::tuesday unwrapped::

i've seen this on a few other blogs and decided to bring it to mine. "tuesday unwrapped" is about "unwrapping" a specific topic and shedding light on it in a different way. i don't know if i'll necessarily be able to do that, but i'll give it a whirl.

my bestie, R, posted a link on her facebook to this video. kari jobe is one of my favorite new worship artists at the moment and this is her singing one of her songs "my beloved" a few years ago, i hope this blesses you today!



xoxo,

::it IS a good friday!::

today, a few thousand years ago was a pretty dark day in the Christian world. the sky grew black, there was an earthquake and many Christians who had followed Jesus and His disciples watched their beloved Savior hang on a cross of wood with nails in His hands and feet and die... i try to imagine what that would feel like, to watch a person who i loved so much and trusted in so much, die...for me, for my sins...the truth of that is SO powerful--it overwhelms me and as i sit here writing this, my eyes are filling with tears.

i have thought today of those times where i have put my faith and trust in the Lord only to doubt Him over and over and try to take back what i have (sometimes unwillingly) trusted to Him. it frustrates me, because God knows what's best--why can i just let Him have it and deal with it as He sees fit, i mean after all, He knows me best, right? in that same token, i know that we, as humans, have a hard time putting our trust and faith in someone else--because we like to be in control. i think it would be easier sometimes if we would have been able to see the Lord, walk with Him, talk with Him, see Him raise the dead, heal the sick, give sight to the blind. wouldn't that have been amazing?! i really can't imagine it...!

most of us know the story of Thomas, who doubted Jesus, this is what He said to Thomas in John 20: "“Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen me but still have believed.” so you see, we are called blessed, because we believe in a God that we can't see. but He's SO real to me...i hope He is to you too, today.

here's a real life reason that i know God is real and another reason that makes today a "good" friday...

meet the clarkes (megan and mike)

megan is one of my co-workers and most importantly an extreme child of God (and influence in my life) she along with her husband, mike, have been on the adoption journey for the past two and half years. it definitely has not been an easy one--there's been dissappointment, heartache, victories, and trimphs, but through their faith in the Lord, they have persevered and God has now blessed them with the opportunity to travel to Africa to meet their children--and they leave tonight! won't you join with me in praying for them? you can follow their story here: http://www.teamclarke.net/ and you can take a look at her blog updates in my sidebar as well. meg--i am SO incredibly thrilled for you and mike! and i had a GREAT time buying some amazing stuff for them to take with them to the orphans--can't wait to see pictures of the kids in their new clothes!

alright, so back to Good Friday--as dark as that day was, it gives us hope--because we all know that is NOT the end of the story--Jesus rose from the dead and He is ALIVE! if that doesn't make you want to shout "Hallelujah!" and jump up and down, then i don't know what will.

"Oh Praise the One who paid my debt and raised this life up from the dead!"

xoxo,

::wordless wednesday::

today, i read this post: http://tsjphotography.com/blog/inspiration/i-choose-words-to-live-by/ and it touched me...i thought today i'd let someone else's words be written here.

enjoy!

xoxo,

::failed attempts...::

so, my blogging efforts have significantly failed, considering my last post was last summer--i think it's time to start again...

this morning on the way to work--i was reminded of something, something very powerful--and since this is the beginning of "holy week" in the Christian world, i found this to be very fitting.

as most of you know, or perhaps you don't--because there are probably less than five people who read this blog, but at any rate--i am a worship leader at my church. it's an honor and privilege to be called by God to do this sort of ministry, it's also very scary. but God speaks to me a lot through song, so i believe that He puts different songs in my life at different times to get my attention.

lately, i have been wrapped up in a lot of self reflection (absolutely nothing wrong with this-) unless it gets in the way of spiritual reflection. and boy, has it ever gotten in the way of that...so God in His "oh-so-gentle and friendly way" (but really it was probably just this way for now...until i actually listen, because if i don't---things are probably going to get a little worse and even more worse until i LISTEN!) anyway-this was His reality check for me today. a song called "soon" by brooke fraser. the words hit me like a ton of bricks, not only because of their truth, but it made me stop and think about what i am doing in the time that God has given me on the earth to serve Him. it's kind of scary when you press pause and truly think about it--

so, here it is, one more (hopefully, non failing) attempt at diligently writing this blog and also here's to listening to God's voice the first time. because His "failed attempts" yield a lot more harsh results when we don't open our ears...

soon-brooke fraser

Soon and very soon
My King is coming
Robed in righteousness
And crowned with love
When I see Him
I shall be made like Him
Soon and very soon

Soon and very soon
I’ll be going To the place
He has prepared for me
There my sin erased
My shame forgotten
Soon and very soon

I will be with the One I love
With unveiled face I’ll see Him
There my soul will be satisfied
Soon and very soon

Soon and very soon
See the procession
The angels and the elders
‘Round the throne
At His feet I’ll lay my crowns
My worship
Soon and very soon

Though I have not seen Him
My heart knows Him well
Jesus Christ the Lamb
The Lord of heaven

xoxo,

::it's been a while...::

WOW...it's been a while since i've updated my blog! quite a bit has happened since then--three out of town weddings (two weekends in a row), lots of friend hangouts, many netflix movies/shows, and lots of musical fun has occured during this time! just a few highlights:

-June 13- Debbie and Ryan's beautiful wedding in Columbia, SC (this accounted for a total of 16 hours in the car-mostly spent on interstate 95, a lot of chick fil a, a lot of laughing and dancing in the car with rach)

-July 4- Elizabeth and Matt's beatuiful wedding in West Bend, WI (it was FREEZING there for us virginia folks, and more to come about this wedding in a later blog post)

-July 11- Lynn and Tim's beautiful wedding in Rochester, NY (another long, but REALLY fun drive with rach, with lots of singing, dancing, and rain)

so yeah, busy busy busy, and i have spent the past two weeks trying to catch up on sleep...

not quite there yet...

xoxo,

::why are the weekends so fast?::

that is the question that i ask myself every sunday night before i lay my little head on the pillow...this weekend in particular was packed full of wonderful moments. i led worship at church, went shopping with my friend jules, went to one of my bestie's bachelorette parties and had a relaxing sunday with jules and her hubby and a new friend. we went to mount vernon, which is one of the most beautiful places i've been in a long time...and it was 80 degrees, sunny, and breezy. ahhhh....why is the weekend never long enough?!

here's some inspiration to get through my monday...hope it helps you too! (::photo credit-a field journal::)



xoxo,

::back in the swing...::

can't believe i had to leave this....

and come back to work today... i've been in corolla, NC since the weekend and it's been hard getting back into the swing of things today, not gonna lie. i'll post some pics and more later on this week or weekend. for now, back to work!

xoxo,

::three cheers for GLEE!!::

well, i was thoroughly impressed with the new FOX show, gLee which aired after american idol last night. i have been looking forward to seeing this show for a while, and i was not dissappointed. it's witty, it's charming, it sucks you in and it is a pretty accurate representation of a high school glee club. well, at least what i imagine it to be, i went to the world's smallest high school and we had choir and band, but nothing like a glee club or show choir. i have high hopes for this show, considering they've cancelled some other great shows for the fall...i'm hooked after one episode!

here's hoping for a great wednesday...i'm chugging through my work today and looking forward to girls' night tonight with abby, amanda and julie--3 of my best gals from church.

xoxo,

::monday inspiration::

well after a wonderful weekend of singing in the worship group (choir) at my church, i feel energized to start the week...although in just a few minutes i'll be heading to one of our young adult campuses to help lead worship tonight, so the energy must continue!

here's some inspiration for the day...i found about this organization called TOMS a few years ago, they sell shoes, and for every pair purchased they give a pair to children in need. i don't know about you, but being a shoeaholic doesn't seem so bad now...and they are flat! so even i will be able to wear them!

check out the video here:


and you can buy a pair at www.tomsshoes.com, i for one am a big fan of the gold sparkly ones!

have a wonderful evening!
xoxo,

::AFRICA....when can we go?::

my co-worker, megan, and i share a passion for the people of africa, she is in the process of adopting a child from ethiopia, and you know what? she and her husband are willing to come back with more than one child when they get their call to go. how amazing is that? it takes a lot of courage to do that and i am so inspired by that. well she sent me some inspriration today in the form of this blog please take five minutes to read it if you have a chance...so insprirational. my eyes were opened to Amazima Ministries International--a non-profit organization that provides an entire year's worth of school fees, a uniform socks and shoes, school supplies, two hot meals every day, and all necessary minor medical care for one child all for only $300! this organization was started by katie davies, a 20-year-old who went to uganda in 2006 and felt the call of God to minister to the people there, namely the forgotten children, most of whom are nameless, parentless and have no food, clean water or clothing. her organization has provided these supplies to over 350 children already! she also has legally adopted 13 children that she and her staff take care of, can you imagine at 20 years old being a mother to 13 kids?! i certainly can't, but just another display of God equipping us to do things would could never imagine! His strength and power is so amazing when we open our lives to do whatever He asks!

also this week, i was once again inspired by charity:water, which i have talked about before on my blog and have their ad posted in my side bar--they do such amazing things! megan also alerted me to one of the churches who website we manage, and the work that they have partnered with charity:water to do. liquid church in new jersey has launched many efforts to broaden their global outreach and raised tons of money to build wells in africa with charity:water. their pastor and his wife were able to fly to africa and help build those wells and you watch and listen to their video on the website...it's worth the time.

so as we head into the weekend, let's be inspired! you don't have to plan to travel to africa to make a difference in the lives of people (although how cool would that be?!) we can make a huge difference in the lives of people around us just by having a good attitude, loving people for who they are, and having a smile on our face! it really is that simple...and by reading about these dynamic people and organizations, it really helps put things in perspective...we are SO blessed! blessed beyond what we can ever ask for or think...

happy weekend (well...almost!)!

xoxo,

::i HEART thursdays & this guy...::

i love thursdays, they are my work from home days. basically, i do some laundry, have the TV droning in the background, all while sitting on the couch indian-style and typing away on my laptop. i actually do get a lot done on these days, and it's nice to have a break from running around in the rat race every morning. i enjoyed a wonderful lunch from wendy's and was just settling back in when the roomie IMed me saying that i should check on the below referenced blog to see pictures of one of my all time fav actors, chris pine. he's been in a lot of cute movies that i've seen including the princess diaries with anne hathaway (love her too!) so anyway, i thought i'd spread the love with all of you, my faithful blog readers...although, i really not sure that there are any faithful readers, BUT enjoy!

i haven't seen the new star trek, but the roomie and some other people have said it was awesome! CAN'T WAIT! chris, if somewhere out there you are reading this...i'm your wife to be...please contact me... (a girl can dream, right?) what's not to love about this poster....so dreamy!...

to see more dreamy pics of this guy...looking a bit nerdier check out the post from: http://www.pinkisthenewblog.com/ today. le sigh...i wish he was sitting here with me right now...

xoxo,

::ch-ch-ch-changin'::

well, things they are a-changin' around here...so many folks are getting married, having babies, moving on with their lives...it makes my head spin. in the next three months, i have four weddings, two graduation parties, baby showers, and vacations galore! so crazy!! i am quite excited that a little less than two weeks from now, i'll be sitting on the beach in corolla, nc. it's our annual haines/tankersley family vacation...i am only staying for part of the week due to said million weddings i am attending, i wanted to save some of my time off for those, but i'll be there from saturday-wednesday afternoon, which will be SO nice!

also--have some exciting news about my roomie (and best friend), rachael, but i won't be able to officially put it in writing for a few more weeks...please keep her in your prayers though as she has a tough, but exciting desicion to make...

i'll end with a shout out--actually several, here's to--alisha and brent and their new little one, ashley and scott and their "Peachy," and kristin and frank on their exciting child/moving news...another vacation in the near future will be to seattle to visit them!

xoxo,

::alisha & brent carpenelli 08.02.08::

alisha, a long-time friend, knew that in my previous job i had planned large scale events and receptions, so when she asked me to plan her wedding--i jumped at the chance!! brent, her handsome groom, she and i had a blast! the wedding was planned in about five months and turned out fantastic...see for yourself below...

the colors for the wedding were black, ivory, and champagne, the theme was simple but elegant which i think we achieved. the theme was centered around books, which was significant because alisha loves to read and brent proposed to her using a special hollowed out book. the wedding took place at salem baptist church in salem, va and the reception was held at the roanoke college wartman ballroom, also in salem, va. both spaces were beautiful and didn't need a ton of decorations, although we added some special touches here and there to dress things up.

here are some photos of her beautiful champagne and ivory dress--notice the "something blue"--her shoes! comfy, calvin klein flats!

i love the detailing on the back, and it almost looked like ribbons making up the bodice...so pretty and unique--just like the bride!

instead of flowers, all of the bridesmaids carried these handmade bookpurses, the first "special touch"--her mom, mother-in-law and i also had ones made, mine with my favorite book "the bell jar" sylvia plath.

from top to bottom- the bride looking calm and serene after her make-up is done, handmade cookies brent's mom had made for all of the guests in their goodie bags.

this was such a great moment, the bride finally ready with her dress being zipped up. that's her mom she's holding hands with, and her two matrons of honor in the back.

at the church...
alisha with one of her precious nieces, samantha, or sammy j as every calls her. what an adorable flower girl! close-up of the flower girl bookpurse.

always a clown...we would expect nothing less from j.r., the brides brother...

and like father, like daughter, the other adorable flower girl, michaela joined in on the fun!

i think we were all surprised when brent, the groom, had his turn!

the bride with her nieces and bouquet (that i made!!) ten white calla lilies symbolizing the family members that have passed away in recent years...

these three little ones did an amazing job walking down the aisle, and had so much fun while doing it!

seeing her groom for the first time, i think everyone shed a few happy tears...also a great shot of the gorgeous stained glass window in the church...

happiness...in the limo on the way to the reception...

the reception site, the ballroom of the colket center at roanoke college in salem, va, just a few blocks away from the church, it was a very convenient location for everyone. the second shot is of the bride and groom entering the ballroom, we didn't have to do much decorating b/c of the beautiful layout of the room.

the centerpieces were made out of hundreds of old books that were purchased for the big day, each book had a handmade bookplate with the bride and groom's name and were given as favors for the guests to take home. i made the table numbers from martha stewart stamps bought at michael's, simple ecru and black cardstock and tied off with a coordinating ribbon. i then propped open a book on top and simply taped the numbers on the book.

the cakes are below, a simple hexagon shape tiered cake with different flavors and the groom's cake was a surprise from alisha...it was a hit!

here's a great shot of the bride and groom during the reception, this captures them perfectly as a couple...all of the photos featured here were taken by the ridiculously talented eric kelley, based out of charlottesville, va.

a quick shot of me and jeni, one of the matrons of honor, during the reception, this was towards the end of the night and we were both getting tired, she was a big help though, along with my two wonderful parents. i couldn't have done anything on this day without them!

all in all, the wedding day was a huge success and i can't wait for my next wedding client!

the bride and groom off to the honeymoon....

xoxo,

::a different approach::

so i've been inspired by several other blogs i've come across recently and i've decided to change my blog around a bit... i am going to blog about the beautiful people and things that i get to experience in my life and i'm very excited! stay tuned for fun stories, people and ideas for this beautiful thing we call life...!

xoxo,

::snow!::

just saw some snow outside...big fluffy flakes that won't stick, but it was snow nonetheless!!

i can't believe it!

not quite sure that i am ready for this...

xoxo,

:: God knows best::

well, my attempts to become an avid blogger have fallen a little short, but i am hoping that i can get into a groove soon.

fall is here! officially, and i couldn't be more happy. i love the changing leaves, hot cider, chili, football, pumpkins, halloween and thanksgiving--there's just something about wrapping up in a scarf and coat and heading out into the chilly weather that just really makes me happy. i don't think i could live in a place where i didn't experience this season.

i've been doing a lot of thinking lately on how God knows exactly what we need, when we need it. have you ever gone through a time in your life where, at the time, it seemed like God really might have gone off His heavenly rocking chair, but when we really stop and look back, it was just what we needed?

this past sunday in both worship and the message at church, the thought of living in the moment was brought up. leaving the past behind and not looking toward the future, and just living in the present moment. do you ever think about how much time we waste dwelling on what could have been in the past and waiting for things to get better in the future? i am definitely guilty of that, very guilty. so my goal for now, is to really live in the moment, just be... i will encourage you to do the same. take some time to reflect and be thankful for the people and things in your life and if during that process you find something you're unhappy with, why not change it? there's no time like the present, right?

xoxo,

::security::

so early this morning, i learned that the church i attend had been broken into and vandalized during the night last night. there is a multimillion dollar security system that exists within the church, but there are some elements missing from it that made it easy for someone to break windows and get in. some minor (and costly) additions could have prevented this all from happening, but it got me thinking about the bigger picture: eternal security.

isn't is amazing, how as a follower of Christ, we never have to worry about security? yet we still do... at least i know i do. you know, when my roomie is out of town, and i'm home by myself and hear noises, i freak out. then quickly realize, who's in control here? God is...and while that is and should be all comforting, i can't help but wonder if someone is trying to break in.

the church service that i go to on monday nights has spent the past several weeks in a series about resting in God's promises and just pausing to spend more time with Him and with the people that we care about. sometimes we get so caught up in the day to day that we forget to remember who really is in control. and although bad and unexplainable things happen, we really don't need to worry about them...because we can rest in the promise that God knows what He's doing and everything He does in us, through us, and to us is to bring about His will in our lives.

so that leaves me with one final question to you, are you going to fight it? or are you going to rest in that eternal security from the Creator of the universe?

xoxo,