Inspiration

I have been thinking today on inspiration that gets me through the day.  Inspiration that helps me succeed or motivate me to be better.  This kind of inspiration, I thought, would come from a great book, an influential man, and in my mind a sports icon.  However, as I pondered what to write today and how to best inspire you... I thought about a conversation - this conversation has helped me look at life a little differently... so here is the story.



Nerves, that's the good part - ride that adrenaline.



I don't exactly know where it happened or even when, I just remember the text message I got that changed my perspective on competition.  For years I have been petrified getting up on stage and playing the piano.  It has never been something I enjoyed doing.  Now, sit me down in front of 88 ivory keys in the comfort of my own home and I will tickle those ivories until my fingers sweat.  The thought of getting in front of the crowd on the Miss Arkansas stage just about made me sick in the stomach.  One day last spring I was texting my friend from Baylor, Ashley, and was telling her how how nervous I was about playing in front of people.  She confidently text me.  



Nerves, that's the good part - ride that adrenaline.  




Ashley :




An All-American Selection in 2006 & 2007, Ashley was a first team All-Big 12 Conference honoree and named player of the week for three consecutive weeks. She holds the Baylor Career Record Holder for home runs per game, RBI's per game, slugging percentage, on base percentage, hits, doubles, games played and started. Career-record holder for slugging percentage and on-base percentage. Upon graduating from Baylor, 

Ashley was one of 36 players invited to attend the 2007 Olympic Camp. 

She was then drafted to the National Pro Fastpitch League and the Professional Fastpitch Extreme (PFX) tour. Ashley is still active in the game, playing first base and left field for the PFX Tour, which includes 30 top caliber professional players.




Nerves, that's the good part - ride that adrenaline.


Ashley is a hard worker and I was so honored to work with her the year I was at Baylor and look forward to going back because she was a great friend. Ashley obviously knows what she is talking about when she said those words to me. Being a professional athlete causes you to look at things differently and she was able to impart a little of that knowledge with me and I am so blessed. .  But think about those words.  Ride that adrenaline.  Ride it.  How many times are you nervous or scared of the unknown - it could be a presentation or a conference, even something as simple as a phone call - but the adrenaline we have is looked at as a negative emotion or feeling.  




What Ashley empowered me to do was view the adrenaline, that butterflies in your stomach feeling, as a positive motivator and use that to do your best.  I did.  And after changing my mindset completely I was able to push through the shaking hands and the butterfly feeling and do the best that I ever had.  It is a quote, a feeling, and a way of life that I will always remember and I will always strive to live out.



Nerves, that's the good part - ride that adrenaline.

The Grace Period

After spending a year in Waco, I had decided that I was done with Texas and I would always be a Little Rock native and homebody.  After spending nearly 6 months at home, I am moving back to Waco - to finish my degree in Sports Management and to start a life of my own.  Here is my story and how Jesus has changed my heart... Last spring, my heart was gearing up for one of the best summers and runs at Miss Arkansas I could have ever dreamed for.  I was ready to be in Arkansas and I was ready to be with my family.  Because I was already living my life in Arkansas, while still in Waco, I wasn't able to completely devote myself to my time and my friends there (Kellie and Rachael below).  I was merely living day to day and going through the motions.   In July, after Miss Arkansas, a number of opportunities opened up for me in Arkansas, including an incredible internship at the University of Central Arkansas, so I decided that a much needed semester at home coupled with a God send internship was just what I needed.  
In no time at all I quickly fell in love with a church family in Little Rock, my work family at UCA, and loved being at home with my sister and family.  For the first time in a year I was able to go to family lunch and sit and watch tv with my mom at night and was included on the family chit-chat during the day.  I loved every minute of it.  
By the end of my seventh week home, some things in my heart started changing.  People began asking me for my future plans after grad school ends in May.  I answered very matter-of-factly every single time, I am moving to NorthWest Arkansas and getting a house and working for the University of Central Arkansas.  It is where my friends are, my university (the state university) is, and of course a job!  But something in the pit of my stomach was not right.  I had this feeling once before, about a year ago, when I was saying (matter-of-factly) that I would marry a boy named Taylor Clark.  This feeling had come back.  Which meant that something was not right with the Man upstairs.   I began praying for discernment of the Holy Spirit and the work it was doing in my soul.  And then I began the infamous Beth Moore JAMES study.  It is amazing.  (And I am a horrible student of it right now - I mean seriously, I have missed 2 weeks in a row!) The first week she discussed family and you can read about that HERE in my older post.  I am learning that I shouldn't judge a place because I am not close to my family - you can make new family wherever you are.  No, they aren't your biological and "real" family - but they are your spiritual family.  They can pick you up in times you need and have fun and go see movies on Sunday afternoons.  This family, I was beginning to shape and form in Waco last spring, however, I abandoned ship and I left Waco to come to a more comfortable place.  
I feel like God is showing me that comfort is not necessarily what we need.  I thought that God was putting my back in Arkansas to develop a sports network, to work on a job for May, but what God was really doing - was giving me a "GRACE PERIOD" a period of my life that I can take my glasses off, clean the lenses, and look through them with a new perspective.  This perspective is the perspective that counts.  
It is with God's help and his mercy, strength, and confidence I am returning to Waco in January.  I am not just returning for the semester, or the year, but to plant roots.  To grow as an individual and to grow as woman of God.  I know that God will open a lot of doors for me as I take this HUGE leap of faith and head back down there.  But I know now, more than ever, that Waco is going to be my home and that God is preparing big things for me when I get back!  
Please pray for my continued efforts in discerning God's truth and the Holy Spirit's words.  That I don't put words in Their mouths or emotions in the feelings that I am getting, but that I make decisions based one hundred percent on God's plan for my life.  




I also want to ask you to pray for friends of mine.  I have only met them a couple of times, but they are special to me in several ways.  They are native to Arkadelphia - my families home town, they are best friends of my family, and the are in laws of some of my closest friends.  But most importantly they are my Ouachita Family.
People often ask what is so special about Ouachita, well you see, no matter when you went there - you are always family and in times of need and tragedy and joys and celebration - Ouachita Family is there and supporting you.  I ask that you take a moment and pray for Julee Bell Turner and her family as they mourn the loss of her husband, Matt Turner.  Matt was an incredible Father and Husband and to learn more you can visit THV's website.  Matt and Julee have a 10 month old precious baby girl named Preslee.  As they prepare for the funeral and for honoring Matt's 32 years on this earth, friends and family are giving back.  
Several Ouachita friends are donating proceeds this week to the Preslee Turner College Fund.  If you want to donate:  Please do.  It is supporting a family in need and a family that needs more prayer and support than we can probably give them, but that is what is so neat about God.... He is ALL WE NEED. And his hands and arms are covering the Bell-Turner Family tonight.  
Don't just remember them this week or next week... but the upcoming months will be the hardest and remember them in a year, in 2 years.  They will still need your support then.  
Go shop and donate - and give to this family that needs your support and prayers.  
Lord, be with the Bell-Turner Family tonight.

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My Inner Thoughts Lately

I took this from the VOICE translation and it has really been on my heart lately; so I wanted to share this with you:

ROMANS 9:20-22

20Here’s my answer: Who are you, a mere human, to argue with God? If God takes the time to shape us from the dust, is it right to point a finger at Him and ask, “Why have You made me this way?”21Doesn’t the potter have the right to shape the clay in any way he chooses? Can’t he make one lump into an elegant vase, and another into a common jug? Absolutely.22Even though God desires to demonstrate His anger and to reveal His power, He has shown tremendous restraint toward those vessels of wrath that are doomed to be cracked and shattered. 

I have been struggling with comparisons lately.  Just comparing myself to my sisters, other Miss Arkansas Contestants, even olympians like Natalie Coughlin.  I came across this verse the other day in my NIV bible and decided to take a look at it in my new the Voice bible.  I love this translation because it sounds like my dad talking to me.  Not Tab Turner, my dad, but My Heavenly Dad and with this translation I can almost hear Him audibly speaking this to me.

       

I know that we have all heard the Potter's Hand song and we have seen this before - but really let it sink it - think about it again... just one more time.  Let your mind soak it up.  You can look like work in progress (where I am most of the time), you can be a pot that might not sell for millions of dollars and look messed up - but was made and crafted with love and purpose (middle), or you can be working on the ornate designs that take years to craft... God is still working on me - and one day I hope to get to the point where I can have ornate designs - but I fear right now I have begun a work in progress and am being crafted with love and purpose - because my days, my steps, are created for the glory of God.  

What a clear picture of who God is and what he can do for us and has done.

It just really puts everything in perspective for me.  I can only imagine how selfish my mind is and how God is so disappointed in me.  These verses allow me to gain a perspective and come back to the reality that my life is worth something only to glorify my creator.  If I don't do that - then I have not succeeded and I have not done what Christ put me here to do.

As I prepare for life - I must keep that in mind.  It is NOT ALL ABOUT ME - and sometimes I might not understand certain outcomes, but I do know that God created me and knows what HE IS DOING.  And that is where I find solace.  In His Arms.

and IN HIS ARMS.... and find

CHARMED BLISS

I think I like it now...

 I know you have been waiting for it...

So here you go!!!

My little home!

Our cute little front porch!! I am headed to Hobby Lobby tonight to make a cute Baylor Bears Wreath to put on the door!  I'll blog about it tomorrow :)

When you first walk in our door this is what you seen.  To the Left is my roomie Christa's room and the downstairs bathroom... then you walk straight into our living room.

This is our dog Piper! She is Taylor's (my roommat not boyfriend) dog!  She is the cutest thing ever and has a mind of her own!  I have grown to love her so much :)

                     

My Beautiful red couch!  It is sooo comfy! I love it :)

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Our kitchen - isn't it cute :)

Different view - but that is our tv.  and that picture has been on the wall - not sure what happened to it.

Our dining room table:  

This is our upstairs... which is to your left when you walk in the door.  Taylor has decorated our home beautifully!!  Thank goodness for her :)

Then you make it up stairs and if any of you designy people have an idea of what can go here where our ironing board is... Please let me know - because it is definitely dead space right now :)

This is our laundry room! It is such a blessing that the house came with a washer and dryer!!  And I am very good and wash my clothes every other day :)  Be proud.

This is my bathroom - This picture resembles me and Taylor walking in the rain.  Have you ever kissed someone in the rain?  Is it romantic?  I have never kissed someone in the rain (hint hint taylor) haha But itll have to wait until I come back home - because it DOESNT EVER RAIN in waco! which means I have to go to school EVERYDAY.

All I know is that Audrey Hepburn makes it look soo romantic!

Notice my Sieze the Cupcake sign.  I made it :)  It is maybe my most favorite piece in my whole room.  

this is more of my bathroom.  Notice I still have my pledge class and my EEE's with me :)  I also like this fun earring tree my mom gave me for a fun present - it is from Urban Outfitters!  It holds all of my earrings - so it will hold all of yours too!

My bathroom point of view from my room!  

This is my mirror/makeup table/do my hair/work space (yah right)  I don't ever do my homework.  I was watching Risolli and Isles which I have become obsessed with on TNT and Taylor (my roommate) was studying (law student) and she said Abby do you ever have any homework ... and i replied - umm none that I am going to do haha.  Oh the fun difference between a Law student and a Sports Management Student! 

This is my door to my room with my favorite red chair!  LOVEEE it!  and my closet!  So organized!  and my armoir thing that holds most of my clothes!

My night table with all of my pictures ad favorite sayings around it.  Love waking up to encouraging words and my sweet honey bee!  have you heard that song... if you haven't go listen to it :)

And the last stop in my humble abode... my bed.  I love it - and I think it turned out great! Even with the tri chi green pillow that my mother made me buy... I still love it - it's like a little piece of Jonesy in my room with me :)

Hope you enjoy.  I'll leave you with a small piece of encouragement today:

be encouraged.  

Have bliss and be charmed :)

Abby

New Week - New Blogs!!

I have been expanding my Google Reader and have found some really great blogs and I wanted to share them with you!  Some of my most recent faves are:

Cookies and Cups

This is a cute blog that always has the best looking recipes for desserts!!!  

Homegrown Hospitality 

Has everything from ways to decorate to ways to entertain to DIY crafty things! I love this blog.

Joy's Hope

This mom is so inspirational and crafty and I love her cute pictures of her little girls!!! She has a great story too!  

517 Creations

my crafty blog that i love!

The High Heeled Hostess

this girl is soo cute!

Katis Get Away

and of course my best friend's blog!!

Check them out and let me know what you think!  

What I have been wanting!

 This Baylor Bear sweatshirt is so soft - every time i am in the bookstore i look at it and I just want to buy it - but I am waiting until my dad comes in this weekend :) And this Ping jacket I really like!  I think it is way cool.  I think I am going to get it for Taylor as  a surprise.

When I have a family we are going to wear matching clothes like this!  I hope I am a cute mom like this!  This was taken from Hostess with the Mosstess  

I aslo found this cute top - and if you have been on Pinterest you have probably seen it on one of my boards. But I hope I have a little girl one day!  I want to call her Turner.

Okay these next are going to be the cutest fads!!  You can find them on Facebook called Fan Frocks!  I want one soo bad!! 

You just send this girl your shirt and she makes a dress out of different fabric and then she sends it to you!!! How amazing!  Go check her out!  I found her from one of the blogs that I follow Jimmie Choos and Tennis Shoes!  She is so cute!  You should go look at her blog to.


I have had the worst day ever.  Probably because yesterday Taylor was in Waco with me and today he wasn't.  We had so much fun, however, today I woke up 2 hours late! How do you even do that!  I had procrastinated a paper until this morning so I rushed to write that and then went to work, printed it out, went to class, where i got really frustrated, but before I went to class i went to commong rounds hoping that would make my morning better. 

I was talking to Taylor on the phone - and trying to drink my Coconut Cream coffee - which was TERRIBLE!  I was getting so frustrated at taylor for no reason and so we stopped and he prayed for me.  It was really sweet.  Anyways, after gettng mad at Taylor I threw my coffee away and walked to class. 
Sometimes you just gotta throw away the coffee.

I thought what Taylor said was very profound.  Sometimes all you gotta do is throw it away.  Throw away the disctractions in your life so that you can see how stupid you are being.  How silly and frustrated you are over the smallest thing.  Live life happy.  If something is making you that uptight - you don't deserve it.  If pageants, dance competitions, relationships, eating, dieting, sports, work, if any of those things are making you so frustrated or uptight that it effects those around you and your attitude with them - Trust God and get them out of your life! 

Taylor is so encouraging -and when i had calmed down and called him back, he was so sweet about it.  Ifyou know me - my frustration levels are not pretty - I am loud, quick to anger, and very passionate (in a bad way haha) But Taylor just looked on the bright side and said "sometimes you just gotta throw away the coffee."

Well at 8 pm I shouldn't have thrown away the coffee. Haha - I am actually finally leaving work and I am headed to bed!  I am tired and hopefully tomorrow will be a better day!  Because tomorrow is BlogAbout OBU day!!!

I missed last Tuesday - So I gotta catch up :

Be Happy!
Abby