Monday, October 30, 2006

Weslynn at 10:43 PM

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Friday, October 27, 2006

What a rainy day. I was planning on heading to the Coastal Carolina Fair tonight with the singles' group from church, but our plans were cancelled due to today's downpour. Although I was looking forward to the ferris wheel and an elephant ear, I must say that there is nothing better than staying in on a rainy night, enjoying a hot beverage and just veggin' out.

Whenever I think of rainy weather, I think of windmill cookies and hot cocoa. I remember when I was a kid, my mom fixed the above as a treat one particular rainy night. Why this memory is so strong, I don't know. Perhaps it was something we did often, but I don't know for sure. It's one of those fuzzy memories... the kind you can't recollect completely, but that is nonetheless very memorable and very strong (funny, huh?). More than the details, however, I remember the way I felt -- warm, secure, and grateful that I had shelter from the storm.

Days like today I want nothing more than to be at home, curled up with a good book or magazine, munching on something sweet and sipping on some hot tea or coffee. Perhaps there's a reason we don't choose our weather. If we did, we'd probably all ask for clear, sunny days, and we'd never get to experience the feelings of security -- and often peace and quiet -- that come with staying in during a storm.

By the way... is it just me, or am I always talking about food? :)

From my heart,

Weslynn at 1:16 PM

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Wednesday, October 25, 2006

I absolutely love this time of the year. Fall is upon us, the weather's getting cooler each day, and the hoidays are just around the corner. It's the time of the year for oyster roasts, pumpkin pie and jumping in a big pile of freshly-raked leaves (although the latter one I haven't done in years. Maybe it's time I do!). To me, this season is all about spoiling the senses. It's the smell of cinnamon and nutmeg, the taste of the sweet treats that are fresh out of the oven, the beauty of the browns, oranges and golds, the sound of the whipping wind, and the warmth of your favorite blanket.

I personally kicked off this season last week when I bought some new candle scents for my home: granny's applie pie and pumpkin pie spice. (Jade is mesmerized by them. He actually stuck his paw in one of the flames the other day!) I further celebrated the season by making some pumpkin soup last night (thanks to a suggestion from my mom, who said EarthFare's version was awesome). I must admit that I'm a foodie and somewhat of a cooking snob. I don't like to follow recipes precisely, because in my mind, it's not mine if I strictly follow someone else's ideas. So, instead, I try to learn the basics from recipes and then venture out on my own a bit. A dash of cinnamon here, a squirt of honey there, some white pepper here, some chipotle pepper there... some more white pepper... how about a bit more... some more can't hurt... I wanna feel the burn! And then Goldilocks said, "This porridge is just right!"

Fall also represents sharing to me. I just can't cook a good meal or a yummy treat and not share it! I racked up a ton of brownie points in the office last year with all of the treats I made. My boss actually mentioned a couple weeks ago, "Hey, it's that time again! You're going to start bringing in treats and try to fatten us all up, huh?" I was kind today, however, because the soup that I carried in shouldn't be too bad (aside from all of the heavy cream in it).

It's this time of the year that makes me feel like a storybook granny at heart. Give me some yarn, a knitting needle, and a rocking chair, and I think I'd fit the mold quite well.

From my heart,

Weslynn at 9:51 AM

3comments

Monday, October 23, 2006

What a wonderful weekend I had! I went to a "Worship Encounter" with worship leader David Baroni at church, had some fun lunch and dinner dates with friends, did a little bit of arts and crafts stuff at home... and still had time to watch Cold Case and do laundry last night! :)

And my weekend came to a perfect end during my quiet time with the Lord last night. I recently set up a cozy little spot in my spare room (a.k.a. Jade's room) where I can retreat to with the sole purpose of spending time with the Lord (since my bedroom makes me think of sleep and my couch makes me think of TV). I put the papasan chair in the corner with a floor lamp behind it, and the lamp shade is dark, so it creates a soft glow that perfectly sets the tone for winding down. Throw in my fuzzy pillow and blanket, a Bible and a journal, and I'm good to go.

I didn't realize until this morning, however, that sometimes when I go to my cozy corner to pray, I'm somewhat afraid. I never realized it before, but I remember thinking last night, "What if He doesn't show up?" I know that God isn't a feeling. I've walked with Him long enough to know that you don't always feel Him. But I'm at a place in my life now where I just really desire to feel His presence every day, to know that He's near me. I want to experience Him in a new way. And I realized, looking back on last night, that one of the reasons I don't always feel Him surrounding me is because I'm afraid that He won't show. I'm afraid of being disappointed. So sometimes I distance myself --subconsciously, really-- as a sort of defensive mechanism, I suppose.

But last night, as I curled up in my chair, I began to speak to Him from my heart, and I just told Him how much I loved Him. I let my guard down. And almost immediately, I could feel Him all around me. It was as if every time I told Him how much He means to me, He whispered back His love to me as well. Bringing Him a list of my needs doesn't draw Him like my love does. It was one of those precious moments that I never want to take for granted. I made up my mind today to always enter into my time with Him with expectancy from now on. And no fear. After all, what's to be disappointed in? He's never let me down.
From my heart,

Weslynn at 11:01 AM

2comments

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Next month will mark my two year anniversary of owning my townhome. And it seems like lately (the past couple of weeks, in particular) I've been keenly aware of what a blessing that is!

Owning my own home was always something I dreamt of as a young girl... perhaps because my mom was a realtor, and perhaps becauseI was always fascinated with interior design as a kid. I remember cutting out furniture, lamps and accessories from magazines and Sears and JC Penney catalogs and gluing it all together in my own "design" on construction paper. I also remember having this vision of a black and white bedroom with a few red accents (hey, it was the 80s). My mom let me have her Piggly Wiggly Greenbax stamps, and I saved them for months so I could buy the perfect accessory for my mantle (yes, I had a fireplace in my bedroom with a mantle... how cool is that?) -- two, very "mod," black ceramic cats. I never completed the black-and-white bedroom project, but I always had my mind on the visual design of things. Perhaps that's why I ended up loving graphic design so much.

Still, when it comes to my home, there are days when I look around and think to myself, "Is this really my home? Do I really own these things?" Last week it happened when I was unloading the dishwasher. I may be fixing myself a glass of water or brushing my teeth, when it hits me... I am so blessed! Some days I feel like I'm living in a dream. I'm so comfortable in my home. I love decorating it and coming up with new ideas on how to decorate the bathroom or spare bedroom. And I love sitting on the couch with Jade and just looking around, in silence, soaking it all in. It may sound like such a simple, everyday thing... but it's such a big deal to me. I love my home! I'm so grateful for it.

From my heart,

Weslynn at 9:22 AM

3comments

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

I was tagged by my friend, Mary, to do this meme! Enjoy!

• Resting on the couch with Jade (my cat)
  
• Drinking a cup of hot tea with honey
• Journaling
• Daydreaming
• Watching Giada de Laurentis or Michael Chiarello on Food Network
  

• A latte ("skinny"= with skim milk)
  
• Fingernail polish
• A good magazine
• The "One Spot" at Target (all of those cute one dollar items)
  
• Ice cream from Marble Slab!
  

3. Five items in your house that you could part with right now:

• Dining room table and chairs
  
• Old bath towels that don't match
  
• The old suitcase laying in the spare bedroom that is now Jade's favorite toy
  
• The toilet paper rolls that Jade has hidden under my bed (more toys)
  
• The toaster oven that I never use
  

4. Five items you absolutely, positively could NEVER part with:

• My Bible that fits perfectly into my purse
  
• My old journals
  
• Family photos
• My guitar
  
• My contacts!
  

5. Five words you love:

• "For real" (I know, it's actually two words...)
  
• Awesome
  
• Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
  
• Sweet
  
• Thanks
  

Weslynn at 8:44 AM

1comments

Monday, October 16, 2006

... and we did!

This weekend I had the honor of attending my good friend (and carpool buddy) Beth's wedding. It was a blast! The ceremony was beautiful, the reception was breathtaking, and the entire evening was truly memorable. (For those of you who often hear me talk about my "work buddies," here they are to the left: Margaret, Beth, Mandy, and I at the wedding.)

You know, weddings can sometimes be discouraging events for single gals. (Please notice that I said can... in other words, they have the potential to be, if you let them.) There you are, watching your friends hold back tears as they exchange vows, watching them dance their first dance as a married couple, and then lovingly shove cake in each other's face. And it's very easy, amidst all of the joy of the event, to let jealousy creep in and listen to those negative voices in the back of your head that tell you, "Check another single friend off the list. Do you even have any left?" (All of my buds in the above photograph are married, by the way.) I must say that I have felt that way at a wedding or two in the past.

But, man, does feeling that way get old. Number one: I'm not there for myself. I'm there to celebrate with my friends for their joyous occasion, not my own. Number two: I've come to realize that I'm not on anyone's schedule--and no one's biological clock--except for God's. When it's my time, it will be my time. And until then, I'm going to rejoice with my friends who have been given the blessing of marriage at His appointed time for their lives! Weddings are way more fun (that sounded so "valley girl") when you're there for the right reasons and not to throw your own pity party. I had a blast at Beth's wedding! When everybody else was freezing (the reception was outside), I was burning up because I was burning up the dance floor (see photo below)! Hee hee! And I trust that when the Lord is ready to send my husband my way, I'll be ready too. And on that exciting day... I'm going to really dance! And after all of the weddings I've been to, I think I'll appreciate it so much more!

"A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul..." - Proverbs 13:19a

From my heart,

Weslynn at 3:14 PM

1comments

Thursday, October 12, 2006

I won't lie. Today's been a "blah" day for me. I considered finding something fun to write about. I will be an optimist until I die, so I could have easily found something good to highlight, despite this drab mood I'm in. But I decided against it. If I only write my "happy thoughts," what kind of blog would this be? If I'm speaking from my heart, then I must be honest. So here it is: I feel like poo.

Emotionally and spiritually, I feel great. Physically and mentally, I'm drained. My back aches, my neck aches, I don't feel like exerting any mental energy towards anything, and if I could be anywhere right now, I'd be at home in bed. Phone turned off. Sadly, Jade is probably the culprit here. He woke me up at least half a dozen times last night -- licking my nose, repositioning himself (on my face, my shoulder, my chest). The crazy thing is that I didn't mind at all last night. Every time he woke me up, I couldn't help but hug him! He's just so stinkin' cute! But now I realize that I just didn't sleep well.

Despite the yucky way I feel right now, I'm still full of joy. I'm so glad that my world doesn't have to revolve around just the way I feel anymore. Feelings can't always be trusted, you know. They come and go, change on a whim, and are quite often unfounded and unreasonable. I've learned to not let them rule me. (I can't say I've perfected this art, but I'm learning.) So what if I feel like crap right now? The same things that excited me yesterday still hold true today. The cake is still there. I just don't have as much icing. But should I throw the whole cake out because it doesn't taste as sweet? Now, that would just be crazy (especially if it's red velvet)!

And the same goes with this day that the Lord has given me... I won't surrender to my feelings and say, "Forget it. It's just gonna be a bad day" and call it quits, when I know I have the power to control my feelings and let this be a good day, despite it all.

From my heart,

Weslynn at 1:34 PM

1comments

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

I recently started taking a Nia (Neuro Integrative Action) dance class at the MUSC gym downtown on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It's a good workout, but it's also a lot of fun. It's a mix of jazz, martial arts and yoga-type dancing, and it all revolves around personal style and creativity. You follow an instructor, but you also dance "free style" based on which body part she tells you to focus on. The music is awesome, and it's a great way to end the work day. You really "shake it all off!"

Today, however, I found it difficult to "shake off" the migraine that had crept up earlier in the day. Although I felt a little better while I was dancing and exercising, the headache and nausea progressed after I left the class and prepared to head to my next stop, the Crittendon House for young pregnant girls (where I volunteer with other ladies from my church the second Tuesday of each month). I thought to myself once I got there, "You know, why didn't I call them and tell them I couldn't make it tonight? I feel like crap. I should have just gone home." I decided to go anyways, and I am so glad that I did. Even with the aid of Excedrin, my migraines typically don't go away quickly. A long nap and several hours are typically the only remedies for me. But once I got to the house and started chatting with the girls and painting their fingernails and toenails, I completely forgot about my migraine. Before I knew it, an hour and a half had gone by, we were packing up our stuff, and I realized it was gone. Completely! (That's a big thing for me, because, again, these things usually put me out for the night.)

You know, it never fails -- whenever I give of myself to benefit someone else, I always get something in return. My own personal gain is not the motivation behind why I give, but I always find that if I have a need, it's met because I sacrifice of myself. I'm not saying that I'm some Mother Teresa here or anything. Yeah, I still do my own things and have my selfish ways. But when I put my own needs aside and concern myself instead with someone else's, I learn that my needs are always met, almost simultaneously! It's really amazing how that works. Baffles me every time... but in a good way!

"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever
sows generously will also reap generously." -2 Corinthians 9:6

From my heart,

Weslynn at 9:15 PM

2comments

Monday, October 09, 2006

I had the opportunity to teach the Young Adults class (ages 25-40) at church yesterday, and it was such a blessing! I must admit that I get a little nervous every time I teach this class (this was my third time). I always think to myself, "How am I, a 27-year old, going to teach people that are older than me?" I consider many of the students in this class mature, wise Christians. Some are married and have children... an area I obviously lack experience in! So my mind sometimes wonders, "What do I have to give?"

I decided give something that I know a little bit about. I taught on mentoring and shared my personal experiences, along with Biblical examples of mentoring relationships. I've been blessed with an awesome mentor and God has taught me so much through the course of our relationship, so I want the world (er, the class) to know that having a mentor is a gift that
God wants for each of His children! Well, the class went great, and I had a blast. Still, that thought still loomed in the back of my mind, "What am I doing, teaching these people that are so much more experienced than me? Are they even getting it?" I didn't stress myself over it though. The class ended, I packed up my stuff and headed into the sanctuary (after a quick donut and shot of coffee). I had done my part.

Around 3:00 p.m. that afternoon, while I was watching the tube and eating my version of PB&J (peanuts and raisins), my phone rang. One of the students from the class had called to tell me that the lesson really ministered to him, and he just wanted to let me know. The funny thing is that he was one of the people, in particular, that I thought wouldn't be able to learn anything from me! Isn't it amazing that the Lord loves me so much that He lead my dear brother in Christ to call me? It was like God himself picked up the phone to call and said, "Yes, my daughter, I believe in you, and you did your part. Well done." What a good Daddy He is! :)

Weslynn at 1:59 PM

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Saturday, October 07, 2006

Bridget Jones gets whiplash.
My Saturday morning started out with whiplash.. no, I didn't get into a car accident or anything... I went to a great spa in West Ashley (Urban Nirvana) and had an hour-long massage called "the Whiplash." My neck and shoulders have been bothering me lately, so I decided to treat myself to a trip to the spa. Boy, was it worth it! When I looked at myself in the mirror after the massage, I laughed out loud because I looked drunk! Ha ha! Now that's a good massage!

You know, there are days like today when I truly appreciate this city of "Singletown" I live in. I won't lie -- I can't wait to meet my future husband and start a family one day. It's a desire of mine, and I'm looking forward to that time in my life. But I also realize that the day will come when an hour massage will have to be sacrificed because diapers, formula -- and maybe even a soccer uniform -- take precedence. So I've decided that while I'm single and I have the opportunity, I'm gonna milk this baby for all she's worth! Last night, for example, I took a hot date (myself, that is) to Marble Slab. (I even opened the door for myself! Hee hee!) And I treated myself to some creamy caramel ice cream with chunks of fresh banana mixed in. Then I came home and ate my ice cream, played my guitar, sang really loud and just had a blast. It was the best date I've been on in a long time... :)

You know, God's Word says in Ecclesiastes that there is a season for everything, a time for every purpose under heaven. And I thank Him for this season in my life: a time to enjoy my own company, pamper myself... and eat lots of Marble Slab!

From my heart,

Weslynn at 9:57 PM

2comments

Friday, October 06, 2006

Big news, people, big news... (drum roll)... my Jetta is out of the shop and the front has officially been fixed! Most of you, my family and friends, know that I had a little run-in with a camouflage pole a while back. (Yes, I said camouflage... there's no other reason I would have hit it, right? It was well-disguised as "air.") Anyways, I got my sweet ride back from the body shop just hours ago, and let me tell you... she's a beauty! I've been seeing it in its mangled condition for so long that I forgot what it looked like in its normal state.

Well, this post doesn't have much heart, but let me tell you, it's an exciting day for me nonetheless! The only thing that could make it better would be... umm, let's see... sushi! I'm looking forward to having dinner with my good friend, Mary (my Red Cross buddy) tonight. She's always such a great sushi date! Happy weekend to all of my friends and fam!

Weslynn at 1:54 PM

2comments

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

This song perfectly explains how I feel so often... I look at the earth and all of the amazing things around me, and I just don't understand why God -- who created the earth -- would want to be so involved in my little life. In comparison to everything else, my life seems so minor. So I ask myself, "Does he really want to talk to me?" And yet I continue to find, over and over again, that the answer is "yes." But my human mind just doesn't get it! I feel like I'm a 13-year old girl, who has a crush on that dreamy, out-of-reach boy in my English class... and then I find out that he likes me, too! I get all nervous and my hands get sweaty when I see him walking over to talk to me, because all I can think is, "No way!!! Really?!" My God makes me feel like that girl. I just don't get it (and perhaps I'm not supposed to -- He's God, after all). It amazes me that He has the time (and Lord knows eNeRgY) for me, and that He just wants to be with me. Wow...

From my heart,

Weslynn at 2:06 PM

3comments

Tuesday, October 03, 2006

So here's a brief intro as to why I chose to start a blog... you know those days when you get on the phone with your friend or family member and you say, "Hey, what's going on?" -- "Not much, how 'bout you?" -- "Not much here either. Same ole, same ole." (When in all reality, there's usually a lot going on, but it's too much to say in a brief phone conversation. Or you can't think of what to fill them in about until after you hang up. Figures.)

Well, this blog is a fun and creative way for me to better answer that question of "what's going on," particularly in my mind and in my heart. I'm not trying to solve the world's problems here or anything. I'm just looking for a different way to communicate my thoughts, dreams and reflections on life. (And maybe throw in a good recipe every now and then.) So if you're interested in seeing what goes on inside this mind of mine, check back often... my goal is to post daily... no promises, though. :)

From my heart,

Weslynn at 3:34 PM

4comments

Monday, October 02, 2006

Not really feeling the Jessica Alba and Christy Turlington matches (although I would love to have their cheekbones and well-defined jaw lines). I am, however, LOVING the fact that Grace Kelly is on the list! Woo hoo!

Weslynn at 9:43 AM

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