Tiger Woods is Back!

Golf season has been in full swing for a little while now but something has been missing. His name is Tiger Woods and is arguably one of the most talented athletes to ever play a sport. The last time he appeared in a golf competition was the US Open on June 16th 2008 winning his third championship and 14th major....did I mention he was playing with a torn ACL? Yep, the man is pretty incredible.

I must confess.....I LOVE to watch Tiger play golf. He plays with such passion and determination...a true love for the sport.....he makes the game exciting. I honestly thought he would wait until The Masters in Augusta to reappear but I am so glad it's now!

Watching the highlights on Sports Center last night reminded me of the first time I met him.

My Dad is very involved in the golf community and several years ago the Tour of Champions....the last golf tournament of the season was played at Champions Golf Club. That happened for several years until Coke built it's own course for the tournament in Georgia. We are members there so I loved all of the extra little perks that came along with that!

I can remember looking forward to this tournament all year long. Being at the golf course is like second nature to me....I have grown up on one since I was a baby girl....I just love being out there...it just fits.

OK on to the story....

My Dad was hosting a BBQ at his house during the practice rounds and had invited me to come. Well, I walked into the house and there where several golfers in the living room...some pretty big names to be exact but I will refrain from name dropping! Keep in mind my Dad does not care about "famous people" that's why I think they like him so much....he treats them like they are human. I can imagine what a breath of fresh air that must be after having so many people treat you like you aren't.

I was quickly introduced to the people in the living room then walked outside to grab a burger. Well, the rest is history. Standing outside was....Huge gasp....The Tiger Woods....this is where the story gets good people.

I started freaking out, couldn't speak, didn't know what to say....I mean it was pretty hilarious looking back on it. I always thought to myself that I would be that person who kept it together when meeting a celebrity...I mean I did just that a few minutes ago in the living room. But with Tiger I was SO WRONG! Needless to say....my Dad was mortified and I got that by realizing he was giving me the look of death.

I'm not sure how but I quickly gained my composure and had a great conversation with Tiger. I think the reason I was so nervous was because I had heard all of those stories from the media...and let me tell you they are far from the truth. I just saw a man who wants and needs his privacy. I mean by the end of the night he was calling me his friend....did I mention we where the only "younger people" at the party? I have no doubt that if I ran into him again he would have no clue who I was but for one night I was Tiger Woods friend.

Spin class and Jesus...

On Friday I went with my mentor and sweet friend to a spin class at the Houstonian. Now let me start out by saying if I was a health club the Houstonian is what I would be....it is my kind of club...

Ok...on to the story.

I love it how Jesus can take something like a simple spin class and turn it into a lesson. Of course I went into the class only expecting to get my tail kicked....

Well, the class was packed and of course the only two bikes available together where on the front row. Oh, and did I mention they where also right in front of the instructor? And don't worry....she was so sweet to let me know when my form wasn't correct or if I was coming too far off of the seat of my bike. Seriously? I thought all you did was move your legs and spin...now you are telling me there is an art to it....geez!

So we started off with a sprint....oh how I hate those and in this class there is no way to cheat...you spin to the beat of the music....did I mention I was in the front row?

OK, so finally that was done and we got to a hill....and I'm not talking a baby one....we're talking huge....to where you have to use everything in you to climb up it.....or maybe that was just me?

So I'm climbing, climbing, climbing, and climbing...I'm sure you get the picture. Then all of a sudden that hill I was climbing became a metaphor for life. Throughout life you are going to have to climb many mountains and are given a choice. The choice to give up and stop climbing or persevere to the top, while learning some precious lessons along the way. The climb may not be easy but the reward will be so sweet. Think about when you get to the top....the awe you are in when you reach it...the top of the mountain isn't ugly...it's sometimes the most beautiful, breath-taking site you have ever seen.

So no matter what mountain you are facing right now keep on climbing. Keep your eyes focused on your precious Savior who is cheering you on, coaching you to the top, to show you His grace and love.

Legally Blonde!!!!

Friday night I went to see Legally Blonde the musical with one of my best friends Kara!!! It was a fantastic show that was full of fun music and great dancing! The best part however was that Laura Bell Bundy was performing the roll of Elle Woods. She was nominated for a Tony award for originating the role on Broadway!!! On Thursday I got the opportunity to meet her and was oh so very excited to do that!

I may have mentioned before that I have dreamt of being a Broadway star since I was a little girl so meeting her was such a special treat! Every time I walk away from a Broadway musical I imagine what it would be like to be on stage....I am so thankful that I was created to love the stage! I tell everyone that I meet that my job is the best of both worlds...I get to be on stage and love on precious children while telling them about Jesus....it doesn't get much better than that!

Legacy....

Last night I attended Plugged In which is our JHigh service. Michael Head challenged the students and adults in the room with the question of what will your legacy be.....what will people say about you?

This really challenged me to start thinking of what I would want people to say about me. I went home last night and started writing out what I would want my legacy to be....here are just a few of them.

1. A woman who is passionately in love with her precious Savior, who is seeking fast and hard after His heart.
2. A woman who truly loves people with a Christ-like love. That when people see me they see Christ and can feel His love....that the love they see is genuine and real.
3. A woman who was selfless and blameless....who puts others before herself.
4. A woman who is kind and compassionate.

My prayer is that my legacy would be a reality....to myself and to the people who have been and will be placed in my life.

I want to leave a legacy how will they remember me? Did I choose to love? Did I point to you enough to make a mark on things? I want to leave an offering. A child of mercy and grace who blessed your name unapologetically and leave that kind of legacy. Nicole Nordeman-Legacy

Legally Blonde the Musical!!

On Friday night I am going to see Legally Blonde the musical here in Houston, Texas! I am super excited because it is the musicals first national tour and Laura Belle Bundy is traveling live as Elle Woods. She originated the role on Broadway in New York, City!!!

Kari Jobe

Kari Jobe's new CD just came out on iTunes today! I love her voice....it is so beautiful and pure! The songs lyrics are so worshipful and real-I highly recommend you purchasing this CD.

Fashion Trends for Spring 2009....

Spring is quickly approaching and I couldn't be more excited! Yes because hopefully (fingers crossed) we will have those perfect non-humid days here in Houston, but I have to admit Spring fashion is my absolute favorite!!! This spring promises to bring lots of different fashion trends that will meet everyones unique style! Here are a few of my favorite trends that just happen to be from some of my favorite stores!!!

Ruffles are huge this season like this tank top...I already own it and have gotten lots of compliments from friends the two times I have worn it. I have a feeling it's going to be one of my spring staples!

Pearls, pearls, pearls, and more pearls!!! Pile them on or wear them individually. This spring it doesn't matter how you wear them as long as you've got them!

The perfect sweet spring dress in white....simple and sophisticated....

Orange is what was seen all of the runways during Fashion Week in New York....this color is a must for your wardrobe this Spring!!!

Faith like a child....

Last night I babysat for The Looser's. This precious family has become my family as I have babysat for them the past two years now-my how time flies! I would say Greg and Beth are more like a big brother and sister because they aren't old enough to be my parents! :)

I am around children all the time with my job but The Lord used Brock and Avery's prayers last night to minister to my heart. The prayers they prayed where so sweet and pure. When I walked downstairs The Lord whispered ever so softly....Joy- you are to have faith like a child, just like Brock and Avery. At that moment I could hear the argument going on inside of my head...but Lord, I do have faith and I do trust you. Then I started thinking about children....every single one I come into contact with on a daily basis. The precious kids I babysit, the ones I lead every weekend in GIGL, the babies in my Tiny Tots and Tunes class...how they just know. They reach out their hands and trust that their parents are going to keep them safe. They don't have to be taught, they just trust that they are going to love and do what is best for them. That they will take their hand and guide them through this journey of life.....that their parents will protect them at all cost. How they just trust and are so dependent on their parents for everything-it doesn't have to be taught....they simply trust with every part of them.

This got me thinking...how quick am I to trust The Lord when everything is going right in my life, when everything seems to be going my way? Then that moment comes...you know what I'm talking about....when something changes, when The Lord's plan doesn't look like yours. I am so quick to shift my trust and question The Lord's plan for my life, when in reality that is the time I need to be on my knees, at the cross, trusting and believing that His plan and His timing is perfect.

Matthew 18:4 "Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven...."

Sweet Jesus, thank you for surrounding me with precious children as a constant reminder that I am to have faith like a child. I pray that I will trust you with every part of my life. Thank you for your perfect plan.

Blair...this post is for you...

My sweet friend Blair tagged me on her blog to write 10 honest things about myself....here goes nothing....

10. I have sung at Carnegie Hall in New York City twice. The first time I was in the 7th grade and had no idea how meaninful it would be. I came home from choir practice and asked my Mom if it was a big deal...she looked at me like I was crazy....

9. I know what Tetragrammaton means...

8. I still...yes still act out Broadway songs as if I was that character because I dream of being a Broadway star...it doesn't matter where I am...chances are if you pass me on the freeway that is what I am doing....yes, I'm that driver....

7. I have a major crush on Roger Federer....

6. I'm a girly-girl who is a sports fanatic...

5. I sing in the mirror with my hairbrush. Yup, I said it....

4. I love to dance even though I may not have the best rhythm out there....

3. I think I have the greatest friends in the world....

2. I am obsessed with David Yurman jewelry...

1. My favorite Bible Verse is Psalm 90:14 "O satisfy us in the morning with your loving kindness that we may sing for joy and be glad all our day."

I'm going to copy Blair and tag everyone in my blog roll....have fun if you decided to participate!

My Best Friends Wedding....

This weekend was such a special weekend. My Best Friend Kim got married to the love of her life Ryan. I can't even begin to tell you what an amazing/special weekend it was. We had such a great time and made so many precious memories with each other. Kim and Ryan's story is one of God's faithfulness and perfect timing in our lives. The ceremony was beautiful and the reception was a blast! Ryan and Kim I love you both so much and can't wait to see what God does in this next chapter of your lives!

Kim and her Bridesmaids....

The band at the reception was amazing....they called all the Bridesmaids up and we danced....

Mr. and Mrs David Ryan Orr!

Waiting at the spa to get our nails done....

A sweet sound....

Sarah Reeves is a new artist that has just released her first single! I love the words and the song....I think it is a must buy from iTunes! The words challenge me worship The Lord not only in the good times but also during those that are tough. That no matter where He takes me that the song of my life would be one that is so sweet to His ears.

Sweet Sweet Sound

I am an instrument of the living God I am a melody to His name

More than the words I sing worship is everything

I live to glorify my King.

Chorus:

Here the song of my life

Let it be a sweet sweet sound let it be a sweet sweet sound

I raise this anthem high

Let it be a sweet sweet sound let it be a sweet sweet sound

Through all the mire and clay Your washing me with grace

You carry me Oh Lord through it all So I will testify even in the fire

I live to praise my Savior

Here the song of my life

Let it be a sweet sweet sound let it be a sweet sweet sound

I raise this anthem high

Let it be a sweet sweet sound let it be a sweet sweet sound

Bridge

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord, Praise The Lord

And all creation will sing Hallelujah

Here the song of my life

Let it be a sweet sweet sound let it be a sweet sweet sound

I raise this anthem high

Let it be a sweet sweet sound let it be a sweet sweet sound.

Tuesday 10...

Since I had such a blast in Austin this past weekend I thought to myself what more perfect Tuesday 10 than my 10 most favorite pictures from this weekend....

10. This is after we saw the movie Bride Wars....it's a long story.....I'm just glad we found the mystery theater...thank you Google maps....

9. My sweet friend Ginger and I

8. All the girls on Friday night

7. I love this picture....it sums up the story perfectly.....

6. This was the beginning of our first full day in Austin.....

5. At Eddie V's......

4. The bride and I....

3. It was the perfect day to eat outside....

2. Crammed in the back of Ginger's car....

1. Before dinner at Congress Cafe...I am blessed, oh so blessed by these girls....

Proverbs 17:17 "A friend loves at all times....."

Thankful...

This morning during my quiet time I was able to look back on these past few weeks with a thankful heart. Thankful for The Lord's protection, thankful for His perfect plan, thankful for the prayers He has so faithfully and quickly answered. He has been so faithful to me and I am nothing but thankful for that.

The Lord sweetly reminded me of my Thanksgiving post from November......

"Thankfulness takes the sting out of adversity. That is why I have instructed you to give thanks for everything. There is an element of mystery in this transaction: You give ME thanks (regardless of your feelings), and I give you joy (regardless of your circumstances). This is a spiritual act of obedience. To people who don't know me intimately, it can seem irrational and even impossible to thank Me for heartrending hardships. Nonetheless, those who obey Me in this way are invariably blessed, even though difficulties may remain.Thankfulness opens your heart to My Presence and your mind to My thoughts. You may still be in the same place, with the same set of circumstances, but it is as if a light has been switched on, enabling you to see from My perspective. it is this light of My presence that removes the sting from adversity."

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His lovingkindess is everlasting." Psalm 118:1

Thank Heaven for Girlfriends....

This weekend we headed down to Austin, Texas for Kim's Bachelorette party! Let me tell you, it was the perfect weekend get away for me, and who better to do it with than my sweet girlfriends?

We had such a great time hanging out, eating, laughing, singing karaoke, and much, much more! I know this past weekend is one that we will all look back on and cherish for the rest of our lives!

Kim, I am so excited for you and can't wait to stand next to you this weekend as you become Mrs. Ryan Orr! I am so blessed to have you in my life and cherish your friendship so much! I can't wait to see how The Lord uses you and Ryan together in your marriage! I love you so much!