This Could Be You

Some people come into our lives and quickly go.  Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts.  And we are never, ever the same.

Taken by JT Photography

 Hey all you lovely people.  So, I've really been wanting to host a new series where I open up my blog to guest posting.  What is the blogosphere if not for sharing?  That being said, I've decided to start a new series called Footprints.  I know a lot of the people who read this blog are married, engaged, in love, or have significant romantic or platonic relationships that change you and make you who you are, whether they end up good or bad.  Love, marriage, and relationships are a gift from God and they change people who enter into them.  I really want to hear from you all about how the Lord has worked on you through your relationships.  This could be a friendship, a family relationship, a marriage, etc.   What relationships are most impacting in your life?  What relationships have shaped who you are as a person? If you are married, how has the Lord worked in your marriage?  What have you learned from other people and how has this person touched your life.  They may no longer be in your life, but they certainly made an impact.  You get the picture.  These are the types of stories I am looking for.  So, come on people send me those posts.  If you are interested in being a part of this series, please send me your post to cfbrown814@gmail.com.  I look forward to hearing all of your great and inspiring stories.    

High Class Problems

A while ago at my church Pastor Steven Furtick talked about high class problems.  You know those problems that present themselves as so urgent, so stressful, so crucial.  The truth is many of our problems are high class problems.  They aren't really problems at all.  Like, not being able to decide between steak and ribs for dinner and so you get stressed out because you can't decide what to cook.  When you think about it, people all over the world are asking themselves "will I be able to eat tonight".  High class problems.  

When I think about what I get stressed over I feel foolish and selfish.  For example, just yesterday I had a breakdown.  A stress breakdown over a HIGH class problem.  On Monday, I got a call from a principal saying that she was recommending me to HR for hire as a school counselor.  Wonderful, right.  I was super excited, thrilled really.  Then today, another wonderful school calls and leaves a message.  I know they are calling for the same reason, to recommend me for hire.  I was so torn and confused that I called my mommy like a baby and had a breakdown.  Decision-making is not my forte and I hate making crucial decisions like this.  I called Brandon and he said "baby, this is a good problem to have".  

What a needed reminder of how good we all really have it.  Thanks hubby.  I mean really, two jobs wanting me and here I am crying and freaking out.  I know I was just overwhelmed with this crucial decision, but honestly, I need to consider the severity of my dilemmas before reacting to them.  I want to focus on the blessings of my situation.  The Lord's blessings are abundant and flowing in my life and my decision-making skills are not up to par to sort through them all.  High class problems, friends.  They surround me and infiltrate my life, clouding my vision and blinding me to the blessings.  I pray that I will be more aware of the degree of my dilemmas and be able to react with grace and humility.  I want to be more aware of the good things in life and focus on reacting to those instead of reacting to the minute issues that arise that, really, in the scheme of things aren't problems at all.          

Pumped

I am pumped for college football season!  I just thought I would let you know.  How could you not be after watching this amazing video?  I mean all  this talk about the NFL lockout ending just does not have me excited, but mention Wolfpack football and I am all ears.  Is anyone else a college football junkie?  Who is your favorite team?

Good Enough to Eat: Strawberry Shortcake Cake

This is a great summer recipe and so easy to make.  Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1 Angel Food Cake (can buy from the bakery at the grocery store)

2 large packages of frozen strawberries

1 6 oz. package of strawberry jell-o

1 package regular gelatin

1 large container of cool whip (I used lite)

Fresh Strawberries

Make It:

Crumble the cake into the bottom of a 9X13 dish

Make the strawberry jell-o (make it with 1 cup of boiling water and 2 cups of cold water; don't use water amounts from the box)

In a separate bowl, make the gelatin (make with 1/4 cup cold water)

Stir the gelatin into the strawberry jell-o mix

Add 1 cup of cool whip to the jell-o mixture and swirl slightly

Add frozen strawberries to the jell-o mixture

Pour the mixture over the cake and be sure it is covered well

Refrigerate until ready to serve

Before serving frost the cake with the remaining Cool Whip and fresh cut strawberries

Project 31 Day 9: Virtues

Day 9.  What virtues do you value in yourself?

This question is very important because there are standards that I hold myself to.  There are things that I have been taught from a very early age that have stuck with  me and that I carry and cherish  as precious items in need of protection.  

The first virtue that I value in myself is compassion.  Compassion is one of my God-given gifts that has made me who I am today.  Compassion is a central theme in my career and in my life.  I have a heart for people and have grown up serving others.   My dream is to one day become more involved with mission work, especially with women and children.  One of the definition's of compassion says that compassion is "a cornerstone of greater social interconnection and humanism...regarded as part of love itself".  I love the thought of it being a cornerstone of our social interactions.  We should show empathy for one another, being so connected on a level that makes us feel what others feel and react accordingly. The Lord says in Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  I want to clothe myself with compassion  so that it is seen from the outside to those whom I come across.  I want to be a compassionate wife, counselor, mother (eventually), friend, co-worker, etc.  Compassion drives me and makes me continue to reach out and build relationships.  It encourages me to continue to encourage others in our daily lives made of struggles and triumphs.

 A second virtue that I value is my sense of responsibility and commitment.  This is a virtue that my parent instilled in me from  an early age.  When you commit to something there is no backing out.  Commitment comes with a sense of responsibility.   Being responsible means you are held accountable for the commitments you make.  I take my responsibilities very seriously and I believe it has gotten me to where I am today.  People know they can count on me to be there when I say I will.  Being responsible is essential for being an honest, committed, dependable individual.  I have taken  my responsibilities too seriously at times, leading to stress and concern, but I believe this virtue has more pros than cons.   

 

A final virtue that I value in myself is self-respect.  I am a bit of a feminist for those of you who don't know me that well.  I took a couple of classes in college and it just fueled my fire that was already starting at a young age.  Now, I am not one of those bra-burning hippie type feminists but I do advocate for women's rights and want women and young girls today to have a sense of self-respect.  I am too good and too cherished to be disrespected, stepped on, or thought of as less than worthy.  Growing up I was probably looked at as a goody-two-shoes because I was not willing to change my standards to fit in.  I stayed pure until marriage, I didn't have a sip of alcohol until I was 21, I have never tried pot, and I don't flaunt my goodies.  This is not to say that this is the path that leads to self-respect, but these were the standards I held for myself and how I wanted to respect myself.  I believe self-respect looks different for everyone because we all have different values and beliefs.  However, I want to value myself and know what I am worth because I am a child of the living God and I was fearfully and wonderfully made.  

What virtues do you value in yourself?  How do you incorporate them into your daily life and your walk with Christ?

   

A Little Randomness

I have a hodge podge of little things I want to share, so here is a little randomness. 

I have my first big-girl job interview tomorrow.  It is for a high school counseling job and I am nervous, excited, blessed, terrified, unsure, confident, praying, optimistic, hoping, anxious, waiting, preparing, etc, etc.  It is so intimidating to enter an interview with people you know are judging you, but I feel confident that if it is the right place for me then it will all work out.  So any prayers would be greatly appreciated.  I just pray that I can be myself and let my passion shine.  I know the Lord has the perfect place for me. 

Here is one of the cutest videos ever.  Our little Piper gets the hiccups quite often and it is so adorable.  She is the master of puppy eyes too, they will melt your soul.  This little video showcases both of these adorable qualities.  So enjoy!  Also, Brandon is seriously wanting to adopt a second puppy.  I can't decide if this is a good idea or a bad idea.  I mean I love dogs, but two in our little house, I don't know about that.  p.s. Piper is becoming way too much like a child to me, it's pathetic, but endearing at the same time.  

 

This weekend was full of mild injuries.  My mom and I drove down to the beach to visit my sister for the weekend.  Now, I am a redhead so sunscreen is a must.  Therefore, I slathered on the SPF 50.  FIFTY!  I still managed to get a miserable sunburn on my chest and belly and an odd-looking sunburn at that.  Oh the joys of being a redhead.  Then on Sunday, I had my weekly softball game.  First play of the game a lefthanded batter steps up to the plate.  I was playing second base, so I knew he was going to pull it to the right side.  Next thing I knew a super hard hit grounder comes speeding my way.  I couldn't get my glove down fast enough and POP it hits my ankle at full speed.  The picture doesn't really show the bruise too well but my ankle is swollen and a nice shiner has developed complete with the seams from the ball.  Such is the life of a softball player.  It was all worth it though because the next time he stepped up to the plate I backhanded his line drive and he was OUT!  I also randomly pulled the muscle behind my shoulder blade.  Standing on the field all of the sudden I felt it tweak.  Has anyone else ever pulled this muscle?  It stinks. 

                                         

Here is my only picture from the beach because I forgot my camera at home, so this is a phone picture.  Anyways, I hope you enjoyed my Monday morning randomness.  And, remember to send me your posts for my guest series Love and Marriage.  Have a lovely Monday!

Expect Nothing Less

We all have expectations.  Expectations for ourselves, expectations for others, expectations for our futures.  The only letdown is...our expectations are not always met, or rather they are rarely met.  I hold myself to high standards in my actions, daily responsibilities, and most importantly in my relationships.  As most of you have heard, I pour myself into my relationships, probably to a fault.  It's one of those things where my high expectations are both a strength and a weakness.  They are a strength because I hold myself to a high standard as a friend, a wife, and as a person; however, they are a weakness because I also expect others to reciprocate this type of treatment.  I expect that when a friend is in need, small or large, that I will be there for them.  This is a standard I hold for myself, to unconditionally provide support whenever I am able.  I expect that I will give my all into my relationships and endeavors, whether that is in my career, volunteering on Sunday mornings, or just loving on my family.  

I hate to say it, but as I am growing as an adult I am quickly realizing that my expectations for others are often fallen short of.  It makes me wonder...are my expectations too high, are they unable to be met?  The more I think and process this I realize that it is important to have expectations.  You set your own standards based on your wants and needs, but more importantly based on what Christ wants for you.  Expectations help you keep a standard, so that the people you allow into your life are people of high caliber.  They are people who want to invest in you, who hold similar expectations.  God wants the best for each of us and wants us to choose wisely.  Expectations create a filter for us to choose relationships that bring us to a higher level, that cause us to raise the bar for ourselves.  When we have high expectations it is not the intent to be snobby or snooty, but rather to create an environment where you can continue to grow.  These expectations also help you fill your life with people who will not let you down because if they cannot meet your expectations (as long as they are realistic, mind you), if they cannot meet your needs then they will only lead to disappointment.  Those that do meet your expectations, who meet your needs, hold them close, cherish them.  So, keep those expectations.  Trust your instincts when it comes to setting, modifying, and raising your expectations.  For expectations define our relationships and bring us to the level that Christ expects for each of us.         

New Series: Guest Bloggers Wanted

Some people come into our lives and quickly go.  Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts.  And we are never, ever the same.  

Hey all you lovely people.  So, I've really been wanting to host a new series where I open up my blog to guest posting.  What is the blogosphere if not for sharing?  That being said, I've decided to start a new series called Love and Marriage.  I know a lot of the people who read this blog are married, engaged, in love, or want to be married.  Even if you aren't in a romantic relationship there are relationships that change you and make you who you are, whether they end up good or bad.  Love, marriage, and relationships are a gift from God and they change people who enter into them.  I really want to hear from you all about how the Lord has worked on you through your relationships.  What relationships are most impacting in your life?  What relationships have shaped who you are as a person? If you are married, how has the Lord worked in your marriage?  You get the picture.  So, come on people send me those posts.  If you are interested in being a part of this series, please send me your post to cfbrown814@gmail.com.  I look forward to hearing from you all and can't wait to get this series started.  

Mr. and Mrs. Pinto

I love weddings, everything about them, but I especially love when my friends get married.  Mary is one of my dearest friends. When my family moved to our church in third grade I did not know how my life would transform.  I fell into a group of friends who became my best friends for many years.  Mary and I became best friends, attached at the hip practically.  From playing basketball together, to traveling with the youth group, to countless sleepovers, and years of going to Camp Ridgecrest, we have made many memories.  Unfortunately, when we both went to different colleges in 2005 we sort of lost touch.  We both got busy in our studies and college life and I regret not putting more effort into maintaining our amazing friendship.  

However, the Lord knows my heart and knew our friendship was not over. After college we both ended up back in Charlotte and reconnected.  We have been growing our friendship ever since.  She was a part of my wedding, as a program attendant, and on July 9 I had the honor of returning the favor for her wedding.  Yesterday, she said I Do to a wonderful man who makes her incredibly happy.  I could not be happier for her.  She looked beautiful and radiated from the inside out, not to mention the huge smile on Michael's face.  I am truly blessed to call both Mary and Michael my friends.  Mary, I love you and I wish you two a lifetime of happiness.  Thank you for being an amazing friend and I can't wait to make more memories with you and your new husband. 
 

Project 31 Day 8: Beauty Secret

Day 8.  Have a beauty secret?  Share, please!

Okay, so I really don't have too many beauty secrets.  I use basic products, which probably aren't the best for me, but that are affordable.  I could probably use your advice more than you could use mine, but here is one little trick I learned a couple of summers ago.  It is a little sensitive of a subject, but worth sharing.  So, you know after you shave your bikini area how those pesky, irritating bumps show up?  Admit it, we all struggle with this and find it incredibly annoying.  We are all grownups here.  We all want to find a remedy to this, right?  Here is one that someone told me about that has worked pretty well.  It is not a cure by any means but it helps.  DEODORANT!  So after shaving or waxing use a solid deodorant (like the one shown below) on the area.  One with powder is best.  This will help calm and soothe the area and hopefully cut down on the irritation.  I know this is not the best beauty secret, but hey, it has helped me, so I thought I would share.  So, what are some of your beauty secrets?  I would love to know.  Hope you all have a blessed day and that you are enjoying the summer!

 

The Mangy Moose

 ****Warning, lots of Pictures****

Brandon and I have been dying for a vacation, a getaway from the ho-hum of daily life.  The opportunity presented itself a couple of months ago when one of our friends called.  He and his fiance had won a 3-night stay at a mountain cabin at a silent auction and invited us to tag along.  Well, this weekend finally arrived and we took off to the Mangy Moose cabin in Banner Elk, NC, which is right outside of Boone and Blowing Rock.  We were so very excited to get out of town, spend some time with some great friends, and get refreshed.  Piper and our friends' dog Bender tagged along too.  The cabin was very interesting and full of taxidermy, complete with bearskin and zebra rugs, a moose and buffalo head, and ducks galore.  There were three bedrooms each with a private bathroom, so it was nice.  

On Saturday we spent the day in downtown Blowing Rock, which is a cute little town snuggled in the middle of the NC mountains.  We shopped the outlets and visited the downtown strip which was full of small boutique stores.  We had dinner at a local restaurant and finished off the night playing cornhole and Wii.  We did have some crabby neighbors who had the nerve to come over and tell us to stop playing cornhole because the bags were too loud, but anyways we moved the party inside.  

Downtown Blowing Rock

Surprised Prairie Dog Face

Bender joining the party

Bender Loves Cornhole

On Sunday we wanted to get outside and enjoy the beautiful sites that the NC mountains have to offer.  We took off to hike Linville Falls.  We hiked two different trails that had 2 or 3 offshoot trails.  It was wonderful to get outside in nature and get a great workout.  The falls were beautiful and we got to see them from several vantage points.  We also hiked to the bottom of the gorge and got to wade through the crisp river water to the falls.  Now, the hike back up was definitely a cardio challenge, but it was well worth it.  After finishing the climb back up we headed over to Linville Caverns and toured the inside of the mountain,which was interesting.  That night we relaxed, ate lasagna, and played board games.  We were so tired and went to sleep early.  We ended the weekend on Monday by grilling cheeseburgers and watching the hotdog eating contest.  It was a wonderful mini-vacation and just what we needed to get rejuvenated.