I have moved!

Hello my faithful readers. Whoever you may be. I just wanted to let you guys know that I have moved. Not literally, just in cyberspace. You can now find me over at http://lindseyslife.wordpress.com/
I hope to "see" you soon!

Crazy Love

As I mentioned a couple of posts ago, our Wednesday night group is studying this book. We are doing a chapter a week, and we discussed chapter 1 tonight. So far, it has been good and I expect it to only get better. I've also enjoyed the videos we watched of the author and pastor, Francis Chan. He's funny, down to earth, intelligent and spiritually mature. Actually, I don't even know if spiritually mature describes him well. Anyway, one of the videos we watched is called Just Stop and Think. If you've never watched it, you should take a look.

http://www.crazylovebook.com/videos_stop.html

We had some great discussion tonight and I'm so excited to be a part of this group! One thing that was mentioned in the video is that how when you've been around someone or known someone your whole life or for a long time (like your spouse), that they just become almost common to you. And that is how our view of God can become. I had never thought about that before. I mean, familiarity can be good, but I certainly don't want Him to become common and I'm afraid He has at times.
We also discussed how we have these rote prayers, like blessings (which for people who are around us looked and laughed at Jeremy) which have become meaningless to us because we've said the same exact words thousands of times. Francis said he felt like if he didn't say that blessing everytime that God might poison his food. He said it kind of jokingly, but I totally get where's he coming from. I can't make fun of my husband really, because I have a rote prayer I say everynight. And it's like if I don't say it, something terrible will happen. That is so silly and I want to change that.

Well, I didn't intend to type all this. I was actually just going to post the link to the video. Jeremy just came in and asked if I was going to post something every week. I don't know. I guess we'll see!

Open House!

Ok, so I'm a little last minute with this announcement, and I do apologize. But Kelly Springs Elementary (where I work) is having a Kindergarten Open House tomorrow. It is from 9:45-10:45. We wanted people to sign up ahead of time,  but if you happen to read this and want to attend, please by all means come on out! You might just want to come a few minutes early to check in at the office. :) And if you can't make it tomorrow, we always welcome people to come and visit our school anytime.

You will be able to meet staff, kindergarten teachers and watch lessons being taught. We have some awesome teachers and I think you'll be quite pleased.

Here is a link to our school's website for more information about us.

 http://kellysprings.al.dce.schoolinsites.com/

Maybe I'll see you tomorrow!

Take it to the...

Next Level. Did ya'll think I was going to say limit? Because thanks to the Eagles, that's the first thing that pops into my mind. But I digress.

The Next Level is a new group that has formed at FBC Dothan on Wednesday nights. It is being led by Kyle and Mandy Chavers. Mandy really wanted something for younger people to do on Wednesday nights. So after talking with our associate pastor and lots of prayer, Next Level was born. And let me tell you, so far it has been great and I can't wait to see where it's going to go! The Next Level is combining Bible study with missions and praise and worship time. It is totally different from anything I've ever been a part of. For the next ten weeks or so, we are going to be studying Crazy Love. I've been hearing about this book for a while now and I'm eager to read it!

We are definitely not trying to steal people from other churches, but if your church doesn't have anything on Wednesdays, please come and join us! We already have some that are going to be doing just that. And if you don't have a church home at all, please most definitely consider coming on Wednesday nights. We would love for you to be with us!

At 5:15, we meet in the dining hall for dinner and some fellowship. Then we move upstairs at 5:45 for the study, singing, etc. We wrap it up around 7:00ish. There is child care for babies all the way up through high school. Actually, the children and will have some activities at the Family Life Center.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me, Mandy or you can call the church office.
Hope to see you on Wednesday!

Scripture Memorization

Well, I finally took down the verses from 2009. If any of you paid close attention, I'm sure you noticed that I only made it till June. That was more or less a New Year's resolution from last year that I didn't complete along with all the others I set before myself. Therefore, I didn't even make any this year!
The scripture memorization actually came from Beth Moore's blog. She invited the readers of her blog to join her in learning two verses a month. Maybe one day I'll get there!
Currently I am doing her study on Daniel and she asked in the study that we memorize the verses you see on my sidebar now. The study will be over in a few weeks and I haven't learned them yet so I better get busy!
On another note, I apparently am over 100 posts now and didn't even realize it when I posted the 100th! And it only took me about 2 years to get there. :)

Just for you Ashley

I have been the worst blogger ever this year. And by year, I mean school year. It has definitely been kicking my butt physically and mentally unlike last school year. That's about the only good excuse I have for not blogging more often. I am just tired and don't feel like it! :)
But my friend Ashley from UA gave me an award on her blog about a month ago. I'm not sure why, because I've never felt like I was very interesting. Maybe she doesn't have that many blogs she reads. haha Anyway, she commented again within the last couple of days and told me it had been a month and that I needed to blog already!
So here it is. I usually only like to blog about one topic. But this may be a hodgepodge.
I have recently learned to knit. I am really loving it! One of the teachers at school taught a bunch of us. We made red scarves (or in my case, are still making!) to donate to the hospital because February is women's heart health month. But now we are all wanting to make one for ourselves and friends and family. You can purchase some beautiful yarn, etc. at Threads in Dogwood Court. It is owned by a friend of the lady at school who is teaching us.
The girls in my SS class and I are doing Daniel by Beth Moore. It is awesome! Actually, every study I've done by her has been awesome. But we have learned a lot thus far. I am not as familiar with the Old Testament so doing studies like this and Esther have really been great.
Like I mentioned earlier, work has been something else this year. In addition to working with the hearing impaired children, I also work with all of our autistic students. Needless to say, I have a very full day! I do love my job (with a few exceptions, but don't we all feel that way sometimes?) and am thankful that I am blessed to have a job in this economy. And I'm trying not to worry now that Dothan City Schools may be letting go up to 200 people at the end of this year!! The board is meeting Monday to determine some of those layoffs. I have so many friends this could affect and it's very scary! But I have to remember that God is in control and I am not!
Well, I guess that's all for now. I have to go to my niece's 6th birthday today. I can't believe how time flies! And Ashley, I will try to do better from now on. :)

What are you doing Friday night?

I'm going here Friday, and I can't wait!

My mother-in-law bought us tickets a couple of years ago for Christmas. To be perfectly honest, I was not looking forward to going. But I'm so glad I did go, because I had the best time and absolutely love The Hoppers! If you've never heard them, checkout their website. Their music is wonderful and the daughter-in-law can "sho nuff" sing!!

If you're looking for something to do on Friday, I would highly suggest going to this concert. Hope to see you there! :)

You are invited....

to a night with Babbie Mason! This event will be held at FBC Dothan at 7 p.m. on February 26, 2010. I cannot wait! I have heard Babbie on two different occasions and she is awesome. You will not want to miss this. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the church office. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me or Dana McCain. (or any other lady you might know from FBC) And for more information about this event you can check out our church's website, www.fbcdothan.org or Babbie Mason's website, http://www.babbie.com/
Actually, Embrace is the name of this event and there is a separate link for it:
http://www.embracegod.webs.com/

I hope to see you there! :)

Worst Blogger Ever!

Yep, that's me. I have no good excuse either. But it's sad that I haven't posted since October and most of my posts before that were links to other people's blogs! Maybe sometime during this Christmas break I'll actually post something worthwhile. Although, I think I've said that a lot on here recently.

I hope everyone is ready for Christmas. We started our gatherings/celebrations on Sunday and will continue through Saturday! But that's ok, because I love it. I also love this song and decided to post for you all to enjoy.

Even though I love this time of year...

I do not love seeing Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas decorations in the stores all together. Please, let's take it one holiday at a time people. That is all.

Disney World!

So, I was really thinking that I had blogged about our trip to Disney World. But I cannot find it anywhere. I also thought the post might be on Jeremy's blog. But it's not. It is however on his main website page. So I am going to post the link for you guys.

http://www.getawaywiregrass.com/blog/view/disney-trip

I decided to do this post because Disney is such a popular vacation and Jeremy has several families there right now or going soon. One such family being ours, and we wish we were with them right now! (my SIL, BIL and their oldest two kids)

I am going to add pictures to this post because that's what everybody really enjoys.

Anyway, I hope you all enjoy. And when you get ready to go to Disney World (or take a Disney cruise), you know who to call! :)

I Heart Fall

Even though we don't have what I consider a true Fall to be. But I've definitely enjoyed the cooler weather the past couple of days. I've been driving with the sunroof open and it's been so nice.

There are so many fun things that happen in the Fall. Football, the Peanut Festival, Halloween, and Thanksgiving just to name a few. And I'm going to Miss Peanut tomorrow with my mama and some other friends. So fun!

I noticed a couple of red leaves on some trees in our neighborhood the other day. It made me happy.

I really want to go to Aplin's and get a couple of pumpkins for the porch. Mitizi bought the most gorgeous sunflowers from them and had them at Apples of Gold the other night.

Our Sunday School is having our October social here. I can't wait!

http://www.corndodgersfarm.com/

Ok, so this is probably the most random, pointless post I've had in a while. But maybe you at least enjoyed the picture. This was my mama's Fall decoration last year. I assume she has it up again this year.

Blogs to Read

Well instead of "stealing" posts, I am going to link you to two new blogs that are definitely a blessing to read. You may have already been to them both. But either way, this baby and this woman need our prayers!

http://www.kerryandbonnie.blogspot.com/ (baby Ethan)

http://www.melindamcclendon.blogspot.com/ (Melinda)

Blog Stealer

Yep, that's me. Ok, not really. But this post and my last one have been links to other people's blogs. (but it's all really good stuff!) I guess my brain is fried after being at work and this is the best I can do for now. Maybe I can be original soon. But until then...

http://lotsofscotts.blogspot.com/2009/09/envy.html

Gossip Girls

And no, I'm not talking about the show. I just read this post on my friend Ashley's blog and I think everybody should check this out. It definitely hit home with me! And I wasn't even planning on checking blogs this morning. Obviously it was meant for me to do so anyway.

http://amorganslp.blogspot.com/2009/08/gossip.html

Another Tidbit from Wiregrass Travel

As always, you can read Jeremy's blog anytime you want. But I thought I would copy & paste this new information for ya'll:

I have a book your own feature on my web site now. It has a link on the left side called "book your own trip". It is operated by Travel Impressions(American Express Travel)with whom I book 95% of all my land packages through anyway. Now, if you are just kind of wondering what it would cost to go somewhere or do something and are not ready to call me, you can use this feature to get some ideas of what it may cost you. If you are really comfortable booking yourself, you can do it here as well. But I still recommend giving me a call to let me look it over because I do it every day and may spot something in the booking that could be a potential problem and fix it for you. The good news for me is I get credit either way you choose to go, but I much prefer personal interaction with my customers. Here is the link directly to the page if you would like to play around with it and see what you come up with. http://crusader.travimp.com/TIDirect/TIDirectFrontServlet?request_type=search&TIConnectId=107165060033

We know that there are people who really do enjoy researching the best deals and planning their own trips and now you can! We personally have used a travel agent (before Jeremy was one of course!) to book our vacations because for us, it was just much easier. So whatever your preference, it is beneficial to Wiregrass Travel.

Also, if you are on Facebook, you can become a fan of Wiregrass Travel if you haven't already. And for that matter, you can be mine and Jeremy's friend if you're not already! :)
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Dothan-AL/Wiregrass-Travel/110049053961?ref=ts

Do I hear school bells ringing?

As always, the summer has flown by and it is almost time to begin another school year. I do still enjoy the excitement of starting another school year; but it's not nearly as fun as when I was a child and got to go buy a new lunchbox, pens, pencils, notebooks, etc. But I can go get a new desktop calendar/planner! Of course like most, I will be ready for a break in a few months!
Oh by the way, I don't know that I've ever posted anything about what I do. I am a speech-language pathologist and I work at Kelly Springs Elementary School. I am proud to work for Dothan City Schools and am very excited about the Yes We Can Dothan! movement. (which is another post in and of itself) I work primarily with hearing impaired students and I absolutely love it. And this year the autism unit from Landmark is moving to my school and I will be working with those students as well. I am very excited because these are two populations of students that I have a great passion for.
I should kick myself for not having posted more about these two areas because early identification and aggressive therapy/management makes such a tremendous difference with these children. I will try and be do a better job and post things from time to time (don't want to bore anybody!) about warning signs, typical development, etc. I know a lot of you (if there are "a lot" actually reading this blog, haha) have children and may have questions about their speech and language development. I would love to answer any questions or talk to you about concerns you may have. Feel free to ask me on here or you can email me as well.
Ok, so I have totally digressed from the topic of school starting back, but I guess there really isn't a whole lot to say except for it's just days away now! I wish everybody a great school year, especially to all the teachers and school based employees out there. It can be tough some days, but we still love it anyway right? :)

So glad to be back...

but it looks like I'll be leaving again Friday for a weekend at Shocco Springs. But that is ok, because I think it's going to be a great experience. I just dread being on the road again.
Anyway, maybe at some point before the summer is over I will actually post something worthwhile! I just cannot seem to get the motivation going right now. I will post however some of the thoughts I had last week while living at the Comfort Inn.

The Joys of Hotel Living:

1. Listening to teenagers be loud and run up and down the halls (They were a youth group from MS and actually checked out Monday morning. They actually weren't terrible and I'm sure I acted the same way once upon a time.)
2. Having a room right by the interstate/280 (not sure which b/c I am directionally challenged)
3. Being constantly worried about the cleanliness of your room (There was a stain on my sheets when I arrived and I asked for them to be changed. And I cannot tell you how many stained bathcloths and towels I had. It was quite disgusting. I don't think I've ever had that issue in a hotel before)
4. Walking around in socks all week in response to #3 and the remnants of a bag of roasted peanuts being on the floor when I first entered my room on Sunday.

All that being said, I always had hot water and the shower was spacious, the breakfast choices were good and the staff was pretty friendly.
I also got to eat at some yummy places while in Birmingham (The Cheesecake Factory, Zoe's, Iz Too, Fox and Hound) and catch up with some friends. And the reason for me being there to begin with- the conference- was fantastic! :)

Gone for too long!

Hello all! We just got back late Friday afternoon from a family vacation to Pigeon Forge, TN. Yesterday, we went to to PC for my cousin's 16th birthday party. And after church, I will be leaving for B'ham for a conference and won't be back home till Friday night! It makes me tired just typing all of this. I do enjoy being on vacation and going places, but not two weeks back to back! And I have missed reading your blogs so much! I can get to them on my phone, but if there is a lot of pictures I get impatient waiting for it to upload and just give up. But when I'm all alone in my hotel room every night this week, I might just have to wait so I can be caught up on what's going on in your lives!
Well, I must go get ready for church now. Can't wait to be back home, rested and back in my normal routine of sleeping late and reading blogs with my morning coffee! :)

Happy Independence Day!

I know that our country is far from perfect and that we are not having the best of times right now. However, we are still in a much better place and position than many countries around the world and for that I am grateful. Do you ever wonder sometimes why God allowed you to be born here in America and raised the way you were, as opposed to being born in a third world country? We asked that question to some of our students at VBS. And the answer we (well our associate pastor Mike Golson) gave them was that maybe we are to use our resources and talents we have been blessed with in order to do His work (which is so say, be a missionary in some shape, form or fashion) here on earth. I didn't really know I was going to say all that until I typed it; I was only going to talk about us being blessed to live in the USA! But that point is definitely something to ponder.
Anyway, I hope you all have a wonderful day today. Stay cool and be safe!
I hope you will enjoy this video of one of my favorite patriotic songs sung by members of the Gaither Vocal Band. Unfortunately for whatever reason, I cannot embed the video. Probably something to do with my computer skills as opposed to the actual video. :) Anyway, here is the link.

http://www.tangle.com/view_video.php?viewkey=c28028f81ee7af2bdf15