Answers or Answering

I was talking with a friend yesterday and we were discussing my current season of life. Single, no kids, no career worthy of this world, and not exactly sure where I want to move with my life. I was telling him about what I've been praying for and he looked at me with a sort of puzzled look. He then asked me the most profound question: "Abbey, what if instead of asking God to answer your prayers, you ask him to make you the answer to someone else's prayer?"

I've been praying for direction, and guidance, for a way to encourage young girls, and for (I know it sounds silly) my husband. I know in my heart that God will answer these, but maybe there's a man out there praying for a woman like me. Maybe there's a company needing someone like me. Maybe there's a little girl I know who is just dying for someone to love her like I can.

That one question has caused me to completely changed my thought process concerning some of my prayers. Thank you, Jayme, for making me really think about what I am asking from the Lord.

Showering Amber

I think all my friends have gotten married before me so I can see exactly how I want to do things if I am ever married. Putting together a shower is a definite job, but Lacy and I teamed up and put on a shower that, I think, was absolutely beautiful.

There were a lot of personal touches that just made me smile.

 The food was absolutely wonderful.

 The flowers and cake were amazing,...

...and the amount of purple BB&B boxes just made me laugh.

It was wonderful to celebrate the love of two amazing people and their marriage. 

Amber, I love you.

I am so happy that you and Jason have found one another. 

You both deserve the best.

Even with a mouth full of bubble gum.

A day like today

On a day like today, I'd like to be tucked under a little hut...

...looking out at the beautiful sea...

reading the newest best seller on my kindle.

Instead I'm sitting in my local coffee house, sipping on a latte, 

writing in my journal.

A girl can dream.

Pretty Painting

I can remember a day where I was able to sit and paint all day,....but due to growing up and the ride of life it's rare to find a lot of extra time to paint. Lately I've been blessed to be able to paint quite a bit for some great people.

The first one was a little baby gift for my college pastor. They are having a baby girl next month and I was excited to paint their daughter, Clare, a pretty picture for her room.

 Another painting was for my friends, Lacy, birthday. It was hard to figure out what to paint for her, but I know how much she loves her hubby and wanted something to hang in her home, so I chose her last name and added the year they were married. I don't have a picture, but the edges are painted dark grey like the polka dots.

These last two are extra special to me. They are both for my dear friend, Amber. She had a shower recently (post to come) and I knew I wanted to paint her something extra special. I sent her and her fiance and email asking their favorite things about the other. I used the colors of her living room and kitchen, and put his favorite things about her on the 'she' canvas, and vice versa on the 'he.'

For her birthday, I painted her a little canvas for her new classroom and her soon-to-be new last name.

Oh, the joys of painting for people I love.

If you need something, shoot me an email. 

It's something I love to do.

He's Home

 Yes, he's here!

Bandaged and bruised, but he's home. And I'll take it.

I don't think I was prepared for what was to come when Matt arrived home. I walked in and instantly gave him the biggest hug. Our time apart felt some much more distant as I saw that face again. It was the best feeling to see him. 

Most of his first night home looked like this...

 Matt telling us stories...some I could live without.

Showing us his awards, badges, and books.

Sharing his memories, friends and experiences.

I'm just glad my army brother is home.

Now it's back to this.

3, it's a magic number.

Here's to the Crazy ones...

"Here's to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes... the ones who see things differently -- they're not fond of rules... You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can't do is ignore them because they change things... they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do."

-Steve Jobs

You will be missed, Steve. 

October, already?

I feel like the ride of life has taken up way too much of my writing time lately. My journal and blog have been put on the back burner and luckily I've had some time in the last two days to catch them up.

So, an update on me and what's going on...

Well first, I want you to meet someone...

Meet Marigrace Elizabeth Sublett.

My sister, Hannah, gave birth to this beautiful baby girl last Wednesday and life's been a bit crazy since. There were a few complications at her birth, so she's spent the last week in the NICU at East Tennessee Children's Hospital. She has definitely had some prayer warriors and only beacuse of the Lord, she'll be going home sometime this weekend! 

I can't believe Hannah and Chris have a baby, but she is already bringning so much joy into this world and I can't wait to get to know her. And spoil her rotten. I am already in love with those cheeks.

On another exciting note, my dear Army brother, Matt, will be returning home for good today. Long story short, he got injured and has been sent home. I have a lot of emotions swirling around concerning him. I can only trust the Lord with him and pray for him. I am happy he brought my little brother home, though. It's been a long two months, and I can't tell you how excited I am to see him. He even sent me this picture this morning to say I actually got to see him in his camo's.

How weird is this.

Oh well, he's still my brother no matter what. 

The last letter I got from him while he was gone told me about how my writing inspired him to write. He had enclosed another letter of his writings about his experiences in the Army and what he's learned and come away with. I'll publish it later with his permission, but I'm not the Henley who can write. 

 With all the family situations going on, I've been thankful for my friends and for being able to spend time with them fairly often. Life is just crazy, but I've learned that it's important to be thankful and important to be still. It's amazing what sitting in front of my computer can do for my sanity. All in all, God is sovereign and he reminds me of that often.

Time to catch up.

More coming soon.

Lacy's Day

Once in a lifetime, you have a friend like Lacy Rowe.

My friend, I am so glad you were born.

I love our morning coffees,
our late night chats,
and every moment we spend together.

Happy birthday, Lacy!
I hope we get to spend many more together.