Spotlight Online

Football fan's voter guide

2012-01-20T20:25:00.000-05:00

With the SC primary tomorrow and since I'm a SC born-and-bred gal, I decided to help a few of my SC friends out by publishing a voter guide that my hubby helped come up with. For those that need the extra help here, this is completely unofficial and absolutely reflects our own personal opinions. At least he and I had a chuckle over it. Feel free to give me your best armchair quarterbacking

Religious discussion / conversation

2012-01-13T17:36:00.002-05:00

Okay, so there's a "viral" video circulating that is seemingly stirring up some within the Church lately. This is nothing new. And, it's not exclusive of yours truly either. I happened to have "liked" the video on facebook (the equivalent of my giving it a stamp of approval? or approving parts or basic notion behind it? - I'm not sure what level the "like" button actually indicates myself!)

Pitiful

2012-01-04T12:12:00.001-05:00

Hate it when the little man is under the weather. Here he is coming down with the latest cold. Thankfully, we haven’t dealt with sickness much since his birth. He’s a tough little cookie (like his momma), but occasionally something gets him. He did digress into a nasty cough and mild fever over the following 48hrs from this photo. That made for a shorter fuse on just about anything and

Let it Go!

2012-01-03T07:46:00.001-05:00

A friend of mine very recently posted this as her mantra for 2012. The essence of this mantra boils down to learning to be content in all things for this year. Let go of everything from the clutter that has been sitting around on the counter to the cluttering expectations of oneself and others in the upcoming year. I couldn’t help but reflect on my own “life verse” which I have to admit I

Christmas Morning 2011

2011-12-27T21:38:00.000-05:00

Christmas morning happiness! Can't wait to get it outside on our warmer days and in the basement for the colder ones. He loves it!

bittersweet

2011-10-18T12:52:00.001-05:00

So, the past couple weeks have offered this up for my review - bittersweetness. It seems there are so many things that happen in our lives or moments in time that offer this taste of sweetness while still remaining a touch bitter at the same time. Often times this happens for me at some sort of crossroads. It seems that I constantly stay conflicted with what I want because either path chosen

Some days

2011-09-22T12:06:00.001-05:00

And, then there are days you long for home...not the new "home" that is your home, but the old home. The old hometown. The old friends. The familiar sites and sounds. The roads once frequently traveled. The holes in the walls that you knew so well. There is still security there. There's a respite there. Is it just a figment of my imagination that life would be easier there...more hands to

Oh...can so relate!

2011-09-04T19:41:00.000-05:00

So very very very (did I say very?) thankful for honesty like this. Helps when it's humorous too. http://itsalmostnaptime.blogspot.com/2010/08/how-to-be-perfect-mother.html

Lessons I'm learning...

2011-09-04T19:20:00.000-05:00

First, I am learning the hard way that not everyone in the church is ready to extend grace to the "new kid." When you're not a well rooted been-in-the-church-since-I-was-a-baby member, it's hard to gain any traction sometimes. When you couple that with a newly assigned role - one that others asked you to be in, one that apparently no one else wanted, one that you had to really pray over taking

Rain

2011-09-01T20:40:00.000-05:00

Love to hear the rain Tap tap tap tap on my window Makes me sleepy now Bury my head in my pillow

Disclaimer

2011-09-01T20:33:00.000-05:00

Although I could type up the generic, "I've been busy" excuse yet again, I know you have to be tired of hearing it. After all, aren't we all busy these days? Seriously, although I'm new to the mommy game (almost 1yr at it now), I just have 1 child. I stay at home. I keep things *reasonably* clean on most days. And, that sums it up. I can rattle off a number of other friends that have more

Are you kidding me??

2011-07-18T07:22:00.001-05:00

Just saw in passing something that caught my eye on the Today show this morning… The segment was covering an upcoming or new movie release called Friends with Benefits. This movie is getting too much hype already in my opinion, but that’s the way marketing goes these days to sell tickets anyway. But, the scene they were discussing was the “agreement” between the two strictly friends to be what

Correction!!

2011-06-16T09:48:00.001-05:00

Very recently, I posted that I'd be moving my blog from blogger to wordpress. This was because wordpress had a friendly viewing option within mobile devices that blogger did not have. Well, I've dragged my feet long enough and toyed with enough templates and ideas to "reorganize" even my blogging future or mission (is it even formal enough to call it a "mission?!) in the meantime. And, I've

6/16 am

2011-06-16T09:40:00.001-05:00

On the move...

2011-05-16T20:32:00.000-05:00

Slowly but surely this blog will be on the move to wordpress (like all others seem to have done a couple years ago already)... Hopefully, this upcoming move will be a good one that will bring more frequent postings for those that are asking for them (there are a few, I promise!) and a little more fine tuning in the material. At least that's the goal for now anyway! Will update again soon.

Seeking Wisdom and Understanding??

2011-03-02T15:45:00.000-05:00

God understands the way to it, and he knows its place. – v. 23 Job 28 "Surely there is a mine for silver, and a place for gold that they refine. Iron is taken out of the earth, and copper is smelted from the ore. Man puts an end to darkness and searches out to the farthest limit the ore in gloom and deep darkness. He opens shafts in a valley away from where anyone lives; they are forgotten

2010-12-03T21:14:00.000-05:00

Keep my Grandmother in your prayers when you think about it. She fell back on 11/5 and has since undergone knee surgery to repair a broken tibia. Now, she's undergoing extensive rehabilitation for that leg as well as rehabilitation on her fractured sacrum (pelvis bone). Rehabiliation will last 12 weeks at minimum.

2010-12-03T17:58:00.000-05:00

2010-10-08T19:41:00.000-05:00

I'm not gone...I promise

2010-06-03T13:20:00.003-05:00

I've had a serious case of writer's block for oh who knows now! Anyway, I assure you I haven't forsaken blogging forever though. I just need some inspiration. Honestly, most of my inspiration comes from being active in reading and listening to good material...namely good Biblical material. And, I must confess that I've been very slack in the area of feeding my mind and soul (outside of Sunday

Marriage also is…

2010-02-03T21:50:00.002-05:00

Another thought, albeit a much shorter or concise one, on marriage stems from a couple verses. First, from Genesis 2:18:Then the LORD God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”And, second, from Ephesians 5:31*:Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.(*Similar instruction

What is a marriage?

2009-12-19T23:45:00.001-05:00

Okay, so I’m brave enough to 1) attempt a “series” of posts here and 2) speak upon a something that I’m still junior varsity in. I pray I can keep a steady enough posting pattern together to constitute a “series” in the end, and even though I’m still much the novice in marriage, I still have learned a few things (I hope) this far in the game to speak to some merit (I pray). So, here goes…ready

To sum it all up!

2009-12-06T20:22:00.001-05:00

Oh my! I now know all my blog posts regarding how I and Shannon have dealt with some uncertain times and hard loss this year seem to just be overly wordy. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not trying to lessen what I said in any of them. I said what I meant and what I felt and have experienced. But, this morning in church as we continued in our studies on John, it was put much much more simply and

Suffering & Loss - A thought…

2009-11-27T17:36:00.001-05:00

How many kings step down from their thrones? How many lords have abandoned their homes? How many greats have become the least for me? And how many gods have poured out their hearts To romance a world that is torn all apart How many fathers gave up their sons for me? The above is just a small clip of the lyrics from Downhere’s song, How Many Kings? that touched my

Thankful – part 3

2009-11-22T20:12:00.001-05:00

Another blessing that I’m so very thankful for are my friends. Some friends have been there for years on end…the ones that tell you exactly like it is and you can always count on for prayer, guidance, encouragement and just general goofy laughter with. Others have come along more recently – primarily through our great church family. Although we’ve known these for just under a year, the

Thankful – part 2

2009-11-17T22:24:00.001-05:00

Thankful for my great family – the Bells and Taylors! The Lord has blessed me so richly by my placement into the family I’m in. How do I adequately sum this up?! Frankly, I don’t cover it all and can’t! But, in my lousy summation: My family loves me. My family mentors me in Christ. My family prays and supports me. And, now, I have a 2nd family in the Taylors. They have welcomed me

Thankful – part 1

2009-11-16T22:16:00.001-05:00

The Lord has blessed me very much indeed by bringing Mr. Shannon Taylor in my life. And, He’s blessed me abundantly because this special man loves me! Thank you, Lord! And, thank you, dear husband, for loving me and sticking with me even when I am a bit of a pest to hang with!

Two weeks and counting ~

2009-11-08T21:21:00.001-05:00

Well, it’s been more than two weeks since the miscarriage. It feels like forever though. While I believe I’m very much fine in the sense that I’ve pulled my act together and have quickly rejoined society in this time, there are a few lingering pieces to the puzzle here for me. I’m not quite sure how to label it all or how to digest it myself. Mostly, I think I’m struggling with 1) the

Guilty

2009-10-30T13:49:00.000-05:00

I wonder why some moments are harder than others? I wonder why I can’t just move on and never look back. I wish I could, and yet I feel guilty for wishing that at the same time. I don’t feel fully justified in calling the baby I lost a week ago today “my baby” because I never fully was given that gift. I was a carrier for a short period of time. I was never granted access to the baby himself /

He gives and takes away

2009-10-26T16:13:00.002-05:00

Last week I was pregnant. This week I am not. There’s an assortment of emotions that I am feeling and, on the whole, generally, I can’t even express what those feelings are. It’s difficult to wrap your head around an experience like this because it feels so irrational to feel such a deep loss when you haven’t even really absorbed the fact that you were pregnant to begin with. The pregnancy,

God has not given us the spirit of fear…

2009-10-05T19:07:00.001-05:00

This I must, must, must remember as my mind begins to run wild with all sorts of questions! We embark now into unchartered territory, not knowing where the road will curve or dip or climb (like the roads in San Francisco) next, much less what would be waiting around the corner or in the hole or over the hill! It’s at times like these I realize how little of information I actually work with day

Are we like geese?!

2009-07-29T19:17:00.000-05:00

This morning on the way into work, Shannon and I listened to one of John MacArthur’s downloaded sermons. This is part of our morning commute rituals and a blessing for the long ride into the city for work each day. Typically we play a podcast or a message Shannon’s downloaded to CD for his growing collection. Today’s food for thought was from MacArthur, as previously mentioned. The snipit

Book that has me curious…

2009-07-28T19:30:00.001-05:00

Just ran across a book that has me interested…Broken Down House by Paul David Tripp. Heard about a new book via Challies.com this evening . [In case you’re not aware, Tim Challies is The Blogger of all bloggers in my humble opinion. He’s relentless in his blogging commitment and a great resource for Christians with more reformed leanings and / or those Christians seeking out ways and means to

This just in: "Home Town" Senator Let's Me Down

2009-07-28T11:29:00.002-05:00

Per breaking news (which by the way all news seemingly is classified as "breaking" in today's society, isn't it?) to my inbox, Judge Sotomayor has been approved by the Senate's Judiciary Committee for the Supreme Court. Unfortunately, because she's a constitutional constructionist, which is precisely NOT the duty of any judge in our nation, this is sad news. It wasn't an unexpected verdict and

Excerpt from John Piper – Finally Alive

2009-07-27T19:55:00.001-05:00

(warning – some “graphic” word pictures used here for those afraid of creepy crawlies)This is one of the terrible things about spiritual deadness. Our deadness is not unresponsive to the devil. It is perfectly in tune with the devil. Look at the way Paul describes our deadness in Ephesians 2:1–2: “You were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this

Thoughts from Sunday – 7/26/09

2009-07-26T16:23:00.001-05:00

In covering James this morning in Sunday school, I was reminded again of something that I always find not nearly as controversial as the rest of the world (it seems). James, arguing to the Church, makes the common sense observation that a real saving faith…that is a regeneration of one’s heart through faith alone in Christ Jesus as our Lord and Savior that took upon His perfect being (both human

Technologically reconnected

2009-07-26T15:43:00.000-05:00

I have been reconnected with my blog thanks to today’s purchase of the laptop I’m using right this second. I can’t express how much freedom I feel again in having a working laptop! It’s pretty sad that I’m hooked on computers like a drug addict is to his/her drug. But, I do hope one doesn’t think evil of me for admitting that. After all, technology in and of itself is really an amoral tool

In your face - Death

2009-06-29T20:49:00.003-05:00

So, with the news this week or in recent weeks of celebrities passing on, I tend to wonder what the person next to me thinks of all this. My husband and I discussed this just the other day as Michael Jackson's death made breaking news on the radio and then on our tv. We paused and asked the question as to whether or not the unbeliever takes the moment to ask what exactly happens in that moment

California Dreaming

2009-06-24T21:14:00.004-05:00

Click here to view these pictures larger

Windy morning

2009-05-26T11:34:00.003-05:00

John 3:8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. In all the times that I've heard this verse or read this verse, I don't think I ever attempted envisioning this verse! It struck me this morning upon hearing it yet again during our morning commute to Charlotte that

Good point

2009-05-19T07:32:00.004-05:00

Here's a snipit from a fellow classmate's blog. Although I personally do not have children yet, it's still a great piece of advice to keep in mind. By doing this [loving your kids by loving your spouse with Christ-like love], you are modeling for your kids a number of biblical things. One, marriage is the first and most important covenant community designed by God. Your other relationships

Sunday Truth Nugget

2009-05-18T12:26:00.002-05:00

Very interesting rabbit trail took place Sunday evening in our study series on the Bible. We were wrapping up our final class on discussion about the Bible itself and were covering how to apply the Bible correctly. During the class the example of wives submitting to husbands was used and that began the rabbit trail. It's funny that in our church and in this class particularly, senior citizens

Chi-Ca-Go!!

2009-05-07T12:42:00.003-05:00

We can now say we've been to the Windy City and back! What a great 3 day weekend it was, too. Rooms with view of Lake Michigan, Chicago River, Navy Pier? Yeah, some money out of pocket.Plane tickets between Charlotte-Douglas and O'Hare? Sure, another couple hundred.Seeing your husband watch his Cubbies win upon his first ever trip to Wrigley Field in absolutely perfect weather?! - ABSOLUTELY

Just wondering...

2009-04-24T12:26:00.002-05:00

Along this Christian walk I find that more and more we must strive to strike true balance. If you address the issues of sanctification then that's great! But, pay close attention to your own motivation...try your own heart...in order to see if it is pure. If not, you are in jeopardy of teetering too much to the side of legalism (if you're trying to "achieve" something for your effort) or too

Backyard Buddy - "My" Hawk

2009-03-28T17:09:00.004-05:00

Finally, caught on camera! Although he chose the most imperfect day for any "filming." Not only do I have limited equipment to work with, but it was pouring down rain outside and this was shot from inside the house at a very healthy distance. Nonetheless, here he is and proving that I do have a big backyard buddy after all!

Back on the wagon...

2009-03-18T12:14:00.004-05:00

Okay, here we go again. Past attempts have come and gone and once again I failed miserably. So, I'm trying again. At least I get points for not giving up entirely, right? Anyway, I'll save you the sob stories and loads of valid excuses I have for not being on the gameplan, and just state the obvious...it was sin, sin, sin! I was merely self-indulgent, lazy, undisciplined, apathetic...you name

Light at the end of the tunnel!

2009-01-21T08:18:00.001-05:00

Whoohoo! Finally, I think I can see a little light at the end of the tunnel. Not too much longer now and 2008’s books will be a thing of history and my life can return to normal, I hope. Of course, Shannon will have a bit longer due to tax season running into April, but at least I can come up for air. Hopefully, once I’m getting air at least I can start returning to work at home and keeping

week 2 - reporting in

2009-01-15T13:35:00.000-05:00

Oh well…things aren’t going so hot on week 2 of the diet & exercise program over here. You see, I have this little job that requires a little extra work this time of year. Oh, I also get an additional dose of stress to go along with it too. That added stress tends to make me cranky and more self-indulgent. Despite that fact, I have managed to not snack my body weight each night. And,

Little victories

2009-01-13T14:52:00.001-05:00

Take them where you can get them…especially after a loss in battle from the day before (skipped workout due to tummy troubles)! So, today, I’m down to – count ‘em! – only 2 carbonated diet caffeine free colas at work. I’ve already had innumerable glasses of water. And, I have nixed even more calories so far today by returning to more green stuff…traded in the lean pocket for a meatless salad

Work in progress

2009-01-12T13:37:00.001-05:00

Well, this topic ought to hit close to home for me today. I actually will be working on capitalizing portions of our 2008 WIPs on the books this afternoon. But, aside from the shop talk, truthfully, I'm speaking of myself as a work in progress...I constantly am finding myself to be one cranky and stubborn piece of clay in the Potter's hands. And, yet, I'm always ALWAYS amazed at the moments

I said what?

2009-01-07T13:22:00.002-05:00

Boy, oh boy! I should simply go back and delete a few postings on this blog. Perhaps in doing so at least would keep the question of whether or not I failed at bay for a little while longer? Anyway, I'm leaving it out there. Perhaps as a testament that even perfect people fail? (Okay, so I can hear you laughing. You can stop now!) Anyway, once upon a time, a girl that ambitiously believed

2009?!

2009-01-07T13:15:00.002-05:00

WHAT? IT'S 2009 ALREADY?That's what all my blog followers (imaginary I'm sure) are saying too. It's 2009 and it was simply a sad 2008 blogging year, wasn't it? My audience has to be asking if I will make an appearance in 2009 (only took 7 days to get me to do so!) and if I will have anything at all worthwhile to say (still a BIG question). I'm sure my fans (did I mention these are all imaginary

What the house and yard looked like just last month:

2008-12-03T20:21:00.002-05:00

View AlbumGet your own

Just when I said...

2008-12-03T19:49:00.002-05:00

No later than a handful of hours after my last post - you know, about stopping and taking the time to smell the pine this Christmas season? - I ran into a road block. It was almost a literal road block too! Coming home from work (*note that I drive home 45 minutes to just get away from the city each night), I ran into all kinds of traffic in one little map dot of a city in my path. Seems they

Christmas is coming!

2008-12-03T12:47:00.002-05:00

I cannot wait! Christmas is right around the corner, and although it signals the start up of some very busy times at work (even busier for the hubby), I am going to be sure to stop and smell the roses (or the pine tree)this season...

Not too technical

2008-11-29T19:51:00.002-05:00

One of my regrets in life seems to be growing...I wish I had taken several technology type courses in college and maybe had decided to go that route. Not only does the job security seem to be in that industry, but I need it just for my own time alone at the pc. I just don't know what I'm doing much beyond programming the DVD player these days. The computer has passed my scope of knowledge and

Can't believe we actually caught this on video...

2008-11-05T08:32:00.002-05:00

Slideshow - Trip to Smoky Mountains 2008

2008-11-02T20:46:00.001-05:00

Daytripping to NC Mountains -10/18/08

2008-10-23T07:42:00.000-05:00

2008-10-14T17:48:00.001-05:00

Runaway with me and see Come by, sit and be still Hush and listen…quietly He whispers, oh so real! The words tiptoe softly in The message ringing true The sun climbs o’er the mountain Touching the heart of you Rays beam brightly on your face Exposed and open, taste! He’s there giving you Grace Stop, drink and do not haste. He speaks. We must listen now. We hang…His

Sermon Notes - 10/12/08

2008-10-13T08:37:00.001-05:00

Yesterday in hearing the sermon on Matthew 5:13-16 "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it

Fantasy Football Standings as of 10-6-08 (before Monday Night Football)

2008-10-06T11:12:00.002-05:00

NumberCrunchers 4-0-0 414ptsKickButtTakeNames 4-0-0 402ptsReptile Brainiacs 2-2-0 378ptsVIPERS 2-2-0 368ptsDOUENVYMYSKILLZ 2-2-0 356ptsINMAN DOMINATION 1-3-0 340ptsHornets 1-3-0 298ptsVIKPAN 0-4-0 270pts All this is important why?? Because NumberCrunchers = me!! And I'm the only girl in the league. I'm taking the boys down one by one and the only one

2008-09-12T08:33:00.000-05:00

I think I'm beginning to understand...

2008-09-11T11:56:00.003-05:00

My lack of understanding for why Democrats are so hell bent on having a top heavy governmental structure goes way back. It doesn't seem to be applicable to say that they derive their policies from some power hungry rationale. After all, the Republicans still have the most power hungry President in their recent history (Nixon). But, why do Democrats believe so strongly that they should be the

Political news blast - 9/5/08

2008-09-05T14:08:00.004-05:00

Directly from the Drudge Report: http://www.drudgereport.com/flash3os.htmOPRAH'S STATEMENT: "The item in today's Drudge Report is categorically untrue. There has been absolutely no discussion about having Sarah Palin on my show. At the beginning of this Presidential campaign when I decided that I was going to take my first public stance in support of a candidate, I made the decision not to use my

In a nutshell!

2008-09-04T07:25:00.001-05:00

"In politics, there are some candidates who use change to promote their careers. And then there are those, like John McCain, who use their careers to promote change."~Sarah Palin - 9/3/08 VP nominee acceptance speech @ RNC

Reform

2008-08-29T20:32:00.004-05:00

Ahhh. I just saw the reason why the Palin addition really stokes my fire...“It reinforces in real time McCain’s greatest brand:reform,” said former Republican strategist Mary Matalin. from: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0808/12988.html That's the magic word for me (even though I inherently know that McCain and I may have differing opinions on what we both belive it will entail) - REFORM.

Energized!

2008-08-29T19:52:00.004-05:00

Okay, so I'm definitely one of those conservatives that is going to "hold (my) nose" when voting this November and choose McCain. I don't dispute the fact that I have long lost true faith in my party (and I'm actually not and never have been a "card carrying" member) because of the corruption and political correctness that infected it years ago. I, while having a great deal of respect for

Two steps back, one step forward

2008-08-25T20:45:00.003-05:00

Okay, so I knew this wouldn't be a perfect transition for me ---the morphing of the chubby kid that never was strong in PE into a workout lover. Anyway, the weekend always poses challenges...eating on the run, indulging in rest and recreation (which involves food for me most of the time). And, this weekend was no exception. First, I skipped on workouts for the most part. I didn't workout

I'm not alone

2008-08-22T19:26:00.003-05:00

Ah-ha! I'm not the only one that's losing her mind and thinking she can become a runner. A former classmate of mine from days long gone by has just been experiencing the same thing. What an encouragement to find someone that's gone down the path before me! It's a comforting feeling to know that it can be done - make a runner out of a non-runner.http://engagelife.wordpress.com/2008/08/09/

Elliptical training?

2008-08-22T12:05:00.002-05:00

Does the elliptical count as running if my speed is high enough? Can that help me build up for actual running first? The reason I ask is that I’m not outdoorsy and I get scared of running by myself even though I’m in a good neighborhood. I think of the potential dogs (even the little yappers) and stress about their attacking me. I stress about running in the wee hours of the morning, in the dark,

If you can do it, I can do it better...???

2008-08-21T12:03:00.001-05:00

If Oprah can do this, certainly I can, right? If she could master running a marathon (although I think that has been almost 15yrs ago now), surely I could master RUNNING period. Of course, I do think back to my days of the dreaded Presidential Physical Fitness tests in PE class (and I think perhaps that test made me resent the Presidency despite my love of good political debate and discussion),

Getting my focus

2008-08-20T15:20:00.001-05:00

I have a difficult time not paying attention to the scale (and my clothes) during any attempt at weight loss or exercise program. It’s hard for me not to isolate my progression or digression without pinning it to movement on the scale. I tend to work out with the only goal of weight loss in mind. Therefore, it feels like a chore in most instances. It’s an obligation to fulfill just as dieting

What am I thinking?

2008-08-19T15:13:00.000-05:00

I’m actually tossing around the idea of becoming a runner. Yikes! If anyone knows me and knows me well, they understand first and foremost that I don’t enjoy straining myself to do anything too terribly much. I recognize and accept that I’m lazy by nature, although I dream of not being so and actually seem to enjoy the more stressful times (although I still need to work on the complaining aspect

Click Clack, Flip Flop

2008-08-06T13:44:00.003-05:00

Boy! Oh, boy! I'm ready to ban all flip flops from here to eternity. Granted, I love the sports type flops for quick and easy wear out in the yard or at the beach. And, I've even managed to ignore (mostly) the lack of feminine grace that defines our generation today that actually permits flip flops with all sorts of clothing types. Who knew I'd see the day that women wore flip flops with their

NFL

2008-08-01T18:48:00.000-05:00

With the official 2008 - 2009 season immediately ahead of us, here are Mark Taylor's picks (Shannon's brother). This is a long standing tradition of the Taylor brothers - to make picks before the season begins (actually before the pre-season kicks off) and see who ends up nearest to the truth at the end of the run. However, this is the first year that one of them actually put it down in a

One of our favorites

2008-08-01T14:42:00.002-05:00

Living in a smaller town does have its limits at times. For instance, eating out is generally confined to your sub sandwich franchises, a burger franchise, or a pizza franchise. I'm still floored that none of the Chinese eateries even provide for delivery here. And, while our Hispanic population is growing, so our Mexican food repetoir continues to expand, we still have a huge need for the

Happy 60th Anniversary!

2008-07-31T20:14:00.007-05:00

Wow! Can you imagine? 60 yrs and counting and they love each other even more today than the day before. They'll admit though that their successful marriage would be nothing without the Lord being in command of it. Here's to two of the best people in the world and definitely to the greatest Grandparents a girl could ever be blessed with! I only pray that my husband and I have as much fun and

Taylor Family Field Trip

2008-07-24T12:03:00.002-05:00

This year we branched out and tried something new for some birthday celebrations. Both sister-in-laws Faith and Sharon (coincidentally turning 29, of course!) were celebrating birthdays recently, and instead of trying to surprise anyone with a party, we opted to take a trip to Charlotte and try our turn on the new hip and urban (and still clean) light rail to "Uptown" for a bite. The day was a

Vacation Pictures - June 2008

2008-07-24T11:55:00.001-05:00

These are shots from our trip to Virginia Beach in June 2008. We began the trip with a stop at Fort Story (lighthouses). And, later in the week, we day-tripped over to Colonial Williamsburg and also to the Cheasapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (one of the seven wonders of the world!). It was a very relaxing break. Hubby and I came back very much refreshed and a little tanned, too.

Memorial Day fun

2008-06-01T20:23:00.005-05:00

Okay, so I completely understand that I may have one and only reader right now (myself included in that readership!) due to the fact that I have been so negligent of posting anything on this blog in some time. And, even this post is not to make note of anything actually noteworthy. It's a simple post to show I'm still alive out here and still interested in blogging. I have had some technical

Basketball star in the making

2008-01-28T23:00:00.001-05:00

Okay, so we may be a teensy bit biased around here, but we feel that one young man in this crowd has some potential (no offense to the others but this one seems more natural with the basketball moving up and down the court). And, in case you weren't clear...we're focused on #2! Go Will!

Brother v. Sister 2008

2008-01-28T22:57:00.000-05:00

Taylor Funniest Home Video

2008-01-28T22:53:00.000-05:00

Here are some videos for your viewing pleasure. And, I certainly to hope that each will load and buffer smoothly so that you get the full enjoyment of watching some of our family experience the new Wii game system. I am still trying to sort out if it is as much fun playing the games as it is watching others play them!Let's get ready to rumble!Okay, NOW let's get ready to rumble?Finally, the

I love Jesus!

2008-01-28T22:14:00.000-05:00

Three simple words and words that I don't think I've said out loud or quiet possibly even with my inner voice so directly since I was a child. But, last week I was confronted by those exact words. We made a quick stop to grab a muffin for breakfast in the tiny convenience store in my office building and my husband noticed the lady behind the counter had a Bible out and open. It definitely

Almost weary

2008-01-20T19:16:00.000-05:00

I'm trying to get back to updating this blog...even though there may only be one or two casual readers out there. But, currently, I'm just almost weary with work at the moment. It's been non-stop since the turn of the year, as expected with my job. But, for some reason this year seems a little more frantic and crunched. Fortunately though this week, while anticipating two winter "storms," I

New Home Pictures - slideshow

2008-01-20T19:14:00.000-05:00

Grrrrrrrr!

2007-11-19T21:07:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I'm being tested already? Seriously? I know I said yesterday I was really going to try to keep my focus and remember all the blessings and be thankful, yada, yada, yada..., but then that was all under the presupposition that my neighbor would be a good quiet boy for the next few days, wasn't it? Was that not in the fine print? The short story is this. We have a couple of guys next door

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-18T22:06:00.000-05:00

Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you can enjoy great food but greater fellowship with family and friends over the holiday. May we all take a little time, before the mad shopping season initiates on Friday, to reflect on all that we have and should be thankful for. And, I pray, at least for me, that that reflection will remain in the forefront of my mind as the Christmas season takes

An update on things...

2007-11-18T21:58:00.000-05:00

Been busy up this way lately, but that's good news! The house construction is nearing an end, and Lord willing, we'll be setting up shop in the new place by mid-December. The Lord also has provided buyers for the condo (just in the nick of time, too...doesn't it just amaze you how He always has it under control even to the timeline?), and we should close on the sale by 12/19/07. So, we have a

A preview of what is to come...

2007-11-18T21:49:00.000-05:00

I'm still here!

2007-10-24T11:21:00.000-05:00

Okay, I admit I have been somewhat of a slacker lately when it comes to upkeep on Spotlight. I'm afraid I simply have no creativity left at the end of the day lately to come up with a worthwhile read for you though! Remember, I am an accountant by trade, so despite my belief that I broke the stereotype that I have no personality, I haven't begun to dream of ways to add actual creativity into the

Do not confuse dental hygienist as one "in the medical profession"...

2007-10-02T11:07:00.000-05:00

Last night in our real estate class, Mr. Norwood (teacher) asked a fellow student a question. Mr. Norwood led into the question within the context that she was "one in the medical profession." His question was to inquire as to the difference between mold and black mold from a health perspective. Her response? "Well,...I haven't really ever cleaned mold off anyone's teeth yet." So, lesson

Living in gratitude...

2007-09-12T21:34:00.000-05:00

Some friends pointed out the other week how much we, as Americans in general, live out our lives day to day without ever realizing exactly how many gifts we have. Now, I know some have more than I and some have less than I here in our nation, but in truth, we all have much more than "a lot" of folks outside of our borders. There's no doubt in our minds about that. And aside from my having

What are the odds?!

2007-09-04T21:20:00.000-05:00

Okay, a little insight about me and my weird way with luck...Sunday afternoon we took a little time to meet up with some friends and have a long dinner at a local, but good, joint in Lincolnton. We sat and caught up over some pizza for about 2hrs and in doing so, had probably more than our fair share of recognition from the waitress who has been serving up pizzas and toasted subs at this 25 year

One of the Best Sermons of the Modern Day...

2007-09-02T14:39:00.000-05:00

...of course, that's the unsolicited opinion of me - Alison Bell Taylor. Here's the video of Paul Washer's sermon from 2002 Youth Conference in Alabama that stunned so many folks. Why is it stunning? It's stunning because he tells everyone the absolute truth of how it is! I've linked a while (a good while) back to the audio of this sermon from Sermonaudio.com, but perhaps you're a more visual

Refresher Course: Self-examination

2007-09-02T14:29:00.000-05:00

Here's a great message summary (4min) from Paul Washer - someone all of us can profit from listening to in my opinion. This is a valuable reminder and makes some strong points about what even we Christians need to take the time to think about...

New pictures of house - updated

2007-08-27T21:17:00.001-05:00

Update - The slideshow now includes pictures from the start of contstruction through yesterday, August 31st. We are almost "in the dry" now. We have a few doors to be delivered and set midweek next week, and that should have us all closed up and under roof at that point. Although this still doesn't justify where we are today on the house as the dormer is now completely framed and the roof

It's all in the way you look at things...

2007-08-26T17:46:00.000-05:00

A couple of weeks ago I had an experience that taught me a pretty good lesson. I guess I should say it helped reiterate or drill in a lesson as I am not so enlighted to learn something completely original on my own! Anyway, the deal was this. I started out the morning as business as usual at work. The business that day happened to necessitate contacting a co-worker for more information and

Ironic

2007-07-10T19:37:00.001-05:00

Does anyone else find it ironic that upon trying to beat the thunderstorms so that we could squeeze in some work on the lot and failing miserably to find ourselves watching the waters flow abundantly from the skies instead, that we get back home to discover absolutely no water flowing from any of our plumbing at the condo?