That Time of Year...

It's almost here and I can barely contain my enthusiasm.  It is the only time that is my time and I can hardly wait.

10 girls...
1 destination...
4 days...
God I need it...

an·tic·i·pa·tion

–noun

expectation or hope

It seems every year, it becomes more necessary.  SS11 is fastly approaching and the "expectation and hope" are oozing out of my skin. Girls, get your goods and meet me on the porch.

~ao

Nashville Streets

I dropped Saturday's word right in the middle of the street. 

Dinner with Bobo and Iggs...
Walking and talking...
Not looking...
Right in the middle of the street...

clum·sy

~adjective

awkward in movement or action; without skill or grace

I just busted it right outside the San Antonio Taco Company.  Fell right to my knees and couldn't get back up.  Reminds me of a commercial in the late 80s.

~ao 

Chapel

I wasn't sure what Friday's word would look like.  I was hoping for the best, but anticipating the worst.  And then my word fell on me with such a beautiful peace that I claimed it and wore it all day long.

Alma Mater...
Press Toward the Mark...
Thankful Hymns...
Inspiring Words...

cel·e·brate

~verb

to praise widely or to present to widespread and favorable public notice

I love Lee University.  It is a place that completely changed my life year's ago.  So Friday, as I gathered to celebrate its growth, it snuck right in and changed me again.  As I sat in chapel, listening to my favorite speaker, I was consumed.  Consumed by God's love, mercy, and absolute grace on my life. I am not allowed to ask "Why me?" so I simply whisper the words, "Thank you.  Thank you for a life that I do not deserve."

~ao 

Most Days...

Most days, I float.  I know it sounds strange, but I really do spend most of my days in a state of utter weightlessness.  Not Thursday.  Thursday was a day that was completely unfamiliar.

Burdened Freedom...
Collaborative Isolation....
Uncertain Clarity...

raw

~adjective

unnaturally or painfully exposed

I have always been amazed that in those "unnatural" moments, there is always something that is sustainable.  Support reveals itself in all forms;  a comfortable silence, a hug from your child, a song, or a moment of prayer.  Just in the knick of time...

Front Row

My word changed numerous times throughout the day on Wednesday.  I spent the day doing the "work" that is less than inspiring.  Across town, however, there was a new wind coming through.

At-risk students...
Out of school...
Making life's choices...
Planning...

com·mit

~verb (used with object)

to pledge (oneself) to a position on an issue or question; express (one's intention, feeling, etc.)

I wasn't able to leave campus to meet them at the retreat, but I did get to sit in on their final pep talk.  I found that I was the one in need of a pep talk.  I was reminded that its (life) has never been easy and I've always had to work hard and stay focused.  That hasn't changed.  And so I commit...I commit to focus, drive and integrity.  Not an easy plan, but a worthy one.

~ao

Get out the Map

While organizing the house, I found my beloved box of cds containing my girls' weekend music from the past 10 years.  Tuesday, I was in need of some strategic re-focus, so I pulled one out and of course, it didn't fail to deliver.

Collection of Melodies...
Windows Down...
Top of my Lungs...

lyr·ic

~adjective Also, lyr·i·cal.

characterized by or expressing spontaneous, direct feeling

I'm gonna clear my head...I'm gonna drink the sun...

There's something about music that sustains me.  I guess its my love for the creative use of words.  But Tuesday, driving down the road in my Ford Taurus X, I was transported to that place...where your finger lands on the map and your troubles leave you by simply singing a familiar song.   

Bed Head

It doesn't happen often, but when it happens, I hve no choice but to surrender.  Last Monday, I tried my best to ignore my word...

I worked...
I smiled...
I tried...
And then I...

stop

~verb

 

to cease moving, proceeding, speaking, acting, operating, etc.; to pause; desist.

 
I was sent to the bed, sick as a dog.  Nothing too serious, just a headcold and a tired, weary lady in need of sleep.  I needed to cease...cease talking, cease thinking, cease feeling...for just a time so my body could re-boot...just in time for a busy, relentless Homecoming Week.

~ao