Happy Birthday, Lindy!

Jarred's sister, Lindy, celebrated her birthday this Saturday!

If anyone knows Lindy, they know that she LOVES her two red-headed brothers.

 And in just seven weeks, she'll have a new sister as well!

Lindy is the maid of honor in mine and Jarred's wedding.

She just loves her "lil bubs" so much!

Happy birthday, Lindy! We love you and are so thankful for the blessing you are in our lives!

An unexpected hospital visit

Sunday afternoon, Jarred began experiencing severe stomach pains. We had to cancel plans to eat dinner with some friends from church last minute when the pain continued to worsen. Jarred vomited a few times and spent the evening resting. His biggest concern was that we cancelled dinner and our new friends had bought hamburgers to grill. Typical of Jarred. He is always thinking of others before himself. At this point, we were thinking he had a stomach virus. So we hoped he could sleep it off and feel better in the morning.

Monday morning, Jarred headed into the store since he had a meeting. However, after eating a biscuit, he decided he needed to go see the doctor. The doctor at a clinic told us to go straight to the ER since he was sure Jarred had appendicitis. If the appendix ruptures, it can be very dangerous, even deadly. So, several hours later, Jarred was being prepped to go into surgery. Thankfully, David and Kimberly were here to keep me sane and be a great support. It's such a blessing to have them in the same town.

The surgery went well. However, the doctor did have to make an 8 inch incision since the appendix wasn't showing up on the labroscopy. So, Jarred's recovery will be longer than what we were hoping. . . 6 weeks. But thankfully, our wedding isn't for another 8 weeks!

The love and support have been amazing. Our Sunday School teacher came by 3 different times. Our new friends we were supposed to have dinner with visited. And a few others stopped by, including Jarred's mom! She drove all the way from Lineville Monday after teaching school. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: she is supermom!!

It was difficult for me in the waiting room during Jarred's surgery. We had several visitors which helped distract me from the circumstances. Nonetheless, it was easy to think the worst. Towards the end of the surgery, as I was talking to God, He overwhelmed me with His awesome peace. Which is the result of some of my favorite verses:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:6-7

In that waiting room, I came to the point of fully trusting the Lord to take care of Jarred and got a glimpse of His sovereignty. Also, the the Lord really spoke to me through my devotional, Jesus Calling:

"Entrust your loved ones to Me; release them into My protective care. They are much safer with Me than in your clinging hands. If you let a loved one become an idol in your heart, you endager that one - as well as yourself. Remember the extreme measures I used with Abraham and Isaac. I took Isaac to the very point of death to free Abraham of son-worship. Both Abraham and Isaac suffered terribly because of the father's undisciplined emotions. . . .
When you release loved ones to Me, you are free to cling to My hand. As you entrust others into My care, I am free to shower blessing on them. My presences will go with them wherever they go, and I will give them rest. This same Presence stays with you, as you relax and place your trust in Me. Watch to see what I will do."

Funny how God will sometimes speak so directly . . . .

My baby brother

My baby brother, Joseph, has grown up and moved off to college this week. 

He began his first semester of college courses at Auburn University this Wednesday.

As children, Joseph was always my little play buddy. We have lots of old fun memories together.

I have loved seeing him grow into the young gentleman he has become today.

Joseph has loved hunting and camo over the years. You should see his bedroom at home with all the deer heads and hunting decor!

My little brother has been an outstanding soccer player since he was little. He led the men's varisty team at FPD his senior year as captain and leading scorer.

We've enjoyed family vacations together from the beach at Destin to snowskiing in Colorado.

His two older sisters are very proud of him!

I always said I wanted to marry someone like my little brother. And little did I know that my soon-to-be husband would be a youngest child with similar traits!

Congratulations, little buddy! We love you!!!

Peace

"And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7

I didn't have to work tonight, and Jarred was closing the store at 11 pm. So I decided I was way overdue for some peaceful time of resting in the awesome presence of my Father.

So, I grabbed a tumbler of sweet tea and headed out to Prien Lake Park. I took a few pictures of the beautiful sunset, as I soaked up God's amazing creation.

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge." Psalm 19:1-2

"You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things,  and by Your will they existed and were created." Revelation 4:11

Sometimes, it is really hard to slow down in our fast-paced and technological culture and enjoy the Lord and His creation. When things are busy and/or stressful, I have to intentionally remind myself of the Lord's words to His people: "Be still, and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

We're Open!!!

Thursday, August 11, 2011, Chick-fil-a at Lumpkin Plaza officially opened. We served our first 100 customers at 6 am (also, there were many others that showed up who wanted to also be some of the first to experience the original chicken sandwich in Lake Charles.)

My job at Chick-fil-a is called hostess. I wear a pretty little apron over my Chick-fil-a attire and welcome all our customers. Throughout the day, I refill drinks, help mothers with their children, take people's trash, and altogether offer "2nd mile service". I love my job!!

Grand Opening day went really well, with no major problems. We had many excited customers who had been counting down the days until Grand Opening. We really appreciate all our "raving fans". 

I've been working early for breakfast these first two days. And let me tell you, I'm usually not a morning person, at all! However, I'm getting into the habit of making coffee every morning, and that usually makes it alot easier!! (Also, I'm learning to go to bed a little earlier than usual :) )



Ribbon Cutting & First Bite

Tuesday, David cut the ribbon at Chickfila alongside the Griffin family and Kimberly's parents. The mayor, the CEO, the cow, and others joined in the celebration.

Next, we were all part of the "first bite" meaning we enjoyed eating the first ever original chicken sandwiches made at Chickfila at Lumpkin Plaza. Mmmm, it was pretty good!!! :)

Jarred and I decided to snap a photo with the cow at this celebration since we may not have time on Grand Opening day.

Check back soon; more to come!!!

Dedication Dinner

The beginning of Grand Opening week festivities!! Monday we had a dedication dinner at The Brick House. Our whole brand new team of 80 gathered to celebrate the opening of the new store. Jarred and I are so thankful to be a part of such an amazing experience.

The Griffin family drove all the way from Alabama to join in all the fun of Grand Opening week. We are all so proud of David opening the first standing Chickfila in Lake Charles.

David "passed the baton" to each team member as we all begin this journey together. We have a great group of sharp individuals.

And the reason for having such a great team resulted from weeks of interviewing. Chickfila received 800 applications, and Jarred worked hard to interview many of them. His job title is Executive Director of Training and Development; I am so proud of his hard work, dedication, and diligence!