Life with a Southern Drawl

Homesick

2011-10-08T20:57:00.000-07:00

I wrote my first post here more than two years ago. I started writing with the initial purpose of keeping my friends and family informed while I spent a summer in Annapolis as a summer missionary. Then I attempted to maintain that contact as I finished my final semester in college, back home in Mobile. All the way through to the chapter of life I'm currently on as I work towards my Masters here at Southern in Louisville.

The last few years have been wonderful. I've been busy balancing school, a full time job, being involved with my church family, and establishing a wonderful group of friends. Not to mention that keeping up with the lives of my family members who are over 600 miles away. Seems like a lot but the Lord has truly blessed me through it all. Even when I didn't know when I'd see my family next or how in the world I was going to finish that paper and work Floor Set at the same time!

I've learned a lot as well. I thrive under discipline but it's something that is still growing and developing in each area of my life. I love people and I've enjoyed establishing new friendships and rekindling old ones with people who were at my first birthday party :)! My love for people spread not only through my friendships but my life at work and in my church family as well! And girls, we aren't that bad! In fact I have fully realize how much I NEED girl friends! I have been so blessed by the women that I get to surround myself with daily whether we live, work, or just enjoy life together. I have learned that the Lord has gifted me with amazing talents, some that truly shine in retail management. But it's not about what brings the most glory for me or to my pocketbook but about what furthers his Kingdom and brings him the most glory. Even if that means saying no to advancing job opportunities. I could go on and on about everything that the Lord has taught me over the past two years.

But two years ago I spent a summer in Annapolis, Maryland (you can read my summaryhere and here and see it here) and I have been home sick ever since. I fell in love with the sailboats and crabs, the Chesapeake Bay, it's proximity to so many wonderful places, all of it's tradition and history, Weems Creek Baptist Church, and most importantly the people. People who are a beautiful blend of every walk of life. People who need the gospel.

Ever since I left I have wanted to go back.

And so I am.

I am wrapping up my time here in Louisville and at Southern. I've enjoyed my time but I feel it is drawing to a close. So little more than a month ago, I allowed myself to be open to looking into what was next. And all roads led to Annapolis. My heart was heavy for that city and I was reminded once again the need for their gospel. So last week I put in my application for the MSC Program with the North American Mission Board. In particular to work in conjunction with the Annapolis BCM which works directly with the Midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy. But I know my work would not just be with the college students there but with the church family I served with at Weems Creek! I am excited about the possibility of living and working in a city I love so much for more than just two months.

credit

I am still in the application process and greatly covet your prayers at this time. Prayers that I would continue to allow my heart to be open to what and where the Lord has for me. Prayers for provision as I begin going down that avenue. And Prayer for the students at the Naval Academy and surrounding universities as well as the entire city of Annapolis.

If you made it this far in this post, I appreciate it. I will keep y'all updated as much as possible!

-ALA-

These Things Take Time

2010-03-02T20:15:00.000-08:00

I win the world's worst blogger award. The End.

But no really, I could place the blame on a million things but let's just be honest, I've been slacking! I've been super swamped and so since I'm in the middle of working on a book review, I figured we'd make this short and simple to let y'all know what I've been up to lately!

I was blessed once again to be offered a position as an Assistant Manager at a retail store here in Louisville. I've worked for this company since I graduated high school and I was thrilled to be able to stay with a company that I love and advance to a full time position! I'll keep my store nameless on here just to avoid conflicts of interest!
Speaking of my new job, tomorrow night will be my first night to close without another manager! I'm nervous but super pumped! Pray for me will you guys?
Our sweet little apartment is coming along! We finally have curtains up on the windows by the fireplace! My next step, which will probably have to wait until the summer, is to make panels for the big sliding glass doors because they have those icky vertical apartment blinds, y'all know what I'm talking about! But I'll share a preview with you of how we're doing so far! Hopefully I can have a bigger apartment progressive report up soon (hope you don't mind waiting until spring break!).

Our new curtains and don't worry, once you see the whole living room the red TOTALLY make sense!

I went sledding for the first time! On the 15th we had a snow day, so we headed to Louisville's Cherokee Park to try our hand at some sledding! Firstly, what a gorgeous park which I cannot WAIT to check out in the spring! Secondly, sledding is super fun but as we learned it can be dangerous too! My sweet roommate and friend Joel got turned around on the inner tube/sled and didn't see that they were headed straight for a tree! They were both pretty banged up and we learned later that Erica tore her meniscus! The poor dear has had to hobble to class on crutches and leave the apartment only when someone is available to drive her. Praying for her speedy recovery!

The sledding group! Pardon the fact I look ridiculous and that Joel's eyes are closed, it's just a bad picture all around!

School is starting to get into the nitty gritty! I had my first test and paper due last week and they just keep coming! So blame school on my infrequent blog posts :) It's been an odd transition from college to seminary and not fully grasping what is expected. BUT it's been a wonderful learning process and I'm already gaining so much knowledge! I am so thankful for the education I am receiving at Southern and under such wonderful leadership. This is honestly the most amazing educational institution I have ever attended!
I added my blog to a list of blogs for girls in their 20's that Kelly from Kelly's Korner posted about Monday! There ended up being about 300 different links, which is awesome! I never knew there were so many of us out there, I can't wait to have some free time to check a few of them out!

I think that's about it for now! I'm going to try to start myself on posting on post regularly a week then hopefully increase as I continually figure out and adjust to my new life!

Now that you know what's new in my life, how about y'all? New friends and old, let me know what's going on!

AND one last thing! If you found my blog through Kelly's Korner will you leave me a comment? Be sure to link your blog to it as well!

-ala

blessed blessed blessed!

2010-01-31T20:34:00.000-08:00

Today was my third sunday to be here in Louisville! It feels pretty official and that will only be cemented once I start work next week! School is amazing and I am throughly enjoying my classes and professors. It is SUCH a switch from my University and my typical course of study! I am loving it but really missed talking about the SOTU in class on thursday or trying to solve our economic problems. God is truly directing my path though and for that I am truly truly grateful!

The Lord has truly blessed me in my move here! After months of searching we finally found an apartment in the right location, with the right amount of space, and the right price just two days before I moved to the Ville! Not only do we have a great apartment but my roommate is just fantastic! We have blended really well considering all communication prior was over Skype and email. It takes such a load off to have be so comfortable with my roommate. I was also able to interview and procure a management position with the company I have worked for since my high school graduation. I've been blessed with excellent pay, hours, and benefits! I am really pumped to transition to this new store and position! The day after I moved was a Sunday and I started attending Highview Baptist - Fegenbush campus right off the bat. I felt at home immediately! This was my third sunday and I look forward to exploring possibilities of getting plugged in to this wonderful new body of believers. Lastly, the Lord just astounded me with the great friends new and old that have loved on me and helped me through this transition. I don't know what I'd do if it wasn't for Diana, the Rices, the Lovetts, and the Alexanders!

I know I keep saying "Blessing" but I just have no words to express how much the Lord has provided for me and knocked my socks off the past few weeks! I so look forward to his continued hand in every aspect of my life over my next few years here in Louisville and at seminary! I'm so excited to see what these years hold and if the beginning is any indication, it's going to be a great ride!

For those of you who are wondering I'll post pictures of our apartment soon! Our curtains are still half up and we are in the process of a wall art project. So when it gets somewhat closer to presentable I'll be sure to post for y'all to enjoy!

-ala

it's official!

2010-01-29T22:16:00.000-08:00

Well folks I am officially a Louisville resident! Sorry it has taken me two weeks to get with y'all but between moving, unpacking, interviews, school, and no internet, I hope y'all can find room in your hearts to forgive me! I have a great post coming up tomorrow with all the juicy details. I know you can barely stand it! But for now it's off to bed, all my chores and reading won't do themselves tomorrow! Missed y'all!

-ala

time to forget and not slow down

2009-12-15T23:30:00.000-08:00

I've been a horrible blogger, absolutely horrendous (but feel free to follow anyway!). This blog gives me stage fright like whoa, I have half written posts all over the place. But we're conquering all that today because it's the first day of 2010! Speaking of 2010, can I just say WHOA! When did this happen?

Four years ago, I was getting ready to graduate high school. I remember thinking It would take me FOREVER to graduate from college, that I'd NEVER get to that point. 2010 just seem so far off and unattainable. But it's here now! It's like your birthday and you're so excited to be one year older or hit that milestone. Yet when it's here, you don't feel one year older or different. This time though, I'm starting to feel different, old.

I'm a blog reader. I have a ton of blogs in my google reader with new posts that pass 70ish, If I don't check it sometimes twice a day! There are trends in these blogs no matter what their subject matter. Every blog this week has been contemplative, looking back at the past year or the past decade. It's been a hard decade for me, for my family. Despite every event in my life happy or sad in the past 10 years. I am thankful. I am thankful for God's hand in my life. He has never ceased to amaze me with his truly perfect plan and how EVERYTHING, every little thing works together for His good & GLORY. Praise the Lord for his faithfulness. But despite every other blog. I want to look forward. I want to look at what's in store next. I don't know what's going to happen in the next 10 years. But I'm excited and I know, know, know that the Lord is faithful & he is GOOD. I'm ready to embark on this new chapter in life. I am open and ready for the Lord is take me wherever, mold me however, and teach me in every circumstance. It's time for Amanda Leigh to take that next step, It's a big one for me. But the gap seems so much smaller when God has your hand.

Two weeks from tomorrow I will make the 9ish hour drive to Louisville, KY. I'll move into my first big girl apartment with a roommate I have never met in person. I'll hopefully start a new job of some sort & begin my next chapter in education. I feel like I'm starting a new life. It is the WEIRDEST feeling in the world right now. Despite brief stints of living in Maryland, New Mexico, & Tuscaloosa, AL, this is the biggest move for me, hands down, & I am ready. It's time y'all. I can not wait to make that forever long drive (the longest I have ever driven myself). I'm pumped to start classes & meet my new roommate Erica in person. I'm just so excited about pretty much everything.

It's time to move forward. I am so thankful for my almost 22 years up until now and I'm ready for all the years ahead of me. Relient K's new album is called "Forget and Not Slow Down". And right they are. It's time to forget, move beyond grudges & regrets. I'm so ready and excited for 2010. Who's with me?

How many times

Can I push it aside

Is it time I befriended all the ghosts of all the things that haunt me most
So they leave me alone
Move on with my life
Be certain the steps of left and right don't fight the direction of upright

I'd rather forget and not slow down
Than gather regret for the things I can't change now
If I become what I can't accept
Resurrect the saint from within the wretch
Pour over me and wash my hands of it

It's time to decide
Which is out of my mind
Cause it'll be me unless I put some thoughts to rest and leave some faults behind
I'll watch the glint in my eye
Shine off the spring in my step
And could be blinding depending on the amount of You that I reflect

Cause I could spend my life just trying to sift through
What I could've done better but what good do what ifs do
...It's time to forget and not slow down.

- Relient K "Forget and Not Slow Down"

perfectly lonely

2009-11-23T07:35:00.001-08:00

3 classes left from now until Monday, November 30th. That is all I have left in my undergraduate career. I have two credit assignments to write, 3 finals, a few directed study assignments, and one paper to tweak. Sometime after 11 on Wednesday, December 3rd I will be a college graduate. I will drive down the University's oak covered drive for the last time as a college student. There will be no pomp and circumstance until May and I will simply and quietly transition into a graduate student at SBTS. I have never felt so strange in my life, it's hard for me to put my finger on the right words to describe it.

This whole semester has been an "off" semester. It's been a very lonely road my friends. I came back from Annapolis to an empty house. My family lives on the other side of town and both of my roommates had moved and graduated. Since most of my friends are no longer here, I initially felt extremely abandoned. I was frustrated and confused. I had NO CLUE why God would put me here alone and stuck while it seemed that everyone else got to go "live life".

I was plain frustrated, I've lived in Mobile for almost 22 years. I love this town a lot but it is the smallest big city in the world. I know everyone and everyone knows me (or my parents), at least it seems that way. I knew it was time to get out. Well I thought it was time. God obviously had other ideas, like when I thought I was supposed to go to Alabama for college. He brought me back from that real fast. He did it again, as he so often does when we think we have everything figured out.

I realize now how much I needed this semester. I needed this time alone and apart. I needed to grow independent of my friends and dependent on Him. I need to grow in my relationship with Christ. I needed to grow up. I needed to be refined. So here we are four months later and while I have come so far, there's still a lot of ground to cover. I still have a lot of growing up to do and my relationship with Christ continually growing.

The title of this blog is "perfectly lonely", a song title borrowed from John Mayer's "Battle Studies". While his song lyrics and the contents of this blog post differ completely, the title couldn't be more perfect. I have been lonely sure. I've missed coming home to chat with Emily or Mary and Mellow Mushroom dates with my Larrie. In fact it has probably one of the "loneliest" times in my life. But I needed the physical loneliness. It allowed me to turn my eyes once again towards Him. I had my closest friend with me at all times. There is no need for a pity party because he has shown me so much. I REJOICE in his steadfastness. This was a PERFECT loneliness, something I know can only be found in Christ. I am learning to be content in waiting, in wanting, in all circumstances.

I am so thankful for this semester. I don't think I could have embarked on this next chapter without it. I am excited for these next two months as I work, pack, move, GROW, and continue to respond to God's call on my life.

"I'm perfectly lonely, yeah. 'Cause I don't belong to anybody and nobody belongs to me..." - John Mayer, "Perfectly Lonely"

but I hold to:

"and you belong to Christ; and Christ belongs to God."

1 Corinthians 3:23

thrifting

2009-11-10T19:56:00.000-08:00

Sorry it's been so long y'all! With the carpet fiasco (which is still on going!), papers, work, school, and a tropical storm in November, I seemed to have overlooked y'all! I'm still the "little engine that could" and decided to take a break from writing a paper on Judicial elections v. appointments to share with you some of my most recent finds!

So one day while in one my local thrift stores, my eye caught on a small silver cup. I grabbed it and noticed that this was in fact a Two's Company mint julep cup (pictured below)! I had just gotten my Southern Living for November and remembered a small article in the back talking about this very thing! Needless to say that I was so excited to get this for 79 cents when they retail for much more! As a future resident of Kentucky what could be more perfect for my bedroom decor? I think I have started a new collection and hope to add to my new collection in Kentucky! My second find was also the saucer pictured below. Another perfect find because of the rows of fleur-de-lis. Having grown up in Mobile, Alabama, I have grown to love this sign of our French heritage and now with a move to Louisville, it is only fitting to carry on this love! This is the perfect lil' dish, that only cost me 97 cents mind you, to place on my night stand to put my rings and things in before I head off to sleep!

A Mint Julep cup and Fleur-de-lis, a Kentucky dream! (just ignore the silk flowers!)

Another most recent find was the lamp pictured on the right hand below. I grew up with parents who loved antiques, my momma in particular. She has always collected depression glass and we have an antique chifforobe (think "To Kill a Mockingbird") that I love! So when I saw this precious milk glass lamp, I had to snatch it up, not to mention that it was under $2! I can't wait to find (more likely make) the perfect lamp shade or globe for this beauty! I've also pictured it with a lamp that I have remember at my grandmother's house for years. As a young girl I have always adored those three Southern Belles, sitting on this lamp. This lamp is making the move to Louisville with me as well! I found a few other items at a yard sale this weekend in a nice blue toile! As you can tell I'm pretty excited about putting all the pieces together for my Southern bedroom!

Not to mention a new white bedskirt for $3 that I found today at Hudson's! It has the perfect tiny detail along the bottom, when I can think of the name of the stitching I'll let you know! I found a few other things for my apartment in Louisville, such as a set of 12 glasses (in tall & juice size) for $7.50 and two brushed silver lamps for $3 total! I found some other clothing steals but I'll spare you the details! Moral of the story, SHOP AROUND! Don't be afraid to check out thrift stores, yard sales, antique stores, and those discount shops! It's absolutely amazing the money that you can save! I love collecting so many different pieces and some of them to have for years to come! I can't wait to make the move and share with y'all everything in one place because for right now, it's all chilling out in my empty spare bedroom!

I'm in the middle of three papers and if I can just get those accomplished by the 19th, I'll be in the homestretch! Thanksgiving is really close but seems so far away! I can't wait for christmas trees, good food, family, and packing up to move! Be praying about housing for sure y'all! Let me know if I pray for y'all as well! Have a BLESSED week!

life lately

2009-10-20T10:21:00.000-07:00

Well friends I apologize for my recent infrequency in posting. I blame it on the lack of carpet, tonsils, and motivation in my life. See friends I had my tonsils taken out October 9th and after a little more than a week recovering at my Dad's house I returned home. I was so glad to be home BUT apparently it wasn't for long. Because the day after I came home, the sewage backed up into my house which is of course DISGUSTING. The roots of the oak tree in my back yard apparently decided to invade the pipe's space (how rude!). This caused my bedroom and a bit of the hallway to be flooded. I also ruined all my towels trying to clean it up the first time that was until it decided to get WORSE. But thanks to insurance, ServPro, and the plumber things got taken care of. Of course I had to move to my dads for a week until the house was disinfected. So here I am back home again finally but sleeping in my old bed and sans carpet. Carpet or any other kind of flooring is something that you take for granted. I didn't realize how much more comfortable it was than cement slab! But we have picked out the carpet and hopefully my home and bedroom will return to some sort of order soon! I also got to pick out brand new matching towels for the first time I think ever. That should go on the list of signs that you are a big kid, especially when you don't try to get neon pink but instead go with Khaki and Green.

But normalcy is trying to reign in my life. I've passed the halfway mark and am heading full steam to graduation! But let's just be honest, I'm like "The Little Engine That Could" here. It was very exciting though to receive the letter that upon completion of my fall classes that I would be a graduate! Good things are going on and it's scary to be headed in such a new direction so fast. Be praying that I figure out housing, funding, and all other situations. I know God will provide. That should be the end of the story but it is so hard for me to give up all control, I love to plan way too much! I'm already trying to get ready to move. I've been slowing purging items from my closet, and making keep & yard sale piles in the empty bedroom. It's just a weird feeling all around getting ready to make such a huge move and I don't even have a place to live yet!

I hope that sometime this week that I can do a post on my recent thrifting adventures as well as my adventure into learning how to sew! I found some great stuff (one of which was featured in November's Southern Living!) lately and can't wait it share it with y'all! Have a blessed week my friends, expect a fun fun post coming up soon!

-ala

Part 2: Psalm 37: 1 - 6

2009-09-15T19:02:00.000-07:00

So sorry to leave you hanging readers! I know that all of you have been waiting on pins and needles since last Sunday for me to write the continuation of the previous blog. So I ended with the question, "What's the hold up?" Why don't I just go to grad school for law or government. I mean I have the knowledge & the talent where I could easily end up with a job in DC. I'd have a career path with projected salaries and retirement plans. In the world's eyes this is the most logical and wise path for me to take.

But that's not what it's about for me. My goal isn't to make sure I climb every rung of a career ladder or make ___ thousand dollars a year. My goal is to be in the Lord's will, to pursue what He has for me. That is what is on the top of my to-do list. That of course doesn't mean that following God's plan for your life means that a career and all of those other things don't and won't happen. What it means is that I surrender my desires and my plans in exchange for His. That is what takes precedent. When I surrender my life and my desires to Him, then everything else will fall in line. Then our desires will align because I desire to be in His will, where he directs me will be the desires of my heart! I want to be in His will. I don't want to do what I desire, for whatever vain reason is driving it. THAT my friends, is what the hold up is.

So with that in mind leads you to the struggle I've been going through. What God's path for my life? Am I in his will? Is pursuing a career in public policy a desire of the flesh or really what He has for me!? Oh the countless number of times I've prayed over that, thought of pros and cons, tossed it over with wonderful friends! I have prayed for a simple peace about one direction over the other. I haven't asked for billboards or text messages, just a peace in my heart. And I feel that throughout all of this the Lord has given me just a small glimpse of my direction.

This summer I had the opportunity to meet with (in fact is a member at Weems Creek) Dr. Barrett Duke of the Ethics and Religious Liberties Commission in DC. I can't tell you how excited I was for that first day. I just "knew" that I was going to feel the rush of confirmation that this was the direction I was headed. But alas, we headed home after a fantastic day on the Hill but I couldn't shake this feeling or more like a lack there of. I was confused but never let on to my quiet disappointment. We went back for one more day with Dr. Duke, in fact the last day of our internship. I looked into Senator's offices, watched speeches on the floor of the US Senate, and stood in front of the US Capital building with a view of the Supreme Court. It was amazing. I love the US, government, politics, our constitution, and the Supreme Court. I mean I get teary eyed over TV shows like "The West Wing" why wouldn't I be elated to be there? But amongst the jumble of feelings I felt one was missing. I went home to Mobile, devastated and starting to doubt.

I kept quiet until I received that phone call from SBTS. It threw me for a tail spin, but one that I am ever so grateful for. It was a nice wake-up call from my Heavenly Father. I really feel that having a desire to pursue that particular career is simply a fleshly desire. I mean I'm currently in a degree program where I am focusing almost entirely on political science. I have students, teachers, and fellow jurors (a story for another day!) telling me how gifted I am. What that can do for my worldly heart and ego! I only recently have realized how inflated that was! I thought that over the past year God had been "confirming" my path with events in my life. How silly I was! With this inflated ego and reading "God's plan" into anything and everything that seemed to cross my path. I praise HIM for humbling me and once again redirecting my eyes to him.

So with His direction and guidance I feel lead to my next step. I am planning on starting graduate school at Southern Seminary in the spring. I'm looking at a few options but am really interested in their Masters of Arts or Divinity in Women's Leadership & possibly a minor in Biblical Counseling. It brings me such joy to feel a PEACE and it is so comforting and it comes from no one other than my Lord! I have no clue what my steps beyond this one are but I am not worried! I know that wherever he has me to go and do will be for the furtherance of His Kingdom and I know He will provide!

I pardon for the length of my past two entires, but I have felt led to be completely transparent with how God is working in my life. God has truly blessed me with a testimony that I desire to share with y'all! Writing this post brings tears to my eyes once again, tears of joy and sadness. It seems that I have reached the "culmination" of it all. It is of course not "over". There are so many more steps to take and paths to figure out. But I know He is of course with me through it all. I have found peace and joy in my Lord so many times over the past few years. How silly are we when we look the other direction?

Take comfort in this my sweet friends, such a wonderfully familiar and confirming passage:

"Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb. 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."

- Psalm 37: 1 - 6

I also stumbled upon Matthew Henry's commentary on this passage it just truly helped rejuvenate what the Lord is saying here!

To delight in God is as much a privilege as a duty. He has not promised to gratify the appetites of the body, and the humours of the fancy, but the desires of the renewed, sanctified soul. What is the desire of the heart of a good man? It is this, to know, and love, and serve God. Commit thy way unto the Lord; roll they way upon the Lord, so the margin reads it. Cast they budren upon the Lord, the burden of thy care. We must roll it off ourselves, not afflict and perplex ourselves with thoughts about future events, but refer them to God. By prayer spread thy case and all cares before the Lord, and trust in him. We must do our duty, and then leave the even with God. The promise is very sweet: He shall bring that to pass, whatever it is, which thou has committed to him.

-Matthew Henry

(you can read the rest here)

Part 1: "The West Wing"

2009-09-06T23:22:00.000-07:00

I have a strong tendency to write blog posts late at night because it seems that despite all the time in the day, my mind doesn't start rolling until about 10 p.m. I mentioned previously my need for prayers as I seek which ever direction the Lord is leading me in. I have truly felt reassured often over the past few weeks and I know it has come from no other source than my Heavenly Father. I am learning to lean on Him in different ways than I have before and I know that ultimately no matter which way he leads me that is ultimately his purpose.

I am blessed with a wonderful church family and Godly, biblical pastor. Pastor Clint is beginning to preach through 1 John in Sunday morning service. So yesterday while going through 1 John 1: 1-4, I was reminded one of key point. It seems simple but struck me greatly and it was this: "God has been in control since the beginning and the Gospel has always been the plan." Praise Him for that! Nothing at all transcends His knowledge of us all; and much less, my life and His plan for me! What a peace that brings to my heart! I was extremely blessed to hear that this morning.

I started out to write this blog with an entirely different perspective. I spent time tonight just chilling out, enjoying having the day off tomorrow. I decided to watch some episodes of "The West Wing", one of my all time most favorite TV shows. I decided tonight to start from the Pilot episode. But something in Episode 3 (Season 1) struck me. This is the episode where Charlie Young is hired to be the President's "body man". Towards the end, Charlie is escorted into the Oval Office to meet his new boss. At this same time, President Bartlett is getting ready to speak to the American people about to a retaliatory strike on Syria. So to make a long story short, the President begins his televised address and Charlie leans over to Josh Lyman and says "I've never felt like this before," and Josh replies "It never goes away." I've seen this episode a number of times before but for some reason tonight that the water works started flowing. I am apart of the small minority that can cry over an episode of "The West Wing". Partially because I am a nerd when it comes to American history and political science. But also partially because I've always wanted to be in that position & in that place. Not only watching history happen before my eyes but have knee-deep in it all.

I sit here with a law school application at my side and a seminary acceptance letter on my fridge. It's just like the Robert Frost poem "Two roads diverged in a yellow wood...", and whilst I feel a strong peace and am leaning in one direction, I am struggling intensely to give the other one up. That's why this episode of "The West Wing" caused those little water droplets to form in my eyes.

It's like this friends, I don't want to give it up. I have always wanted to have the DC career since I was in middle school and I know many people expect & want me to pursue that. It's not over and I still have time to take my LSAT and get my affairs in order to be enrolled in the class of 2013. In fact I found a fantastic school where I can receive an additional Masters in either Theology or Government while getting my J.D. I can apply for summer internships and start working in the Alabama 2010 Governor's race. I've been told that I have a talent for this and that I can go on to do great things. Is it just me or did anyone else notice the ridiculous amount of personal pronouns in this paragraph?

This sounds like a great thing to do. In fact there are very few things standing in my way right now. Practically and from the World's standpoint I have no reason not to pack my books, buy some suits, and head to law school in August. At least in that direction I seem to have a more clear cut career path & salary, or at least it is definable by a Kaplan book or some US News ranking.

So what's the hold-up you may ask? It's a good question that pulls us back up to the first two paragraphs of this extremely long blog. I'm going to leave you guys with that cliff hanger at the moment as it is now 3 am. While it may be Labor Day, there is still work to be done. Ironically I have to write a paper for Tuesday about "What I want to be when I grow up...", another catalyst to the authorship of this particular blog topic. Praying for you my friends and hope to continue this later on today or at some point this week!

-ala

Hodge-Podge

2009-08-23T22:22:00.001-07:00

We're going to do a complete 180 from the current direction this blog has been headed lately! But I have some exciting things to share with you guys! First, I've been asked a by a bunch of different people how I got to spend my summer with the wonderful people at The Vine in Annapolis. Well I've decided to tell you! I mentioned previously that I was a summer missionary with the North American Mission Board. They have tons missions opportunities here in the US and Canada. The needs range from being summers to semesters, resort ministry to church interns, and from sea to shining sea. You can check out their multiple programs (for all different ages too!) at answerthecall.net ! I would highly recommend that you check it out! Also for more information just on Weems Creek and The Vine internship, check it out here!

Moving on to part dos of exciting new things! I love a great deal and am a bargain shopper to the core! Which works out since I have such a limited college kid budget! I have been checking out a bunch of different blogs lately and I've noticed a trend! Many of them, especially the moms, have blogs completely devoted to coupons or other hot savings! I haven't found a need to jump on that particular bandwagon, I do still like to find a great bargain! My most favorite thing to find a sale on is clothing or shoes! So I hope that this can become a regular series!

Here we are with Deal #1! I just happened to duck into a new shoe boutique in Bel-Air Mall (Shoe Polish), just opened by a previously established store named Polish. They have fantastic prices on adorable shoes! Just with a quick glance, I didn't see a pair over $30 (trouble for a shoe lover like myself!). But what made that day even sweeter was that all of their sandals were 50% percent off! I started browsing and my eye caught on some adorable flip flops for $10 and was surprised to find out that they were also included in the sale making them $5! Can't beat that, so with it being the waning months of Alabama Summer, I stocked up! I bought four pairs of nice dressy flip flops for $21 dollars and some change! Besides the fantastic deals here, the sales associates were wonderfully cheerful and helpful! I will definitely be back and be sure to check them out on Facebook under the name: Polish Forbes. Here's a peek at the fabulous new additions to my shoe collection:

I seem to find a lot more time on my hands this semester despite work and school. Most of my friends are scattered across the country from Seattle, Louisville, Boston, Nashville, and Annapolis (London too!). So when I am not blessed to have a phone conversation or a skype chat, I have found a large void to fill. Amongst other tasks I have decided to start getting a handle on cooking! Since once again I am on the college kid budget, I started out with looking for cheap (and easy meals). I was excited to remember a cookbook that my mom had let me have called "4 Ingredient Recipes"! So I started easy, with the chicken section. The first meal I started off with was Chicken Stir-Fry. It was phenomenal, easy, and inexpensive so I HAD to share it (it makes great leftovers too!)!

Chicken Stir-Fry

1 Package of Chicken Flavor Ramen Noodles
1 16 oz. Bag of Stir Fry Vegetables (your choice and Walmart's Great Value Brand has a fantastic variety)
1 tablespoon of Vegetable Oil
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
1/4 cup of stir-fry sauce

You will need a good size frying pan & and adequate sauce pan to accommodate the frozen vegetables.

1. Put the seasoning packet from the Ramen noodles to the side for the moment.

2. Make sure your chicken is defrosted, cut and prepare into the strips.

3. Get your frying pan heated up and add the vegetable oil.

4. Throw the chicken into the frying pan and with medium heat start cooking those babies (don't get mad at me PETA)! If you don't know how to cook chicken (it's really simple) just go until things are a nice golden brown and void of any pink!

5. After you've started the chicken, bring two cups of water to a boil in the saucepan.

6. After it's reached boiling point, add the vegetables and Ramen Noodles (void of the seasoning packet), cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, then drain.

7. Once you've got cooked chicken, add the veggies/noodles to the skillet. Also throw in that stir-fry sauce and the seasoning packet left from the Ramen Noodles.

8. Mix it all up and allow it to cook for a couple more minutes!

9. Voila! Serve and I suggest adding some soy sauce to give it a bit more Asian flavor!

This was delicious and easy and cost about $10-12 total! That prices includes about $8 for a bag of boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 or 7), which are great for many other meals! It makes about 4 servings and handles being in the fridge well! Give it try you college kids and newly wedded (or about to be!) couples! I highly recommend it!

Well I apologize for this random blog, the conglomeration of topics, and the late hour of posting! I hope my lack of sleep and excitement over my new finds excites some readers new and old! Since blogging seems to become a new favorite of mine, I hope to incorporate these new topics into my somewhat regular posts! Enjoy guys and I always appreciate ideas and suggestions! Have a blessed week y'all!

-ala

From Bowling to Graduate School...

2009-08-22T22:42:00.000-07:00

It's almost 1 am. I'm starting to feel sick and sleep just wasn't working out! So what else better to do than check in with you fine people?! Well I have officially started my last semester of undergraduate studies at the University of Mobile! I have a fantastic schedule with topics ranging from the Cold War to Old Testament to Bowling! I'm just glad to get this semester rolling! I'm back working at Justice of course (or Limited Too) and the more I go back, i tend to love retail even more! I never thought it would be almost four years later and I would still be working for Tween Brands, but I just can't stay away!

So a week or so ago, I got a very disconcerting phone call from Southern Seminary. A nice gentleman called to let me know that Southern was having to cancel my intended degree plan. For those of you that do not know, I was planning on attending Southern starting in January to receive a Master of Arts in Theology and Law. If you know me at all, this degree was perfect! I truly felt that the Lord had called me there and in that direction. Of course that was all until that phone call put me in a whirlwind of second guessing and wondering what God was trying to show me. So here we are a bit more than a week later and the confusion and panic seems to have subsided. As first I was at an odds to figure out where to go and what to do when I finish school. I went to the Lord in prayer but also did some of the usual google searching to see what other options were out there other than law school. I stumbled upon a program or two and began looking into them. Every time I did and or even thought about what one school might entail, something just didn't settle. It's not that I was worried about getting in or being able to handle the material, just something didn't sit right. In addition to looking at new schools I had another look at Southern's degrees. A week from when I received the phone call about my degree change, I received another call from SBTS. This time they were informing me that I had been officially accepted.

So now we are at the point I am now. I feel really content when I think of Southern and the current degree I feel led too. But part of me still thinks of the gifts and talents, that I know the Lord has blessed me with, and wonder if I need to pursue a masters that would hone those skills. Other the past year I truly felt that the Lord was calling me in that direction or was He? God has blessed me with some truly amazing friends who are currently scattered from one coast to the next and everywhere in between. I called on them in addition to seek wise and Godly counsel. Every one of them brought up wonderful points and really challenged me but a couple things were emailed to me from my friends Mat and Whitney Alexander. I really have just been pushed to see if this is a desire of my flesh to live the DC/West Wing life, or is it from the Lord? So many thoughts and questions stemmed off from that! So lately I really have been pushed and desiring to see what the Lord's direction for my path is.

I feel that I have gained some direction even in the few short days that have followed. In fact I received my formal acceptance letter from SBTS in the mail on Saturday. Both directions would require huge leaps of faith for me in many different aspects. So neither direction is looking to be the easiest! I just ask that you continue to pray with me as I just hope to find a peace and contentment with the direction the Lord has called me in.

A picture...

2009-08-10T17:44:00.000-07:00

This my friends is my last and final post about my summer spent in Maryland. I have loving sharing this with y'all, though I have no clue if anyone actually read this after my first post. I will always hold this place in my heart. The people I've met, the ministries that we invested in, and the people/ministries that invested back into us. I think like the saying says "A picture can say 1,000 words". I'd happen to agree, so enjoy the last few images of my summer...

Weems Creek Baptist Church, a loving and precious church family. It was in this building we spent many days studying God's word, worshipping, eating Utz's cheese balls, and doing ministry. I couldn't have asked for a better place to spend my summer.

The Intern Family + The Orr Family. Two precious groups of people, we were extremely privileged to have the Orr's invest their time and love into us this summer.

Downtown Annapolis

As I've mentioned previously, we served coffee to commuters every Monday morning. This was apart of "The Vine", a service initiative of Weems Creek. What interesting friends we made there! From the Vineyard Vines tote lady, the matching couple, runner man, and even the lady who looked at us with disgust because we were from a church. I loved them all and wish I could be there to serve them every Monday!

The United States Naval Academy. 4300 young men and women embarking on a very different college journey than most. I felt privelaged to be able to encourage over 100 plebes through letters and care packages during their challenging summer. What an amazing ministry Rob Curto has, leading Midshipmen to Christ! Always keep them in your thoughts and prayers!

This is from the longest baseball game I have ever attended in my life! It was 14 innings long but capped off with an amazing fireworks show. But what made this trip so unique was the company we were with, the Sonshiners (aka: 55+ ministry) at Weems Creek. From hanging out with the youth, children, or the senior adults our summer was full with wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ!

So being from Alabama, I was teased for revealing in all things Southern (but really what else would you expect). This is me next to Robert E. Lee in the U.S. Capitol building, one of the many photos that was taken of me posed next to something "Southern"

While I might have been teased about being southern, this young man, Alex, recieved the most ridicule for being British. The poor boy had to endure 4 days in our nation's capital and countless other places unique to Americana. He got it from tour guides and us, that the British surely missed out when they lost us. While he happens to disagree about that and when WWII started, our summer wouldn't have been the same without Rev.

One of my most favorite parts of the summer. We spent two different days with Dr. Barrett Duke in Washington, DC. What a joy it was to learn more about their ministry and their work to influence public policy! Be sure to check them out and get involved @ www.erlc.com

Oh glory, I can't contain my excitement about how I loved spending our days here with Dr. Duke. Whether we had a meeting or we were watching Ali fall out of Sen. John McCain's office, by far one of the biggest highlights of my trip!

This picture is quite simply my most favorite place in the world now and mostly for the reason below ....

The fantastic view our nation's capital from the Jefferson Memorial. My most favorite spot in the world, I don't think I could even put it into words.

The famous "The Bridge" t-shirts. What an amazing week it was that we spent on nearby Kent Island. Our parting gift from Jeff was one of their wonderful t-shirts and a dvd full of material. What an amazing teacher Jeff is!

The Bridge of "The Bridge" church. The view from Kent Island, Maryland. Check them and their ministry out @ www.hisbridge.com

Annapolis, Maryland a town on the Chesapeake Bay that in a short six weeks, over took my heart. I love this precious town and the people in it. What a great work there is to be done here! Continue praying for Weems Creek, The Bridge, and the USNA BSU.

The end...

My most favorite picture of us interns the entire summer.

From L-R: Ali, Me, Sarah, Tiffanie, & Alex

Day 40: The End

2009-08-06T19:29:00.001-07:00

So the day has come where I am writing from an airport once again. It’s about 5pm and I’m waiting here in Atlanta. After I collected some band-aids from the flight attendant for my cut toe (thanks airplane seat), I de-boarded and felt the rush of familiar southern heat and humidty. I then set out to find a glass of sweet tea, something I have been deprived of for way too long! I can’t express to you how overjoyed I was to find a Chik-fil-a in sight. I am now sitting here enjoying that sweet tea thinking about this everything from this summer.

My next flight, leaves around 7:30. I am exhausted and ready to be in familiar surroundings. It’s a bittersweet departure from Annapolis. I loved Weems Creek as much as I love my Dauphin Way church family. I felt so loved the moment I stepped into those doors. They are a precious group of believers and I pray that I will be reunited with them again soon ;).

I wish I had something philosophical to say or the ability to sum up my summer into a couple sentences. But as I’ve written these blogs, my paperwork for NAMB, or my evaluation for Weems, I find that it’s nearly impossible. I love to talk and if given the opportunity I could talk your ear off. But when I sit down to write, I find it hard to use the right words or phrase my sentences correctly to carry the right emotions I feel about this summer. But I’ll give it a try.

I grew a lot this summer. I was pushed in ways I didn’t expect to be and similarly went through trials that seemed to come out of left field. I am on the cusp of graduation and a semester away from grad school. So my time with The Vine was a catalyst for me. I had a large period of spiritual growth a year ago but since then it has been easy for me to grow stagnant. This was a renewal of my walk with the Lord and my knowledge of Him, a refresher and a push off to take the next steps in life, which right now seem really dauntingly big. The Lord continually confirmed the direction he is leading me in, at least for the time being. I am leaving exhausted and blessed, an answered prayer in ways I never expected.

When we were at The Bridge, Pastor Jeff told us that if we didn’t end the week there exhausted and blessed, then they weren’t doing their job right. I can’t speak for everyone else but job well done Weems Creek & The Bridge. But of course, I can’t just end on that note. Another thing Pastor Jeff says is “So What?”, but i’ll save that for next time.

Blog Title

2009-07-30T12:18:00.000-07:00

So I specifically started this blog with the intentions of just writing about my summer missions here in Maryland. BUT I've started to quite enjoy this. So I'd like to keep up with this blogging as I go through my last semester of college and begin to start grad school! One of the problems I've been having with my blog, is coming up with a name for my blog. I share a blog with my sweet lifetime roommate Emily, that has the perfect title. But when it comes to my personal one, I am lacking. So i've come to inquire with you guys, any suggestions?

-ala

Day 33: Wrappin' Up

2009-07-30T10:57:00.000-07:00

*written July 29, 2009

7 days. That’s all that I have left here in Annapolis. It feels like not too long ago, I was writing for this blog from the airport in Mobile. I know that it’s a pretty typical thing to say but man how time has flown. As cliche as it is, it couldn’t be a more accurate statement. More has been crammed into the past few weeks than a semester at home. When I sit down to write for this blog, I never know where to start. I never feel like I can accurately express my heart for what I have been taught this summer. That’s probably why the blog posts seem to be few and far between.

I’ve moved five going on six times this summer, staying with a different host family each week. In addition, every Monday night we have had the privilege of having dinners with families from Weems Creek. I can’t get over what a blessing that the myriad of people that have opened their hearts, homes, and kitchens to us have been. We have been made to feel at home and shown so much love whether we had our own rooms or were on air mattresses in a freezing cold basement. Despite the fact that Marylanders can’t seem to make up their minds about whether they are southern or not, their hospitality seems to speak of a lower than the Mason-Dixon line mentality (minus the presence of real sweet tea!).

In addition to a welcoming church body whether we are here or across the Bridge, we’ve also had the privilege to learn from some wonderful mentors. The first of course being Pastor David at Weems Creek. We have spent most every weekday morning learning from him and his son Justin. We joke amongst the interns that just seeing Pastor David can brighten your whole day. He has such a joy for the Lord and a knowledge of the Word. He sticks to the basics, never complicating things but stressing to us the importance of being in the word daily and prayer. It has been a blessing to learn from him.

In addition our mornings would not be complete without Justin. He’s ridiculous and sarcastic, some people love him and some people just wish they could tell when he’s being serious. All that aside, he like his father, has a wonderful knowledge. He seems to be a teacher by nature, knowing how to present the word of God in a way that is not only easy to understand but easy to share with others. He has been one of the main spearheads behind our internship, helping us to establish ministries to carry on at Weems Creek even after we leave.

Mrs. Guth, one of the most amazing treasures I have ever come across in my lifetime. This woman is over 80 years old and despite health issues has the most amazing zeal for the Lord. She reads with absolute retention, down to the page number. You might ask a simple question, but yes or no won’t do for her. She has been given such a wonderful knowledge, that seems to still be every growing and I know I have been personally been blessed by her sharing that with us. Our topics have gone forgiveness, death, to the supremacy of God.

And last but not least, Pastor Jeff. We spent a week working with the church plant he started on nearby Kent Island. This is a wonderful church that is a sister church with Weems Creek. I believe I've already spoken of how wonderful they were. We also got to spend a few afternoons after VBX with Pastor Jeff learning from him. He is currently taking his church through Revelation, particularly the different judgements. I also learned a bunch about how they engage the Kent Island culture. He has such a unique perspective on things due to his former business background. He is grounded in God's word and makes sure that is his purpose in everything. He has a few common phrases and tag lines but one that has stuck with us is "So What?". It has turned into a joke at times, but it has truly challenged me to think, to look at the scriptures I just read and purpose to apply them to my life. What a challenge he put before us!

And as my time draws to a close and I look back on my experiences, I not only seem how much I have grown or been taught, but where I have been tried and tested. Whether it has been just keeping myself energized and focused or intern dynamics, I know I have pushed in many different directions. No matter how little sleep I’ve gotten, the amount of stress, or the frustration I am truly grateful. For my experience would not have been complete without every aspect of it. I would not have been reminded to continually rely on the Lord even when the sun is shining. I would not have learned that He has it all figured out and that patience is a virtue. I would not have been reminded of where I came from and how far I still have to go.

It’s almost midnight here and I promise I could probably talk your ear off for ages about this summer. Whether it be the spiritual aspect or the ridiculous things we’ve done as interns (not the title of the blog “The Book of Intern”). I told you that when I sit back to write these blogs, I never know what to say, but the Lord seems to always guide my fingers over these keys. I hope that you have enjoyed getting to share with me this summer as I have had on my end. I don’t know how many people read this or if anyone takes something away from this. But my prayer is that you learn to see God in every situation and rely on Him daily. He will blow your mind even on “one of those days”, I promise.

**This isn’t my last blog post but if you have any questions about my summer, feel free to post it in a comment! Whether you want to know my something about our ministry here or one of the most ridiculous things I’ve done this summer, it would be my pleasure to answer it! If you have read this or kept up with me throughout this summer, I appreciate you taking the time. I know that your prayers have done a great work in my life from all the Lord has shown me! **

-ala

Day 22: Half-Way & The Bridge

2009-07-19T18:51:00.000-07:00

I just want to take some time to unload on you guys. I don’t think this would be an appropriate blog unless you see both sides, not just the positive things like numbers and daily schedules but what the Lord has been doing in my life over the past few weeks. We just finished week three and are on the cusp of another week. It has been tough, it has been wonderful, and it has been challenging. I have been blessed in some many ways through both the church families at Weems and The Bridge. I can honestly say, even at the halfway point, that no ministry that I have ever been apart of has changed taught me or changed me this much. I have had the opportunity to study scripture with various teachers daily for almost four hours every morning. What a blessing! I can't get over what I've been taught and how I've been pushed to make sure I'm in God's word daily, studying and learning! I have learned to ask myself after delving into His word, So what? What am I going to do with what I just learned, how am I going to apply it? That question of "So What?", has been changing the way I look at scriptures immensely, very challenging words from Pastor Jeff. I have also been taught what it means to serve and show love, with intention. the main initiative behind this summer is to LOVE the people of Annapolis. I have really enjoyed doing that but I ask myself, So what? This isn't something to just keep within these few months but to take home. I love my church family at Dauphin Way, but that love is not meant to be kept within those walls. It should be shared with the people who cross my path daily! Again, I have learned to stay focused on the Lord's purpose for this summer and my life. It has been so easy for the enemy to just throw something in my path to throw my attention & my heart elsewhere. This is all just after three weeks, and I'm sure after it's all over I'll have even more lessons to wrap my head around and purpose to practice daily!

Starting on Sunday, July 12th, we headed across the Bay Bridge to Kent Island to spend our week serving a church called “The Bridge”. This is a wonderful church plant who is a sister to Weems Creek. We were truly truly blessed to spend the week with Pastor Jeff and The Bridge family. We spent the week helping with Vacation Bible X-treme (aka: VBS, they don't do things old school in the island). It was a long week but we all got to be used in so many different ways! I enjoyed getting to work with this particular body of believers because of their love. They are very intentional in everything they do, they want to see the kingdom of God furthered. There are no specific situations to them when you share the gospel or just show Christ's love. It's not put on a schedule, it is daily. Another privilege that we had as interns was to spend time with Pastor Jeff. In one afternoon took us through Revelation, particularly starting in Chapter 6. What an interesting book to look at since it is often overlooked! I really learned the sense of urgency and finality of eternity. As a furtherance of a week full of blessing overload, we had a fantastic host home! I dare not call her mom for our age difference was quite minimal! Stephanie and her daughters were so welcoming and loving. We have similar testimonies and stories and I found such joy in sharing and talking with her. We don't have much difference in age so we joked the entire time calling her our host "mom".

There were countless blessings bestowed upon us that week. I left there exhausted, stretched, and I felt that I could go no longer. Pastor Jeff said if we didn't leave feeling exhausted and blessed, then they weren't doing their jobs. Well guys, job WELL DONE! I felt like it took me until the Wednesday after to recover from the Bridge but I couldn't ask for a better feeling! Sorry it took me so long to post this but just when I thought the craziness was over, VBS preparations were starting at Weems!

-ala

Day 12: Day by Day

2009-07-09T13:09:00.000-07:00

*written July 8, 2009

It has been way too long since my last blog and for that I apologize! We’ve been so busy, blogging has been the last thing on my mind! We’ve done a lot and time has flown so quickly! I left off telling about our first day, so I’m going to back track and fill you in on what a typical week looks like for us.

Sundays:

We of course get to spend the day with the wonderful church family at Weems Creek! I have enjoyed getting to begin our weeks worshipping with Weems. They are such a loving and welcoming body of believers who have a true heart for seeing the city of Annapolis changed by God!
There are four interns, so we have split up between youth and children. Alex and I have been working with the youth while Ali and Sarah are working with the children .
In the afternoons we seem to find various activities (other than naps!) to fill up our afternoons such as youth car washes and discipleship. On Sunday July 5th, we washed about 130 cars in a completely FREE car wash as a service to Annapolis! It was really awesome to turn down any money and wash someone’s car. People were amazed the free actually meant FREE!
Each Sunday starting June 28th, each intern has been given a Sunday to share their testimony with the church. I gave my testimony this past Sunday, July 5th. It was my first time to share with a full congregation. I was nervous to the core but the Lord calmed my nerves and helped me share calmly and clearly. Weems was so encouraging and loving, it was a blessing all the love and hugs that I received!

Mondays:

At 5am every Monday morning we take urns of coffee, breakfast bars, and bottles of water to the MTA Park and Ride Station. It is basically a large parking lot with a bus lane that transports commuters to the D.C. Like the free car wash on Sunday, I have loved getting people’s reactions to a free cup of fresh brewed coffee or a granola bar! We’ve started working our way into people’s routines and they now expect us on Monday mornings! I love people’s blank faces turn into smiles!
Every weekday other than Tuesdays we spend our mornings with Justin, Pastor David, and/or a wonderful lady named Mrs. Guth. It has been a blessing to study the word with these three individuals. We are challenged and pushed to abide in the Lord consistently. I praise the Lord for this time daily it has been such a blessing to me already!

Tuesdays:

We have Terrific Tuesdays on Tuesdays of all days! We have been going strong for two weeks with between 8 and 10 kids. We spend a few hours with them playing, doing crafts, and sharing a bible story. We have alot of Weems kids that join us, but at the park we get to play and share our crafts with kids who just happen to be having a play day. It has been another great outreach to show God’s love to Annapolis!
Our afternoon activities vary but for the past two Tuesdays we have spent them at the USNA. We have been working with Rob, the associate director of the BSU for the USNA. He has been the director there for 9 years and has established a wonderful ministry to the midshipmen. Last Tuesday, June 30th, was the Pre I-Day BBQ at the BSU house. We got to meet a ton of plebes and their families who took the time to help their sons and daughters find a place to get plugged in. Between the BBQ and Rob meeting plebes on campus prior to and during I-Day, we had about 90 names, the most that he has had so far. This Tuesday we prepared care-packages for 92 plebes. We filled them with food (most of which I learned was contraband), information about campus worship services, and a note of encouragement from one of us. I have really enjoyed getting to work with such a unique and successful BSU program and I look forward to continually working with the Midshipmen the rest of the summer!

Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays:

These days fill up depending on the different opportunities we get whether it be handing out freeze pops at Lacrosse games or cleaning up a local elementary school’s flower bed. Weems Creek has a desire to see Annapolis changed by an outpouring of God’s love. We seek to accomplish this by setting up and participating in acts of service for the community. The Vine is the name of our program and it will continue even after we leave.

-ala

Day 1: The Vine and the USNA

2009-06-26T19:20:00.000-07:00

So today was our first official day in Annapolis! Sleep was a little bit hard to come by for myself because of the new surroundings, time change (yes I know it was only an hour!), and the lack of air conditioning but I was up and moving at 7 this morning! We headed over to Weems Creek to begin some discipleship with Pastor David and Justin. It was also a great time to get to know the our fellow missionaries as we are also being joined by Tiffanie the local!

I am working with Weems Creek Baptist Church and other ministries here in Annapolis. Their vision for us this summer is to take to heart and live out John 15:1-8,

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine;you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers;and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples."

Justin took us through the passage and some many things truly hit home for me. Firstly that we bear fruit and even as we bear fruit the Father is still taking away things. We are always being worked on, prepared, and taken care of. But while the Lord takes care of us we must also abide in him through His word and prayer. That is how we bear much fruit because apart from the Lord and relying on Him we can do nothing. I could go on for hours about this passage it so heavy laden with just powerful truths and application for my life. This passage has already taken a special part in my heart by how I approach my daily time with the Lord, prayer, and what it means to truly abide in Christ! Pastor David is also doing a great couple of sessions with us about prayer which as I mentioned previously is so integral in abiding in Christ and being in the word. I mean I just can't get over how much I've learned in one day. My prayer this summer is that the Lord continually teaches me and helps me to grow and develop my walk with Him.

After our amazing morning sessions, we grabbed lunch at a local deli/grocery store. I was pleased to find out that Annapolis is 100% Wal-Mart free as compared to Mobile where there seems to be one on every corner! After lunch Rob, the USNA BSU minister, picked us up to take us on a tour of the Naval Academy and to meet some of his midshipmen. The Naval Academy is truly gorgeous and so pristine. We were given a spiritual tour instead of the typical historical one (though Rob threw that in at random). It was awesome to get to hear his stories of working over 10 years at the USNA as a chaplain and the amazing midshipmen he has had the opportunity to mentor. It is summer time at the USNA so there are currently only about 500mids there on campus, most doing detail. Plebe summer officially starts next Wednesday, but you could already seem them walking around with their parents. We are actually going to be helping Rob out next week, getting a lot of Plebes to become involved in the BSU. So next week we get to help out with an open-house and also be on campus for I-day events in the afternoon. It such an awesome ministry that Rob has set up that I truly look forward to working with him and the impact they have there.

T-Court, Bancroft Hall at the United States Naval Academy

After our lovely, but hot, walking tour. We walked into downtown Annapolis to meet some folks for dinner. Let me just tell you that Annapolis is gorgeous! From ego row to church circle, I love it all! It's definitely my kind of town! We ate Mexican (random yes I know) at El ToroBravo then hit up another place for some gelato. It was a nice cool down after such a hot day. We arrived back at our host home tonight, with the A.C. running! We also had another session with Pastor David on his challenge to make sure we are praying and studying the word daily and diligently.

Downtown Annapolis or as it is fondly called "Naptown"

It is almost 11 and I am absolutely exhausted but the fun has only just begun! These next few days will be kind of slow but will pick up quickly starting Monday with some different ministries involving kids, coffee, and plebes. Just not all at the same time! Keep us in your prayers! But just know that the Lord is so faithful and good. I have already started to see such a large glimpse of that like I never have before being here today! Love y'all and miss y'all!

-ala

traveling!

2009-06-26T19:04:00.000-07:00

*this was written 6/25/09

Today is the day! These past two weeks have flown by and now I am finally sitting in the Mobile Airport (even though it leaves something to be desired)! I’m writing this from a Word document because internet costs money in the airports which is ridiculous! It’s 10:51 am and my plane has arrived. Well if you want to call it a plane, I think even the one that the Wright Brothers flew could blow this one out of the water. I know this will be post hoc but as I prepare to board my flight I ask for prayers! Jitters hit me this morning like never before, but I know the Lord has got it all figured out even though I most certainly do not! Well they are emptying out my puddle jumper so we can prepare to board, so I better sign off for now!

With My mom in the Mobile Airport!

I arrived in Memphis and as I de-board my plane I notice that Pastor Clint hanging out at my gate! It was such a blessing to see him and Mrs. Connie and catch up momentarily! I also ran into Dr. Robertson and Mrs. Pam, they were all heading back from the SBC in Louisville. It truly was a blessing to see them as my nerves had started to sky rocket! After discovering that Memphis is Lenny’s home-base, I had to partake in a sub for a late lunch. I headed over to my gate and found Ali, the first of the missionaries I was to meet! I was so glad to have a chance to chat with her before our flight. I am looking forward to getting to know her, she is just precious! So after an uneventful flight we got off the plane in Baltimore and met Justin Orr, the youth minister and church comedian. We were taken to a wonderful BBQ at the Orr’s home! There I got to meet some of the families that will be our future host homes throughout the summer! I also got to meet Sarah and Alex the other fellow interns/missionaries! It was a wonderful evening on the back porch eating, talking, and getting to know everyone!

Us girls are now at our host home and its around 11 pm. Our hostess is out of town due to her daughter having another child! But she will be back in town tomorrow night but she has been so accommodating already (despite the A.C. not working!) In the morning we are heading to the church to get briefed, orientated, trained, and every other thing you can just think about! Tomorrow afternoon we will also get to take a tour of the Naval Academy with Rob the BSU director. We will be working with them over the next few weeks also! Once we get out schedule tomorrow I hope I can fill you more in on what we will be doing! Thanks for the prayers while I was traveling! I truly felt the Lord’s comfort with my nerves!

-ala

Hey Y'all!

2009-05-24T20:56:00.000-07:00

My initial purpose for starting this blog is because NAMB has encouraged us to starts blogs in order to keep them, our family, and our friends updated during our time of summer missions. I will be serving with Weems Creek Baptist Church in Annapolis, Maryland from June 25th until August 6th. I am excited to have the opportunity to invest myself in this church and their ministries! I know there is so much to learn and I can't wait! I would appreciate your prayers as the Lord continues to prepare my heart for this adventure. Stayed tuned while I'm in Annapolis to see what the Lord is doing in my life, those of the other student missionaries, and the ministries that we work with!

-ala