Hello Monday {23}

{Hello Monday}

{hello waking up reeeaaallly late because the alarm didn't go off- I must have needed it}

{hello quick granola bar breakfast and cleaning up my room}

{hello cold rainy morning}

{hello gloomy morning and feeling down in the dumps}

{hello schoolwork}

{hello lunch break and surprise visit from my grandpa}

{hello sweet texts from friends throughout the day}

{hello random call from my Aunt Kim-love her!}

{hello emailing, blogging, and folding a load of clothes with Katie}

{hello snagging a few awesome deals from Lindsay's "closet"- squeeeeee!!}

{hello other random call from my awesome cousin, Caroline.}

{hello exciting weekend plans with my cousin- I'm going on a weekend retreat!!!}

{hello supper and a movie with the fam}

{hello chatting with friends late into the night- shout out to my amazing friend, Rebecca.}

{hello bed- goodnight world}

This post was inspired by my sweet friends, Sarah-Anne and Lisa Leonard. If you want to participate in {Hello Monday} too, then please give credit to Lisa in your post. She is the first one to start this weekly blog series.

“We’re just plain and simple country girls…”

Last Saturday, when my dad’s family came down from the Raleigh area, Caroline and I decided to take a little adventure into the country.  I grabbed my camera and we both loaded up in the car…just the two of us. :)Our first stop was an old abandoned store right outside of town.  I had passed it on the way home several times and had thought it would be a good place to take pictures, but never had the chance to stop before.   Caroline is becoming quite the photographer!  She took all the pictures of me and then, of course, I had to get in on the action and take LOTS of pictures of her.  “Hey beautiful.” :)Our second stop was a field of daffodils! Okay, that’s not entirely true. It looks like a field full of them, but it’s actually just a small patch of them right beside the road.     As we headed back to the house, we found this gorgeous field and decided to stop there for a few minutes too. We may or may not have been freaked out by “someone with a shotgun”. Caroline thought she saw someone, but I assured her that no one was out in the yard. So there you have it.  Our first real adventure by ourselves.  Let’s hope that we will have many more in the coming years since we will both have our driver’s license very soon (ahem.  yours truly) :)

My Personal Thoughts {Modesty}

A big topic in the blogging world is modesty.  I know many girls that have shared their thoughts on the subject and I thought it was high time for me to share what I think about it.   

Modesty is not just about making sure that we have our bodies covered correctly.  It’s about making sure that we do indeed look like ladies (for those of us who are ladies, obviously).  Don't worry, I'm not saying that we have to wear big dresses with ruffles and and bows all the time!  Although, we do need to be dressing in a way that makes sure we will not be mistaken for a man.  In my opinion. 

“Your clothes should be tight enough to show you’re a woman and loose enough to show that you are indeed a lady”...

The main goal of modesty?  Well, you want those that you come in contact with to realize you are a young woman; not a chimney sweep, a man or a prostitute.  You want young men men to look at you as a person and admire you; not look at parts of you because you are dressed in a revealing way.  Please don't be the kind of lady that likes to show everything and leaves no room for imagination.  Pretty please?  It's disgusting and definitely not flattering.  

I do want to point out that feminine modesty does not mean that you always have to wear pink and be in a dress.  You should look for clothes that flatter your skin color, hair, shape, etc.  Like I said before, just look for clothes that keep you covered enough that you have some mysteriousness.

   I know some of you don't wear jeans and like to wear skirts all the time, and I respect your personal convictions.  I personally love to wear skirts and dresses, but I also think that you can wear jeans and still be modest.  Everyone has to make their own decisions about how comfortable they feel and what modesty means to them, right?  I try my hardest to be modest all the time, but Katie is a big help and tells me if I need to change something about my outfit and "fix" things.  I love older sisters... :)

Anyways, so I feel I can wear jeans and tank tops, and still be modest.  I know some girls may cringe at the thought of wearing pants, but my whole family is in agreement with me that it is perfectly fine for ME.

  You have the right to make those decisions based on what God is telling you.

Before I close this, I would love for EVERYONE that reads this post to leave a comment and tell why they wear what they wear.  I am very curious as to what everyone believes.  If you are a guy, I want you to give your opinion on what you think is modest too, what isn't, and why.


This post was to encourage others and wasn't meant to stir up anything at all.  I want to accept what other people believe and I know that everyone has their own personal convictions. 

Forty Eight Answers

I saw a couple of other bloggers doing this, so I thought I would play along too... :)

1. What time did you get up this morning? 8:15ish?

2. How do you like your steak? I hardly ever get steak, but when I do get it, I like it medium well. 

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? The Vow! (It was a really good movie, but there is one scene that I didn't think was appropriate and it didn't need to be in there.  Just a warning before you see it.)

4. What is your favorite TV show? I have a few, but my favorites include: Chuck (sadly, it's over...), American Idol, Say Yes to the Dress (sometimes), What Not to Wear, Terra Nova, Once Upon a Time, and I also like to watch 19 Kids and Counting every once in awhile. :)

5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?  I'm not sure...somewhere exciting!  I love the state of Virginia because of the beautiful weather and amazing views, but then again...I've always thought it would be neat to live in a big city for awhile (New York City), but I'm not sure I would love any other place as much as I love North Carolina.  I think I'll stay here for awhile, but I would love to travel one day.

6. What did you have for breakfast? Donuts from Krispy Kreme.

7. What is your favorite food?  Ummm..I love food! No, seriously.  I love pretty much anything tasty.  I'm not really picky. :)

8. Foods you dislike? Mushrooms and avocados! 

9. Favorite place to eat? Chili's, Outback Steakhouse and Cracker Barrel. 

10. Favorite dressing? Ranch or Italian.

11. What kind of vehicle do you drive? Well, currently I drive the family Dodge Grand Caravan, but I hope to be able to have my own car soon.  First, I have to get my license, though. ;)

12. What are your favorite clothes? AE jeans + an Old Navy sweater.

13. Where would you visit if you had the chance? Ireland, England, and Italy.

14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full? Ummm...1/2 full? :)

15. Where would you want to retire? Not sure...

16. Favorite time of day? Late morning or really late at night!

17. Where were you born? Eastern North Carolina.  (I can't say exactly what town...) <3

18. What is your favorite sport to watch? Hockey and football!!

19. What is your favorite fragrance? Japanese Cherry Blossom and Paris Amour from Bath and Body Works!

20. What is your favorite face cream? Olay! 

21. Favorite baby/kids products? Yeah...I don't have kids. :)

22. People watcher? Who isn't? 

23. Are you a morning or night person? I would say night most of the time, but I can be both!

24. Do you have any pets? No, but we had two cats.

25. Any new and exciting news you’d like to share?  I'm working on a new sewing project this afternoon!

26. What did you want to be when you were little? A teacher and a mommy, like my mom.  :)

27. What are some of your favorite memories? Birthday parties and sleepovers, going to the beach with family every year, field trips with other homeschoolers, and long vacations with my family!

28. Are you a cat or dog person? I'm not a huge animal person, but I can tolerate some cats and dogs.  I would say both.

29. Are you married? Nope, not yet!  :)

30. Always wear your seat belt? Yes, always!  Safety first.

31. Been in a car accident? Never!

32. Any pet peeves? When people talk over other people, when people say "like" too much, smacking, and having a messy/ dirty house...

33. Favorite pizza toppings? Bacon and pineapple! Best.pizza.ever. 

34. Favorite flower? Roses and daisies. 

35. Favorite ice cream? I love cookie dough and rocky road. :)

36. Favorite fast food restaurants? Zaxby's, Sonic, and Chick-fil-a! 

37. How many times did you fail your driver’s test? Considering that I only have my permit right now, zero.  I'm going to be taking the test soon, so I really hope I pass the first time and won't have to go back.  We'll see...

38. From whom did you get your last email? Moriah!

39. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Hmmm... Forever 21 or Target? :)

40. Do anything spontaneous lately? No, I don't think so...

41. Like your job? Love it!

42. Broccoli? Oh, yes!  I used to hate it, but now...I absolutely love it. :)

43. What was your favorite vacation? Going to Charleston, SC with my family! <3

44. Last person you went out to dinner with? My whole family!

45. What are you listening to right now?  The dishwasher running in the kitchen and Tenth Avenue North "You Are More" is playing in the background...

46. What is your favorite color? Do I even have to answer this question?  Pink! I also like green, yellow, and blue.

47. How many tattoos do you have? Haha..none! 

48. Coffee drinker? Yes, yes, and YES!  I love hot and cold coffee.  Frappucino's are amazing!

"Wow... That was an abrupt ending."  

Have a beautiful afternoon, friends!  I'm off to finish some school and I might work on some sewing projects later... 

Hello Monday {22}

{Hello Monday}

{hello 7:00 wake up time}

{hello pancake breakfast by Andrew}

{hello very cold morning and quick shower}

{hello Quiet time}

{hello running next door to feed the neighbors dog- we're dog sitting this week}

{hello schoolwork}

{hello lunch break}

{hello finishing schoolwork and doing some little chores around the house}

{hello making a few fabric flowers and getting ready to go babysit}

{hello emailing a few friends and waiting for Daddy to get home}

{hello driving practice on the way to babysit at 6:30}

{hello pizza for supper and making memories with some awesome kiddos}

{hello playing board games, eating popcorn, and then settling down to watch Facing the Giants while waiting for their parents to get home}

{hello quick ride back home with Mrs. Danielle}

{hello taking my contacts out, washing my face, etc}

{hello cozy (and warm) bed and much needed sleep}

This post was inspired by my sweet friends, Sarah-Anne and Lisa Leonard. If you want to participate in {Hello Monday} too, then please give credit to Lisa in your post. She is the first one to start this weekly blog series.

Caught in Action??

Yes, indeed.  Reports say that she was coming out of a old barn in the country and looked awful suspicious. 

Investigators are still trying to figure out what on earth she doing walking around that old abandoned barn in broad daylight.  No one has been on that property in years!

{Someone snapped this picture of her when she came out the back door...}

{I am completely kidding.  Hahaha... Obviously, I was having way too much fun with this picture when I was editing this afternoon.  Caroline (my cousin) and I had a photoshoot yesterday and this picture was too funny not to share with ya'll...}

Stay tuned for more pictures from our fun afternoon in the country later this week! Have a wonderful Sunday afternoon, sweet friends. 

“You can have all this world. Just give me Jesus…”

Honestly, when it all boils down to it, He is all I truly need in this world.

God has been teaching me a lot lately, but one thing that has really spoken to me recently is that we must draw closer to Him to make our relationship with Him stronger.  He can’t do it all and we have to take time for Him.

It’s always nice to have things around us that we enjoy and have close friends nearby, but here is my challenge for you this week.  Let’s reflect on how much we truly want a relationship with our Savior and let’s make sure that we don’t leave God hanging by a thread.  I am so guilty in this area right now, and I am definitely not pointing fingers at anyone particular.   I know I haven’t been taking enough time out of my day to spend with God and I know I have to change this.  That’s why I’m writing this post, so ya’ll can help me be more accountable. 

Let’s face it.  The lives we live nowadays are crazy busy.  We usually get tired more easily and normally, when we do have time to sit down to relax at the end of the day, we want to do something fun like check emails, get on Facebook, or read an “enjoyable” book in bed, right? Is anyone else with me here?  Between school, babysitting, cleaning, laundry, and everything else in between.  Life can get pretty exhausting sometimes.  Don’t get me wrong, I love my life and everyone in it, but sometimes I just need some “free time”…

We must take time out for Him each day.  He always has time for us, right?  So why do we keep putting our Bible aside to read a more “enjoyable” book, talk to a friend or family member, or watch a movie before bed?  We’re human.  We want other people’s approval and opinions on things.

You know what?  God’s Word is enough.  It can be extremely exciting and it can help you through a lot, plus you can find answers to a lot of your questions too.  Of course, most of you already know all of this. :) 

 

Sometimes, we just get caught up in the other none important things of life and almost forget God is there.  He is always going to be there for us through good times and bad and He should be one that we want to talk to if we’re having a bad day.  We have to do our part for the relationship to get stronger, though. 

I’m not saying that if you don’t read your Bible, then you aren’t doing enough and don’t have a relationship with Him.  I always pray throughout the day and I sing praise and worship songs just to have some time with Him.  I believe that singing and praying is a wonderful way for us to give God glory each day and ask Him to show us what do during the day.  Although, I also know that getting in the Word always helps me feel more encouraged and challenged throughout my day, so I am trying to make more time for Him before the end of the day. 

“Everything that you’re going through in your life now is so much better if you have God on your side.” –Emily N.

I really hope that you were encouraged by these random thoughts of mine tonight, friends.  Just a few things on my heart.  Praying that HE would give me an unquenchable thirst and desire to know Him better, and to seek and search His Word more fully…

“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.  For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” --2 Peter 1:5-8

Much love to all of you.  Have a wonderful night! <3

What I Wore Wednesday {11}

Today I’m linking up to Lindsey’s What I Wore Wednesday blog series! Every Wednesday she (and 150+ bloggers) post their outfits from the past week as encouragement to get dressed and show off your style to all of your blog readers. Many of my blogging friends (Sarah-Anne, Gussy, Kim, Moriah, Lisa Leonard, and Lindsey) also link up, so I’ve decided to participate as well.  I’m not the type of girl that is going to post outfits every week, but it’s fun to do every once in awhile.  I hope you enjoy!

Did ya’ll have a nice Valentine’s Day yesterday?  I had a lovely day and I can’t wait to post about it in the next few days.  ;)                           

{My outfit specs}

Black T-shirt- Target

Shoes- Rack Room

Jeans- JCPenny

Earrings- Target

Scarf- Target? (a few years ago)

I hope you’re having a wonderful afternoon!  It’s been really pretty here in North Carolina today!  Right now, it’s 59 degrees outside and sunny.  I’m off to the salon for a little while with my grandma.  Katie is going to do my grandma’s nails and a friend of mine is coming in around 4:00, so I’m going to stay and visit with her while she gets her hair cut.  I love living in a small town!

Regeneration!!! {2012}

On Saturday, our Word of Life group hosted a free concert featuring the Word of Life Praise Band "Overflow"from the Word of Life Bible Institute in Hudson, Florida. (http://wordoflife.edu/content/ministry).  

This was our second year and it was even better than the first one!  Last year, we had hundreds of people who came from all over Eastern North Carolina, from Cary to the Coast!  We helped promote the concert for several months by handing out flyers, word of mouth, many different Facebook posts, and part of our group even went on the local news to share the details with the community! :)

Needless to say, we were all extremely excited about Saturday and were counting down the days, hours, and some of us might have been counting minutes...Not me, of course. :)

Andrew and I got to the church about 4:30 on Saturday afternoon to help finish some last minute "set up"...

Tickets anyone?

Empty chairs waiting for everyone to arrive...

BIBLE= Basic...Instructions...Before...Leaving...Earth

I personally love how we all decorated the gym... :)

{God is Love!!}

Sorry for all the chair pictures...  

I think I was having too much fun playing around with my camera and the different angles, etc. Hahaha.

One of my favorite parts of the gym decorations...

It's Sarah-Anne (middle) and Becca (on the right)!  

Andrew!!

Margaret Katharine is such a sweetheart. Love this girl!

Oh, hey!   It's one of my new blog followers!  Meet Conner.  :)

Sarah-Anne and Bethany grabbing some dinner before everyone else arrived.  

They were also pretty excited, if you couldn't tell... :)

Random pictures of more awesome people...

Annagrace and Rebecca :)

It's almost time!!!

Mr. Chuck (our youth pastor) said a few words before the concert started and gave out a few door prizes to some of the guests...

We also had a speaker and enjoyed an awesome skit done by Anna and Scott.  

..and we sang until some of us didn't have any voice left. :)

I don't know about you, but singing at the top of your lungs with other Believers is an incredible experience.  I absolutely love it!

We also had more door prizes throughout the night...

What an awesome God we serve!!

After the concert was over, we stayed a little longer and helped with clean up and putting away chairs, etc... 

I also had another opportunity to take more pictures before we left, so I made sure to not waste it.

I have such beautiful friends!  Kaley and Aubrey were one of the few that let me take some pictures of them...Some people (not pointing any fingers, but you know who you are) are apparently scared of my camera.  I still love you, girl! Hehehe.. :) 

Katie was also there. :)

 Andrew and Conner after the concert was over...Yes, they were excited. :)

Also, thanks to my wonderful sister, I now have a picture to prove that I was at the concert...

Hehehe.  Yes, I'm weird. :)

Kelly is always so sweet and asked me to take a picture with her too... 

Kelly and Bekah!!

Oh, and I can't forget to mention that Anna was there too!  :)

This is where the craziest pictures begin...

Scott and Andrew decided to "model" (??) for the camera before we left.  

Hahaha...  I honestly have no idea what's going on in these pictures, but they make me laugh.

Regeneration was amazing and I'm so thankful that so many people came this year!  

It's really sad that it had to be over so quickly, but this year was definitely a success.  There were 7 salvation decisions and 2 dedications that night.  I just hope (and pray) that all the excitement can be kept up throughout the year.  Praying for all the people that just started their amazing walk with Christ too.  It's so exciting. 

Thank you to everyone that helped put together another successful concert.  I can't wait until next year!!