'Tis the Season for...

Tis the season for greediness giving. I really am happy for retailers that they make good money during this time of year, but I despise how wrapped up in STUFF we get and how "I gotta have ____!" I've been guilty of it, too. But, it doesn't have to be that way. Some kids/people get nothing, not even a meal, not even a warm place to sleep. But, it doesn't have to be that way. We can help! We can make this a time of true giving and not just for the people we are closest to.

This Christmas, join me in giving something to those who otherwise might not get anything at all. If you're in Abbeville: call the schools and find out if any of their students need clothes, shoes, jackets and donate your hand-me-downs. Call local churches to find out if they're serving meals or having a clothing drive. Ask around - it won't be hard to find someone who's been laid off and needs help giving their family gifts. Call DSS and donate old toys kids who aren't in their parents custody.

If you're in Greenwood: Grace Community Church has an Angel Tree with families you can sponsor (due Wednesday), work with the Salvation Army, or help with the soup kitchen at the First Presbyterian Church.

In Columbia: help the Nehemiah Project deliver hot meals to families next Saturday (comment below for details on this); donate food/money/clothes to the homeless shelter on Two Notch or to the womens' shelter on North Main St; find a boys and girls home nearest you and make their Christmas brighter!

No matter where you live, there IS something you can do to help others. If you're like me and have way more than you need, tell someone to donate something in your honor instead of giving you a present this year! If you can't spare much in the way of money this year, you can still invest in others simply by giving them time - volunteer at a shelter/soup kitchen, or even volunteer for Big Brother/Big Sister! Wouldn't you want someone to do that for you, if you needed it?

Maybe you're like me and have this strong desire to help those who need it most? And if you're like me, it's easy to get discouraged just thinking about all the millions of people out there who need so much. It's overwhelming - like using a medicine dropper to empty the ocean! But, helping them one by one is better than not at all! So this year, if you can...give back (the more medicine droppers we use, the faster that ocean empties)! And remember that prayer is not the 'least' we can do, it's better than any sweater or hot meal! So, if you want to give to those who need it most this year, pick someone or a family and pray for that person/people in 2011. Let's make this the season of giving to others!

Thoughtful on a Tuesday

"Lindsay, I know it's your day off, but can you come in today and meet with me?" said my boss.
"Ummm, sure," I said very reluctantly, because it was my day off, but more so because I knew this couldn't be good. I racked my brain and knew I had done nothing wrong, but still I had a sinking feeling in my stomach. It was January and our news station had already had three rounds of lay-offs, some workers who were much more tenured than I.

That sinking feeling was confirmed when I sat down at a conference table with my news director and our station manager. "Lindsay, you know how the economy is really affecting TV stations right now, and..."
"Just spit it out," I interrupted (yes, can't believe I did that, but curiousity was killing me), "am I being laid off?" Then, with tears in her eyes, my news director told me they could no longer afford my position. She said some really kind words and I knew it was through no fault of my own, but still, it stung.

My immediate thought was, "I'm supposed to go home." I had no idea why, but it was immediate and I felt a peace about it. I've always been close to my parents and liked being around them, but home was somewhere I really hadn't lived since I was 18. In college, during the summers, I worked in different places and never lived at home. After graduation, I lived in the Dominican Republic, then in Charleston before moving to Florence. But, somehow, the very minute I was laid off I knew I was supposed to go home.

Convincing my father that I was supposed to be home was a different story. "You can get a part-time job until something permanent comes a long and I'll help you with your rent," he said.
"Dad, I'm coming home, I really feel like it's what I'm supposed to do...oh, and I'm bringing my dog." Boy, how he did not want a puppy in his house!



I've been home over a year and a half now and it's been hard. I've had work most of the time, but nothing yet that I feel like is my 'career.' For a long time I allowed myself to feel shame or even failure because I was living at home with my parents after having graduated from college and been out on my own. But, I just knew I was where I'm supposed to be.

And recently, God has changed my perspective. Now I'm thankful for this time I've had at home. I'm thankful for this time with my family, for the time to try out all kinds of different careers I'd never considered, for the opportunity to invest my life in different ministries, and mostly, I've realized God wanted this time with me so I would seek Him.

I've learned a lot about what's important in life and about pleasing God instead of people. I've still got a lot to learn and I'm still not sure what's next, but at least now I'm thankful for each day of the journey.

When I leave and take Louie with me...Thom Tyner will not be a happy camper. He LOVES his grandpup now!



Oh, and Louie is thankful for this time at home, too. He is SPOILED rotten!

Weak Sauce

Have you ever felt like pure 'weak sauce?' Like you're going against something that is too big, too much, too scary to even think about? Something 'impossible for little ole me?' I have! The Bible says we are to rejoice in ALL things, especially trials, because when we are weak in our own strength, God's strength in us is stronger. I picture it like a thermometer stick...the lower our levels are, the more room God has to insert his strength in us! And, of course I complained rejoiced in every trial I faced. :)

If I'm being honest, I actually called my bestie today to complain about a situation that was intimidating. Ha, and this after I prayed for an opportunity, God gave it to me, and because it wasn't easy, I whined about it!

The Old Testament is hard for me to read sometimes. I feel like I need a history lesson to understand what everything means. But, reading my Bible tonight, I stumbled upon a little treasure named Gideon. You see Gideon was pure weak sauce. His people (Israelites) were being dominated by the Midianites in a major way. When the Israelites planted their crops, the Midianites came through and stole EVERY SINGLE PIECE. And they took all of the Israelites animals (their meat and transportation) and things with them. Gideon's people had NOTHING left.

What do you think they did then? What we all do. After worshiping idols and ignoring God, they finally cried out to Him for help.

Judges 6 says that the angel of the Lord came down to that place in the form of a man and appeared to Gideon. (Umm, WOW! How awesome/scary would that be?!) He told Gideon that he, Gideon, was going to lead his people in victory over the Midianites. And in verse 15, "But Lord," Gideon asked, "how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family." Told ya, Gid was weak sauce. Even in a poor country, he was a poor 'nobody.' But, God chose Gideon to lead his people to a victory.

So, after asking for several signs from God just to make sure God knew he had chosen the weakest man around for the job, Gideon gathered together an army. In Judges, the Midianites are described as a swarm of locusts in the land. It says their camels were numerous like the sands of the seas. So, basically, they were like China and Russia put together against the state of South Carolina or something. Now we see why lil ole G was so scared. But, God had spoken so Gideon knew he better act.

He gathered together as many men as he could and prepared for battle. But, on the way, God stopped him and said, "You have too many men for me to deliver Midian into their hands." Ummm...what? God, maybe you didn't notice, but there's like a million of them and 30,000 of us! Around this time, Gideon is probably thinking, "Am I sure this God is real? Are these voices in my head? This is IMPOSSIBLE. This is INSANE." But, he told anyone who was scared they could turn back. So, 22,000 left and 10,000 remained. But, again, God said too many. He narrowed it down to 300 men!! Three hundred men were going with Gideon to fight hundreds of thousands of trained warriors! Ya'll, this is a true story, not a fairy tale. This happened.

Can you imagine the faith it must've taken for these men to go into battle?! AND, they didn't even carry weapons in their hands. As they crept in the middle of the night to where the Midianites were camping, these soldiers carried a trumpet in one hand and a glass jar in the other. (To the world they must've looked crazy. Sound familiar?) When they got to the edge of the camp, they all blew their trumpets and smashed their jars. The Midianites got scared and the Bible says they ran, CRYING, as far as they could!!!

Gideon didn't know what the outcome of his march would look like. After God spoke to him, he tried everything in his power to get his people ready to win. But, God didn't need Gideon's human strength. God made almost the entire Israelite army turn back, "In order that Israel may not boast against me that her own strength has saved her..." Judges 7:2. God doesn't need us. Sometimes when we are in the middle of that impossible situation it's so hard to imagine anything good coming from it, but from now on, I will try to remember to rejoice in my weaknesses because I know that God's strength is magnified in me and His strength is infinitely enough.

Deal of a...Lifetime!

My blog is random. This I know. I'm not a Mom. Not a health-nut. Never been accused of being an exercise fanatic. In the 'about me' section of the blog I've warned that my posts will be about my life and all the different facets of it. Some are serious. Some are funny (you know you laugh when someone falls). Some are about the South (no worries, more to come soon on FRIED goodness). Some are about good deals (I'm a 'deal' girl, what can I say?). But, there's something I've never written on here. I've thought about it, but (for reasons which will be obvious) have not broached this particular subject outright. However, recently I've become increasingly aware of just how little people really KNOW of the TRUTH.

This past year I volunteered to be the chaplain (through FCA) for the JV/Varsity cheerleaders at Abbeville High. Once a week, after practice, I lead them in a devotion from the Bible. This being the South, I assumed that everyone already knew the basics of Christianity and that I would probably just teach from the Bible on different life issues each week. But, when I was praying on what to teach on the first week, God led me back to what I thought was obvious. "What exactly does it mean to be a Christian?" And again the second week. "How do you come to know God? How do you know you're a Christian?" Even this past week, "What does it mean to truly repent?"

America is supposed to be 'the Christian country,' but I've been shocked and saddened by how much we truly take for granted here in our 'freedom.' We're so 'free' that it doesn't mean as much to us anymore. Maybe all of the persecution and threats to Christianity in politics lately should be a big wake up call to us! If not, then maybe the fact that our teenagers, many who think they are Christians and who know parables and Bible stories, don't really know what it all means. My time with these precious girls at AHS has taught me a lot, and in particular, that we shouldn't assume everyone around us knows the truth; we need to be bold in our faith and not afraid to speak up for what we believe in.

"Christian" is literally translated to "follower of the way." In the Bible (John 14:6), Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." As followers of Christ, we are called to live like he did. No, we will not be perfect, but yes, we are to set our standard there. Yes, it's hard. And thank God that we do not have to sacrifice animals, or pray a certain number of times daily, or travel to a mecca to make up for all the times we fail. When we repent (not just acknowledging our sin to a God who already knows about it!) God forgives us. When you truly repent from something you are agreeing with God that it's wrong and Matthew 3 says you will "produce fruit" in keeping with repentance,which means you will take ACTION! (To stop doing something or to start doing what you were avoiding.) It can be super hard (but God will give you his strength) and you might fall right back into it and have to repent again, but forgiveness is a well that never runs dry. We don't do anything to deserve it. It's a gift. Called grace.

Accepting that Jesus Christ, who was fully man (and perfect) and fully God, was an actual person who walked the earth and was severely beaten and tortured to death on a cross because he loves us is not logical. Our earthly minds and human reason rebel against faith. Ironically, deep down inside we all know there's a Creator, a God; we know right and wrong (at least in some ways) intrinsically. We all yearn for the love and companionship of a Lord. And sometimes we try to fill our desires with relationships, money, or power...and we fail. Peace cannot be found until we accept the truth, and then, peace cannot be taken from us even amidst chaos.

Going to church, simply saying a prayer, being good and kind, trying to do the right thing...this does not make you a Christian. Many people are scared to become Christians because they think of 'what I'll have to give up,' but don't realize all that they're missing out on. It's not just about going to Heaven - it's about having the fullest life on earth! It is accepting Jesus as Lord over your life (as Paul says, becoming a slave to Christ, surrendering your everything!) and living for Him. It is a relationship. It is the deal of a lifetime! We deserve Hell; we get Heaven. Christians are not always good and kind, do not always do the right thing and are hypocrites much of the time. But to judge Christ by Christians, unfortunately, does not give the world a true picture of Him. If you are a Christian, watch how you walk, because others are. If you aren't, then don't miss out on this deal of a lifetime! :)

I Promise I Don't Work for Target!

Ha, I promise ya'll I don't work for Target (but I am up for grabs, Mr. Target. Cough, cough.) However, every time I'm looking online for good deals and find something I like, there always seems to be a cheaper version of it at the 'red dot' store!

I love Loft. All you teachers (esp Miss A.L. Williams) know Loft. I can't even walk past the store without losing my self-control money. When they have a sale, they have a SALE. When they don't, they DON'T. It can be a little on the expen$ive side!

So, this is sort-of a 'two-fer' blog, if you will. A 'two for one' special! Loft has a 25% off entire purchase and free shipping deal that ends today. But, even with the discount, this adorable sweater dress (can't get the pic any bigger)



is more expensive ($90) than its twin at Target ($25 and in more colors).



I have this dress in the green (from Target) and haven't worn it yet, but plan to wear with leggings and boots, or tights and ballet flats. Cute with a long necklace or a belt!

SN: The Loft dress is made with wool, so it's probably a little nicer quality. But, the Target dress is more A-line (less clingy on the child-bearing hips), which will probably flatter more body types. And the Target dress is a Junior size, so you may need to size up.

Deal of the Week

Brrrr...yesterday was the first day it really felt like Fall to me. The rain was falling, the sky was dark, and the air was chilly! It was a perfect day to sit out on our back porch and reminisce and laugh for hours with some old friends - which is exactly what I did. To top it all of we had home-made french toast and bacon for breakfast. Annnd I got to cuddle with not one, but TWO little babies. I mean, seriously, if that doesn't sound good to you...well, then, you need to come over and see how fun it is!

There's only one thing that would've made it better...getting in bed to flannel sheets! I love the moment when I fold back my sheets and nestle in at night. In the winter, few blends feel as good as thick, warm flannel sheets! Annnd, they're ON SALE right now at Target. Twin, double, and queen size...all only $19.99!!! And guess how much King size cost? Ummm, duh, $19.99!! That's really cheap, people!



Now, I can't attest to the quality or durability of these sheets, as I don't work for Target (umm, HELLOOOO, Target, don't you want to hire me to blog about your deals? I'm totally sure Mr. Target reads this). But, hey, even if you only use them for a year or two and then sell them for $5 at a yard sale, you've gotten your money's worth!

PS There are more colors and sizes in the store than I've found online.

Great Deal!

So...I have a teensy lil problem. It's nothing, really. I'm just a tiny bit addicted to shopping. Retail therapy. Online shopping. In-store shopping. Shopping for others. Finding a deal. Bargaining. SHOPPING. I only go for good deals, though, unless it's just a 'got-have-it-totally-worth-the-money" purchase. (IE: My favorite summer Anthropologie dress.) I trace this back to Saturday mornings at the Jockey Lot growing up...you only get $5 so you better make it stretch!

But, really, one of my favorite things to do is shop for others. I loooove when my friends get me to take them shopping to pick out new clothes! Or when someone gives me money to get clothes for a certain occasion. And buying gifts is fun to me, too. One of my 'dream' jobs is to be a personal shopper...sadly, I don't even know how this would work. ?? And, sadly, I think I shop better for others than for myself!

However, I thought maybe you (sorry to any guys who read this blog) could benefit from my hobby! So, introducing the Deal of the Week:

Anthropologie (one of my favorite stores) has this cutie-pie sweater/shrug for $68.00



And...Target has the same thing (and in more colors) for only $25!



Same exact sweater - believe me, I have this Target version hanging in my closet! Due to my shopping addiction hobby, I find lots of these, so if ya'll are interested, I can blog more of them! Enjoy this 'Deal of the Week!'