuesday night.
I like this picture of my parents and me. I love them and I am so thankful for how sweet they are to me. So many times and in so many ways, every time I am with them they show me how much they love me. Beach week is no exception.
This picture is going to be framed in my townhouse. I love the Briley kids so much...I missed Taylor and Emmie....they came the day I left :(
This was actually the worst night to take the group picture because it was the night with the least amount of people. I should have thought ahead and got a picture Sunday night...Oh well, I think it's a good one. There are about 15 or so people missing from this picture...some were there before and some came after and some didn't get to come at all. I remember the days when all of us got to stay the entire week...I miss that, but with growing up and having jobs and kids, our summers aren't as flexible as when we were in high school and college. No matter what, though, beach week is always fun and special.

Wednesday...I left after lunch on Wednesday, but I had the best time taking pictures on the beach of the kids that morning. These children are so beautiful that it is hard not to get some pretty pictures. I really think these are some of my favorite pictures I have ever taken. There are many, many more, but I chose my favorites. Also, I love each of the pictures I took of Abbie and Caroline...pretty girls. The children loved "helping" Katie dig a big hole in the sand.

I took this picture just before I left. I thought the water was prettier than usual this week at the beach...such a pretty blue. As always, I enjoyed looking at God's wonderful creation those few days at the beach.

I am so thankful for these six people...Dick and Donna, Chris and Lynne, Mom and Dad. They sacrifice and provide a fun week for all of us. Thank you all for renting the house each year, the wonderful food, and for making year after year fun. I appreciate you all and treasure our time together! I love you...we all do!!

Until next year....

saying goodbye

2008-07-23T00:01:00.009-04:00

Tonight I had to say good-bye to Jenny. She is leaving on Saturday for Bolivia to be a missionary for two years. I am sad to see her go and shed a few tears when I got in my car after leaving her, but mostly I am so excited about the Lord's plan for her in Bolivia. After going to Nicaragua this summer and reading about my friend, Marianne's, experiences in Peru while she is there as a missionary for a month, my excitement for Jenny has really grown.

Please keep her in your prayers and if you are interested in giving monetarily, she is still raising funds. Kelly put together a scrapbook of letters and pictures for Jenny. Here is my letter, this girl is amazing:

Dear Jenny,

I remember the first time I met you so clearly. I remember that sweet spirit from the beginning. It was December of 1993, and that was the night I met a precious little third grader that would eventually become my friend, my sister, and one of my role models. Then and now and all the times in between I have absolutely adored you. I am honored to not only know you but also to be blessed with our special relationship the Lord began all those years ago.

Now you aren't in third grade anymore and have quickly and beautifully grown into an exceptional young woman, a GODLY woman! It is really no surprise to me that I am getting ready to have to say good-bye to you as you go to serve our Lord Jesus in Bolivia for two years. My favorite things about you...your humble heart, your maturity in Christ, and your determination to follow the Lord's will for your life...are why I know you are going to be prepared to be the biggest blessing and to glorify the Lord in Bolivia.

The quality of humility is one of my favorites a person can possess, and you definitely possess it. You are selfless, you know how to apologize, and you give glory to God. With all the changes and struggles that are surely to come up over the next two years, your humble heart will definitely make it easier when you have to deal with unexpected inconveniences or common distractions.

For as long as I can remember, I have been amazed by your maturity in Christ. I remember first talking to Kelly about this when you were a freshman in high school. You stray from gossip, want to learn more more and more about your Lord, and you know the importance of confiding, sharing, and asking for advice. What a wonderful quality to have as a missionary in an impoverished country! The Lord has blessed you and given you everything you need to go over there and serve Him in maturity, which will bring peacefulness.

I am very serious when I say that there are very few people that I have met in my lifetime that have been so determined and dedicated to following the Lord's will for their life as you are. I hear it in our conversations and I see it in your actions. You have encouraged me and held me accountable with that unique quality more times and in more ways than you know. It is why you are even going to Bolivia and why you can go there in confidence.

The Lord has you ready....He has been preparing you since I met you in third grade and even before. He has taught you and prepared you through both celebrations and struggles. He has you taught many valuable lessons, and you have humbly listened to your Teacher. And because He is your Teacher, you are going to be a wise and wonderful teacher in Bolivia.

He has certainly made sure you are ready. I will be praying for you. I will be missing you. And I will be loving you.

In His humility and love,

Sara

Be strong and courageous...the Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you. Deuteronomy 31: 7-8

grandpa perry

2008-07-22T01:36:00.009-04:00

Just recently I got to spend a few hours with my grandparents. I always look forward to spending time with them for many reasons, but this time with them was even better than I anticipated. I could go on and on forever about all the reasons I love them, adore being with them, and admire and respect them. I will save that for another day.

Last fall my Grandpa was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a cancer in which abnormal cells collect in the bone marrow and form tumors, commonly affecting elderly men. My Grandpa has always been one of the strongest men I know, if not the strongest. He has always taken care of my Grandma so sweetly, once comparing his love for her as Solomon loves his wife. He is probably the hardest working man I know. Even in his 70s, going to take care of the farm daily...and he does it so well and loves it. He is the most patient man I know. He is strong yet senstive...a perfect balance of the two. He loves the Lord and I have seen His faith grow rapidly over these later years of his life.

Over the past months I have seen and heard of my Grandpa struggle like I never have before. So sick and so tired. One week he felt good....the next week was a different story. Unable to go to the farm daily to do what he loved. In the hospital and unable to be with our family for our annual Christmas get-together. Unable to attend my sister's wedding in January. My grandparents have always seemed so young....they never seemed old. Even in their 70's, still doing things many in their 70's can't do...When I found out he had cancer, the reality of the fact that they aren't going to be around forever really sunk deep. I prayed about finding joy in this situation and that my family and my grandparents would do the same. I can't deny that it made me sad to see and hear about my Grandpa suffering, but the JOY in it all is that my Grandpa knows Jesus. He knows Jesus, and that's all he needs. It is so simple, yet so hard to grasp sometimes. I have learned a lot about the love and certainty of Christ through this experience, and I pray that the rest of my family has, too.

A few weeks ago, my Grandpa had another doctor's appointment. The doctor told him that the medicine was really working and he is now in remission! Isn't it ironic that the medicine that made him feel so awful is one of the things the Lord used to make him better?! Even though Grandpa will have this multiple myeloma for the rest of his life, it has been slowed down. His medicine, which is mostly what has caused him to feel so yucky, is now being lessened....It was so neat to see my Grandpa so much closer to his old self again when I spent time with him recently. It was so sweet to see my Grandma so excited that her best friend that she has taken care of so well over the past few months was finally starting to feel better. I am so thankful the Lord worked it out for me to go for a visit to spend this special time with my precious grandparents. It surely did my heart good. And no matter what the future holds for my Grandpa concerning this multiple myeloma, we can be joyful because Jesus is my Grandpa's future...his eternity.

birthday blessings

2008-07-17T12:31:00.024-04:00

Last week was my birthday, and I celebrated all week long. I think I ate more dessert last week than I have eaten all year...not really, but I did eat a lot. I am so thankful for the people that celebrated with with me. They surely did make me feel pretty special.

Carl, Beth, and I met Mom, Dad, Rebecca, and Travis at Cracker Barrel in Wilson. My mom even brought a candle and some matches. She put it in a biscuit, lit it, and I quickly blew it out. Rebecca told her it was probably the weirdest thing she has ever done, but I thought it is pretty clever. I opened all my presents sitting in the rocking chairs outside of Cracker Barrel with an audience...I didn't like people watching me, but I loved my thoughtful presents from my family. They surely blessed me with lots of cool items to make my house cuter and better equipped. My birthday wouldn't be complete without celebrating it with the ones I love most...When Carl, Beth, and I got back to their house in Fuquay, they took me to the coolest ice cream shop. They have unlimited samples of about 60 different flavors of homemade ice cream. Beth and I definitely took advantage of that. I love trying new ice cream places...Sunni Skies is delicious.

My fun friend, Lauren, surprised me and took me to Cheesecake Factory for lunch and dessert. For dessert, I had my favorite, Vanilla Bean Cheesecake. They sang "Happy Birthday" to me and wrote "Happy Birthday to you" on my plate with chocolate syrup. Very pretty, I wish I had a picture...Lauren and Rebecca lived together in college. When I moved back to Greenville for Graduate School after college, I was blessed to spend more time with Lauren and get to know her better. We very quickly clicked. I love her openness and honesty and I love that I can talk to her forever about anything and everything. She moved away to Baltimore just as we were becoming close. There is no doubt that the Lord created and has sustained our friendship because with all those miles between us He has brought us closer and made her one of my most dedicated friends. I am so thankful for that....
Before and after lunch I got to hang out with with Lauren's husband, Brian, and their son, Carter (or "Darter" as he calls himself). I hadn't seen them since March because they had been living in New Orleans until recently, so it was so fun to see how much Carter has changed, grown, and matured over the past few months. He was so silly and sweet...posing for all the pictures I took. We had fun. I love being with this family...every time I laugh and laugh. I love how much they love each other. And I love that they are about the have a new addition in November...another sweet little boy.

Ashley and I met Rebecca, Shannon, and Emily in Wilson at a Mexican restaurant. Shannon's birthday was the day before mine and Ashley's was in June. So, we were celebrating all the birthdays. Even though we all don't live together in the same town to meet together for Bible Study anymore, the Lord has made our friendships so strong even in the distance. I love our dinners together in Wilson, meeting halfway to laugh and catch up. There was only one thing that was missing....Marianne...she's in Texas now. We love you and miss you so much, Marianne. You were there in spirit, but it just wasn't the same without you. After dinner, we walked over to Chili's to split some desserts. A delicious ending to a lovely evening.

Two of my wonderful J.Crew friends, Jan and Stephanie, really showed me their dependability last week. Stephanie was preparing a nice meal for us for lunch at her apartment in Durham. I went out to my car to head over to her house, and it wouldn't start. My nice neighbors helped me jump it, and thankfully it ended up only being the battery. But, I decided I probably needed to go ahead and get it checked out. So, I drove to the car shop, and Steph and Jan left the sure-to-be delicious lunch to drive to Cary to come get me. So, instead, they took me to Olive Garden in Cary. When I got in the car, they lit a candle on the most beautiful cupcake I have ever seen. They even sang to me. After lunch, we went to Rita's for some yummy Italian ice. I am so thankful for these friends of mine. They are two of the greatest friends I have made since moving to Cary. I know that I can count on both of them, and I love all the laughter we share. They are amazing and two of the most disciplined, generous, and caring people I have every met. Truly...those qualities describe the both of them perfectly. What a fun day...even with the car troubles.

Melanie and family had me over for dinner. She found time to make me a delicious meal even with working and raising her three little girls...How could I ask for a better friend?! Melanie cooked the best enchiladas ever!! After dinner, Hannah and Sara made brownies....with just a little bit of help from Melanie ;) When the brownies were finished, we ate them warm with ice cream on top. The brownie really hit the spot. What a wonderful way to celebrate my birthday....a fun and relaxing night with my best friend and her family. (The pic of Mel and I is totally unrelated from July 4)

I went to Greensboro for Jenny's Going Away Party. Before the party, I spent some time with Kelly, Charlie, Madison, and Jenny at their house. We had planned to go to dinner to celebrate my birthday beforehand, but we ran out of time. That was okay with me, though. Actually, what they did to make my birthdy so special was the card they gave me. There used to be a time when I would get a pile of birthday cards, but now with text messaging, email, facebook, and voicemail, people just don't send birthday cards like they used to (myself included, unfortunately.) I did get some very sweet cards, but not as many as I once did. I can always count on Kelly to give me the sweetest, most thoughtful cards. What made this card so special is that there was a note in it from her, Charlie, Jenny, and even little Madison. The words they wrote me encouraged me and made this birthday girl feel so loved. What a blessing!!

I am so thankful for these people and so many others that filled my week with birthday blessings!!

Nicaraguan children

2008-07-09T08:59:00.013-04:00

This a poem written by Sandy Carter. Sandy started the orphanages we served in Nicaragua. Her ministry is surely a blessing to Nicaragua.

Nicaraguan Children

by Sandy Carter, 1998

Hungry children, Dirty children, Abandoned, expressionless children,

Children without one nurturing person, in their lives

Lonely children in a godless society.

Street children, Slum children,

Children left alone all day in dark, empty shacks,

Children with no future, trapped in a culture of death.

Lord Jesus, what can I do to bring Your light into these desperate young lives?

Their needs overwhelm me, Where do I begin?

By your grace I am here, available.

I will not shield my heart from the pain of their reality.

Let me feel as you do for them,

Let them live as I live; Through your grace,

Empowered by your Spirit.

Allow me Lord, to point them to you.

Magnify Him

2008-07-08T10:00:00.010-04:00

As a social worker, I work with some of the poorest of the poor in Wake County. I see poverty everyday in our country. I have been to their homes, heard their stories and struggles and frustrations, cried with them, found resources for them, and loved them. I consider my job as a social worker one of the biggest blessings in my life. Before I became a social worker, I was clueless about poverty...that quite possibly the student sitting beside me in class in high school hadn't had a warm shower in a few days because their utilities had been cut off because his or her mom couldn't make ends meet at her job at Big Lots...even when working overtime....that even though my classmate's mom may have wanted to help with homework or get the supplies for a school project, she didn't have the time because she had to work too many hours to keep her family fed...because paying the bills and putting food on the table was more important than buying poster board and other supplies for the project (she couldn't afford to do both)....that this student might have had to get up hours before school even started because they were bussed across town to go to school even though there was another high school just seconds from their own home. Why is it that the kids they always seem to bus across town up to 30 minutes or more away from their homes are the ones that already have so little resources? Why do they make it even harder for these people...harder for the kids to stay after school for help sessions or basketball practice because they have no one that can drive across town to pick them up...harder for the parents to come for meetings and actually be involved? Being a school social worker has opened my eyes and even though I could NEVER fully understand their struggles, the Lord has humbled me and given me much greater compassion and understanding than if He hadn't blessed me with this job and these people.

All that to say, the Lord showed me a kind of poverty that I had never seen in our country while I was in Nicaragua. What I saw is unimaginable unless you go and see for yourself. MOST of those living in poverty in our country would be considered rich or at least middle class in Nicaragua. I have been to many poverty-stricken areas in Raleigh and Greenville, and I have not seen anything that even compares to what I saw in Nicaragua. And most of the country lives that way. Not like in our country that has plenty resources to help the poor. The resources there are slim to none. We traveled on a 5 hour bus ride from one orphanage to another, so I got to see areas from the beach to the mountains. Shack after shack after shack. Many still use outhouses. And those that do have toilets cannot even flush the toilet paper. The water is too dirty to drink. Homes without doors. No security and safety. Death and disease that could be prevented with the proper medical resources. Schools with no electricity, old run-down buildings with no textbooks. I heard stories about the corrupt government and the awful crime. Parents sending their children out to sell their bodies in order to make ends meet. Desperation. Feelings of fear and hopelessness. Keep in mind that most of the country lives in this deep, deep poverty.

But I saw so much thankfulness and humility in its children. They have so little, but they have no knowledge of anything different. The children from the community that came to Vacation Bible School were so attentive and even almost in awe of the songs, puppet skit, relay games and crafts. These are things that quite honestly many of the children I know...rich, poor, and middle-class...would have lost interest in after a few minutes and taken for granted. At VBS, the children were given T-shirts and given the opportunity to decorate them with markers. Many did not even want to write on them because they were so thankful to be receiving a brand new, clean t-shirt.

I saw orphans working harder than I have ever seen a child work in our country...planting crops, chopping weeds, planting flowers. They are disciplined, more disciplined than me. I saw the teen-age girls caring for their younger fellow orphans in such a sweet, nurturing, and mature way. The children I met in these orphanages are learning and living out Jesus' love. They are getting a second chance. And it began with one lady answering God's call to serve Him, the orphans, and this impoverished country. Beautiful Nicaragua.

Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together.--Psalm 34:3

I am not saying that every believer is called to do something like that. But I do believe that we are called to serve him and be a missionary whether it is in another country on our own with our daily lives. There is so much we can do, so much I can do, to share the priceless love of our Savior. The Lord reminded me of this in such a new and special way while in Nicaragua.

13for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
14How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"--Romans 10: 13-15

On another note, I have often heard people question missions in other countries because we have people in our own country that need help. While that is true, please realize that there are many countries in which the entire country needs help and many countries that have never heard the precious Name of Jesus. The opportunities for those living in America to hear about the love of Christ are endless with churches on just about every corner. God loves us ALL and wants us ALL to be His. He loves each human and each country the same, none more than the other. I very strongly encourage every believer to go on a mission trip to a country like Nicaragua or China or Nigeria....It will change you. It changed me. He changed me.

18Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

--Matthew 28:18-20

Serving Him in Nicaragua

2008-06-22T03:14:00.007-04:00

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing...

I will be in Nicaragua with a medical mission team from June 22-30 serving Jesus and some sweet orphans. We will be holding a medical clinic, painting, and VBS for the children. I am packed and all ready to go and so thrilled about this opportunity...my first overseas mission trip.

The Lord has blessed me with such supportive and encouraging people to help prepare me for this trip. Beginning with generous monetary donations from many for my team and me ...a conversation with Emily hearing excitement in her voice because this place I am going for the first time is so special to her because she has been several times before....432 toothbrushes and 6 Spanish/English children's books in the mail from Kelly for me to take to the orphans....Amy calling me the day before I left with such joy about what the Lord has planned for me over the next 9 days....a package from Melanie full of goodies for me and blessings for the orphans....lunch with Jenny the day before I left for my short trip and hearing what the Lord is doing to prepare her for her upcoming long trip....my sweet mom sending necessities for my trip with my Dad this past week....Ashley buying flip flops for 10 little orphans after she had already been so generous...and getting dropped off at the airport by Carl and Beth, two of the people I love most in this world....

How sweet of the Lord to prepare me in such a loving way. He used these people and more to encourage me to go and share about Him and serve and glorify His Mighty Name. Thank you all for your prayers!

....Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus ~1 Thessalonians 5: 11, 16-18

Welcoming Baby Julia!

2008-06-17T16:21:00.005-04:00

Julia Dees Spainhour...Precious in His Sight...8 weeks old...

This past Saturday Nana and I gave Melanie and Julia a baby shower in Greenville. We wanted to give some of those living in Greenville a chance to welcome little Julia into the world. Here are some of my favorite pictures...

I love old friends....It was so good to my faithful and generous friend, Leslie. She is going to be having her second little girl very soon!
I made my very first diaper cake for Melanie for the shower Saturday. I put these little sunglasses on it, and took some pictures of Hannah and Sara wearing them after the shower. Aren't they funny and beautiful?!
And He took the children in His arms, put His hands on them and blessed them~Mark 10:16

From Tucker Dorm...

2008-06-16T17:35:00.004-04:00

to 11 years of friendship!

About a week and a half ago I finally got to spend some time with my college roommate, Lisa, her husband, Chris, and their 2 year old, Cole. They live in Durham, and I went over for a delicious lasagna dinner. It was so fun to see little Cole. He is so smart and handsome. I loved hearing about how he has grown and seeing this special family interact and love each other. It was really a blessing.

Believe it or not, but Lisa and I were potluck roommates our freshman year. I wonder how many potluck roommates end up living together all four years of college. I remember being so relieved after talking to her on the phone for the first time that summer before leaving for college. She was so nice, and I was just so thankful it wasn't awkward. I remember meeting her for the first time on that scorching hot move-in day at NC State. Her family and Chris were all so friendly. She was so beautiful, just like she is today. We ended up living together in an apartment at Gorman Crossings for the next three years. When I was at her house last week, we were talking about those times in college, laughing and remembering. When I look back, of all the new people I met in college, she is the one that has influenced my life the most. I have learned about faith and forgiveness and responsibility and maturity from her. I love that those qualities have carried on into her marriage and motherhood. I have loved watching those qualities become even more significant in her life as these 11 years have flown by. She is an amazing mother, even better than I thought she would be. I love her relationship with her husband and I love her relationship with her son. She is a blessing in my life. What a sweet surprise that the girl that was "randomly" chosen as my roommate ended up being one of my closest friends, one of my forever friends. It's obvious to me that it wasn't random at all...God specifically chose Lisa to be my roommate and to have an awesome impact on my life and to be my faithful friend. I just love that about Him.

Happy Father's Day!

2008-06-15T23:19:00.012-04:00

Today is a special day because not only is it Father's Day but also my brother-in law, Travis', birthday. We celebrated both at my parent's house in Greenville. My sister-in-law, Beth's, parents (Art and Joanne) also came over to celebrate with us. I think it is such a blessing that Beth's parents and my parents are such close friends...they are pretty much like family. I am thankful for that. (I am also so thankful for Beth's sister (Rebecca) and brother-in-law(Tyler)...they couldn't be there because they were with Tyler's dad...I definitely missed them!) Oops, I almost forgot to mention Rivers...Rivers is Carl and Beth's little dog. Rivers and I are pretty good friends ;)

Happy Birthday, Travis! You are totally soop-ah phat, bro :) *See the card we gave him below...

It was a blessing to have all of my family together. I love my family very, very much. There is just something so comforting and joyful about having us all together...having lunch together after church on Sunday's...laughing and being silly. We don't get to do it often, but when we do, I am thankful.

I could never adequately express how much I love and appreciate my Dad. There is just no way. But...When I think about him, I smile. When I talk to him, I almost always laugh. When I see him, he hugs me...every time. When I leave him, he hugs me...every time. When he hugs me, I feel comforted and safe. No other hug in the world feels as good as my Dad's. When I leave him or end a phone conversation, he says "I love you" every time. When I need him, he is there for me every time. Even when I don't need him, he is thoughtful and generous and thinking of me. When I pray for him, I am thankful that his love for me is a reminder of my Heavenly Father's love for me.

I am thankful for all these things. I am thankful that my Dad and Mom raised me in a Christian home. I am thankful for the special way that he loves my mom and that he loves my mom even more than he loves us kids. I am thankful for that because I feel that is the way he can love us kids best. I am thankful that he hugs my mom and holds her hand and serves her and takes her on trips and surprises her with flowers and buys her thoughtful gifts and tells her that he loves her. I am thankful that I see him do these things because not many other things can make me happier than seeing my parents love each other. I am thankful that he brags about me to his peers. I am thankful for his outgoing personality and fun spirit. I am thankful that he knows how to say "I am sorry." I am thankful that my Dad helps me with whatever I need, even when I don't ask. I am thankful that my Dad encourages me and is proud of me. I am thankful for the special notes he writes me on special occasions and that he isn't afraid to share his feelings with me. I am thankful that my Dad loves me and that I have never, ever had to doubt his love for me. I am thankful for all these things.

I love you, Dad! Happy Father's Day!

A Wonderful Weekend in the Mountains!

2008-06-08T16:56:00.014-04:00

My best friends from high school (Amy, Kellie, and Kelly), their husbands (Mike, Clay, and Charlie) and I went to Highlands, NC last weekend for Chris and Liz's wedding. Kellie and Clay's little baby girl, Bailey, also came with us. It was truly one of the very best weekends I have had in a while! There are a lot of pictures on this blog, but I took about 500 over the weekend...really, 500, so in comparison, I really just chose some of my favorites!

When we all got there Friday night we met at Skyline Lodge for a BBQ dinner given by some of Chris's family friends. It was nice to go there and relax and catch up and begin a weekend of fun!

Liz and the wedding party arrived from the rehearsal dinner just as the bbq was about to end. It was so good to see her! We were all excited about the wedding the next day!

We all rented a cozy, little house in Scaly Mountain, which is about 10-15 minutes from Highlands. Saturday morning we hung out around the house and then had a little baby shower for Kellie and Bailey.
Here are some pictures of our house and the scenery around it. We were hanging out waiting for Kellie to get little Bailey ready for our next adventure.

We headed out to Glenn Falls. We took a hike down to see the waterfall. We didn't have time to go all the way down because we had to get back to start getting ready for the wedding, but even still, it was incredible. It was so awesome....God's creation is amazing! Isn't it beautiful?!!

This was definitely one of the most fun and beautiful weddings.

I sent Liz an email earlier this week with a list of my favorite things about her wedding:

The Scripture, so challenging and thoughtful (Romans 12:1-2, 9-13; Matthew 5:13-16)
Bridesmaids dresses, very classy
Liz's dress, perfect
Chris and his groomsmens' tan suits and plaid ties, totally my style
The band, Fun...FUN...FUN!!!!
Seeing Liz, her mom, and her sister together...so cute dancing together
Seeing Liz and her friends together...so thankful that she has such sweet friends
Seeing Liz and Chris together, so happy
Liz's mom's toast...what a special way to honor her special Dad
The location...the mountain scenery...such a reminder of God's power and love for us during the ceremony

I can say without hesitation that one of the biggest blessings in my life is my continued, constant, encouraging friendships with these girls that I spent this wonderful weekend in the mountains. So many times since high school, people that I meet are shocked that my best friends from high school are still my best friends today. It is a rare and special thing. I cannot say enough times how much I love these girls (and their husbands and children!) There is something so comforting about the friendships I have with them. I love our history and I know I am going to love our future. I am so excited about how the Lord will continue bless our friendships because I certainly believe that He will. Amy, Kelly, and Kellie...I LOVE YOU!

This is a picture from our senior year of high school. We were at Kelly's house celebrating her birthday in May of 1997, just before we graduated. (In case you girls forgot)

Happy Birthday, Jenny!

2008-06-07T09:48:00.006-04:00

Today is Jenny's birthday! Jenny is like a little sister to me. She is Kelly's little sister. Even from the first time I met her when she was in third grade and Kelly and I were in ninth, I have adored her. My three favorite things about this birthday girl are her maturity in Christ, her humility, and her determination to follow God's will for her life.

I thought her birthday would give me an opportunity to give a shout out about her plans for the next two plus years. She is leaving to be a missionary in Bolivia as a teacher for two years in less than two months. She has to raise A LOT of money. Check out her blog to learn more about her and her ministry. If you would like to support her, here is how to do it....

Want to be a part of God's work in La Paz, Bolivia?

Donate to Jenny's Ministry:

Destination: Missionary Projects

School: La Paz, Bolivia

Person: Letchworth, Jenny (003076)

Happy Birthday, Jookey! I love you!!

I look back and I am thankful...

2008-06-05T09:48:00.009-04:00

This is my friend, Liz, and I in 10th grade. The summer before 10th grade Liz became one of the closest friends I have ever had. It is now 14 years later and Liz is married! She just got married this past weekend in Highlands, NC. It was such a blessing and honor to be there celebrating with her.

As her wedding had been approaching, so many memories from high school flooded back into my mind. I have never had a friend that I am as silly with as I was with Liz. I remember...making up silly names for each other and others like Frucci and Tutti and Pookey and Rockas...fake falling in my upstairs hallway...getting after-school detention in Mr. Smith's class because we talked too much in class ("Do be do be do...sisters" is what he would say to us)...taking pictures with peanut butter and jelly and beans and all kinds of other crazy stuff...sleepovers with the five of us staying up so late eating cookie dough and talking and laughing all night...hiding little gadgets in her stuff at Yearbook camp...snapping to the Eagles in the backseat of my Mom's station wagon on the way to school in the morning...laughing about Mr. Snoryman in my living room late at night...spending the night at her house and trying to push each other off the bed...the list really could go on and on....

I also remember more serious times like the time I took her breakfast in bed the morning after she won Pitt County's Junior Miss...I remember learning about Jesus together in our Small Group Bible Study...I remember sitting at her kitchen table one night crying because she was the friend that had the guts to call me out about my moodiness...I remember long talks about Jesus and boys and school and college and friendships...I remember going over to her house the morning after her wonderful father passed away, sitting on her bed with our friends, and witnessing her still be able to smile and laugh and tell funny stories because her faith in Jesus was so strong.

I remember my friendship with Liz. She was my one of my best friends for 3 years of high school, one of the most fun, special, and fulfilling friendships I have ever known. After high school, somewhere along the way....as more and more time went by, we gradually weren't best friends anymore. For a while, that bothered me. I do not like for my friendships to fade, especially ones that are so close. But my feelings about it have changed now. Liz and I keep in touch, and even though it's not near as often as it used to be, and even though we aren't near as close as we used to be, I look back at our friendship and I am so thankful. I love that our friendship was so fun and special, and I know I will never have another one just like it. When I was watching her and talking to her at her wedding this past weekend, I couldn't help but notice that she is the same Liz that I knew in high school...now she is just more mature, more classy, and even more beautiful. I am so thankful for the Lord's seasons of friendships. I am so thankful for my friend, Liz.

Every friend is unique....

2008-05-30T09:40:00.015-04:00

Last Saturday night, my friend Shannon came from Greenville to spend some time with me. She has been listening to the sermons at my church, so she had been wanting to go with me one Sunday. (She also wanted to come spend time with me, of course :) When she got here, she, Ashley, and I took a walk at Lake Johnson and then went to dinner at Mimi's. Then Shannon and I went to get some ice cream and back to my house for a movie.

One of the things I love about my friendship with Shannon is that we can talk and talk without ever running out of things to talk about. Over ice cream and at my house before the movie, we had many thoughtful conversations. And another thing I love about Shannon is that she doesn't mind my questions at all. She appreciates that the reason I ask so many questions is to get to know people better and to understand every detail; she knows it's not just because i am NOSEY ;). I am so thankful for my conversations with Shannon. She makes me think and be thankful. We talked about how all friendships are unique; about how just because a certain friend may not be your "best" friend or a friend you have had forever, it doesn't mean that friendship isn't just as important. Shannon and I were in a very close-knit Bible Study together in Greenville before I moved to Cary. Even though these girls aren't the ones I have always called my "best" friends, they are some of the closest and most important friends I have ever had (and still have today!!). They were and continue to be some of the major people God has used to help shape my faith and strengthen it. So, even though 3 of the 6 of us have moved away from Greenville and another is moving next year, the distance doesn't matter because the Lord did something so special during our time together that we will forever be bonded and connected in Him. Spending this one-on-one time with Shannon also reminded of how special my individual friendships with each of these girls are. We aren't just friends as a group but individually, too. I think that is very unique within itself. Thanks, Shannon, for reminding me of the uniqueness of my friendships through our conversation. Thank you especially for reminding me to thank Jesus for all of my friendships, particularly the ones within our precious Bible Study. You can come back and visit me anytime! :)

This is one of my favorite pics of all of us from before Christmas when we had an ornament exchange at Emily's house. Top: Shannon, Rebecca, Marianne, Me; Bottom: Emily, Ashley

Four Beautiful Girls

2008-05-28T22:26:00.010-04:00

One of my favorite things about living here in Cary is that my best friend, Melanie, and her family live close by in Raleigh. It is such a comforting blessing to have her just 30 minutes away. She and her husband, Adam, have 3 beautiful little girls: Hannah (4), Sara (2 1/2), Julia (5 weeks). Melanie is an awesome mom. Her girls absolutely adore her.

The Lord has also blessed Melanie with an amazing mom and grandma. The girls call her Nana. Nana comes to watch the girls while Adam and Melanie are at work for a few days during the week. Nana has been away for a little while in Seattle. Melanie's brother and sister-in-law, David and Megan, just had a beautiful little baby of their own, Olivia. Nana has been there helping them out, too. Here is a picture of Olivia.

Last Friday night since Nana was away, I decided to take dinner over to Melanie and her family. It was such a blessing to be with the whole family. Seeing the way they are all adjusting to having a new baby in the house was fun. I love these girls so much. It's cool the way God gives them all different personalities. I love the way Hannah says her little sister, Sara, is her best friend and the way Sara copies everything her big sister, Hannah, does. I love that Hannah said to me after we said her prayers, "'Big Sara', I have to tell you a secret." She then whispered in my ear, "I love you." I love the way Sara smiles so big and so sweetly every time I walk in the door. I love the she is named after me; I don't know if I have ever felt so honored than when Melanie told me she was going to name her daughter after me! And I also love the way Hannah and Sara love their baby sister, Julia, so well. Hannah will go over to check on Julia and rub her little head so gently. Then Sara will follow behind and do the same. God has used Julia to bless their family in such a new and special way. I am so blessed and thankful to have the opportunity to be a part of each of their lives and watch them grow and see what the Lord has planned for them.

When I was at their house Friday night, Hannah and Sara drew these pictures for me. I told them I would put them on my refrigerator and every time I looked at the pictures I would be reminded to pray for them. Here is a picture of their drawings on my fridge, along with a picture of Julia and me.

When I was there Friday night, I realized that Melanie's job as a Mom is even harder than I thought it was. I realized it also even sweeter than I thought it was. It is so neat to see my best friend since 11th grade now as a mom of three. The compassion, boldness, hospitality, servant's heart, and faithfulness I have always seen in her shines even brighter now that she has children. I learn from her, and when I am around she and her family, I am reminded of Jesus every time. There is no question He has formed this family together in His perfect plan. Thank You, Jesus, for the blessing of this special family and for allowing me to be Melanie's best friend and the girls' "Aunt" Sara.

Quality Time with the Cox's...Sandwiched Between Two Important Birthdays...

2008-05-20T10:47:00.024-04:00

Two of the most important women in my life just had birthday's...my Mom on Friday and my best friend, Kelly, on Monday.

On Friday night, my accommodating family agreed to meet me halfway in Wilson at Chili's to celebrate my Mom's birthday because I had to be at J.Crew at 8:30 Saturday morning.

For those that know me well, you know I like to ask the question, "What's your favorite thing about ______?" It is really such a positive question and helps you focus on the good things about people. (Well that is what I say to people like my sister, Rebecca, that tend to get increasingly annoyed by my questions). But anyway, one of my favorite things about my mom is that she is one of the wisest women I know. I love her simple advice, her motivation, and her quiet spirit. You see, my mom is very humble and she usually keeps most of her thoughts and feelings to herself. But, when she says something, I listen because I know it is important. So, mom, even though we may sometimes pick on you for getting certain words wrong or for some of your funny phrases, I am telling the truth when I say you are one of the wisest women in my life. You are such a blessing to me in so many ways. Happy 54th Birthday!! I love you!

On Saturday, after I left J.Crew, I met Marianne, Madeline, and Hayden Cox for a little bit of shopping around Southpoint. They came to spend the night with me and go to church with me on Sunday. This was an extra special time because they will be moving to Texas to be with Joe at the beginning of June. (See more on that story in a post to come later.) We had lots of fun while they were here. Madeline and Hayden are very funny kids. We laughed, talked, ate, went to Target (twice), drank milkshakes, went to the park in my neighborhood, went to church, and spent some time with Ashley. Lots of fun piled into less than 24 hours! In keeping up with the theme of my favorite things; here goes...

Marianne...She has the most gentle yet confident spirit of anyone I have ever met. She is one of the most peaceful people I have ever been around. She is one of my role models...She points me to Jesus.

Madeline...This 4th grader will tell you like it is. And she is not afraid to be different. These are two qualities I very much admire in her.

Hayden...He's in first grade, and I love his sweet little spirit. I love the way he will say the most random, sweet things. Like one time, when I hadn't seen him for a while, he gave me a hug and said, "I am so proud of you!" I also love the way he makes up funny words and I think it's really funny that he gave Rebecca the name "Kerchie."

Then, Monday night I drove to Greensboro after work to celebrate Kelly's birthday. Kelly, Charlie, Jenny, Madison, and I went to dinner together at Harper's Restaurant and then went to get ice cream at Ben and Jerry's! I am always so thankful for the time I get to spend with these friends of mine. They are the kind of friends that are just easy to be with, the kind of friends I can just be relaxed with. At one point when we were eating our ice cream, I blurted out, " I love hanging out with you guys." It was kind of random, but so simple and true. My favorite thing about Kelly is simply that she is my best friend. Our friendship is so constant and true. There is something so special in knowing that she was my best friend in 9th grade and that, if Lord willing we live to be 80, she will be my best friend then, too. We understand each other, we love each other's family and friends, and we are almost always on the same page about things. I love those qualities about our friendship. Happy 29th birthday, Kelly...what a blessing to have spent it with you and your family!

ADDITION:)...After re-reading my blog I realized that I didn't do my favorite thing about Kelly justice. I say that because I actually just described our beautiful friendship rather than describing her God-given gifts. She has many of them, but my very favorite would probably be her persistence. She may not believe this about herself, but the way she works so hard for people she loves and cares about and the way she stays up until late hours of the night working on projects to bless people inspires me in such a unique way. She is so delicate, so careful, so thoughtful in the things she does for people. And that is one of my very favorite things about my best friend. By the way, another favorite thing is that she has this precious little one year old of which I can take beautiful pictures like these.....

I have this friend...

2008-05-12T10:35:00.028-04:00

Her name is Meredith Briley. Well, actually, she is not just a friend, she is family. You see, she married Patrick Briley. The Briley's live across the street from my parents in Greenville. So, Carl, Rebecca and I grew up with the Leigh Anne, Traye, and Patrick Briley. I consider them my family, so since Meredith married Patrick, she is not only my friend, but also my family. Here is a picture of Patrick and Meredith and some pictures of us all.

For a while, I just considered Meredith as Patrick's girlfriend. But somewhere along the way she became my friend, a true friend. I started to get to know her, especially during a time that she and Patrick had a "bump in the road." It was a hard time...we talked over lunches and dinners, at Starbucks, and over ice cream. I don't think I had ever met someone so trusting in the Lord, with such a desire to KNOW God's will, so persistent...so forgiving....not someone with all of those qualities at the same time and at such a hard time. The Lord bonded us together as friends very fast...He gave me another true friend at a time when I least expected it....Well, the "bump in the road" was over and Patrick and Meredith got engaged a few months later and then married in July 2005. I was a bridesmaid that day, and that is when she became my family.
From Fall of 2005 to the Spring of 2007 (a year and a half's time) Meredith's grandpa passed away, her great-grandparents passed away, her grandma's brother passed away, Meredith was diagnosed with cancer, and her mother passed away due to cancer.

Meredith had a tumor the size of a volleyball in her abdomen. She had surgery on October 17, 2006, and one of her ovaries had to be removed. She had to have chemotherapy. She lost her hair. All the while, she was in Pharmacy School at Campbell.

It was the next Spring that her mother's condition worsened. Meredith was dealing with the aftermath of her own cancer and surgery, and then she found out that cancer was overcoming her mother's body.

Through all of this, I saw those same qualities in Meredith that I had seen during that "bump in the road." But this time I also saw peace and joy and thankfulness and strength. AND SHE GAVE ALL THE GLORY TO THE LORD! I talked to her right after she found out about the tumor and then right after she found out it's size. She was amazing. She told me that no matter what, she wanted the Lord to be glorified in all of this. Then again, when her mother passed away, she praised Him. She never lost faith; her faith only grew. She spoke at her mother's funeral; it was beautiful; she is beautiful. She has touched so many lives. She touches my life again and again. She makes me want to know my Lord more and more. When I read this verse in Habakkuk, I am reminded of Meredith:

"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord. I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of deer, he enables me to go on the heights."--Habukkuk 3: 17-19

To read her entire story, click here.

The reason for this post is because Meredith graduated from Pharmacy School this weekend! Through all of this, she didn't get behind in school...she graduated on time! Praise the Lord!!! And Praise the Lord, Meredith is cancer free! She is now a pharmacist; you can call her Dr. Meredith Briley! As I was thinking about this amazing accomplishment today, I began to think back to all she has been through these past 4 years of Pharmacy School. This is a special time! I celebrate, you, Meredith, and I love you! And, most of all, like you would do, I celebrate Jesus and give Him all the praise and glory!

Thank You, Jesus, for Meredith...she is my friend, my family, my sister in You!

My little sister....

2008-05-09T10:55:00.011-04:00

GOT MARRIED!On January 26, Rebecca married Travis. I have learned that at rehearsal dinners when I give a toast, in order for me to get through it without forgetting what I want to say and without crying my way through it, it is much easier to type it up beforehand. This is what I said to them that night...

"Travis, I want to welcome you to our family. As I have gotten to know you the last couple of months, I have come to realize that you are going to be just fine in handling Rebecca's sarcasm. I think you can dish it out maybe even better than she can. But seriously, I know Rebecca loves you so very much. And because of that, I love you too. I have been praying for you before I even knew who you were. I have been praying for Rebecca's future husband since I was in college. I didn't know who it would be, but I knew he would be special. The Lord answered my prayer and has given my sister someone that understands her like no one else and that loves her so passionately. Rebecca says that her favorite thing about you is your passion. It is my prayer that your passion for each other grows stronger each day and that you both will look to Jesus to learn to love each other even better than you do today. I am looking forward to having another brother. Thank you for loving my sister. She loves you, and I do too.

Rebecca, you know when we meet new people and I always go out of my way to make sure they know that we are sisters? And then you shake you head like you think I said something else that's really weird. Well, the reason I am so excited to tell people is because I am so proud that you are my sister. There are so many things about you that make me proud. There are so many things about you that I wish I could be. I believe with all my heart that the Lord had an awesome plan in making you my sister...He made us so different, but I consider that to be one of my greatest blessings. In many ways it is where I am weak that you are strong. The way you can be so honest with just about anyone about just about anything is so rare and special. The way you can let things just roll off your shoulders and not get you down because of your faith and confidence in Jesus is amazing. The way you are willing to take a stand and do something that may not be comfortable or easy because you feel a tug from the Lord is admirable to so many people that know and love you. I love that you often go without wearing any make-up or really fixing your hair with jeans and a T-shirt and you are still the most beautiful girl I know. You don't even have to say a word to me , and you are my biggest accountability partner. There is no one else that can encourage me and hold me accountable to follow Jesus quite like you can. I am so thankful for that blessing in my life, and that is why I consider you my best friend. I am so excited for you because I can see how happy you are. I know that the Lord will continue to be the leader of your life and that He has so many awesome plans and blessings in store for you and Travis. I am so honored that the Lord placed us together as sisters. Thank you for the love, fun, honesty, and peace you bring to my life. You are my sister, and I love you."

We have many pictures from the wedding weekend, but I put together some of my favorites in this slideshow. If you click the arrows, it will go much faster....Enjoy...

2008 Gatherings....

2008-05-06T20:17:00.015-04:00

So, I just read the most beautiful post on my creative best friend, Kelly's, blog and it inspired me to join the world of blogging and try it out myself. The title of my blog "Gather Together," I think, fits me well. My life consists of gathering together here and there with friends and family. If you know me well, you know that I capture just about every moment with a picture or two (or three or four or 200....). Here are some pictures to wrap up 2008 so far...

Make a Smilebox slideshow