Conversation of the week:

(Last night at 9pm)
Me: Libby, you have to read Twilight I am telling you that you will love it! Want to borrow the first one?

Libby: I hear you, but I am just not sure about the whole vampire thing.

Me: Take the first one and just read some of it and see if you like it. I am pretty sure you will be addicted like I am!

(this morning at 8am)
Libby: Emily, I am calling to tell you how upset I am with you for giving me this book knowing that I could not finished it in one night! I stayed up until 4 am reading this stupid book because I could not put it down!

Me: (sigh, thank goodness she isn't really made at me) Told you, isn't it great!?!

Libby: It is ridiculous. I tired several times to go to sleep but could not because I had to know what happened next.

Emily: I know exactly what you mean.

(today at 2pm)
Libby: Hey, can I have book number two now?

Me: You finished it already, aren't you working? Good thing you did not have court today!

Libby: I am at work, but I have not done any work and yes I finished it.

Me: Yeah you can have the second one, its at my house on my nightstand-you have a key stop and get it. You better slow down or buy the third on yourself, because I just started it the other day.

Libby: I just might do that. Bet I could read the third one and get it back to you before you could finish it.

Me: You can't have it, I am in the middle of it!

Libby: This is ridiculous. I may be reading on your couch when you get home from work. See you later!

What's your vote?

Here is some history for you: in high school I received the award for "most hairstyles" every year that I cheered. My coach always commented and said when they looked through pictures from football and basketball season, my hair was never the same. This is a true statement. For years, I have been changing the color, style or texture of my hair. What a blessing it is to have straight and curly hair! Now here is where you come in: I am getting my hair cut next Friday after a long time (so it seems) and I need your vote to help me make a decision before next week. Please reply and let me know what your vote is ;)


I have been putting off getting my hair cut so that I could braid it for the MudRun opposed to having muddy hair in my face all day. Now, I need your vote, because when it comes to my hair I may be the most indecisive person EVER.

First on the agenda are bangs. I have been debating over bangs for nearly six months now. I had them last summer, as seen in this picture above. My mom really likes bangs and would love for me to cut them. I think she likes them so much because they make me look like a little girl. This picture to the right is one with no bangs(currently) simply for your comparison so you can make an educated vote. Bangs: YES or NO?


Next on the agenda: length. I am debating over letting my hair grow out again. There is just something I miss about being able to throw my hair up in a ponytail. On the other hand, I love my hair short and it is so much easier to keep it cute! This "Snow White" picture is what my hair looks like now (minus the blonde, that was an accident that lasted a month...another story, for another blog).




Obviously this is my long haired picture for your voting needs :) I had a hard time finding long haired pictures, they must all be on Cd's and not stored on my computer...oh well, you get the idea anyways.




Okay, now you are educated and informed-you should be able to cast your vote :) On a side note, I just realized that my hair is a different color in each of these pictures. Told you I was indecisive about my hair! Let me know what you think I should do! Peace, Love and Hugs!

New Moon

The second book in the Twilight series is New Moon. I started New Moon on Thursday and a finished it...yesterday. This book is just as good as the first and I already started the third book...yesterday. It is unbelievable how captivating these books actually are. I am so glad I took the advice of my friends and started reading them. I wish there were more than four :(

Not my plan...

I don't know if this ever happens to any of you, but it happens to me all the time. The scenario plays out like this: I sit down to do my quiet time. After reading sometimes for a few minutes or other times almost instantly something hits me like a ton of bricks. The words are right there staring back at me. A conviction that I did not even know I had. Wham.

I have been doing the "Read Through the Word" with Southpoint Community Church since January, and everyday I get an email with the Scripture we are supposed to read that day. It really is an awesome way to get in the word, and with an entire community reading the same passage daily the discussions are not bad either. If you want more information, or what to sign up to get the email as well-check out http://southpointcc.com/.

Today's passage was Philippians 2. 14 verses in, I read this: "Do everything without complaining or arguing". I know that I complain a lot, and about lots of things. Things I find myself complaining about recently are: school, work, my family, the weather, traffic (especially), and people attitudes to name a few things. I never thought of my complaining as something against God or a sin per se, doesn't everyone complain? Why do we complain? Because we are comfortable, and selfish. It makes me sad to think about all the times I complain because we are busy at the office and I cannot stop to eat lunch, think about the children and people in developing countries that are not going to eat lunch at all-or worse, don't even know what lunch is. Funny how my complaint has a hidden blessing, since I know I am lucky to still have a job and busy is good! When I really stopped to think about all the things I commonly complain about-I realized we have NOTHING to complain about at all. We live in a country where we can do almost anything, we don't have to worship underground, we have jobs (most of us), we have unlimited resources for many things, we have cars or other modes of transportation, education is within reach-in reality we have so much to be thankful for.

Not only that, but as Christ followers we know we are not alone and Praise God for that! Deuteronomy 31:8 "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

Prayer Request

Prayer is so very important and I think in our daily lives it is easily pushed aside. All too often prayer is pushed aside for seemingly more important things in our lives, and this could not be further from the truth. Prayer is important. Why is prayer important? It is communication, communication with our Lord and Savior. Isn't communication important in all relationships? It makes sense when you think about it that it is an important part of our relationship and walk with the Lord. That being said, here are some of my recent prayer requests. Please keep these things and people in your prayers and let me know if there is anything I can pray for you about :) Let us lift up each other in prayer!

I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer. Psalm 17:6

The LORD is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous. Proverbs 15:29

1. That I can finish this MudRun on Saturday AND be able to walk on Sunday still. Above all that we have a great time for a good cause with no injuries :)

2. For everyone who has lost their job or is in jeopardy of losing their job, that the Lord will open the necessary doors for employment.

3. For Stephen's safety in Nigeria, that the Lord will use him in wonderful ways to reach and bless the people there and leave an impact by expressing the Love of Christ.

4. For all the Access launches coming up this summer, Amsterdam, Asia, Haiti, Orlando, Houston and Jacksonville. Pray that the impact from these launches will be HUGE!

BIG (exciting) news!!!

Skillet is coming to Jacksonville! May 22 at 7pm @ New Life Christian Church. For more information, check out www.premierproductions.com :) :) :)

Random Quizzes for fun :)

When faced with this quiz this morning in my yahoo inbox, I could not resist. I have taken the Myers Briggs personality test several times and basically already knew the answer to this question, but it was still interesting to see how accurate these simple 5 or 10 question quizzes are :) So, are you an introvert or an extrovert?

You Are 70% Extrovert, 30% Introvert

You are quite outgoing You are a social connector - you know a ton of people While you aren't a wild extrovert, you are a great talker A fantastic storyteller, you keep everyone laughing

Are You An Extrovert or An Introvert?

The Five Love Languages, what's yours?

I recently finished reading this book that was given to my for my birthday by a good friend. Side note: It did not take me 7 months to read this, another friend borrowed it before I started it a few weeks ago. Back on topic now, this book about the five major love languages is pretty eye opening. I must say, that I actually enjoyed reading it and talking to other friends who had read it as well. The five love languages are: words of affirmation, quality time, gifts, acts of service and physical touch. Which one do you think you are? If you want to borrow my copy to read, let me know-or I can let you know where to get it too :) Peace, Love and Hugs!

Twilight

"About three things I was absolutely positive. First, Edward was a vampire. Second, there was a part of him and I didn't know how dominate that part might be-that thirsted for my blood. And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocable in love with him."



Confession: I am reading the Twilight books. Yep, it is true. After several of my friends began reading them and sending me multiple emails telling me how I needed to read these awesome books, I gave into peer pressure. I am glad I did! The first book "Twilight" was phenomenal! I literally could not put the book down, I was captivated to the point of reading it in traffic at red lights. No, really I did! I have always enjoyed reading, but often start books without finishing them. I blame my busy life...this has not been the case this time. The book have traveled everywhere with me. I am so glad I took my friends advice and started reading the Twilight Saga. If you have any free time for reading (bubble baths are the perfect time!), I definitely recommend these books.

I am starting Book number 2, "New Moon" today! :)

Hope you enjoy them as much as I am! Peace, Love and Hugs :)

Faith

"Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in his and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls." 1 Peter 1:8-9.

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1.

"In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." James 2:17.

The word "Faith" is used numerous times in the Bible, all in different contexts so it is acceptable for the word to have multiple meanings. What does faith mean to you? Faith may have a different meaning for each person, based on that persons family, religious views, values, and beliefs that have been taught to them since childhood. For instance, one person may classify faith as believing they will make it to work on time where to another person their faith is what they live for. Is it what you are living for? This is a challenging question that has been asked during many messages-recently for me. The preacher stood at the pulpit and asked the simple questions, what would you do for your faith? Not only that, but who are you sharing your faith with? If you think about your daily activities, you will realize that we come in contact with several people throughout our normal daily activities. I took this one step deeper, and thought about how I act towards and treat these people that I come in contact with. Am I being a light in a lost word and sharing the love of Christ with these people regardless of how I feel that day or well I know them? The people can be close family members who you know are lost, or the cashier at Starbucks who you only know her name because of her cheery name tag. It doesn't matter. Jesus sees these people in the same light, and so should we as Christians.

Another question that has been heavy on my heart since listening to that same message is this: how many people do we talk to regularly are one good conversation away from the kingdom? Think about the possibilities... So many people that we connect with on a daily basis are just on the verge of salvation, all they need is one good conversation. An actual conversation with someone who loves them and takes the time to express it. Are you talking to these people about Jesus, or are you scared of their judgements? Chances are, they are dying to ask us questions, but are also scared of our judgements. We have to be willing to talk to people! Without talking, our faith cannot be shared nor can the love of Christ.

Faith to me is something I stand up for no matter what. Never underestimate my Jesus!

Bring on the weekend!

If you don't have any (valentines) plans this weekend, you should definitely check out this concert :) Doors open at 5pm, but I would get there early because concerts like this fill up quickly. The cost is $10 at the door. This tour is changing lives everywhere, the attendance on this tour so far is 151,287 and decisions that have been made for Christ is 32,700. Praise God! You can go to www.ilovethepromise.com for more info.

P.S. Taylor Swift tickets go on sale to the public today at 10a.m.

Okay, now I am off to finish this research paper for International Politics...ugh, why did I take this class? Peace, Love, and Hugs :)

Praise God!

I did it! It took me 14 hours to raise the required donation amount for the Jax Mud Run! Praise God for awesome friends who support me in everything I do! The Mud Run supports the MS Foundation and each runner has to have a $100 donation in their name to. On February 28, 2009, our team, Dirty 2 Shoes, consisting of five women will be running in the Multiple Sclerosis Mud Run Jacksonville. Mud Run is a 10K (approximately 6 miles) race with boot camp style obstacles that have been surrounded by or consist entirely of mud! I honestly had no idea how this would work or how I would get the money, but with little work on my part I am done :) Praise God for his faithfulness to see things through.

Now all I have to do is get some boots-combat boots, work boots, or hiking boots for the race. Anyone wear a size 8 1/2? I think I am going to start looking at Goodwill and places like that for these, so hopefully I will find some that are suitable for this event. I am already getting excited, but still cannot believe I am doing this! Why not have some fun and play in the mud all while supporting an awesome cause?

Something to think about...

How many people in our lives are one good conversation away from salvation, and how many opportunities have we passed up to have that conversation with them?

run a 10k...YES WAY!

Okay, so I am going to do this! I have signed up to run a 10k race in Jacksonville on February 28th. The race is the MS Jacksonville Mud Run, and I need to raise 100 dollars for Multiple Sclerosis research. Check out this website for more info on the race and how to donate.

Prayers (I know Im gonna need 'em) an support are appreciated. I cannot do this without you guys!

http://www.active.com/donate/mudrunjax/EHoward14

God is SO good!

I just have a quick praise to report :) Stephen is now in Nigeria until March 9th (that's not necessarily my praise). I had an awesome weekend with friends in Gainesville again, but on Sunday after I got back home I felt so alone. Now, I live alone but really I am never alone. I am always talking to someone, texting someone, or someone is over-so being alone doesn't happen much other than showers and sleepy time. As I sat down to work on some homework, I struggled to focus on anything except the fact that I felt truly alone. After trying to do something productive, I accepted failure and began to pray, for Stephen, for school, for missions, for the Holy Spirit to surround me. He did.

Wouldn't you know that my cell phone started vibrating. It was a simple text from a friend, asking me if I was okay and letting me know she was thinking about me. Praise God for little pick me ups and great friends who are there for you. He truly is amazing and has his hands on everything.

"He alone is my rock and salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken." Psalm 62:2

When did we become adults?

Last week sometime I asked my Grandmother this question-"Can I be 12 again? I did not have diabetes, or bills, or car insurance-life was good." Unfortunately, she said-"No Em, sorry but you have grown up hun. My reaction was quite dramatic. "What!?! When did that happen?"

This is so true. Where has the time gone? It seems like yesterday, Keri and I were 8 and fighting over who had the cuter little bother or the fact that mine was going to be an angel (he isn't, but I still love him). I always remember her having her books to read when we argued so she could ignore me. Now we are nearly 23 and upon college graduation. There are so many options for all of our lives it is scary. Marriage, babies, buying a house, grad school, moving across country...I am not really sure when this all happened. When did we go from picking out our high school elective classes like tennis and pottery to making life plans like buying houses and getting married?

If you hadn't caught on, I am not sure I am ready to grow up. I know that growing up is a blessing and a part of life we all just have to deal with, but wouldn't it be nice to not have to worry about adult things? Maybe that is what vacation is for? One one hand, I am completely ready to move out of Orange Park/Middleburg and buy a house; but on the other hand, I am not ready to leave all the people that I grew up with. Sooner or later, we are all going to end up in different parts of the United States I am sure and we will have awesome road trips annually to see each other. That's the positive spin I am putting on this.

We can still enjoy the childlike things in life and take joy in the small things. Just because we are adults now does not mean we cannot order happy meals and get excited about the toy :) This is what I plan to do!

Shopaholic? No, not me :)

Someone (*cough,Stephen,cough*) accused me of being a shopaholic yesterday when I took an afternoon shopping break instead of a lunch break. Then I saw this quiz today, I knew I had to take it :) Oh, the shopping trip was successful at lunch yesterday minus one broken nail. I do love shopping :)

You've Been Bit By the Shopping Bug!

You're constantly adding to your wardrobe - and it shows However, you can show some restraint. You love good deals. Your love of the clearance rack has paid off... You probably have only maxed out card or two, if at all!

Do You Shop More Than Most Women?

Funny how accurate these results are. I do love shopping and adding to my wardrobe. Most of you know that I clean out my closet around every six weeks so that I can make room for new stuff. Plus, giving things to Goodwill and Salvation Army makes me feel happy. There is one part that is incorrect though: I have not maxed out any credit cards due to shopping or anything for that matter :)

Random notes from this week:

First, Taylor Swift is coming to Jacksonville. YAY! Tickets go on sale Feb. 13th (Friday the 13th, dun dun dun). I am so, totally, extremely, excited!

Second, Keri is having another Pancake night this weekend. I wonder what crazy pancake contraptions we will come up with this time? I think my ingredients are going to be butterfinger candy bars and redhots (thanks Stephen). Yum. Curtis and I are heading to titletown Saturday to partake in this wonderful event.

Third, speaking of Saturday-Mom and Dad decided we are NOT relandscaping (is that a word?) the garden around the pool because it is going to freeze here again. I am not complaining, because I was not too excited about doing it during freezing cold weather anyways.

Fourth, why is it sooooo cold in Florida this week?!? Seriously, it was 24 degree when I left my house this morning. Whats worse, is that it is sunny and beautiful outside-but don't be fooled, it is freezing!

Fifth, I am actually getting excited about going to the biggest redneck event of the year: the Daytona 500. (I cannot believe I just said that!)

Sixth, Derrick at Access218 this week remembered my name. For those of you who know Derrick you know what a HUGE deal this is. It was awesome, I wish someone had recorded the conversation.

Seventh, why do I have to live in Florida which is a Spring Break destination thus making any flights in or out of Florida in the month of March expensive? It have been checking for flights almost daily, and while it is something I enjoy doing (Mom says I should be a travel agent, but I think she just wants me to do that so I can get her sweet cruise deals)it is kinda aggravating to not find what I want. ugh.

Eighth, my blood sugar is low-which means it is lunch time, so I am out. Peace.

My Bucket List (so to speak)

I was thinking about all the things I talk about doing, but never actually do. So, I decided to make a list-maybe then it will happen and I can look back and see exactly what I would like to do before...you know. So here goes:

1. skydive

2. travel to as many foreign countries as possible

3. adopt a child from a foreign country

4. move out of Florida, even if only temporarily

5. drive across country on no specific timeline

6. ride in a hot air balloon

7. cruise to Alaska

8. finish college (maybe)

9. buy a home

10. break 200 in bowling (HA)

11. go on African Safari

12. fall in love and marry my best friend

13. take a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon

14. learn how to play the guitar (working on this)

15. change my own oil in my car

16. go to Hawaii

17. eat Matsumotos shaved ice in North Shore, Hawaii

18. see the cherry blossoms in DC

19. zip line in the jungle (Costa Rica, Jamaica, etc.)

20. run a 10k race through the mud