It's not Goodbye, it's I will see you soon!

Our time here in Atlanta is drawing short and it's hard to believe we have mere weeks left...

It's hard to believe that seven years ago I moved down here fresh out of college and breaking off an engagement to a wonderful guy I loved dearly not really knowing what the future held but that it was the right move to make. For the first time I was acting unselfishly and doing what I knew was right.

I was young and naive and had not a clue what was in store for my life. I didn't know a soul besides my Aunt Karen and Uncle Brian. My Dad and Nana moved me down here because my Nana has lived in Florida off and on most of her life and she is the expert packer. I still remember them driving away.

 

I started my first real job working in insurance and absolutely hated it, got fired and that was probably one of the BEST things that have ever happened in my life. It wasn't fun but quite honestly, I bounced back as quick as going home that afternoon and beginning the job search. I realize now I'm taking you down memory lane but one day wherever I end up, I'm sure I want to remember these times.

I had no idea really what I wanted to do career-wise and so I had started working at an emergency vet hospital at night because I loved animals but that turned out to be quite brutal and the abused animals really affected me.

I begun working in ministry after my dear friend, Kristi got married and moved away to Birmingham. And God began His work in me. His work began when I accepted Christ in college but in Atlanta he's thrown me into the depths of things that at the time seemed painful but I learned SO much. I learned what it means to trust in God at all times, the calling on my life, His character, the lesson of NEVER giving up and so much more. And I've learned that nothing, nothing is in impossible with God. If He can part the Red Sea for the Israelites as they journeyed out of Egypt from slavery, keep the lions from eating Daniel in the lion's den and everything else He did, then surely He can do something great in my life!

At the cross, I have found true purpose, joy and so much peace in the midst of all circumstances. I'm in awe of what the good Lord has done and so thankful for everything that has happened to me in this city though at times I wondered what in the world He was doing.

I've met such wonderful friends, many of whom have moved away and many who are still here and that I'm going to miss dearly. And one of my best friends from college, Craig I was able to introduce  to a girlfriend of mine and they ended up marrying. How neat is that?!!

And that's what these last few weeks are about. Having dinner with girlfriends, playdates with C man's BFF's, lots of dinner dates with my Aunt Karen, serious purging of things/clothes, eating at all my favorite places, shopping at Swoozies, enjoying church and visiting First Baptist Church Atlanta's bookstore (to stock up on all my favorite Charles Stanley books- love him!)

 

I've been in many small groups and volunteered with so many great people at Buckhead Church. I am going to dearly miss all of these sweet friends! And not to mention the fact that I'm going to miss Andy's sermons every Sunday.

And I've been able to adopt all my sweet fur babies down here. From Lily & Daisy initially, to this sweet girl that resides up in Heaven now, Dixie...AKA, Big D. 

And now I'm left with this rotten dog that rules the roost. He is not aware that his life is about to change 100% as law school hits! He may end up in Bardstown, KY living short term with his Grammy. :)

And so in a way, it's a very bittersweet and scary move that I'm making but one that I know God established long ago. I'm going into deep debt for law school and lots of bills are beginning to surface yet I know that it's worth it and hopefully I will end up back in New York or DC working for an animal right's agency. To know that one dog/cat doesn't have to live in fear, shackled to chains or abused... it's worth it. That's my dream, and law school is the vehicle through which God is using to prepare me for that work. There's lots of hard work and studying to be done.

There are many tears that have already been shed with some of my closest girlfriends because I'm going to miss them terribly because once again I'm moving somewhere where I don't know a single person. I met some sweet girls at orientation and my Dad has many attorney friends in this city but it's not the same thing. Yet I choose to trust God and as my favorite preacher, Charles Stanley (Andy's dad) always says, "Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him."

Because at the end of my life, I want to have lived what God called me to do. And when I take my last breath and stand before the Lord with Big D in the back wagging her tail I want Him to say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

I've learned in Atlanta, it's all about Him. Not me. Because He is Lord of all.

So once again, it's not goodbye....it is, I will see you again very soon!

Friday Loves...

Lately, I have been shopping quite a bit. For my new place (I picked up a lot of very tropical art down in Coral Gables and the Keys the past few weekends), myself and ever so often, Mr. Charlee B who always needs some new preppy and bright collars to sport around in!

One of my favorite stores in Islamorada is the Lobster Trap Art. The store has beautiful paintings of the ocean, pelicans, sea turtles, you name it...they have it! It's owned by a couple that are amazing artists and so, so nice. You can't find two nicer people in the Keys! I bought this pelican piece and the frame is made out of recycled lobster traps. It's such a beauty and I was thrilled to buy it for my new home!

 Of course, I love Victoria Secret and this week I ordered some new bathing suits and shorts because of their great sale that was going on. Sometimes, you just can't beat it and it's great to stock up while the prices are slashed! I've also recently discovered the Atlanta based clothing line, Annie Griffin which I just LOVE. The prices are steep but the quality is outstanding and the clothes are classic.

I also bought these Jessica Simpson wedges this past spring in white and tan. They are wonderful with white pants and are staple for summertime in my opinion.

My last favorite find is the Jose Eber wand that one of my girlfriend's owns and I absolutely love it after using it. So I had to go out and order mine as well, though I found mine on Amazon brand new for half the price! After my early fiasco with the Bablyiss Pro curling iron that melted part of my hair off right before a date, I was on the lookout for a better iron that doesn't get too hot but still holds the curl well. And this wand does just that. It's a must have ladies!!

And finally to top off my list before the weekend begins, Happy Father's Day to my Dad who has always believed in me, supported me, paid quite large sums of deposits lately because law school isn't cheap and always loved me!

Love you, Dad!!