{five on friday}

five on friday!

You know how I love the random posts, so this one is no exception!

While the whole world is celebrating the fact that it's finally Friday, I have 3 nights of work to look forward to. But that's okay, it'll be over before I know it!

Here goes for my random thoughts of the day.

{1} First and foremost, today is my sweet Daddy's birthday! Happy birthday to my favorite guy. I'm so thankful for a godly influence like him in my life on a daily basis. I don't know what I'd do without his love and support. Especially over the last few months of transitioning to the "real world", he has been my backbone and my encourager, and I hope and pray to find a guy as great as him to call my husband! Love you, Daddy!

cute parents!

{2} I'm gonna need you to go visit Meg's blog. Yes, right this second. Go on, you know you want to. Valentine's Day is right around the corner, and the fabulous Meg at Life of Meg is hosting a fantastic blog gift swap! 

I don't know about you, but I love getting goodies in the mail, and although Valentine's Day is a sore subject with me, I feel like a little chocolate and a gossip mag might make it a little more bearable :) Head over and sign up...you may be my partner, and I can promise you'll get some fab treats!

{3} One of my besties from Ole Miss got to come stay with me last night. Lemme tell you, there is nothing better than girl time with a best friend. I don't think the conversation stopped the whole time she's been here, which is so wonderful to me. I definitely couldn't have made it through the college years without her friendship...annnd we shopped til we dropped, so it's been a perfect day. Purchases that I'm loving? Season 3 AND 4 of How I Met Your Mother, NARS blush AND lipgloss in Orgasm (best color ever), Urban Decay eye-liner in Zero, new Stella McCartney perfume, and this beautiful dress...

{4} I'm about to reveal a deep, dark secret about myself. I'm a little, okay--a lot obsessed with Twilight. Yes, yes...I'm a Twi-hard. I just can't resist. And I know I'm probably the last person on the planet to discuss this, but one of my bffs sent me this last night and I almost fell out of my chair! Sneak peek of Breaking Dawn...

Ohmygosh. I have no words.


{5} Alright, alright...time to get serious for a second. Okay, my sweet followers. I need your prayers. My charge nurse has the flu and won't be at work for the next 3 nights. Which means that yours truly will be the fill-in charge nurse for a 32-bed unit. Talk about intimidating. I'm shaking in my boots! I've done this one night previously, but never for a whole weekend. I've only been a nurse for 6 months, and they're already throwing me out there into the management role. I need your prayers, seriously. I am a natural worrier, and I'm just kinda freaking out about this and what all could go wrong. My sweet grandmother called me this morning and reminded me during one of her infamous phone prayers that the Lord is going before me and I just need to call out to Him in my moments of desperation and trust in His promises. Sweet Mammaw! Be my prayer warriors and lift up a few prayers if you think about it :) Pray for confidence for me, pray that I don't let Satan defeat me and make me feel inadequate, and pray that our nights go smoothly! I just keep reminding myself to take this opportunity and use it to glorify Him. Thank you, Jesus!


Whew. Way to end it on a serious note, huh? 
I hope all of your weekends are just wonderful. I can't wait to hear about your adventures! I've gained a few new followers over the past few days, but I can't find a link to some of your blogs, so lemme know who you are--I would love to come visit your blogs!


Happy Friday, lovelies! 

{so what wednesday}

Guess what. 

It's Wednesday.

And it's time for a little "So what?!"

Woo hoo--get excited.

So what...

...if I'm completely exhausted after finishing a 17-hour shift!? I just made enough extra moolah for a mini-shopping spree in the near future!

...if it's somewhat painful to watch SATC 2!? The first one is amazing enough for the both of them. Love me some Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha!

...if I feel like I'm going to die on Level 2 of the Shred!? Screaming at Jillian during plank jumping jacks is kinda therapeutic. 

...if I had 3 cups of coffee for breakfast?! How else did you expect me to make it through said 17-hour shift without a) slapping someone or b) falling asleep standing up?

...if I hope and pray to have a surgical patient on the floor at work just so I can see Mr. Perfect Surgeon (who looks like a younger McDreamy--I kid you not)?! A girl can dream, right?

...if I calculate a glass of red wine into my daily calories at the beginning of the day?! Gotta plan ahead for some relaxation, friends!

...if my birthday is over 2 months away but I'm already planning a fabulous, amazing trip to another incredible city!? Gotta live while I can, don't you agree? (More details on mystery trip later!)

...if I get super protective when I hear my 13-year old, blonde-haired, blue-eyed precious little brother has a girlfriend?! Come on...no girl is good enough for him. Not a one.

...if I'd rather enjoy my off day by curling up in bed reading all of your ballin' blogs instead of actually being productive around the house!? Your lives are much cooler than housework.

What are you saying "so what?!" to on this wonderful Wednesday?

Link up to Shannon's blog and lemme hear all about it!

Miscellany Monday

I have so many random things to talk about this morning...thank the good Lord above that it's Monday so I have an excuse to be completely off-the-wall. It never fails--Mondays always seem to bring about a chaotic state of mind, so get ready for the miscellany.

Movies, music, makeup, men, and more. Get pumped.

{one} I was in a movie-seeing frenzy this weekend...two movies in three days. Totally unlike me who hardly ever gets a chance to go to the theater. LOVED it! First up was No Strings Attached (which I called "Friends with Benefits" on accident literally all week--no wonder no one knew what I was talking about.) It was pretty good, I must say...cheesy romantic in the end, so you know I loved it--and honestly--I could watch Ashton Kutcher eat a bowl of cereal for two hours and I'd still pay for it. Truth. Saturday night I finally saw Country Strong after itching to see it since it came out. A-ma-zing. I've heard mixed reviews of it, but I seriously loved it. I cried multiple times (maybe because I'm a whimp) and surprisingly loved the music. And seriously--the end...whew, what an ending. Go see it.

{side note: I just Googled "No Strings Attached" to find the movie poster, and N*SYNC's album popped up...hello blast from the past, how I love you.}

{two} You all know I'm a music freak. Well, once I find a song I like, I get seriously attached to it...like to the point of listening to it on repeat until I just can't possibly hear it one more time. The current obsession? "For Love of You" by Audrey Assad. Her voice kinda reminds me of my favorite, Kari Jobe, and her lyrics are incredible. So powerful. Take a listen!

{three} I'm having a love affair with my makeup. It's called 'Well-Rested' from Bare Minerals and it's the only product that I've found thus far that will cover my dreaded dark circles courtesy of the glorious nightshift. It's amazing. You should totally try it.

{four} Oh, the men. It's been a busy weekend with the man-friends. I saw 3 (Yes, 3) of my ex-boyfriends Saturday. Boy, was that fun! I must say--I didn't hate seeing all them with 70 less pounds on this frame. It's definitely fun getting a double-take from the exes, I won't lie. It's a fabulous ego-boost. But the real story I must share...I went to dinner with two of my besties (Alex and Alyssa, my favorite blondes) that were passing through town last night. In the middle of dinner at Julep, this guy gets up from the bar and comes over to our table and says this to me...(and I quote, with God, Alyssa, and Alex as my witnesses) "Ma'am, I'm so sorry to interrupt, but I just had to come over here and tell you that you're one of the prettiest women I've ever seen--I'm sure you've noticed me staring at you the whole time--but I'd love for you to come join me for a drink after you're done eating." And of course, I'm like beet red at this point. I just smiled and told him thanks, but I was with these girls...etc. And he continued to stare the remaining part of dinner. And my friends proceeded to laugh and encourage me to go. Y'all, I am so awkward. I am so not used to getting attention like that from guys. I make myself sound like a loser, which I'm not--I'm just super naive and I don't know how to flirt. I had too many long-term relationships in college to actually get out there and date around, and I was never comfortable in my own skin or confident enough to date, honestly, so I'm a dating dummy. Help! Give me some tips. 

{five} I'm on day 6 of the dreaded Shred with Jillian Michaels. I cheated yesterday and skipped--hey, it was Sunday, I deserved a break, right? Oh.my.gracious--I wish I could tell you how sore I was after the first three days. It hurt me to type. It hurt me to stand up. It hurt me to breathe. All of my athletic friends just kept telling me soreness is proof the exercise is working, but good Lord, I thought my muscles were just going to fall off. I'm gonna tackle level 2 today, so if I don't post for a while, it means I'm too sore to open the computer. And I hate Jillian. But I love the workout. Love/hate. I better get shredded, as she promises!

{six} I love my followers. I haven't said that lately, but I think it constantly, on a daily basis. It makes my heart happy to get on Blogger and have a new follower or a new comment...I promise I read every single one, and I'm getting around to visiting everyone's blogs! I've gotten a few new followers lately that don't have a blog or email attached to their profile, so let me know who you are! I want to visit with you, too :) Leave a comment or shoot me an email! Oh, and when sweet Bailey designed my new look, I also got a blog button! Exciting. So grab it and put it on your profile if you feel so inclined :)

{seven} Lastly, I'll wrap up the randomness with this...I've been kinda obsessed with this Bible verse this week:

 "But he said to me, "My grace is enough for you. When you are weak, my power is made perfect in you." So I am very happy to brag about my weaknesses. Then Christ's power can live in me. For this reason I am happy when I have weaknesses, insults, hard times, sufferings, and all kinds of troubles for Christ. Because when I am weak, then I am truly strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

I know I've posted this before, but it's been on my heart this week. Is it just me or do y'all have weeks where every temptation possible befalls you? I've been clinging to this verse this week. I've been relishing in the fact that I have weaknesses and that I will fall to temptation and struggle with those things, because that is when His power is made known. That is when He triumphs and pulls me out of that temptation. He reminds me that my guilt and shame isn't necessary, because He has wiped my slate clean. It's so hard for me sometimes to remember that I am going to sin, even though I try to have the best of intentions--those never seem to work out. I know we all have those things we struggle with, and this week is going to be a week where I'm determined to be strong and resist the Devil. So I'll keep clinging to this verse and His incredible Power. Thank goodness for that :)

Well, y'all, it's Monday. Make the most of this last full week of January! (Can't believe it's almost February...where is 2011 going?!) 

Wishing and hoping and praying that many blessings and lots of joy are headed your way!

{happy one year!}

Happy One Year Anniversary to my blog!

I cannot believe it's already been a year since I started this little piece of my life.

One year of thoughts. One year of laughs. One year of wishes, hopes, and dreams. 

One year of sharing my heart with all of the world to read.

It has been such a blessing. 

It's my therapy, how I vent, and how I truly express myself.

I am so thankful for all 226 of you that have chosen to come along on the ride with me. 

By the way...226 followers? I never imagined more than 5 people would care to read what I write! Absolutely amazes me and makes my heart happy.

I have made some amazing friends through this blog community, and I'm blessed by each and every one of you! You make me laugh, you entertain me, and you encourage me to be a better woman in Christ. For that, I will always be thankful.

Here's to many more years from Simple Little Joys...I hope you all stick around to see what's coming up next. I can just feel that 2011 is going to be a year of blessings :)

{a beautiful spirit}

What do you do to get ready in the morning??


A woman's daily ritual of getting "beautiful" is intense and methodical. It perplexes me. I do the same thing, day in and day out to get ready, without even realizing the pattern that I take. I shower, lather up with my favorite scent, wash my hair with the best shampoos for the most "luxurious curls", shave for smooth legs, exfoliate, and rinse. I coat my hair with gel or mousse to "tame the frizz," and blow dry for approximately 23 minutes. Yes, it takes my hair that long to dry. Depending on the day, I may straighten the mane, which takes even longer. I then sit down with my lighted makeup mirror and begin the makeup process. Skin "revver-upper" first, concealer for the lovely dark circles, then I swirl, tap, and buff my powder. Blush is next, then the shadowing of the eye. Next comes eye-liner, then the gazillion coats of Dior mascara. Finally, the lip gloss is applied.

Done.

Not quite.

Then comes the lotion, the deodorant, the dressing, the jewelry,
brushing the teeth, then the perfume.  

Ready finally.

Unfortunately, no. What about all of the other preparations that go into making our outsides beautiful? The hours at the gym (that place I hate so much)? The money spent on the gym memberships? The haircuts, eye-brow tweezing, the spa treatments, the shopping trips for the perfect outfit. The undergarments, the shoes, the accessories. Are you exhausted yet? Because I am, just from typing it. 

What is our preoccupation with perfecting the outside? Why is the world so infatuated with the outward appearance? It is bizarre to me how can we spend so much time on our image and how we look to others when most of us don't bother to spend time on the things that really matter. 

Like having a beautiful spirit.

"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight." 1 Peter 3:3-4

God put this on my heart this morning. What am I doing to beautify my soul? What time and energy am I putting into having patience, love, joy, peace, gentleness, kindness, and self-control? Am I focusing my efforts into the things that really matter? Or am I just obsessing over the worldly, vain characteristics that won't get me anywhere in the end? I'm guilty, for sure. Guilty of wanting to be beautiful and going to all ends to make that happen. Guilty of worrying too much about what others think about me. Guilty of obsessing over these extra 14 pounds that I can't seem to get rid of. And for what reason? To please the world. But am I pleasing my Father? 


"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is vain;
   but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised." Proverbs 31:30


The new year is all about resolutions, promises, pledges. Everywhere you look, every blog you read, many conversations you hear--they all center around what people are doing to change in 2011. Change is good, don't get me wrong. But are we putting enough emphasis on changing the right things? I say every year that I'm not going to make a resolution, because it only sets me up for failure...but this year is going to be different, I've decided. 


My resolution this year is to work on having a beautiful spirit. Making my heart pleasing in the Lord's sight. Having compassion on those less fortunate than I am. Showing love to others around me. Serving others before myself. Being selfless in my actions. Glorifying the Lord with my thoughts, words, and motions. Having faith in every situation. Being willing to follow where God leads. Handing my worries over to Him daily. Having a gentle manner. 


Beauty on the outside matters nothing if the soul doesn't reflect it, too. 


"As water reflects a face, so a woman's heart reflects the woman." Proverbs 27:19

{inspired thoughts}

"If I find in myself a desire which 

no experience in this world can satisfy, 

the most probable explanation is 

that I was made for another world." -C.S. Lewis

"I pray because I can't help myself. 

I pray because I'm helpless. 

I pray because the need flows out of me

 all the time- waking and sleeping. 

It doesn't change God- it changes me." 

— C.S. Lewis

"The Christian does not think God 

will love us because we are good, 

but that God will make us good 

because He loves us." -C.S. Lewis

{happy birthday Nelson}

 I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. 
1 Samuel 1:27

I can't quit smiling. 

Baby Nelson made his entrance into the world last night at 5:23 pm :)

I'm officially an "aunt" and I'm already wrapped around his precious little finger!

I am so excited for Reid and Lindsey--they're going to be the best parents.

Lindsey and I have been friends since we were little girls, and have talked about this event so many times over the years, so needless to say I am overjoyed and thrilled for her and her hubby! Love you Loofa!

Nelson Ayers Kelly

 7 lbs 4 oz

 19 1/2 inches long

 He's perfect...

...and absolutely precious.

The happy, beautiful family!

 He wasn't happy with me at first...

 ...still not so sure...

...but then he realized he loved me. Duh. 

I didn't have enough time to love on him as much as I wanted to, so I can't wait to go back to Oxford and cover him in kisses! He is going to be so spoiled, and I'm loving every second of it!

It's Friday...woo hoo! Oh wait--I get to work all weekend. 

Hope your weekends are a little more enjoyable than mine will be :)

Can't wait to hear all about them!

P.S. I am loving my new classic and simple blog design! What do y'all think, sweet followers? Thanks to Bailey at B's Blog Boutique. She is wonderful and amazing and oh-so-talented...I could go on and on about how fabulous she is! Go check her out, y'all!

{safe in His arms}

There is constantly a song stuck in my head. All day every day. It's like my own personal iPod wherever I am, and I like it that way because it's what I've grown accustomed to. I especially like it when it happens to be a Christian song, which is more often than not--thanks to listening to KLove constantly! I know this is a little way God reaches out to me to remind me He is there in all moments.
The song of choice over the past few days has been "Safe" by Phil Wickham. 


Pretty please go listen, real quick.

Today is one of those days when I need to be reminded who is holding my future. Under the weather and a bit discouraged with circumstances, I find my Peace knowing that "the hands that hold the world are holding my heart." He reminds me in these moments that joy and peace comes from within, from Him, and not from what's going on around me.


A new year. 2011. A fresh start. My word for this year is faithful. In all things, I want to be faithful to my Father. I want to put aside the Earthly things and desires and take up His cross daily. I know this is going to be a daily struggle, and that I will fail at it daily, but luckily, my Savior is one of mercy and grace, and He forgives me for my faults, looks past them, and loves me just the same. I long to let go of my worries and put my faith in Him, because I know that if I trust Him in all things, He will be faithful, because that's what He has promised to us, those who love Him, and those He calls His children. What a blessing! 


"You will be safe in His arms
You will be safe in His arms
'Cause the hands that hold the world are holding your heart
This is the promise He made
He will be with You always
When everything is falling apart
You will be safe in His arms"
-Safe by Phil Wickham


Happy Tuesday, my loves. 

{so what wednesday}

...So what if I've already started my countdown for Christmas 2011? My house looks so bland without all the lights and sparkle--353 days, to be exact.

...So what if I watched the Biggest Loser last night while eating a bowl of ice cream? My throat is sore--it's my "medicine," duh.

...So what if I woke up at 6 am because I'm so excited my mom and grandmother are coming to see me today? I'm a little kid at heart.

...So what if I'm a nurse that refuses to go to the doctor when sick? I avoid hospitals/doctors on my days off.

...So what if I imagine my butt looks like Kim Kardashian's? One day it will!

...So what if I live for my days off? That's the only way I'll keep my sanity.

...So what if I spent most of my Christmas money on a gorgeous new coffee table? Ohhh, the glamorous life of a grown-up.

...So what if I just had to throw out some leftover pizza just so I wouldn't devour it? My self-control is lacking today.

...So what if my neighbor crush lives with his parents? He's just saving up for our mansion and honeymoon to Greece, right?

...So what if my NYE kiss and I are both sick at the same time? Just a coincidence, of course.

...So what if I still have slumber parties with my besties at the age of 22? We still gotta have our cookie dough and movie marathon nights!

What are YOU saying "so what" to today?? 

Go visit Shannon's blog and join in on the hilarity!

{miscellany monday}

It's Monday. Monday=miscellany. You all should expect that by now! And I just got off work, so this post is sure to be extra random this sunny morning. Lucky you :)

{5...4...3...2...1}

It's 2011 now, just in case you live under a rock. 2 of my very best friends and I (+ some of our other fabulous amigos) rang in the new year in style. Our night started off with a tornado warning, a bottle of wine, and all of us piled in the bathroom. Thankfully, the tornado missed us by about a mile. We then proceeded to dinner and then to the bar. I provided quite the entertainment for our group, but we're not gonna go into details on that one :) Memories were made and fun was had. Happy New Year, btw.

Roomie/bff Taylor and me

Lindsey, Tay, me, and Haley

Old roomie/bff/favorite, Haley and me

Two of my besties

My "fake date"

{guilty pleasure}

My favorite guilty pleasure TV show is coming back on tonight....Pretty Little Liars. Yes, I watch it. And yes, I enjoy it. Don't judge me. Although I can't imagine how they're gonna drag this story line out for another season, I'm pretty pumped to watch the drama anyway. Maybe we'll finally figure out what happened to A! Any of y'all have TV shows you hate to admit that you love? I know you do, don't deny it.

{arm and a leg}

That's what I'd give to be at Passion 2011 right now. About 26,000 young people are gathered in Atlanta right now and I am so sad I'm not there. Unfortunately work got in the way, but I know God is doing a powerful, incredible work in ATL as we speak. Lucky for me--they've been streaming some of the sessions online, so I got to watch a little of Beth Moore and Louie Giglio last night while I was working (yes, having a little worship was more important than work for a few minutes.) I've been on my knees praying for God's presence in that place, stirring the hearts of our generation to rise up and stand for what we believe in. I know God is going to start a revolution in their hearts, and I can't wait to see the incredible things that come from this conference!

{fallen off the bandwagon}

I haven't been so good with my eating lately. I've only gained a pound (or maybe two but who's counting?) but I know I've gotta get a handle on it again! I've had company at my house all weekend, and it's so hard to be good when no one else has any desire to! Well--all of that changes today. I officially have the Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred in my possession and I'm starting it this afternoon. Anyone done this workout and have any advice for me? I'm prepared for her to kick my you-know-what, but I swear, I can feel her watching me from across the room. Hoping and praying that this will jump start me and get me back on track! If anyone can do it, Jillian can.

Terrified. JMichaels scares me. 

{total inspiration}

I just finished reading Choosing to SEE by Mary Beth Chapman. Y'all--oh.my.goodness. One of the saddest, most heart-breaking, yet encouraging and powerful books I have ever read. I boo-hoo'ed my way through it in a little under one day--literally could NOT put it down. In case you don't know any background, this is Steven Curtis Chapman's wife, and it's the story and testimony of her life, leading all the way up to her daughter's death. So incredible. This story was so dark, yet so uplifting, and really made me realize how God works through our brokenness; how He takes those terrible, heart-breaking moments in our lives and builds them into something beautiful and powerful to change us from the inside out. Our Heavenly Father never ceases to amaze me. Go read this, puh-lease. If you don't want to buy a copy, I'll for real send you mine to read. So worth it.

That's about all of the miscellany I can muster up on this Monday morning. And yet again, I'm behind on reading my blogs (worked Sat and Sun night) but I promise I'll catch up today. I've been reading all of your sweet comments, and they each mean the world to me! I have the most fabulous blog friends :)


Happy Monday, pretties! Fresh start to the week--make it count :)


Jesus said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28