Faith's Findings

As we wind down 2012, I like to look back over my year. I guess I do this because I sometimes imagine each year as a chapter in my life with subchapters full of foreshadowing and other nerdy, literary devices. A perk of having a birthday that is only 16 days into the New Year, is that each year represents a solid year of age for me, with 2012 being my 27th year. This year was lived and lived well. January came with a fabulous celebration to begin my 27th year. We painted with laughter and smile at our masterpiece of the memories made. February came and well, the only thing of note that I remember was this wonderful little embarrassing story! March was a month full of blossoming friendships while others ended. Relationships always tend to grow and some die; but most importantly, a beautiful little girl came into my life: Brynleigh Carmouche! April was the month I had the privilege of spending time in Lubbock, Texas, and presenting one of my writings at a Literar

In the wake of a time stopping tragedy, America mourns the loss of heroes and sweet children.  One week ago, just 11 days before Christmas, these angels left us in a brutal attack. I cannot begin to imagine the gnawing pain; the shock; the disbelief. As I sit here, I am still struggling between being entirely consumed with the facts and being in total denial of such events. When I read the first status about the shooting, I thought, "No. Dear God, please let this be false." As the day unfolded, I was in a state of shock simply not understanding why the children, why the sweet babes? As a future educator my thoughts continued, “A school should be a safe haven for children that nurtures and encourages children. A school should not be a war zone even in a political sense. Our children are our future; our schools should be where the future is molded not stolen.” My empathy is feeble in the reality of the earth shattering loss Newtown, Connecticut is living. I find myself wond

As "the most wonderful time of the year" is upon on us, I am bracing myself for more "Christian" slogans about keeping Christ in Christmas (the word, not the actual season or day).That is what makes me laugh about all the social media posts and rants (quite like this one). It's so easy to post this and that but what about in the real world? This idea of bumper sticker/sloganized religion is probably not what Christ had in mind when He said, “Love your neighbor." Are we really keeping Christ in Christmas just by our posts and words?? What about the old saying "actions speak louder than words??" Or are we, as “professed Christians” in the virtual world, actually turning more people off to Christ in Christmas than we are showing Christ? Christmas is not celebrated just one day a year; it's not celebrated with even the craftiest Pinterest creation; the tastiest holiday cookie; the rich hot chocolate or even the hottest deal on a gift; In fa

“Faith untested is dead.”  ( This semester my faith has been tested, but nothing out of the ordinary than any other test of faith. Well, maybe so because now I have this football analogy that ties into another parallel.) If you know anything about me, you know that I am an avid football fan. That gold runs in my blood for my Louisiana teams, so you can safely assume that this season starter was heartbreaking for my Saints. Week after week, I watched, hoping we would prevail with a “win,” yet, week after week, in a heart wrenching manner, we gained another “L.” Some games were so close, I could taste sweet victory like a beignet from Café Du Monde and then, in the last seconds it was a bitter reality of 0-1; 0-2; 0-3; 0-4. I saw rants of people threatening paper bags, calling my boys the “Aints,”   bandwagon fans showed their true colors. In my own rants, all I could think about is my spiritual faith. “What do I do when my faith in God wavers like my faith in the Saints? Do

Well, finale night has come and gone, and boy did it leave my head spinning!! Maybe that's all the cold medicine I am doped up on, I don't know, but Honey Boo Boo and family definitely did not disappoint. I should warn you that I am breaking one of my rules; the rule of to stay off of social media/blogs when I am under the influence of medicine, so who knows what this post will end up saying! This week was full of lessons and surprises and as crazy as it sounds, left me wishing for more. I have so many more questions, but for now I will stick to the lessons. 1) Why was their make up layered on for pictures?? And, yes, June who does schedule family pictures in the heat of summer in the south?? I did however enjoy the yelling and fighting!! That was my favorite. 2) "Beauty is the eye, the eye of the beholder.."---sure, its something like that 3) Possibly my favorite quotes: "You can bathe in your own sweat" (um, gross! Not sure that it would be an effective ba

Can I just say that I am genuinely going to miss Honey Boo Boo and family? I know, I know, that's a crazy thought, but it is the truth. This week, as usual, did not let me down with fun lessons about life and Honey Boo Boo's family. I just love them and how they make my family look a little more normal every week! 1) Mama June announced that she just doesn't wear makeup!!--You mean that's all natural?? I would have never guessed!! 2) Mama June also didn't know where Honey Boo Boo's eyebrows were located.-- See, I take this knowledge for granted, I guess. I assumed everyone knew where those things are located! 3) It is not "ever, ever." It is "ever, pever!"--Thank you, Honey Boo Boo! 4) "Bingo is a sport. It calms you."--I never knew! And well, it apparently is a family outing, that can include your 6 year old!! A family that plays Bingo together, well......they play bingo together. 5) Three words: June's B

The Saints have started this football season 0-2. We have not had a start to a season like this in 5 years and yet, I still believe. I still believe in this organization and these boys. Sure, sometimes the fans of the Black and Gold get a bad wrap but, here's why I think Saint's fans are the best in the league: * We own the losses just like the wins. We don't make excuses. We admit when we are outplayed. *Our boys are our biggest fans as well. They really are. They love the Who Dat Nation and they love my city and my state.  *We have to fight and overcome for every victory both on and off the field. Everyone  loves a comeback story and boy, aren't we a good one! We are all a "comeback" story, if you think about it! Sure, some of us are still trying to pull ourselves up to be a comeback story, but in due time, everyone is a comeback story.  *The Saints have brought families together. They have brought our state together! *We aren't a c

Here it is, another weekly lesson from Honey Boo Boo and family! This week's post is later than usual, something about my college education getting in the way with a class that didn't let out until after 9! I mean, don't they know where the REAL lessons are on Wednesday nights?? (I am sooo joking!!) So, being that is is late and I ache with fatigue let's get this rollin! Oh Honey Boo Boo, you did not let us down! 1. Who is Anna? I forget their real names.  2. Pumpkin (I don't know her real name at all!) must not own any shoes. I wonder if we can get her on the Toms list! 3. Apparently a "ball pit" doesn't have to be full of  "balls" just because it is called a "ball pit"--Remember, this is Honey Boo Boo logic. 4. "Shuggy"--I will never be comfortable with this nickname especially when Honey Boo Boo calls her dad (aka Sugar Bear) "Shuggy" 5. What is a "chalk miner?" ---Is this for real

What week are we on now with Honey Boo Boo? Four? Five? I don't really recall but I do know that each week I fear the words "Next Week on the season finale..." (You know you do too!!) However, I have not heard those words yet so, let's all celebrate that and continue on with out lessons from Honey Boo Boo! This week was a riot, as usual, a train wreck that I can't help but watch! They started off by going to a wig shop called "Shhh! It's a Wig" The whole family just seemed to have the time of their lives in this wig shop! It was indeed a hot mess! 1) Sugar Bear, you do NOT need a mullet. No one needs a mullet however, I am surprised Sugar Bear doesn't already have one. 2) It must not take much ole Sugar Bear to um.... get those juices flowing for after he saw Mama June in that blonde wig that looked like a big sponge, well he "got all frisky" and "wanted to jump some bones" 3) A new past time, if you are bored....&

Yes, we are awaiting the arrival of now Tropical Strom Isaac while some are living with his aftermath as I write this. My motto: Just because things are not great at the moment does not mean we still can't have fun, especially if you still have power and watched Honey Boo Boo tonight! This week's episode was just jammed packed with some great lessons.So, being that at any moment power could be lost, let's not delay in this week's Lessons from Honey Boo Boo: 1. Honey Boo Boo is not ready for baby Kaitlyn (who is still in the oven) to come because baby Kaitlyn will smell like "poo" when she "poos"---What did you expect?? Roses?? Fresh linen??? 2. As an english major, I was happy to learn that "Bakin'" and "Bacon" are synonyms................ 3. Honey Boo Boo wants to have 1,000 kids or just 30 cause that's as far as she can count----Dear Lord, no!! Please, just no!! We can't handle it!! 4. Just what is a buttho

  If you live in a gulf coast state, chances are you have lived through a hurricane. Currently, we are dealing with Isaac and by dealing with, I mean it’s coming. As I made preparations today, I realized some of my priorities in preparedness are quite unconventional. So, if you are more inland, like I am, you may relate to some of these tips. 1. You should always prepare for a hurricane with a stash of chocolate and caffeine. Should the power go out, everything is amplified! Nerves are shot and its hot. Pop a small piece of chocolate in your mouth, a little sip of caffeine and suddenly everything is a little bit better. Here's my stash for Isaac: 2. If you are riding the storm out with a menopausal , hormonal, woman: have a battery operated fan with back up batteries. Of course, there's always the option of a nice looking cabana boy with a big palm leaf. It is strictly your decision, these are just suggestions. 3. Should you lose power, we all know it will be

This week, we were only lucky enough to have 1 new episode of "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo," I am thankful yet a little sad. Thankful, because school has started and I am already crazy!! Sad because, well, that means less time for mindless entertainment yet, we still can learn something from our beloved Honey Boo Boo: So without delay, let's see what I learned from Honey Boo Boo this week: 1. Honey Boo Boo uses Christmas decorations because it really just helps her know which house is hers. Um, Honey Boo Boo, was the train that runs almost through your house not landmark enough?? God forbid, you know the house number. 2. Her dance moves "get stuck in (her) brain so (she) can't remember them all after her praxticed"....what?!?! Please someone explain this logic to me!!! 3. Two Words: Kuntry Stoe 4. "Oh my door nuts!!".....what?!?!?! 5. When Honey Boo Boo started speaking in "Spanish" I suddenly had a renewed confidence in my own s

Once again, I sat, jaw on the floor, eyes glued to the TV as Honey Boo Boo and family amazed me with their existence. I have some more lessons but as I look over my list, because yes I jotted down notes, there's so much in that hour, I believe I have more questions this week. So, let's go over these lessons from Honey Boo Boo: 1. "Pageants are an expensive sport." ---I didn't know they were a sport. 2. "Couponing is better than sex." ---Well, that doesn't say much for ole Sugar Bear. 3. Mama June's sneezes/coughs/whatever you call that, sound like a horse that is being beaten. Someone please give this woman some coupons for some Zyrtec!! 4. "Rock it like a stupistar"--I'm sorry?? I don't know what that is! 5. Elvis is indeed alive. He lives at the North Pole and helps Santa build toys!! Hmmm... my tour of Graceland failed to mention that detail of his life. 6. WHY???? Would you have a pig at the dinner table??? And W

Today is mid-week and time for What I'm Loving Wednesday!!! 1. I am loving these new nail polish colors I found at Wal-Greens that are apart of the Sinful Colors line. They are very chic and fall!!! 2. I am absolutely loving these podcasts!! The Gathering Place  They are daily worship sessions that are about 20 minutes and absolutely a blessing. Please check them out! 3. I am loving this shampoo and conditioner. I usually do not purchase this but a friend bought it for me as a gift and ooooh it has nothing on those herbal essence commercials!!!   4. Remember two weeks ago when I did Wednesday loves and I posted the quote I loved?? Well, I put it on a canvas and I am pretty sure I love it!!! What a great quote!!  5. Ok, So if you know me then you know that I LOVE LSU and the SAINTS!! And that I have absolutely always loved Matt Flynn, the quarterback when we won the BCS Championship in 2007. Well, his sister and I follow each other on Twi

Tonight, I sat with my jaw on the floor for a solid hour, not able to turn the channel from the train wreck that is "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo." I, like many of you, sat in amazement that these are real people, breathing real air, speaking some form of English that was foreign to me, real people; However, I believe we can all learn from each other. With that being said, I would like to share a few of the lessons that I learned from Honey Boo Boo tonight. 1. A new phrase: "All that vajiggle jaggle is not beautimous!" (spell check is having a hay day right now!) Translation: Girls, wear clothes that fit. 2. Desperation has a smell that can be mixed with hairspray. 3. Talking with your belly is never attractive, no matter your age. 4. There are "Redneck Games" where people "Bob for Pig's Feet" (I just threw up...again) and "Mud Pit Belly Flop" is the highlight event 5. If one would like to lose weight, one must pass gas 12-15

I have not joined Jamie's "What I'm Loving Wednesday" link up party in quite a while so, today I am sharing a few things that I am loving this week!! 1. I am currently loving my morning dose of caffeine in the form of a Sonic Dr. Pepper! I have not had one in a while so this is double the treat!! 2. I am loving this book!! It is about a flapper in the 1920's who wants to be a lawyer! How could it be more perfect?? Oh yes, there's a love story in the mix!!! In the spirit of this book, it has reminded me of my love of ole Rosie the Riveter!! 3. I am so excited and loving that I can smell and taste the upcoming football season!! My football fantasy team hopes to be at least as awesome as last year. I love fall and football!!! Geaux Tigers!! Who Dat!!! 4. How perfect is this quote?? I absolutely love it for it is so the truth!! I plan on putting it on a canvas this week and hope to share the outcome! 5. The fall semester is just ar

I am currently sitting in the 23rd floor balcony of the Island Tower in Gulf Shores. I can hear the crashing of the waves, the call of seagulls and the laughter of children, it's truly a number one hit! Staring out into the vastness of the ocean, I am once again in awe of my Creator. I can only see the water until it meets the horizon and the lyrics come flooding back: "Who  taught the sun where to stand in the morning?  And who told the ocean you can only come this far?  And who showed the moon where to hide till evening?  Whose words alone can catch a falling star?  The very same God That spins things in orbit Runs to the weary, the worn and the weak And the same gentle hands that hold me when I'm broken They conquered death to bring me victory" It baffles me that there's a whole other world beneath those crashing waves and I bet scientists really don't even understand the half of it.  I never feel smaller than I do when I stand at the oceans

I know some of you may know I am at the beach with a dear to my heart family and are probably wondering why in the world is she writing on "Grief"?  Well,  life continues to happen even when one is away from life in Louisiana. Tonight, my Hannah K. learned of a dear friend's tragic and sudden death and my heart is full. This is new territory on so many levels and as I sit on the balcony with the waves singing their melody all I can think about is the all encompassing emotion of grief. The funny thing about grief is that in the moment that time stops for one person, time does not stop for the mourners. Life goes on. Time ticks by. Tears fall and hearts break. There's no handbook on "grieving for dummies" and there's no wrong way to grieve. Everyone grieves differently. Being sensitive to needs in those times is so tough.  Sure we may be a Martha and hands on wanting to fix dinners and hold someone  and do this and that. No, that's not a b