I am another one to fall victim to the flu bug in Tennessee. I know most of the country is getting hit hard with it, but TN's numbers are through the roof. Our county's school district even closed for 4 days because of it.

I got a lot of rest yesterday and am continuing to rest through today and tomorrow. Feeling better already so hopefully by Monday I'll be back in action and ready to go!

Happy Valentine's Day to my honey :-) I love you!

Sorry for the lack of posting! Jordan and I have been quite busy lately....at least busy enough not to be able to take time out to post. I am trying to figure out what would be the most interesting thing to post, and I'm honestly not sure. Sometimes I don't think my life is really that interesting to other people...don't get me wrong, it sure is to me. I love my life, but anyway....I think you get the point.

I am really enjoying a book my sister in law, Erin gave me at Christmas. It's called "Having a Mary Spirit" by Joanna Wagner, and I am really enjoying it. It deals with many things that we all deal with, but specifically women and just the performance mentality, comparisons, lack of self-worth, etc....and is a wonderful and refreshing book. God is really using it to refresh me in a beautiful way. I'll let you know when I'm finished.

Speaking of books, the first book I read this year was "Driven by Eternity" by John Bevere. INCREDIBLE! I recommend this book to ANYONE. It rocked my perspective and my thinking and helps us get in the right mindset about our assignments from God. If you are looking for a good book to read- get this one. I promise you won't be disappointed. I'm really enjoying the application each of these books provides for my life. I love to read, and always have, but as I get older what matters most is that I am truly able to apply the things I've read, which I know is God's heart for all of us: to be "lifelong learners."

Well, I could go on and on, but I digress....

Have a wonderful day. We're getting some small flurries here in TN!

I finally did it! I'm so excited. We have finally ordered blinds for our entire house! After price shopping and finding the VERY BEST DEALS out there- it's done. Well, almost....I ordered a couple of samples of the woven wooden shades I want to get, because I want to check the color of those, but other than those two windows, the rest is done!

No more paper blinds :-) WOOHOO!

What a weekend! Wow! Let me try to rundown the recap:

Thursday: Collin James Corley was born! After trying for a few years, Roger & Maria Corley got pregnant in the spring of 2007 and 9 months later, a beautiful baby boy was born. I can't wait to meet him and I hear mom & dad are doing great!


Friday was my birthday, and Jordan woke me up bright and early (about 30 minutes before I had "scheduled" myself to get up, and we had a wonderful breakfast at Cracker Barrel. :-) I love my husband! We worked that day and then took off for our "Tea Extravaganza"

Our plan was to stop by Tea Time off 12th Avenue, but alas- we pulled up and it had closed at 5:00 instead of 6:00! SO sad! :-( It ended up great though- because we went instead to Portland Brew and had a great cup of Green Tea and a fresh-right-out-of-the-oven Everything Cookie! From there we went to Teavana in Green Hills and I got some Apple Lemon Pomegranate, Japanese Wild Cherry, Rooibos Sweet Amore and a new one (for me) Rooibos Caramel, which is WONDERFUL with the Mate Vana. We also picked up a few teas for mom, and got a cup of Rooibos Tropica with Sweet Lily White. MMMM....

We then went to eat at Chile's in Cool Springs and treated ourselves to the Queso- which I LOVE but NEVER get...it's so bad yet so good :-)!! We split some yummy mushroom-jack fajitas and then headed home and discussed what movie to rent on the way home. We ended up with "Stranger than Fiction" which was GREAT! We had heard mixed reviews but ended up REALLY liking it. If you didn't get the chance to see it, it's definitely worth the watch.

Saturday I was up and out and at NS Cool Springs by 9:00 for "Alabaster Heart" rehearsal. This is a live recording project that New Song is doing the last week in February that I am a part of. (If you're in the Nashville area: check it out 6pm on the 23rd or 10am on the 24th) I then went to help Trish move! Her new condo is BEAUTIFUL and very Trish-y! (That's a good thing)

Yesterday (Sunday) we had service in Spring Hill. Kyle Cooper led worship with our brand new sound system. It sounded great and the presence of God was strong during worship! It was an AMAZING service and the teaching was incredible. We are talking about a New Way, and a New Day and there are many things the Lord is showing me and doing in my life!

Mom, Dad, Ferris, Robby, Grandma Bertie, and of course, Jphen, Jordan and I all had lunch at my house. I am so thankful for modern appliances. I used the crock pot to cook the roast, the bread machine to make a loaf of fresh bread, my oven to set the delay so the potatoes were perfect and ready for us when we got home after church. It was great!

THEN- the amazing happened. The GIANTS WON THE SUPER BOWL! Everyone in America already knows this and was hopefully watching the game, so I won't go into great detail. All I can say is I am still in a bit of shock, but it's wonderful and even though I do feel a little bad for some of the Patriots- can't imagine how they feel, I am thrilled that Peyton is happy :-) It's all any true Colts fan can wish for in some twisted sort of way. haha!

I'm looking forward to a full, wonderful, productive and exciting week! Blessings to you all!


Oh- and if you're still reading after that novel- check out the song on the right under "What I'm currently listening to" It's one of the ones we are recording for the Live project....and I LOVE it!

Okay, so I haven't been a big fan of You Tube in the past, but this is too cute. My friend Marianne told me she thought her husband had put their daughter's recent violin recital performance on there, and we found it easily this morning. How fun! We love you Jayda :-)

Sorry I haven't posted in a week. There's been a lot going on and I haven't had the brain capacity to stop for a moment to post. I apologize! :0)

We had a WONDERFUL retreat for the Spring Hill youth this past weekend, and I am SO proud of my husband and all of his hard work and how well everything went. We had lots of junior & high school aged students and had an incredible weekend.

It's been nice and cold here in TN, but I am not complaining because I still think it's weird we hardly ever get snow here, so I love the cold weather!

Things have been exploding at New Song Spring Hill. We've almost doubled in size in 3 weeks and we are so excited about what God is doing down here. It's an exciting time for sure!

Super Bowl is this weekend, but I think it's going to be one of the most boring Super Bowls in a while. I hope I'm wrong, but my expectations aren't high. Eli Manning + the Super Bowl is just weird. I am always happy to watch football though.

We have a live recording coming up at New Song. It's called "Alabaster Heart" and it's scheduled to be Saturday February 16th and 17th. It's going to be a lot of work, but it will be pretty amazing. I'm excited about it.

That's my rundown for right now. SO much more I could say but I'm all outta time.

Good morning. It's rainy and wet here in Tennesssee. We just got through a super cold weekend. And when I say cold, I mean COLD. Of course, watching that Green Bay game Sunday night, guess I really can't complain. By the end of the game it was an actual -4 degrees with a wind chill of -24. WHAT?!

Jordan and I had a great weekend, although he's feeling under the weather now. I've been trying to make sure he gets as much rest as possible, we have a youth in-town retreat this weekend so he needs ALL his energy.

We are doing well- more updates later. Check out the Alicia Keys song on the right. I've been diggin' this album. Jordan got it for Christmas, but I get to enjoy it too :-)

I pray you are filled today with the peace and joy of the Lord! Blessings,

I really cannot even begin to put into words what I want to write about today. Today, as many of you know, is Jordan's birthday! Jordan and I have been married 2 &3/4 years (that's an approximation) and it has been nothing short of amazing.

We all know Jordan in different ways, some as a son, brother, neighbor, youth leader, friend, counselor, nephew, grandchild, confidant, and many, many more! But one of the things I love most about Jordan is his consistency! He has a wonderful sense of humor, never missing an opportunity to laugh, even if it's at himself.

Jordan: you are greatly cherished, admired, celebrated and loved! I truly believe this will be the best year that you've lived, and your impact on others will be more far-reaching than it has been the past 25 years combined.

I love you with all my heart.

And now I present, "The many activities of Jordan Michael Roe"

Ode to the Colts:
by Bethany Roe

From the very first kick, to that very last throw
We've supported you all the way.
We cheered when you won, and cried when you lost
On that horrible November day.

Hopeful awaiting, Marvin's return,
but quickly he fumbled and fell.
Alas it's the tale of a season that's through,
And mine is a sad one to tell.

Here we are dreading, Dungy's farewell
to a land of far warmer fare.
Will the team be the same and regroup to reclaim
Their title from Patriot care?

Although ending much differently than we would like
We can with confidence say:
"Colts, we are proud of your coach and your team,
And look forward to opening day!"

What a wonderful morning! Jordan and I just LOVE our Saturday mornings. Last night we went to Independance High to see them perform "The Sound of Music," and ran into Julie & Tisha and Natalie Holcomb. It was fun and we spent some time afterwards at Saxby's hanging with Brandon and Kelly. After an excellent (and I do mean excellent) night of sleep, we woke up and made a run to meet the Gees to get the Kroger card and pick up a few things at Kroger. I made Bran Muffins, eggs with red onion and pepper, and turkey sausage for breakfast, along with the delish Tanzanian Peaberry coffee we got at Saxby's last week. Mmmm,Mmmm. I'm about to sit down to do some reading and just chill! Love it! On the deck for today: Student Intern Graduation at 2, Merge tonight, church in the morning and time with Ferris & Robby in the afternoon...wohoo! (Of course we gotta catch some football, too!) I start getting so sad this time of year knowing that each wonderful game I see is one step closer to the last one for a good 6-7 months. Ahhh..I hate it! Oh well.

GO COLTS! LT's got NUTHIN' on you!

Just got back from an amazing evening. A family who is a fairly new one to Jordan and me, but already dear to our hearts, has experienced a very big loss. Marcy Hayes, wife of Mark and mother of Hank (7) and Isaac (almost 2) passed away on Sunday afternoon after battling cervical cancer for three years.

My mind is still spinning with events of today, and my heart rejoicing for the way in which God was glorified, so I don't feel like writing much, only to say: it is incredible to see already the fruits of someone's life the way I've seen tonight. And it's amazing and simply miraculous to see a husband walking in the kind of peace, love and joy as Mark Hayes is walking in. I TREASURE the days and many memories ahead of us with this precious family.

May God be glorified through my life even a small bit of how He has been glorified through Marcy's death.

He truly is King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

I don't have time for a full post and update of our weekend, lots going on right now....so I give you a song for your listening pleasure. AMAZING song and AMAZING writer:

I'm adding a new element to my blog...that's right folks...very tech-savvy! I added a "What I'm currently listening to" section over on the right side next to the links. Check it out to hear an amazing Lifehouse song from their latest album. Really neat lyrics...

We've got a new look for 2008! Here we are, 2nd day of the new year, and what a year it's going to be. I am extremely excited for this year. I truly believe that it will be a BIG year in terms of what God wants to do in our city, in our neighborhood, in relationships, physically, in families, and many, many more. I am full of expectancy as we enter January. God is moved by our faith- so what are you believing for? Are there things that God is stirring in your heart, things you've wished or hoped for? God puts desires in our hearts and as our hearts are continuously more aligned with His, our desires become His and we see His will accomplished in and through our lives. I'm expecting to hear great things from all of you and excited to begin this new season!

We are back to work today. It's actually kind of nice to be back to work and get back to some stucture. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the time off, but anyway......you get the point.

We've had a great Christmas vacation thus far. I say thus far because we still have a nice low-key weekend in store and New Year's day off on Tuesday. We had a great trip to Florida, and have had some wonderful times with my family.

We arrived back in TN and headed straight down for our Christmas Eve service in Spring Hill, which turned out wonderfully! We spent Christmas Eve night and Christmas night at my parent's house in Brentwood and had so much fun hanging out, eating, watching movies, playing games and just chillin' all day. I don't even know if any of us left the house all day :-) Oh wait- yes we did, we went to see Mark & Marcie Hayes in Spring Hill for a little while as a family.

The last few days have also been wonderful- did a little shopping for Christmas wrapping for next year and things like that. Last night we had a wonderful dinner at Carrabba's and played a rousing game of "Boxers or Briefs." Tonight we are throwing a birthday party for Jordan Fenton, the guy who lives with us, as his 20th birthday was the 26th. I will soon have some more pictures to upload for you all to see, but for now- Happy Friday!

Pictures from Christmas 2007: Part 1

We are loving our time in Florida. We've been doing a little work, a little play and enjoying the beautiful weather! Here's the rundown:



Tuesday: arrived late afternoon and went to the office for a Sales meeting. That evening, we ate at a beautiful restaurant called Brio at Waterside shops and watched the finale of Biggest Loser at Hope & Steve's.



Wednesday: we worked, and then got to see the Chalkers: Caity, Will & Auntie Anne, and meet Dick (Auntie Anne's boyfriend) over dinner at Hope & Steve's: DELISH Salmon...my fave! We chatted and enjoyed the time together

Thursday: We worked during the day and were treated to dinner that evening (by Dick-thank you!) in downtown Naples at Cambiello's (probably butchering that spelling) Long, late night, but fun.

Friday: Hope took me to Ft. Myers to purchase a couple very small last minute things that could only be found there and of course had to make a quick trip to Teavana where I literally begged the guy there to make me some tea. (they had a sign posted saying their beverage service wasn't available due to holiday traffic...that did NOT work for me) I left with a wonderful cup of Mango Green...mmm.mmmmm. Afterwards, she dropped me off at the office where Kate, Matt and I were the only ones for the afternoon and got slammed!!! It was fun, though very busy and the afternoon flew by as we all worked as late as we could before heading to the office Christmas party. We had a great time at olde Cypress Club for the office Christmas party that evening.

Saturday: this was our "Christmas Day" and we started out by playing Hope & Steve in tennis (and beating them- I might add) then Dan, Erin & Grandpa came over for gifts, stockings, and yummy breakfast. I satisifed the request made of me to make Bertie's biscuits again....My favorite gift of the day: the red gloves from What's in Store!! SO FUN (they are in the picture at the top of the blog) I am still up far too late right now (that little bit of caffeine in the green tea I drank must be kicking in) am about to go to bed but I needed to set my Fantasy team for the LAST time- it's our Superbowl this weekend, and yes folks..I am in it :-)

Tomorrow is our final day before we head back to TN. We will be going to church with Erin & Dan, and just spending time as a family. I'll post some pics before too long and then we're headed to TN for round two! it's been wonderful so far!

Merry Christmas

Last night we got to spend some time with the beautiful little girls that live next door. Our neighbors Josh & Elizabeth were going to a dinner and so Jordan and I watched the kids for them. Well, we really just saw Kaitlyn, baby Isabelle was asleep when we walked next door. We had a fun time: making snowflakes, playing all the classic games, from Don't Break the Ice to Whack a Mole (my personal favorite) It was a lot of fun! Isabelle is 4 months and Kaitlyn is 5 years.

They don't call it "Dirty Santa" for nothing! Also known as "White Elephant," we played this last night at our Life Group Christmas party. And as usual, Jordan and I were the conniving ones of the bunch. In our comparatively small amount of Christmases together, Jordan and I have become surprisingly good at working together get what we want and strike deals to make the game work for us. Last night was funny!

It all started pretty light. There were 15 people and rounds 1-6 went smoothly, noone stealing any previously opened gifts. I was # 7, and I chose not to steal as well, but only because I knew that the purple bag Chantel had brought held a nice assortment of Aveda products that I had my eye on. I snatched it up quickly. The first steal of the night wasn't until my husband, round #12, when he snatched up the Cadoo game, and then what followed was a mayhem of thievery- Cassy stealing my Aveda, me stealing the scarf that Melody so desperately wanted (and that I had brought) We ended up switching gifts several times and created quite the mayhem, but in the end, everyone went home happy. I had sympathy on Courtney and traded her my Aveda stuff (that I ended up with) for the red gloves that I had also brought.

I think we taught a few people a whole new element in playing that game. Happy gift exchanging!

Fantasy Football update: I play Robby this weekend in the first round of our playoffs. I'm the #2 seed and he's #3. Everyone say this with me now: "Stop that run! Stop that run!" It is going to be tough- he has a pretty stellar team (Romo, Peterson, Westbrook) but hey- stranger things have happened :-)