Sleeping To Dream

Monday night I drove home from Jackson, TN where my entire family plus all of our extended family sat around drinking coffee, opening presents, and munching on fudge. I drove home because I unfortunately had to work the day after Christmas. For the first time in 22 years of life, I had to be somewhere the day after Christmas. Old habits die-hard and I am still waiting for the glorious Christmas Break that must be coming. The month long break of all reality that consists of baking, lying around in my matching Victoria's Secret pajamas (that includes the matching slippers) and watching all 7 seasons of Gilmore Girls. 

The cherry on top of this new working adult life hit me yesterday morning, as I so gracefully hit and ran over my trash can at the end of my drive way. As my neighbors watched, whom I just had said hello to as they took their own trash cans to the edge of their driveway. Nothing says, "Have a great Thursday Shelbs" like trash all in the cul-de-sac. As I ran over my trashcan I couldn't help but be thankful it was the only thing I hit in the past week, as I was a world traveler from Winston-Salem, NC all the way to Jackson, TN. Even without a Christmas Break, I had a great Christmas spent with family & people I love. 

The holidays continue this weekend & I am excited to see old friends, new friends, and my boyfriend to help bring in the New Year. And with the New Year my boss told me on Friday that I would be getting a raise. So there’s that. Maybe this adult life isn’t so bad after all.

-SJP        

Everything's Changed at Christmas

The office has been overflowing with Christie's Cookies, Goo Goo Cluster baskets & an assortment of holiday treats from customers. Life is flying by right now and with Christmas less than a week away, I feel like I may finally be settled in my post grad world. It's different, a big change, but change is not always bad. Sometimes change is hard. Real tough. But sometimes it's just what you need.

The past few weeks have been filled with the ups and downs of life of course but this week is filled with Christmas cheer! Wacky Tacky party in downtown. Matt Wertz concert tonight. Christmas dinner with my favorite ADPi alums. My best friend and I back in action. And to top it all off, I get a weekend in North Carolina with my man.

I am finally getting used to the full time work with the fun mixed in here and there. A big change from college where it's mostly fun with a few serious things mixed in (at least that's how I did college, and I don't regret that one bit). Life has changed in a lot of ways, but instead of living in the past of yester-years memories of what once was, I have now cleaned out my closet to be able to fill it with new adventures in this new stage of life.

-SJP

True Believers

The past four years of my life were spontaneous, yet very routine. This time of year after Thanksgiving in Franklin I would be getting my laundry finished, packing up Jack, going back to school for the last week of classes & final exams before the glorious month long Christmas Break began. But now I am living and breathing office life. And if you know me at all, you will know I have a very unique situation going in the office. But this new working world doesn’t have the extra perks of college such as: Christmas Break, Spring Break, summer vacation or Fall Break. I personally feel that employees could be more productive with these nice breaks but anyways back to reality. 

 This Thanksgiving I still came home for the entire weekend, even though my apartment is only 35 minutes away from my parent’s house, just to make this Thanksgiving feel like the 4 years prior. It really did feel like I was still in college, lounging in big date party t-shirts, leggings & Uggs, that is until all the extended family celebrations. Everyone was asking me how my job was going and what I would like for Christmas. I had to hold back from giving too honest of replies such as: a gift card to Kroger, a gas card, a year of cable or hey, how about I just send you my electric bill next month. Things I took for granted are now are my radar. 

 In the past three months my life has changed in a lot of ways, but not all the changes are less than perfect. In fact the things that matter most to me are falling perfectly together. The three musketeers are back together in full force, taking advantage of every minute we can be together & The start of a new relationship that has been full of adventures, travels and learning how to navigate the distance life has set out before us. 

 Even with what seems like a trying transition, this Thanksgiving I am most thankful for the way life brings people and opportunities to you when you least expect it. You don’t even know how things started, but you know you never want it any other way.

-SJP

The Lion the Beast the Beat

My life these days can be described as one word: transition. Change would not be a fitting word because most of my daily life feels so familiar. I still watch the news every morning as I sip coffee, I still workout everyday, and I still chat with Robyn about my daily dramas. This stage of life is also completely unfamiliar as I try to remember how to put myself out there and make new friends in a familiar city. The past few weeks I have gotten settled in at work and finally settled in to my new little home.

Today I got Internet connected. It was quite an afternoon spent with the cable man. He was right on time and called to give me a 20 minute heads up to make sure I was home and “straighten up, just in case I needed to”. So obviously after this initial call I was intrigued to see who would show up at my home. I have seen one too many Law&Order SVU episodes in my day, so naturally I was scared he would be a scary creepy man. But no, turns out he was just a young guy who had been born in raised in the country. He had a strong accent and was extremely helpful. He didn’t charge me for anything. And I mean, he should have. He crawled under my home, made a new connection to the broken phone jack, gave me a new modem after I fried mine in the first two minutes. He informed me that he usually has to charge $150.00 for the new phone jack, but since “that sucks its so much money and I see you don’t have cable. I don’t either, I don’t get paid enough to do this job and cant afford a luxury like cable”, so he decided not to charge me. He also made sure to tell me when I fill out the customer satisfaction survey to please make sure and put that I was “extremely satisfied, not just satisfied because that is what makes me get a pay raise. And like I said, I need one”. About an hour later he was gone, I have Internet and still have money for gas&groceries. People who are just nice and helpful are a blessing. I enjoyed his genuine approach to his work and his honesty. And this is just one way God has been giving me blessings in the past few days, and I couldn’t be more grateful.

Tonight I went to an event at Cross Point church, where I was greeted with young women and men who are looking for the same things as I am. Fellowship with believers who are dealing with the same struggles and challenges of being a young professional in Nashville. I have prayed that this was the right job for me, in the right city, and I am trusting God will place the right people in my life who I can walk through day to day with. I am grateful for the confirmation I feel from Him tonight, and the peaceful sleep I will get to help me get through another week of life in the work force. 

-SJP

Parachute Heart

For those of you who may have assumed no further postings about the grey&yellow leopard print couch meant that thing did not go well, you are mistaken! It is finished. And still in working condition. The pull out couch still pulls out and folds back in. Robyn is incredible, and has been told by our local upholstery store that if she ever needs a job she has one with them. 

In case you forgot here is the before:

Completely taken apart and blue. ew.

After:

Gray& Yellow Leopard.

My grey&yellow couch is ready, and I am ready to for August 1st to hurry up and get here so I can move into my new apartment in Nashville. 

-SJP

I Like To Be Me When I'm With You

I am officially living for the weekend these days since I have become a working woman. But this past weekend I was living for Sunday night. Folks, dreams came true last night. 

Concert on the Lawn.

I finally saw Drew&Ellie Holcomb sing live. I happen to live in a little neighborhood that has little concerts and events on the weekends, and when I read the email that Ellie Holcomb was coming with a special guest I was thrilled. She brought her whole family and they sang a variety of songs. Only one of their originals, but I was no less loving the night.

Mom and I

I have tried to go to a Drew Holcomb&the Neighbors concert several times and it just hasn't worked out. I may or may not have gotten desperate enough to ask as friend to fly me in his private airplane so I could make a show and be back in time for classes. Apparently that is a little tooo much to ask haha typical me right? I think seeing her and Drew sing together made me want to go to a real concert even more. 

Drew&Ellie

It was magical. And that's all I have to say about that. 

-SJP

Long Monday

Timing is everything. It always amazes me how you can read things, listen to songs, or watch movies in one stage of life, but when you are exposed to it again years later you gain a different understanding or it affects you differently. I watched a movie for the first time since my childhood the other night.

 Dead Poets Society.

Classic movie. It’s up there with Rudy and Hoosiers.

When I was a little girl the most I got out of the Dead Poets Society was a bunch of little kids living on their own and having wild adventures together all day, everyday. I remember thinking why can’t I go to a girls school that is full of sleepovers and an outrageous secret society. (Several years later I realized this was college: Laurel Apartment living and Alpha Delta Pi sorority).

Watching this movie again last night was inspiring. Cheesy. I know. But these boys were shown by their teacher that no dream is too small. Their reality doesn’t have to be their destiny. Go after what you want no matter how unrealistic it may be now.

Robyn Williams says in the movie, “There's a time for daring and there's a time for caution, and a wise man understands which is called for”.

Lately I have been struggling with the reality of adulthood. Trying to be responsible and make a life for my new grown up self is hard and quite challenging when all I want to do is throw caution to the wind and explore new places in Nashville and travel to see old friends I miss. Being practical seems like the “right” thing to do. But is it?

The practicality of life seems to hold people back from the life they want, forcing them to settle into a life that seems to make the most sense. This life shouldn’t be about what makes the most sense. It should be about finding oneself and loving the people we care about and showing others the love that Jesus has for us. Because we all know that His love makes no sense at all.

-SJP

Butterfly Kisses

Today we celebrate fathers. I happen to be a very lucky girl who is blessed to have a wonderful dad. A dad who will put up with all my nonsense, listen to me ramble about problems (which are usually not even worth talking about, much less agonizing over), and make sure I am doing okay in the real world. He says taking a moment to watch the Andy Griffith show because clearly that will relax anyone can solve all moments of stress. I am also so grateful to have a dad who I enjoy spending time with. No matter if that is hunting, hanging out at the pool or watching Seinfeld. On days like today where I celebrate and am reminded of how great my dad is, I can’t help but feel for everyone who isn’t as lucky. Or for those who have lost their fathers. I hope that today they were reminded of all the great times with their dad or other men in their lives who have shaped them and made them the person they are today. Being a father and being a dad mean different things. And Jimmy is the best dad I could ask for.

Jimmy and I spent the day together today. It was like many other days in my life, but little things Jimmy taught me will stay with me for a lifetime and have given me the ultimate example of how a man should treat the women in his life.

daddy.

Happy Father’s day Jimmy.

-SJP (I will always be your great American citizen.)

A Face to Call Home

“Welcome to the first day of the rest of your life” echoed through the hallway by my new boss on my first day of work. I have now officially completed two days of work, and by work I mean work. No training program- just right to business. 

My office. It needs some decorating action immediately.But I kind of love it.

Overwhelmed by more information than my little brain can hold, and trying to keep up while learning the world of logistics has left me exhausted (And its only Tuesday eek) But I am extremely excited to see what the possibilities and opportunities I will have in this company. My boss says to ask as many questions as possible because he knows I am completely unfamiliar with logistics, but I can tell at times I am testing the phrase, “There are not such things as stupid questions”.

 I have already learned that a truck is not “refrigerated” it is temperature controlled.
 A “tote” in the warehouse looks nothing like any tote bag I have ever owned. 

Everything has a three-letter acronym. 
RFP. LTL. 3PL. TTA. TCA. B2C. 

A tractor is not a John Deere. 
The list goes on and on.

I have a LOT to learn but I could not be more thrilled to be working in such a friendly and encouraging atmosphere. Ask me again in a few weeks and the answer may be less enthusiastic when the excitement wears off and the 5:30am wake up call starts to wear on me. BUT for now I am feeling more confident and assured that this was indeed the right place for me. 


-SJP

The Best Day

My mom is the most talented woman in the world. Many will think this is some grand exaggeration, but it is true. She is not only the best mother, she can bake, be a successful businesswoman, but she can sew like a professional.  She also is a self-declared, “joy giver”. If this wasn’t true I would giggle of the ridiculousness but you can’t laugh at the truth. The latest adventure we have embarked on is upholstering a couch for my apartment. While I hang out on the wait list and continually search for apartments, I am living at home. While at home, Robyn and I are preparing all the details and décor. 

Therefore Project Leopard Couch began.

The couch that is involved has now been disassembled into what no longer looks like a couch. We are unsure if it will be able to be put back together, but that unknown element will just be a part of the fun. So far several trips to the fabric store have been made, already facing entertaining encounters with employees who are either intrigued by the project or simply staring at us by the insanity.

The couch has been stripped, patterns have been made, and the leopard print fabric of grey and yellow is ready for the sewing of the cushions and upholstery of the rest.

Typical. Robyn working hard. Jimmy cuddling with Avery.

Here’s to Project Leopard Couch and the next couple of weeks bonding and sewing with Robyn on our great adventure full of crafting and laughter. 

-SJP

The House that Built Me

Pumps. Portfolio. Power Suit.

During the past couple of weeks since I graduated from the University of Tennessee I have been flooded with corporate America. I knew this time would come, but now as it is in my near future (9 Days away to be exact) I have a decision to make. The clock is ticking and a choice needs to be made.

 Two jobs. Two cities. Two roads. Which one to take?

This feels like the biggest decision of my life. I heard the quote a while ago that said, “When you have to make a hard decision, flip a coin. Why? Because when that coin is in the air, you suddenly know what you’re hoping for”.

That is nice in theory but in this moment that doesn’t seem like enough. The battle between the head and the heart continues. The battle between what makes sense on paper and what my emotions want drags on. Pro/Con lists were made, sleepless nights weighing the offers, and restlessness all around. I still managed to feel a sense of how blessed I am to have choices. I am grateful for this hard decision. After days of uneasiness, I think I have finally found that perfect balance between my head and heart.

The reality is nothing will be the same again. I am back in Nashville where nothing is the same as when I left four years ago to embark on my college adventure in Knoxville. And nothing will be the same again in Knoxville now that college is over. Therefore the decision is made. 

-SJP

Wild Ones

I have been home for less than a week and I am restless. I have no idea what to do with myself. After I apply for jobs and career hunt I workout, layout, and the process of cleaning out my room has proved to be overwhelming. My bedroom is in a time warp. My high school years are present everywhere. Old pictures. Old cds. And old clothes. I decided the clothes have got to go because let’s face it, if I haven’t worn it since highschool I don’t need it. And if it’s not as memorable as the duck sweater, it is just taking up space that my current post grad life needs. I am my mothers’ daughter, which means I collect jeans like some people collect coins. Tooo many pairs. As I decided it was time to detox, I kept one of my favorite pairs to make into jorts. A few moments on Pintrest and I was inspired.

Snip, cut, sew. Success.

Final Product.

My new life post college so far is just a waiting game full of interviews and phone calls. But during this waiting game I am going to work my way through Pintrest.

Margarita Pie and jorts down. 

It was delicious.

Thousands of projects to go. Crafting, cooking, and checking out that fitness section (because I’d hate to outgrow these newly created jorts) until my next big break in the world of becoming a working woman. 

-SJP

Call Me, Maybe

The Little Life of a Late Night Drama Queen with a degree. 

And the whirlwind is over.

The past two months have been full of “lasts” and goodbyes.

It has all been so bittersweet because these last few weeks have been so amazing.It is hard and sad to see it all end.

Last Alpha Delta Pi Mixer:

Katy Perry & Sophia Grace before the Pop Culture Mixer.

Last Alpha Delta Pi Formal:

4 Years of Friendship. Love them all. This last formal was my favorite.

I took Britt to my last formal. We had a blast. Danced the night away.

Last Alpha Delta Pi Meeting:

All the seniors at our last meeting.

All of these “last” events led to the grand finale. Graduation Day. The Commencement Ceremony.

I didn't know whether to laugh or cry walking across the stage.

 In my mind this was the end. It’s never getting better than the past four years. But if you looked up commencement in a dictionary you would find:

Noun: the act of instance of a beginning, start

Communication and Information ladies on Graduation morning.

Proud little family.

The past four years have been full of great memories and friendships but on May 10^th at 8:30 am the next stage in my life started. I am still uncertain what this stage will hold or look like, but it’s begun and I refuse to let my life just pass me by. I am going to miss college and the many friends I left behind( it still feels like I am just home for the weekend, so reality may hit me later) and even though I felt like my body had to be pulled out of Knoxville, I am ready to see where I end up. I am so grateful to have had an amazing college experience. When I think about myself as a freshman I see that young girl looking for an adventure, and I am so happy to know that I got exactly what I was looking for at the University of Tennessee. 

-SJP

Why Ya Wanna

Today seemed like any other Sunday. Church with one of my best friends. A little catnap. Work out. Library time. Pretty typical day to catch up on rest and get ready for the next week. The routine of my weeks is making time fly by and springtime is right around the corner. This winter seemed nonexistent and all I want to do is swap out my closet from sweaters to sundresses. There is something about a sundress that is comfortable and easy. And obviously super cute. Some of my favorites that I have spotted this season… while listening to my online class lecture that turns into some online shopping. Hah oops.  

The days in Knoxville of sun can only last for so long, and on Friday the storm came. The storm on Friday made me feel uneasy, anxious, and just unsure of everything. All day long there were tornado warnings and announcements about how we should make our way to the Laurel basement for shelter. Apparently even brooms were standing up by themselves.

Friday afternoon was most certainly the calm before the storm. But with little warning a storm can just sweep the sky and all is windy, blustery and unsettled. This is true in life too. Everything is great until at one moment it’s not. Thursday night everything seemed right. A fun night with friends and long chats about life and goals made me fall asleep with a smile on my little face. But without a moments notice the storm would come. Waking up Friday to news I was not expecting made my heart feel like it was in the middle of a storm. The disappointing news brought mixed emotions, but in the midst of the day, my favorite people surrounded me and everything seemed fine once again. Now that the storm has settled I am not sure what opportunity I will explore next, but all I know for sure is that in the next few weeks I will be prancing around in the sunshine wearing a sundress. And for right now that’s enough.

-SJP

One Short Night

This past Wednesday afternoon after a long day of classes I decided a trip home was just what I needed. I packed up the essentials, put some gas in Jack and off to Nashville I went. It was a sunny afternoon and I LOVE driving with my windows down and favorite artists blaring out of Jack’s speakers. This drive included: Grace Potter, Jake Owen, and Eric Church. Shuffle it all and add some Starbucks, and folks there ya have it, a perfect day. 

Or at least top three for me, but what can I say, I am pretty easily entertained.

It was all going quite well until a little police officer started tailing me, then riding next to me, then tailing me again. Then the moment of truth, flashing lights and parked on I-40 I waited for my ticket. Oh but no speeding ticket in sight. I just had expired tags. Oops. Busy girl. Didn’t notice. Back on the road to Franklin I went and I arrived just in time for dinner.

I had a fun weekend at home with Robyn&Jimmy. I was lucky enough to see Taylor&Klay when he came home from Vegas. It was a nice laidback weekend. Everyone once in a while I just need to be at home again. A reality check of what matters, who matters, and what never will.

Robyn loves to suggest articles to read from the Nashville paper, and this time I took her up on it and read an article about a man who has committed to climbing the stairs of 10 of the world’s tallest buildings. My first thought was simply okay this is a publicity stunt to promote his book about building character and while it is indeed helping him, I was surprised how the message is something a bit more powerful. He says how our life is not made of huge deal breaking moments that change the direction of our life, but instead it’s small everyday choices that get us the life we want. I kind of love this. The goal should be to everyday live and make small choices that are helping us reach the desired goal, rather than waiting for the one moment that will change everything. Just like climbing stairs, its slow, tiring, but if you just keep moving your feet you will reach your goal. Small steps to the top.

I love this because as I am nearing the end of college, every choice that is coming my way seems monumental. But this newspaper article shows how if you don’t wait for your life to happen, but take chances and risks, you will end up at the top. 

Probably be a little winded but with persistence, commitment and a dream maybe anything is possible.

-SJP

My Kind of Crazy

A year ago I was driving my best friends and I to Alpha Delta Pi’s District Leadership Conference. This weekend the day had arrived to venture East once again. But the purpose of this trip was one that my dreams led me on.

My Alpha Delta Pi Pin.

A once in a lifetime opportunity to travel the country for a year. Finally. February 4^th. I could not be more excited to meet the women who I had been speaking with on the phone since December. Two months has gone by since the very first phone call. The time has come to pack up Jack with my matching Vera Bradley, a playlist of my latest favorite music, and my GPS to get me to my destination: Asheville, NC. I had ZERO issues on the way there which for me seemed entirely too good to be true. The afternoon went great. I was able to get ready while chatting with some of my favorite chapter members who also calmed my nerves. The big event flew by and two hours later, the journey home would begin. Hah, if I would have known how it would become quite the adventure I may have stayed the night to slumber party with the girls at the hotel. 

Hey North Carolina.

The beautiful state of North Carolina had just experienced a rockslide. My friend gave me a heads up about this and I thought it would be just an added delay but not a huge ordeal. BUT what is a day in Shelby Payne’s life if there is not something wild and weirdo happening?! 45 minutes down the road to Knoxville, the interstate just stopped. It was blocked off. Pitch black. Pouring rain. And there I was with not a clue what to do. My GPS was no help because the little British accent was just telling me to find a safe place to turn around. So in my panicked state, my first reaction was to follow the car in front of me. I mean, surely they were experienced, well informed drivers and everything would be fine. I was simply hoping I would magically reappear on 40W. Well after about 10 minutes of following this person I was terrified. We were on roads that were not paved, up in the mountains, with no street signs in sight. Having seen one too many Law & Order SVU episodes, I could just imagine these people I was following were leading me deeper and deeper into seclusion to abduct me. They waved at me in the dark to pull up next to their car, I was so desperate to find my way out of the mountains that I slowly approached their car. I have never been happier to see the smiling faces of an older couple that knew I was in need of some guidance. They did their best to guide me back to where the interstate stopped. Almost in tears all I knew to do was phone a friend from the great state of NC for help navigating me to safety and to calm my nerves. Well hours later I was back in Asheville, found the detour and was on my way to Knoxville.

Detours are funny things in life. When you have to take a different path than planned, it is incredibly disappointing and scary. When you can’t get to where you want to be right away, or when you make a mistake that now the best option is plan b, through a completely different place than you wanted to go through it's confusing. But detours are just different ways to get where you want to go. You still end up where you wanted to be, but going straight there was not right or at least at that time. The time that passed while on the detour was preparing the end result exactly how it should be. While preparing the driver to see the end destination in a new way. Timing in life changes everything. Something so perfect at the wrong time isn’t perfect at all.

 Patience to trust the detour is patience to trust that things work out exactly how and when they should. Exactly how the Creator of the detour planned it to get you back where you’re supposed to be, exactly when you are supposed to arrive there.

-SJP

Tiny Light

I think everyone has a dream that is in no way possible for so many reasons. Impossible barriers that would keep you from being able to live out that dream. Well my barriers are simply I can not sing and my musical instrument skills are limited. But by no means has that stopped me from trying.

When I was just a young little blonde thing I loved to put on a show. Give me a bathing suit and cowboy boots and I was unstoppable. My love of music started early and I eventually took on the challenge of learning to play the violin. I am a decent violinist. I love playing. This love of music even led to a few electric bass moments. I dreamed of being a rockstar. An incredibly talented, wild woman who showed the world her skills and passion for music(while looking incredibly trendy and chic).

Karen O

My favorite band in high school was the YeahYeahYeahs. I always gravitated to bands with a strong woman volcalist. And Karen O was no exception. In 2003 the song Maps was released and even though its been almost a decade her voice is still in my head. Its been a longgg time since I have heard a woman share this intense rock, edgy sound. In my opinion no woman has been able to share these qualities in recent years, until now.

The other night a friend insisted on showing me video after video of his favorite music. I say insisted, but that doesn’t mean I was not completely eager to hear music that I had yet to stumble upon. One video stuck out amongst the others because she shared that intense wild voice and wild indie vibes of Karen O.

Grace Potter.

My latest obsession.

She is insanely talented and I am shocked I have not heard her before (except for her little duo with Kenny Chesney. But You&Tequila does not do her justice.But it’s niccce).

Grace Potter.

My Favs:

Tiny Light

Paris

That Phone

Things I Never Needed

Even though not all my childhood dreams are feasible or even what I want anymore, I am glad I can listen to amazing artists like Grace Potter and the Nocturnals.

Listening and dancing all the way to my dreams! 

-SJP

Let it Rain

My world in college has been busy and full of meetings, play dates, and fun times with friends. 

Oh yes, and studying and trying to get a degree. Couldn’t forget that one could I?!

 But the start of a new semester is always interesting. There usually are a few weeks of getting into the “new” normal of what life will look like. But this semester I am no longer holding any leadership positions and I am seriously not sure what to do with my time. My life is pretty ordinary on days even on days when the weirdest things happen to me. But sometimes it seems too predictable. Don’t get me wrong, but on days like today when all I want is an outrageous adventure and the bright sun beating on my skin, the reality of pouring rain and a day of gym,classes, and laundry just doesn’t quite do it for me.

They say when it rains, it pours. Living in Knoxville, TN. It never just rains. It only pours. Today was no exception and it poured all day. Since yesterday was a holiday Alpha Delta Pi’s Monday night meeting was moved to tonight. With the rain causing a blah mood for me and the only thing I wanted to do was cuddle up with a book (lame. I know. I am a nerdy girl at heart). I did not want to get dressed up.made up. just to show up at Panhellenic for meeting. But at the last minute I raced to get ready in my pin attire and made it just in time. I am SO glad I did.

Not only would missing meeting make me look a little bit lazy when I was not there to transition in front of our entire chapter to formally hand over my title as Recruitment Vice President to the lovely new RVP, but I would have missed the new chaplain give her first address to the chapter. She read from a book called, “His Princess” by Sheri Rose Shepherd.

“My Princess, it is never too late to turn to Me, My love. I didn’t start a countdown when I gave you the choice between life and death. There is no time limit on My love for you. I am patient, yet I don’t want you to miss out on any precious time with Me. There is no place you have to go to find Me. Just cry out to Me, and I will come to you. Wherever you’ve gone My grace has followed you. Whatever you’ve done My blood has covered you. Come to me today and I will do more than repair the damage…I will restore what was lost. Someday you will look back on this moment as the turning point that transformed you into the princess I called you to be. Now come to Me, and let’s fall in love all over again.

 –You King who knows no limits”

dancing in the rain.

The transition of new ADPi officers and a new year brought a beautiful reminder that God is there to be my comforter, calling me back to Him always even in the ordinary days when life is just, well life.

-SJP