"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.

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!

Welcome 2009!

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.

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

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...

Here are the pics from ICE last night!


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

Two Whole Weeks

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!

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

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

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...

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

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

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.