"There's something about the ocean"

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

I am overwhelmingly thankful for Jesus today.

Oscar Fashion Wrap Up...according to ME!

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

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

I am now an official Nashville Predators fan!

"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.