This post is dedicated to my dear friend Abbey Fables, who requested a new post on my blog so she could take a break from studying :) So if you really want a break from studying, try out this new hairstyle I found. It's called the waterfall braid. I'm still trying to perfect mine so I'll post a picture once it looks decent.
We have another test Thursday so maybe something exciting will happen between now and then that I can blog about, or maybe I'll come across another fun tutorial :)
God Bless!
Monday, July 11, 2011
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Summer Fun
Many things have happened since I wrote last. One thing I am not particularl proud of is making my first B in grad school. Boo! I know that sounds a little weird but I was shooting for all A's since I went two very long semesters with perfect grades. What makes it worse was being only 2 points from an A. Anyway, I'm pretty much over it now and hopefully that will be my last B (I'm crossing my fingers and praying hard).
In other news, Jon and I made a quick visit to Nashville to see U2 in concert. It was pretty much the coolest concert I have ever been to. The set was unbelievable and obviously U2 was amazing! I only knew like 5 songs but Jon seemed to know them all. He was super pumped about going and he thoroughly enjoyed himself. I had a great time but I probably would have had even more fun if 1) we weren't packed like a can of sardines in a million degree weather; 2) the bathroom line had been a little shorter; and 3) I knew more U2 songs. Good and bad though, It was definitely an experience I will never forget and I highly recommend going to see the U2 360 tour.
Also, yesterday was the 4th of July! I didn't do much of anything except homework, eat bbq, and watch fireworks. My family, Jon, and I watched the "Thunder on the Mountain" fireworks from Highland Avenue (I definitely recommend this spot). We were able to easily get out of Birmingham and we had a perfect view of the Vulcan. I definitely got my fill of patriotic songs and America love, I mean, who doesn't love that once a year?
I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer! God Bless!
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Thank You God for Air Conditioning
Today is June 5, 2011. Today my air conditioner broke. Today has also brought 100 degree weather. I could've stayed at my parent's house but of course clinic begins tomorrow and I really needed to prepare. Therefore, right now I am sitting in an apartment that is 94 degrees trying to get some relief from my ceiling fan I have set on high. Even though I am completely miserable right now, this has reminded me how much we take for granted. Having a working air conditioner during a southern summer is serisouly a gift from God; however, it goes unnoticed until it fails on a day when it is needed, like today for instance. Then I think about people who do not have an air conditioner and how much of a luxury it actually is. Unfortunately, I think we take many things for granted. A roof over our head, food to eat, and clothes to wear are all things we know to be thankful for but do we ever really stop and thank God for providing them? And since I started thinking about it, I also realized how blessed I am to have a supportive family and what looks to be a promising future. Why did God choose me to be so lucky when so many others struggle day to day to have the basic essentials? So... I guess a broken air conditioner is God's way of telling me to be grateful for every little thing he has blessed me with because you never know when it could be taken away.
Also, Jon is back from Brazil!!! Yay! So happy :)
Also, Jon is back from Brazil!!! Yay! So happy :)
Friday, June 3, 2011
Love This Song!
I stumbled upon this song by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit on iTunes today. After doing some googleing, I found out Jason is actually from northern Alabama, which is where he gets a lot of the inspiration for his songs. I love finding new artists and I love it even more when I find out they're from Alabama! The song is called "Alabama Pines".
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Ps, I've had a lot of time to browse new music since Jon has been in Brazil. I never realized how much of my time he took up! (Not that I mind too much)
Saturday, May 28, 2011
The True Life of a Southern Belle
In your opinion, what makes someone a true southerner?
"The South: The place where tea is sweet and accents are sweeter, Summer starts in April, Macaroni and Cheese is a vegetable, front porches are wide and words are long, pecan pie is a staple, Y'all is the only proper noun, chicken is fried and biscuits come with gravy, everything is darlin', and someone's heart is always being blessed.
"When life gives you lemons, put them in your sweet tea and thank God you're a Southern Belle."
I love being southern and I love being from Alabama, even though the dearest of friends can become intense rivals during football season. There is unspoken, yet very noticeable, tension from the beginning of the season until the infamous Iron Bowl is played. War Eagle! (Had to throw that in there...) And even then the tension continues as certain fans feel the need to brag about their team's victory. However, despite the intense football rivalry, which I believe is the best and worst in the nation, you will never find anyone more proud to live in their state than the residents of Sleepy Sweet Home Alabama, and last month's devastating storms proved that the great people of this state are more than willing to help others in times of trouble. As a proud Alabamian, one of my favorite things is telling someone I am from Birmingham, AL. "But you don't look like you're from Alabama!" is usually the response I get in return. To which I casually ask, "Is it because I'm wearing shoes and have all of my teeth?" :) All of this is to say: I wouldn't trade being southern for anything!
Also, as a self-confessed Southern Belle and from my many observations at the wonderful Auburn University, I find most of the following to be true:
A Southern Belle:
1. Keeps her lips sealed, but her eyes and ears wide open.
2. Knows the most important man to love, besides Jesus, is her daddy.
3. Knows rudeness and ignorance go hand in hand, and is never EITHER one.
4. Is born and raised at the local country club.
5. Has a family name, a string of pearls, momma's good looks, and daddy's money.
6. Acts helpless and confused when it's to her advantage; she never lets them know how clever/capable she really is.
7. Always sends thank you notes, a necessary component of being gracious.
8. Has a signature silver and Vera Bradley pattern.
9. Can properly plan/give a party, always includes a theme, and never forgets the importance of birthdays.
10. Monograms everything.
11. Can either be a Scarlet O'Hara type or a Melanie Wilkes type. Both are acceptable.
12. Doesn't get mad, but does get even.
13. Is a Jackie, not a Marilyn.
14. Deals with problems in a discreet and graceful manner.
15. Knows a wedding is the most important party that can ever be thrown.
16. Doesn't drink, but does sip (a lot), and never smokes.
17. Appreciates Sundays for church, porch swingin', and perfecting the art of sweet tea and fryin' things.
18. Knows nothing too easy or done too quickly can ever be right. It takes time to create perfection, whether it's sweet tea or her hair.
19. Knows REAL southern belles come from the REAL South, which is Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, and South Carolina. Just sayin' :)
20. Dresses like she may see her worst enemy or her ex-boyfriend. In which case, she kills them kindness.
21. Knows ballet class is the first place where a girl learns to sparkle.
22. Can charmingly tell someone off. When done correctly, people will be so charmed they will not realize until much later what was actually said.
23. Is always ready to share the news (but keeps the family secrets).
24. Is always ready to help and volunteer.
25. Never discusses money. It is awkward and inapporpriate.
26. Always dresses appropriately.
27. Showers others with affection and expects nothing in return.
28. Values antiques, time, chivalry, and family traditions over money.
29. Knows how to entertain and cook. She has a pitcher of iced tea and yummy sweets prepared for her family as well as unexpected guests.
30. Knows all the words to Lynrd Skynrd's "Sweet Home Alabama".
31. Is kind, considerate, educated, graceful, witty, charming, soft spoken, and above all, always a lady.
32. Believes manners are not optional.
33. Understands when someone dies, the first thing you do is start cooking for their relatives.
34. Believes if you can leave the house in less than 30 minutes, you probably shouldn't be leaving the house at all.
35. Closes the door to keep the mosquitoes out.
36. Asks for a "coke" but does not always mean a coca-cola.
37. Knows the art of dressing up on gameday.
38. LOVES SEC football.
39. Holds tradition close to her heart but does not allow it to define her.
40. Gets offended if you don't hear her accent.
41. Knows chivalry isn't really dead.
42. Wears flip-flops all year long.
43. Makes sure her neighbors never go hungry.
44. Never spits... anything.
45. Can wear pearls with every outfit.
"The South: The place where tea is sweet and accents are sweeter, Summer starts in April, Macaroni and Cheese is a vegetable, front porches are wide and words are long, pecan pie is a staple, Y'all is the only proper noun, chicken is fried and biscuits come with gravy, everything is darlin', and someone's heart is always being blessed.
"When life gives you lemons, put them in your sweet tea and thank God you're a Southern Belle."
I love being southern and I love being from Alabama, even though the dearest of friends can become intense rivals during football season. There is unspoken, yet very noticeable, tension from the beginning of the season until the infamous Iron Bowl is played. War Eagle! (Had to throw that in there...) And even then the tension continues as certain fans feel the need to brag about their team's victory. However, despite the intense football rivalry, which I believe is the best and worst in the nation, you will never find anyone more proud to live in their state than the residents of Sleepy Sweet Home Alabama, and last month's devastating storms proved that the great people of this state are more than willing to help others in times of trouble. As a proud Alabamian, one of my favorite things is telling someone I am from Birmingham, AL. "But you don't look like you're from Alabama!" is usually the response I get in return. To which I casually ask, "Is it because I'm wearing shoes and have all of my teeth?" :) All of this is to say: I wouldn't trade being southern for anything!
Also, as a self-confessed Southern Belle and from my many observations at the wonderful Auburn University, I find most of the following to be true:
A Southern Belle:
1. Keeps her lips sealed, but her eyes and ears wide open.
2. Knows the most important man to love, besides Jesus, is her daddy.
3. Knows rudeness and ignorance go hand in hand, and is never EITHER one.
4. Is born and raised at the local country club.
5. Has a family name, a string of pearls, momma's good looks, and daddy's money.
6. Acts helpless and confused when it's to her advantage; she never lets them know how clever/capable she really is.
7. Always sends thank you notes, a necessary component of being gracious.
8. Has a signature silver and Vera Bradley pattern.
9. Can properly plan/give a party, always includes a theme, and never forgets the importance of birthdays.
10. Monograms everything.
11. Can either be a Scarlet O'Hara type or a Melanie Wilkes type. Both are acceptable.
12. Doesn't get mad, but does get even.
13. Is a Jackie, not a Marilyn.
14. Deals with problems in a discreet and graceful manner.
15. Knows a wedding is the most important party that can ever be thrown.
16. Doesn't drink, but does sip (a lot), and never smokes.
17. Appreciates Sundays for church, porch swingin', and perfecting the art of sweet tea and fryin' things.
18. Knows nothing too easy or done too quickly can ever be right. It takes time to create perfection, whether it's sweet tea or her hair.
19. Knows REAL southern belles come from the REAL South, which is Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, and South Carolina. Just sayin' :)
20. Dresses like she may see her worst enemy or her ex-boyfriend. In which case, she kills them kindness.
21. Knows ballet class is the first place where a girl learns to sparkle.
22. Can charmingly tell someone off. When done correctly, people will be so charmed they will not realize until much later what was actually said.
23. Is always ready to share the news (but keeps the family secrets).
24. Is always ready to help and volunteer.
25. Never discusses money. It is awkward and inapporpriate.
26. Always dresses appropriately.
27. Showers others with affection and expects nothing in return.
28. Values antiques, time, chivalry, and family traditions over money.
29. Knows how to entertain and cook. She has a pitcher of iced tea and yummy sweets prepared for her family as well as unexpected guests.
30. Knows all the words to Lynrd Skynrd's "Sweet Home Alabama".
31. Is kind, considerate, educated, graceful, witty, charming, soft spoken, and above all, always a lady.
32. Believes manners are not optional.
33. Understands when someone dies, the first thing you do is start cooking for their relatives.
34. Believes if you can leave the house in less than 30 minutes, you probably shouldn't be leaving the house at all.
35. Closes the door to keep the mosquitoes out.
36. Asks for a "coke" but does not always mean a coca-cola.
37. Knows the art of dressing up on gameday.
38. LOVES SEC football.
39. Holds tradition close to her heart but does not allow it to define her.
40. Gets offended if you don't hear her accent.
41. Knows chivalry isn't really dead.
42. Wears flip-flops all year long.
43. Makes sure her neighbors never go hungry.
44. Never spits... anything.
45. Can wear pearls with every outfit.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Good Music!
I love this song! The first time I heard was during the movie Bride Wars and I recently heard it again on the season of finale of Make It or Break It. I love singer/songwriter music and this girl is dang good. This song is called "Dream" by Priscilla Ahn. Enjoy :)
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Jon's Big Day!
On May 14, 2011 Jon became a college graduate! I am so proud of him and I am so excited to see what God has in store for his future. The day was was very busy but all in all it was a perfect day. I could tell Jon was very excited and very proud to be a Samford alumni!
Attending Jon's graduation made me think about the future in the same way I thought about the future when I graduated from Auburn. Even though I know what my life will be for the next year, beginning in May 2012 I have absolutely no idea where God will lead me. Will I still live in Alabama? Will I work with children or adults? How will I fit into the real world?
The simple answer... I must trust in the plans God has for me. Yes, the future is uncertain, but if I keep my faith and trust in God there is no need to worry about my future life. Besides, God has blessed me so much already, why should I begin to doubt his plans now?
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ~ Jermiah 29:11
Attending Jon's graduation made me think about the future in the same way I thought about the future when I graduated from Auburn. Even though I know what my life will be for the next year, beginning in May 2012 I have absolutely no idea where God will lead me. Will I still live in Alabama? Will I work with children or adults? How will I fit into the real world?
The simple answer... I must trust in the plans God has for me. Yes, the future is uncertain, but if I keep my faith and trust in God there is no need to worry about my future life. Besides, God has blessed me so much already, why should I begin to doubt his plans now?
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ~ Jermiah 29:11
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Devastation to Glory
This past week has been a week full of news, both good and bad. My heart continues to go out to all the victims of April 27 tornadoes. I have not stopped praying and daily I hear new stories from people I know who survived or from friends who had loved ones that survived or did not survive. I am also in awe of the sense of community the great state of Alabama has right now. Football rivalrise aside, everyone is doing what they can to help the people affected by these deadly storms. My sister's friend lived in Pleasant Grove and her house was completely destroyed. Here is Haley's remarkable story:
Haley and her family were huddled together in a bathroom because their house did not have a basement. With their arms around eachother, her dad was praying when the tornadoe hit. The next thing she remembers is the feeling of floating as she was being thrown from her house. The rest of her family was also thrown from the house. Her mother remembers looking up to see her son floating above her. Haley and her mother were taken to separate hospitals because they sustained serious injuries. However, because her dad and brother had minor injuries, they were taken to city hall. They had no idea where eachother was. My parents went to visit Haley in the hospital where they found out that by God's miraculous blessing Haley's family had all been accounted for and no one suffered very serious injuries.
This story along with many other similar stories demonstrate God's protection and mercy. I am convinced her dad's prayer shielded her family from the destructive power of the tornado. Although Haley's story is a story of survival, many people have stories with a much different outcome. People are still missing; children have been orphaned; and families have been broken. In the midst of these trials, it is comforting to remember Psalm 46:1.
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Haley and her family were huddled together in a bathroom because their house did not have a basement. With their arms around eachother, her dad was praying when the tornadoe hit. The next thing she remembers is the feeling of floating as she was being thrown from her house. The rest of her family was also thrown from the house. Her mother remembers looking up to see her son floating above her. Haley and her mother were taken to separate hospitals because they sustained serious injuries. However, because her dad and brother had minor injuries, they were taken to city hall. They had no idea where eachother was. My parents went to visit Haley in the hospital where they found out that by God's miraculous blessing Haley's family had all been accounted for and no one suffered very serious injuries.
This story along with many other similar stories demonstrate God's protection and mercy. I am convinced her dad's prayer shielded her family from the destructive power of the tornado. Although Haley's story is a story of survival, many people have stories with a much different outcome. People are still missing; children have been orphaned; and families have been broken. In the midst of these trials, it is comforting to remember Psalm 46:1.
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
In other news.... the Royal Wedding allowed me to take my mind off of the tragedy that kept replaying on my TV. I thought Kate's was absolutely beautiful and William looked ravishing :) Ps, I'm a little obsessed with Kate's dress, as is everyone in the world!
Ok, so finally, the last piece of big news was the death of Osama Bin Laden. Even though I am pretty happy he will no longer kill any more innocent lives, I do have a problem with the celebration our country exhibited. Now, I'm as proud as the next person to be an American but we should celebrate the fact that the world is safer; we should not celebrate a man's death.
Ezekiel 18:23 - Do I take pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign Lord. Rather, am I not please when they turn from their ways and live?
Ezekiel 18:32 - For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Glorious Day!!!
Happy Easter Everyone!!!! Today has been absolutely wonderful! Even though I love Christmas, I have decided that Easter is definitely my favorite holiday because although celebrating Jesus's birth is amazing, celebrating his resurrection gives me a hope and a peace in knowing I am His. Jesus's death gives us a promise of a new life in Him. I still get emotional thinking about someone being so selfless and loving that He would die for not only me but everyone in this world, knowing many will never love him back or appreciate his sacrifice.
Romans 4:25 - He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.
This song is by Casting Crowns and I think it does a wonderful job painting a picture of Jesus's sacrifice and resurrection, and what it means for us
.
Romans 4:25 - He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.
This song is by Casting Crowns and I think it does a wonderful job painting a picture of Jesus's sacrifice and resurrection, and what it means for us
.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Mercies in Disguise
I found this song and I know God used it to speak to me. The lyrics are about how the trials we face today may really be future blessings we don't know about yet. This song is a great reminder of Hebrews 11: 40, which says: "God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect". Everything happens to fulfill God's masterful and perfect plan for our lives. All of our sufferings will lead to something greater! So encouraging!
"Blessings" by Laura Story
"Blessings" by Laura Story
We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet Love is way too much to give us lesser things
‘Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise
We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe
‘Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise
When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know the pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home,
It's not our home
‘Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are your mercies in disguise
Monday, April 4, 2011
What A Wonderful Weekend!
This past weekend was very busy but it was one of the best weekends I've had in a LONG time! My weekend began with a picnic/fishing trip to Lake George with Jon's family. I had so much fun watching everyone catch fish. However, apparently I was better at feeding worms to the fish than actually catching them. And I'm not ashamed that Jon's 7 year old cousin caught a bass and 3 other fish while I caught nothing... I just hope the fish enjoyed their snack :)
Jon didn't catch anything either, but to be fair he didn't fish very long because he was baiting hooks and trying to help me.... which proved to be pretty hopeless.
After our delicious dinner of hamburgers and hot dogs, Jon and I went on a walk with his cousin, Timothy. If you ever want to learn about penguins, just ask Timothy, he's an expert. Hopefully Timothy's dream of travelling to Antarctica to share Jesus with the penguins will come true :)
Jon's scrambling face was not the best in this picture, haha!
This was the beautiful sunset we saw. I'm not sure the sun sets pink very often... very cool.
After the lake, Jon and I joined our Sunday School class for bowling night. There are no pictures of this experience because my performance wasn't exactly what you would call stellar. However, I was consistent. The difference between my first game and my second game was only one point! (but I'm not telling you what those numbers were) Question: Why can only kids use bumpers?
Saturday was another wonderful day, mainly because I got to spend it with Jon in my favorite place... AUBURN!!! My sorority, Omega Phi Alpha, was hosting our annual Founder's Day event at Chewacla State Park. It was a beautiful day and I had so much fun catching up with girls from my pledge class and all the girls I miss.... especially my little! :) Thankfully, she is moving to Birmingham so hopefully I'll get to see her more often!
After Founder's Day, we spent some time with two of my favorite people! We met my old roommates, Kim and Becca, for a yummy treat at Chill! I was a little skeptical but I do believe it is the best ice cream/yogurt place I've ever been to! Muy delicioso! And of course Auburn would get a yummy yogurt place after I graduate....
Sunday was also a special day because our college ensemble sang in church. It is such a blessing to get to lead worship for the members of our church. I love being able to share God's message through songs.
Until next time! God Bless!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Happy Day!
After a long, crazy day at the clinic, this little video warmed my heart and put me in a much better mood. I've become more partial to the deaf community now that I have had a deaf client for about 8 weeks and I would like to thank my friend Sarah for sharing this super sweet video on facebook.
Also, I have recently become a HUGE Bruno Mars fan. I absolutely love his style and pretty much every song I have ever heard him sing. So keeping with the Love theme from the previous video, these two songs are some of my faves (and they just so happen to be in the same video!)
Finally, the last little bit of news I have is actually very exciting for me. My bf, Jon, just got accepted to the divinity school (grad school) at Samford! WooHoo!!!! This makes my heart happy because he had thought about going to school all the way up in Boston, which would've been really hard for me to deal with (just being honest). Thankfully God's path for him did not lead to Boston, instead he gets to stay in Birmingham! Yipee! I know we did long distance before but 100 miles is very different than 1 million miles. Ok, that was a little overdramatic but it definitely would've felt like a million miles!
Also, I want to try to do a weekly youtube video/song on this blog, probably not always at the same. Let me know what you think!
Until next time! God Bless!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
God's Power And Beauty
It is officially Spring! Even though my car is covered with pollen, Spring is a time when God's beauty is seen everywhere. Here are some pictures of God's creation that I've seen during the month of March.
Have you ever just stopped and stared in amazement of God's majestic creation? Last night there were bad storms around the state of Alabama. Around 11:45, there was a lightning storm like nothing I had ever seen before. At one point, I just stood there and watched as I was reminded not only of God's beauty in His creation but also of his mighty power. There was no thunder, only constant lightning and it was one of the most amazing sights I have ever seen. Here are some pictures of this extraordinary lightning.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
My First Post
This blog was first created as an attempt to put off studying for my test on Tuesday; however, I believe this blog can serve a much bigger purpose....
Hi ya'll! I'm Claire and I'm a graduate student studying Speech Pathology at the University of Montevallo. I never thought I would enjoy blogging,but of course that's what I also said about twitter. I currently live in Birmingham, AL and I enjoy every day God allows me to see.
Even though this blog may not be the most interesting thing you ever read, I would love for my posts to touch and change the lives of others just by reading the blessings God has granted for my life. My hope is the love I have for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be seen not only on this blog but also in my life everyday. I pray my words here and my actions in the world will draw someone to God, our King and Creator. If one person's life is changed, then this blog will have served its purpose.
Enjoy and God Bless!
Hi ya'll! I'm Claire and I'm a graduate student studying Speech Pathology at the University of Montevallo. I never thought I would enjoy blogging,but of course that's what I also said about twitter. I currently live in Birmingham, AL and I enjoy every day God allows me to see.
Even though this blog may not be the most interesting thing you ever read, I would love for my posts to touch and change the lives of others just by reading the blessings God has granted for my life. My hope is the love I have for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be seen not only on this blog but also in my life everyday. I pray my words here and my actions in the world will draw someone to God, our King and Creator. If one person's life is changed, then this blog will have served its purpose.
Enjoy and God Bless!
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