I'm so excited...

about my new blog look...what do you think? Leave me a comment and let me know what you think! There are still a few little things I want to change, but come one people, it is CUTE! I am pumped. I promise to write more later...but for now I am sleepy!

Happy Days to Hope!

Two years ago today, our lives were blessed with a special little girl...Hope Eliana Martins! I will never forget making the trek to Virginia Beach to meet her. I was in love from the moment I saw her. And it has been a joy to be able to watch her grow and be a part of her life for these past two years. She is a spunky little gal, with such a sweet and caring spirit! This summer I was able to go to Tennessee and meet her little sister Maddie. It was so amazing to watch Hope shower Maddie with kisses and love on her! Such a special bond they will have! I know that God has big plans in store for this little one! Happy Birthday Hope...I feel so blessed to be your Auntie! I love you so much!

2009, the year of....

I am not usually one to make resolutions in the new year. I am smart enough to know that I will not follow through with them and I don't like setting myself up for failure. But this year, I am going to really put forth a serious effort to make this the year of me and God. So my resolution or goal for the year or whatever you might call it, is to spend time, REAL TIME, with God. Now, I am not saying that over the last years of my life I have not been spending time with God...I have. But I am not sure that it was quality time. In the past few years, I think I have been doing a lot more of the talking and not nearly enough of the listening or if I was listening, I was already talking over it. I am committing to memorizing 2 scriptures a month. I am going to be spending some quiet time, literally quiet time being still and really listening for that still small voice and really reading and searching through the scriptures. I tell you all this because I want you to hold me accountable my dear friends. Ask me what I am reading. Ask me to let you know the scriptures I am learning. Ask me how God is working in my life. And if I can't tell you...don't be afraid to challenge me. I think for so long I have been comfortable in my walk...it has been common and I am ready to be uncomfortable. I am ready to live in a way that I know God is using and speaking to me. One way I wanted to do this was to ask God to give me a scripture that will be my "year scripture" (for lack of better terms.) Basically, this will be the scripture that I focus on for this coming year. Some people have a life verse, I am asking for a year verse. I have been struggling a lot lately with what God wants from my life, what the plans are, what path I am to take. So my year verse is going to be Jeremiah 29:11-14. I really prayed about this and am so excited to see this time next year how God used this scripture to form 2009. I know that this is a promise that God makes to us...

I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. 12"When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I'll listen. 13-14"When you come looking for me, you'll find me. "Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed." God's Decree. Jeremiah 29:11-14 (the message)

How can I encourage you in the coming year? What is on your heart? We are all on this journey together and I am blessed to be living it with you...2009...it is going to be good!

Holiday Recap

Christmas day was spent at Matt and Billy Mac's house...what fun to watch Billy Mac open presents and get so excited about Christmas. Santa was super good to him...a new Cars bike, a Carolina football uniform and lots and lots of other fun stuff. Family time was so precious this year...

We even brought Gran over to celebrate with us. I loved having her there and I think she enjoyed being able to share some good time with Mamaw and mom. These three women are such an important part of my life. I gave each of them a book to write down family stories and memories. I can't wait to get them back one day with all the treasures and wisdom they have to share.

This sums it up...Christmas was a fun and exciting and tiring day!

The day after Christmas I boarded a plane very early to head to Pittsburgh, PA to drive over to Ohio with Megan to celebrate the wedding of my dear friends, Shannon and Jordan. I was able to spend some sweet time with friends that I had not seen in a while.
Here are the new Mr. and Mrs. Edwards! The ceremony was such a testimony to their love for each other and their love for God. I pray God's richest blessings on this newly married couple.
I miss my friend so much...but was so happy to be a part of her special day!

So this brings us to New Year's which was spent with some great friends, good food, lots of laughter and a little Rock Band! So fun!
Here is to 2009!