...with actions and in truth...

"There's something about the ocean"

2009-04-18T20:45:00.015-06:00

In 7 days, I will be at my favorite place on earth. The beach! I am most definitely a beach girl. Probably not surprising considering I grew up in Florida, and the beach was about 10 minutes away. Since my parents moved to North Carolina, Florida doesn't seem like home anymore. I will be there, in my hometown and it will not feel like home. I am not entirely disappointed by this though. This will make it feel like a real vacation-- something I haven't had since I don't even know when!

I will have 5 whole days to sit on the beach, relax, and think about how big God is. He's been reminding me of that a lot lately. And the beach is the perfect place for me to reflect on it. The beach has always been a place where I feel God's presence so strongly. There is this old song by Ten Shekel Shirt that I always loved because it rings incredibly true in my life...

Lately, I've been thinkin' about You
And lately, I've been dreaming about You
And lately, I can't get You out of my head
Get You out of my head

There's something about the ocean
Makes me rise up and praise
There's something about the heavens
Makes me stand in awe again
There's something about the sunrise
Reminds me of Your faithfulness
There's something about the ocean
And I'm lost in love again

I'll sing until I sense a smile
Upon Your great and lovely face
Until I know Your glory's in this place
Your glory's in this place

Anyway, the beach is definitely "my place." The place I feel most rested, renewed and awe-struck by our big God.

Good Friday

2009-04-10T12:10:00.001-06:00

I am overwhelmingly thankful for Jesus today.

Oscar Fashion Wrap Up...according to ME!

2009-02-23T20:26:00.017-06:00

Lets start with the WORST DRESSED:

Am I the only one that thinks this couple (particularly this lady) is a million times overrated?? Yes, they are good actors. Yes, they star in good movies. But no, they are not the greatest couple on the planet. Their efforts are in vein. And her dress is boring. The end. Stop wearing boring dresses, Angelina.

Sophia Loren, I know you're Italian and all but I have a hard time believing you didn't slap on too much bronzer. And I think its always a good rule of thumb not to wear a dress that matches your skin.

Whoopi, I will always love you. But really? Just no.

Tilda Swinton. 'Nuff said.

Now, onto the BEST DRESSED:

Meryl Streep-- age appropriate, flattering, gorgeous. And I don't even like her that much.

I am slowly becoming a fan of Anne Hathaway. She looked amazing head to toe. Well done, Anne!

Supporting Actress nominee, Taraji P. Henson looked stunning in this gown! I loved, loved, loved it!!

Now, I didn't just choose Kate Winslet because she's my favorite actress, but she was truly beautiful last night! She has gotten some flack over this dress but I absolutely love it. The color is gorgeous, I am always a huge fan of lacey overlay, and I love that she wore her hair pulled back to show off her beautiful face. I love you Kate, congratulations on your win! It was about time!

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

Alecia Keys, I don't really know why you were there, but you looked good.

And Jen, way to go. Can I please look like this when I'm 40?

My Valentines

2009-02-16T22:06:00.004-06:00

Things that I loved this Valentines Day...

Spending time with my favorite country star, giant-sized Tim McGraw at the Country Music Hall of Fame...

And buying an awesome new 2009 Toyota Yaris. Isn't she lovely?

Happy Valentines, Everyone!

My new team

2009-02-05T23:06:00.001-06:00

I am now an official Nashville Predators fan!

"A life of love"

2009-01-30T12:46:00.005-06:00

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...

2009-01-11T19:05:00.002-06:00

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

2009-01-04T21:52:00.010-06:00

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...

2009-01-02T10:55:00.003-06:00

...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!

Welcome 2009!

2008-12-31T08:47:00.006-06:00

I am beyond excited for 2009's arrival tonight. I have been anxiously awaiting for it to come since it Jan. 1 2008. The length of this past year has seemingly been way more than 365 days and I am more than ready to see it go. I will chalk this year up as one I would like to forget. I lost three loved ones this year and it seemed to just be a year of tragedy in our family.

There have been a few wonderful things that I want to take note of though...

In June, two of my sweet LifeGroup girls made important decisions. One of them was baptized at Summer Camp and one accepted Christ that same week. It was a time that I felt God's powerful movement that I had been missing in the first half of the year (not because he wasn't moving, just because I was not looking for him.)

In August, I got to go to Guatemala with our 20 of our students to do ministry to Guatemala City. I never thought Central America was a place that I had any desire or passion for. But I knew as soon as I stepped off the plane that I was going to love it. So many great things happened that week and I was so glad to have the privilege of watching our students step way, way out of their comfort zones and teach the Bible to kids their own age through an interpreter! It was a great trip!

September was the big one for me. For years I had been wanting to go with our church to South Africa. The word "excited" does not even capture a glimpse of how I felt leading up to it! I was so thankful that my friends and family supported me to go- financially, prayerfully- in every way! I learned so many new things about God and his love for people. I loved seeing how he works on the other side of the world just as well as here. Its one of those ideas that you always believe is true, but can't quite grasp until you experience it.

I am so thankful for those experiences that carried me though this "year to forget." I will miss Dad, Annabelle, and Grandma forever. I pray that God will allow our family to heal and make it through 2009 in one piece and that he will continue to bring moments and opportunities like the ones above.

See you never again, 2008. You will not be missed.

I have the cutest parents in the world.

2008-12-26T20:06:00.005-06:00

John got his first iPod for Christmas and now he's hooked. We've had to shout at him all day because he walks aroud the house with it on all the time.

My brother got a wii for Christmas and this was my mom's first time to play. She did really well!
And here they are...the cutest parents in the world!

Home for the Holidays

2008-12-24T13:58:00.009-06:00

Here are a few pics of our Christmas Eve Eve! It is so nice to come home to family!

Of course, the drive home is never too shabby....

Its so great to have my Uncle John up from FL to spend Christmas with us!

Cousin Jen and Austin- cute as a button as always!

Uncle Michael playing with Tonks.

Jen got attacked by Samson! I wish this picture wasn't blurry but its still hilarious!

John was helping mom with the baking and telling funny (John-) jokes, I'm sure!

Austin loves to swing!

THE END!

Merry Christmas Eve!

ICE Pics...

2008-12-23T11:25:00.002-06:00

Here are the pics from ICE last night!

http://picasaweb.google.com/jaclynjoysmith/Christmas08#

Two Whole Weeks

2008-12-23T00:00:00.002-06:00

I have 2 whole weeks off of work. I am so excited about this time. It has been a long, rough year that I have been trying to race through and the thought that nothing big stands between me and 2009 makes my heart joyful.

This 2 week break has already gotten off to a great start. I have spent lots of time Christmas shopping over the past 4 days and have completed all of it! I don't think I've ever been finished before Christmas Eve so I'm pretty proud of myself. I have realized this time around that I love shopping for people. I love the challenge of picking out the perfect gift for someone without having to be told what they want. I hate giving gift cards and I hate having to be told what to get someone. Asking someone what they want for Christmas is an absolute last resort and if I get to that point, I feel totally defeated.

This weekend also brought lots of time with friends, new and old. Tonight we went to Opryland's ICE to celebrate Arley's birthday, and then walked around Opryland Hotel. It was a great evening! Hopefully, I will get some pics up of that soon. I got a new camera today so expect LOTS of photos to start surfacing on here. :)

Tomorrow I head off to NC to spend Christmas with my family. I can't wait! Its been a couple of years since I have gotten to spend Christmas with my mom and I am looking forward to warm fires, lots of Christmas movies, baking yummies, and sing-alongs with my John and Uncle Michael.

Although, I usually don't agree with the song, I am feeling it tonight-- "Its the most wonderful time of the year!"

The best team in the nation!

2008-11-12T22:49:00.006-06:00

Final score! 42-14.

Andrea is the best Tennessee fan I know. Maybe someday I will talk her into wearing some orange with that blue!

George wouldn't take a serious picture. This is the best we got! I love our matching Tebow jerseys!

I only hope that I can be as devoted as this lady 50 years from now.

I am so glad that George got to come over and go to the game with me! Our family raised us right!

The Infamous Baboons

2008-10-17T11:30:00.004-06:00

Here are a few pics of the baboon getting out of the car (see a few posts below for the quick story)...

And then this is just a hilarious picture that we got of a sweet baboon family...just doing what they do...

Big Day

2008-10-13T18:37:00.005-06:00

Today is a big day. There are 3 beginnings that have started for me today.

1. New Budget. My mom came to town this weekend and helped me figure out a new budgeting/saving system. This kind of stinks but eventually I want to be able to buy a home and all that great stuff that money gets you.

2. Back to the gym. I tend to gain some poundage during the summer and since summer is over (even though its still smouldering hot outside) its time to get it off.

3. Bible in 90 days. Amy-Jo started a few weeks ago and I start today. The whole Bible in 90 days. I am pretty excited about this but this might be the one I get behind on. So ask me about it to keep me accountable.

In other news, Debo stopped by the office today and told me that she misses South Africa today. I do too. In fact, I have missed it every day since I've been home. Here is a series of sweet photos that Patty Taylor took on the last day of VBS at Red Hill. That sweet boy I'm holding is Eldridge and is absolutely precious. We were dancing to "Outrigger Island."

Pray for Eldridge and his 2 siblings, Jeremiah and Jo-Anna today.

I'm home...

2008-10-07T16:06:00.003-06:00

Unfortunately. If I could, I would get back on a plane right now. I miss it terribly and I've only been back for 6 hours. Here is a picture of Donovan that I mentioned earlier and that is Mzo behind him in the Hawaiian shirt.

Obviously thats a hula skirt on his head. :) I have realized that I am a terrible photographer because pretty much every picture I took is blurry. Good thing Bobby is compiling everyone's pictures for us all. Surely there will be great ones from that that I will add on here soon.

Hermanus was fun but I would have rather spent those 2 days at Red Hill playing football with the kids. I truly believe I will be there again soon.

I am fighting some pretty bad jet lag and swollen feet right now. Its only 5 pm here in Nashville and I want so badly to crawl into bed-- its midnight in Cape Town! So thats one way you can pray for me these next couple of days. Also, please pray that I don't go into that post-mission trip depression. I always have a hard time adjusting back to the 'real world.' One thought that brings me peace about being back, is believing that God will allow me to return to that place and those people that I now completely love.

Zebras, baboons, and some others

2008-10-03T23:15:00.002-06:00

Yesterday after our final day of VBS (more on that later), we gathered up the whole team and went to Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope- the southwestern most point in South Africa. It was BEAUTIFUL! Whitney and I hiked all the way up there- Bob would have been so proud! :) On our way back, we saw a zebra!! I finally felt like I was really in Africa. There was some other animal out there too but I can't remember what it was called. Maybe it was an antelope? We had been hearing all along that there are tons of baboons out here but hadn't seen any until we were pulling out of the park. We had stopped to watch them for a minute but as we were beginning to pull away, a baboon went up to the car behind us and jumped in their open window!! It was seriously the funniest thing I have ever seen in my life! We got some good pictures. As depressing as yesterday could have been, it chalked up to be a pretty awesome day.

Today, half of our team leaves to come back to Nashville and half of us are heading over to Hermanus for some whale watching. Most of you know how excited I was about shark diving...I have decided not to do it. I was talking to this guy the other day who had just done it and said that he was sick from start to finish. He said it was the most miserable day of his life. And since I get pretty motion sick just driving around some curves, I decided I would rather not waste my last day in South Africa being sick. So I am going to sit myself on a beach somewhere and just enjoy the day and reflect on the trip. Sounds pretty wonderful to me.

Please be praying for our team that is heading home today...and for those that have decided to go through with the shark diving. :) They'll need it.

my cup runneth over

2008-10-02T11:28:00.004-06:00

I am so overwhelmed with the thoughts and feelings I have at this point in the trip. We just finished our 4th day of VBS and I feel like today was the day that I got fully invested in the children. I am already nervous about tomorrow and saying goodbye to the sweet faces I have grown to love this week. I have always been someone that gets easily attached. Sometimes I wonder why I put myself through this kind of thing so often.

There is one boy in particular (there always is with me) that I have grown especially fond of. His name is Donovan and I absolutely love him. He is 9 years old and speaks just enough English to whisper to me "what is it?" when we are going through the Bible story review and he is trying to get me to cheat and give him the answer in secret so he can get some candy. This boy is a monkey!! He jumps on me and within 2 seconds is twisting his body all around my head and flipping off. He is there every morning waiting on us to arrive and peaks in the broken window of the church waiting for us to let him in once we get set-up. I hate seeing him out there so this morning I snuck out there to play some baseball with him using a stick and a cushie ball. If I were going to sneak a child home, it would be Donovan.

Another person I can't wait to tell you all about is Mzo. He is one of the LifeSkills Educators that works in Red Hill full time that has been working with us this week. His story is amazing and his heart is solid gold. He is the nephew of the pastor that was shot and killed about 9 months ago at the church in Masi. Mzo was on the 2nd row that day. He now lives with his aunt and helps care for his cousins. His heart is in Red Hill though, and he hopes to move there at the beginning of January. Pray for him.

I have countless stories and people to tell you about. I am so thankful that God brought me here and I pray that he brings me back. Soon.

Love to you all.

Beach Time

2008-10-01T09:13:00.005-06:00

This picture was taken a few days ago out on the beach that the Team House sits on. Look at how huge everything is out here! The sky, the mountains...its all so beautiful. We've all commented several times about how hard it is to understand how people don't believe in God when he has made such amazing things.

My favorite new people!

2008-09-30T14:13:00.002-06:00

The internet here is capped, so this is the only photo I have been able to upload. At least its a good one! This is the gang that I have gotten to know and love on this trip! Taken on top of Table Mountain.

Please be praying tomorrow (Wednesday)...actually you need to be praying in your sleep on Tuesday night because that is when we will be sharing the plan on salvation at the 4 different townships here in Cape Town. We will be meeting in our small groups around 11 am which is 4 am your time. I lead the group of 10 and older kids and today there were 22 of them. I am really excited about what God is going to do tomorrow!

Worship on the other side of the world

2008-09-28T21:51:00.003-06:00

Good morning!

We had a great Sunday here yesterday worshipping with the congregations at both Fish Hoek Baptist and Masi yesterday. And let me tell you- I was blown away by the the passion they have for the Lord. Fish Hoek was pretty similar to how our church services go...with one exception- the way they pray for each other! I was so inspired by how they care for their church members there and specifically how John Thomas has such a deep involvement in the people he leads. So much so, that he actually named someone out from stage for not having been there in 6 months!! It was funny to us, because it sounded like he was calling them out for skipping church but he knew they had been sick or dealing with something so he was really just expressing praise that they made it there. And of course listening to his accent (and even Bill Bedi's and Shane Osuna's impersonation of his accent) is always a joy! :)

After worship at Fish Hoek, we sprinted over to Masi to experience worship with them. And that is an experience I will never forget!! Through my time in Guatemala and here, I have begun loving worship in other languages! I sometimes forget that God doesn't just speak English :) Never have I seen people worship the Lord so unhinderedly (not sure if thats a word but give me a break.) The choir was not there yesterday but for those of you who have been over here before and are thinking that we missed out-- no worries-- the congregation held their own! One of my favorite things about our time there was watching these 2 little girls that were in front of me, probably only 2 years old, imitate their parents worship. They were dancing in the aisles and singing right along with everyone. I pray that our parents in America would learn to teach their children how to worship "unhinderedly." I began thinking about what it would be like if we didn't have standards in worship. If my soul couldn't contain the joy that the Lord has given me, how would I express my worship to him? If I didn't care about what other people were thinking, would I be doing a conga line down the church aisles and burst out in any song that Lord placed on my heart? I don't think I've ever been to a church in America where the pews would be big enough for that. We've talked a little the past few days about how we always seem to walk away with more blessings from these kinds of trips that we may be dishing out. My worship time yesterday with my brothers and sisters in Christ from around the globe, will surely be a moment I will never forget.

After church, we had lunch over at John Thomas's house in Muizemburg (I'm sure I just completrely butchered that.) His house is absolutely amazing, with a view unlike one I've ever seen from a home. And they're selling it...hmm. Mom, John...feel like moving to South Africa?? You guys would LOVE the ministries over here. Just sayin'. :)

We went to the market yesterday afternoon to get a few goodies. Then dinner at McDonalds. Last night we spent some time doing last minute prep for VBS that starts today!! I am so excited to finally see the faces I've been praying for for so long. As beautiful as this country is, I have a feeling the kids I will meet today will be even more beautiful! I will be working with 10-14 year olds, and my team members, Dora and Matthew, will each have groups of the younger ones. Mzo, our LifeSkills Educator that works in Red Hill regularly, has asked specifically that we pray for the families in Red Hill. He asked that we pray for a revival there. I am going to be intentional about talking with the parents I meet. Pray that we represent Christ well this week.

Love and miss you all!

I'm here!

2008-09-27T05:51:00.002-06:00

SO- after over 20 hours on a plane, we got to Cape Town yesterday around 5ish pm...which is 10 am your time. Remember that you all are 7 hours behind us (mom, that makes you 6 hours). The flights were fine- lots of good stories from that. I saw an attempted robbery right before our fuel stop in Dakar, Senegal!

Only a few minutes to update- they just rang the lunch bell! BUT this is most definitely the most beautiful place I've ever been! Hopefully I will be able to get on later tonight and add some pictures. Please be praying for my new friend Mzo. He will be partnering with my team at our VBS location, Red Hill.

Love you all!

Leaving on a jet plane

2008-09-24T23:34:00.005-06:00

Tomorrow morning at 11:30 am, my plane will take off to head on my long anticipated journey to Cape Town, South Africa. When I started working at Brentwood Baptist, I learned about our church's great partnership with John Thomas and Living Hope. And here I am, 2.5 years later, finally getting to go on my first trip to this great place. Here is a link to our church's mission's website that tell of this partnership...

http://www.brentwoodmissions.com/news_detail.php?news_id=41

There are about 30 people on our team. Some people will be doing construction tasks, others will be doing a retreat for the healthcare workers at Living Hope, and the team I am on will be doing VBS in several of the local townships. I will be in a place called Red Hill with 2 other team members. They have told us that there could be 200-400 children at each location. WOW! 200-400 kids with 3 of us?? Thats not quite the 5:1 ratio I was used to while working M-Fuge! I really have no idea what to expect!

Please pray for our team in these ways:

-Pray for safe travel. We fly from Nashville to New York and then New York to Cape Town (20 hour flight!) with a fuel stop in somewhere in West Africa.
-Pray for our health.
-Pray that I have a peace about teaching the VBS curriculum. I've got teaching students down pat, but its been a while since I've worked with kids! Lets hope its like riding a bike :)
-Pray that our team is united. With lots of different ministry tasks going on, I am praying that there is no division among the team and that we are all willing to help wherever the need is.

Hopefully I will be able to update you all and post some pictures! Thank you for your prayers and support!

"I thank my God everytime I remember you." Phil. 1:3

Summer Time

2007-07-30T18:44:00.000-06:00

So I know its been almost two months since I last blogged...sorry about that. But to my defense, it is summer time- and summer time in Student Ministry is BUSY!

We kicked off the summer on a great start with out End of the Year Celebration. We had pizza and blow-up games (the essentials) and a good crowd of students. I got to joust for the first time ever and this is how I felt afterwards:

The next week our Middle Schoolers participated in ReConstruct- a local ministry that equips students for home repair for low-income residents. (http://www.reconstruct.org/) The students did an incredible job that week!

Two weeks after that we took 250 students and leaders down to Doublehead Resort in Town Creek, AL for Summer Camp. It was a great week! Worship was led by Ninth Hour (formerly Joey Everett Band) and our camp pastor was Chad Childress. Both were so great at leading our students to worship. It was an incredible week. Here is a picture of worship on the beach before the baptisms in the lake:

And finally, we just got back from Chicago where we took our High Schoolers on mission. For the past 4 years, our students have been partnering with Armitage Baptist Church in Garfield Park (I've only gone the past 2 summers.) The ministry that they do there is so wonderful and very much needed. I will blog about this later (it has made me consider moving there) but here is a picture to hold you over...

Love to you all!

Oh, My God

2007-06-01T15:38:00.000-06:00

I am a repeat-music listener. I will play a new album until I hate it. However, the new Jars of Clay album that came out last year is amazing. I know I say this about a lot of albums but this time I really mean it! It has been playing over and over again in my car since I got it. There is one song in particular that is keeping it in there- "Oh, My God" (track 7). It is such a powerful song both lyrically and musically. I think a lot of times artists try to accomplish this but something falls short. Here are the lyrics...they read just as well as they are sung.

Oh my God, look around this place
Your fingers reach around the bone
you set the break and set the tone
For flights of grace, and future falls
In present pain all fools say, "Oh my God."

Oh my God, why are we so afraid?
We make it worse when we don't bleed
There is no cure for our disease
Turn a phrase and rise again
Or fake your death and only tell your closest friends
Oh My God

Oh my God, can I complain?
You take away my firm belief and graft my soul upon your grief
Weddings, boats, and alibis
All drift away, and a mother cries

Liars and fools, sons and failures, theives will always say
Lost and found, ailing wanderers, healers always say
Whores and angels, men with problems, leavers always say
Broken hearted, separated, orphans always say
War creators, racial haters, preachers always say
Distant fathers, fallen warriors, givers always say
Pilgrim saints, lonely widows, users always say
Fearful mothers, watchful doubters, Saviors always say

Sometimes I can not forgive
and these days mercy cuts so deep
If the world was how it should be, maybe I could get some sleep
While I lay, I'd dream we're better, scales were gone and faces lighter
When we wake we hate our brother, we still move to hurt each other
Sometimes I can close my eyes and all the fear the keeps me silent
Falls below my heavy breathing, what makes me so badly bent?
We all have a chance to murder, we all have the need for wonder
We still want to be reminded that the pain is worth the thunder

Sometimes when I lose my grip, I wonder what to make of heaven
All the times I thought to reach up, all the times I had to give up
Babies underneath their beds, in hospitals that cannot treat them
All the wounds that money causes, all the comforts of cathedrals
All the cries of thirsty children, this is our inheritance
All the rage of watching mothers, this is our greatest offense
Oh my God Oh my God Oh my God

"I think I'll go to Boston"

2007-05-31T19:53:00.000-06:00

I went to Boston this past weekend to visit my friend, Brittney. Boston is never a place I've thought about much but I really loved it! I got to see all kinds of neat things all over New England. We went to Cape Cod for a day to sit on the beach. We went to the Polar Caves in New Hampshire. And we saw Plymouth Rock in Rhode Island. Yes, there is an actual rock!

My favorite part of the trip was HARVARD by far! Ever since I saw the movie With Honors when I was a kid I have dreamed of going to this school. And I loved everything about it! The campus was nice but not too nice. It wasn't too big either. The best place on campus was the library- it is huge!! Maybe I only loved it so much because it was such an important part of the movie- which by the way if you've never seen it, go rent it now! Here is a pic of me sitting on the ledge of the library steps.

If you want to see more pics from the trip, here you go!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2496&l=9e61b&id=504364111

2007-05-14T12:22:00.000-06:00

I'm going to be an aunt...for the eighth time.

In order by birth:

Dylan

Madalyn

Carley

Billy

Jacob

Nathan

Aiden

And then the new one...whew!

2007-05-11T06:13:00.000-06:00

I've always considered myself a morning person. Not necessarily one that wakes up at the crack of dawn but I'm usually in really good moods in the morning and as the day goes on the mood becomes less good (but never becomes bad...yeah, never). But I realized last night as I was stirring in my bed that I think way more clearly and realistically at night. I often lay in bed for hours before I fall asleep because I think too much. Should I move to Africa? Should I go off to seminary or just do it here? Should I even go to seminary at all? Do I really like cats?

I wouldn't say that I am unrealistic in the mornings, just...optimisitic. On sunny mornings when the birds are chirping outside my window (much like this morning) I feel like I can conquer the world...like the Barenaked Ladies. This isn't a bad thing. Since I discovered these tendencies of mine last night, I have grown to like them. I just need to remember that I should only make important decisions late at night. But what happens when I wake up the morning after a decision and think differently because I am thinking with more optimism? What do I go with then? My clearer, more realistic decision from the night before? Or the optimistic, shiney-sun decision?

Oh boy...I make my brain hurt sometimes...

Another character trait that I've realized recently, err...I should say had pointed out to me recently...I am over-analytical. Sometimes I think so much that I forget to talk.

LOST

2007-05-04T11:49:00.000-06:00

About 8 weeks ago I was thinking about giving up on Lost. It was stressing me out more than I was enjoying it. It was a pain to rush home on Wednesday nights after church to catch it...it left me saying, "WHAT?!?" after every episode...people were giving me headaches with all their theories...So about 8 weeks ago I stopped watching for 5 weeks.

Then I decided I just couldn't miss out anymore! Thanks to abc.com I was able to catch up on 4 of the 5 episodes I missed and now I am on track! None of the circumstances have changed- I still rush home on Wednesday night, I still scream at the end of each episode, and I still get headaches thinking through all the theories. But I do love it, I just can't resist.

Since I have been all caught up I have seen some strange things. I think LOST is haunting me.

The other day, I was driving up 65 and I saw Hurley sitting on the side of the interstate. His red junker must have stalled, because he was just sitting out in the grass. He looked like he was waiting for someone. Should I have stopped to help him?

Then, 2 days later, I saw Jack driving a Ford Explorer on Concord Rd...just carrying on with everyday business it seemed. I'm sure this spinal surgeon would have a nicer car than a Ford Explorer.

I do love this show.

For Aunt Peggy

2007-03-23T20:32:00.000-06:00

My mom told me today that my aunt needs us to start updating our blogs more often. So here is whats been going on with me lately...

* Williamson County schools have been on Spring Break this past week. Several of the ministers took off to be with their families so I was one of the few in the office all week. This was hard because without the ministers there, there isn't a ton to do. I cleaned out files, organized things, and tried to appreciate the quiet...but I'm not a big fan of quiet. And along with that, my 2 best friends are teachers so they also had the week off.

* I went to see the movie Amazing Grace with some of the Coffeehouse Theology gang on Thursday. It is the story of William Wilberforce and his fight to abolish slavery in 18th century England. It was really good- go see it. It has inspired me to read the book Real Christianity by Wilberforce. Not enough people know about him. He was a pretty incredible person.

* Tomorrow, I am going to the casting call for some new reality show on ABC about bingo...yes, the game. My dear friend Lauren called me this morning to tell me about it. She said the ad on the radio said they were looking for crazy people who like games. That is definitely me and Lauren. My family can surely attest to the fact that I get crazy when I play games.

* After the casting call, we are joining some other friends for food and fun in the park. I am loving this 80 degree weather! There is nothing better than a cute skirt and some flip-flops!

* I think I need to go see my dad next weekend. Please pray for a miracle healing of his soul or at least a miracle healing of his body so we can have more time to work on the soul.

Aunt Peggy, I love you and miss you. I can't wait for you guys to be in North Carolina! I'm praying that the condo sells quickly! Hopefully this Easter will be the last holiday we will all have to be apart.

Soo excited...

2007-03-08T15:00:00.000-06:00

I just ordered this book on Amazon and can't wait to read it! Its being featured right now at Starbucks, I think...go grab a copy! Or do it the cheap way like me. I got it for like $10!

Me so tired...

2007-03-06T21:14:00.000-06:00

I just got back from a great trip to Florida. I got to see my wonderful family, ride my favorite disney rides, and go to the beach...my place. Now I am getting ready to move. I am so excited about living with my great friend Brittany but...I am totally stressed about the actual moving part. I wonder if I have time to trade my 'rolla in for a pick-up truck...and build a lot more muscles.

A little court, a little crime, and a little fruit.

2007-02-17T17:34:00.000-06:00

On January 1st, I got a speeding ticket in Nolensville. I was going 46 in a 30. Thats considered wreckless driving. Yuck. Anyway, this morning I had to wake up early, get all dressed up (because everyone said I had to) and trudged out in the blizzard to go to Traffic Court. And what an experience that turned out to be...

I walked into the Nolensville Town Hall, which was in a small strip mall. I got there a few minutes early and was sent back to the "court room." From the second I walked in I knew I was in for a treat. This court room was smaller than a small classroom. There were folding chairs all lined up in a few short rows and a simple table up front. Sure enough, the room filled up pretty quickly (none of those people were dressed up) and then an officer stood up and actually said, "All rise for the honorable Judge so and so" and contintued with all that other court room stuff.

Someone had told me that they would just have all the folks stand up at once and plead guilty and that'd be it...So I was surprised when he called out a specific person. I can't remember this poor guy's name but he was hispanic and couldn't speak any english. The judge called out to all of us, "Do any of you speak Spanish? Oh you, will you translate?" The judge went on to say, "So and so, you are charged with going 50 in a 30, no license, and no insurance. How do you plead?" I felt a little relieved because this guy's offense was worse than mine. But I couldn't believe they were going to call everyone out individually like that! I was thankful that my last name started wit S- I assumed I would be called toward the end. BUT no, no. The very next name, "Jaclyn Joy Smith." Oh no...I walked up to the front. "Jaclyn, you have been charged with going 46 in a 30. How do you plead?" "Guilty." I went out and paid the court fees and was allowed to go.

As I was getting out my gloves and keys, these 3 scruffy guys came in. The lady asked if they were there for Traffic Court. One of them said, "No, but I'm hoping to put someone in court." Oh my...this was going to be good. I tried to stall but I couldn't hang out in there any longer without it being obvious. So who knows what that was about.

I now have to go to Traffic School. I am going to the one at The Factory in Franklin. The lady told me they give out door prizes at that one. What?! Door prizes at Traffic School?? Okay.

I spend the rest of the day being lazy. I read a lot, and sat on my butt a lot. Until I went to the grocery store and bought all this fruit...

So I'm turning over a new leaf. The old one is getting a little too pudgy.

A day with Maddie

2007-02-12T20:44:00.000-06:00

Maddie and I got to spend a great day together today. I did have to work, but even just sitting around with her in the office was wonderful. But...all the real fun happened after that. We went to Borders and got her some really cool books and things to entertain herself while we are at work tomorrow. Then we went to the bowling alley to play in the arcade. We were thinking about bowling but it was league night. Someday I will be in a bowling league and that will be awesome. Anyway, I got her $10 worth of tokens thinking that maybe we could win about 100 or so tickets and walk away with a Chinese finger trap and a kazoo. I love both of those things. But boy was I surprised when she put her first token in and this is what happened...

...she won 50 tickets right away!! Oh but wait, like a true Las Vegas gambler, you don't leave when you're hot! So she put her second token in and JACKPOT! She actually hit the jackpot!! Who really does that?! It was the funniest thing. We were both going crazy until this group of silly boys showed up.

All the boys wanted to know her secret! They were so jealous! As if that boy right there really needed any more tickets. But he said that he had been trying to win the jackpot on that one all night! You know that that means...Maddie appeared to be the the lurker! You know, like the old ladies that practically live in the casinos and watch people win nothing on the slot machines until they finally give up. Then the lurkers swoop in there and win the jackpot! Just like my sweet girl! It was fantastic! I told Maddie that just because she has the magic touch does not mean she needs to go back to Vegas and become a gambler. She said, "Aunt Jackie, I know you gambled. I saw pictures." I said back to her, "But Mad, thats okay. I used Papa's money." I made her pinky promise. Anyway, we ended up with 400 tickets! She picked out a dough set, some dominoes, a jumbo pen that says "Best Brother" (she is going to color over that tomorrow), and 5 pieces of laffy taffy. Bummer, no Chinese finger-pull.

Then we came home and decided to make scrambled eggs for dinner. The ones I made for her were awesome. Mine were less than awesome. Sacrificial love.

Our night wrapped up with some good ol' America's Funniest Home Videos and dominoes. Yep, I love this girl.

God, what do you look like?

2007-02-06T21:38:00.000-06:00

So, my friend David Morris stopped by the office today to chat for a few minutes. We started talking about what God looks like...somehow. I often forget how I end up in certain conversations but I was telling him how I pictured God when I was little. I pictured him like this...

Have you ever image googled God? Well, this is what you get...

The typical, old God...

The eye of God...

The kinda creepy God...

The pretty God...

And my personal favorite...

A Fun Friday

2007-01-26T13:06:00.000-06:00

I have laughed a lot today. I love days like this...

I went to Kroger this morning to get sodas for Sunday night's Student Worship. The lady that was checking me out was really mean. I thought for sure that it was going to be an unpleasant trip to Kroger. That was until I met Mack. Let me tell you about Mack...he is an older, African American man with cowboy boots, a cowboy hat and a face mask (because its cold outside.) The only reason I know his name is Mack is because of the gold and silver belt buckle that he had on that was the size of Texas! Mack is a very friendly, loud man. He insisted on pushing the cart out to my car. The whole trip out there was wonderful. He asked me how my day was going and I asked him the same to which he responded with something like this: "My day is great! My days are always great! Ain't nobody ever gonna make me not have a great day!" When we got out to my car, I popped the trunk and started moving the sodas in when he hollared at me, "You ain't touchin them sodas! You leave them for me!" Then he saw the cat carriers I have in my trunk and the rest of the conversation went something like this:

MACK: Woh! You got a dog in them things?
ME: No, they are for my cat.
MACK: Ooh! You got a cat! I bet its just like Garfield. Garfield is never up to any good...he just sits arooounnnd, being laaazzzzyyy alllll day!"
ME: Haha, yeah that sounds about right.
MACK: Meow! Meow! Meow! Hissss!! Hisssss!! (insert other strange cat noises here for the next 3 minutes.)
ME: (practically rolling around on the ground) Hahahahha!! Thats exactly what my cat sounds like!
MACK: Yeah, I got a dog at home. I told him this morning, 'Dog, you better get out there and catch you some food.' If he don't, he don't eat! Well...have a great day! You better have a great day, cuz I'm gonna have a great day!"

I got back to the church and told Carol that I met the greatest guy at Kroger and his name was Mack. She immediately asked me if he was black and wore a cowboy hat. Apparently he has been on the news. So I guess you could finally say that I met a celebrity at Kroger.

Then...Carol and I got locked in the prayer room at church. We went in to snoop because we had never seen it. There is an outside entrance to this room and then an inside entrance that is through a storage room in the Parlor. As we were looking around, we saw someone coming up the sidewalk to pray...Janet. (Janet sends the staff prayer emails every week. This week, her prayer concluded like this, "I pray in the name of Jesus, MVP and Super Bowl Champion".) We wanted to get out of there quickly so we started scurrying around to find the exit. Carol went through a door only to end up in the prayer room bathroom. I said, "No, Carol! It's this door!" We got through that door just as Janet was beginning to enter through the outside door. Then...tragedy struck. We were in this dark storage room and the door out of the storage room into the Parlor was locked! I couldn't even speak I was laughing so hard (but it was that quiet kind of laugh because I didn't want Janet to hear us.) We looked around frantically for a minute to assess the situation. We couldn't go back through the prayer room now because Janet was in there and that would be weird. Praise the Lamb! A maintenance guy was in the Parlor and heard us trying to open the door! He came to the door and said "hello??" with much hesitation. He let us out. I can't even imagine what he was thinking. Probably something like, 'what are these 2 cucks doing in the prayer room storage closet?!'

Oh, I love my job.

Just venting...

2007-01-23T18:19:00.000-06:00

I went to LifeWay today to pick up a study guide for one of our Student LifeGroups. I had a few minutes to kill before I was meeting a friend for lunch so I started to wander a bit. I found myself in...well, I don't even know what section I was in but I was surrounded by books about death. Books like Saying Goodbye- For Now, and Safe in the Arms of Jesus. Where are all the books that provide comfort to people whose loved one is not "safe in the arms of Jesus?" I've always had a pretty solid understanding of death and heaven. I took a whole class on it in college...oh, Ms Jan. But what about hell? What comfort can a believer find when a person they care for so much hasn't come to saving faith in Christ?

My father has about 3 months left...stupid cancer. Never in my life have I felt such an urgency to "save" someone. But how do you tell someone of Christ when they refuse to hear the name? My relationship with my dad has always been a bit estranged. I only spent a few weeks each summer with him and just a handful of holidays. And those occurances became fewer and fewer after I became a Christian. You would think that sharing Christ with my dad would have been a priority from the get-go but when someone is constantly criticizing the person you put all your faith in, thats a little hard. And now, I only have 3 months to fit it all in. Three months to tell him of God's goodness, forgiveness and grace. Three months to tell him of the peace he can find in Christ. Three months to convince him that it's not too late.

I know Jesus can save my dad. I'm just not sure if he is going to. Does that make me...faithless? I don't doubt Christ's power or desire to save my dad. I just doubt my dad's desire to be saved by Christ. Where are all of the books that provide comfort to a Christian dealing with a parent in hell? How do I find peace in that situation?

My Old 50 Things

2007-01-11T18:31:00.000-06:00

I wrote this blog a long time ago on myspace. My friend Brittany just did one like it so I thought I would go back to see if mine was still accurate. Most of it is...

1. I love my dogs but only sometimes.
2. I hate when people quote Dumb and Dumber.
3. I have really bad road rage.
4. I'm addicted to text messaging.
5. I love going to baseball games. Especially when I can get a hot dog and there are fireworks afterwards.
6. I feel like I have to like Hot Pockets. But I don't think I do.
7. I get scared sometimes that I won't get married. Other times I'm okay with it.
8. I hate forced conversations.
9. I'm a terrible listener.
10. I pee sometimes while I talk on the phone.
11. I love to shop and eat out. I do it too much.
12. I miss college life.
13. I would rather be outside than inside.
14. I hate being cold. Its painful.
15. Laying on the beach or by the pool is the most relaxing thing to do.
16. I screen phone calls.
17. I love wearing shorts and tank tops.
18. Black children are WAY cuter than white children. Don't be offended.
19. I love playing sports but I stink at them.
20. My niece will always be my favorite person on this earth.
21. I get annoyed when people think they are good at something when they are not.
22. I hate bad smells.
23. My dog is Native American.
24. I'm scared of turning 30.
25. I'm lazy.
26. I hate healthy foods and boring exercize.
27. I avoid conflict.
28. I have a ridiculous number of flip flops.
29. I'm competative to the point that some people won't play games with me. They're just mad because I win.
30. I have better taste in music than anyone I know.
31. I love to clean on Saturday mornings with good music blaring really loudly.
32. I love going to the movies on Friday nights.
33. I cried at a Biltmore commercial one time.
34. I think the Wendy's "fpoon" commercial is the funniest commercial ever.
35. I love Karaoke. Para Bailar La Bamba.
36. Like most girls (the good ones at least), I can quote Steele Magnolias all day long.
37. I hate politics.
38. I am embarassed easily but I say I am not.
39. I can't think under pressure.
40. I love gold everything but jewelry.
41.I can compare any life situation to a Friends episode.
42. I am Pro-Life and against Capital Punishment.
43. I will never turn away a chocolate milkshake.
44. I'm not judgemental but I am critical.
45. I love celebrity gossip.
46. I don't think I will ever be able to cook or bake a good batch of brownies.
47. I had a crush on the Indian in the Cupboard.
48. I have high standards.
49. I still have Christmas wrapping paper in the corner of my living room.
50. I will watch Vh1's "I love the..." over and over and over and over and over again.

yay for heroes (the real ones, not the tv show)

2007-01-04T15:53:00.000-06:00

New York Cheers Subway Rescuer
Commuter Saves Man From Oncoming Train

By Rick Hampson
USA Today

NEW YORK (Jan. 4) - A day after he jumped into the path of a subway train to save the life of a stranger, Wesley Autrey got a $5,000 reward, a day off and universal acclaim in a city where you supposedly don't speak to people you don't know, let alone rescue them. "I just tried to do the right thing," said the 50-year-old Harlem construction worker.

"It ain't about being a hero, it was just being there and helping the next person. That's all I did."

On Tuesday afternoon Autrey leaped down from a subway station platform after Cameron Hollopeter, 20, apparently suffered a seizure and fell between the tracks.

Autrey had to leave his two daughters, ages 4 and 6, on the platform. It was that, he said, or have the girls see a man run over by a subway train.

Down on the tracks, Autrey saw a train's headlights in the tunnel. He shoved the disoriented student into the only space where they had a chance to survive — the shallow, grimy drainage trough between the tracks.

The train passed over them, with about 2 inches' clearance. Autrey later showed reporters grease stains on his wool hat that he said came from the train's undercarriage.

On Wednesday Autrey got the day off from work at a Brooklyn construction site and visited the New York Film Academy, where Hollopeter is a student.

"We don't have a red carpet, but we gave him a red carpet reception," said Anita Tovich, one of Hollopeter's professors. Jerry Sherlock, director of the school, presented Autrey with a check for $5,000.

The school also promised Autrey's daughters scholarships to the school when they're older.

"Here and all over the world, people are struck by this unselfish, heroic act," Sherlock said. "With so much evil in the world, it gives everyone hope."

"You're one in a million," he told Autrey, "and this is your 15 minutes of fame."

The city's tabloids celebrated Autrey. "SUBWAY ANGEL'S DAREDEVIL LEAP" headlined the New York Post. The Daily News hailed the "SUBWAY SUPERMAN." Autrey is scheduled to be on network news programs this morning and CBS' Late Show with David Letterman tonight.

Autrey gave this account: He was in the station in upper Manhattan on Tuesday afternoon when Hollopeter, also waiting on the platform, seemed to collapse during a seizure. Autrey used a pen to get Hollopeter's tongue out of his throat. Hollopeter stood up, then staggered and fell between the tracks.

As the train neared, Autrey pinned Hollopeter in the trough by lying on top of him, face to face. But the student kept struggling. "Don't move!" Autrey said. "Or one of us is going to lose a leg."

Subway car brakes screeched. One car passed overhead, then a second. Then came silence, followed by the wailing from the platform of his daughters, who'd just seen their father run over.

"We're OK," Autrey yelled to bystanders on the platform. "I got two daughters up there. Let 'em know their father's OK!"

"Who are you?" asked Hollopeter.

"Someone who saved your life," replied Autrey.

They waited 20 minutes until technicians turned off power on the subway's high-voltage third rail and were helped out.

Hollopeter remained hospitalized Wednesday in stable condition, recovering from cuts and bruises.

A relative, Jeff Friedman, told reporters that although Hollopeter is quite talented, "even he couldn't write the screenplay any better."

Contributing: The Associated Press

All Will Be Well

2006-12-29T13:49:00.000-06:00

The new day dawns,
And I am practicing my purpose once again.
It is fresh and it is fruitful if I win but if I lose,
I don’t know.
I will be tired but I will turn and I will go,
Only guessing til I get there then I’ll know,
I will know.

All the children walking home past the factories
Could see the light that’s shining in my window as I write this song to you.
All the cars running fast along the interstate
Can feel the love that radiates
Illuminating what I know is true,
All will be well.
Even after all the promises you’ve broken to yourself,
All will be well.
You can ask me how but only time will tell.

The winter’s cold,
But the snow still lightly settles on the trees.
And a mess is still a moment I can seize until I know,
That all will be well.
Even though sometimes this is hard to tell,
And the fight is just as frustrating as hell
All will be well.

All the children walking home past the factories,
Could see the light that’s shining in my window as I write this song to you.
All the cars running fast along the interstate
Can feel the love that radiates
Illuminating what I know is true
All will be well.
Even after all the promises you’ve broken to yourself
All will be well.
You can ask me how but only time will tell.

Keep it up and don’t give up
And chase your dreams and you will find
All in time.

All the children walking home past the factories
Could see the light that’s shining in my window as I write this song to you.
All the cars running fast along the interstate
Can feel the love that radiates
Illuminating what I know is true,
All will be well.
Even after all the promises you’ve broken to yourself,
All will be well.
You can ask me how but only time will tell.

All will be well.
Even after all the promises you’ve broken to yourself,
All will be well.
You can ask me how but only time will tell.
You can ask me how but only time will tell.

-- The Gabe Dixon Band

The Cruise of My Dreams

2006-12-29T01:10:00.000-06:00

I saw a commercial for this and just about died...

www.mcgrawcruise.com

Who will go with me??

Centralia, IL -- It makes me proud

2006-12-24T15:24:00.000-06:00

So I'm in Centralia. Nothing about this town has changed in 23 years. It's still small, scummy, and full of not-smart people.

I went to a Mexican restaurant today (I know...what?!?) with my dad and Shelley. Our waiter was a sweet, little hispanic boy and he spoke very little english. My dad asked for milk to drink (weird) and the waiter stood there with a blank look in his eyes and a huge smile on his face. My dad thought that the waiter must not have understood, so he thought it would be a good idea to make cow-milking hand motions. He also felt the need to specify that he wanted milk from a cow...not goat milk (I milked a goat one time, it was fun). The waiter then began asking my dad one-word questions about his thousands of tattoos. He actually lifted up my dad's shirt to try to see them all! He looked and pointed at me and said, "you?" I quickly said "no, no tattoos." Then he turned to my dad's wife--all of her tattoos are in hidden places and she has enough sense not to reveal them, thank the Lord! The waiter asked my dad if he thought he could get a tattoo. Of course he asked this by pointing to his arm and saying, "Me? Tattoo?"

A few minutes later the waiter was over at the table across from us. It was a family who had obviously just come from church...I didn't know people went to church around here. Anyway, this horrible 17 year old boy asked the waiter, "Do you speak Spanish?" WHAT!?!?! What an idiot! I was sick to my stomach at this kid. He then started asking the waiter, "How do you say cheese?" "How do you say run?" "How do you say (feel free to fill in the blank here, I think the kid asked about every word in the dictionary)"

As miserable and awkward as our experience was with him, I would much rather him have come back and hung out with us than go through that. My dad has plenty of more tattoos he could have shown him.

Music Lust

2006-12-22T11:24:00.000-06:00

So I bought this book for a friend of mine for Christmas. But I want to keep it for myself...I think its pretty awesome. Nic Harcourt is a DJ out in California. He hosts the show "Morning Becomes Eclectic." I really wish I could listen to his show. I bet it is fantastic. Anyway, he wrote this book which covers all important music. If someone was new to Earth and had never heard music before, they should read this book to find out what they have missed out on.

One of the greatest things about this book is that he actually gives thematic playlists. Some of the playlists he includes are "Great Road Music," "Twenty Essential Albums of the Twenty- First Century (so far)," "Great First Albums," and "Britpop" (one of my personal favorites since this is the list that includes Oasis.) He also lists the most quintessential albums for each decade starting with the fifties. This book is a must-have for all music-lovers. Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy!

The Black Angel

2006-12-15T11:51:00.000-06:00

My favorite Christmas gift so far this year.

Sophie

2006-12-13T15:52:00.000-06:00

So, I think my cat is psycho. And I don't mean in this in the slang, she is just silly, kind of way because I hate when people use that word in slang. I think that Sophie has some serious mental issues. Why do I think this? Let me list the reasons...

* She eats Q-Tips -- pica, oppositional defiant disorder

* She locks herself in closets -- agoraphobia

* She sleeps on my face -- seperation anxiety disorder, oppositional defiant disorder

* She is scared of my cell phone -- telephonobia

* She prefers toilet water over her water bowl (I think this is because she just likes to get her paws wet and then run across my face as I'm laying on the couch) -- conduct disorder

* She likes to play with dangerous hooks -- pain disorder, oppositional defiant disorder

* She will not let me eat until she eats -- narcissistic personality disorder

* She meows continually if I don't get out of bed by 7 -- obsessive compulsive disorder, oppositional defiant disorder

* She steals Christmas ornaments from my tree -- kleptomania, oppositional defiant disorder

Pong

2006-12-01T14:43:00.000-06:00

So I may not be great at Duck Hunt but I am excellent at pong :)

http://www.xnet.se/javaTest/jPong/jPong.html

Jackie: 1 million
Computer: 0

Fun in Las Vegas...

2006-11-26T17:54:00.000-06:00

I come home tomorrow...yay :)

Thanksgivins

2006-11-23T19:13:00.000-06:00

Okay, so I'm not much of a gambler but it is pretty fun :) My dad, Shelley, Shannon, and I went out last night with the intentions of line dancing but we when we got there we found out that there was a bikini mud wrestling contest...none of us were going to enter so we thought we would do something else. My dad gave us each 5 bucks and said 'have fun.' We wandered around to find the penny machines and I found the most awesome casino game ever! DEAL OR NO DEAL! I pretty much spent the rest of that evening right there. I walked away with $25. Not too bad! It would have been 30 but I have always wanted to try roulette (?). So on our way out I threw down 5 bucks at one of those tables. It was lame. I'll stick with Deal or No Deal :)

Today has been a good Thanksgiving day. I didn't mess up any of the food!! We just got back from getting a Christmas tree and are working on getting that put up. I was sent up here to see what the internet says about putting asprin or Sprite in the base...I figured I would do a quick update while I was up here. I have lots of stories but not a whole lot of time yet. Maybe later :)

I need sleep

2006-11-22T18:49:00.000-06:00

So I made it to Las Vegas. The flight here was long but not as bad as I expected. A Torti was on the same flight so that made it a little more enjoyable. My neice is just as beautiful as the last time I saw her and my nephews are...boys. They are 3 and 4 and quite a handful but I love them! My dad and Shelley arrived today so the gangs all here. I went grocery shopping this afternoon for the Thanksgiving Feast. I bought a pumpkin pie. I decided not to make it on my own due to my last experience with it. We are having an "adult night" tonight...whatever that means. We are going to Gilley's which is apparently the cowboy type place that is in the movie Urban Cowboy. I think my dad's purpose for going there is to get me on the mechanical bull...we'll see. I am super tired. I never thought that a 2 hour time difference was the big of a deal but yuck. I miss friends already...and Sophie.

Before I forget...I need a ride home from the airport. I didn't think enough about that before I left. My flight gets in at 2:55. Karyn- I think you're the only one that reads this blog- I'm leaving you with this responsibility :) Love you!

Bing

2006-11-17T12:43:00.000-06:00

This has been the week of Bing. Bing Crosby. My all time favorite singer. I hope you know who he is...if you don't, you are truly missing out on something amazing.

On Monday, I was strolling through Target and noticed how they already have their Christmas stuff out. (Some people hate this because they think it is too early. They say that "Thanksgiving gets the draft." In my opinion, Thanksgiving is a fun day but really...why do we celebrate it? Don't yell at me, maybe I will share my thoughts on Thanksgiving later...anyways) Only 2 seconds after I saw the Christmas displays in the back, right corner of the store, did I hear the sweetest voice ever to come out of a person's mouth...it was Bing...and he was dreaming of a White Christmas. If you know me well, then you know that I am scared of cold weather...it hurts me. BUT Bing never fails to make me dream of a White Christmas. Only he and Rosemary Clooney can make me do this. Immediately, I was filled with Christmas cheer!

On Wednesday nights, Brittany and I start our LifeGroup time with a Question Of The Week. The question of this week was "What is your favorite Christmas movie?" (Very appropriate considering my aforementioned Target experience.) The girls gave lots of silly answers like Annie (what?!?), Home Alone, etc. When it was my turn to share, I said with no hesitation, "White Christmas!" I was not surprised at all when none of them had heard of it or seen it. I went on to share of the wonderful Bing and it almost brought tears to my eyes (I get excited very easily...to the point of tears...I cried at a Biltmore commercial one time.) We then decided that White Christmas will be the movie we will watch at our Christmas slumber party coming up. I am super excited to share this huge part of my life with these wonderful 9th grade girls. They must get to know the wonderful Bing!

Thursday morning in the office, Linc, Carol and I started discussing the Christmas luncheon that we are going to have for our leaders. We were thinking about what the gifts will be for them, decorations, food, etc. I can't remember how he got brought up but somehow I started talking about Bing. Carol then informed me that she is a huge fan! (Don't laugh but my eyes started whelling up again. I held them back.) As if Carol and I haven't bonded enough over these past 5 months, we now share a love of Bing. Linc said he will let me play Bing as background music at the lunch. Get excited people.

I went to "brunch" today with Karyn and Bryce. We went to the Puffy Muffin (which thanks to Amy-Jo, has now become one of my favorite places...they have great quiches.) In the car on the way there, I put in one of Bing's best Christmas cds. He looks so cute on the cover in his little Santa hat! I don't think Bryce and Karyn are big fans. On the way back to the church I had to run into Office Depot real quick, and when I got back into the car they had changed the cd. I will pray for them.

Bing is just awesome. Everyone should love him.

YAY! El Numero Uno...

2006-11-16T20:46:00.000-06:00

So I have been thinking for a while now that I wanted to become a blogger. I mean, myspace and facebook are fun but to be honest...they are really only good for keeping in touch and checking up on people (I've gotten to be a pretty good myspace-snoop as my dear friend Robin calls it.) You know how there are just those people that have crazy things happen to them all the time and always have great stories? (My friend Justin is the prime example of this... everyone should know him.) Well, for the past year I have realized that I am an AWFUL story teller... I mean AWFUL! But I have been noticing recently, that those strange things that I thought only happen to other people, actually happen to me too! I just hadn't paid any attention to it! So under the influence of others...I am going to blog. Also...sometimes I keep friends at Starbucks too long (Brittany and Karyn to be specific) talking about...well, everything. We could definitely shorten those Starbucks visits if I could just vent all that stuff on here. We'll see how this goes...