"A life of love"

My friend Andrea did this photo tag thing on her blog where you're supposed to go to your 4th photo album, and post the 4th photo that is in that album and tell about it-- and then name 4 people that are supposed to do it next. Being one of her four, I decided to bite the bullet and really do it; however, I am still vetoing the "25 things" facebook craze. Since I am at work, I decided to look in my pictures here to see what that pic would be and I promise, promise, promise this is it:

Most of you have seen this picture before. Ever since I took it and realized how wonderful it was, I have used it for lots of things-- decoration in our office, encouragement to leaders on the Chicago mission trip last summer, etc. But for those of you who have never seen it and don't know who this person is, let me tell you...

This is Danny Poole. THE Danny Poole or Papa Poole as we have begun calling him since this camp experience. Danny has been working with the student here at BBC for 27 years! It would be an understatement to say that he is committed to seeing teenagers grow in their walks with Christ.

This picture was taken at High School Summer Camp '08. During Rec time one day, we had the 200 students spread all across the field doing different team building/trust type activities. In this event, all the students lined up in 2 lines standing facing each other with their arms straight out. Each brave volunteer would then start at the end of the row and run through the 'tunnel' trusting that every person was going to lift their arms just in time to avoid complete decapitation. I was wandering around the field taking pics of each event and got to this one just in time! Everything about this picture is perfect-- and I'm not bragging on my obviously genius photo skills-- I am bragging on this man. Look at that joy on his face! Danny loves the Lord, he loves life, and he loves our students! I've been working with teenagers and leaders of teenagers now for some time and out of all the leaders through Fuge and other churches that I've been a part of, this man takes the cake.

Without a doubt, I know that God's calling on my life is to reach teenagers for Him. He hasn't revealed the details of that calling to me yet, but right now I love that I get to learn from amazing leaders like DP who have been emmersed in this ministry for so long.

So for that I say-- THANK YOU, DANNY POOLE! Thank you for your committment to love teenagers for Jesus. We all love you! You truly exemplify the verse:

"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ love us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Ephesians 5:1-2.

Okay, now I say Arley, Brittney, Karyn, and Tina. Y'alls turn!

A few things I love...

Kate Winslet-- While watching the Golden Globe Awards right now, I am reminded of how wonderful I think she is. She is beautiful, an amazing actress, and she seems incredibly kind. I would like to be her friend.

Tim Tebow, Florida Gators, National Championships, etc-- you get the picture. It has been a great year for my team (other than the Ole Miss game which I am glad I didn't have to see since I was in SA). I have had thoughts the past few days of doing a blog soley on Tebow but you all know how much I love and admire him already.

Weddings-- I know a lot of people dread going to weddings or "wedding season" but I love them. I don't think I have ever been to a wedding that hasn't made me cry. My friend Bryce got engaged this past week and I am so excited to watch her plan! I also just saw Bride Wars a few hours ago which is why I am sure weddings are on my mind right now.

Music-- I am not much for silence. I know there are times when we need it but I have music of some kind around me all the time. When I wake up, I immediately turn on my itunes. When I get in the car, I turn on the radio. When I get to work, I turn on Pandora. I know I'm not the only one here. Everyone loves music.

Movies that stay on my mind for days-- My favorite kinds of movies are the ones that end well and make me think. I recently saw The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and it has been one of those movies. Growing backwards...I have lots of thoughts about that. If you've seen it, then we can talk.

Award shows-- I grew up watching every award show with my mom and criticizing all the celebs on what they're wearing. We were pretty good at it- just call us Joan and Melissa! Isn't that what those shows are really all about anyways?? :) I wish she were sitting with me right now so I could tell her that I want a necklace like Christina Applegate is wearing for my wedding. And I would tell her that I can't believe Demi Moore just did that to her daughter!

My Cat-- Yes, she is crazy. Yes, she eats her hair. But I love her. I didn't leave my apartment at all yesterday, but before you all gasp and think I'm pitiful, let me just say it was quite wonderful. We laid around (Sophie and I) and watched movies and just vegged. She is perfect on those kinds of days.

The idea of actually being able to finish the half marathon (running)-- I have decided that I am actually going to try. I may not be able to run the whole way but I am sure going to give it my all. The Music City Marathon is on April 25th and I will be out there with tens of thousands of people. If I cross the finish line at all, I will be proud.

My future-- I have no idea what it looks like but if I follow God's plan then I know I will love it.

Ouiser Boudreaux

To say that I love that movie Steele Magnolias would be an understatement. This movie brings me so much joy no matter how many times I've seen it...which I'm sure is way over 100 times. Everytime I watch, I laugh harder and cry more than at anything else. I can watch it no matter the time of day or the mood I'm in.

I love every actor and character in the movie but Ouiser Boudreaux, played by Shirley McClaine (total nut in real life, I know) is by far my favorite. Maybe thats because she is the character in the movie that is most unlike myself that its like a breath of fresh air. Yes, yes, I know Ousier is a mean, old, crotchety woman who hates most people and life in general-- but everytime I watch her tell M'Lynn that Drum is "a real gentleman. I bet he even takes the dishes out of the sink before he pees in it," I can't help but fall in love with her!

If you know the movie, then you know there is a part at Shelby's funeral when M'Lynn is breaking down and Clairee offers to let M'Lynn hit Ouiser to deal with the pain. In Clairee's excitement over her idea, she shouts that they'll make t-shirts that say 'I slapped Ouiser Boudreaux!' (I hope you remember this scene-- if not, go watch it right now!) Anyway, I want that shirt more than anything. I got online tonight thinking that surely I wasn't the only one with this idea and that I could find one easily. But so far I have only found one company that sells it and its not that great. So, I think I am going to have my own made. I have lots of friends with artistic talent that can surely put a design together for me. (*cough, cough*- Arley, Amy, Seth, Amy-Jo...)

I have also decided that I am going to be Ouiser for Halloween next year. Usually I like to keep my costume a secret but I am too excited about this one! I still am trying to decide which scene I am going to try to emulate but I think I have decided on the one where she comes into Truvy's wearing overalls and carrying a bag of tomatoes (you know, the track lighting scene). Classic.

Now, go...watch...enjoy.

The thing I hate most about the mall...

...is the smell of Abercrombie. You start to smell it about about 5 stores ahead and you keep smelling it the rest of way. I absolutely can't stand it!