Fill in the blanks Friday..A few days late.

1. The first thing I do in the morning to start my day is.....go to the potty.

2. Today I wish I was........sleeping in(well, sleeping in tomorrow).

3. If I had an extra $1000 in my bank account today.....I would buy the SLR digital camera I have my eye on.

4. Tomorrow ......I have to work, but really only a half day.

5. Two things that don't go together are.....me and pickles...I hate them!

6. Something I can never pass up at the grocery store is.......a cold 20 oz diet mountain dew.:)

7. The last time I tried something new was.....last Thursday when I started my new job.

Some Pictures From The Weekend.....

These are in no particular order and I have a lot more to share. My blog is being difficult so I will be back soon with more pictures and my post on how I managed to fall twice in one day. :)

Could this day go by ANY slower?

I don't think my views will quite be like this over the weekend, but I am sure they will be beautiful anyway. I can't wait to get out of this office. The weather is perfect. I am all packed, I just have to fill up the gas tank and pick up a few food items and then I will be on my way.

I am just going off call as the Supervisor this week so my sleep pattern has been all messed up. I am looking forward to some rest and relaxation with 15 other lovely ladies.

One of my oldest and dearest friends will be on this trip with me. Be ready for lots of pictures the next time I post!

Happy Weekend, Peeps!

Sorry to leave ya hanging.....

So, as you can see in the picture above I broke down and bought socks.

I realized that I had also forgotten my deodorant, tooth brush and toothpaste. (Good Grief).

Luckily, the convenient store next door to the hotel had all my needs including the 3 pair of socks above, and I only paid $2 for them! STEAL! :)

This week won't be quite so hectic, thank goodness. I am only working thru Thursday and then I am off to a cabin in the woods until Sunday with a great group of ladies for some relaxing, reading, hot tubing, sight seeing, and scrap booking. I am totally excited!

How is your week shaping up?

Oh My Goodness.

I am about to have to do something that I haven't had to do in probably 15 years or more.

I really don't know how I am going to make it, but I am sitting in a hotel in a town that I don't know anything about. I am mentally and physically exhausted and don't have the energy to go back out tonight.

By the way, I am in a hotel because of an event for work that I have to be present at 730 am for. It's was more logical that I have a hotel room for the night than try to get up before the chickens and drive this far. So here I am.

I really, really, really don't know how I am going to sleep without my socks on.......

I forgot!

I forgot to mention in my last blog that I was a winner in my girl, Heather's give away recently!

I won a $60 giftcard to csn.com! I am totally stoked and am having a hard time deciding what I want to purchase! Oh, the agony! :)

I had an AMAZING time at church yesterday and am still experiencing the "high" today. I hope everyone has had a wonderful start to their week!

One of My Loves.

(please excuse the poor quality..they were taken with my cell phone)

I have mentioned before that I have five God Children. The pictures above is one of my loves.... my oldest God Daughter, Sarah Ashton. I love her to pieces!! I got to spend some time with her last night and today( and I will get to see her tomorrow at church too). She is 12 years old and is wise beyond her years. I don't think I could be any prouder of her and her older brother( who is my oldest God Son and is 14).

This weekend has not been bad thus far. Last night I had dinner with a friend from church. Her name is Donna and we tell people that we are sisters. Most people that don't already know us, believe it because we look alike. She has three teenage children who call me "Aunt Kathi"....I love it! We ate at a local Mexican Joint called Anita's...It was YUMMY! After we parted ways, I stopped at a store called "Eye Candy" that sells costume jewelry. I got four necklaces and three pair of earrings for $12.19! As we say in the south, You can't beat that with a stick! :)

After that, I visited with the God Children mentioned above and their parents

and then headed home.

Today, I had to attend a patient of ours' funeral. It was bittersweet, he was truly a wonderful man who loved God and his family. I have been friends with some of his Grandchildren all my life and am continuing to pray for them in the days ahead. He and his wife had been married 64 years. I can't hardly fathom that. That is TRUE love that only comes from God.

After the funeral, I went to a benefit for a local child that has a rare heart disease. Our praise band at Church is also a Christian Rock Band and they were playing for it, so I sat out in the sun and enjoyed the music and the great weather. After they were done playing their set, I left and went to the local Children's Home and hung out at their rec center with some cool kiddos and my cousin who manages the rec center on the weekends.

Now, I am home and chilling. Church is in the morning! It's youth Sunday, so I don't have to be there early to practice for worship service...this means I get to sleep in a few extra minutes(thank you, youth!). Whoop! How is YOUR weekend?

PS: One of my favorite movies is coming on right now, Miss Congeniality. Score!

Day 30

Day 30-One Last Moment

First of all, I am really really really proud of myself for blogging 30 days straight. There were several times that I just didn't want to, but I disciplined myself and did it anyway...whoo hoo!!

Now onto my one last moment.

I read the book above several years ago. My cousin had given it to my mom as a gift and then she passed it onto me. My mom had written a note in it saying that she hoped that I would find content and happiness like the character in the book did. She listed the page number as 336.

"Our dear Helen has been given us for this emergency. It is not strange that seeing our domestic life should have awakened in her some yearnings for a home and a heart and children of her own. She has said that there was a weary point in her life when she made up her mind that she was never to know these joys. But she accepted her lot gracefully. I do not know any other word that describes so well the beautiful offering she made of her life, first to God and then to us. He accepted it and has given her all the cares and responsibilities of domestic life without the transcendent joys that sustain the wife and the mother. She has been all in all to our children, and God has been all in all to her. And she is happy in His service and in our love."

Day 29

Day 29-Your Aspirations

First off, let me say that I can't believe that this challenge is almost over. I am very proud od myself to have blogged almost 30 days straight.

I could sit here all night long and type all sorts of dreams and aspirations out to you all, but I won't bore you with all of that.

One HUGE aspiration of mine is being worked on right now. I can't indulge you on this public blog with specifics, but for those of you that want to know are free to email me. I will give you a hint: there is a clue in the picture above.

The other two things that I REALLY REALLY want in my life is to be a wife again.....but a wife to someone that loves me with all they have inside of them and then to be a mother. I long to know what it's like to carry a child inside of me.

The thought that it may never happen scares me to death.

Day 28

Day 28-Something that you miss.

It's not something is someone that I miss. But I don't miss the new him, I miss the old him. He was one of my best friends for several years. He made me laugh so hard over the stupidest stuff. Most of it was inside jokes that only our inner circle understood. I could never stay angry with him because he would say something totally funny and crack me up.

I kinda believe he was my soul mate because even my husband(ex now) never had this kind of effect on me. He and I were closer than close. He, my friend Karen and her husband and I have so many memories together that I hope I remember for a lifetime. I just wish that he could get his life straightened back out so that we could have our friendship again. Its been almost a year since I saw or talked to him and some days he is on my mind so much that I wonder if he's thinking about me too. I hope he is. And I hope that one day he can overcome the demons that have him consumed.

Day 27

Day 27 – Your favorite place

To be completely honest, my favorite place is my church, Hickory Tavern Church of God(pictured above). I have attended there for a year and finally have found a place that I truly belong. I have spent a lot of my life looking for a place that I could knit my heart to other people and this is it. Most importantly though, its a place where I always feel God's presence.

I am very involved in my church and it helps me stay busy and not sink into feeling alone and abandoned like I use to.

My pastor and his family are beautiful people who genuinely have a heart for ministry. Too often now a days, pastors are in their career for the wrong reason, I am fortunate that this isn't the case for mine.

We are a proactive body spreading the love of God through our community and I couldn't be in a happier place.

Day 26

Day 26-Your Fears

I have suffered all day from a horrible migraine so this post is going to be very short.

My greatest fear is growing old alone.

I will elaborate more about this at another time.

Goodnight. <3

Day 25

Day 25-A First

I am really tired so I don't want to blog about anything serious tonight.

My first is going to be that I went to my FIRST wedding of 2010 today. :)

My friend and co-worker, Kenyotta got married today. It was a beautiful outdoor wedding and a nice reception. It was a wonderful time, except for the fact that I got stung on my leg by a bumble bee! Ouch!

In this picture from left to right are, our boss Carmen, Kenyotta, Me, and our co-worker Sally.

Congratulations, Kenyotta!

Day 24

Day 24-Something that makes you cry

One huge thing that makes me want to cry is when I see, hear, or read about cases of animal abuse. I love, love, love animals and if I had the financial means, I would have a huge farm area with so many dogs and cats that need a home. I have always dreamed of this. I would make it a therapeutic place for abused and/or special need children to come play and visit with the animals.

My baby Lexy(not pictured) came from a local Humane Society over 7 years ago. I have adopted kitties from there before too. I have also been known to rescue strays from the side or the road or dumpsters. :)

If you have a heart for animals and would like to donate to a good cause, or would like to know more about a Humane Society, please click here.

I hope that everyone has a beautiful weekend!

Day 23

Day 23 – Something that makes you feel better

The one thing that ALWAYS makes me feel better is music. I don't remember a time that it hasn't. Music is one of the most important things to me. I listen to music wherever I go. I listen to pandora.com from my computer at work. I can't say that I have a favorite genre either. I have contemporary christian, country and pop all programmed into my stations in my car. I listen/watch CMT in the mornings while getting ready for work.

I am forever hearing a song lyric and thinking "thats exactly how I feel".

Music just speaks to me.

Day 22

Day 22- Something that upsets you

It is kind of funny that this should be my topic tonight. Right before I logged on to here to do my post, I read a status update on facebook from my first cousin on my dad's side. Fat, hot tears started running down my cheeks.

She posted that even though her dad( my father's brother) didn't feel well, he had still driven her 80 miles to where her car had broken down( and is now fixed) this past weekend. She also said that he was taking her out to dinner before they went back home. Her last statement in the status update was "I have a sweet one <3".>

Why couldn't mine be like that?

Day 21

Day 21-Another Moment

I love the quote above. It is so true. Moments happen in a flash and sometimes if you aren't careful the moments will slip by and we forget them so easily.

This is one reason that I started writing in this blog again. There are so many moments that I don't want to forget.

Tonight, I was coming home from doing a good deed for some friends of mine. I called my buddy Jason, to ask him some advice on painting my car. I asked him what he was doing and he said "I'm on my way home from Simpsonville". I jokingly asked him had he been on a hot date and he replied, "No, you're still at home aren't you? If I was on a hot date, it would be with you".

That was a good moment. I don't think he had a clue how bad I needed to hear something like that. Whether he meant it or not, a girl still needs to feel special every once in a while.

Day 20

Day 20-This Month

Well, we just entered September six days ago, however, it has been a pretty good month so far. I have had a three day weekend.... No work since friday and it has been great!

Today, my sweet little Grandmother and I went to North Carolina to the Hendersonville Apple Festival and then road through the mountains stopping at all sorts of little stands filled with complete goodness.

It really was a perfect day. The weather was nice and it was so relaxing being out with her. Not a care in the world!

Blogger is being a pill and won't let me upload any more of my pictures. I will try them again at another time.

I hope that you all had a wonderful Labor Day!

Because I'm bored...

I stumbled across this little gem, here. I am a little bored tonight, so I thought I would give this a shot. Join in with me, if you would like. :)

1. What insect are you most afraid of? Feel free to post a picture.
Ugh, basically anything that is a creepy crawlee. I hate bugs! :Shudder:

2. What is the greenest/most organic thing about you or that you do?
I buy organic milk and try to use the cloth grocery bags as much as I can remember to. I know, I know, I should do better.

3. Tell me about a recurring dream that haunts you.
I kinda talked about this the other day. I dream of staircases and ladders that never end. Or I am on a ladder and am afraid to get down. Or there's an attic or something that you have to jump beam to beam to, and I am too scared so I remain stuck teetering on a beam until I wake myself up.

4. Have you ever missed a flight? What were the circumstances?
Yes, last summer when I was coming home from Colorado. I was suppose to fly out in the evening. That flight got canceled. I was rescheduled until the next morning. We boarded that plane and were grounded due to fog. We arrived from Colorado Springs in Denver and everyone had missed their connecting flights. I made a friend though that day. I had a girl who was sitting beside me that was celebrating her 16th birthday and was traveling alone. She was totally upset not knowing what to do to get another flight, so I helped her get everything situated. She and I connected on facebook and keep in touch with one another. She deemed me her honorary big sister that day. I was happy to help her. :)

5. What do you consider your best feature?
I would say my eyes. I get a lot of compliments on them.

6. What was the last concert you went to?
Winter Jam 2010 where I got to hang out with all the members from Sidewalk Prophets and met some of the members of Third Day and the Newsboys.

7. Describe the most embarrassing church moment you ever experienced.
There have been a lot. The most recent was the whole mike cord falling to the floor and disconnecting me in mid song the other week. It seems that the most minor things embarrass me the most.

8. Are you a whistler, hummer or singer?
Definitely a singer. I don't know what I would do if I couldn't sing anymore. Seriously.

9. George Washington Carver said, "I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in." What is God saying to you through nature today, or this very minute?
I am constantly in awe of clouds and study them all the time. Recently, I have seen a "K" figure shaped cloud or one that looked like an angel. I take it as friendly reminders that God's very fond of me.

10. On September, 1, 1752, the Liberty Bell arrived in Philadelphia. What memorable event will take place in your life on September 1, 2010?
I guess I am a little late on this one...Hmmm, Wednesday was memorable for me but not in a good way. I was told by my pharmacy that my insurance policy was canceled and my car had broken down that day too. Not the best of days.

11. Taco Bell or the Liberty Bell? (You must choose.)
Is it bad if I say Taco Bell? LOL. Its one of my favorites.

12. Do you believe men and women can have purely platonic friendships?
It all depends, and honestly, it doesn't work out well for me. I wish it did, though.

Day 19

(12/31/07)

Day 19 – Something you regret

I try really hard not to live life with regrets.
I am usually the first to say, I don't regret anything, everything in life is a lesson learned.
I don't regret marrying Keith. I do wish things had of been different. I wish that we hadn't rushed things. We had an on and off again relationship for a long time. A lot of the time even my closest friends didn't know we were "on". I wish that he had gotten his medication straightened out before we got married. I also wish his thyroid and diabetes problems had of been diagnosed while we were still married because some of his "issues" could have been avoided and understood better.
I wish that I had been truthful with him when he asked me to watch "Fireproof" after we had seperated and I told him no. I wish I had told him that I watched it three times in a row by myself and cried like a baby all three times.
I wish that he had committed to the 40 day love dare.
So, I don't regret him, If I said I had to regret anything about our relationship it would have been that both of us didn't try harder.

Day 18

Day 18 – Your favorite birthday

My favorite birthday was my 16th one. At the time, I NEVER would have admitted it, but it was pretty magnificent.

For starters, My mom's best friend worked at my high school. On my birthday, there were signs posted all over school telling me happy birthday and my car was "decorated" that afternoon when I got out of school. My mom cleverly posted a happy birthday listing in our local newspaper. This part WAS embarrassing. It was a picture of me when I was about two, in my raggedy nightgown, Winnie The Pooh slippers, pacifier in my mouth, and my blankie. The caption was something along the lines of " Happy Birthday to our favorite brat" or something.

That weekend, I had a party at a local teen center. All my friends were there and we had loads of fun. Two of my guy friends(they were brothers), who couldn't come to my party, came to my house beforehand and sang the New Kids on the Block version of Happy Birthday to me. They gave me long stem red roses. I swooned and promptly fell into "like" with the oldest brother for the next year. :)

Oh, to be sixteen again!

Day 17

Day 17 – Your favorite memory

I've been thinking about this entry all day long. I guess most people would say their favorite memory would be the first time they held their child, or their wedding day.

My favorite memory isn't a milestone event. Its just a moment. I don't even remember the date or time. What season it was, or even how old I was. I know that I was no older than four years old. My memory is about my Papa. He was my Great Grandfather and he lived with us. He died two weeks before my fifth birthday.

This memory took place in our den. We had one of those brown pleather type fabric couches with the wooden arms. My Papa was sitting on the couch in his pajamas and blue robe. I was standing there in front of the couch sort of propped up at Papa's legs. He was patting and rubbing my blonde hair and saying I was his baby. I remember my head tingling because it felt so relaxing for him to rub my head like that.

He was the only "daddy" figure I ever knew and I hate that I lost him so early in my life. That memory has stuck in my head for the last 20-something years and is so precious to me.

Day 16

Day 16-Your First Kiss

My first kiss. I discussed this sorta in this post.

I honestly don't remember ALL the details. If my memory serves me right, it was after a football game and we were hanging at my house. He was about to leave and we were in my yard in the dark. Don't ask me dates or if I heard the rushing ocean waves crashing or birds singing, cause I don't. :)

I do remember my mom flashing the porch lights and embarrassing the poo poo out of me. Leave it to moms, huh?

Day 15

Day 15 – Your dreams

I don't know if today they want us to talk about our life dreams or the dreams we have while we sleep. However, I do not feel very confident in my life dreams right now, so I choose to talk about the stuff I dream about.

My dreams often come true. I recently dreamed that my friend/ Chiropractor's baby was born on a certain date. I told him about it and he kinda laughed it off. Well, guess when his baby was born? Yeah, the date I told him. I also dreamed of the date when my God-daughter, Alayna, was born too. I was right again.

When I worked for the Sheriff's Office, if I dreamed about a certain co-worker, you could bet your bottom dollar that all you-know-what would break loose at the jail the next day. I would actually contemplate calling out in the morning if I had dreamed about her the night before.

I also dream quite often that I am climbing stairs or ladders that have no end or they have steps or rungs that scare me.

I need to research the meaning of dreams that contain stairs, heights, etc. It probably translates to some sort of insecurity.

Oh well. In other news, I am totally proud of myself for blogging fifteen days straight. :)

Day 14

Day 14-What I wore today.

Well, this is a repeat day and I forgot to take a picture of my outfit.

I'm good, aren't I?

What I wore today was really comfy but cute, of course. :) I choose black gouchos, a dark purple short sleeve shirt that had a crochet back, well, it was crocheted-like design from the shoulder blade up...pretty hard to describe.

I also wore some sparkly glittery flippy floppies that were silver.

That was short and sweet so I shall share more news of the day. :)

My car wouldn't start this morning when I left for class. I am pretty sure it's the battery, so I will get that taken care of tomorrow. Also, I was five minutes late to my class because of it. I completed the two-day business writing class and got my little certificate..woot woot!

I also finally picked out and bought a lap top case for my new work computer. I ended up with a Vera Bradley bag in this print. I looked for more practical bags, but all of them were very bulky and plain. My lap top is a 17' so standard bags did not work. I have a Vera for my personal lap top, so I know that it's good quality. That bag and lap top has been all over the country without incident!

I have to go to a new Dr. tomorrow and get my car fixed, so it's going to be a busy day. Going to get some rest now!

Peace, yo.

Day 13

Day 13 – This week

Day thirteen wants to hear about my week. Well, since the week is just starting I will tell you all what I have planned. Today and tomorrow I am attending all day seminars on Business Writing and Grammar Skills. I know, sounds fun, right? Actually, I signed myself up for this class for work. My boss, another co-worker and I are members of a program called Star12 that Rockhurst University hosts. It's a really great way to continue education short term. Most Seminars are only one or two days long and very informative.

After class tomorrow, I am going to a Assisted Living Facility welcome drop in for their new administrator.

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are kind of open on my work calendar. I am sure that Wednesday will be spent playing catch up from being out of the office for two days.

Then, the best part happens....a three day weekend because of the holiday! Saturday I will be at our Youth Pastor's home chaperoning a Back to School/Labor Day BBQ. That will be an all day into the night event.

Soooo....what does your week look like? Comment me. They make me smile. :)

Day 12

Day 12 – What’s in your bag

What's in my bag? Glad you asked....below are some of the items:

I have 2 Just Bitten Lipstains, one in the color "Lust" and the other in "Beloved". I also have one Mark by Avon lip gloss called Glow Baby Glow Hook Up Gloss in "Sizzle"...I love this stuff, it smells like peppermint! :) Also in this picure below is a little pocket knife my boss gave me..inside joke.

The next picture shows my mouse..it does not stay in my purse..lol...You can see part of my Vera Bradley wallet in this one, as well as the lip stuff, a hair clip, some pain relievers, my debit card, credit card, and clinque mirror and brush combo.

Next picture shows my Vera Bradley wallet completely, my GPS, a gift certificate to a salon, nail file, and my 31 mini pouch with my initial on it. I use this pouch to hold my camera. I carry my camera in my purse at all times.


Last picture...the ever present Orbit gum in Peppermint Spray...I am ADDICTED to this gum, an ink pen, my 31 business card holder, and my 31 key fob with my keys on them. Oh! I forgot to show you my actual bag, but its the same print as my business card holder.

Soooooo....what's in YOUR bag?

Highlights of my week....

Highlights from the week, in no particular order.......

1. My boss got me a new kick-butt lap top for work.
2. I organized one of my offices and purged a TON of papers(I have an office in each of our locations).
3. I attended a co-workers bridal shower today and it was loads of fun!
4. I found out that due to a new rotation, I don't go back on call until the latter part of September!
5. I got to watch my all time favorite movie tonight! ( 50 First Dates)
6. One of my good friends finished Nail Tech School and is working at an awesome high end salon. I got a pedicure from her yesterday, and it was heavenly!
7. I got to play with my boss's 8 month old son, he is the cutest thing, and so cuddly!
8. I am reading a REALLY good book that I bought at a thrift store. It was written by a guy who lives 30 mins away from me, and its written about the upstate of SC!
9. I got 5 books at a thrift store for $1.75! Including a Hard Back by Jodi Picoult.
10. I am really proud that I am 11 days into my 30 day blog challenge. :)
    

Day 11

Day 11 – Your siblings

If you've been following along in my 30 day blog challenge, then you already know that I have a younger half brother and sister. I don't get to see them often, but they are my friends on facebook(what did we ever do before facebook? lol).

My little brother, Andy, is married now. They eloped last year and got married on the Charleston Beach. From what I hear, my family wasn't very happy at the time because they eloped, but it all worked out. Andy and his wife seem very happy.

(Andy and his wife, Amber)

My little sister, Rebecca, graduated highschool this past May and is a student at Columbia College. Its an all girl college, and its a little funny because I spent several a lot of time in highschool at this college for choral seminars, recitals, etc. I was even offered a music scholarship there(kicking myself in the butt now that I didn't take it. ) Rebecca got engaged recently. I am hoping that they wait a while before getting married.

(Rebecca and her fiancee, Jordan)

Now, Meredith....she's actually my cousin. But she's as close to a me as a sister. In fact, We tell people that we are sisters. She and I are so much alike and I love her dearly. She is a whole 11 months older than me, so every year after November 15th, we are the same age until Janurary 5th. :)

(Meredith and her son, Gavin)

Day 10

Day 10-What you wore today

Had I realized I had this topic today, I may have tried to take a picture of myself before I came home and put on my night gown!

Being that it was Friday, I could wear jeans today. This was the first time that I had wore them all summer. They are really cute boot cut dark denim and a pretty light weight jean material. I wore a chocolate brown short sleeve shirt that has a collar and V-neck. I also wore brown rainbow brand flippy floppies!

I have to say that I was very comfortable today!

Day 9

Day 09-Your Beliefs

This is where I may lose readers, but if so, that's ok. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and beliefs, and I am just expressing mine.

I am a Christian and believe in Jesus Christ as my personal savior. I have no doubts that I am going to heaven when I die, and that this is just my temporary home. I am in no way a saint, I struggle just like everyone else.

I am a member of the Church of God and love my home church, Hickory Tavern Church of God(yes, Hickory Tavern is a real town lol) . I am on the front line worship team, chaperone all teen/youth trips, a member of ladies ministry, nursery teacher, and the children's drama teacher.

Listed below is the Doctrine of the Church of God, it explains everything that I believe in. If I haven't lost you by now, and you would like to know more about my Jesus, please do not hesitate to contact me. Be Blessed and Encouraged!

The Church of God believes the whole Bible to be completely and equally inspired and that it is the written Word of God. The Church of God has adopted the following Declaration of Faith as its standard and official expression of its doctrine.

We Believe:

In the verbal inspiration of the Bible.
In one God eternally existing in three persons; namely, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
That Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of the Father, conceived of the Holy Ghost, and born of the Virgin Mary. That Jesus was crucified, buried, and raised from the dead. That He ascended to heaven and is today at the right hand of the Father as the Intercessor.
That all have sinned and come short of the glory of God and that repentance is commanded of God for all and necessary for forgiveness of sins.
That justification, regeneration, and the new birth are wrought by faith in the blood of Jesus Christ.
In sanctification subsequent to the new birth, through faith in the blood of Christ; through the Word, and by the Holy Ghost.
Holiness to be God's standard of living for His people.
In the baptism with the Holy Ghost subsequent to a clean heart.
In speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance and that it is the initial evidence of the baptism of the Holy Ghost.
In water baptism by immersion, and all who repent should be baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
Divine healing is provided for all in the atonement.
In the Lord's Supper and washing of the saints' feet.
In the pre millennial second coming of Jesus. First, to resurrect the righteous dead and to catch away the living saints to Him in the air. Second, to reign on the earth a thousand years.
In the bodily resurrection; eternal life for the righteous, and eternal punishment for the wicked.

Day 8

Day 8-A Moment

I'm not quite sure what today's blog challenge wants from me. I've had a lot of moments that I have learned from, wished I could change or have embraced. There are so many moments I know I can't just pick one to talk about.

There are moments that have made me cry, feel joyful, scared, hurt, confused, and excited.

One happy moment that sticks out is when I got to hold one of my God Babies, Alayna, for the first time. She was so sweet and chubby and she nestled right up to me like she knew she was safe.

A sad and hurt moment was when I realized my marriage was over. I sat in my car during a horrible storm crying hysterically because of what had just happened to me. I felt desperate, scared and alone. To this day, I don't even know who's drive way I was sitting in waiting on the Sheriff's Office to get there to help me that night.

One very excited moment for me was when I met my friend, Porfirio, for the first time. I had been supporting him through Soldiers Angels , and we were finally meeting after "knowing" each other for 5 years, I was coming down the esclator at the Colorado Springs Airport, and there he was standing at the bottom smiling like crazy. I don't think I made it to the bottom of the steps, I jumped into his arms. It was amazing that there was never an uncomfortable moment in al those days I spent with him. It was like we had known each other forever.

I could tell about so many more important moments. Each moment paints itself into a giant canvas called "My Life".

Day 7

(New Year's Eve, 2008)

Day 07 – Your best friend

Tracy and I "met" around 2004 through AOL Journals. Back then, we all had a great network of "journalers" (lol, we were old school, we didn't call them bloggers). We all stuck together and some of us made lasting friendships. I was fortunate to find Tracy. I don't exactly remember who found who first, but we commented on each other's journals all the time. I remember standing out in my front yard for hours the first time Tracy and I ever talked on the phone. We were talking about how I wanted to come invade her house in Tennessee so I could audition for American Idol ( a story for another day). She was overly nice and was very open to welcoming a stranger and her mom into her home. LOL.

Anyways, to make a long story short. That's when I met her face to face for the first time and we've been besties ever since. Now, that's not to say we have always agreed on stuff and once upon a time, someone not so very nice tried to tear our friendship apart. I can talk to her or get advice about ANYTHING. And I truly mean anything. She's ridonkulously funny and a great mom to her boys. I really admire how she's raised them by herself. I could go on and on about her til y'all would probably be like "Could you shut up now please?" :)

I haven't seen her now in almost 2 years, and we're hopefully going to be changing that sooner rather than later. I am very thankful that shes in my life.

I heart you to the moon and back, Tracy Dain!

(after getting scared to death in Ripley's haunted mansion, Gatlinburg, TN)

Day 6

Day 06 – Your day

It's Monday again. Today was mostly a normal Monday that consisted of work and a Chiropractor Appointment. Monday's at work are pretty hectic for the most part. Especially for me, I am the Supervisor on call this week so that means I had to make notes in clients and caregiver files from weekend problems.

I also did a lot of Marketing stuff....researching new give a way ideas and products along with making lots of calls throughout the day and RSVPing for some events.

The Chiropractor appointment was much needed. Dr. Snider is the best. I had some awful pain and tightness in my neck and shoulders all weekend. I can tell a huge difference from his adjustment already. ( Thank THE Lord!)

Oh, and here's a funny and embarrassing moment from yesterday. I am on what they call the "front line" at church. This means, I am on stage in front of the choir during our song service. There are 4 of us that have microphones. Well, during the 2ND song, I was all in it, and my mike cord just DROPS. Right. Out. Of. The. Mike. and hits the carpet. I quickly picked it up, but I couldn't get it to go back in. I turned to the side a little and a friend in the choir helped me out. I was hoping it wasn't noticeable, but after church the Pastor's wife was laughing at me for how red my face was when I turned back around and resumed singing. LOL.

Lesson learned: Always check my Mike Cord during sound check!! :)

Day 5

Day 05 – Your definition of love

I have loved many people in my life and have been in love more than once. A lot of people say that's not possible, but I know it is.

My definition of love is taken straight out of the Bible:

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

Unfortunately, I do not feel that I have ever been loved this way. I truly wish my marriage had not turned out the way it did, but it was beyond my control.

I still have hope. <3

Day 4

(Not my actual pizza)

Day 04 – What you ate today

I think that this will be the most boring post yet....Which I guess its not mattering much since no one is commenting here. LOL

I haven't really eaten much today. Around noon I had a bacon sandwich....

like a BLT minus the L & T. :)

I just put a homemade pizza in the oven, so that's what dinner is tonight. I haven't felt good today, so that was my easiest solution.

Wow, that's all I got. Have a good night! :)

Day 3

Day 03 – Your parents

Well, if this isn't a subject I would rather not touch, I don't know what is. My parents were as different as night and day.

They married young. They wanted a baby, which was against my mom's Dr's advice because she was on new heart medication. He said she needed to be on the medicine at least a year before trying. Well, nothing would do for her and my dad and several months after they were married, she was pregnant with me.

It was a disaster due to her medical conditions. She was sick all the time and they were immature. My dad ended up bailing because of the stress and they were already on the way to a divorce when I made my entrance in this world.

I think my mom was heart broken for a long time and probably told me things as a young child that I didn't need to hear. I don't think she meant to harm me, but she did. The story that I have always heard was that in divorce proceedings, my dad said he would not ask to see me or have any custody if my mom wouldn't ask him to pay child support. So, that's the way it was.

I didn't really know much about him, but little by little as I got older, I found out that he was remarried and he had a son and daughter. I always longed to have brothers and sisters, so knowing they were there right in the next town REALLY, REALLY damaged me.

When I was 15, my dad contacted my mom about seeing me. She wasn't nice, I was a kid and confused and said more out of loyalty to my mom that I didn't want to see him. My mom had another conversation with him that I didn't know about until years later. She told him that if he wanted to have a relationship with me, he would wait until I was old enough to really process and make my own decision. So he did. On my 21st birthday, he called my apartment phone and I didn't know how to react. We ended up talking for several weeks and I went to his house one Friday night to see him.

My little brother was 11 and my sister was 7 at the time, so I was elated that it might not be too late for me and them. I did everything I could to be a good sister. But, his wife would not accept me. My dad and step mom began to fight a lot and things just got way out of hand. I ended up making the decision to just leave well enough alone. I missed my siblings terribly, but I refused to turn their functional family into dysfunctional because of me.

My brother is now married and my little sister graduated high school this May and got engaged last week. I know this because we're friends on facebook. It breaks my heart that things are the way they are, but I don't know how to fix them.

I ran into my dad in Walmart recently and it was just weird. I wanted him to just hug me and hold me. We stood at the end of the kitchen isle and talked for 30 minutes. He asked me was there anything specific that he could pray for me about. I told him no, just his prayers in general were appreciated. I left that store in tears because even though my mom and grandma raised me well, all I have ever wanted was to be a daddy's girl.

Day 2

(Shane this summer)

Day 02-First Love

So here I am blogging about day 2's challenge. My first love. I sat here a little while and thought about this. I almost decided to write about Tim, who I was in a 3 year relationship after high school with. Then I started thinking, he wasn't the first man I REALLY loved.

It was Shane.

What a history I have with him.

We met in high school. He was 2 years younger than me and that meant a few grades behind me. But as fate would have it, my junior year of high school, he auditioned and made it into Honors Choir. This was a huge thing for a freshman to achieve, so he caught my eye in first period right away. He sang bass and I sang alto. If it was a 5 part harmony piece, we usually got placed in the same group. He was funny, almost downright hilarious, and we became friends fast.

We never officially dated but we spent the majority of our free time together. When he was 16, I helped him get a job at Ingles bagging groceries where I worked , so even more of our free time was consumed with one another.

I have memories of Shane that I hope to never forget. He was my first kiss, the first guy that I ever confided my secrets with and the guy that chased me and threw homemade bombs(not dangerous one..wouldn't have hurt me) in my yard to be funny. ( It wasn't so funny the next day when we realized he had killed my Grandma's roses!)

We made a pact after Tim and I broke up, that if we were 28 and single that we would marry each other. He turned the "dirty thirty" yesterday and I took him a cake. I often wonder if he remembers us making that pact? I can tell you where and what we were doing when we made it.

Shane's turned into an awesome man. He is going through a divorce right now and maintains full custody of his 4 year old son. He's a wonderful daddy and works hard to provide for Chandler.

There are soooo many more things I could say about Shane or memories that I could share, but I will close here with this: He was my first love, but he never broke my heart, and to this day, he still holds a pretty good piece of it.

Day 1

Day 01 – Introduce

So, today's the day. The day that I am suppose to introduce myself to the world. Its hard to put who I am on "paper". I always sit when and ponder "Who am I really?"

For sure things I know about myself are my titles so to speak....I am a Child of God, Daughter, Granddaughter, God Mama to 5 GLORIOUS kiddos, Singer, Sunday School Nursery Teacher, Leader, Home Care/Outreach Coordinator, and friend to many.

Most people on the outside looking in assume that I am confident and collected, but the reality is that I am neither of these things on the inside. I worry too much about the way people think of me and want everyone to like me. When I know someone is not happy about me or I have angered them in some way, it gets to me greatly. I am often misunderstood. I have taken Personality tests and they always score me smack dab in the middle of being Type A or B.....however, I personally think I am more Type A.

Now, on to more concrete things about me....I am 31, and was born and raised in good 'ol South Carolina. I did a brief stint in Georgia about a year and a half ago. I thought I wanted a new change, but after about 6 months I realized I missed home, so home is where I came back to. I am divorced and have no children. A lot of people think I have it made because I can do things as I please, but I would rather be tied down and a mother more than anything in this world. I keep trusting and trying to believe that it will happen one day, but as the minutes and hours and days and months pass by, my faith does waver.

There is so much more that I could write about myself, but I will save more for the other days of this challenge for fear of sounding repetitive.

I hope everyone is blessed and encouraged today!

A Challenge.

I'm giving myself til the end of the week to get this bucket list of mine together and then I will post it on here for everyone to read.

I also am going to be doing a blogging challenge that my girly, Heather has going on. Each day you have to blog on a specific thing about yourself.

Below is the layout for entries:

Day 01 – Introduce
Day 02 – Your first love
Day 03 – Your parents
Day 04 – What you ate today
Day 05 – Your definition of loveDay
Day 06 – Your day
Day 07 – Your best friend
Day 08 – A moment
Day 09 – Your beliefs
Day 10 – What you wore today
Day 11 – Your siblings
Day 12 – What’s in your bag
Day 13 – This week

Day 14 – What you wore today
Day 15 – Your dreams
Day 16 – Your first kiss
Day 17 – Your favorite memory
Day 18 – Your favorite birthday
Day 19 – Something you regret
Day 20 – This month
Day 21 – Another moment
Day 22 – Something that upsets you
Day 23 – Something that makes you feel better
Day 24 – Something that makes you cry
Day 25 – A first
Day 26 – Your fears
Day 27 – Your favorite place
Day 28 – Something that you miss
Day 29 – Your aspirations
Day 30 – One last moment

I will be starting this tomorrow, so stay tuned! :)

A Review.

By Stephenie Meyer

I picked up this novella(only 178 pages) along with 12, yes, 12 other books during my short vacation in TN. I read this one off and on for 2 days and finished it a little while ago. I have been a huge twilight fan from the get go, so I was anxious to read this short story about Bree Tanner. She was the newborn that didn't fight against the Cullens. Carlisle and Esme wanted to save her, but the Volturi would not agree to that. This book basically tells how the newborns act from Bree's perspective. It was a little gruesome in places, it actually made me cringe a few times.

In the movie, I really was hoping that Bree would be spared and worked into the storyline somehow. The book made me want that worse, because she had found friendship and a young love with Diego, a fellow newborn.
I would recommend this book to the die hard twilighters. The Cullens don't appear in the story until the end....so don't hold your breath waiting on them. :)
Another neat thing about this book is this sticker on the front cover, way to go Stephenie!

PS...Please excuse the poor quality of these photos, my camera batteries are low!

Almost the end.

My little vaca is about to come to an end. I have enjoyed this time alone for the most part. There were a few moments that I thought about what might have been and about some past trips that I have taken here with other people who were/are important to me.

I did have a couple of good and bad experiences while I was here in Gatlinburg so I think I will share them in my next entries.

I also am still thinking about my bucket list, I know a couple things that are for sure going on there, just have to think really hard about the rest. :)

I've got to get in the bed, check out from the hotel is at 10 am! Too early! Back to reality for me!

Does anyone even read this?

Does anyone even stop by here anymore? I seriously suck at blogging. I use to be so good at it back in the day when I met everyone on AOL journals. I hung out with Heather(an original AOL buddy) recently when I was near Nashville for a work related seminar. I told her that I didn't have anything to write about anymore. I've just grown dull.

Anyhow, I am going to try to do better. I am reading again like I use to and I have been thinking about creating my bucket list. So, if nothing else, I can share these things as I go along.

Oh, I changed my blogs clothes tonight too, I am LOVING zebra print right now. :) I am planning on coordinating my new office at work with zebra print accents. Maybe I can post pictures once its all done. Hmmm, maybe I have more to write about than I think?

Now thats what I call.....

........... A Relaxing Saturday! The view from the pontoon on Lake Rabon, Laurens, SC.

Spring?!

Our new spring catalog has arrived and there are some reallllyyyy cute things for all ages! I would love for you to check it out, if you would like to host a party or place an order, this is the month to do it! All Embroidery is $1.00.....reg. price is $6.00!!

If you want to place an order, all you have to do is go to my website.... www.mythirtyone.com/daretodream then click on "My Events" and the event is called "Kathi's Online Party".

I really hope to see you there!

Be Blessed and Encouraged today :)

Join me on my adventure?

Hi guys!
I have recently(today!!) joined a team at thirty one gifts. I would love for you to check out my website. We have the cutest lines of purses, bags, totes, etc for all ages! There are wonderful hostess opportunites as well. Even if you are a long distance friend, you can still "host" a book party and get what you want for free!

Click here for my website or email me at kathi31parties@gmail.com for more information!

CUTE!

My friend, Elizabeth is doing another give away and this one is CUTEEEEEEE!!

Click here to check it out!!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend!

Give Away!

A friend of mine is doing a fun give away!!
Here is the link to her blog, its pretty easy to be entered to win!
Have fun and good luck!

http://lollis6.blogspot.com/

I'm BAD!

I am such a horrible blogger! I haven't blogged in weeks. I have no excuse except that work kept me slammed the entire month of December. I promise as one of my goals for the new year, ya'll will see me around more often.

I had a quiet Christmas, which was ok, and an even quieter new year. I have been feeling yucky with sinus trouble the last couple of days so its a good thing I was already off work today and have been able to rest and medicate myself.

One little fun thing that happened in December was that Allison hosted a Blogger Santa that I participated in. I got 2 really pretty ornaments, a Holiday/Snowmen Dish Towel and a nice Christmas card from a wonderful fellow blogger. I took pictures of the ornaments on my tree but haven't got to upload them yet. I will share them soon! Allison sorta inspired me and talking with my long distance bestie, Tracy, we have decided to do something new. Its called "Long Distance Secret Sister". Basically, you let me know that you want to participate. We have you fill out a survey about you, then we draw names for everyone and then you are assigned your secret sister. We will email you your sister's survey so you can learn about her. You are then responsible in sending her one gift valued at about $10.00 once a month for 6 months. On the 6th month, when you send your gift you will reveal who you are to them. We already have about 12-13 ladies signed up from all over the country. Its a great way to make new friends! SOOOOO....if you are interested in participating, please email me at longdistsecretsis@gmail.com and I will get your survey sent out to you and all other information that you need.
I look forward to this new year and making new friends!