tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89494559574139636012024-03-13T07:11:19.757-05:00A Daisy TodayMy Journey and the Lessons I Learn Along the Way...Nicole Beatyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11043410564507534467noreply@blogger.comBlogger150125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949455957413963601.post-29575641485346822052016-07-19T16:11:00.002-05:002016-07-19T16:11:58.904-05:00my story - part 3<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well if you are new to the block, you might want to read the two previous posts as they will help this one make much more sense. A quick recap - I basically lived through every single girl's worst nightmare. A strange man broke into my home, kidnapped me, and left me on the side of the road in the middle of the night. What do you do with that? Where does one go from there?<div>
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I must admit I had no idea - I was in shock. I went to the only place I knew to go - God's Word. Part of me died that night, and in those few days it felt like a huge part of me that I might never be able to get back. I felt like the reflection in the mirror was not my own. <b>But God in His resurrecting power began resurrecting my heart and my life.</b> I knew the truth - that God had rescued me, but I needed His Word to replace the images and fears that had invaded my mind. I began in Psalms with David who knew his way around fearful situations and enemies. I found truths such as Psalm 34, where it says, "the angle of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them. O taste and see that the LORD is good; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!" Psalm 37 offered comfort with "the LORD laughs at the wicked, for He sees his day is coming." These words became the soothing balm for my soul.</div>
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His Word is precious to me, and it very much came alive for me in those days. <b>But God in His restoration began restoring my heart.</b> The balm worked so efficiently, I believe, because of the bandage that surrounded it keeping in that which heals and out that which only seeks to harm. My bandage existed in the people God placed in my life who truly were the hands, feet, open arms, strong shoulders, and listening ears during those first several days and in months to come. My family was incredibly strong and fierce in their determination to make me feel safe. Candace Beaty Windham and Ryan Smith are pretty much the people you want in a crisis. She took care of so many things from calling my principal to arranging a rental car and taking me to get a new license and social security card. Ryan began a prayer chain in my church in very early hours and arranged half of the church to pack and move the entirety of my house to storage that weekend. From beginning to end, I believe it took approximately 3 hours. My parents were incredible prayer warriors and strong towers who simply asked questions when they wanted to know how I was really doing. Shirley. She allowed me to cry, grieve, be angry, talk through tears, admit all of the irrational fears/thoughts that enter your mind following trauma. She taught me that shock is a physical condition as much as emotional, and that it's okay to not be okay. She did that all while pointing to the only One who can calm our fears and heal our hearts. </div>
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Again, I must point you to God and His hand of provision and protection. Provision came in the sweetest couple who were cleaning the church that night. I, embarrassingly, admit that I am not even sure of their names, but I will never forget their kindness and composure that made me feel incredibly safe. The woman knew something was wrong immediately and told her husband to let me in and lock the door. Once inside she asked me what had happened, called 911, called Candace, and she even offered her very own shoes because I was barefoot. I have no doubt that God placed them there that night, and I do not have the words to express my gratitude for the glimpse of light in the stained glass window and the SUV in the parking lot.</div>
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I feel I must include one other group especially as our media tends to only share the worst examples of these people. The men and women in blue - the police officers, detectives, agents from the MS Bureau of Investigation, and now the district attorneys were the best examples of what they should be. As a young woman, I felt like they treated me as they would have their own daughters. They sought to provide answers and ask meaningful questions without ever making me feel less of a person. They worked diligently in the weeks following to catch him, and they continue to work to make sure he is in a place where he can no longer hurt someone. </div>
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I still carry that Thursday night with me, but it does not win. I will not let fear win or have any power over my life. In January, I began a fitness journey by joining in a challenge to walk at least a mile every day and post that progress on social media, and after going to the gym this morning I have walked for 2oo straight days! I moved into an apartment on my own. One day I found myself afraid to go outside my apartment at night, and I became angry that this person had taken away my feeling of security. In my walking and praying, I was able to let go of that anger and channel that energy into fighting back against the darkness and fear. Now all of my "walking posts" carry the #fightback along with whatever might be going on inside my scattered head that day. Now I have a decal with #fightback on my truck, and we have sold t-shirts with #fightback that helped me pay off the car that was stolen. I cannot tell you the number of people who I have come into contact with that have asked me where my strength comes from. Again I must point you to Christ and His strength. I have no other explanation as it is impossible without HIM.</div>
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Some of you may wonder why I would share the worst night of my life with the world, and it is a valid question. Let me point you to Acts 1 where Christ tells the disciples that they will be His "witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and even to the remotest parts of the earth." Also take a glance at 1 Peter 3 where Peter tells the church "...do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you with gentleness and reverence..." Can I tell you that the original recipients of these words experienced much more difficult circumstances than I can imagine, and Christ commanded them to tell their stories. You and I can argue creation vs. evolution all day long; however, you cannot discredit my story of how Christ rescued me. That calm that washed over me that night that very well could be what kept me alive is because of the hope that is in me. I am well aware of the statistics of female victims who live to tell their story, and I am the very rare exception. He rescued me physically that night, but He rescued my soul many years prior when I placed my faith in Christ and repented of my sins. </div>
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It is my sincere prayer that you see God in this account just as clearly as I have throughout this process. Fear does not have to control you. It does not win. I will leave you with Philippians 4:6-7.</div>
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<i>"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts, and your minds in Christ Jesus."</i></div>
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Nicole Beatyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11043410564507534467noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949455957413963601.post-51214376589603609602016-07-08T15:31:00.003-05:002016-07-08T15:31:34.566-05:00my story - part two<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
There is a really popular worship song right now called "No Longer Slaves" by Bethel Music, and it was one of the first songs I heard following that night. I was in worship at my church, and the band sang this song as I wept. Because I could say with certainty that I knew what it meant to be rescued by God, I prayed that I would no longer be a slave to fear. This fear that made its way into my heart that night is something I continue to struggle with, but in those times, I remember how He held me in His arms that night.<br />
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Once again, I don't want you to get caught up in "details" and not see God's hand so I will not share everything that happened that night. I would rather not be the "prayer request" you whisper about behind my back, and to be completely honest, it takes me at least a week to recuperate from having to tell every detail of that night. Instead I would rather you focus on what I have to focus on and that is His provision from beginning to end. <br />
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I told you in part one that night felt like a death of something, a great many things actually. The death of safety, security, a feeling of home being the safest place on earth, innocence, and quite possibly the death of one part of my life. That night stands as the cusp between B.C. and A.D. of sorts for me. I must warn you that this may be disturbing for some. Everything after this night would be affected in some form by these events. <br />
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If you know me at all, you know I love Nehemiah, and if you study Nehemiah you will see these prayers uttered by Nehemiah that are almost like breaths recorded from a constant dialogue between Nehemiah and God. Since studying Nehemiah, I have began to see prayer like that - not as some formal ritual but just a constant dialogue between He and I. To be real, it is not often enough that I quiet my own heart to allow His side of the dialogue to be heard. I thought I would share some of these breaths.<br />
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When this man entered the kitchen while I was washing dishes screaming and cursing, he told me that if I didn't do anything stupid, he wouldn't kill me. I can't explain the calm that came over me - it wasn't immediate but it was effective. My thoughts went to every cop show I had ever watched, and I had two immediate reactions. One, "is this way I will die?" and two, "don't do anything to make the crazy man angry." Once again, I had this calm that came over me as my thoughts were running wild.<br />
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The man wanted money, and being the 21st century girl, I had little cash. This meant a frightening change of scenery to my car in search of an ATM that would take my debit card. As I was driving, my thoughts gave way to prayers.<br />
"Candace and Brent are getting married in two weeks, please don't let me be the whispered about reason for the extra memorial candle."<br />
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He got the money, the driving continued, and it was clear I would not be returning to the beautiful home in the country. New fear rose up in me as I realized he no longer needed me.<br />
"Dear God, please don't let me be found mangled in some strange house three counties over. Please don't let someone have to make that call to my Mama - Mom and Dad - that would kill them."<br />
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The night wore on, and the drive took me further from everything familiar.<br />
"Just let him leave me on the side of the road. I can get home, I can find a phone if he will just leave me on the side of the road."<br />
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Finally, after driving through three counties and enduring the night, he had me pull over on the side of the road, told me to get out, that he was leaving and he didn't know how I was going to get home. He drove away in my car as I walked away on the side of the road. <br />
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Friends, let me tell you how God answered every prayer. It wasn't just any side of the road, it was the parking lot of a church. Through a yellow pane of stained glass window it looked like there were lights on in the church and there was an SUV in the back parking lot. I knocked on the door, and I felt relief as the door opened to the sweetest older couple cleaning the church. The woman told the man to let me in and lock the door. It felt very much like the arms of Jesus open wide for me. I was very much alive, in a church, and the woman called Candace to tell her what happened. I just couldn't be the one to call Mom and Dad because I knew that it would hurt them so much. Looking back, I realize that I should have called them if for their sanity alone. <br />
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I felt this intense relief to be alive while at the same time feeling exposed as my oh-so-private life was dissected by many police officers and detectives from at least 2 counties and the MBI. In the days to come, it was apparent that my life would never be the same. I think part of me died that night, but I also believe that God gave life to a new part of me that night. But... that will come in the final part.</div>
Nicole Beatyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11043410564507534467noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949455957413963601.post-55990951439295826582016-06-28T11:44:00.000-05:002016-06-28T11:44:21.891-05:00My Story - part one<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
If I am honest, I have been ready to tell this story for a few weeks, but I have struggled with how to tell you this story. I think the lessons I have learned through this story are sometimes drowned out by the serious, frightening logistical details of the story. My prayer is that through telling it this way, you will see the amazingly powerful Hand of God active and alive in my story. <br />
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I read somewhere that even Judas was part of the plan. God used the betrayal of a friend that led to death on the cross to redeem us, and I have to believe that He uses the very worst of our circumstances to redeem and sanctify us. We don't get to see His Hand in the moment, but it can become apparent in hindsight. In the book Esther when the Jewish people were threatened, Mordecai tells Esther that perhaps she was queen "for such a time as this." God put things into motion long before Esther was even thought of.<br />
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Maybe, just maybe God had aligned things in my life to lead to this place, to share this story with you. It began with a job relocation - teaching in Smith County. That's right, teaching. Can we say dream fulfilled?But with every dream comes sacrifices, namely a 35 minute drive from my home in Jones County. A new car helped with the gas mileage - it was a Chevy Cruze and beautiful. I loved my car and my job - I was pretty much a happy Beaty girl. <br />
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Next came the wedding - Candace (sister/best buddy/roommate) and Brent (then fiance/now husband/awesome man) were getting married which allowed me to consider moving closer to my job. Through Facebook and some helpful hints, I found the cutest little 3 bedroom house right over the Smith county line and an entire 7 minutes from work. It was perfect - Candace and I made arrangements to move just a month before the wedding. I was excited to be a country mouse with space after many years in the city in an apartment building with people surrounding you ALL THE TIME. The front yard has one of the most amazing views of the night sky. Through this time, God began leading me through Psalms. It felt like He was breathing new life and fresh air and love into my soul.<br />
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I felt safe and secure - life was beautiful.<br />
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About two weeks into living in my new, super cute, country house, I was home alone on a Thursday night which in and of itself is something of a unicorn. We usually have Thursday night dinner as a family, but Dad had diabetic class so we moved it to a different night. Because we had a free night, Candace and Brent were working on their home as the wedding was just weeks away. A night at home alone to watch TV, relax, regroup was particularly appealing to me. If you know me at all, you know that I quite enjoy my alone time.<br />
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It was this night, at home, alone when all of my safety and securtiy and beauty went straight through the bedroom window. Coincidentally, it was the same bedroom window that the police believe to be the entry point for the strange man who came into my home with a gun and kidnapped me. This man became the Judas in my story - it led to the biggest change in my life which felt very much like a death of something. For a long time, I was angry at this man that obliterated my security, and I still have moments of anger when something scares me. However, these moments don't last long when I return to my plum line of God's word and realize that it was His Hand and His Plan that led me to that moment and brought me safely through. But that's the next part of this story...</div>
Nicole Beatyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11043410564507534467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949455957413963601.post-73914924396097061832015-04-17T20:47:00.000-05:002015-04-17T20:47:16.007-05:00broken and beautiful<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well it's been a minute or two since my last post. If I am quite honest, I just became bored with this blog. I had run out of things to say or I didn't want to take the time to write down the things I wanted to say and do it well. I am not really sure of the reason, but I want to get back to blogging if only for the catharsis that it is for me. Writing these things down, or typing these things out rather, is a form of confession and healing for me. I read James 5:16 today, and it says (in my words) that confessing our sins to others is healing for us; therefore, I am just trying to apply medicine to my wounds through this blog.<br />
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What confession must I make today? Well today I am broken. I am broken hearted for my cousins who are more like brothers that are mourning the loss of their mother. My heart aches for my mother who has lost yet another sibling and for my Papaw who has buried yet another child...<br />
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For my aunt still finding her way after tragedy struck years ago...<br />
For the family that is grieving the young boy killed in the car accident...<br />
For my kids at school whose parents choose not to participate their child's life..<br />
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The small group that I teach is currently in the middle of a study titled, <u>Lord, Where Are You When Bad Things Happen?</u> Intellectually, I can affirm that God is good and that there is a purpose to our pain, and it is to this truth that I grasp, white-knuckled when things turn tragic. But the pain is still there, and my heart still aches. Tears still fall. I have never really been able to wrap my head around death - its not fathomable to me that people that were laughing on the front porch one day can be gone the next. <br />
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So tonight I am seeking healing - confessing these things to you and spending some much needed alone time on my porch in my chair my Papaw built for me. <br />
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And I am reminiscing on the past week. While it has been one of those weeks that just hurts, it has also been one of those weeks where my heart has been filled. My cousins chose our church for the visitation and funeral for my Aunt, and I must admit I was apprehensive. Grief and family are two things I keep private from the rest of the world, and here we were about to open an extremely private matter up to people who don't normally see that side of me. Please don't get me wrong, I love my church dearly. I just don't trust too many people with the big things. But please let me tell you that I am so glad we were home at CrossPointe this past week - the entire staff and family were so incredibly giving and kind to my family. It was a truly beautiful mixture of my family and my church family. They ministered so beautifully to my grief-stricken family, and I am beyond grateful. <br />
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To the people who ran sound, cooked meals, cleaned up after us, made many pots of coffee, and preached the service - we are so thankful for you. Words will never suffice for how blessed we are by CrossPointe Community Church.<br />
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It is during times of crisis, that we put pen to paper to attempt to make sense of our world. Tonight, I am not sure if any of this makes sense, but I hope, somehow, it helps.</div>
Nicole Beatyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11043410564507534467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949455957413963601.post-5424239236820305902014-12-26T09:12:00.000-06:002014-12-26T09:12:07.979-06:00Cindy Lou<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Dear Friends,</div>
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Today I feel a little like Cindy Lou Who in the Grinch - the words of “Where Are You Christmas” running through my head. I am not sure where my Christmas spirit went, but I know for sure I have misplaced it. I love this time of year, and I am normally Ms. Christmas. I started listening to Christmas music in October and my tree was up before Thanksgiving. But this year has been different for me. I don’t know if it was the feeling of everything being rushed or for the first time I felt the pressure to buy the perfect gift for everyone. We have been surrounded by parties and people, and I not saying those are bad things. I just feel like I missed Christmas while I was supposed to be celebrating Christmas. I tried so hard to get it back, but here it is December 26th and I missed Christmas. </div>
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I missed the magic of the lights.</div>
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I missed the feeling I get when we sit down and open presents.</div>
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I missed my Mamaw something fierce.</div>
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I think the problem is not that those things were not there, but that I wasn’t present for them. I have been so worried about Christmas - I forgot to enjoy it. I am sorry I know this post may be a little sad for the day after Christmas, but I had to get these feelings out. Now that I have - I feel a lot better. I think I shall celebrate Christmas now. </div>
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Nicole Beatyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11043410564507534467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949455957413963601.post-82209475219543362332014-06-06T14:18:00.000-05:002014-06-06T14:18:18.554-05:00nerd life<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So this summer, I am working part-time in an office with my Mom which means a little extra money and squeezing all of my favorite summer-time activities into the four days that I don't work. You know all of the summer-time activities that are particularly thrilling to nerds like me. For example, cleaning and reorganizing closets, catching up on my summer reading list (which would rival that of Rory Gilmore), spending as much time in the sun without resembling a lobster, and possibly disappearing into some form of inexpensive adventure.<br />
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So far this summer, I have started four books but finished 3. The only one that I have yet to finish is <i>The Book Thief</i>, and I am looking forward to finishing it. Its intense and sad, but I will finish it. The 3 I have read to completion are<i> The Fault in Our Stars,</i> <i>Beautiful Disaster</i>, and <i>Walking Disaster. </i>I absolutely loved all 3, and I love that the books we read throughout our lives shape who we are for better or worse. Books allow you to escape to worlds and experience emotions without the commitment of living through them even though I often find myself entrenched in the worlds created long after the book is finished. I can't completely separate myself from both the love and darkness Hazel Grace feels in <i>Fault</i>, and to say that I identify with Pigeon who is both attracted to and afraid to fall for the Disaster of a man in both <i>Beautiful</i> and <i>Walking Disaster </i>is the understatement of the century. <br />
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Now I am not going to say that you need to read these books because your taste may be completely different from mine. I am just going to encourage you to read - read whatever it is that you find appealing. It will enrich your life and your view of the world. I thought, in the interest of inspiration and in hopes you will share yours with me, I would share my summer reading list with you.<br />
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<i>The Book Thief</i><br />
<i>Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl </i><br />
<i>To Kill a Mockingbird</i><br />
<i>Night</i><br />
<i>Wuthering Heights</i><br />
<i>The Giver</i><br />
<i>The Secret Life of Bees</i><br />
<i>The Hiding Place</i><br />
<i>Number the Stars</i><br />
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If I read all of those, I have some classics that I would like to read at some point. So as I said, I would love to hear about the books you are reading or planning to read. Also for those of you who have children, <a href="http://www.scholastic.com/ups/campaigns/src-2014?esp=corp/ib/20140602/CHPtout/SummerChallenge/homepage/hero/" target="_blank">Scholastic has a summer reading challenge you can learn more about here.</a><br />
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So nerds, go read a book. <br />
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Nicole Beatyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11043410564507534467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949455957413963601.post-71660059319060292872014-04-24T13:26:00.001-05:002014-04-24T13:26:38.929-05:00remind me<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So it has been a while since my last post - life has been incredibly busy lately. I have missed this as it is my favorite/only outlet for all of the thoughts that are often jumbled up inside my head. I hate pulling the busyness card because it will inevitably sound like the worst excuse known to man, but it is the truth. I have no other reason, no other excuse to offer other than busyness. It is during these times when I forget things and must be reminded of those ideas that are of vital importance to my life.<br />
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1. I have to remember who God is and just how big He is. In the busyness, I get caught up in my own petty problems and forget that He is Almighty God. I like the idea that He wants to be my friend, but I love that He is my fortress, my strong tower, and the place from which I gain strength. You know that I LOVE Nehemiah, and I often go there when I am discouraged or grumpy from being discouraged. So I thought I would share Nehemiah 4:14-16 with you again.<br />
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<i>"When I saw their fear, I rose and spoke to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people: 'Do not be afraid of them(those people who were trying to discourage them from building the wall); remember the Lord who is great and awesome and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses.'"</i></div>
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2. This verse also reminds me of who I am - not some weak, little pipsqueak! I, we are called to be warriors - to fight. The war belongs to God, but we are certainly soldiers in the battles. I have two verses for you on this one. Galatians 4:6 says that,</div>
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<i>"Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba! Father!'"</i></div>
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And 2 Timothy 1:7 tells us about this Spirit. </div>
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<i>"For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power, and love, and discipline."</i></div>
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I don't know about you, but I just love the idea that God sends His Spirit into our hearts. Through Christ, we have access to God and His abundance - grace, mercy, comfort, strength, power, the list could go on forever. There are days, and today is one of those when I have to pray, as Nehemiah did, <i>"O God, strengthen my hands."</i></div>
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3. Nehemiah 4 also reminds me why - why I get up every day and go to work, why I work with children. We are fighting those battles for them, for those people God has entrusted to us. I fight for the 20+ darlings that climb the stairs to Extended Care every day. I fight for the 100+ boys and girls that darken the doors of the CrossPointe Kids building. I fight for the ladies that work with me every day, and most importantly I fight for George, Joyce, Candace, Brittany, Jonathan, Madison, Wyatt, Daisy Claire, Papaw, David, Brittany, Aunt Debbie, Ben, Mallorie, the boys, and many other family members.</div>
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Maybe you are like me and need someone to say, "Remind me, who do you fight for?"</div>
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Nicole Beatyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11043410564507534467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949455957413963601.post-38064550839472444452014-02-11T13:51:00.001-06:002014-02-11T13:51:43.115-06:00Valentine's Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The Single Girl's Top 4 Reasons to celebrate Valentine's Day</div>
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1. Tulips and Truffles! Why waste an opportunity to celebrate with fresh flowers and chocolate? Come on people, you have an excuse to take that cheat day on your diet. And believe me, you are completely capable of buying these things for yourself. I do every other time I want flowers and candy!</div>
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2. Ryan Gosling, Paul Newman, Ryan Reynolds. So many great movies - <u>Breakfast at Tiffany's</u>, <u>You've Got Mail</u>, <u>Crazy, Stupid Love</u>, <u>The Proposal</u>, etc Yeah, I don't mind so much spending V-Day looking at them in a sweet. sappy, albeit unrealisitc display of life and love!</div>
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3. V-Day is fun. Around the preschool, we paint pink and red hearts on anything that will stand still! Did you know that you make a fish and a penguin using only hearts? Bet ya didn't?! Then you get to have a party with enough various forms of sugar to provide energy for the entire state of California. Okay, so maybe there was a teensy bit of sarcasm in that last bit, but it is fun to see the children so excited to pass out their valentines!</div>
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4. "All you need is love." Whether you want to admit it or not, chances are you are loved by the people in your life. This love does not have to be from a spouse or significant other, love comes in many forms. So take time to celebrate the love you do have instead of focusing on what you do not have. </div>
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I know some of you will read this and continue to whine about how Valentine's Day sucks if you are alone, and I really hate that for you. Some of us face every day without a significant other and sometimes that really sucks. But if you focus on the bad days, you will miss all of the great days! </div>
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Here's hoping you have an awesome Valentine's Day!</div>
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Colie</div>
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Nicole Beatyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11043410564507534467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949455957413963601.post-37815263983496763032014-01-17T13:29:00.001-06:002014-01-17T13:34:03.509-06:00Fun Friday!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Okay I have another confession! I know, I know you are tired of hearing my confessions - especially when they contain no juicy gossip for you to pass on in the form of a prayer request! I hate it for ya! Anyways... my confession! If you had asked me ten years ago where I would be in ten years, never would I have said working in a preschool and living with #littlegirl! I am pretty sure at that point, I was not particularly fond of the small version of people nor was I close to my middle sister! Neither one of us was very nice back in the day! But God (yeah we have those moments in our lives, too!) had another plan, and here I am. I work with three and four year old babies every day, and Candace and I have shared the same living quarters for almost 5 years! The confession is that I am VERY happy with my life! It's not what I had planned nor what I expected, but I love it. I love my job, and as much as it pains me to admit it, #littlegirl is my best friend! I am not saying that all days have been good days or that I have not chased her around the apartment beating her up with the frying pan (yes, Mom I did that last week!), but I am saying that for right now I am pretty pleased with life! <br />
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Okay confession time over! Because I find myself in such a good mood, I thought I would share with you some of the things that have made me smile this week in hopes that maybe you smile!<br />
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Daisies remind me of "You've Got Mail" and my Mamaw! </div>
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Come on, isn't he beautiful? Like manly, ruggedly, beautiful!!</div>
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So many great quotes - I promise half of the things I say come from this show!</div>
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Okay, so have a beautiful weekend! Smile! Laugh! Go on an adventure! </div>
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Nicole Beatyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11043410564507534467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949455957413963601.post-51890084396132400272014-01-14T13:58:00.002-06:002014-01-14T13:58:24.057-06:00new year<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Confession - I have not made a new year's resolution, and I have not even made a list of things that I want for this year. If I am completely honest, I have not been entirely retrospective concerning 2013 because it was a tough year! There were times when my heart hurt as though someone had torn it out of my chest with their bare hands. There were times when I was so exhausted, I found myself doing the minimum and going through the motions of life. I have longed for heaven and the peace and relief it will bring. I got so very frustrated with myself and my foolish pride, my wandering heart. I think I learn every day a little more about the value of His grace and patience.<div>
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Do not get me wrong, there have been some wonderful times this year, but struggle seems to be theme we focused on this year. I began this year striving for balance and quickly realized that it only takes one stumble for all those things you thought were balanced to come crashing down! Have you ever been there? Have you ever just needed a break from the world? I think that is where I found myself this past year - I think I found myself going through the motions because caring meant hurting, and I didn't have time to deal with all of that. So I kept going and going until I could not get up any more, so for most of the holidays, I did very little besides lay on the couch and be a bum. </div>
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I think it was the best thing I could have done - you see all of the resolutions and goals don't mean anything when you can't remember why you are doing those things. So for me, 2014 is a chance to remember why I fight, a pause to get my bearings, and an opportunity to move forward past the struggle. I don't think I will make a resolution or a list this year, I just want to be present.</div>
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Nicole Beatyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11043410564507534467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949455957413963601.post-74977141309098858252013-12-16T13:58:00.000-06:002013-12-16T13:58:24.546-06:00stop and smell the coffee!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well hello friends! I hope you don't mind, I kind of like addressing this post as if we are all old friends simply picking up where we last left off. The Christmas season is upon us, and I am so very excited! It's my favorite time of year, and bonus - it actually has felt like winter here in South MS for more than a few hours straight this year. Most of the time we have this slightly bipolar weather pattern that can fluctuate between summer and freezing in the same <strike>day</strike> five minutes!<br />
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So this particular season has been extremely hectic and so very busy for us - at this moment I am quite frustrated at this fact. I am very careful in what I commit to because I like to give 100% to very few things rather than 25% to several things. I am not sure if that makes sense to anyone but my me and my parents because they are the ones who taught that to me. I would really like to scream right now, but I can't because I have to work! So after work and after small group and after I buy coffee creamer, if you see me screaming outside my apartment don't be alarmed. I will be okay after I scream!<br />
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I feel like the first two paragraphs are completely at opposite ends of the spectrum, and that is exactly what is the problem. I love this time of year - it is the perfect time to stop, smell the coffee(with your creamer), and enjoy the days, but its like I don't have time to go to the bathroom much less smell the coffee before I attach the I.V. filled with it to my arm! <br />
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Okay, I know that was a tish dramatic but you get the point. I am tired of being busy, and I really feel like that's not God's best for us. He created rest for a reason, and I truly believe that busyness can be a tactic of the Devil. Busyness is usually a bunch of less important things meant to distract you from what is really important and what your ultimate goal is. For example, this week is supposed to be a fun week for my kids celebrating the birth of Jesus and preparing for Christmas holidays; instead, I am exhausted from busyness, my nerves are frayed, and I am frustrated. <br />
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So I go back to a couple of my favorite verses that get me through life.<br />
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<i>"Cease striving, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, and I will be exalted in the Earth." - Psalm 46:10 </i></div>
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<i>When I saw their fear, I rose and spoke to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people: “Do not be afraid of them; remember the Lord who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives and your houses.” - Nehemiah 4:14</i></div>
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The entire Psalm 46 is an <a href="http://adaisytoday.blogspot.com/2011/09/elizabeth-elliot-and-i-got-this.html" target="_blank">"I got this"</a> psalm for me, and Nehemiah is just wonderful! </div>
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Okay, now I feel better. I do apologize that you readers have to see the inner workings of my catharsis, but this blog does help me process things and deal. So I hope you have an outlet for your frustrations, and I pray that we all can stop and enjoy the season!</div>
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Nicole Beatyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11043410564507534467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949455957413963601.post-90056176345223482132013-11-11T13:48:00.000-06:002013-11-11T13:48:45.743-06:00two months<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well it has been a little over two months since my last post - some of you may have forgotten about me! I apologize for the silence, but it has been so incredibly hectic around the block lately. I am not so adept to change so it takes me a minute or a month for me to adjust my schedule. I am still adjusting and working on a new routine/schedule. Perhaps my disruption is just the hands-on portion of the lesson we have been going through at our church - God knows I learn best from experience.<br />
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So I thought I would share with you a little list (I know, shocker) to catch you up on the goings on of the Beaty girl house! <br />
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<li>School has been going great lately! I am working on doing an art project once a week that coordinates with the letter for the week. The kids love it, and they are just so cute when we get them finished. You can check out my board on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/nicole_beaty/school-projects/">Pinterest</a> to see some of the things we have done so far as well as some of the things coming up!</li>
<li>I am also trying to add to my library at school, so I have joined the Scholastic world! I am a self-professed nerd which means I absolutely LOVE <a href="https://clubs2.scholastic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/TCOOLMainViewCmd?emailLink=false&storeId=11151&itemLink=&catalogId=10001&krypto=1RrQ2O8MYdhohANcDIzyHYjXaBVPPGqr&ddkey=https:TCOOLTypeAheadCmd" target="_blank">Scholastic</a>. The kids can get books at ridiculously inexpensive prices, and I get bonus points to buy books for my room! It's a win-win situation. I think I may have my family just buy me books from my wish list for Christmas! (Hint, HINT) (P.S. you will need this code to find me - MNCF4)</li>
<li>#Littlegirl is still alive and kicking which is a major feat for her on days when she makes me want to pull her hair out! We have already signed our lease for a new year in the SAME APARTMENT!!! This is a major accomplishment for us - two years in the same place and the second Thanksgiving week that we are not moving!! (Break for happy dance!!!)</li>
<li>Oh little update for ya on the weight loss. We are STILL going to the gym; it may or may not be 3-4 days per week instead of 5-6 but we are going regularly. So far I have lost almost 40 pounds, and little girl has lost almost 60. We don't have specific number goals on the weight because we understand this is a process that is part of an entirely different lifestyle for us. We just want to be healthy and more comfortable in our skin.</li>
<li>Our church is growing which means our children's and preschool departments are growing! And all of that means figuring out space and teachers for our kiddos as we are out-growing our current rooms - what an awesome time and blessing for CrossPointe! I am beyond excited about the direction we are headed in. I am telling you, if you don't have a church home, please come check out <a href="http://www.crosspointechurch.org/" target="_blank">CrossPointe</a>. We have an awesome Pastor, great staff, amazing teachers in our children's worship areas, and beautiful, precious people! There is nowhere else like it! </li>
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Well there is the sneak peak into the craziness. I can't promise that it won't be two more months until you hear from me again, but until next time lovies! Much love!</div>
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Nicole Beatyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11043410564507534467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949455957413963601.post-26426761781742741292013-09-07T20:53:00.001-05:002013-09-07T20:53:42.165-05:00Confessions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So I am not exactly sure that I could live with zero contact from the outside world, but I am positive that I do require bits of time of that zero contact. Yes ladies and gents, I think if you would google introvert you would find a picture of me (hopefully it is a good one!). Couple that with coming from a long line of quite independent, strong minded women means that I consider myself not really needing anyone to help me with anything. In fact, I become quite irritated with myself when I realize that I need someone. For me needing someone means that they had come incredibly too close - a dangerous thought because they would inevitably fail, let me down. And that would hurt. Too much. <br />
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Until very recently, I was okay with keeping people at a distance and even prided myself on my independent nature. Like I said, until recently that is. It seems that with each new study and with each new introduction into the character of God, pieces of the facade and old nature are pinpointed so that they can be removed. The more I study and the more I learn, the more I see this independence to the point of isolation is actually quite a sinful attitude that I struggle with. God created us for community - we are created to NEED people in our lives. Punch. In my stomach. Okay... I am catching my breath. Now I just love the way God works, and He obviously felt this was a lesson I had to hear as it has been a recurring theme in our series in church. John, our "ninja pastor," even admitted to struggling with this at times. It is quite ironic to me at this very moment that it helps to know I am not alone in this fight. <br />
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<i>"Human beings are simply not designed to function in isolation"</i> - from <u>Multiply</u> by Francis Chan and David Platt - a book we are reading through in our small groups at church. The premise of the book is that if we call ourselves followers, believers, students of Christ, then we are to be "disciple makers." You can't be a disciple maker if you are isolated as this process is something that happens through relationships with other believers. Perhaps this hit me like a ton of bricks simply because I quite enjoy isolation at times or because I feel like God has called me to be a teacher, to share what He has taught me. I think part of it is that I really want my life to mean something for Him - to be more than the sum of its parts, to be pleasing to Him. <br />
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Now for the difficult part, which is not simply admitting it to a bunch of strangers or even friends. The hard part is implementing changes demanded when I realize something separates me from God and makes it impossible to live a life pleasing to Him. I am not completely sure what all this will entail, but I do know that it means opening my heart to the people around me, letting them in even if it does not end well. That most certainly will be the hard part.<br />
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Are there others out there like me? Do you struggle with letting people in? I would love to hear from you!<br />
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Nicole Beatyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11043410564507534467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949455957413963601.post-32610323614686477312013-08-13T22:02:00.001-05:002013-08-13T22:02:39.225-05:00please read!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Holy cow, batman! It has been one incredibly busy summer - incredibly busy but also incredibly rewarding! Today was our first day back at school, and it is crazy to me that we are looking forward to going back to school so things will slow down! Who says that? I know, it's crazy! But more on school and all the craziness later! I am afraid I have to get a little serious on you, for just a minute!<br />
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Not very long ago, our pastor talked about having confidence in God and in who He created you to be, your calling. I don't think that is something you earn or work towards, I think it is something you have to tap into. I get that sounds somewhat weird, so let me explain what I am thinking. 2 Timothy 1:7 says that "God has not given us a spirit of timidity (fear), but of power and love and discipline." That power, love, and discipline are not things that we are born with but are things that we are given through Christ being real and present in our lives! We have to "renew our minds" as it says in Romans 12 in order to keep that line of communication open and to know the importance of that power source!<br />
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But please get this friends, power and love and discipline are not things the devil wants you to tap into. In fact, he will do everything in his finite power to keep you afraid and discouraged. Powerless in this battle we call life. Tonight as I was sitting down to catch you up on the past few weeks, my heart has been heavy because life has been hard. It was then that I realized exactly what I was feeling. I was discouraged and afraid - have you ever felt like that? It is probably one of the worst feelings ever! <br />
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I think back to our study on Nehemiah, aptly titled <u>Fear and Discouragement</u>, and Nehemiah's prayer for God to simply "strengthen my hands." So many things were used to break down Nehemiah and the people of Israel, but Nehemiah never ceased praying or tapping into that power that could only come from God. So tonight I am so thankful for studies done and for words of encouragement that could only come from Scripture. It seems to help to know who the enemy is, that the war is won, and that we have the armor to fight the battles.<br />
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So as for sharing this quite deep topic. I was once told that once you know the truth, you are held accountable for what you do with it. I pray with ALL of my heart and soul that these words reach that soul that perhaps has tears of experience in their eyes at this point. There is hope! That power is there for the accessing - in His word. It is, after all, our only piece of offensive armor given in Ephesians 6. I also hope that once you know the Truth, you will pass it along!</div>
Nicole Beatyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11043410564507534467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949455957413963601.post-51858798263568515252013-07-26T11:05:00.000-05:002013-07-26T11:05:57.983-05:00sweet summer time<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well the summer is coming to an end - a fact which makes me super sad! In honor of the ending of summer I thought I would share with you some of my most favorite things from this summer!<br />
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1. I am in love with this song and the band - both are just insane! Check them out!<br />
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2. The Farmer's Market in Laurel! It's so great to get to know some of the local artisans and farmers and to get some fresh/homemade goodies! Its been great! And it proceeds the Downtown Movie Night which is free and family friendly! I just love Laurel in the summer!<br />
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3. Hanging out with #littlegirl - even though she can drive me crazy like nobody else! I have chronicled our adventures on Instagram! This summer we also have had some good sister time with Brit - she is a super busy mom of 3 beautiful children so some quality Beaty girl sister time is rare but needed!</div>
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3. I have been made the Preschool Coordinator at our church, and I am so excited about the things we are doing in our children's department this fall! If you don't have a home church, come visit <a href="http://crosspointechurch.org/">CrossPointe Church</a> in Laurel! In preparation, I have been reading this awesome book - you need to check it out!</div>
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4. Reuniting with some old friends! </div>
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5. We took this summer off, and honestly it has been one of the best things ever! It has been a great time to regroup and refocus! I am so thankful for this summer and the breath of fresh air it has been!</div>
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I hope all you have had a great summer!</div>
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Nicole Beatyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11043410564507534467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949455957413963601.post-15478365153096513112013-07-16T16:26:00.001-05:002013-07-16T16:26:38.194-05:00ghosts<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Do you believe in ghosts? <br />
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Are you haunted by ghosts?<br />
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I do and I am. While the idea of the spirit of someone who has passed really freaks me out, it is the idea of ghosts of my past that are the most frightening. The ghosts of the person I used to be seems to haunt my reality - I am pretty sure there is more than one ghost. The ghost of the young girl I was before I became a believer, the ghost of the timid wallflower I was during most of high school, and the ghost of the naive diva I became in college.<br />
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I was around four or five, quite young, when I became a believer so that particular ghost is not so much haunting as elusive. That simple faith of my childhood that God would take care of everything is something I must search for and tap into on a daily basis.<br />
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The timid wallflower ghost seems to hit me square in the face anytime I step foot near my high school - yes it is just as bad as it sounds. Its like I am possessed with the 16 year old version of myself anytime I turn in the parking lot and I try quite hard to blend into the seat of my car. I was a substitute teacher there a few times when I moved home, and I had to remind myself not to look as scared as I felt because I was no longer that girl.<br />
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Most recently I have come face-to-face with the college version of myself, and for a brief moment, I found myself wanting to be that girl again. Surrounded by great friends and family, successful in school, active in organizations, she was a devout optimist, confident in her abilities, and stubborn to a fault. College was great, and I treasure those times, but the seconds were fleeting before I realized that this girl was un-tested and lacked depth. Yes she had not experienced pain and struggles in any real way, but she also had never really experienced the strength of God's hand when you have nothing else to hold onto. <br />
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Even though it does make me sad that things have changed and that girl is a ghost, I wouldn't trade the lessons I have learned when all of those things were stripped from my life. I had placed my friends where only God should be, I relied on my own abilities rather than leaning on God, and during my junior and senior years, I was "too busy" to spend real time in the word. Little by little, God took away those things so that He could restore my foundation and form me into the person who could withstand the winds and rains of testing and trials. Now I am not saying that I have "arrived" by any means, but I at least feel that I am on the right road. Sometimes it just takes a few ghosts to remind us where we have come from!<br />
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Nicole Beatyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11043410564507534467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949455957413963601.post-20560626328368221762013-07-09T22:28:00.002-05:002013-07-12T21:24:08.048-05:00focus!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"21 You must not turn aside, for then you would go after futile things which can not profit or deliver, because they are futile. 22 For the Lord will not abandon His people on account of His great name, because the Lord has been pleased to make you a people for Himself. 23 Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you; but I will instruct you in the good and right way. 24 Only [i]fear the Lord and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.</i> <i>25 But if you still do wickedly, both you and your king will be swept away.”</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I Samuel 12:21-25</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well you guessed it, I am a few weeks into a new study - this particular one begins with the period immediately following the period of Judges and continues through the life of David. This particular passage is Samuel talking to Israel after they rejected God as their king and demanded a human king like every other nation. The issue was not simply wanting or needing a king, but rejecting God as their king. You know I used to be quite the judgmental snob towards Israel, but the more I study the Old Testament and the more of this life I live, the more I relate to the people of Israel. Which is typically the exact moment when I find myself </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">acutely aware of both the grace God gives us each day and the need to submit to His authority in my life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think I identify so well with the Israelites because like them, I need these reminders "not to turn aside." And then because I am <a href="http://adaisytoday.blogspot.com/2011/09/elizabeth-elliot-and-i-got-this.html">that girl</a> - I read scripture and then have this scene in my head. This time, it's as though I am supposed to be listening to someone but I am distracted instead, and He snaps His fingers in front of my face and says, "focus!" Immediately I snap to attention as though He is the King and I am the lowly peasant. He continues, "remember the Lord who is great and mighty, and remember what you are to be fighting for" (Nehemiah 4:14) because we must never forget, He is our King and this life is a fight!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is so very simple to get distracted and to "turn aside." Most of the time the distractions are not necessarily sinful things in and of themselves. These activities become sinful when I place them where only God should be. Still other times, it is not an activity at all, but an attitude towards things. I begin working and desiring things instead of God - does that make sense? The verse in Romans 12 that speaks of being transformed by the renewing of our minds means so much more in the light of this - so much of this battle is mental. We need grace everyday, and we need His word like we need physical nourishment - every day, three times a day sometimes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am immensely grateful and blessed that He does not abandon His people but gives us these "focus" reminders! </span></div>
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Nicole Beatyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11043410564507534467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949455957413963601.post-16358700115527099472013-06-17T19:01:00.003-05:002013-06-17T19:01:51.529-05:00balance<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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work and play</div>
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family and friends</div>
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career and family</div>
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God and man</div>
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We all have things we balance on a daily basis, and perhaps some are on the list above. For some of us it seems a little less like an exercise in balance and more like a complicated session of juggling. We feel as though we must allocate just the right amount of time and energy to the proper persons or activities, but Jesus told Martha in Luke 10 that only one thing is necessary.</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>38 Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word. 40 But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; 42 but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”</b></span></i></div>
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I am not saying that we are to be lazy or antisocial - notice that Jesus did not chastise Martha for serving. We have responsibilities and are called to service, but I think sometimes we can get distracted by those that are not serving. Often we look at the task at hand which at times can be quite daunting, and we begin shifting our eyes to the right and to the left to those who we think could help but aren't. It is in moments like these that my attitude takes a turn for the foul, and it is all downhill at that point. Then these verses come to mind - "<i>you are worried about so many things, but only one thing is necessary."</i> I can hear my Mom and Dad telling me that "you can't worry about what everyone else is doing, you have do what God asks of you." Another person's actions or inactive state is not the problem - the problem is my attitude which altered when my eyes were not on Jesus and my task.</div>
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Mary chose the good part, the one thing that was necessary - sitting at the feet of Jesus listening to His word. During those times when my attitude needs serious adjustment, I must come back to that necessary part. Just as we cannot adequately exercise our physical bodies without proper nourishment, we cannot adequately serve our church or our community without sitting at His feet listening to His word. Sometimes we have to "be still and know that He is God." (Psalm 46:10) That's a difficult one for me - the being still and knowing that He is God. In my finite mind I feel as though I have to do everything if it is going to be completed and completed the way and at the time I want it to be. However, that way of thinking is so very contrary to God and His character which leads to me being stubborn and arguing with God. I must tell you that never really ends well for me - I just have to choose to let Him have it, to surrender my stubborn heart to Him. What can I say - work in progress here! These days I am learning the balance of the following list...</div>
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grace and truth</div>
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femininity and strength</div>
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being still and service</div>
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yes and no</div>
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food and exercise</div>
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Nicole Beatyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11043410564507534467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949455957413963601.post-4140210239723797812013-06-12T21:58:00.002-05:002013-06-12T21:58:37.258-05:00thus far...In 1 Samuel 7, the ark has been returned to the Israelites, the people have repented of their sins, and returned to God. Upon their return, God defeats their enemy and Samuel places a stone called an Ebenezer as a reminder to the Israelites that "thus far the LORD has helped us." (1 Sam. 7:12) I love that it says "thus far" - not that the character of God would change, but it serves as a marker for the people of Israel. Like the mile marker on the side of the highways, this marker indicates Israel's current position as well as how far they have come. I think we all need these markers, moments or mementos that remind us where we are and where we have come from, as a place of reference to return to when we falter or when things do not seem to be going as we think they should.<br />
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The other thing that is so encouraging to me is that Ebenezer does not mean "thus far I have been perfect" or "thus far I have made it on my own." No, it is "thus far the LORD has helped us." The people of Israel failed, they stopped serving the God of their fathers, and they worshiped idols - images that they had created. Stop before you say that they were crazy for bowing down to some statue - an idol can be anything you put where God should be in your life. I don't know, maybe that doesn't leave the same punched in the gut feeling with you that it gives me. Maybe you are perfect and have it all together - this is probably the wrong blog for you as I am nowhere near perfection. <br />
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I am so easily distracted which leads to just the slightest drift off course; the only problem with a slight drift is that the longer it goes unchecked, the further you are from where you are supposed to be. The difference for Israel is that they returned and repented. We all will have times when we miss the mark - it's what you do afterwards that counts. Return to God with ALL of your heart and remove distractions, idols, anything that you have replaced God with - those are the instructions to Israel, and those are the instructions to all of us. These are God's instructions to me. Return. Repent. Have your Ebenezer moment. <br />
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"Thus far the Lord has helped us." Ebenezer is not the completion of the journey. "Thus far" denotes that we have not yet reached our destination. From the beginning until now, God has been with us and helped us and provided for us - Ebenezer is simply the marker, reminder of the character of God so that we can deny the distractions and give every piece of our hearts to God on a day-to-day and moment-to-moment basis.<br />
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Some days, you just need to return and repent and look at the Ebenezer moments in your life.Nicole Beatyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11043410564507534467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949455957413963601.post-63060015893908811712013-05-29T17:30:00.001-05:002013-05-29T17:30:48.709-05:00Echoes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Sometimes it is the echoes of glory from a past triumph </div>
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or the echoes of laughter and tears from good days that went by all to quickly.</div>
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While other times, it is the echoes of what might have been - </div>
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the what-ifs in life that lead to the very cusp of insanity.</div>
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Still other times, it is the echoes of tragedy -</div>
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those instances when everything is still so real that it takes your breath away </div>
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even months and years later.</div>
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We all have echoes - the left-over bits and pieces of moments from our life that can be haunting. I think these snippets or echoes are always with us, but most often it is some outside stimulant that forces retrospection. The smell of new crayons, the feel of a summer breeze, 90's music on the local radio station are just such stimulants for me! </div>
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These moments of nostalgia or regret bring me to one simple conclusion - it is not just what you do that matters but how you do what do that is of equal importance. I have been reminded lately that this life is much too short and moments much too precious to do anything half-heartedly or to live without integrity. How you live matters. What you do with your given amount of time matters. Do not for one second think that how you live only affects you - there are people out there waiting for you to get off the bench and into the game. But to get into the game, you first must let go of those echoes - even those that build the ego. Nothing we undertake will neither change the past nor bring it back. It is time to make new echoes - to scream at the top of your lungs, to finally join that gym, train for that 5k, go back to school, make new friends, or start a new career. </div>
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Those people waiting for you to get in the game deserve the best you not some stand-in on auto-pilot. Today - this instant - is all you are given so decide to make the effort now!</div>
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Nicole Beatyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11043410564507534467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949455957413963601.post-27269805552101550732013-05-19T19:01:00.001-05:002013-05-19T19:01:49.519-05:00love and work<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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On Friday May 10th, our Uncle Allen Sharp left this world quite unexpectedly leaving a gaping hole in the fabric of our family. The days following went by quickly, were filled with many faces asking for answers, and left us feeling achy, hazy. I remember bits of pieces of those days...<br />
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To be quite frank, I have no great words of wisdom or answers to the questions we all feel after an event like this. All I can tell you is that it sucks - probably the most difficult experience of my life. I am pretty sure I went through all 7 steps of grief in the first five minutes and have continued to grow through them in each and every five minutes following. <br />
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So instead of some quaint offering that would only act as a band-aid for the pain, I thought I would share some of the lessons I learned from my Uncle Allen.<br />
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1. Love - love your spouse, your family, and those friends who think they're family! My uncle loved his wife - how many construction-type men do you know that willingly go shoe shopping with their wife just to spend time with them? That's love in my book! He was a man who was taught to do everything to the best of his ability, and that standard was not compartmentalized into work. He was also insanely loyal and generous to his friends and family! <br />
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2. Work - if you are able, you should work and work hard. Like I said, no half-hearted, piss-poor job would satisfy him. Do it right the first time - don't cut corners and take the simplified, coward's way out. He had a low tolerance for ignorance also. If you don't know how to do something, then ask someone who does! Uncle Allen was the type of person who could do anything he set his mind to, and he could get almost anyone to do exactly what he wanted to do. Candace and I joked about him being in the mafia - if you wanted something done, you went to Uncle Allen.<br />
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I know that is only two lessons, but I think those are the two things he did really well. I also think that if we can strive to do those things well, then we will have lived a good life at the end. I don't know why or pretend to understand why God chose that particular Friday, but I have to hold tight to what I know of God - that He is good, that He has a plan. Even if parts of that plan make me angry. Not so much angry with God, but angry that death exists at all. Times like this make me long for God's promises of no more tears and no more death.<br />
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Finally, the lesson I learned more through his death than his life. Life is fleeting, much too short to hold a grudge. Those things that we were angry about on Thursday didn't really matter Friday morning and should not matter in the weeks and months to follow. Sometimes, I think tragic events can be the very thing needed to shake us from our stubborn complacency and help us see that now is the time to forgive. You cannot do anything about yesterday, and tomorrow is not promised. So love the people God has placed in your life and do the job He has entrusted you with today!</div>
Nicole Beatyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11043410564507534467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949455957413963601.post-76463322045916599372013-04-29T22:38:00.002-05:002013-04-29T22:38:29.040-05:00a little workout story<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I am so incredibly blessed to be a part of our church - to be constantly challenged to be who God created me to be and to be reminded that I must align myself with God's Word in order to do that is just one of those things that I am so grateful for. I really don't know how anyone can go to church anywhere else. I don't mean to offend you, but that's how awesome our church is. I digress...<br />
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So this past Sunday, John began a series on Identity - who we are in Christ. I am a little excited. Don't tell him, but he has kinda been rocking the Sermon series as of late. Who really preaches on the Zombie Apocalypse and doesn't turn it into a "turn or burn" yelling match at minute 5? Really? Yeah - he does and it's pretty incredible, so stop reading right now and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/142100044538/">go watch the sermons.</a> Go. Now! You may return when you have finished. <br />
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So identity - who we are in Christ. That's a big idea for me, and I have to break it down to wrap my head around it. I began with this relationship thing which, for me, looks like Kay Arthur studies to help guide me in studying the Word and spending time with Him. (Side note - I have a pretty incredible Bible study partner who is also from my church!!!) It takes some time, but I begin to see little things coming out in the way I live due to what I was studying. We built walls with Nehemiah, fought battles courageously with Joshua, understood more of the cycle of behavior of the Israelites with the Judges, was inspired by the excellence of character of Ruth, etc. <br />
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One of the things that I was convicted quite strongly about was the idea of Biblical femininity of Esther, Ruth, Debra, etc which begins with balance - something I continue to struggle with everyday. So breaking it down further, I began with something I could tackle - my weight. Candace and I joined a gym in March, and we have been going 5-6 days per week since. It's difficult for me to see a difference, but I know the very real difference in the way I feel. I feel like the difference I feel and see is part of Christ being lived out in my life in a very real and practical way. I don't want to be super skinny or crazy ripped workout girl - I just want to be a good steward of my body. I want who I am and my reputation to give a correct estimation of who He is in my life. I don't pretend that I am perfect at this, but my point is that He is working on me! I am sharing this with you to hopefully inspire you and provide a little more accountability. If I can do the workout thing - anyone can! <br />
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Progress so far!</div>
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More to come! Have a great week - as we all know I have become that girl that only posts about once a week! </div>
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Much Love,</div>
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Colie</div>
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Nicole Beatyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11043410564507534467noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949455957413963601.post-41794589327366384622013-04-22T09:44:00.000-05:002013-04-22T09:44:05.206-05:00changes and a soapbox<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well hello there! Remember me? I am Nicole - the semi-silent blogger. My apologies for that - things have been slightly crazy around the Beaty-girls' household the past few weeks. A few things I am quite excited about -<br />
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<li>Candace and I joined the gym!!! We have needed to do this for sometime now, but we just had to get motivated. So the week of Spring Break, we went to a new local gym that is open 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week! Also, since the schedule we keep makes evenings difficult - we are working out most days at around 5:30 in the morning!!! I don't like seeing more than one 5:30 in my day, but oh my word, it is so worth it! I think I may be slightly addicted to working out... is that possible?</li>
<li>Candace and I designed and proposed a summer program for children - and it was approved! More about that to come!</li>
<li>The school year is almost over... it means things get terribly busy around campus but it also means that a break is coming!!!</li>
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So I think that is all on the list at the moment - but I do have a small issue for the soapbox!</div>
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Have you seen these?</div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.purehome.com/refuse-to-sink-wall-decal" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">purehome.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/wazzume24/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Hailey</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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Perhaps I over-think things, but inaccuracy drives me crazy. Its like English majors throwing temper tantrums because you used the wrong "your/you're" or "there/their/they're." Please allow me to elaborate on this inaccuracy. The anchor and the "refuse to sink" is cool; I mean, I like anchors and refuse to sink is just catchy enough without being too cliche or tacky! The problem comes when you think of what an anchor is actually used for... One guess, an anchor has one job, and it is to sink!!! Anchors are quite large and heavy so that they will sink to the bottom of whatever body of water and keep whatever water craft in one place. An anchor will not keep you from sinking - it will keep you from drifting! Now if the catchy phrase were to say something like - "my hope is fixed," "refuse to be swayed," "stand firm," etc, then I would not be on my soapbox! I think my main problem is that people are using this as a tattoo - hello people, it's wrong and permanent! Like I said I love anchors as tattoos and the message of perseverance is the same but use a different phrase!</div>
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Okay soapbox moment over! I hope you all have a wonderful Monday!</div>
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Nicole Beatyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11043410564507534467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949455957413963601.post-40430477815913323122013-04-01T13:44:00.000-05:002013-04-01T13:44:17.827-05:00weekend wrap-up<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So sorry about the silence around here lately - Candace and I have started working out every morning at 5 a.m. which means we go to bed with the chickens. Hence the blog silence because most of these are written between the hours of 10 p.m. and midnight. I am working on beginning a new routine moving those late night jobs to early morning jobs! So now that you are full of my excuses, I thought I would update you on this weekend - Easter weekend. It was chopped full of so many good things - it is probably one of my favorite times of the year!<div>
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<a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BGyQ6EKCEAA6Sqm.jpg:large" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BGyQ6EKCEAA6Sqm.jpg:large" /></a>The first was on Good Friday and was called "Ascend the Hill" at our church - it is just amazing. I am still speechless - such a creative way to pause and remember the sacrifice Christ made on the cross. The event began in the Sanctuary with a beautiful skit based on<a href="http://skitguys.com/videos/item/good-friday"> this</a> one from The Skit Guys and then moved outside to the property to a self-guided tour through the events of Good Friday - the garden, the trial, the scourging, the mocking, and the crucifixion. Can I tell you it is probably the most moving event I have ever experienced? You know there are quite a few times when our church does things that make me think I could not love it anymore than I do in that moment, and then we do something else completely unexpected and wonderful again - it's a never ending process for me. I just love my church - if you don't have a church home, come visit <a href="http://www.crosspointechurch.org/">CrossPointe</a>! </div>
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On Saturday, we all went to Mom and Dad's house for dying eggs, hunting of said eggs, decorating the bunny cake, hanging out the three coolest kids ever, and some sister time! </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>last pic is courtesy of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/candacebri?fref=ts">Candace</a></i></span></div>
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Of course Sunday was Easter, and I didn't get a single picture! Suffice to say it was a beautiful, joyful, and exciting service at CrossPointe followed by lunch at Papaw's, round-table therapy, and front-porch sitting! I am super blessed to be a part of this community of believers and part of an incredible family! I hope you all had a blessed Easter Weekend!</div>
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Much Love, </div>
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Colie</div>
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Nicole Beatyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11043410564507534467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8949455957413963601.post-81251514677460734162013-03-06T22:27:00.003-06:002013-03-06T22:29:46.577-06:00WW + TBT = FUN<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I am super excited today because tomorrow is the last day of school before SPRING BREAK - otherwise known as the week of regaining your sanity just before the school year ends! I think the children need it just as much as we do! So in honor of my excitement I offer you a wardrobe wednesday/ throwback thursday combination for your viewing pleasure!<br />
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I have recently found Wanelo - it's like Pinterest for clothes and it has a buy now option! I kinda love it, and I am loving these quote tees that I would pair with a cardigan or blazer that may or may not be completely visible to the whole world. But you get a chuckle out of it because you it's there!<br />
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<a href="http://cdn-s3-3.wanelo.com/product/image/4218366/original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://cdn-s3-0.wanelo.com/product/image/4340206/original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><img border="0" height="200" src="http://cdn-s3-0.wanelo.com/product/image/4340206/original.jpg" width="172" /> <a href="http://cdn-s3-1.wanelo.com/product/image/4419198/original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://cdn-s3-1.wanelo.com/product/image/4419198/original.jpg" width="172" /></a><a href="http://cdn-s3-3.wanelo.com/product/image/4218366/original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://cdn-s3-3.wanelo.com/product/image/4218366/original.jpg" width="172" /></a></div>
They make me smile, and I hope they have the exact same affect on you!<br />
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So as for the promised throwback thursday combo part of this post...<br />
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College....</div>
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A little further back...</div>
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This was a snow day at the first house Candace and I ever rented together...</div>
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Okay friends! Happy Spring Break to everyone!</div>
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Nicole Beatyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11043410564507534467noreply@blogger.com0