Thanksgiving City Love

Today, over 320 deserving families in Williamson County, Tennessee are able to have a wonderful Thanksgiving meal that wouldn't have one if it were not for giving people in our great community. Companies, families and friends all came together over the last month to provide meals and goods to these great people and it truly shows the heart of our community. I am so grateful to work for a wonderful Non-Profit that looks out for neighbors and extends a hand out to those in need.

I pray that we all see the needs in our local communities to see how we can make a difference in this holiday season, and year round.

Be blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!

wedding weekend extravagenza

So, some of our very best friends, Jeff and Jennifer, got married this weekend. I like to pretend that i know a little bit about photography while in truth, i don't, and really wish that i did. I told Jenn that i would help take a few pictures before hand since the photographer wouldn't be there. Take a quick look at the shots i got of her before the wedding. All of the ceremony shots were taken by none other than my awesome husband Matt since i was on stage as a bridesmaid. Let me know your thoughts on the pictures. I will put up some more later and they are in NO particular order:

here's a new Christmas Idea...

check out this website when you get a chance and watch this video. great idea.

http://www.adventconspiracy.org/

NaBloPoMo, I have failed you

Well, i have been so crazy the last few days, that I have failed at NaBloPoMo (posting everyday of November). All week long i have been working like crazy for my job and preparing to have a week off for Thanksgiving (b/c we are going to TEXAS!!), getting ready for my DEAR friend Jennifer's wedding on Sunday night in which i am on strick Bridesmaid duty and then trying to finish my best friend's art piece, and then still go about my normal life's routine.

So all of that to say, my dear readership (all 12 of you), I apologize for not updating you. Stay tuned today. REAL (thoughtful) blog coming later today.

I know you are on the edge of your seat! :)

sneak peak

a quick glimpse at a new art piece that i am working on. I still have quite a bit more work to do, but i am just keeping at my word that i would give you a peak. Below that is the picture of the sculpture that was my inspiration. Please leave me your thoughts and suggestions:

something beautiful is upon us

i know what you are thinking... "Jenna seriously, what is your problem? You seem obsessed with this pumpkin stuff..."

well, you are right.

I am.

I love it and only get it for a few months a year so get off me.

And in the mean time, go buy this yumminess at Wal-Mart. Seriously good!

and now a homemade recipe that i have NOT tried but searched and found. Try this and let me know what you think (or just go buy the store kind that will only cost you $3)

IngredientsAdd Ingredients to Shopping List>>-->
1 1/2 cups light cream
6 eggs, yokes only
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin

Cooking Instructions
1. Before you get started - freeze the freezer bowl for at least 1 hour but for the best results- do it the night before.
2. In a heavy saucepan scald light cream
3. Separate 6 eggs and then in a medium bowl whisk the yokes with sugar and vanilla
4. Gradually whisk in the cream
5. Add pumpkin pie spice into the yoke, sugar, and vanilla mixture.
6. Stir over medium heat for about 10 minuets, but do not boil.
7. Now whisk in heavy cream and canned pumpkin meat.
8. Pass the mixture through a coarse strainer into a bowl to remove any cooked egg pieces
9. refrigerate it until it’s well chilled.
10. Now to the mixer assemble the freezer bowl and dasher and turn to speed 1 pour in the chilled mixture and churn for about 15 to 20 minutes until it is at the desired consistency. Transfer the ice cream to serving dishes or freeze in an airtight container.

little lovelies **Updated**

a few things that i really love today:

**dinner with the LBD (Lunch Bunch Dinner Club. A group of friends that we used to all work together and now we dont. we all ate together everyday, butnow we get together for a dinner club. SO FUN!) Girls at a FAMOUS Nashville Resturant (AND having breakfast for dinner and watching Ansley eat BOTH pancakes and fried okra, but that is another story):

Presenting: the infamous "Loveless Cafe" (may not look like much, but famous mind you)

go look at it's website at: http://www.lovelesscafe.com/

many a famous person has walked thru those doors, and tonite was my first. (there was a perfect spot for my headshot in between Conway Twitty and Amy Grant, but unfortunatly, i left it in my car along with my special signing pen and it was raining, so...)

**another love: curling up on the couch with my cute hubby when it is rainy and gross outside (and let's face it, i will probably fall asleep...):

**painting and working on new projects (NEITHER of these are new projects mind you, but a preview of some artwork nonetheless):

(P.S. i have a new one that i am working on for my best friend Brittany that i will give you a sneak peak of this weekend. Be prepared to be constructive.)

**Saturdays of nothingness except looking at beautiful FALL-y things like these:

**half-day work days.

**Coffeemate Peppermint Mocha (i realize that i am obsessed with pumpkin ANYTHING, but i LOVE this stuff! it is totally comfort:

**Yoga stretches

**a chilly forecast:

Cloudy, rainy, and a low of 28 degrees. EEEEEK!

**talking sewing ideas with my mom

sleeeeeeeep.... :)

I must tell you something!

INCREDIBLE new blog that you MUST go Check out and follow:

http://wear96apparel.blogspot.com/

Be a friend! Be a follower! Custom design your own cool apparel! And stick around. Cool new site coming soon. GO LOOK ALREADY

This is why they do NaBloPoMo

b/c after a couple of days, a couple of weeks, people start thinking "What do i write about?" "What would my faithful readers enjoy reading about?" I DON'T KNOW!!!!!!

Do i write about my work? Nah... I might need a whole other blog to write about my work.
Do i write about my dog? I don't have one...yet...so i can't do that.
Do i continue to write about 3 things I wanna do but don't know how? Possibly...but i dont know what to write right now b/c i am work TRYING to work...you know, do what i get paid for?
I am really at a loss right now.

I need to write about writing. And how i enjoy just verbally/typographically throwing up on you (my reader.)
Thanks for that. I certainly appreciate it.

So there it is. I threw it out there. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO WRITE ABOUT. So sue me.

.....or tell me what to write about.

Go!

3 things i wanna do that i dont know how to

Well make that 2 things that i dont know how to do and one that i want to do more of.
here we go:

I really want to learn to sew. I have so many cutesy, cool ideas of things that i think people would like and that i would like. That is part of the whole "Quirkie Bird" thing, but i dont know how to sew!!! I even have a sewing machine. Take a look at this online store and how CUTE her stuff is and you can see my thoughts and inspiration and my lack of knowing how:
Forensics
then a constant inspiration is anything by Anthropologie

then, another part of my business "venture" along with my dear dear friend Holly Wynne is to start a coffee shop. But i dont know how to do that. I just know i have lots of great ideas on how to do and why to do it and...i just need help.

And lastly, I want to bake more. I just love to bake.
Speaking of baking, go see my friend Adriana from Starbuck's new blog: http://rockandrollcookiedough.blogspot.com/

Any tips? I need ‘em.

does pumping yourself up for the gym really work?

So i am sitting at work today, right? I am sitting here, not doing a whole lot of work, being distracted by everything on God's green earth, and trying to get myself excited about going to the gym tonite to run. I love to run.
I ran a half marathon. I ran a 5k.
blah blah, blah.
I need to run.
But i havent been extremely motivated to do so.

I hate that, ya know?

I hate when you KNOW what you need to do, but you just dont want to do it. or you dont. Sheesh. I am exhausted just thinking about it.

Anyway, so i decided to google "exercise motivators" and this is what i came up with:

1. Take a picture of yourself and have it "morphed" at a photo shop. Wanna see how you look 10, 20, 30 pounds lighter? Have the picture people edit the picture in the image you like, then take home copies of it and hang them everywhere you can see it. Harness the power of visualization.
2. Keep a stack of your favorite magazines that you promise yourself you can read only at the gym. If the issues start piling up, you know it's time to schedule a workout.
3. Did you know that NOT exercising AT ALL is equivalent to smoking a pack of cigarettes A DAY? (Fear is a good motivator for some.)
4. Your dog. If you want your pooch to enjoy a longer, healthier life, s/he needs to get moving, too. You'll find as both of you get fit, s/he is more enthusiastic, and will give you a challenging workout. If not, YOU give him/her a challenging workout.
5. Work out with your spouse. Not only does it get both of you healthy and strong, but can also spice up your romantic life.
6. Erase YEARS off your body. Chronologically you may be 40, but with regular, vigorous exercise and healthy nutrition, people are going to do a double-take and think you're in your mid-30's. Imagine how awesome you'll feel, when you not only feel younger, but to OTHER people you look younger. Act younger, too.
7. Begin an accomplishments journal. At the end of each day, write down what you've accomplished that day to move you closer toward your fitness and/or life goals. DO NOT WRITE DOWN WHAT YOU HAVEN'T ACCOMPLISHED. That doesn't matter. What matters is what you ARE doing; we all need a long-overdue, well-deserved pat on the back on a regular basis.
8. Use the TV. Here's the catch: work out only when your favorite show is on. Or, record your favorite show and work out during that (but don't fast forward through commercials - unless you have consecutive episodes taped). Can help time to fly by faster.
9. Hire a personal trainer or coach. If you're having extreme difficulty with motivation, hire a professional to get you to reorganize your life to make taking care of yourself a top priority (which it should be). A good coach or trainer will teach you how to help YOURSELF, without you having to hold someone else's hand, and help you realize that YOU have the power and ability to do this on your own.
10. Split your workouts. Some recent studies are showing that a split workout can burn more calories than one full workout. So if time's an issue (gee, there's a thought) try getting up 30 minutes earlier in the morning for a short-burst 15 minute workout, then steal another 15-20 minutes at lunch or in the evening.
11. Use your daily planner. You have important commitments scheduled into your planner, right? Volunteer work, doctor appointments, children's activities, etc. Where's EXERCISE??? It's as important a commitment (if not more) than your other activities. Quick tip: mark "EXERCISE" in your planner with a bright colored marker, so it stands out as a reminder to get your butt in gear.
12. Listen to audio books while you exercise. Self-improvement and motivation books are GREAT here. You'll feel twice as productive, and highly energized, and the time will fly.
13. Reward yourself. It never ceases to amaze me how hard we are on ourselves when we don't accomplish, and how hard we are on ourselves when we DO accomplish. Whenever you reach a milestone, have something in mind, like a trip to the day spa, new shoes or clothes (as long as it's NON-EDIBLE).
14. Have kids? Look at their pictures to remind you that you want to be around to share life with them, with plenty of energy. You don't want your 10-year old to be throwing you around the house, do you?
15. Want to keep fitting into your favorite jeans? You know, the ones that fit you nicely several years ago? Keep them. Keep trying them on to keep yourself in check to keep eating right and exercising.
16. Keep a journal of how you feel after exercise. Especially the great workouts. On the days you just don't feel like exercising, look back on the good workout days for some inspiration.
17. See exercise as a stress-releaser. A simple shift in attitude can do wonders for your stress levels. If you've had a long, hard day at work, exercise is something to LOOK FORWARD TO to relieve your stress and revive yourself.
18. Check out the e-mail, chat, or discussion groups on the Internet that deal with fitness, weight loss, diet, exercise, etc.
19. Have young kids? Use the day care at the gym - so there's no excuse about who's going to watch the kids. Or, have a family member(s) or a friend watch them. So there REALLY is no excuse for not working out.
20. Look in the mirror. Sometimes that is all you need to trigger you into the lean, fit, and energized mode.

check out how awesome my hubby is

Matt's heart for God astounds me. He wrote this out this morning and it is truly awesome and from God. Please read this and let it speak over you today:

I have recently been thinking through the Lord's Prayer" and will be praying it through the day for an unselected amount of time. Isn't it interesting that when Jesus was telling us how to pray He said (Matthew 6:9-13; 14 & 15 are really good too!) this then is how you should pray: "Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be Your Name, Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one."

Our Father in Heaven, As simple as it is there is so much in there that we should pay close attention. The fact that we DO have a Father in Heaven who loves us more than we could possible imagine (and that doesn't even put it to scale!) we do not have the ability to understand this kind of love and will not while on earth but He is there and is attentive to our every need and daily life. He sent His only Son into this world not to condemn the world but to save it through Himself by the cross. He loves us with a wreckless abandon!

Hallowed be Your name, His name is to be regarded as Holy and with Reverence because not only does He deserve it, HE IS WORTHY!! WOW!! Psalm 25:14 (LB) says: "Friendship with God is reserved for those who reverence Him."

Your Kingdom come, what an amazing proclamation of an actual inhabitance. He comes with a kingdom where He will live with us and will be our God and we will be His people. Revelation 21:2-4 "I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of Heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them. They will be His people and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain for the old order of things has passed away. HALLELUJAH!! How amazing is it that God will make His home with us for eternity?!! We are truly special to God! If that does not get you going, what will?!

Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven, this line in particular is one we should really take to heart. It says for God's will to be done on earth as it is in Heaven. In Heaven, it is meant to be as God has mysteriously and uniquely designed it to be and it never is out of order. It is a perfect place because it is God's will for it to be that way. In praying this way for God's will to be done on earth, we are agreeing with the perfect order of God's plan and that we long for His will to be done here on earth at this time in history (His-story). He has a perfect plan and we should daily be in this specific attitude of prayer. Hebrews 4:16 says: "Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in our time of need." Let's face it, we are in a time of need and this line of the Lord's prayer is critical in this time, so, God's will on earth as it is in Heaven should be in our prayers daily. Go with confidence to the throne!

Give us today our daily bread, we all need to eat however, I do not think this is speaking about food that you eat with your mouth. In Job 23:12, Job says: "I have not departed from the commands of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily bread." Job is referring to God's word and the time he spends with Him every day. It is the "food" he needs to live in this world. We need that same food daily and if we do not have it we are literally STARVING each and every day we go without it! Think about it.

Forgive us our debts, we all need to be forgiven of our sins daily. We have sins of pride, arrogance, bitterness, guilt, hatred, anger and the list continues for many,many miles if we would let it. How thankful are you (I know I am!) that our God forgives us when we come to Him. I had a friend tell me once that I needed to REPENT of my sins, which means to turn 180 degrees from it and go the other way. He said that repentance without change is not TRUE REPENTANCE. How enlightening is that, if I re-visit my sin was I truly repentant of it in the first place? Tough to think about....even tougher that we do it more than we care to talk about! Luke 9:23-24 says: Then He said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whosoever loses his life for me will save it." Thank the Lord today for His forgiveness and make every effort to pick up your cross today and follow the Most High!

As we also have forgiven our debtors, we have to forgive too! How cool is it that Jesus set such an amazing example in a way that we cannot imagine, by dying on the cross for a sin He did not know, all so that He could forgive us of our sins so we may enter into a relationship with Him as our Lord and Saviour! For us to forgive someone only takes us going to that person, laying down our pride, and saying "hey forgive me for __________ I was wrong and I apologize." I know it's easier said than done a lot of times but we are called to live in fellowship with each other. Romans 12:18 says: "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you live at peace with everyone." Romans 13:8 says: "Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law." Luke 16:10-11 says: "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?" I believe wealth can be meant as many things here such as health, abilities, unique gifts, money etc...

And lead us not into temptation, this to me is HUGE. I hate being tempted (I am sure we all do) but know that God does not tempt me to sin, it is not of Him to do this, satan is the tempter, liar, deceiver, hater of all mankind. James 1:13-14 says: "When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed." Instead we are to ask Him not to lead us into temptation so that we are not taken away and enticed by our own desires! God is so good to us that He continually gives us ways out of sinning and we have to take it or we will be taken by sin. In 1 Corinthians 10:13 he says: "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide you a way out so that you can stand up under it." We are to fix our eyes upon Jesus so that we do not become a part of this world and it's plans. As Christians we are called to be Holy which means "set apart" for Jesus. He is coming and very soon, so we must prepare for His return and be patiently waiting. How awful to be fully engaged in a sin, or sin at all when we hear the trumpet sounding His return! What agony to be fully aware that the one we profess as our Lord and Saviour has come for us and we are on the side of the enemy partaking in his ways!! Let us fix our eyes upon the glory that awaits us with our Lord! Romans 12:2 says: "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--His good, pleasing and perfect will. James 1:12 says: "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." Live for the King. Think like this: Whatever is not eternal, is eternally useless!! Here is one to write down, memorize, meditate on specifically: Hebrews 2:18 "Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted. Yeah, Praise You Lord!!!

but deliver us from the evil one, Yes Lord! Psalm 18:2 "The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved my enemies." What a wonderful verse illustrating God's position in David's life! I am so thankful that God is who he says He is and that He is my God. You alone God are worthy to be praised!

Finally, I leave you with this. Psalm 91:9-16 "If you make the Most High your dwelling -- even the Lord, who is my refuge -- then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. For He will command His Angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. "Because He loves me", says the Lord, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."

easy like sunday morning

I am really at a loss for what to write about on this great Sunday that i had, so i will leave you with an awesome video:

i call this time of year "boyfriend" weather

I know that is a wee bit silly, but my whole life i have called Fall-ish weather "boyfriend weather" b/c it is the type that you know, you want to cuddle up and kiss a cute boy, and him hold you close and keep you warm. You know what i am talking about?? NOW, i call this "Matt" weather....

i think i kinda missed out on all four seasons being from Texas. I lived there for 23 years before i moved to Tennessee and didnt even know what i missed out on. Take a look at the ridiculously beautiful place i live:

I mean, COME ON PEOPLE!!! that is so pretty!!!!

I love Fall.

feelin' funky

Can i just make a very blanket, honest statement with you right now?

I feel like i am in a funk. I very needed in so many places, from non-serious to more serious to normal things, and this in turn has frustrated me and now i am feel as though i am in a funk.

there i said it. i put it out there.

and to tell you the truth, i dont know what else to say about it or what i really even need. Encouragement? yea, maybe.
A hug? always.
silence? Sure

I just am feeling rather funk-y today.

I need your opinion...

which "type" of bird is your favorite? Think in terms of new business logo that i am trying to create. Ready, go: