To Everything There Is A Season...

Today was a very bittersweet, emotional day for my family. My church since childhood, Biggersville United Methodist Church, closed its doors today. Our church members (11 of us) made the decision to begin a new season after our beloved pastor, Brother Jimmy was led to follow God's will at another church. We knew our time was limited at the church because we had so few members and the idea had been brought up a few times. This time we were at peace (all of us).


This photo was from Easter 2009, but it reminds me of the closeness and love I've felt in my small church.

At 10 a.m., my mom played the piano for the last time at the church she attended since she was a teenager. "Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound..." Olivia helped her play today and my dear niece's smile, jibberish and laughter made the morning so much easier.



For 22 years, I have been blessed more than words can describe. Small churches are full of blessings, lessons and love. Brother Jimmy is such an inspiration to me and I know his new church will be blessed just as much as I was by his words. He and I shared so much, so saying "goodbye" to him was the hardest part. He calmed me as I was crying. "Lord, bless her...bless her," he said. How sweet the sound.

I left with peace and excitement about the new season in our family's lives. Olivia will get to experience so much as she grows up by being active in a new church. And I know, this new chapter happened for a wonderful reason. I'm very excited to see why.







"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace."

~ Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (KJV)

Quality Roommate Time Day

Today was designated as "Quality Roommate Time Day." This semester has been extremely busy for the both of us, so it feels like we only see each other in Intro to Philosophy and other sporadic times. I've known Amanda since Kindergarten and we have experienced so much together, from trips to college. In the 18 years I've known her, I don't believe we've ever argued or had major disagreements. Needless to say, I'm amazingly blessed to have a fantastic friend like her in my life.

Both of our birthdays are in February (we were born 5 days apart). Today was Amanda's and mine doesn't exist this year! Both of us deserved a relaxing day of our favorite things: clothes, shoes, scarves, jewelry and food. No stress. No worries. No hurries. We enjoyed spending time together and realizing how blessed we are to have one another.



I hope everyone has a friend like Amanda. I, and everyone else in her life, would absolutely have no idea what to do without her. She's an amazing person inside and out. In my opinion, she's the most credible and talented 22-year-old ever. I love you Manda and thanks for being my friend/roomie/cook/Starkville Mom/comforter/etc. I love you like I love judging the American Idols (You know that's a lot)!

If Happy Little Bluebirds Fly...

I'm obsessed with birds. I love any and everything that has any type of bird on it. I received my first bird, the one in the picture, as a graduation gift in 2006. I didn't really know it's purpose then, but I know now. Birds remind me of my favorite song. The song that I sang so loudly as a child. The song that I want my niece to know so well.

Somewhere over the rainbow
Way up high,
There's a land that I heard of
Once in a lullaby.
Somewhere over the rainbow
Skies are blue,
And the dreams that you dare to dream
Really do come true.

Someday I'll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far
Behind me.
Where troubles melt like lemon drops
Away above the chimney tops
That's where you'll find me.

Somewhere over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly.
Birds fly over the rainbow.
Why then, oh why can't I?

If happy little bluebirds fly
Beyond the rainbow
Why, oh why can't I?

(reelclassics.com)

These lyrics speak to my heart so dearly. I wanted to share them with everyone. Even though it's already one of the most recognizable songs of all time, I want to suggest really paying attention to the meaning behind the words. Dreams really do come true.

P.S. A special thank you to one of my mom's friends for giving me my first bird. That bird has sparked a meaningful collection of items and memories.

Simply,

Court