~They Think I Can~

As I pursue and pray about what is next for me I get a lot of suggestions from others about what I should do next . I appreciate suggestions , but to be honest at times it gets frustrating . Mainly because of suggestions that to me, make no sense . Those suggestions usually come from those closest to me surprisingly . Last week as some one was rattling off some ideas  I got so irritated I just changed the subject . Jack Davis is forever a handy fella to have around for such occasions . Later the same week I was telling my mom about some crazy to me idea's that my g'parents had . She laughed and offered a few suggestions of her own . None as crazy as another's suggestion of "tax preparer" . Why is that crazy you may ask ?! Let's just say math is not my strong suit and leave it at that .......

....unless it involves coupons, then I'm freakin' rain man !

I started thinking about all the varied suggestions I had been getting and some how worked myself into a tizzy . Tax Consultant , piano teacher , car part assembly.....DANCING WITH THE STARS!!!! I started to roll around phrases in my head such as "don't they know me at all?", "are they crazy?", "are they serious?", and "I'm running away from home. This is clearly not my family" . If I didn't look so much like my relatives it would be easier to claim I was adopted or something , but the proof is in the photo's.

Uncle Rick & Mom

Me

Me & Dad

I mean.......I can not deny I look a bit like my owners. BTW- Owners is often my choice of word for parents. I.E. a child is doing something it shouldn't, "where is this child's owners ?". In the pic with my dad we are even smiling the same!! So, as I calmed myself down from my self appointed fit I started to gain a new perspective . I started asking myself the same questions once again, but came up with a better answer . It is so easy to get focused only on our selves when we are in the midst of a journey . We rarely look to the left or right to see who is traveling along with us . We also fail to look in front of or behind to see who has already walked before us and who is helping push us along . Now I'd like to preface this "ah-ha moment" with , it doesn't mean I don't still get irritated sometimes, but it does help me keep things in better perspective . I asked myself again , "why are they suggesting such crazy ideas as if they are possible?", it's because they believe they are . To my grandparents I am their only grandchild (I'm sure that explains a lot about who I am to some of you) and in their eyes , "if given the opportunity you could be on that Dancing with the Stars too". They genuinely believe I am capable of anything .

In the eyes of my loved ones and those closest to me I could do anything I wanted . In their minds I am capable of great things . So, why is it so difficult for me to believe that too ?! I think now that I have had this epic realization I am now more able to believe as well that I am capable of great things . I mean.....don't expect to see me shakin' it on Dancing with the Stars anytime soon, but know that I am pursuing God harder than I ever have before . For possibly the 101th time, I whole heartedly think "the no's are as important as the yes' ". With each disappointment, rejection, or simply unrealistic opportunity that I have to turn down I am getting closer and closer to Gods' plan for me . I am closer today than I was yesterday . I'll be closer tomorrow than I am today .

~ Start With Me ~

 Sometimes we can start our days with the best of intentions . A to-do list of working out , cleaning house, paying bills, doing the dishes and varied other things . Most days I have on my to-do list a random act of kindness . It isn't always written down and it isn't always random, but it is in my mind to keep my eyes and heart open for opportunities to show kindness and love to people . I remember being a very young child and seeing people explode on a cashier, waitress or random person and it would hurt my heart . Even at a young age God allowed me the understanding that we are all hurting people . I am very grateful for that now as an adult . The phrase , "Hurt people, hurt people" is forever in my mind . Now, don't mistake my words as a proclamation that I am always on task . I can be self centered, in a rush and sometimes just flat out absent minded when completing my daily to-do's , including this one .

I have written about Jack's Birthday and how we took some yummy dog treats to a few of our four legged friends to celebrate and more importantly to show love . I think I have shared a few other  ideas along with the thought that these small things are practical ways to "be faithful in the small things" . It is so important to me personally to not become focused on the BIG moments, actions and words , but to remain focused on the day-to-day "small" things of faithfulness and the growth it can bring . God is at work ALL the time . It isn't just the big stuff that draws His attention or moves His heart so I feel like we should do the same .

Luke 16:10- New Living Translation (NLT)

¹⁰ “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.

 

Last Friday became a day of marathon errand running . I had an appointment for Jack to be groomed and I wanted to have the oil changed in my car along with getting a few other things accomplished while I wait . I am big on multi-tasking and making the most of my time when I can . I dropped of  a very nervous Jack , went walking with my mom who lives not too far from the groomers , ran to a store that I don't have in my town to get some things I needed and had coupons for (anyone who coupons understands that inner list of "I'll wait to get that in case I go to ______ and can use a better coupon(s)). On this day I had three coupons that where store specific, so it was totally worth putting on the to-do list while I was in that part of town . Anyway, after lunch with mom I still had several errands to run before picking up Jack. The errands became more time consuming than I had planned, but I am grateful to have gotten them done .

In the midst of these errands taking up more time, I found myself having several opportunities to be kind . When waiting for my car I was texting on my phone, of course . Isn't that how most of us spend those "empty moments" when we are waiting on something or just trying to pass time ? If not texting on facebook or pinterest or checking e-mail . While I texted away a young lady sat down on the bench beside me . She too was on her phone passing the time . I hadn't seen her when I came in the store or while I was walking around the store trying to pass time , but I would find out that she had seen me .  Where we sat waiting for our cars there are several candy machines and I decided I needed a double bubble treat for all the productivity of my day . Before I went to put my quarter in the machine I felt the urge to offer a piece to this other young lady . As I asked her if she would like a piece of gum she looked up from her phone somewhat surprised . I'm not sure if she was surprised I was speaking to her or because I was offering her gum from the machine . Either way, she thought about it a second and said ,"thanks, that would be great" . She reached for her piece and I then purchased one for myself . We chatted back and forth about our love of double bubble , our distaste for waiting on our cars , being grateful that the oil change was on sale that day and just other chatter . While we chatted she mentioned that she had pulled up to the car garage just after me . Now this may sound just plum silly , but when she said that I became so grateful I had taken a moment to offer her a piece of gum . I became overwhelmed by the thought that you just never know who is looking or what they are seeing . We didn't talk about anything "deep" or even of a spiritual nature, but I swear it seemed she felt relieved in some way as we spoke . Now, I'm not saying that piece of gum or brief conversation did anything beyond helping her pass the time, but for me it was a huge conviction of all the other times I rush past people or burry myself in all the distractions my cell phone has to offer .

 

While I spend a lot of my time alone I do have Jack Davis, my family and some amazing friends . Finding someone to talk to is not a task in my world . Especially with all that technology has to offer us with texting, face time, Skype , and every things else . But the conviction I left with after that brief encounter was that with all technology has to offer and with all the people we come across on any given day not everyone has someone to "just talk to" or to be nice to them . Not everyone has someone to text , Skype or even to ride down the road and visit for a minute or two . I may never see this young lady again . This conversation very well may have meant nothing to her, but on the other hand maybe it did . I have no idea what hand her day had dealt her up to that point and I have no idea what she faced in the rest of her day . But I do know that as we left she spoke to me in the tone of a friend  saying, "talk to you later" and I responded with the same, got in my car and drove off . As I pulled into traffic I got tickled realizing our good-bye greeting . Why hadn't I said , "it was nice chatting" or something of that nature ?! You never know when you'll come across someone you thought you'd never see again . Maybe our paths will cross maybe they won't , but I pray that what she saw in me wasn't just a chatty cathy, but the love of Jesus . 1 John 4:19 (NIV) ^{19 "} We love because he first loved us.".

 

 

Not every good deed will go well . Today I learned that particular and surprising lesson , but even as I wrote this the Lord presented me with a opportunity to love on and help out someone . We can't control how people will receive what we offer them in doing a "good deed" we can only control what we present to them . God will give us the opportunity every single day to love His people . We just have to have our eyes and hearts open to it . I have shared several of Meredith's songs in my blogs and I just down loaded her newest CD "Worth it All" several days ago . I am being ministered and challenged by it in so many ways . This song is apart of my hearts cry tonight . "My life is an empty cup Fill it up, fill it up! I wanna hear every rescued heart cry You're enough, You're enough! Break what needs breaking 'Til You're all we see. And start with me, start with me, Yeah start with me, start with me". Tonight I ask the Lord to " Start with me" . I want to challenge you to do the same . It is an indescribable blessing to know you have brightened some ones day and sometimes all it takes is a piece of gum .
 

"Start With Me" - Meredith Andrews

You are air the desperate longs
Water falling on the sand
Silence to an angry storm
Sight to a blind man
You're still the God, a miracle
So if You're gonna move again
The would You move in me?
Move in me

You're the beat to a broken heart
Bread for a hungry crowd
And warm word from Your voice rings out
And the dead throw the grave clothes down
Cause You're still the God of the empty tomb
The one who came alive again
So come alive in me
Come alive in me
Come alive in me
Come alive in me

My life is an empty cup
Fill it up, fill it up!
I wanna hear every rescued heart cry
You're enough, You're enough!
Break what needs breaking
'Til You're all we see
And start with me, start with me

Whose arms hold the fatherless?
Whose voice do they hear?
Who sits with the prisoner
And stands for the one who fear?
You're still the God of what is just
And You're still the God who loves
So would You love through me
Love through me yeah
Come and love through me
Would You love through me, yeah

My life is an empty cup
Fill it up, fill it up!
I wanna hear every rescued heart cry
You're enough, You're enough!
Break what needs breaking
'Til You're all we see
And start with me, start with me, yeah

Your kingdom come
Your will be done
Lord let it be
Let it start with me, start with me

Yes, Your kingdom come
And Your will be done
Oh Lord let it be
Let it start with me, start with me

Yeah, start with me, start with me

My life is an empty cup
Fill it up, fill it up!
I wanna hear every rescued heart cry
You're enough, You're enough!
Break what needs breaking
'Til You're all we see
And start with me, start with me,
Yeah start with me, start with me
Yeah

 

~ Happy My Birthday ~

" I solemnly swear that I am up to no good." - HP



 

My Birthday is creeping up and I am doing my best this year to not mourn it , but instead find a way to celebrate it . At least in my heart , not necessarily with balloons and cake . I have several friends that are stunningly good at celebrating their birthdays and they are my examples for this task . I'm not quiet sure why, but for the last several years it has been increasingly difficult to truly enjoy my birthday . I of course feel so blessed when I receive a card, gift or text wishing me a Happy Birthday mainly because I have friends and family that are so very thoughtful they make it hard not to feel blessed every day . As I wrote in my post , " I Only Date Super Hero's" one of the newest ways that I am actively praising and thanking God is by writing down my needs and marking them off as He meets them . Being able to see this tangible reach down from Heaven into my life has really aided in the movement of my life perspective . Focusing on what God IS doing instead of what He isn't is now a thought/motto that's consumed my every day . I think that may be something I need to relate to my birthday . Looking at the years needs and how they got met by my almighty and ever caring God .

"If you got it, flaunt it"

Stacie @ 1 yr old-ish

 

I actually think I may need to survey my life and do this list . It is so easy to get focused on a day, month or year of trials or victories and think that's all there was . But if we actually take the time to look back either through old notes, photo's , cards or gifts we would be reminded of exactly how much God has been at work . I struggle with the idea of getting rid of old journals . I have a box of them that I keep thinking I just need to burn . There is so much of my humanity , sin nature and flaws in them that I dread the idea of someone ever reading them , even if it isn't till I'm dead ! Then as I glance through these books I see Gods blue prints for my life . The people that have come and gone , the heart breaks , trials , the fun , the memories , the experiences , the mountain tops , and the impossible moments that God came through . I have a former supervisor that would always say , "hindsight is 20/20" . Meaning that when we look back we see things so perfectly , but when we are looking forward or in the moment of something perfect vision isn't possible . That is what keeps me from burning my journals......today anyway .

 

I mentioned my friends that are amazing at celebrating their birthday and allowing others to celebrate it with them . I am going to take a cue from them and

1. Celebrate all Month Long "I'll celebrate as long as you want too" - Miss Bridget :-)
2. Be grateful - Let Family Love You/Me - How CC Celebrated Her B-day this year .
3. Take advantage of FREEBIES !!!! I have waiting in my wallet a free Red Robin Burger & a free Starbucks bevi (of any size might I add) . I think I have several others , but I can't remember at the moment . It is worth signing up for those things. You could eat for a week with out paying .
4. GIVE ~ GIVE ~ GIVE ~  How Gweneth Celebrated her 5th Bday !  

My friends Nate & Tricia have a miracle lil' girl Gweneth . The way they choose to celebrate her birthday is so encouraging and challenging . It truly inspired the idea that my b-day should be a time to give more , much more , than I receive that day . Last year I focused only on my mom really .I got her a fun fall candle . I mean , she is the one that spent close to three days in labor with me . She thought I'd be born on my Aunt Rita's birthday, but I apparently needed a day all of my own . That day all of my own only lasted about  decade, then my lil' cousin Jeremy was born . I am proud to share a birthday with him .

"Find out who you are and do it on purpose."

--Dolly Parton

Don't judge the duck face.

I rocked a selfie, before selfies where cool.

 



So, as I get closer to closing the chapter on another year of life I hope to not only celebrate all that God has done in my time on earth, but to look forward to what He has next . I am proud to say that I have already begun keeping with the list I have made . I sent off a "Happy My Birthday" to a friend just this week . Of course it isn't much, but I hope it will bring some little blessing to their day . This post will be and is my accountability on this project . You are free to ask me how I spent my Birthday  , to hold me responsible for and to these ideas of celebration , gratefulness and giving .

 

Happy Birthday fellow September Babies !! I pray your day is special in every way. Praise God that you are here , that you've got another year under your belt and are staring the next one in the eye . God has BIG things in store for you .

1 Corinthians 2:9

"But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard,

 neither have entered into the heart of man,

the things which God hath prepared for them that love him."

 

                                   

 

I wanna leave you with this video of "Not for a Moment (After All)" by Meredith Andrews . As I look back on the days that have come and gone along with the days yet to be this song is gonna be something that echo's in my praise . "Not for a moment will You forsake me." I have also added the lyrics for you to read .

  

                                  

 

Lyrics - Meredith Andrews

"Not For A Moment (After All)"

[Verse 1]
You were reaching through the storm
Walking on the water
Even when I could not see
In the middle of it all
When I thought You were a thousand miles away
Not for a moment did You forsake me
Not for a moment did You forsake me

[Chorus]
After all You are constant
After all You are only good
After all You are sovereign
Not for a moment will You forsake me
Not for a moment will You forsake me

[Verse 2]
You were singing in the dark
Whispering Your promise
Even when I could not hear
I was held in Your arms
Carried for a thousand miles to show
Not for a moment did You forsake me

[Chorus]

And every step every breath you are there
Every tear every cry every prayer
In my hurt at my worst
When my world falls down
Not for a moment will You forsake me
Even in the dark
Even when it's hard
You will never leave me
After all

[Chorus]
Not for a moment will You forsake me

 

 

 

 

 

Fallllll-a-lleujah !!!

 

It is one of my most favorite times of year, FALL !!!! While the weather hasn't completely turned into fall I am surely getting geared up for it.  The Last Jewels of Fall , is my post from the last Fall season . If you are looking for some tips on baking pumpkin seeds give it a read . One of the bonus' that come from pumpkin carving is the wonderful fall snack of pumpkin seeds . I have a friend that is traveling cross country and on their stop at my place we plan to do some pumpkin carving and seed baking for sure !!!



I'm mulling over a Fall wreath idea that I have in my head. So far I have only gotten the primer completed. On this weeks to-do list is attempting to complete it. I will be sure to update you.......if it turns out to be something worthy of sharing of course. Jack Davis has gotten his fall hair cut and is ready for the new season. He absolutely loves sitting in the sunshine and letting this brisk breeze move through his lil' furry ears and snout . I think Fall may be Jack's favorite season as well .

This last week while visiting my grandparents I dropped off a bag of candy corn from my mom to my grandparents . As Mamaw poured a bowl of the sweet snack Papaw told me a story . He told me that once when he was younger he worked at a candy corn factory . Papaw has had many adventures in his days . I think that all he has experienced is why he likes to keep me so close . He knows what kind of trouble there is out there to get into . HAHA!! This story, is one of the best . So, apparently as I said before , Papaw worked in a candy factory as a teenager. This factory focused on candy corn . Papaw said he worked there for a little over a year and ate so much candy corn that he got blisters all over . I couldn't keep from laughing . I guess to a teenager a candy factory would be heaven . I can't say I blame him for indulging . I mean, when would one have that opportunity again ?!

 

I hope that you are enjoying all the wonderful things that fall has to bring with it . Have you gotten your fall wreath hung ? Are you baking yummy pumpkin flavored treats ? Have you hit up Starbucks for a PSL ?! I hope this season brings you some fun and cozy opportunities to make memories, tell stories and of course....eat a little candy corn, but not too much ! ;-)

 

Happy Fall to You All !! 

 





I Only Date Superhero's

It has been a surprisingly busy week. Beginning with the last of my root canal and broken tooth mending. I love my dentist, but I hate having dental work done. They have now started taking my blood pressure before they will even consider cleaning my teeth because I get so anxious . Yes, there have been times when I was made to sit and calm down. After he finished mending my tooth he had me raise my right hand and solemnly swear to not break any more teeth. I did. And now you see why my dentist is cooler than yours.

That same day some home improvements began early in the morning . Anyone that knows me even in the littlest knows I am not a morning person . So the saws, bangs , clatter and Jack Davis going into full attack mode was a rough way to wake up . Monday also brought the celebration of 62 years of marriage for my grandparents.



Sixty-two years of Navy life, three children, one grand child and a grand dog ! I didn't think to ask how many countries, states and moves this included . The story goes, Papaw was on leave from the U.S. Navy and driving by Mamaw's home when he saw her sweeping the yard . Yes, I was surprised as well to learn that sweeping the yard use to be a thing . Anyway, he had to meet her ! I guess you just never know how you will meet your forever . I was going through some of Mamaw's photo albums and came across this one, I just love it !!! It is believed that the pic was taken by my mom when the family was moving cross country from California to Tennessee . They had a flat tire . I guess that is bound to happen when traveling such a distance . 

So, that was Monday and the week didn't really calm down . Between dentist visits, home repairs, anniversaries, applications, interviews , normal day-to-day chores, commitments and other varied appointments I am feeling the TGIF bug for sure ! Today I dropped of my resume , had a interview and received two rejections . One stating that I am too educated and another stating I am not educated enough . I mean, help a sister out people !! Can't seem to please any of ya !! I persist none the less . After spending several hours applying , filling out forms, quizzes, questionnaire's and researching online I needed to get outside and breath some fresh air . While on our walk I had the opportunity to take this picture . The color is edited by Instagram, but I believe it's beauty is untouched.

I am very grateful for these little walks Jack and I get to take now and then . I truly live in a beautiful part of Tennessee and to be so close to the lakes, trails and parks is a serious blessing . On this walk I was feeling really defeated by this entire process of seeking out God's will for my "next step" . Everyone and I mean EVERYONE has got their opinions on what I should be doing, how I should be doing and so on and so on. I however know that only so much of this is in my hands . I also know I am honestly pursuing every opportunity and idea that crosses my path . On the verge of tears I was tugging at Jack and trying to get our walk started when I looked up to see these perfect rays of light peeking through the clouds . Immediately I felt this hope spring up from deep inside . I felt that, "it's gonna be o.k." feeling . Almost an excited expectation feeling rose along with this hope . I think in all this as God provides and moves I have taken for granted how very specifically He has provided for me . Something I started just this last weekend was writing down very specifically and detailed in my prayer journal my physical needs .Writing down these needs and knowing that only He can move in such a way as to meet them has really helped me refocus on His power in my life . It is not our money, our homes , our jobs , or even our lives . We lay such claim to it all, but it is all His to give and take as He sees fit .  I have written down my specific needs down to the penny , pain and thought and when I saw this ray of hope on my walk the realization hit me how He can and has provide in the most unexpected ways down to the dime exactly what I needed and when. Always right on time !!! I mentally started going through my newly written list of needs and started marking a few off .

 

It is so easy to hold onto all the things that the Lord HASN'T done and look past what He HAS . I think in my time of darkness, doubt , and struggle that is something I have been very guilty of . I have been focused only on what He is not doing instead of what He is . Each day comes with it's different trials and tribulations, but it also comes with a opportunity and a CHOICE to praise Him for what He has done . Just today I glanced at a online post perhaps on Facebook saying something to the idea of "If He didn't allow it , it wasn't good enough for you anyway" . Now , I am sure it was probably originally intended to be about a boy, relationship, dating blah blah blah, but I of course apply it to my current situation . The no's are just as important as the yes' at this stage of the game . He has not left me unforgotten and He has a plan . I just got to keep holding on , marching on & pushing on . Somehow?!

 

The rest of my week added some new obsession from my friends to get me in a relationship . I'm not sure why this sudden interest , why they can't accept that I can only handle one path of chaos at a time or the fact that I am perfectly content as I am . I received a call from a inmate that I promptly hung up on seeing that I didn't recognize the name and all . I also immediately blamed my friends . If you are gonna go fishin' on my behalf don't do it in the septic pond . I mean, really . You're not gaining my trust y'all . All kidding aside I am grateful for the friends and family God has put in my life for this time . There is absolutely no way I would have survived on my own . I end this with the idea that I am expectant, I expect God will move . Right on time and in the most perfect way . I am thankful to be able to have this point of view today because I know that not all days will allow me such light .



Thanks for catching up with me . I appreciate all your words of encouragement . I hope your week was a bit calmer than mine and that your weekend will be all that you need it to be .  Happy Labor Day Weekend !!! Take some free time to rest, relax , revive and of course PRAISE !!!

Stacie - Pet Detective

I have mentioned in several of my posts that I am in a very weird space in life. Looking for work, ministry, or whatever else the Lord has for me. While I wait I have done some odd jobs, trained as a barista, became a blogger and awesome at couponing. I have of course also spent much time praying and pursuing after any and all possibilities that the Lord places in front of me. It was a recent pursuit of possibilities that inspired today's blog post. I wish, I WISH!!!!! I had been keeping count as to how many resumes, applications, interviews, second interviews and third interviews I have sent out, filled out and attended. Yes, there are times that this fact gets so overwhelming, defeating and confusing that I find it hard to breath. In those times it can also be hard to believe that God indeed has a plan for me. Especially when I'm sitting in an interview and am told that "a college degree is useless". BURN!!! Talk about a shot through the heart! Those feelings however pass with each reminder that at the moment I am exactly where I need to be. Those reminders aren't always easy or comfortable, but they are reminders none the less. For example, when a family member needs me to go to the grocery for them , etc. Each time I am asked to do something like that I feel a movement deep in my heart that is reassurance that is what this time is for . I feel like I say it all the time , but often our lives , situations , blessings and valleys aren't always just for our benefit .

 

 

Something God has brought to my attention lately is the value of my unique point of view. Well, it's not so much a point of view as a sense of humor. Because as we all know one of my life motto's is ...."If I don't laugh, I'll surely cry".  Today, as with many others I spent several hours job surfing and applying. I happened to keep count with how many jobs I actually applied for, 16! I don't think that is an all-time high at all, but today I actually kept count. One of those jobs....."Pet Detective". No, not as in Ace Ventura, but still an awesome title. Another left me answering the questionnaire with answers such as "I rock at it". In all fairness that was for a laser tag place , you have to agree to not lie on the questionnaire and....I mean...when answering the question "what are your laser tag skills".....how can I not respond with "I rock at it" ?! That is not a lie! I was also asked questions on a recent application such as , "When someone talks back to you are they asking to be hit ?" , "How often do you steal from your current employer?" , and "Out of 31 days in a month how many do you come to work intoxicated?" . I meannnnnnnnn...........how many times did these things have to occur before they became a big enough issue to go on the questionnaire ?! Yes, I spent time applying for "real" jobs, but those are rarely as entertaining as the stories for the part-time or "not real" jobs.

I will for sure keep everyone in the loop as I continue my search and when God comes through, as I know He will. But for now, I hope that my journey is somewhat entertaining, encouraging, and maybe even challenging (if that's what you need). I choose to see the things that don't work out just as much of a guiding light as any that possibly could work out. It's all about perspective, Right ?!

Jeremiah 29:11

New International Version (NIV)

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

(pictures are from pinterest)

#WashingtonUS101

 

 

It had been a long time since I had something truly worth look forward to when I got a call from my friend Sarah . See, I've been very selfishly feeling mad , as though God has forgotten me in the midst of all He has to do and this call would quickly remind me that I was not forgotten. A former roomie and forever bestie Amber was headed out West to visit another former roomie and forever bestie Sarah . So, Sarah invited me to tag along . With the Lord using these two giving and gracious friends to provide what was needed I had no choice, but to say yes ! I believe we began exchanging phone calls, texts and e-mails over what to do, pack and when we would arrive a solid month before the actual trip . It had been well over a year since any of us had seen each other .


Ambers "first" trip to the Pacific Ocean :)
 

As I have struggled and fought over the idea of being a "wounded lamb" in the Lords flock He has been quick to remind me that I am loved far beyond what I can accept . He reminded me of this through these sisters in Christ . I have always felt that since I wasn't blessed with blood siblings God double blessed me with friends that might as well be . Sometimes in the darkness we lose ourselves . So much so that we no longer recognize our own reflection . This is the place I have been in for longer than I care to admit . I had fallen so far down the rabbit hole that even these dear sisters could tell from miles away that I was in grave need of rescuing . I am soooo grateful for those that know me , especially for those that know me better than myself at times . Both Sarah and Amber took a brave step in choosing to speak truth into my life when they extended the invitation for me to take part in this trip . Praise God for Godly friends who seek Him and love me with His love . They each had words I needed to hear , truths I had been ignoring and Sarah even played a little dirty....she brought the babies into it.

 Look at these faces and tell me that's not a card up the sleeve !

So, after much talking, crying, excitement and being humbled I finally departed for my trip . We had many things on our agenda while in the Pacific Northwest . Mainly to enjoy each others company and enjoy the adventure of seeing/doing new things with great friends ! For those of you that are curious our list looked a little something like this................................

1. Find Vampires ( Yup, we went there. Don't even care if you judge us.)
2. Find Big Foot (IDK my big foot counts, you'll see a pic later)
3. Get Coffee @ the 1st Starbucks EVER
4. Ride a Ferry Boat in Seattle
5. See the Space Needle
6. Put our toes in the Pacific Ocean (some of us for the "1st" time)
7. Play A Board Game....cause there was 4 of us (FUHouse joke & how did this not get done?!)
8. Picnic (sarah got bird bombed :( )
9. Road Trip (a lot of jumping pictures came from this....who knew we loved jumping?!)
10. Take Lots of Pictures (see #9)
11. Laugh so much we get a 6 pack (well I didn't get a 6 pack, but I sure was sore)
12. Eat , Drink & be Merry!!! (the long and short of it)

 

   13. Visit State Capitol of Olympia
   14. Get Sunburn in the rainiest state !  These kinds of things only happen in my world.
   15. Visit Bruce Lee's Grave (This was in memory of Ambers dad)
   16. Visit Worlds Largest Spruce Tree.....get covered in SAP!
   17. Go to my 1st Drive-In Movie ...........get police escort home.
   18. Visit the Fish Market/Public Market........smells like fish...no surprise there .
   19. Put gum on Gum Wall in Seattle . ..............surprisingly fun and liberating.
   20. 4th of July Fireworks......yeah freedom !! When the fire works started Aubrey jumped sky high.

We were able to mark almost everything off of both the vacation as well as the life "to-do" lists . I am not to proud to say that my elderly ways are catching up with me and I sure did have to scroll through some photo's on my phone to remember everything . It truly was such an amazing week. By the time we had to come home we couldn't believe the week was already done with .

This trip provided me with a much , MUCH needed change of scenery, pace , and company . Not that I didn't miss Jack Davis and others like crazy . JD was with my g'parents being feed ROAST AND CARROTTS . I am pretty sure he was more disappointed when I returned that when I departed . All this to say , Praise God for Best Friends !! What would we do with out them ?! I hope to never find out . Also, Praise God for caring not only about my future needs, but my current needs . He doesn't just provide for me in the most amazing ways physically, but also deep down in my soul . Those needs that not every one can see or even cares to consider . I have decided many things in my time away , in the company of good friends and with the sight of things that had before been unseen now in my rearview . In no particular order ..............

1. Giving is easy. It's the accepting that is hard .  
2. Adventures are GOOD, NEEDED & IMPORTANT !!!
3. Good friends are worth more than..........ANYTHING .
4. Challenging yourself physically as well as everything else is VITAL .
5. God provides , is never late , and has a bag of tricks we've yet to dip our toes into .
6. The ability to be creative keeps me breathing .
7. I gotta keep looking forward . I have NO CLUE what God has for me next .
8. I may one day need a I.V. tap of Coffee in order to keep going .
9. My friends aren't friends ,they're family !
10. It's good to go away, it's good to come home .                       

We hope that our next FUHouse reunion will include Jenny (who just had twin girls) and Jessica (whose son had just broken his elbow & had to have surgery). #lifehappens

 

Here are a few more fun pics from our #summeradventures in Washington State ! We all speak in #hashtags now , even #jonwhohateshashtags so feel free to look past those if you need. #wearecoolerthanyou

 

Jon's gum wall picture is the grossest so it gets put on the blog. #youwin

 Amber really enjoys jumping.....#whoknew?!

 

We went to Forks and do NOT care who judges us !!!! #teamedward

 

Aubrey Grace - #myminime

Griffin Boyd - andddd a chipmunk...we'll call him #AAAAALLLLLLLVVVVVVIIIIIINNN

 

 #BIGFOOTSIGHTINGGGGGGG!!!!

If he is big foot she is.....#FABULOUSFOOT !!

Pearls, hat, baby doll...you've never seen a more fierce creature.

 

Police Escort.....listen, it's not been a real FUHouse reunion till the cops are involved, o.k.?! O.K.

 

Two of the many best friends a girl could ever have.

#IsthatMnt.Rainier ?!

 

#bffs #summeradventures #pacificocean #statecapitol

#FUHousereunite-2 #ihaveahashtagaddiction

 

On the day I left, by the time I had gotten home I'd been in a family van, on a boat , a airport tram , and airplane . #mrjetlaglovesmemost #redeye - my flight & appearance

 Grateful and Thankful do not seem like big enough words for how I feel about this adventure . I pray God provides many more in my near future .

#SeattleCoastLine