Hope

     On my daily commute home from work this afternoon, I noticed the sun was shining through these massive grey clouds. Today is the first day the sun has shown its face in about a week. It was really beautiful! The scene reminded me of hope. Hope shines through when there are grey clouds in the way and you can't see past them. 

I did not intend for the exit sign to be in the picture, but I like it. Exit here, at hope! :)

~ But I will keep on hoping for your help; I will praise you more and more. I will tell everyone about your righteousness. All day long I will proclaim your saving power, though I cannot count it. I will praise your mighty deeds, O Sovereign Lord. I will tell everyone that you alone are just. O God, you have taught me from my earliest childhood, and I constantly tell others about the wonderful things you do. Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the highest heavens. You have done such wonderful things. Who can compare with you O God? You have allowed me to suffer much hardship, but you will restore me to life again and lift me up from the depths of the earth. You will restore me to even greater honor and comfort me once again. Psalm 71:14-17, 19-21

Effie and Her Rabbit

Meet Effie's rabbit:

This is her absolute favorite toy!

She LOVES it.

But sometimes she rips it up and gets the stuffing out. 

Then, it has to be sewn back together.

The other day, my mom was doing just that.

Effie saw her with the rabbit.

And then that is all she wanted.

SHE WANTED HER RABBIT.

She started circling the table over and over.

She kept looking at my mom, whimpering pitifully.

Then, she started climbing in the chair beside her.

Watching.

Watching.

Watching. 

Then, she climbed onto the table!

Of course after I took a picture, I made her get down.

Then, she just lay down and waited.

I watched this entire scene unfold and thought it was so funny.

Then, I realized something. 

My mom wanted to give the rabbit to her, but she wasn't finished with it yet. 

                                                            The rabbit wasn't quite ready.

I couldn't help but think it is the same for me.

I act just like Effie.

I see evidence of God working in my life. 

But sometimes I get anxious and do everything in my power to get whatever He is working on.

But, my power alone can do nothing.

He has to do it.

He's the only one capable of doing it.

I know He wants to give me my heart's desires. 

He's just not ready yet.

He is completing it. 

When He gets it just right, He will give it to me.

His timing is perfect.

I just have to wait.

Black-Eyed Peas, Cornbread, Cabbage, and New Year's Resolutions

What would New Year's Day be without black-eyed peas, cornbread, and cabbage? This is a Southern tradition. The peas are for good luck and the cabbage is for money in the new year. I must confess though, I did not eat any cabbage. I still have a little time left so I may sneak in the kitchen and eat some leftovers! I probably need to considering we have fallen off the fiscal cliff and taxes are going up, up, up!

 

     On to my 2013 resolutions. I, like most people, make these every year and utterly fail year after year. But, I think it is good to try to improve and challenge yourself. This year, I only have a few. They are completely reachable. Here they are:

1. Reach my total weight loss goal.
2. Run 1 mile. (and potentially more)
3. Finish my quilt. (I am such a procrastinator!)
4. Read the entire Bible through. 

2012 Year In Review

     2012 will be one for the books in just a few short hours. It has definitely been a year for me! Here are some of the highlights:

• Car trouble, lots of car trouble. I pretty much have a new car under the hood, lol.
• My first and hopefully last kidney stone. Who knew something so tiny could be so painful?
• Spring trip to Nashville with the girls
• Started this blog! 
• Brought my total weight loss to 67 pounds! Never thought that would be possible.
• My brother got married!
• My friend, Christy, got married too!
• Summer trip to New Orleans
• Attended my first ASHA Convention and heard Maya Angelou and Gabby Giffords speak.
• Fall trip to Atlanta
• Loss of my last living grandparent, Pawpaw Red
• My dad's sickness/hospitalization two times. Thankfully he is recovering.
• Lots of time with family and friends during Christmas!

     Along with all the things I listed, this year is filled with countless memories of laughter and tears, thrills and disappointments, joys and heartaches. Many things I will never forget have happened this year. My faith has grown and God has changed me in so many ways. I am thankful for all that He has done this year. I look forward to what He will do in 2013! Happy New Year!!!

The Lord has done great things for us. And we are filled with joy. Psalm 126:3

We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. Romans 8:28

Christmas 2012 in Pictures!

Christmas Tree, 2012 Version, Candace Style!

     I think my Christmas tree looks a little different each year. This year, I decided to use colored lights instead of white lights. I also randomly placed those red stems at the top with the star. I think the 2012 version is fun! And, I totally did not pose Effie in this picture. She did that all by herself! :)

Current Events!

     Last weekend, my friend Lauren and I went to a local Christmas parade. It was unusually warm for this time of year and I got a slight sunburn! It was nice being outside on such a pretty day and we got to see a few fun floats before we left early for lunch!

I love to hear the bands play in a parade!
And the Grinch was my favorite!

     This weekend, Becky, Elizabeth, and I were able to go to a local "Christmas lights extravaganza." I've never seen so many inflatables or lights in one place. We had a great time!

We found Frosty!

Christmas Fun!
Please notice Santa is in the outhouse. So random!!