Being Content

I received a devotional everyday from Proverbs 31 Ministries. I usually end up reading it over lunch break. Today's message really hit home with all that is going on in my life

There’s Always Something I Can Do



29 Dec 2010


Glynnis Whitwer


“Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties.”


– Mark 6:39-40 (NIV)


Worn out. Hungry. Without resources. Needs on every side.That’s what Jesus’ disciples faced at the end of a long day of ministry. Even Jesus was ready for a rest. So He suggested they go by boat to a solitary place. Great idea, right?Well, it didn’t work out that way.


By that point in Jesus’ ministry, people followed Him everywhere.In fact, they were so desperate for His touch, they ran around the lake, and actually got to the other side before Jesus did.


Imagine the disciples’ response seeing all those needy people. I imagine they felt empty.Have you ever felt that way?… exhausted by the demands on you … emotionally bankrupt … at the end of your resources with nothing left to give?


Just when the disciples wanted to curl up and rest, Jesus started to teach to the people. Didn’t He notice they were exhausted?They wanted to do nothing, because that’s all they thought they could do.


The disciples even tried to stop Jesus from teaching, and send the people away so they could do nothing in peace. They said, “This is a remote place …and it’s already very late. Send the people away so they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat” (Mark 6:35b-36).


So not only were the disciples exhausted, they were in a barren place with NO resources. I know what that feels like. There have been times in my life when needs faced me at every turn, circumstances and people thwarted my best efforts, and hope flickered like a weak flame. At those times, “nothing” seemed like all I could do.


On that day when the disciples felt they could not take on one more task, Jesus gave them a biggie. Instead of allowing them to send the people away, Jesus said, “You give them something to eat” (Mark 6:37).


Jesus then asked the disciples to present what food they had. It wasn’t much, but they handed over five loaves of bread and two fish. Then Jesus told the disciples to have the people sit down in groups (v. 39).


While the disciples did that, Jesus thanked God for the food and gave it back to the disciples to pass around. Jesus worked a miracle that day, all the people were fed, and there were 12 baskets of food left.


I’ve read that story many times in my life, but recently something stood out to me. Why did Jesus ask the disciples to have the people sit? And why did they sit in groups?The most obvious answer is that in the face of an overwhelming situation, Jesus knew everybody needed order.


What if there was more than a need for simple order?What if Jesus wanted the disciples to shift their focus away from what they couldn’t do, to what they could do? Then, Jesus did what only He could — He performed a miracle.


The disciples were so focused on their own lack, and how they couldn’t possibly meet the overwhelming needs, they decided to do nothing. Worse than that, they forgot they were standing next to the One who could help.But Jesus put them to work on the practical task right before them, to prepare for the miracle He was about to perform.


As I face hard times in my own life, there is wisdom in this for me. Sometimes, all I think about is what I can’t control. I focus on the problem and the unfairness of the situation. Even though I’ve prayed, confessed my needs and presented my resources to Jesus, I stay focused on what I can’t do.It’s a pretty limited view of the situation.


I somehow forget that I’m standing next to the One who can feed 5,000 people with five loaves and two fish … and have leftovers! Sometimes, instead of doing what God has placed in front of me, I do nothing.


Perhaps, instead of wringing my hands with worry, I need to get busy with what I can control. There’s always something I can do to bring order to my situation.It’s not a distraction technique … it’s an act of faith.Jesus is still in the business of miracles, and I definitely can’t do those.


Dear Lord, forgive me when I focus more on my own limitations rather than Your power.There is nothing too great for You. Help me to turn my thoughts away from what I can’t do, to what You have placed in front of me. I trust You to do the rest. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
 
All the blogs that I follow or read on a daily basis have been posting their New Year's Resolutions. I know I usually always say I'm going to loose weight or eat healthier. This year I'm going a completely different route. It will probably be the hardest resolution thus far in my life. However by doing it I think I will be the happiest I have ever been. My New Years Resolution is to Be Content with the life I have and cast all my worries to God. I know I'm always saying that I want a bigger house or nicer car or thinking my house isn't home since it's not completely decorated. With all that is going on with Jared being out of job and living on one salary I just feel frustrated all the time about my life.
Unfortunately by doing this I am missing all the wonderful things in my life. Jared and I live in a beautiful home in our favorite neighborhood. We have the most precious dog EVER! We both have loving families that have helped us out and supported us more than we could ever imagine. We always have food on the table and clothes and shoes to last forever.
I am blessed beyond belief and I need to realize that the other things will come in God's Time not mine and that I need to cast my worries on him and be content with the life I have now because you never know what tomorrow holds!
 

Christmas Recap

I am officially the worst Christmas Blogger. I managed to not take any pictures over Christmas. My mother who is usually the worst about picture taking was snapping pics like she was the paparazzi. I'll have to steal some from her! Until then here is a brief recap of our Christmas Holiday.

I was very fortunate to be off work Thursday-Sunday. After working a Christmas season in retail I am always grateful for days off during Christmas. Thursday we lounged around and then went to Hope's Christmas Eve Eve Service with Katie and her parents. I think this is definitely getting added to the Franks Family Christmas Traditions. It was truly an amazing service with wonderful music and a great message about the TRUE meaning of CHRISTmas. IT really set the mood for the rest of the weekend. The service concluded with candle lit singing of "Silent Night". I know Jared loved it because that's what his mother used to sing to him every night before bed. I can't say it enough but I really truly enjoy going to church at Hope. I pray that we can become more involved this next year.Afterwards I got to hang out with Jared and Katie and watch the Tigers take on Georgetown. Let's just say I did more socializing than watching the game. I love catching up with Katie G!

Friday we woke up, got ready and headed to the in-laws. It's always a big party. Lots of food and deserts and a little too much alcohol. Once everyone left we opened presents. Our big gift this year was a bike. Jared, Ashlee and I all received mountain bikes to ride on the Green line they opened literally two feet from our backyard. I love that its something Jared and I can do together. I also received some beautiful black and white diamond earring from Ms. Shirley.

Saturday morning we got a late start. I blame that entirely on the alcohol consumption. After breakfast we loaded up our goodies and Mable and headed to my parents. We had a wonderful supper and opened more gifts. We got more than we deserved. I guess we were good this year. The rest of the day was spent lounging and enjoying some much needed family time. It felt so good to sleep in our own bed Saturday night. Let's just say Mable is not a fan of sleeping when she's not at home.

Yesterday Jared and I enjoyed spending the day together. We went to breakfast at Brother Junipers and then picked up a couple of things with our Christmas Money. All in all this was a great Christmas Holiday. It even snowed Saturday and Sunday unfortunately there was no accumulation. :(

One Smart Cookie

Not to toot my own horn but this semester I walked away with two A’s and one B. I know this may not seem like a big deal to most of you but this was my first time taking more than two classes in one semester and working full time. It was a little easier than I thought it would be but that had a lot to do with my professors. So now I only have 7 classes left until I am an official University of Memphis Alumni.

Next semester I’m taking 4 classes luckily three are online. I really cannot wait to graduate and be able to come home and spend time with Jared and Mable! Let’s just say there will be a huge throw down at the Franks House for my graduation! The sad thing about all of this is that I want to go back to school and get another degree once I graduate! Go Figure!

Happy Birthday Sha Sha!!!

Today is my Little Sister's 23rd Birthday. I still can't believe my baby sister is 23. Happy Birthday Shannon! Jared, Mable and I love you so very much!

Here are a couple pictures of Shannon and I from our Wedding Festivities! Isn't she gorgeous!

Christmas Card Pics 2010

Jared and I are fortunate to have a very talented Aunt who is an amazing photographer. Here are a few of the pictures she took today. Keep in mind the temperate was 29 when we took the pictures with a wind chill of 11!

Fill in the Blank....

1. I wish that my Grandmother wasn't so sick and that Jared would find a job soon!
2. Yesterday I was lazy and spent the day hanging out with my two favorite people..Jared and Mable.
3. Today we took Christmas Card pictures with Aunt Pat and I ordered the, at Costco...what a great deal!
4. Tomorrow I'm hoping to turn over a new leaf and wake up on time, go to the gym and also cook dinner!
5. Maybe it won't be as cold tomorrow as it was today...probably won't happen!
6. Someday I want to have children. I think the holidays will be so incredible with my own kids!
7. I love days when I don't have to wake up to an alarm clock!

Thankful Tuesday

This Thanksgiving I have so much to be THANKFUL for. I am blessed to have a wonderful family, an amazing husband, a super cute dog, a great job and also this year I am thankful for a new addition to our extended family!

Let me introduce you to one of the cutest babies ever! Coming in at close second to his big sister Savannah.

Caleb Andrew Conkin

born 11/17/2010

8lb. 11oz.

My Favorite Things Right Now....

I'm more than excited about the cooler temps lately. Fall is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE time of the year! I got married last October so that makes this season even more special!

In following with the fall theme I had to let you all know that I'm addicted to the scents "Autumn" and "Leaves" at Bath and Body Works. Currently I have two Autumn Wallflowers, and Autumn candle and a Leaves Candle. I may have a problem but my house smells amazing!

I also may or may not have purchased this adorable little flower to attach to the visor in my car and it may or may not make my car smell like "Autumn"! :)

Thursday Thoughts

Sorry for the lack of posting lately. Ever since school started I feel like the weeks are just flying by faster than ever. Taking three classes and working full time is pretty tough. I'm counting down the days until Christmas Break.

Yesterday was a rough day in the Franks household. Jared was let go from his job. I know its for the best that he is not working there anymore, it just sucks! He knew things weren't going good and he had been looking for other jobs we just didn't realize it would happen so soon. I know we'll get though this and it will only make us stronger as a couple but like I said before THIS SUCKS! We are very fortunate that I still have my hon and we also have an amazing support system. Just please keep us in your prayers that Jared finds a job sooner than later. He has a couple of things in the works. We are just keeping our fingers crossed that one of them works out. God only gives as much as we can handle!

Enough of the sad stuff! I'm so excited for this weekend. I have the honor of standing next to one of my dearest friends, McKenleigh B. Swain as the marries her "hunka hunka burning love" Michael! I couldn't be happier for the two of them. McKenleigh and I have had our ups and downs through our 8 year friendship but I know no matter what she'll be there for me and I will always be there for her. I love you Lil Sis!

I'm off work tomorrow for the wedding festivities. Instead of a bridal luncheon all of the bridesmaids are getting together for manicures and pedicures. Isn't that the greatest idea ever! Friday night is the Rehearsal and Rehearsal dinner at the Butcher Shop. Then Saturday is the big day!!!

Hope everyone has a great Thursday! Sorry for the lack of pictures. Our computer is hanging out with the Geek Squad at Best Buy.

p.s. Mable is doing great! Today is her 8 month Birthday and she is weighing in at around 76lbs! I just love that little girl so much!!

Updates!!!!

So I guess I felt the need to take the summer off from Blogging. Well I back with lots of updates! this summer has flown by. Between lake trips, cookout, wedding showers and bachelorette parties we've been super busy!

Mable is growing like a weed. She'll be seven months on August 22nd and weighs close to seventy pounds!!! She is such an awesome dog! I don't know what we'd do without her! Here are some recent pictures of her because it wouldn't be a blog post without pics of my baby!

Friday night was super low key. We went out to Jared's parent's house ate dinner and hung out. We discovered that Mable loves Basketball just like her daddy. She's a defensive star. You didn't' hear this from me but she definitely stole the ball from Jared several times! I think if she had thumbs her shooting would improve!

Saturday we woke up and got breakfast from Holiday Ham...YUMMY!!! Then it was off to pick up paint. This weekend I was determined to knock some things off the house "to-do list". One of the most important was to paint the mudroom. I don't know who thought a sea foam green accent wall looked good but I was determined to paint over it!


Here are a couple before pictures....

The lovely accent wall! This picture doesn't really show off how lovely the sea foam green really is.

Here my painting partner. He's pretty cute!

About halfway through my parents stopped by to say hi. Mom helped me finish the trim and Dad hung out with his favorite grand dog! I think its safe to say she might like him too!

Here is the finished product. I love how the room turned out. Now I just need to hang some things on the wall.

Saturday night Jared's parents came to visit and see the room. It was so much fun having both sets of parents come over! They took us to dinner at Swanky's. It was his parent's first time to go but I have a sneaky suspicion they'll want to go back again. It was so good! Anyone who knows me knows that dinner wouldn't be complete without a stop by TCBY. I got a scoop of cookies and cream and it didn't disappoint.

Jared and I were playing around with the camera on the way to dinner. Here is a pic of Jared being goofy.

Ms. Shirley!!!
Mean Face!
Today has been a lazy day for us. We took Mable to the dog park early this morning. She loved it and has been lounging all day long. It's definitely been a family couch day! I finally got up and went to the gym and the grocery store. Now I'm just washing clothes and getting ready for the work week...BOOO!! Is it Friday yet???

xoxo

Kelly

Happy Friday!!!

I hope Mable likes the lake as much as we do!

Esperanza Bonanza

Last night was interesting. I was having a bad day and wasn’t feeling like cooking so Jared and I set out to find something “new” to eat for dinner. I don’t know about ya’ll but whenever Jared and I are driving we always think of new places to eat and make a mental note of it however when the time comes to actually try out the new places we can never remember the restaturants. So we set out on Poplar heading east and ended up at “Humdingers”. Let me just say it was AMAZING. We got the Piri Piri shrimp as an appetizer and it was YUMMY. Jared got the 3 Taco Combo and I got the Greek salad. Everything was great. Humdingers is definitely going to be added to my list of Favorites!

While we’re eating Jimmy’s boss calls and invites him to a BBQ Fest in West Memphis. So we decided what the heck let’s go. We ran home let Mable out, changed and were on our way. Little did we know this “BBQ Fest” was the Esperanza Bonanza! It was like a mini Mid South Fair with a BBQ competition on the side. The only thing I will say is that there was lots of good people watching. Mullets everywhere! I now know that the teenage population of Marion Arkansas keeps Holister in business and I did spot the most interesting Kate Goselin Mullet! I didn’t get my camera out quick enough but let’s just say there were blond spikes and a little mullet ponytail. I just wonder what her hairdresser was thinking when she did that to that poor woman! I felt very classy last night! Ha!

The people we were going to see were a client of Jared’s. They were so nice. They had a blue grass band playing and dirty underwear hanging from the ceiling! (It was staged…I hope!) We ate crawfish and the boys drank some keg beer. All in all it was a fun night! Went to bed a little late and am guzzling coffee as I type! Now I can mark attending the Marion Arkansas Esperanza Bonanza off my bucket list!

Here are a few pics from the night:


The crawfish pile. Not sure if I'll eat them again. It was alot of work!


Jimmy, Jared's Boss and the Crawfish.


The AWESOME Blue Grass Band

It wouldn't be a blog post without some pictures of Sweet Mable. She's 15 weeks old today and weighs a little over 30 lbs. She started puppy school last week and is definitely the teacher's pet. She is very "advanced"! Jared and I are so proud.


This Mable and Mommy snoozing on the living room floor. When she is really tired she snuggles so good!


HELLO EVERYONE!!

Random...

Mable had a date with Daddy today. They went to Chick-Fil-A, visited Mommy at Work, went to the park and played in the clovers. Now she is on her way to get her 12 week shots. I'm really bummed I can't be there but I know she's in good hands.

This is her drinking her "water" after they left the park. I love that Jared and I have iPhones! I get little happies like this all the time and it makes the work day go by quicker! Isn't she the cutest thing!



Happy Friday Everyone!


P.s. I can't believe she is already 12 weeks old and weighed 21.5lbs this past Monday!

Tuesday's Thoughts

* I'm a huge blog slacker. I guess I was just that upset about our loss to Ole Miss in the NIT... Just Kidding, maybe not. We have just been super busy!

*Mable has been sick with "tummy" issues so that's why I'm home now and blogging. Let's just say she has the BEST DAD in the world because I know I would have thrown up if I had to clean up what he cleaned up

* The Vet says she's okay but she can't eat until tonight..Poor Pitiful Mable (She's passed out on the couch next to me now. Oh the life of a Spoiled Rotten Puppy!)

* Needless to say I am sore from all the cleaning and disinfecting I did last night!

* Shark Steam Mops ROCK!!!

*I'm meeting up with all the bridesmaids in McKenleigh's wedding tonight to discuss shower stuff. So excited for her! They also have a contract on their first house in St. Louis! So happy for her and Michael.

* I'm running the Nashville Half-Marathon in 11 days and I have really slacked on Training. Right now my goal is to finish and not pass out! Keep your fingers crossed!

* I made the best breakfast ever this morning! Eggo Whole Grain Waffles, Vanilla Oikos Greek Yogurt, Cinnamon Apples and a sprinkle of Granola...YUMMY! What should I eat for Lunch?

* I think I'm going to start a "Wedding Wednesday" post. I never really blogged about my wedding, rehearsal dinner or showers so I guess I'll start tomorrow!

Later!

On My Way to See the Tigers Play!

That’s right, at 3 p.m. I’m headed to Oxford to watch the Tigers take on Ole Miss! The game is officially SOLD OUT! I cannot wait. Hopefully we’ll pull out a win! Mable is having a babysitter while we are gone. Jared’s Cousin Melissa is coming over after school and watching her. Mable is so excited!

Last night we took Mable to Harbor Town. We had some things to pick up from the old apartment. While Jared took down the drapes I headed out for a 3 mile jog. The weather yesterday was AWESOME! There were so many people at the park. After we loaded up the car we took Mable out to play. We ran into two guys. One had a South African Mastiff and the other had an English Mastiff. The S.A. Mastiff weighed 80lbs and was only 6 months old! The other guy wasn’t sure of his dog’s weight but he said that he was averaging 3-5lb weight gain a WEEK! Holy Moly! Mable just sat in my arms and stared at the two dogs playing. I can’t believe my little Mable will be that big someday! This is her playing on our old coffee table. She loves to get underneath stuff. She better enjoy it no because she won't be able to fit under there forever!



All that playing wore her out!





She ran and played and wore herself out! After the park we headed to Miss Cordelia’s. We wanted to introduce Mable to our favorite “restaurant” on the Island. She loved it! She drew a lot of attention from people walking by. This is completely understandable since she is SOOOO CUTE! Well I better get back to work since I’m leaving early.

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!

How Bout Them Tigers!

Last Night's game was nothing short of amazing! I think it might have been one of my favorite Tiger games of ALL time! I know we didn't make it to the NCAA tournament but last night I couldn't have been more proud of my boys in BLUE!

The game was close the entire time. You could feel the excitement in the Forum! Everyone was on their feet and cheering the whole game! Wesley Witherspoon is the real hero of the game. He is the reason Jared and I are headed to Oxford tomorrow to watch them take on Ole Miss! His last minute shot to win the game was clutch! I've never seen so many Tiger Fans jumping, screaming and cheering! It rocked my face off! Here are some pictures from the game last night. I did get a pic of the scoreboard but I haven't downloaded it yet.





On another wonderful note. Mable slept in her kennel from midnight til 6:30 a.m. when we had to drag her butt out of bed. I love it! Hopefully she got her sleeping genes from her Momma! Jared thinks I'm narcoleptic but I beg to differ. I just really enjoy my sleep!

Happy Wednesday!

Happy St. Patty’s Day Everyone. This is going to be short and sweet! Last night Jared’s parents had us over for dinner and also to introduce Mable to Pacey, their dog. We had homemade burgers and white beans. Not a huge dam of white beans but the burger was AWESOME! Mable loved Pacey but Pacey was a little unsure of her new relative.

I’m so excited because we have tickets for tonight’s Tiger Game. I’ll be sporting my green Tiger shirt! Mable also got a Tiger shirt! You can see it in the picture above. Here are some more pics of my beautiful baby Girl!!!

Aren't her rolls adorable?

This was taken when she got home from her Grandparent's House last night. She was wore out!


GO TIGERS GO!

The Best Weekend EVER!!!

Friday night was a big night in the Franks Family! We picked up our first child, Mable. Mind you, she does have 4 legs and likes to lick a lot but she is our first child none the less! And she is so stinking cute…she gets it from her Mommy! Friday after work we made the trek to Grenada Mississippi to pick little Mable up. It was runny and dreary but that couldn't put a damper on my day. When we arrived we were led to the “Puppy” area. She was in a kennel with her two brothers and let me just tell you she was about 2 inches taller than both of them and her belly was twice the size of both of her brothers. I think we’re going to have a big girl on our hands!

The drive home seemed like it took forever. She did really good but got a little antsy towards the end. The whole way home she nudged herself in between me and the car door. I think she liked the noise from outside. It was the cutest thing ever! I left my camera at work so all of the pics in the post are from Jared’s IPhone. Sorry about the quality!

Here is a pic of us on the way home. Don’t you just love her fleece blanket? They were only $2.99 at Garden Ridge!


Once we arrived home we showed her around her new crib. We joked with her saying that she had won the jackpot. I mean what puppy has a house in High Point, two decent SUV’s, a lake house and a boat???? Ha-ha That night Matt, Matt, and Abbey stopped by to see Mable. She definitely loved all the attention. Everyone finally left around 2 and she slept in her crate from 2:45 to 6:45 a.m. I thought we had something good going. She had another agenda
Saturday morning we woke up, gave her a bath and then a much needed nap with Mom and Dad. Then we hopped in the car, ran some errands and went to visit my friend from work and her Daughter. Mable pretty much slept the whole time. Obviously we weren’t that exciting or maybe it’s the fact that she was only 7 weeks old on Friday and requires a lot of sleep!



Saturday was a big day for Mable she had so many people wanting to come see how cute she was. Her visitors included:

Aunt Dot
Lulu
Jacob
Courtney
Evan
Noah

Then that night we had both our families and extended families over for dinner! Her visitors then were:

My Mom and Dad
Jared’s Mom and Dad
Aunt Judy
Aunt Bet
Aunt Helen
Tom and Martha
Aunt Pat and Uncle Jim
Melissa
Sandy
Lulu came back over with Jacob, Courtney, Hana and Evan





It was so much fun and definitely wore Little Miss Mable out! Once everyone left we went to see Aunt Brittany and Uncle Brett. They had just got home from their honeymoon and we were so happy to see them. We really missed them while they were gone! Mable wanted nothing to do with their Boxer, Copper. It was the first time we heard her growl. We will definitely need to work on socializing her more with other dogs! Finally around midnight we put her in her kennel and she slept til 3. We let her out to do her business and when she came back in she was like a whole new puppy! She was finally playing with her toys and running around. It was the cutest thing ever! We stayed up til 4 playing with our Little Monster!

After her playtime we just figured she would go back to bed. This is where her agenda came in. She cried when we put her up and wanted nothing to do with her kennel. I’m such a pushover. I got her out and put her in the bed with us. She slept til 7!

Sunday was our Lazy day. We tried walking with a leash….fail. So we bought a pink harness and that was very successful. She walked a ½ mile last night! Sunday, Aunt Ashlee came over to see how cute she was and we had a photo shoot of Mable and the bushes. She loves running through them! Brad, Julie and Buckley came by she growled a little at Buckley but it seemed like she was getting used to him.

She loves playing in the Bushes


Sunday night we put her in the bed with us and she slept in two 3 hour increments. I took off work Monday so I didn’t mind at all! Monday was so much fun. We took her to the vet and she weighed in at 13.5 lbs! She has curves in ALL the right places! Then we stopped at Chick Fil A and Pet Smart. We will definitely be signing her up for puppy school. Any help with obedience will definitely be graciously accepted!



Today was the first day that Jared and I both had to get up and go to work and get her up, fed and taken out. Let’s just say we slept through the alarm and I haven’t showered. But we made it to work and she is in the crate and it’s breaking my heart. Luckily we live close enough to work so I can go home for lunch. I can’t wait!



Sorry for the quality of the pictures. They were taken with Jared's iPhone. I left my camera at work all weekend!

Xoxo
Kelly