It's a Beautiful Day

Ole! Ole! Ole! Ole!

Ole! Ole!

If you know anything about my family, you probably know we are HUGE soccer fans. Our love for this sport is something we all share. It is one of the few sports we all played, and we all enjoy watching on tv. We even wake up at crazy hours to watch the World Cup. Our passion for soccer was established during our years in Brazil. When I was little, soccer was not popular for girls. I played from the time I was five, but I had to play with the boys. My dad started a girls team at my high school when I was in 6th grade, so I practiced with the team and went to all of the games like a little assistant. Looking back, I am sure I was annoying. I was so thrilled to wear #10 for the Lady Panthers. Oh, what fun! 

Back to the post...sorry sometimes I get carried away. Last week (okay it's been longer now because I forgot to publish this post) the U.S. women's national team came to Nashville to play Scotland. Well, you know me, I can't pass up an opportunity to watch soccer. It was so much fun! It made me miss playing! It brought back wonderful memories of games, teammates, silly songs we wrote on bus trips, traditions, and lots of laughs. I was so glad Mom and Dad could meet us for the game. I only wish the rest of the family could have joined us. Oh well, we always have Canada in 2015 for the women's World Cup. 

It was my first professional soccer game to attend, and I can guarantee it won't be my last. I am so thankful soccer has become more popular in the U.S., especially for women. It was awesome to see Abby Wambach earn her 200th cap, but we were disappointed Alex Morgan didn't play. Can't wait for another game!

"A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health." Psalm 15:30

I'm so excited

We're so excited

And we just can't hide it

We're about to lose control

And we think you'll like it!

Well, the news can finally be shared...Luke and Laura are having a baby! The Copelands are thrilled to add another bundle of joy to the family in August. I am so excited to be an aunt for the third time. Gentry and Latham have already stolen my heart, and I have no doubt this little one will do the same. I love spending time with my nephews, spoiling them rotten, and then sending them back to their parents. Things won't be any different with this little one. I am very glad that we will be back in Nashville by the birth of this little one. Then, I will be living in the same city as two of my little loves. (Maybe this will convince Adam, Cathy, and Latham it is time to move closer.)

Luke and Laura, we are so happy for both of you! We can't wait to meet this precious miracle and love him/her to pieces! All three of you are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you!!

"You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb."
Psalm 139:13

Wrapped up in you

There's nothing like getting wrapped up in a good book. Well, my friends, I want to share two good books that have rocked my world lately. "Kisses From Katie" and "7: an experimental mutiny against excess." This quote from 7 sums up the two books, "Jesus, may there be less of me and my junk and more of You and Your kingdom." Wow, those are powerful words. Be prepared to have your thoughts and ways challenged as you read these books. Enjoy, but don't say I didn't warn you.

WARNING: If you don't want to feel uncomfortable or be challenged, these books are not for you.

Side Effects May Include: A strong desire to help those in need, A deep love for people you have never met, A change in lifestyle, A more intimate relationship with our Savior and Lord, A need to make the most of every opportunity, A willingness to make a difference in the lives of those around you, A hunger to do his will, An uneasy mind as you wrestle with the fact of statistics in the world, and the list goes on.

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things." Philippians 4:8

Hello World

Hello World

How've you been?

Good to see you, my old friend

Well, I'm back. I really don't have a good excuse of why I've been gone so long, except life got crazy. 2012 was a tough year for us, accompanied by much sadness and disappointment. However, it's a new year, so I want to focus on the positive. I realize I am very blessed and my struggles are only small compared to so many others. So, I'm back! (I know you are jumping for joy over this news.)

This weekend Craig had to study, so I spent the whole weekend in Florence. On Friday night, I went to the Benefit Dinner at my high school with my parents, Luke, and Laura. It was fun to be with my family and see some special people. Josh Willingham spoke, and he did an amazing job. I was reminded what a wonderful place Mars Hill is and what an impact it had on my life. I made some of the best friends there, and we still keep in touch to this day. I was taught by teachers who cared about me and wanted what was best for me. It's a very special place! On Saturday, I had lunch with my Grandma, visited with one of my best friends, and went to a Mars Hill basketball game. Today I went to church with my parents before heading home. Over and over this weekend, the word blessed came to mind. I am so thankful for my high school friends and for the difference they made in my life. I am grateful for my Mars Hill family and the way they challenged me. I am blessed by numerous family members and family friends who love me and care so much for me. Thank you!

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works." Hebrews 10:24