Merry Christmas!

Galatians 4:4-5a But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons! 

Happy Birthday, Jesus! 

Thank you, Father for the birth of your Son 

for Him to live a humble life 

 to be born to die  

to redeem the least of these 

What a precious gift! 

Merry Christmas! 

Colorado

To say this post is late is an understatement 

But hey...

better late than never!! 

I went to Denver on a whim

and boy oh boy am I glad I did 

We had a GREAT time! 

I LOVED spending time with my sweet cousin Kathryn,

she is the greatest 

I needed and so enjoyed quality time with my sister,

our hostess with the mostest 

We maximized on our time there

We did a whole lot in a little bit of time 

Day 1: Kathryn and I flew in, naturally were starving 

ate at Park Burger-if you are ever in Denver you MUST go...YUM

We got settled and went to Golden, CO for the Miller Coors Brewery Tour 

Very interesting 

Shelby then cooked us a lovely meal-delicious 

Day 2: Shelby had to go to class so Kathryn and I got to sleep in...

we so appreciated that-we were quite exhausted 

Shopped on Pearl Street

Shelby met us for lunch at Gaiya-another must 

Changed hurry quick 

Hike up to St. Mary's glacier-brr chilly 

Supper and sleep to prepare for the slopes

Day 3: Copper Mountain, CO 

Day at the Slopes 

Copper's 40th Anniversary = a little busy

Pizza pie skiing...guilty 

Extremely cold..like 12 degrees mountain top-yikes

Back home-super hungry 

Machete for supper

Christmas lights of Denver 

Day 4: Denver Day 

Brunch at Jelly-OHH yes 

Cold day in denver-high of 24 and WINDY

16th Street Mall shopping/walking/trying to stay warm 

Denver Fellowship Church 

Supper in Cherry Creek 

Pack to leave :( 

Day 5: Shelby graciously takes us to the airport bright and early 

Fly out of denver on time..check

Arrive in Nashville...and a 6 hour delay 

What do we do?! 

Of course, get a taxi and head into the city for lunch and shopping 

We finally made it home with smiles on our faces and stories to tell :) 

Spontaneous

I would not necessarily consider myself a spontaneous person 

I am pretty Type A 

I like a plan 

AND I typically like a plan WAY in advance 

Well, today, I was spontaneous 

My cousin Kathryn is flying to CO to see Shelby 

next Thursday 

Shelby called and said come on come come come 

after some persuasion

Flight booked I'm headed to CO 

IN ONE week 

I finish class for the semester Wednesday night 

(HALLELUJAH)  

Drive up to Greenville

Leave on a jet plane early Thursday morning 

for girl time with my seester and cousin 

Who is excited? 

THIS girl! 

Are you spontaneous? 

What's the last spontaneous thing you did? 

Ready, Set, Race

Ready, Set, Race...

The words I will be hearing (or similar) in 22 weeks 

154 days 

It's official 

I am signed up 

Plans are made 

Looking forward to a girls weekend away in Disney World 

And my very first 1/2 Marathon 

My dear friend Courtney and I are running the race together

And maybe Kristin...we WANT you :) 

Mom, Mrs. Lisa, Mrs. Lee Ann and maybe others 

WHOA, it might take me 22 weeks to prepare for the crew 

All the laughter and fun--I can hardly wait 

(Bridge Run Race 2012)

As I was running today  

I realized that this endeavor, although I am looking forward to it

WILL be a challenge 

So here I am giddy, anxious, excited

Rallying the troops

I am going to need LOTS of prayer 

Request 1: I don't have a running partner here in Columbia

would love one

Request 2: Since I don't have a partner...

motivation and accountability 

Request 3: As my schedule is busy and often unpredictable 

Consistency in my running 

Request 4: Perseverance 

Request 5: Health, SAFETY and wisdom 

Thank you friends and family

Just keep running by HIS strength and grace:)  

Hebrews 12: 1-2 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and the perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right had of the throne of God! 

Life Lately

Mid-September and let me tell you 

My life looks MUCH different than it did a year ago at this time 

What's so different? 

Last year I was into the school year 

Learning the ropes and busier than I can even fathom now 

This year 

I am not quite as busy

I am learning what life looks like with time

Yet have managed to keep myself quite busy 

I'm subbing at EPA, tutoring, babysitting here and there

AND trying to keep up with LOTS of school work 

Learning to get involved, to build community

learning that that takes time...and patience

Learning about new seasons of life 

yet loving that I serve a sovereign God 

who has it ALL under control 

Photo Re-cap of Life Lately 

 Celebrated this roommate of mine...whom is such a blessing and her 24 years of life

Football
Although I have said I am DONE until it cools off
WAY too hot for this chick
(I'll cheer them on from my nice air-conditioned box seat...aka my sofa :)

*We did take pictures from the 1st game at home as well I just cannot seem to locate them...Look for them in the near future :) 

That's right, we all will be packing heat 

Concealed weapons class

Informative and Comical-best of BOTH worlds

No picture for this HOWEVER
Sunday was such a great day
I finally reunited with my old babysitter in Columbia
She wasn't just any ole babysitter, she was a part of the family
She kept me since I was 2, Shelby and I were in her wedding
She now lives in Columbia, goes to the same church
is happily married and has 3 BEAUTIFUL girls!
We had a great morning catching up and I am looking forward to seeing more of them and spending time with their family
Thank you Debbie and Jay for a GREAT day!
Love you!

And this dear friend and her Husband welcomed a beautiful baby boy into this world yesterday afternoon!
Welcome to the world Camden Joseph! We Love You!

Up Next:
Amber and Michael get married this weekend
Lake Keowee here we come
Yippee! Fall wedding circuit, lets GO :)

Happy Sunday

Ephesians 2: 4-5 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ by grace you have been saved!

We are an incredibly sinful people
We live in a world full of brokenness
We live in a world in which Satan wants nothing more than to intend evil 

BUT GOD, (those are my favorite verses in the bible)
who is all powerful, all merciful, all loving
gracious, just, and faithful
takes what Satan intended for evil
and turns it into something BEAUTIFUL 

Those trials, struggles, and burdens
are what God is using to refine us
mold us and create us more in the likeness of Him 

And in all of life, no matter what the circumstance ultimately it is for HIS glory
Let's meet the real Jesus face to face
Fall in love with Him all over TODAY
Happy Sunday

"Your love never fails, it never gives up , it NEVER runs out on me! In death in life I'm confident and covered by the power of your great love, My debt is paid there's NOTHING that can separate my heart from your great love!!!!"

-Jesus Culture-

Sarah Beth

Sarah Elizabeth Allen

Born 24 years ago TODAY 

A girl that is beautiful from the inside out, has incredible fashion, and an unbelievable sense of humor (it is an Allen trait) 

It was not until August 2007 that she was brought into my life 

We had a great friendship from the beginning 

Freshman year we said "Wouldn't it be so fun if we lived together..." 

Of course at the time, we meant during our college years 

OHH but did our faithful God have better plans...and a sense of humor 

He went on to do big things through both of our experiences at Clemson 

Then brought us back together to start grown up life together 

(OOOHHH Freshman Year :)
We entered the real world, teaching careers...and further education in Columbia SC
We have a precious place that we have made home for us
I could not have asked for a better girl to start grown up life with

Sarah Beth, you have been so supportive
Have kept me laughing
Have been there when I just need to cry
Have encouraged me in my relationship with Jesus
You have given great advice, even when it's hard to hear
And have been a wonderful friend

I cannot wait to see what treasures the Lord has stored up for you sweet girl
He has BIG plans for your life and I am thankful I get to see him work another year in YOU
Happy Birthday dear friend!
I love you! 

The beginnings

It is official

College Football is HERE 

I was able to go the Clemson/Auburn game yesterday 

Let me tell you, it was HOT but we had a great time 

Lots of walking, even more laughter, and even more cheering 

What a way to begin the season...bringing home a win for the Clemson Tigers

Clemson Tigers  

Carolina Gamecocks 

Auburn Tigers 

Georgia Bulldogs 

Florida Gators 

Whoever you cheer for, this season is a big one in the south

It is time of friendship and fellowship 

Tailgating in the miserable heat 

Sore throats from loud cheering 

Unruly fans (unfortunately) 

Outfit dilemmas 

And just hoping & praying that YOUR team wins 

With the start of football I am reminded of these beginnings: 

Cool weather-we hope sooner rather than later

Changing leaves 

Pumpkin Spice Latte's..YES please 

Pumpkin anything for that matter 

And most of all, the beginning of new life seasons 

Wherever you are and whatever the circumstances

The Lord is faithful

Thank you Jesus for doing something new 

Isaiah 43:19 "Behold, I am doing a NEW thing. Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the dessert." 

Time

My sweet Daddy never ceases to remind me that I need to update my blog

So here I am, back again 

I've said it before but I'm REALLY going to try 2 things 

To update my blog more often

AND take more pictures 

I think I can I think I can...

So here is where life has taken me

Finished summer classes-hoorah

2.5 week break-bigger HOORAH 

I have been able to enjoy my family, spend time with friends, 

have some much need R&R, and get my life together before school

TOMORROW 

(Can my break really be over already?!) 

This year will certainly play out differently than last 

This time last year, I had a classroom decorate and had started teaching Kindergarten

I am thankful to not be working full-time as that was just OVERLOAD

I am looking forward to "making the most of my time" (Eph. 5: 16)

In my time, which will be busy with classes, subbing, babysitting, etc

I desire to glorify the Lord and use the time that I have been so blessed with wisely 

I am at a stage of life where I have been given the gift of time

Time to go deeper in my relationship with the Lord 

Time to be intentional with family and friendships 

Time to find a great community and get plugged in

(takes some serious stepping out of my comfort zone-prayers appreciated:)

Time to invest in the gifts the Lord has graciously given me 

Time-to glorify the Lord and enjoy Him forever! 

Time to learn what it looks like to be a committed follower of the Lord! 

Chew on this nugget of truth...

(From the book "Not a fan. by Kyle Idleman-Highly Recommend It) 

"There is no way to follow Jesus without him interfering with your life...He wants to turn our lives upside down. Jesus wants complete renovation, Jesus is thinking overhaul, Jesus is thinking makeover, Jesus wants a complete remodel. Following Jesus WILL cost you something." 

What has it cost you? 

Chisel Away

"O Great God be glorified 
Our lives laid down
Yours magnified..." 


The last few weeks have been 

let's say 

challenging 

In more ways than one 

however

learning a whole lot in the midst 

Busy days have meant no exercise 

If you know me you know I NEED that 

Long days mean exhaustion 

Fading quickly 

Full days mean pretty much 

NO life 

Eventful schedules have kept me 

busy, tired, and in need of grace 

The Lord, through struggles and irritable trials 

is refining me 

Honestly, it hurts 

It's not fun to have those places of 

pride, bitterness, resentment, uneasiness and uncertainty 

chiseled away


However, I am thankful 
Sweet Jesus is refining me into who He wants me to be 
and is weaving HIS story through my life 
and above all 
He is FAITHFUL 


Psalm 115:1 Not to us, LORD, not to us but to YOU be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness. 

Let Freedom Ring

Happy day after the 4th of July 

Independence and Freedom

We take those things for granted WAY too much 

We had a lovely day celebrating freedom at the lake 

It was lovely to be playing on the water 

Laughing with friends and family 

Eating yumpcious food of course

Basking in the freedom we experience 

We are free to laugh, free to enjoy friendships, free to dance

free to read scripture

free to pray 

free to have accountability 

free to live in the freedom of GRACE 

We serve a sovereign God who gives us a huge umbrella of grace 

He died so that we can LIVE 

and LIVE to the full (John 10:10) 

What a blessing to have the freedom to dance through this life

(even WHEN we screw up) 

To live with the fruits of the Spirt

(even when its a struggle)

To live freely because of our sweet Saviors grace 

Happy Freedom Dancing!  

Small Summer Recap

I've been able to document a few things going on this summer

I miss these little ones a lot and I hope they are having a fantabulous summer 

We've celebrated a few birthdays in the Salley household 

Happy Birthday Mom, Evan, and Grandmother 

AND we have gotten to spend some time at the lake-YIPPEE

Heading back to the lake for fun on the 4th 

Taking pictures is my goal

Help me do it Court :)  

Looking forward to sun, laughter, water, boats, family and friends 

Y'all have a happy and safe Independence Day celebration! 

Flexible

Lamentations 3:22-25

"The LORD's lovingkindesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. "The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "Therefore I have hope in Him." The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the person who seeks Him" 

I have been a terrible blogger as of late

I am terribly sorry about that and I PROMISE I am going to try to get better 

I keep thinking I will get a second to breath but it hasn't happened yet

Summer school has been going on for about 6 ish weeks now 

It has been quite hectic, busy, and challenging 

We just finished our 1st summer session class

Are on the 5th week of ESY (extended school year) 

AND have begun our next TWO summer 2 classes 

F is all ready to be a famous cheerleader in Hollywood :) 

Thank you team California 

Therefore days are made up of entertaining children from 9-1:00 

Class from 1:30-3:30

A super awkward break and class again from 5-7:15 

Phew, does it make you tired?! 

Long days and I have never been more thankful for a sweet family that lives in Orangeburg...

You know what that means-no summer commuting, support, meals, and everything else I could possibly need-hallelujiah!

Y'all really are the BEST Mom and Dad-THANK YOU! 

As I have reflected on my first year of teaching, the main words of learning have been  dependence and flexibility. Jobs changed often, attitudes and actions changed and I had to remain flexible, learn to choose JOY, and to love well even when that was a challenge, which was more often than not!

What do you know...our Sweet Savior is still teaching me what it looks like to be flexible, what it looks like to work with challenging people, what it looks like to love well and have compassion.
Learning to have my full and COMPLETE identity in Him because I am redeemed and I am HIS!

All these precious children in my life, people I interact with, friendships, and relationships have been such a learning experience of the Lord's grace and mercy! I mess up every single day and I do not do things that I should and do things I shouldn't but there is a HUGE umbrella of grace. The Lord continues to delight in me, continues to use life and people to mold me and shape me into who He wants me to become, and continues to show me his mercies EVERYDAY!

Thank you Jesus for beautiful reminders such as these of your grace, mercy, faithfulness, unfailing and everlasting LOVE to us!

Dependence and Love

As school is coming to an end, Kindergarten school that is...

I cannot believe that I've almost completed my 1st year of teaching 

*Wedding season is underway-Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Bynum* 

I was talking with my parents last week and they asked 

"If you could sum up in one word what you've learned this year, what would it be?" 

I tell you what, they ask GOOD questions 

They had a word in mind already but guess what, it was different than mine

2 perspectives are always good and reflection is uber important 

So what are they...

I said I have learned dependence; dependence on the Lord and not being so self-reliant 

They said I have learned flexibility-this I have learned in a serious way as well (coming up next...) 

Dependence

~ More often than not I depend on myself for decisions, my physical and emotional state, my strength and joy. Funny thing is, it never works when I depend on measly me! 

I absolutely would not have made it through this year without my sweet Savior to depend on, to give me strength, perseverance, and joy! I have had wonderful friends, family and accountability to walk through this journey with me and help me learn what it looks like to seek the heart of the Lord, to dance under his umbrella of grace, to have a praying and teachable heart! 

~ I am so thankful for this year I have had at East Point Academy. The precious children who have taught me much more than I could every teach them, the wonderful co-workers I've had, the trials and challenges, the fun and laughter!  

My dear friend and accountability partner Lucy and I have been reading the book called "A Praying Life" by Paul E. Miller (fabulous book) and it is so packed with rich truths! Everyone has their own "desert," big or small, at different times of life: this is a quote that I really love: 

    " God takes everyone he LOVES through a desert. It is His cure for our wandering hearts, restlessly searching for a new eden...The best gift of the desert is God's presence...The protective love of the Shepherd give me courage to face the interior journey." 

~Jesus LOVES me--the Lord's love doesn't always mean roses, smiles, happiness and acceptance. No, it means going to whatever means necessary for you to rely and DEPEND on him! The Lord's love is displayed in so many ways throughout scripture, because the Lord LOVED Job, he took everything from him; because the Lord loved David through his trials, because the Lord loved Jonah, he kept him in a whale for 3 days...and so many more stories throughout scripture
I am so thankful for the ups and the downs, the struggles and temptations, the joys and mountain tops because in the midst of ALL that has gone on this year, and it has been a WHOLE lot...

I can say with sure confidence and a heart learning dependence its because

HE loves me enough...

Psalm 36:7 "How precious is your steadfast love, O God..."

SEESTER

As many of you know 

my sweet seester Shelby has been home

since May 16 

It is now May 28 and she is STILL here 

That is like 12 days and we still have one more day with her

It has been so wonderful having her home

We have played, she's met and hung out with my friends, we shopped, we giggled, and have spent some great quality time together

And now it will be sad to see her go 

She is going back to her home in CO to start a new adventure 

For those that do not know, Shelby and I could not be MORE different 

However, I could not ask for a better best friend 

Her life is an adventure, she is brave, she takes huge leaps of faith

like moving to CO (I think she forgot that's like 1200 miles away) 

I see her trust in the Lord displayed in her life 

She is carefree, silly and goofy, always keeps me laughing, and just enjoys life

I am happy to say that she is going back to start nursing school at the University of Colorado 

She'll make the best nurse

She is compassionate and loving, patient and kind 

Everyone will LOVE her

Here's to you my dear sister 

Until I come to you in CO

Which is very soon I HOPE (hint hint wink wink mom and dad)  

And we can hike a 14er and do fun Colorado things

I'll miss you! 

I love you to Denver and back double infinity times :)