Life

What I’ve Learned So Far

- Melody
photo from our engagement session with Angela Duncan

I know we’re only thirteen days into 2012 but I’ve learned something pretty huge. Huge for me.

To paraphrase Passion..
We (students) are in a system that prepares us for a destination that is not yet arrived. And that won’t arrive for quite some time.
I remember my senior year of high school strung so high worrying about which college I would go to and what my major would be. What kind of career can I have in music besides teaching? How will I know whether or not I made the right college decision? How long will I be in school? Should I go to grad school? Where’s my cap and gown? What dress am I going to wear for graduation? Are we eating after?
See? So many questions. And it didn’t help that every person I encountered asked me, “So, where are you going to school?” I always answered them with a very confident, “I have no idea.”
Somehow, I ended up at Kilgore College. Best. Decision. Of. My. Life. Loved that school. Still do. God really had me in His hand. But I still didn’t know whether or not to pursue a bachelor’s degree after graduating KC. Was it worth it to me? Why should I get an education degree when that is the exact opposite of what I want to do? Why am I wasting my money again? Have I eaten today?
And the questions continued. They still do.
By the incredible grace of God he moved my heart to continue schooling at the University of Texas at Tyler. 50 minutes from my front door. Another excellent decision. I do love this school. It was a bit of change for me; new teachers, new friends, new surroundings, an actual campus, a STARBUCKS!, but most of all more money.
So far, God has provided. He has so provided for us. We have no debt to UTT. And we pray for it to stay that way through graduation.

I tell you that to tell you this.
Since starting college I’ve planned for myself to do “something big” once I finished all of my school. Only then could I start writing music or looking for a church job or figure out what God would have me do. Why? Because that’s what I felt like I was supposed to do. Isn’t that how everyone else does it? School-marriage-career? (I obviously botched that up by getting married my second year of college.)
I realized something last week. I don’t have to wait. God doesn’t wait on me. He proceeds without asking. I like it so much that way. I don’t want to rely on myself to find a job, a career, a family. I’m so grateful He knows all of that!
So my prayer has become this:
God, show me what you would have me do. I pray that when I open my mouth I speak the words you have given me! Lead me where you want me.

The future always seems so far away. What I know now is that it’s happening right now! Don’t wait anymore.

Passion 2012

- Melody

Did you know there are 27,000,000 slaves right now? That’s more than any other time in history. Something has to change. NOW. There are organizations in place to prevent, rescue, and restore these slaves and lead them to Jesus Christ. I’m so proud to say that I, along with 45,000 others, are a part of this movement. To bring freedom to this horrible crime. We raised $3,066,000 in FOUR DAYS. Our goal was $1,000,000. That is cash money. No pledging, no commitments. Cash. Money. That can only be explained by the power of God.

Learn the signs of human trafficking. There are hundreds of thousands of slaves in the U.S. alone and 17,000 more will be trafficked this year. Atlanta, GA is a huge hub of slavery and trafficking. Learn what to do if you see signs of trafficking.

Visit Slavery Footprint to learn how many slaves work for you. Not to made you feel bad, but to demand the products you want be built with free-trade. Demand of your suppliers a high standard!

Visit 268generation.com to learn more about the Passion movement and about slavery.

This is reality. This is real. It’s time to do something now.

My Mom’s Big Debut

- Melody

That fourth picture is my favorite of my mom. So pretty!

On December 11 mom, my little sister and I headed out to Elmwood Gardens for their first bridal show after “reinventing” themselves, so to speak. (My incredible mother designed their new logo that was seen on every nametag, folder, flier, and sticker at that bridal show. GO MAMA!) They added on another ceremony site so if there was any question of me wanting to get married again this solidified it. I want to get married again. (To Jason.. of course.)

It is so gorgeous out there. It’s not just our wedding location to me. It’s somewhere I’d love to live. I’d love to work out there in the gardens or even just cleaning the joint! It’s that beautiful. Even the 1.5 hour drive out is pretty. Trees, pastures, cows, winding country roads… reminds me of Laneville.

Back to my mom. 🙂 Since she is so awesome and has been building up a good reputation with the owners of EG, (since our wedding out there :)) she decided to join the bridal show with great success! People loved her stuff. And why wouldn’t they? It’s unique in the best way possible. 🙂 I was so proud of her that day! Putting herself out there and people loving what she had. That girl can draw!

Love you mom!

Merry Christmas!

- Melody

Happy Christmas to you all! I hope you are spending time with your families and enjoying this beautiful holiday. Right now, Jason and I are watching the NBA remake their debut with the Miami Heat and the Dallas Mavs! Woo! A little Christmas bonus. 🙂

So, what’d you get? What are you doing today? Let me know so I can be jealous 🙂

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Love you all 🙂

So Sorry…

- Melody

So sorry things have been quiet for about a week. I have many posts waiting to be written, but for now I’m recuperating from the week that was finals. I’ll be sure to post our Christmas decorations, our crazy shopping experiences and some outfits over the next few days!

Merry Christmas!
Love you all!

I Survived.

- Melody

If any of you are friends with me on Facebook you probably saw this post:

*(aaand I just realized I said “statues” instead of “status”. HA!)

The generous people at UT Tyler decided to try out something called “dead days”. AKA, the greatest thing ever. They are just no-school days before exams to give students a chance to catch their breath and study. It. Was. Glorious. I actually had three dead days because I didn’t have exams one day this week. I did an entire 10 page paper in 2 days, a history review full of essays, and studied like a crazy person while not eating. (I don’t think I had a consistent meal the past week or two.)

But Wednesday nearly did me in. I had three of my hardest exams in one day. I did have a chance to take one another day but decided to get them over with all at once. And I think I did pretty decent! On Thursday I dare say I made a 100 on the exam I took! I was so incredibly proud of it I should put it on our fridge. Forrealz.

Have you finished your Christmas shopping? Jason and I just started last night. I know. It’s awful. But finding free shipping coupons on the internet really makes you feel better!

Want to know a secret? We don’t even have a tree. My mom gave us one of those skinny ones with the real wooden trunk so we have that sitting in our corner. No ornaments, no tree skirt, no presents under it. Nada. We’re real festive.

(Look out for a new big post featuring Crumbs and Crayons!)