Happy Birthday J-Bird!

Today is my dear friend Jessica's 25th birthday. Jess and I are like sisters. I love her dearly. In honor of her 25 years of life, I'd like to take a trip down memory lane and share with you a few pictures from past birthdays. Thankful to have shared so many birthdays with you, Jess! Praying we'll be able to celebrate many more together :) 

Jessica's 19th

Jessica's 20th

Jessica's 21st

Jessica's 22nd (sorry for the random crop job ;)

And just for good measure... this is us on her wedding day :)

 

Happy Birthday, Mrs. Jessica Yelton!! I love you :)

The only thing that’s constant is change

I have never liked change. It doesn’t much like me either. I tremble at the thought of it and am nearly paralyzed by taking a leap into the unknown. I enjoy routines and consistency. Surprises scare me. As an introverted extrovert; I thrive on predictability. (However, I do LOVE surprising Ryan and the art of romantic spontaneity in marriage. You must keep things exciting :). That’s the only anomaly!)

A few notable examples of my relationship with change: losing my dad and navigating a life without someone who was (without a doubt) the closest person to me; resuming my senior year of college after living at home with my sister by ourselves for a year; my best friend moving to Greenville after having closely shared most of life, good.bad.ugly, with her since the 5^th grade (I realize she did not move to GreenLAND, just GreenVILLE—still hard!);  leaving my home church of 23 years to follow my husband’s call in ministry; exploring new opportunities for my life and greater good in general.

I have learned that while change can be scary, it is almost always rewarding. In the past couple of weeks the Lord has been working on me in this area. When faced with a situation last week, I could hardly move because I was so afraid of the unknown. And the Lord whispered to me, “Shelley, your worry and anxiousness is sin. It says that you do not trust Me to guide and provide for you.” I kept recalling 2 Corinthians 12:9, “His power is made perfect in my weakness” and reminded myself that I don't have to be dependent on my own strength or understanding. I don’t have to love change. I don’t have to pretend that I’m comfortable with it. But I DO have to put all of my trust in my Savior to direct me.

While I love my life and am thankful for the blessings I have been given, there is no denying that life can be hard. In a world that is demanding, exhausting, and ever-changing…  I must rely on the One True God who does not change. EVER.

He wants me (and has been URGING me lately) to trust Him in the big things and in the small things. I must LIVE OUT my life verse of Proverbs 3:5-6 and trust Him to lead me down the path He would have me walk.

Is it hard? Indeed. But our faith will be proved of greater worth than gold after being refined by fire. (1 Peter 1:7)

Poppy's 90th Birthday

Family and friends from all over came to town this past weekend to celebrate Poppy and the 90 years God has blessed him with! We had a weekend fullllll of festivities. It was so nice to spend quality time with family... especially those we don't get to see very often.

Doing "The Amy"  :)

Poppy's grandkids

Sweet Amy :)

Thankful for Poppy and a weekend of fun!

Resolutions

It’s hard to believe the door is closing on 2011 and we are entering a new year! I must say that 2011 has been my best year on record! So many wonderful things happened this past year, but the best of all took place on June 11, 2011 when I married my best friend. Hoping this upcoming year will be just as great. In order to make the most of this new year, here are my light-hearted goals for 2012. I'll save my deeper, more spiritual goals for another day ;)

I resolve to...

1. Stop drinking diet soft drinks. I do not drink regular soda. Never have. Unfortunately, I’ve just always been addicted to Diet Coke. But knowing the ingredients (aspartame!), acidity, carcinogens, etc. I just can’t keep doing it. I started drinking 100 ounces of water every day about a year and a half ago and it definitely curbed my craving for soda and cut my intake in half. Here's to drinking more water! ;)

2. Read at least one book each month. First up: Jesus+Nothing=Everything by CIU’s very own, Tullian Tchividjian.

3. Possibly run half marathon #4?

4. And as always: wake up earlier :)

He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."

Revelation 21:5

Happy New Year!!

Christmas 2011

This year's Christmas was much busier than usual since we now have two families to celebrate with! We spent Christmas Eve with the Brannan crew and Christmas Day with Holley and my mom. We were doubly blessed!

Stockings at the Brannans. Please note the camo!

Ryan with his new driver!

 

 
We enjoyed our first Christmas Eve candlelight service together and afterward took the annual trip to Waffle House. :)

It was great to spend Christmas Day with my family. Just wish so desperately that my Dad was here too. Selfish wish, I know... Christmas in Heaven pales in comparison to our "celebrations".

God is good. And I can attest that He makes all things beautiful in His time.

Merry Christmas!!

Luke 2:8-14

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

A Quarter of a Century

Happy 25th Birthday to me! The day started at IHOP with the Brannan side of the family plus Holley and ended at Olive Garden with Ryan, Holley and my mom.

Thankful for a fun day with the people I love! 

Wistful Wednesday



 My19th Birthday at Macaroni Grill
12/23/05

Trip to MB

The only good pic I got from our weekend at the beach with the Hitchcock fam.
So very random but sweet nonetheless:)

Service Project

I have the pleasure of teaching 8th grade girls in Sunday school at SVBC. A few of the girls from 7th and 8th grade got together last night to spread some Christmas cheer at Daybreak Crisis Pregnancy Center. Ms. Patti (Daybreak's Director and my BFF's mom) gave us a tour of the center and talked to us about how they share the Gospel with each woman who comes in. It was a wonderful opportunity for us to serve and hear about Daybreak's ministry!

The girls with the baby blankets they made!

All of us in the Baby Boutique :)

"...everyone is the friend of one who gives gifts."

Proverbs 19:6

 

Wedded Bliss

Monday marked 6 months of wedded bliss for us! And today is our engagement anniversary! Hard to believe it's been one year since Ryan asked me to marry him :) I'm glad I said yes!

Just for laughs, here's a snapshot of our fail attempt at building a gingerbread house. It turned into a ginger-mess. I may or may not have eaten some of the roof ;)

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

"I am with you in all that you do, even in the most menial task. I am always aware of you, concerned with every detail of your life. Nothing escapes My notice--not even the number of hairs on your head. However, your awareness of My Presence falters and flickers; as a result, your life experience feels fragmented. When your focus is broad enough to include Me in your thoughts, you feel safe and complete. When your perception narrows so that problems or details fill your consciousness, you feel empty and incomplete.

Learn to look steadily at Me in all your moments and all your circumstances. Though the world is unstable and in flux, you can experience continuity through your uninterrupted awareness of My Presence. Fix your gaze on what is unseen, even as the visible world parades before your eyes."

--Jesus

Lunch date

I had the privilege of accompanying my sweet hubby to his work Christmas party today at the Capital City Club :)

 

Feeling blessed!

Nativity Scene

Three of the dearest women in my life hosted my bridal luncheon the day before our wedding. Ms. Patti, Dawn, and Patty outdid themselves with a beautiful shower and outstanding food. Their gift to me was the Willow Tree nativity scene!

Dawn, Ms. Patti, Patty at my bridal luncheon

Since I collect the Willow figurines, I absolutely love and cherish the sentiment of this gift. I'm so excited it can be displayed in our home for our first married Christmas and in years to come :)

25 Days of Christmas

Tomorrow is December 1 and so begins the 25 days of Christmas!! You better believe these two lovebirds will be making the most of our first married Christmas this year!! Here's our list of fun (albeit a little cheesy!) activities to celebrate the 25 days of Christmas :) Bring on the fun!!

Dec. 1: Holley’s chorus concert

Dec. 2: Pastor’s Dinner  
Dec. 3: Mail Christmas cards
Dec. 4: Glorious at Shandon Baptist Church
Dec. 5: SVBC staff Christmas lunch
Dec. 6: Bake Christmas cookies
Dec. 7: SVBC church-wide Christmas dinner
Dec. 8: Buy Christmas pajamas to wear on Christmas Eve
Dec. 9: Make gingerbread houses
Dec. 10: Go to a movie
Dec. 11: Christmas play at SVBC (to see Ann!)
Dec. 12: Drink hot chocolate and watch Home Alone
Dec. 13: Engagement anniversary!
Dec. 14: Walk around the mall
Dec. 15: Watch Christmas Vacation
Dec. 16: SVBC Youth Christmas party
Dec. 17: Trip to Myrtle Beach!
Dec. 18: Dinner with the Hitchcock family
Dec. 19: Make fudge and deliver to friends and family
Dec. 20: Drive around to see Christmas lights
Dec. 21: Write love letters to each other and put them in each other’s stockings
Dec. 22: Spend some quality time with Holley :)
Dec. 23: My 25^th birthday!
Dec. 24: SVBC Christmas Eve service
Dec. 25: Church! Read the Christmas Story from the Bible

'Tis the season for traditions!

Traveling Light

While at the University of South Carolina, I was chosen to be Chaplain of my sorority, Alpha Delta Pi. The role of chaplain allowed you to be the “spiritual leader” of the sorority, give the invocation at each chapter meeting, and serve as the point person for ladies who needed guidance, prayer, or just a listening ear. The most rewarding part of being chaplain was leading a weekly Bible study called Angelic. The Bible study I taught for the first semester was based out of Max Lucado’s book, Traveling Light: Releasing the Burdens We Were Never Intended to Bear.


Traveling Light takes you on a journey through Psalm 23 and encourages you to get rid of your baggage and rest in our Sovereign God. Here are some highlights from the book:

Rest from the burden of a small god. Why? Because I have found the Lord.
Rest from doing things my way. Why? Because the Lord is my shepherd.
Rest from endless wants. Why? Because I shall not want.
Rest from weariness. Why? Because he makes me to lie down.
Rest from worry. Why? Because he leads me.
Rest from hopelessness. Why? Because he restores my soul.
Rest from guilt. Why? Because he leads me in the paths of righteousness.
Rest from arrogance. Why? Because of his name’s sake.
Rest from the valley of death. Why? Because he walks me through it.
Rest from the shadow of grief. Why? Because he guides me.
Rest from fear. Why? Because his presence comforts me.
Rest from loneliness. Why? Because he is with me.
Rest from shame. Why? Because he has prepared a place for me in the presence of my enemies.
Rest from my disappointments. Why? Because he anoints me.
Rest from envy. Why? Because my cup overflows.
Rest from doubt. Why? Because he follows me.
Rest from homesickness. Why? Because I dwell in the house of my Lord forever.

This time of year is hard for me and I'm sure the Lord has called this book to my mind to remind me of His promises. By the Lord’s Providence, I was ministering as chaplain and teaching this book during the year that my parents were living in Houston. The group of girls that came to Angelic (including Holley on several occasions!) and the content that we studied for those two semesters fed my soul in ways I could never express.

Remember to "travel light" this holiday season (and throughout the year for that matter). If this time of year is hard for you too... Take heart! He has overcome the world! There is rest to be found in the God who carries your burdens! (Matthew 11:28)

Weekend Recap

We had such a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend... I hate to see it go! It has been so nice to catch up on some rest and relaxation. Hopefully I have recharged my batteries to make it to Christmas.

Ryan and I celebrated Thanksgiving with the Brannan clan over a delicious spread prepared by his parents. Then Holley, Cheryl, Rachel, Lauren and I braved the Black Friday chaos at 6 a.m. for some Christmas shopping! I am so happy to have gotten it all done!

Since Rachel and David were in town we decided to have a family night at Riverbanks' Lights at the Zoo. Jacob loved the lights and "snow" and of course I found some great photo opportunities :)

We were fortunate enough to be given two tickets to the Carolina-Clemson game Saturday and enjoyed tailgating with great friends. Watching Carolina beat Clemson for the third year in a row was a perfect ending to a great weekend!!

Best of friends since the 5th grade. Love you, Jess!

Great seats thanks to our good friends Bobby and Harriet :)

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! We have so much to be thankful for. Let the Christmas season begin!!

Thanksgiving 2011

Today and always I am thankful for…

The redeeming love of my Savior, Jesus Christ

Marriage... and for a loving husband who makes me laugh, loves me unconditionally, and finds joy in serving the Lord

A sweet sister who sets a godly example for me and for her peers

A wonderful family on both sides

Amazing friends

Spring Valley Baptist Church and the incredible place it is to worship and work, serve fantastic students, and fellowship with friends

A job that allows me to work with Christians

Our health

The legacy of my Dad and the (almost) 22 years of precious memories I will forever cling to

Thank you, Lord, for the many blessings you have bestowed upon us, for the trials you choose for us to endure, and most importantly for your unending grace.

3 Years

Three years ago today...

...this world lost an incredible man.

...Heaven gained another angel.

...two girls lost their Daddy.

...a wife lost her high school sweetheart.

...life drastically changed forever.

...God chose the number “22” to reveal itself to our family in a new way.  

...all that seemed to matter in the world became very dim.

...a long battle with cancer ended.

...a long journey through grief began.

...the Lord was glorified through death.

  
I love the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead in John 11. Exactly one year after my Dad passed away, these verses jumped off the page at me. It was a divine revelation from God and a much needed comfort to read verse 4 where Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” I believed in that moment in 2009, as I do on this very day, that those words were true for Larry Davis.

I praise God for His work in and through my Dad and for the testimony he crafted for me to tell. My Dad loved us unconditionally and made Holley and me feel like we were his most prized possessions. Words cannot describe how blessed I feel to have had 21 years with such an amazing Dad.

He has overcome the grave! To God be the glory!

Wistful Wednesday

Shutterfly

Christmas is just around the corner! I am so excited to be able to send our first Christmas card as a married couple this year :) Check out Shutterfly for some great deals on cards and gifts!

Photo Card

View the entire collection of cards.