A New Creation......explained perfectly, in my little opinion.

I am so looking forward to church today. My dear friend Laura is getting baptized. I am so honored to be able to visit her church this morning and experience this moment with her. Truly its a privilege.

I met Laura in October of 2005. We began working together in November of 2005. God truly blessed me with an amazing friend when he put us together. In some ways, we could not be more different - but in other ways....we are sewn together for life! Bottom line...I love her and am so thankful for her. She has taught me so much about authenticity in the Christian Life. She does not pretend, nor does she ever aim to just 'say the right things' that some Christians have learned to do over the years. If she hears something about God that she doesn't necessarily understand....or comprehend, she says it. She wrestles with it. She digs to know and learn more. When she experiences something wonderful from God - she is giddy. She totally excites in the joy of the Lord. In fact...at times she just gushes and will seriously share it with everyone she knows.


True story - She came to a point in her Christian walk where she realized a few things she had not taken to heart before. ( I hope this does not embarrass my friend...but seriously, I think she would share this with you on her own. After all -- she wanted to put this in her baptism video to be shown at her church. However, the videographer, encouraged her to leave that part out. He doesn't know our Laura so well does he? Anyway.....) So...she came to a point when she seriously started learning what the bible had to say about sex. I will never forget her astonishment, like...'Can you believe this?' She then began to very boldly share that with others....in bars....in the workplace....in fact, anytime she felt someone would listen she would literally feel free to share with them what sex was really intended to be. I love that in her. She shares her heart with no pretense. She's authentic. How many times have you felt led to say something...or share something you learned about God and fear held you back? Why does that happen? Seriously....talk to Laura....she can give you a kick in the pants!

All of this to say, that I read her blogpost last night about her baptism and I would love for you to read it. Click here for her blog - or you can click on the link to the right titled - This Ain't No Ordinary Fundraising Letter. Yep...she's going on her second mission trip this summer. Don't worry - she doesn't need anymore money....just click and read...and enjoy her posts. Wherever you are....whatever you've done or not done - God's love is for you and he never stops loving nor does he ever Go away. We go away...we move away from God and lose sight of his goodness, but he stays the same.

2 Corinthians 5:16 - 17
So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

Firsts and Lasts

Ok....its officially over. The school year that is. Today was the last day and it could not have gone smoother. I remember a few tears from Nick's last day of 8th grade.....but I am sure he does not remember that.

Last night -we totally did not have 'typical' bedtime time. In fact we watched Australia until a little after 11:00pm. We then proceeded to try and find an 11th grade chemistry book (which i wrote a $47 check for today).....obviously we did not find it! But how funny...down to the end with a bit of drama. But this morning was great. I made breakfast and we talked about the year a bit. They were all a bit excited and reflective in their own ways.

Scout - a bit nervous about summer football camp at the high school and then finally becoming a Freshman!

Max - was already missing his buds, and THE BEST TEACHER ON EARTH as he said, Ms. Howell. In fact...he hopes she decides to teach 5th grade next year!

Nick - Just ready to get those finals over and enjoy some summer. He can't believe he doesn't have summer football camp this year. He's not playing his senior year...so he's looking forward to something.....just not sure what!


So...as I'm thinking of this being their last day.... I couldn't help but think of the first day of school. This is the picture I took of them back in August.



I love how everyone is alert....ready for school in their favorite clothes. T-shirts are a staple at my house. Comfort....also key!

Now....9 months later.....they've grown and changed.

Max, proudly wearing his Safety Patrol belt one last day to school before the new school year begins. He's been 'in training' for 2 weeks now. He said he had a great hair day today. Hmmmm, I wonder where he has heard that phrase before? I'll shatter his world with a haircut soon. Its what I do.....


Scout on his Facebook before school...which is typically a no-no..but on last day of school? Anything goes! We even had french toast with powdered sugar....yes....I forgot about the teacher's sanity today.


This is Scout walking to the Bus Stop this morning....FOR THE LAST TIME!!!! He'll ride with Nick next year and will then drive or ride carpool his Sophomore year. I just realized this.....I may cry now.....


And then we have Nick.....you can't see the gray and black gym shorts or the flip flops that totally make this T-Shirt POP. He wanted to leave a fashion statement on this last day...HA! What I do love is his shirt. 'I survived 5th Grade' and on the back are several signatures from his 5th grade class that he still goes to school with. Kind of funny....a bit vintage!


So, all of this to say that we've had a big year...in many ways. We'll look back on this school year for time to come with some new found knowledge that will make us better parents, make our kids better kids....and a better family all the way around. Though it was not a perfect year - and there were times I wish we could have had do-overs. But at the same time....we've seen God show up, again and again and show his love for us. We'll now enjoy a great summer......and do it all over again, wiser...hopefully smarter in some cases and with an attitude of thankfulness for this amazing life we share.

Psalm 90:12

Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

And this week.........

This week is quickly coming to an end and I am smiling big. So looking forward to the weekend. But in all, this week has not been bad, just a regular busy week. My husband and I talked this week and we realized that yes....April and May are always busy. Always. There is usually something to celebrate at the boys schools (all 3 of them) and you can typically add a track banquet, football banquet, Scout Blue and Gold banquet etc, etc....you get the picture. Well, this week we started off with spirit week at Max's school where each day holds a new theme. I loved Tacky Day.....


This was Max's version of tacky day. Believe it or not....but seriously, this took us an hour the night before looking for just the right combination. The only thing not pictured here is the hunting hat lined with fur that seemed to set the look off just right for Max. You'll just have to imagine that for yourself.

Tuesday, I was blessed to be able to see Scout receive a few awards at his Middle School. I cannot believe he is going into high school next year. I am so proud of him. He is the type of student that works so hard. Truly....he works for what he receives. He is diligent with homework and projects and all of those things matter so much to him.

This is Scout receiving his final award of the morning - his Junior Membership into the Beta Club. That was right after he had his induction to the National Junior Honor Society.

Such a cutie!


And in addition to those fun things....we are hosting the Regions Charity Classic at my hotel this week. Always so much fun! Here are some fun pics....



And here are the people we followed for a majority of the day Wednesday. This is my boss and my client from Atlanta. Was a great day. They did quite well.....didn't win, but they were close! This picture was actually taken after my client got a birdie on this hole. Did I say that right....sounds really funny....




Fun stuff.....and after all of this week, I truly hear His word ringing in my ears....

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24

I hope I do that....as a mom, wife, sales person and friend. To work at those roles with all my heart. Because essentially....its Christ we serve through every little thing we do. So...to quote my friend Jenny today....why not jump right in...and just do it with all your heart. Why not???


Lord, thank you for all that you have blessed me with. The kids and their schools, the chaos and schedules. Thank you for my friends....how they bless my life and make even golf tournaments fun.....thank you for my job and how it provides and adds to my life. Thank you Lord for being so good.

Peighton Bailey is one today!

Officially, my sweet niece is now 1 year old. I can't believe it. Seriously!!!! What a blessing she is...in so many, many ways. We celebrated BIG on Saturday for such a little girl. We laughed alot too....mostly at anything remotely cute that little girl did. Here are some fun pics of the party...and our gushing over her. My three boys were amazingly loved by their Mema and Papa....still are. But there is something about having this little girl around that makes us all, (my boys included) crazy and silly when she is near! I really can't believe that my youngest is 10...and that my oldest will be a senior next year. And Scout.....gulp...will enter highschool next year. Crazy....

My daddy made her this sweet little chair. Her initials monogrammed too!


This made me laugh - no real reason...just struck me as funny


And if you wonder if she enjoyed diving into her cake.....

Yes...she most certainly did!

Psalm 127:3

Don't you see that children are God's best gift?