Behind

I apologize for being really behind on posting a lot lately. There are so many things I wish to share however, my mood and my schedule keep me from doing that. In my busy life, when things get hectic... blogging is on the bottom of the list.. so, it goes first.

Anyways, today I am writing a quick post to ask my friends who read this to please pray for me. I posted a few weeks ago about a friend of mine who is very sick... and well, the severity of the issue is just bogging us all down.

This weekend I travelled home to spend time with my family, and she and I made plans to meet up Saturday afternoon for a chat.

When the weekend came, she was way too sick, and I didn't want to bother her, or be in the way. Naturally, it upsets her when she is unable to spend time with friends because she is so sick... So, I just took a little package and left it at her house for her while she was at the hospital and prayed, hard.

It greatly hurt me as well, I haven't been able to see her since around Thanksgiving... and I deeply miss our chats, her laugh and the wisdom we pass between each other as we share our struggles and discuss life as we know it...

It is the hardest part about coming to Tuscaloosa... knowing how truly far away I am from every one of my friends... It hurts me so much, to be needed, and be away...

Anyways, I will spare you the details.. I know we all have our various troubles. As you go through the week I ask you to be in prayer for me, as well as my friend. Thanks to each of you.

A special visit from Hong Kong

I was privileged to meet a beautiful newborn, along with the rest of Hunter's family this weekend.

Hunter's brother, sister-in-law and their two kids live in Hong Kong. They came to the States for a visit and we were able to spend the weekend with them in Tuscaloosa this past weekend!

Layla, the oldest child, is 2 years old and just adores Hunter. She calls him 'Uncle Hunty' and wanted him to be by her side the whole visit. She is sweet, and stunningly beautiful. What a great kid. Aly, the newborn was a peaceful and happy baby, cute as a button too!

Hunter's brother and sister-in-law were great. I now know where Hunter gets his mannerisms. He is the spitting image of his oldest brother, and they are very much alike.

Here are a few pictures from the weekend:

Layla wanted Hunter to rock her in the tiny rocking chair. She said it 'wouldn't rock' without him. How sweet!

After rocking, Layla and Hunter played more. Look at those smiles through the glass!

When the boys moved to the living room to watch TV, Layla and her rocking chair had to go too! Here is Hunter, watching TV, while steadily rocking the little one! Precious!

Hunter's brother came to sit in the chair with Hunter. This is Layla, concerned that her daddy is squishing 'Uncle Hunty'!! See those beautiful curls?!

I had a great weekend. And I even got to be Layla's favorite for an hour. She sat in my lap for dinner and we played and played. What great family. This weekend was truly a blessing!

It's Official!

Remember this post? Well, yesterday as of 2:15pm, Hunter is officially a contracted Cadet, with a scholarship!

Praise God!! I am so proud of him for working so hard, and enduring so much to get to this point. And we praise God, even though it wasn't how we originally planned it to happen, He still brought us through and worked all things out!

Kill them with Kindness

Many of us have heard that saying. When someone is mean, rude or ugly... kill them with kindness. How easy it is to say, but hard to practice.

I am not sure if I have ever mentioned a certain someone at work that has made my job unbearable at times. A man who, for some unknown reason, has always been rude to me... that is, if our paths ever crossed, otherwise, he ignored me.

Examples of interaction are as follows:
1. The first Friday I worked alone, without the other Office Associate, checks didn't come in as the usually do. This ended up being a problem with campus mail and payroll, and had nothing to do with me. However, the remark was made that "nothing gets done around here when *** is gone."

2. I like to smile at people as I walk by... when walking through the shop one day "What are you smiling for...?

As hard as it was not to be rude back... I tried my best, I kept quiet, and only said nice things. God laid on my heart to pray for this man; and a familiar voice of a friends mom came to mind: "Everyone has gone through different things, you don't know how they were raised..."

I can't tell you that this was easy, or that I wanted to be nice to him... honestly, I had to work really hard to be nice to this man.

Today, my prayers were answered. This morning, he walked into my office (I was scared, as always of the impending reaction). This time it was different. He said, there is something I have been meaning to say... If I have ever been ugly to you, I want to apologize. You have went out of your way to be nice to me, and I am sorry.

WOW! Praise God!!! Many blessings come at the most unexpected times. What a blessing, and praise be to God!!

Answered Prayers!!!

God's ways are not our ways... and His timing, is definitely not ours. And sometimes, He brings you through a trial to learn something before He so richly blesses you.

As I have mentioned before... when deciding to come to Alabama for school, Hunter was offered, and promised a contract with ROTC as well as a scholarship for school. Through many heart wrenching moments... All those hopes were quickly washed away and shot down. He got here, started school, and there was nothing for him.

Well, here we are a little more than $20,000 out of pocket... broke as can be..still hoping a miracle will happen. I cried out to God this past weekend, after looking at gas prices yet again... and He has heard my cry!!

Yesterday, Hunter was called to the side, and told a scholarship (and contract) was waiting for him! Today, he spoke with another man, and after some paperwork... it is true. He was given a 'verbal confirmation' and was told all they have to do now is wait on the paperwork.

PRAISE GOD!!! He knows our deepest desires, and our biggest needs. Hunter was desperately in need of this.. for stress relief, among other things!

To God be the glory for this AMAZING blessing!!

National Champions!

As the Tide celebrates their 14th National Championship, I proudly say ROLL TIDE! It has been a long and hard fought battle; and I am proud of my team. They worked hard this year. And I am so excited!! I am fortunate enough to say that I am a part of the graduating class that contains the 'winningest' football team in school history! And with a legacy like Bama... just that concept is astounding!

ROLL TIDE!!

Passion 2012 and back to work

Well... today it is back to the daily grind. I am fortunate to work for the University, so I get a long (1.5 weeks) Christmas break. I think took the week after the New year to attend Passion 2012.

Passion focused this year on the need to free slaves throughout the world. Did you know there are 27 MILLION slaves in the world today? That is more than EVER before. As college students, we gave $2.5 million to the cause of slavery, and overall more than $3 million was given at Passion. Check out what items you use every day that are made by slaves at slaveryfootprint.org.

This sculpture was made and covered with objects all made by slave labor. Join me in praying for their freedom? This sculpture stands as a reminder that Slavery still exists. You can see if yourself outside the Georgia Dome. And, CNN did this wonderful feature on our cause: watch here.

What a CRAZY break. I spent the week of Christmas with my family back home, then spent time bring in the new year with Hunter and his family in their home... then trekked back to Tuscaloosa to leave, yet again to go to Passion.

I was tired, irritable, and seriously didn't want to get back in a car.. but I knew God was blessing me, and would bless me on the trip.

Overall, I traveled 1,400+ miles this break... all in a car. But, it was a good trip, and a great break. I spent the weekend cleaning out and reorganizing my apartment, as well as resting.

I was blessed to hear a beautiful sermon on New years day about having "Kingdom Eyes" changing your passions and perspectives for the world... by view life through "Kingdom Eyes"... what a sermon!!! And what a great way to start the year!

Here's to a beautiful 2012, filled with God's grace and blessings!