Skydiving

In less than 12 hours I'm going skydiving.

Well...not really, but that's what it feels like. At 2:00 am I will embark on the 36-hour journey to Kenya, Africa for a 10-day mission trip.

I feel like I am in the plane & the instructor strapped to my back is about to force me out of the airplane door into the ride of my life. I have never wanted to go skydiving. How did I end up on this plane in the first place? I have absolutely no control over what is about to happen & there is no turning back - no getting out of it. I'm scared. I'm unsure. I don't know what's going to happen or how I will react to this experience. I do know, however, that it is going to be a once in a lifetime experience & a thrilling one, at that. But, what I am most looking forward to is getting my feet back on the ground & looking back & saying, "That was awesome!" The good thing about this "skydiving trip" is that the instructor strapped to my back is Jesus! He already knows every single thing that is going to happen. He is my comforter & my protector. And that is what gives me peace and assurance about the "jump".

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Romans 8:28

July 4th

This July 4th weekend we were blessed with a FREE 3 night get-a-way to Will's grandparents condo at Litchfield Beach, South Carolina. It was exactly what we needed in the midst of my busy work schedule, Will's 4 summer classes, and right before I leave for Kenya.

Day #1:

We left on Thursday the minute Will got out of class. We got to the beach that evening and after getting settled in we headed down for a walk on the beach at sunset.

After that, we went back up and caught up on some Bible studies that we have been working on. Then it was bed time...

Day #2:

Will made us french toast for breakfast! Sooo good! And I just drank coffee and read. I'm so spoiled! We then headed down to the pool to catch some sun!

We just laid by the pool and read for hours. Will started the Pursuit of Holiness and I borrowed Lies Women Believe from Alli. Awesome book!

We went back up, had some snacks, caught up on the Casey Anthony trial (my guilty pleasure), then took a nap. Then my sweet little chef made dinner...

Salmon, shrimp, wild rice, and asparagus. Delicious!

We had a little romantic candle-lit dinner by the ocean. Bliss!

After that we went for a walk throughout the community. We were hoping to see a gator, but this was all we found...

We also relaxed in a hammock by the water while on our walk :)
After that, it was dessert time. Will's GOT to have his little dessert! Ice cream snickers bars!

After the sun went down, we went back down to the pool for a swim. We also went down to the beach to look at the stars through a telescope Will found in the condo. He's in a science class this summer and is really gotten into the stars and outerspace.

Me with my little dork on the beach...

For the rest of the night we sat on our back balcony, listened to the ocean, and watched fireworks.

Day #3:

Sweet Will made me breakfast in bed. We did our devotional for the day, watched a pair of dolphins swim past our balcony, then we headed to the beach. We read a little bit more in our books and then played in the water where I used Will as my boogie board. :)
That evening we watched a movie, played scrabble (I'm thinking that officially makes us an old married couple), and then cooked dinner. Honey-mustard chicken, green beans, and squash.

And then Sunday morning we headed home! It was such a simple, low key trip, but sometimes those are the best! I officially feel recharged. =)

Philippians 4:19-20

"And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God & Father be the glory forever & ever."

Phillippians 4:19-20

Yesterday I got my invoice for the Kenya trip & I have raised all $2,600 plus some! God definitely provides when He calls. I'm very thankful for all of my supporters:

Roger & Joann Williams

Bill & Michelle Hallowes

Erin & Daniel Caldwell

Joe & Chris Cosper

Emily Conner

Jim & Nancy Combs

Tom & Rachel Fowler

Alayna Pirkle

Brett & Laura Fowler

Gerald & Lynda Thurman

Garrett & Chris Churchill

John Fowler

Sarah & Brad Faulkner

Brittany & John Langford

Matt Fowler

Kathy Williams

Josephine Cosper

Mike Williams

Alli & Casey Ryals

THANK YOU!!!

"Give, & it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together & running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

Luke 6:38

Kenya Countdown

30 days.

Seriously?

Just one month?

I cannot believe it is really here...almost.

It was back in September or October when I first felt the calling to go. I have NEVER wanted to do mission work. Never! That's always something I respected, but it was always the kinda thing where I was like, "That's great that you are doing that, but it's just not for me." The place I enjoy being most is in my comfort zone. A foreign country, away from Will, with people I don't really know, not really knowing what to expect...yeah, not for me.

I can give you an entire list of reasons why I did NOT want to go...

#1: Probably the biggest reason was I had to get shots...5 to be exact. And in case you didn't know, I have a major needle phobia. When I had shoulder surgery at 16, I fainted & had a seizure when I got the iv. Ever since then I have had MAJOR issues with needles! When I had to get a tetanus shot going into grad school, that was Will's first experience with my fainting/seizure episodes. It scared him to death to say the least!

#2: The cost of the trip is $2,600 & we are supposed to raise that money through support. That's just awkward for me - asking people for money? Besides asking my mom to pay for my highlights or dinner every once in awhile, that's not really in my comfort zone! I was overwhelmed with fear - what if I don't raise it all?

#3: Right about the time the deposit for the trip was due, all the hype about the "naked body scanners" in airports came out in the news. Awesome.

#4: Then my fear of crashing into the Atlantic Ocean started. I would wake up from bad dreams about crashing into the ocean, being trapped in the plane & slowly drowning. I'm still not really over that fear...

#5: Then you know of course we go & kill Bin Laden & threats of retaliation rise. I read about missionaries in Africa being chased by war lords & having their limbs ripped off...scary stuff in an unstable world!

But back in October, I genuinely felt that for me not to go would be disobedient. If God called me to go would he not only provide for me, but also protect me? All these fears were put in my head by Satan - Satan trying to make me crumble. Satan trying to prevent the Gospel from being spread. Nice try...

I successfully completed all 5 shots AND without fainting! This was just a very small sacrifice compared to what Jesus did for me.

I am $200 away from raising the full $2,600! Praise the Lord! I am humbled & overwhelmed by the generosity of family & friends.

Yes, I am still struggling with anxiety about the flight & traveling so far away in an unstable world, but I am confident that the Lord will comfort & protect me. After all, "If our God is for us, then what can stand against us?" (Romans 8:31) What better protector to have then the Creator of the world, himself?

It's incredible how my attitude has completely changed over these past 8 months. I went from feeling very reluctant with a "Do I have to?" kind of attitude, to feeling extremely honored & humbled that God chose me to do His work. If just one person accepts Christ & gets to spend eternity in Heaven, then all the money, all the shots, all my worries are MORE than worth it!

30 days...

Life Changing

Some of my friends and I are reading The Pursuit of Holiness this summer. We meet at Alli's pool on Fridays. But this is a life changing revelation I read from Chapter 2...

"Many Christians have what we might call a "cultural holiness." They adapt to the character and behavior pattern of Christians around them. As the Christian culture around them is more or less holy, so these Christians are more or less holy. God has not called us to be like those around us. He has called us to be like himself."

That is something I struggle with all the time! Another revelation...

"(James) is simply telling us that a "faith" that does not result in works - in a holy life, in other words - is not a living faith but a dead one, no better than that which the demons possess."

This was a huge eye opener for me a few years ago. The demons in hell even know the truth about Jesus. I was the same as them - knowing the truth but not changing my actions or pursuing a relationship with Christ.

"Everyone, then, who professes to be a Christian should ask himself, "Is there evidence of practical holiness in my life? Do I desire and strive for holiness? Do I grieve over my lack of it and earnestly seek the help of God to be holy? It is not those who profess to know Christ who will enter heaven, but those whose lives are holy."

Jesus said, "Not everyone who says to me, "Lord, Lord," will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."

"Many will say to me on that day, "Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons, and perform many miracles?" Then I will tell them plainly, "I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!" (Matthew 7:21-23)

Are you pursuing holiness?

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Brett & Laura's Wedding

This past weekend we spent Friday & Saturday celebrating Brett & Laura's wedding! It was beautiful & SO much fun! Friday the rehearsal dinner was at the Country Club. We had steak & crab cakes & a dance party following the dinner. Saturday the wedding was absolutely beautiful (& so sweet!). It was at the Methodist Church in Gainesville. Laura looked STUNNING! The reception to follow was at the Country Club & may very well have been the most fun wedding I've ever been to! From the beautiful decorations to the photo booth with props to the amazing band, it was all around a blast! And it was great seeing some old friends, too!

One of my oldest friends...

My handsome groom! =)

These cute sunglasses were wedding favors. CUTE idea!!

Such a fun night!

Let's See...

Ok so it's been awhile...again. I'm thinking my iPhone isn't helping me stay as up-to-date as I'd like. Just like in Matthew 26:41: "The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." I really do have good intentions, though! So here's what's lately...

Matt came home! It was wonderful having him in town for awhile! He made it home just in time to see my mom get Master Teacher in Hall County. Master's just run in our fam! =)

I also ran my first (and 2nd) 5k of the year! Britt & I went and spent the night with the Faulkner's in Buckhead, then got up the next morning to run the Sweet Water 5k. Fun times! That night, we went to a couples shower for Brittany & John at the Brown's house in Gainesville.

The following weekend was the Bride's Bachelorette Party! We went and stayed in Sarah's cabin in Suches. It was so fun just hanging out, cooking, laying out in the sun, tubing, and spending some time with the Bride. Here she is...

We did go out to dinner one night - surprisingly there is a restaurant up there & even more surprising - it was good! Great food & right on the river!

The next weekend was my 2nd 5k of the year & it was actually a 30k relay. We had a team of 6 and we each ran a 5k leg. Will & I started it off...

Matt (yes, Matt ran!!!) & Erin (yep - 8 or 9 weeks after having a baby!!!) ran the 2nd leg while Michael & Mark Zoller (the pro!) finished the race. After the race we enjoyed the chicken cook-off! Mmmm...

The next weekend was Brittany's wedding. Beautiful day, beautiful wedding, even more beautiful Bride. I am very sad to lose the best workout partner I've ever had though =(

Throughout the entire month of May, I've been working on some 12 presentations I'm doing this summer, mentally preparing for my mission trip to Kenya this summer, & started a "book club" with Alli, Mary, & Amanda Sheidy on Fridays at Alli's pool.

Will's taking 12 hours this summer & working for Daniel on his off days. Needless to say we're busy & just truckin' along!

We still have fun though...for Memorial Day weekend (& Alli's birthday!) we went up to Mary's cabin in Helen for the night then spent the following day on Lake Burton. Beautiful lake!! Beautiful houses!! The tornado damage was crazy though! I've never seen it first hand like that before. Definitely makes me thankful for what I have!

Back into the grind this week...

April Showers Bring May Flowers

What a rainy yucky week! At least this weekend was beautiful!

Will had his first softball game this week! He was such a stud - played short stop, batted 4th, went 3 for 4 with a bomb over the center fielders head. Hot stuff!!

Lots of R&R this weekend! Friday night we went to a game night with some other couples from our Sunday School class. It was so fun and Will and I dominated in some games! :)

Saturday morning we got up and ran 4 miles with Brittany. Awesome way to start a Saturday!! That night we decided to cook out with my parents, but there was one condition for our free dinner. We had to bathe the beast...




So we (more like Will) did it and she was oh so grateful!! :)




Sunday after church we ate with Kathy and hung out with Erin and little Kim. After lunch we enjoyed the BEAUTIFUL day and walked the girls.




They were so happy! For dinner we ate at the Green's house then had a Thirst Group leaders meeting. Exciting things to come for the ministry. A lot of much needed prayer for each other. Everyone needs community! Will will be speaking this coming Thursday at Fusion. I'm so proud of him.

Today we got back to the grind! Praying that Will finishes the semester strong, finds success, trusts in the Lord, and will be encouraged. He's very stressed right now :(

Went for a run tonight (getting ready for my race in Atlanta in 2 weeks) in a tornado watch! In for the night, cuddling with the girls, waiting for a scary storm...the best!

Tini's watching for it too :)




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Spring Fever

After such beautiful weather this week, the rain is making me have spring fever! I want the sunny skies back!

Loooong week! I ended up working some 52 odd hours! Whew! Glad it's the weekend (even though it's a rainy one and even though I'm working!)

Friday night we went and cooked out with Brett and Laura and Ray and Sarah (and baby Addison of course!) But before we left for Brett's house we got to see little Kim...


Such a happy little baby! She turned 1 month old on Saturday. After Brett's house we went to Monkey Barrel to hear Mary and Casey sing. They did AWESOME as always!!


Yeah...they were our wedding singers :)

Saturday we were up bright and early. Will went to serve at Missions Day with our Thirst Group and I had to head to North Georgia for an Open House. After lunch at Little Italy we headed to my uncle's batting cages. Will is playing for one of Lakewood's softball teams so he wanted to do a little bp :) Still got it...




Michael doesn't...




Just kidding but I DEFINITELY do... ;)




After church and our 3rd Kenya meeting, I went with Mom and Dad to see Greymama and run too many errands! Fortunately, these errands included another trip to Sweet Monkey! :) Overall the weekend was busy and fast and I'm ready for another! We have a busy week ahead...

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Matt's Home

Yep, Matt's back after Michael and Dad told me 1,000 times (I think they're excited). So I'm thankful that God returned him safely.

This seemed like a long weekend for once! Friday I went to a conference at UGA in their insanely nice conference center. There was food EVERYWHERE! That night we went on a triple date with Alli and Casey and Mary and Chris. We went to Chili's then to Sweet Monkey again! SO good!

Saturday I got up and went for a 4 mile run with Brittany and Brittni Curtis. It was perfect weather! The prettiest day of the year! Then we all went and got our Bodypump on. :) That afternoon I went to a Bridal Shower for Anna Bloodworth. I can't even remember the last time I saw her! It was a beautiful day and a beautiful shower hosted by Danielle and Emily. Here's the pretty little table...

And all the guests...

That night we went to cook out burgers at my parents' house. Pretty nice little Saturday.

Today after church, I went and channeled my inner "bond girl" :)

And even hit the target!

We ended the weekend with margaritas and El Som with my Mom and some chill time with the girls at home...pretty good weekend!

Tryin' Out My iPhone

Wanted to give my blog app a try (and yes I am fully aware that I'm a dork).

Right now I'm just playing around with my new phone while Will cooks dinner - pork chops, squash casserole, & fried okra...yum! It smells so good it's making Missy hungry. She's just standin' here crying by her bowl - poor girl...


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Location:Kensington Pl,Gainesville,United States

Ok...I lied.

Ok, so I lied BIG time about updating soon. Don't know where the year went! Here is the update on our lives for the past 12 months...

APRIL 2010

The only thing I left off of last April was my 4th 5k (and most fun one!) of the year. It was a 30k relay race! SOOOO much fun - definitely one we want to do each year!

Here's our team sponsored by the Coffee Shop =)

MAY 2010

Only 3 things to report on May last year:

1. Michael & Will ran 5k #5 with me in Lula...

Finish line!

2. We moved back to Gainesville!

3. We found out that we were going to be an Aunt & Uncle!!! =)

JUNE 2010

June was a fun month! Will & I took some of our best friends to Oma & PaBear's condo at the beach. Such a fun week!!! Will & Casey made sure they played golf =)

We rented bikes with Alli & Casey & rode them all over the resort & beach!

I FINALLY (after asking for 10 years!) got to ride the paddle boats!!! It was so beautiful & right at sunset!

We also played putt-putt =)

We each took turns cooking dinner at the condo. It turned out to be so much fun & really good food, too!

Joy ran 5k #6 with me in Dahlonega, too. Half way to my goal!

JULY 2010

So for the 4th we went & stayed with Brad & Sarah in Buckhead so we could get up early in the morning & watch the Peachtree. That night, we went out to dinner, then went back to their place to play games! =)

The next morning, we got up, had mimosas, & went to check out all the excitement at the race. After the race was over, we had a cookout at the pool...fun times!

Last July, Joy & I ran 5k #7 in Athens...it was SUPER hot!!!

And Will & I went & hiked Tallulah Gorge with Martha & Sarah. So tiring, so beautiful, so fun!!! There are some 2,000+ steps getting down to & up out of the gorge - strenuous!

Scary Indiana Jones bridge!

I love that we went with a cool photographer ;)