New New Years Resolution

No sweets for a year was a success! Now I really don't crave it and even though I've had some chocolate during my chocolate tastings for Interim class, I'm just kinda like "oh hey chocolate. I see you. No big deal. I'll take a bite and be done with you. Whatever." Playing it cool. Hard to get.

So now! It's a new year and I needed a new resolution. I've decided to read through the Bible in a year using the Discipleship Journal Bible Plan. Right now it's taking me through Matthew, Acts, Psalms, and Genesis. It has been fun so far, and I've already learned a lot. I just gotta stick with it.

In the meantime, my life is being overrun by tissues. I've been plagued with the cold of unequal proportions. My apologies to everyone around me having to look at my Rudolph-resembling nose and listen to my sniffles.

Happy Friday!

And if you're interested in learning ALL about what I'm doing in my cooking/tasting class then you're in luck! I'm required to keep a detailed blog about my experience! check it!

Nugget Overload

I've started doing this new thing that's basically changing my life. No big deal.

 Pretty big deal.

I'll call it my Daily Nugget. And i'm not talking chicken.

The idea is to write a verse/thought/quote on a sheet of paper and carry it around with me throughout the day so that I can pull it out and reflect on it "evening, morning and noon" (Psalm 55:17). It reminds me of what that Lord has shown me that morning and helps me to keep my thoughts fixed on Christ (Colossian 3:2).

Since I've royally failed at keeping this blog updated, I'm girding my loins once again and going to attempt to be more consistent by posting my daily nuggets. That way, I can look back and see what the Lord has taught me throughout the week/month/year..ok maybe I'm putting a little too much confidence in my blogging.

I'm starting about 2 weeks late, so I'm currently debating whether to catch myself up to speed or to just start with today. I think I'll start at the beginning and just see how long this gets. Thinking aloud on a blog feels funny. OK here goes!

"Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name; bring an offering and come into His courts" Psalm 96:8

Believe in Hell. Be willing to let go of anyting He chooses to take

"Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted. Therefore, brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus."
Hebrews 2:18; 3:1

Love each other deeply.

"I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength" Philippians 4:12
"When I said, 'My foot is slipping,' your love, O Lord, supported me." Psalm 94:18

Talk with Him continually. You can be as close to Him as you choose.

"The one who sent me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases Him." John 8:29

A quick glance at Him is all you need to make the right choice. Delight yourself in Him more and more; seek His pleasure in all you do.

"I'm torn again between my pride, my old friend

And who you've called me to be

I've sworn again to lay it down

to bring an END to this life lived for me."

Laura Story

"Praise the Lord. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise Him! He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit. Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving, make music to our god ont he harp." Psalm 147

It is in the process of being worshipped that God communicates His presence to men.

Use things that thwart my plans as opportunities to talk to God.

"Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, ALWAYS giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" Ephesians 5:19-20

JOY. Give thanks. Make the most of every opportunity 

"Teach me your way, O Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors" Psalm 27:11

"[He will] equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Christ, to whom be Glory forever and ever." Hebrews 13

Ask God to teach me His ways. He understands. Be aware of His presence and my need to be needed.

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. " 1 John 4:18

Love is perfected when it passes from talk to walk.

Does the coming Holocaust of Divine wrath at the final judgement startle us as deeply and mobilize us dramatically?

Living a life of active love shows that we have the Spirit of Jesus.

WHEW! And there's a few more that are still in the pockets of some of my pants, serving as sweet reminders of His Love

..and the fact that I should do laundry...

O to know Him more!

Shout out

Shoutout to my friends abroad! Sarah, Kaitlin, Lisa, Nicole- love reading your blogs/skyping and hearing about your adventures! Please take me with you next time. But only if you go somewhere that doesn't smell funny, and has lots of good food, oh and hot boys. Ahem Nicole? Australia? I'd be honored! Is the credit card included?

Shoutout to my niece, Darby, who is turning 3 in a few days, and who will never read this. But who really does anyway? I just wanted to clear the air with you, Darby, and say I forgive you for coming along on the beach trip this summer and stealing all the attention away from me. Even though I have been the baby of the family for many years now and am used to being spoiled, the center of attention, beloved...sigh...I guess I'm ready to come to terms with the fact that you're cuter and easier to hold.. but I'm still smarter!

Shoutout to the rat that I performed brain surgery on yesterday in my research class. Number 13, you may not remember me but I will never forget you- my first patient. Thank you for waking up at the end of the procedure, and please don't bite me in the near future.

Shoutout to mornings. I love you! You are so peaceful and quiet and serene. Wait, are those all synonyms? Hey it's morning, my brain isn't functioning yet.

Shoutout to my roomies. Forgive me for going to bed 8 hours before you every night? I'm sorry! It's the only way I can enjoy the afore mentioned morning. Can we start hanging out at 7AM instead of 1 AM? I'll make you coffee!

Shoutout to the weekend. I'm so glad you're here! Please stay. This week was so long. What? It was only the first week of school? I'm positive it must have been at least week three. Is it too late to go back to summer? Minus the blazing temperatures?

Shoutout to you! You're the coolest and the prettiest and the funniest and I want to hang out with you rightthisverysecond. See you soon!

"Help us not only to receive Him but to walk in Him, depend upon Him, commune with Him, follow Him as dear children, imperfect, but still pressing forward, not complaining of labor, but valuing rest, not murmuring under trials, but thankful for our state. And by so doing let us silence the ignorance of foolish men." Valley of Vision

Pre Season Baby!

I'm back at Wofford! Now where is everyone else?

Actually, I like it like this. Wake up before the sun, run with my girls, retreat back to my cube--which is the only decorated room in the apt until Martha Stewart Allie shows up Sunday to bring all our stuff-- sip some coffee, read others' blogs, wish people would update their blogs every fifteen minutes, and then realize that I have a blog, and I myself should blog more if I am going to hold others to such a high expectation.

I enjoy talking to myself, so I should take more advantage of this outlet.
I think it's more socially acceptable than the mirror talk that I usually do. Am I alone in this? Probably.

So here's my list-like update of whats been going on since my last post..in July.

1. I have found the joy of running with good friends! I thought it was the running I was getting sick of near the end of the summer. But alas! I just needed some company! This morning was so fun being back with my teammates running thru the bounding hills of Milliken. Speaking of which...I really need to dry my shoes before this afternoon's practice...

2. I have attempted to become DIY girl. Do. It. Yourself. I got stuck on Pinterest.com during my Greenville First work days (people started making comments about all the food I was gawking over looking at on howsweeteats.com so I had to find a new hobby). I was bound and determined to have a cute cube this year. It's my final year, dangit! Time to be creative. Well, I tried. Made a couple cute crafts. Put my room together. And all my pride immediately deflated as soon as I walked into Shelby, Niki, and Emily's apartment. It would put Southern Living to shame.

3. I want to marry a cowboy and move to the country. I want to have ten kids and a garden and cook great meals and ride horses and wear cowgirl boots and hats and flannel and have a wrap around porch and and and...

4. or else I want to live in LA and have a hip apartment and live a fast paced city life. Wait, are those polar opposites? I'm really not indecisive at all. Yes I am. No I'm not.

5. Most importantly, I went through a rough period with my relationship with the Lord. As in, I completely ignored it. And my conclusion is: it was awful! My life had no meaning, my days were frivolous, I felt so useless and blah all the time. It's so good to be back in communication with God! He has proven to me again that He is Life. Not living for Him is not living at all!

"I have taken up residence within you; I am central in your innermost being. your mind goes off in tangents from its holy Center, time after time. Do not be alarmed by your inability to remain focused on Me. Simply bring your thoughts gently back to Me each time they wander. The quickest way to redirect your mind to Me is to whisper My Name" Jesus Calling Exodus 3:14; 1 Cor. 3:16; Ps. 25:14-15

Don't you love it when a devotional seems like it was written just for you?

I have missed prayer so much! I have missed my Savior! What a priveldge that He is as close as a whisper. That he waits for me and welcomes me back with open arms, clothes me with His white robe of Righteousness, and calls me daughter. He gives me a name and a purpose! O Jesus, that I may trust you fully even when I walk through the valleys. I am so thankful for the valleys because they have been the times that have brought me nearest to the Lord. As I look back on the past 3 years of college, they really have been years full of mistakes, rebellion, and, to put it plainly, sin. But I have also come to know the love, mercy, grace, goodness, and power of my God in a deeper way than ever before. I wish I were a better student so I didn't have to go through so much for God to get my attention, but I am so thankful that He never lets go!

Amen? Amen! Let it be!

Teller Me About It

Pun intended.

I haven't blogged in so long that I forgot my account name and password and had to re-register. This is a problem! I just KNOW all my faithful faithful followers have been checking this blog daily- possibly multiple times a day- only to see that same post about the stupid bowling event that you cannot relate to on any level.

Well stress no more! I am posting!

This summer I've been living the best of both worlds. I'm living the life of a 21 year old grown up who still gets pampered by her mommy and daddy. It's so great!

Being a teller at Greenville First has been fun, busy and hilarious. If you come visit me, I'll give you a blow pop! And maybe even a packet of Ritz Bitz (Cheese edition- because the Peanut Butter version just doesn't measure up. And that's coming from a PB junkie) if I haven't smuggled them all to my desk and stuffed them in my face already.

I wake up in the mornings to my new phone's alarm...tangent about that for a bit... I really feel as if I've down-graded in my new phone purchase. If I don't want an iPhone or a Droid then all I can have is the 1980s version that barely even takes pictures? How do all you people afford internet service is what I want to know! I know it's not from robbing the bank because I have all the keys. (don't mug me!)

Anyways...waking up to my alarm and having my mommy fix me breakfast and send me off to work with my lunch is just so great. And then I come home and she has supper waiting on me- these are the glory days, my friends!

I've discovered some great things this summer. In no particular order, here they are:

1. I love getting back from a hot, hard run and taking a cold shower and getting so clean. I hate showering, but I love being clean. And smelling good. I'm trying to adapt a scent. Right now it's J'Adore Dior which my sister in law Rebecca gave me. I want to own it. Like, people smell it in the mall and think of me. That takes a lot of dedication on my part though. It's probably more likely that you'll smell a pair of running shoes and think of me. Or, not think of me..at..all (TEAR!)

2. THIS BLOG: howsweeteats.com If I can't eat sweets, then I can look at and read about them all day long. AND the website isn't blocked at work. So, I just read about food all day long and all my co-workers wonder why I'm not 800 pounds heavier since I seem to be obsessed with cakes and cookies. Read it, join me in the madness.

3. Jesus Calling. The book. Or devotional. Whatever you'd like to call it. It's so good. Shout out to my bff (read: biff) CaroS for giving it to me! Go buy it! Or befriend CaroS and hope she gives it to you for your birthday!

4.  A glass of wine at night. In bed. While reading a mindless novel that I've had since I was 12 (Christy Miller series-- Stephanie, are you with me??!) And falling asleep at 10:30. You call it lame, I call it perfection.

5. JP and Ames. I'll admit that this season of the Bachelorette is a complete snoozefest, but that doesn't mean I won't still be tip toe-ing around my house so as not to mess up the finicky satellite in my house that only catches ABC if I hold my breath and stand on my head. But in all seriousness, if someone walks upstairs or closes a door, the channel is gone. So, it was quite a miracle when I got to watch the whole episode Monday night.  Ames..just so awkward I squirm every time that he's shown. But who wouldn't love someone that says things like "That sounds fantastic, Ashley" enunciating every syllable and has the worlds most awkward elevator kiss? Love it! JP, he needs no explanation. I just love him. His voice, his shaved head, his lips, .....

6. The fact that I cannot be late to work. Seriously, I've tried to be late, and it just doesn't happen. The later I leave, the quicker I get there. Guess I just have to keep sleeping in!

For now, I will leave you with this from Jesus Calling:

"Keep walking with Me along the path I have chosen for you.The journey is arduous at times, and you are weak. Someday you will dance lightfooted on the high peaks; but for now, your walk is often plodding and heavy. All I require of you is to take the next step, clinging to My hand for strength and direction. Stay on the path I have selected for you. It is truly the path of Life"

Psalm 37:23-34; Psalm 16:11

Bowling Extravaganza

First, a brief update on what's been going on since the team got back on campus for part deux of Spring Break. This is mainly going to be entertaining for my bowling group only, because it's one of those "you had to be there" kinds of things. Moments like these I wish I had a video camera so I didn't have to say that little phrase that immediately comes after a flop of a story (you know the kind..you tell a story, look around expectantly with a huge grin on your face because of the fantabulous story you just told, waiting for everyone to burst into laughter, no one does, so you look down and mutter "guess you had to be there" and hope that the conversation quickly moves on)

Anyways, I'll preface this with: "you had to be there"

Bowling. Paradise Lanes. I really hope paradise is nothing like this bowling alley- that would just be sad.

Now I have no idea why there's a dude lying in this parking lot, but it's the only picture I could find of alleged paradise.

We figured on a Wednesday night there wouldn't be too many people there. Little did we know, Spartanburg is the home to some serious Wednesday night bowlers. Place was packed! (Maybe they were confused on the whole paradise thing..ok no more references to that I promise)

My team in bowling order: Katie, Pearce, Shelby, Andrea, Kim, and Me (obviously)

None of us were off to a very good start, and it's always just awkward right after you've bowled and you have to walk back to your seat. Should I act like I don't care that I just got another gutter ball? Do I act disappointed in myself to make everyone think I'm actually a really good bowler who is just having an off night? Or do I turn around and quickly walk back without even watching to see how many (or few) of the pins fell over? O the complexities of bowling!

We decided to overcome the awkwardness by creating different dances: there was the gutter ball dance (the embarrassment factor served as motivation to knock at least one pin over), the spare dance, and the strike dance/chest bump.

All the dancing definitely made it more fun, but the best reaction of the night came from dear Katie. After bowling, she turned around, flexed her arms, shook her curls, and let out some sort of mix between a roar a squeal and a battle cry. Quite loudly. I can't even remember if it was because she did well or poorly, but it was hilarious. But it must have worked because she had the second highest score. (no big deal I got a strike on the last frame, FTW)

And then there was Andrea. After perfecting the gutter ball dance and holding onto a score of 8, she decided to swallow her pride and go for the granny shots. But this wasn't just any granny shot. This was the Granny X-treme Edition. Andrea, ever so confident, walked up, bent over, legs shoulder length distance apart and during the swingback of the ball, POP her right leg would shoot out to the side on cue every single time, making her look like she was getting ready to do the Irish Jig. Quite impressive, quite hilarious, and oddly effective.

In all, a fun night!

Love these girls!

An Unloading of the Heart

The irony of my life is that during the school week I long for a day of nothing to do: time to sit, sip coffee, read, and contemplate. But as soon as I get the chance, I find it hard to actually get myself to sit down in my chair and do what I claim to "love".

I desire to have this amazing intimate relationship with God, but I hardly ever want to sit down, take time, and do the work it takes to study His love letter to me. That seems ridiculous already! If I truly viewed God as the lover of my soul and me as the Bride preparing herself for the Day of the Lord, then I should want to soak in every word of His letter to me.

The issue is taking time. I want to KNOW scripture, but I don't want to sit and read, meditate, and memorize it. I want to KNOW the Lord's will for me, but I don't want to take time to "call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding" or "look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure" (Pr. 2:3,4).

It's these moments that I have to realize that OF COURSE I don't always have the happy fuzzy feelings of spending time with God. We really are in the midst of a spiritual battle! And for this reason, I MUST arm myself with the armor of God and not live by my wavering emotions, for "the heart is deceitful above ALL things" (Jer. 17:9)

And furthermore, OF COURSE I often feel "off" or "empty" or "blah" as my roommates and I call it-- for my inward being (along with the whole creation) groans in eager expectation of the future glory that we have inherited as heirs of God (Romans 8).
It reminds me of this quote by C.S. Lewis: "If I discover within myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world" Praise the Lord that this is not the end!

I love reading Revelation when I'm feeling "off". I want to be like the 24 elders who, even though they have been spending eternity worshipping God, they STILL fall on their faces EVERY TIME the living creatures start to sing "Holy Holy Holy is the Lord God Almighty!" (Rev 4, 5, 7, 11, 19)

So, I pray this song from Laura Story "Make Something Beautiful" :Listen!
That even though I may not FEEL like sitting and taking time, I CHOOSE to spend time with my Savior. And amazingly enough, He is faithful to give me the "emotions" I long for when I am obedient to spend time with Him. Praise God for appealing to my human desires to "feel something" and choosing to bless me with His grace!

"When I'm tired of pretending, and I can't recall my lines,
Do I say, I'm barely breathing., or just say, I'm doing fine.
I admit there is a yearning, for the hurting to subside,
But not at the risk of missing what You're doing with my life
All I know to do is lift my hands to you

Take all of my life, all of my life,
And make something beautiful.
I open my hand, trusting Your plan.
Make something beautiful so all will see
Your work in me, as You make something beautiful"