I have a very good friend named Candace. I don’t blog about her a lot… she likes her anonymity. I’ve written about here here and there, but not by name. She’s kinda like an secret agent, except not. Exactly. I can’t give you the details- too risky. Anyways, we’ve been friends since the fall of our freshman year at UGA. That would be 1998. That would be 9 1/2 years ago. Wowsa.

We are really funny. She recognizes that I am hilarious and I recognize the same trait in her. And we recognize that our combined hilarity makes people love us. And we have been through a lot- sometimes trouble we managed to get ourselves into (planning beach trip 2001, I believe), sometimes troubles others thrust upon us, and sometimes just junk that we threw on each other because believe it or not, we are not perfect people. But our friendship has miraculously survived and transformed. And by “miraculously”, I mean “only by the grace of God have neither of us killed the other at some point in the last 9 1/2 years”. So I guess you’d say she’s kinda like family. Can I get an amen to that?

I have another very good friend named Jason. We also met my freshman year at UGA. He was an intern at the Wesley Foundation. I will never, no not ever, forget his kindness towards me as the new kid on the block. And through the years we have remained good friends, mostly via email. Emails that always included this line- “Any update on the dating front? Yeah, me neither.”

July 2007- “Candace, you’ve met Jason before, haven’t you? Jason, you remember Candace, right?“

January 3, 2008- God exceeds every expectation.I’ve cried three times since they called me last night to tell me of their engagement. Well, four if you count the moment they told me and my emotions got the best of me. [I'm getting it all out now so I can be under control come summer.]

I cried when I wrote in my journal how grateful I was to God for being so good to two people whom I love dearly.

I teared up (no full on tears) when I saw Candace’s ring this morning.

And, of course, I’m crying a bit now telling you.

Because, in case you didn’t know, I’m a crier.

BUT more importantly because it never ceases to amaze me when God, in His goodness, hears our prayers and answers them; gently and slowly weaving our lives together until two threads are woven so closely together that they decide it would be best to just be one.

I’m thrilled. I would say “I’m thrilled beyond words”, but that is obviously not true.

One generation will commend Your works to another;
they will tell of Your mighty acts.

They will speak of the glorious splendor of Your majesty,
and I will meditate on Your wonderful works.

They will tell of the power of Your awesome works,
and I will proclaim Your great deeds.

They will celebrate Your abundant goodness
and joyfully sing of Your righteousness.

The Lord is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and rich in love.

The Lord is good to all;
He has compassion on all He has made.

**P.S- I did get the couple’s permission before proceeding with this blog post.**

I bought a new Bible today- one of those One Year Bibles. I feel like it’s cheesy. Like “real” Christians can read through the Bible in a year and split it up on their own. I don’t know why I think that. That’s a pretty dumb thought. But I got the tutorial version that puts the date with the passages. Maybe I could have figured it out on me own? I should have just googled it.

None the less, it’s purchased (with a gift card, thank you McDooj) and sitting here beside me. The cool thing about this one is that it is set up chronologically instead of the traditional way. And I’ll admit, it feels strange; maybe even a little wrong. I know it’s not- I don’t think God is mad about it, but in my mind, I should be able to open the Bible in the middle and hit Psalms. I open this Bible in the middle and I hit… wait for it…. oh, Psalms. Ok, ignore that particular point. BUT I do read half of Genesis and then Job. That’s weird.

It’s just all mixed up. And then it takes me to a deeper question. A question about right and wrong and truth. Because all the same truths are held in this Bible, but they are just packaged differently, and that is weird to me. Why does it bother me what shape the truths come in? Like, in my mind, the only REAL Bible is the one that is in the order that I’ve always read it. But if I’m going to go all legalistic like that, then why don’t I read it in the original language?

Answer: because I don’t know Hebrew and/or Greek.

I think this is going to be good though, hence the reason I made this particular purchase. Sometimes my idea of truth needs to be shaken up a bit. Buying a wacky Bible doesn’t change the truth, it just rearranges it. Truth will always be truth, God will always be Love, Jesus will always be. But my INTERPRETATION and understanding of truth needs to be questioned- either to solidify or tear down my beliefs.

We watched the movie Les Miserables last night at Caroline’s and had some talk, and much silent pondering, about the idea of right and wrong and legalism and justice and law versus grace.

So I bought a new Bible. Those may not link to you, but they do to me. I needed to have my “right” questioned. To attempt to understand grace. I want to live a life of truth that is displayed in grace. I have no idea how to do that.

And I need to read the Bible every day. EVERY DAY. If I’m looking for a new path, I need the “lamp unto my feet” (Ps. 119:105).

I’m figuring you out, blog reader. You are the strong, silent type. How do I know? Well, in the last 2 days, I have had almost 170 visitors stop by my blog. And 14 votes on my yard sale/good will debate. That’s roughly 8% of you willing to vote. Like I said, strong, but silent. I see how you roll.

Don’t stress about it at this point. I’m with my small vocal majority- Good Will, here I come…. at some point…. when I am done cleaning…. someday….

I get it though – you want me to keep on my side of the screen, you on yours. Or maybe you just don’t want to appear bossy? Telling me what to do? I hear that.

BUT…. what you need to know is that there are some AWESOME things on the horizon for you, my blog reader.

Things like a GIVEAWAY from someone who is a BIG DEAL……

and a COMPETITION that will involve the ENTIRE United States of America (no kidding)…..

All in the month of January.

You better buckle up. Because it’s about to get crazy up in here.

And I have GOT to quit drinking coffee at night. Seriously. Can someone remind me that I am no longer 17, I’m 27?!? And caffeine, yes, does in fact effect me at this point? Gracious.

I perused a blog of someone I don’t know today (raise your hand if you are shocked… I didn’t think so) and the girl gave me an idea. She asks God for a theme verse for the year.

So I’m asking for my 08 verse.

I’m really excited about 08. Which is weird, because I’m usually an odd number girl. But for some reason, I feel a lot of anticipation about what 08 holds. I love that God never says “Yep, that was the best year you are ever going to have”, but He always seeks to give us, stretch us, challenge us, and bless us MORE. He’s a giver like that.

I pray 2008 is your year of MORE.

Yes, it’s 2:35am and I’m blogging. Listen, when the Georgia Bulldogs play like that, I have a hard time going to sleep right afterwards. Give a girl a break. That was a long game.

And a glorious one. Though I will tell you, as my girl BooMama said, I felt so sorry for Hawaii all night long. THE STORIES that the commentators told were ridiculous. Player’s mom dying, criminal turned Christian football star, “family” feeling amongst the team, the traditional Hawaiian dance, all of it was too much for my emotions.

It’s like they said, “Yeah, Georgia, you may win the game, but we’re going to make you feel REALLY BAD for doing it. Mean ole dawgs. Leave sweet Hawaii alone.”

Except that one Hawaii player that kept taking his helmet off. I liked beating him.

And let me tell you what really chaps my hide. Still, right now on ESPN.com, the main photo story from today is stupid USC. I think USC and ESPN are dating. Or someone at USC has some good dirt on someone at ESPN. It’s either a romantic relationship or plain ole blackmail. There is no other explanation.

Hey ESPN, 41 to 10. In a BCS game. That’s a serious spanking. Can we get a headline bigger than size 4 font?

**edit: as of 1:05pm, UGA has the cover shot on ESPN.com. I knew my blog was powerful and influential, but this is quite surprising. **

**edit: as of 4:02pm, it’s gone. That’s okay. We shined for a moment.**

I have a longstanding issue with ESPN’s treatment of UGA going back to 2002, so you really don’t want to get me started. And Lou Holtz, will you ever like us? I understand, you came from Carolina, but let’s be serious. You’re just being a jerk. You want to know a secret? We don’t like you either.

Here’s my favorite moment of the night. I love our boys.Once more, it’s great to be a Georgia Bulldog.

National Champs next year? Don’t be surprised. We’re good. Real good.

For a couple of hours I have been feverishly cleaning my home. Not like scrubbing, mopping, dusting. No, I hate that stuff. I’m taking more along the lines of opening every drawer, cabinet, and closet and asking the following questions:

1) Did I even use this (or wear this) in 2007?
Yes= continue to question #2
No= continue to question #3

2) Did I use it (wear it) often in 2007?
Yes= keep it. Move to next item and begin with question #1
No= continue to question #3

3) Do I REALLY foresee myself using this/wearing this often in 2008?
Yes= continue to question #4
No= give it away.

4) Are you sure? Because you really shouldn’t have gotten this far in the questions if this was an item that you really need.
Yes, I’m sure= keep it. Though you’ll probably give it away at Inventory 2009.
No= good girl. Give it away.

bonus questions for clothes:

A) Does it fit RIGHT NOW?
Yes= continue to bonus question B
No= give it away. End of story. Unless it’s too small….. then you can consider keeping it as motivation in 08.

B) Did you purchase this item since 2000?
Yes= you may keep it IF you have worn it at least twice in 2007.
No= let it go, Annie. Just let it go.

As for the “give away” part, I’m at a crossroads. And I need your help:

And if you so choose, you can comment on why you voted the way you did. I always like to know why you make the decisions you do.

Happy New Year!