Our journey begins....

It's finally here! I've been waiting for this weekend for 2 months now! Tonight (well, Friday night) we started our IMPACT classes to become foster parents.

I really thought this class was just going to be a bunch of information. Not that that would be bad.... but there's a lot of interaction and they ask for feedback. What would you do in this situation type stuff. Really interesting - and eye opening.

As I sat in the class, I couldn't help but wonder what God had in store for us. Of course, I also couldn't help but wonder if we would even be able to foster because of my history. Society has a tendency to look down upon those with depression or sexual abuse in their past. Yet, I was reassured. It's a God thing, I know. We were told tonight that those experiences that I've been through will actually be an ASSET; part of our strengths as foster parents. Chances are I will know what these children are going through. I'll be able to identify with them a little better. How reassuring!

Once again, God is using my past to help further HIS kingdom. He'll lead children to our home who will truly be able to benefit from the love & experience that we have to offer.

It's going to be an interesting ride and a bumpy one too!! I can't wait.

Many blessings,
Allison

Amazing worship!

What do you get when you put a rockin' worship band, 1000+ high school students & 300+ small group leaders in one room? AMAZING WORSHIP!!!

Fee Band is currently one of my favorite Christian bands, not just because they're local. The words of their songs speak right to my heart; they get through all of the crap & really hit my soul. It is often that while listening to one of their songs God speaks to me. Music causes me to be still & really listen to what He has to say to me.

Last weekend our church hosted the annual MyLife weekend for high schools students from all 3 campuses (Browns Bridge, North Point & Buckhead). I've never been to MyLife, but my husband has. He always comes back exhausted & without a voice, but recharged by the connection he made with God and his high school boys.

Saturday night, the kids & I 'sneaked' into church to watch Fee perform. I'll admit it - I'm a groupie! Justin complained that it was too loud (he was tired). Chelsea really got into & started worshiping & raising her hands. That itself warmed my heart.

But the view from below was incredible! Hundreds of high schoolers & their leaders just worshiping God. Not caring what the person next to them would think about them. For that moment, these kids just let go.


I feel so blessed that we attend a church that our kids love to go to. They look forward to waking up on Sunday mornings. They WANT to go to church. For me & Craig, that is refreshing because we certainly were not like that at their age (at least I know I wasn't).

This weekend is Walking Wisely Weekend for the middle school students. Chelsea will be going. I'm bummed that I won't be there, but cannot wait to hear about her experience!! I pray that God will meet her in that place and speak to her heart.

If you're in the market for some great worship & are in the area tonight (2/24/10), stop by Browns Bridge Community Church for their Night of Worship (featuring Fee Band, Cori Moon & Seth Condrey). It's a wonderful night of prayer, worship & communion.

Many blessings,
Allison

Random Dozen #7?

I'll admit, I've been uninspired lately. It's not that I don't have anything to say - HA! I just can't seem to get things down coherently. So, I've opted to participate in this week's RANDOM DOZEN! ~ Thanks Zizzie!



1. Have you ever fired a gun or shot a bow and arrow? Ummm... I can't remember. I'll fess up to using a watergun. :)

2. Do you know where your childhood best friends are? Yes I do, thanks to Facebook!!

3. Do you usually arrive early, late, or on time? Depends on how lazy I am that day.

4. Are you more of a New York or California type? Totally New York!! Fuggetaboutit!

5. Do you have a special ring tone? Nope.. not gel-ing with my cell right now so I haven't done anything 'fun' with it. It's a cheapo so there's not a lot of 'fun' stuff to do to it.

6. What is your favorite type of chip? kettle fried, sea salt & black pepper

7. Best comedy you've ever seen is .... Jeff Dunham, I just LOVE those puppets!!!

8. Have you ever cut your own hair? To quote Dr. Phil, "How'd that work for ya?" OMG!!! It was a NIGHTMARE! Picture this... 7th grade, tried to cut my own bangs. Cut them TOO short. Asked Mom to 'fix' hair. She proceeded to cut my hair to match my bangs. My sisters call it the "Steve Perry" years.

I'm the one on the left (tall). This hair is a result of the bang debacle.

9. If you were going to have an extreme makeover, would you rather it be about your house or your personal self? self - I LOVE my house!!!

10. Are you allergic to anything? After undergoing hours of allergy testing, I have a 'mild' allergy to household dust.

11. Why is it so hard to change? it's SO easy being complacent.

12. One last question dedicated to February love: CS Lewis said, "To love is to be vulnerable." Please share one example of that assertion or share any thought you'd like to about this topic. Only when you become vulnerable with someone can you truly let them love you. Your walls are down and you are open.

Many blessings,
Allison

Casting stones

John 8:1-11 is a famous story. We all know the line from it "He who is without sin let him throw the 1st stone".

It is SO easy to look at other people's lives and throw stones at them. I'm just as guilty.

Tiger Woods' extra-marital activities has been a hot topic for months now. Today, he held a press conference apologizing for his actions. I'll admit, hearing him admit that he was unfaithful kind of ruffled my feathers. Unfaithful isn't exactly how I would describe what he has done. It is SO easy to sit in the privacy of my own home, compare my life to his and throw stones at him. I mean, seriously.... 10 women!!

Yet while listening to some great worship music (I've been in the mood to worship), I was convicted. I was listening to an old favorite made new again by Chris Tomlin: Amazing Grace The words have ALWAYS been a powerful reminder of how unworthy I am of His Grace, but today the lyrics really pierced my heart. The chorus "My chains are gone, I've been set free, My God, My Savior has ransomed me. And like a flood, His mercy reigns, unending love, amazing grace" hit me like a ton of bricks.

This song isn't just about me... it's not just about you either. It's about ALL of us, regardless of where we are in life. God's grace is for each of us... even Tiger Woods.

I pray that he & his wife know God. That, together, they can overcome this tragedy and the 3 of them (Tiger, Elin & God) can grow together.

Many blessings,
Allison

Sleepless in Gainesville

It's 3:30 in the morning & I am WIDE awake. I've tried laying in bed. I just cannot fall asleep. There's something weighing on my heart, but I don't know what it is. Have you ever gotten that feeling? This deep weepy feeling in the pit of my chest. I'm on the verge of tears yet I don't know what I could possibly cry about.

I feel that I need to worship my Father & have been listening to some of my favorite worship CDs, but that's not it. There's something more.... something I just cannot put my finger on.

Could it be that this evening's "situation" affected more than I thought? I don't think so. It was so minuscule; just a blip on my radar really. Maybe I've seen the "stuff" my husband has to deal with as a teacher. I'm just not sure.

The 2 things that keep popping into my head right now:

1. "Be still and know that I am God" ~ Psalm 46:10
2. "It is well with my soul" ~ Horatio Spafford (1873)

I need to make these my prayer tonight, yet I just can't. Right now, my soul is not still. It's not a depressed feeling; just a 'yuck' feeling. Could it be I'm feeling a spiritual battle that is surrounding me?

Wasn't what I expected!

One of the many things I love about being a Christian is being able to recognize when God answers a prayer. Granted, it's not always the answer that I'm expecting.

Tonight was just one of those nights. I cannot go into detail in such a public forum, but I sent out a quick prayer asking God to protect us from a certain situation. Honestly, I was expecting things to just run smoothly & the situation would be avoided (I like avoiding things). Not so much! It looked like we were going to experience that situation after all.

In walks God. Well, not literally. Well, MAYBE literally. A friend happened along to where we were, which enabled us to leave and avoid said situation.

I just love how when we pray for something, God sometimes answers with a great big ol' neon sign.

Many blessings,
Allison

Beautiful music

When my daughter was getting ready to head off to middle school, the music department really did a BIG push with chorus & band. Chelsea, lover of music, decided to join the chorus.

Joining chorus has really helped bring her out of her shell. Not that she's a wall flower, but she's found her element. She found the courage to try out for the statewide honors chorus (something I never would have done). There were only 3 positions (well, 6 really since 3 alternates were chosen). Chelsea was chosen as an alternate. Not sure what that entails - probably nothing as of right now. She was also selected to be one of 15 6th graders to represent her school in the Forsyth County Honors Chorus.

The County Honors Chorus recently held a performance. Middle school chorus students from all over the county (5 schools total) came together on one day, rehearsed together for the 1st time and performed later that same night. These kids were amazing!!!

ENJOY!




Many blessings,
Allison

Happy Valentine's Day

I saw this about 10 years ago and LOVED it. I am SO thankful that I found it again. Enjoy!!!

Many blessings,
Allison

Friday Fill-ins

I've been wanting to blog today, but wasn't sure what to write. Thanks to my friend, Elizabeth, I can have a little FUN!! I decided to join in on the fun with Friday Fill-Ins.

1. Pickles _____________.
2. _________ at home.
3. The snow is __________.
4. _____________ in nature.
5. It's 5:16 PM; that means ______________.
6. ________ is hard to find.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _____, tomorrow my plans include _____ and Sunday, I want to _____!

----------------------------------------------

1. Pickles are yummy on a Chik-fil-a chicken sandwich.
2. I love being at home.
3. The snow shouldn't be falling in GEORGIA!
4. I see God's love and beauty in nature. (I'm gonna borrow Elizabeth's answer on this one)
   
5. It's 5:16 PM; that means Chelsea should be starting her homework .
6. A true friend is hard to find.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing in front of the fireplace, tomorrow my plans include spending time with my family and Sunday, I want to go to church!

Have fun!!!!

Many blessings,
Allison

Meet Pablo

I often blog about my family; husband, children, sisters. I've yet to blog about another important member of our family - Pablo. He's the 5th member of our family.

We adopted Pablo in 2004, shortly after we moved to Georgia. He had such a sweet face & was SO excited to meet us. Little did we know.....




Many blessings,
Allison

I'm movin on up.....

....to the East Side. No, not really. No deluxe apartment in the sky either.

Since the beginning of the school year, I have volunteered at church at UpStreet, which is the K-5th children ministry as a small group leader for 5th grade girls.

It has been an interesting year so far and I know there's still SO much more to come in the next few months. But God has been tugging on my heartstrings. He wants me to move up to middle school. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!?

I think I signed up to be a small group leader kicking & screaming. Not ACTUALLY kicking & screaming. More like feeling inadequate. Was I really equipped to lead these girls? Is this my gift? I always saw myself as a 'behind-the-scenes' kind of girl.

God has been faithful. I have been blessed with a wonderful co-leader, Tricia, and a group of girls that just captured my heart. It's like having extra children - not having to worry about feeding & clothing them though.

Lately, I've been feeling a stirring in my heart. Do I want to stay in UpStreet or move up to the middle school environment, Xtreme? God's response: MOVE ON UP!

I don't know what lies ahead as I move up, but I'm SO excited to see what God has in store for me & Tricia!! He's got something great up His sleeves... we just need to be willing.

For now, I'm concentrating on Saturday - KIDVENTURE! What's KidVenture you ask? Oh man... it's going to be a super fun day!! Picture 750 kids, age 5-11 with a TON of adults bowling, laser tag, bumper cars, video games, pizza & soda!!! Did I mention it's for 3 hours!?!?!? It's going to be CRAZY and I can't wait!

Many blessings,
Allison

I can't contain myself!!!

Ginger Garrett is one of my favorite Christian authors - not because she's a friend either. If I didn't know her, I'd STILL love her books.

A few years ago, she was kind enough to bring me a few of her books to read. I couldn't put them down! My favorite, by far, was Chosen: The Lost Diaries of Queen Esther. Some would say that it is similar to 'One Night with the King'... I couldn't tell you. I haven't read that yet.

Back to Chosen. Ginger paints a vivid picture of Esther, Xerxes & their story. I got so wrapped up in the story that I forgot that it is a true story. Just open up your Bible to the Old Testament, find the book of Esther. Ta dah!

But Chosen is SO much more than the Biblical account. It really is a love story, but not your average love story. It's the love of God for His chosen people.

I lent my copy of Chosen to someone & haven't gotten it back. And if you KNOW me, you know that I need to keep my books. I re-read them constantly!! That's why I'm not good at borrowing books from the library. I never want to give them back.

Just last week, Ginger announced the re-release of Chosen. Sure, I could have bought a copy from Half.com, but some of the first editions are going for $90!! I love Ginger, but I'd rather pay HER $90 for her book - not a random stranger.

So, I'm starting a countdown!




Interested in pre-ordering, look no further: Chosen, Amazon.com
I know I'll be asking for a copy for my birthday!!!

Many blessings,
Allison

How excited am I!?!?!

Seldom do I enter contests online. I mean, there are millions on people online & the chances of me winning something are literally 1 in a million.

One thing I do do is read blogs. I love reading them! I have a few favorites that I read daily and then there are a few that I pop in now & then just to play catch up.

Lynnette's blog is on my favorites list. I want to be her when I grow up! Well, I want to be as good a photographer as she is. And I LOVE her story.

I'll make this LONG story short. I was blessed to win a prize from Lynnette's blog for the month of January! A gift certificate to The Vintage Pearl.

I'm not a jewelry person... but when I saw their stuff, I just fell in love! I'm all about personalized items. I had even emailed my husband a 'list' of Valentine gift ideas featuring a beautiful necklace from The Vintage Pearl. I hope he didn't buy it yet, but if he has I KNOW I can find something else from their collection that I just HAVE to have!

Today, I'd like you reintroduce you to Lynnette and introduce you to The Vintage Pearl.

Lynnette's story is one of love & heartbreak and God's love. She's been an inspiration to me. And if you're looking for unique personalized gifts, then The Vintage Pearl is the place!!! Just think birthdays, new baby, Mother's Day, anniversaries.. the possibilities are endless!



Many blessings,
Allison

Hold me accountable....

Several years ago, while watching Oprah, I took up a cause. One that bans driving while talking on the cellphone. There was a particular story that broke my heart - the loss of a 2 year old child because of a distracted driver - featured that day. From that moment on, I vowed that I would NEVER talk while driving.

Then, hands free technology was introduced. But those cords - what a PITA! Along came the Blue Tooth. I don't know about you, but I think I have weird ears. They don't stay in & aren't all that comfortable.

Needless to say, I became less interested in the cause.

A few months ago, a former co-worker was killed in a car accident. It was suspected that he had been texting while driving, swerved into oncoming traffic & killed instantly. That was enough to make me think twice about texting while driving. Of course, my kids are constant reminders too.

Enter Oprah once again... while checking out my Twitter page and what people have been Tweeting, I saw that Oprah was at it again.. This time, it's not just about talking while driving; texting too.

The statistics are amazing... talking while driving is equivalent to driving while drunk.


Anyway, find out more for yourself. Very rarely do I plug anything that Oprah does, but this one re-opened my eyes. I want to share it with you so that I do not hear another story about someone I know losing their life while driving - especially over something so not necessary as texting or talking.

This is going to be tough for me. Anyone who knows me knows that the only time I talk on the phone is when I'm driving. At the moment, I do not have a hands free device (yes Mom, I DO have the Blue Tooth you gave me but my current phone is not Blue Tooth compatible). This means, if you get a call from me & it sounds like I'm driving MAKE SURE that I am using a hands free device (you can always tell). If I'm not, HANG UP ON ME!!!

Many blessings,
Allison