Now You're My Whole Life

 So, this morning I was reading my devotion in Jesus Calling and was reading the verses at the bottom of the page. I continued reading Luke 6:37 and it led me to **WATCH OUT ** Luke 6:38. "Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back." This part stood out:   The amount you give will determine the amount you get back. Source: godlivesandloves.tumblr.com via Michelle on Pinterest It made me stop and pause because I had just texted my friend Sara over at Mixon Mania . We have been throwing around our need to go on a mission trip. I referred to this back in my 30 Before 30 list and again on this post ! I just can't shake it. I know God wants to open my eyes to the world that is all around us. We, as Americans, are so rich, and it's time I share what God has blessed me with. We look around and we...

YAY! I think I am finally done with college . . . unless I go back for my Doctorate. I definitely talked to my mom about possibly doing it. What's a couple more years? Anyhow, we got up this morning after sleeping in a bit from our late night the evening before! I got ready which consisted of sewing a button on my cardi, steaming my grad gown, and finding a pair of tights that didn't have a run. We hopped in the car and headed to pick up Mom, Dad, and Greg. Erin had a mean stomach bug, so she didn't get to come. Thankfully she feels better today! The drive to Dahlonega is gorgeous. When you see the mountains peek over the foothills, it makes the drive worth-while. We stopped at Chick-Fil-A for our quick lunch. We always have great laugh while others look at us wondering what could possibly be funny! Funny = my family! I got dropped off 45 minutes prior to graduation and found my group and spot in line! It was so nice there were others from the other cohort. My group wasn...

Source: shop.holstee.com via Leigh on Pinterest Recently Danielle and I had a convo about why we blog. She did a little post on it, so I thought I would write down why I blog! I blog . . . 10* To reflect on my thoughts - Every day I probably have 10 things I could write about and it really helps to see them in writing. They can be dumb, funny, or special . . . but this blog is a great way to reflect on my days. 9* To give my point of view - I am too shy (I know, yeah right some of you are thinking) at times to truly voice what I think or I can't communicate it in a nice positive way. The blog is a terrific place to stand up for what I believe! 8* To share Christ with others - Gosh, I can't get to the whole world, but I hope to be a light for Jesus! Yes, even through a blog! Source: flickr.com via Christine on Pinterest 7*To bounce ideas off of an incredible community - I feel like I really know some of the bloggers out there even though we've never met in "real ...

{Sara and Julie back in 2008} {Sara and I in 2008} On Friday, I enjoyed a great dinner and movie with some of my gals! Julie and Sara made my night. We all laughed until we couldn't breathe. The cause you ask . . . Garbage Pail Kids. I apparently am too young to remember these, or my mother guarded me from this trash (no pun intended). "Dana, they are like trashy Cabbage Patch Kids", Sara told me! Then, she pulled them up on her cell phone. We couldn't breathe when Sara says . . . "Potty Scotty". I am sure the tables having dinner were wondering what these three grown women were thinking! How gross are those things! I couldn't believe someone would do this to the precious Cabbage Patch Kids. I say it's jealousy! Memories with the girls are some of my favorites! I hope you have some terrific girls in your life!

I woke up around 7:30 and got ready for a fun, full Saturday! Mom came by and picked me up and we headed down to Hobby Lobby and Queen of Hearts Antiques in Buford. We love about 3 aisles in the Queen of Hearts. It's really grown and we are inspired every time we go in. We make a game out of figuring out what parts they used to make certain items. I feel like our entire conversation sounds like this, "Mom, look all they did here was ______" and then Mom saying the same to me. I bought a table for $15 and some frames really cheap to build up stock for our first craft show in November. We have a lot to do, but I think it's going to come together beautifully! When we finished with our craft shopping, we headed over to Kohl's for some new running shoes for me. More on that in a later post. After Kohl's, we went to get lunch. Menchie's is our favorite frozen yogurt place. I know it's not the healthiest lunch, but it satisfied a craving. That made it worth ...

This morning I am thankful for a little girl in my classroom. She is a smart, well-rounded, and sweet girl. I have seen her come out of her shell little by little in a short amount of time this year. When I first met her, she was disappointed that none of her friends were in our class. It is nice watching her interact with students, make friends, and continue to grow. I am thankful that they were not in their house this weekend. Their 3 story house burned down in 7 minutes. I cannot imagine. The good thing is, she is alive and well. Her first comment was, "I am just glad we weren't in the house". What a great attitude for a 5th grader to have! She has a little sister and Mom that also live with her. They have a few things and a temporary place to stay for now. Here are some sizes: Youngest girl - wears a size 10-12 in girls. My student - wears a size 9 in ladies and a size 7.5 - 8 shoe. If you would like to help out by donating items, gift cards to the grocery or nearby r...

This Saturday, we got up nice and early and made our way to the Heart Walk at Riverside Academy. Gabby met us and rode with us which made it that much more fun! It was a bit chilly (in the 50s), and we were all in shorts. I know, we should probably watch the weather. Once we started walking, we warmed up since we were speed walkers. One of the students from the academy sang the "Star Spangled Banner" to start the event off. There were some serious walkers there. They were making sure they wouldn't get any cramps! Who are these two? Zach and Ryan had to be sure they warmed up as well! Gabby can't believe what she sees! She works with these guys?!? Oh, and there are these people who get the title of Top Walker and get a green VIP bracelet. To earn this distinguished title, you must raise over $1,000. Our very own Dossinator worked hard at his firm and raised $1,101. He couldn't do it without the great team he works with, and Bates Carter must be proud! They even ca...