ENGAGED!

Hello to everyone on Kelsie's blog! This is Melanie, the oldest sister, posting a blog taken from my blog, The Swinson Adventures. Enjoy the beautiful pictures, most of which were taken by the third sister, Stefanie, and join me in congratulating Kelsie and Taylor on starting their new life together!

Taylor proposed to Kelsie. My little sister, Kelsie, is engaged to be married. Taylor asked Kelsie to be his wife. As many ways as I say it, it still sounds crazy! I am so excited for both of them, and I am thankful I was able to be in Alabama to celebrate with them.

Taylor proposed to Kelsie Friday night in Birmingham after the NeedtoBreathe concert at the Alabama Theatre. Once they finish their Knot site, I will post it so you can read the story from their point of view. After Kelsie said yes (of course!), they headed back to my parents' house to tell them, where, unknown to Kelsie, many family and friends were gathered to celebrate with them.

One of Kelsie's friends took a video for us with our flip camera.

The quality isn't the best, but Kelsie's reaction is priceless!

The pictures below are evidence of the celebration. It was great to have everyone there to share in the special, albeit overwhelming, night with them. Thanks, Mom and Dad, for hosting everyone!

Right when Kelsie and Taylor walked into my parents' house.

Can you tell my mom was excited?

The sign we had made for them! We had it in the entry way when they walked in.

Compliments of their friends and Taylor's mom.

The soon-to-be Borders!

Everyone likes the ring!

Kelsie has the sweetest friends!

Kelsie's best friends--Haley, Kelsie, Amy, and Shelly.

Three weddings this summer--Haley, then Shelly, then Kelsie!

The table set up sans bruschetta and L.A. Caviar.

Cute glasses--filled with Dr. Pepper and Coke Zero, of course--from my parents.

Taylor's "little" brother, Brett.

Rockin' the sisters picture.

The Dew Zoo girls and parents.

Are you sure, Taylor? Really sure?

Kelsie with her new in-laws, Leisa and Larry.

We had everyone sign a frame for Kelsie and Taylor.

Kelsie's friend, Haley.

The new MIL, Leisa.

And, in case you couldn't see it in the pictures--the ROCK.

Compliments of Stefanie Dewhurst Photography.

Kelsie and Taylor, we are so excited for the two of you!! This Thanksgiving, we are extra thankful for the two of you, the love you share, and the new life on which you are about to embark! Love you!

Give to Give.

This year the Lord has placed a new definition of giving on my heart. He has challenged me to give so that others will be benefited. The Lord has challenged me to give to adoptive families. Many families are having fundraisers to help raise money to bring home their child. The Lord has really pressed on my heart that these orphans aren't numbers; they are living, breathing, hurting, innocent children without parents.

Here are some blogs with some wonderful ideas for gifts. I have already started shopping and I challenge you to as well :)

http://buildingtheblocks.blogspot.com/2010/11/its-that-time-of-year-again.html

http://mycupoverfloweth.blogspot.com/2010/10/christmas-frenzie-aka-christmas-part-2.html

http://thisdomesticateddiva.blogspot.com/p/shopping-for-cause.html

Generosity.

2 Corinthians 8 & 9 are letters written to churches of Corinth discussing the churches of Macedonia and their generosity.
A little background of the Macedonian churches: They were suffering economically, much more than the Corinthian churches. They were described, as facing "severe affliction" and "extreme poverty" (2 Cor. 8:2). But is also described as having "overflowing joy". The Macedonian churches were the exemplary church in generosity.


I don't know about you but this doesn't really make sense to me. How can a church that is suffering so severely be so generous with the little they have. So why did the Macedonians do something so "out of this world"? Paul says, "They gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will" (v. 5). They did it in service to the Lord. Their sacrifice was to him first and foremost. It was a work of grace, of God working in their lives, and they found themselves happy to do it. Responding to the Holy Spirit in them, they knew and believed and acted as if life is not measured by the abundance of material things. Wow.


I believe we as believers need to realize that we are not the owners of our money. We are merely stewards. God has entrusted us with things so we can distribute them to others. God calls us to love people & use money to do that. Not to love money & use people.


"Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity" (v. 2).

"The point is not simply to meet a temporary need or change a startling statistic; the point is to exalt the flory of Christ as we express the gospel of Christ through the radical generosity of our lives." -Radical:David Platt


Facts:
1. The most unlikely tithers & givers are people under the age of 25, single adults and liberals.
2. More than 1 out of every 4 American Protestants give away no money at all.
3. Jesus talks about money about 25% of the time so it is obviously something he doesn't want us to take lightly.


Lord, my prayer is that you would open my eyes to the needs that surround me. That I would surrender the things of this world and that you would reveal to me things that I can live without for your glory.

War Eagle.

Article by a South Carolina fan on Auburn's Hospitality:

http://www.dailygamecock.com/viewpoints/auburn-hospitality-sets-standards-1.1648337#5

This article made my night-Lets keep it this way Auburn fans!

O and since I was on the topic of Auburn I had to post a few pictures of favorite and the CUTEST auburn fan i know!

A Call To Action [Part II]

{Warning: this will be scattered}
Back in May I blogged about the burden on my heart for orphans. The burden has only grown deeper. And recently my heart has been broken for my city. Birmingham, Alabama. As I had continued reading Radical by David Platt I was stuck on this question, "How many of us are embracing the comforts of suburban America while we turn a deaf ear to inner cities in the need of the gospel?" Wow. Let me just answer this question. Most of us.

All of my conservations lately with the Lord have gone a little something like this: "I realize these burdens, but what can I, a 21-year old girl do?"

I had the opportunity to attend an Orphan Care and Adoption Fellowship last night. The Lord truly showed up. About 30 men and women from all over Birmingham gathered in a living room to each share their hearts and gain much needed support. Each person brought a different story to the table but carried the same burden. Some families had adopted-Some had fostered-S0me just wanted to provide financially & Some wanted to know how to get started. By the time I was supposed to share my heart I knew I was done for. I had told myself to hold it together, but lets just say I didn't the slightest bit. But what an overwhelming feeling to know that every one of those men and women were sharing tears along side of me. Unity.

There are so many little details I am leaving out but left me just say: Our God is good! Many doors were opened. New relationships were formed and exciting opportunities to get on board and serve were presented. All I could do was cry when I was made aware of an City Wide Orphan Care Ministry that is beginning. Wow, the Lord's timing is perfect.

Summer time [Part 2]

This is late but since the fall has now officially started I guess I need to finish up about the rest of my summer :)

We had a blast on our 2nd annual Dewhurst/Swinson camping trip at Elkmont Park.

So glad I got to spend some precious time with my precious niece!

This is rare for the Dewhurst family to be together but we were so thankful to have this time!

Our fourth of July was spent at no other than Lake Wedowee.

A weekend full of good company and food :)

I got a chance to celebrate a special birthday [21] with a special friend. Best friends since 1st grade.

Savannah received a very special gift. She was added to the Wall of Inspiration at Children's hospital along with 50 other children who were nominated by their doctors, nurses, therapists, etc.

I surprised Taylor with tickets to his favorite country artist, Eric Church, and we had a great night!

I was so glad to have all of my friends back home before everyone left again. The older we get the more we cherish these moments.

We had a fun end of the summer/beginning of our senior year of college luau in Auburn the weekend classes started back. I can't express how much I love everyone being in the same place at the same time!

Encouragement.

I don't know about yall but i feel like the best gift i can be given is encouragement. Encouragement that God is working in the lives of others and are proclaiming his goodness to others. Here is an awesome blog post from a sorority sister in Auburn. i hope this encourages you as much as it encouraged me!
http://chasingthecloud.blogspot.com/2010/08/chance-encounters.html

Summer time [Part 1]

So far this summer has been super busy with work and school, but i have managed to have a little bit of fun! Here is an update on what's been going on so far this summer.

Mexican dinner for Chris' going away party! Chris is amazing and will be missed. Kentucky is lucky :)

Got to spend some lovely time with my girls before we all got super busy with summer!

SummerQuest was a long week but was a fantastic one! Joanna found out she was having a BOY this week and we are all so excited!

I was blessed to get to spend my 21st birthday with some amazing friends!

I had to pleasure of attending Sarah Hardekopf and Justin Hefner's wedding on the my birthday. Here is a picture of wonderful friends, including Sarah's beautiful sister and maid-of-honor Katie!

Sarah Hardekopf, one of the most beautiful women on the inside--She was a stunning bride!

Some of my family got to make a quick trip up to Charleston to see my cousins opening of her restaurant Hammett's landing!

The incredible owners of Hammett's Landing. If your ever in Charleston, South Carolina you have to cross on over into Daniel's Island and eat there! It is amazing!

So happy i got to spend some time with my beautiful cousin Tamra.