She's Sun and Rain

I read a book last year called "Strong Women, Soft Hearts" by Paula Rinehardt. It's a great book about being a godly woman and having a gentle and quiet spirit but still making an impact in the world. I sometimes have a loud voice, loud opinions, loud goals or a loud laugh. But I hope that even through them, I have a gentle spirit. There are certain women in my life that have that kind of spirit. I'm not sure if I could describe them to you and do them justice, but I will try. When you are around them you feel at ease and the conversation is effortless. They are easy to talk with and you don't feel like you have to sugar-coat or leave out part of your thoughts. You can be real and truthful and feel safe because you know they will try to understand and give you an honest response. You also know when they give you their thoughts - they are going to give you a biblical response. Reminds me of the verse "Let a righteous man strike me—it is a kindness; let him reb...

Fun times at the Williams/Alley house. We love pretty much every holiday tradition. And since mom is super artsy, she takes advantage of times to show off her work :) Brandi joined us too, and we all found out that she too, has skills. Me and Greg. My "if my heart had wings" pumpkin. Greg and Brandi's Pig. And mom - well, she said she wanted it to "look like he is sad because he hit his head", then she put a bandaid on him.

I've been so blessed with friends in my life. I was just looking through recent photos from this month and wanted to post them. They are a great collaboration of my old and new friends. God gives us people no matter what stage or season of life we are in. :) This makes me happy. Old Friends... We had a competition this past weekend in Nashville, TN. This picture is from driving through the mountains of Asheville on the way. I was able to see my old friend Ryan while visiting. We met my sophomore year at State and have been friends ever since. Good to see him while he's out in music land! Fall is one of my favorite times of the year because Katie and Pallie always come to visit. Katie is in Charlotte October through New Years and when Pal comes to town we all try and get together. This was one of our infamous dinners at Monterrey Mexican. It all spills out, the stories of the past year... over the chips and dip. Cindy, Me, Pallie and Katie at Monterrey Mexican! Me and Pal ...

My car, a wonderful 2005 Honda Civic...is in the shop this afternoon. She's not hurt or having problems... just in for a check up. She needs new tires (the current ones have lasted me since I bought the car in Oct of 04 with a whopping 90k on them)...and I'm due for my 90k Honda recommended maintenance. I have no clue what they really do in the recommended Honda maintenance check up thing...I just know that I always get what they recommend because I know nothing about cars. Being that my dad is deceased, I have no grandfathers that are car - capable...and my stepdad is pretty much always busy working....I tackle the car thing on my own. I try to play the pitiful blonde who has no money. Would you like the Michelins...they are the best but of course run about 690....No sir...I do cheerleading for a living...what's the next step down? :) Mike said something about a timing belt...better get that checked. Honestly, come on people. I can do alot of things and do them well, I can...

Ya'll. Our bible study (The Girls in Hot Pursuit - G.I.H.P) started reading this book yesterday called Do Hard Things by Alex and Brett Harris. Straight up Amazingness. Go to http://www.therebelution.com/ and check our their blog. Really, go to it and read up on what they've been doing the past couple of years. It will light a fire in you! Kristi and I decided on this book after much reading up and many hours in New Creation Bookstore in Matthews. Katie R had read it once and said it was awesome so we decided....why not. I was completely motivated (at 27 no less!) by reading the first two chapters and the intro. The Intro is by Chuck Norris...how cool is it going to be to have Chuck Norris in heaven?! I love that there are teenagers and young people in the world who are wanting to make a difference in this world and not just sit on the sidelines and play videogames and sleep all day. It amazes me the motivation behind these two and how it has lead to the discovery of the moti...

Meet Colin Fish. He is the cutest, sweetest little boy who loves to laugh and smile! You can learn more about him and his diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis at http://www.colins65roses.org/ . You can take part and make Colin a rose and send it in and they will post a picture of your rose on their website. Take a minute, learn about it, and help us get research so we can let this little boy live a long happy life! His parents DJ and Rebecca are awesome and they are doing everything they can to learn and help him grow and be healthy. Please keep them in your prayers!

"All other things being equal, the simplest solution is the best." This was a quote in my planner, Meredith and I were browsing through the pictures so I decided to blog it. I like my planner with quotes and pictures, I may order a new one for 09. I don't think God made things to be complicated. He gave us a choice. One simple choice. To love him and obey his will, or not. Adam and Eve disobeyed. Thus making life complicated. Thank you - now there is birth pain and man must work his whole life and no more Garden of Eden where life was simple. Drama free. I try hard to make life simple and drama free. Sometimes drama comes our way...and you just have to dodge it or find the best way to deal with it. There are a lot of things we can't control that we try to. It's also easy to try and 'fix' everyone or every problem that comes along. You can't 'fix' or control everyone else. You just can't, even though you may want to. I think about all the s...

Let me introduce you to my brother, Greg. I call him little G, but that doesn't really work anymore, since he's almost a foot taller than me. Mama and Barry call me princess, and him baby precious...hilarious our family is. Isn't he just the cutest? I love this guy. Besides being an awesome baseball player, super smart, (maybe lacking a little discipline in the school department, but I think he gets that from me) he is thoughtful, kind, and just the best brother ever!! He helps me put the Christmas lights on the tree, he doesn't get too mad when I come jump on his bed, we love opening our pajamas on Christmas eve, we are way too sarcastic, and we both have a serious addiction to sweet tea. (thanks mama) I think I pray for him more than anything else, I know God has great plans for him! He is one of my favorite people in the whole world!

January of 2007 I met Janet Devaty. She was coming to help with the student ministry. She was about 5'2, blonde hair, blue eyes... she looked like she could be my sister. We became friends instantly, being two of the only single gals at Charlotte South. She was an incredible person. She would get up early, pray and read and get to work early. She would run about 6 miles in the afternoons. We would grab dinner some nights after work at Cheesecake factory or Harper's. She helped me get through one of the hardest times of my life. She was disciplined, beautiful, intelligent, and a great friend. She loved people, loved the students. I'm thankful for knowing her the short time that I did. Janet was awesome. She loved Jesus with her whole heart, Janet's mother had brought her to the Lord before her mom died from cancer. On October 8th last year, she was running her usual route and was hit by a truck. The Lord wanted her to be with Him. We are remembering Janet, and will never...

1. What time did you get up this morning? Went to bed at 4am, after riding from Ohio. So, I woke up at 10am. 2. Diamonds or pearls? Depends on the occassion and who gave them to me. I have a necklace with one pearl on it that Katie gave me, love it. 3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? The Dark Knight. Way too dark for me. 4. What is your favorite TV show? Jon & Kate plus 8. It makes me laugh really hard. 5. What do you usually have for breakfast? Cereal in the summer, Oatmeal in the winter. Sometimes Pancakes from Greg's restaurant across the street. 6. What is your middle name? Rae 7. What food do you dislike? Sour things that make my cheeks feel funny. 8. What is your favorite CD at moment? Sugarland. 9. What kind of car do you drive? A black Honda Civic. 10. Favorite sandwich? A grilled cheese, or a BLT with fresh tomato. 11. What characteristic do you despise? Someone who is condescending and only talks down to people. Dishonesty and being deceitful. 12. Favori...

GIRLS IN HOT PURSUIT! Last night we had our kick-off hometeam at Kristi's house and it was a blast! We had cherry lemon sundrop and a cookie cake of course. We talked about what book we might do for this semester and wrote out our verse for the year. We are focusing on loving people and shining in this world. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life— Philippians 2:14-16 We also played the Lyrics to Brandon Heath "Give me your eyes", which will be our theme song for the year. You can see the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OihvG607W-c Look down from a broken sky Traced out by the city lights My world from a mile high Best seat in the house tonight Touch down on the cold black top Hold on for the sudden stop Breathe in the familiar shock Of confusion and chaos All those peop...

My Charlotte Girls. I LOVE these people! My life here would not be the same without them. Thank you Lord for providing friends :) Casey, Me, Rebecca and Kristi Me, Kristi, Casey, and Emily