Basketball

My neighbors across the street have a foreign exchange student living in their home for this year. Our neighborhood is no stranger to this, in fact this is the second foreign exchange student to live in our neighborhood. This afternoon I drove up to my house and saw the whole family across the street raking leaves in their yard. A normal thing in an American family, but not all people have this opportunity to have a yard and rake leaves from their yard. About an hour and half later, I looked out the window and have watched them playing basketball for about 20 mins. What is interesting is that they are teaching this girl the game of basketball. I can't read lips, but I can see their actions and see them teaching her the basics. What is even more entertaining is the fact that she doesn't speak much English, which is making it just a little difficult to teach the game, but none the less, my neighbors are pressing on, and it is a beautiful thing to watch take place.

Love/Hate

I have a love hate relationship with the landscapers at our apartment complex. I love them, because they truly do a great job. They come out here anytime we need them and they are out here quick. Not only that, but while they are here, they seriously take their time with what they do and make sure that they are doing their jobs perfectly, and I mean pretty much perfectly. Here is where the landscaper looses my love. And you know, it's only the one who mows the grass. They start landscaping somewhere around 7:00am. Who lets them in the gate at that hour, I'm not sure but, they start around 7:00am. And they go around every building I swear about 4 times. Not 4 continous times, but 4 times. But you know, this is all just water under the bridge. It's been a great morning for me, and it's not even 9:00. I'm looking cute, feeling great, and I'm on my way to class early so I can stop and get some chick fil a. Then I'm headed home to get my hair did and my toes did. It's going to be a great day for me, even if the landscapers did wake me up :) Have an awesome day, and if you haven't voted, get out and vote!

Blessings!
B

The sanctity of marriage

My heart is heavy tonight. My mom and I were talking tonight in depth about some things, and the sanctity of marriage came up and how parents today don't necessarily teach or show their children how important the sanctity of marriage is. My heart is heavy for those marriages tonight that are screwed up because people who think it's okay to mess with other people's spouses. I will say this loud and clear, if you are someone who thinks that is okay...you probally need to leave my blog right now because we will not be friends for long. I am so thankful that I have parents who have a healthy marriage and who love each other so very much. So parents, start now teaching/showing your children how important the sanctity of marriage is, and how important it is to respect, honor and protect that union. Children, ask your parents, observe your parents, and ask your parents about the sanctity of marriage and why it is so important. Again I will say, I am so thankful for the example that my parents have set for me and my sister. They sometimes spend every ounce of energy they have protecting their union, because they know how important it is.


***Disclaimer: This post was based solely off of a conversation I had with mom that got me thinking***

There is no better time than now...

...to tell my big news!!

I've been putting this off for a couple of months, just because there were certain people I wanted to tell first before the whole blogger world knew, in fact I just figured it was fair that way. Anyway, I'm so ready to announce this! Of course I just can't tell it, I have to tell the story first! So stick with me!

Five summers ago, I began working at a summer camp up in Madison, Virginia. The camp belongs to my best friend Summer's grandparents. It is the type camp that you can do just about anything at. They have summer camps all throughout the summer, and they host retreat groups throughout the year. Her grandparents also have turned their house in to a Bed and Breakfast.
Every summer, it has gotten harder and harder for me to leave that place after summer camp was over. Each summer, a bigger piece of my heart was pulled and broken for that camp. Probally about two years ago, I felt God tugging at my heart to work at that camp full time. Of course, I kicked the voice to the curb and continued to make plans to go to college and major in Social Work. The urge and pull to camp has continued to get stronger and stronger as time has gone on. It's not secret that I hated UNCC and I hated Social Work. It wasn't what I wanted to really do deep down in my heart, I just thought it was.
Back last spring, I began discussing with Summer's mom my heart for the camp and for working for them in some capacity full time. We both agreed to pray about it, and God began working in ways that I can't explain.
I am so very excited to tell you that as of June 1st, 2009, I will be the newest resident of Madison, Virginia and the newest employee of Camp Shenandoah Springs. I will be moving up to the camp to work full time specifically in Marketing and PR. I will also be booking the groups that come as well as working with them when they are at our camp.
In the posts to come, I will explain some more of the story and a little more what this new adventure will entail. Join me in praying that God would put some things in to place for this to happen. I will also share those in the next few posts, but until then, celebrate with me!

B

Procrastination is a gift...

I firmly believe it. I am gifted at the art of procrastination. In fact, I would say I was the queen of it. By all looks of the way things have gone so far today, I am in for a day full of wasting time. It's 2:00pm, and I've been up since 11:30am. Since then I have finished reading a book, (no it was not one I needed to read for school) and I sat down in the office with my co-workers for an hour. Since I've been back I haven't done a single thing useful except be on the internet and check up on peoples blogs. I told you I had a gift. Why do I say this? Because currently, my bookbag is sitting beside my door in my room staring at me, because I know it holds a 10 page take home test that is due Tuesday. It also holds another two take home tests that are due Monday morning at 9:00am. Man do I have a heck of a weekend planned...

It's Monday...

I don't like Monday's...in fact, I despise them. Not because of any one certain thing, it's just not my most favorite day of the week. So in an effort to help me combat this problem of despising Monday's, I'm going to begin a Thankful Monday List. I know most people do a "Thankful Thursday" or something like that, but no worries, I will come up with a creative name for it soon. I will tack it on to my list of things too do...

Here we go!

1. I'm thankful for my family, who can laugh with me when I make crazy spare of the moment decisions.
2. I'm thankful I got to spend some time with my friend up at App this weekend. I don't get to see Kristen nearly enough.
3. I'm thankful that I have great friends that surround me here in Charlotte, that I get to hang out with.
4.I'm thankful that I only got 5 hours of sleep last night...8 hours is so overrated.
5.I'm thankful that I have a job where we can throw parties for our residents just to show them how important they are to us (it's all about the relationship marketing baby!) (We have a party tonight...I'm so excited!!)
6.I'm thankful for spell check here on blogger, otherwise who knows what my posts would turn out looking like.
7.I'm so thankful that I am loving school. Who knew I would end up where I am and be so in love with school and my classes it's rediculous. I'm so loving what I'm doing.
8.I'm thankful for clean laundry...


What are you thankful for?

I am alive...

I promise I am! Things have been a lot crazier lately then I would like for them to be, so it has been a little hard to blog, but then when I do have time, I have a really hard time deciding what I want to blog about. Sometimes I feel like there is something important, but then there are other times, I figure the only person that would care to read about that would be my mother. :)
School is still going great. It's a full load on top of working, but it's going so well. I am in a completely different mindset than I was this time last year, but things are going so well for me. I am finally beginning to learn the skill of time management. Key word there, beginning. I am in no way a pro yet. I'm not sure I will ever be! I am learning school comes first, and that everything else will fall in to place. I have some important news, but I don't want to put everything in one post, so check back! It's some very big news!!

Thanks for sticking with me!

A little of this, and a little of that....

Here are the exciting random things going on:

-I started school on Monday, and absolutely love it.

-As of tonight, all my friends will be back and home ready to start school, and I am so excited! To say I have missed my "family" would be an understatement. I love those guys.

-Work is slowing down, and I am so thankful. I am exhausted of work, but I love it (most days)

-My family is amazing. My friends are amazing.

God has been doing some crazy things in my life, and let's just say the past two weeks have been a crazy ride. I was riding down Pickler Road on Tuesday when I came upon a big field of beautiful sunflowers. I thought oh wow cool. About 50 feet later, there was another big field of sunflowers that were even more beautiful then the first field. I kid you not, I looked at a sunflower, probally one of the most beautiful ones, but out of the field, I picked the one sunflower to look at and there was a beautiful yellow butterfly sitting in the middle of the flower. I learned right then and there that God is in control of the small things and big things of my life, and that God's grace and mercies are new each day. And today, I'm going to proclaim that. God is good my friends. Very good.

Crazy Busy

My life has been crazy busy for the last month and a half. I am still not at a point where I can sit down and write it all out because I don't have a lot of time to spare right now. I will be back in full force soon. I promise!

It's been awhile since I have had time to sit down and post. To say that things have been crazy would be a understatement. Work, life, just everything has been crazy. I'm having some writers block, so I will post soon

Draw Me Close Lord...Closer Lord to thee...

" In you, O Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me."
--Psalm 31:1-2

No substitution

Last week I posted a picture of my very best friends that was taken last Saturday night when we were all together for the last time until December. Mariana (the brazilian looking one) goes to Word of Life Bible Institute in Brazil, so we hadn't seen her since February, and we won't see her again until December. Our time together was limited, but so very sweet, and I've realized that there is no substitution for those girls. I have amazing friends here at school and everywhere else, but there is nothing better than my little group of friends. You know what else there is no substitutions for, Chick Fil A. I've fallen in love with it since I came to Charlotte, and there is just nothing like it. McDonalds has tried to lure me to their chicken sandwich, but it's just not Chick Fil A. There is no substitution for Jesus either...more on that later. I'll leave you with some more pics.

My Heart Is Full Again

Just a quick post, and I will go in to a little more detail later. I thoroughly enjoyed my trip home a couple of weekends ago, so much that I'm going home for 4 days tomorrow. The sunday I went to church my pastor preached on the Prodigal Son and his return home. Coinciendce? I think not

It's 11:00 on a Saturday night...

and I'm sitting here writing a post. Think I have problems? After all, most college students would just be getting ready to go out with their friends, but tonight, I sit here in my room, with the lights off, the only light coming from my computer screen and from my TV screen. No I am not a loner, I simply, am having some Brittany time tonight. I've been so busy this past week, I just need some time to rest and get everything back together for the upcoming week. I'm loving this alone time too. All my roommates are gone right now, my friends are at work, so my phone hasn't been ringing off the hook. Again, I love it.
I am so excited for tomorrow, because I'm going home to go to church for the first time since I graduated from high school, a year ago. Yes, it has been exactly a year since I have been to my church on a Sunday morning. I am so excited to see my friends, and to see everyone who has prayed for me over the past year. Although it has been a rough year, I would be lying if I said I hadn't felt the power of their prayers. My parents will tell you that I am a favorite in my church family. I served with the old ladies at Wednesday night dinner, and I served on committees with adults when I was asked. I know the people in my church, and believe me when I tell you, I miss them terribly. I spoke with one of the ladies who I have come to respect, and after we got past the "I missed you's" she summed up my absence quite well when she said, "It's so hard to get used to not seeing such a familiar face all the time." I couldn't agree more.

To my First Baptist Albemarle family:

I am so excited to see you all tomorrow. I'm not sure how many of you, if any read this, but know how thankful I am for each and every one of you. I am super excited to see each and every one of you tomorrow, and to hug all of your necks. I have missed all of you, and have missed seeing and talking to you all on such a regular basis. I'll see you all soon :)

Blessings!
B

I am refreshed...

...and I love it! It's been a long year. Some may say, I've been wondering in the wilderness for a year. I can't say that it is completely over, but I can say that I'm on the up and up. I'm on my way back, and the good news is, the arms of my Heavenly Father are opened wide for me to crawl up on His lap. Why this sudden revelation? Well I can honestly say it was not a sudden thing. I've been feeling "convicted" about some things for awhile, but for the last couple of months, I've been telling people how hungry I am for the Lord, and how I desire more of Him, but at the same time, I feel like I have forgotten everything about my relationship with the Lord, and I feel as though I don't know Him at all. For the past couple of months, this constant phrase has been running through my head...

"Come back to me Brittany, get to know me again"

When I feel like I have strayed so far that God wouldn't even want me back, I hear Him say,

"Come back to me..."

When the drama with my friends just follows me, and I feel like the world is caving in. When I feel like I can't keep my head about water, I hear His gentle voice...

"Come back to me..."

I had the opportunity to see what of the most Godly ladies that I have come to love last night. For reasons that I don't really feel like getting in to right now, I had the chance to hang out a bit with Danielle Treece, a lady that I have come to know and respect because of how much of a Godly lady she is. I was only able to be in TN for about 2 hours, but while I was there, the Lord just spoke to me in so many ways. So many ways that I will explain in some later posts, but before I left, I was surrounded by other believers and they were praying over me as I began my trek home. I was feeling so unworthy to be in the circle, but I accept prayers anytime I can get them. As Danielle prayed, the Lord just continued to say to me,

"Come back to me kiddo, get to know me"

Danielle prayed that I would feel the power of the Lord, and that as I have been feeling the weight of the world, and as I have been seeing the devil trying to ruin things that I know the Lord is in, and ordaining, that I would just be still and listen for God. She prayed a simple prayer, that I would know I was spoken for. And I heard the Almighty God say to me,

"Come back to me, there is room at my table."

Drop your shame, guilt, issues, drop them all, and just come and bask in the Lord and all his love and glory. As I stood there sobbing, they kicked me out on to I-26 to start my trip, and I just looked over the mountains and just cried. Not a bad cry, but just a refreshing, Jesus cry. I can't explain it all, but this is where I am tonight. simply getting to know the Lord again. And there is no where else I would rather be tonight. What is He saying to you?

Happy Father's Day

Tomorrow, is Father's Day. I have the best father ever. I dare you to try to tell me differently. My dad and I have a very awesome and close relationship. Anyone you ask will tell you that I am a daddy's girl. My best friends can tell you how spoiled I am by my daddy. My relationship with my daddy is so close is because all my life, my dad was there. I never had to worry why my dad wasn't around, or why he was always working, because he always made time for our family. In fact, when my mom went back to school when I was young, my dad stepped up big time so that Mom could follow her dreams and so that Ash and I wouldn't have to grow up with babysitters all around us. For as long as I can remember, my dad has worked from our house, so even before I went to Kindergarden, I was with my dad all day almost everyday. When I got to where I could behave myself, he even took me on a couple of his sales calls with him. All through school up until I got my license, he always took me and picked me up from school, he would bring us our homework if we left it at home, he would bring us whatever we needed for whatever sport was in season when we forgot our clothes and gear, and all my friends knew that if they in fact needed a ride, he would be there. My dad has been the spiritual leader of our family, and trusts the Lord with everything he does. His faith amazes me, and constantly challenges me to be a better person.

I don't think there are enough words to adaquately describe how much I love my daddy, and how much he means to me. So Dad, when you read this, know how much I love you, and know how much you mean to me. You constantly challenge me to keep my head up, and keep fighting for my dreams, and it means the world to me. You amaze me with all you do, and I don't see how you do it all.

Happy Father's Day Daddy! I'm sorry I couldn't be with you to celebrate!

Noland, Pity Party of One

I'm having a little bit of a pitty party for myself right now. I've been to the Emergency Room more in the last two weeks, then I have in my entire life. Last Saturday I feel victim to a leg that fell asleep while wearing high heels at a wedding. Result: sprained ankle. Currently, I am suffering from a skin infection in my ear. My left ear is so swollen, I can barely hear out of it. Most would say I should just tough it out, but just for the record I want to say how little I usually am sick, and how little I complain about how badly I feel. Last night around 2:30, the pain was so intense in my ear that it actually woke me up bawling. I called my lovely sister, who once she woke up realized I wasn't dying, and took me and bawling self to the Emergency Room at Northeast (nice people by the way). I cried the whole way there (for my daddy none the less) and the pain that was currently attacking me. Take your worst ear pain ever, and then add the feeling of someone sticking a sharp knife in your ear continuesly, and you have what I was experiencing last night. So anyway, I cried the whole time I was on the phone with my sister, the whole drive to the hospital, and the minute they started taking my vital signs at the hospital, I started crying again. Go figure. So anyway, we are on high alert with my ear. It is pretty swollen, and we have to continually check it to make sure it hasn't gotten worse. So, I have checked in to the Noland Hospital with nurses Mom and Dad, and great nurses they are. I will admit though, last weekend I threatned to send my mother to a bad nursing home because she wasn't a good nurse to me when I was on crutches, but this week, she has totally redeemed herself. So I have a couple of prayer requests because of this

--Pray that the swelling goes down in my ear soon, so that I can hear a little better
--Pray that the infection comes to a head soon, because as soon as it does I go back and get to have it drained out and I get rid of it.
--Pray for sweet sleep for me. I can only sleep on the right side of my head, which makes for difficult sleeping arrangements.

A new day....a new time

I've been reading through some of my old blog posts, as well as other people's blog posts, and it occured to me that I used to be really transparent with my blogs. If I thought about it, I wrote about it. I miss that Brittany....but good news, because that Brittany is back as of now:)
A couple of months ago, I really began to feel the Lord calling me away from UNCC. My heart wasn't here at all, I didn't care about school, I wasn't happy at all...in fact I was probally the unhappiest I have ever been in school. So I've been praying about this for a couple of months now, and I've also been praying about my major, because I wasn't happy about that either. If you know me at all, you know how much of a people person I am...back home in Albemarle, I can usually walk in to a restaraunt or a store and know at least someone in the building. Part of that comes from being a part of everything I have been, and part of that is because I just love meeting people and love being around people. So I knew and still know that anything I do in life, I have to be around people, and I also have to be in the position of helping them. I also love to organize things, (not my room though) I love to organize things and people, and events, and I love to be in charge. I am the type of person, that I feel better about it getting done if I can either do it, or delegate it to be done...just ask any of my friends. In fact, it makes me nervous, and I hate it if I don't know all of the details about something. Also something that has been hard for me to realize and admit is that I am not meant to be at a 4 year university. Everyone thinks that is the only way, but it is not. There are people coming out of Community Colleges trained just as well if not better than those people coming out of 4 year colleges.
So about a month ago, I made the decision to apply to Rowan Cabarrus Community College, and to major in Business Administration and Marketing. This major will be beneficial in almost anything, and this college is right up my ally. It's 10 mins. away from where I live, it has a great program, and it's only 2 years and I'll have the same if not better training then someone graduating from Wake Forest or someone else.
Please continue to pray for me during this transition, and also be happy for me. I am so excited about this new adventure, that I'm ready for school to start tomorrow. I really feel like this is where God wants me.

B

Rain Rain Go Away...

I hate storms. I mean absolutely hate them. Up until I moved to college, if the storm was bad enough, I would go and crawl in bed with my parents because thunderstorms scared me so badly. Of course once I moved to college there was no one for me to go and climb in bed with. I guess what I learned from that is that there comes a point in life when I have to "man up" and stop running to my parents when I get scared during a thunderstorm. Even more practical, there comes a point in life when I have to quit running from the storms in my life to my parents and expect them to make it better. I'm 19 years old, it's about time I "man up" and face the storms head on...what storms are you running from in your own life?

Happy Birthday to my Momma

Tuesday, April 29, 1958 was a day that made history, at least in our family. 50 years ago tomorrow, was the day my momma was born. Without her, obviously I wouldn't be here. :)
We as a family have been eagerly awaiting my mom's 50th birthday, because we wanted to do something to honor her, and to show her how many people love her. So this past Friday night, Daddy, Ashleigh and I threw my momma a surprise birthday party, and what a surprise it was. She was surrounded by people who love her, and it was just great. Ask her about it, she'll be more than happy to share about it. But anyway, Happy Birthday Momma. Thanks for being such a great mom to me and ashleigh, and such an awesome wife and friend to my daddy. We don't deserve you, but we'll keep ya:) You have acheived more in your 50 years of life, then some people will ever ever dream of acheiving. We love you, and Happy Birthday! Love, Dad, Brittany and Ashleigh

As for other news:
--School is almost out...I'm not a freshman anymore
--Work is going amazing, and we're getting busier
--I got a tattoo...yep that's right...a tattoo
--My birthday is in 5 days

Blessings!

B

Home Sweet Home...well soon I will be:)

I've been in Tennessee all weekend. It's been a blast. I wish I could tell you what I was doing up here, but I can't. I know, why write it on my blog then right? I have had the chance to relax, get some sleep, and catch up with some old friends that I never get to see. I even ate at a place called Cootie Browns. That's right....Cootie Browns. Anyway, it's been a sweet weekend. Pray for safe travel back tonight...and no worries, I'll be out of my blogging funk soon:)

Blessings!
B

Here I am!

I do apologize for the long period of time without a posting. I was informed by a faithful reader (my mother) that I needed to make more time to blog...not really sure how that is going to work out. Anyway, a lot has been happening here lately, but I'm not sure I'm ready to share it all here. But at around 3:30 last night, my neighbor did get arrested. It was interesting to say the least. I don't think I can tell the whole story without writing a book, but it was fun to watch.

I'll be back next week!

Britt

A Call for Urgent Prayer

I've been following this blog for a couple of months now, probally all the way back about the same time I moved to school. I don't remember how exactly I found it, but I did, and I have been hooked.
Perfectly named, Confessions of a CF Husband, Nate daily blogs about the day to day happenings of his wife, Tricia having Cystic Fibrosis. Their story is anything from ordinary. They are a young couple, and just this past summer, Tricia began the process of being evaluated to be placed on the double lung transplant list at Duke Hospital. After being placed on the list, they began to make plans to temporarly move to the Durham area. Exactly one day before they were set to begin the move to Durham, Tricia and Nate discovered that Tricia was pregnant. This was indeed a mircle baby. I won't share all the details because that would take the fun out of you going and reading his blog, but each day they beat the odds in every way. Their sweet baby girl was born at just over 24 weeks. She is currently in the NICU, growing stronger each day. Each day since their baby girl was born, Tricia has been working her way back on to the transplant list. When Tricia was re-evaluated, she was placed at the top of the list, meaning that she would be the first one called, if a match arrived.
Today, (Sunday) they got the call that the transplant team had a possible match for Tricia. At last I checked, there is still no definite, but they are prepping her for surgrey. If these lungs are a match, she will be in surgrey by early morning. This could very well be a dry run as well though. Pray that this is a match for Tricia, as she has a awesome husband, and a beautiful baby girl as well as an amazing amount of extended family who are cheering her on.

Follow their story at: http://cfhusband.blogspot.com

And pray!!


Brittany



We will be back to posting soon!

Happy Easter...from the Queen City

So I wasn't able to actually be in Albemarle for Easter this year due to the fact University Walk was open on today...yes on Easter Sunday. Anyway, I was able to celebrate Easter with one of my roomies, Meghan. We went to West Cabarus Church which is right down the road from Concord Mills. It was so good to be in a church on Easter Sunday and get to share it with some of my buddies.
I will admit though, my heart is a little sad about the fact I couldn't be in Albemarle for Easter. To me, Albemarle is most beautiful right around spring, and my church is always decorated so beautifully at Easter. One of my favorite traditions began a few years ago when we stopped ordering the lilies that every church does in honor or memory of a loved one. Anyway, our flower committee started buying fresh cut flowers, and handing them out to each church member as they came into the sanctuary on Easter Sunday morning. At the front of the church is located a wooden cross with chicken wire wrapped around it. At a certain point during the service, everyone goes to the front and puts their flowers in the chicken wire and adorns the cross with their flowers. The cross ends up being absolutely beautiful, and it has just become my most favorite thing we do to celebrate Easter at our church.

Brittany

The Lord is on my side....

I know this sounds petty, but the Lord is definitly on my side right now. I have a Causal Arguement paper (rough draft) due tomorrow morning. It's 11:49 and I'm just now starting it.

So why am I not stressing out? Because my paper is already written...I just have to re organize it

Home for the weekend

I (Brittany) have been in Albemarle all weekend. I came home Friday night and will be going back to school Monday morning, and I have enjoyed my stay back home. Before all my neighbors get mad because I didn't come visit, I was actually home because this weekend kicked off the AAU/USBA Basketball season for my dad and I. Last year was my dad's first year working with the Slammers as the Assistant Coach, and I just kept score. This year, my dad added a second team, and became the Head Coach for the 15 and under team....making me his "assistant coach". Actually I just promoted myself to this coach. I don't get to go to practices because of school, but during tournaments I plan on sitting on the bench, making myself look important, and yelling loud enough so people know I'm there:) My dad and I love this team and we definitly saw the power of teamwork this weekend. We didn't win the tournament, but part of that is because our girls have never played together. Dad has big plans for this team, and they have big expectations for themselves. We are ready for a great season:)
We also got to spend some good time together as a family on Friday night. Ashleigh was home as well, so we all went to dinner at Chili's and then went to Concord Mills for a quick minute. It was good to spend some time together,and the best news is, no one got upset:)
Although I do love coming home, I'm ready to get back to school, because I miss my buddies. Anyway, Happy St. Patty's Day tomorrow!

B

I promise Ashleigh will be posting soon....

Growing up...

I'll start with the good news....Ashleigh got a part time job with Cabarrus County EMT. We are quite proud of her, and know that she will love it and do amazing.

Now on to my news with the growing part. I made the unoffical jump from my Pediactric doctor, to a full fledged Woman doctor today. Apparently, when I'm 30 years old, I can't still be going to Stanly Pediactrics when I get sick. I am a little sad. Dr. Coats has been a fixture in my family's life just because of how amazing she is, and how often some members of my family has to go see her for different things. So I knew that this day was going to be coming, but I had hoped that I could put it off until I finished up a current round of shots that I am on. When I was at the doctor last back about three weeks ago, Dr. Coats started hinting around the fact that I needed to make the jump. Today when I called to talk to the nurse about some side effects that I'm encountering, she informed me that it was offically time to make the jump, and that she would in fact make the first appointment for me. Man am I excited...not really. I'm still not very good at this growing up part. But I will make it:)
As a side note, please pray for me. I started another new medicine about three weeks ago and I started having bad migraines. I stopped taking it to make sure that was in fact the meds doing it, and I stopped having them. But, for the past two days, I've started having them again. We aren't really sure what is going on. We are trying to see if it really is affected by this medication, or if it is something else, so just pray!

Hope everyone has a great day!

Brittany

Ashleigh's big news

Yesterday, Ashleigh had a big day, and by big, I mean good news big. Ashleigh had her skills assesment for the Cabarrus EMT thing. I'm not sure of the exact name, but I know it's big time. Anyway, this was big, and Ashleigh at first was a little nervous but ultimately gave it to the Lord. She later described to me the feeing she had the whole time, and to sum it up, she said she had such a peace about everything going the whole time she was there. Yes she was nervous, but she knew who's hands it was in, and she was at ease! That is such an awesome thing to hear from my sister. Anyway, she had her written assesment (which is where things went sour last time), and absolutely blew it out of the water. Then, she moved on to her practical part which is where they watch every single thing you do. If you make one little mistake, it's big time. They told her that she did amazing on this as well. Then she went on to the interview portion, and she said she felt like she did a great job on this as well. So, we are in the waiting portion. She will either recieve a phone call offering her a job, or a letter saying thanks for trying. Keep her in your prayers!

I'm going to be trying to spruce up the blog over the next couple says!

Brittany

Important Announcement

Please excuse the interruption, as I bring you very important news. One Blessed Girl has now become the home of Two Crazy Sisters. That's right, my sister and I have joined forces, in hopes of

1) Keeping my mother more informed on both of us
2) Keeping our neighbors and family more easily informed on both of us:)
3) Just because my sister wanted a blog, but she's not very good and holding herself accountable to updating it:)

Anyway, from now on, this blog will serve as a place for both my sister and I to share our hearts, what's going on with us in our day to day lives, and just a place to unload some humor. Enjoy and leave some comments to welcome Ashleigh to the blog!

Blessings!
B

Sunday night/Monday morning Mind Dump

I'll start out with the bad news first, and then carry on to the good news:)

I awoke this morning with a message from my mom on my phone saying they had admitted my Grandma back into the hospital. I went home, and things are not good. Not only is the hospital doctor who is caring for her an idiot, but she is just not doing well. We are still unsure of what is going on(due to the doctor that is caring for her) but hopefully Monday morning a lot of our questions will be answered. I know it seems like I shouldn't be complaing about the doctors at the hospital, but seriosly. It took them from 7:00 Saturday night until about 4:00 Sunday morning to admit her, and then once they did, the doctor who was on call didn't answer his pages and didn't bother to come and see my grandmother for the intial visit until 4:00pm. Needless to say, my aunt and mother are quite upset, as well are my grandfather and uncle. If it weren't for the amazing nurses on the 3rd floor, who knows what kind of shape my grandmother would be in. Anyway, hopefully tomorrow will bring some good news in her case, and we will be able to get some answers to what is going on

It's spring break, which means most of my friends have either gone home or gone on trips for the week, but some have stayed behind. I'm looking forward to hanging out with them, and just relaxing.

My friend Chica did get in safely on Saturday. I'm looking forward to seeing her this week and hanging out a bit with her. Also her family starts arriving on Wednesday, who I have also come to love. I'm looking forward to seeing them too.

I had a GREAT night's sleep last night. I went to sleep around 4:o0pm, and woke up around noon today. I know that seems lazy, but I needed the sleep very badly.

Did I mention it was Spring Break?

B

I love naps...

Let me just say, that I am a firm believer in naps for all ages. I remember in 1st grade when we still had naps, and I hated them. But now, I wish that they would give us nap time in college.
So today, after returning home from spending some time with my buddy at around 4:00pm, I settled in for what I planned to be about a 2 hour nap. Not so much. I awoke at 8:00, just long enough to reset my alarm for 9:00am, but it is now 3:00am, and I am taking a napping break, but man, all this sleep has felt great! My body, spirit and mind needs some desperate rest.
In other news, things with my grandmother are not well. I recieved a full report from Mom when I saw her today, and things are just not good. I don't think there is another way to put things right now. She requires 24 hour care, and my grandpa is doing all he can to help, but there are simply things he can't do by himself such as lifting her, and other things, which is where my aunt kim, uncle randy and mom come in. My aunt kim is so very tired right now, and deserves the one of the world's best naps. My uncle randy who lives less than 1/4 of a mile down the road, has done a lot as well. My mom has been from what I hear on food duty and during the day duty. They are just all so tired, and my grandmother is as well. Pray for my grandpa and my mom and her siblings as they pray and try to decide what to do next in terms of care for my grandmother. Pray for us as a family. We still trust the Lord in the fact that He will heal her, but it will be in His way. We know that this life is not permenant, and that she may leave us soon, but we trust.
My eye lids are getting very heavy, and my pillows are getting very comfy, so I'm going to return to dreamland. Keep us in your prayers, and send some good thoughts our way.

B

Oh what a beautiful day...

My room currently looks as if a bomb of laundry has exploded

I haven't made my bed in 3 days

I was asleep before 11:00 last night, but I had so much I needed to stay up and do


Why am I so relaxed? Because today, as of 12:15, I am offically on Spring Break, and I'm stoked. I have seriously worked so hard this first half of the semester, my brain needs a break.

I may take a blog break next week, I may not. It depends on how bored I get:)

If you'll excuse me, I've run out of clean clothes, and there is a mountain of laundry calling my name:)

B

My Brazilian Friend

Allow me to introduce you to my Brazilian friend Chica. Unfortunately, all the pictures I have of us are actually back home, but let me tell you the wild and crazy story of how we became friends; a story that takes us across the ocean and back. Pop some popcorn, and relax. (Mom, grab a fresh cup of coffee!)

Back when I was in 6th grade, a family in our church hosted a foreign exchange student from Brazil named Maria. Maria came for a year, and while she was here became very involved in our church and was instantly loved by all of the youth(which one was my sister) and by the adults who worked with the youth(which included my parents) so naturally, I came to know her, and just absolutely loved her. Back then, AIM was very popular, and so it was the cool thing to do( at least as a sixth grader) to have all of your sister's friends screen names. So I would talk to Maria, and somehow in some weird way, I recieved her sister Chica's screen name and began talking to her.(FYI--her sister was in Brazil at this point) So Chica and I began to talk more and more, and began a friendship that stretched across the ocean, hoping that one day(before heaven) that we would get to meet. So Maria's time here in America came to a close, but everyone from church continued to keep in touch with her, and I continued to keep in touch with her and her sister. That summer after Maria went back, my sister and some other youth traveled to Brazil for a mission trip with World Changers, and Maria and Chica were lucky enough to be their teams translators. After that trip, Chica began talking about applying to become a foreign exchange student and coming to live with the Baugh's, another family in our church. So we both began praying for God's will to be done. Fast forward two years to my 9th grade year.
After my youth pastor left, plans for a international mission trip began, to none other than Brazil. Not only would I be going, but Chica was going to be one of the translators. At this time, we were still praying that she would be approved to come live in the US for a year and that everything would fall into place. Little did we know that God was getting ready to change our worlds by allowing us to meet each other. So we go to Brazil, and I am stoked to meet Chica. We already at this point know all about each other. We've talked about everything, prayed for each other during their struggles, we had just never met! So when we finally arrive in Brazil, we were finally able to meet, and we were friends instantly. For the two weeks I was in Brazil, we were always hanging out. And we realized, that we were definitly ment to be best friends! While on that trip, we finally recieved confirmation that Chica was in fact approved for the foreign exchange program and that she would be returning to the US at the end of that summer.
We were so stoked! So once she finally came to America for her year, we were honestly insperitable. We did everything together for the most part. We went to different schools, but if we weren't in school or at sport practice, we were hanging out together. As her year went on, we continued to grow closer as friends, and dreaded the end of her stay coming. As it came to a close, we promised each other that we would visit somehow, but that we would absolutely stay in touch. At this point though, there were no upcoming events that would require one of us to go to each other's country.
So fast forward another two years, when Maria is getting married. As much as I wanted to go, it just couldn't happen, so then we thought, I could go down to Brazil when I graduated, sort of as a graduation trip. Didn't happen. So in my mind I thought, I am never going to get to actually see my best friend again. But once again, the Lord had bigger plans, only He was getting ready to carry them out through Betsy, one of my other best friends sister, who just happened to be Maria's best friend from here (the Brittany-Chica story is very very similar to the Betsy-Maria story, I mean seriously close).
Anyway, Betsy went down to Brazil for Maria's wedding in August of this year, and when doing so, had been dating a guy for about 6 or 7 months. At this time, to us it was starting to get serious. While in Brazil, Maria, Betsy, Chica, and the rest of the family made plans that when Betsy's wedding rolled around, that they would indeed make the trip up to Albemarle. This is where I love God's planning. About 2 or 3 weeks after Betsy returned from Brazil, her boyfriend proposed. So we all thought, it will be a year, maybe when they get married, so we didn't get our hopes up of seeing our brazilian friends, and to be honest, I was even confident they were coming. But one surprise after another kept coming my way. First, Betsy decided to get married in March, then almost about two weeks after we find out when the wedding is, I get an e-mail from Chica saying that they are in fact coming up for the wedding. I am crying at this point I am so excited.
It still amazes me to this day how God orchastrated all of this, just through Maria coming to live in America for a year. I am amazed at how God brought one of my very best friends into my life. Needless to say, I am absolutely stoked about picking up Chica and the florist at the airport on Saturday. Though she will only be here for about 10 days, it will be a great visit for all of us, and plus Betsy's getting married!!
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the story of how me and my internation friend actually became friends! I will post pictures of all the events soon! Now, if you are reading this at work, GET BACK TO WORK!

Blessings!
B

I am one productive girl...

That's right...I'm on a productive streak. I know crazy right? It has been a crazy week to say the least. It has been eventful in all aspects, and this week is already promising to be just like last. As crazy as this sounds, I'm beginning to like being busy, because I tend to manage my time a little better. When I have nothing but time, I tend to get a little lazy and put things off until later, so I'm glad to be busy! Everything is going good. Things have definitly gotten better since my last post. Next week is Spring Break, and I am more than ready for a break. Bad thing is, all the professors are cramming everything into this week, i.e. tests, papers, etc. In fact, I have a paper due tomorrow morning (no worries it's already done) and I have a test, but I'm waiting my study buddy, but being that it's 11:30pm, I'm thinking I'm going to be studying by myself on this one.
I do ask for prayer on one thing. I have a lot of decisions coming up that I have to make, but I'm just not wanting to write about them. But please pray that the Lord will open up doors for me, and that when He does, I will feel his leading, and know that it's His plan.
In other news, my absolute best friend is coming back to the United States on Saturday, and I could not be more excited. Sad thing, she's only going to be here for 10 days. I will blog again and let you into the life of mine and Chica's friendship. It's a crazy, yet blessed friendship that is one that I hold so close to my heart!

Blessings!
B

Calling All Prayer Warriors:)

This is a "I need" post, so bear with me

I haven't really had a good nights sleep in about two weeks. I was on my way to getting one Saturday night when my phone rang at 1:00am and it was one of the other LA's from the office saying one of our apartment units was on fire. So out of bed I jumped, only to return to my comfy bed around 4:00am. So you say sleep in, only I had to be at work the next day, so I was up early the next morning. With all my work that has to be done, I haven't been to sleep before 3:00am.

I started a new medicine on Friday. That is part of the reason I haven't gotten much sleep, because they new meds don't wear off until late, but when they do wear off, I crash, usually just in time to get a good 4-5 hours of sleep. With this new medicine, I'm not hungry. So you say, oh a good way to loose weight. No....I mean I'm not hungry at breakfast, I'm not hungry at lunch, and I'm not hungry at dinner. I would just go ahead and make myself eat, but nothing is even remotely appetizing.
So in other words, I'm just calling all prayer warriors to pray. Here are more specific ways to pray

--Sleep. My body is so very drained right now. I'm drained physically, emotionally, I'm just about drained in every way possible.
--For me to be hungry. At least for a little something. I need nourishment, but as it is going right now, I'm just not hungry for anything.
--For me to be able to manage my time between all my classes. I have to get better about making a schedule out or something to keep myself accountable.
--For me to just relax. Part of these new meds make me tense up, and stay tensed up. I just get so ansy about getting everything done, that I can't relax until I do.
--I have some important tests/papers coming up, and I need to do well. In order for all that to happen, the above things need to take place.

I'm sorry if you came here to this post looking for an uplifting, or funny post. I'm just not in the mood. I don't have anything remotely uplifting to share today. Sorry for the downer

B

You can learn a lot from a girl's foot

I know right...I didn't believe it either...

I went to get a pedicure and manicure Friday as a gift from my mom for Christmas. Since I've been so busy, Friday was the only day I could go, so I went. I thought I had died and went to heaven...well not really, but it was great. It was so relaxing, and I think I surprised the lady at how stressed an 18 year old can really be.
Anyway, homegirl who did my manicure and pedicure is also a reflexologist. As she was working with my foot, she informed me that she could tell that my back was tight, she could tell I had some pressure behind my sinuses (from just feeling my middle toe for crying out loud!) and apparently certain places on your foot can tell you what's going on with your body.
How crazy is all this? I just had to share this. If you are looking for a great way to bless someone you love, or to just take some time to pamper yourself, and you live in or near Albemarle, check out The Works on Hwy 52...it's amazing


Happy Weekend!

B

Monday Evening Mind Dump

Wow, has the weekend already passed me by? Last week was very long, and I'm hoping this week will be a little smoother. I haven't had much time to study or sleep in the past week, so I should be doing both right now, but I'm writing this instead:)

Here are my usual random thoughts

--My Grandmother is doing better. Thanks to all of you who have been praying. She is still in the hospital, and they aren't sure when she will be going home, but she is improving everyday. She is still very dependent on the nurses and all of us to do a lot for her such as lifting her, and other things. Hopefully she will be home by the middle of this week. She's getting cabin fever.

--I think I've pulled a muscle in my back. I'm in a lot of pain, no position is really all that comfortable. Laying down hurts, sitting up hurts, standing up hurts. Call me a wuss, but I'm in a lot of pain. I'm just sucking it up though, I have too much to do.

--Work is still going amazing. Pray for us as a staff as we will be spending a lot of time together now that leasing season is upon us. Pray for us to unify, to work together, and for us to get along. If anyone needs an apartment in the Charlotte Area, recommend University Walk. :)

--School is getting a lot more stressful. I have a lot of reading, papers, and notes to catch up on. All of my classes are very reading intensive, and it's not that I am not capable of doing all the work, it's just a matter of making myself sit down, turn all the distractions off, and get it done. Pray for me about this. I really struggled with this through high school and now it is reappearing in college.

--Life itself is good. As far as the minor speed bumps my family had this past week with my Grandmother, life for me is good. I have good roomies, amazing friends, and too many blessings to count.

Have a good Tuesday!

B

I just resting, catching up on some sleep, and working on homework today. I'll be back next week!

Update #3

You know the chairs that are in the hospital rooms with the patients for their family? Has anyone figured out the most comfortable sleeping positon?...Yea me either

An amazing hero...to say the least

Prom 2007
(l-r) grandma, me, grandpa

My grandmother has got to be one of the strongest women I know. In fact, if there is a trait that was passed down to my mother and aunt, and then onto the granddaughters, it was strength. My grandmother is a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a lover of Jesus, a servent, she basically is a living example of the Proverbs 31 woman (except for the whole rising early thing...none of the Faulkner- Noland-Williams women wake up early. In fact, we're quite grumpy in the mornings).

Anyway, my grandmother has been a fighter all her life. Being the oldest of three children, she was married young, and has been married to my grandpa for almost 55 years. Their marriage and relationship is so healthy and funny it's amazing. Anyway, my grandmother has struggled when it comes to medical issues for awhile. Before my mom came along, who is the oldest child by the way, my grandmother had three miscarriages. She even almost lost my mom during her pregnancy. After her kids were grown up, and she became a grandparent, her health issues really returned. I remember when I was about 7 years old, my grandmother having heart surgrey. I remember her being in and out of the hospital every once in awhile for issues with her hearts. Everytime I go to see her, I hear about all her doctors. I don't even know how she keeps them straight. The summer after my junior year, I remember coming home on a Sunday night from All-State and going to the hospital to stay the night with my grandma so that she wouldn't have to be alone. I remember most recently coming home the week before thanksgiving because she was in the hospital with a possible stroke. Talk about terrifying. And now, I sit here at 1:00am in the dark, listening to this amazing woman of God snore because I love her.

Through all these health problems, and all the hospital stays, my Grandmother has remained a fighter. During her stay back in November, I remember her telling me that as they were trying to figure out what was going on, and when they couldn't pinpoint it, she was telling me how during the night when she was by herself, how she was so restless. She couldn't sleep, couldn't get her mind to slow down enough to go to sleep. She told me that she was anxious and scared. But in her very next sentence, she told me how through those hours in the wee morning, when she was so scared, she talked a lot with the Lord, and asked for his healing, and for a peace so strong that she would be engulfed in his peace. And the Lord provided. Just Wednesday morning, before going into surgrey, I heard her say, "I'm not scared"

I wish I could say that I felt the same way. I am scared. I've never seen my grandmother this sick before. She has always been the one to take care of me when I was sick as a child, and now the roles are reversed. But I know as scared as I am, that the Lord's hand is in this. I can see Him at work already uninting our family, continuing to give my grandmother a peace, it's just amazing.

My Grandmother is one of the biggest hero's in my life. As it was just me and my mom sitting in her room with her yesterday morning, I remember the nurse coming in and asking if we were her daughter and granddaughter. As my mom answered I remember looking at my mom and thinking how much she looks and acts like my grandmother. And I know I act like them both. I sat in a room with two spirited ladies, who, if I turn out to be like either one of them, I'm gonna be in okay shape. My grandmother has created a legacy, that she passed onto my mom, and that has been passed down to me.

More to come later....I'm not even tired:)

Night Duty update #1

For starters, I'm typing this while sitting in the dark, so excuse me if I make a mistake:)

I'm on night duty here at the hospital with my grandmother. At this point, I could not imagine being anywhere else. My aunt left about 30 mins. ago to go get some sleep, which she despretly needs. She was at home all of 20 mins last night when the hospital called for her to return. My grandmother had an anything but stable night, coming close to earning herself a trip to the ICU. But, SRMC has an amazing staff of nurses here on the 3rd floor, and they quickly got her back to where she needs to be. As my aunt puts it, she restled the alligators last night, and the alligators won.
Today has been a good day. It has progressivly gotten better, and as I type this, my grandmother has been asleep for about two hours. She's sleeping so good she's snoring:) We managed to get her to go for a ride down the hallway today, which lifted her spirits a little bit. I've even been able to manage to get a couple of smiles out of her.
She's settled for the night, but the nurses I'm sure will be frequent visitors tonight. I'm looking forward to it. I would take all the interruptions in the world if it means my grandmother gets back to normal. A little later on I'll post a little more about yesterday, and I'll tell you some more about my grandmother. She's an amazing woman. Until then, I'm going to keep surfing the web while my grandma sleeps peacefully. Say a prayer for us tonight.

Blessings!

B

Night Duty

I'm on night duty tonight at the hospital...I'm kind of excited, but I know I won't be getting any sleep. Anybody got any ideas on what one can do to keep themselves occupied? Otherwise, there will be a lot of blog entires for you to read when you wake up tomorrow!

Hospital Waiting Rooms

I write today from the good ole surgery waiting room at Stanly Regional Hospital back home. No, I'm not getting ready to go into surgrey, but my grandmother is. She has been sick for about 9 months, but all the tests led us to believe that it was everything but her gallbladder. After being admitted to the hospital last night, they have decided that it was her gallbladder, so they decided this morning to go ahead and take out her gallbladder. So I sit here beside my handsome grandpa, my wondeful mom, my loving aunt, and my amazing dad. This morning before surgrey was a wonderful time surrounded by family. Filled with prayer, joy, jokes and love, we sent my grandmother off into the hands in one of the best surgeons. Before she left, I was struck by something she said to us. As my aunt hugged and kissed her bye, she told us, "I'm not scared"
As a family, we are not scared. We know that my grandmother is the hands of the almighty healer. We trust and know that Lord's hand is in this. We trust that He will provide, and we are looking forward to spending her recooperating time as a family. This storm will pass, and we will survive AS A FAMILY. Please lift us up in your prayers when you think of us. The road of recovery will be long, but my grandmother will be in a lot less pain when this is all over. I will share more when I know, but keep praying. Love you all!

Blessings!

B

Early Thursday Morning Mind Dump

Whew, what a week so far. Wednesday was a pretty amazing day as far as work goes. I have to brag on myself and the two other girl leasing consultants. Allow me to begin at the beginning, so pop some popcorn and grab a coke, and sit back and relax. Or if you are my mom, grab some chocolate, and a cup of coffee, and lean back in your desk chair:) Oh yea and shut the door so you can really enjoy!
Back in October, our sister property, The Edge, had a string of break-ins that really happened because residents didn't lock their front doors and because they never used their security gates. They actually have an on-foot security officer, but apparently it didn't help. Anyay, University Walk (where I live) only had one, but we settled it very quickly. Ever since, we have really stepped up security at UWalk just to be safe. Fast forward to December, when we really started to crank up our leasing season. Coorperate really starts to watch us, and we really start trying to get our current residents to renew. Due to the break-ins, and some other issues, UWalk has had a difficult time getting as many renewals as we had this time last year. Due to this fact, our leasing manager has been doing anything possible to get us motivated to get these renewals. Not only in order for us to recieve our normal bonus, but for us to get on the good list with GMH Communities. We have a goal of 37 renewals by Friday. If we got 37 leases, our property manager promised to take the entire staff to dinner.
So today, our leasing manager sent us three lady LA's out on our annual cookie walk. While on the cookie walk, we were to ask the residents about renewing. Before we left, our leasing manager issued an even bigger challenge to the lady LA's to achieve. If we had 5 people come in as a result of our walk to renew their lease, she would buy just the lady LA's dinner whereever we wanted. Now, as a new LA, this was a little intimidating.
I'm happy to report though, not only did the lady LA's get the cookie walk done, we got 6 renewals as a result of the cookie walk. Yes 6. Needless to say, Jessica, Ashley and myself will be enjoying Olive Garden soon. I'm pretty sure the boy LA's knows who is better now:)

More to follow soon! Hope everyone is having an awesome week!


B

I love Fed Ex:)

About two days ago, I placed a major order at OldNavy.com. No, I didn't do this to be lazy, I just get really fed up with going to to store and them not having my size, or not really having what I'm looking for, so I just have resorted to shopping online. Plus, I can shop at 11:00 at night while watching TV and relaxing. Can't get much better than that:)

So anyway, on to my story. I placed my order and payed the extra for to have it shipped overnight. Since I placed my order at midnight, it would turn in to a two day shipment thing, but I was okay with that, because I really needed these clothes. The good thing about Old Navy is that they send you a order confirmation e-mail, and then they send you a shipment e-mail. I discovered on my shipment e-mail, which came the very next day I might add, that you can actually track your order. I am amazed. I was looking, and this is how detailed my shipment tracker was. It tells exactly what time the box left the plane to the Fed-Ex ramp, to the truck, and I mean it says down to the last minute. As well, it tells you exactly which town it goes too, all of that. I should have my package in a couple of hours....I'm stoked.

I am simply amazed at Fed-Ex

I am old...

To start off, I have a pizza in the oven, so excuse me if I have to take a couple of breaks:). Anyway, this week is starting off amazing. I am really having a great week. It has been busy, but good, so I will hit the highlights of the week so far.

1) I recieved my financial aid refund, so I was able to order some much needed clothes and go to the grocery store and reallly shop:) Now, I am enjoying a nice tostino's pizza, which i might add were 3 for $5.00. Yay for my being a bargain shopper (told you I was old)

2) Classes are going well. They are really reading intensive, but it's good.

3) If you have you ever wondered what college students do for a good stress relieaver, I have two words for you. NERF GUNS. Yes you read correctly. I just purchased my first nerf gun today from Toys R' Us. It is amazing. I get to shoot people without getting in trouble or it being illegail.

That's all for now, but I will post later in the week. Oh yea, and make sure you watch the video below!


B

If you have a little time on your hands, and would like to see my leasing manager get pranked pretty badly, follow the following instructions

1) Go to www.youtube.com

2) Search for U-Walk Prankster's

3) It's the first video to pop up, so enjoy what myself and a fellow CA did while at work on Sunday. Yes, we actually get paid to work there:) Amazing isn't it

Until next time!
B

Snow days...

Hanging out with my buddies in the snow:)

Wednesday night brought a wonderful surprise as my buddies and I were hanging out. Yes, it began to snow, and we all turned into a bunch of children immediately. After snowball fights and trips in the snow, we awoke Thursday morning to learn that classes were cancelled and man I was excited. So as excited as I was, it melted by Thursday afternoon, only for me to be sitting at work today, and I looked outside to see it snowing once again. I don't think things could get any better than this. Happy snow day everyone!

B

Time for a break...

I head out tomorrow morning for a winter worship conference with That Youth Thing, a ministry that I love. For all six years I was in the youth group at FBC Albemarle, we went on the winter worship conferences with TYT and they were always a highlight of my winter breaks. Two years ago, I began to serve Paul and That Youth Thing with the winter conferences. During my senior year I got the opportunity to travel a little bit more with TYT and help out with more events, and it truly blessed me to serve them. I have loved being there for the teens and for whatever I am needed, and I am stoked to see what God is going to do this weekend in these teens hearts. Serving with That Youth Thing has helped confirm the call I feel I have on my life to work with teens.
Paul has such a heart for seeing this generation live for Christ and is passionate about equipping them with the tools they need to grow in their walk with Christ. For more information on That Youth Thing, visit www.thatyouththing.com and take a look around. I believe that big things are yet to come from Paul and That Youth Thing this year, and I'm so blessed to be a part of it.
Pray for the youth groups that are coming this weekend, and pray for us as we minister to them. Pray for God to show up in a big way, and to for Him to do something amazing in their hearts. Pray for safety, because there will be skiing (not from me of course) but that everyone has a great time.


Now stop reading this and go visit www.thatyouththing.com

Blessings!
B

A new semester....

Today started a new semester for me, and I have to say, I'm a little more excited about starting classes this time around then I was back in August. I think there are a couple of reasons.

1) I'm a little bit more settled in then I was in August. Back in august I was in a new city, with new people, and at a new school that is about 100 times the size of my high school:)

2) I feel more prepared to succeed, and I know what I need to do here in order to succeed. I promised myself during the break that school would absolutely be my number one priority no matter what. No exceptions (well except for Jesus)

3) I have a new job, where they understand that we are here to go to school, and they work around our schedules. Can't get much better than that. I turn in my availability and they actually stick to it...it's amazing.

4) I know a lot more people here, and I have made some great new friends lately, which has broadened my support base. I know the people I can count on, and I know that everybody is having the same struggles as I am. I'm excited to take some classes with some buddies of mine, I think it will hold me more accountable.

5) I'm just in a better mindset. Back in November, I really contemplated transferring schools, to the point where I didn't really care how I finished last semester, and it showed when my grades came. Today as I was walking back from campus, I had a realization. God has me here right now for a reason. God has placed me at UNCC for a reason, and I need to embrace it. By embracing it, I need to do the best that I can at all times. And when I run out of strength or energy, I need to depend on Jesus to set me free and to become my strength and energy. Even if I do transfer at the end of the year, I need to stop making excuses and finish out strong here at UNCC. My future depends on it, and my overall happiness does as well.

I'm excited for what God is going to do this semester. As I told my dad in an e-mail earlier, I'm ready to kick butt this semester. If it means sacrificing some time with friends, or saying No to going somewhere so that I can study, I'm going to do it, because this is important to me. I will have a good semester:) I promise to try and find some time to blog more regularly as well. Now, if you will excuse me, I need to go move into the Library...I hear room and board is cheaper there:)

Blessings!

B

I love my friends...I mean really

Random ramblings...

I have a habit...and I need to break it, and quickly

I don't like to do laundry. Up until I moved away to school, my dad did my laundry. I know, spoiled yes, but he did. So when I moved to school, my roommates got a kick out of the fact that they had to teach me how to do laundry. Now that I started doing my laundry, I wait until I am absolutely out of clothes to do more laundry. It's sad. So once I finally do my laundry, I have the habit of leaving it in the dryer and just getting out what I need when I need it. So my loving roommates at the beginning would put it in a laundry basket, and bring it to my door. As I was getting ready for New Year's last night, I made the realization that I didn't live alone, and that as soon as my clothes were done, I needed to get them out of the dryer, because other people need to be able to do their laundry...man I'm growing up:)

My year in review...

A lot happened in 2007, at least for me, so I thought I would give a highlight of my year, as well as some New Year's resolutions.

1) Spend more time in the Word. It has finally gotten through my thick skull that my day is better when I spend some time with the Lord, especially when I get it done in the morning.
2) Wake up a little earlier in the mornings so that I can take care of #1 and so I'm not as rushed before classes and other things.
3) Spend more time investing in my friends, and building relationships.
4) Keep myself organized. People think that I am organized, but I'm a mess
5) This is a shallow one, but I need to be better at cleaning. I feel bad for my roommates...they live with a slob when it comes to cleaning my room. I do a great job at keeping my kitchen clean:)
6) Do better at school. I'm gonna re-vamp my work ethic and my overall routine as a whole. I need to get my grades up this next semester, so I can think of a no better time than now to get my act together.
7) Just enjoy life a little more...I get too serious sometimes:)
8) I would like to loose a little weight too...maybe at least 15 pounds...I think I can do more though


My year in review...

1) Finished up my Senior year, and graduated high school
2) Started college, and moved to Charlotte into an apartment.
3) Turned 18! I'm an adult now!
4) Made new friends, and deepened friendships I've had for awhile.
5) Got my first job in retail. I'll leave it at that
6) Realized God's plan is bigger than mine, that I need to get out of the way.

Happy 2008!

Just Pictures...