I'm happy! Are you happy?

Happiest States Revealed by New Research



Is it any surprise that 6 of the top 10 happiest states are in the South?? Have you ever met anyone living in the South that said, "Gee, I really wish I lived somewhere else. " I don't think so.

We have the best of the best. Four seasons. Grits. Fried food, and just good home cookin' in general. Trees of all shapes and sizes. Hospitality. And thousands of other things.

I'm so thankful to live in my happy state.

With a Grateful Heart

Thanks to all my Heroes. Thanks to those who have given me my freedom and who keep me free. Thanks for your service and selfless devotion. Thanks for all the many things words can't express.

You are not forgotten.

Poetry Ceilidh via The Beehive!

Eletelephony

By: Laura Richards

Once there was an elephant,
Who tried to use the telephant-
No! No! I mean an elephone
Who tried to use the telephone-

(Dear me! I am not certain quite
That even now I've got it right.)
Howe'er it was, he got his trunk
Entangled in the telephunk;

The more he tried to get it free,
The louder buzzed the telephee-
(I fear I'd better drop the song
Of elephop and telephong!)


Thanks to the Beehive for suggesting this poetic week! This is one of my favorite poems from childhood. I am so very thankful to my first grade teacher, Mrs. Peccorino, for introducing me to it, and making us copy a poem each morning. Your class stands out among all the rest for your devotion to creative writing.

Daylight Savings

Twas a quarter 'til five when I looked out the window,
And there I was met with a great reminder.
Our summer has ended, long days are gone.
Winter is upon us - shorter, colder, and dimmer.

High Places

God setteth the solitary in families... (vs. 6)

Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah. (vs. 19)

-From Psalm 68



Ponder that for just a moment. Let it fill you up inside. The Almighty God of the universe doesn't leave us alone. He places us in families. He gives us brothers and sisters. He doesn't want us to wander through this world alone. Our pilgrimage is not to be isolated. We have a family. Families, to be exact. I have families sweetly settled in Jasper, Tuscaloosa, Akron, Birmingham, Orlando, Dallas, all throughout the U.S., the Phillippines, Kenya, Tanzania...EVERYWHERE!

And not only does he bless us with families, but he daily loadeth us with benefits! I cannot begin to comprehend the innumerable blessings the Lord grants me each and every day, from the seen to the unseen.

What a mighty, merciful God we serve and love because he first loved us.

Music to Motivate

As I was flipping through my ipod Sunday evening on the way home, listening to an assortment of songs, I decided it was time to make use of my playlists in iTunes. There are several songs I flip to on a regular basis to get motivated, praise Jesus, and renew my inner man. Thus, tonight, I created the playlist, "Christian Motivation". (Although, I've decided I like the title I gave this blog post even better. So, I might have to change it.)

I'm a HUGE fan of Christian music from the late 90's and early part of this decade. I think I have almost every Point of Grace CD, and several CDs from Third Day, Jars of Clay, Audio Adrenaline, Twila Paris, etc. I'm constantly adding to the collection. Because you can never have too much Christian music, right? Right.

So, I thought I would share my newly created playlist in its current form. It may change, but this is how it looks right now. If you have never heard some of these, I highly recommend you do so. Let me know what you think, and be sure to share your favorites with me.

Song Name - Artist - Album

1. Who Am I - Point of Grace (Steady On Album)
2. I've Always Loved You - Third Day (Time)
3. By His Wounds - Various (Glory Revealed)
4. Son of Man - Eden's Bridge (The Best of Celtic Praise & Worship)
5. Ocean Floor - Audio Adrenaline (Greatest Hits Album)
6. Because You Are - Point of Grace (How You Live)
7. Nothing Compares - Third Day (Offerings II)
8. I Surrender All - Clay Crosse - (WOW: The 90's Album)
9. What If His People Prayed - Casting Crowns - (Casting Crowns)
10. You Are the Answer - Point of Grace - (Life, Love, & Other Mysteries)
11. God of Wonders - Third Day - (Offerings II)
12. In Remembrance of Me - Cheri Keaggy - (My Faith Will Stay)
13. The House That Mercy Built - Point of Grace - (The Whole Truth)
14. All the Heavens - Third Day - (Offerings I)
15. What Did He Die For - Twila Paris - (Where I Stand)
16. Waters Gone By - Shawn Lewis - (Glory Revealed)
17. Crucified with Christ - Phillips, Craig, & Dean - (WOW: The 90's Album)
18. Sometimes By Step - Rich Mullins - (WOW: The 90's Album)
19. Jesus Freak - DC Talk - (Jesus Freak)
20. Any Road, Any Cost - Point of Grace - (Life, Love, & Other Mysteries)
21. Good Life - Audio Adrenaline - (Underdog)
22. Better Days - Point of Grace - (Steady On)

The Color of Leaves

The leaves have turned magnificent shades of yellow, orange, and red just overnight it seems. It began about two weeks ago, but with this sudden cold snap this weekend, the colors just burst forth. It is so easy to overlook when we see it every year, but it truly is marvelous. This past week we had the great privilege of not only hearing Elder Martin Onyani from Kisii, Kenya, preach to us, but he also stayed in my parents' home. The equator runs through Kenya, and Elder Martin has never been outside Kenya or Tanzania until this past week. He was amazed at the colors of the leaves. He asked Dad, "What makes the leaves change color?" Dad's reply: "God." (As Elder Harold Hunt has said, "The Gospel is simply profound, and profoundly simple.")

So, I started thinking about Elder Martin's question. Usually, we tie the seasonal changes of the leaves to the time periods in our life. In the spring, new life buds forth, and full growth is in the summer. Then, in the fall the leaves fade, just as we grow older, and in the winter, the leaves die and fall to the ground. And, we even take that further. Some leaves fall "early", just as some of us leave this earth at tender ages. And some hang on until the very last days of winter. I was pondering all these things this afternoon, and then I took it another step.

I decided that perhaps the color of the leaves represent something, too, about our "older" age. For example, the brown leaves are the crusty, bitter older people who always seem to be in a sour mood. Not very pretty, nor fun to be around. Then, you have your red leaves - those people who are firecrackers. Always telling you exactly what's on their mind. Or the orange ones, the mellow ones, cool and content. And let's not forget the yellows. Bright and cheerful, bubbling over with excitement and energy.

I'm hoping to be more yellow and orange when I get older. How about you?

Readings

Hosea 11

(7) And my people are bent to backsliding from me: though they called them to the most High, none at all would exalt him.

(8) How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? how shall I deliver thee, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah? how shall I set thee as Zeboim? mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together.

(9) I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim: for I am God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of thee: and I will not enter into the city.

In three verses we have both man's complete depravity and God's innumerable mercy. Truly, the whole book of Hosea is about God's people turning their back on Him and worshipping idols. They seek fulfillment in the world, and have forgotten their Maker. God tells His people through Hosea that judgment is coming. But, ah, look at verses 8 and 9! Admah and Zeboim were cities that were destroyed with Sodom and Gomorrah. God says he will not execute the fierceness of His anger. He will not destroy his people, as with Admah, Zeboim, Sodom, and Gomorrah. And why? Because He is God, and not man. What a truly marvellous thought in seven words.

I Dreamed A Dream

Initially, I was in a car with my cop partner. Suddenly, we were chasing a car through downtown Birmingham, following it until it stopped at a small hole-in-the-wall diner. I was the only one who had gone unnoticed, so the task fell to me to go in and make the arrest. I walked into the diner, and moments later, the crooks were in custody.

Suddenly, I was hiking a long, long journey. I did not know my destination. Only that the journey was to be long. My companions and I made a small camp fire and had a meager dinner. The next night we found ourselves camping in a Wal-Mart. I searched for the perfect spot to watch the Alabama football game. Instead of watching it on the big screen tvs, I had to resort to watching it on a smaller screen. And the cost of a coke was ridiculous - $4.75.

Then I awoke.

And this is what I really did over the last couple of days:

Thursday night I watched Police Women of Broward County on tv.
Saturday I went to Walmart to pick up a few items, and watched football games at home later that day.
And, at various points throughout the weekend and over the last week I have been reading The Fellowship of the Ring - they just started their journey South.


Coincidence? No, afraid not. It happens quite often. My reality often gets mixed with my dreams. Confusing at times? Sometimes.

My Life According to Alison Krauss & Union Station

Using only song names from ONE ARTIST, answer these questions.

Pick your Artist: Alison Krauss & Union Station

Are you a male or female: Molly Ban

Describe yourself: The Lucky One

How do you feel: Restless

Describe where you currently live: Bright Sunny South

If you could go anywhere, where would you go: Faraway Land

Your favorite form of transportation: Choctaw Hayride

Your best friend is: Crazy As Me

You and your best friends are: Missing You

What's the weather like: Rain Please Go Away

Favorite time of day: Teardrops Will Kiss the Morning Dew

If your life was a TV show, what would it be called: Crazy Faith

What is life to you: A Living Prayer

Your last/current relationship: You're Just A Country Boy

Your fear: Every Time You Say Goodbye

What is the best advice you have to give: Forget About It

Thought for the Day: How's the World Treating You

How I would like to die: My Poor Old Heart

My soul's present condition: Happiness

Most Faithful Companion: But You Know I Love You

My motto: Wouldn't Be So Sad

He Found My Accusations Amusing

Time: August 23rd, Sunday night, 9:30-ish
Place: Wendy's

Table of Stone: Yes, I would like two small fries and a small Frosty.
Cashier: That was two small fries and a Frosty?
Table of Stone: Yep.
Cashier: That will be $5.72.
Me: WHAT??? $5.72??? He must have gotten something wrong. There is NO WAY it could be $5.72. I thought we ordered 99 cent items. Even with tax that doesn't add up to $5.72. I'm going to ask him about it.
Table: Yeah, that doesn't make any sense!

We discuss this until we reach the window, while our friend in the car behind us is laughing. I'm reminiscing my college days when I could pay for a Frosty with change collected in my car. For you "young folk" out there, that was before a Frosty could be "vanilla", or mixed with oreos. If my total is $5.72, I figure I might should ask if he gave us chocolate, since we didn't specify, even though everyone knows that a TRUE Frosty is chocolate.

Me: How much is your Frosty these days? (trying to sound nonchalant, but having a slight edge nonetheless)
Cashier: (smirking behind the counter) It's $1.75.
Me AND Table of Stone: THAT is OUTRAGEOUS! When did they get so expensive? We thought they were still 99 cents. I'm sorry, this is not your fault. You do not have any control over this. We're just shocked.
Cashier: (not responding, but trying desperately not to laugh)

So, we drive away. With our two small fries and single Frosty. I could have bought a whole meal for $5.72.

I Don't Get It

WHY do they always have the Food Network channel on the t.v. in the women's locker room at the YMCA? Why must I always listen to Rachel Ray or Paula Deen whipping up something delicious right before I go do my yoga thing? Does someone think it is good motivation? A new torture technique being tested?

Now, don't get me wrong. I love the Food Network. I love watching Iron Chef and the amazing cake competitions. Perhaps I'm even subconsciously hoping that some of it will sink in and make me a better cook.

But, I'd rather not watch it while I'm about to sweat and try to avoid too many delicious sweets, like the petifores and green icing that Mrs. Deen was preparing yesterday.



On a different note, I haven't given a yoga update lately, so I thought I would give a brief update on my progress. I had to skip most of June due to various engagements, and boy did I feel it when I returned! We have a new instructor on Thursday nights, and I absolutely love the change. She has been focused the last couple of weeks on really strengthening our core, which is essential to yoga. My abs are sore the next day, but it's a good kind of sore. My arm strength is still not where I would like it to be, but it is so much better than a year ago when I began yoga. (Has it really been a year?? Wow.) She is also really encouraging, and I end up laughing at myself as I attempt some of the various, more difficult poses. Poses I would have sworn were impossible, but I keep pushing myself in the hope that one day I can reach the full expression of them. Like this one. Or this one. It's a building process, so you don't just go straight into them. You work your way into them. Or, attempt to anyways.

Yep. Maybe one day...

These conversations are my favorite

On the way home from church Wednesday night, the following conversation was started:


Austin: Who would win in battle, Harry Potter or Optimus Prime? I don't think Avada Kedavra would work on Optimus.

Me: Well, Harry wouldn't use Avada Kedavra anyways.

Austin: Optimus has the big cannon, so you would have to stop that.

Brett: What if Harry used Petrificalous (? - the petrifying one)

Me: I don't think that would work either. I think it only works on organisms - living things. Optimus is made of metal.

Brett: Could he use Reducto?

Me: That could work. Just make him a lot smaller.

Austin: He still has the cannon. What's the spell Professor Umbridge used to make the wall explode? Harry might could use that on Optimus.

Brett: I think Harry would win.

Austin: I think Optimus would win.

It went silent for a moment.

Or, at least, that's what is sounded like in my head. Yesterday, I stepped up to the counter at Chic-Fil-A, my favorite restaurant in the whole world, and I ordered a Chicken-Salad Sandwich. [Shock! Gasp! WHAT???]

I couldn't quite believe it myself. I NEVER order anything but a #5 8-nugget combo meal with a sweet tea. Unless it is a 12-nugget combo meal upgraded (on my super hungry days), or the rare #1 chicken sandwich combo (for a meal on-the-go). I can almost quote the prices by heart. (Pathetic, I know. I did say it was my FAVORITE restaurant.)

So, when I ordered the chicken salad sandwich, I thought everyone behind the counter might just stop what they were doing, and stare at me blankly, like I had lost my mind. But, nothing happened. The hectic lunch hour continued.

I kept reminding myself I was trying to be healthly. And, I truly do love chicken-salad. I had just never tried it at Chic-Fil-A. But, it was only decent. I had just had my favorite chicken-salad sandwhich the day before, which may have had me a bit biased. (Urban Standard, dowtown Birmingham - you must try it!) The best part was eating the whole thing and filling completely full. No fries needed.

Table of Stone says I need to try their wraps. Maybe. But I bet time really would pause if I ordered two new things in the same week.

Verdana, Font Size 9.5

See this font size....this is about how small I write. It's normal to me. I've been writing this way since about the second grade. I remember very distinctly a teacher telling me she would start taking points off my grade if I didn't start to write bigger. So, I did in her class. But, my small handwriting wouldn't stay gone long. It just seems more natural to me that way.

5 more days...

...until Harmony Highlands!!! Woo Hoo!!! Yes, it's almost here. Get excited people. Get very excited. And, if you aren't already excited enough, maybe this video of photos from last year will help.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Continue in prayer that next week will be a tremendous blessing, filled with joy, love, peace, fellowship, and as always, lots of singing. Can't wait to see you there.

Summer Freebies

Chic-Fil-A + Free Food = Me at Chic-Fil-A (with the rest of Birmingham)


Chic-Fil-A is giving away food over the next couple of Thursdays as part of a summer give-away. Tonight, it was an 8-count nugget. So, I drove myself over to Chic-Fil-A and took part. I'm addicted to Chic-Fil-A. ADDICTED. I probably would have eaten there tonight had it not been partially free, but free food made it even more enticing. I think next Thursday you get the strips free, and the next Thursday is the sandwich. Birmingham only (sorry!). 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Bless 'em.

We Don't Mix

Okay, so I know I'm going to be a pharmacist and all. But, up until a couple of months ago if you gave me one of these babies I was on the floor in about 5 minutes. And it isn't the pain. I mean they really don't hurt that much. It's more the thought of a needle going into my skin. So when I found out that I was going to have to give a shot to my friend in school I thought...uh no. Not me. But then I did it. Just in and out. No biggie. So I was done with that right. Never again would I inject anything into anybody. And then my grandmother gets sent home with Lovenox. And you know who gets volunteered...that's right me. I've given injections before. Nevermind that it was only once and it was saline and there was a teacher standing right there beside me and it was my friend who of course was being super supportive because she was about to give one right back to me. But yea, you can do it Emily. Are these people crazy??? Ok, seriously, I'm not that bad. But this is my last time...never again;)

Strike 2

I attempted to eat sushi for the second time last night. I can't remember what I had the first time, but I went with a friend, and she showed me the basics of how to eat it. Put a SMALL, and I emphasize SMALL, amount of wasabi on it, dip it in soy sauce, and stuff the whole thing in your mouth. So, I did. The taste itself isn't terrible. Just different. Very different. And, the texture, well...I think that's what bothers me so much. I'm not sure I can even describe it. Think soft blob of small, cold rice, and other small, cold, raw things. Last night, it was a roll called Happy. It didn't make me sad, but I'm not sure I can say it made me "happy". It was filled with crab, avocado, cream cheese, apple, and cucumber. I ate two, as I did the first time I ate sushi, and then passed them to everyone else around the table. No wasabi this time. I tried it plain the first time, and with soy sauce only the second time. And, two was plenty for me anyways. It's a very, very filling dish.

I did learn how to use chopsticks correctly last night, so that I might even try to use them again. (Thanks, Morgan!) But, as for sushi again, let's just say, one more strike and I'm done. Can't say I haven't tried.

While on the way to Memphis...

...we had a couple of hours to entertain ourselves. The "we" being me, Table of Stone, our sweet Mama D., Elyow'enay, and BirdTrainer. I brought along 4th Grade Brain Quest, just to be silly and to add a little diversity to our car games, since we usually break out Bible Trivia at some point. We just keep it in the van and quiz ourselves at random. (I'm a nerd/dork/geek/whatever...I know.)

Now, in fourth grade, this Brain Quest set was very hard. There are questions like 1)Is cabbage stem, leaves, or root? or 2) What is the simplest form of 1/8 + 1/8? or 3)Who sang songs like Hey Jude and Let It Be? But as we read through them in the car, we laughed and answered most all of them without problem. I guess you could say it was our own version of Are You Smarter Than a Fourth Grader?

The following is an excerpt of our conversation:


Owl of the Desert: Before becoming President, was Abraham Lincoln a lawyer or a teacher?

Elyow'enay: Abraham Lincoln was a pimp!

BirdTrainer: "Yo, Mary! Go fix me some bread, 'cuz I'm skinny as a rail!"


Good times...oh, yeah.

Happy 9 Months To Us!!!

So not that 9 months is anything special but....9 MONTHS! Oh my gosh, that is really soon to me. Every time I tell people that we are getting married Feb. 6 of next year they are like...oh you have forever. People....negative. One, what bride wants to hear that? Two, it ain't forever its mere months. Months!!! So, yea for us. I'm ready, let's do it.

Why does it Rain?

Why does it rain when....
1) I can't sleep in
2) I step out of my car after having just washed my hair and I am umbrella-less
3) at that very second I am stepping out of the door of Panera to run to my car with now a delightful soggy bagel to eat for breakfast

Bummer I tell ya.

Honeysuckle

I LOVE the smell of honeysuckle. It is an undeniable sweet fragrance that I tend to notice before I visually spot it.

It takes me back to days at the church when all of us kiddos would gather at the honeysuckle bushes after services were over and try to delicately pinch off the ends and try to get a drop of its sweetness. Yeah, those were the simple days.

I was running/walking on the trail by our apartment yesterday and the smell of honeysuckle filled the air. I took it all in, completely enthralled with this 80 degree weather, the lovely sounds, and the complete beauty of God's creation. What an AWESOME Creator we have.

For I will go to the altar of God

Have any of you ever noticed that right before a church meeting for which you have been greatly anticipating and anxiously awaiting and praying for a blessing that the Devil seems to know how to attack you best and wear you down?

Yeah, he's been on my case this week sending me stress factor after stress factor.

But, I'm going to the altar of God tomorrow. HIS holy mountain. For I will yet praise HIM. My Saviour, and my God.

And THAT makes me happy in the midst of a crazy week. Can't wait to see you all there.



Zion Rest PBC Annual Meeting
Elder David Crawford and Elder Michael Gowens, invited ministers
Friday night: 7:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m.,lunch, 1:30 (?), dinner, 7:00(?)
Sunday morning: 10:30 a.m., lunch, communion

Sounds like...

I love it when I'm vacuuming and all of a sudden I hear, "Flllpppppppttthhhhhhhh."

You know the sound I'm talking about. The sound of a vacuum taking in chip crumbs, or tidbits of cereal, or whatever else lies around your floor that you may or may not be aware of until that sound is made.

It makes me feel productive. And happy. Because the sound of dust is boring.

Driving Lesson #112

When did you learn that when a traffic light is out it automatically becomes a 4-way stop??? Hmmm??? Because today, it would seem that nobody knew.

I learned sometime around the age of 19 or 20. We went to Memphis for a church meeting, and a tornado had just come through the town the night before. Traffic lights were out everywhere. I must confess, I didn't know I was supposed to stop. But, I learned quickly! (On a side note, that is also the trip where I dodged a wheelbarrow - yes, a wheelbarrow, on Hwy. 78, now Corridor X. It was quite an adventurous trip.)

This morning, I thought I was going to get ran over as I stopped at the out-of-commission-due-to-the-storms red light on Hwy. 280. People just kept flying by. And, I was looking at the poor people at the stores to my left who had no idea how to cross 3 lanes to the opposite side of traffic. Now, one or two people accidentally forgetting or not knowing, I could understand. But, everybody?

This Is The Day!

I've been feeling kind of down lately. There are numerous reasons that I have come up with for that but that is not what I want to talk about. In light of my temporary "blueness" I have decided to think of all the great things in my life right now. Okay, probably not all but some.
So here we go:
1. I'm engaged to my absolute best friend in the world
2. I don't have another test this week.
3. I got an awesome preceptor/project for my 4th year 615/616.
4. I'm graduating in about a year and one month. (7 years of school is SO enough)
5. I just finished my favorite Starbucks drink (Grande Iced Caramel Latte) which is guaranteed to increase the mood.
6. I have the best mom in the entire world who basically picks up all my slack when I get overwhelmed.
7. I've got friends (can't ever underestimate that greatness in your life)
8. April is full of church meeting weekends that will no doubt be awesome
9. I get two weeks in May off and the whole month of June
10. This daunting DLE project will be over next Friday..YES!!!
11. Everyone in my family is healthy including myself
12. I live in a nice two bedroom, two bath apartment that is a little temper mental sometimes but certainly does have heating/air conditioning and hot water which is more than some.
13. I am reading the 6th Harry Potter currently and do not want it to end
14. Yesterday I had the privilege of hearing two really awesome sermons of which you should request the tape because I even laid down last night thinking about them (WOW!)
15. The Lord granted me today.

So, maybe things aren't so horrible after all huh?

Right Before Adam and Brett Have to be Super Nurses

So I can't get my text where I want it. Nothing new there.

Basically, two saturdays ago it was relatively nice outside and we thought, hey, let's shoot guns. Come on, you know you've had that thought before. So basically we called up Ranger Buck whose always up for a good shootin, yes, that's what I said and went out to the farm for target practice. Now, Laura and I are still learning but I think improving? and we've got excellent teachers so it makes for a good time. These aren't all the pics so maybe I'll post more later. Enjoy.

Graham with the crossbow
Laura with the "lever action rifle" (I think)....that thing kicks!

I just thought the clouds were awesome in this picture.


Adam showing me how to hold the gun. After this, I think I was pretty good.
Check out the smoke from Ranger Buck's gun! How sweet is that!
Yea, don't mess with us.

So How Bout that Diet?

Today in class....obesity 101.

McDonalds Quarter Pounder with Cheese 510 calories
26 grams of fat
McDonalds Medium French Fries 380 calories
20 grams of fat
Medium Coke 210 calories

Grand total 1100 calories


But it's all so gooooood!!!!

A Thought Worth Pondering

" Failure's hard, but success if far more dangerous. If you're successful at the wrong thing, the mix of praise and money and oppportunity can lock you in forever"
---Po Bronson (Starbucks #26)

What do you guys think?