Transition

Transition: The process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another. 

Before September of 2012 I knew a little about transition. Truthfully though, not a lot. The biggest transitions in my life prior to September of this year were having my mom get re-married, going to Auburn, moving out on my own, getting married, and having a baby. Don't get me wrong, all big things. Then September of 2012 came and I have learned about a whole new type of transition. What a whirlwind it has been.

On September 6th, Chris sent in his resume for a job opening at Vestavia Hills UMC. On September 7th, they called him to talk to him about the job. On September 10th, he went up and interviewed for the job. On September 23rd, he went to Vestavia to be their guest worship leader and essentially "try out." On September 24th, they offered him the job. On October 1st, he took the job. On October 8th, we listed our house up for rent. On October 10th, our house rented. On October 21st, we moved in with Chris' parents. On November 1st, Chris began working part-time at VHUMC. Since then, we have been living with Chris' parents, as Chris traveled back and forth spending about half the week in Birmingham, and half the week in Montgomery. Yesterday, Chris started full-time at VHUMC and after some friend's wedding this weekend we will finally make the move to Birmingham on Tuesday (1 week from today!).

Through all of this I have learned a lot about myself. A lot about Chris. A lot about packing. A lot about STUFF. Transition can be difficult. Transition can be a lesson. Our transition is nowhere near over. Now we will begin the transitioning to life in Birmingham with a new church family, a new home, and new roads to travel everyday. Looking back, I didn't handle this transition how I wanted to. Maybe because it was so fast but at the same time it all seemed so long. I haven't been the best friend, because I was consumed with my life. I haven't been the best wife, because I've been stressed and put the majority of that stress on Chris. I haven't been the best mother, because I've been overwhelmed with work, moving, and everything else. I haven't been the best employee because I've been stressed about having to find a new job.

All this to say, I'm so thankful God gives us new mercies every morning. Most people start their resolutions and declarations of how they will do things differently in January. For me, it's going to be December. I have lots of plans to make this month, and the following months different. To let the stress go, to focus on family, and to celebrate Jesus' coming. Keep reading, keep following. A new thing is coming. (Obviously!)

Worship Wednesday

 Today was an obvious choice to share. Lately, our life has been crazy. No routine, days with Chris in Birmingham, too many goodbyes. All of this has been very overwhelming. Even in the looking forward it is easy to become overwhelmed. New people to meet. New jobs. New friends. New school. Enjoy this song today and remember to run to Him and let him steady your heart. He has us all, no need to worry.

 

Just for a little add on... enjoy my picture with Kari Jobe. Yes, I'm that stalker girl who asked to take a picture with her. No really, I was at a women's conference in September with some friends and the band leading worship in the same hotel as us. My friend Ann just kept saying how much she hoped Darlene Zschech was in there and how she wanted to meet her and talk to her. And I was just like yeah, yeah that's all good but I just want to meet Kari Jobe (wasn't leading worship but was at the conference). Well, I'm just saying God must really love me because I walked in the door and there was Kari Jobe.

Steady My Heart ~ Kari Jobe

Wish it could be easy
Why is life so messy
Why is pain a part of us
There are days I feel like
Nothing ever goes right
Sometimes it just hurts so much

But You're here
You're real
I know I can trust You

Even when it hurts
Even when it's hard
Even when it all just falls apart
I will run to You
Cause I know that You are
Lover of my soul
Healer of my scars
You steady my heart

I'm not gonna worry
I know that You got me
Right inside the palm of your hand
Each and every moment
What's good and what gets broken
Happens just the way that You plan

But You're here
You're real
I know I can trust You

Even when it hurts
Even when it's hard
Even when it all just falls apart
I will run to You
Cause I know that You are
Lover of my soul
Healer of my scars
You steady my heart

And I will run to You
And find refuge in Your arms
And I will sing to You
Cause of everything You are

You steady my heart

Worship Wednesday

As you all know, this last Sunday was Chris and my last Sunday at Saint James. The last song of the worship set Chris sang. I cried. He sang. I cried. It truly is all about surrendering to God and it was moving for him to sing it as He really is living that out. Enjoy this today...

 

"I Surrender"

Here I am
Down on my knees again
Surrendering all
Surrendering all

Find me here
Lord as You draw me near
Desperate for You
Desperate for You

I surrender

Drench my soul
As mercy and grace unfold
I hunger and thirst
I hunger and thirst

With arms stretched wide
I know You hear my cry
Speak to me now
Speak to me now

I surrender
I surrender
I wanna know You more
I wanna know You more
[x2]

Like a rushing wind
Jesus breathe within
Lord have Your way
Lord have Your way in me

Like a mighty storm
Stir within my soul
Lord have Your way
Lord have Your way in me

Like a rushing wind
Jesus breathe within
Lord have Your way
Lord have Your way in me

Like a mighty storm
Stir within my soul
Lord have Your way
Lord have Your way in me

Like a rushing wind
Jesus breathe within
Lord have Your way
Lord have Your way in me

Like a mighty storm
Stir within my soul
Lord have Your way
Lord have Your way in me

Lord have Your way
Lord have Your way in me

I surrender
I surrender
I wanna know You more
I wanna know You more
[x2]

 

Coming to a close...

This Sunday will be our last Sunday at St. James. Wow. I cannot believe I'm even typing the words. I've been doing a lot of reminiscing lately about the memories, the laughs, and the relationships that have been formed through the years. When I look back, I realize I really grew up during my time here. St. James truly prepared both of us to go out and do God's work. Thank you for all of those who poured into us, ministered to us, loved on us, prayed for us, fed us, and more!

To the media department- thank you for being the first to welcome me and help me find my place at St. James. April, Lisa, Jacob, Chap, Cyle, Dianne, Shanna, Lamar, Mike, Rachelle, and Randy- I have so many wonderful memories with each of you that I will forever cherish. As you all know, we can probably give Jacob the credit for most of the laughs. I met Chris in that media room and will forever be grateful.

To my sweet friend Rachel that predicted Chris and our marriage. You will always be part of our St. James family to me.

To our first small group at Steve and Lil's house. Thank you for being those extra sets of parents who we could rely on. Lil and Steve- you truly are family. (That includes you Cyle, Joanie, Eleanor, and Nate, Mac, and Milly)

To the people we have said goodbye to in our time at St. James- Jeremy and Christy, Jonathan and Amanda, Jacob, Kristin, Lester and Janeese, Brad and Rachel, Trey and Abbey, Woods~ thank you for teaching us what it means to "go" when the Lord calls you. You set us a great example.

 

To my Esther's Group- thank you for the bond and truly showing me what Christian fellowship looks like. You have changed my impression of what a "small group" really is.

 

To all who took part in our wedding day. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for the scriptures, the planning, thank you for the flowers, thank you for the musical talent, thank you for the song, thank you for the act of marrying us, thank you for handing out programs, thank you for the love.

To the worship team that supported both Chris and I through new jobs for me, our engagement, our wedding, my pregnancy, Huttons' birth. You have been there for it all- we love you so much.

To Vaughn, thank you for teaching Chris how to lead. Thank you for being that Godly example and supporting him. Thank you for giving him opportunities to grow. Thank you for the love, prayers, friendship and so much more.

To the Women's Leadership Team I served with. Thank you for the friendships, the fun, the laughter. I loved serving God alongside you and watching women grow closer to the Lord. Janeese- thank you for your example and leadership- it has been such a blessing.

 

To the women who have set such Godly examples of what it means to be a ministry wife- Janeese, Stephanie, Christy, Rachel, Abbey, Cindy- I will always treasure the models you set for me.

 

To our small group for our first two years of marriage- thank you to Bradley and Ann and Steve and Michelle's leadership. Thank you for the openness and the bonds that were formed. Small groups truly are second family.

To the people I have both seen and served alongside of in our youth ministry. Thank you for getting me involved, thank you for trusting me, and thank you for pairing me up some of the most wonderful girls.

 

To the women I spent a beautiful four days on a retreat with back in March of 2011. Those four days will never be forgotten and I love yall and the bonds we formed.

 

To my senior girls small group. Words can't even describe how much I love yall. This is not the end for us and we will keep up through this year and as you go on to college. I'm so proud of yall and will continue to pray for you daily as God rises you up to be strong women who serve HIS kingdom!

To the people who have cooked and served us dinner on Wednesday nights, thank you for giving me that night off, thank you for your smiles, your laughs, your love, and your friendship.

 

To all that loved on us and supported us during my pregnancy and the birth of Hutton. We will always tell him stories about his first church home and the love he received there.

 

Lastly, but not at all least~ to all the people who have been my friends. A girl to chat with, a shoulder to cry on, a lunch buddy, a shopping buddy, someone to vent to. You have shown me what true friendship is. I love all of you and treasure the friendships I have formed.

To everyone else for the smiles, the hugs, the prayers, the laughs, the pictures, the memories, the stories, the bonds, the worship time, the tears, and everything in between. It has been quite a ride and it is bittersweet to jump to the next one God has planned for us. Know we will remember you in our hearts, prayers, and stories forever. You will always be family.

 

I could never list everyone but thank you to those who have made our time at St. James more than we could have ever imagined....

Happy Anniversary

Today is Chris and my two year anniversary! Two years ago if you had asked me what our life would look like two years later I would have guessed we would have been in Montgomery, in the same house, with no children, working the same jobs. There would have been nothing wrong with that, but- God had so much more! Two years into marriage, we now have a handsome loving fun sweet baby boy. Two years into marriage we're putting our house up for rent and looking for a new home in Birmingham. Two years later, Chris is going into ministry and I'm going to find a new job home! Cheers to two years and I can't wait to see what God does in the many more we have to come! I still love being Mrs. Chris Whatley and am so blessed and thankful to have the husband and family I do!

Our New Adventure

 

This is my family of four. My awesome husband, sweetest baby in the world, and of course our crazy pup ~ Jacks. A part of me cannot believe I am even sitting down typing these words. But, here it goes. 

Some of you know that Chris has felt a call to worship ministry. As we first started exploring that we weren't sure how that would look. Would it be in addition to his current job at Kowa? Would there be a new opportunity at St. James? Would we move? Would we stay? What we now know is that if you release control to God and tell Him you're willing to do what He calls you to, and go where He calls you to be ~ He will follow through. 

So as I write this today Chris and I are gearing in for another big adventure in 2012. I started this year feeling like it would be a year for change. I felt that it would be more than just the addition of Hutton to our family. That feeling was right. Starting November 1st Chris will be employed with Vestavia Hills UMC in Vestavia (Birmingham), AL.

How do you feel about this you may ask? Well let me begin the list

Excited~Overwhelmed~Scared~Joyful~Anxious~Nervous~Happy~Sad

VERY PROUD (of Chris)

I don't think that list even covers it though. I came to Montgomery when I was two months old, Chris was born here. I went away to Auburn for 2 1/2 years, Chris went away to Auburn for 4 years. We know about Montgomery. We don't know about Birmingham. Stepping out in blind faith is exciting but it can be scary. 

So I ask for your prayers...

~Prayers our house rents QUICKLY~ Prayers we find a great place to rent there ~ Prayers about my future employment there ~ Prayers about who may replace my job here ~ Prayers about leaving our family ~ Prayers about the sadness of leaving our church home ~ Prayers for Vestavia UMC and our future ministry there ~ Prayers that our sweet boy transitions with ease ~ Prayers in the packing and moving of our home ~

Thanks friends. I am excited about the journey God is taking our family on! I can't wait to share what God is up to in Birmingham!

 

Worship Wednesday (on a Thursday)

  I know its Thursday. Busy week ok? Tuesday night we went to Hillsong with a huge group from our church and what a night it was. To say it was an awesome incredible night of worship would be an understatement. I loved every song as I knew it was because we sing so many and I have all of their albums so knew every word by heart. Today's song I have heard before but it didn't quite affect me the same as seeing it live on Tuesday. What a beautiful, awe-inspiring, chills, goosebumps moment. I pray that you can experience the same listening to it today. There aren't many words but simple, real and beautiful.

 

You gave me hope

You made me whole

At the cross

 

You took my place

You showed me grace

At the cross where you died for me

 

And His glory appears

Like the light from the sun

And age to age He shines

 

Look to the skies

Hear the angels cry

Singing Holy is the Lord

 

A letter to my 16 year old self

Some of you may know that I lead a small group of Senior Girls on Sunday nights. I look forward to these nights all week long. I'm so proud of each and everyone of those girls and can't wait to see the ways the Lord works in their lives as they venture into college and beyond. Well as with most people when you spend a lot of time around teenage girls it gets you thinking about your days as a teenager. I started wondering what I wish I had done differently, or wish I had known, or wish I had done that I didn't do. You've seen a lot of these around this thing we call the internet but here is my own version...

Dear "16 year old me",

You're a pretty girl and you don't need to lose weight. Trust me, you're the smallest now you will probably ever be.

 

Try to stay out of catty girl drama. The more you involve yourself, the more your words will probably get twisted.

 

Wherever you want to go to college, go there! Don't focus on where your friends are going!

 

At this point, don't let boyfriends/crushes bring you down. Enjoy this time with friends and only give boys time who treat you great in public and in private.

 

Remember your values, hold on to things sacred.

 

You're never too cool for any church event. If you want to know the people who will really care about you- you will find them there!

 

Be sweet to your parents, you will regret it if you don't. It's better for everyone in the long run if you just stay respectful.

 

Go on and start trying to overcome your circumstances. Beat the odds. Don't blame mistakes on the hand you were dealt.

 

Trust God. He loves you. SO. MUCH.

 

Don't worry if other people have nicer clothes/cars/jewelry than you. Nobody will remember and you will probably be making fun of the clothes you used to wear one day.

 

Whatever you do, do it with everything you have! Take ownership of who you are and be proud of that!

 

Keep in touch with those people who want to invest in your life. They really do care, and you really will want them involved later on.

 

Try new things. You never know where your gifts may lie.

 

The truth about being busy...

 I'm going to be uber honest for a minute. I get a little frustrated when people tell me how busy they are. I know I know- people have things going on, life is CRAZY! I'm telling you ~ drives me nutso. Then I remember that I'm about to delve into a blogpost about how busy I am. Ooops, forgive me please.

 

This is our life...

~We both work full time~

~We don't pass up on play time with our little buddy~

~We wash 5 bottles a day~

~We cut our own grass, do our own laundry, clean our own house, wash our own cars~

~We rarely turn down an invite to enjoy a meal with friends~

~We both spend about 10-15 hours a week at church~

~We both have hobbies we wish we had more time to explore~

~We try not to pass up the opportunity for weekends with friends, family, and even work commitments~

 

I say all of this not to tell you how busy we are or for you to respond and tell me how impressed you are that we keep it all running. I write this to tell you the truth about our "busyness."

 

~Yes there are days when we just want to stay curled up in bed~

~Yes there are plenty of days I wish I worked part-time~

~Yes there are times I feel like a complete failure that I have this sewing machine and embroidery machine and can't carve out the time to use them~

~Yes I waste too much time trying to measure up to other females and moms with different circumstances~

 

But...

 

 ~We wouldn't trade it for anything~

~Even when we're tired and exhausted, the time with friends and family is worth every minute it takes away from chores or sleep~

~Doing our own chores around the house and yard is fulfilling and we're always pleased with the result~

~Spending those hours at the church listening to sermons, fellowshipping in small group, worshipping, leading small groups is our privilege and honor~

 

And this I know

~It is impossible to stay so busy and stay rested without relying on God to help us through it~

The Future

Lately Chris and I have been thinking about a lot of family decisions. What do we want for our family? What do we want for Hutton? How do we want to raise Hutton? What are the most important things to us? How do we want to spend our money? Where do we want to travel?

We've done a lot of future thinking. 5 year plan type thinking. Side note: I think it is great to have a 5 year plan and suggest it. But also be flexible and understand that God may have something else.

 

In all this thinking and planning I've been wondering about my future. I will always be a Christ follower, Chris' wife, and Hutton's mommy. But what will my life look like outside of those things in 5 years. Right now, I honestly don't know the answer and I think thats okay. Here is what I do know...

 

~I love going through life with people~

~I have a passion for youth and college aged girls~

~I love friendships~

~I love sharing~

~I love creating~

~I love giving gifts~

~I love to read~

~I love to be with my family~

~I love being busy~

~I loev planning parties~

 

I get to do a lot of that now and pray that I continue to have the opportunity to do these things in the future!

Worship Wednesday

This song doesn't have a lot of words to remember. The lyrics are pretty simple. Simple but powerful. Pray that wherever you are you can listen to these words and feel His presence and soak in the fact that in that moment, His presence truly is all you need.   

 

Your presence is all I need
It's all I want, all I seek
Without it, without it there's no meaning
Your presence is the air I breath
The song I sing, the love I need
Without it, without it I'm not living

I will exalt You, Lord, I will exalt You, Lord
There is no one like You God
I will exalt You, Lord, I will exalt You, Lord
No other name be lifted high

 

Your presence is all I need
It's all I want, all I seek
Without it, without it there's no meaning
Your presence is the air I breath
The song I sing, the love I need
Without it, without it I'm not living

 

I will exalt You, Lord, I will exalt You, Lord
There is no one like You God
I will exalt You, Lord, I will exalt You, Lord
No other name be lifted high

There will be no one like You
And no one beside You
You alone are worthy of all praise
There will be no one like You
And no one beside You
You alone are worthy of all praise

 

Much needed girl time

 I've been saying for months how I needed a good girl's weekend. My life has been majorly slacking on girl time lately. I've had 2 friends move away, 1 has been super swamped with just life in general, 1 is in another country, and then everyone has their busy lives! So last Saturday I got up early to head to Nashville for my sweet friend Melissa's Bachelorette Party. Melissa is marrying her fiance Clay on September 22nd and so we went off for her last bash beforehand.

I must say, I was a little nervous going into it. I only knew 1 other person besides Melissa the bride. Another girl named Melissa who I had only met because I bought a candle from her. So I was venturing into a weekend knowing two Melissa's and a handful of introductions ahead of me.

Let me tell you- it was just what I needed.

Rest ~ Late night talks ~ Eye makeup lessons ~ Delicious Food ~ Pajama Sunday ~ Snacking ~ Outlet mall shopping ~ Bachelorette Scattegories ~ Father of the Bride ~ Bachelorette Gift Giving ~ Lots of Laughs ~ Dancing ~ Did I mention eating?

 

This all rejuvenated me and while I missed my 3 boys immensely while I was gone it made me all the more excited to get home and see them!

Looking forward to seeing all my new friends at the McWedding Festivities in 2 weeks!

10 things on Thursdays

Today is Thursday, which means tomorrow is Friday! Woohoo! I thought today I would list the 10 things I'm the most looking forward to this weekend!

They are in no particular order!

10- The My Kids Attic Consignment Sale! My sweet friend Melissa got me a preview pass so I get in tomorrow at 4! Woop woop!

9- Auburn Game watching and eating with my friends Adam and Amanda. I haven't seen either of them in SOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooo long so I can't wait to catch up. I know that laughing will be in store because Adam is hysterical.

8- My husband comes home!!!! We have only been together 5 hours (they were all sleeping hours) in the last week and we've never been away from eachother that long.

7- I'm teaching Middle School Sunday School this week. Now sometimes you have to pull words out of those middle schoolers to get them to talk but I'm looking forward to it nonetheless.

6- Youth Small Groups start back! I'm rocking my third year with the same group of girls. They are Seniors this year and I cannot express how much I love them and how proud of them I am. Love you Bailey, Caroline, Kathryn, Emily, Becca, Taylor, Alex, Kelsey, Carlie and Morgan!

5- Dinner with my Mom tomorrow night! I haven't seen her much lately so I'm very much looking forward to a free dinner and catching up.

4- Delicious family dinner Saturday night in honor of my husband's return! I'm not even sure what I'm cooking yet but I think I'm going to pick up some shrimp at the store and go from there. Any suggestions?

3- Sitting through a sermon at St. James with Chris. Between sicknesses, vacations, bachelor parties, bachelorette parties and more we haven't sat through a sermon together in over a month.

2- My dog not barking in the middle of the night. Anytime Chris is out of town Jacks goes on high alert. This means that any noise from the hours of 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. he barks at OUT OF CONTROL! For me it means, no sleep, dark circles, puffy eyes, tired employee!

1- Family walk! I have to admit, I am not a huge walker. I should be I know. But, Jacks loves them, Hutton loves them, Chris loves them so I'm determined to learn to love them. Plus- I love being with all of my boys so if they all want to walk- then I'm up for it!

Six Months Joy

  Hutton turned 6 months old on August 16th. We are only two and a half weeks past that and it has been amazing. Every month has been incredible and I love him more with everyday that goes by but this month has been by far the most fun. We have had a great time being a family and spending time together and watching Hutton as he discovers more things around him and more things about himself. He wakes up everyday with a smile, does something new everyday, gets more hair everytime I look at him, has baby chunky rolls and has brought me an immeasurable amount of joy. I'm so blessed and so thankful to God for this gift He gave Chris and me. Enjoy the pictures of my munchkin!!!

 

P.S.- for my own personal joke: It's pretty tough having the cutest baby ever but I think I'm up to the task :) I now understand how you truly believe that your child is the most handsome, smartest, wonderful child there ever was!

 

Worship Wednesday

 Three weeks from yesterday I will be at a Hillsong concert in Birmingham with a huge group of people. I cannot wait! Because it is not just a concert. Don't get me wrong, I love concerts. But this will be a worship experience with some people I am the closest to! Which leads me to my song for this week. This is from Hillsong Live's new cd- Cornerstone.

Get it

Listen to it

Love it

The words say it all...Chills are headed your way!

Beneath the Waters

 

This is my revelation
Christ Jesus crucified
Salvation through repentance
At the cross on which He died

Now hear my absolution
Forgiveness for my sin
And I sink beneath the waters
That Christ was buried in

I will rise, I will rise
As Christ was raised to life
Now in Him, now in Him
I live

I stand a new creation
Baptized in blood and fire
No fear of condemnation
By faith I'm justified

I will rise, I will rise
As Christ was raised to life
Now in Him, now in Him
I live

I rise as You are risen
Declare Your rule and reign
My life confess Your Lordship
And glorify Your Name
Your Word it stands eternal
Your Kingdom knows no end
Your praise goes on forever
An on and on again

No power can stand against You
No curse assault Your throne
No one can steal Your glory
For it is Yours alone
I stand to sing Your praises
I stand to testify
For I was dead in my sin
But now I rise, I will rise
As Christ was raised to life
Now in Him, now in Him
I live

I will rise, I will rise
As Christ was raised to life
Now in Him, now in Him
I live

2012 update

So we're almost done with eight months of 2012. SCARY! I was browsing my phone today and came across on my Notes app my list of what I wanted for our family in 2012. One word can describe what is on there.

FAIL

Let me give you a little glimpse....

 

Learn to coupon for groceries - FAIL

Learn to sew - Not fully there yet

Write music- FAIL - I haven't written one song since April of 2011

Start exercising- EPIC FAIL

Run a 5K- From the above answer I think you know how that one went

Weight down to 1** - Continuance of the above two answers

Date nights every other week - FAIL

Take a trip with friends - FAIL

Remember people's birthdays and send a card - FAIL

Okay Okay. Well it hasn't turned out exactly how I anticipated. So here is my plan. I'm going to make a new list, and a new plan. Why would this work itself out you say? Well this time- I'm going to realize that I cannot do all of this on my own. I'm going to rely on God to help me. And for those things He can't just do for me (like take my weight off) - I'm going to ask Him to lead me to those who can help me. I'm going to try not to focus so much on other things so that I have time for the things that I obviously found important. I get too wrapped up in having things clean and put away and "finished" that I don't get to the other things. So here is my new plan...

Start exercising and get fit - don't worry about the number on the scale

 

Schedule a date night every other week Remember it is okay to ask someone else to watch Hutton

 

Remember people's birthdays - Put them all on the calendar and send personalized card instead of a purchased birthday card

 

Have two hours by myself every week to

be creative and let the songs come

 

Find a way to encourage my husband daily

 

Get up every morning early and spend time with the Lord -

then pray that He will multiply my time so that I

can get to everything else on the list

 

Set aside one night a week to sew -

Remember- Chris has to practice for his hobby and so do I

 

So if I'm not going to coupon,

find a way to make groceries cheaper and last longer!

Sending you to Bonnie By the Bay

On this Monday I was going to post about my friend Brad's sermon from yesterday. He has moved his sweet family down to Mobile and is the Pastor of the Contemporary Service (and much more!) at Dauphin Way UMC. So like any other day I pull up my blogger and take a stroll through my daily reads and realize my sweet friend Bonnie has already written about it! She did it so eloquently I knew I had to send you there. So I am going to send you there. But first, let me tell you a little bit about this person you will be so privileged to learn about through her writing.

Bonnie and I have an interesting story. We went to Elementary School together and lived around the corner from eachother. I'm telling you- the most beautiful elementary school girl I've EVER known! Well after 6th grade she moved off to Auburn and that was that, or so I thought. Flash foward to August of 2004. It is move in day and I'm unloading my stuff into my dorm (310 Lupton from what I remember... or was it 210. ... who knows?!?) Anyway- I realize that this same Bonnie Nell Jackson lived just a few short doors down from me! Thank you God for putting this girl back in my life!

Some Auburn friends at my baby shower in December! Bonnie is in the animal print top with black pants!

Anyway, we became fast friends again and spent our college experiences together. College was a whirlwind. I won't get into the whole mess of that but what I can honestly speak for both of us is that we have grown leaps and bounds since then and are happy to stand and say that God has done so much change and refining in our life and we are so thankful. We're especially thankful that He led us to our husbands that we are so very grateful for.

So I don't get to see her as often but yesterday I did get to have a quick catch up conversation and a hug and hope to see her again soon! Check out her blog though, she's in graduate school for Education, starting her business "Bonnie on the Bay" making beautiful home decor items from oysters, working at a plastic surgery office, being a beautiful budget friendly decorator, and awesome wife to her wonderful husband Matthew!

So with that- I'm sending you on the way to Bonnie by the Bay!!