One of the Boys

I recently got an invitation on Facebook to be in a group. The group is called Danny's Boys. And here is the story behind the invitation:

It started when Chris was in high school and was a member of a discipleship group at church. The group was led by Danny Jelley, and the guys continued to hang out through, and now after, college. One of the first "tests" I had to pass as Chris's girlfriend was meeting Danny. I had just driven 6 hours from Nashville and Chris took me to his house and we talked. Danny asked me some deep questions about myself and my relationship with God and then he had to leave because China called. I'm not sure how long Danny was on the phone, but I think I may have fallen asleep on the couch. I'm pretty sure I passed the "test" because he would have told Chris if he didn't approve.

Since meeting Danny, I met the guys from this group and was immediately accepted because of Chris and our relationship. This was truly an amazing feeling. This group was, and still is, a huge part of Chris's life, and they have become a huge part of mine as well. Danny and his wife have welcomed me into their home and discipleship family, and so have the guys. This was point was driven home when I got an invitation on Facebook to join the group "Danny's Boys."

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This entry is dedicated to those who check blogs on a daily basis . . .

I think one of the reasons I don't update my blog on a regular (or even semi-regular) basis is because I am an introvert. Being an introvert really has nothing to do with being a "people person," it's about how one processes life and its events. I am a person who very much needs to think about things for a while before I can talk to anyone else about them. Chris knows this, however, many of you, blog readers, do not, so I am enlightening you. I actually enjoy writing and find it comforting, but I hesitate to blog my thoughts simply because I don't want the world reading my processing. Does that make sense?

Last week Chris and I were watching Miami Ink, a show about a tattoo parlor set in Miami (obviously). In this particular episode a man came in to have his tattoo finished and that meant adding a verse from Isaiah. The tattoo-ee was telling the tattoo-er his life story explaining how he came to know the Lord and left a life of drugs and crime. After the tattoo-ee left the parlor, the tattoo-er talked about how this guy's story was good but that the man should have given himself more credit; basically the tattoo-er was saying it was the man's hard work that turned his life around and had very little, if anything to do with God. This statement struck me; the tattoo-er really believed that God didn't do anything, implying that as humans we have the capability of pulling/getting ourselves out of whatever we are stuck in. If that were the case our world would be a vastly different place. Think about all the people in world and the problems each of us has and the fact that we are hopelessly stuck with them because we are incapable of fixing them. Our world is full of people who seek alcohol, drugs, relationships, and various other things to try to get themselves out of situations to find that they are only in deeper . . .

Situations like these show me very vividly that there is a need for a god of some sort. A need for something bigger than ourselves. For me, and many others, that is the god described in the Christian Bible. I know that He is bigger than all situations and He can help us get out of whatever we're in. I hope that the tattoo-er from Miami Ink comes to a place in his life where he realizes he needs something bigger and finds God.

A young lady from Spartanburg, South Carolina knows this God. To read her story visit: www.caringbridge.com/visit/hannahsobeski

Brief Update

I'm applying to Converse College's Master of Arts in Teaching program for the fall.

A Stephanie Plum Moment

I'm not sure how many of my blog readers also enjoy the Stephanie Plum novels by Janet Evanovich . . . but if you do you will understand the following statement: Tonight I had a Stephanie Plum moment. Let me explain . . .

Tonight I decided that I was going to make dinner for my wonderful husband. So I got out the bag of frozen chicken fingers and the box of mac and cheese and began "cooking." Dinner was just about ready when Chris walked in the door. He set the table and we lit candles (we like eating dinner by candlelight) and got ketchup and BBQ sauce and said a prayer and began to eat. I started opening the BBQ sauce and got up to get a knife (the plastic they put on the outside is so hard to get off . . . ) and after I got the plastic off I shook the bottle (my logic in doing so was this: you shake most things when first opening them, why should BBQ sauce be any different?). The next thing I knew I was standing in the doorway of the kitchen with BBQ sauce all over me and the floor . . . Seriously, it looked like I had been shot . . . There was BBQ sauce all over my comfy Ole Miss hoodie, on my face, in my hair, and inside my ear. Chris and I worked on cleaning the carpet for a while; needless to say, I'm glad my dad bought Resolve the last time they were here or our carpet would still look like a crime scene. I tried my best to wipe the BBQ sauce off my sweatshirt and then off my pants and my socks . . . and when I wiped it off my face, I realized the vinegar had seeped into my skin and now there was a big red mark on my chin. And it took at least 5 Q-tips to get it out of my ear. Alas, if I was Stephanie Plum I'd go to the convenience store and pick up some snacks and call Morelli, hoping he would take me in for the night and make all the problems of the day disappear. I, however, am not Stephanie Plum, and my reaction was to finish my dinner and relax on the couch and read about Stephanie Plum and her crazy antics.

(For those of you who have not discovered the beauty that is the Stephanie Plum series, you should go straight to your local bookstore/library and get one; they're awesome!!)

Update

I feel like it's time for me to update my blog, but I'm not exactly sure what to write about . . .

I found out last week that my beloved boss turned in her letter of resignation. I haven't worked for MeLina too long, but she is approachable and willing to teach me and very affirming of me and my work. I understand that it's time for her to move on, but the selfish part of me wants her to stay and continue teaching me. From working for her I feel like I've really gained some usable skills, skills that will be applicable for life in general, not just for working in a staffing agency. I know that MeLina will go on to do great things in life because she is that kind of woman. Good luck, MeLina!

What else is going on . . . hmm . . . we got the email of who's going to be on staff this summer. And we've started sending out our "about me" emails. It's an exciting thing because it means that Seesalt is getting closer and ideas are beginning to flow and preparations are well underway (or at least they should be!). That also means I need to get on the ball and work on getting the dances together!

I've been married over seven months now and I still love it! I love Chris with all my heart and am still very excited about the spending the rest of my life with him!! :)

My parents came to visit us last weekend, and that was wonderful. Aside from working on health insurance applications and doing our taxes, the weekend was wonderful. (And I suppose doing taxes was alright, but only because we're getting a lot of money back.) We went shopping and out to eat and did a lot of relaxing.

Chris has been doing monologues in church the past two weeks and will do them for about three more weeks. I have to say that my husband is very talented and does a wonderful job with his monologues. I'm so proud to be married to such a wonderful and talented man.

Well . . . I guess that's about all that's going on in my life. Actually, I'm sure there's more that's going on in my life, but Chris needs the computer so I'll wrap it up. Have a wonderful week!

Because Kat Told Me So . . .

Kat is upset at the rate at which I update my blog, so here I am, updating. (I love you Roommate.)

There's not a lot going on in my life presently. I have a "new job." I'm doing the same thing I was doing but I'm at a different office. I like my new office and my manager. It's just the two of us and I'm very happy where I am.

Shari had her violin concerto last night and it was beautiful!

My parents are coming to town this weekend. They are bringing a "new" car for us. My grandmother is giving us her 1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme with 24,000 miles on it (yes, 24,000 miles, that is not a typo).

William the Super Monkey is doing well. He enjoyed the Olympics, and his dream is to become a freestyle ski-jumper.

I love the dance studio I'm going to! The classes are fabulous and everyone there is wonderful.

I suppose that's all I have for now . . . Kat, I hope this satisfies your craving for a new blog.

:)

Ode to Kat

This weekend Chris went to Chattanooga to help his dad at a conference. I'm not a huge fan of staying by myself so I asked Kat to come hang out for the weekend. This blog, therefore, is an ode to her.

Things I love about Kat:
-Even though we don't live together, we still call each other "Roommate."
-She likes Chinese food.
-She can find anything on the internet. She's an internet guru.
-She loves fleece blankets.
-She's a Mac person.
-She lets me use Quincy.
-She went to dance with me. (I hope your quads are feeling better, Roommate.)
-She is encouraging.
-She listens.
-She's there whenever I need her.

I love Kat dearly, and my list is not nearly complete, but these are some of the first things that came to my mind.

I love you, Roommate!

The Best Valentine's Day Ever

When I got home from dance class, I opened the door to multiple paths of small red hearts on the floor. Each path led to a big heart that expressed Chris's love for me . . . it brought a smile to my face and happy tears to me eyes. I love Chris with all of my heart. I am truly blessed to have him in my life.

Babe, thank you for making today the best Valentine's Day ever. I love you.

Coretta Scott King

Living in Atlanta I've noticed that news channels here are (in some cases) obnoxiously biased towards things happening here in Atlanta; in fact, national news often takes a backseat. Coretta Scott King has been the top story on each news cast since she died and that has gotten me to thinking . . . One of the local stations is even showing her whole funeral (which could be three hours long). I'm off today and don't have many things on my agenda, but one of them is to watch at least part of Mrs. King's funeral. The history books never spoke of this woman, but she many on tv have referred to her as the "first lady of the civil rights movement." President Bush and his wife and three former presidents are in attendance, many national figureheads and media stars, famous musicians are performing . . . The church sancuary holds 10,000 people and the overflow room holds 1,500 and they are still turning people away. People got there at 5am to get a brief glimpse of her body.

All of this makes me wonder what kind of impact I will have on this world once I've left it. I am fairly certain I will not lie in state anywhere and that current and former presidents will not attend my funeral, but who will? How will my life impact this world? Will it have made an impact for the kingdom? That's what I want; that's what I'm called to do. Honestly, I'm not sure if Mrs. King made an impact for the kingdom of God, but imagine if she had. I want my life to make an impact like Mrs. King's, but not on the world or nation as a whole, instead on the lives of people I have come in contact with.

Toilet Paper

Now if you know me at all, you know that I love Trading Spaces. So for Christmas, Bill (my father-in-law), got me a couple of Trading Spaces book. One of those is "Paige by Paige." Paige Davis is the Trading Spaces host, and the book is a diary of the show and her life throughout season three. I started reading it last night and have subsequently finished it. But I found one entry rather interesting and have decided to share it with you, faithful reader:

February 28th, 2003
3:24pm

Since the beginning of the season I've been taking an unofficial private count of how many people keep thier toilet paper roll with the flap over and how many keep it under. I am surprised and dismayed to announce most people keep the flap under. Don't people realize this is just wrong? Hotels hang the roll with the flap over; they even fold the flap to a little point. It's the right way. I've been secretly turning the toilet paper rolls over if they are the other way. It's a compulsion.

Hilarious!

I suppose that's all for now. I have had yesterday and today off, which has been wonderful. Unfortunately, I have to be on-site at the bank at some ungodly hour . . . I should probably be going to bed about now . . . Good night?

By the way, I keep the roll with the flap over. Yourself?

Things I Love

-sleeping until 1pm
-my husband
-William the Super Monkey
-blankets
-SATCo
-Seesalt (I can't wait!!)
-Chillipepper
-hoodies
-naps
-formulaic crime dramas
-make-over shows
-Coke with ice
-my husband
-my in-laws (parents and siblings)
-my family (parents and brother)
-Furman
-BCM
-getting email (hint! hint!)
-Jesus
-checking things off my to-do list
-getting non-work-related cell phone calls (hint! hint!)
-spending time with friends

This list is by no means exhaustive, but it's a start . . .

Tis a new year

Tis a new year and now's the time to look back . . . to Christmas.

Chris and I spent Christmas weekend in Nashvegas with my family. We had a wonderful time and were lavished with love (and presents). We spent Christmas Eve with at my grandmother's and Christmas day at my house. I had Monday off and Chris and I went shopping with my mom at Target, where I got a fabulous new outfit.

The next week involved a special Christmas with my husband where we exchanged gifts and then watched the water pour into our apartment (trust me, it wasn't as romantic as it sounds). After a somewhat crazy work-week, and a very long drive, we arrived in Spartanburg.

Once we got there we had Christmas with Chris's immediate family and watched Tobey Tyler. Tobey Tyler is a movie about a boy who runs away and joins a circus, where he befriends a monkey named Mt. Stubbs. (The monkey doesn't die.) Saturday we went to Chris's grandparents and met the extended family for dinner and more gifts. There were a lot of younger cousins, and therefore lots of noise.

I spent a lovely New Year's Eve curled up on the couch with my husband. I also got my first ever kiss on New Year's! :) The rest of the weekend was calm and restful, which was exactly what I needed.

Here I am, back at work (which is still somewhat crazy), looking forward to what this year has to hold for me: being a wife, Seesalt, possibly school in the fall. I'm looking forward to 2006 and to what God's going to do both in and through me.

Modern Technology and Other Things

My in-laws are putting on a Christmas show in the theatre they run as a part of their ministry. The theatre is in the booming metropolis of Lyman, South Carolina, which is just outside Spartanburg. Unfortunately there was a huge ice storm and massive power outages and the theatre is without power. My in-laws are resourceful people and knew that rehearsal needed to happen so they cleared out some furniture from the home-office and invited the cast over and rehearsal was had.

When I got home from work this evening I called them to see how they were doing and found out rehearsal was in the office. We got on iChat and hooked up the video cameras and for about an hour, Chris and I watched rehearsal. It was really cool. We got to see all of our friends and family and got to listen to some Christmas music and see some Christmas dancing.

In other news, I suck at updating my blog; please still love me and continue being my friend. I have had a few friends get engaged over the past few weeks: Justin Nelson and Bailey Edwards; Brent Lineberry and Megan Robinson. Kat, my bridesmaid and former roommate, is going to be living with Chris's grandparents, despite my numerous attempts to get her to move here and work with me at Horizon. Speaking of Horizon . . . things are a little crazy at work. I'm tired and wish that I had comp time or vacation time and could stay home and relax (and sleep) for a few days, but that's life I suppose. Working 40 hours a week has really made me appreciate college and the almost daily naps and the ability to skip class on a whim and the fun people and learning (I miss my psychology classes, I'm such a nerd).

Dawn is home from France; I haven't talked to her yet, but she's home. I talked with Kimberly Freeman a few days ago, and I love and miss her so very much. Lauren Harris is fabulous and it's been good to see her so much this term. And while I'm mentioning wonderful and fabulous people, I want to mention my husband: I've had a crazy week and he has been patient and loving and caring and just amazing. He is truly one of the greatest blessings in my life. I love him with all of my heart.

Also, I love stuffed animals. Two of my favorites are Danny and William the Super Monkey. Danny is the bear I gave Chris about this time 2 years ago. William is the monkey Chris gave me for our one year anniversary; he has a cape, that's why he's a super monkey. I also love the fleece blanket that Kat made for me during our sophomore year; without it I'd probably freeze to death.

Well, I had best head to bed because I do have to work tomorrow. Have a good night and a safe tomorrow.

Nashvegas

Chris and I went to Nashville this weekend. It was a welcomed change after a long week of work. I got off early Friday and Chris and I went to the DMV and got Georgia driver's licenses, then we were off. The drive up there was beautiful; the leaves have finally starting changing and the colors were just magnificent. Matthew was also at home this weekend, so the whole family was together (which is rare). We went to a findraiser for mom's ministry Saturday morning and then relaxed during the day. My grandparents came over and looked at the wedding proofs. Chris and I watched tv (I won't mention the Georgia Southern game) and then ate dinner from SATCo, my absolute most favorite restuarant! This morning we went to church with the family and then ate dinner with my grandparents (we saw a LOT of my grandparents this weekend). After lunch Chris did some Hebrew and mom and I went to Target. I love Target!! Mom got me a new watch and some other much less exciting, but nevertheless necessary items. Now I'm back in Atlanta. It was good to see my family and spend some quality time with them. I have a full week of work ahead of me, but it's all good. One last note: I have the best, most loving husband ever!

An Update

Furman's homecoming was amazing! Chris and I participated in a lot of different activities (with the exception of a romantic ride, or any type of ride, on the Ferris wheel). We went to Furman Friday and helped pomped the Super Mario Brothers themed float. We ate dinner at Firehouse and I took a walk with Lauren and rode the paratrooper with Shari. Saturday morning we visited a variety of different professors and caught up with some of our favorites and ate lunch. Thankfully we gave Elon a good stomping. That night we ate at Chris's grandparents' for dinner: the salmon was amazing!

Last week I went to Horizon Staffing, the temp agency about a block from the apartment. I filled out all the paperwork and had my first job Friday. I answered phones at a law office.

This weekend was the first in many that Chris and I stayed here. We relaxed and slept in and watched an insanely large amount of football. Saturday night we went to Outback (!) with Jon Dees and his parents. It was good to catch up with Jon, he's a really great guy. Sunday after church Chris took me to Ruby Tuesday's for a surprise lunch. It was truly wonderful. Chris makes me feel so special. Ladies, wait for a guy who treats you like a princess; they exist-I know I didn't marry the last one, Matthew Ferree and Taylor Cox (and others) are still out there!

This week I'm working as a temp at the temp agency. Today I went to a job fair to help recruit people to work at the bank. I learned how to finger print someone and I got to eat lunch at Wendy's! The best part: $10 an hour.

OH!! I forgot one of the most exciting things that happened!! Chris and I got our proofs from the wedding! They are so absolutely wonderful. My parents met us in Chattanooga to look at them and they loved them too. Yay!

Chris is working on a paper and I'm waiting for Trick-or-Treaters! I hope everyone has a safe Halloween!

Stars

This weekend Chris and I are in Spartanburg helping out with a conference at the theatre. There was a lower turnout than we wanted/anticipated, but God did a lot of things and 2 young women came to know Christ. And those things were amazing, but parts of today have just been emotionally draining. Some people did some things unintentionally that hit me in a place I didn't realize was still hurting (if that makes sense), Because of this I decided to pass on a Denny's run and come back to the Cox's for some me-time. I didn't have a car at the theatre so Kat graciously let me borrow hers, a Jeep Grand Cherokee. I rolled the driver's side window down and started towards my destination. To some people, like my husband, running is therapuetic; to me, driving is therapuetic. I love to drive; it calms my nerves. And then there's just something about having the windows down . . . During high school I would take the top off my car and just drive . . . As I drove home tonight, I glanced up at the sky-the sky is so clear here-the stars shine so brightly. I thought of the lyrics to Switchfoot's song "Stars." Part of the chorus of that song is "When I look at the stars/When I look at the stars, I see someone else/ When I look at the stars/ The stars, I feel like myself." And I guess through the therapy of driving and looking at the stars, I felt like myself . . . and that was a good feeling.

Stephen Collins

I know that I haven't posted in a while . . . please forgive me; I will try to do better in the future. I am still looking for a job and trying to get car insurance for Chris and I. We just got back from the GSP-area where we spent some time with Chris's parents and saw Furman beat App State. Last weekend Chris had a retreat and Kat came down and stayed with me; we ate Chinese and stayed up late and googled people we know; she introduced me to Facebook and www.addictinggames.com. Since then I have spent ridiculous amounts of time on those two websites. However, I also spend a ridiculous amount of time reading what's going on in the world via www.cnn.com. I was browsing the CNN website today and found an interesting article about Stephen Collins, who plays Rev. Eric Camden on 7th Heaven. On the tv show, Stephen plays a father of seven and the pastor of a local church. The article states that in real life people view Stephen as a pastor and therefore, he tries to maintain that "character" wherever he is, in the grocery store or at a resturant. Stephen works to keep his calm and not blow up when things get under his skin because he doesn't want to harm the reputation of the man he plays on tv. I read this article and began thinking about how much I blow up in real life and how often I fail to live the way Jesus calls me to. And here is a man who plays a preacher on tv (he may not even be a Christian in "real life" for all we know) yet he makes a conscious effort every single day to live the life he plays on tv; he does not want to tarnsih that reputation. As Christians there are times we don't even try to live the life we claim to have. Stephen Collins is an example to all of us who claim to follow Christ: we must live our lives in such a way so that those we meet in everyday situations will know that the live we life we claim to live.

*The article can be found at the following link:
http://www.cnn.com/2005/SHOWBIZ/TV/10/10/apontv.stephencollins.ap/index.html

A Quote That Rings True

"We love those who have seen the worst of us and do not turn away." Oscar Wilde

I saw this quote on an IM profile and it rings true, at least in my life. I believe that trust and fear are constantly battling one another; you choose which will win. There have been many times in my relationship with Chris where I have taken a risk and chosen to trust him with some part of me that no one had ever seen or that had been wounded in the past. He never once ran away; he did not even threaten to. He has stood by my side and I know that he will continue to do so for the rest of our lives. I love him with all that I am.

William the Super Monkey and Other Thoughts

-I have a stuffed animal that Chris gave me on our one year anniversary. He's a monkey who's name is William. He has a blue bandana he wears as a cape. He's a super monkey. I love him very much. He is one of the best gifts I have ever received.

-I would like to give a shout-out to everyone who worked at Seesalt this summer! I love you all and hope to see you all soon! :)

-I talked to Lauren today, she is such a beautiful person. I love her dearly.

-The world of car insurance is insanely difficult to navigate. I understand it's necessary, but that doesn't make it any easier to get.

-The job hunt is still a hunt. I found a job that I'm really interested in, however, it's for an organization that is heavily involved in the Katrina relief efforts, so they have put hiring on the back burner. I called earlier this week and they should be looking over resumes and applications at the beginning of next week. Hopefully something positive, like an interview, will come of this. Also, you are only "unemployed" if you do not have a job but are actively searching for one.

-Last night, Chris was studying for a test and I walked back to the bedroom. He asked if I was going to watch tv. I told him I was going to talk to Jesus, to which he replied, "Even better." Then I said, "Wouldn't it be cool if Jesus were on tv? What show would He be on?" Chris said He'd be a carpenter on Trading Spaces. Then I said, "No! He'd be the carpenter on Clean Sweep!" (For those of you who have no idea what any of this means, check out www.tlc.com. On Clean Sweep, an organizer, a designer, and a carpenter come together and clean out cluttered, dirty rooms and make them over. Now do you see why Jesus would be on that show?)

-Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. (Proverbs 4:23)
I had read this verse many times in my life, but I did not heed it's advice until I was in college. I did not know what it meant to guard your heart; I did not truly understand what this meant. All I knew was that my heart had been hurt, and that was why I guarded it. Looking back, knowing what I know, if I had guarded my heart from the beginning, I would have spared mself a lot of pain. Unfortunately I see so many women who do not guard their hearts, but who wear thier hearts on their sleeves and freely give them to whatever man comes along and says the right thing. I know this because I did it. I am the first to acknowledge that there are some truly amazing men in this world, but they are not deserving of my heart. I have friends who are dating some great men, mne who love the Lord, but those men are not deserving of a girl's heart. I have friends who only guard their hearts for a small portion of the relationship but who freely give their hearts away when talk of marriage enters the picture. As women, we must guard our hearts in the way we act phsyically but also in the emotional aspects of our relationships. For example, I know many young women who talk like this: "When we get married . . ." I hear that phrase and see no engagement ring and ask if they are engaged and they are not. The problem with this phrase is that it involves and envokes so many emotions and sets expectations so high in a woman's mind. I know they think he is "Mr. Right" and is the man of their dreams and all that, but the reality is that what these women think might happen in the future (i.e., a wedding) may not happen. We, as humans, are not even guaranteed tomorrow, how we can believe something that may or may not happen what could be years down the road. I'm not sure if all this is making sense, but I hope that what you gain from reading this portion of my blog is that guarding your heart, ladies, is something that must be done until you walk down the aisle on your wedding day and say "I do." I just finished walking down the aisle (almost 6 weeks ago) and on that day I was able to take what God had given me (my heart) and give it to my husband. God had taken my heart and allowed it to heal; He took good care of it. It never belonged to me; it was never mine to give away in the first place. And when my wedding day came, God allowed me to give my heart to my husband, and both he and I were grateful that I had guarded it.

Scrambled Eggs for Dinner

Chris (my husband) is in class until late tonight so I'm on my own for dinner. After watching the premiere of "Martha" (Martha Stewart's talk show on TLC) I decided to make scrambled eggs for dinner. I have made many a scrambled egg in my 22 years, but never over the stove. My family makes them in the microwave, which is apparently something that no one else does . . . I added two types of cheese and ham and my eggs were delicious! Success!

I also spent a large portion of today looking for a job . . . I've talked with the Division of Family and Children's Services (DFCS) and hopefully that will pan out. I'm not too stressed about it, which is a good thing. I will find a job and it will pay money, but what the job will be and when I will start are both unknowns. I must trust God to take care of me and to put me exactly where He wants me to be. If only it was that easy . . .