"The LORD protects the simplehearted;
when I was in great need, he saved me.
Be at rest once more, O my soul,
for the LORD has been good to you.
For you, O LORD, have delivered my soul from death,
my eyes from tears,
my feet from stumbling...
Psalm 116:6-8"

You may be a southern girl if...

~You always wear real pearls, and have been known to wear them to
the gym.

~You pull over to the side of the road when a funeral procession passes,
showing respect for the deceased.

~You know how to entertain, and all your parties have themes.

~You cross your legs at your ankles.

~You believe that if you can be ready to leave the house in less than 30 minutes, you probably shouldn’t be leaving the house at all.

~You always clean your house before going on a trip, just in case you don’t come home.

~You monogram everything.

~You know that no matter how old you are, your father is “Daddy” and your mother is “Mama.”

~You would stay home before you wore white shoes, patent leather shoes, or linen before Easter or after Labor Day. Also, you would never wear velvet before Thanksgiving or after Valentine’s Day.

~You only use a straw to sip a mint julep (silver straws are nice), during
an illness, or when you have a Coke in a can.

~You follow up everything with “Bless your heart.”

~You had two cakes at your wedding—a bride’s cake and a groom’s cake.

~You know that if you are chewing gum, you’d better be underneath the
bed with the bedroom door closed.

~You love sweet tea, red velvet cake, black-eyed peas, fried okra, turnip
greens, and cornbread.

~You have to have your stuff—Brighton, Arthur Court, Vera Bradley, Pink Monogram Clogs, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Lilly Pulitzer, and Burberry.

~You think fried catfish is the other white meat.

~You think of yourself as either Scarlett O’Hara, Reese Witherspoon, or Audrey Hepburn.


What makes a 'Girl Raised in the South' so very extraordinary? Why, it's the very essence of who we are--our style, our heritage, and our upbringing.
Deborah Ford

"Christmas, children, is not a date. It is a state of mind"

"I said remember this moment, We were the Kings and the Queens"

Being home for the holidays has been such a blessing, but it is also bittersweet because of the realization that I am getting older and people are growing up. Taylor Swift's new song, Long Live, is such a good song and it reminds me soooo much of my high school days.

My senior year was so much fun and such a blessing from the Lord. Its one of those things where you are caught in the middle of being where you belong, you long to be an adult, but also still be young and innocent.

When I was in 5th grade, I remember coming to the high school football games, the one in particular I remember was Homecoming. As vivid as my memory can be, I remember a girl winning Homecoming Queen and me looking at my mom and saying, "Mom, I want to be the Homecoming Queen one day! How can I do that?" My mom replied, "Well, first off it has to be a desire of your heart and the Lord will bless you if that is His will for you." Being a 5th grader, that was huge answer. But I after that night I always had it in my heart and the back of my mind. But there was one problem...

During the elementary years, all the Riley kids were home schooled, yes, that is correct, home schooled! We loved it, every second of it. But the problem was about to be solved because we only would home school until 5th grade. All of us went to school for 6th grade, that being the start of middle school. That is the most intimidating thing I think I will ever do to this day, going into middle school I knew three girls, Lauren Middleton and Lauren Calvert and the one and only Jamie Busby. Walking into a cafeteria full of peers I had no Idea was so scary, but I thrived in it! I remember talking to almost every person in my class that day because I was so proud that I was actually "in a school setting."

Middle school and high school were the most wonderful and exciting years full of useless drama and things that seemed important then, but looking back were so petty. I am here to say that a little girl from a homeschooling background can, if its the way the Lord wants to use you, can be crowned Homecoming Queen.

It was a dream come true, and I am so so so honored to still known as that title. In high school though, my main goal was to love the Lord and love people. And I believe that is why He wanted me to shine His light through that position. I wanted to at least share the message that you do not have to be the normal stereotypical Homecoming Queen, that you can be well liked for who you are, not for what you are in the status quota in high school.

The Lord has used me in that position and I hope that His light was shown through me during my high school years. I am giving all the glory to Him because without Him, I would have not been in the position.

The Lord listens to your hopes and dreams, trust me :) He will bless you above and beyond what you wish for!

Perfect Peace

With the season of Christmas rolling around, there is so much going on with everyone. Students are coming home from college, Christmas parties, and concerts full of joy. There is always something special about the season that shows the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

On Sunday, our college minister talked about which name of Jesus we as believers can relate to as we need and long for Him in our lives. There is so many references to what the Lord can be to His children:

Wonderful, Glorious, Holy and Righteous, Victorious, Conqueror, Triumphant and Mighty, Healer, Deliver, Shield and Defense, Strong Tower and My Best Friend, Omnipotent, Omnipresent, Soon Coming King, Alpha, Omega, Lord of Everything. Victorious, Conqueror, Triumphant and Mighty Savior, Healer, Deliver, Shield and Defense

It is such an eye opening thing to see all the Lord can be to us, His children.

The one that I think is the biggest in my life at this moment is Prince of Peace, this is the one thing that I need everyday from the Lord, Peace. There is so many things going on in the World and we can get so consumed by all the events, things, and people who dwell in the world and all its desire, and sin. I just finsihed a wonderful book called Calm My Anxious Heart by Linda Dillow. It was a book that not only changed my life, but it completely made me look into where the Lord's peace in my life was needed. Here are some quotes from the book that I highlighted:

1. All of our fret and worry are caused by calculating things without God.
2. He planned what each of us would look like, who our parents would be, and who we would marry, and how many children we will have.
3. The strangehold of worry keeps a woman from enjoying a life full of contentment and PEACE.
4. God gives peace and contentment; worry gives illness and misery.
5. Peace comes through acceptance.

Here is a song by Sara Groves called "Peace Peace"

Peace Peace it's hard to find
trouble comes like wrecking ball
to you peace of mind
and all that worry you can't leave behind

all your hopes and fears
all your hopes and fears
all your hopes and fears
are met in Him tonight

peace peace
it's hard to find
doubt comes like a tiny voice that's
so unkind
and all your fears they conspire
to unwind you

all your hopes and fears
all your hopes and fears
all your hopes and fears
are met in Him

And in your dark street shines
and everlasting light
and all your hopes and fears
are met in Him tonight

all your hopes and fears
all your hopes and fears
all your hopes and fears
are met in Him tonight

peace peace
peace peace
peace peace


Peace is essential in the life of a believer, and those who are lost, they cannot conceive the power of peace that we as Christians are aware of. There are around thirty verses on peace in the Bible, seeming it is a huge part of our lives as Christian is to be at peace with who we are and what the Lord is doing in yours and my life.

**Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. Psalm 34:14
**Great peace have they who love Your law, and nothing can make them stumble. Psalm 119:16
**And He will called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlastin Father, Prince of Peace. Isiah 9:6
**You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast because he trusts in You. Isiah 26:3
**And the peace of God, which transends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

Ending Thoughts:
If our minds are stayed upon God, His peace will rule the affairs entertained by our minds. If, on the other hand, we allow our minds to dwell on the cares of this world, God's peace will be far from our thoughts. -Woodrow Kroll

Why do we swim away from Him in our times of need? I believe it is because of the fact that we may not think He will forgive us. Maybe you believe that you have done to much. Maybe ran your bill up more than you can pay. But I'm here to tell you that no matter how far you have gone out to sea the Lord will not leave you. No matter how much you hurt the Him, He still loves you. If you are thinking right now that you can't go to the Lord with something, think again. He went to the cross for us so He could be there when we need Him the most. Go to Him with what you need. Jesus is the life guard that will brave the currents and will go after you no matter how deep or how cold the water is.
-Tony Rhoda

First keep the peace within yourself, then you can also bring peace to others. -Thomas a Kempis





All my love,

Em :)

We wish you a BRIGHT Christmas season!

I love fashion, it is something that is truely one of my passions. I am longing to be a stylist for celebrities or people who need help getting ready for an event. I am so lucky to be in this major and I believe this is how the Lord will use me! Here are some sample outfits that are my favorites for the season. Be sure to incoporate a bright scarf or accent when dressing in dark colors.

Must Haves for Winter:
1. Riding Boots
2. Brightly colored scarves
3. Staple Pea or Winter coat
4. Its all about the thermal, be sure to wear it under everyting to stay warm
5. A good pair of neutral colored gloves


Peace. Love. Fashion :)

Blinded by Love, By Charles Stanley

This was on a email I got, its so great! :)

If someone we care about hurts, our first instinct is to remove the pain. We want to offer money, advice, or a way out of a mess. However, if God is not ready to have the problem patched up, then the believer who repairs it gets himself into a fix. The Lord will discipline a Christian who obstructs His work in another person's life. Love can blind us to the fact that God bring a person to a position of utter desperation so that she will give up her self-sufficiency. Only when His strength is manifested in her weakness does she finally know what it means to rely upon God. We do not want to hinder such an essential lesson! Our heavenly Father's ways often do not make sense to humans. We wonder how pain could be the means of bringing about spiritual victory. Yet His greatest triumph—overcoming sin and death—was achieved through Jesus Christ's sacrifice, which involved physical and emotional anguish. And the example in the paragraph above helps us understand why God uses hardship to mature believers: Hurt and despair often strip away the "props" we depend on and expose our need for a Savior. Man's weakness is a showcase for God's strength. It is only natural that we want to rescue hurting loved ones. However, we may not be the tool God wishes to use for that purpose. The wise course of action is to ask God if He wants us to get involved. Then, we must be sensitive to His will and ready to stand aside so that His plan can move forward.

Devotional by Elisabeth Elliot

It would not be possible to exaggerate the importance hymns and spiritual songs have played in my spiritual growth. One of the latter, familiar to most of you, has this line: "O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer" (Joseph Scriven). Prayerlessness is one of many ways by which we can easily forfeit the peace God wants us to have. I've been thinking of some other ways. Here's a sampling:

1. Resent God's ways.
2. Worry as much as possible.
3. Pray only about things you can't manage by yourself.
4. Refuse to accept what God gives.
5. Look for peace elsewhere than in Him.
6. Try to rule your own life.
7. Doubt God's word.
8. Carry all your cares.
If you'd rather not forfeit your peace, here are eight ways to find it (antidotes to the above eight):

"Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them" (Psalm 119:165 KJV). "Circumstances are the expression of God's will," wrote Bishop Handley Moule.
"Don't worry about anything whatever" (Philippians 4:6, PHILLIPS).
"In everything make your requests known to God in prayer and petition with thanksgiving. Then the peace of God... will guard your hearts" (Philippians 4:6,7, NEB).
"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me... and you will find rest" (Matthew 11:29, NIV).
"Peace is my parting gift to you, my own peace, such as the world cannot give" (John 14 27, NEB).
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts" (Colossians 3:15, NIV).
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing" (Romans 15:13, KJV).
"Cast all your cares on him for you are his charge" (1 Peter 5:7, NEB).


"Grant, O Lord my God, that I may never fall away in success or in failure; that I may not be prideful in prosperity nor dejected in adversity. Let me rejoice only in what unites us and sorrow only in what separates us. May I strive to please no one or fear to displease anyone except Yourself. May I seek always the things that are eternal and never those that are only temporal. May I shun any joy that is without You and never seek any that is beside You. O Lord, may I delight in any work I do for You and tire of any rest that is apart from You. My God, let me direct my heart towards You, and in my failings, always repent with a purpose of amendment."

--St. Thomas Aquinas

Life's Little Detours

I saw these on someone's blog and thought they were so true! :)

Life Lesson's:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.
17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.
18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Overprepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
36. Growing old beats the alternative - dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.
38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

Love Letters Pt. 3

My Beloved,

Victory is in me and I live in you. I have everything that pertains to life and Godliness and I give it to you. All spiritual blessings are in me and I give them to you. I give you all the grace you need for every good work. I cause every earthy blessing to come to you in abundance, so you lack nothing. When negative circumstances loom big in your natural life remember I am a supernatural God. I have all the answers. The Holy Spirit that raised me from the dead, by His mighty power lives in you. The same spirit lives in you. Ask Him for His solutions for every problem that comes up. He has all the solutions. He wants you to know more than you want to know. Just ask Him! He is waiting for you. When you need my words, it is in me speaking to you as if I were right there talking to you and looking at your sweet face. I am always looking at your sweet face. Don't try and face the challenges of life alone. Don't worry, fret, and get blogged down. Don't let self-pity, despair, or discouragement have any place in your heart or mind. Run to me! Keep your eyes on my word. Say it out loud and drown out the voices of the enemy on your own fleshly thoughts. As you speak the truth, hear the truth and meditate on the truth. Victory will become established in your heart. Know that I am always there. Night and day. I am keeping you close to my heart.

Your Healer, Friend, and Keeper,

Jesus


This was the last love letter. I am so thankful my mentor gave these to me. They are truly amazing to see how the Lord is always pursuing after us. For we are His, and He is ours. The Maker of the universe is your keeper.

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

Have a blessed week!
Em

Elizabeth Elliot Quotes

"God never witholds from His child that which His love and wisdom call good. God's refusals are always merciful- "severe mercies" at times but mercies all the same. God never denies us our hearts desire except to give us something better."
— Elisabeth Elliot

"God is God. I dethrone Him in my heart if I demand that He act in ways that satisfy my idea of justice. It is the same spirit that taunted, "If Thou be the Son of God, come down from the Cross." There is unbelief, there is even rebellion, in the attitude that says, "God has no right to do this to five men unless..."
— Elisabeth Elliot (Through Gates of Splendor)

"This love of which I speak is slow to lose patience - it looks for a way of being constructive.
Love is not possessive.
Love is not anxious to impress nor does it cherish inflated ideas of its own ideas.
Love has good manners and does not pursue selfish advantage.
Love is not touchy.
Love does not keep account of evil or gloat over the wickedness of other people. On the contrary, it is glad with all good men when truth prevails.
Love knows no limits to its endurance, no end to its trust, no fading of its hope; it can outlast anything. It is, in fact, the one thing that stands when all else has fallen."
— Elisabeth Elliot (Let Me Be a Woman)


"God is God. Because he is God, He is worthy of my trust and obedience. I will find rest nowhere but in His holy will that is unspeakably beyond my largest notions of what he is up to."
— Elisabeth Elliot


"Of one thing I am perfectly sure: God's story never ends with 'ashes."
— Elisabeth Elliot (These Strange Ashes)

Love Letters Pt. 2

My Beloved,

Come and sit with me and hold my hand and tell me all thats on your mind and in your heart. You know I 'm always waiting for you. There's no one else like you. There's no one with your smile, your face, your eyes, your specialness. I made you, you know, just the way I wanted you. I custom designed you for today, at this very hour and time to be with me. I am very near and I need you.
Your slightest breath touches me, I'm so close to you, my breath touches you. My ears are turned to you, just like a mother can hear the smallest whimper of her baby, my ears are more tuned than that. If you can't call, just whisper.
Walk with me. If you feel like you can't even take a step or don't know how, lean on me, and I'll guide you. Nothing is too hard foe me. Nothing! I know everything about you and I like everything about you. Oh, some things you have done, said, or thought aren't pleasant to me. But nothing shocks me or surprises me. All you life I've known you. Walking or sleeping, I love you. Just come to me and lay down all the stuff that bothers you. I'm bug! I can take it so you'll never be bothered by it again. Trust me, I made all of heaven and earth and everything in it. I can be trusted, I make things excellent!
Dance with me. When you are weary, dance with me. When you are confused and lonely, dance with me. Do you think I'd ever leave you? I said in my love letter to you...I'll never leave you. Please believe me. Come let's dance and sing, because joy is your strength. I want you to be free. I have set you free, but in the world heaviness has tried to come and steal your freedom, your joy, your peace. I gave all that to you. Will you take it? Receive it everyday. Let's dance!

I will always hold you in my arms, I will uphold you in my right hand,
Jesus

Love Letters Pt. 1

A lady who I look up to so much in her walk gave me these letters that she had taught to her Sunday school class. There are three letters, but I will spread them out because each one is so amazing and needs to be taken in as you read it. Enjoy and imagine this as a love letter from the Lord...

Precious One,

Sweet girl! Always look at my face. I am always looking at yours. Toy are never alone. I've said I'll never leave you nor forsake you. Even in the night hours I watch over you and send my mighty angels to cover you. I give you sweet sleep. Believe in ME!

Lean on me. As a lover leans on the one she loves, lean on me. You are my precious Bride. I love it when you lean. When opposition comes, lean in close and keep your eyes on me. I know EVERYTHING. I know your desired. I know your heart and I care about everything you care about. I want the best for you, not just the good.

Remember when you lean you are leaning on your lover and the creator of the whole universe. I have greater power than you can imagine. NOTHING is too hard for me so ask. I will always answer you. I will give you my plans. I will give you my joy, my strength, my peace.

Lean in close and give me your heartaches, burdens and hurts. I can handle it. Believe me!

I love you, your lover, your friend, and redeemer,
Jesus

Give me eyes to see, more of who You are, may what I behold, still my anxious heart.

Anxious: Uneasy and apprehensive about an uncertain event or matter; worried.

Why is life consumed by anxiousness of the everyday life. Of thoughts, patterns of the world, and practices, why are we worried constantly for ourself and the people around us?

The Lord is showing me more and more who I am through Him, and not through everyone around me. When you solely focus on the Lord and his principles and desires, He is sure to fill us with what He longs for as well.

"Refrain from anger and turn from wrath, do not fret-for it only leads to evil." Psalm 37:8

"O God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon YOU." 2 Chronicles 20:12

Satan is the accuser and confuser. He has no purpose other than to throw fiery darts of worry. He has no hands, he cannot touch you, only try to pull and poke. How great it is to know that we, with Christ's power, can overcome him. He never will win!

Jeremy Camp has an awesome song out called Overcame:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqXZD_z3eCc

Give me eyes to see, more of who You are, may what I behold, still my anxious heart.

Anxious: Uneasy and apprehensive about an uncertain event or matter; worried.

Why is life consumed by anxiousness of the everyday life. Of thoughts, patterns of the world, and practices, why are we worried constantly for ourself and the people around us?

The Lord is showing me more and more who I am through Him, and not through everyone around me. When you solely focus on the Lord and his principles and desires, He is sure to fill us with what He longs for as well.

"Refrain from anger and turn from wrath, do not fret-for it only leads to evil." Psalm 37:8

"O God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon YOU." 2 Chronicles 20:12

Satan is the accuser and confuser. He has no purpose other than to throw fiery darts of worry. He has no hands, he cannot touch you, only try to pull and poke. How great it is to know that we, with Christ's power, can overcome him. He never will win!

Jeremy Camp has an awesome song out called Overcame:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqXZD_z3eCc

Clinging to the cross or to rocks?

"God’s purpose for my life was that I have a passion for God’s glory and that I have a passion for my joy in that glory, and that these two are one passion."
— Jonathan Edwards



As the title goes about what the Lord has placed on my heart, it seems to be a strange title, but in reality it is a perplexed question that we all need to answer for ourselves.

We all have life experiences that change us for the good, but there are also things in life that happen that scare us, scare us to the point to the state of clinging. Clinging can be a good thing but it is not a very comfortable position to be in.

Today, I went to the lake with a group of my closest friends. It was so fun! But to get to what I am trying to illustrate is different than me spending time with my friends or having fun at the lake. We went to a large rock that is famous for people jumping off of it, I think the name is Chimney Rock? Not sure about the name, but it will do! Anyways, we went to this rock and now thinking about it, it can be looked at in many different ways. I am reading a book call Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World and it had something in there that sparked my thinking. Today, when I was climbing to get to the top of the rock to jump off, I froze. It was a scary, clinging position that was so uncomfortable. All my friends had gone before me, and were waiting for me to climb to join them. Something about the slippery rock and the fact that we were 60 ft in the air was not very comforting.
The illustration that is best shown by this occurrence is that I was so scared to let go of the rocks, which could be worries,troubles, anxiety about a situation, etc. Do we constantly hang on to the rocks in life? Scared that we will slide off or fall for that matter? When in reality all we have to do it jump off and into the water and life that the Lord wants us to have all along.

But unfortunately, most of us, I know I do, we all struggle to let go of the rock or rocks. We are so scared of what it will be like to hit the water from that far up. It is a fear that is unnecessarily the most troubling thing in anyone's life and spiritual walk.

So do we cling to the cross? Or just to the rocks?

"The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand." Psalm 37:23

I'll stand, with arms high and heart wide open, in awe of the One who paid it all.

Wow!!! I cannot believe it has been a month since I have written on the blog!! Life has been so interesting the last month, but it has been wonderful! What a blessing the Lord has such a bigger plan than mine.

Life is Auburn has been so amazing since I have been back. Seeing old friends and catching up with everyone really has been the best part of coming back. So many people had such awesome summer experiences and I love hearing about them.

I miss home, but I am soooo thankful that I had a wonderful summer at home and time to grow in the Lord and to just have "free" time. It really was a life-changing summer. I decided to change my major, which was a HUGE thing for me. I always wanted to do Broadcasting, but the Lord changed my heart. I am now in Fashion Design and Merchandising. I believe this is where the Lord will be able to use me. I would love to design clothes that make any young girl have confidence. Also, I would love to make it to when someone buys something from the line, a shirt or jeans, even shoes, will be donated to people in over seas countries who are less fortunate than us, as Americans. That would be the dream.

The Lord knows all, I cannot have or try to have control over my life and its situation.

I am reading a book that is absolutely changing my life: Having a Mary heart in a Martha World. It is soooo good. Here are some quotes and stories from what I am learning: "Getting close to Jesus means we can no longer hide our inadequacies. His light illuminates everything that is wrong and ugly in our lives. Unconsciously we may flee from God's presence rather than pursue it."

Peace. Love. Joy.

Captivate ME

This week has been crazy! I was up every morning at 4 AM to work at Rick and Bubba because there was two other interns on vacation. Although it was busy and stressful at some points, I got to be around n amazing team of men who honestly and truly love the Lord. One of the days, it was amazing to see their humility in a situation. Speedy was searching "born again Christians". On this list was some pretty "famous" people in the world's eyes" Chris Rock, Chris Tucker, Jessica Alba(?), and then it went on to say "Rick Burgess" and "Bubba Bussey". They were in shock to be on a list of that type of people, and Speedy yelled and was like "Guys yall have to look at this! PLEASE!" We were on a segment break and both Rick and Bubba said, "It doesn't matter if my name is on that list, what matters is the big book!" They are truly instruments for the Lord and his purpose.

This summer, the Lord has taught me soooo much! It really has been amazing what He is doing in my life. I needed this summer i=to be stripped of all my busyness, no time schedule, to give everything to Him. I rely solely on Him and find myself needing to let go everything that "I" have planned. Here is a GREAT song that explains all of this:

Francesca Battistelli Lyrics – I’m Letting Go Lyrics

My heart beats, standing on the edge
But my feet have finally left the ledge

Like an acrobat
There’s no turning back

Chorus
I’m letting go
Of the life I planned for me
And my dreams
Losing control
Of my destiny
Feels like I’m falling and that’s what it’s like to believe
So I’m letting go

This is a giant leap of faith
Trusting and trying to embrace

The fear of the unknown
Beyond my comfort zone

Chorus
I’m letting go
Of the life I planned for me
And my dreams
Losing control
Of my destiny
Feels like I’m falling and that’s what it’s like to believe
So I’m letting go

Giving in to your gravity
Knowing You are holding me
I’m not afraid

Feels like I’m falling and that’s what it’s like to believe
Feels like I’m falling and this is the life for me


I am praying the Lord is still working in me, I am giving Him me, so that I can become His.

A mighty fortress is our God

A Mighty Fortress

Our God is, a consuming fire,
A burning holy Flame, with glory and freedom
Our God is, the only righteous judge,
Ruling over us with kindness and wisdom

We will keep our eyes on You
We will keep our eyes on You

A mighty fortress is our God
A sacred refuge is Your Name
Your Kingdom is unshakable
With You forever we will reign

Our God is, jealous for His own
None could comprehend, His love and His mercy
Our God is exalted on His throne
High above the heavens
Forever He's worthy...

We will keep our eyes on You
We will keep our eyes on You

We will keep our eyes on You
We will keep our eyes on You
So we can set our hearts on You
Lord we will set our hearts on You!

Oh my! How these late posts are going to kill me! I always want to write late, when I have had revelations! I am loving this song by Christy Nockels. It is absolutely amazing. This summer has been so hard, I know, me, the always upbeat and positive person says that. But it really has, the Lord has been working in me, although, sometimes, it felt like He was working against me. I know that all my testing was coming for refinement. In Luke, Jesus, Peter, and our enemy Satan, were talking at The Last Supper. Jesus said to Simon (Peter), "Simon, Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you like wheat. And I am going to pray for you, Simon, that your faith will not fail and you will be strengthened." As a God fearing young woman, I was blinded by the fact that Satan comes to those who are running towards the Lord, those whose ways are blameless and pure. Satan wants to sift us and make us nothing, but the Lord has a plan in it all.

As I said at the beginning, this summer has been hard. It has been a wonderful summer, but it has been hard in the fact that the Lord is has refined me daily. Until tonight, I have realized all along that His plan for this summer was to totally get me stripped of everything. He wanted to make me, and mold me. And that He has done and will continue to do. I think a lot of my problem was pride in the fact I felt like I would never experience hardship as a Christian. I felt like if I did everything right, on the outside, everything in turn would be right on the inside. Oh, how backwards did I have it! And the Lord showed me that, through every scenario and situation I was faced with.

Also, my bible study that I am doing is teaching me so much about Job and his life. I use to read and hear about his life, thinking, "Wow, that really is a terrible act of Satan and I hope nothing like that opens to me!" Oh, me, how I have learned to not leave a door open for Satan. Here is a glimpse of the conversation that the Lord had about Job to Satan in the book of Job:

Then the Lord said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him. he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. Try him and seek him out, but, you cannot lay a finger on him."

The Lord was refining Job, showing him his pride about his life, his possessions, and his perfection of his flesh.

It is 2 AM and I am so burdened for those who are experiencing hardship without understanding. There is a God who loves you so much, He wants to refine you, not destroy you, just teach you and mold you into who He wants us as Christians to be.

The whole chapter of Psalm 119 is my life chapter, not verse. All 176 verses are my life verses. Each hold so much promise and security. I would write them all down, but it would be better to just look at it straight from the bible.

I am so thankful for this summer, I had so much free time and that is where the Lord really made me examine myself as a woman of His character. Although, I would not want to go through this refinement again, He is teaching me that to become more like Him, we must be tried and tested, be thought about and led.

"Search me, oh God, and know my heart, test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way of everlasting life."
Psalm 139:23

Thank you for reading and listening to what is on my heart.

Please be aware of the process of refinement and know that the Lord is in control, and though we walk through the shadow of death, we will not fear, for He is always beside us.

Place your life in His hands, :) for He is all we need!

Em

"You are only as old as you think you are"

“I don’t pretend to know what love is for everyone, but I can tell you what it is for me; love is knowing all about someone, and still wanting to be with them more than any other person, love is trusting them enough to tell them everything about yourself, including the things you might be ashamed of, love is feeling comfortable and safe with someone, but still getting weak knees when they walk into a room and smile at you.” Nick Sparks








While I have been getting up so early, on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, I meet two other women to run. It is so great to have them to run with!

On those days, since I am done with running by 7, I go and meet my Grandfather at McDonalds with a group of his old friends. These friends of his are so wonderful to talk to. They are full of insight and advice, and eager to talk and ask me questions about life now for a young adult.

There is a couple there that is faithful to come every day they meet. Today, they were asking me about who I was dating and if he was a gentlemen...etc etc. The woman looked at me and said, "Honey, you honestly have to follow your heart, there is no other choice. My love came and picked me up off a corner of a street, literally." At first, I was almost in laughter, but I have to remember that she probably wasn't a woman who earned her living off the corner of a street, she meant something completely different. She told me the story right after that comment. She was meaning that one day, she was waiting on the street car and it wasn't coming fast enough, she said she looked distressed and a random car pulled up. She was scared at first until she said that the young man was around her age and told her, "Hey young lady, I'll take you where you need to go." Well, with the era she lived in, this was totally acceptable. She said she got in the car, and 63 years later, they have never been apart. As I am tearing up, I glance at the man whom she calls her husband. He was hunkered over in the chair, eating breakfast. He looked to be hardened and happy at the same time. She looked at me and said, "We are 96 and 95, but not a day over 60." I thought oh my word, you would never know. They are together in this race we call life. Through their illnesses, ageing, and life changing moments, they are together.

A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12

The man across the table commented, "You are only as old as you think you are!" All of them cracked up, but for me I thought how true that statement is.

:)

But God...

Good Evening/Morning!

I am usually not a late blogger, ever! I am normally in bed by now due to my early mornings with Rick and Bubba. But, I was doing my bible study, which is absolutely changing my life. Its called Becoming A Woman of Freedom by Cynthia Heald. It is truly changing my life each day.

Tonight, the lesson was on running with complete faith and trust, laying aside doubt and fear. The reason why I am blogging is the sentence, "But God." It is a simple, two letter word that is life changing.

The author is constantly stating that although everything is busy and unfulfilling on this earth, we can always say to our problems, "But God, He saved us." The study is concluding the chapter, but it is showing that though this life is hard, confusing, disappointing, we have the Lord. But God is always there, He is everlasting, the stronghold. He is our hiding place when we are fearful, and our confidence when we are doubtful. But God, He has pledged Himself as our defense, our refuge, our strength. But God has calmed the storm for many of His children, His believers who love Him with all their heart.

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong through the Lord, my God."
2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Always have a But God mindset in response to your shortcomings, your confusion, your doubts, and your fears.

"Those who trust God most are those whose faith permits them to risk wrestling with Him over the deepest questions of life. Good hearts are captured in a divine wresting match; fearful, doubting hearts stay clear of the mat. The commitment to wrestle will be honored by a God who will not only break but bless. Jacob's commitment to wrestle with god resulted in the wounding of his thigh. He would never again walk again without a limp. But freedom in his heart was worth the price of his shattered limb." *Dan Allende

"Caught in between 10 and 20, and I'm just dreaming, counting the ways to where you are"

I hope everyone has a great week! :)

"Sometimes things happen that you never saw coming & it completely takes you by surprise. The good thing is, it didn't catch God off guard. He knows everything. Therefore He knows how to help us get through the tough times in life that seem to crush us. Seek God in those moments."

These two lyric/quotes are my very favorite!


"100 Years" Five for Fighting

I'm 15 for a moment
Caught in between 10 and 20
And I'm just dreaming
Counting the ways to where you are
I'm 22 for a moment
She feels better than ever
And we're on fire
Making our way back from Mars
15 there's still time for you
Time to buy and time to lose
15, there's never a wish better than this
When you only got 100 years to live
I'm 33 for a moment
Still the man, but you see I'm a they
A kid on the way
A family on my mind
I'm 45 for a moment
The sea is high
And I'm heading into a crisis
Chasing the years of my life
15 there's still time for you
Time to buy, Time to lose yourself
Within a morning star
15 I'm all right with you
15, there's never a wish better than this
When you only got 100 years to live
Half time goes by
Suddenly you’re wise
Another blink of an eye
67 is gone
The sun is getting high
We're moving on...
I'm 99 for a moment
Dying for just another moment
And I'm just dreaming
Counting the ways to where you are
15 there's still time for you
22 I feel her too
33 you’re on your way
Every day's a new day...
15 there's still time for you
Time to buy and time to choose
Hey 15, there's never a wish better than this
When you only got 100 years to live

Fashion Tips...



I love this hairstyle, it is so classy and chic looking.



I love this outfit!

My hands are holding You

HAPPY 4th of July!

I am so sorry that I have not blogged lately, the internship and work at Noah's Park has consumed my time! I am totally loving to blog still, but nothing really happens during the week!

Life is good, but God is teaching me so much this summer. I have learned to fully rely on Him, in ANY situation. I think that having a year of college was hard, everything is so busy, and being home has given me a chance to have more time and get a steady quiet time. Every day, He is showing me how faithful His love is to me. It is unobtainable.

His timing is perfect, in every sense. But sometimes we so long to make our own time and say we want this now, we want to be happy now, we want everything in the now. But, the Lord is working and His now might not be tomorrow or next week. That is what He is teaching me. To always, no matter what, place my life in His hands. I wake up and I have to die to myself, I have to give my worries and requests to Him, and let Him handle EVERYTHING! Which is so hard, I want to be in control, but when I am in control, nothing is done for Him. It is all for my gain, not for His. So, I have learned that each day, it is a new battle, a new opportunity. Each and every day the Lord has my life in His hands. But its the first step, placing it in His hands, is where I fall short. If we only take that one little step, "Lord, you are in control, take me and mold me. You are bigger than my plans today, to you be all the glory." A song by Tenth Ave North is so great...here are the lyrics...

By Your Side

Why are you striving these days
Why are you trying to earn grace
Why are you crying
Let me lift up your face
Just don't turn away

Why are you looking for love
Why are you still searching as if I'm not enough
To where will you go child
Tell me where will you run
To where will you run

And I'll be by your side
Wherever you fall
In the dead of night
Whenever you call
And please don't fight
These hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you

Look at these hands and my side
They swallowed the grave on that night
When I drank the world's sin
So I could carry you in
And give you life
I want to give you life

Why do we strive? Why do we fight?

He gives us life, that should be enough.

My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:1-2

Sorry to get off on a tangent :)

"Everywhere I go, I know You're not far away"

All the world is watching
All the world does care
Even when the world weighs on my shoulder now,
These feelings I can bare
Because I know,
That you're here,

Everywhere I go,
I know you're not far away,
You're right here
You're right here, yeah

All these thoughts I've wasted,
All these thoughts I fear,
Even when these thoughts have faded,
I still know that you're here,
So I can rest my hope in You

Many of times that I have felt alone,
Many of times that I have felt the world was crashing down upon me,
You always stood here by my side,
You were always there.

Everywhere I go,
I know you're not far away,
You're right here
You're right here, yeah


This song is by Jeremy Camp and its called Right Here..

this is such an awesome song for anyone struggling. The lyrics are a blessing in each word. Lean on Him, ALWAYS!

"And if our God is for us, than who could ever stop us?"

Happy Father's Day!

I am so blessed to have a wonderful earthly father, but also a heavenly father. Both are so important to me. One teaches me and helps me through the daily life on earth. Where as God, my heavenly father breathed life into me. His love is all consuming, all powerful. My earthly father has thankfully been a great example for me. He is great worker, loves our family, and would do anything for anyone. He has taught me so much about life in general. I am truly blessed!

As the title of the blog contains the lyric to one of my favorite worship songs. "And if our God is for us, than who could ever stop us?" I love this verse. I have so many hopes, dreams, aspirations, and I am constantly hoping to be in God's will for my life. I dream to be a national news broadcaster one day, and as of right now, I feel that is where the Lord wants me to be as well. But I am praying that if I get into that position, He will be able to use me for His glory alone, not mine. I pray that He will lead me and show where I need to be and who I need to be for Him. I am loving how this verse can be such an encouragement as well. No one will EVER be able to defeat us as Christians, we have victory in the Lord forever!

This blog is full of random subjects! I have not been able to write lately because life has been so busy. I got a new address and I am going to try to become more organized with life in general. Whether be with clothes, keeping up with people, etc.

Life is good, enjoying the summer!

Also, tonight my dad was playing a video on the computer with the AU fight song being sung at a Veterinarian alumni dinner. It gave me chills! ahhh!

Simplicity

"Cheerfulness brings sunshine to the soul and drives away the shadows of anxiety. To be cheerful under all circumstances is to radiate faith. It is an expression of hope and a attitude of joyful expectancy...It is to know that God holds all things in His control and that He neither slumbers nor sleeps. *Hannah Smith

Good Evening!

I am so excited to be blogging tonight. I have had NO time at all this week, work has been crazy! But, I am still loving it. Everything is going great! I am having a blast at the show. Today was an interesting day, Rick was there and Bubba is in a tennis tournament. Adler is the video tech guy and it was a talk about his dating life. It was hilarious! The main topic was so good to hear it actually said by someone. The dating techniques have changed so much since my parents and grandparents dated and courting. Guys tend to be more timid in the pursuit for the girl they like. I would give my thoughts about this topic, but I could write a book so I will just refrain to a few words, that being that guys need to pursue. It is as easy as that, the dating fundamentals are still the same. And I am very old fashion.


Everything else is going well! I am living the laid back life here. Running, working, laying out, and somewhat doing alot of random things. But summer is going well! I am going to see Jennifer Ivey for her birthday this weekend in Huntsville! I am so excited! That is all I have tonight :)

Peace. Love. Happiness.

Simply,

Em

Living the summer life

As the summer rolls in, everyone gets attitude of being carefree. The weather is great, the flowers are flourishing, and there is happiness in the sky and it beams on people. I love the summer. Summer brings feels of warm summer tans, cute fashion, and lovely memories. My summer is a bittersweet thing for me. I am actually working and learning the way of adulthood. :) Its been great fun! I love the feeling!



I am interning with Rick and Bubba for the summer and what an opportunity it has been. I am learning so much from Rick, Bubba, Speedy, Helmsey, and the whole team. They are teaching me so much about the broadcasting field. I am so thanful for this because before coming this, I was still unsure of how the Lord wanted to use me in broadcasting because it is such a cut throat industry. I know now that this is where the Lord wants me to be. You can be such a witness when you are in the position of being infront of television or radio. I want to give all the glory to the Lord. All of the guys are so great! For those that listen, my nickname is Noodle :)

I hope I will have more time later tonight to write more :)

America, the beautiful

"We must always remember that America is a great nation today not because of what government did for people but because of what people did for themselves and for one another." -- Ronald Reagan


Happy Memorial Day! As this day comes to a close, I cannot express my gratitude for the men and women who sacrifice everything for our country. I am at a loss for words for them and how they gave up everything for the cost of others, not themselves. It comes back to how the Lord gave his life for us. They, unlike Jesus, did not even know us or anyone they were sacrificing for, but they knew it would be worth it for liberty, justice, and freedom.

Today, we got together with all of the Riley family. We have three men in our family who served. Although my grandfather was the only one present, I will go in depth to all of their positions and responsibilities.

My grandfather, Mack Riley, is my hero. He is 87 and not a day over 40. I cannot explain his way of life, but I can tell you that I believe he does everything right. And not that he is perfect, but he is a southern gentlemen who knows everything, about everything, literally. I look up to him so much, not only in this faith, but in his attributes. My grandfather enlisted in the Navy right after graduation. He was sent to Chicago to learn about radio technology and sent secret messages during World War II. There, he met and fell in love with my grandmother, Betty Fischer. As he tells it, she was wearing a red coat (one of the many reasons I love the color red) and he said there was something special about her. He tells us that she did not like him and had no intentions of giving him a chance. He had to pursue her, and soon enough they fell in love. This was all before the war, after training of the radio technology, he came back to Auburn University where he and grew. I believe they were married when they came back to Auburn. After Auburn, World War II begin he was enlisted to serve by teaching the young pilots how to transmit radio signals to fighter jets. His job in the war was very important because alot of the war was fought in the air, by aircraft. I am thankful for his sacrifice.

My Uncle Ken is another family member that has been so involved with the military and has served many years of service. Him and my Aunt Pat met while at Auburn, both involved in the sorority and fraternities scenes, they both fell in love while at Auburn and have since blossomed to serve. My Uncle Ken graduated Auburn and went to enlist in the army. The army told him they would pay for him to go to med school, and from there, his accomplishments are too many to describe. Some of the biggest involvement in the wars has been his service through being a military doctor. They have moved over 22 times and have four boys. What a awesome family! They are so great, but my uncle has sacrificed so much for the sake of our country. His most recent position that had a huge impact on us and America was his position at Walter Reed Army Hospital. He was the commanding general there and two-star general. He worked side by side with Condy Rice and President Bush. He worked with many families who had lost family members or had injured family members in Iraq. He and his colleagues formed a program for men and women who were amputees from the war. This program in still in use there at Walter Reed. Uncle Ken is now in Phoenix, Arizona, where he is a commander of a army hospital there. He is truly a man of commendable service. I am so thankful for him.

My cousin, Tim, who is Ken's son, served two years in Iraq on active duty. He loves the Lord and served Him and our country while he was over seas. He is back now ans I commend him for his service.

What a wonderful honor to have them in my family. I am so blessed! Happy Memorial Day and always remember that freedom is America and America is free because of these kinds of men and women.

25 Things

Hope everyone is doing great and having a wonderful Sunday! :) My second post will hopefully bring joy and information about myself.

1. I love Jesus with ALL my heart. Without Him, I would be nothing. He has blessed me in so many ways! He gives and takes away, and is Mighty to save. :)

2. I am also blessed to have a wonderful family and fabulous friends!

3. I love fruit!

4. I LOVE to run.

5. I love Anthropologie and vintage wear. I love antiques and history!

6. I am go to Auburn University.

7. Pecan Pie is my weakness.

8. I absolutely love meeting new people.

9. John Mayer, Michael Buble, and Frank Sinatra are my favorites!

10. Vera Bradley, Long Champ, and wedge heels are amazing.

11. I love fashion. I have an obsession with clothes and style in general. I love that someone can express themselves by what they wear.

12. I collect Instyle Magazines...I have every issue from January 2006!

13. I love anything pink or embroidered!

14. SUMMER is my season! :)

15. I would rather write twenty English papers than do twenty math problems.

16. I love pictures-black and white especially.

17. My grandfather is my hero!

18. I love anything by Nicholas Sparks and Redeeming Love.

19. I am majoring in Mass Communications and major market Television Broadcasting!I am so excited about what the future has to hold! :) God has great plans! I am interning for Rick and Bubba this summer and it has been a wonderful experience thus far.

20. I want a Lab or Golden Retriever.

21. My mom decorates the White House for Christmas...or did...haha! :)

22. I LOVE dresses, pearls, and my Rainbow flips flops.

23. I love the Holidays-Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.

24. "A girl should be two things, Classy and fabulous."

25. I would love 4 or 5 kids, but the Lord has a plan! And sometimes it can be much different than mine, that is just an idea though :)

:)

If you live each day as if it were your last, then when your last day arrives you will have no regrets. Your life will have been a masterpiece; you will have lived life the best way it can be lived - one moment at a time with grace and appreciation. Richard Carlson

"The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand." Psalm 37:23

Hello!!! I fell into the blog world. I am here to encourage, advise, and hopefully make a difference by the words of my mouth. I am so excited to be connected in this way! I am looking forward to keeping up with everyone and letting everyone experience the seasons of my life. To God be all the Glory!