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."