Soap Box Friday

Alright guys, I need just a moment to climb up on my soap box... I knew that when I started this blog that everything would find it's way on here. Things that I love, wonderful experiences, moments that I'm sad and now finally times when I'm annoyed. Today is an annoyed day...

Take a moment and ponder this:

"Honor your Father and your Mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you." Exodus 20:12

OK, have you thought about it? Probably something that you've heard for as long as you can remember, right? I feel like that was probably one of the first things that I learned in the little country church that I grew up in. Honor your Father and your Mother. Simple stuff. Notice that there aren't any limits on that. Not honor them when you feel like it, or until you reach a certain age, or only if they're taking care of themselves and not interfering in your life too much. Nope none of that, only Honor your Mother and your Father.

This is OLD TESTAMENT stuff, meaning that from the VERY BEGINNING this is something that our Heavenly Father wanted. And it's something that Jesus backed up in the New Testament, so that covers us all right? I would think so. So now the annoyed part, Isn't it amazing how as we get older people seem to forget this simple commandment?

My hope is that I continually honor my parents, that I make them proud. I hope that when the time comes I take care of them like they did me when I was younger; that I never begrudge them the things that they need if it's in my power to provide for them and to do it with a joyful heart. It breaks my heart that at this very moment, I am aware of a specific situation in which a family is suffering because the children are not honoring their parents. In a time when a father needs support and help the children are being selfish and it would seem only thinking of themselves. One day when they don't have him here with them on this earth, don't have him where they can see him, talk to him, or touch him, I worry that the decisions that they are making now will haunt them. Parents aren't prefect, but God calls us to honor our parents none the less. Alright, stepping off my box now... Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and I promise the next things I blog will be something a little lighter!

Shootin' the Hooch

Sadly this year Christopher and I were not able to make it to Brewton for the annual Fourth of July celebration. Every year the Dawkins family has a reunion, then we all make our way down to the city park for the entertainment (singers, cloggers, the like), the duck race, and fireworks. It's what I've done almost every year that I can remember, but due to scheduling Christopher and I simply could not make the trip work. Since we were in GA for the fourth, we decided to grab some friends and tube the Chattahoochee. There's a place about ten minutes from our house that is just awesome! Should you ever find yourself in Buford and wonder what to do I would highly suggest Up the River Outfitters. They drop you off, pick you up and provide everything you need for a super reasonable price!

Chris and Pinky doing what they normally do...stare at each other like they're not friends...Waiting to bus to the drop off point!

This is how they really feel about each other. Pinky and Chris found worked on a project together when we first moved to Atlanta, and now I just can't imagine life without her!

Caroline and Trey super excited to be tubing!

A little too much love perhaps? This was the first time really hanging out with Caroline and Trey and can I just say that we had such a great time with them!!

Christopher and I are pro's at this tubing stuff! The only issue is the place doesn't take reservations, so you just have to be prepared to get over there and them not have room to take you...we're also pro's at having to turn around and go home when they are full for the day :(

And this is generally what C looks like the entire way home if we don't get to go...

Of course he's fishing! Did anyone really think that he wouldn't be? However, since Caroline and Pinky are both exclusive veggie lovers, this was a bit hard for them, but the trout supper that followed this trip was awesome!! It was hard to watch Pinkerton and Caroline have their feelings hurt...

I don't know that you can get that smile any place other than the river...it's like home to him

I however just enjoy floating and taking in the beauty that is the Hooch.

All in all the day was wonderful, a little different, but if I couldn't be home I can't think of a better group of people to spend the day with!

From Bison to Billing

There you have it people, my new place of employment!! Can I just start off by mentioning exactly how excited I am?!? Working for Turner Broadcasting Systems, is probably one of the coolest things that has happened in a while...

Now when C and I first moved to Atlanta, finding a music job was just not in the cards so I went back to serving for a while. That's when I found Ted's Montana Grill, Ted Turner's privately owned restaurant. Click on over via the link and check it out, because it's a pretty awesome place, and if you've never been I would highly suggest it! The main attraction at Ted's is the bison, but if you're wary there are lots of other options and they're all made fresh to order. Seriously fresh people, the only freezer in the establishment holds ice cream and ice cream only! (I know that someone reading this actually hates the place, but bear with me here...) I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the company, however a waitress forever just didn't seem like a good plan.

As most all of you know, I most recently was employed by PGi, in the billing department. This was an eye opening experience for me, mainly because I fell in love with the business world!! And although I made some amazing friends, this position provided no real room for growth over the long term, so it just didn't feel like my path was quite right...

All of the above led me to where I sit currently, at Turner!!! This place is beyond anything I've ever dreamed of as far as a work environment. Everyone is so happy all of the time, and it seems like the perks and good times never end. I've actually started calling this place my own personal Donkey Island :) You know, Pleasure Island, from Pinocchio...I had to look it up to remember what it was actually called, but you get the picture. I'm sure I'll have more wonderful things to say about this company and my experiences downtown, but in the meantime I'll let you know if I sprout ears or a tail. Deal?

A Moment to Remember

Picture featured on the Brewton Standard.

This morning I wanted to take a moment to remember a very special man. Mr. Ellis, the principal at my alma mater, finished his battle with cancer. I don't want to say that he lost the battle, because I don't think that he did. He fought long and hard, and I truly believe that when all is said and done that he was victorious!

Now, I was not always privy to all of the details and updates, but the information I received from my Mom always confirmed to me that the situation was daunting at best. But did that keep Phillip Ellis down? Did he just give up? Not in the slightest. He held tight to his God, let Jesus and his family carry him when he didn't have the strength, and fought with everything that he had. Mr. Ellis didn't just stop there. He shared his testimony. He gave credit to God for everything and used this horrible situation as an opportunity to share the God that heals with anyone and everyone. This man was a wonderful shining light and a true testament to the strength that is given freely if only you ask. A battle lost? I don't think so...

Today, if you had the extreme pleasure of having your life touched by this amazing man, take the time to think of the fond memories that you have and CELEBRATE his life. Although I know that for all of his family, blood and blue eagle, this is a sad time; as saying goodbye to a loved one always is...Celebrate in amazement the fact that Mr. Ellis is at rest and in the presence of the Almighty God that loved him and kept him. High school was a special time in all of our lives, and Mr. Ellis was a huge part of making that time so special. He will be greatly missed, but forever remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. If anything, I praise God and know that there is a celebration in Heaven for one of His servants is home.