Happy Holidays

Life in general...

Here's a Few Things You Should Know...

1. Yesterday was the deadline for all complaints - too bad for you.

2. There comes a time when you have to choose between turning the page and closing the book.

3. Don't ever be afraid to take risks, because they make life worth living.

4. Don't ever let someone take away your happiness because it was never theirs to take.

5. There are many people out there who will tell you that you can't. What you've got to do is turn around and say "WATCH ME".

The Truth About Women...

The Truth About Women...
- We are not ashamed of crying.
- We wish boys still had cooties.
- We need a "girl's night" OFTEN
- We win the arguements.
- We love our best friends!
-"love ya" is not the same as "love you"
- We love the little things.
- We travel in packs.
- My heels may look hot but they feel like crap!
- We aren't all blonde bimbos so stop treating us like one.
-We should never be used as objects!

That's God...

Have you ever been thinking about somebody that you haven't seen in a while and the next thing you know you see them or receive a phone call or letter from them... THAT'S GOD! - There is no such thing as "coincidence."

Have you ever been sitting there and all of a sudden you feel like doing something nice for someone you care for... THAT'S GOD! - He talks to you through the Holy Spirit.

- Author Unknown


TODAY: Listen!

NEVER....

NEVER get less than 8 hours of rest.

NEVER treat someone like they're second best.

NEVER look in the past when your future is ahead.

NEVER push photos to the back of the shelf.

I don't think this game is as big for us as it is for Tech. We're on a longer road... the next game is always more important if you're going to the TOP. AND THAT'S WHERE WE'RE GOING! - Bear Bryant

ROLL TIDE! BEAT FLORIDA!

Sweetness

LIFE IS SWEET…

When I walked into Children’s Hospital today I saw little kids running around, some had their protective masks on, some had hair and some didn’t, some were laughing and some just gave a quick smile. But in a split second I realized at how sweet life can be. In an instant I became aware at how blessed I really am and yet I get so upset over the smallest things. Why? These children are sick and hurting and yet they run around with smiles, lifted hands, turning circles, and laughter. Some things were revealed to me today… “do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring enough troubles of it’s own”. God will make a way for things to work. God will bless a broken spirit. God will heal the sick.

I sat in Bailey’s room and there again I noticed how precious and sweet life can be. There in the room sat a sick boy and yet he made time to make jokes… about me! I said “coke” and if you know me this is NOT normal. I usually say “coca cola classic” and so when I said “coke” Bailey quickly said “WHAT DID YOU SAY MAMA J?”. I quickly knew what he was referring too. It’s an inside joke. I was caught. I did not say the usual “coca cola classic” line. We both busted out laughing and again for a moment sickness turned into laughter and I was reminded of how great spending time with others truly is…

So today, enjoy time with friends, family, and complete strangers. Smile at others. Realize that God will make a way! Laugh and tell jokes often. Run with your hands lifted high (like a kid), take each moment in and remember life is SWEET!!!

Thanks be to God.

Honesty

Maybe I live in an unrealistic world where everyone is honest but it's what I want to believe. I would love to keep believing that people are honest. I want to keep believing that people are real. I want to live in a world where people say what they feel and all cards are out on the table... even the Joker can be seen (the card we usually toss to the side, hidden). People sometimes say "the truth hurts" but at least it's real. I long for the days when we look each other in the eyes and are open with nothing held back... until then...

I wait.


No man has a good enough memory to make a successful liar. ~Abraham Lincoln

A half truth is a whole lie. ~Yiddish Proverb

Look a man in the eye and say what you really think, don't just smile at him and say what you'resupposed to think.

I have found that being honest is the best technique I can use. Right up front, tell people what you're trying to accomplish and what you're willing to sacrifice to accomplish it.

It's Cold Outside

It's soooo cold outside today and I'm somewhat fond of this weather. I guess it's because you can eat soup, bundle up on the couch, and watch sappy love stories on TV! Sound strange? I'm sure it does to some but to me it's about comfort. Safe inside a warm place... it's where I want to be.

Another safe place for me is in the arms of a Savior who cares and brings comfort. I'm thankful that His arms are never crossed and that they are always open to welcome me.

SO today...day 2, I thank God for the moments that bring comfort. Lord, you are my Refuge and My Comforter! Thank You!

Take Risks

If I'm completely honest, i'm not much of a dare devil or a risk taker...
I'm scared...scared of the unknown, failure, or even loss.
But what if we truly realized and recognized that God was by our side? What if we really took His hand, realizing He would never let it go?
My friend Rachel is making a huge decision about a huge mission trip... Basically it's eleven countries in eleven months...CRAZY and EXCITING! It's a huge commitment.... It's a risk I would be scared to take... But can you imagine the excitement? Can you imagine the complete Joy of working for God in eleven different countries? Rachel is being bold and taking a risks.

Max Lucado explains taking risks in this way: "He lavished you with strengths in this life and a promise of the next. Go out on a limb; He won't let you fall. Take a big risk; He won't let you fail."

Rachel, go out on that limb and a take a huge risk... He's got your back. Love you!

TO everyone else, be bold... TAKE RISKS FOR JESUS!!!
Today I will begin to remind myself of this everyday!

Friend or Acquaintance

I heard it once said "Be as loyal to your friends as you want them to be to you". Are you loyal to your friends? Do you keep your promises? Are you there for your friends in good times and bad? What kind of friend are you? Are you a friend or just an acquaintance? THERE IS A DIFFERENCE. Your relationship with an acquaintance is defined more by contact than by commitment. To me loyalty is a distinct characteristic of a friendship. Two people who are willing to make personal sacrifices for each other, who are LOYAL, and who are simply there at all times is a true friendship. In a true friendship the two who are woven together do not keep score of who owes who... who is right and who is wrong.
If Im going to be honest with you all I must say that the things I listed above are things that I fail at most of the time. I'm not always loyal. I'm not always there through good times and bad times. I'm not willing to put my pride down and say I was wrong. I usually keep score of who does what and when it is done... and this is not being a true friend....
to those whom i have failed...
Sorry.

Challenge: Find a true friend, thank God for them, be open, listen more, and remember... be the kind of friend you would want to have...

John 15:13

I really do know how you feel

We've all felt this way at some point in our lives...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUPk5eKsGvs

Some things I've learned lately...

So, here are some things I've learned lately...
(I'm Shocked I haven't learned these things earlier)

God is Good
My mom will always be right... and to be honest, I'm okay with that!
Never treat someone like they're second best!
Everything you want comes after you stop looking for it...
We all have secrets.
God is the Great Physician!
Never take anything or anyone for granted.
You always end up where you're supposed to be...
This life is not about keeping score!
Get up and do something...
Talk with God
Don't Text and Drive at the same time - Please
Talk less and Listen more!
"The beauty of photographs are that they never change...even if the people in them do!"
Laugh a lot
Surround yourself with good friends!
"Never write a check with your mouth that your body can't cash" (Never make a promise you can't keep) - My Favorite
Be kind!
Letting Go doesn't mean giving up!
Every second I am mad or upset is a second of joy and happiness I can never get back!
Praise God in EVERY situation!

My Goliath Moments...

Lately I've been trying to get everything in my life on track. It hasn't been the easiest thing but it's been the best thing I've done in a long time. I've had to make sacrifices, change some things, loose some people, and put some things on hold for now. To be honest, I felt like David in the story of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17). What were the Goliath moments in my life? Finances, Jealousy, Heartache, Loneliness, Anger, and Hurt. With all this stacked up against me I felt like David facing a huge giant. The only difference, David ran toward the GIANT (vs 48: "As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him.") while I was running away from my GIANTS. I thought it would be so much easier to run in the other direction than to face these difficult moments in my life. I thought it would be better to be by myself, lock myself away and simply be depressed. But I quickly found out that I could not run that far... I had to face the GIANT. I had to take care of these things that controlled my life. And now I am doing so. I'm not going to lie and and say it's been a breeze because it has not. My finances caused me to move back home, my anger and jealousy caused me to loose someone, i've had to let go of a few things, and come to the realization that I WAS NOT IN CONTROL. God is control. I started praying a prayer that many of you know "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want". And as I began to pray this prayer some things started to change in me. I no longer look on this situation as ALL bad but as a learning experience. I understand that I can not do everything on my own... I need Jesus! And here's the best part of the story... Are you READY???
DAVID WINS! DAVID KILLS THE GIANT! David told the giant before he killed him "You come against me with a sword and spear, but i come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty".

So i face my issues knowing that The Lord Almighty is on my side. I know and have faith that things will work out with my finances, relationships will be restored (in God's time, not mine) and God will continue to show me His Greatness each every day!

5 Questions all Single Women Should Ask - Steve Harvey

Before you get too serious…
Is the new man in your life a keeper or a player?

Before you get too attached, Steve Harvey, comedian and author of Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man, says there are five questions every woman should ask.To make your intentions—and his—clear, Steve says it's never too early to strike up these conversations. "You start these questions the first day you meet," he says. "I don't care if it's at the club, at church, whatever."Don't worry…Steve says if a man really wants you, these questions won't scare him off.

1. What are your short-term goals?
Steve says this is a question you need to ask on the first date. "That's important. You want to know what a guy's working on," he says. "You listen very intently. You use your investigative skills. You be smart."

2. What are your long-term goals?
Every man needs to have a plan, Steve says. "They have to be different from the short-term goals," he says. "If they're not different, you have a guy that's not really planning."Once you're armed with this information, Steve says you can decide whether you want to attach yourself to his plan and take the relationship to the next level

3. What are your views on relationships?
Family, friends, God…find out if these bonds are strong. Steve says a man's relationship with his mother is the most critical. "If it's nonexistent, that's a red flag. If that bond has been tainted or broken, please know he has no problem tainting or breaking yours," he says. "If you can't love your mother, please know he is incapable of loving you."If you're spiritual—and he's not—Steve says you probably won't be able to change him. "Your cookie is not that good to make him go to church. He's had cookie before," he says. "He still ain't with the church."

4. What do you think about me?
Steve says women should listen carefully to how a man answers this question. It may reveal a lot about the impression you're making."He'll gladly tell you this. 'I think that you're great. I think you would make a great mother. I think you would be a terrific homemaker. I think you're very independent. I think you're very worthy,'" Steve says. "He's going to tell you all of this stuff."

5. What do you feel about me?
Once you have the answer to the fourth question, immediately ask the last one on Steve's list. In most cases, how a man feels about you will be very different from what he thinks of you."A man that has been thinking about you seriously has an answer for that," Steve says. "[He might say:] 'How do I feel about you? I feel like when I'm not with you, I ain't going to make it. I feel like you're the one for me. I feel like finally I've met somebody who I can share my hopes and dreams with.' … You may even find these words: 'You know what? I'm in love with you.' Which is what you're all looking for."

Favorite Quotes

"Arguing with a fool proves there are two."

"When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us. "- Helen Keller

“You can be mad as a mad dog at the way things went. You can swear and curse the fates. But when it comes to the end, you have to let go.”

"For attractive lips, speak words of kindness. For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people. For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day. For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone."

-Audrey Hepburn

"Don't let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game."

SOS Mission Trip

The Trinity by Charles Swindall (A wonderful book I’m reading again)I found this poem in chapter 6 and I Love it!An anonymous poet said it this way:
One by one God took them from me, All the thing I valued most, Till I was emptied handed, Every glittering toy was lost And I walked earth’s highways grieving. In my rags and poverty Til I heard His voice inviting “Lift those empty hands to Me”. So I turned my hands toward heaven, And He filled them with a store Of His own transcendent riches Till they could contain no more. And at last I comprehended,With my stupid mind and dull. That God could not pour His riches Into hands already full.

Let it go. Trust Him. Love Him. Remind yourself that He is trustworthy. He won’t hang you out to dry. Love Him as you love no one else on earth.

I dare you!

I am BLESSED!!!!!!

Me and My Sweet Nephew Dylan!

Thankful....

Today I'm thankful for....
Jesus and the life He has given me.
My wonderful Family
My fabulous Friends
A wonderful job and co-workers
My students
My wild and crazy dog, Jayjay
Moments of being Lazy, and loving it!
My support system... you know who you are!!!

What are you thankful for today?

"Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man"

Steve Harvey has a new book “Act Like a Lady, Think Like A Man”.
I love some of his thoughts from the book and interviews…

“Women should still act like ladies. Let the man open the car door for you. Don’t be a ‘chirp’ girl. You know when a guy hits the button on his key ring and you here ‘chirp chirp’ then You open the door and get in. It should not be that way. My sons are not allowed to get in the car until their mother and sister are in the car. We can’t be buckled up inside if or when something happened outside. We have to protect them. We can’t protect them if we are inside the car. I teach them that. Ladies, you can still be independent. Make all the money you can make. But be a lady. A guy takes you dinner, allow him to pull the chair out, open the door, and pay the check.” – Steve Harvey

“Women have stopped having standards and requirements when they first meet a guy because you are so afraid you’re going to run a guy off. You are not going to run a guy off that really wants you. I got news for you… you can’t run us off if we want you.” – Steve Harvey

My friends are Amazing!!!

I love my friends!!!

"I can trust my friends. These people force me to examine my life, encourage me to grow."

Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born."- Anais Nin

"It's the friends you can call up at 4am that matter."

"I get by with a little help from my friends." - John Lennon

Today's "To Do" List for Monday, April 20th

1. Smile and laugh more.
2. Drink plenty of water. (I'll work on this one)
3. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
4. Study God's Word
5. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your Family and friends will. Stay in touch.
Have a great MONDAY!!!!
JLA

Julie Adams Photography

More of Sarah's Senior Portraits

The Holiday

I found a clip to my favorite part of the movie "The Holiday". I think that at some point in our lives we have ALL felt this way...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUPk5eKsGvs


Enjoy!

Today's "To Do" List for Saturday, April 18th

1. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
2. Play more games.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
4. Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6
5. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

HAVE A GREAT DAY!!!

Julie Adams Photography

Julie Adams Photography

Today's "To Do" List for Friday, April 17th

I love "To DO" List... I don't know why but i do!!! A friend sent me a list for 2009 and i thought that i would share some of the wonderful ideas with you each day...
ENJOY!!!

1. Make time to pray.
2. Don't overdo. Keep your limits.
3. Call your family often.
4. Know that GOD heals everything.
5. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

My Life is Amazing...

I am Blessed...

To the Fellas....

A dear friend sent this to me today!!!

Men...This is what you need to know:
Tell her how you admire her.
Let her fall asleep in your arms.
Push her on a swing.
Tell her she looks beautiful, not sexy or hot, but beautiful.
Kiss her on the forehead.
Just talk to her, not just by texting or phone calls, but talk to her…face to face.
Slow dance with her.
Kiss her in the rain.
Stare at her.
When she is sad, be there for her.
And when you fall in love with her… Tell Her!

I love my family...

i have some pretty amazing people in my life....

I Love My Job!!! I have the best students ever!!! This was our Girl's Retreat at Lake Tuscaloosa!

JayJay... My Wild and Crazy Dog!

My Sweet Nephew, Dylan!