On Repeat: "Come To Me"

I was on my way home from work a couple of weeks ago and heard the song "Hold Me" on KLOVE.  It was unlike any other Christian song I had heard in a long time. Sort of like Colbie Caillat: a fun, relaxed, catchy song with an artist that had a unique tone.  I found out it was Jamie Grace.  If you haven't heard any of her songs, I highly recommend to look her up.

I heard another one of her songs this morning, and it is stuck in my head. The chorus of the song is a paraphrase of a couple of verses that got me through a lot of tough times during and after college.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." - Matthew 11:28-30

I know I don't say these verses to myself enough when things get hectic and I feel weary from the life's events.  I need to remind myself that Jesus desires me to walk life free of burdens through resting in Him. What truth, grace, and power rest in Him.

Have a great Monday!

Becky and Glenn Get Married!!

On September 10, 2011, my friend Becky got married.  I met Becky the first time we lived in Cary.  We attended the same church, Reedy Creek Baptist Church.  I just found this picture today when I went to my parents' house and thought I'd share it with you.

Becky's birthday from when we were younger.

When my family moved back to Cary, we decided to go to RCBC again, so I got to reconnect with all my friends from the first time we lived here.  I spent all of high school seeing Becky every Sunday morning, Sunday night, Wednesday night and whenever else the youth group would get together.  She has such a sweet, gentle spirit.  We both went our separate ways in college so we lost touch a little, but I am so glad I got to share in her and Glenn's special day and see all my old friends.

Becky looked absolutely radiant.  I could see the love between her and Glenn with every smile she gave him and all the little moments they shared.  I pray that God sharpens them to be more like Him and that through their marriage, others would see God's love, compassion and forgiveness.  Congrats Becky and Glenn!

Sad this is blurry but she looks gorgeous.

Love this picture!

Abby and Mark are perfect for each other.

Love my Mini-me Allison! Beautiful.

Mary Beth!! I love being around her. She makes me smile.

New Experiences

So it's been a while since I posted.  Labor Day weekend, I experienced something I've never done: I went to an urban winery right here in Morrisville.  A couple of my friends and I decided it would be fun to tour Chatham Hill Winery.  For years, I've seen the grape sign while driving down Aviation to get to 40 and always thought, "Well how in the world do they have enough room to have a vineyard right in the middle of RTP?"  As you can see, I have little education about the wine business; I didn't even know the difference between a winery and a vineyard.

We took about a 30 minute tour where I learned that Chatham Hill Winery, established in 1999, was the first North Carolina urban winery.  Did you know that red wine gets its color from the skins of the grapes?  They stomp or press the skins multiple times into the juice so that it stains it.  That's apparently where the extra "health" benefits of red wine come from.  One little factoid I thought I'd share with you. I also learned that French and U.S. wine barrels create different flavors in the wine. I definitely learned a lot.

After the tour, we had a tasting.  They taught us how to properly taste wine.  First, you swirl it to start the oxidation process right before drinking.  Then, in no particularly classy way, you stick your nose in the glass and take a big whiff.  After, you take a small sip so that the wine could touch the variety of taste buds in your mouth.  Apparently, too many people just gulp wine and don't get the full experience and all the different tastes.  Lastly, you another sip and get the full experience of the wine.  They let us try 10 different wines and gave us a sheet with what you should taste and smell with each one and what types of foods would be good with it.  I greatly enjoyed the conversation us ladies had together while sharing this experience.

My lovely friends.

Yep, that explains their personalities. Wish it weren't blurry.

Love spending time with my new friend!

All of us girls. Some of my closest friends.