Instrument Lamp

Ever since I was 15, I loved venturing to the Jones' house and looking around at all the wonders. Many trinkets, most instrument themed captured my eyes from the start. There was one thing in particular I was quite fond of. A lamp, but not just any lamp. A lamp made out of a flute and a symbol.

For years I told myself that when I stopped playing my flute, I would get Mr. Charlie to make me a lamp, out of my flute that I grew up playing.

Recently, I began playing weekly for my church. (read about that here) Just randomly, after a little over a year of not being able to visit the Jones' the though crossed my mind... Man, I guess I will have to find another flute to make a lamp out of. It was just a faint memory, a distant wish... a thought soon to be forgotten.

Only, Mr. Charlie had not forgotten. About two weeks ago I received an email to meet the Jones' at the usual tailgate spot after the homecoming game. The only stipulation, Donna and I had to come together. I didn't think much of it, but was excited to see old friends once again. Little did I know what was in store.

As we walked up to the tailgate we were greeted by familiar friends and happy smiles. Mr. Charlie was busy talking, and asked us to go ahead and go into the tent. As we visited and chatted, Mrs. Tamara then called Donna and I back to the front of the tent... and there was Mr. Charlie, beaming holding two lamps... one for me, one for Donna! One a clarinet, one a flute. I was, and still am, overwhelmed with joy. A small word, a gesture indicating something I liked was remembered EIGHT years later and graciously carried out. I love this family, and this lamp means the world to me.

Wow, what a gift.I will never be able to explain how grateful I am for the influence of the Jones' family in my life. What a blessing....

Oh, Happy day!

Lately, I have been in a slump. I am sick, tired, worn out and exhausted. These feelings have become a part of my every day life, and I am slowly learning to cope with them.

The past few weeks however, I have let the rude comments and remarks of others get the best of me. My main love language is 'Words of Affirmation' and I take what people say and do to heart. I know I shouldn't, and that I don't need to worry about things like that... and that is something I work on daily.

Last week, I just couldn't take it any longer, I took off work after lunch and made the journey home.  People had been rude, my student worker hadn't done his job, and I was stressed with school, starting to get sick and OH so tired.

Side note: My student worker never does his job, this is not an uncommon occurrence. Unfortunately on top of his usual laziness, last week, he neglected to do a weekly report that he has been doing for the past two years. Nothing out of the ordinary people, no special demands. No extras. So, at 11am as I was working to get everything I needed to do for the rest of the day finished, my boss asked about the report. I frantically finished a seven page report in one hour. It wasn't the fact that I had to work frantically to get it finished, it was the fact that this kid has all week to accomplish this.. and come Friday he hadn't even started. Anyways....

So, after a very stressful morning, Hunter and I began the journey to my hometown. Friday night we celebrated my high school homecoming. ZC beat NB for the first time in 5 years... and we won homecoming! It was definitely different being back there... but it was good to see some old faces.

Saturday we had a lazy morning with my family and traveled to the Troy game and watched my sister work with the band. My dad was loading hay for a man in Texas and I took the opportunity to show Hunter around the property. We watched my dad load hay, and I took him through some of the fields. That city boy was amazed! He had a great time watching the cows and being in the great outdoors. The Troy game was an interesting one. Things are different and it is weird just sitting and trying to watch a game, as opposed to being in the band. We left during the third quarter to watch the Alabama/Florida game and were very happy to celebrate wins for both of my schools! Go TROY and ROLL TIDE ROLL!

Sunday, was an adventure in itself. Hunter came to church with me... mind you, Hunter is a big city, mega-church kind of guy. So it was interesting bringing him to my down home country church! But, I think he enjoyed it. :) We had lunch with the family and then traveled back to Tuscaloosa.

I cleaned up, unpacked and worked on homework until late into the night. Hunter and I got into our first fight of our relationship.. and it was all over a miscommunication! HAHA! He was so sweet... as I was angrily unpacking he walked up behind me turned me around and just hugged me. (JUST like in the movies!) I cried I was so angry, and because I was so happy to have him there, and to know that one little fight wasn't going to ruin us. He is truly a blessing.

So here we are... back to the daily grind. I hope you each have a wonderful week, filled with many blessings!

Fun, in the sun. :)

Yesterday I drove to Montevallo, specifically, the University of Montevallo, to watch my favorite boys play in a flag football tournament. Daniel and Derrick played with the Troy BCM in the annual statewide BCM flag football tournament. It was great to get out of the house and spend a beautiful day outside. Their first game on Saturday was at 8am, and due to a loss and then a couple wins they ended the night at 5pm. What I thought would be a short morning trip became an all day affair. But I had a blast getting away from it all and just relaxing on the sidelines cheering on my boys!

Here are some of my favorite pictures from the event:

 Here Daniel is... taking a break from the action. He was definitely a star player! :)










Below: Sleeping in between games.. the sun wore me out.. and all I did was watch!!

 Here the Troy Co-ed team plays University of North Alabama...

Here the boys play Auburn.. it was an amazing win with the mercy rule being called at the half. Troy 35-Auburn 0

Prayers Needed

Please pray for one of my dear friends. She is a senior at Troy this year, and has been in the band with me and we became close my senior year. Last night, after she got off work she was abducted from outside her home and stabbed 15 times. She was then dropped off at a house in Bullock County. Praise be to the Lord on high that she was able to find someone and get help. She is now in a Montgomery hospital in stable condition. Please pray for her, her family and her friends. I know crazy people act stupid and have bad things happen to them, but she is a great girl, who doesn't drink, and was just getting home after a long night of work. All prayers and thoughts are greatly appreciated.

In loving memory of Tim

Tim was a dear friend always smiling and greating others. I am blessed to have known him during his lifetime. Tim died tragically Saturday in an accidental shooting.... He was cleaning his gun. Please pray for his family and friends as we all grieve during this time. You can also read a heartwarming story about Tim here.

My first Paycheck

Friday was payday... and I was super excited. Even though we have direct deposit here at work, your first check comes as a paper check. So, I was able to walk across the street to the next door offices and pick up my check myself. I couldn't contain my excitement.

I was so excited, until I opened it. I was shocked to see the amount and if anyone had been able to see my face I am sure they would have laughed! I quickly began to review my deductions. After a series of emails, questions and phone calls, I found the problem. I had been charged over $300 in medical arrears... when in reality I was only supposed to be charged $36. WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!

Thankfully I will receive this money back on my next paycheck. So for now, I have a running joke with my mother that thanks to the government I work... but don't get paid. Thankfully my rent was already paid for this month and I wasn't depending on that extra $300 that was supposed to be in my check... praise God for His many blessings.

I went home this weekend because Saturday, September 11, was my dad's birthday. Alabama played Penn State and we all got together at my oldest sister, Beverly's house to watch the game and have dinner with Dad. September 11 is also Coach Paul 'Bear' Bryant's birthday... and ironically enough January 26, my mother's birthday, is the day Coach Bryant died. Let's just say, I was destined to be an Alabama fan. ;)

Good times with friends and family always make it hard to make the drive back to Tuscaloosa every Sunday afternoon, but I love it here none the less. I love it in two places now, my dream home, and my home in Troy. :)

I told a friend of mine this weekend that God is doing a great work in me, and He is teaching me something through all of this. Even though I may not know exactly what His plan holds or exactly where He is leading me right now... This is where I am supposed to be. Away from all things that made me comfortable and content. So that I may grow in a new and dynamic way for Christ. I believe that when you are content you begin to get in trouble... I believe we should always be striving more, always reaching for a deeper and deeper relationship. Like a ladder, or stairs, once we make it to one, don't get happy and sit there, STRIVE for the next! So, I am striving, learning and living. I am ready for the great things God has for me.

But, my friends, God says to 'Count it all joy when you fall into various trials and tribulations...' I believe that if things aren't going wrong in your life, if you aren't facing some sort of something.. and don't get me wrong it doesn't have to be something catastrophic... Then you are not in God's will. Because if you are striving to do God's will in your life then the DEVIL will be fighting back. If you aren't working for God, the devil has you in his grips, so why mess with you? So, this is my challenge to my readers I guess... Are you striving? Or are you content with the worldly things around you?

Swamped

I hate that I haven't been able to post in so long. I have so much to share with all of you... yet so little time. Last week I started my job... I am currently here now, as I write this. Work is great! I work with an amazing group of men, and the Sr. Office Associate has been really helpful and kind. She even got me a nameplate for my desk.. which makes me feel like I belong.

Now doesn't that look official??

I am tired... and my new schedule is going to take some getting used to. I go in at 6am every morning, so that I can get my 40 hours around my classes. But, God has truly blessed, there are so many factors that I could forsee making me hate my job, but I love it. I am truly blessed to work at UA.

Now, for classes, I have three of them; two of which are going pretty well and one that I am really having to work at. So I guess I can say classes are going well too. I officially have no life, and I quess that's ok, since it's pretty much just me up here. I went home this weekend for a family reunion, and every time I go home it is harder to come back... but when I am here I am happy.

I had a great but whirlwind weekend with my family, and I even managed to squeeze in a driving lesson with Daniel. HAHA! Lord bless him for his patience with me. But I did drive our friend James' stick shift car, all around campus. I am thankful for all of my guys. If it weren't for them, I'd go nuts. Sometimes, girls are just unbearable. I even had dinner and played dominoes with Daniel, James, Sean, Adam and Curt. What a great time. And, friday on my way to town Daniel, Derrick and Sean met me for dinner in Montgomery. What a great time. I honestly know the greatest guys in the world. Each of them are great Christian men, and there friendship cannot be beat. I know that one day each of these guys will find a wonderful woman in which God has made for them, and boy, will they be blessed.

Changes in Tuscaloosa!

So I am back in Tuscaloosa after over a week long vacation at my parents house. I have had a great time spending time with friend and family and was honestly sad to be coming back.

Here's the news... the apartment complex told Gabby that it would just be the two of us living here.... well WRONG. Another girl moved in today, and another girl will be moving in next week. So we will have a full house... I am excited for new people, but sad because Gabby and I got hyped up about it being just the two of us.. and I have a great relationship with her.

My newest roommate is definitely a drinker, as there is now an expanse of alcohol in the fridge and she is slightly messy.. sad day. She is big and athletic looking but seems nice. She keeps to herself in her room and is a Biology major.. And these are just my first impressions. The girl who will be moving in soon is a Music major and is Asian. That should be interesting... however she does play the flute, so that speaks to my heart. :)

I got to hang out with an old friend from high school today... and it was great to catch up. I haven't seen her in years and I just recently found out she was going to Bama for grad school too! We are going to orientation together tomorrow and hope to be better informed by the end of the day.

I have graduate orientation tomorrow, and then the graduate math department has orientation Monday. School starts Wednesday, and I start my job the following Monday. I am excited and scared to get things going and see how they pan out. Here's hoping! :)

Also, a super thing that is special to my heart happened yesterday. Sean has always wanted me to learn how to drive a stick shift car, and he has taught me how to shift the gears and let try to drive his truck a few times... well He went on a trip with his roommate Derrick this past week to New York. So, my wonderful friends were hanging out at Sean's house... Daniel and James washing clothes, and me and Chelsey just chilling. We had dinner and watched a movie and it was really fun... Well, while the clothes were washing Daniel offered to teach me how to drive a stick. So, we got into Sean's truck and drove around his park... ME!! I drove! Daniel was a very good teacher, and I think my background knowledge helped.. haha! But he was very patient with me and always helped me out and reassured me! So.. this is my surprise for Sean! I can't wait to see him and take him for a drive in HIS car! :) I think he will be impressed. And I am really happy to finally completely know how.

I am sure lots of stories will come in the following weeks... here's hoping for a great year!

Shame on you!

Yesterday I was walking to my car and noticed something that made me rather sad.... Someone, mostly likely on campus hit my car. It didn't dent anything thank goodness, but there are a lot of scratches and some chipped paint. I looks as if a tire scraped my car. So I believe it was a truck or other vehicle taller than my little car. I know this may not seem like a big deal, but it more hurts my feelings. I have tried my best to take great care of my car. This is now one of two damaged spots on my car. But there is nothing I can do... I just wish the world would be careful and courteous to all.

Sigma Alpha Iota

For those of you who don't know, SAI is an international music fraternity, for women in the field of music. SAI was and continues to be a big part of my life. Today, I as well as my grand big passed out popsicles to the 315+ members of the Sound of the South, as a gift from SAI to help conquer the heat.

It has been recently that I realize how blessed I am because of SAI. My best friends have come from SAI, and those friends who aren't in SAI have continued to support me no matter what. It means a lot to me.. I love SAI and its principles and I believe that in part, SAI has made me who I am today.

I learned many leadership skills from SAI through my service in offices for three years and SAI taught me how to completely manage my time to the highest degree. ;) My best friends are in SAI.... Mary Allison, who is my big sister, has always been there for me no matter what... She is always there to hear me cry, to listen to my frustrations and to cheer with me when things are going great. Her true friendship is beyond compare and I am so thankful for it. And also, Mary-Anne... (hmm, I like double named, MA friends!!) This girl has taught me so much, and even though we didn't become really close until later in college I believe that our friendship is as strong as any. Mary-Anne has always supported me and helped me through tough times. She's bounced ideas around with me and shared frustrations with me. Mary-Anne has cultured me and taught me things that I would have otherwise probably never encountered.

These are just two girls... each sister has impacted em in a beautiful way. I could go on for days thanking each of them. I am so blessed to be a part of something so great, and so thankful for these girls who love me so much!

A friend in need

In the spring I became really close with a fellow intern and during that time she experienced a lot of great trials that no 21 year old, or anyone for that matter, should have to endure. I have spent many nights staying up late with her because the pain was so great she couldn't sleep.. and I have cried many tears for her.

She is probably the strongest person I know, and through it all she has remained a rock, only allowing herself to publicly break down once or twice... I feel that God gave me to her to shed tears for her.. and that He gave her to me to help me through a difficult time in my life by showing me how truly blessed I was and still am.

Tonight is particularly hard, like this past thursday night, because she is in Birmingham for the summer and I feel that I cannot be there for her when she needs me. I think that I am most excited about moving to Tuscaloosa this wednesday because I will be so much closer to her, but I am also scared because I know when school starts she will be back in Troy and we will once again be far away.

My heart cries out to God for her so often... And I know He comforts her in a way only He can. Right now I just ask that she be lifted up in prayer, to know that she is loved and cared for... and that everything will be ok. Sometimes I wish that I could just magically appear when she needs me... and I just hurt because I am so far away. Her friendship is something that I truly value and is a friendship like I have never had before (in more ways than one, haha).

God, I ask right now that You lay Your hands upon her, show her Your love and mercy. Teach her God that all things become new and to count her blessings. Show her Lord that when the way is tough that You are there to carry her. Bless her God, as only You can.. Lift her up Lord, comfort her, draw her close to you...