~LIVE in the MOMENT~

     Hi again... remember me?  No, I didn't fall off the face of the earth.  Let's just say the past couple months have been a little hectic and well, I have been a pretty pitiful blogger.  What can I say-- I guess I needed a break (from what, I really don't know, but I guess it sounds like an OK excuse :). So a few nights ago, as I caught up on all the posts I'd fell behind on from my fellow bloggers, I was inspired to get back to my writing!  Now here goes.......

     A friend and co-worker of mine said something to me the other day that I haven't been able to put out of my mind.  I was excitedly sharing with her about an extraordinary job opportunity God presented me with just this past week.  For those of you that know me, you know I am presently working as a freelance production assistant/event coordinator, etc.  A "job" in this field I have found, means getting in the passenger seat and letting God be the driver. (And wouldn't life be so much easier if we did that from the get-go? But that's another post in itself...) It's true job opportunities in my field can be hard to come by, but when they come, life couldn't get any better!  I have the greatest fun and am in love "going to work".  And it's true I have been utterly blessed with opportunities so far.  I sometimes joke in saying "I think this job was designed for me".  Most of you know that traveling is one of my deepest passions, so to have the opportunity to travel for work... it may sound cliche', but it's a dream come true for me.  Now back to my story... Two weeks ago, I was going on to my co-worker about how excited I was to have an upcoming job opportunity in a state I've never worked in. I went on and on about how excited it would be to work this event and how amazing it was going to be to visit this new place. We're going to label this conversation "Day 1".  On to "Day 2"... after days of talking about nothing but the "Day 1" job, I received an email from a wonderful girl asking me if I'd be interested in working another event, this time in the city of my dreams!  Holy cow!!!  Seriously?  Had she read my mind?!?!  I immediately took her up on the offer and set my mind to thinking how I could make it work so I could definitely work this super-awesome event.  And so, my conversation with my co-worker friend shifted from the awesome "Day 1" opportunity to the awesomer "Day 2" opportunity!  And here my friends is where it gets good...  My co-worker listened to me blabber on and on about my elation, then smiled and shared with me these simple words: "don't forget to live in the moment Casey."  BOOM, SMACK, POW... right in the gut. She was so right! What truer a statement did I need that day?! I had gotten so caught up in this new "open door" that I had forgotten about the "open window"! 
     I think sometimes we get so caught up in some of life's opportunities it's like we want to push the fast-forward button and skip to the "good parts" of life, whether they be vacations-to-come, 3-day holiday weekends, or for some of us: Fridays.  We forget that the "introduction" and "body" of our life-stories are what get us to the good parts, and before we know it, our "conclusion" sneaks up on us, and the credits are rolling!
     That day I took a minute and whispered a sweet prayer to God, thanking Him for sending those precious words to me through a friend. He never ceases to amaze me in the ways He acts.  Beloved friends, it should do us well to remember that we are not guaranteed tomorrow and we will never again have this day.  Take a look around where you are right now-- in your messy house full of kids, behind your desk slaving away, or maybe even having some R&R time for yourself.  Now smile to yourself, breathe it in, and be thankful... live in the moment, in the here and now.  You are already so very blessed- you're alive and you're where you are.  From this point on, may we (myself included) wake each morning with a new zeal and purpose:  to take on the day and whatever punches that 24 hours holds for you, and live every second, of every minute, in that moment.  For we know, all the best stories come in trilogies... not in just one book.  So go and write your own.

So happy to be living in this moment. :)    

why so "BLUE"

     Who knew being blue would mean looking so effortlessly fabulous?  It's the color that's all the rage right now:  electric blue!  It's bright, it's bold, and it's currently the color of fun.  From royal-hued denim to fingernails that pop, it's a shade everyone can pull off however little... or loud you choose to wear it!
      It was in Los Angeles, while working an event, that I began to notice the bold blue frenzy.  Some folks chose to incorporate the crayon-box favorite into their outfit by choosing blue statement pieces such as jewelery, handbags, even shoes.  Others opted to go all out, taking to the red carpet in bright blue attire. 
     But even though you may not be hitting the red carpet anytime soon, you can still get in on the Smurf-shaded fashion right here at home!  I've chosen a few of my favorite "oh-so-blue" options for you to try this season.  Take a look........

Option 1:  Bright Blue Nails

*Choosing a fun hued color for your fingernails is a fun way to add a pop of the color to any outfit.  And it's also a subtle way to add a bit of fun without going overboard.  I love this "mesmerizing" shade from Essie. (color: "Mesmerize")

Option 2:  Shimmery Blue Accessories 

*You can also choose to wear the color with a pretty accessory.  I'm loving this gorgeous blue handbag from Marshals by Kenneth Cole Reaction. ($39.99)

Option 3:  The New BLUE Jean 

*Of all the new lines of colorful denim, bright "blue" jeans are my favorite!  As you can see here, they look great dressed up with preppy little flats and a blazer, or they (along with other colorful options) can be worn the casual way with a loose-fit "T".  (courtesy: Glamour Magazine)

     And as you can see (above), I, of course, couldn't wait to snatch up my own pair of blue-hued jeans!  These blue-beauties have become a staple in my fall wardrobe... Papa Smurf would be proud.

~Happy Shopping Everyone. XOXO

Praying for Branden

     This past week has brought about many different emotions in a short amount of time.  I received word that a precious little boy who I've know all his life has been diagnosed with a type of cancer.  The news literally sucked the life out of me and brought tears to my eyes.  I prayed and cried then prayed some more.  But it was the moment when I logged into my Facebook account that I was struck with a different type of emotion.  A smile spread across my face as tears streamed down my cheeks, and I sat there in astonishment.  Spanning the length of my computer screen was post after post:  prayer requests, words of hope and encouragement, and recently written "status updates" each dedicated to our sweet Branden.
     Faith is a beautiful thing.  It's the part of you that makes all the hard times in life a little bit easier.  But it's a faith family-- those who come together and surround you in continuous thoughts and prayers and love, that make us realize we're not alone in life's heartaches.  In Christ, we are family.

     I dedicate this blog post to this little boy who is my inspiration.  Branden has a heart for God and a personality that shines like the sun.  My heart is captivated by his unwavering faith and strength.  It is my prayer that God will hear the many other numerous prayers being sent up so fervently.
     "Lord may you hold this child of Yours in Your mighty hands and bestow upon him complete healing.  Bring peace and comfort to the family, and may they remember You are with them every moment of each day.  Hear our prayers, Lord God, for we know You are the One who moves mountains.  In Your precious Son's Name, Amen."
~ Praying for you Branden

LIFE...is good

     LIFE.  It's a word that has come to my mind a lot over the past couple of months.  Questions like, "what do I want to do with my life?" and, "am I living the life God has planned for me?".  Then there's my favorite-- "don't waste your life, because you only get one chance to live out your dreams."  My life has taken a big jolt these past few weeks.  I decided it was time to take a leap of faith, "shoot for the stars" so to speak, and get out of my comfort zone.  After months of prayer and seeking God's will for my life by reading His Word, I threw my hands in the air, got in the passenger seat and let Him take the wheel.  And friends, I'm happy to say this roller coaster ride called life hasn't stopped since.

     I embarked on a journey.  New York City is where I was headed, but I wouldn't be stopping there.  A door would open, I would take it.  I thought I had a plan, but what I have learned (and am still learning) is that God has an even bigger one.  Yeah, I made it to the Big Apple... then Washington D.C. and somehow Los Angeles, California.  Like I said, a roller coaster ride!  As I sit here and write this, I can't help but smile, laugh and shed tears all at the same time.  It's just-- God is SO good!  The Bible says, "Delight yourself in the Lord; And He will give you the desires of your heart."  My life has been transformed by this verse.  I think sometimes we get caught up in the thinking that if we delight ourselves in Him, He will give us what we want.  I have come to find that this way of thinking is anything but right.  
      As I said before, New York was where I was headed-- I have dreamed of living in the Concrete Jungle as long as I can remember.  I have talked about it so long, I'm pretty sure my mom is sick of hearing the words "New York City".  I remember seeing pictures of the Empire State building when in grade school, watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade EVERY year on television (yes, even now), and forever in awe of the hundreds of thousands of people lined along the streets of Times Square watching the Ball Drop on New Year's Eve.  I would say to myself, "I am going to be there one day."  
     I was 19 the first time I visited New York City.  I literally could not sleep the night before my flight, I was filled with such anticipation and excitement.  Let's just say the City lived up to all of my expectations.  I remember walking down the sidewalk that led to Times Square-- before stepping around the corner, I took a deep breath and closed my eyes-- then BOOM, there it was.  Needless to say, there were tears.  I'm 24 now, and since that first visit I have been hooked ever since.  But what I have come to learn over the years is if we trust in the Lord and seek to live our lives for Jesus Christ, His dreams for us are so much more than our dreams for ourselves.
     So back to the verse Psalm 34:7, "Delight yourself in the Lord; And He will give you the desires of your heart"; I'd like to give my testimony in hopes you may too find that security in Christ.  Just when you think you have things all figured out... you may find that you don't.  When we try to run our own lives and make things go the way we want them to, we lose sight of the bigger things God has in store for us.  You've heard the saying, "everything in His timing,"-- it's so true.  I firmly believe if we pursue a life that is to bring Him glory, He will incorporate the things we love in our lives.  For instance, I love to travel.  So you can imagine my surprise when I was offered jobs in D.C. and LA!  And I'm happy to say I had the chance to share my testimony of what God has done in my life with people in both places.  If God hadn't opened those doors, I would have never met those people.  Glory to Him for that!  The point I'm trying to make-- at one time, all I had in mind was making it to NYC.  But just when I didn't think things were going to work out (finding a place to live-- yikes!), I took a step back and said "God it's Yours-- not in my timing but Yours, Lord"-- He moved.  I was supposed to be settled in NY the middle of September.  That was "the plan"-- MY plan.  But after working an unbelievable live concert in Central Park... boarding a train and heading to the nation's capital to work an event on the Ellipse Park (right in front of the White House-- so cool!)... flying home for my longtime best friend's wedding... and flying cross-country for my first visit and chance to work in (drum roll please...) Hollywood, California-- a month and a half has passed and thank goodness He is the driver and I'm in the passenger seat.  It's the beginning of November and I will soon be able to call the Concrete Jungle "where dreams are made of," home.  A lot has happened since "my plan" and I thank God for it.  
     I'm on a mission-- to live LIFE, no matter where I am or what I'm doing, for my Jesus.  Yes there will be days of stress and worry, heartache and pain-- and yes, our plans may be deterred in all different directions, but if we keep our eyes on Him, living each day to glorify Him-- no matter if you're sitting in an office behind a desk, serving a table at a restaurant, or walking the halls of your high school-- He will give you the desires of your heart... because our desire will ultimately be HIM.
     ....LIFE is good. 

 View of Central Park from Andrea Bocelli Concert Event

Nickelodeon's "World Wide Day of Play" on the Ellipse Presidential Park

 Home for Fe's big day

In Hollywood at the Teen Nick "Halo Awards" <Help And Lead Others>

      

BOOKS a'million!

     I'm not sure what it is about an old filled-to-the-brim bookstore, but I could spend hours upon hours in one.  I've always been drawn to the pages of a book.  True, reading is one of my many passions, but there's something that's just so... comforting about a book itself.   Time after time I have flipped through the pages of books new and old, breathing in the musty scent of the paper pages-- it's a smell I have come to know and love.  I've often said, if there was a job that would allow me to sit hours on end and do nothing but read, I'd be the "Michael Jordan" of the business.
     A book can take you places you've never been; they have the ability to make you feel things you long to feel; they can bring a tear to your eye, a smile to your face, or resurface a memory you thought to have buried long ago.  A book can take you on a journey that may take you years to complete (Harry Potter anyone?), or take you to worlds unknown! (Tolkien's 'Middle Earth' is one of my favorite vacation destinations). 
    It was during my time in London however, that I fell in love with the bookstore.  I found it so exciting and fresh that everywhere I went I would spot someone, nose in a book, eyes scanning the pages before them.  Yes, I enjoyed reading before my time abroad, but it was during my time there that I caught what I like to call the bookstore fever.  I began "searching" for bookstores in the area, but wasn't surprised to find that I didn't have far to look.  It's safe to say I'm not the only one who noticed the passion folks in Britain have for books-- there's surely a bookstore for each of them!  Almost every corner I turned, there would be a little hole-in-the-wall bookshop.  And not just any bookshop-- books literally lined the walls of these places and stood in stacks floor to ceiling!  Take a look at this quaint little place I found in Brighton-- perfect name for it don't you think?  It "brightened" my day just going inside......

And this wonderful little place in Edinburgh, Scotland was truly one of my favorites. 

As well as this one...................

   So as you can imagine, I returned home and knew I would not be content until I found a shabby little shop (or two) to suppress my new favorite pastime. I was determined to find a place that I would love just as much as my stores abroad so... I set out on a mission.  Thankfully though, it was more of a short drive than a long and drawn out task.  The "Bookman/Bookwoman" book store in Nashville's Hillsboro Village was just what I was looking for.... 

      "Bodacious Books" on White Bridge Road is another great little jam-packed book-shack.  Here's a peak inside...

     On Saturday mornings, you can usually find me searching these shelves for my next great adventure. Every book you can possibly imagine can be found in these cozy places.  And another thing to keep in mind-- books here are normally cheaper than the same reads sold at big name bookstores.
     Nowadays, I know many "high-techies" are opting for new reading devices like the popular "Kindle" and "Nook" readers, but to me nothing is better than the feel of an actual worn-and-torn book in my hand.
    So for me I'll continue to flip through the pages, swooning over vampires ("Twilight"), crying over a soldier ("Dear John"), and going back in time to visit another era and way of life ("The Other Boleyn Girl").
    What will your next journey be?  Pick a book and embark on one!
~ Happy reading everyone.

"this smoothie is bananas...B,A--N,A--N,A--S"!

    I love a good smoothie for breakfast.  So when I found this recipe for the perfect nutritious and delicious banana-peanut butter concoction... I couldn't wait to try it (and share it with you)!  Now, as Doctor Oz warns us, we have to be careful when it comes to these slurpin' treats.  Because (A) when you think you're being "healthy", you may actually be consuming more calories than you do with a "Country Boy Breakfast" (complete with all the fixins: eggs, meat, biscuits and gravy) from Cracker Barrel, and (B) there may be enough sugar in the mix to land you in a diabetic coma.  So it's always a safe bet to fix your own: that way you can control which ingredients you use and how much you use of each. 
   Now let's get down to monkey business...  you'll need:
1 frozen banana <~100 calories>
2 tablespoons natural peanut butter (try Smucker's organic or natural options) <200 calories, 1 sugar>
1/2 tablespoon Agave nectar <30 calories, 8 sugars>
1/2 cup skim milk <45 calories, 6 sugars>
1 to 2 tablespoons wheat germ or flax-seed <30-60 calories, 0 sugars>
(makes 2 servings)
* Add ingredients, in order listed, to a blender.  Blend together and wah-lah... you have a filling breakfast in just minutes!  Remember, this recipe makes 2 servings which means one smoothie is approximately 200 calories.  

 

    I'm always looking for easy and delicious smoothie recipes... so leave a comment and share your favorites!  

~Have a blessed day everyone! 

Get Coffee... Share A Verse... Make A Difference

     My life has been a little hectic these past couple of weeks (you may have noticed considering my last post is going on 2 weeks old).  I've been doing many exciting things and making memories I'll cherish for a lifetime.  But in the mess of all the non-stop "going"... I think there are times where we (and I mean me, included) need to pause and take a moment to find time for someone else.  I'm sure Jesus Christ is busy listening to the billions of prayers headed His direction, but He always makes time and never fails to hear each one.  So I wanted to take a moment, share this special reminder with you all, and encourage you to join in! 

     Many of us will rush out the door tomorrow on our way to work, or the babysitters, or maybe even just to do some shopping.  And at some point during the day, most of us will stop by a drive-thru, whether it be for morning coffee, or our lunch break or even for an afternoon ice cream cone.  So I'm challenging you: in the rush of your busy day tomorrow, take time to make a difference in the life of someone else by joining Christian radio Way FM's "Drive-Thru Difference" movement.  Here's how it works....

• PRINT out this note explaining why you did what you did in the drive-thru.
• VISIT a local restaurant or coffee place (with a drive-thru)
• ORDER your food/drink and then, when you pull around to the window, offer to...
• PAY for the car behind you.
• GIVE the drive-thru employee the note you printed out asking them to pass it along on your behalf.
• THANK God you were given a chance to touch a life.

~ To find out more about this special outreach project,  click here.

     One thing I like to do is add a favorite Bible verse to the note, such as John 3:16 or Philippians 4:13.  It's a personal touch that could open a door to God's word or bless the heart of a person in need of encouragement.   And who knows-- this simple act of kindness and love could impact someone and point them to Jesus.
      So I challenge you-- take the time to let your light shine and make a difference!  Remember, every act of kindness really does make a difference in this big ole' world!

~ Share the faith everyone.