Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Finally!!!

I have finally been tagged!! Woooohoooo!!!!!!!! Yes, I am a dork... and well... I am totally okay with that!!!

Are you ready to get your jingle on? You better believe it!!! I <3 Christmas!!! I mean like nobodies business! Serious- I plan to be Mrs. Claus when I grow up :)

1. Day after thanksgiving shopping with my momma! We wake up at the crack of dawn to fight crowds for things we have no idea what we will do with... but by golly it was 75% off! I love doing this with my momma, she is the best to shop with!

2. Decorating my house with all of our cute decorations and putting up the Christmas tree!

3. Christmas Candles- love love love!

4. Christmas movies of any kind! Old and new!!! Elf is definitely my favorite! "Santa.. I know him!!!!!!!" Hahahaha!!

5. Sitting in my house with all of the lights out except the Christmas tree- Beautiful!!!

6. Christmas music!!!!!! I would dare you to challenge me on any sing off! I got this!

7. This year in particular- knowing that I will be home for Christmas!!!! And, yes I plan on singing up until the day I am home for Christmas :)

8. Apple Cider, Egg Nog, Hot Chocolate, Cookies, Gingerbread Men..... bring on the baking!!

9. Dirty Santa at the Christmas Parties.... there ain't no shame in my game! Go big or go home :)

And finally.....

10. Spending time with our families and laughing and eating and smiling and playing and sleeping and ohhhh the memories!


This is the year we got engaged! A little blury
It was one of my favorite moments!

Our Christmas Tree 2007
Me and Brandon 2007
I take after my daddy :) Merry Christmas!

Saturday, November 15, 2008

If only there were coffee...

For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before Him; strength and glory are in His Sanctuary. Psalms 96 4:6

Read it again slowly.

One of my favorite bloggers Jenny was so pumped about Beth Moore's new bible study Esther coming out I knew I HAD to get it! LOVE IT! This morning I was able to sit on our balcony and enjoy the beautiful weather as I began with Day 2 of Esther. All I would have needed was a copy of coffee..... heaven :) Anyhow, when I read this scripture I knew I had to put it on here for you to read.

Splendor and majesty are before Him; strength and glory are in His Sanctuary.

MANY MANY MANY O Times I am worn down, frustrated, and all I wanna do is bust a crazy on somebody because of all that surrounds me and my family. But when I seek Him in His Sanctuary The Word is true when you are renewed with His strength and glory.

If you are there and just slap tired of what is happening, seek the Lord who made the Heavens- whose splendor and majesty are before Him. Find His strength and see His glory!

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Fall Pictures- Beach Style ;)

Monday, October 20, 2008

Happy Fall!!!

Without doubt... Autumn is my favorite time of the year. I just love what is has to offer!
The weather and the leaves are changing and it is perfect for a bowl of chili paired with Alabama football! This season just makes me smile :) I also love love love the fact that I can now wear my fall boots with my denim jacket! Yes, Autumn is in full swing and I love it!

Life has been wonderful for us here at the beach. I am so thankful to have a God who knows what's best for me! I truly love living down here and ministering with Brandon. I know that us being here is God ordained. Now if only our friends and family from Birmingham would just get on the same page :) j/k!!! But anytime would be great :)

Recently, my family came in for my 25th birthday and it was awesome! I know it's crazy, 25!!! I am still processing this :) Anyhow, my dad and mom, and grandmother and my brothers- Danny and Devin were able to come and celebrate it with us. We went on a dolphin cruise and it was the best! I, along with all of the children on the boat*I refused to move :)* , had THE BEST view. It was great spending time with them and I CAN NOT WAIT to see them for the holidays!

Anyhow, I hope to post pictures soon for your viewing pleasure :)


Thursday, September 11, 2008

I. Heart. Candles : )

Nothing really more to the title except that I really do love candles or anything that smells out of this world!

Moving on...I just got done reading the best book EVER (other than The Bible and Redeeming Love). It is called The Shack. Wow. I think I read it in record timing. It is amazing. It is about a father who has lost his youngest daughter to a child abductor and after a few years have passed the father receives a note in the mail from "Papa" wanting to spend time with him in... The Shack. At times it was almost to much to read, but it is wonderful story and well worth your time. And because I have in no way given this book any justice here is the website so you can read more on it.
http://theshackbook.com/

Love you all and tell me what you think about it!

Saturday, August 23, 2008

For Aslan!

Today was a WONDERFUL day! Check this... I spent the majority of my day at the spa (for which I was able to get and mani and a pedi), then we went to the movies and saw The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2, and THEN we ate at this great place called Live Bait 2 (it's at The Wharf in Orange Beach)! It was amazing! How did I get so fortunate you ask? Well... one of my favorite people, AUTUMN WOOD, is going to be leaving me on Wednesday to become a missionary in Scottland. From the moment I met Autumn I was captivated by her. She is a-maz-ing! I thank the Lord for her taking me under her arms and being my friend and encourager! I know the Lord has great plans for her in Scottland and Scottland will be blessed to have her, but I deeply would like for her to stay here :) Autumn- you have made me a better person in the past couple of months and I am blessed to call you my friend. I can't wait to see what the Lord does for you and as you have been counting down the days to leave for Scottland I will be counting down the days for you to come home! I love you girl! And remember.... FOR ASLAN! :)

p.s. to top the day off I found out my other great friend Beth is going to have a baby! I am soooo excited for you Beth and I wish I were there to hang with you during this time!

Friday, August 8, 2008

Pictures from our Vacation 2008

This is me... with my head hung down in shame...

Let me first begin with - I'm sorry. I have failed miserably to update the oh so many people who, I know, hold their breath until my next post. You can now breath easy :) JUST KIDDING!

Life has been good since my last post. We have finally become somewhat adjusted to life at the beach :) We are constantly on the go, but I have come to realize, that is who we are. We just prefer it, most of the time :) I am finally feeling as though we are settling into our new life here. It's not easy. I miss my sweet family and friends more than anything. I treasure every visit and conversation from you all! But God has blessed us with good friends here and daily I trust Him! Plus, I live 4 miles from the beach, let's not forget :)

The children's ministry has been booming and we are learning everyday of why God has us here. We have recently started a new curriculum for our Jr. Church and friend, it is awesome! If you have never heard of Kidmo, do some studying on it. It is amazing for 3-5 year olds AND our teachers love it! Another plus- I am starting to form a great connection with our older girls. That age is so crazy important to have a GOOD/GODLY influence in their lives. Trust me, it is well worth investing your time into them! Plus, you are super cool to them :) J/K- sorda :)

Also, since my last blog, we went on the most relaxing vacation EVER! We took a cruise to Progresso and Cozumel Mexico! BEE.U.TI.FUL! I loved that vacation and I am still mourning the fact that I can not have a ice cream cone whenever I please. Who do I need to talk to about this? No, really... :) Other than the fact that I ate like nobodies business (Three words...Melting Chocolate Cake) it meant more to me that I was able to spend a whole week with my family. It was great! We were able to dune buggy in Progresso together and drive our own speed boat in the amazing water in Cozumel! What great memories! I also loved the fact we had dinner together every night, like the old days... plus our great spouses! I am sad that it is over, but I know there will be more to come. I am going to TRY and post some pic's so you can be jealous :)

One last thing... definitely blog worthy. While on our glorious cruise Brandon and I celebrated our 3 year wedding anniversary (07-30)! Three years!!! He is the best thing since slice bread and he pretty much rocks my socks! I love him with every inch of me and I am blessed to be his wife.

Well... that's pretty much all I have... The Olympics start today so I will be tuned into that until the closing ceremony :) I love the Olympics! Go USA!!!

Love,
Danielle

Thursday, June 19, 2008

No blog= super busy!

Hey everyone!!! I hate not being able to stay connected so it thrills me to know end to be back on blogger! I hope everyone is doing great and is off to a great summer!

This past month has been ABSOLUTLY crazy for us! Brandon graduated (Praise the Lord) and the very next day we moved several hundred miles away from home, of which we could not have done without our family and friends- we owe you the world! The very next day we both started our new jobs! New house + new job + new everything = def. out of comfort zone! But God is faithful! His hand has not been withheld, He is all the comfort I need! He has surrounded us by great people and great friends. Without a doubt, I know we are here for a reason! (*For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and give you hope and a future*)

The church (Gulfway Assembly) is great! I am impressed and excited about the vision of the church! From day one they have been so good to us! There is def. A LOT of work ahead of us, but it is so exciting to be a part of His plan! My job is going great. I love living on site and the girls I work with are amazing! We work our tales off, but it makes the day go by fast. I also love meeting new people (although they make fun of my accent a little more than I like, I love my accent, can't help it!) We both work hard, but we make sure we play hard also! We are def. not going to be the people who live at the beach and never go! That's crazy!

To everyone back in B'ham- we miss you like nobodies business- and if you have not come down to see us- what are you thinking!!!! And if you have- come back with your bags and stay :)

I will post pics up very soon of the past couple of weeks.... but I think Brandon is currently setting my new kitchen on fire here- I smell smoke.... Bless!

Danielle

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Long time no blog!

We finally have the internet at our house- so I will be posting shortly! Love you all!

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; lean not onto your understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will direct your paths- Pro. 3:5-6

Overwhelmed.
I am not the type of person to shut down when life gets crazy. Actually, my co-workers make fun of me because I am the "make it happen" girl. But, for what ever reason I found myself sweeping my front walkway (outside) 52 times to avoid packing. This packing deal is completly overwhelming. If I weren't so cheap, I'd would leave it all there and just start over. But. I'm. Cheap. (and I love my stuff) :) I thank the Good Lord for my friends and family who have made it happen for me.

On the flip side, I can't wait to unpack all my belongings into our new house! We are going to be living at the Emerald Greens Resort just 4.3 miles from the beach, I love this place. And to make things 100x better- I am going to be working there! How great is my God! I went down to interview last Wednesday for a leasing agent position, and I got it! I start Monday, I know, it's amazing! I have no doubt that God has ordained every move made and every door opened. He is my Provider! I am in awe of Him. *And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose- Romans 8:28* And please know, THIS IS ALL HIM. I can not wait to see what our future holds. God is good.

Also, this week.... BRANDON GRADUATES! When I say I am so proud and competely thrilled for him, I can not express it enough! He is the best! For the past 5 years he has been full time in school, worked full time at the church (b/c no ministry is part time) and has been the best husband, friend, son, brother, pastor, encourager, soft ball player...(the list could go on and on). He makes me a better person, and I am so blessed to be a part of him. So Friday when MY husband walks across that stage, I will have the biggest smile on my face and yes, I will be the crazy lady taking 5000 pictures :)
Brandon- you rock my socks! I am impressed (almost daily) because of who you are.
*A GOOD name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold- Proverbls 22:1*
I love you!

Monday, May 5, 2008

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.- Apostle Paul

I have so many great things happening in my life right now. I can not wait to share with you how great God has blessed Brandon and I. But, today my heart is hurting and yet thankful. Tomorrow I am going to attend a memorial service for one of the greatest men of God I have ever met. It's hard to even try to put into words for what Dr. Perry did for me. There was never a time I when I left his presence that I was not in encouraged, challenged, and in awe of him. If I could be one ounce of what who he was in his faith, mountains could be moved. Once, I called his home in the middle of the night, to ask for prayer,because one of our kids at the church had a terrible accident and the diagnosis was not good. Dr. Perry and his wife (Suzanne) were so kind to not only pray that night, but to pray continuously for him. I hardly knew him then, but what I did know was that he was the real deal. That has not changed. His legacy will remain not only for all the babies delivered, bodies healed, and hearts touched, but more importantly for who he was in Christ. I can only imagine his sweet face in the presence of our Savior. He will never again suffer. Praise God!
I challenge you today to think of what legacy you are leaving behind now, and what legacy you want to leave behind.

"Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you, Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm"
Proverbs 4:25-26

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

I have 20 billion other things to do...but here I am :)

So... when I decided to create a blog I had every great intention of writing something a little bit more meatier. I promise one day I will be there!!! But when I say things are crazy in my life, that would be an understatement. I long for things to be "normal". So in the mean time I will continue to feed on other people's great blogs (Brandon, Jenny , Abby , Vickie Courtney (okay, I don't really know Abby or Vickie, but they always have great blogs)) and simply do what I can.

That said...

i am: in never ending need of God's AMAZING grace
i think: yellow box flip flops are #1 and really really want a pair of the red ones!
i know: God is faithful and He is in control!
i want: the best for my friends and family
i have: a great life
i wish: my house would sell
i hate: matching socks :)
i miss: the way it used to be
i fear: gas prices will continue to go up
i feel: tired, stressed, loved
i hear: the news on the tv
i smell: nothing
i crave: nothing right now actually :)
i search: for a new guest bed
i wonder: what my kids will be like one day
i regret: a few things
i love: my husband
i ache: for sweet Dr. Perry and his family
i care: about people
i always: check myspace!
i am not: ever wrong! j/k
i believe: in good hair cuts and pedicures
i dance: like no one is watching
i sing: to the top of my lungs when I am cleaning my house
i don’t always: agree with the way some things are done
i fight: when it matters, well... for the most part
i write: to-do lists almost everyday
i lose: my sunglasses all the time
i never: thought I would be moving to the beach
i can usually be found: at home
i am scared: of any type of reptile, eek
i need: people in my life

I love you all!

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

I think I'm getting shorter... is that possible?

This morning when I was getting dressed for work, it seemed to me that I am getting shorter! This can not be good! I already wear heals all the time *which I love*, rarely do you see me in flats- unless I am wearing my cute zebra flats or my ever so favorite yellow box flip flops! Serious, those are the best shoes ever! Anyhow, I guess I will be doing a little research to see what my odds are of shrinking, or maybe my mirror was tilted this morning, yes- I will get a diff. mirror :)

I have not posted in a little over a week. It's been a little crazy in the house hold (well not really- just sounds better, ha!) It is occuring to me that I will be moving in a little over a month and I haven't started packing yet. Procrastination is my middle name. I always work better under pressure. Plus, we have had to best weather the past couple of weekends and it's hard for me to be inside when it is so pretty. Although, it is like -32* in B'ham currently. Maybe the Lord chose for us the have freezing cold weather in the middle of APRIL for me to pack! I guess I will get on it :( If anyone gets really bored, help is ALWAYS needed :)

Anyhow! It's so funny to me that when I woke up at 3am this morning I had plenty to say. So much so ,I was up for an hour thinking about it, and well every other imaginable thing you would think about at 3am. I guess I will return later on with something of more substance- But serious, is it possible for me to get shorter?

Love ya!

Sunday, April 6, 2008

So..about this beautiful timing...

 1 For everything there is a season,
A time for every activity under heaven.
2 A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest.
3 A time to kill and a time to heal.
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
4 A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
5 A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
6 A time to search and a time to quit searching.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
7 A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak.
8 A time to love and a time to hate.
A time for war and a time for peace.

9 What do people really get for all their hard work?
10 I have seen the burden God has placed on us all.
11 Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time.
He has planted eternity in the human heart,
but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work
from beginning to end.
12 So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and
enjoy ourselves as long as we can.
13 And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their
labor, for these are gifts from God.
14 And I know that whatever God does is final.
Nothing can be added to it or taken from it.
God's purpose is that people should fear him.

Ecclesiastes 1:1-14


When I look at my life and reflect on the change that
has taken place just within the past couple of months
I can't help but be overwhelmed. It is my comfort that
He has made everything beautiful for its own time.
There are times I don't feel like there is going to be an
"okay" time much less beautiful. But Praise God that He
is in control and not me! For He knows the plans He has
for me, plans to prosper me and not to harm me, plans
to give me hope and a future! If you are going through
a tough situation, seek God, for His plan is greater than
ours will ever be. Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart
and lean not on your own understanding; in ALL your
ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.

Friday, April 4, 2008

House for Sale (or Rent)!








Here are a few pics of our house that is for sale (2,1.5). Let me know if you need a mortgage broker, we know the best! Also thanks to our great neighbors for the taking the pics!

Thursday, April 3, 2008

God is faithful!

Where to begin?! Many years ago (that makes me feel old) Brandon and I both knew God was preparing our hearts to work in the ministry, and at that point we really did not care where, we just wanted to serve. After seeking God for direction God opened a door for Brandon to become the children's pastor at Cornerstone Life Church. Crazy! I know! Who knew that my favorite days would be the days I was able to chill with kids! It is crazy to look at how much has changed from there until now! When we first started the girls had cooties and the boys were just weird! Now, I see them with girlfriends and boyfriends! What is that about! Needless to say it has been one of the best experiences of my life! Good and bad. It has not been perfect, sometimes I felt we were far from perfect, but through those times I could see how God was molding us and making us stronger. The relationships I personally have been able to form are not relationships I take lightly, I always considered us close friends, kids and the adults. I will never forget when I had my bridal shower at the church, it was one of my most favorite days. I never felt more loved by so many people, they would get excited with me over the towels and kitchen gadgets (knowing I don't cook :)). I know me excited about the little things, what? Literally, we were so blessed by everyones giving we had MORE than enough- I still have towels that have not been used! More than that, we have been able to lead others to Christ! I can see how our kids are rooted and know that regardless of the situation they always have a Savior that is there for them just as he was with David, Moses, Paul, etc. How is that not the best thing ever! God has been GREAT to us and has shown His hand over us in more ways than I can express. With all of that said...Brandon and I, for some time, have felt God moving our hearts in a different direction. And let me be the first to say, I am the most stubborn/reluctant/cautious person you will ever meet. Even when I knew in my heart of hearts that we would not be at Cornerstone Life forever, I still was fine in my comfort zone. So when Brandon and I decided to pray and fast about this situation, first and foremost I prayed that God would open my eyes to His will, as well as, letting us be on the same page (very important). Go figure God to answer prayers :) Really, within days God began opening doors left and right for a move to be made. And after A TON of prayer and seeking counsel Brandon and I decided to look into the options, and may I emphasize A TON of prayer! In the past we have had other job offers and for whatever reason, it did not feel right, and really when I say I am cautious, I'm not kidding. There is no way I was leaving without the water splitting :) So when we received an offer to come down and look at a church and really have a care free weekend, we jumped on it. From that weekend on we knew that is where God wanted us to be. We decided to continue to pray and seek counsel and follow up later on. Well after all this came to pass, we (on all ends) decided this was a go. So in the next couple of weeks Brandon and I will pack up our belonging and head south, Gulf Shores to be exact! How crazy! I know! Brandon will become the children's pastor for a great church called Gulfway Assembly. We are sooo excited about the opportunity and yet on the other end sad not to be with the people who have become our family. Brandon and I from the very depths of us could not be more appreciative for everyones trust in us and for the friendships that we have made. Thank you for being there for us, not only in the past couple of months, but for the past 24 years. We are forever grateful!
P.S. Remember, it is the beach! If we find out you have come to Gulf Shores without letting us know, it will be on:)
P.S.S. We are selling our beautiful house so someone please buy it!!! :)