When men look at me

For those of you looking for pictures of Caroline, this post will be diappointing. But take heart, there will be more to come in later posts :)

Since I moved to Georgia, the Lord has showed me that I learn best when I share. (Not sure why it took me this long... I am sure those of you that are close to me already knew that I love to talk about myself!) I have been involved in several bible studies since we moved here 4 years ago, and I feel strongest in my faith and closest to the Lord when I not only take time to read and pray personally, but also have the opportunity to share what I've learned with others. For some reason, I remember more and better pinpoint my feelings when I talk outloud. So, I am going to try and start blogging about my faith. I hope that it will serve as an encouragement for anyone reading and also keep me accountable to share some of the amazing things God is teaching me.

One of the songs on a CD I have for Caroline has a line in the chorus that says, "When men look at me, I want them to see, the Light of the world inside." Wow. One of my biggest idols is the praise of men (well actually women mostly... but you get what I mean). When "men" look at me, I want them to see that I am skinnier than I was last time they saw me, my house looks like something out of Southern Living, and that Caroline is the most adorable child ever created AND extremely advanced. "The Light of the world inside"? Far from it, I'm afraid.

So what would I look like if men saw the Light of the world inside me? Would it be inside a beautiful house and skinny body? Maybe. But maybe not. Maybe it would be a messy, outdated house and a pudgy body. Am I willing to let go of those idols in order to focus on what really matters?

I heard it once said "he who is spiritually fit will be physically fit as well". I also heard a mentor of mine say, "When I start to compare myself to other women, I have to remember that my glorified body will put her earthly body to shame!" I've recalled this a lot lately. Not that we should have a prideful heart about being a believer, just that my attention should be on what really matters- eternity. I often remember these quotes as I lay in bed at 5:30 or 6:00 am trying to decide whether to get up and work out or get up and pray. (Or go back to sleep :)) It is at that moment, when I have only 30 minutes to do something by myself that I can see where my true priorities are. More often than I'd like to admit, my desire to look skinny this weekend far outweighs my desire to come before the Throne of Grace and be fed. Now, I'm not saying that I don't ever need to work out- glutony and laziness can be idols too. I have just been faced personally with the fact that I think a lot more about what men think of me than glorifying my Heavenly Father.

His Kingdom is where my focus should be and the rest will fall into place. That is really hard to believe when I am staring at a not so suitable body and a recliner that could be seen to some as a liability for its catapulting qualities. But God hasn't called me to a life of comfort and skinniness. He has called me to follow Him. And I can't do that with these idols in the way.

Father, YOU are worthy of honor and praise from all of the men on the earth. Forgive me when I want it for myself more than I want it for you. Thank you for your grace. For opening my eyes to these idols. Please convict me when I want to bow down to them again and grant me repentance. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

Snip its!!

Deep Breath.... Caroline's First Hair Cut!!! Can't believe we're here already. It wasn't as emotional while it happened as it is now for me to think about. Our little girl is growing up. The place was amazing. I don't know if you can see in the pictures, but each chair had a tv! Caroline was a true champ though, she sat still and came out looking absolutely adorable! The lady was so good with her, she showed her all of her hair that she was cutting off and they even gave her a certificate when it was all over! Thank you, Lord, for a good experience!

The REST of Memorial Day Weekend

One would think that a weekend with the Browns and a 2nd First Birthday Party would be enough to make for a great weekend. But the Lord had even more in store! At around 7 pm Sunday night I got a call from Emily that..... she was on her way to Atlanta! David was on a camping trip in NC and was going to drive down and meet her on Monday and then they were going back to Jackson on Tuesday. I was beside myself with excitement. She told me not to wait up for her, and I did get in the bed, but I don't think I slept a wink! I just kept thinking about how excited Caroline was going to be when she woke up and Aunt Meme was HERE!! It was a short trip, but we had a blast. Thanks so much for all of the driving and aranging you guys had to do to make it happen!!

We spent Monday in Senoia enjoying the Memorial Day festival and parade! Senoia is what you think of when you think about living in Georgia. It was all SO much fun! Caroline especially had a blast eating homemade chocolate ice cream, watching the parade, and playing with Ella's bicycle! Thanks for having us Jason, Amy, Jaxson and Ella!!

One in a Melon Part II :)

Caroline's Second First Birthday Party was at Shamrock Park in Tyrone, GA. We had an absolute blast! It was a bit more hectic getting things set up (since it was outside and there was a threat of rain), but it turned out to be just perfect! Not a drop of rain and a nice breeze the whole time. The Browns stayed with us for the weekend, so Sophie and I were able to do some preparations beforehand. That morning Ginny and Jonathan came over to allow us to go to the Park to decorate. Taylor came over as well and helped with the kids at the party. Thanks everyone for all of your help! We are so blessed to have such good friends here that they not only wanted to see Caroline's first birthday, but you also shared in the work! Kim was the official photographer. I included only a few of the amazing shots she got! Thanks so much- you have such a great eye! I can't wait to order some :) I also got a few candids from Chris and Amanda- thanks for letting me rob your facebook pages :) I couldn't quite figure out why some came out small and others are big, but it allowed me to upload more, so I am ok with it! I hope everyone else had as much fun as we did... now I just have to figure out how to convince my one year old that even though she did have 2 amazing parties surrounded by friends and family that love her to peices.... she is NOT the center of the Universe :)

One in a Melon :)

This post is long overdue, but I wanted to make sure it was documented here. And I wanted the chance to give my commentary!

We cannot believe that Caroline is One!!! We were so excited we had to celebrate twice ;) The first celebration was in Mississippi. It was a very special day, Caroline was able to celebrate with many of her family and friends. Namely 3 Great Grandmothers and 1 Great Granddaddy! It was so great to see her interacting with everyone. As I mentioned in an earlier post, she even took her first step in front of them all!! Grammie, Grand Poppie, and Mamoo helped us out incredibly on the watermelon theme. Jeff even free-handed a watermelon basket! It was so pretty that no one ate the fruit in it :) An old picnic basket with baloons tied to it served as the center piece on the food table. Caroline LOVES balloons. Grand Poppie would hold her up to the balloons and she would shake her arms and legs and make the balloons dance... she had the best time! Grand Poppie was probably sore the next day! We were so pleased with the turn out, she had never gotten to see all of those people in the same place before.... I'm not sure I have! Maybe at our wedding :) It made the day really special. Thanks for coming everyone!! Enjoy the pics :)