12 Blessings in 2013: The Ultimate iPhone Dump

Now that we've established I've been AWOL for most of 2013, I thought I would catch you up by way of the most epic iPhone Dump of all time.

Here you have it - The last year of my life summed up in 12 iPhone snapshots:

January - Our first Bridal show of the Harrison wedding season! This show turned out to be a major success. Sarah found most of her vendors this day. And to think, just a couple years ago, I had her convinced I knew the Backstreet Boys personally. Oops.

February - One Saturday in February, I went rogue and drove to Knoxville to surprise my camp family at a D-Now weekend. Only Gage was in on the secret. The most perfect part of this situation was I had just attended the funeral of a high school friend earlier that day. Oh, did these guys ever minister to me that day. I don't think they even knew.

March - This photo was snapped a the Clark County Lincoln Day Dinner. I was invited to attend as the guest of my mentor and State Representative, Donna Mayfield. Precious, isn't she? I think she looks like Laura Bush a little. Anyway, Donna introduced me to some potential employers, and the next month BAM! I'm employed.

April - This may have been the best month of the whole year. I accepted my first big girl job, celebrated my last event as a College Republican with my favorite friends ever, and took the last final exam of my college career. The best day in April, though, was going to Louisville with my little sister to see Needtobreathe live. 5th row seats, y'all. Best show I've ever seen.

May - I received my college degree in May 2013. Pretty big deal, huh? I didn't go to graduation, but I did stop by the Phi Mansion one last time where I grabbed a picture of my sophomore sorority composite photo. Long hair AND a brunette?! I hardly recognize myself!

June - In June, I was fortunate to celebrate in the marriage of my friend and sister, Kristen Werling (now Haag!) to a wonderful, god fearing man named Michael. This day was extra special for me, because I was able to watch Kristen as she came to know Jesus, grew in her faith, and eventually met Michael. The Lord is mighty, indeed. These two are going to do incredible things in the name of Jesus.

July - What a bittersweet month July was for me. I worked on a special election for a wonderful candidate. We fought our hearts out, but did not emerge victorious. Its never easy to lose; working so hard toward something, then finding in the end it amounted to nothing. However, it was an incredible learning experience and a great opportunity to make lots of new friends. I wouldn't take it back for a second!

August - The first Saturday in August brought the most exciting political event Kentucky has to offer. Every year, the tiny town of Fancy Farm Kentucky holds the largest political picnic in the country. Hundreds upon hundreds of Kentucky voters gather on the lawn of St. Jerome's Catholic church to partake in pulled pork, mutton, and political speeches filled with red meat. It. Is. Awesome. Genia and I arrived on site at 4 AM to protect the seats of our republican supporters who would arrive later. We're a pretty intimidating security team, don't you think?

September - Late September brought an impromptu trip to our other home in West Tennessee. There's no therapy like good food, sweet family, and afternoons on the dock.

October - October is the month of birthdays in my family; Something about those frigid winters, I'm told. My sister and I have our birthdays exactly one week apart. I had a great time celebrating Haley's 21st with her girlfriends from school!

November - November was an exercise in humility. After my car accident, I needed a lot of help during my recovery - those crutches are killer. I was so grateful for the bonding time it allowed with my sweet Papa. We ate cracker barrel 4 days in a row in that first week. The man sure does love some blackberry pancakes with his whipped cream. Grin.

December - I got to spend Christmas eve with my Daddy this year. For those who know me, you are aware how precious this time is. He was having a good day that day. Father is so gracious.

I hope you feel a little more caught up now! I have an exciting surprise coming very, very soon!

Until next time, sweet things!

Stranded at the Drive In...

Try telling me you didn't sing the rest of that. I won't believe you.

I'm not actually stranded at a drive in. I am, however, stranded in Teays Landing, WV. Oh, the irony. Long story short, it came a blizzard while I was returning from a brief stint in DC, and given my track record with driving in winter weather (alright, driving in general), I couldn't risk it. I holed up in a Holiday Inn off the interstate, had a swanky steak dinner for one, and have settled into a pretty sweet king sized bed. It could be worse...

There are lots of things I'd like to share, but I'll save that for later. Right now, I would like to share an exciting surprise with you guys.

Thanks to the generosity of B&H Publishers, from now until January 10th, you can download most of Beth Moore's books to your e-reader of choice at no cost.

That's right ladies.
Endless Beth, for free. (Did you read that in a Rebel-Wilson-in-Bridesmaids voice? Because thats how I wrote it.)

Check out my iBooks library right now...totally stocked.

If you've never read Beth, you're missing out on some of the most sound Biblical teaching I've encountered in this life. The woman is anointed, plain and simple. For a Beth newbie, I HIGHLY recommend Breaking Free. The Lord used it to bring powerful healing to my life 3 years ago. Personally, I'm looking forward to starting the year with When Godly People Do Ungodly Things. At this point in my life, I can relate to the title alone all too well. How's that for transparency, girls? Grin.

I suppose its about time I turned out the lights and rested up for the second leg of my journey home. Fingers crossed I can get out of here tomorrow. Fingers double crossed I can sleep through the sounds of a man sawing logs in the next room. Can't make this stuff up, folks...

I don't want to give too many secrets away, but check back here soon. You should be seeing a lot more out of me in the coming year.

Sleep tight, my friends.

Grace on Grace

When our world gets rocked, it happens so quickly. 

Last Saturday, I finished working a fundraiser and decided to run across town to pick up a birthday present for my sister. In an instant, the airbag in my Jeep exploded in my face. Smoke. Screams. Fear. 

I'm not sure how it happened. I know it was my fault. I struggle to remember how I hit another car so hard and so fast, with enough force to destroy my car and push it into two others. 

At this point, I must assure you that I am ok. I walked away with cuts, scrapes and a broken foot; thankfully, my injuries were the worst of anyone involved. Looking back on the photos, I can see how very, very lucky I was to walk away. 

The Lord has been so gracious to provide all I could need following the accident. I am so grateful to live close to my family. I have spent the week in my old room at my parent's house. My grandfather and my mom have chauffeured me all over town in the last week, and will continue to do so until I am cleared to drive again (hopefully the end of the week. fingers crossed!) 

If you've been praying, allow my to express my sincere gratitude. If you are one who visited, called, or went out of your way to provide a ride, I want to thank you as well. If nothing else, I have learned how incredibly blessed I am by those who love me. 

Continue to lift me up in prayer as I return to work this week. I need the energy to give everything I have, every second of every day. I have quite a bit of ground to make up. I should probably go ahead and get moving on that...

Let me know how I can lift you up in prayer this week!

One More Time

For nearly a year, I've been silent. I suppose that's fitting.

I haven't had much to say. I haven't heard much in the last year. I have no one to blame for this but myself. The silence has begun to take its toll. 

I'm but a few minutes shy of my 23rd birthday. Looking back, my 22nd year has likely been the most spiritually dark of my life. I need to go back to where I was when I was near Him. When we walked together. When I ached for His presence and couldn't take a step unless He walked beside me. 

May 23 bring a year filled to the measure of every bit of the abundant life Christ can offer. May 22 never be seen again.

The War in My Mind

I'm forgetful.

I'm the kind of person who should own stock in post it notes. I single handedly keep 3M in business. I'm always late, and a little on the messy side. There are 51 different reminder alerts set on my phone at this moment. I'm also the person who read your email, but probably forgot to respond. Sue me.

I'm also visual. These are all little tricks I've learned along the way to help me be a little less on the scattered side. I decided to put it to good use tonight. Exhibit A:

I am my Beloved's, and his desires are for Me. -Song of Songs 7:10 (emphasis mine)

Where do you find your value? I asked myself this very question this afternoon after a trip to the gym. I'm know to take my diet and exercise regimen overboard. Subconsciously, I have a tendency to let my jean size define me.

I think women are just wired that way, but insecurity is a battle we must fight DAILY, and we have to hit it head on. As I often remind my students, scripture is our only offensive weapon against the Satan's lies. This scripture is dear to me, as it reminds me my Bridegroom desires me just as I am. There's no weight limit at the foot of the cross.

So I put my sword in two strategic places: the mirror and the refrigerator. Two key places the war is waged.

You are beautiful. He desires you so, just as you are.

22 Lessons from 22

I've never been the birthday kind.

They're a hassle and a pain in my opinion. Plus, I hate fall (don't judge me), and since my birthday falls smack in the middle of my least favorite season, I'm not usually anxious for the time to come. My 22nd birthday came this past Monday, and for the first time in my life, I enjoyed the heck out of it.

Mom and Duane surprised me by flying in to spend it with me. We went shopping, ate Japanese, and smoked cigars (man points!). Mostly, the company of loving, familiar faces made the day special. It meant more than I can say to know they were willing to do something so extravagant for me. My heart sings at the thought.

Since I'm in a celebratory mood, I though I would share 22 life lessons I have learned by age 22. Enjoy!

1. There is no church, no pastor, no book that can substitute for daily time spent in the Bible and in prayer. Time spent with Father is the only thing in life that satisfies.
2. Mamas and sisters make the best friends.
3. Make the effort to verbally encourage others every chance you get. Everyone needs to know they are valued and appreciated.
4. Show grace. You never know when you'll need someone to do the same for you..
5. Some people may do nothing but hurt you. If they are in your life for no other reason than to teach you how to forgive, they are valuable.
6. Father radically loves his children the same, whether billionaire, muslim, homeless, gay, straight, pastor, or crack addict. You are no more or less valuable in his eyes than the next.
7. Pray more than you complain.
8. Fight insecurity by daily reminding yourself of your worth in Christ's eyes (Song of Solomon 7:10). Preach the gospel to yourself.
9.God's wrath was completely satisfied in the shed blood of Christ. Stop clinging to your guilt. The cross was enough.
10. The best memories are spontaneous.
11. Fortune favors the brave.
12. The girl worth having waits for no one. (F. Scott Fitzgerald)
13. You can't truly fathom grace until you've experienced it.
14. There is no substitute for your own personal testimony of the love of Christ.
15. Take care of yourself. Eat well, exercise regularly, take vitamins daily, break down and see a doctor when necessary.
16. Asking for help breeds humility.
17. You never need a "good excuse" to wear cowboy boots.
18. Be brave enough to share your mistakes, your faults, and your stories. Someone may need to hear them, and it just might make them brave too. (Thanks, Liz)
19. Phone calls are better than text messages. Make time to call your those you love, especially your grandparents.
20. Don't waste time comparing yourself to others. The only useful comparison is to the person you used to be.
21. Family doesn't stop at blood relatives. Father redeems broken things. (Love you, Duane)
22. Whatever you do, do it passionately.

Fall Friendship Swap

I have never, EVER participated in a blog swap of any kind. They totally intimidate me. But when Kristin at Vignettes, I decided to be adventurous and try something new.

I am certianly glad I did! I was paired with the lovely Shelia over at The Failte House. Aside from being an adorable fellow Floridian, the girl is a wicked awesome photographer. So jealous. Check out the awesome gift bag she sent my way-

I totally lucked out! Shelia sent a super cute heart that is decorating my kitchen, along with fabulous pumpkin scents, a to do list pad (I'll be using the heck out of that), and super cute note cards. Her own card is now being displayed with the others I've recieved on the top of my fridge. Snail mail is the best.

Last but not least is my very favorite part of the package. Check out the most adorable handmade headband on earth.

This is how the headband makes me feel:

Seriously, I may never take it off. It supplements the poof SO well.

Thank you Shelia! You made my day!