Today's Memory Monday post comes to you courtesy of Shutterfly, the only place I had some of these epic photos saved!! Let's time-travel together back 15 years to Saturday, July 18, 2009... Chet Lee's very memorable 21st birthday party!!!
We started out with dinner at PF Chang's then went to Carl Brandvold's apartment for cake and fun line dancing practice... followed by our historic inaugural trip to the Caravan! #thefirstofmany
Group pic at dinner with the signature thumbs up pose + the famous Wanda's cake (it was excellent - sadly, she closed up shop a couple years later) + Chet mocking Natalie L's panic on their Colorado rafting trip! lol Rachael LaJo, me, and Malori Riah + Chet Lee just across the table from us with his bday dessert from the restaurant + Natalie L. at Carl's apartment with the adorable bday balloon-man! Nater-tot, Sarah S, and Chettles. lol Above group in a 3rd pic + my giant bday card for Chet + line dancing practice with Chet and Sarah + our first trip to "the Van!" Nathan, Kirsten, and Holly + Rach with her sad bowl of plain white rice lol + Chet excited to be old enough for the hand-stamp at the Caravan LOL + one more restaurant group pic - (Sarah H in her makeup-free, skirt-wearing Pentecostal days)! Meeting JEM and learning the pretzel spin move and the ghetto line dance would all come later, but this was a really fun night and a good core LG memory! What stands out most and makes me laugh looking back is that this was 7 short months into my friendship with Chettles, and my family literally changed our summer vacation schedule so that I could be back in time for this much-anticipated party (which he had invited me to 7 months in advance). #worthit I'm guessing that decision helped to cement our friendship, and I love that the fam was flexible and that I had the gumption to even ask for that! Also love that Rach joined our group in Tulsa for Chet's 21st bday - I'm assuming I had talked up the friend group! =)
Although I'm guessing she didn't do a lot of dancing that weekend. lol ...Aww, memories of pushing her all over Disney World in that stupid wheelchair and getting to cut to the front of the lines for every ride! Rach, if you read this, remind me how your ankle was broken?? That was a State Farm reward trip, so yay SF! That bottom right pic of Rach and I at the SF banquet dinner was my screensaver for a while after this trip. =)
Love the wheelchair pic of Dad and Rach! It's kinda sad to me now that we didn't also get a family pic in front of the castle, but what can you do years after the fact!? It's always a hot mess crowd at that entrance, and I'm guessing I didn't want to annoy anyone. *Things like this = why I'm usually willing to annoy people and demand group photos now. lol I'm always so grateful to have them when I look back, and my guess is that others will be too!!
The park stuff all blurs together in my memory at this point - I know Rach and I did the Aerosmith Rockin' Roller Coaster (intense winding ramps as we cut the line on that one) and Splash Mountain repeatedly, but that's about it. I believe this was our last family trip before Rach got married and had children - not sure I've been on another trip with her since. My three most vivid memories looking back are: 1) Feeling proud of myself for going to our resort's workout room a couple times to get in some extra miles, training for my first Half Marathon that November... 2) Getting a fun voicemail from Malori where she sang to cheer me up (we talked daily at the time and she knew I was over-worried about Mom, who was pretty sick and coughing through the night that week)... and 3) Everything feeling better as our fam gathered on our impressive hotel room balcony to watch the Epcot fireworks show at night - (staying at Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resort)!!
Anyway, looking back at the group pics from that party, Chet Lee, Sarah Elizabeth, and Rachael LaJo are the only people still in my life 15 years later. Just as it should be. Most friendships are for a season, but a few are for a lifetime. I'm so glad to be in the phase of life where it's a bit easier to tell the difference. lol Okay, to sum this up, I'm super grateful for these early memories and for ALLLL God has done in the 15 years since!! ❤
Happy 36th Birth-week to Chettles!
Happy Monday to everyone, and I hope you have a fantastic week ahead!!
1. Codependent No More: How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for Yourself by Melanie Beattie
"Even if the most important person in your world rejects you, you are still real, and you are still okay... We don’t have to take things so personally. When people with a compulsive disorder do whatever it is they are compelled to do, they are not saying they don’t love you - they are saying they don’t love themselves.”
2. ADHD is Awesome: A Guide to (Mostly) Thriving with ADHD by Penn and Kim Holderness
Mostly fun and interesting - helpful for people with ADHD (Jaceman enjoyed some of Penn's descriptions) and good for those who want to better support and understand someone with ADHD!
3. Fighting Shadows: Overcoming 7 Lies That Keep Men From Becoming Fully Alive by Jefferson Bethke and Jon Tyson
Best book I've read this year - highly recommend. Intended for a male audience, but applied to my life in many areas. It's about becoming light by overcoming the shadows the blur our view of God: despair, loneliness, futility, apathy, ambition, shame, and lust.
4. Divine Direction: 7 Decisions That Will Change Your Life by Craig Groeschel
The audiobook should have been read by Craig, but a good and encouraging book overall.
5. Write Your Story: A Simple Framework to Understand Yourself, Your Story, and Your Purpose in the World by Allison Fallon
Exceptional book for anyone who has a desire to write or better understand their life story - I'll revisit this one and probably take her A Book in Six Months course next January!
6. It's Not You: Identifying and Healing from Narcissistic People by Dr. Ramani Durvasula
So good... so many bookmarks and great quotes from this one, and I appreciate her empathy, empowering perspective, and emphasis on letting go of the hope that the narcissist will change.
7. Anti-Diet: Reclaim Your Time, Money, Well-Being, and Happiness through Intuitive Eating by Christy Harrison
Fantastic deeper look at the problems with diet culture (aka American culture around food) and a healthier approach to life -- revisiting this in 2025, as well!
8. Think This, Not That: 12 Mindshifts to Break Through Limiting Beliefs and Become Who You Were Born to Be by Dr. Josh Axe
Currently listening to this one and really enjoying it!
9. Counterfeit Gods: The Empty Promises of Money, Sex, and Power, and the Only Hope That Matters by Timothy Keller
"When people say, 'I know God forgives me, but I can't forgive myself,' they mean that they have failed an idol whose approval is more important to them than God's."
Happy Friday, friends and fam!! I've extended my school break as long as humanly possible, and now I have a homework-filled night ahead of me. lol No regrets - it's been a lovely week.
Happy 36th Birthday to Sarah Elizabeth today! ❤
Also, Happy Birthday to Chet's Aunt Donetta (Teresa's sister)!
*Side note: This = the only Chet bday party I've missed since I've known him, thanks to a combination of a COVID rescheduling the party and my first required Colorado trip with CCU that weekend. I do have lots of photos from that event, which makes me happy. I was definitely there in spirit! lol
In other news, I finally decided it was time to split up the blog... the Blog Archive (July 2008 to May 2024) can be found HERE (or the new Season 1 tab at the top). Cutting this site down from 2000+ to 27 posts makes it look like I have averaged 17,995 views per post. lol I also spent a stupid amount of time changing all the Tribute post links, but I'm happy it's done. Anyway, if you visit the Archive, there's a tab at the top to redirect you back here to Season 2. =) I fully expect to continue writing for the next 15+ years, so this site has plenty of space to keep growing now! Some of my earlier writing was rough and less representative of who I am now and who I desire to be moving forward...
I've cleaned out a few posts, but still, the separation feels appropriate. Let's celebrate stepping purposefully into Season 2 - huzzah! We live and learn, and I am sincerely grateful for the plethora of well-documented memories, God-given insights, and people who have shaped my life along the way! ❤
With full confidence in Jesus, I wait with hope and expectancy for all He has planned in this new season! And that's all the blogging time I have for today. =)
I love you and believe in you, and I hope you have a fantastic weekend ahead!
"When you obey Me, you are living in My love,just as I obey my Father and live in His love. I have told you this so that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." ~John 15:10-11
Today, I thank God for...
1. My new writing room!! Potentially a future nursery room, but I'm so glad it feels brighter and less messy and unfinished now. I've ordered a cute office chair, but outside of that and the desk, we were able to use furniture and wall decor I already had, so yay!
...Annie F. Downs has a library/writing room at her house that was once a nursery room for the people who lived there before her, and she said, "In this season of my life, I'm carrying and birthing books instead of babies," and I felt that. On a related note, Christine Caine's latest podcast has me thinking about how conception follows intimacy... I want a deeply intimate walk with God that allows His dreams and character and the story He wants to tell through my life to take root and be alive and grow inside me, eventually sharing it with others in book form (probably a 2025 project, written from my raspberry-pink writing desk)! ❤
3. Still hoping and praying for a child someday, and hanging this up with continued faith for that over five years later! ❤
4. Loving this paperback book cover (the hard cover I read a while back was different). "This is a book about getting back up." YESSSS!! Makes me wish I'd written it. lol But I will write my own book eventually, and that'll be pretty exciting to see in print, as well!
5. JaceMan's excitement about his newly purple hair and the "sick" photo collages I made for him! lol
7. Supportive friends. ;-) My group texts with Chet & Sarah + JEM and Chet are both fun, and the multitude of gif reactions to my Crumbl text made me pretty happy!
8. Sarah Elizabeth, who has a birthday tomorrow - yay! Fun fact: All of my current and former besties have summer birthdays, JMM being the only one not falling in the specific month of July!
9. In scrolling through old pictures, I came across this meme I'd saved in March then never posted (to my memory). I may have been thinking about gross bugs and lovely perennial flowers, but the metaphor hit me immediately today. I feel like the past couple years have been a Spring season in my personal life with lots of messy new growth and vibrant color. I'm grateful that God has the power and cares enough to resurrect certain hopes and dreams we have buried... for the ways He reawakens our spirit in areas where we have been on autopilot or felt a lack of purpose for years. And I'm grateful for the hope that other dreams may simply be asleep or on pause, awaiting His best timing.
10. As I walk the mini-hills in my neighborhood, I've gotten in the habit of reassuring myself: "All hills end - just keep going!" And in so many ways, that's a metaphor for life... which I've thought about far more than I think about the actual tangible reality. We conquer hard things one step at a time, and eventually, we get back to a lighter and easier flat road, until we inevitably run into the next hill. Our choices are to quit or keep moving forward, so we go on, and we realize along the way that we're stronger than we once imagined. The resistance may be intense, but our resilience is stronger. You can expect loads of metaphorical gems like this whilst I train over the next 10 months! lol
Well, I'm back in the Peloton party (not that I ever completely left)!!
And I've found a new favorite coach in Kirsten Ferguson -- it's probably early to say that definitively, but she's in my top three for sure. Very encouraging and inspiring messages, and she plays several powerful Christian songs - I'm a fan!
I've rejoined the Hardcore group with assigned daily strength classes, and today's Arms and Shoulders workout was with Logan Aldridge, an inspiring amputee with a strong spirit and good sense of humor. Toward the end of the class, he said something like, "I know this resistance is heavy, but your resilience is even stronger!"
And my very immediate thought was "Blog-worthy metaphor!!"
YES, the resistance I'm feeling both internally and externally is intense right now. The comfort zone vibes, the fear of all that could go wrong, the resistance to change, and the growing understanding that even with assistance, actively stepping into a new identity is still very difficult! BUT the healthy changes I'm making are aligned with my God-given purpose, vision, and goals... so my resilience is resurfacing, along with some much-needed grit! To quote T-Swift, "They count me out time and time again, but I come back stronger than a '90s trend!!" ;-)
That's all I've got for today. I hope this encourages others in whatever way you may need it right now. Quiet the overwhelm by focusing on one day at a time, one task at a time, and remembering why it matters. Go in knowing that the resistance you face will be heavy, but your resilience is even stronger! (1 John 4:4) ❤
The parade-ready Wilson fam! =) I noticed Karli ordered a tie-dye kit on Amazon, and I love that they made each shirt in a different fun pattern! Apparently, several neighbors joined them for pizza + swimming + a tie-dye party making shirts for their neighborhood's patriotic parade on Saturday... fun!
I love that they have several friends around their neighborhood... (and I understand that it's because they make efforts to cultivate that community, and I could do the same at Broadmoore Heights... unlikely, but I'm assuming it would be well received if I put in the effort! lol)
Anyway, here's me and Parker Elizabeth just before I went out to swim! I did my best to talk her into joining, but she's not easily peer pressured, and I love that about her. lol
A sandwich tray from Costco + lots of chips and queso + chocolate salad (with a dark vinaigrette Parker thought was chocolate syrup)... the kids enjoying patriotic popsicles whilst I was still swimming... and Teresa and Parker hanging out and cleaning up the kitchen!
Fun in the pool + fresh flowers + me and Kristin Renee + Jonathan swimming with the kids!
I sat at the smaller kitchen table with Teresa, Karli, Kristin, and Hope. Kristin gave us an update on Jon's recovery and ended up telling the entire story of the day of his heart attack last year. There were a couple of God-being-in-it details that were new to me -- ways God answered questions and ways He prepared her ahead of time, and I loved hearing that! I really love that my friend group tends to pay attention and celebrate God's involvement in the details of our lives - it encourages others, strengthens your faith, and sharpens your awareness of God's presence in the big and small things!! ❤
So the Wilsons have three MASSIVE backyard trees that cover and shade the great majority of their amazing backyard! One rests just above the pool and one holds a swing that's been fun for adults and kids for several years. Chettles is not a huge fan due to the leafy mess they create in the fall, but I love them! So these pics = me documenting my view of the trees from the pool + Chet mocking my excitement. lol
I had to get a pic of them with their headphones (to soften the fireworks noise). I love that Parker asks, "Lemme see it!!" every time I take a photo. ❤
Ready for the Country Crossing neighborhood fireworks show!! I was between Jon and Karli, technically in Chet's chair, but Karli invited me to use it. Parker sat with me for a tiny minute before deciding to run around with all the kids. (Ignore the flag on the ground that's being trampled - very accidental).
Chet passing out fans to the Griffiths from FBC (and tons of other neighbors) + cute kid photos!
Fireworks time!! They were closer than one might expect, but a really great show! lol
Pre-show fan distribution, mid-show random group selfie, post-show Wilson fam cuteness, and Chet Wilson in a Chet Wilson hat with Chet Wilson fans! lol
Some fun with poppers and sparklers (Parker was back and forth about whether they were scary or cool) just before I left to head back to OKC! Yay, Wilsons - love them and their willingness to host things like this and foster fun community!! ❤
Sunday morning was Cheesecake Factory with Kristin Michelle (a belated birthday brunch of which I could eat less than 1/4th what I once could), then my first trip to Moore Life.Church for At The Movies (this week was the Air movie about the Michael Jordan shoe - I so love the ending on that one and was happy they played that whole clip!!)
My new "Writing Desk" arrived today... how freaking cute is this!? Well played, Instagram ads. The color and the name are both a draw for me - now I wanna set my Macbook here and write a book (or loads of blogs)! Still not entirely sure where I'm going to put it, but that's a minor detail. lol
Today is day one of the final six weeks of the summer semester at CCU! I'm fully registered for my final semester of classes this fall, along with two major required exams in September. We can all see the light at the end of the tunnel now, which is pretty exciting (and accompanied by some impatience)! Two things I won't miss: group projects & discussion boards. lol
The school break week was awesome, and I appreciate the fun-filled long weekend with family and friends!! Lots of meaningful goals on the horizon, and I am ready to pursue them with passion and perseverance!
Okay - time to push forward. Praying we draw near enough to experience the rich, vibrant, purpose-filled, abundant life that is ours in Jesus... and that God fortifies and strengthens every area the enemy targets and seeks to destroy in our lives!!!
"You lead me in the path of LIFE. You will fill me with abundant JOY in Your presence, with the sweetness of VICTORY at Your right hand." ~Psalm 16:11
Dearest Friends and Family,
Happy 7-7!! ❤ My surgery was exactly one month ago, and I am grateful for every bit of kindness, love, and support I have received from those who care about me. Physically, I am grateful to say I’m recovering well and my incisions are almost fully healed. I’m beginning to strength train and preparing to start Half-Marathon training a couple weeks from now!
Mentally and spiritually, my recovery is just beginning. Honestly, I should have been wise enough to expect the storm of spiritual warfare that hit just when I was most vulnerable post-op. But in the same way I tend to be oblivious to checking the Weather app until a torrential downpour hits, I did not armor-up or prepare myself well for the enemy's attacks in this season. I am smart and driven and intentional, and I'm not crazy or unwilling to put in effort... but I have been struck by paralyzing fear along with sincere confusion about how to move forward. And even as I write that, I am hearing 2 Timothy 1:7 in my mind - that God in His goodness has not given me a spirit of fear, but of POWER, and of LOVE, and a SOUND (clear and peaceful) MIND. This fear and confusion and instability are not rooted in Him.
I have authority over the enemy, and I can separate the light from the darkness. I have a God who leads me forward "in the path of life." Who brings me abundant joy in His presence. And who holds the sweetness of victory and peace in His right hand. Staying close to Him is essential.
On this one-month mark, I've been thinking purposefully about the path ahead of me. And praying over it on my silent “mindfulness walk" tonight. Then discussing it with my attentive and caring friend, Chet, who called to check in with accountability and encouragement.
God’s path of life starts with me breaking agreements and taking back my God-given authority... embracing the courage it took to start this whole journey, and thanking God for the solid foundation that upholds a safe refuge where I can withstand this storm (Mt. 7:24-25). ❤
Moving forward with better boundaries, I am committing to drop the sword of suspicion and trust and follow the medical advice: To lead with protein, incorporate more vegetables and fiber, and be very intentional about making wise food choices over the six months ahead! I am removing the mental "finish line" of hitting a certain weight number and then being "done." My game plan is to persevere with the doctor-recommended nutrition advice for the next six months while paying close attention to physical hunger and fullness cues… then in the new year (if it continues to align with God's will), I will revisit the book I just read and thoughtfully move into an intuitive eating approach with food, which seems like the best path forward for long-term mental and physical health! I'm also committing to a 10-minute "vision-walk" or 10 minutes of journaling every morning where I will pray over these things and set my focus for the day ahead of me, a valuable and relatively simple habit that I've started this week with Launch... which continues to be an exceptional and well-timed tool for me!! ❤
This = a pic after our family dinner at Clark Crew BBQ tonight!
The boys all messing with each other whilst Rach and Kyndal smile normally. lol
It's been a really fun long weekend, which I will recap more tomorrow!
Song for Today = Trust in God by Elevation Worship
This is song #1 on the "Intention Setting" Peloton walk, and I adore it now... Elevation worship music feels especially anointed to me!
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine.
He's been my fourth man in the fire time after time...
Perfect submission, all is at rest.
I know the Author of tomorrow has ordered my steps...
I sought the Lord, and He heard, and He answered.
Month #1 has been humbling and surprisingly hard and messy at times... focused mostly on physical recovery + regaining my footing mentally and spiritually. I was knocked down and disoriented, and the struggle to get back up and stand firm has been real - I feel afraid even now, but more aware of the warfare behind that fear, and more empowered to fight back.
Month #2 will be about reclaiming authority in Christ + prioritizing protein + rebuilding strength in mind, body, and spirit! I am pressing into my support system and the stability and strength that are mine in Christ. Together, we really can do hard things!
God alone holds the key to the path of life and the sweetness of victory.
And I believe He is helping me to write a beautiful new chapter, even if the first draft looks a bit messy!
“I trust in God my Savior, the One who will never fail.” ❤
