Happily Ever After

For a very long time, I prayed for a Happily Ever After. I prayed for a relationship like my parents had. Through the prayers and the years, I learned that patience was hard, but God's timing was always perfect.

Last September, I decided to throw away all of my fears and doubts and let God have complete control of my desire to be loved. A few weeks later, I received a call from a very special person asking me if I'd be willing to get to know a certain boy. She said his name and I got those butterflies (super cheesy, but true). The boy and I texted, talked, met and then met again. We both knew this crazy thing was super real and it terrified us. Over and over, we reminded each other that Jesus was at the center of it all. He knew what He was doing with us and He knew that He had given us a new chapter in our testimony.

For the past 11 months, I've learned what a God-centered relationship feels like. We've learned that when God is in it, everything works. Crazy things happen. 

Today, I got to say yes to the most amazing man with the biggest heart. I said yes to a man that has the deepest concern for God's will and seeks to keep Him at the center. He's who I've been praying for, and I am so completely thankful that I get to be his forever. 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths." - Proverbs 3:5,6

Life is good.

I could describe how many times I've sat down to write a blog post in the past six months, but that would be immensely boring. Instead, I'll start my journey down blog boulevard again with a list (I do love lists).

1. Jesus IS at the center of it all.

2. I have a master's degree.

3. Life is good.

4. Memphis is my official home for a while.

5. Olivia is still the light of my life (sweet girl).

6. God's timing is perfect.

7. Laughter is the best medicine.

8. Reality TV is still my guilty pleasure.

9. Cooking is not my best skill, but I'm working on it.

10. I'm blessed beyond measure.

Simply,

Court

Memphis, Tennessee

It's finally summer. My goal for the next few months is to discover new things to do in a city that I love so dearly. It just so happens that I call this city home and I'm super proud of it.

For many people (Corinth residents and more), Memphis is a city with malls, "chain" restaurants & Graceland. I totally used to be one of these people, but I soon discovered with the help of my Memphis friends that this city has so much more to offer. Here are a few things I've learned since I moved here in January 2011.

Ten Things A New/Visiting Memphian Needs To Know:

1. My favorite attraction is Sun Studios.

 (Aunt Barbara & I having fun at Sun Studios)

2. There's more to downtown Memphis than Beale Street (check out Main).

3. Get your coffee at Otherlands or Republic Coffee.

 (image source: examiner.com)

4. Visit ilovememphisblog.com for the unique and completely useful scoop on the city.

5. WEVL 89.9 has the best, random mix of music (seriously, I've heard polka, techno, Willie Nelson & No Doubt in one day)

6. The best restaurants are off the beaten path (e.g., drive past the malls and find some local flavor).

• Boscos
• Cafe Piazza
• The Majestic Grille
• Local Gastropub
• The Elegant Farmer
• Central BBQ
• Molly's La Casita
• Memphis Pizza Cafe
• Ask me if you need more options...I have plenty!

7. Vintage/Antique stores are everywhere. Ask me about them.

8. People are friendly. Don't be afraid.

9. The events and attractions are endless.

 (Christie & I at the NKOTBSB concert)

10. There's something in the air that makes you fall in love with it.


Simply,

Court

To-Do List

So y'all know I like lists, right? Well here's my summer to-do list. Of course, this is more for me than anyone else (except Mom & Dad, maybe).

1. Move furniture back (Daddy, help!)

2. Organize closet

3. Get all of those pictures developed

4. Explore Memphis

5. STARKVILLE

6. Eat healthier

7. Exercise more

8. Buy stuff (hello, I love to shop)

9. Finish the following TV seasons: Friday Night Lights, Cheers, Downton Abbey, Big Bang Theory

10. Have fun

Simply,

Court

A [Thought]ful Weekend

Ok, first thing's first. I am horrible at maintaining this blog during fall, winter & spring. Summer, however, will be a different story. To initiate my summer blogging, I'll give y'all some thoughts/blurbs/quotes from the weekend.


1. "Aaaaaaalviiiin" - Dave (This happens to be O's favorite movie at the moment. She said so.)


2. "I was merely The Supremes to Elise's Diana Ross." - Hailey in reference to their remarkable rendition of Bennie & The Jets on Friday night.


3. "That's where they sell suckers." - Olivia discussing BancorpSouth's main business goal.


4. "Daddy, will you rinse my car off?" - Christie
    "Daddy, will you check my tires?" - Courtney


5. Me: "I'm hungry." Mom: "Well, I've prepared a little meal for you." - The first conversation I had when arrived in Corinth on Saturday.


I love my life. I love the people in it. I love that I have three month's of freedom to ramble.


Simply,


Court

Hoodies On, Hats Low

Wowzers! 2011 is almost over and I think a list needs to be compiled of my favorite things of the year.

1. hellogiggles.com

This blog, created, in part, by Zooey Deschanel is a treasure trove of amazing things--Dawson's Creek episode reviews, hilarious letters to random people and lists (lots of lists). This blog will quickly become your best friend, trust me.

2. The New Girl

Speaking of Zooey, her new show on Fox is incredibad. Awkward, funny and sweet, the witty banter is chuckle-worthy.





3. The sale room at Anthropologie

This room has been my lifesaver for gifts, work outfits and casual items. I'm in grad school and on a strict budget, so buying Anthro stuff is nearly impossible. The sale room, however, is budget-friendly if you are willing to dig!

4. Music

In no particular order: needtobreathe, Lana del Rey, FreeSol and The Civil Wars. Listen and love them.





5. Red lipstick

I've felt bold in 2011 and red lipstick is the result. Can't nobody hold me down, oh no (thanks, Diddy).

(photo source: realbeauty.com)

And, there you go. My favorite things of 2011!

Merry Christmas, y'all. May 2012 be full of fabulous things and wonderful blessings.

Simply,

Court

I'm Not Able...On My Own

"And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." - 2 Corinthians 9:8

Do you ever feel like life is one, crazy roller coaster ride that doesn't end? I do.

This year has been one for the books with all of the obstacles, changes and transitions that have appeared in my life. It seems like there's something new everyday (the good, the bad and the ugly). I could go into details, but I'll spare you the lengthy descriptions and tell you what I've learned from all of it.

Life is hard. God is strong. Faith is important.

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." - Hebrews 11:1

It's hard sometimes to find faith. It's hard sometimes to believe the best. It's hard sometimes to have hope. The easy thing, though, is knowing that it's possible to find it, believe it and have it. The strength that I find when I experience not-so-happy moments is God's way of showing me that I'm capable. It's His way of showing me that giving up is so overrated!

A few weeks ago I bought a needtobreathe CD and immediately got goosebumps when I heard one of their songs. It's simple, yet powerful. It reminds me that I can truly do anything with the help of my Lord. But, I'm definitely not able on my own.

"I know I'm not able on my own."

Of course, I am overly blessed and I'm beyond happy with my life and all the people in it. My issues have been small (pest problems, especially), but others face things that are a lot worse. This post is simply meant to encourage anyone who is on one crazy roller coaster. Remember, roller coasters (i.e., life) can be fun and exciting! So live it to the fullest!

Simply,

Court