Encouraging Words

I have been reminded lately in several ways of the power of words- in every form. Words can destroy and words can create. They truly have the power of life and death. I am so grateful that people in my life have chosen to use their words to encourage my life. I am touched that people invest in me. My love languages are absolutely without a doubt- 1. Physical touch- boy, do I love me some hugs! 2. Words of Affirmation. So, it probably goes without saying, but my love tank sure is pretty full right now!

My amazing dinner...

Cooked in the comfort of my own home...or driveway as the case may be (for the grill). Yummylicious (to steal a word from my good friend Alison).

Boys will be boys...

So I took a long weekend from work and went to visit my family. Always an adventure with my nephews! The pictures speak for themselves...
Brayden refers to this hairdo as 'Spiky Business.' He is definitely his father's child!

Bradley's personality isn't so easily defined in pictures...he needs an audio file. The boy talks NONSTOP. And he doesn't miss anything...I mean, NOTHING. Smart kid.

My brother and sister-in-law better watch out. These two will get them back for EVERYTHING they've ever done, and more. I love them so much!

Memorial Day 2008

So to catch up a little, this Memorial Day weekend wasn't quite as action-packed as last year, but OH it was so much more relaxing and I didn't come home tired! We ate a little, shopped a lot, went to the beach, hung out at the pool, watched movies, played Scrabble (our trademark game), but most of all just got to talk and catch up. I love this girl. So much. How did I ever get so lucky to have her as one of my best friends???

I Stand Amazed

"God isn’t intimidated by my disappointment. It doesn’t make God turn away from me because I wish that things were different sometimes; in fact, it makes Him come nearer."

I read that on another blog this week, and it really hit home for me. I think that God truly enters in a new way when we become open and raw enough to admit that we are disappointed with certain things in life, that we hurt with pain that causes our bodies to shake with sobs, and that we want more from this life. As we stand empty-handed, heart-broken and weeping before God, He becomes magnified and His presence begins to consume us. It is in those moments that I have gained a greater understanding of myself becoming less so that God can become more. His strength is perfected in our weakness.

Perspective matters. Assumptions and judgments are never worthwhile- a lot of hurt can be avoided by asking simple questions. Effective communication goes a long way. Encouragement and support are vital and bring life to everyone. At the end of the day, humans will never be perfect, but God is still God. He is not changed by our imperfections.

Just a few thoughts about how God has been working in my life recently!

Work Conversations, what a joy!

So, two of my friends and I are sitting at lunch talking today. One pipes up, "I've always been in a long-term relationship, I never really sowed my wild oats or anything." The second responds, "I'm not sure I even came equipped with oats."

Wow. That sure explains a lot!

This is how I feel about seeing...


this girl!!! We are going to do some of...


this...and I'm QUITE sure some of...


this. I CANNOT WAIT!

Memorial Day 2008, my friends...it'll be one for the record books. :-)