Psalm...

at 12/14/09 5:00PM

...37:3-7..."Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.
He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him..."

...94:18-19..."When I thought, "My foot slips," your steadfast love, O LORD, held me up.
When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul."

I absolutely love Psalm 37. It might be my most favorite of them all.

by heidiw at 12/14/09 8:31PM
wow. it brings such contentment to read God's words. I hope things are going well for you this week. love you!

by brownie at 12/15/09 11:26AM
Wow, girl... Back to PA! I hope and pray all goes well for you and Jim while you live in Pittsburgh! And Merry Christmas, girl! Love you!

by sararschick at 12/25/09 7:19PM
I haven't talked to you in ages! :( Hope all is well with you and Jim!

by sararschick at 03/11/10 8:14PM
Oh cool, that picture is from Sara's wedding. I recognize the gazebo like thing they called whatever.
How are you and Jim doing?

by bonfire at 03/11/10 8:27PM

"i can't stop and catch my breath, and look no further for happiness. and i will not turn again, 'cause my heart has found its home..."

at 11/30/09 12:34PM

jim and i are moving today.

it's so bittersweet...leaving the people at mt. view (and hannah!)...but seeing the people up north.

amber and i used to daydream about us living next door to each other in the city. we would talk about walking our dogs together, going to late night movies, joining a gym together. never did i really think it would actually happen, especially after i met jim. but then, because God truly is in control and showers blessings, ben swept amber off of her feet and they got married.

i asked jim for one year. one year for us to settle into marriage in this rent-free home, around his family, and in the super warm climate of atlanta. he agreed, and then boom...the year was gone. we went to amber and ben's wedding, and i realized how much i missed my family. the night we returned to atlanta from the trip, we heard a sermon about preaching around the world. this restarted jim's passion for preaching which he had temporarily pushed aside for us. we put two and two together, realized it was time for a change. with much prayer, we decided to move.

looking back at this past couple years i really had no idea what was ahead of me. that i would be married, decorating cakes, living in atlanta. i'm edge-of-my-seat excited to see what's ahead of me. where will God will take me next?...to pittsburgh...to the city life with my sister that i had dreamed of, to renewing old friendships up north, to whatever else may come.

so long atlanta. hello pittsburgh.

"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21)

I am happy for you! I hope it's everything you want it to be :)

by ominie at 11/30/09 1:11PM
Happy for you both! Sad for us. What an adventure life can be!!!

by tandielq at 11/30/09 2:21PM
I miss you already. It was the coffee after class. Maybe it was the exhaustion too, but I made a pot of coffee and added the pumpkin spice creamer and then the song Stolen came on. I hope you don't see any trucks with dead chickens on the road. I love you!!!

by brownie at 11/30/09 3:35PM
Have a safe and happy move:-)

by butterfly at 11/30/09 4:45PM
AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!! I CANNOT WAIT!!!! We all miss you guys sooo much and I wanted you to be closer!! now, YAY! :D

by drama_queen14 at 12/01/09 4:53PM

Looking back...

at 08/22/09 12:40AM *

I've decided that my life is completely unpredictable. Just two years ago I was heading to FC...believing that I would get my degree in business and avoid all relationships. Only a few mere months after that I met, fell in love with, and got engaged to Jim. We planned on getting married in the Spring of '09...after he finished his Biblical Studies degree and I got my Associates. That summer I went to PA and Jim to Africa...and two and a half months past. I ended up during that time completely changing my plans from FC to culinary school in ATL, which caused Jim to change his plans too. He came back in the beginning of August '08, and we got married three weeks later.

Today is our one year anniversary.

I don't mean to say this to get all the congratulations and stuff. I say this to prove that life is unpredictable. My dad used to joke with me and say that I was obsessive because I needed to plan everything out in advance, down to what I would wear to school the next day. Now I'm working to not plan too far ahead. I'm not saying to throw caution or dreams out the window...but not to fret about tomorrow and plan every moment of your life out...because God really does have a future for you. I have a lot to learn about that still...but I can see how I never knew what He had in store for me...and now I'm so glad that my plans never went through...

So take a breath. Life is too short to spend all of it planning ahead.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."--Jeremiah 29:11

Well congrats anyways :) I'm very happy that everything is going well for the two of you miss you lots !!!!

by ditzyblonde at 08/22/09 10:16AM
That is a good blog, Alyssa. I am so glad you didn't follow through with your original plan either. I am really glad you are here because you have helped in a lot of ways. And I will keep you advise in mind even today... not to worry about tomorrow.... because things could change in a blink of an eye.

by brownie at 08/22/09 11:57AM
Happy happy anniversary! Now the fun begins!

by meg at 08/22/09 12:02PM
(I'm not being facetious, either. I mean that!)

by meg at 08/22/09 12:03PM
Happy Anniversary!! :)

by emsly222 at 08/22/09 12:49PM
i love you lyssa, happy 1 year anniversary!

by drama_queen14 at 08/22/09 2:20PM
wow. craziness. thanks for the reminder!!!

by heidiw at 08/22/09 10:08PM
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! :)

by curlie at 08/23/09 3:41PM
happy anniversary! may God bless you and he many more happy years...and i totally get your point about the unpredicability of life -- i went from chem major with hopes of being a single college prof to a married special ed teacher planning for kids! :)

by penny4yourthoughts at 08/23/09 5:17PM
Thanks for today, Alyssa. You helped me a lot, even though you might think otherwise. I am so glad I have you as a friend.

by brownie at 08/23/09 11:15PM
Happy anniversary:) Great thoughts. Hope you have a wonderful day.

by blondechick89 at 08/24/09 4:11PM
Happy belated anniversary! I'm so blessed to have been able to spend more time with you after over 2 years of not seeing you! I'm sorry we weren't able to spend more time together. Thank you so much for making it up to PA for our wedding! You're so special to me. :) I love you!

by sararschick at 09/07/09 3:16PM
This blog almost made me cry, because tonight I have felt lost about my future. Thanks, Alyssa! Miss you!!

by ominie at 09/09/09 11:58PM
Happy Anniversary! Isn't it amazing how fast time goes?! Congrats!

by sunny_smiles918 at 09/17/09 8:50PM
its fireflies... :) you crack me up!

by brownie at 09/28/09 7:03PM
alyssa statham! I want to hang out with you today!

by brownie at 09/30/09 8:58AM
I remember the talks. I am NOT here for my MRS degree. Mrs. Statham, happy anniversary.

by bibbit18 at 10/26/09 10:00AM
I have decided life IS unpredictable. :)

by brownie at 10/30/09 9:05AM

"...You know what I'm craving? A little perspective. That's it. I'd like some fresh, clear, well seasoned perspective." (Ratatouille)

at 05/21/09 9:29PM

I went to culinary school. I soaked in as much as I could about baking and cooking as I could. Yeah...I think got my money's worth through what I learned at least. It makes me feel good to pull out any recipe and not be too scared to try it. And baking really is sort of therapeutic to me at times.

I guess that I thought in the back of my mind that being a baker would make some sort of difference. But really...in the long run...I'm not a doctor saving lives or a teacher molding minds or a entrepreneur starting a business. I bake bread at a grocery store for little more than minimum wage. I could be replaced in a few days, especially with the economy. There are some days (especially lately) that I really loathe my job. But in the back of my mind...

Colossians 3:23-24 ~ "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."

There are so many people that come by the bakery and say mean things or are just plain picky. But that one person that comes by and says "this is the best bread in the world" makes it worth it.

My sister always used to say, "this too shall pass." I'll move on eventually. But now, while working my hardest, I'll bring a smile to someone's day. Maybe one of my co-workers will come back to me and ask me what kept me working so hard. And I'll have Colossians right there to answer them.

"And I think to myself
It's a beautiful night
And I know everything
Is gonna be alright
Yes now I know
It'll be alright..." (Joshua Radin)

hey that's a good attitude. I really love that verse. I think about it in class too, when my sculpture breaks a million times. And I try to find as many things that my hands can do to distract me from life's problems. I love you so, so much. You are very encouraging to me!

by brownie at 05/21/09 9:37PM
if everyone in the world was a doctor saving lives the world would end up falling apart.. we all have different jobs.. different talents God has given us. and i feel that the one and only life i've made a difference in with my job (considering all of the lives i've touched in the past year and a half) i feel i've only made a real difference with ben and his soul.. and ben never once was in my ambulance and i never put a heart monitor on him. just realize that you never know how you're making a differenceor changing lives. what's important is that you do your best. "for I will work a work in your days that you would not believe though it were told to you." don't worry lyss.. we may feel like the "toes" on the "body of Christ" but even the toes are important ;)

by nextbestthing at 05/21/09 10:38PM
That's it. You'll have the answer, and that will glorify God--it will be worth it.

And you cannot know where this talent from the Lord will lead you in His service in the future, whether near or far.

by meg at 05/21/09 11:51PM
Hey I like seeing all these updates from you now! (Also now that you are a baker you should try to get on Cakewrecks [which is one if my latest obsessions. Have you heard of it?])

by super_swillis at 05/22/09 12:06AM
Hey! You don't know how many times bread has saved me!! I remember sitting in my dorm room, munching on Publix bakery. In fact, every time I passed the Publix bakery department, it took a lot not to pick out something (desert or bread) and purchase it. Bakery = comfort food = moment of peace in a very hectic life. You're kneading skills are appreciated :)

by ominie at 05/22/09 12:32AM
i know someone who has a tile that has this painted on it---- This too shall pass. Now would be good.

ha ha - how true.

by ally_suzanne1024 at 05/23/09 2:20AM
Hiya toots! :) I know that God has a big plan for you-what an awesome attitude you have! You have reminded me what my attitude needs to be as well! :) Have a blessed week.

by libster at 05/25/09 8:41AM
Alyssa, you have a great attitude! And I agree...the bakery section is my biggest temptation to blow my grocery budget!! Are you continuing to apply or search for other positions? Until then, keep on smiling and persevering!! :) Miss you!

by belle at 05/25/09 10:47AM
i hear you, dear...i understand. i have to remind myself that my "job" is not really what i'm hear for. God put me here to teach, to exhort, to serve...and we do that every time we act as Christ would. you are doing your true "job"...and ultimately that's what matters. :)

by penny4yourthoughts at 05/27/09 11:31PM
Sooo true and well put! I'm looking forward to seeing you again! A little over 2 months! :) Love you and miss you!

by sararschick at 05/31/09 2:49PM
I think I will call you from a random gas station in Atlanta at 3:00 am and when you pick up, I'm just gonna say "Alyssa, you are not gonna belive this but..."

by bibbit18 at 06/11/09 3:40PM
so you must have found the long lost Jim because you didn't call me. What a relief. Thanks for hanging out today. It was so much fun.

by brownie at 06/16/09 10:43PM
thank you both for spending time with J and I. we have missed you so very, very much. i love you more than i can say...and i'm praying for you. take care of yourself, lady.

by penny4yourthoughts at 06/24/09 3:43PM
yeah, that's the song I was talking about. hehe. I love you!

by brownie at 06/29/09 8:47AM
aww! I love Enya! good music!

by brownie at 07/14/09 10:29AM
Thanks

by res_cogitans at 07/15/09 10:59PM
Hey Alyssa!! How have you been??

by emsly222 at 08/03/09 3:58PM
YAAAAY!!!:D We all miss you sooooooooo much!!

by emsly222 at 08/04/09 12:16AM

"Pressure...pushing down on me...pushing down on you...no man ask for..."

at 05/15/09 1:13PM

Sunday: Jim was going to preach in NC, so I decided I was going to drive. On the way there...on a road I've never been on...I got a speeding ticket because I wasn't paying attention like I should have.

Monday: Work at 5 am. Lots of grocery shopping with Jim. We also realized that we could not find our very scared cat that we had got merely a week before...we tried not to panic and decided it was hiding. A lady from the cat place came and couldn't find him either. Ladies Bible study in the evening on James.

Tuesday: Work. I found out that my boss is leaving soon so no one will be the manager there probably. The comcast guy came and installed internet. The air conditioning guy told us that we had to fix it we had to pay $200+. We still could not find the cat. Romans Bible study at the Stathams'.

Wednesday: I found out that I have to go to court for my ticket just because I'm under 21 even if I am willing to pay it. And apparently I'm supposed to bring my guardian. I'm married...I'm still figuring out what to do about that. Another lady from the cat place came to try to find our still missing cat. Wednesday night Bible study.

Thursday: Work at 5 am. Worked on a puzzle. Still no sign of the cat. Hannah came and I pinned her dress and we went to the Taste of Alpharetta. After I went to bed, Jim woke me up saying that he found out where the cat is...apparently hiding in a place I didn't even know existed in this house...some tunnel above our cabinets. Hopefully, we can get him to come out soon.

Friday: I woke up at 4:30 am to my alarm. Picked up my phone, which was soaking wet and completely dead from the condensation from my glass of water on my nightstand. So be careful putting your phone on your nightstand with a glass of water. Work at 5 am.

I kind of realized as I was writing this that it would have been really really much harder to get through this week without encouragement from Bible studies and christians. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." (James 1:2-3)

"We all have the means to bestow on others the most lavish gifts; love, joy, peace, hope, kindness, acceptance, encouragement, laughter, forgiveness, time. There is not enough money to buy them and not too little money to give them. The more you spend, the wealthier you become; yet nothing will cost you more than what you freely possess to give." (Eden Eliot)

I like that last quote by Eliot. I believe he has a good point. When those things that you freely give are rejected, it does cost you a whole lot! I know from experience.

by brownie at 05/15/09 3:17PM
WOW, Lyssa, you had a really busy week! I miss you soooooooo much!!!

by drama_queen14 at 05/15/09 8:17PM
how are you?????????? what's been going on??? haha, I'm on Jessica's Facebook right now, waiting for one of my friends to get on. See you soon! Hopefully!

by drama_queen14 at 05/15/09 8:33PM
Yike, tough week...but the Lord provides!!!

by meg at 05/16/09 11:50PM
Yo Alyssa! =) It was great seeing and chatting with you over the weekend!!

by libster at 05/18/09 8:09PM
Yikes, what a week! How funny that you have to bring your guardian! Does Jim count?? :) Hope this week is going better for you!

by belle at 05/20/09 2:36PM

218-222 of 222 entries « prev 1 2 … 41 42 43 44 45 next »

Psalm...

"i can't stop and catch my breath, and look no further for happiness. and i will not turn again, 'cause my heart has found its home..."

Looking back...

"...You know what I'm craving? A little perspective. That's it. I'd like some fresh, clear, well seasoned perspective." (Ratatouille)

"Pressure...pushing down on me...pushing down on you...no man ask for..."

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