1/4 of My Weekend Wrap-Up

I realize my title makes no sense, but I couldn't legitimately call it a "weekend wrap-up" when I'm really going to wait to recap the past few days once all my pictures are fully loaded on my computer.  Once all that is said and done (this afternoon), I plan to fully post on my crazy weekend.

If it seems like I've been a little absent lately, both blogging and commenting, well, it's because I have been.  I've mentioned a few times in the past couple months that I was going to be hosting a baby shower for a sweet friend and her baby boy, Jake.  Well, Saturday was the day!  On top of that, my sister was in town to celebrate her 21st birthday, and, between the two, I was slammed!  Don't get me wrong, I would plan this shower all over again in a heartbeat, but I always tend to forget how much work and planning are involved with pulling something like that off.

I've never (ever, ever, ever) been a morning person.  And, I never intend to be, either.  I love sleeping in.  I count down to Saturday ever week because I know that's the one day I don't have to set an alarm, unless something is going on, of course.  With a 10:30 shower this past Saturday, and a 6:00 alarm call that morning, I can honestly say I am wiped out.  I saw this on Pinterest and felt it was highly appropriate and would fit perfectly with my Monday morning:

Source: facebook.com via Suzanne on Pinterest

That is especially true today...I am dragging!  Happy Monday, friends!

Listening

Do you ever hear a song come on the radio, a song that you've heard a hundred times before, and actually digest the lyrics for the first time?  Happens to me all the time.  Maybe that makes me a poor listener??  Not sure.  What I do know is that it happened this past week, and I feel the need to share.

I mentioned last week that I like to listen to my local Christian radio station on the way to work in the mornings.  My commute is only about 15 minutes, so I don't get to hear much, but it always tends to start my day off right.  You know how morning radio shows are:  very little music, lots of jaw-flapping.  But, last week, I caught the song "Blessings" by Laura Story.  This is one of those songs that I had heard come on the radio many, many times before, but I had never actually taken the time to think about the lyrics and the meaning behind them.  In case you haven't heard this song before, I highly encourage you to check it out here:

The chorus is really what makes me pause...

Cause what if your blessings come through rain drops

What if Your healing comes through tears

What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near

What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

In this past few years, I feel like I've grown up a lot.  I've seen people ache and hurt in very real ways.  I've experienced loss myself.  I've watched friends bury their parents and spouses.  All of these collective situations have caused my protective "life bubble" to be popped.  I no longer live in the world that I did as a kid, where nothing bad could ever happen.  

I was asked once by a close friend why she had to experience such terrible things in her childhood, while her friends seemed untouched.  This was shortly after she accepted salvation, and she was looking for answers.  I didn't have any.

What I've come to realize since that time is that God has purpose.  He always has purpose.  That doesn't necessarily make everything "fair," but we were never promised fair.  What we were promised is that:

In all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called 

according to His purpose.

Romans 8:28

In the past year, I have seen beautiful, life-affirming things take place out of very dire circumstances.  I have seen God's promise of faithfulness come to fruition in many lives.  I have seen this "good" that God has promised us.  And, it's a reminder that sometimes it takes being drug through the mud to see greater things that lie ahead.  

Sometimes it's tragic life events.  Sometimes God is simply distant and aloof.  Sometimes it is relationship complications.  No matter the trial, in the end, He is always faithful.

Oh, How Pinteresting...Round ??

It's Wednesday, which means it's time again for one of my favorite link-ups!  Normally, I try to post my Pinterest finds by theme.  WARNING:  There is no rhyme or reason to these pins.  They are just a few of my recent favorite.  Be sure to follow me on Pinterest (link in sidebar)!

Source: kiddosphotos.xanga.com via Suzanne on Pinterest

Source: stylemepretty.com via Suzanne on Pinterest

Source: georgicapond.blogspot.com via Suzanne on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Suzanne on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Suzanne on Pinterest

Source: dailydawdle.com via Suzanne on Pinterest

Source: blog.reddiamondrentals.com via Suzanne on Pinterest

Source: vivaluxury.blogspot.hk via Suzanne on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Suzanne on Pinterest

Source: rhodeislandprep.tumblr.com via Suzanne on Pinterest

Source: den10studio.blogspot.com via Suzanne on Pinterest

Source: cindyemersonphotography.blogspot.com via Suzanne on Pinterest

Source: highheelsandgrills.blogspot.com via Suzanne on Pinterest

Source: theblackpeppercorn.com via Suzanne on Pinterest

Source: southernpiphi.tumblr.com via Suzanne on Pinterest

Source: houzz.com via Suzanne on Pinterest

Source: rosesandrustblogger.blogspot.com via Suzanne on Pinterest

Dad & Duck Dynasty

For Christmas this year, I was stumped when trying to think about what to buy my dad.  My padre is pretty amazing.  He's loving and kind and wonderful in all kinds of ways, but my biggest pet peeve with him -- the man never ever wants to help you think of gifts to buy him.  He's one of those "I don't need anything but your company" kind of dads.  Poor man means well, but it sure does make things difficult around his birthday and Christmas.

Well, this year, I lucked out.  While goofing off on the internet one night in November, I came across an advertisement for an upcoming show called "Dothan's Night Out with Duck Dynasty" (or something like that).  Dothan is my dad's hometown and only about an hour away, and Duck Dynasty is his favorite show (mine, too), so I knew it would be a hit.  I immediately snatched up two of the last tickets and was set.  He seemed shocked on Christmas morning, and I was Daughter of the Year.  Or, so I like to think...

We really had no idea what to expect with this "show."  Clearly, they wouldn't be singing or dancing, so we were at a loss as to what they might actually be doing.  Turns out, it was actually more of a sermon and testimony sharing event than anything else...AND I LOVED IT!  I'm telling you, if I thought I liked these guys before, I'm totally hooked now!

The show started with Willie coming out and welcoming everyone before introducing Jase.  Jase spoke for a good 30 minutes.  His speech danced back and forth between demonstrating different duck calls, a snarky comedic act, and his faith.  It may sound disconnected and scatterbrained, but it wasn't.  In fact, he was probably my favorite speaker of the whole night.

Then, Phil came out.  I love Phil on the show, but I've always wondered if he is really that blunt in real life.  And y'all, he was exactly the same.  His entire time on stage was spent sharing his faith, and nothing was off limits.  Nothing.  In fact, I can clearly remember him talking about politics, STDs, gay marriage, social security....need I go on?  He is opinionated and real and didn't care what anyone in that room thought about him.

Side story that has absolutely nothing to do with the show:  My uncle, who lives in Mobile, has a friend from church who was on business in Monroe, LA, where Duck Dynasty is filmed, and drove around town to find Phil and Kay's house out of boredom one afternoon just after getting there.  He found it and parked his car for just a minute outside (I know, borderline stalker) to get a better glimpse.  Before he could start the engine up again, Phil stepped outside and shouted, "Hello!"  My uncle's friend apologized for intruding and got in the truck to drive away, but Phil insisted that he come inside for coffee.  When he got inside Miss Kay decided to cook something up for him and, during their conversation, Phil asked if he had a place to stay yet.  The man said that he didn't, and they insisted that he spend the weekend with them in their guest bedroom, which he did.  Say what you will about how dangerous that could have been (and I agree), but these are, apparently, truly kind-hearted people who live their lives in total generosity.  

After Phil, of course, Si stepped on stage.  I kid you not when I say that he didn't get three sentences out before all three guys appeared on stage with him and took the microphone away.  He mentioned his faith in Jesus Christ and the importance of a walk with God, and the rest of the night was spent conducting a question and answer session from audience members who were prompted for questions before the show.  The evening ended with Miss Kay walking out and saying a few words about eating squirrel brains.It was memorable to say the least!

Unfortunately, there were no cameras allowed in the civic center, and cell phone cameras were also prohibited.  Boo!  But, my dad did manage to get one decent shot of Willie getting into his limo.

Just for kicks and giggles, I'm going to share another video/story...

Last July, my cousin, Natasha, was pregnant with her second child, Samuel, and was about a week away from delivering.  Well, she is a fellow Duck Dynasty addict, and her step dad was in Monroe on business.  He decided to stop by the Duck Commander warehouse, just to see if he could get in.  Apparently, he just walked through the front door, no problem, and made his way back to the offices.  He found where Jase and all the guys were working and introduced himself.  He told them about my cousin being a big fan and asked if Jase would film a quick hello video to her, since she was about to have a baby.  Here's what she got:

The POP #2!

It's that time again!  Last week, I had the opportunity to co-host The POP linkup with Ashley and Becca, and it was so great to hear from the other ladies who participated.  I read as you shared your hearts, opened up about struggles, shouted praises, and asked for prayer, and I truly cannot explain how full my heart has been over this past week.

Brimming over.

There is just something about connecting with other believers.  There's something that comes with the knowledge that others are praying for and with you.  I have been both convicted and encouraged, which is exactly what should happen when you share accountability with others.  I'm excited, y'all.  This is good stuff.

In case you missed it last week, here's a quick explanation of The POP:

This is a very open-ended linkup.  You can post ANYTHING related to your faith in Christ.  A few examples would include ways God is speaking to you, devotionals you're studying, your favorite scripture, prayer requests/praises, ways God is using you, etc.  Basically, this linkup is just a place for you to be encouraged and to receive encouragement in your walk with Christ.  

I hope you'll consider linking up!  The rules are simple:

1. Grab the linkup button and type up your post.

2. Link up your Blog URL on any of your hosts' blogs.

3. Visit as many blogs in the linkup as you can! This is about getting active and offering encouragement, prayers, and discussion to those who need it!

4. Tweet, Pin, share on Facebook, and help spread the word to make this linkup successful!

Before I start with my POP post today, I feel like I need to let you know that this isn't what I was planning to share.  In fact, I had planned a sweet little post about my thoughts on Easter and Christ's love for us and how my family celebrated on Sunday.  However, on the way to work this morning, God spoke other things into my heart, and I'm just going to roll with it.  

I like to listen to our local Christian radio station, WAY-FM, on my way to work in the mornings.  The morning show host is Wally, and I just love listening to him.  He keeps it very real.  Sometimes uncomfortably so.  He doesn't shy away from much, and he's very open about his opinions on topics.  Today, he (or maybe one of his co-hosts...can't remember) shared a statistic that really stuck with me.  I can't remember the percentages, but the point he was trying to make is that many people after turning 50, look back on their lives and have a lot of regrets.  Things they did and wished they hadn't done.  Things they hadn't done and wished they had.  Then, he asked the question that made me pause:

What do you think you'll look back and regret when you turn 50?

I really started to think about it.  Sure, I thought about a few superficial things.  I questioned whether I'd regret how I've cared for my body (weight, skin, etc.).  I wondered whether I'd regret my job.  You know, things like that.  

Then, I started to wonder whether I'd regret the things that really matter.  I firmly believe that we are put here on Earth to share Christ with others and to bring glory to God.  I've never felt that I was being called into full-time ministry.  I'm so very grateful and in awe of those who are.  What a special and scary calling to have in life.  But me?  I know that although I may not be called into full-time ministry, I've been given a unique opportunity within my community (city, job, family) to share Christ with those that are in my path.  

I have co-workers, extended family members, and friends that I am fully aware do not know Christ.  And I am partially responsible for their hearts.  That's so scary, and yet, on a day-to-day basis, it rarely crosses my mind.  I know that one day, I will stand before God, accountable for the life I lived during my time here on Earth.  And I know what I want to hear Him say:

Source: familychristian.com via R.J. on Pinterest

As I sit here, thinking about my life right now, I cannot imagine those words leaving His mouth.  What have I done to further His kingdom?  What do I do on a daily basis to share Him with others and bring glory to Him?  

I can honestly say it's made me think.  It's something that I'm sure will continue to make me think, and I'm hoping it will force me to make some serious changes.  I needed to be pulled out of my comfort zone, and God knew just what I needed to hear.  

When I'm 50, and I look back at my life, I want to see a life that has sought to glorify God and draw others to Him.  

I know, a little deep for a Thursday morning, but it was on my heart, and I knew it was what I was being called to share.  I genuinely hope you'll join us for the linkup or will at least visit some of the blogs that do linkup below.  

Travel Tuesdays: Apalachicola Style

Lately, I've been gushing over my recent travels, all while giving away basically no details.  Sorry, y'all!  It has really been a whirlwind two weeks.  Great weeks, but oh-so-crazy.  I live in Florida...the Florida panhandle, to be exact.  And, while I don't live at the beach, I live very near the beach.  Panama City Beach, just so we're clear.  So, when spring break rolls around, the locals find any and every reason to hightail it out of here.  Not that we don't love all of our visitors.  Truly, we love y'all.  Does wonders for the economy.  But let's be real:  things get kind of weird.  Which is why I've been a little MIA lately.  However, I have no travel plans for the next several weeks, which will give me plenty of time to get you all caught up!

When my sister, Olivia, had spring break a couple of weeks ago, she headed in town to spend it with family and a few friends.  My mom and I both decided to take a mid-week day off from work to head over to Apalachicola to shop and sightsee with her.

Apalachicola is a pint-sized town, located on the Apalachicola Bay and at the mouth of the Apalachicola River.  It is famous for the Apalachicola Bay oyster.  I know...oysters are a love 'em or leave 'em kind of item, but, around here, we are a love them family.  We've been scarfing them down regularly, thank you very much.

We destroyed these this past Friday night.

Apalachicola has relied on its prime location along the Gulf for a long time.  In fact, it was once the third largest cotton port in the United States.  Today, it's fishing and shrimping industry keep it on the map, along with the many historical homes and buildings that line the waterfront and are scattered throughout the town.  Many of these buildings have been or are in the process of being restored, and it was so fun to walk around and visit the little shops in the area.

The highlight of the day was, of course, lunch!  We ate at the Owl Cafe, a very well-known, prominent spot in the middle of downtown.  The lunch hour fills up quickly, and we had to wait a while to be seated.  Always a good sign when looking for a great place to eat!  I ordered gator and pork sausage served over grit cake, which is basically just pan-fried, block-style grits.  I cannot even begin to describe how delicious it was!  If you're ever in town, I highly recommend it!!

We spent the rest of the day wandering through town, shopping and chatting.  It was perfect.  We ended the day by driving over to St. George Island, which is a few miles down the road from Apalachicola.

Summer is only a short nine work weeks away, and I'm counting down like crazy!  I'm hoping to get more great day trips like this under my belt!

This is just trip number one.  More to come!!

My Life According to Instagram

This week has been busy, busy!  It's been great but exhausting.  The best kind, right?  I have plenty of posts planned about my most recent travels, but, today, I'm linking up with Sara from Pearls and Curls to show you my most recent Instagram pics.  Most of them came from my quick trips this week, so it's a bit of a preview of things to come.  Without further adieu...

A sweet Easter present from a student.  It may or may not have been filled to the brim with M&Ms, and I may or may not have finished off half of them by lunch time.

Yep, that's Willie from Duck Dynasty!!  Last Friday night, my dad and I went to the Dothan Civic Center to see Willie, Jase, Phil, Si, and Miss Kay.  It was a fundraiser for the Dothan Rescue Mission, I believe, and it was awesome!!  Post to come. :)

So, what do you do when you head to Atlanta with the intention of spending the day at Stone Mountain, only to realize it was too cold and windy, and the entire park is essentially shut down?  You go to IKEA, of course.  The mothership.

The coolest 4 year-old I know.

Emma and I hanging out in the ATL. 

My first SUCCESSFUL caramel cake.  Anyone who has ever made one of these babies the old-fashioned way knows that it is not for the faint of heart.  But, y'all, it was good.

Friday night = grilled oysters.  Not pictured:  fried shrimp, cheese grits, baked beans, and coleslaw.  Mmmm....