A Few of "My Favorite Things"

#1 The Sound of Music

I hope that when you read the title of this post that The Sound of Music came to mind; that's what I was going for.  My sister and I use to watch this classic regularly as young girls.  Sara Beth would pretend to be Liesl, and I would be Gretl.  We were always good at playing our rightful roles, big sister and little sister.  I do love this movie though.  Now on to some other recent favorites...

#2 Time magazine- a recent favorite read

 

 #3 Wonderful book and movie...people will always be

intrigued with the South

I haven't always enjoyed reading.  There was a time in life where I actually hated it.  I never was the Accelerated Reader award winner during elementary/middle school.  I'm glad that I've learned to love reading, though.  A book I think I'll always appreciate is The Help.  I think the rest of you southern girls would agree.  The South is indeed home, and all the elements of life in Mississippi mean so much to me, especially now that I live in a different part of the country.  Kathryn Stockett writes a beautiful, heartfelt story here with dynamic characters and an evolving storyline.  Brandon and I went to see the movie in theaters during his last visit to Indiana.  We made it a double-date with Sydney and her boyfriend Brett (more on Sydney later).  After a discussion over dinner following the movie, Brandon and I were able to give our "2 cents" from true Mississippians' perspectives.  It was fun to enlighten our Ohio friends on the back stories of our history.

 #4 Gardening for Dumbies/ Patio Sitting

# 5 Domestication in progress- my favorite

recipe yet, thanks to Sara Beth

Seasonal, fresh salad to accompany the pizza

One thing that has changed for me is the amount of time I have.  For once in my life, I don't feel like I'm panting from one activity or meeting to the next.  It's been so nice to breathe a bit more easily and enjoy 'the simple things.'  One of those simple things I'm loving these days is being in the kitchen.  I have expanded my pantry options and have definitely improved on the cooking front.  Or maybe it's just that I decided one day to actually pick up my kitchen tools, read the instructions, and just do it.  Thanks Nike.  Whatever the reason is, it's a fun new hobby.  And I'd like to think that the children I hope to have some day will thank me for practicing now.

#6 The Ultimate Favorite- my precious friend, Kaya

Meet Kaya [pronounced Ky-ya].  If you've read some of the blogs before, you have already heard of my sweet and wonderful little friend, Kaya.  Wow.  Where do I even begin on this child?  God created Kaya with such a sweet spirit and very energetic body and mind.  Kaya loves all things Nickelodeon, horses, computer games, letter-boxing, and mostly art.  This girl would rather do some type of art work any second of the day over all other things.  I pick her up from school 4 of the 5 days out of the work week and keep her two hours until her mom gets home.  We have so much fun together.  Our routine usually consists of a group effort completing her homework (alphabetizing spelling words, addition problems, etc.)  Then we'll grab a snack and watch one of the Nick shows on at that time, usually iCarly or Victorious.  I've actually learned to enjoy these shows and even have my favorite characters. 

Kaya wanted to do "crazy hair"

Through my short time with Kaya, I've learned that she does not have a relationship with the Lord.  In fact she does not have a church home or attend church much at all.  My heart is burdened for her and heavy knowing that this precious girl does not know the loving God who made her to be so special.  It's been comforting though to see God give me avenues to bring up His name in conversation with her.  If you think to pray for her, please do so.  And pray that I will let Him do the working and not take it on myself, because it is He who can and will change her life.  Meeting Kaya and seeing the opportunity here has been the biggest confirmation that God truly has me right where I need to be for now.  If for no other reason, I am far away in a town in Indiana to be with this amazing child and introduce His name.  At the end of the day, that's all the reason I need. 

"It is the little things planted that can grow to maturity in the Kingdom." - Tom Sine from "The Mustard Seed"  

"The least of you will become a thousand, the smallest a mighty nation.  I am the Lord; in its time I will do this swiftly."  Isaiah 60:22