Autumn

And even when the trees have just surrendered

To the harvest time

Forfeiting their leaves in late September

And sending us inside

Still I notice You when change begins

And I am braced for colder winds

I will offer thanks for what has been and was to come

You are autumn

(Nichole Nordeman - Every Season)

Claiming His Word

The prisoner is soon to be set free; he will not die and go to the Pit.

Isaiah 51:14

Be Still and Know That He is God.

Together Again

My brother and his girlfriend came in this weekend so we went spent Saturday evening at the boardwalk. It's been a while since we've all been together so, being the camera freak that I am, I made sure to get a picture. Timers are fabulous!

This picture makes me laugh and i'm not sure why... I guess because we're all just standing there lined up? Who knows.

Stacy and Brandon enjoying company before dinner!

This picture makes my heart happy! Don't you love the tiny body and large head? I think it's so cool looking! haha!

Me: "Is there a reason you still have that sticker on there?" Dad: "Because I like it. I leave stickers on my golf clubs, fishing poles, and now my hats." Me: "Alrighty, then!"

Fabulous Sisters!

I was told to wear red to support the Raiders. "Oh, i'll do more than that sista... I'll get my guns up!"

So not a football fan.

Got a little rivalry going on. A Texas Alumn, mom, and a major Tech fan, Casie!

This picture is just for laughs. Please tell me that you fell on the floor laughing when you saw Casie's face. Is that not HILARIOUS?

It's great to be together as a family again! What a fun evening filled with many laughs and much conversation!

Surfing and Sharing

I'm a sucker for simple, inexpensive, creative, wise decorations. Check out this mother of seven who was all of these and more when decorating her home that isn't actually a house.

Kitchen Make-Over

The Little White Room - A girls bedroom

Decorations On A Penny Budget

Corner For A Crib

A Tiny Little Room

This woman's decor reminds me of the passage in Deuteronomy chapter six that says, "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates."

I'm not sure if it's the weather, the time of month, or the fact that this is my first real job, but i've been so exhausted this week. I decided to take a nap in the recliner so that when I heard everyone walking in and out of the room making noise, it'd wake me up.

Or, you know, someone can just take a picture of you while you're sleeping and that'll do the job as well. Cruel.

Capturing Creation

One of my new hobbies is photography.

I love to take pictures of nature, especially flowers. Here are a few of my favorite shots that i've captured over the past four months.
Most of the flowers were from my mothers pots outside on the back porch, but there are about 4 that were taken at random places i've been this summer - Mississippi, the mall, the lake.

It's so much fun to capture the work of our Creator's hands!

On My Way

For those of you who haven't heard I passed my TExES exam this past week.

Friday morning I checked my email at lunch to see if the results were posted and I think my heart fell on the floor. It's one of those moments where you freeze up for a second because you don't know if you should open it or wait til' you're all alone at home in case it's bad news.

When it came up I scanned down the page looking for the big bold letters FAIL or PASS. The score wasn't important at the point, I just wanted to know whether or not I passed the stinkin' test. As soon as I saw the PASS I got up and ran into the main office where mom, Diane, and the principal (whom I house sit for and who gave me so much encouragement and study material) were. I barely made it through the door before the words "I PASSED" came screaming out of my mouth.

My mom has been given strict orders from her chiropractor not to lift anything, walk on the treadmill, or do any kind of physical activity, but that girl picked me up and spunt me around breaking all kinds of rules! haha!!

Fulfilling my calling to be super dramatic and nerdy, tears starting welling up in my eyes and I started to cry.

"I feel like I need to cry. I'm sorry, i'm such a nerd. I barely passed.... but I passed."

The assistant principal ordered pizza and we celebrated that afternoon! I love my job! Have I mentioned that? And I love the people I work with! They're so encouraging, caring, friendly, and man.... such a blessing!

Thank you, Lord Jesus! It is only because of You that I passed that test this week, and we may be the only two who truly understand that. I give You the praise and the glory because everything is done for You, through You, and because of You. Thank You for loving me and meeting all my needs! Praise You Jesus!