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Sunday, December 30, 2012

So.Much.Stuff.

Ok. Soooo I haven't posted for the past week and a half, almost two weeks... I know, I know. I am off work for 12 days for the holidays and I don't go back until January 2nd, 2013! Lucky me, right?! BUT s o much has happened! My best friend over at Little Baby Barnett went into early labor and gave birth to the most precious little girl on Friday (12-21-2012). We will say she kept the world from ending ;-) She's beautiful and perfect in every way! 







THEN, it was time for Christmas festivities... Tons of time spent with family and friends. It was a fantastic, much needed break from reality!! I did tons of shopping and eating. Probably too much. I had planned to post earlier this week, but somehow, I got an awful stomach virus! I thought I was dying. I seriously spent 32 hours of my life sleeping/dying. I'm fully recovered and back to my normal, hilarious self! Ha. Things are starting to get back to normal... I should be back to full-time posting by the end of the week! I hope you all had a fantastic Christmas and had lots of wonderful family and friend time!

As for New Years resolutions, I'm not making any. WHATTTTTT?!?! I think they are stupid. I never stick to them. Never, ever. So, no more resolutions for this girl!

Instead, I'm committing to myself. I'm committing to make my Savior proud. I'm committing to less of me and more of Him. I'm committing to be healthier, happier, stronger, wiser, braver, and smarter. I'm committing to talk less and listen more, to be more encouraging and helpful, and to be less self-centered and more giving. I'm committing to make 2013 a wonderful year for myself and those around me.

Happy New Year, Y'all!
Jen

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Silence for Sandy Hook.

 
 
The Blogging world is taking a day of silence for Sandy Hook.
 
We are also raising money that will go to an organization in the memory of this tragedy. The organization is called The Newtown Family Youth and Family Services.
 
ANY DONATIONS MADE TO NEWTOWN YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES WILL BE DONATED DIRECTLY TO THOSE EFFECTED BY THE SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SHOOTING.
 
Please go HERE if you would like to donate.
 
-Jen-

Monday, December 17, 2012

No Words...Errr, some rambling.

I say that I don't have words. That's not the whole truth. I have a few things I want to say. First and foremost, my heart is so so heavy for Newtown and the all the precious lives lost, young and old. I can't even imagine what those families are going through. There are no words to describe the horror. My heart is also heavy for the police officers, medical personnel, firefighters and other special teams that had to view that horrific scene over and over again. Their jobs are so special and often overlooked, but what they have been doing the last few days is unimaginable.

I do not want to downplay what happened in Newtown by any means. Not one bit. BUT this is the reality of the state of our nation. There are tragedies everywhere. Every single day. I just want to share with you what has transpired in and around my small-ish town over the weekend...
-There was a deadly shooting at one of our largest hospitals. An officer exchanged gunfire with a man in the hallway. The gunman was shot and killed, the officer and two others were shot and wounded.
-A domestic dispute left three people dead and two others injured. A child and an officer both in critical condition. After a police chase, the suspect was shot and killed.
-A 26 year old man was shot at a gas station after an altercation at another location. He is listed in critical condition.
-A husband came home to find his wife and 2 young children(ages 4 and 5)deceased. No suspects.

These are just the ones I have been able to keep up with. I don't usually watch the news because it's all bad. There are more. I am in such shock. I know you're probably wondering why I am sharing such awful things. These things happen daily in this country. What's even worse to me is the small tragedies that no one notices... Children who don't get to eat dinner. Parents who don't get to see their children because the divorce rate is so high. Parents who have to watch their children suffer for weeks and months because of horrible diseases. Children who don't know their parents. Elderly people who can't afford their medications. Teenage girls getting pregnant. Someone losing a loved one in a car wreck because of road rage. THESE are all tragedies and they happen daily. Why is it that people only seem to care when it is a tragedy of this magnitude? Yes, its a horrific thing. No words can express my sadness. The way those parents feel is the same way millions of people feel all over this country every single day. Can you imagine being a single mom, working two jobs and still not being able to provide food for you children? For that momma, that is a tragedy. And one that she might not ever get over. Who are we to say one tragedy is greater than another? Does the scale of the event really make it "worse"?? None of them are easy. And hurt is the same in every city and every heart. Don't overlook the tragedies that are happeneing right next door to you.

The media destroys us. Everything has to be political these days and it's all about the next big story. And it's absurd. Since when do we allow what's on TV to dictate what should be important to us and where our focus should be? 6 months ago a man went on a rampage in a theater and shot and killed 12 people and wounded 58 others. Some of which are still recovering. Why isn't the media still reporting about this? Because it's not news anymore. One of the injured said "I thought we were going to be heard, I thought there would finally be some changes. Now, we're just a whisper."

We all face tragedy at some point or another. Who am I to say that your hurt isn't as great as mine? We all hurt. We all have brusises and scars and old wounds. Some deeper than others. I do know that we can't live in fear. It is our responsibility to make the real "issues" known. Crazy things are always going to happen. But, the Adam Lanzas and the James Holmes of the world, can be helped. Mental illness is a disease. But it's a disease that can be controlled. We can't stop tragedies from happening...but we can make the world aware of the bigger issues and hopefully put an end to tragedies of this magnitude and nature.

I pray that those precious families find some sort of closure. I pray that they find a way to glorify God in the midst of this crisis. I pray that they find a way to praise Him in this storm. I pray that they find a way to overcome.

 
-Jen-

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Thankful Thursday

During the Holiday season we all get so caught up in all the things we want. We seem to forget about the things we already have that we should be thankful for. So here it is, my Thankful Thursday!
 
I am thankful for...
 
- I am SOOO thankful for Erin at Love, Fun and Football! She created my new blog design! Y'all, she is so precious and fantastic at what she does! Not to mention, she was a blast to work with!! She was so fun and genuinely concerned with what I wanted and what made me happy! Seriously, go check her out. You won't regret it!

-I am thankful for this blog of mine. It's not much, but it sure is nice to call it mine. I love having a place to share my thoughts, randomness and awesomeness.
- I am thankful for my fantastic friends who always encourage and support me. It is so hard to find good friends these days... I got lucky with mine. I think I'll keep them!
Source: polyvore.com via Staci on Pinterest

-I am thankful for my nieces. Seriously, I had no idea what it meant to love someone until they came into this world! It is so sweet to watch them grow and learn. I have no idea how our family made it so long without them!
 
-I have no words to describe how thankful I am for my crazy, wild, supportive, Godly family. Seriously, we are such a mess sometimes but we are so hilarious! I even love our Auburn fans ;-) I could not have asked for a better family!
 
 
-I am more than thankful for my Lord and Savior. I would be nothing without him. He is my way, my truth, and my light. He has blessed me beyond anything that I deserve. I can't ask for anything more than I have in this moment.
 
I hope you are all having a fantastic week!
Happy Thursday, Y'all!
Jen

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Dating Part 1: What you're worth and what you deserve.


This post has been a long time coming. This post is my heart. It took a lot for me to write this. I cried and laughed. I got advice and help from friends.

Most of you know that I am newly single. Yep. 25 and single. At first, I wasn't ok with it. I grew up in Alabama. See, here in the south, you go to college, graduate, get married, have babies, live happily ever after. That's not exactly how things worked out for me, and now, I am OK with being 25 and single. Don't get me wrong, I still have my days. But for the most part, I am really happy with where I am and what the Lord is doing in my life. I finally got to a point of surrender and it feels so good to know that God is in control and I no longer have to worry. So I wanted to share with you what I have learned in the last few years.

Two things you should know before you enter into another relationship: What you're worth & what you deserve. Do you know what you're worth? Do you know what you deserve? Not really? Well I am going to tell you...




The Bible is very clear about what we, as women deserve and how a man is to treat his woman/wife. YOU are beautiful. YOU are wonderful. YOU are a one of a kind. YOU have so much to offer.  And YOU deserve to be treated like it. YOU are worthy of every good thing this world has to offer. YOU are worthy of a man who treats you like you are one of a kind and his one and only. YOU are worthy of love and affection, flowers, love notes, whatever makes you happy, YOU are worthy of that. "The One" will know those things about you and he will think you are worthy, too. So many women, like me, are so "ready" to be married that they are willing to settle for so much less than they deserve. I almost settled, and I am so glad I didn't. This is what YOU deserve...
  • You deserve to be pursued- You deserve to be chased. Men are never too busy to get what they want.  If he's not calling, texting, asking you out, actively trying to spend time with you, he's not the one. "He who finds a wife, finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord." Proverbs 18:22
  • You deserve to be prayed for- "The One" will have been praying for you long before you entered his life. If he isn't openly praying for you, he's not the one. "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." Ephesians 5:25.
  • You deserve a man who loves the Lord. If he's not pursuing a relationship with the Lord as actively as he is pursuing you, he's not the one. "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?" 2 Corinthians 6:14
  • You deserve to be respected, cherished and valued- You should never have to ask for any of these things. If he doesn't respect you, value you and cherish you from the first date, he's not the one.
  • You deserve a man who wants to be there- If you can't ALWAYS count on him, he's not the one.
  • You deserve a man of integrity- If he doesn't do what he says he is going to do in the beginning, he never will. If his words don't match his actions, he's not the one. "Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out." Proverbs 10:9
  • You deserve forgiveness. We all have a past. We have all made mistakes. We are all going to continue to make mistakes.  If he can't look passsed the things you did/said and the mistakes you made before he came along...He doesn't deserve you and he's not the one. "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you." Matthew 6:14
  • You deserve to be supported- If he doesn't support you in everything you do, regardless how small the task, he's not the one.
  • You deserve honesty and truth- If you feel like he's not being honest or truthful, he's probably not. If you find yourself questioning him, he's not the one. 
  • You deserve a best friend- You deserve someone who wants to know everything about you. Someone who wants to hear your crazy stories, hold you when you cry, take care of you when your sick, and listen to you complain about your mother. You deserve that, and if he's not doing those things, he's not the one.
  • You deserve someone who shares your passions- Love animals? Want to adopt children? Volunteer at the homeless shelter? Love to blog? If he can't be passionate about the things you are passionate about and love the most, he's not the one.
  • You deserve someone who loves your family and friends- Your family and friends were around long before he was. They helped mold you into who you are. If he doesn't love them and accept them, he's not the one.
  • You deserve to be happy- If he doesn't make you happy most days, he's not the one. 
  • You deserve a peaceful life- If his life is constant chaos and he is bringing his chaos into your circle, he's not the one. 
  • You deserve to have an easy life- Everyday won't be easy. Some days will be work. Hard work. But it shouldn't be hard all.the.time. Especially in the beginning. If it is hard from the get-go, he's not the one. 
  • You deserve a secure man- You deserve a man that is so secure in himself that he delights in watching you prosper. If he doesn't love watching YOU shine, he's not the one.
  • You deserve to be complimented. If he doesn't compliment you and make you feel like the most amazing girl in the world, he's not the one. "Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them." Colossians 3:19
  • You deserve to be prayed for, encouraged, praised, defended, honored and adored. There is no reason to settle for less. "For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her" Ephesians 5:25


It's easy to read those things. The hard part is learning to recognize who has those qualities and who doesn't. Watch for red flags. Listen for Gods voice. He will direct your paths. That little voice you hear saying"That's not ok." That's the Holy Spirit. Don't be so "ready" to settle down that you ignore His voice or these things.  99% of the time, people don't change. What you see is what you get. Marrying him isn't going to make him a different person, only God can do that.


You can read Part 2 HERE.
You can read Part 3 HERE.

Happy Tuesday, Y'all!
Jen


Saturday, December 8, 2012

Struggling.

Sometimes, I have bad days. Just like the rest of the world. I find it harder to be obedient on those bad days. Today was a bad day. I'm just putting it out there. I love my family so much and I have some of the best friends a girl could ask for. But some days, being alone/single really sucks. I know that God is using this time to mold me and change me and prepare me for what's next in my life. I know that this is part of His plan. And that's great. BUT sometimes, I just want someone to watch a movie with that isn't a family member or a girlfriend. Does that make me selfish? Probably. 

I went to Zoolight Safari with my family and nieces tonight. I had so much fun with those sweet girls. I love seeing their faces light up. BUT, as soon as we left, and I was alone in my car, I realized it was only 8pm. I was alone and had nothing to do. On.A.Friday. What?!? So, my first thought? "I'll go have a drink." Ummm what? "No. You are not going to have a drink by yourself, Jennifer." HA! (I actually had this conversation with myself.) So I invited a friend. She was busy. I took that as a sign that I just didn't need to be having a drink at all. I went to Starbucks and got my usual and since my night was so blah, I decided to pay for the coffee for the person/people behind me. At least one of us had a good evening. I just hope they pay it forward =) Luckily for me, most retailers have kicked their holiday hours into high gear so I did a lot of shopping. Shopping always makes me feel better. At least it did in the moment. 

I came home to a quiet, empty house. I can't stop thinking about why it's so hard to be obedient. Kinda like, why is the right thing always the hardest thing to do. I want more than anything to follow Gods plan for my life. So why is it so hard to be okay with His plan? Why do I question Him? So this is me, struggling to follow His plan. Struggling to be obedient even though I know I should be. Struggling to give up complete control apparently.  I know it was just a bad day. I know I will be fine tomorrow. 

I kinda rambled. Anyway. Sometimes, you just gotta put it out there however you can. 

I hope y'all all have a fantastic weekend! 
Jen


Friday, November 30, 2012

Fear.

We are all afraid of something. I'm not talking about spiders, snakes and heights. I'm talking about real emotional fears. Fear of rejection. Fear of inadequacy. Fear of being hurt. Fear of being alone.

I have found myself plagued with fear the last few weeks. I have never been one to be "afraid" of things but, the more I find out about the world and the people that live in it, the more I fear. Some days I wish I could be a child again. Just to know what it's like to have no fear. Children rarely fear anything. They never worry about falling off of a chair or the couch. And when they do fall, they usually get right back up and do it again. They aren't afraid of not being good enough, whether their picture is pretty enough, or if their outfit is cool enough. They have such simple, sweet little minds that can't possibly understand all of the things that they should fear and that could hurt them.

It's almost impossible, as an adult, to have NO fear. There will always be a fear of something. The hardest part is how we handle our fears. Lately, I have been completely overwhelmed by my fears in almost every aspect of my life.

Source: imgspark.com via Jen on Pinterest


Most of my fears come from past experiences or things people have said or done to me.  Fear can hold you captive in a way that no other emotion can. It can hold you back, drag you down, break your spirit and steal your joy. My fears have had so much control over me and I didn't even realize it.  Fear has hurt my relationships, my job, my personal growth and everything in between. I've had no idea where to go or which direction to turn because I have been so afraid of the "What ifs".

The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? Psalm 118:6

Sometimes I forget that I am not alone, that I am not in this fight by myself. I forget, almost daily that the Lord is always by my side...always. It seems that the further I drift away from him, the more powerful my fears become. My answer lies in seeking him. It's really that simple. 

I will no longer be held captive by my fears.



-Jen-






Thursday, November 22, 2012

Black Friday Nonsense.

Warning: This is my opinion and I'm entitled to it =)

I love the Holidays! I mean, I LOVE them. BUT, as I drove around town tonight, I was disappointed. I get it, there are some great deals on Black Friday. But did everyone forget that IT'S STILL THURSDAY!!! It's still Thanksgiving Day!!! It's called Black Friday because the sales are supposed to happen on Friday!!  We live in a very greedy world. Today is supposed to be about being thankful for what we already have. Yes, we should be thankful every day. But especially today. It makes me sad that companies use this day of thanks to make money. I mean, they really couldn't wait until 5am? People will still shop at 5am!! It makes me sad that so many people got pulled away from their families so that millions of Americans across the country can run through stores acting like crazy people and fighting over things they don't even NEED! Waiting in lines for hours, even days, is just absurd. There is nothing I need so badly that is worth the time I would miss with the ones I love the most. Why is this country so consumed with material things? If it's not something you can/would grab when your house is on fire, than you really don't NEED it. Why can't we just have ONE DAY to be thankful for what we already have? Why can't there just be one day that people don't have to go to work, and don't have to worry about doing anything but enjoying the day with family and friends. Stores opening at 8 and 9pm on Thanksgiving Day is just nutso. Period.

That's the end of my rant. If you went shopping tonight, I'm sorry.

Just a few things I am Thankful for all the time, but especially today...
-Gods will for my life. It is far better than anything I can imagine.
-Time. It's priceless and once it's gone, you can't get it back. Spend it wisely.
-The wonderful family I have been blessed with.
-My fantastic friends and their families that love me like I'm their own.
-New relationships and new beginnings.
-New opportunities.
-My freedom of speech =)



My family isn't doing Thanksgiving until Saturday. Luckily, I have some pretty amazing people in my life so I still had a great day! I hope you all did too!!!

Happy Thanksgiving, Y'all!
Jen

Thursday, November 15, 2012

It's OK Thursday...

Linking up with Amber for It's OK Thursday!

It's OK...

  • That I haven't even started Christmas shopping.
  • To turn your phone off for a few days and veg out on Christmas movies and Duck Dynasty!
  • To wait until you have NO clean clothes to do laundry...sometimes =/
  • That I have been listening to Christmas music for a week already!
  • To be OBSESSED with Instagram!
  • To completely ignore that text from "That Guy" It just feels good to not have to respond =)
  • To drink two monsters in one day. I mean, it really might not be ok, but I'm doing it anyway.
  • To eat as many desserts as you want the week of Thanksgiving. Yes it is!!!

Its Ok Thursdays
Happy Thursday, Y'all!
Jen

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Procrastination, making beds and some other stuff...

I'm a procrastinator. Seriously. The.Worlds.Worst. I procrastinate about everything. I have no idea why. I'm pretty sure I have been doing it since I was a kid. In high school, I mastered doing a paper in an hour. No joke. And now, as an adult, I wait until the last minute to do anything, grocery shopping, laundry, cleaning, studying, whatever it might be...I always put it off. Does this make me lazy? I feel like it does. I mean, I always have something to do, I just don't ever feel like doing what NEEDS to be done =/  I have a HUGE deadline coming up in January. I know I have a deadline. So whhyyyyyyyy can't I just do what needs to be done?!?! You don't know? Well, that makes two of us. If you would, send some super awesome motivation mojo my way... K? Thanks!

Do you make your bed every morning? If so, why? I do not. My parents never enforced daily bed making. And I just feel like it's going to get messed up again so why should I make it? Maybe that makes me weird...Or maybe people who make their beds are weird...Or maybe beds were just meant to be made. Who knows, but I don't like making mine. See below =)

Source: web.stagram.com via Jen on Pinterest


Even though that bed looks super comfy and cozy (cause' it is), I slept like a starving infant. Which means I didn't sleep. Which means I feel like crap casserole today. Like that phrase? Yeah, you're welcome.

So this quote has been on my mind lately. I LOVE it. It comes from a movie that I also love. I think it is one of the most important things anyone can ever hear. AND I think little people, girls especially, need to be told this on a daily basis. Our world is so consumed with so many things... appearance, sex, clothes you wear, car you drive, house you live in, who you know, job you have, and so many other pointless and useless things. Knowing these three things are essential to knowing who you are.

Source: web.stagram.com via Jen on Pinterest


Remember That.

Happy Tuesday, Y'all!
Jen

Monday, November 5, 2012

It's Monday!!!

It's Monday again! I'm in a wonderful mood today...Strange for Monday right? But whatever...Happy is good! I had such a great weekend!

It started Thursday night with homemade potato soup. It was fantastic!! We were so proud of ourselves. We at soup and watched the CMA's. I love me some Eric Church and Luke Bryan.


Looks uh-may-zing right?? It was.

Hello Mr. Church!
We just lay all over the couch when her hubby is working =)


Friday night we celebrated two birthdays!! Stuart (the above mentioned hubby) turned 29. And JB turned 27. I really have the greatest friends and love when we all get to celebrate together! We had dinner at this little place called Jackson's, then went dancing at Rare Martini! We had a great night!!

Stu and JB with their Bday candles!!

Pretty Birthday Girl!!!
Me, JC and Jess.
Most of the girls!
Birthday Boy and his Wifey.





Saturday I went to Huntsville to stay with my other Best and her hubby! We had TONS of good food, and TONS of good drinks. We all LOVE Alabama Football. Most of our day was spent counting down the minutes until the Tide kicked off. Most.Stressful.Game.Ever. I really thought I was going to be sick. Seriously. BUT our boys pulled it out. Love me some AJ McCarron! Such a classy guy!

This is how we watch football! 

Red Solo Cup. I fill you up =)
Tiff and I in our game day gear!
I got some beautiful pictures of the fall colors!!
Roll Tide Roll!
Sunday we spent the morning drinking coffee and watching funny YouTube videos. Seriously, do yourself a favor and go watch this one. You can thank me later!


We spent the afternoon shopping and eating and preparing for PB&J's couples shower! Everything turned out great! I had a fantastic weekend and I loved spending some quality time with my sweet friends! Can't wait until their sweet baby girl gets here!!
Jillian and I. Love her and Baby V so much!

I hope your weekend was as awesome as mine was!
Happy Monday, Y'all!!
Jen =)















Sunday, November 4, 2012

Happy Sunday!!

I have had a crazy busy weekend! Friday we celebrated two of my best friends birthdays with dinner and dancing!!

I'm came to Huntsville, to spend time with my best and her hubby and family! We cooked tons of food yesterday/last night. Watched football and drank margaritas all day waiting for the Tide to roll last night. And they did!

I won't be home until late tonight! I hope you have all had a great weekend!!! I will recap the weekend with pictures, tomorrow!!

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Unintentional Hurt.

Have you ever thought about how often you hurt others unintentionally? I have been thinking about this for a few days. I don't really know how often I do it, but I know that I do it. And I know that I don't mean to. But my intentions don't make the hurt, hurt less =/  Sometimes my words just don't come out right. And sometimes, even my honesty hurts.

Sometimes I have days that I am just cranky and snappy.  That is no excuse to forget about the feelings of those around me. I don't wake up and decide that I want to hurt someones feelings. And knowing that I hurt someones feelings makes me feel like crap. BUT sometimes, it just happens. I don't always think before I speak. I don't always think about how my honesty will sit with someone else. I don't always ask myself if what I am about to say is hurtful or helpful. I don't sensor myself. I think we all have the best of intentions for the most part. And sometimes, my honesty can be a double edged sword. I want to do/say the right thing. But sometimes, the truth hurts. And never in a way that I intended it too. Words hurt. Even when you don't mean for them to. The worst part, is that once you say them, you can never take them back. We have all had at least one experience where someone said something hurtful, intentionally or unintentionally. And sometimes, those words stick around for a while.

I'm challenging myself to put others feelings before my own. I'm challenging myself to show love through my words and actions on a daily basis. I challenge you to do the same.

Happy Tuesday, Y'all!
Jen

Monday, October 22, 2012

Motivational Monday-Golf Balls.

If I am being honest here, I am just going to say that I am not a happy camper today. I didn't sleep well last night. AT ALL. I have no idea why. I woke up late, my hair is a mess and I forgot my lunch. Happy Monday, right? Booo. That's what I say. Can I get a do over, please?!


Source: someecards.com via Jen on Pinterest


But it is Motivational Monday. Andddd I sure could use some motivation. I found this story on Pinterest and oh, did it make me happy. So much truth here. Take care of your golf balls y'all!! (It will make sense when you read the story.)


"A professor stood before his class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was. The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous 'yes.' The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed. 'Now,' said the professor, as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things - family, children, health, friends, and favorite passions – things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, house, and car. The sand is everything else - the small stuff. If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. So... pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first - the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand. 'One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. 'I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.'"




Happy Monday, Y'all!
Jen

Friday, October 19, 2012

Friday Letters.

Photobucket

This is my first time linking up for Friday Letters. I love reading other peoples letters so I thought "Why not?"

Dear Men, If you want to go out with me, you're going to have to do the work. I am not calling, texting, asking you out or chasing you down. You want something? You're going to have to work for it. Dear Best Friends, Thank you all so much for everything you do for me. You guys are my rock. I couldn't make it through this crazy life without you girls. Dear iPhone, I hate you and your home key that don't want to work. Boo. Dear Sunshine, Thank you for showing up the last few days. You have made this week beautiful! Dear Blog Followers, Thank you all so so so so much for being here! Welcome to all the new bloggers...Hopefully my rants and bits of wisdom here and there will be enough to keep you coming back! Dear Hair, Why do you insist on flipping out when I straighten you? Would you just rather me leave you in your natural state? I like you when you're curly but I love you when you're straight! Please, get it together. Dear Facebook, Would it be too much to ask for you to automatically delete peoples political posts? I don't thinks so. You should get on that. Dear Panera, Thank You for having the most amazing soup EVER. I think I would die without you. Dear Adam Levine, The new Maroon 5 CD is amazing. And I love you and your tattoos. We should get married. That is all. Dear Pinterest, please stop showing me wedding related pins. My wedding board has the most pins already, and I don't even have a boyfriend.

I think I covered everything.

Happy Friday, Y'all!
Jen

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Liebster Award!



I was looking at my comments today and I saw where I have been nominated for a Liebster Award for newish/up and coming Bloggers who have less than 200 followers!

The idea is that people win the award and pass it on to other Bloggers who are in the same boat. My research tells me that the rules are;


  • Each person tagged must post 11 things about themselves.
  • They must also answer the 11 questions the tagger has set for them.
  • They must create 11 more questions to ask bloggers they have decided to tag.
  • They must then choose 11 bloggers to tag with less than 200 followers.
  • These lucky bloggers must be told.
  • There are no tag backs.

11 Things About Me

1. I'm really funny.  And I'm not just saying that because I think I'm funny.
2. I love animals. All of them. I would live on a farm and have tons of them if I could.
3. I was born in Chicago.
4. I have two best friends that are also named Jennifer. You can thank the 80's!
5. I have a serious coffee addiction. SERIOUS. Can.Not.Function.Without.It.
6. I am studying to get my Real Estate license.
7. I hate it when people don't know the difference between there, their and they're. And your and you're.
8. I love cheddar and sour cream potato chips!
9. I have two nieces that are 4 months apart that I absolutely adore!!
10. I have the greatest family a girl could ask for!
11. I am a Christian. God is the most important part of my life!

11 Questions From My Nominator Jo Lane @ Loving Life In The Fab Lane!

1. If you could go anywhere in the world to visit, where would it be? Germany. My great grandparents are from Germany.
2. Do you read? If so who is your favorite author? I love to read, but I don't have a favorite author. I will read just about anything.
3. What is your occupation? I am a pharmacy technician and I am studying to get my real estate license.
4. What inspired you to blog? I needed a place where I could really by myself with no judgement. A place to share my thoughts, my fears, my hopes and dreams.
5. Who is your fashion Icon? Honestly, I don't have one. I don't follow the trends. I just wear what I am comfortable in.
6. What is your favorite store to shop for clothes? I have a few favorites...Buckle for my jeans, TJMaxx, Maurices, Old Navy and Victorias Secret for everything else. But I will really shop just about anywhere. I just have the best luck at those places.
7. What is your favorite store to shop for cosmetics? I don't wear much makeup. Mostly Target. Unless my mother buys me makeup and then it's Mary Kay or Arbonne. I have a few things that I get at Sephora.
8. Where do you live? USA? UK? Other? I live in the good ole' deep south. Birmingham, Alabama!
9. Favorite tv show? Favorite tv show evveerrr is Friends. As for current tv shows it would be Greys Anatomy.
10. If you could only choose 1 cosmetic to use on your face, what would it be? Mascara.
11. Have you ever met up with a fellow blogger? NO! I can't wait to, though!!!


Here are my nominees:

Jillian @ Little Baby Barnett
Mandy @ Make Me Up Mandy
Allie @ A Day In A Joyful Life
Sarah @ Blonde Southern Lovin'
Kaitlyn @ Keeping Up With Kaitlyn
Courtney @ Pathway to Parenthood
Brie @ Simple Single Girl Life
Rachelle @ The Adventures of John and Rach
Julie @ True Life: My Roaring Twenties
Justin & Catherine @ Traveling With JC
Kari @ La Bella Vita

And here are your questions...

1. If you could be anyone for a day (living or dead) who would you be and why?
2. If you could change your first name, what would change it to?
3. If you won a million dollars, what's the first thing you would purchase?
4. If today were the last day of your life, what would you do with it?
5. If your life was a novel, what would be the title and how would your story end?
6. What are 3 things you can't live without?
7. If you could choose to stay a certain age forever, what age would it be?
8. Name 3 Songs that would be included on the soundtrack to your life...'
9. What is your favorite book?
10. What chore do you absolutely hate doing?
11. What is your favorite quotes/bible verse?

Please take time and look at each of these blogs! They are wonderful blogs and I love them all for different reasons :) 
 

Thursday, September 20, 2012

I Believe...

I am posting another blog...I know, I know! Two in one day! That's right...  I stumbled upon Simple Single Girl Life and I COULD.NOT.STOP.READING. She's hilarious. And I'm newly single so I was hooked =) She did the I Believe link up and I just couldn't pass this one up.  I am in love with this link up from 
Living In Yellow. So here goes!!!

I Believe...
  • I believe in myself and my ability to change.
  • I believe that there is good in everyone.
  • I believe in real, true, sweaty hands, butterflies in your stomach, know it when it happens, love.
  • I believe that sometimes, all you need to feel better are your girlfriends and a good cry!
  • I believe that every experience molds you into a stronger, braver, happier you.
  • I believe in Family.
  • I believe in best friends!
  • I believe that every girl needs a dog (or two) of her own.
  • I believe that blanket/sheet forts are totally acceptable for children AND adults. 
  • I believe that children are here to remind us of what we once were and how precious our time is.
  • I believe in eating Broccoli Cheese soup from Panera...Even in the summer time!
  • I believe that we all become our mothers.
  • I believe that any time is a good time for sweatpants.
  • I believe that nieces are the greatest gifts God could have ever given me. 
  • I believe that every day must be started with coffee and music.
  • I believe that every girl deserves to be loved. Even on her worst days. 
  • I believe retail therapy.
  • I believe in staying up late and sleeping in whenever possible!
  • I believe that deep down, we all want the same things.
  • I believe in living every single day like it's your last. 






Thursday, September 13, 2012

Changes.

I hate change. I really do HATE it. I like routines. I like plans. I like knowing what is going to happen next. I don't like surprises. I don't like curve balls. I don't like feeling like I am not in control. So many things have happened in the last month. So many changes. One thing I have learned is that God loves curve balls!!!

I started a new part time job at a church - that has been awesome! I joined a small group called Life Skills For Women. My boyfriend of 2 years and I broke up suddenly last Friday. I moved out on Monday. Moved in with a friend. Started small group on Wednesday. This small group is going to be amazing and I can't wait to build new relationships with those ladies. As much as I hate the things that have happened in the last week. I have an overwhelming feeling that God is preparing me for something HUGE. Mind, body, and soul, He is getting me ready. I don't know what it is. BUT for the first time, in a long time, I feel at peace. My heart is still heavy at times but, He needed me out of that relationship so that He could mold me into who He created me to be.

My birthday is on Saturday. I will be 25. I am so very hopeful for my 25th year. I have been upset because I am not where I thought I should be at 25. I know that God is preparing me for so much more than I could ever imagine. I will be celebrating with some of my best friends and Alabama Football! (Roll Tide Y'all) 25 is going to be amazing. I can't wait to see what God has for me next!!

Happy Thursday!!

Jen

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Humble Servant.

The past month has been exhausting. My relationship with the Lord had been pushed to the back burner. The lack of a relationship was taking its toll on me mentally, physically and emotionally. I didn't know where to go. I prayed for God to break me. I asked Him to do whatever He needed to do to mold me into the woman He wanted me to be. And he did. It was a process, but I am broken.

You can't have spiritual maturity without facing personal truth. -Joyce Meyer-

My personal truths are some hard pills to swallow. The hardest one to swallow was my selfishness. I was constantly looking at others and thinking about how selfish they are. But God revealed to me that  I am a very selfish person. I know that most of us are at some point. But I am selfish in every aspect of my life. My walk with God, my relationships, my job, my money and my time. I kept asking God what I needed to do to serve Him. All while being convinced that I was doing everything right already.

 I spent most of last night talking and crying with my sister-in-law about my feelings, what I am going through, and what I thought God was trying to teach me. We talked about being selfish and how God calls us to put others above ourselves. ( Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Philippians 2:3) I went to bed last night and opened my 40 Day Devotional to "Day 2". It was a devotional about serving others. God is funny sometimes. But I got the point.

I want to be like Christ. I want people to see him through me. Becoming "like" Jesus means SERVING like Jesus. It doesn't matter how nice I am or how good I am at my job. I can't be like Jesus if I'm not helping people. I am so guilty of living with the attitude "What can I get?" rather than "What can I give?" God has called us to serve others. No matter what. ( But Jesus called them together and said, "You know that in this world kings are tyrants, and officials lord it over the people beneath them. But among you it should be quite different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must become your slave. For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many." Matthew 20:25-28) He gave us all our own talents and abilities and wants us to use them not for our benefit, but for the benefit of others. ("God has given gifts to each of you from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Manage them well so that God's generosity can flow through you. Are you called to be a speaker? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Are you called to help others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then God will be given glory in everything through Jesus Christ. All glory and power belong to him forever and ever. Amen" 1 Peter 4:10-11) The night before Jesus was taken to the cross, He left the greatest example of serving by washing the disciples feet. All while knowing what was coming, and that one would betray him. ("I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.  Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them" John 13:15-17) Serving others IS serving God. 

Not only are we called to serve, we are called to be humble and joyful servants and "our attitudes should be the same of that as Christ Jesus." I am taking this challenge head on. I will be doing my best from now on to serve others whenever possible. Even if it's a small gesture, holding a door, buying someones lunch, asking how someones day is. Big or small, serving is serving. I am praying that God will give me the opportunity to turn ordinary moments into extraordinary lessons. I challenge you to do the same.


"Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." -1 John 3:18

"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”-Luke 6:38



Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Easy Paint Chip Wall Art

I originally saw this on Pinterest. And since then I have seen tons of different versions. Jennifer from Life Crafts & Whatever made her own super awesome version. Go check it out. 

I was super excited to make this. Most of the ones I have seen have been made with plywood. I'm not crazy about plywood so I decided to use a 24x36 canvas. I went to Walmart and grabbed a ton of samples in all different colors. (I love Lowes too much to take all of their samples. Ha.) They were really an awkward shape and I needed them to be 3x4 to fit on my canvas how I wanted them to. I used a ruler and my Cricut paper trimmer.
 
After they were all cut, the Boyfriend and I laid them all out on the canvas and moved them around until we got them how we wanted them.
We used a spray adhesive to stick the paint chips to the canvas. We sprayed the canvas AND the back of the paint chips just to make sure they were going to stick. Once we got them all sprayed and stuck, we Mod Podged! When I started mod podging I noticed that some of the corners were kind of rolling up. I was ok with it not being "perfect", I was just worried about them pealing off so I used lots of Mod Podge and did 2 coats just to be sure they weren't going anywhere.


LOTS of Mod Podge.

After two coats of Mod Podge, I let it dry overnight.
I saw lots of them that were done using stain, but since I had glaze left over from a previous project I decided to use it. I just brushed it on with a bristly brush and wiped it off with a damp rag. I repeated "wipe on, wipe off" until I got the look I was going for. Because I used a white canvas, I brushed the glaze around the edges and just let it dry.






Glaze up close.

I went back over some individual paint chips to get the color I wanted. I had to let the glaze sit on some of them longer than others. 



I let it dry and hung it on the wall. My favorite project so far. It was super cheap (only the cost of the canvas, on which is used a 40% off coupon) and fun! Not to mention incredibly easy!!
On the wall. 

A better idea of the size. Forgive the ugly table...I am on the hunt for a new one =)
Well, there she is! Are you inspired to make Paint Chip Wall art of your own?! I hope so!!

Happy Wednesday Y'all!!
Jen

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

{Tuesday} Ten

I have been super super busy this past week. I have a huge exam coming up on Friday along with all the other day to day to-dos. BUT I couldn't miss this Tuesday Ten! ten spring colors that I love! Howwwww funnn! Here goes...

Pretty baby pink. Kiss On The Chic-OPI. My all time fave.

Silver. Jewelry or shoes. It's a spring essential!
White. I LOVE the freshness of white anything, from flowers to dresses!
Hot Pink. From my lips to my toesss!!
Light yellow. The perfect, not too in your face yellow.
Orangy-ish. Not too orange. And not too much.
Light Blue. Fantastic.
Teal Blue. Just like the ocean in the Gulf of Mexico. Nothing says "Beach" better than spring!!
Kelly Green. after all, Spring is when everything turns green again!
Andddd, finally, all of these colors from the flowers in our yard =)


Mom2MemphisandRuby

Happy Tuesday Y'all!
Jen