What a weekend.

I have not had a weekend like this past one in such a long time. I absolutely loved it. I needed a break from the real world for a little while. I got to just enjoy myself and have fun with people I love dearly.

Friday was a day I was looking forward to for the entire last week. One of my best friends, Amber, got engaged and her now fiance surprised her with having all of their best friends and family at dinner to share in their celebration. They arrived and she was expecting to have a nice, quiet, romantic dinner but was shocked to see twelve of their closest friends ready to celebrate their exciting news!

It was great to get to share in their special night and enjoy it with good friends. We definitely had a good time and it made me excited for their wedding!

Amber has been my SIL since the day we met. Being a friend of almost six years, we have grown to be as close as friends get. We don't always get to spend as much time together as we would like but every time we are together it's like time stood still. She is one of the greatest people I know and I am blessed and thankful to call her a friend. I am so happy for her and happy she found a wonderful man. 

Little bro & life change.

I bet I have started 5 or 6 posts within the past week. My life has been a whirlwind of madness. With work, family and friends I haven't been able to get close to getting my emotions or thoughts straight. My journal has been consumed with it all but getting it all ready for open viewing is another story....but I think so of it is ready.

Almost two weeks ago my brother, Matt, came to me and said we needed to talk. I knew it had to be a big deal because anytime we have a serious conversation they usually begin that way. We sat down and he began telling me about his decision to go into the Army. My heart immediately sank but I quickly jumped into a moment of prayer. I listened to what he had to say along with his reasons and hopes, and God took over my worry and emotions. We talked through some things and I told him how I felt, but that ultimately I would support him and love him with whatever he decided.

This morning he left for a two day type of training to prepare him for basic training. I got up to get ready for work this morning and I had the biggest lump in my throat. Over the last year I have become a mother to my younger brothers and as I woke up I felt like I was losing something and this huge sense of worry and anxiety came over me. I closed my eyes, prayed and got a pen and paper out to do what I do best: write. I sat down and wrote Matt a letter. I told him how I felt, that I loved him and that no matter what I would always support him. I told him that I am constantly praying for God's will to be played out for his life and I am comforted knowing that God is in control of it and I don't have to worry. I left it for him and didn't hear from him until I called him to make sure he was up in time. A few minutes later he texted me and thanked me for everything and that he loved me more than I would ever know. I felt God's presence surround me and I didn't have to worry about him.

Earlier I received a phone call form him and he told me about his day. He told me of people he had met, paperwork he filled out and the intense day ahead of him. It was nice to talk to him and comfort him as he begins this journey.

Tomorrow my little brother of 21 years is being sworn in for the United States Army...whoa. Luckily my God is in control.

Wednesday night.

Wednesday is probably like any other day for most people, but for me it's one of my favorites. I work from 8:30 a.m. to close to 8 p.m. and I absolutely adore every minute. Most would look at that time frame and freak but it's not what it seems. From putting signs up, to organizing curriculum and so on, Wednesday is spent preparing for GROW FX:Family Experience and GROW Discipleship classes. I know that it's a long time and a good deal of work but giving of myself to give children a chance to know and hear the word of God is something I cherish deeply and am very thankful for.

Today seemed like an especially long day but in a good way. There was a good feeling of team unity and a day full of laughs is certainly enjoyable. I walked out the door with my favorite people, still laughing, and headed home expecting to jump into bed...but instead, I find myself in the middle of this:

To my right is Matthew Brent. As the oldest of my two younger brothers, he has recently become a follower of Christ and gotten a tattoo like his sister. We have always been close but recently our relationship has become much stronger. I am thankful that God continued to pursue him and bring him to where he is now. We are able to now have conversations of Christ, God and His Word. It's something I cherish to the depth of my being.

We were watching the history channel together and reminiscing of our grandfather who gave us the love for history. He was filling out paperwork for basic training. As much as that scares me I am okay because I know God will protect him and I know that Matt desires to really do something. I just pray that whatever happens be the will of God for Matt's life. He is a strong and brave young man who will do amazing things for God's kingdom and I am proud to call him my brother.

To the left is Barton. The sensitive, meek young man who has a heart for Christ. He came home from services at New Vision and was much later than myself because of staying later to talk to the youth pastor...what more can I ask for? Most teenagers his age are after anything but the heart and will of God but he is and I couldn't want anything more for him. He doesn't know what God has for him and neither do I but I know he, too, will do amazing things for the sake of Christ. He is a strong, tender soul that is driven with love.

I am so thankful for these two men. I am thankful that I am able to come home from a long, amazing day and share life with my brothers. We are all three on very different paths but we are all united in love for one another and love in Christ. From talks of family, to Christ, to serving and beyond, we share a special bond that means so much to me.  I can remember being younger and asking myself if it would ever be possible to love two younger brothers: yes, dear Abbey of younger years. You love them. You adore them...and forever will.

02.14

I have never been a girl who loves Valentine's Day. It's always been a let-down or nothing different from any normal day. I have had a boyfriend on a few of them and my parents have always enjoyed celebrating the holiday...but as for me, I would happily do without it.

Today, I was working and in the middle of my long (but good) day, I looked up at the door and saw this:

I was in a moment of awe and comfort. I eased my mind into a place where I immediately was reminded of the love that is raining down on me from the Father above. He loves me so much and as unworthy as I may be, no one will ever love me like he does. His love for me is perfect and on a day where people celebrate love, I am thankful and celebrating my God whose love is the best there ever was, is and could be.

"Love is patient. Love is kind.

Love is not jealous, boastful, proud or rude.

Love does not demand its own way.

It is not irritable and keeps no record of being wronged.

It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices in the truth.

Love never gives up,

never loses faith, 

is always hopeful,

and endures through every circumstance.

Love never fails."

-1 Corinthians 13:4-8

a.grace photography

What a beautiful weekend...

I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings. God gave us such a beautiful weekend and gave me multiple opportunities to photograph some beautiful children. Please check out my photography blog here, comment and enjoy! 

Have a great weekend!

Happy hoodies.

I am all for deals and steals. I am all for do-it-yourself crafts. I am all for finding them and sharing them with people I know. What's a good deal if you can't share it?!

So press rewind for a minute... Monday, the boys headed off to Atlanta and Jennie and I thought, "What could we do for just us girls?" We were leaving the office and I remembered how badly we had been wanting sweatshirts (especially in Tennessee weather) and that I had seen some plain ones at a store I shop at recently. I told her my idea-"Let's make sweatshirts!" So we went and bought these:

...and I went to work preparing a stencil and paint products.

First, I attempted painting our logo: no luck. (If you know me well, you know my level of o.c.d. and this didn't help it!) Next, I attempted an iron-on: no luck, again.

Since either of those didn't work how I had hoped, I thought of calling a friend who works for a screen printing business to see what it would cost to have two sweatshirts printed...Well, the cost was about $100 with printing, art charge, next day service and setup fee! No thank you. BUT, she referred me to this place:

Big Frog Custom T-shirts. I had never heard of this place but my friend said I definitely should try them. With wanting these back in 24 hours, most places won't and can't (if they do it costs way to much) but Big Frog specializes in turn-around printing, meaning you can come in and have things printed and get them back the next day! I went over there and took in my sweatshirts...and the outcome blew me away! Not only would they print on items I bought elsewhere (a lot of places won't do that) but I was in and out  in 20 minutes!!! She took our logo from my computer and put it on her flash drive, emailed it to the printer and five minutes later out popped an awesome sweatshirt.

Another great thing about Big Frog is the pricing. I got those two printed for a little over $10 each. It's the same amount you would pay for iron-on transfers at any craft store (or more). For $40 dollars, I got two awesome hoodies and had them printed with our awesome logos! I couldn't be more pleased with them. I took Jennie hers and she was equally excited. To add a personal touch, I added our names to the back. If you need something printed definitely try Big Frog. You won't be disappointed!

My Monday.

Today was my first official day as an intern...

And it was a SUCCESS! 

Besides the yucky weather, it was an awesome day. I worked alongside the amazing Jennie Dunlap and we accomplished a lot. We sent the boys-Michael, Adam and Aaron- off to Atlanta for the Winshape rally conference and began checking things off our list one by one. We were also able to run some errands and have a nice lunch together. I am so blessed to be able to work with her. She's more than a great co-worker; she's a great friend as well. We are so much alike it is scary sometimes but I love it. 

The day went by way too fast but I am thankful for it. I am thankful for a wonderful job that is a true passion of mine. I am thankful for a Savior who continues to bless me in incredible ways despite my being completely unworthy. 

What a good day...My God is so good.

"Praise the LORD, for He is good; 

Sing praises to His name, for it is lovely."

-Psalm 135:3

Sunday fun-day...

Superbowl Sunday...

 Call me crazy, but I have never been a big fan of it. I love football, but so much money, time and attention put into a football game? Really? 

But there is something to celebrate:

My brother and cousins have birthdays that always fall on or near the superbowl so my parents always have a party to celebrate. So in turn, superbowl Sunday is a big day for us. All my family in our house...people crowded around 2 or more televisions...songs of happy birthday being sung loudly over football antics...

It is one crazy day but I wouldn't have it any other way. I love all of us being in one house, crowded as it may be, and driving each other nuts. It reminds me of how important family is and of times when I was little and we were all crowded together in my grandparents house. It's important to remember memories and create new ones.

Happy birthday to Garrett, Matthew and Hannah. 

Awesome cousin, best sister and amazing little brother.

It's official.

For the past two years I have invested my heart and soul into many things, but one sticks out in my mind like a sore thumb: 

There is nothing I love in life more than the time I spend in GROW Children's ministry. It is one thing I  do and always love and always look forward to. I love every second of it. From the children, to the parents, to office work, to curriculum-I love it all. I am able to use the gifts that God gave me in the best way here, along some amazing people and this place has become a home.

About two weeks ago I applied to intern for the children's ministry of my church, New Vision. With having applied for it before and God intervening in the situation to grow myself and our relationship, I got to a point where I knew God gave me permission to go ahead and and apply again. I took home the paperwork and literally prayed over it for about 3 days. God finally gave me a little push to get started on it and everything needed to be done for it. I talked to friends and co-workers about references, got paperwork squared away and turned it all in, knowing that it was all in God's hands and feeling okay and confident in that what He wanted would be done. 

Yesterday marked two weeks since turning it all in. I sat in the office working on some emails and the normal Wednesday routine and thought to myself, "I wish I could know something...what's taking so long?" Then God spoke up and said, "Abbey, patience, my child." I sat and soaked in His goodness and gentleness. A few minutes later, Murray, our children's pastor, came in and asked if I had a minute to talk. I instantly got a bad feeling but said yes and walked to his office. We sat down and he said, "Congratulations!!!" I was confused and taken back at his sudden excitement. "Welcome to the team, intern." I could feel the joy lighting up my face and all I could say was, "really?" Michael laughed and congratulated me again as we got to talking about some of the details. Our sweet meeting ended with a hug and I walked out with a grin that was beginning to hurt my cheeks. I saw my co-workers and they gave me a thumbs-up with a questionable look on their face. I said, "YES!!!", and it was followed by sweet comments and a gift of celebration from Adam and Jennie:

As awesome as this news is I can only give God credit. He made this happen and He deserves all the glory! Yes, they chose and hired me, but the good that is in me is Him. Without Him I am nothing. I am nothing and lost looking for the only thing anyone really needs. He is so good, so loving and so wonderful to me. I can only glorify Him through all the great things I am hearing. I love and appreciate all the congrats and words of encouragement, but when I hear them I look to my God. God you are great, well-deserving and worthy of all praise! Thank you for your goodness, your joy and your will. 

"We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, 

and have been called according to His purpose."

-Romans 8:28

01.2011

Enero.

First month of a new year.

It blows my mind to look back at what all this month has held. It was one amazing month.

New Year's Eve and the days leading up were spent preparing for my cousin's (who is my sister and best friend) wedding. I could not have been more excited for her and what God has given her. 

The rehearsal and dinner finished and we were able to spend the night talking, like we've done for years.  As maid of honor and bride, cousins, and most of all, sisters, we ended the year and began a new one in the best way I know how.

The next day was 1/1/11 and I was proud to stand by her side and see her take vows to an amazing man. She will never know how dearly I cherish her and our relationship. 

As the newlyweds headed off on their honeymoon, I hoped in the car and drove to Atlanta, Georgia for:

Passion Conference 2011. It's exactly what I needed to hear, see, sing and say. God blessed my time at Passion beyond my imagination and I thank Him so for it. I was blessed and lucky enough to hear many speakers that have been gifted with the talent of speaking God's Word in powerful ways...ways that have changed my life and given me a spirit to look to the Lord in all ways. 

The people in the picture above are my community group. It was by God's glorious hand that we were placed together and I thank the Lord for what we were able to share in our time together. I am also thankful that we all are keeping in contact. Blake, Erica, Joe, Alex, Kalli, Abby and Marty-you all are amazing and I am praying for you often.

Once my time in Atlanta was over I headed home and got back into the normal routine. I hadn't gotten back into the groove since mid December so it felt good to see some schedule come back into life. On January 26th of 1990, my world as an only child changed forever when this young man came into the world:

Meet Matthew Brent.

He's my first little brother. He came into the world when I was almost four and my world has never been the same. 

We were able to celebrate his 21st in a very special way. It began with lunch with he and Barton...

...and ended with little brother joining the club.

 No matter what, I love him so much and am so proud to call him my brother. His tattoo means "to serve with the light and love of God." I am glad God gave me Matthew. I wouldn't change a thing about having he and Barton in my life.

Well January was surely 31 days of busy, exciting, changing times for me. I loved every minute of it and cannot wait to see what God continues to show me this year and how more deeply I fall in love with Him. Father, I love you so and I thank You for this month. I pray for the next one and am thankful to know and trust that everything is:

On a side note, happy birthday to my dear friend, Kristi O'Connell! 

You are amazing and I love you so!

Adios Enero-Hola Febrero!

Weekend well learned.

Last week was one of those weeks where the weekend is like the tape at the end of a race: I couldn't wait to see it. It was five days packed full of madness, stress and problems...but I pressed on knowing God was with me (Hebrews 12:1).

I was excited about a not so busy weekend. I made plans to spend some time outside with a dear friend, grab lunch with another and spend some time with my sweet fourth grade girls...but God had something planned before all that was to come.

Have you ever prayed for something and while completely trusting in God and letting your desires be known to Him, you never once expect or think that He actually might give you what you want? The lines of my journal have been covered for almost nine months with prayers about a certain situation in my life. God has known what I wanted and what I would like to see happen concerning it, but Friday night was a complete time of awe in learning more of God and His character. I have prayed, cried and emptied my heart of this situation and given it all to God. It's the only thing I have known to do. I am thankful that I have learned that in order for God to work in situations they must be given completely to Him, but I had no idea what was coming my way. I saw progress, excitement and God's hand at work. I was in true awe of my Father and it was the most beautiful picture. Words can't describe what I felt nor am feeling, but all I can say it thank you, Father. Thank you for your timing, faithfulness and the way you showed me that trusting you can lead to no wrong. Friends, I pray you can come to know what I have learned this weekend. God is capable of anything and everything (Matthew 19:26; Mark 10:27) and nothing is impossible for Him (Luke 1:37) but trust Him in everything and He can work in things that we can ourselves cannot.

For what we are not, God is.