Shine Bright

You will typically find me in dress patterns with much softer colors than what I chose to wear to the wedding this past weekend. I don't think I even realized just how neon it was until we were literally walking out the door to leave. But I love this dress all the same. It is super comfortable (which is really all that matters) and was absolutely perfect for an outdoor wedding. 

The couple that got married this past weekend holds a special spot in my heart. I have known the groom for most of my life. We were part of a neighborhood "play group" and were forced to become friends because our moms spent so much time together. To this day, the group still get together once a year to play laser tag and have dinner at...wait for it...Hooters. Yes, it's a weird combination of activities - especially just days before Christmas, when this event usually takes place. I've been pushing to move the entire event to Pinewood Social - hopefully others will soon agree. Nevertheless, it was a blast to get everyone together again for such a joyous event. 

The amazing thing about this wedding was the amount of love shown from the families for the bride and groom. The bride's story, in particular, is a perfect example of what I'm talking about. She has a contagious personality that is so full of happiness and joy that you can't help but want to be around her. I am in awe of her smile, as well as the grace she exhibits on a daily basis. 

On this magical day, the sun was shining brightly, the Edison lights were twinkling, and my dress was practically glowing in the dark; but, nothing was shining as bright as the love these two have for one another. 

In life, we constantly crave love - it's how we are wired. God did not create us to live this life alone. He created us to live it with people, surrounded by His love. 

While God is the ultimate support system, He brings different people into your life to walk with you through all types of occasions - whether they are happy, sad, hilarious, embarrassing, tragic, or depressing. He can even send people to help you through those "what were you thinking when you wore that" times in your life.

Can you think of someone who has been an example of this kind of support in your life? Have you told this person how grateful you are for his or her friendship?

This week, I encourage you to recognize the support system God has placed in your life. I also encourage you to look for ways to show the people in your support system just how you can be that support system for them.  

"For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them." - Matthew 18:20

Print from Choose Brave

God & Golf

First lesson I learned about hosting a Sunday in the Shed:  don’t schedule it at the same time that a major golf tournament is wrapping up. If you do, you will get about a half dozen phone calls or text messages asking something like, “Are you still having Sunday in the Shed…don’t you know the Masters are on?” Or, “Are we watching the end of the Masters at this thing?”

It ended up as a blessing. We hosted a Masters watch party/Sunday in the Shed. And as it turns out, God & Golf can go hand and hand. I’ll admit, the second Jordan fell behind enough for the other guy to win, I quickly switched that TV over to the Sunday in the Shed event. We didn’t get to watch the “green jacket ceremony”.  I know that the jacket is a symbol of tradition, but don’t you think it’s time that they invested in a slim fit? I mean, that is the latest fashion trend these days.

But, enough about golf.  Let’s focus on the main attraction, which was Sunday in the Shed.

To kick off Sunday in the Shed, I stood up and said a few words about what we would be watching. I forgot half the points I had planned to cover during my mini-spiel – even after practicing several times. (I decided that I’m much better at speaking in front of 9-year-olds than my peers). 

For Sunday in the Shed, I chose to watch a message from Cross Point’s OMG series called “Unwavering Faithfulness.” It took awhile to pick the message I wanted to share with my friends. I picked this particular message because of what it meant to me. To read more about that you can click HERE.

While the event was full of fun, food, laughter, and the cutest little 9-month-old, it was what happened after the event that has made me realize the impact God can have in our lives when we all get together.

My friends were of course supportive and encouraging for the whole event. Most of them asked to be included in the next Sunday in the Shed. But I can’t tell you how many people have asked about it – even people that didn’t attend the event.   

It was so special to have a conversation with a co-worker who I would have never thought would be interested in something like Sunday in the Shed – much less my church. I felt like it opened the doors for us to have that conversation, and it even ended with a, “I might need to give that place a try.” It is amazing what can happen when God is in control. 

I am counting down the days until the next Sunday in the Shed. God is already doing big things through this process. I can’t wait to see what He has in store for the future. I have no idea how this is going to play out, but I do know that I am growing in my faith and becoming a stronger person.  For that, I am forever grateful.

People Loving People

As you can probably tell by other posts on this blog, there is a soft spot in my heart for my beloved 12th South Neighborhood.  When I drive through, I want to open my arms and give the whole street a big hug. Whether it’s the craftsman-style houses, the families strolling down the sidewalks, the coffee shops, or the FOOD, it’s definitely my kind of place.

Whenever I get the chance to suggest a dinner location for any occasion, I always start with the list of 12th South restaurants. On any given night, you can find me at any one of the following: Burger Up!, Taqueria del Sol, 12th South Taproom, or Bar Taco. But, truthfully, you say 12th South, I say “What time?” 

With that said, it should come as no surprise that when Adam asked where we should eat last Saturday night, I immediately responded with Taqueria del Sol.  Adam, knowing that he shouldn’t even try to compete with such a tasty suggestion, agreed.

Besides the food, one of the things I love most about my neighborhood is the people we see when we are out. Nine times out of ten, we will see someone we know. While this night was no exception, our encounters were particularly noteworthy. 

On our way to dinner, Adam and I were discussing the pros and cons of a decision that I had been tossing around in my head for quite sometime.  I had ultimately made my decision, but Adam couldn’t quite understand my choice.  Immediately after pulling up to the restaurant, we ran into a friend, who, out of nowhere, reaffirmed the decision for me.   Thank you, Jesus – I needed that sign...and to prove to Adam that I was right (wink, wink).

Then, while eating dinner, we ran into a partner who works with Adam.  After talking to us for a few minutes, he sneakily paid for our meal. A small deed that wasn’t necessary but that will certainly stick with me for a long time. The fact that this small act of kindness even crossed his mind (much less that he actually followed through with it), spoke volumes of his character and the respect he must have for Adam. This made me one proud wife! {insert cheesiest grin}

We spoke with many different people while sitting at the bar that night and even made some new friends through our mutual love for the Grizzles (who lost a heartbreaker to Golden State… I think). Well, to be totally honest, I don’t really care for the NBA.  I either cheer for the Grizzles (the home state team) or whichever team has a former Duke player on the roster. But, back to the point: all these interactions really reminded me of the deep love God has for his people. 

Photo from intsapray.com

In my opinion (and its my blog so that’s all that matters), the best way to witness God’s love is to experience people loving people. Even though it was just your typical Saturday night out in 12th South, Adam and I were reminded of the importance of loving those around us the way God loves us – even complete strangers. It’s amazing what lessons you can learn from the people you interact with when you just slow down and truly pay attention. 

Don’t even get me started on paying attention during a lesson – I’m a teacher – I ask little humans to pay attention to me all day long. But, what I am challenging you to do as you go through this day, or maybe even this week, is to pay attention to people loving people… and even people loving you. And my prayer for you is that through this experience you will gain an understanding of just how much God loves his people. 

-Taylor Ann