What's That Girl Got In Her Purse?


1. Bible
2. GPS
3. keys, complete with VT keyring, Kenyan keyring and Clovis Hills lanyard
4. zipper pouch full of sharpie markers and G2 pens
5. my little notebook-o-awesome
6. vaseline
7. lotion
8. bluetooth earpiece (for occasions requiring 'tool' status)
9. zipper pouch complete with all sorts of makeup
10. camera
11. Pablo

Favorite Moments of 2008

A recollection of what made 2008 great...in no particular order.

-being one of four coaches of a state champion cheerleading squad
-seeing San Francisco
-turning 25
-trips to Nashville (too many to be counted)
-fun new music
-growth
-graduate school and new colleagues
-Jenness Park
-Coldplay on Halloween in Washington, DC
-the cutest hairstyle known to man
-size 20 black Adidas shoes
-a 2nd place fantasy baseball finish
-flying over and into Los Angeles at night
-camp reunions
-Gov Rod Blagojevich being the 2nd Illinois governor to be arrested
-becoming somewhat more creative
-singing with the boys
-visits from Chris Martin
-the Navigator and Will Snipes
-Memphis, TN
-the roadtrip to and from Coldplay (magic)
-text message conversations that people would kill to know about
-a spectacular week in Clovis, California
-becoming Beyonce
-scarves
-St. Louis Cardinal games
-4th of July and Medieval Mega Relay
-In-N-Out Burger
-60 degree days in December
-family crasyness
-new possibilites
-another Indianapolis Colts playoff berth
-Sabrina and her many talents/habits/etc.
-two words: SUCK IT
-bluetooth
-singing at the end of sentences
-responsibility
-John Rich (of Big & Rich) touching my shoulder
-being part of John Rich's entourage
-saving a horse and riding a cowboy
-nacho wednesday
-knowing and being reminded that the battle belongs to the Lord
-sports of most any kind
-meeting Michael Phelps on the train
-pancake pantry
-opening my heart to new ideas and things
-a renewed faith in who Christ is to me
-lots of laughs
-team Petey Pablo

Special thanks to the following for touching my life and impacting me in some way over the past year...you are much appreciated.
MeLissa. Erin. Kristin. Jamie. Sarah. Molly. Candace.
Robbie. Kenny. Scott. Jared. Grace. Winders. Christopher.
Emory. Thad. Rusty. Jon. Fletcher. Rebecca. Snipes. James. Cowart.
Josh. Jessie. Casey. Anna. Lindsay and Eric. Dick-Dockery. Lisa.
Joelle. Darin. Lisa T. Emilee. Laura. Jerel. Marc. Kara. Susan.
Jenny. Anna. Lauren. Vira. Justin. Stephen. Alex. Travis.

It's been a great year. There's a lot more where this list (of things and people) comes from, but that's reserved for me. Bottom line is that 2008 won't soon be forgotten. Here's to 2009 and whatever it has to offer!

I'll Be Home for Christmas

I won't lie about it. This Christmas was hands-down one of my favorites. It's important to remember that the whole reason we celebrate is because of the birth of Jesus, but it's also a great excuse to hang out with and be around family. My family members are hilarious, so there is always something crazy going down.

Top 5 [nonreligious] moments of the holidays in photos:


5. winning my pirate's booty (that awesome purple hat) in the annual white elephant gift exchange...and by winning, i mean i stole it.

4. family photo shoots to no end. trust me, folks...this does not usually happen, but will be a staple from here on out.
3. my creative idea for wrapping a gift...yes, i'm available [starting now] for birthdays, weddings, and things of the like.
2. beyonce and the girls present "Single Ladies..." i was Beyonce, obviously.

1. BABIES!!! two sets of twins and a newborn make things interesting at family gatherings these days, but they are some of the most adorable children ever and i love hugging on, loving on, and making crazy baby noises when they are around...

I'd Like to See the Grinch Try and Steal This...

I'm a big fan of the holidays. Thanksgiving and Christmas are two of my favorites, because it gives me a reason to see and hang out with my family (whom I love dearly). We are quite the crazy bunch, and because of that, there is no shortage of awesome that goes down.

  • The family now has two sets of twins under the age of two (Clayton and Caleb--Eathan and Landon) and they are straight up adorable. They can be a handful, but playing with the little guys renews my faith in innocence and love. All I want to do is give them plenty of attention, chase them around, and coo and make the weirdest noises known to man.
  • We also have a three-month-old addition to the family. Her name is Caydence. She is quite the beauty. Such a tiny thing and yet such a reminder of the love that God has for his people.
  • About ten minutes ago, we finished our annual White Elephant gift exchange. For all intensive purposes, all you need to know is that mass hilarity ensued as usual. However, since inquiring minds want to know, I am currently wearing my plunder (an amazing knitted hat to keep me warm in subzero temperatures).
  • Yesterday, I spent hours icing made-from-scratch sugar cookies that I won't eat. I'm not sure why. It's just one of those things. Maybe I look at them and feel like I might die because of the amount of sugar and butter used to make all of that goodness. Needless to say, there are some pretty awesomely designed cookies that some of my family members got to enjoy today.
  • This has definitely been a weird holiday for me. I've been dealing with a bunch of nonsensical, completely pointless things. But one thing has been certain--I've been blessed with a handful of amazing ladies that are willing to do whatever it takes. MeLissa, Erin, Jamie, Sarah, Grace and Molly have been hardcore awesome for me...thanks!
  • I've become more and more in tune to what the Christmas season means (even though December really is just an opportunistic place to put a holiday)...the fact is, Jesus was born. And he wasn't born the way people thought he'd be born...he came into the world as a baby...slept in a manger...and Herod viewed him as a legitimate threat...into the most humble of situations, the Savior of the world was born...
So try and steal this Christmas, grinch. Try and take away what joy and life and salvation mean. But I'm going to withstand you at every turn. I'm going to look you in the face and smile, knowing that I have got the gift of heart...and love...and faith.

How Dare I:

-say one thing and mean another.
-act the way I've acted.
-assume that You have anything less than the best planned for me.
-question Your will.
-worry about today, tomorrow, or any other day.
-presume to be anything less than what You made me.


here's to growing gracefully and seeking simplicity.
Lord, may you shine me until you can see yourself in me.

I Still Like That Derek Webb--

if you could love me as a wife
and for my wedding gift, your life
should that be all i'd ever need
or is there more i'm looking for

and should i read between the lines
and look for blessings in disguise
to make me handsome, rich, and wise
is that really what you want

i am a whore i do confess
i put you on just like a wedding dress
and i run down the aisle
and i run down the aisle
i'm a prodigal with no way home
i put you on just like a ring of gold
i run down the aisle to you

so could you love this bastard child
though i don't trust you to provide
with one hand in a pot of gold
and with the other in your side

i am so easily satisfied
by the call of lovers so less wild
that i would take a little cash
over your very flesh and blood

because money cannot buy
a husband's jealous eye
when you have knowingly deceived his wife


i am a whore i do confess
i put you on just like a wedding dress
and i run down the aisle
and i run down the aisle
i'm a prodigal with no way home
i put you on just like a ring of gold
i run down the aisle to you

i like that derek webb--

beloved these are dangerous times
because you are weightless like a leaf from the vine
and the wind has blown you all over town
because there is nothing holding you to the ground

so now you would rather be
a slave again than free from the law

beloved listen to me
don’t believe all that you see
and don’t you ever let anyone tell you
that there’s anything that you need
but me

beloved these are perilous days
when your culture is so set in its ways
that you will listen to salesmen and thieves
preaching other than the truth you’ve received

because they are telling lies
for they cannot circumcise your hearts

beloved listen to me
don’t believe all that you see
and don’t you ever let anyone tell you
that there’s anything that you need
but me

beloved there is nothing more
no more blessings and no more rewards
than the treasure of my body and blood
given freely to all daughters and sons

beloved listen to me
don’t believe all that you see
and don’t you ever let anyone tell you
that there’s anything that you need
but me

Yeah, I'd say I'm pretty thankful...

I think this year more than any other, I've realized that Thanksgiving is what it says...a giving of thanks. For what I've been blessed with. For what I've been given.

So. In no particular order...
Thanks. for...

salvation. st louis cardinals baseball. laughter. joy. cars. mousse. music. dead deer on the backs of trunks. babies. broadway in nashville. heat. college football. airplanes. text messaging. funny videos on vimeo. cupcakes. snail mail. flip-flops. lower gas prices. road trips to wherever. new possibilities. traveling baby dolls. southern accents. the beach. dr pepper. malibu and pineapple. birthdays. wheat bread. coldplay. washington, dc. camp. sweatpants. chi hair straighteners. down comforters. ballet flats. celebrity sightings. pianos. family togetherness. bright colors. mirrors. air mattresses. good company.

the list goes on.
the specifics--meLissa. erin. molly. jamie. robbie. scott. travis. kristin. kenny. austin. shane. anna. cowart. casey. chris. lindsay. sarah. micah. thad. jon. fletcher. rebecca. will. candace. rusty. jen.

thanks :)


post-Thanksgiving addendum:
compliments. jimmy john's. good conversation. random snowball fights. rookie of the year. the best dressing ever. karaoke. photo shoots and the photos that come from them. nashville, tn. scarves. sharpie fine-point permanent markers. orbit wintergreen gum. journaling. high heels. indianapolis colts football. the sandlot. sitting by the fire. pancake pantry. funny family jokes. hats. seeing old friends. anticipation. good wine. a fantastic night's sleep. new places. jeans. walking barefoot.
joy-
the emotion of great delight
or happiness caused by something
exceptionally good or satisfying.

lately i've been focusing on living a life of joy.
not a life of happiness [the quality or state of being happy; pleasure], but joy.
taking great delight in Someone that is exceptionally good.
taking great delight in Someone that is satisfying.

doing so has definitely caused a change in me.
doing so has allowed me to see through the frustration of daily life.
has enabled me to seek out the vision of Christ in everyday things.
has softened my heart to things.
to people.
to life.

i don't want to be a follower of Christ that is upset with life.
that is upset with how things are going.
that is constantly focused on the negative.
that is complacent.

i want to be a follower of Christ that,
regardless of the situation, says "He knows what He's doing."
that people look at and see Him first.
that finds peace in tough situations.
that takes great delight in what He's done, and is still doing for me.
that is constantly seeking after the One who is much bigger than me.


the Lord delights in those who fear him,
who put their hope in his unfailing love.
psalm 147:11

delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.
psalm 37:4

my heart rejoices in the Lord; in the Lord my horn is lifted high.
my mouth boasts over my enemies, for i delight in your deliverance.
1 sam 2:1

why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satifsy?
listen, listen to me, and eat what is good,
and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.
isaiah 55:2

surely then you will find delight in the Almighty
and lift up your face to God.
job 22:26

that is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses,
in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. for when i am weak,
then i am strong.
2 corinthians 12:10

...he rescued me because he delighted in me.
2 sam 22:20b

direct me in the path of your commands, for there i find delight.
psalm 119:35

no longer will they call you Deserted
or name your land Desolate...
for the Lord will take delight in you.
isaiah 62:4


joy. the emotion of great delight or happiness
caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying.

Come.

come meet us, King Jesus
oh wind of change blow through this temple
for all we have are songs until you come.

awaken what's inside of me
tune my heart to all you are in me
even though you're here
God come.
may the vision of you
be the death of me
and even though you've given everything
Jesus come.

--shane and shane, vision

The Bottom Line

I had the chance to see a great friend from camp last night. I love spending time with him because he is so wise and he's one of those guys that, when you spend time with them, makes you feel a little smarter when you're done.

I heard a familiar passage.
One I'd heard many times before.
But something really struck me about it last night.

Daniel 3 talks about King Nebuchadnezzar building a huge (90 x 9 feet) image of gold that the people were commanded to bow down and worship at the sound of any kind of music. Those that did not immediately fall down and worship would subsequently be thrown into a "blazing furnace" (verse 6).

The passage goes on to say that "all peoples, nations and men of every language fell down and worshiped the image of gold" that had been set up by the king.

Then.
A twist in the story.
Some astrologers come to the king and say what he'd like to hear...you know, kiss up to him. And at the same time, they tattle (yes, tattle) on Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego--all of whom pay no attention to what the king has decreed..."They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up."

Obviously, the king is mad. He calls the three to be brought to him and [once again] commands them to fall down and worship the image of gold when the music is heard...and explains [once more] that if they fail to do so they'll immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.

And then he [King Nebuchadnezzar] says, "Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?"
Pretty bold, huh?

This is where I was struck.
This next part.
Pay attention.
It's good.

"O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." (verses 16-18)

the God we serve is able to save us...
but even if he does not...
we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold...
wow.


The rest of the story is known. The three of them get thrown in the furnace, which is now at seven times hotter than usual. The king sticks around to watch and see what happens to these boys that have defied him so. Looks inside the furnace. Notices FOUR men walking around...unbound and unharmed.

They are immediately called out of the furnace, and it is noted that everyone there saw that "the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair on their heads singed, their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them" (verse 27).

Nebuchadnezzar goes on to praise the God of the three boys. Then decrees that anyone saying anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces..."for no other god can save in this way."


the bottom line is--
i want that kind of faith.
the kind that is bold.
the kind that says, "he can save me from it, but even if he doesn't..."
that is something to believe in.


the God we serve is able to save us...
but even if he does not...

Blessed.

I've had some great conversation lately.
Conversation that has encouraged me to
live a little
laugh a lot more
and to enjoy life [literally] to its fullest.

I am blessed to call you friends.
Thank you.

Things I Like (or Really Like...)--

*traveling
*singing at the top of my lungs
*laughter
*North Face
*the smell of gasoline
*dancing
*Washington, DC
*camp
*Harry Potter
*text messages that make me smile
*journaling
*learning
*listening to music
*creativity
*driving
*autumn
*seeing old friends and meeting new ones
*my favorite girls


*you.

whaaaaat?

so i used to have photos attached to that last blog.
blogspot, why you do me wrong?

plus side, i'm in nashville.
and loving every stinking second.
October (the tenth month, the greatest month of them all) has been a great month, filled with people I love and things that I love to do. And this next week promises to be just as great...so great! I am shaking in my boots just thinking about it.

October, in a nutshell:


I've gotten really good at sending packages and letters out this month. It's something that I used to find tedious and annoying, but the more I find I love people, the more I find out how great it is to send a smile-in-a-box (or in an envelope) their way. As I've grown older, I've realized the importance of showing love to those that may or may not be super close to me in proximity. I have a blast loving on them from afar.


One of the greatest days of the year (October 5th) brought about my jumping in age from 24 to 25. And what a good day it was! I didn't spend it doing anything too spectacular (shopping with mom and brother and dinner with mom, brother, and sister) but I had such a blast hanging out with them that day. It was a great way to ring in 25! I also got loads of phone calls, text messages and emails from people that make my heart happy...so that made the day extra special to me.


The majority of this month (22 days) has been spent substitute teaching (mostly in K-3 grades). And I know you're reading this and thinking, "subbing made your month better? prove it!" Listen. Yes, subbing can often be painful and awkward and at some points you might end up hating yourself for choosing to even take part in the process of education...but when those moments pass, you (I) realize what an absolute necessity educators are and I feel special to be a part of that field now.

And, in case you were wondering, I've encountered my fair share of funny/troubling things while subbing. It really is funny and somewhat scary what comes out of kids' mouths these days. I shudder at times to think about what kids know now versus what I knew and understood back when I was younger. So, these might be "you had to be there" kind of moments, but a little look into the minds of America's youth today:

*Subbing in Kindergarten with one of my all-time favorites (BJ): It was my first day in this particular classroom, and I was up at the desk receiving last-minute instruction. No sooner had the teacher left the room that BJ walked up to the desk where I was and began fervently poking my right arm with his tiny little pointer finger. I asked him his name and he politely obliged by telling me. I asked BJ what he needed, and the following is what transpired:
BJ: I have two secrets to tell you.
Leslie: What are your secrets?
BJ: One (holding up one finger). You look very pretty.
Leslie: Well, than(k you so much!)
BJ: (interrupting me). Two. You are invited to my birthday party in March.
Leslie: Well, that's great! I'll be looking for my invitation in the mail!
BJ: (smiles so sweetly and walks away).

*Subbing, again in Kindergarten with one of my all-time favorite students (Marten) on tap:
Marten walks up to my desk with the messiest/best looking hair I've ever seen. He puts his hand on my knee and says, "Miss Cafee (pronounced Calf-ee), can I tell the class a question (pronounced more like quesshun)?" I stare at him and say, "Well Marten, what is your question?"...we go through this back-and-forth because apparently I'm an adult and that disqualifies me from hearing the question, to which I enlighten him that no one will hear the question unless I do...he finally gives in... --FAST FORWARD (I've heard the "question" and have given Marten permission to tell it to the class)--Marten takes his place in the home living area of the classroom, spreads his arms open wide (think Leo DiCaprio in Titanic) and yells, "ATTENTION!" Obviously kids don't care what he had to say (they were running around like animals), so you won't either...

There are more stories where those came from, but that's enough for now. Needless to say, those situations outnumber the horrible situations, thus making substitute teaching something that I enjoy. And since I'll have my teaching certificate come December 2010, it's good to find that I can actually enjoy and do well at something that I'll be doing for a few years of my life.


Not only have I been having fun at home, but I've gotten to spend a few great days with some ladies I really care about. MeLissa and Erin are fun-loving, beautiful women that really know how to make me laugh and think. I couldn't ask for better trips to Nashville when I get to spend time with them. Nashville isn't ready for what will happen when the three of us are reunited for rizzaaaaal!

(me and Thad outside of Guaymas in Tiburon, CA)

(me and Sarah on Saturday morning modeling Ugly Mug)

Nashville isn't the only Tennessee city I've frequented since I've been home from camp. Just last weekend, I got to make a trip to Memphis, TN to visit Sarah, Thad, Rusty, Jon, Sherryl and Angie. My heart is happy when I'm with them...laughing, acting ridiculous, getting dressed up, eating lots of fatty foods and just loving life. Yet another special group of people to help make October the greatest month of them all!

I'll be spending time with these guys (Coldplay) this weekend in Washington, DC and I couldn't be much happier about it. Add in MeLissa, Erin, Paul, Molly, a few friends I haven't met yet, and maybe maybe! Michael Phelps...and you've got yourself one killer time. This weekend promises major mischief, laughter and antics. I am unable to put into words how excited I am for what will take place.


October. The tenth month. The greatest month.
I love it.
i have called you children,
i have called you son.
what is there to answer if i'm the only one?
morning comes in Paradise,
morning comes in light.
still i must obey,
still i must invite.

if there's anything to say,
if there's anything to do,
if there's any other way,
i'll do anything for you.

i was dressed embarrassment,
i was dressed in wine.
if you had a part of me, will you take your time?
even if i come back, even if i die
is there some idea to replace my life?

like a father to impress,
like a mother's mourning dress,
if you ever make a mess,
i'll do anything for you.

i have called you preacher,
i have called you son.
if you have a father,
or if you haven't one...

i'll do anything for you.
i did everything for you.


--for the widow in Paradise, for the fatherless in Ypsilanti
sufjan stevens, welcome to michigan

exercise your right...

VOTE.
please.


and if you aren't registered to vote, go here to learn how.
the deadline for registering to vote in some states is october 4th.
no calendar in front of you?
that's saturday.
other states (about 35) have a deadline of october 6th.
that is monday.
registering LITERALLY takes less than five minutes.
i know you're thinking hard about it, so here is that link again.

in case you haven't figured out...this election is important.
most people don't even know how they feel about issues today.

read up and learn about issues like:
the economy, health care, global warming,
terrorism, education, war,
government funding of anything and everything,
clean water/air, foreign relations, stem cell research,
abortion, gay marriage.............and the list goes on.

if you don't make your voice heard.
you've wasted your chance.

you only have a few days left.
register.
know where you stand.
vote on november 4th.

vote.
please.

Speak.

O God do not keep silent;
be not quiet, O God,
be not still.

psalm 83:1


it's been a while since i could say i "felt" God move.
i know that i'm being led. but to say that i've "felt" that leading...nah.

today:
something changed.
something sparked.
and i felt it.

i am very encouraged today. and i know and feel that God is at work.

change me.
continue to do Your work in me.
allow me to live a life worthy of Your call.
O God do not keep silent; be not quiet, O God, be not still.
speak.


honest.

i am a fallen human.
lately it's become even more apparent.

i have so much trouble accepting the love, grace and mercy extended to me.
and that's my fault.

i'm constantly doing things that aren't glorifying to God.
and just when i'm down in the darkest pits, i'm reminded of His love for me.

oh how wide, how deep.
mercy washes over me.

by Your blood, i've been set free.

love unending covers me.

--burkhalter

i've been blessed with amazing friends that encourage and love me.
and the past few weekends have been spent with some of those friends.
i am in constant amazement of those people, and their love for the Lord...and others.


i received an email recently that said:

Over the past few months I have realized even moreso what a fallen human I am and how easily I give in to my sinful flesh above the goodness the Lord has to offer me. If you only knew the depth of my sin...
I guess that's just more of an example of God's goodness and my inability to do anything on my own.
But He can use me when I feel useless.



when i read that, i thought, "why can't i be that honest with myself?"

why. can't. i. just. be. honest?
with honesty comes healing.
with healing, acceptance of mercy.
with acceptance of mercy, love.

depth of mercy, can there be, mercy still reserved for me?
can my God, his wrath forbear, me the chief of sinners spare?
oh how wide, how deep. mercy washes over me.
by Your blood i've been set free. love unending covers me.



what's next?

everyone asks:
"so what's next for Leslie?"

great question.

what's next? is that i am in grad school.
what's next? is that i still coach high school cheerleading...during football and basketball season.
what's next? is that i will be visiting friends as much and as often as i can.
what's next? is that i will be working on succeeding at all i do.
what's next? is that i finally realize that i'm in the real world.
what's next? is that i act like the adult i am.
what's next? is that i realize that i can't do it alone.


this summer was one of the most tiring, challenging, encouraging, and rewarding times of my life. after working camp previously, you would think that i would know what it looks like and means to live for Christ...i know that this summer i saw that. i saw, in my staff, a love for Christ that i had never seen before. we had fun, we laughed, and we loved...the Lord and each other. and for that i am blessed.

what's next? is that i quit being selfish with my life.
what's next? is that i really let God in.
what's next? is that He changes me and i never look back.