It's been a while since I have blogged, partially because my computer has seen better days and also because I have been super busy! Tonight I have been enjoying catching up on blogs I follow and I ran across a post from a wonderful Christian lady titled Jesus Wants the Rose- Kari Patterson She attached this video from a sermon of Matt Chandler's, and at first I didn't know what to expect based on the title. By the end of it of course I was in tears... Anyways, I will stop blabbing and let you see the video for yourself ;)
I have heard this example of the rose plenty of different ways: a cupcake, an apple, etc. & while I understand the point of the example and think it is a great one if used in the right way, we as Christians should be careful with how we present certain topics. However, I also believe we should not sugar coat sin... I guess my point is that here lately I have been convicted with how the world sees the church and Christians. Do we make them want what we have, a relationship with God, or do we make them think "If that's what being a Christian looks like, then count me out!" ?God wants to save us right where we are, in the midst of our troubles and problems. He also wants to give us another chance, a changed life after we follow Him. Jesus wants the rose.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Saturday, April 30, 2011
The Royal Wedding
Yesterday was the day of the Royal Wedding, aka the Superbowl of weddings! Because of my love of weddings, this was major for me! Of course I was watching bright and early at 3 am, right until the kiss. I wished Kate would have chosen her wedding date to be a week from now, instead of right in the middle of finals for me. HA! But, I'm sure she had more important things to worry about ;) I stayed up studying for my Accounting final and then started watching the wedding as soon as it came on. My plan was to continue studying after the wedding was over, but of course I started to drift off and then took a nap. I did not wake up until 40 minutes until I had to leave to go take my final. I slept right through my alarm and still had to shower. Lovely! However, it was all worth it, because I was able to witness history playing out right before my eyes!
It is reported that over 2 billion people were watching the Royal Wedding. "Only" 150 million people watched Princess Diana's wedding, compared to her son's wedding that seems so little. Ha! Even with all of the pressure resting on Kate, I think that she handled everything perfectly. I have heard her described as poised and elegant, and I couldn't agree more. I would have been a nervous wreck having to follow such strict guidelines, knowing every move I made was being watched. I was pleasantly surprised how William and Kate interacted with one another. You could really tell that they are in love. I guess having heard all of the stories about Prince Charles and Princess Diana, I kind of expected the new royal couple to be the same way. Some of my favorite moments throughout the wedding were when William would say something sweet to Kate, or vice versa. My absolute favorite moment of the wedding was when William was turned around and waiting for Kate to meet him at the end of the aisle. His brother, however could not wait and caught a glimpse of Kate before him :) Then, as Kate reached the end of the aisle, a certain look came over William. He looked so happy and excited to finally be with his bride. I loved how he said something to her, and then whispered "You look beautiful"... Ahh. At weddings I always look at the groom as the bride walks down the aisle.. It's my favorite part!
I loved all of the details during the wedding. It has been said that the couple wanted to have a personal and intimate wedding, as much as possible. That's why Kate had maple trees brought into Westminster Abbey. One of the reporters said during the airing of the wedding, that the maple tree represents commitment. I thought that was a special detail. They also plan to replant the trees after the wedding.
Hats and fascinators galore! I loved this aspect of the wedding and really wish we did that here in America! It definitely made me want a wedding shower even more where we all wear big hats and sip tea. Here are some hats Kate has worn in the past.
I loved Kate's dress, and I think that it represented all that she is. It was just perfect for her. She looked so elegant and graceful! I love lace on a wedding gown, it's timeless! I also loved her sister Pippa's dress. It was absolutely gorgeous, and so was she. Although, I wish she wasn't wearing white, just because it was at a wedding. Otherwise, I love everything about the dress. However, I later heard that England has a tradition of all of the bridal party wearing white.
Kate's second dress. I love the belt! Both dresses are Alexander McQueen.
And last but not least, I love that William drove Kate himself as they left the palace! They really seem like they want as much of a normal life as possible.
I loved all the little details on the car... C(for Catherine) and W(for William) balloons, the "L" on the front of the car, and "Just Wed" on the license plate.
Fun facts:
-I heard on the royal wedding special that Oprah did, that it was a rule that no one was aloud to wear the same color as the queen. How would they know what she was wearing beforehand?? But, luckily no one wore it.
-William and Kate invited the local store and pub owners from her very small hometown. The store owners of where she buys her candy told her to not forget them when it came time for her to get married, and she didn't.
-Kate's train was nine feet long, compared to Diana's 25 foot train.
-They were the first royal couple to kiss two times on the balcony. Everyone else has only kissed once.
-Normally the royal bride arrives in a carriage, but Kate wanted to arrive in a car. It symbolizes her arriving as a commoner and leaving as a princess.
-The wedding cake is a multi-teared fruit cake, and William's grooms cake is his childhood favorite chocolate biscuit cake.
-1900 guests were invited to the wedding.
- Kate did her own makeup! Brave girl!
I wish and pray that the couple has a long marriage of happiness and love. I pray that they stay true to each other, and always remember what made them fall in love. I was thoroughly impressed by how much credit they gave to God during the ceremony, and hope they live their life for Him.
It is reported that over 2 billion people were watching the Royal Wedding. "Only" 150 million people watched Princess Diana's wedding, compared to her son's wedding that seems so little. Ha! Even with all of the pressure resting on Kate, I think that she handled everything perfectly. I have heard her described as poised and elegant, and I couldn't agree more. I would have been a nervous wreck having to follow such strict guidelines, knowing every move I made was being watched. I was pleasantly surprised how William and Kate interacted with one another. You could really tell that they are in love. I guess having heard all of the stories about Prince Charles and Princess Diana, I kind of expected the new royal couple to be the same way. Some of my favorite moments throughout the wedding were when William would say something sweet to Kate, or vice versa. My absolute favorite moment of the wedding was when William was turned around and waiting for Kate to meet him at the end of the aisle. His brother, however could not wait and caught a glimpse of Kate before him :) Then, as Kate reached the end of the aisle, a certain look came over William. He looked so happy and excited to finally be with his bride. I loved how he said something to her, and then whispered "You look beautiful"... Ahh. At weddings I always look at the groom as the bride walks down the aisle.. It's my favorite part!
I loved all of the details during the wedding. It has been said that the couple wanted to have a personal and intimate wedding, as much as possible. That's why Kate had maple trees brought into Westminster Abbey. One of the reporters said during the airing of the wedding, that the maple tree represents commitment. I thought that was a special detail. They also plan to replant the trees after the wedding.
Hats and fascinators galore! I loved this aspect of the wedding and really wish we did that here in America! It definitely made me want a wedding shower even more where we all wear big hats and sip tea. Here are some hats Kate has worn in the past.
I loved Kate's dress, and I think that it represented all that she is. It was just perfect for her. She looked so elegant and graceful! I love lace on a wedding gown, it's timeless! I also loved her sister Pippa's dress. It was absolutely gorgeous, and so was she. Although, I wish she wasn't wearing white, just because it was at a wedding. Otherwise, I love everything about the dress. However, I later heard that England has a tradition of all of the bridal party wearing white.
Kate's second dress. I love the belt! Both dresses are Alexander McQueen.
And last but not least, I love that William drove Kate himself as they left the palace! They really seem like they want as much of a normal life as possible.
I loved all the little details on the car... C(for Catherine) and W(for William) balloons, the "L" on the front of the car, and "Just Wed" on the license plate.
Fun facts:
-I heard on the royal wedding special that Oprah did, that it was a rule that no one was aloud to wear the same color as the queen. How would they know what she was wearing beforehand?? But, luckily no one wore it.
-William and Kate invited the local store and pub owners from her very small hometown. The store owners of where she buys her candy told her to not forget them when it came time for her to get married, and she didn't.
-Kate's train was nine feet long, compared to Diana's 25 foot train.
-They were the first royal couple to kiss two times on the balcony. Everyone else has only kissed once.
-Normally the royal bride arrives in a carriage, but Kate wanted to arrive in a car. It symbolizes her arriving as a commoner and leaving as a princess.
-The wedding cake is a multi-teared fruit cake, and William's grooms cake is his childhood favorite chocolate biscuit cake.
-1900 guests were invited to the wedding.
- Kate did her own makeup! Brave girl!
I wish and pray that the couple has a long marriage of happiness and love. I pray that they stay true to each other, and always remember what made them fall in love. I was thoroughly impressed by how much credit they gave to God during the ceremony, and hope they live their life for Him.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Holly
One of my most favorite things is my dog Holly! I almost said my puppy Holly, but I guess she isn't a puppy anymore :( She is three years old, and I don't know what I did before I got her. I named her Holly because I got her during Christmas time, and because I love the name! Her favorite things are horses(she is obsessed), sleeping all the way under the covers, her mamaw and papaw, doggy ice cream, walks, going to baseball games, toys, doing tricks and getting treats, going "bye bye", air vents in the car, finding lizards and frogs(gross), and her mommy! This probably sounds silly to anyone who doesn't have a dog... But I can't help it, she is just so precious!
one of my favorite pictures of her when she was a puppy
so tiny
in my old bedroom
after a trip to the groomer's
so sweet
on Valentine's day
accidental pictures are the best!
one of my favorite pictures of her when she was a puppy
so tiny
in my old bedroom
after a trip to the groomer's
so sweet
on Valentine's day
accidental pictures are the best!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
my first favorite thing
When I first decided to write this blog I thought that I should probably have an introduction post... but whoever reads this should probably know who I am and what I'm all about. So, I decided to skip it.
My first favorite thing I'm going to write about is family. I love family, and spending time with them... I think that's just the way I was brought up to be. My immediate and extended family have always spent holidays, birthdays, and important milestones together, and this weekend was no different. My best friend and cousin Alex came home for Easter and we spent the whole weekend together pretty much. She got home Thursday night, so I spent the night with her and of course we talked for a while before going to sleep like we have always done ever since I can remember. Our conversations have just gotten more mature, but still include talks about our weddings and babies and every girly thing in between :) Friday, we hung out with her family and boyfriend, and then Saturday we were my aunt's helpers at Arlington's Easter egg hunt.
Sunday was Easter and after church everyone came for lunch at Alex's house and all of the grandkids hunted for Easter eggs like we do every year :) All in all, it was a good weekend and it included one of my favorite things, family.
Easter bunny's helpers
My family
My brother and I
All of the grandkids with Mamaw and Papaw (minus Corey)
Isn't this precious??
I love this picture of Reese and Cody
Me with Alex's dog Luke, he loves his aunt Kelsey ;)
Photo credit: from Alex's camera, because I forgot to bring mine to Easter
I am so thankful that we get to celebrate Easter as Christians, and I realize that this holiday is not about Easter eggs or candy. It's about our Savior who loves us so much that He would rather die for us than live without us! He is risen! 1 Peter 1: 3, Matthew 28: 5-6
My first favorite thing I'm going to write about is family. I love family, and spending time with them... I think that's just the way I was brought up to be. My immediate and extended family have always spent holidays, birthdays, and important milestones together, and this weekend was no different. My best friend and cousin Alex came home for Easter and we spent the whole weekend together pretty much. She got home Thursday night, so I spent the night with her and of course we talked for a while before going to sleep like we have always done ever since I can remember. Our conversations have just gotten more mature, but still include talks about our weddings and babies and every girly thing in between :) Friday, we hung out with her family and boyfriend, and then Saturday we were my aunt's helpers at Arlington's Easter egg hunt.
Sunday was Easter and after church everyone came for lunch at Alex's house and all of the grandkids hunted for Easter eggs like we do every year :) All in all, it was a good weekend and it included one of my favorite things, family.
Easter bunny's helpers
My family
My brother and I
All of the grandkids with Mamaw and Papaw (minus Corey)
Isn't this precious??
I love this picture of Reese and Cody
Me with Alex's dog Luke, he loves his aunt Kelsey ;)
Photo credit: from Alex's camera, because I forgot to bring mine to Easter
I am so thankful that we get to celebrate Easter as Christians, and I realize that this holiday is not about Easter eggs or candy. It's about our Savior who loves us so much that He would rather die for us than live without us! He is risen! 1 Peter 1: 3, Matthew 28: 5-6
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