I want to start......

an herb garden.

Do I know anything about herbs......????? NO.
Do I know anything about gardening...??? NO.

But I think it will be fun.

So I'm open to any words of advice :)

A much needed reminder.

Someone shared this with me today:

"the Lord often chooses a wilderness experience for us because His goal is to make us more dependent on Him.
The problem is once we leave the wilderness, we become independent of Him again and go our own way.
We must remember that the wilderness was leading us to abundance, yes..... but more importantly, abundance in Him."

abundance: overflowing fullness

Very fitting.

A week in the making.

So I've really been learning something over the past week or so. Trusting God is like a constant work in progress (I think I believed it was more like riding a bike---once you seem to accomplish it in one area, it's just something you always know how to do---I'm starting to realize I was wrong). Or at least it is for me.

I think the more we trust the Lord, the easier it gets....but why is it so easy in some areas, but so hard in others?

For the past few years there have been certain areas of my life that I have just had to completely surrender to the Lord. It took a long time, but I finally just gave it up and turned it all over to Him. God has blessed me in these areas more than I EVER imagined.

I've experienced so much joy over these past few years. And especially these past few months. For a while it was that joy that you only experience in the desert- I think that's the kind of joy you really have to choose every day to have.

For the past few months, I have experienced a different kind of joy. It's that joy that you just can't deny. The kind that just seems to just radiate from within.

This week I completely let Satan steal all of that joy from me. The sad thing is that he really didn't have to work that hard for it. I kind of just handed it over, almost without even realizing it. And then I did a great job of making up excuses of why I was feeling the way I did. None of which were the truth.

Too bad just when I think I have it all figured out, I quickly realize I do NOT.

I let the enemy plant a thought of insecurity and then I just let him run with it. It's crazy the places our minds can go.

Then that insecurity turned into worry and that worry turned into fear, and I completely let fear control all of my thoughts and actions. Fear makes you do and think crazy things sometimes.

It was miserable.

Thankfully last night, through lots of prayer, the Lord really began to open my eyes and I was able to take all of those crazy thoughts captive. But of course Satan just kept attacking all day today. I'm learning that trusting the Lord is really something you have to choose to do.

I don't know how to end this, I feel like there may be more I want to say, but for now I'm just going to stop and say that there really is so much freedom in trusting the Lord.

Blogging Slacker

I've been so bad about blogging lately--not because nothing is going on, but because there has been so much going on.

I'll start with the most exciting thing.....
I copied and pasted this from my facebook profile:

"Relationship Status:
In a Relationship with Matt Morris"

I've been wanting to post about this for quite a while now, but it was one of those things that I've gotten to tell most people so I haven't really gotten around to it.

I'm going to tell about how it all happened eventually (I've started on the post but haven't finished it), but for now here are some pics.

Here is Matt... he's amazing!

This picture is from July 4th weekend at the lake.

This is from this past week when I was visiting him in Louisville (where he lives). We were playing golf--well he was playing, I attempted one hole. It didn't go so well. For some reason I don't have very good club to ball contact.

The new job is still going great! I love the doctor I work for and everyone else that I work with.

Hopefully I'm going to get better about my posting.

Quick Update.

I know my blog has been neglected lately. I did most/all of my blogging at work when I worked for Student Life and now I haven't really had the time. But today I was determined to make it happen!

Update on my new job: I LOVE it!!!! I just finished up my first week and it was way better than I ever could have hoped for. In my last post about the job, I said that I really think this position was a much better fit for me..... it definitely is. God is good and knew what He was doing!
The doctor I work for is incredible! And I'm working with kids all day. It's pretty fast pase with not a lot of down time-which I love. Working at Student Life I would just be sitting there for hours at a desk and the day would move so slow. I'm having to learn a lot of medical terminology, which is quite funny because I'm also having to learn how to spell a lot of medical terminology. I'm not so great at it yet. Because I'm working for a gastrologist, most of the terminology is in regards to "mother nature" calling, so I'll spare you all the medical words I have learned so far.

As far as the rest of my life goes, I don't think it could get any better! I'm so happy right now! There is more updating to come.... hopefully sooner than later!

P.S. I finally wrote about my pictures that I posted in the last post.

Murder Mystery Dinner Party

Last Sunday night Autumn and I (mostly Autumn-I was kinda preoccupied ) hosted a murder mystery party. Autumn found a website where you can buy them. It was soooo much fun and I highly recommend it for anyone who is looking for something fun to do with a group of about 15 people.

The theme of ours was a Mobster Wedding Reception. Everyone has a part and you have to come dressed in character (you get an invitation with all of that info on it before you get to the party).

The punch and cake table. We made a bride and groom's cake. (The more you get into it, the more fun it is!)

Bride's Cake

Groom's Cake

Leah & Andy (The Bride and Groom)

Leah was the victim. We outlined her body after she "died."

Me and April

This was my family photo.

Mallory (Trashy mother of the Bride), Me (the outcast sister), Leah (the good sister that got all of the attention), Marcus (the rich Mobster dad)

The whole group!

Life Update.

I've been holding off mentioning anything about what I'm about to mention.  I wasn't sure of the outcome and didn't want to post about it all over my blog until I knew it was official.  So basically......I got a new job!

I've known for the past year that I would eventually have to have something full time (with benefits) by October of this year.  So it's been in the back of my mind for a while and I've been praying through the whole thing and keeping my eye out on any opportunities that might become available.  **Side Note:  God has seriously blessed me in every job I have had over the past few years!

Several months ago my dad ran into a family friend whose husband is a Pediatric Gastrologist.  She asked what I was doing and then told my dad that they were getting ready to hire someone full time for a front office position.  So I sent them my resume and then just waited to hear from them.

A couple months went by and I never heard anything.  Until several weeks ago.  I got a phone call from the office manager there and set up a day to go and interview.  I thought the interview went great (I was there for about 2 hours), but weeks went by and I never heard anything.  Some other potential opportunities seemed to be opening up and I thought that maybe God was just closing that door.

So last week while I was at the beach the actual doctor called me and offered me a position (I think he's going to be a great boss!).  It's not the position I applied for, in my opinion, it's much better.  Better for me anyways.  I kinda accepted it without really thinking through it a whole lot.  I got really excited and just said yes.  But the good news is that I know I made the right choice.  I did tell the Lord that I was willing to call and tell them I made a mistake since I didn't really pray about it or anything before I said yes :)  

Basically what I will be doing (I think he called it a Medical Assistant or Medical Technician???) is taking patients from the waiting room to their rooms.  I will weigh them and then explain their prescriptions and stuff to them after they see the doctor.  That's honestly all I know.  I will be working with people (It's a pediatric office so lots of kids, which anyone that knows me will know that I love kids) everyday, which I love.

I'm super excited about it though!  I have had a complete peace about the whole thing since I first sent them my resume.  I know it's not really ministry related,  but I also know it's where I'm supposed to be right now.  

So I start next Tuesday the 16th.  My last day at Student Life will be this Friday.  It's a bittersweet feeling.  God is doing A LOT  in my life right now.  I can't wait to share more!!!

We found a fun outside kareoke place while we were at the beach this past weekend.  Me, Autumn, and Sis were chaperones for my sister and her best friend Mallory. 

Despite how it looks, everyone with us is completely sober in this video.  And I'm warning you, it's rough!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

P.S.  There are some changes coming, I'll update everyone on those later!  But life is GREAT right now!  God is so good :)

Something I have been working on.

This site has a long, long way to go and needs a lot of work.  I was going to wait to post it, but I just decided to go ahead and do it.

I have no idea what my plans for it are, so for now it's just for fun!

www.bpelfdesigns.blogspot.com

Because the people want to know.....

Here is where I spent my lunch today.  I've been going to this park for several weeks now during lunch or after work to run.  I love it there!

I bet this one is named "Big Mamma" or "Big Daddy."  Either way, I don't go near it.

These ducks are psycho.  Seriously!  If you have food they just flock to you and get as close to you as you let them.

Before and After

When I was getting ready to move I became a little overwhelmed by all the stuff I needed wanted. My granddaddy, who owns some storage buildings, knew I was looking for some furniture so he called me when he came across anything he thought I would use.  Basically the way the storage buildings work are when you don't pay rent for so many months, whatever is in your building becomes my granddads and he can do with it what he pleases.  Which is usually give it to us or sell it.

I call this an armoire (I just spelled that correctly without even having to look it up!) but I'm not exactly sure if that's really what it is.  When I first saw it, I wasn't sure how it would turn out, but I'm very pleased with it!

My granddad kept telling me how "nice" it was.   He was a little surprised when he came in and saw what I had done with it.  It was completely different.

Before:

Drawers

After:

Basically all I did was paint it brown.  The handles are the ones that were on it.  I just cleaned them off.

I really like the whole eclectic look when it comes to furniture/decorating.  Which is a good thing because furniture is so expensive.  All of the blogs I have on the right side of my page have been inspiring me in my decorating.  Especially this one.  It's very do it yourself.

So I went yard selling and found this lamp.  I actually got 2 of them for $5!  When I picked it up to buy it, Autumn just looked at me.  They were ugly.  I told her I had a "vision" for it.  I was actually only going to buy one because I didn't need two of them.  But the man started to bargain with me asking me "how much I was willing to give for both of them."  When I told him I didn't need them both, and started walking away he said "fine you can just have the other one."  So I walked away with 2 lamps!  I told him that means I won and I wasn't really even playing!  We went to another sale after that one where I found a shade for $.50.  It was the perfect size so I bought it too.  

Before:

After:

**The picture in the frame is one my friend brought me back from Paris.  I love it!

Basically I bought a can of $3 spray paint at Wal Mart and 1/2 a yard of fabric from Hobby Lobby that cost $4.85.  I just painted the base of the lamp and covered the shade with the fabric.  I love it!!!

And here is part of my bed.  Until I finish my headboard, it's all I'm ready to reveal :)

It's Memorial Day and I'm sitting at work :(  Also, I think I have pink eye :/

A little Friday randomness.

Do you ever pray for something and God answers it, but just in His way and not the way you really imagined it happening???  I'm definitely experiencing that right now in more than one way.  But His ways are better than my ways, right?  Ok, I know that is right, but it's easier said than done!

Maybe I need to be more specific in my prayers next time ;)

I'm about to leave work and go babysit some of the sweetest/cutest kids I've ever met!  I've mentioned them once before but they are foster kids that a friend of my mom's has.  I have fallen in love with these little guys (4 of them ages 5, 4, 3, and 2--And they are all siblings!) since November and it's looking like they may go back to live with their mom sometime soon. 

It breaks my heart to think about and the way the whole foster care system works is seriously outrageous.  

I thought I could be a foster parent one day, but now I'm not so sure.  Having to let them go is harder than I thought and I'm not even the foster parent.  

Here is a pic of two of them.... so precious!  See what I mean?!?!

On a happier note, I'm going to the lake for the weekend when I get done babysitting.  I'm hoping to finish this:

And do a little of this:

And just for fun, here is a picture of my dog (actually my sister's dog, but she says he's ours anytime she doesn't want to take him out or bathe him).  Can't you tell how happy he is!

And here is my nerd of a dad.... gotta love him!

And because I haven't really updated anyone on my moving status lately, I am officially moved in!  My room is slowly coming together, which is killing me!  I want it all to be done the way I want it right now...... I'm obviously not very patient when it comes to stuff like this!

Now I will leave you with a quote I just read on another blog..... it's pretty challenging!

"Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death. Grab life by the mane. Set God-sized goals. Pursue God-ordained passions. Go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention. Keep asking questions. Keep making mistakes. Keep seeking God. Stop pointing out problems and become part of the solution. Stop repeating the past and start creating the future. Stop playing it safe and start taking risks. Expand your horizons. Accumulate experiences. Consider the lilies. Enjoy the journey. Find every excuse you can to celebrate everything you can. Live like today is the first day and last day of your life. Don't let what's wrong with you keep you from worshipping what's right with God. Burn sinful bridges. Blaze a new trail. Criticize by creating. Worry less about what people think and more about what God thinks. Don't try to be who you're not. Be yourself. Laugh at yourself. Quit holding out. Quit holding back. Quit running away. Chase the lion." 

- Mark Batterson

I want one!

Look at these faces!  Ah!  I want one.  But I want a big dog too.  The only option I seem to have is none or a big one and a little one.... and I don't think that's happening.  

I really do know the people selling these dogs though.

A tribute.....

Dear Green Bridesmaids Dress:

I hope I never have to wear you again.  No offense to you or to the beautiful brides that have picked you out.  You are beautiful, but I am just curious to see what other colors might look like on me.

There are three of you that hang in the back of my closet.  There were four, but sadly one of your sisters got lost in my move from Dallas to the Ham.  Pretty soon I am going to cut you all up and make pillows out of you.  It looks like I'm going to need to start planning a room where I can incorporate you all in.  

You each represent a special day in my life that I got to share with some of my most favorite people in the world.  However, even though they say "You can wear it again" let's be honest ladies..... I'm probably not gonna.  Simply because I don't go anywhere to wear long formal dresses anymore.  But if one day I get invited to a formal St. Patrick's Day party, I am so set.

So green dress, I will most likely never wear you or anything like you again.  But of course I will if it comes down to it :)

It's been fun,

Brittany

Lindsey and Ryan- June, 2008

Amber and Reid, May 2007

Courtney and Zach- May, 2009

There is one other one, but it was before the days of digital cameras, but it pretty much looks like the other ones you see here.

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

Here is my only other bridesmaids dress I have ever had.  I really felt like I needed to give it some credit.

Lacy and Chris, May 2005

Wedding Review

My friend Courtney got married this past weekend.  She and I have seriously been friends our whole lives.  Our moms have been friends since the 1st grade.  She married Zack who is on his way to becoming a professional golfer.  Like seriously.  He is 4th in the world for amateurs.  

The wedding was beautiful, the bride was beautiful, and everything was a lot of fun.

Here are some pics of the wedding and wedding festivities.....

My friend Rachel.  Well the back of her.  I did her hair right before the wedding.  I was pretty excited about how it turned out because it only took me about 10 mins.  So I guess I'm being pretty vain right now, but here it is.

Courtney and Zack cutting the cake.  His cake was so good.  Peanut Butter and chocolate.

This is from our Bridesmaids Dessert and Coffee night at Cheesecake Factory

I have no idea why I'm smiling like this.  

(Julie, Me, and Rachel)

Crystal, Julie, Jennifer, and Me

Rehearsal Dinner, all of the ladies in the wedding party

(The Bride is on the front row in the blue and black dress)

All of the girls at the Rehearsal

Pre-Wedding Pictures

All of my best friends from high school.  

Lacy-she is with child right now :), Me, Breanna, Rachel, and Courtney

Me and Lacy

Several of the bridesmaids went to the beach two weekends ago.  This is me and Rachel when we were out to eat one night.