Sweet Summertime!

Well - I've been out of school...or should I say done with work for the summer...for almost a week now. There will be days this summer that I go to school to do things that I just can't get done when the kids are there...but basically I'm on vacation for the next seven weeks. If the past seven days are any indication of my summer to come - it's going to be a crazy and exciting ride!

Wednesday morning I woke up and hit the gym. I've joined the Y for the summer and hope that I can now transform the outside to match the way I feel on the inside - which is awesome! After the gym I hit the road to Southport where I would get to spend time with Amy, Gary, and Lydia. Amy and I always have a lot of catching up to do and no matter how much time we have - it's never enough! One morning as we went for a walk a neighbor said we didn't walk long enough - I quickly let him know we were working our mouths as fast as we were our legs so it all counted! I can't get over how big Lydia is getting. She's eight months old now - crawling, pulling up, and babbling a little bit. She is really a happy baby and LOVES her mama. I've posted a few pictures for those of you who keep up with her. She loves fruit and has the cutest little laugh...she laughed at me a lot...guess I'm goofy looking.

I would like to say that my trip to Southport was a great vacation - but I stayed on the go! Thursday I met Jason and we went to meet his brother for lunch in Carolina Beach. We were able to visit the aquarium and spend some time at the beach. I do love a good walk on the beach with sand between my toes! The day ended at Rucker John's - one of my top ten favorite places to eat! I was so excited for Amy and Gary to meet Jason. We had great conversation and fellowship before all going our separate ways.

Friday I hit the road again after lunch with Amy, Jane, and Lydia. Todd and Bonnie have been back in NC for almost a year and I hadn't made it to Wilmington yet to visit - that's just shameful! Their house is beautiful and seated right in front of the sound. Jake and Emmie enjoy life by the water where they catch their own shrimp for lunch and at times have caught interesting sea creatures...like baby sharks. I was pretty terrified of walking out on their long doc, at one point, Emmie had one arm and Jake had the other trying to persuade me to walk out a little farther...after a while I finally made it to the end...I'm trying to work through my irrational fears...but it's going to take some work. Jake is quite the little kyaker *sorry that's probably not a real word*. He and Todd enjoyed a trip across the sound while I was there. My favorite part of the house is the porch. I'm sure Bonnie and I could have sat out there and talked for hours if time was endless. I never learned 'the art of relaxing'...but I think that may be one place I could do it.

By Friday night I was back home and ready to crash. Woke up Saturday and did the normal cleaning thing so I could hit the dusty trail again Saturday afternoon. I've been waiting for a chance to take Jason to Lake Gaston. This is another place where I can relax and let my guard down. We enjoyed riding on the boat with mom, dad, and part of dad's family. It's always nice to get away from reality (which I plan to do a lot this summer if I can).

Sunday - life slowed down a bit. Went to church and had a fantastic lunch with mom. We spent the evening at Grandma and Granddaddy Batten's celebrating Father's Day.

This week - I'm ready for a slow down. Gilbert and I are hanging out with Buddy today and Blaire is coming on Wednesday. We look forward to some time poolside and maybe a movie.

May the road always be free of traffic jams and the gas money be plentiful!

Life is Good :)

Testimony

I have been holding this blog in the back of my mind for over a week...so it's time to let it out.

Two Saturday's ago I attending a ladies luncheon at church. I was so excited to have an opportunity to get to know some ladies in my Sunday School class a little better. When we signed up for to participate in this event I am not sure any of us knew exactly what we were signing up for - but it was well worth it. The morning was spent in prayer, song, fellowship, food, and some amazing testimonies. As I was listening to teenagers sharing their testimony and someone closer to my age...I began to think...Allison if you sat down and wrote your testimony what would it look like...So for those of you who are interested...Here goes...

My life in church began nine months before I was born. Raised in Sunday School, church, GAs, Youth Group...you get the point. It has always been a bit of a misconception in my mind that you had to have a life altering event to turn your life around for Jesus in order to have an amazing testimony...I could not be more wrong. Don't misunderstand - you do have to change, from the inside out, but it doesn't mean you had to be a drug dealer on the streets who stumbled into church one day and be completely turned upside down.

When in seventh grade, at a youth conference in Wake Forest, I gave my life to Christ. I already felt like I was a pretty good person and was very excited to share this news with my family and friends. I took my walk with Christ very seriously...As I grew older I watched friends and acquaintances make choices that were harmful to them....Harmful relationships, harmful habits...People that I love, walking down a path I chose not to go down. Further down the road, in 10th grade, I attended Go Tell Camp at Liberty University. Here I felt the call to dedicate my life and service to Christ. This was a different call than my actual decision to become a Christian. This was a commitment to go where ever, and do whatever He asked to better His kingdom. I thought standing up for my morals and beliefs was all I needed. Although it was kind of a hit and miss with me as far as a daily quiet time and walk with Jesus - I knew my choices would make Him proud of me. Not until about teen years later did I realize...that was only a small portion of what He wanted from me.

Without going into a lot of detail (for my few regulars who already know about the past two years of my life), God has truly been working on my heart for the past eight months. Through Bible Study, a few mentors, a lot of time in the word and prayer...I have been completely transformed from the inside and now I'm working on the outside. I've learned so much through Bible study with my small group and my individual time with Christ. First - you cannot expect your preacher to give you what you need to get you through the week. Don't get me wrong - it's great to be fed on Sundays - but if you are going from Sunday to Sunday and not digging on your own during the week...you need to rethink that. Second - no one said being a Christian would be a bed of roses. I had been picked on some in high school and college for the things I chose to participate in and the things I didn't...but that was small potatoes to this whole 'being a grown up' thing (which is a bit over-rated by the way). Sometimes as Christians when we are going through the valley we chose to say why me (you know - play the pity card a bit)...Instead, we should say, okay Lord, why have you brought me here? What can I learn from it? BOY was this a HARD lesson for ALLISON! One of the most valuable lessons I have learned over the past study (and I mentioned this in my last blog I think) - Sometimes God must allow us to crawl into the pit (or valley) in order to refocus our minds and hearts towards him, so that he can prepare us for what's coming. I can look back over the past two years and see every reason for suffering that I have faced. I can look at my present and see how that prepared me for it. And I can look at the future and see that no matter what faces me - I am better prepared for it.

I am thrilled at where I am in life right now. I'm walking hand-in-hand with Christ and have been amazed at the amount of positive I can see in things and the blessings that I am so undeserving of. My prayer is that I can use my transformation to lead other's to Christ. I mentioned earlier that in tenth grade I dedicated my life to Christ - Some people thinks this means I will one day sell my house, pack two bags, and move to China...It might mean that...but right now I feel like I'm exactly where he wants me to be...Working in the school system is a huge mission field...I'm on a path of self discovery - although most people probably find themselves before age 28...I am excited about what the future holds.

Wrapping Up Ruth

FIRST - accept my apology for bouncing all over the place...maybe by the end of this it will all come together...

A little over a year ago Ashley and I shared a very personal Bible study in the comfort of my home. Just the two of us, letting God lead it where he wanted it to be. What God wanted...was to bring us both to a new place in life. As I sit here and write this I am missing Ashley. Not even gone from NC for a week...I miss her terribly and I'm not even sure she knows it. Her last few months here were such a whirlwind and my dog got more face to face time with her than I did. But that's not what this post is going to be about...

A lot has changed in the past year...If you have been reading my blog at all you will know a little of what I'm talking about. The quiet Bible study that started with just one friend has grown and changed a lot over the past 14+ months. God has shown me that I not only can serve children, but I can open my home up to women of all ages to fellowship and grow in Him. I am not sure what all of that means...I feel in no way capable of leading women's Bible study...but over the past few months God is leading my heart that way. I continue to pray about it, and strive to do what he wants me to on a daily basis.

Now - lets get to Ruth. Every time we have chosen a study it seems to be perfectly applicable to whatever I am dealing with in my life. It's funny how God's perfect timing works isn't it? I know in the past couple of weeks I've shared a little about what we have learned. It's amazing to flash back to 'Sunday School Days' and the simple story we were taught about Ruth...Boy is her story ANYTHING but Simple! If you read the book of Ruth - and take only one thing with you (which is nearly impossible) - It should be that God can use ANYONE to accomplish His plans. He will open and close the doors that he lays out in front of us - and if needed - He will push us through them when our heels have a tendency to dig in (Ruth's heels did not dig in - but mine do sometimes). We have to be WILLING to be made WILLING...when we are willing - there is NO TELLING what God is going to use us for. What will your legacy be?

Well - I have been working on this post for an hour and feel like I am rambling...so I am going to stop there. The picture above is just one from the weekend. I already posted about my 28th Birthday - which was phenomenal. I praise you God - for where I have been, where I am, and where you will lead me to over the next year of my life.

365 Days

I have ALWAYS been a fan of birthdays. My birthday - your birthday - your kids birthday. You let me know, and I'll be there ready to eat cake and buy you a cute present. There is something about celebrating life, no matter how old you get, because I'll tell you like I tell my neighbor...It's better than the alternative. My cousin found this old picture and put it on facebook. He said I look like "Hey, it's my birthday, give me more presents." I think it kinda captures the joy I have had over a life time of celebrating all birthdays.

With that being said, my birthday last year was not one I care to remember. The people who love me, family and friends, did their best to help me celebrate...but never in my life have I wanted a day to be over as bad as I wanted May 27th, 2010 to end. I felt like I had nothing to celebrate. I haven't looked back in my blog to see if I even posted about that birthday...I don't want to remember it.

I had the pleasure of having an early dinner with a dear friend tonight. We talked and talked about God's blessings, some I have poured out to my readers (all five of you), and some that I'm just not ready to share yet, but will very soon. Almost a year ago, we sat at dinner with my mom and cried about my friends struggles, about my struggles...and basically just had a pity party. Sometimes us gals need those in order to life each other up and crawl out of our pit. As we were getting into the car she tapped on my window and she said, "Allison, it's pretty amazing the difference a year can make." Last year I didn't even know who I was anymore...I was questioning everything about my life...and have FINALLY come to realization that God allows us to go through our struggles to only make us stronger, to use these struggles to help others, and to prepare us for the future.

Tonight after sharing some pretty personal things in Bible study one of the ladies asked this question, "Don't you think that God sometimes uses our darkest moments to prepare us for the blessings he has in store?" When I think about the blessings I have in my life right now, I wasn't ready for them 365 days ago. Dr. Stanley has said in several of his sermons if things are going right in your life you better watch out, because its time for something to knock you off the mountain top. I realize my journey from 'the pit to the palace' won't always be on top of the mountain, but I do feel better prepared for whatever God has planned in my future - good and bad - Because lets face it - He never promised me a bed of roses.

Year 27 is ending much better than it began. I have nothing but hope for year 28. Come what may, I have a Lord who has poured his perfect love into my heart. I have a wonderful family, although we aren't perfect (hey, whose family is), and friends that are more precious to me than gold. Tonight - I am thankful for you all. Thank you for loving me in the pit, and loving me out of it.

The Proverbs 31 Woman

Yep - I'm going there - this is going to be a long one, so either sit down and fasten your seat belt or come back later when you have a few moments to sit and ponder it all...

For the past four weeks my small group Bible study has been breaking the book of Ruth apart, pretty much verse by verse. I remember Ruth from the Sunday school point of view, but as a 27 year old woman whose has grown so much closer to the Lord over the past eight months I am seeing it from a totally different point of view.

Over various events in the past week the Proverbs 31 Woman has been laid on my heart, taught in my Sunday School class, preached from the pulpit...and even come up in the most unexpected conversations. During one particular conversation I asked a friend, aren't we supposed to attempt to be her? Some women are so terrified of failure that they won't even attempt. I rather fail again and again trying to be her, than to automatically throw my hands up in the air and quit before I even started.

With that being said, lets look at this phenomenal woman:

10 [a]A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. 11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. 12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. 13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. 14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. 15 She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. 16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. 17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. 18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. 19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. 20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. 21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. 22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. 25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. 26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. 31 Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. "

Did you know - in the Hebrew Bible that the book of Ruth and the book of Proverbs were neighbors? Ruth is the Proverbs 31 woman.

With all of that being said...here is where I'm at...

I have always been a 'people watcher'...As I grow older and have the desire in my heart to some day be a wife and mother...I particularly watch married women and how their relationship with the Lord shapes their relationship with their husbands...and with their children...and their families...However, last weekend it hit me like a ton of bricks...These women aren't' just setting examples for their children, or working on the love triangle with their husbands and God - These women...They have an obligation to me. They have an obligation to any single, dating, and/or engaged woman to set an example of what the Proverbs 31 woman looks like. I am not saying that all the single gals out there need to put their married friends on pedestals...but I am saying that I am a young woman and I watch people, especially my women Christian friends...and I take in their words, actions, and relationships like a sponge.

In conclusion...this same topic came up again in my Bible study this week (today when I was working on it actually). I began to think...if it is having such a great effect on me, my heart, my walk with the Lord, and my potential future...maybe...just maybe...it could help someone else. So if you stuck with me thus far - great. I hope in some small way it touches you as much as it has me. May God bless you, and remember, we aren't perfect, but we can always improve in our walk with the Lord and the example we set for others.

Grandma's Garden

Isn't it funny, how one simple gesture can bring back a flood of childhood memories? A friend of mine sent me a beautiful picture of a buttercup today...Yep, the simple yellow ones you often find growing in random places...like the ditch....Little did I know, that hours later I would still be thinking about it...and I knew if I didn't write what was on my heart I may never go to sleep tonight.

My Grandma Rose has the greenest thumbs of anyone that I know...in fact I would argue with you that all ten of her fingers are green. I have so many fond childhood memories with her, and most of them were time we spent in her yard. She would spend hours every spring planting flowers that she knew would only live a season, and she could make them last longer than anyone I know. From one end of the shrubs in the back yard to the other she would dig tiny holes as my brother and I would follow behind dropping the small plants in, watering them, covering them back up with soil, watching them grow throughout the season. As my brother got older and spent more time on the farm, I continued my time with Grandma, especially over Spring break and the summer.

Although she only lives about a mile from my parent's house, I would beg to go spend the night with her on the weekends. I recall one spring break I spent nearly the entire week out of school with her. Our favorite snack was a bowl of Cheetos and these peanut butter cookies that I can still see and smell...but know for a fact you can't buy them anywhere. We would walk up and down the chicken house path, talking about everything under the sun. And it seems like every new years eve as a Child, I can remember sitting on the love seat in her living room watching the ball drop while eating ice cream. She used to eat vanilla ice cream with for supper with her cup of coffee.

She loves Jesus, and reading her Bible. When we weren't outside digging in the dirt, we were either inside practicing my spelling words or playing Bible Tic Tack Toe...I have no idea where she got that game from but I do know I rather play that any day than anything else she had in that toy cabinet.

I could sit here tonight, and write a novel about all of the memories with my Grandma Rose that I hold so near and dear to my heart...but today I've just spent a lot of time thinking about her, her love of her garden...her love of her family.

Grandma Rose isn't the same woman she was when I was a child. She isn't the same woman she was ten years ago...or even five. Each passing day seems to be robbing her of what little memory she has left, and the ones she does have seem to be clouded and mixed up. She still lives at home and has 24 hour care. We gradually see her slipping away. It has broken the hearts of her children, her grandchildren, and the others who love her dearly. I know, it happens sometimes when people get older. I know that she has had a wonderful life and is physically healthy even though her mind is not. Some people wonder why we find it so important to still celebrate holidays with her when she won't remember tomorrow that today was Christmas (or what have you)...But this is why...She may not have these memories...but we will.

My heart is a little bit sad tonight...but also full of joy for the time God has allowed me with her and will continue to allow in His Will. I credit her for the Christian I am today and for never being too busy to spend time with me, or too impatient to let me help her in her garden.

God's Crock Pot

Sometimes...I just get stuck...

Yesterday I spent a great amount of time on my front porch enjoying the beautiful day that God created for us. Gilbert and I enjoyed the sunshine so much - sometimes we get tired of each other in this house!

After an amazing time of worship yesterday morning I craved more time with my Savior. I did a good bit of reading and Bible study outside yesterday. I have NEVER been a faithful journal writer, even after some great friends gave me the advice to start last year, I didn't stick with it. Lately, I've been working more towards a prayer journal. God wants to talk to us in any form or fashion, but I find it therapudic to write my prayers to him. Yesterday before I wrote my prayer I went back to day one of this journal, started a litle over a year ago. Reading through it I realized how far God has brought me since last March. I won't get into personal details of my journal....because that's what a journal is, personal details meant for that person only.

Last night I returned to church for a fantastic series about Joseph entitled "From the Pit to the Palace". Everything that was said last night was God speaking straight to my heart. God's providents in my life is always methodical and often mysterious. He uses the people we meet, the messages we recieve, and the ministries he blesses us with to reveal his plan for our life. Sometimes...when I'm stuck...I cry out to the Lord, asking for him to just show me the answer, open the door, open my heart...but I constantly remind myself that it's God's time, not my own. In the words of the pastor - "God doesn't work with a microwave, he works with a crock pot."

So...now I'm sitting in the crockpot, waiting see what kind of masterpiece God is fixin' in the kitchen. :)