my so-called life.

So what's the happs these days, you might ask. Well, my so-called life has been pretty busy, work included, leaving me with not a whole heap of a lot of time to blog. I could just throw my hands up in the air and forget about retroactive updates, but I'll try to give you a brief synopsis...so here goes nothin'.

The south experienced not one, not two, but like forty-five snow/ice storms this past winter leaving me to work from home multiple days and I'll be the first to say, stir crazy doesn't even begin to cover my feelings during snowmageddon/lockdown. Apparently, we now have a real winter and the following is documentation.


Just as soon as the streets were cleared, I headed out of town on a little business trip to the Big Apple. Would you believe the weather was actually warmer up there than down in tejas? I felt like a real adult, traveling for work, and my trip was absolutely perfect from start to finish. There were dinners with friends, glasses of bubbly, coffees from Dean & Deluca, cupcakes from Crumbs, salads from Cosi (oh how I miss thee), walks in the park, rides on the subway, several trips to H&M...oh, and I did work at our NY offices, but that was a minor detail. I had a marvelous time and I really did not want to leave...







The very next weekend I headed down to the ATX for the 3rd (or was it 4th) annual fousin Valentine's weekend. We hit up the flagship Whole Foods for a wine tasting extravaganza, had tapas and wine at Malaga, dined on a fabulous brunch at South Congress Cafe and enjoyed great conversation throughout.








The following weekend was the baptism of my dear friend Hailey's son, Mr. Bryce Camden. It was only the second time I had seen this precious little love and I was so glad I got to be there. All her friends and family attended the service and then gathered together for a fun brunch at The Pub just down the street from the picturesque church. It was such a beautiful day of celebration and my heart is overjoyed for the blessing this baby has already been.





So that's it for now, dear reader. I still have some addendums on this, but I'll wrap this up for now as I grow weary of waiting for these blasted pictures to upload. Until we meet again...

it is well with my soul.

I almost hesitate posting at all, but I will not let my pride get the best of me. My pride would say that I don't have the proper words to articulate my sentiments in the most eloquent or deserving manner, but I will go ahead and issue the disclamimer that my words are a mere trifle compared to the life and love I wish to reflect on.

This morning, March 22, 2011, Mazie Lawrence (Grandma) passed away or rather, her living soul left her earthly body.

I shall keep this brief and simply say her life was one marked by selfless, unconditional love. In her actions, words and faith, it seemed the things of this world were not merely superfluous but almost not even thought of. Her character was utterly devoid of vanity and materialism. Though she never had much, she always had more than enough for everyone else, be it neighbors, friends, family, friends of friends, priests and the list goes on. She made a mean brisket and her roast was legendary, but I think I will remember her kisses to everyone that came through her door even more than her unmatched skills in the kitchen.





I could go on but I will close with saying she was an excellent example of dying to self to allow Christ to live through her. She loved her neighbor like herself and I know her reward will be great in God's kingdom.

Romans 8:17-1917 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. 18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.

in Christ alone

"So come, my soul, come and let us go to God by self-abandonment. Let us acknowledge that we are incapable of becoming holy by our own efforts, and put our trust in God, who would not have taken away our ability to walk unless he was to carry us in his arms."
-Abandonment to Divine Providence

I am stealing this quote from my dear cousin, Elisa. It resonated so strongly with me when she passed it along to me last week. I've been meaning to post it on my blog, but alas, life has happened and time simply got away from me.

Nevertheless, I thought this quote was a marvelous thought to meditate on as we have entered the holy season of Lent. No matter what we are giving up, fasting from or sacrificing, we are absolutely incapable of becoming holy on our own efforts. As Paul reminds us, we are saved by grace through faith, not by works, so that NO man may boast.

Please do not misunderstand or misconstrue my thoughts into one who does not participate in Lent or believe in the spiritual disciplines that bring us closer to God. Nothing could be further from the truth. However, as someone who has struggled with the idea that His grace is sufficient, that I am forgiven and that I am fully loved exactly where I am at this very moment, I find it necessary to reflect on the gospel and fundamental certainty that it is no longer I, but Christ who lives in me that allows me to receive salvation. For "I know there is nothing good that lives in me, that is in my sinful nature, for I have the desire to do what is good but I cannot carry it out" (Romans 8). Praise God for His saving grace.

"No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath.
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand."