Long Time No Blogging

It has been a LONG LONG LONG time since I last blogged. I decided to start back, if for no other reason than, to keep a journal for myself of everything going on in my life!!

Since I last blogged I have graduated college, got ENGAGED, and got my first real job!!! Looking back on the last half of 2010, it has been great!!

Just an update on my life.......

In August I graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in Business Administration!! What a wonderful feeling it is knowing you are finished with school, WOW!!! I enjoyed a wonderful day with family and friends celebrating my graduation! It was extra special having my Papa there. I'll never forget looking up in the stands, right before I walked on stage, seeing him setting there screaming my name and waving at me! A very special moment I will never forget!!

Skip a few months on to November, I was in Nashville for a girls' weekend of shopping and fun. It was a Friday night and we were going to see the Christmas lights at the Opryland Hotel. Little did I know David was there waiting to propose to me! When I reached the big Christmas tree there he was!!! After saying some very sweet and special things, he got down on one knee and asked me to MARRY HIM!! I said YES, of course!!!!

Where I said YES!!!

November 19, 2010

My gorgeous ring!!

The week after we got engaged I received a call about a job. I went to work the week after Thanksgiving as an Accouting Representative! I really like my job. It has been a great first job. I know God has placed me there for a reason and I am thankful for this opportunity he has blessed me with.

David and I have set a wedding date, October 29, 2011. I am officially in wedding mode!! It has totally consumed my thoughts! :) I can NOT wait to marry this amazing guy that God has blessed me with. God has put such a love in my heart for David. I know he has great plans for us as a couple and I can't wait to begin the adventure! :)

Sweetest Girls Ever

I have blogged about Lannah Grace before! I kept her tonight while her Mom went to church for a ladies meeting. Tonight was special because I got to keep Leelah too for the first time!! :) We had a blast! Toys, make up, hide and seek, outside, and more fun!! They are the most sweetest girls on this planet and way too cute!!! LOVE THEM!!

Lannah Grace watching Dora and Leelah playing :)

BFF Time

Wow, my life has become absolutely C.R.A.Z.Y.! I was able to enjoy one week off from school and then I began my internship. Let's just say waking up between 5:30 and 6 and then not getting home til 5:30 in the afternoon isn't my favorite thing in the world. My body has had to do some major adjusting to get used to the "real world". However, God has blessed me with an intern position 20 miles from home and I'm getting paid. So I am too blessed to complain! :)

Due to school consuming my life, I have not been able to see or even talk to my best friend Kayla that much. She lives in Cullman. Which is not too far away but far enough to make things difficult. Since I am finished with school I was able to leave work Thursday and head to Cullman to spend a few days with her. I had not been to her house since August of last year. That's just wrong for us two!!

Thursday was a special day. Not only was I seeing my best friend that I hadn't saw in 5 months but it was also a day that God proved himself faithful once again! Kayla's Dad, Jeff, had received some bad test results. The doctor had pretty much told him he had cancer. Jeff went for a biopsy Wednesday and would receive the results on Thursday! While driving to Cullman, Kayla calls to let me know the doctor had called and.....THERE WAS NO CANCER!!! That's my GOD!! :) We were all so excited! I was glad I got to be there with Kayla and share in the excitement of God answering their prayers!

I am glad I was able to spend some time with her. We ate, went swimming, glow bowling, laughed, laughed, and laughed some more!! Kayla has been my best friend for almost ten years now. We have been through ALOT together and I could NOT imagine my life without her! She means the world to me. I am so thankful that God placed her in my life and blessed me with such an amazing Godly friend. It is really funny how we met and I know it was nothing but a God thing. :)

Glow bowling

Christy, me & Kayla crammed in the backseat on our way to Chili's Friday night

Good Preachin'

There is nothing better than some good preachin'. I love it! I guess part of that comes from being a preacher's daughter. I have been around preaching my whole life. I have heard more preachers than I can even begin to count. I've heard some of the best and greatest and then some of the not so great! That's probably awful to say. But we have all been there and done that!
To me, my Dad is the best there is. Yes, of course, I am partial. But I believe he ranks right up there with the best in the country! I love nothing more to see my Dad get fired up while he's preachin' and have a "happy spell". I have a list of favorite preachers.....
#1 being my Dad
#2 Bro. Bill Stafford
#3 Bro. Phil Hoskins
and #4 would have to go to Bro. Joe Arthur.
I met Bro. Joe for the first time this week. He preached lastnight and tonight in our revival service. I had watched Bro. Joe preach on DVD before but this was the first time to see him live and in action. I knew he was a fireball but he is much more of a fireball in person. He preached the house down!! He is one of the funniest preachers I've ever met! Absolutely crazy!! Yet, he is one of the most humble I've ever met. I thoroughly enjoyed setting under his preaching these past 2 nights. My heart was challeneged and refreshed.
If you ever get the opportunity to hear him preach I strongly encourage it!
I am also thankful that one of the men, a church member, in our church got saved tonight. I know it's hard for people who claim to be a Christian to walk the aisle and profess that they aren't truly saved. I know because I did the same. But oh how thankful I am that God doesn't give up on us and draws us to him!!


Dr. Joe Arthur and Dad after church tonight. Bro. Joe had changed so that is why he isn't wearing a tie. He said to not show this picture to anyone...oops!!

Joy

I have been doing a devotion called A Young Woman's Walk With God...Growing More Like Jesus. Elizabeth George is the author and I absolutely love her books and devotionals. This devotion has been talking about the fruits of the spirit. I have heard about them all of my life but had never studied them in depth til now.
I have been studying joy. God is our primary source of joy. Joy is not based on circumstances but it is based on our relationship with Christ. God is always with us if he lives in our heart. Therefore, we should always be joyful. I know being joyful is not always easy though. As humans we often base our joy on our circumstances. If we have a bad day then we are in a bad mood. If something goes wrong we get mad. If a bad situation takes place we go into depression. We are humans and that's how we react. Yet, as Christians, no matter what life is throwing at us we should ALWAYS be joyful and offer sacrifices of praise to God for his goodness.
I read Acts 16:22-25 where Paul was thrown in jail. Even though he was in jail Paul was still praising God. I am guilty of maximizing my problems and thinking life is just horrible. But what can be worse than being thrown in jail. Even on my baddest days I don't praise God. Yet, Paul was praising him in jail.
This was a reminder to me that my joy through Christ is not based on how my day went. But it is forever and always. I should always be joyful no matter what I am facing. I need to be more like Paul!

Happy Mother's Day

Proverbs 31: 26-30
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

Happy Mother's Day!! Besides God, the most important people in my life are my parents. My Mom is my rock! She's the greatest Mom in the world, in my eyes of course! She's my best friend! I go to my Mom about EVERYTHING. Nothing goes on in my life that my Mom doesn't know about. She even knows stuff that I don't tell her, and that often freaks me out a bit :), so I end up telling her anyways! People say Leah is just like Dad and I'm just like my Mom. That's the greatest compliment I could ever receive. Mom is the most Godly, humble, selfless, compassionate, loving, and supportive person I know. I never hear her complain. She is always giving giving giving and never expects anything in return. She is always giving me the Godly guidance I need. I am soooooo blessed to have her as my Mom. She has taught me so much and I know she'll continue to teach me many more things to come. I absolutely could not imagine my life with out her. Happy Mother's Day Mom! I love you!!!

God, thank you for blessing me with the most amazing mother I could ever ask for!

Nearing the Finish Line

My world has been crazy finishing up projects, papers, and studying for finals. As of today, I am DONE with undergrad classes. No more finals! No more tests! No more papers! No more studying! No more group projects! WOW, I am not going to know what to do with myself! I begin my internship May 17. I get one week off and then it's to work! I absolutely can't wait! I have to work 280 hours. Then August 7th, I'll put on my cap and gown and GRADUATE!! I am beyond excited! If you can't tell! College has flown by. I have put forth ALOT of hard work, if I do say so myself! I've amazed myself a few times! I have been blessed with the opportunity to attend the greatest university. I do not take my time at Bama for granted. I am so excited about the new chapter in my life unfolding. I know God has a special place for me to work and I can't wait to see what his plans are for me! I am seeking his will and praying about my job. I am a firm believer that he has a specific job for me and I want to be right where he wants me to be. I will be packing up the car and heading home this weekend. It's bittersweet but I know home is where I belong for now! :)

Spring Photos

We had family pictures made a few weeks ago. My aunt is a photographer and graciously took our pictures for us. Thought I would share a few of my favorites :)

Easter Pictures

My wonderful parents :)
My Dad..one of my best friends and my favorite preacher :)

Dad & Leah...She's a Daddy's girl ;)

Mom & her girls

Sisters :O)

My little sis and best friend :)

Easter pic with my lil bff :)

The sisters!!

Our Youth Pastor's little girls, Reagan and Madi!!

What does Easter mean to you?

What does Easter mean to you? This seemed to be the theme at church today considering we talked about it in Sunday School and then it was the title of Dad's message today!
Easter means to me several different things. First of all, the fact that Jesus shed his blood for me is what makes me worthy to come before a holy God. Without the blood of Jesus being applied to my soul I would not be seen as worthy. But because Jesus' blood is on my soul, I can go before God and he doesn't see my sin, he sees the blood of his Son and he sees me as WORTHY! Secondly, the fact that Jesus arose on that 3rd morning and he is now seated at the right hand of the Father interceding for me! Jesus is alive and he is praying on my behalf! Lastly, when Jesus left the tomb, he folded his linens. This symbolizes the fact that he is coming again one day for his children. What hope we as Christians have!
Easter is a very special weekend. Not everyone can celebrate Easter! How awesome is it that we as Christians have a Holiday to celebrate the fact that we serve a RISEN Savior. He is the ONLY living God! But, how sad it is that we often take it for granted that we serve the only living God! We had 600 people at church this morning. It was GREAT seeing it filled to capacity but I have never understood why people think coming to church one time a year on Easter Sunday will last them the rest of the year! May we not only celebrate Easter on Easter weekend but may we celebrate Easter daily in our hearts and in our lives!

God, I am so thankful that "the cross became an empty grave, on day three." Thank you for giving your Son's life so freely that I might be saved and have eternal life in you. Thank you for giving us the hope that the napkin is still folded and you're coming again.

Missy

Over the weekend, the Smith family gained a new member of the family. Leah became the proud Mommy of a little Yorkie named Missy!!! Our roommate in Tuscaloosa has a yorkie and she managed to capture mine and Leah's heart and we just had to have one of our own! We found Missy purely by luck. Her owner did not want her anymore because she couldn't have puppies. We were very happy to take Missy and give her a loving home!! She's the best little thing!! The family has already fallen in love with her, even my Dad! :)

Missy and her new Mommy, Leah

Missy loves her Grandpa Dave ;)

Lannah Grace came to meet Missy :)

Spring Break

Wow, my week off from school has flown by! However, I could get used to having no homework and nothing to study for!! Only 6 more weeks of school left. Yes, I am counting down! :)

This past week has been very busy. My precious, sweet, and wonderful Papa decided to buy Leah & myself new bedroom furniture. So the first part of the week was spent cleaning out our rooms and then painting them! It was hard work but also fun. I painted my walls chocolate brown! I love them! :) And, if you know anything about my sister, you know she is the biggest Alabama fan ever. She painted her walls gray and crimson red! :)

Our furniture was delivered Thursday! Thursday, I worked all day getting my room back in order! I slept so very wonderfully in my new bed lastnight! :)

Today was a stunning day! The weather was perfect!! I loved dragging out a pair of Yellow Box flip flops and wearing them today! Leah and I were able to spend most of the day with some of my favorite people, my dear friend Holly and her two precious little girls Lannah Grace and Leelah. We enjoyed lunch at Pizza Hut and time hangin' out! I always love spending time with the Beard ladies!

Now that my week is pretty much over I dread getting back to reality Monday! Like I said, only 6 more weeks til I am....FINISHED!!! I am so ready to be finished with school and to start my internship in May! Then in August I will graduate! So exciting!!

I am thankful for a great week that I was able to spend at home with my family and friends!!

One of my favorite things in my new room :)

My sliver accents(my flash didn't go well with my walls)

My new sleigh bed, love!!!

Leah Kate's Bama room!!

The only picture I was able to snap today was of me and sweet Leelah! Isn't she

the cutest thing you have ever seen? She is ALWAYS happy! :)

Count down til spring break!!

Wow, school has completely overwhelmed my life here lately. I went from having nothing to do to papers, papers, papers, tests, tests, tests& group pojects! To say I am ready for spring break is an understatement!!
I am spending spring break at home. I have lots planned. I am going to paint my room, go on a picnic with Holly, Lannah Grace, Leelah & Leah(very excited about that), seeing my best friend Whitney Wigley and spending time with my Papa. I miss being home and getting to spend time with the people I love. Only 2 more months of school, hallelujah!!!!

The Greatest Parents in the World

To say that I have the greatest parents in the world would be an understatement!!! I have had a very stressful week at school. I had a big test today that I was completely stressed out for. My professor is not a "normal" professor. He cusses constantly and is drunk 99% of the time. One day he actually brought a can of beer to class. Not real sure if that's even legal?!?! So, I was super worried about how this test would be considering he told us he was an alcoholic. I stayed up super late lastnight studying. I went to bed for a few hours and then got up again to study some more. I called Mom when I got up and she gave me a very good pep talk. She reminded me to think positively and not let the devil tell me I couldn't do this. She knows I am not the most positive person when it comes to myself in certain situations. However, she is always there to remind me to be positive and have confidence in myself. I called Dad before I went into class to take my test. I was super stressed and sometimes talking to your Daddy can be reassuring. Dad knew I was stressed. I think me crying was a good sign of that!! Dad prayed with me over the phone. He prayed the most awesome prayer and it was just what I needed!! After the prayer I felt so much better!! I am soooo blessed to have parents that believe in me and will pray for me and with me!! I can't imagine going through life without them! As for that test, it was something else. Praying I atleast passed! :)

God, thank you for blessing me with two of the greatest people you created as my parents.

My lil BFF

Lannah Grace Beard is a very special little gift from God in my life. Her mom, Holly, is one of my deartest friends and someone I have a great respect and admiration for. Holly has allowed me to have a big part in Lannah Grace's life ever since the day she was born. I have made LG out to be a girly girl. She's totally into jewelry, makeup, dresses, princess stuff, and all the glitz and glam that us girls love!!! I got to spend about 6 hours with her this afternoon and night. To say I absolutely love spending time with her would be an understatement! :)

I took her with me to a bridesmaids dress fitting for a wedding that I will be in in June. She loved it! She was going around the store picking out dresses she wanted to buy! Then it was back to my house to play makeup and beauty shop!! I laughed til I cried. She didn't do so bad on my makeup. However, she ended up with eyeshadow all over her forehead! My favorite part is when she'd say, "Lisabeth, guess what?" I would say, "What?" She'd say, "You'll never guess....but You're my best friend and I love you." Hearing her say that is priceless!!!

I thank God daily for that little girl! She has stolen my heart! :)

My little princess!!!

After our makeovers! She's not smiling because she was mad at me for laughing!

Eyeshadow on her forehead :)

Leah's turn for "lip stuff"

Southern Gospel Music

I have listened to Southern Gospel my whole life. I guess that comes with being raised in a Christian home and being a preacher's kid. However, I love good Southern Gospel music. There is some Southern Gospel that I wouldn't call great, but for the most part it's good stuff! :) The Thursday before Valentines Day me, along with my family and some friends of ours, went to see the Perry's in Hueytown. The Perry's are one of the best southern gospel groups out there. They have sung at our church before and rocked the house! They have some great songs like: "If You Knew Him", "Did I Mention", "Potter Knows the Clay", "Prior to a Prayer" just to name a few! :) If you like Southern Gospel music I definitely recommend you check out the Perrys if you haven't heard their music!!

With Joseph who sings with the Perrys! Great guy!!

Me with my good friend Troy who sings with the Perrys

Me and one of my best gals Lindsay at the concert!!

Snow Day in T-town

I don't think I have saw this much snow in my life. For the past month it has snowed every week. It's crazy!!! Today we had our first snow in Tuscaloosa since we have been living here! It snowed constantly for hours but it was a very wet snow so it didn't lay much. However, it was very pretty :)


Denny Chimes on campus...you can see people out playing in the snow

The Quad on campus

President's mansion

Leah dying to throw a snowball at someone

They are calling for more snow Sunday night and Monday. We shall see!!!! :)