Beautiful Breeze

Hi My Name is Adrienne

2011-10-11T19:27:00.000-07:00

Remember me? If you don't I will not take it personally. I have been MIA for awhile okay a long while. I'd like to say I'm back to stay but let's be honest I'm hit or miss on this blog. I've written countless blogs and they all seemed silly or uninformative... this one is no different other than I'm biting the bullet and making it public anyways. Get ready for the big things I've been doing...

1) Working. I got a new job.
2) Leading. Yep thats right I'm back at Hoover.
3) Pinning. If you haven't heard of Pintrest by now it means you've been living under a rock. I "pin" entirely too much a day. Talk about mindless addictions.

Well that is pretty much it. ha. I am not kidding between those things (the pintrest one fills in the tiny cracks in between the first two). In my time off from leading I had gotten quite used to being selfish. I had no big obligations. I didn't feel bad if I said no to stuff. Now I just don't feel like there is enough time in the week. Now all of you who know me realize I'm being dramatic.

Leading again has lead to some interesting realizations. I love this ministry! I love hanging out with high school girls! I love my teammate. He is a constant surprise!

Well that is it! Below is a picture of JB, Damia, Chelsie, Derek, Becca & I after we went 80's skating. Please note that no one else was 80's skating except for the 6 of us. It was a delight.

I Raise My Ebenezer- Lake Champion- Becca

2011-08-21T16:02:00.000-07:00

Finally our last blogger from Lake Champion. Oh just this girl I like to call Becca Thomas! She is more than a big deal and makes me laugh at least 200 times a day. Just ask Gypsy he would agree. Without further adieu...

Give it up for BECCA THOMAS

i decided mid-second semester that i wanted to do summer staff...mostly because i knew that this is probably my last open summer to give up a month to work, but also because i remembered what a blessing and opportunity work crew was when i did it five years ago.

summer staff turned out to be totally just what i didn't know i needed. spiritually, i was comfortable - and after the month was over, i was realized what a rut i had been stuck in. i was living life on a "whats gonna happen next" basis and was losing sight of the "in the moment happenings".

as the month quickly approached, i was SO ready to go. i remember the whole week right before we left, Adrienne and I would randomly mention how excited we were to go on assignment. how happy to have a set schedule, 3 meals a day cooked FOR us, and just the overall community that you experience while you are there. the car ride up was great. i had the privilege of riding up with those mentioned below (Carter, Sarah, Beth Anne, and Danyelle) and they did a lot of talking about how nervous/excited they were. i loved being able to hear their reservations about the month, but also loved being able to be a distraction from those thoughts for the 9 hour car ride (needless to say, i introduced a lot of Thomas-family-roadtrip car games that were pretty short lived...we played a lot of 'would you rather', 'make it or break it', the alphabet game - which turned out to be a total flop due to the lack of road signs as we drove through Maryland and Pennsylvania, and a couple of games that i may or may not have made up on the spot :))

after successfully making it to camp, settling in, learning our jobs, and meeting what would become our family for the month, our first group of campers arrived on only our SECOND day there. the rest is history...

i remember journaling my first night there about my excitement but confusion as to what brought me there. i knew the Lord had big things in mind for me - specific plans as to why He had placed me there - but I could not for the life of me figure out why (HENCE the reason i learned that month that there are some things the Lord does not want us to know. Some things that he purposefully keeps hidden from us at the time being, just so he can blow us out of the water when HIS time is right)

our third morning at breakfast, Adrienne approached me looking very concerned and all she said was 'i need to talk to you. can you eat breakfast with me this morning?' i was freaking out. if you have ever experienced Adrienne and I together, you know that there are very little serious moments...

long story short, she asked me if i would be interested in doing 'real life' for the month. in short, 'real life' is a time at camp when real issues are brought up that coincide with the message the speaker gave the night before. its a great way for campers to visually and tangibly see the message put into real life terms, ending with another summer staff guy and i sharing our testimonies.

i remember the morning before sharing my testimony, every week might i add, feeling overly anxious and nervous. as the weeks went on, it only got harder and harder to share. going into it, i was very selfish in sharing my story. wondering what people would think about me after i gave it, how would they look at me, would they treat me differently, and the pressure of feeling like i had to appear perfect on the outside so that these campers could see Jesus IN me. and folks, THAT is when i learned alllllll about humility. the very last thing the Lord wanted me to do was cover up and try and mold my story into something it was not. i was making HIS story MY story. i literally remember feeling a total sense of peace when i got up on stage to tell my story. i can testify 100% to the Holy Spirit speaking through me on stage each day 6 of camp. i had no nerves. i spoke clearly. i glorified and praised the Lord for the work He had done in my life, and i never once thought twice about who would think what about me after i put all my baggage out onto the table. i learned to be bold. to say and to elaborate on my past and the miracle that the Lord worked in my life.

the second best part to sharing my testimony week after week and showing campers the freedom in being totally open and vulnerable, was the reactions i received from campers, leaders, staff, and peers. never once did i hear anything negative. never once did anyone question why. and never once did i feel convicted or judged by the person the Lord had molded me to become. it was SO cool to talk to campers throughout the rest of the day about their own struggles, and even sitting down with a few of them one-on-one to chat about life in general! vulnerability and i became good friends at camp, and i watched as the Lord began to change hearts because of it.

other than that, i feel like the Lord was continually faithful in teaching me little things throughout the month. i learned so much about my identity in Christ, and began to try and fully grasp His unconditional love for me (which I still believe is impossible to understand!) I was also blessed with such amazing people to share the month with, laugh with, and feel totally comfortable with. like i said, just what i didn't know i needed - but totally and utterly worth it.

I Raise My Ebenezer- Lake Champion- Sarah

2011-08-18T06:09:00.000-07:00

Sarah was a part of GG her sophomore year and while she decided to go to boarding school for her final two years of high school we consider her a member still. She is so funny, outgoing, loves life, and has a heart for other people that is just beautiful. In 10th grade she came to Lake Champion with us as a camper... and then this summer she headed back to LIVE in laundry. (She was there a lot thus the reason she lived there.)

Give it up for : SARAH!

Deep down I have always known Summer Staff would be apart of my college experience, but my nerves held me back once before this. This year I knew it was something that would be worthwhile, and knew I could not make up any more excuses. Just like BethAnne I was excited for Summer Staff up until the week before we left. My stomach was in knots, and I kept asking myself what am I doing the whole car ride to Champion. I have always been a girl that is shy in the first few days, and open up as I grow closer with people. I knew the first week or so would be the roughest. That night as I went to bed I almost started crying, because I was so nervous. The next morning I reported to laundry for the first time, and learned the rules of job. It was tough, because there was so much to learn and only one other Summer Staff girl with me. There were interns and staff, but still only one girl that was my age.

As I said earlier, the first week was physically the hardest. I then grew to love laundry, because of the women working with me. We all got along, and they all supported me a few weeks later when I needed it the most. On one random night I realized I had not called my parents in almost a week, and thought I should get updates. That was the night I learned my great-aunt, who I have always considered as a grandmother, had taken a turn for the worse and only had a few days left. Three days later I flew home for the funeral and flew back the day after. It was one of the hardest weeks of my life, but I know for a fact God placed me on Summer Staff for a reason. He knew I would need the encouragement and support of all those at camp. The best part was my friends at camp were a reminder not to be sad, because my great-aunt was with Jesus, her parents, her husband, and her sister. BethAnne, Adrienne, Mary Cameron, Jessie, Leila, and a few others showed so much kindness and love when I needed it the most. I was so thankful for the hugs, and how they took so much time asking me about the trip home and their lives as well. It is hands down one of the best experiences I have had, and am thrilled I was able to spend a month at a place that changed my life four years earlier.

LESSONS I LEARNED

- God knows where you are going and puts you in places for all the right reasons.
- God has a plan for my life, and I should trust in him because his is for the best.
- God brings people into your life that will change your life forever.
- When you have nothing left God’s strength will pull you through the toughest times.

-Sarah

I Raise My Ebenezer- Lake Champion- Carter

2011-08-16T14:13:00.000-07:00

Carter!!! This kid. What can I say? Uh... HE IS GREAT! One of the nicest, most humblest, hardworking high school boys I've ever met, and he is FUNNY. Anyways Carter is going into his senior year and I know full well God has big plans in store for him. He served the month in the dining hall as a server (my most favorite work crew job). I gave Carter some questions to answer about his month... this is him responding.

Give it up for ... CARTER PHILLIPS!

Ok so I was most nervous about was meeting 50 new people that I would be working with every day, but the Lord blessed me with 50 new friends that I became close with right away. The Lord surprised me by working in my own life as well as in the campers lives. I was surprised by how much I was able to grow working and serving God. I learned that there is a purpose for everything, which I wasn't entirely sure of before. My favorite part was the fellowship of my work crew friends, which I miss so much.

My favorite story was in week 4 when I stayed at my cabin's cabin time until 1:30 and then the next day 7 of the guys committed their lives to Christ at the say-so. It's been a very difficult adjustment coming home though. I miss my Work Crew friends and bosses so much, since they were better friends than nearly everyone at home. I just hope that I will see them again someday.

- Carter

I Raise My Ebenezer- Lake Champion- BethAnne

2011-08-15T07:44:00.000-07:00

I did a horrible job at posting during assignment so this week I will let our crew tell their own story. Peggy aka BethAnne is a delight of my life. Oh man do I love this girl!!! She has been a dear friend for 6 years. I could gush about her all day long! Here is her story told through her words.

Join me in welcoming guest blogger: BethAnne!

BethAnne baking it up!

This summer I decided to do summer staff. One of the main reasons I finally broke down to do it was because I knew so many people who were going from WV to work at the same camp. After very little persuasion from me, my roommate at the time Danyelle, decided to do it with me!

As the months went on I was excited for summer staff, but the week before we left everything changed. I completely changed my mind about doing it. I was incredibly nervous about the whole thing. I kept asking why did I even sign up to do this? What am I doing? Maybe I should find a way to get out of it.

Departure day: the whole trip my stomach was in a knot. I was getting more excited because I was in a car full of people from Charleston that I knew. We got there, unloaded the car, then headed straight to our jobs to be trained. I walked into the kitchen unsure of where I was going or what we would be doing. Our intern wasn't there, but two work crew girls were and that's when I found out we were the only three who worked in the bakery. We started bonding over chocolate chip cookies and the rest is history!

The first few days were the hardest. My hours were from 6am- sometimes 9pm. Day 1 of the first week we went nonstop until about 10:30 without even eating lunch. It was brutal. After that we got the hang of things and it didn't matter how long we were in there because we had fun the entire time.

The girls I baked with were incredible. Even though they were work crew, we could all relate in different ways and found ways to encourage or give each other advice. They are headed to college in the next few days so I've had the privilege of encouraging them in what to expect. My intern was also amazing! She was so great at teaching us and getting to know us.

Throughout my month I met so many incredible people and learned their stories. I made friendships that will last a lifetime.

Things I learned:

Making myself wake up at 5:00am each morning to have a quiet time really motivates me now that I'm home because I had such a consistent schedule for the past month.

I learned how to completely put my trust in God. I don't know how I would have made it some of those days without his strength pulling me through. Those of you who know my public speaking qualities will be shocked to know that by week 3 I volunteered myself to give my testimony at our tea time (testimony time) in the kitchen. There is no way I could have done that without him. I have grown so much in the past month. I am really learning who I am in Christ and how to find my identity in him and to live completely for him. My relationships with people have also changed. I am a more open and confident person.

Coming out of summer staff I can say that spending that month at Lake Champion was the best decision I've ever made. It was hands down the best month of my life.

-BethAnne

Surprise Beth Moore!

2011-08-13T16:47:00.000-07:00

I know Beth Moore was shocked to see me at her conference this weekend... I was shocked to be there. Friday morning (exactly one week home) I met Stacy at the Y to work out (painful) and she told me she and some fabulous ladies were heading to Columbus in just a few short hours to see Beth. What else was I to do but jump on the trip. It really was the only option. Beth begins to plan her conferences about two weeks out and asks the Lord to give her a word... our word.... PREPARED! She opened by saying who in here feels like just asking God "what is the next step?" ME! ME! ME! At that moment I knew I was in the right spot and my prayer was to be PREPARED for what the Lord had for me. Expectantly waiting. Let me just tell you it was good... oh so good. Are you frustrated by the vagueness yet? Well wait you must. I am still processing, still sorting. I think I know my bottom line takeaway BUT I want to sit in it, with it, on it for just a bit longer before I divulge. Sorry.

Just a quick pic in the parking lot on our way out.
Back Row: Stacy, Me, Katie, Laura
Front Row: Lisa, Cristin, Carla, Lisa

A girl turns 28

2011-08-06T08:48:00.000-07:00

So I clearly did an awful job at blogging during assignment. So this week I'll play catch up with you. (Lets just pretend it is in real time!)

Birthdays on assignment are great. Bethany came up to celebrate. (Ok really she came to see her husband but I'll pretend) Anyways I've celebrated four birthdays at a YL camp and I'm telling you it is the best place to celebrate... you feel overly loved!

The assignment team kids decorated my room with balloons. Grandmother for the record my bed is the one you can barely see but please note it is made.

The kids also made me birthday cards and decorated my door for me. I didn't take them down till the day before I left. Mary came and showed me all the ones she made then I made her pose for a pic.

Day 6...

2011-07-14T09:38:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day I cried on assignment... progress almost 6 days. It was good tears though. Enter Tecca Bhomas.

Each morning during media morning, where we look at media and what it tells us about us and how that relates to our brokenness without Jesus, Becca has been "calling in" on the radio show and asking questions. This morning she came out on stage and told her story. It is overwhelming to think what the Lord has done in her life. She warned me that if I cried during her talk that she would cry... I tried to hide in the shadows and smile even though my eyes were teary. I'm just so darn proud of her/ so amazed at how faithful our God is.

On another note yesterday I was told that I was going to lead a Sex & Dating seminar today at 4. This could get interesting... I'll keep you posted.

On a third note. Peggy, Danyelle, and Sarah are all doing wonderfully at their jobs. Pegs works so incredibly hard literally 10 hour + shifts at a time in the bakery... exhausted she stumbles out with the largest smile on her face. So neat to watch!!!!! Everyone here at Champion is doing well!

Campers Arrive Today

2011-07-09T05:02:00.000-07:00

It is week one day one and we arrived to camp yesterday morning around 10. I may or may not have been late because I got lost, hey I'm not the town runner anymore (circa 2005). Last week's campers left yesterday at noon, last month's assignment team departed about 2, and our team for this month begin arriving at 1. We turn camp over so very quickly and I often wonder how? But it works, like a well oil machine.

I'm not great at sleeping, it is just a fact, but add in nervousness about my new job or excitement that campers arrive today and get to hear the greatest love story and have the best week of their life and I'm up at 5am. So I thought I'd do a little blogging before I dart off to brunch.

The view from our porch and where you will find me in the mornings: QT + coffee + rocking chair = HEAVEN

I would love to be an amazing blogger and do a week at camp BUT the amazing blogger Bethany Ward couldn't come with us this month so I will use what she did last year on our assignment at Rockbridge. To see what happens each day at camp click here, it is worth it I promise.

Lake Champion or Bust!

2011-07-05T08:07:00.000-07:00

I don't really know where that saying came from but I remember wanting to make signs and hold them up in my car when I was little and heading to the beach.

I leave in two days. I am NOT packed but I am so ready. Ready to be at camp, ready to be loving on leaders, ready to be enjoying some laughs and amazing community. I leave Thursday morning and Becca, Peggy, Danyelle, Sarah, and Carter arrive the following day. (I wish I was coming up on Friday because that car ride is going to be epic.) Follow us here for stories of our month. I will try to post often and I will try to post their stories as well. The breakdown: Becca, Pegs, Sarah, and Danyelle will be on summer staff ( college age) serving in the snack shop, kitchen, store, and one more place :) Carter will be on work crew (high school age) and serving as a server in the dining hall-- you know only my most favoritest work crew job (I'm a little bias). You can be praying for us this month. Pray for strength, wisdom, soft hearts, and a thirst to know Christ more deeply. Pray for unity, vision, and JOY!

See ya in August!

This is my SONG right now, it has carried me for a few weeks and it will carry me through the month... unless I switch :)

6 years later...

2011-06-30T09:52:00.000-07:00

I went to the Edge last night @ church. It is the singles group... (enough said!) I have only been twice in my whole time at River Ridge which is what pushing 6 years? Anyways my second go around at the Edge was on the wonderful topic of sex before marriage. (I know I pick the weird topic to show up for.) Shelly and I made a guest appearance. It is kind of fitting though. Andy Stanley affirmed what 6 years ago... ALMOST to the month... the Lord asked of me.

In 2005 I went on my first YL summer assignment as a volunteer college student. In exactly one week I head back to Lake Champion to serve as female head leader for the month. As I begin to reflect what as transpired since that first trip there I LAUGH, CRY, and REJOICE THAT GOD IS FAITHFUL!

My biggest takeaway in July 2005 was I read a book called "Authentic Beauty" and I did a 180 in how I date (or more accurately how I will not date), and I think the most surprising was how I view opposite sex friendships. 6 years later... (I def thought I'd maybe go one year before meeting the man of my dreams, haha) I have found relationships that have blessed me far beyond anything I feel like marriage could have offered me (at this point in my life). I have gone from mostly guy friendships to the most rich and beautiful female friendships! I have healed in ways that I wasn't even aware needed healing. I began the journey of discovering the most intimate things about the Lord. Oh my! How He showed me some of the deepest, scariest, unfriendly, beautiful, rich places of my soul through His eyes.

I am so excited to head back to Champion... 6 years later Lord and all I can think about is what is next? Sign me up! I'm in! No matter what it is... there is no other place I'd rather be then in the midst of what you are doing and are going to do!

Kids say the darndest things

2011-06-24T13:50:00.000-07:00

Big Kick wraps up tonight and so far we've got some kids saying some pretty funny things....

During Becca's huddle time after our God Time talks.

Becca:"Guys what did we learn yesterday?"
Little Girl: "Ummmm I'm afraid of spiders. And Jesus was in a boat."
Becca: "uh ok"

After we played frisbee a young 4th grade girl says to mom about 22yr old boy coach

"Oh my gosh *Charlie's face is so adorable. His muscles are like a roller coaster the way they go up and down"

*names have been changed to protect those involved

After a huddle time that was slightly distracted with 5th grade boys. Boy goes up to coach pats him on the back and says....

"Josh, good job man, I"m sure you volted a couple of souls into heaven on that one"

In the middle of Betsy's making an announcement to all 100+ kids about playing soccer on Saturday morning as a make up, kindergarten child stands and shouts

"UH I CAN"T BE THERE THIS SATURDAY!!!!!"

"Sin Represas"

2011-06-23T10:19:00.000-07:00

In some circles, ok all, I am known for over analyzing. It is a blessing a curse. Gives me the ability to not get myself into sticky situations but also gives me the ability to DRIVE MYSELF CRAZY, it also gives me some pretty good insight. I think I'll it keep it for the latter and try to figure out how to make it stop driving me crazy. I am also known for loving documentaries. I find people absolutely fascinating. Their stories: how they think, the situations they have placed themselves in (good or bad), people they surround themselves with, and their take on life all woven together to create their story. Thus the reason I love blogs!

Today I watched 180 degrees South. Great documentary on a journey to Patagonia. In the movie they told the story of a grassroots movement to stop the building on dams on Chilian rivers. The movement is named "Sin Represas". Translated " Without Dams". Ok this all may be a stretch but my immediate though... SIN REPRESSES! It places a dam between God and us... but without the dam, without the sin... we are in perfect relationship with God. Like a river free to flow, free to be unblocked winding around rocks, over rocks, creating new streams, creating life. Etc. The river analogy is perfect really.

Something to think about.

Back in the saddle again

2011-06-22T19:32:00.000-07:00

Meet Red. Carly's horse. While little Miss. Carly is at basic training Red is without a rider. No horse should be without a rider... I enter here. I haven't really ridden in probably 5 or 6 years, other than the occasional trail ride- which doesn't count. It felt good to be back in the saddle and BethAnne is a fabulous instructor! Here are a few pics from today

Got a pic with his ears up. So handsome

This should have been at the beginning but I lounged Red first to get out some of his extra energy.

Calendar Review

2011-06-21T19:38:00.000-07:00

What have I been up to you may ask?

Oh just going on blind dates, no big deal. I had my first ever blind date. It was coordinated through my bestie from middle school who was convinced that I was Chuck's* "list". I have NEVER said yes to a blind date in my life..... much to Stacy's chagrin. Who has probably tried to set me up on at least 50 *name has been changed
Trying to speak at Big Kick... it keeps getting rained out
Riding horses. I got to ride for the first time in years today and it was great. Tomorrow we'll head to the barn again.
Playing entirely too much make it or break it games.... "he scampers?", "has to take real showers when he goes camping", "his email rhymes with "bolte". I could go on and on. In fact we play this game too often and with too many people we actually know... I think that is the funniest part!
Attending Jaclyn's wedding.
Sleeping on the floor (my bed is NOT comfortable anymore)
Counting down the days till I arrive in NY and trying to decide if I should stop in Michigan for 4 days first..... but mostly just counting down till I get some new scenery. I feel like a trapped nomad.

That pretty much sums up my past week or so.

Big Kick: Day 1

2011-06-20T04:30:00.000-07:00

Big Kick: River Ridge's vacation bible school, no crafts.... just the Gospel and soccer. I've been involved in Big Kick many ways the past four years. I don't know if it is because they are trying to find a fit.. or I fit in anywhere... hmmmmm

Year 1: assistant coach of 4 yr olds. (assistant to a jr high boy... Graham and I had a blast). I know NOTHING about soccer
Year 2: I was co-director with Laura. Boy am I glad that year is over. haha.
Years 3&4: program.

This year? Speaking. It was funny JB asked me to do program and I agreed then about 4 days later Betsy called and asked me to speak. I was completely torn, split right down the center. I love and MISS so terribly much speaking but this wasn't speaking to my high school friends this was talking to preschoolers and kids in grade school. Eeeek. They scare me! SCARE ME! High school friends I know aren't going to laugh at my jokes but they are going to laugh at me laughing at my jokes (right Bethanne?) I'm not a big prop or object lesson speaker... this was going to be all object lessons. I agreed.

So here we go. Tonight. Night one. God is Creator. Pray that I would use scripture accurately. Pray for huddle time (which is where kids sit and talk with their coaches about our God Time. Pray that I would be bold and my nerves would be calmed. Oh the Lord is so good. I am humbled by the fact that He continually chooses to use me in ways that I consider myself so utterly unfit.

LIPSMACKERS!

2011-06-19T18:12:00.000-07:00

This one goes out to all those young single boys (I'm pretty sure they don't follow this blog).

PET PEEVE ALERT! PET PEEVE ALERT! PET PEEVE ALERT!

(This one may be a little ranting)

I was talking to a friend tonight and I am just a little frustrated with boys, yes I'm not calling you men, these days. Question: WHAT IS WITH ALL THIS KISSING BEFORE COMMITMENT STUFF?!?!?!? Seriously it needs to stop. No one likes it. No one.

Speaking Truth!

2011-05-24T08:20:00.000-07:00

"Affirm the central truth that I am Good. I AM light, in whom there is no darkness at all. The assurance that I AM entirely good meets your basic need for security. Your life is not subject to the whims of a sin-stained deity. " Jesus Calling- Sarah Young

Ack Ack Ack: "I have been living in insecurity this past week, especially the past few days." There it is out there in the open. Feels good to get that off the ole chest! Man, with things getting ready to get drastically different I have been clinging to anything and everything that I claim as security and turns out those things aren't that at all, a smoke screen to distract from my real security. Last week I had to reclaim the truth of "God wins, satan loses!" Love this song for that truth...

Today I will reclaim the truth: "I AM security" or we could go with "TO BE secure".

Maybe Next Year Jerusalem

2011-05-06T07:51:00.000-07:00

Here are the anxiously awaited Passover Seder Pics! It was a great Passover and I loved celebrating it with these beautiful ladies. It was a group effort and everyone brought a special part of this wonderful meal. I stole these pictures from Bethany. To hear her wonderful takeaways and her p.o.v. go to her fabulous blog. (click here).

From left to right: Ashli Davis, Bethany Ward, Shelly Smith, Katie Cross, Summer Henson, Me, Megan Hevener, Becca Thomas

I look terrified here because I was in charge of the lamb. First time cooking it and I must say... SUCCESS! Katie cut it for me because I was terrified I'd mess that part up and I was nervous because I thought it might be overcooked. I struggled with the meat thermometer a bit.

SUCCESS! Perfectly cooked. Perfectly cut. Thanks Katie!

Becca is adding the parsley to the plates. We used it to dip in salt water to remember the hyssop branches that the Israelites used to cover their doors with the blood of the lamb and the salt water represented the tears shed while in slavery.

It isn't a traditional Seder plate but it works. Missing the lamb bone (we couldn't get it out and no meat market here was selling them separately and yes I called.

Beautiful table-scape. Thanks Bethany

We were washing our hands, traditionally done by the men at the table but since it was just us ladies because all our men were traveling out of town we took part in breaking the curses against our families.

The first take of our group pic. If Bethany weren't missing this would be my favorite because this is how we all normally look!

I already blogged about my takeaways from dinner. To see those go here. (When did I become obsessed with making links to other blogs or pages? Sheesh).

At the end of dinner the Israelites would say "Maybe next year Jerusalem" because they wandered and were displaced for so many years, saying maybe next year we will be home. As christians we know we are in the world but not of the world so this is not our home. Living to maybe someday finally being home.

I'm Tan!

2011-05-05T07:43:00.000-07:00

And it is NOT because I've been fake and baking. Ok I confess I had been however I also just got back from Florida. I am lame and used to traveling with my own professional paparazzi,Greg Isaacs, so I don't have a camera and did not take any pictures. I'll give you my top ten moments. Your welcome Dave Letterman (I wrote Dave?!?!?! Since when everyone start calling him Dave instead of David? Wow I'm so casual) for your trillion dollar idea. To see pictures and read Laura's favorite moments go to the Tuel's Blog. (click here)

TOP TEN GIRLS GETAWAY!

1. "Greetings Ladies". This became our phrase for the week. Ben, Stacy's youngest he is in kindergarten, was reading the Resurrection Story on Easter Sunday with Stacy. Stacy was asking questions when it was over and said "What was said?" Ben: "Greetings Ladies. He has risen." Simple enough! Although the phrase needs to be said with a little sliminess.

2. Upgraded to first class. If you've ever flown on Allegiant. You have to pay for EVERYTHING. So we didn't check bags or pre-register for a seat. It was a free for all. We were literally the last 5 to board the plane. Two boys were behind us. Luckily though because of that. We boarded from the back walked all the way to the front. I asked if we could sit in the first three seats, first row! They were reserved (not sure for who) but they removed the signs and we got to all sit together. First class may be a generous category but we are calling it that. We were also the last to exit the plane because our luggage was clear in the back. Tricky but hilarious.

3. Mimosa Thursday: We decided Thursday would be the day for mimosas. Nothing like having one right on the beach. Mimosa Thursday led to ....

4. MMMMMMMMMM Thursday! Mimosas, Marinating in the sun (tanning), Manna from heaven (see item 5), Massages, Mexican, and Margaritas.

5. Manna from heaven. While marinating on Thursday we were just hanging out at the beach. Laura and I see this thing fall from the sky about 20 feet in front of our chairs. We quickly look up to see a BALD EAGLE being chased by an Osprey and the bald eagle had dropped its fish. Now this act is up for interpretation. Some may say the BALD EAGLE was terrified and so it dropped it accidentally in an effort to get away. However I believe the truth is that it was offering us a fish as an act of worship for our beautiful beach bodies. This nice local came up and taught us that the fish was a Mullet fish... add the M fish to the M Thursday.

6. Pedicures and Massages. Yes please! Nothing says girls trip like a massage and a pedicure!!!!

7. Random quotes!

Me: "You know what they say. Hindsight is always..."

Laura: "50/50".

Me: "WHAT? 50/50? You mean 20/20."

Laura: "O I was thinking about raffles."

8. Foot/Back Door Massages. Auto correct may possibly be the worst thing EVER invented. Marriage Works is being held at River Ridge on Friday evening and Matt wanted us girls to come up with some questions for the Newlywed Game. So over a delicious dinner @ Salt Rock Grille (AMAZING dinner, thanks Wendy), we came up with the questions for the game. Funny thing is you would think I'd have nothing to add seeing as I was the only single. I wrote most of the questions. haha. That is just funny to me. Anyways Laura typed them up on her phone to email to Matt. It wasn't until Matt responded that we realized one of the multiple choices had been changed from "foot and back massages" to foot/back door massages." BAHAHAHAHA. It caught Matt off guard (and us).

9. Love was in the air. I have NEVER seen more mating in my life. I'm not kidding it was mating season in Florida. Every animal was mating all the time. We had bugs on our dinner table, in the elevator, and by the pool mating. There were also birds on the beach mating, and not one bird was without its mate when they were just chilling on the beach. Hilarious. I may be scarred for life. The guy on the plane on the way back had just watched a news report about "love bugs" turns out they are real and that is what they are called. Crazy.

10. Boogie Boards. Stacy has never boogied boarded.... ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Anyways so we grabbed some boards from the Godwin's closet and headed out. We were the only ones in the ocean because there was this crazy riptide. After almost 6 hours of near death attempts (okay it was probably only 5 minutes but the current was so strong I burned at least 900 calories), we gave up and headed to the pool.

Like always the top ten are in no particular order.

There is nothing more relaxing then going on a girls trip. Nothing brings me more joy than sitting and laughing, and getting to the heart of life. We are great at pointless conversation and making each other laugh. The thing I cherish the most though is that while our time is filled with laughter and silly conversations it is filled more with conversations that allow no room for hiding, no room for guardedness, and only room for Christ to fill more of you. Whether it is encouraging each other when we feel like we got the short end of the stick or celebrating the clear ways Christ has brought us into a spacious place it is only real conversation that puts us in the middle of where Christ wants us.

Dating the Burgh

2011-05-05T06:52:00.000-07:00

So I started dating Pittsburgh. So far things are going really well. Some of my dearest friends all got together and in a conspiracy decided to move up there. It happened awhile ago but lately I've been up there much more often. So Genna (the newest Pittsburgh addition) decided to take me on a Pittsburgh date. I have been somewhat known for my dislike of the city. Partly because I like to find a bandwagon and stick on it until my mind is changed, ~~its a flaw.~~ Needless to say Genna was ready for the Pittsburgh Challenge. So she planned two surprise days and let the city woo me.

The first day we drove around Oakland, Squirrel Hill, and then stopped in Shadyside for lunch and shopping. We ate at Pamela's Diner, they are all over Pittsburgh and have even been featured on the Food Network. After lunch we did some shopping then headed to the Allevato's. I hung out in the afternoon with Shawna for a bit then met Melissa and Genna for dinner in Southside. I was feeling pretty Pittsburgh cocky until it was dinner time. I pride myself on my navigational skills and an unrealistic thought that I always know where I am. To my credit had I not questioned I missed the exit, b/c I hadn't, I would have been on time. 30 minutes later and a very FLUSTERED Adrienne I arrived at the Double Wide Grille. After dinner Shawna met Melissa, Genna and I for gelato at the Big Dog Cafe. I had been here before it is so cute.

The next morning Genna took me over to Frick Park, I was dying to see it...hoping to run there but with the rain we settled for..... Square Cafe.

Oatmeal pancakes with peach compote. The way to my heart is food. Genna knows this. Unhealthy but delicious.

The cute little coffee mugs. Here is the real question though: do they hold more or less coffee? I had A LOT of coffee that morning around three cups here and then more to come.

Genna and I then went to Phipps Conservatory. Fashion out of leaves... Adam and Eve style.

Melissa played hookie and met us at the strip district. I was so excited she decided to skip work. I hadn't gotten to hang out with her on my last few trips, so I was really pumped she didn't go in. Melissa is ALL about the strip district and I can see why. I was told that I needed to go back on a weekend when the line are all over the place and you can't walk through.

Roasting their own coffee. This cute little coffee place sold and roasted their own coffee. Apparently there is a documentary on that. It is no CPL but I'll have to check it out. (On an unrelated Pittsburgh note I discovered two weeks ago Stacy parked at the CPL in Charlottesville and talked to the workers... she did not get us their autograph or even a picture... I'm trying to let it go).

Pittsburgh showed up in a big way and really went all out. (I love the pursuit). Now I'll anxiously await a second date call.

Seeing the future.

2011-04-25T10:37:00.000-07:00

I wish I were psychic. Plain and simple it would solve a lot of my problems. However we spent our bible study time talking about us trying to play god. It was what Eve essentially was trying to do, know it all, good and bad. I like to blame my girl Eve for a lot because it is easy and really all her fault, haha. Yet I can see myself trying her game ALL the time. Lord if I just knew about this situation, if I just knew where I was supposed to live next year, if I just knew what next Friday was going to look like, or what time this person was going to call. The truth is every time I want to see into the future I am in turn trying to be god. He knows what is going to hurt me and what is going to help me and the exact moment for each.

All I can do is be thankful with whatever circumstances I am in. Right now that requires CONSTANT reminding that I should be thankful for the uncertainty of next year, the city is up in the air, the job is up in the air, the friends up in the air, church, oh my could my terrified type A planner self list goes on and on. That also means that I get to be thankful for the other side of where I am now. Great friends! Great church! Great roomie! oh yea and my favorite... leaving on a plane this afternoon with two of my besties for Florida! So thankful.

Isn't it so strange that in one season of life you can be both terrified and safe? He is the only one I know who can provide that. I mean seriously! Terrified and safe... all in one beautiful little package.

*I'm waiting on pictures from the Seder and once those are in my position I will most certainly blog about our wonderful dinner. And it was wonderful*

Good Friday!

2011-04-22T08:09:00.001-07:00

Last night we celebrated Passover Seder. Amazing evening! Pictures to come. This morning we were sitting around the table here at the CPL discussing everyday things such as : what is your favorite thing about the Lord? Love that question. Gets to the innermost part of your heart stat!

My favorite thing? NOTHING IS UNINTENTIONAL! Nothing happens that God goes," oops didn't see that coming", or "huh that didn't really serve a purpose did it? Interesting." I got to see this again last night as we gathered around the Seder table. For thousands of years the Israelites celebrated Passover. They have very specific things they do. In Leviticus 16 they sacrificed the lamb, Aaron, the high priest, would then dip his finger in the lamb's blood and go into the Holy of Holies and sprinkle it 7 times on the mercy seat of the ark of the covenant.

Ready for this?

Jesus shed His blood 7 different times in the process of dying.
1. He bled in the garden of Gathsemane
2. He bled at the whipping post
3. He bled from the crown of thorns
4. He bled when His hands were pierced
5. He bled when His feet were pierced
6. He bled when His side was pierced
7. He bled internally scripture states: "He was bruised for our iniquities" Isaiah 53:5

So we drink from the cup of redemption. Knowing full well that we have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb!

Jesus was at this point in the Passover Seder when He was with His disciples Luke 22:20 "Likewise He also took the cup AFTER supper, saying " This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you."

He was at the cup of redemption when He said "My blood, which is shed for you."

NOTHING IS UNINTENTIONAL

Next year, maybe Jerusalem!

A little teaser...

2011-04-20T19:49:00.000-07:00

What should you be excited and looking forward to? My post about our Passover Seder. Last year I went to my first Passover Seder and LOVED the symbolism and rich history, so this year I decided to host one for some of my friends. I'm so excited. I did a run through today of prayers, and explanations which only made me MORE excited. I'm currently making homemade matzah with Becca and getting nervous about cooking my first lamb tomorrow.

So don't leave the computer until pictures and stories are up!

Roll Call!

2011-04-17T12:05:00.000-07:00

When hearing the phrase 'Roll Call' I immediately think of the SNL Will Ferrell & Cheri Oteri sketch... feel free to watch that here. Then after I laugh uncontrollably, wherever I am, I then think of my mom telling me stories when I was little about when she was in school when they had a roll call you responded with PRESENT. That is where we will sit today.

When the Israelites were wandering in the desert hopeless, bitter, unsure of where they were or where they were going, remembering their past days in slavery recalling them as "pleasant or at least better than where they were now", or panicking about how their basic food needs were going to be met they were provided with manna. (Exodus states that raw manna tasted like wafers that had been made with honey.) The Israelites were instructed to take only the amount of manna they needed for that day. If they took more than allowed, with the exception of preparation day which was before the Sabbath, it would spoil and be unusable. Am I being satisfied with today's manna? The Lord gives me exactly what I need to get through today. When I sit with Him or I'm being present in today I am satisfied. I am not worrying about will there be enough for tomorrow? I'm not even thinking about tomorrow. But when I do panic and start to get ahead of myself I start to store up what was given to me for that day... I become unsatisfied because I've kept something for tomorrow, just in case. Then what I've got stored up for tomorrow is all wrong for that day and is spoiled and gross.

Last week I did a great job at being present. In the moment, in the day, and not worrying about what tomorrow may or may not look like. Last night however I blew it. I got all worked into a tizzy trying to plan next year, trying to plan the upcoming month, trying to get my ducks in a row. While thinking ahead isn't a bad thing in and of itself it is bad when I try to store up because I am not 100% certain that Christ will be faithful for a new day. Wow did I really just admit to that? It is true whether or not I verbally speak it my need to store up says I do not trust Him for tomorrow.

I want to be present. I want to be aware. I want to be satisfied fully each day knowing and trusting that tomorrow the manna will fall and I will have enough again.

Manna: A daily provision of our needs, enough to be satisfied fully.

Midge is 17!!!!!!

2011-04-16T09:06:00.000-07:00

Today's post is all thing MIDGLET! She is 17 today which doesn't even seem possible. Luckily she is getting older but I haven't changed a bit (best of both worlds).

First I start with her name change. Over the years, mostly when she was in grade school, I needed something to nickname her. Every big sis gives the little one a nickname out of ~~torment~~ love and respect. First I started with "little person". She was so much younger and smaller than me that it was an obvious choice. It was a little long so it quickly turned into "LP". Midge in all her wit and humor at an early age caught on quickly and learned that if she was "lp" then I was "bp", which stands for big person, I couldn't have that. Well played Midge. Well played. That nickname left as quick as it came for my own rep and in settled Midget. Which was of course shortened to Midge. That name has stuck and been the only thing that I've called her since.

This is probably what Midge may be best known for. Every year on our annual camping trip she hacks I mean chops a piece of wood for us. Well this and her annual fireworks dance which entails she heats up two sticks at night then removes them and uses the smoke/fire to dance around for us. Classic Midge.

She is also known for taking an every day classic in the moment shot and posing. You can NEVER catch her off guard. Seriously just when you think you may have caught her naturally... you realize NOPE she posed!

Trips to Berdines, the movies where she eats so much popcorn she gets sick, and countless hours playing games.

Family Pic. Robert & Mary Sommerville. Adrienne, Midge, and Sam. John, Megan, and Ethan Landis.

Over the years camping with Midge has changed. She has taken to the rustic lifestyle that we live for a long weekend and it was the most fun thing to watch last year when my Uncle David was on his cell phone during a hike. SOMMERVILLE FAMILY RULE NUMBER 1: TURN OFF THE CELL PHONE!
Midge was the first and most disgusted that he was on his phone. Which is light years from where we begin and her walking around going: "Can you hear me now?"

I have countless stories of the times Midge and I have laughed till tears, funny things she does and says, times we have gotten in fights. Awww the good ole days! LOL. You know though I can't imagine, LITERALLY CANNOT IMAGINE my family without her. I love her! Happy Birthday Midge!

Rogue Flash Mobber...

2011-04-13T19:50:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I went away to our annual River Ridge Women's Retreat. I was part of the program for the event and also did the videos leading up to the event, Real Housewives of River Ridge. Anyways I digress. I stole program from our Oglebay Leader Weekend and the ended with a flash mob. I've always wanted to be a part of one so I took the opportunity and decided it was a MUST HAVE for the weekend. We practiced and the women were simply fabulous. BJ, Lori, and I kicked it off, a few beats behind but got caught up, ignore our mishap.

This afternoon while "lunching" with a Real Housewife, my dear friend Cristin, I was informed that we had a rogue flash mobber. A woman from our church, whose identity I shall keep secret, thought it was dance time and just hopped up with everyone else and boogied down. She tried to keep up but you can clearly see she is "rogue". The below video is proof. (White sweater. Left of the screen. 2nd tier of people.)

Staying up late for a date...

2011-04-11T20:37:00.001-07:00

Yes please! You know how you know when you've got a crush? You stay up late, get up early, the clock seems to be insignificant, hours are unaccounted for.

So what am I doing? Staying up late for a date...

If you have spent any significant time with me/even a few short hours you probably know that I like to date. Now before you judge me I traded in my little black book about 6 years ago, much to my grandmother's disappointment, for one guy. (Literally date-less by worldly abacus' for 6 years) We have spent countless hours laughing, a lot crying, and mostly just sitting and really enjoying getting to know each other. I like the pressure-less conversation, He already knows everything about me He is just waiting for me to say it out loud. I however could spend and WILL spend forever uncovering all that I can about Him and still barely scratch the surface of His greatness/vastness. Are the playing fields uneven? Absolutely but I'm okay with that, ~~most days.~~

Tonight I called my dear friend Bethany to tell her, what I had been ~~anxiously awaiting~~, totally casual and not expecting, something arrived. Luckily my wise friend spoke truth immediately! She allowed me a short but sweet over analyzing moment and then moved straight to truth. Simple really. Take the praises of man and find scripture that says it is true and dwell on that. Let my praise then come from Christ instead of people. He is truthfully the only one that can fill my cup. So I hit the book! (I regretted that corny geeky phrase the moment I typed it but for authenticity I will leave it.)

Here is the thing I know the Lord has asked something of me I'm not 100% on board with, I'm only really okay with it 8 out of 10 times I think about it, but I'm getting there ... Friday it was 1.5 out of 10 so that is a fast curve.

I'm learning to open hand hold EVERYTHING... well except a few things:

He is literally BREATHLESS because He finds me so beautiful! (Eesh I gush every time. That in and of itself has changed this girl!)
I AM: Chosen. Adopted. Loved. Blessed. Redeemed. Forgiven!!!!!
satan loses!
HE WINS. The End.

"You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is NOTHING on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail. but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 73:24-26

Real Housewives Bloopers

2011-04-10T16:02:00.001-07:00

Stuck on repeat... in a good way!

2011-04-10T09:38:00.000-07:00

There is a lot that I can get stuck on and it can be all consuming... but right now I am stuck on the repeat button for my new playlist. Put on some sunnies, roll down the window, and turn up these songs!

"I am YOURS, you can have all of me anything and everything. I just want to be closer"

"Forever in my heart, always on my mind. It's crazy how I think about You all of the time. And just when I think I'm bout to figure You out. You make me wanna sing and shout. Oo, I love the way You hold me, by my side You'll always be. You take each and everyday, make it special in some way. I love the way You hold me, in Your arms I'll always be

You take each and everyday, make it special in some way"

"I forget how big I'm blessed. This is the stuff that gets under my skin. But I gotta trust You know exactly what You're doing. It might not be what I would choose. But this is the stuff You use"

A little bummed but content... is this what Paul was talking about?

2011-04-08T05:46:00.000-07:00

This morning I have a smile on my face. Here is what I know to be true. The Lord has brought me a long way! Oh such a long way! May I repeat He has brought me a loooooooooooong way. I have a long way to go still but where I am now from where I was before I knew Him.... a long way! Yesterday I took the day to seek the Lord on a few things. It was a great day at the forest reading, praying, thanking. I got a clear response and I was good with it when I left because I knew 110% that Christ was not only in it, He was it! Oh did my pride come out last night. My last ditch effort to say just kidding Lord I know when we were in our secret place together just you and me, and I felt completely safe, I was good but now that I am exposed, feeling a little sad, and vulnerable: I will act prideful, not be Christ like, and self protect. WHY? Merely four hours earlier we were all on the same page! Shame on me for wanting to take you out of the equation because your response wasn't really what I wanted it to be.

However where I am now from where I was: I can and will admit fault, sin, and disgraceful words and actions. I will follow through on what you have asked and I will, no matter how silly I feel, go back and say what you clearly asked me to say.

Lord you have brought me into a spacious place! Your yoke is easy and your burden is light. You see me in my brokenness and love me the same. This morning I am smiling, tearing up on occasion, but none the less smiling and CELEBRATING, oh Lord how I am celebrating, what you have brought me from.

A life wrecked with insecurity, with fear of abandonment, for not believing I have anything to offer. From selfishness and thinking it has to be all about me and what my wants are. Lord you brought me into a place where I am delighted in, LOVED wholly for not what I have to produce but simply because my beauty takes your breath away, into a place of rest and safe keeping, in a place where I make wise choices! Lord this morning I am celebrating a WISE CHOICE! You presented the person but I CHOOSE oh I chose godly character! godly pursuit! I choose well!!!!! Miracles do happen I chose well! And Christ and I are celebrating that victory and honey if you knew the old me.... you would celebrate too!!!!!

"For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For the love of CHRIST CONTROLS US, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. From now on, therefore we regard no one according to flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. THEREFORE, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. THE OLD HAS PASSED AWAY; behold, the new has come. "
1 Corinthians 5:13-17

Good News... Bad News

2011-04-05T08:48:00.000-07:00

Here lies the age old question what do you want to hear first? I think this essentially asks are you a half full or half empty kind of person. If you hear good news first then you are half empty knowing that nothing good can last long you'd rather end on a bad note. If you want the bad news first you are like me and are looking through rosy colored glasses knowing that this too shall pass and that the good news is right around the corner.

In this case for the sake of flow I must lead with the good.

Good news: I'm journaling again.
Bad news: When I journal I get most of my junk out which leaves my blog struggling. I will try not to neglect things on here but oh how good it feels to have my pen against the paper. Just me and my guy hanging out putting stuff out there and Him constantly saying... I just want you. I just want you.

"The Lord who Heals!" Raphah: (translated) to stitch together, thoroughly heal, to mend.

The long road of I-79

2011-04-03T17:07:00.000-07:00

I spent some time driving the past couple of days and I always want my time in the car to be fun. I mean if you don't make it fun, useful, or both then you've just mindlessly driven three hours and will be not excited to do it again anytime soon. Wednesday night I decided to download some new podcasts and take those along for my trip.... JOHN PIPER ROCKED MY WORLD! I spent the 6 hours in the car listening and then listening on repeat to three of his sermons. I knew my time would be good because from the moment the podcast started he ushered me in to three hours of fabulous prayer!

"History belongs to you, its all about you. So don't let us think more highly of ourselves than we ought to think, make us lowly as people. Make us humble, make us servants, forgive our presumptions, our swagger, our cockiness, our self centeredness, our self protection, oh that we might be a more lavishly generous people, may we be a more zealous people, more cheerful people, may everything we do have a kind of lavish letting go about it. We should be the free-est, humblest, boldest people on planet earth because our future is so absolutely secure. No matter what help me be faithful to this powerful word under apostle Paul under the inspiration of your Holy Spirit may the same spirit inspire these words illuminate our minds, convict our hearts and transform us into the image of Christ for the sake of the world to see our good deeds and give glory to our God in heaven."

Well you can clearly see what struck out to me in this prayer, if you missed it it is in bold. The ladies and I have been ~~struggling~~ healing from insecurity. We have tackled an enormous giant this year and I must admit most days I feel like pride and insecurity just keep slapping me in my face. Mostly it comes back to me wanting others to know how great I am... but I can't stop there I then want them to AGREE that I'm great.

The Pipester, aka John Piper (yes we are close enough for nicknames already), left me with this final statement and I will leave you to digest it as well:

"The opposite of pride is not mainly self condemnation, it is that but if you stop there you are dead, the opposite of pride or thinking too highly of yourself is thinking VERY highly of Christ. Self assessment = Christ assessment. If you are more in your eyes than Christ is less. If Christ is more in your eyes than you are more to God. If Christ is less in your eyes than you are less. The measure of your worth rises and the measure of your worth falls to the degree you measure Christ highly. If He is much you are much if He is little than you are little. Your valuing Him is YOUR VALUE. That is the meaning of Christian humility. It is a kind of self forgetfulness . Self condemnation is paralyzing.... and Christian humility is liberating and empowering. The glory of the freedom of the Christian life is being so ravished by something so beautiful... in the moment of worship we aren't even aware of ourselves." Pipester

Ladies, men if you even read this I don't know how you feel about this, but for me it is all about security, pursuit, and being desired. John Piper's prayer has become my mantra/prayer.

May I confess that I have self-protected because You are the ultimate protector and may I accurately see my value because I only value You. Why because my future is so ABSOLUTELY SECURE!!!

Real Housewives... Final Episode.

2011-04-03T16:43:00.000-07:00

Bright Ideas

2011-03-29T13:15:00.000-07:00

I'm notorious for my bright ideas. It is simple really I think that all ideas are good ones. There are only a select few that initially get nixed. Most make it to the heavy analyzing round and then I can really crank out a lot of great ideas. The thing is every idea is great until it actually happens. Usually my great ideas involve some sort of hair change. I've had a lot over the years.

My first quasi pixi cut- aka Dorothy Hamil

The successful pixi. Probably my all time favorite hair cut

Dark Hair... it left me still questioning why I am not in family photos only to have my dad point me out with dark hair

Bob and bangs!

Long blonde

The longest (extensions)

The below photo is what left Becca and I thinking darker and shorter last night at 11pm. Really there were a lot of warning signs that maybe an idea at 11pm isn't one I should follow through on the next day. I should have probably waited a week or two till my hairdresser had an appointment open. Hindsight!

Natural hair color with highlights

I didn't want to cut my hair, although she cut it... and I didn't want to go super dark... but she went there too. What do you think?

Real Housewives Episode 3: Katie

2011-03-26T21:02:00.001-07:00

Real Housewives Episode 2: Lisa

2011-03-24T15:06:00.001-07:00

Real Housewives Episode 1: Cristin

2011-03-24T15:05:00.001-07:00

I most resemble a chicken...

2011-03-10T20:20:00.000-08:00

*it is about to get real real up in here*

What is it about people pleasers and hard conversations? ~~I (oops I mean)~~ They can tell you it is like mixing oil and water it is never going to go. We may try our hardest with the best intentions to approach a tender subject but when the rubber hits the road we are always getting off the phone kicking ourselves for letting it slide one more time. It is tricky really. How do you broach a subject that will end up with us wondering if you still like us or heck if you even like us to begin with. The problem with us people pleasers is that we like to keep everything moving along nicely. So if the conversation is great this time, I'll forget about the other 10 times that I felt like it wasn't great because at this very moment things seem fine. They will always seem fine in the moment (for the most part) because we aren't stirring the water. We are telling the jokes, or listening to the stories and we are trying our hardest the whole time waiting for this "thing" to casually be brought up. Casually doesn't happen. Hard conversations never just pop up like oh hey this exact thing happened to you today well I'm so glad you brought it up, I've been meaning to ask you too.... (you can fill in the hard convo blank here). I know what I'd fill it in with.

Sure we people pleasers practice the approach. We train for hours thinking about how to casually work it in, or repeat the beginning awkward blunt part so we'll have the courage BUT it never actually happens. Here is what will happen. We will eventually bow out, it is far too exhausting for us to always be ready and prepared to bring it up and then so frustrated at ourselves for another missed landing OR we will bite the bullet, stumble and put our foot in our mouths until it sounds something along the lines as what we rehearsed. That is it those are our two options, there is no middle ground and no grey area. It is all or nothing with us.

And....

One day I will stop writing 19 emails that never get sent, I will stop practicing every possible conversation and possible outcome of each of those conversations and I will boldly just talk about things out in the open like real people. Until then I will tell jokes, kick myself for not asking questions, and wish I was in 2nd grade when all you had to do was check a box!

In Case You Missed It

2011-03-06T18:51:00.000-08:00

Fiddler on the basketball court

2011-03-03T10:17:00.000-08:00

What is currently on my calendar and circled five times and in bold writing? Five guesses ten don't count. (what?) Tonight is the night, actually last night was but it was a girls game (before my fem friends attack) I just don't like watching girls play basketball sometimes.

WVIAC!

Most people think of this college basketball tourney as a lame-O WV tourney. I look forward to it every year! Let us take a trip down memory lane. My mom so gladly shared that I've been heading to the WVIAC tournament since in utero (her words not mine). My first memories of the tournament is getting out of school early to hit up the day time games. Megan and I would watch the cheerleaders more than the players and of course we pretended like we were cheerleaders, doing everything they did (probably better too). Then I grew up a little and started watching the actual game. Now during the beginning game watching phase I may or may not have been convinced I could actually prevent shots from going in by holding my thumb up so I couldn't see the hoop. (Silly me I would never try that now, ok maybe I still do from time to time but only if I'm desperate.) Then I decided to try my hand at yelling things but the only thing I really knew was that when you missed a shot off the rim it was a brick. So I stuck with that theme and yelled things such as "What are you building a house?!" or "BRICK". Nothing like seeing a spunky 9 yr old blonde pip squeak shouting random things she knows nothing about. I was cute. Still am. I digress.

So basically to wrap up this gush fest. Tonight I get to hang out with Sam Sommerville doing what we do best, talking about the lack of defense and how it will always win a game, and I will rant about people not following their shots... I mean seriously don't stand there with your arm in the air PLAY BASKETBALL and be ready to REBOUND! We will sit around the same ole peeps, who've been there since I was a tiny little thing, and we will eat some stale salty popcorn.

Shhh don't tell this year I'm sneaking in a couple of homemade thin mints (Dad is gonna be so pumped!)

Down Time

2011-03-02T09:01:00.000-08:00

I have been crafting a lot lately and let me just tell you it is so much fun! Here are two of the projects!

I made shoe clips. Aren't they the cutest? Snazz up any ballet flat with a fun rosette

My fav roomie showing off my fav headband! It is YELLOW SEERSUCKER! EEEEK I died!

Made in the Image of the Giver of Life...

2011-02-24T16:24:00.000-08:00

Every once in awhile God allows someone else a glimpse of my heart and then allows them to write a song about it for me. He is good like that. This is the latest...

I am not who I was, I am being remade, I am new, I am chosen and holy, And I'm dearly loved, I am new

Forgiven beloved, Hidden in Christ, Made in the image of the Giver of Life, Righteous and holy, Reborn and remade, Accepted and worthy this is our new name

First two miles are the worst...

2011-02-22T18:53:00.000-08:00

Have you seen the episode of Friends where Phoebe and Rachel run? If not go here. (I tried to embed it but they disabled the embedding capability... lame). Phoebe runs like a mad person... this is how I feel every day I start my run. I feel as though I'm flailing my arms and running with my feet all over the place. I have conversations in my head that seem to affirm that every person who sees me running thinks that I look like a bigger bafoon then what I actually feel. I laughed out loud today picturing me running like Phoebe. For whatever reason the first 2 miles of my run are BRUTAL. I want to quit at least four times in the first 15 minutes. Then, as though I transform into Michael Johnson, I can suddenly run at mile 2. By 2.5 I'm an olympian: I've hit my stride, magically mastered the mental game that goes along with the run, and I enjoy it. It is really a quite strange transformation that occurs. I've figured out the secret though....

So for the first two miles my body and MIND say what in the world are you doing? You were not built and designed to run you were built and designed to drink coffee and talk to people so what are you doing out here alone on this road that is never ending... didn't you see the temperature is 27 degrees? Go inside! Then after telling my mind to shut it for two miles it listens and it doesn't become about me anymore. Go figure! I know it is shocking that it takes me 2 miles to turn off the ME button.

Last week my delightful womb-mate (no I do not have a twin) read a blog called Thirsty Hearts. She is blogging about training for the same half marathon that we are. She is heading up the team that is running for Libby Ryder (you can read her story here!) Anyways she talked about this scripture

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:1-3

So while I finish training for this half we have committed to praying through 13 things (for each mile) that has entangled us. Sadly it takes me till mile 2 (something I'm working on) to start praying and forget about me. Some days I talk out loud, I'm running crazy so I'm not worried about people looking at me because I'm talking out loud, some days I keep it all to myself.

Today was such a great day God brought some great people to mind and I got to pray for them, I hope they know they are loved. Then the Lord allowed my heart to melt, so I spent the rest of the running telling Him how great He is. Here is the thing I LOVE the Lord's heart for His people!!! Simply LOVE IT. There is nothing, NOTHING, that happens under His radar. No broken heart, insecure thought, small victory, or greatest accomplishment that He doesn't get to be a part of. He feels His people's pain, He replaces their lies with His truth, all of those jokes I find funny... so does He, and when I have the BEST story ever to tell He thinks it is the BEST too. His heart for His people is FULL!!!!!! That never gets old to me.

Mile one I will conquer you! I will! One thing/mile at a time!

Random Acts of Kindness Day

2011-02-17T14:38:00.000-08:00

It isn't too late! The day isn't over! There is still 6.5 hours left to get your R.A.K out there! I was almost unaware of this fabulous holiday until Becca texted me and told me the story of her random act being to save a lady bug, sadly the lady bug didn't make it. Needless to say I jumped into action. I did one random act but all the others I just loved on people that I think are great. It seems appropriate that this FABULOUS holiday follows Valentine's Day.... keep the love coming! It is so much fun to surprise someone!!! Here is the thing about surprises though sometimes they are epic failures, haha, and other times they are the most delightful thing you'll ever be a part of. Either way you either get a good story or you really move those around you.

I'm pretty sure my love of surprises stems from my childhood and family (along with my love languages). My mom used to write us little notes for our lunch boxes, not everyday so it was a surprise. My dad would leave my mom cards or leave us little notes to let us know he was thinking about us. Also my sister and I LOVE jumping out and scaring people, just plain ole good fun, I include this as a form of surprise.

All of this to say don't forget to love on a stranger/ someone who you adore today and EVERY DAY!

Jesus Calling

2011-02-16T13:50:00.000-08:00

There is something about the Lord meeting you where you are. He doesn't require that I catch up, although I often drag my feet, He just offers His truth right in the midst of my stuff. This has been a very different and difficult season of my life, I'll leave it at that, but this is what He said to me this morning in "Jesus Calling", I couldn't make it up even if I tried!

"Thank Me for the conditions that are requiring you to be still. Do not spoil these quiet hours by wishing them away, waiting impatiently to be active again. Some of the greatest works in My kingdom have been done from sick beds and prison cells. Instead of resenting the limitations of a weakened body, search for My way in the midst of these very circumstances. Limitations can be liberating when your strongest desire is living close to Me.
Quietness and trust enhance your awareness of My Presence with you. Do not despise these simple ways of serving Me. Although you feel cut off from the activity of the world, your quiet trust makes a powerful statement in spiritual realms. My Strength and Power show themselves most effective in weakness."

Thank you! Thank you! Thank You!

Too friendly?

2011-02-14T05:55:00.000-08:00

There are situations and moments that I get myself into that I wonder why did that person tell me that. These situations usually involve people I barely know telling me WAY too much information. I have been in an ongoing predicament for a few months now. I like to make sure everyone feels acknowledged, noticed, and appreciated. It breaks my heart to know that some people are never said hello to or never told thanks for all you do. So I make a point to make sure I "see" people. I enjoy each morning and night when I go to work to say hello to the security guards. One night during the cherished holiday mall season it was super late and I was up on like the 5th floor (creepy), surprisingly I always over estimate my fighting skills and I walk into the garage late, and through sketchy parts of it a lot by myself (PLEASE DO NOT SEND TIPS ON THIS), so I was needing to go up to 5 and it was late and for some reason I didn't want to walk alone. I called security right before we closed and they met us at the store and walked me to my car. I really appreciated that they were willing to do this for us so the next day I bought cookies and gave them as a thanks for all you do. Well apparently my thanks translated to Adrienne's got a crush. Now all the mall security guards (at night) know who I am. One in particular, who will remain nameless, comes by the store all the time, asks if I need him to walk me to my car, wants to know what I've done with every second of my life since the last time he spoke to me. Oh don't get me wrong he is super sweet and I do appreciate him I just don't want to date him.

Needless to say here is where it got me too much information. Yesterday one of the older guards was walking by me after I went to the bank. I said good morning (by name because yes I know all their names now) and we started chatting as we walked. Before I know it we are from how was your weekend to this guy's neck was in my face! He had shoved his neck in front of my nose and said "Hey I'm wearing new cologne what do you think?" What do I think? I think I'd like you to get your neck out of my face! haha. I stumbled to form words and said "oh my that is nice". He proceeded to tell me that he had just put it on in Macy's and that it was $75 a bottle but he would just go in there every morning and put it on. (Which is a bright idea, I wouldn't pay $75 for perfume). Needless to say I scanned the mall for my quickest exit route and made the break at the split. hahaha. I love it! Saying hello to everyone is TOTALLY worth it not only do they feel loved and appreciated I get to laugh at funny stories of how I end up in neck smelling circumstances with a stranger.

Make sure you say hi to someone you don't know today.... but don't say hi too closely they may ask you what you think of their new cologne. :)

Undershadowed... exposed!

2011-02-11T08:20:00.000-08:00

“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.”

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

Luke 1:34-38

Mary had just been told that she was to give birth to Christ, her first reaction? How? (I've never done this before.) What is the angel's response... Oh you aren't going to do anything "The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you."

Exposed! It is what I have become. Some where along the way I stopped letting the Lord overshadow me. I think it originally started with a great idea, so knowing all of my greatness, darted out ahead a little bit. Just that little bit was enough, it left me exposed and undershadowed.

Not only did those words LEAP off the page and straight into my heart but there is a tie for the best section of the scripture... wait for it...

"For no word from the Lord will ever fail."

This is amazing for multiple reasons but I'll just give you one thing to chew on... John 1. The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. Christ will never fail us. His words will never fail us, lead us astray, the only thing they will do is let the Holy Spirit sink into us and OVERSHADOW US.

O Lord overshadow me!

Surprise! Surprise!

2011-02-10T16:59:00.000-08:00

Surprises are the BEST (most of the time) and lately I have been showered with people, who I love, just stopping by. A friend recently said surprise guests are underrated and underused (I think that is what was said) and I most whole heartedly agree. Lately though so many of my delightful friends have just stopped by. Best part is they don't live in Charleston!

Rachel is the co-founder and only other member of S.B.S. We have grown up together (she is my cousin after all). I've been around for everything from "just what I always wanted" moments to "I can't do it" moments. I am 150% convinced the Lord has big plans for this gal.

Jane! Jane King! This was literally like the Lord said "poof here she is". I was just telling Becca, literally 10 minutes earlier, that I wanted to call Jane to catch up then what happens? My phone rings and Jane says "You at home? Good I'll be there in 20" WHAT? She had come in from school. Jane and I have great convo. She is such a joy to be around and will tell the FUNNIEST stories ever. She is also great to play "remember when" with. Remember when I was crying at Panera because you were on a roll!?!?!?!

Finally, my dearest Genna. She started all the visits! She popped by to see Becca and I after we briefly saw her at Oglebay. Whether it is 5 minutes or 5 days it is NEVER enough time with this girl. She came by and made dinner (check out CPL's blog for that delicious recipe) and just sat and talked. This girl has jokes! Jokes! She also has a tender heart for her friends and whether it is by laughing, crying, or just sitting you always feel loved when she leaves.

With all the surprise visits happening for me, I just had to pay it forward and one of my absolute favorite people to surprise is Laura Tuel! (Perk I got to see Ben too... kids were napping and at school).

I ALWAYS, maybe a little too much, used to do the random drop by visit at the Tuel house. It has been something that I have missed in my life since they moved to Morgantown. It is hard to replace that!!! I was so excited, and it was hard to keep it a secret, when I just decided to "drop in" on Monday on my way back from Pittsburgh. She was genuinely surprised. Success! (Aren't they the cutest family ever?)

BEST POSTCARD EVER

2011-02-10T11:22:00.000-08:00

I'm pretty forthcoming with my LOVE for mail. That is why when I stumbled upon this little postcard I melted. I think I'm going to order them and send them out. What if you got this in the mail? Wouldn't it light up your life?

So Long Treadmill

2011-02-09T11:43:00.000-08:00

So in case you didn't know my Aunt decided we should train for a race together. I stupidly agreed. Then we tried to convince other people to jump on board. We picked the Gristmill Grinder a 1/2 marathon trail run (dumbest choice of my life). Aunt Lynn is possibly still on the fence because of track season, but I'm secretly hoping we bail on the trail run and pick up another in May (I hope she doesn't read my blog, haha). However just when I thought I could slack off and weasel my way out of a 1/2 my roomie, I should really kick her out, convinces me to do the Country Music 1/2 in Nashville. Since then some other really great people have gotten on board. I have mixed emotions about running, I love it but my knee hates it (Thanks parents for the missing parts). With the temperatures being so cold I have been afraid to run outside, who wants to run 3 or 4 miles in 20 degree weather? Not me... or so I thought.

Lately our runs on the treadmill have been HORRIBLE. Becca and I were beginning to panic and we were thinking there is no way we are going to make a 13 mile race when 2 miles is a struggle. So this morning I woke up and felt like I should run outside. So I look at the hourly forecast and tried to pick the warmest hour of the day. Turns out there was NO warm hour so at 1:30 I set out in 27 degree weather to tackle the hills! This is the letter I wrote along the way, in my head of course.....

Dearest Treadmill (3rd row, 2nd from the left, where the fan hits perfectly),
I am sad to inform you that I will no longer be seeing you at 8pm three days a week. (Ok truthfully I am not sad to tell you this but felt it was more polite to phrase it that way.) Four miles outside in freezing temperatures is more pleasant than one mile on you. The views, the better breathing, the not counting songs, the ever changing scenery, terrain, and dogs are much more exciting than pretending Obama (during the State of the Union address) is rapping 99 problems by Jay-Z.

-Love Adrienne

Super Bowl in Pittsburgh... I'm that crazy!

2011-02-09T06:36:00.000-08:00

On Sunday I did an impromptu trip to Pittsburgh to watch the Super Bowl. If you know me you know this is very strange for multiple reasons.

1) Football, who wants to watch it? I am not a football fan, sure I'll go to one WVU game a year but thats because of the Isaacs, Smiths, and corn hole, lets be real.

2) A 4 hour drive on I-79 sounds about as fun as reading the encyclopedia's from A-Z. I am convinced there is no worse highway in the world. I-79 has NOTHING on it and 30 minutes in you are completely bored and a four hour drive in reality seems to take at least 8 hours.

3) It was a last minute planned trip. I like surprises, I like surprise trips, but I don't take them very often. I should make them more but I have convinced myself lately that I can't. So I told myself I could. I chucked all of my obligations on Sunday, some I was super sad to miss- Bible Study, and headed up to Pittsburgh for the big game.

4) Pittsburgh Steelers make me want to gag! I sported a hunter green cardigan to the party and was the ONLY Packers fan in the room, quite possibly a 400 mile radius. I was a silent cheerer, and prayer through out the game (gotta respect the party throwers) but I def was excited every time Pittsburgh messed up, which fortunately was a lot. (Too soon?)

All that to say it was a great time and I'm so glad that I went up and so glad the Packers won!

CPL gets a new addition

2011-02-04T07:28:00.000-08:00

I have slacked in the last couple weeks and I have failed at posting some pretty big news. My house has gotten a wonderful addition.

Introducing...

Becca Thomas!

I have to say I was so excited for this girl to move in. She is the best thing since homemade granola bars, (I would know we made them last weekend). This girl LOVES the Lord, and she is such a sweet picture of His humor, love, and compassion. Welcome to the neighborhood and more importantly the CPL (our house name).

Follow our other blog: Cooking Our Way Through Google We are going to try new recipes and post our successes and failures (we have already had two) on here. Enjoy!

It's 2011? WOW when did that happen

2011-01-05T20:37:00.000-08:00

I've been called out, publicly too, by Laura Tuel. She asked if I stopped blogging and truth be told I have just unintentionally. So 2011 means blog posts for everyone!

I rang in the New Year in style... Colorado style... two hours behind all of you guys. I have been in Breckenridge the past week living the skiing life. It has been delightful. Although I will confess now that I've been in -34 degree weather I'm ready for SPRING!!!! This is unfortunate because I have a long wait till spring actually arrives. Luckily Charleston gave us a sneak peak being in the 40's the past couple of days... and yes I wore flip flops!

Below are just a few pictures from my trip to CO. Stay tuned for more pics!

Oh how He loves me

2010-11-28T19:31:00.000-08:00

If you know me you know I have a special place in my heart (ok its my whole heart) for how the Lord loves me. I am unworthy of it but none the less LOVE how He sees me. I wish I could see myself through His eyes. I am adored by Him and that is such an all encompassing truth. That fact that the Lord looks at me and turns and gushes to those around Him about my beauty, humor, talent, heart, and just my actual being... nothing competes. I love laughing with Him and I'm back into the swing of actually just sitting with Him and feeling loved. Oh so long overdue. To sit and enjoy each other without an agenda, without a production, just me and Him hanging out... and allowing Him to see me, really see me, the unedited version it is easy when I know that His response is an overwhelming gush of love and adoration.

"You have stolen my heart, my sister, my bride; you have stolen my heart with one glance of your eyes." Song of Solomon 4:9

Oh how these sweet tender whisperings go on and on....

Girls Group!

2010-11-23T10:19:00.000-08:00

Some of the dearest people in my life are a part of GG. Girls Group... HOLLA!!!!! It started when they were freshman in high school and we got together to watch Gilmore Girls. Then the GG changed to girls group because our love for the show grew into a love for each other and for the Lord. We walked together through all four years of their high school and continue to live life together when though they have scattered from the mountains to the beach. These girls hold such a big part of my heart as well as my life. The thing that I love about them the most is that casual conversation isn't apart of our lives. Sure we know the ins and outs of their lives but we don't stay on weather for very long, ok not longer than the phrase it is sunny here. Our time is spent talking about our biggest dreams, deepest longings, and how we are the delight of the Lord. We go from hi to the deepest pit with each other in .5 seconds. That being said we also go from the darkest night to the brightest hope that Christ offers in .4 seconds. It is truly a joy to watch these girls grow up. Sure I want to be married and have kids but if you look and see what the Lord has already entrusted to me... it is far more than I could have imagined. It is neat to watch the Lord reveal himself to them and redeem them through His unfailing love.

I am so thankful to have them in my life.

Read these words slowly

2010-11-11T14:13:00.000-08:00

There's a song that's inside of my soul
It's the one that I've tried to write
over and over again
I'm awake and in the infinite cold
But You sing to me over and over and
over again

So I lay my head back down
And I lift my hands
And pray to be only Yours
I pray to be only Yours
I know now You're my only hope

Sing to me of the song of the stars
Of Your galaxy dancing and laughing
and laughing again
When it feels like my dreams are so far
Sing to me of the plans that You have
for me over again

I give You my apathy
I'm giving You all of me
I want Your symphony
Singing in all that I am
At the top of my lungs I'm giving it back

I like people!

2010-11-10T19:13:00.000-08:00

You are probably saying something like this in your head right now "NO REALLY?" or "I'm shocked by this statement Adrienne has made in the title". Whatever you are thinking know that the "I like people" statement is very much true. The Lord designed me at the core to LOVE being around people. If I don't see people for longer than 16 hours (sleeping) then something is wrong. I worked my first open and close tonight at the store... a 12 hour day. I was actually dreading it if I'm honest. I couldn't leave the store all day because I was the only manager on duty. Thankfully my co-worker ran my food errands, haha. However at the exact perfect timing I had a HUGE day changer. Well no really the day changer started this morning when I left my house... 6:45am. I had breakfast planned at Capital so I had to go get the food and be there by 7:10. I had such a prayerful spirit for people in my life!! YAY! Then I had a great time at Capital. Good conversation with the girls and with the director of the daycare. Then onto work. Where I got to see one of the girls from Capital, who missed school today. BONUS POINTS! Then I got to work with a great girl and we laughed a lot... DOUBLE BONUS POINTS. Then Becca and Kaitlin made puppy chow and brought it in for us since I had to be there open to close and I got to hang with them for a bit..... TRIPLE BONUS. Then two GW girls walked by the store saw me and came in and chatted.... QUADRUPLE POINTS. Then we played a great prank on my manager before we left.... she won't discover it tomorrow but it is great. Lets just say it involves a mouse in the back....

The Lord is so good and seriously knows the way to my heart and has provided the people around me to really see Him much more clearly. Gotta love that

Oh yea I got long hair

2010-10-27T13:46:00.001-07:00

200 blog posts... and I missed it!

2010-10-27T12:09:00.001-07:00

I used my 200th blog entry for a somewhat sad/ truthful/hopeful one. I'm bummed. I would love for it to have been light hearted and silly... like me! Oh well cie la vie

Apparently my last post caused some of my dearest friends to worry about me. Let me give you some rest in the fact that I truly LOVE the Lord. Sometimes life just isn't all that pretty. TRUTH! This afternoon I had a longing to sit in a rocking chair and drink some coffee. Since I am housesitting and the house has both coffee and a rocking chair I decided it was a longing I should fill. I brought all my work home, YLives stuff, and WV fall weekend stuff but after doing that for a brief 30 min I closed it all turned on some music and rocked.

My date time was refreshing. This is why I am captivated by my creator:

He is such a romantic! He planned the perfect afternoon -gently urging me, wooing me to the rocking chair knowing that if He threw in a absolutely beautiful day (and I mean BEAUTIFUL) and coffee that I would be unable to pass up the chance to sit with Him.

He is so much bigger than me. Whether it be in power, wisdom, or strength... He is infinite and abounding in all of those. I am just a meak little thing that doesn't know what I'm doing half the time, and gets sidetracked by shiny and even not so shiny things.

Quiet! He is so quiet. Don't get me wrong He'll get loud if He needs to but whether He is needing to or not when you just sit there is this sudden its okay to be quiet and He responds ... all is quiet.

He warms me! Whether it be by the sun He has so graciously given me today (I need vitamin D) or by the fact that I literally warm up when I think of His all consuming love for me!

Part 2: Taste and See that the Lord is good!

2010-10-24T19:08:00.000-07:00

If I am perfectly honest on my blog I will have to confess that the Lord and I have lost our swagger. It appears that I have decided, without really realizing it, that I am to be the focus of my own life. So for the last 6 months I have been bitter, resentful, and pouring myself into myself and into the approval of others. IT IS EXHAUSTING! EXHAUSTING!! Hamster on a wheel doesn't even cover it. I'm pretty sure that if that were the picture about 3 months ago this hamster fell down and was going so fast that I was sticking to the side of the wheel flat allowing the momentum to keep me spinning.

Thursday I was thrown off.

I had replaced most truth if not all with lies that Satan fed me and I ate up like it was Ben & Jerry's Toffee Crunch. After an emotionally exhaustive day on Thursday I was supposed to hop in a car on Friday morning and go encourage and pour into leaders for the weekend, ha yea right. We had some stuff we had to figure out first. Why? Why had Thursday happened? What was my role in it? What is the Lord trying to get my attention for? What will I chose to do in response?

I love journaling. It is my exit, it is my love letter to Him and it is my joy to keep a prayer journal. I haven't journaled in almost 6 months! WHAT?!? Have I kept the Lord out of the most intimate of places for 6 months? Sure there was an entry here or there and there have def been times of prayer but the daily constant relationship of bearing my soul for Him to so willing hold has been gone. So Friday I beared- what came out was not pretty.

"He feeds on ashes, a deluded heart misleads him; he cannot save himself, or say "Is not this thing in my right hand a lie?" Isaiah 44:20

Oh have I replaced His truth for their lies and held on tight. I cannot save myself but I am willing to take a long hard look at this thing in my right hand and you better believe it is stacked with lies. I sat with the Lord and enjoyed His presence. I saw His smile, I felt His tenderness and I know that what He has to replace is going to be freeing I am literally giddy with excitement. GIDDY with excitement to dig in deep, saddle up, and bear my soul so that the truth of the Lord of WHO I AM and WHO HE IS, is NOT what I have settled for.

I have traded in what my heart could know for what my eyes could see.

Part 1: Laughing till it hurts and then laughing some more!

2010-10-24T19:02:00.000-07:00

This is going to be a back to back two part post. Mainly because the second part needs to stand alone. So here we go.

This past weekend I got invited to be the female head leader for the pittsburgh fall weekend. If I'm honest I wasn't 100% sure I should go but none the less was excited when I heard the team that would be there with me (Ben Tuel- Camp Speaker, JB Ward & Landon Bush- Program)

and well that was really all I needed. Turns out EVERYONE this weekend even the people I didn't know before going into it were stellar. From the moment I got in the car (with my hair extensions in) till the moment I arrived home I laughed. When I say laughed... I mean LAUGHED! Whether it was from Landon wearing his program wig THE WHOLE TIME, even to sleep or it was to watching Ben do the dance that they made from this past summer, to staying up so late that it became non sense, to watching entertainment night and really just being in awe at how funny the team in the river region is. The Lord is def the Lord of all things good and He does NOT disappoint when it comes to humor.

I tried to upload two pictures... it failed. I'll try again tomorrow

Mendermitteeouse

2010-10-17T19:05:00.000-07:00

I wish I had some pictures to share of our evening together last night. So you may be wondering, although I think it is self explanatory, what is Mendermitteeouse?

This one night a year is a great event that gets all of the Young Life ministries and support teams in the area together, so that we as area directors can say THANKS!

So thank you

Men(tor): Who are loving on pregnant and parenting teen girls

(Lea)der: who are hanging out with high school and middle school kids

(Com)mittee: who love and support the area directors, leaders, and ministry. Without you we'd be lost

(Sp)ouse: You guys are the unsung heros. Staying at home doing the day to day life and loving your spouses while they love on high school kids.

JB and I cooked and set up and put together a night of fun. We sang the official Mendermiteeouse song, had dinner, played some games, and spent a great time together worshipping and spending some time in prayer.

THANK YOU ALL for an amazing evening!

Maybe I hate Maybelline

2010-10-14T14:42:00.000-07:00

See what I did there? I replaced their commercial jingle with what I really feel about their company. I have LOVED Maybelline's Pure Make Up line. It was based with water, non comedogenic, covered all flaws without adding a concealer and NEVER broke me out. So how does Maybelline repay me and my self esteem for my devoted following? They discontinue the line. Yes thats right folks they stopped making it. At first I thought Target had just not gotten their shipment in so I searched Rite Aide (2), Walmart, and Kroger. Nothing. So that lead me on the search for what I would replace it with. Let me just tell you replacing a best friend is HARD! I found Almay's color match... it goes on white and then changes to my skin tone. Weird! Well that broke me out. So then I went to Maybelline's Dream Mouse. That broke me out even worse. Then I switched to Cover Girl but lets be honest only 15 yr olds wear it and they don't have one that matches my color real well. So now I'm onto my 4th foundation in like 2 weeks and it is Revlon ColorStay. We will see. The trickest thing about it all is that NONE of the other brands or the lines that they offer say non-comedogenic which is very crucial for my face.

While I think I've come to terms with it every time I go into a store I stop by the make up section to see if they have any stragglers.

sheesh consumerism

Breaking Free

2010-10-12T17:28:00.000-07:00

So I've started doing the Beth Moore Breaking Free bible study. I'll be honest I started it reluctantly. It sounds silly to say that I would not desire freedom from captivity but to be perfectly honest this past year I've gotten so used to running into walls and bouncing around my cell that the thought of having ample space to run is kind of scary. This past week we looked at the 5 benefits that come from freedom.

1. To know God and believee Him

2. To glorify God

3. To find satisfaction from God

4. To find peace

5. To enjoy God's presence.

Out of all of them I thought that to find satisfaction from God would be the one that hit me the hardest. I was surprised how my heart broke when I realized for such a long time I haven't enjoyed being in God's presence. It was out of obligation, or it felt like work and I had ALMOST gotten content and used to letting it be just that. Oh how fresh those words were to hear that I have missed out on really just enjoying our time together.

I really have LOVED sitting and just BEING with the Lord. We have had some of the most amazing dates a girl could ever ask for. We have sat for hours together, not talking, just sitting and being. So delightful. We've laughed so hard together at our inside jokes, my short comings, my constant whining, and just my good sense of humor (which He likes to boast that He gave me). So fun! How in the world did I let that slip through my hands? Like dating it isn't about the butterflies, although He def has given me those. It is about the sense of peace and feeling completely loved, accepted, appreciated, and enjoyed back!!!

I always ask Megan, do her and John laugh like this all the time? Or if it is weird in the car when no one is talking (I like to fill dead air)? I can't imagine those married couples who go out to dinner and just sit there and stare at each other, yet I have totally done it with the Lord and LOVED our date! Interesting.

Needless to say I'm excited to begin our enjoyable courtship. We've seen our share of rough times together but the good thing is He is always constant and I am always in need of His love and consistency. Lucky for me He isn't walking away.

Here's to us just enjoying being around each other!!! (And of course He enjoys me... He made me- I'm great!)

To what lengths should I go?

2010-10-11T13:16:00.000-07:00

*Warning this post is completely random*

I miss my long hair. If we can all recall in high school my hair was long. It was a hassle, I'll be honest but I miss it. I've had short hair for so long, and I LOVE IT, but I would like it to be long again. I've been growing it out since last summer and feel like I've gotten maybe an 6 inches at the most. I'm not known for my patience. So I've been researching hair extensions for some time now and I can never seem to convince myself it will be worth it. If I'm 100% honest with myself it probably won't be but I can't stop dreaming about long flowing locks.

So what are your thoughts... to extend or not to extend? Then it comes to the next question... Charleston or a bigger city where will I go. I know there are tons of great places in Charleston that put weaves in and do extensions but it still makes me uneasy. Anyways I know I want human hair and I am almost 100% sure that I want them braided in not glued. So there you go those are my thoughts what are yours?

Vote yes and I'll extend

Vote no and I'll stay short

Consistently Inconsistent

2010-10-05T17:30:00.000-07:00

I haven't been the greatest at keeping my blog up to date, which is funny because I am always telling other people to update their blogs!

Last week I was kid-sitting two middle school children while their parents took a much deserved week away. While they were sky diving, wine tasting, and doing all things I wish I had been doing I got to hang out with their cool kids. In the process of kid-sitting (which I do often) I get to learn all kinds of stuff. This past week I got to learn the value of a great neighborhood. Growing up Megan and I had a bunch of kids in our neighborhood that were our age, we were constantly playing outside with everyone. As a kid this was the best we had people to play with all the time, but oh did I miss out on the bliss that it offers parents! The neighborhood I stayed in had one of my best friends (and her family) right next door! Seriously right beside me! Stacy and I walked in the morning, popped by for coffee and chats, and the kids were outside playing together the whole time. This grouping of houses has probably 10-12 kids that are all the same age, and all boys! Nerf gun wars, soccer, fort building you name it they did it. Every couple of hours I'd go outside yell their names to make sure they were alive and back to work inside I'd go.

So on the top 10 list of must haves:

A NEIGHBORHOOD FULL OF KIDS THE SAME AGE!!!!

*awww delightful*

It's official I can walk!

2010-09-11T09:45:00.000-07:00

They grow up so fast

2010-09-11T08:09:00.000-07:00

I spent the morning having breakfast and doing a little shopping with this girl

(this picture was taken on our trip to Puerto Rico last spring, not at breakfast this morning)

Bethanne is a dear friend that I meant when she was in 9th grade, now a sophmore in college they grow up so fast! She came in for the weekend to see family and friends (I fall into both categories). I love sitting and talking with her, I could do it all day and we have before. I am reminded how I am so blest to have great friends and how they say ministry gives back to other people but really I benefit from it so much more. My heart swells with love for this girl and hearing how she is pursuing Christ and loving her maker makes me fall more in love with Him. She is such a delight. As we all seek out our purpose and wonder what we were created to do I am reminded by her of how simple it really is, loving Christ and loving those around us. Pegs (as I affectionately call her, after an unfortunate skiing accident) does a great job at doing just that: loving others so that they see her Jesus.

Thanks Pegs for being His hands and feet! I love ya!

Almost like the Grand Ole Opry

2010-09-01T15:07:00.000-07:00

Well our annual family extravaganza is almost here... this is equal to something in iconic American history... so we'll say the Grand Ole Opry. It usually starts with my dad saying there isn't room for me in the car... we can tie you on top though and ends with us wanting to make a t-shirt to commemorate the yearly trip. This year will be no different as dad has already hinted there wasn't going to be room in the car. Below is a picture from last year. Wait on the edge of your seat folks for all the good times to be shared next week.

New inductees were hazed last year for one night and have been approved by the board we will be adding to the Sommerville Extravaganza team... Craigsville Sommervilles (minus Lauren because she has to work). Hope the rookies can make it back alive!

Pittsburgh is not for me!

2010-08-30T06:33:00.001-07:00

Those drivers are mean! I am a good driver.... sure occasionally I sing too loudly with the windows down, or I wave at kids at stoplights, and every now and then I don't use my blinker but if you don't use your blinker in Pittsburgh those people go crazy! Twice I didn't use my blinker and the first time the chick behind me laid on her horn... I mean laid on her horn. I was able to bounce back from it quickly because we arrived at Melissa's shortly after and I was distracted. The second crazy guy though was a little harder to forget, mainly because I thought he may track me down and murder me. I was turning into the gas station on my way out of town and didn't use my blinker. Not only was I in a turn only section of the road but I was on a side street.... I mean if I wasn't going to use it that would be the place to forget. He yelled at the top of his lungs out of his car window. His anger was the equivalent of me running his child over with my car. Just because I forgot my blinker.....

no thank you Pittsburgh I will not be moving there, your drivers are PSYCHO!

Highways and cookouts...

2010-08-30T06:21:00.000-07:00

I wish I was famous so that the paparazzi would follow me around not because I think I'm great but just so I wouldn't have to worry about taking pictures of my life. This morning I'm shooting myself in the foot for not ever taking pictures. This weekend I headed up 79 to the Conrad's cookout in Pittsburgh.

First I stopped in Morgantown on Friday to see my little guy, Ethan (sure Megan and John too). I hadn't seen him since before assignment and it is amazing how much he has grown in just those few short months. I'm excited to spend all next weekend with him on our annual camping trip. I may be singing a different tune after the weekend if he doesn't sleep through the night.

2nd I went by the Tuel's on my way out of town. I was kind of nervous that Ted and Sophie wouldn't remember me. When you aren't around for awhile it is easy to forget especially when you're little. I walked in and they remembered me! *sigh of relief* Although Ted was a little unsure of why I was actually there he warmed up. It was great to see the Tuels. I miss them. They are doing BIG things in Morgantown for the Lord and I am excited that they are there... I just wish they were here doing big things there... does that make sense? No I didn't think so :)

I amaze myself at my navigational skills. I really am amazed. I can go some place once and pretty much remember my way around, even if I wasn't driving. I made my way to the Allevato's (John did a great job with the new house and Shawna did a great job decorating). Shawna and I then spent the day shopping and hanging out it was so good to see her. We went up early to Mark and Melissa's (about 30 min north of the Allevato's house). We helped Melissa and Mark prep a little and just had fun hanging out with them before all the guests arrived. It was nice to be in a smaller group of friends before everyone got there. Once everyone arrived though it was good to meet new people and catch up with old friends. Mark did a great job grilling and Melissa was a fabulous host. I'm not as young as I once was though. At midnight I was ready to call it a day. I stayed with Melissa and Mark and then headed back to have lunch with John and Shawna and then left and headed back down 79.

One more pit stop... ETHAN! We went to Mom's for dinner and my Sparks grandparents were in town. It was good to sit and catch up with them. I decided to drive back to Charleston that night and arrived home about 11pm last night. It was good to wake up in my own bed and get the day started bright and early.

Great weekend adventures.... stay tuned next weekend it is who can make it back alive!

Fun times

2010-08-11T06:40:00.000-07:00

Without sounding lame assignment is full of laughter, love, and complete exhaustion. Luckily though in the midst of exhaustion that is where you find the most laughter and the greatest love. Here are a few pictures from my month, more to follow.

On brunch days, day 6, Hypes makes an ice sculpture, 2 fish although you can't tell what they are, and every week we throw it out after the 40 minutes it is out. Susan had a great idea let's ride the ice sculpture down the hill.... so we did!
Night 4 is 50's night and is a lot of work for the dining hall. We have to pull out around 20+ tables and then throw them back in. In the large scheme of things it isn't horrible but this particular week was just great. It all started with Cory and the wig- once Monica was formed and everyone had at least 5 milkshakes.... the tears were flowing.
Susan and Megan were on assignment with me. It was so much fun having them on the team and getting to know them. They are great!!!!!! Megan is a teacher in OH and Susan is now, as of yesterday, on staff in NC. I hope they will be on my next assignment as well.
Lastly the dining hall team. They were AWESOME!!!!!!

Assignment

2010-07-22T12:21:00.000-07:00

I am AWFUL at blogging while at camp so instead I'm going to direct you to the Ward's blog so that you can follow along with a typical day for us here on assignment. Bethany has been doing a play by play of each day, stories and pictures. So much fun! Check out their blog!

http://jbandbward.blogspot.com/

Also today is my birthday, 27 years of abundant life!!!! It has been a fabulous day. I'm sharing it with one of the work crew (who is super fun so it is fun to share my bday with him). So far my gifts include:

-a decorated apt door

- a New Mom 2010 t shirt from walmart (the wc call me mom so they thought this was the perfect gift- its clever)

- cupcake floss (so I can have cupcakes in a healthy way)

- a super cute picture frame with a homemade drawing of Shawna and I's time here

- 2 homemade birthday cards from the Berg girls, a keychain and a snack shop tab :)

- a fabulous new scarf from Julie!

- a lot of birthday cards from friends and family back home

- an afternoon off because of the welcome

- time to do my laundry :) This is a BIG blessing!

I am waiting on my traditional birthday flowers.... will they arrive or won't they? I don't know! I'm in limbo!

It is a good day! Here is to 27 years!!!!

I love these people!

2010-07-02T19:05:00.000-07:00

I've been celebrating a lot of friends getting married these past couple of weeks and I must say it doesn't necessarily make me want to get married but it ABSOLUTELY makes me want all of those people to move to Charleston. It started with my bestest Melissa's wedding to Mark, then moved to Shawna & John, and last weekend was Kait & Zach's. All three ladies had fabulous dresses, ceremonies, and receptions. So much fun!

Genna, Shelly, and I hanging out at Kait and Zach's reception

Genna, Shawna, Me, Shelly, and Melissa all danced in the fountain at the end of the evening. A dream come true. We danced to the Friends theme song "I'll be there for you". It was just like the opening credits to Friends. EEEEK our lives our TV sitcoms!!!

The SBS decided that before everyone went off to various states to work at different camps for the month we had to have a reunion. So I drove up to the lake and we spent the morning wrapped in beach towels and with chill bumps. Then it warmed up and Rach and I got hardcore and got in for a ride on Seymore!

The SBS is cursed with not being able to take a bad picture! It really is a flaw!

We caught some MAJOR air with this one and I am happy to say Rach and I stayed on. Success!!!!

John, I wish I were a Sommerville, Landis

2010-06-22T12:04:00.000-07:00

While the Sommerville's are pretty tough on non-bloods, the ones we like the most are the ones who don't take it laying down. John has always fit right in! For today and today ONLY we will consider him full blooded.

I like John mostly because he likes my sister. It all started with a guy who wanted a date with a cute blonde and a girl who said no. The no didn't stop John, which is why he fits in well with the posse, and he told her he'd pick her up in 30 minutes and hung up on her. His plan worked because within the year they married. He gets the best dad award today because he helped bring little Ethan into the world, and well that little one has stolen my heart since he was in the womb. Side note Ethan was 2 weeks overdue but waited till I was in Morgantown on business to make his entrance, when I walk into the room he only has eyes, smiles, and laughs for me (John is still upset about that). Now combine him creating Ethan with the fact that he puts up with me, makes Megan laugh all the time, and is 100% hands on with fatherhood and husbandry... I guess he can pass for one of us, but only today.

John even with his red meat eating, football obsessed self is a good guy who fits perfectly into this group because he can say no to us Charleston Sommerville girls and put us in our place and live to tell about it. He cares for my sister incredibly well and it has been a long time since I've seen a couple be able to have so much fun together. They have no secrets, what you get is what you see. If I tell Megan she is being needy, John says she is needy but I knew it from the jump. John doesn't sugar coat things and when I comment Megan said I knew it when I got into it.

Favorite Memories:

-John is my go to guy for guy advice. Which is really funny because I listen to nothing he says yet act like what he says is the written word

-John when wanting to fix my cousin up with his former bro-mance "He is a christian, his mom listens to K-Love"

-I love that my dad loves him... he is the son my dad ALWAYS wanted and finally got.

- He is not afraid to bite back! Whether or not we are mocking him for something or I had the sudden urge to punch him hard... he always is on top of his game of dishing out what he takes!

-He thinks Megan and I are crazy together, but still loves her even when I'm around.

-ETHAN! Enough said!

My least favorite memory:

-He is allergic to poultry... ruining family dinners till we die!

Along came Savage Sam...

2010-06-21T18:11:00.000-07:00

I found an old "golden" book in the attic yesterday it was dads from 1964 and it was called Savage Sam. I found it to accurately depict dad.... if he were a dog.

I'll try to keep his blog short but in a nut shell... I'm a daddy's girl.

Sam is a dream boat! Grandfather maybe handsome but dad, so I've been told by countless women in my life is the bees knees. While dad may be dreamy to some he is my real life knight in shining armor. He has slayed many dragons for me, trained me to fight them off myself, and has filled more shoes than he should have had to. I will admit this only once, we fight occasionally only because I am exactly like him! He has let me cry over boys without saying I could you so, even if he wanted to. He always has held me to a much higher standard then I want to hold myself and he dreams big for me but also lets my dreams get bigger or take a different path than those he had. He is my ultimate cheerleader and will never let me slack even if thats all I want to do.

Favorite memories with this guy:

-He always played at the pool, from marco polo, to the diving board, to red rover.

-Bear Hunting!!! Best game ever!

-Cow, Horse, Dog!!! 2nd best game!

-PTL his ankles pop

-BBQ chicken, his secret recipe, homemade ice cream, and Dutchess bakery birthday cakes. (Thanks John for ruining the BBQ Chicken nights)

-His love for the Sound of Music

-Giant snowstorm: countless hours building and hollowing out an igloo and his terror of me being crushed by the 1/4 inch of snow when it caved :)

-Our biggest and best fight (on the way to Mary's wedding) seriously top 10 memory- still brings tears of laughter

-When he sent me a birthday card from my cat with Paris' paw prints in ink as her signature

-Lightening Wolf- Enough Said.

-Our love for Alaska

-How he always answers the phone the EXACT same way.... you know the way.

-Or how he calls and says hello adrienne this is your dad Sam. (as if I didn't know!)

-Summer thunderstorms on the porch

-In all of his offices, present day included, he still has my grade school turtle (out of a butter dish) and faded construction paper bird that I made.

-He fought for me when I had given up!

Needless to say this guy has set the bar high and I enjoy waiting for the one who will meet it.

Tear faucet has been turned on

2010-06-20T19:41:00.000-07:00

Today is father's day (one of my top 5 holidays), and it seems that from the moment my feet hit the floor the tear faucet was turned on and I couldn't turn it off. I'd like to think it had something to do with the -5 hrs of sleep that I didn't get but truth be told I just like Father's Day and I like the people I got to spend it with even better. I'll skip to the middle of the afternoon and I'll fill in the morning parts later. My dad, my sister, her husband John, and my favorite little 7 month old Ethan, and of course myself all went to Harrisville today to celebrate the great Sommerville dads. (Even though John isn't a Sommerville, he secretly wishes he was, we'll let the non-blood sneak into the category today under great dads). For the next couple of days (if I remember) I'd like to celebrate each generation on the blog. Today we get to start with the oldest, the wisest, the handsome Robert.

*Tears well up again*

When I think of my grandfather many words, emotions, thoughts, and memories flood my heart (my eyes), and my mind.

Sitting on the porch swing with the red quilt on his lap singing "I'll Fly Away", his garden, the Christmas story, all of our countless hours putting on plays for him and the family, radish ice cream cones (still gross), riding with him on the mower, those hugs, he gives the best hugs, his steadfastness, every time he prays I melt. (just to name a quick few)

He is the patriarch of this family and holds his position with the highest honor. In our family behind every great dad there is Granddad. He has successfully set the tone for our family and the legacy that we will leave behind. It begins in a tiny WV town and a guy checking out a cute blonde cheerleader (some things don't change in our fam). Grandmother informed me today (I've heard the story over 100 times- I can't get enough) but today I learned that granddad originally thought blondes were trouble makers, haha he was right. He overheard grandmother saying she was late to the basketball game because of prayer meeting and he knew he had met the love of his life... he'd capture her heart. And he did and he has held it delicately for 60+ years. He is such a hard worker, a caregiver, provider, a friend, a lover, a stern hand, and always good for a chuckle.

Mostly I am struck by his tender heart! His pursuit of a God who is captivated by him, and his dedication to being in tune with his creator... His daily time in the word, his faithful prayers about who the Lord is and what He has done... and of course his soft spot for my grandmother. She always speaks at how his words are encouraging and how he tells her daily of her beauty. (He speaks the truth in all areas!!!!)

I am truly honored that he set the tone of his family's life and stayed in step with Christ while he raised my father and the crew, that he is the one I get to call friend, and grandfather. He set the bar high, his kids all rose to the occasion, and he is the one that allowed me to see what I am waiting for is worth it!

Wedding Season

2010-05-31T06:32:00.000-07:00

So many of my friends are getting married this summer, mostly all in June, because we all have assignment in July. Here are some pictures from the last wedding, Melissa and Mark Conrad. It was a blast!

The Conrads

Kait and I doing a little jig in front of the photo booth

You know its a party when the bride suggests a jumping picture. Yes we jumped in 4 inch heels.

I do love my friends! We are a lot of fun. I loved the photo booth w/ props! So much fun! Melissa looks stunning

This picture just makes me giggle. I feel like it sums me up well. As Anthony said on FB ... disproportionate levels of excitement. I tend to be a BIT over the top. It was a great night though with friends.

Brain Fuzz!

2010-05-27T04:56:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had a season of your life that you just can't seem to collect your thoughts? Well if not let me tell you having 24/7 brain fuzz is NO fun. I have so many things floating around, soaring through, and just sitting there like a rock that I can't seem to sort or organize what is going on up there. I think some of that has to do with I've stopped writing. It is strange to think that my pen hasn't hit paper in such a long time. I am a writer! I don't know if I'm afraid what will pour onto the paper or if I really have nothing to say (hahaha thats a joke!). This morning was good though: I collected myself a little. I'll equate it to throwing out a stack of papers in a room that is so full of stuff that you can't walk through. I've gotten to see a lot of those rooms lately at Virginia's and I've enjoyed the satisfaction of looking at the finished product. It seems that while I was so busy physically cleaning that I allowed my mind to be FILLED with junk and it became so cluttered. The first stack of papers is always the hardest to throw out and then you don't really see any benefits... its still a room full of other stuff. However knowing that the first stack is out it makes the rest of the sorting a little bit easier.

I'm going in! Let's pray I make it back out alive!

Adventures in Motherhood...

2010-04-26T09:01:00.001-07:00

No I didn't have kids suddenly, well I sort of did. I've been kid-sitting since Friday. It has been delightful to say the least. There is something that warms my heart about kids, their brutal honesty, unlimited forgiveness, never ending imagination, and belly filled laughs! We've done a lot and seen a lot this wknd: water fights... yes thats plural the 2nd one the whole neighborhood got in on, a lot of basketball, soccer games, tennis, cooking, pictionary, outburst, church, lunches, the list continues. Those of you that do this daily, moms, you know the list doesn't stop.

Yesterday at church, we all loaded up and went then hit lunch out afterwards, Matt talked about the five love languages. Everyone knows mine are all 5, haha. Seriously though words of affirmation is mine no question, words of affirmation on cards (so gifts too I guess). I digress! At lunch we all sat around and shared what we thought our love languages are. It was the 2nd most favorite thing I love: SIGNIFICANT CONVERSATION! This weekend the Lord has been revealing that it is about the current moment. Not about the upcoming stuff or where I like to live in the past stuff but this very moment. Some of my friends packed up and went to a women's weekend and my heart longed to be there @ Rockbridge w/ them. My prayer on Friday and all weekend was to be present with eyes open expecting God to provide life giving moments for me... that He has done. I can officially say I'm glad I was here v. there.

Obsessed!

2010-03-31T13:19:00.000-07:00

Okay it is official I'm obsessed with blogs! I don't know when it happened or why but I have fallen prey to following around 30 blogs. WHAT? Who has that kind of time? Certainly not me... it basically comes down to like 50 emails a day in my RSS.(ok I'm being a little dramatic) I don't get to look everyday but its handy having them come to my email because when I do get a chance I can get caught up very quickly. I've found this great blog though called Apartment Therapy. It is fabulous. They post about 100 times a day and for my little designer self all the pictures are fabulous. Great ideas, great pictures, and such inspiring stuff. Today they had my DREAM kitchen. Here are the pics!

Talk about bringing the outside in! Awwww all the walls open to the outside, so spacious, so AMAZING!

It's All Greek to Me!

2010-03-30T15:32:00.000-07:00

This week it is Greek Week, before you start to say Adrienne really aren't you too old to join a sorority let me stop you...GREEK FOOD! This week alone I get to cook two different dinners for friends. Tonight: Bob, Shelly, and Shawna. Tomorrow YoungLives committee meeting (don't you want to be on this committee?)

Tonight's menu:

Roasted Garlic Hummus

Greek Salad & Crusty Bread

Greek Lasagna

Spanakopita

Cheesecake (homemade by fabulous Shelly)

Pics to come! Lets hope all this turns out well

Dinner Party

2010-03-25T07:50:00.000-07:00

I LOVE cooking for people and having them over to talk and laugh and eat! Yum! I have only had a couple people over since our fabulous Wednesday night dinner club last year (you are all freshman in college now *tear*). The small dinners I've had have been thrown together at the last minute and I didn't do a whole lot of "hosting". Last night through Misty and Kandi came over and I was able to be the hostest with the mostest.

My new (old) tablecloth, vintage(thanks Deb I love it). Bright and cheerful just the way I like my life. I prepped by singing and dancing to Michael Buble with my windows open. I realized they were open when I heard my neighbor outside and realized he heard me singing at the top of my lungs. Oh well.

The Menu:

Thai Chicken Pizza (Top)

Pear & Gorgonzola Pizza (Bottom)

Veggie Pesto Pizza (Top)

BBQ Pineapple Chicken Pizza (Bottom)

Dessert: Mini cupcakes with homemade buttercream frosting and raspberries and blackberries on top. Quite delicious even if they did fall over :(

Give it up for Puerto Rico!

2010-03-22T05:42:00.000-07:00

Airport!

The view from our room

View from the pool

You guessed it: the pool!

Coast down by old San Juan

These were all over the old forts. So fun!

Want to buy a coconut?

Fountain fun in Old San Juan

Adrienne: "Are we going to die?"

The wave hits me and I go flying....

We ate at so many great restaurants. This one was called the dragonfly.

More Pictures from Colorado

2010-03-09T13:16:00.000-08:00

I went out early to stay with my Aunt and Uncle. It was a great time with the family here are some of those pictures.

Beetles... gross

Obama sat in my Uncle's chair to sign the Stimulus Bill.

Behind the scenes in the big bone room at the Museum

Pics from Colorado

2010-02-25T22:01:00.000-08:00

Cat and I in the dining hall.

Out on the Lookout balcony.

Inside the Lookout cabin

Quick photo op at the sign

Come on we are YL we can't go without one jumping pic!

My Little Guy

2010-02-15T13:46:00.000-08:00

New Blog!

2010-02-11T12:25:00.001-08:00

http://ylvskanawhavalley.blogspot.com/

Claiming Truth Day 2

2010-02-10T08:40:00.000-08:00

One for whom the Lord throws a party (Zeph 3:17, Lk 15:7-10)
A recipient of God's own peace (John 14:27)
Filled with the peace and joy of God (Rom 14:17)
One in whom Christ's joy is fulfilled (John 15:11)
Given direct access to the Father by the Holy Spirit (Eph 2:18)
Seated with Christ in heavenly realms (Eph 2:6)
Seated "far above all rule and authority and power and dominion with Christ (Eph 1:21)
Hid in Christ in heavenly realms (Col 3:1-5)
Crucified, Buried, and Raised with Christ (Roman 6:1-11)
Made perfect forever (Heb 10:14)
Made complete in Christ (Col 2:10)
Indwelled by a fearless spirit (2 Tim 1:7)
One of God's precious works of art (Eph 2:10)
Indwelled by a spirit of power, love, and stability (2 Tim 1:7)
A citizen of heaven (Phil 3:20)
Predestined to look like Jesus and see him in his glory (Rom 8:29, 1 John 3:1-5)
One in whom God is working to bring good out of evil (Rom 8:28)
Salt of the earth (Matt 5:13)
A branch chosen to bear fruit (John 15:16)
A co-worker of God (1 Corin 3:9)
An ambassador of Christ and minister of reconciliation (2 Corin 5:17-20)
A priest of the most high God (1 Peter 2:5-9)
More than a conqueror in all things (Romans 8:37)
One who knows Satan is a disarmed laughing stock (Col 2:14-15) I love how that is phrased
One who knows the truth and is set free (John 8:32)
One who can do all things in Christ (Phil 4:13)

Claiming Truth

2010-02-09T09:21:00.000-08:00

While I was in Georgia I decided that I was going to claim one truth a day for me and for a friend about Who we are in Christ.... I just read all of them again. WOW!

In Christ you are...

God's beloved child (John 1:12, Eph 1:5)
Christ's dear friend (John 15:5)
Declared perfectly righteous (Romans 5:1)
Free from condemnation (Rom 8:1, Col 2:14-16)
United with Christ (1 Cor 6:17, Eph 5:31)
A member of Christ's body (1 Corin 6:15, 12:27)
The Temple of God (1 Corn 6:19)
Filled with the "fullness of God" (Eph 3:19)
A "Holy One" saint (Eph 1:1)
Blessed with every spiritual blessing (Eph 1:3)
Holy and Blameless (Eph 1:4)
Bought with an infinite price and forgiven (1 Corin 6:20, Eph 1:7, Col 1:14)
Bathed with wisdom and understanding (Eph 1:8)
The recipient of an eternal, infinitely rich, inheritance (Eph 1:11,18)
Possessed with the mind of Christ (1 Corin 2:16)
Inseparable from God's love (Rom 8:35-39)
One who will NEVER be abandoned (Matthew 28:20)
The beautiful bride of Christ who "ravishes" the heart of God (Song of Songs 4:1,6:4)
One over whom the Lord rejoices, sings and clap His hands (Zeph 3:17)

The rest will come tomorrow! Do you claim these are truth in your life? Because they are!

Just Dance

2010-02-02T14:52:00.001-08:00

A lot is going on in the land of Adrienne. This past weekend was my favorite weekend of the year. OGLEBAY!!!! Every year all the staff, leaders, volunteers, committee, and friends of YL gather together at Oglebay to hang out, worship, dig into scripture, and learn how we can love kids and Christ better. This year the Tuel's brought their Wii and the game Just Dance. I'm waiting for fabulous video to be posted to facebook and then I'll post it to my blog. We played it for hours and hours! Hilarious!!!!

Oglebay stretched me in ways I had not imagined this year. It was my first year to host a seminar. Starting YoungLives: In the Beginning. It was a great turn out of people interested in maybe starting YLVS, I hope they got something out of it. I also learned I can communicate quite well. God has asked me to work on a couple of things 1) communicating 2) asking for help. Both so far are going really well. It is nice to know that when God asks you to change something(s) He will equip you to make those changes.

An oldie but a goodie

2010-02-01T09:02:00.000-08:00

This is my story, this is my song: Praising my Savior all the day long. This is my story, this is my song: Praising my Savior all the day long.

Blessed Assurance. Jesus is mine

Oh, What a foretaste of glory divine

Heir of salvation, purchase of God,

Born of His spirit, washed in His blood

Perfect Submission, perfect delight

Visions of rapture now burst on my sight

Angels descending, bright from above

Echoes of mercy, whispers of love

Perfect submission, all is at rest

I in my Savior am happy and blest

Watching and waiting, looking above,

filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

Some days it is so hard to sing this song let alone feel like it is true... today is NOT one of those days for me...... THIS IS MY STORY... THIS IS MY SONG : Praising my Savior all the day long!

Can you sing the chorus after each one of these verses?

WH Duex

2010-01-27T19:29:00.001-08:00

I spent last weekend @ Rockbridge. Rockbridge is a YL camp in Virginia and if you've been following me for awhile, my home last July. It was a great weekend with all the YoungLives staff in the Eastern Division. It was so nice to meet my other team members who are excited about sharing Christ's love with teen moms. I loved sitting at their feet, gathering suggestions, and just hanging out.

God slowed me down, always does at Rockbridge which is one of my favorite places on earth, and really gave me a glimpse into what the incarnation really is! I meditated most of the weekend on the fact that God desired me enough to put on flesh and come down here to get dirty! I love a man who loves the outdoors and hiking :)

We often think about what He did for us on the cross, which was HUGE but we often forget the magnitude that there was flesh to be broken and blood to be shed. Seriously, I just was and still am in awe that He wanted me that badly! He knew I wasn't coming to Him so He had to come get me!

That is what I have been called to do, go to where high school kids are, I can't sit back create a nice little program and expect them to horse up and come hang out. So I go to the school, stand awkwardly in the cafeteria, or I walk down the halls as people wonder who the heck I am. I mean seriously if Christ can do that for me.... I am happy to throw the old hiking boots on and slap a visitors badge on and set out on a little hike through the halls....

Well the visitors badge I'd be okay if they did away with that... I mean just slap ADULT on my forehead! Geez they are cramping my style!

Watering Hole #1 SharpTop: Winter Training

2010-01-24T15:06:00.000-08:00

January has been a month of traveling and there is still another weekend to go. I was expecting great things at each one of these 'watering holes'.

This was my second year of WT, my class was Pastoral Counseling, Intro to Family Systems. I had no idea of what to expect from this class. I knew going in that my family was dysfunctional so I wasn't really expecting to learn that. I didn't! Instead I learned that the roles I filled as a child out of survival and necessity I was still operating out of today. Without pouring out our family history (I'll save your eyes from the craziness of it all). I learned some significant patterns that I now have the awareness and ability to break.

1) I do not ask for help well or at all.

2) My anger shows up as sadness, I never learned how to express anger.

3) I never offer myself grace.

4) I operate out of the fear of abandonment. - def a people pleaser!!!!

We had to do our six word autobiography, really hard! At the beginning of the week these were the ones I came up with.

1. Rocky start, determined to finish first.

2. Funny girl! Laughter covered my pain.

3. Feel forgotten, seriously where is he!?!?!?

4. Free spirited but can't stop roaming.

(after the week in class)

1. Did not remain on repeat button.

2. Confident that I wasn't looked over!!!

3. Knew I was wanted and loved!

As always asked: practically how will you apply these things... still pouring over my notes and laying these things at the feet of Christ who will over time speak into each of them and offer me the perfect plan to change them.

Patience....

2010-01-03T18:23:00.000-08:00

Today I had lunch with some of my discipleship girls before they head back to all their schools. We were talking about 2009 what we felt like God showed us, how we have changed and what we are looking forward to in 2010. Looking back over the past year is something I really look forward to. I love journaling and love re-reading my journals.... you gotta love the journey as well as the destination!

I've discovered God has done some great things and is also taking His sweet time with some stuff. Over the past 8 or so months I feel like God has been asking me to be patient about a lot of stuff... most days I'm okay with this, I know He provides! Lately though I feel like my motto is.... I'm tired of waiting for patience, give it to me already and lets move on! I realize this motto means that I'm in desperate need of it... but seriously lets get it and get going.

I have seen some really great things begin to change for me as I've waited for a long time for God to develop some fun heart characteristics in me. Surprisingly as I ask for more patience... I realize I am a LONG way off from where I was and that my patience level has grown. He has also softened my heart for growth in communication. I told the girls today that I really am longing for God to begin to change my poor communication skills... I have a hard time actually expressing what I want to say in a time of crisis and I am excited about really taking a closer look at this.

Patience will come guess I just have to be patient until it does .... hahaahahahahahaha

Walking as a Cracked Pot

2009-12-30T13:40:00.000-08:00

There once lives a water carrier in India. He used two large pots for his task. He suspended a pole across his neck and attached a pot at each end of the pole. One of the pots had a big crack in it while the other pot was perfect. The perfect pot always delivered a full portion of water from the stream to the master's house, while the cracked pot arrived only half full each day.

For two years this water carrier made the same journey. The perfect pot became proud of its accomplishments. The cracked pot was ashamed of its imperfection and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do. Finally, one day by the stream, the cracked pot spoke to its owner about his bitter failure. "I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize that I have only been able to deliver half my water to your house. There is a crack in my side which causes water to leak out. Because of my flaws, you don't get full value from your efforts."

Then the water carrier replied, smiling, "As we return to the master's house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path." On that trip from the stream, the cracked pot looked around.

"Did you notice there are flowers only on your side of the path, but not on the other pot's side?" the master commented. "That's because I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. I planted seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we passed these spots, you watered them. Now for two years I have been able to pick those beautiful flowers to decorate my master's table. Without you being just the way you are, I would not have this beauty to grace his house."

It is the way God works!

Date night!

2009-12-18T16:12:00.000-08:00

(Grandmother- pick yourself up off the floor! Are you breathing? You okay? Ok good! Here is the story!!!!)

Grandmother read that title and "MY CRACKERS" she got so excited!!!!!

I took my good friend Ted Tuel out on a date the other night. Turns out I should have been dating four year olds for awhile they are great fun. Ted picked the restaurant this exclusive little joint called Taco Bell. It was kind of expensive, but he is worth it :) We then made reindeer / moose decorations. I feel like they should be reindeer but the decorations called them moose. Anywho it was a lot of fun. He is just such a sweet kid, and really makes me laugh. Here are some pictures from the night.

"I thought you were the prostitute"

2009-12-16T09:13:00.000-08:00

Warning: This blog is kid friendly do not let the title deceive you.

I'm back from my weekend in Florida. It was a great time spent with Katey. I love time spent with people because you walk away with a head full of great quotes, funny stories, and memorable experiences. I love beating a story or joke to death :) I do it often! So brace yourself for some pictures and funny stories from this weekend. The first Katey has technically reserved, which means she is supposed to be the only one who is allowed to ever tell it, however I will share that story now.

Sharon (Katey's friend from Puerto Rico), Karen, Katey, and I were walking down the hall from Karen's dorm room when I decided to duck around the corner on the stairs and scare Sharon. I'm known for my great scaring abilities. Background info: Karen lives in the haunted dorm building, a prostitute hung herself there in the 50's or something. I jump out and say "Boo" Sharon who is wholeheartedly SHOCKED screams, leans up against the wall and shouts "I thought you were the prostitute!" Now this isn't something people hear very often so we proceeded to laugh for a really long time, and then katey and I laugh about it every 5 seconds since then. Katey and I decided that Jesus def used to jump out and scare people when he was a kid too.

15 hours in the car can be boring but overall it was a great time, one or two hours I wanted to sleep, but other than that it was laughing, singing, talking, and just enjoying our friendship. I love that Katey asks the tough questions and needless to say throughout the weekend significant conversation happened along with some tears :) I'm glad to be back and I'm excited for all the girls to be back home this weekend.

Pics from the trip!

My welcoming committee. People at the airport LOVED these girls and they were def having their picture taken alot.
The BEST yogurt place ever! WhiteBerry. I had frozen yogurt w/ oreos, fresh strawberries, and raspberries. YUMMMMM
We don't know how to play chess so we developed Chesters! It is checkers with chess pieces and I am AWFUL at it.

The Busy Season...

2009-12-06T09:37:00.000-08:00

This Friday begins the madness that is the next 2-3 months. Between YoungLives, Mythology, and life... I will be going non-stop. I spend my life either in the car, planes, or running around. It begins this Friday... I fly out to Florida! YAY! I can't wait. My dear friend Katey is going to school in Sarasota and her mom has asked me to fly to Florida to pick her up. YES I WILL! I fly in on Friday and then we turn around on Sunday morning and drive back to Charleston together. I'm excited about this for two reasons...

1) I get to meet Katey's new friends, see her room, her beach, her school, her coffee shops (I've already seen her Panera), and the list goes on and on.

2) ROAD TRIP! What is better than games of cow, horse, dog; the alphabet game; 20 questions; laughter;coffee; and traveling through like 7 states!!!!

Then I get back and all the girls are home for a month! WOW... great bible studies, sleepovers, outings, and just enjoying each other all while trying to get ready for Christmas. Then I head to my favorite holiday... any holiday that is spent with the Sommerville clan. I'll be with my fabulous family for days!!!! Then New Years (hopefully spent skiing). Then I fly out to Georgia and I'm there for a week, come back and spend the next weekend in Virginia (Rockbridge) for a YoungLives weekend, and then the next weekend in Wheeling for River Region YL weekend.

Then I fly to Colorado where I get to see my Aunt and Uncle, and two cousins who I haven't seen in forever! I head to Frontier for Area Director training. Come back a week later and then head to Baltimore for a women's staff weekend, and then it calms down a bit. YAY!

All of these things though I'm super excited about and I know God is going to teach me tons of stuff in the process... which is always the best part!!!!!!