31 days

I'm getting married in 31 days...how stinkin' fast is that?

The plan: get married in Las Vegas in a hot air balloon on Halloween. It's fun. It's quirky. It's us. Plus it doesn't allow me time to stress out and turn into bridezilla....which actually (i'm sorry to say) is an actual concern. Plus it gives us a moment that's just ours.

We're planning on having a reception in November. We'll show the engagement & the ceremony to our guests, have cake, and celebrate. Those details aren't hammered out just yet but should be finalized by this weekend....which would mean I could send out invitations next week.

I can't wait!

The Ring!

I didn't think the pictures I took of it did the ring justice so please enjoy the short video. :-)

BEST. BIRTHDAY. EVER!

28.

I'm 28 years old today & I can't believe how much God has already blessed me on this day!

I woke up this morning, put on my adorable new birthday cardigan (thanks Wade!) & headed out to Starbucks. The morning was beautiful & I couldn't help but just thank Jesus for such a great day! I got a scone & a pumpkin spice latte (thanks Mom!) before heading into work.

I was able to visit with a volunteer, update my weekend rosters, and was feeling a little nervous for the weekend. I really needed about 35 more slots filled so I started praying God would provide.

I went to birthday lunch at one of my favorite places in dfw: La Hacienda Ranch. It's yummy but the over the top decor is what really draws me in. I love that it's crazy ranch decorations & that they have such delicious tortillas. It was a huge blessing to have so many friends able to make it.

I come back & start work. I see an email from our pastor's wife saying a local bakery had donated cupcakes for our staff & they would be delivered at 3. SCORE! I get a text from PT our director for our children's curriculum asking me if I can be an extra in the video shoot. This day keeps getting better & better!

I get a delicious chocolate cupcake (so good!) before heading up to the shoot. I get my mic on & am so thankful I get to be a part of this shoot. It's a Christmas themed shoot so it's really an amazing set! My role was to shop in the candy section until a store clerk took me to another part of the store. This was to be a cut away shot for different transitions. Easy enough! After all, I'd probably be shopping in the candy section anyway....ahhh Candy!

With all four cameras rolling, Chris (in a horse costume) taps me on the shoulder as I'm shopping in the candy section. I don't think anything weird about a horse working in the shop since he had been in an earlier scene. He leads me to the middle of the stage, takes off his horse costume, and he's in a tuxedo. Chris says, "You've had a pretty great day today. I was wondering if you could help me have a really great day too. Will you marry me?" My response: YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSS!!!!

I turn & friends and family are there to congratulate us! I can't believe it! I was totally surprised! I should be able to post a video of it before too long too which just blows me away!

This is truly my best birthday ever & I can't believe it!

Sprouts (a love letter)

Dear Sprouts,
I have a history of making bad food choices. It starts with a cup of coffee then a pop tart then before you know I'm spiraling out of control due to all of the crazy sugar and preservatives I've eaten. The problem is that I love junk food. I do. I grew up on it--it takes me to my happy place. It feels like home....
Then one day I was introduced to you. You and your organic farmer's market produce, bakery, deli, and ready to eat meals. It was love at first taste! Whenever I go to get groceries, you enable me to make good choices! You make me not miss Taco Bell and that is a feat that has never been done.
I love you! Thank you for your premade meals too! I am currently enjoy a pork chop with stuffing and fresh vegetables. It is delightful! I also bought a snack: fresh organic mixed nuts & blackberries.
I feel myself getting healthier all because of you! Could you make a version of Mountain Dew? Then my diet would be perfect!
Yours,
Sarah Beth

advertising works...at least on me

I was so excited about working out today I woke up myself at 4:45. When I realized what time it was, I slept for about an hour and a half. I don't know how I slept during the next 90 minutes, but I must have slept roughly. I woke up with a crazy pain in the middle of the right side of my back. I got up to work out thinking it would work itself out. Not so much...

I tried doing the warm up and it was PAINFUL. So I decided I would work out tonight. I laid back down with extra pillows for a little while thinking that would help...I was wrong. When I got up to take a shower, I let the hot water hit my back knowing this would solve the problem. For a third time in a very short span of time, I was wrong.

I got ready for work. I stopped by to pick up an icy hot back patch. I've seen Shaq with one on his back in numerous commercials. I went to a drug store first but they didn't have icy hot. They did have other brands but I wanted the icy hot brand. It's what Shaq used & if it looked big on his back, I knew it would definitely cover my pained area.

So I went to another store, found my icy hot patches and picked up some dunkin' donuts coffee (so good!). In my car, I discretely put the patch on....and I felt relief almost instantly. Thanks Shaq. I owe you one!

New Movie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This movie is about a HUGE event that happens in my hometown every year. I grew up about 2 miles from it & it was always the weekend before my birthday.

I don't even know what to do right now. I'm so excited to see what all they have to say!

Sermon Notes * Details by Ed Young

I have a little notebook from our 2009 Children's Conference. I take it to each small group & weekend service to take notes. I'm an old school note-taker. I had to stop & reread my notes from the January 9, 2010 sermon Pastor Ed shared. This sermon was over manners. I'd never heard a sermon over manners & it really struck me so I wanted to share some of the points from my notes.

In our culture, the mood is rude.

Ignorance + Arrogance = Rudeness
Knowledge + Humility = Respect

1. Manners are deep. Philippians 2:3-4
2. Manners aren't general; thy are specific.
3. Manners aren't selective; they're standard. EVERYONE MATTERS TO GOD.
4. Manners aren't about you; they're about others.

10 Things for 2010
1. I will take responsibility for honors, respect, & manners.
2. I will gladly welcome correction. (read Proverbs...)
3. I will deal with people honestly & without hostility.
4. I will look at (not through) people.
5. I will look my best because I represent the best.
6. I will expect respect in all of my relationships.
7. I will incorporate the power words in my life: Yes sir; No ma'am; please; thank you.
8. I will make hospitality happen.
9. I will live in prayer mode. (pray for everyone I see/meet)
10. I will fast to make it last. (awake21.0rg)

PS You can check out the podcast on itunes or you can listen to it here.