The epitome of my heart right now:

I wanna set the world on fire
Until it`s burning bright for You
It`s everything that I desire
Can I be the one You use?

I am small but
You are big enough
I am weak but
You are strong enough to
Take my dreams
Come and give them wings
Lord with You
There`s nothing I cannot do
Nothing I cannot do

I wanna feed the hungry children
And reach across the farthest land
And tell the broken there is healing
And mercy in the Father`s hands

My hands my feet
My everything
My life, my love
Lord, use me

I wanna set the world on fire
I'm gonna set the world on fire

Now if only I can get it to radiate in every fiber of my being. I'm ready to transform.

So it's been a while (as usual) since I've updated and now I can finally update about my new life living out of my house and being back in school! Yes. I officially moved into my cozy 5 bedroom townhouse off of Milledge Ave in Athens with my 4 wonderful roommates who I'm getting to know as we catch each other amongst everyone going in and out the door living our crazy, busy lives. It's getting cozier and cozier as weeks pass and I love it. And being back in school makes it better! Taking a semester off and not being able to work and receive grades and move on towards graduation was driving me crazy and after all the hoops that Gainvesville State has made me jump through, I am finally settled into a 12 hour, full time student semester. Granted, because of classroom capacity I'm commuting an hour to the Gainesville campus from Athens (which is only 15 minutes from the campus I applied to), I'm not in the BEST situation I can be, but I'm making it work. I'm just glad to be back in school. So here I am, hanging out at a little desk with my laptop plugged into the wall in the ACCT Center at Gainesville State after just finishing a little bit of math homework (I will BREAK my losing streak of not making A's in math!) and I am content for the first time in a few days. This whole transition back into school and moving to a new town has been stressful! However, I know God will take care of me. After all, He is always faithful! All I need now is to find a job here, but I'm working on it.

The coolest thing I've seen today at school was while I was walking to class I passed by this bench and this woman was sitting there and there were 2 ducks and a white goose just sitting there hanging out. By the time I came back out of the building they had fallen asleep! They weren't startled by any passing students or anything. Just perfectly content hanging out in a community college campus courtyard (alliteration much?)

Tell me the coolest thing you've seen/done today, and I will update later! <3

I've spent a lot of time at Stone Mountain with Marcus' family now that they have a season pass. I don't see why my family has never gotten one. Seeing as parking is now up to $10 bucks, I'd say $35 to go as many times as you want for a year is pretty convenient, no?

I know this is really not that important, but I have the weirdest fetish for stuff that changes in the sun. I bought this hemp bracelet at stone mountain with beads that are white indoors but when you go out in the sun it changes color to purple pink and blue. So cool. I also love the fingernail polish at Del Sol that changes in the sun. I'll probably be buying my kids stuff that changes in the sun everytime I see something. Hah.

Anyway, just a quick, pointless update ;)

It's been a really long time since I've posted, and I have the time while I wait for Marcus to pick me up for a nice dinner date at Chili's.


It's been a really nice weekend because Marcus was in Virginia the entire week 2 weeks ago, then he was back for about 18 hours (No, I didn't count, but I'm sure it's close enough) before turning around and leaving for another week at a children's camp being a nice counselor. I can tell he really impacted those kids. I'm a proud girlfriend. Friday he came home and we immediately headed off to the Brave's game Friday night. It was probably the best game I've been to.

High points:
--We had a group of 22. It was me, marcus, my mom and sister, and about 19 or 20 on my mom's side of the family. I love each and every one of them, so it was super fun!
--We got to see Greg Maddux get inducted into the Brave's Hall of Fame
--Brave's won 11-0!
--For the first time ever, the camera man put the camera on US and we made it on the giant TV. Now I can understand the delayed reaction the other fans have when the camera is put on them. I saw my face for maybe a millisecond before the camera went away because I couldn't find myself. I just saw my cousin and uncle who were sitting in front of me.
--It was Friday so after the game was the Friday Night Fireworks show and it was awesome

We had a great time,

On Saturday after a late night, we headed over to my aunt and uncle's house in Peachtree City where most of my family at the game was staying for a surprise baby shower for my cousin. When it comes to my mom's side of the family, I adore family time. We crack eachother up.

It's been nice to spend the weekend with Marcus home and visiting my family. I can't explain how important both are to me.


I'm busting my butt trying to get situated into a comfortable place when it comes to school, a job, and my apartment. My job at Bath and Body Works has been crappy out the wazzoo and whether it's me or their stupid computer generated schedule, I don't really care. I'm just ready to start working a different job in Athens. I'm also still waiting on Gainesville to accept me and I'm hoping they'll except me and that they won't reject me for some weird reason. I'm starting to get a little paranoid. Bleh. Hopefully by move in day on August 11th things will feel right and be right. I definitely need the change.

Until then, tonight I get to spend having dinner at Chili's with my man, and that is something I'm thankful for. We have so much fun.

Raise your hand if you love love and family! :)

While I still make my fair share of mistakes, I do love working at Bath and Body Works. I need to start making a wish list or else I will not know what to do with myself or how to budget inside that store! Especially during this sale. My work just smells too good and has too many wonderful things. What I like is it's something you can buy a ton of and it won't hurt you. I'm definitely better off buying a bunch of products from Bath and Body Works than from Starbucks or Moe's or something. :P I'm really working on focusing more there. I'm looking and can't wait for the shift where everything goes smoothly and I feel like I've done things right.

Honestly, I don't know how many people read this (or if anyone does...) and half the time I don't know what to write about. And I feel like I'm always writing about myself! I always get to this point where I like blogging and having a place to share my thoughts/heart/whatever, but I don't know if it's serving a purpose. I'm sure though, if I delete this, I'll just regret it and make another one :P

Yall know basically what's on my mind lately and taking part in my life...
Church and VBS teaching, Marcus, Lily, work. Everything's good :) I'm just enjoying the summer. Loving my God, loving my life and the people in it and the privileges I have. :)

Am I the only one who sometimes wishes my life could have background music? I sometimes even imagine that the song I'm listening to wherever I am is actually playing behind me in association with whatever I'm doing or however I'm feeling as if I were in a movie. Is that weird? I mean, I wish that when I succeed at something, a nice chariots-of-fire-esque ballad would begin playing to enhance the excitement. During hard times I wish songs that were uplifting to me would begin playing to illustrate my desire to look to God and or just to see good and be faithful...

...and is it crazy that I actually wonder if celebrities who watch their characters live against a soundtrack wish or even EXPECT that a song should start playing in association with whatever emotion their feeling or event they're experiencing?

It probably is. I mean, I think about it and pretend we (or at least I) live to music probably more often than is sane. :P Just shows you I can have some interesting thoughts. But anyway...


I'm starting to feel very uplifted by the fact that God is calling me to teach Kindergarten during VBS . This isn't what I volunteered for originally but somehow things happened in a way that guided my heart toward being the lead teacher for a good handful of Kindergartners that I hope I will succeed at teaching God's love to while simultaneously providing them with a good week of fun and excitement. I've been searching and searching for ways to serve, and I think this is the perfect, PERFECT answer for now. Next week will be a very enjoyable and uplifting week for me. :)


Oh, and another thing I can't help but share....
Our new little pup, Lily, is here and she is a little fluffy bundle of joy and she's growing like a weed! She is the perfect addition to our family even though Angel still has a special place in our hearts. She's been home for 10 days now and we love her to pieces. Check out this little cute patootie...

So today Marcus called me up asking if I wanted to go to lunch, so we decided to go to the wonderful Lavender Bistro which is kind of an Asian fusion restaurant. I got some delicious Panang curry (gotta love the Thai food!) and it had this HUGE broccoli floret in it and I couldn't cut through it with my fork cause it was kinda tough and I didn't want to put the entire thing in my mouth so I tried to delicately pick it up and bite into it so I only ate half and then ate the other half after. Well delicately turned into completely and terribly embarrassing because not only did I end up pulling the broccoli off my fork, but it also flew into my face and I got panang curry in one of my eyes and it burned so bad I almost cried emotionally in addition to involuntarily. It was terrible. Of course, when I told my parents this story my dad so nicely made it apparent that I succeeded at getting slapped in the face with broccoli which made it sound even sillier. Oy...

Other than that, lunch was delicious. :P

He's coming over and we're watching the American Idol finale. I don't watch the show as much as I used to but I've paid some attention to this season more towards the end than the beginning so this time I can actually root for someone. That being said, I'll be praying that KRIS ALLEN's dream comes true tonight!!!

Oh, how I love when things work out for the better. Just as we found out that the litter of puppies we were hoping to choose from didn't even exist (don't ask me how it was all misunderstood, I really can't explain) and the ones we were hoping to choose from didn't work out either, the breeder we were in contact with referred us to this other woman who has a litter of 5 week old puppies of which we are officially going to visit and choose from! In a nutshell, we will most likely be bringing home a cute little 8 week old golden retriever puppy in 2 WEEKS rather than anytime in between the beginning of July and end of August. I love the way the Lord takes care of us. I was so bummed about leaving Berry this past semester, but after I was home, things happened that I was so glad I was home for. Once I decided I was moving to Athens mid-August, I realized I probably wouldn't be able to help much or spend time with the puppy if we were to bring her home in August, and lo and behold, she's going to be here the entire summer! It brings me closer and closer with the belief that at least most everything happens for a reason! These next two weeks will go by so slow! I'm so excited. Pictures and video will most likely be found all over the place. ;)

Work is still a little nerve wrecking. I'm still making boo boo's but I'd like to think I'm improving. Almost everyone there is really nice, and I've already made a few friends through working there. Which reminds me... yesterday after lunch at Moe's, I was expecting to ride around with Marcus while he picked up work applications, which he did, but beforehand we suddenly were parked right in front of Bath and Body Works. I had no idea why he brought me there, and the only thought I had was maybe he just wanted to take me there so I could stop in and say hi to people. Apparently, the entire time after he asked me to go with him, he was planning on buying me a few items there in the scent of my choice. I know it's a materialistic one, but this is a perfect example of how sweet he is, and it reminds me of how lucky I am that we have such a strong relationship. :) He is my best friend always along with my boyfriend. I'm sorry for being a big cheese ball, but it was so sweet I just had to share. It's not like he gets that many shout outs on this thing. ;) but seriously, the Lord is wonderful for bringing us together so long ago. I promise, I'm done now. :P

Just a few more minutes until we leave to go select what will be our precious little addition! :) Until next time...

Working Girl

Finally! After 2 or 3 summers of things getting in the way or not getting called, I'm finally employed by somewhere other than Berry College or a neighbor who needs a sitter. Today was technically my second day at bath and body works, but it was my first day really working and not watching a video about what bath and body works and working there is all about. I don't know if it's just a first day facade or not, but I think I'm going to really enjoy it. I'm fully prepared to endure frustration every now and then, as all jobs come with their fair share of frustrations, but I honestly thing God picked the perfect job for me. I thought I was going to be all over the place like a chicken with its head cut off, but honestly, it was not hard to approach customers, it wasn't hard making transactions, and...well...I can't say it was easy answering all the customers' questions, but I'm sure that takes a little bit of time. I really do think I'm going to enjoy this job this summer, and hopefully once I moved to Athens, I'll be able to transfer to the one there. Speaking of living in Athens, it's also an exciting time because I officially signed the lease last weekend, so come August, I will be living in Athens with my bff and living 15 minutes away from Marcus. I'm really looking forward to getting to know my other roommates,getting moved in,decorating and such as ;) As is everyone, I'm sure, when they move into their first apartment. I mean, I was even like that moving into my first dorm room, so...

Still waiting super impatiently for puppy. It won't be to the middle to end of the summer till she (we know we want a girl) comes home which is frustrating out the wazoo, but that only means it'll be longer before she grows into a big'un. ;)

I'm going to continue listenin' to Hairspray. :D Have a good weekend yall! <3

I don't think I've ever been more worried, nervous, undecided, and excited in my life.

I'm actually considering signing a lease for an apartment even though I haven't received my acceptance letter from Gainesville State yet. If I wait for my acceptance letter, I'll lose my spot in signing the lease. I also have a job interview on Wednesday which would greatly help with my rent. I fit all of the qualifications for Gainesville State and don't see why I wouldn't get in. I have no idea if this would be a huge mistake if I sign or not, but I really just want to take the risk. I would really really really love to live in Athens with one of my roommates being my life-long best friend and to finally catch up at school and bring my GPA up, and I would love to be a sales associate at Bath and Body Works. I can just see all of these puzzle pieces joining together, but signing this lease before either one of these things is concrete (regardless of the fact they are EXTREMELY likely) makes me just a tad bit nervous. I've gone back and forth on whether this is the right time to make this decision or if I should wait another year and just live at home and see where I am... Both choices are risks for many different reasons. My question is which one do I take?

If you have any kind of advice on this situation please feel free to share.

I can't honestly tell you what my favorite part of Easter weekend was. Baking Chelsea's purple and green gumball machine ( that rhymes :) )birthday cake in the supposedly dangerous weather Friday night, skating at Sparkles for Chelsea's birthday in 90's clothing Saturday afternoon, egging our boyfriends' family's front yard with easter eggs between midnight and 1:00 AM Saturday night, Easter service Sunday morning, or taking a nice sunny drive down to Macon by myself to see family and watch all my little cousins hunt eggs. It was probably one of the most enjoyable Easters I've had. Aside from all those times that my best friend Amanda and her family always joined us and we always had that wonderful Stouffer's Macaronni an Cheese. Mmmm. Random memory. I DO miss Easter egg hunts I will say. I think one Easter when we're grown up and getting our kids together to hunt Easter eggs, we should conduct an Easter egg hunt for the adults too :P

Anyway, so the egging the yard process. Every year our boyfriends' family eggs front yards by covering the yard in plastic easter eggs with candy inside. We thought about how they do at least 3 houses every year, and yet, no one has ever tried to egg THEIR yard. So, Chelsea and I took on the liberty of putting that plan into action, and after many a fright that we might have just completely messed things up, the whole prank was actually a success. I could have sworn at certain times that we/I had just blew it and they knew we were up to something, but sure enough, they had no idea :) We were super excited.

It was seriously one of the most entertaining and eventful weekends I've had in a while.I wish I could go back and do it all over again.

Last night though was SUPER nice. Sam and I went to IHOP for coffee after not having seen each other for maybe like...a year and a half. The most comforting thing was even though we hadn't seen each other for that long and hadn't talked as much as we liked in between, we could still talk for hours about pretty much everything. I love that type of friend, that even after not being around each other for a long time and not talking much, nothing changes at all, really. So nice, so wonderful.

This week I really need to get more job applications in and get on my Gainesville application so I can get school back on track. I've HATED being out of school. Then, hopefully on Friday, I can spend some time with Marcus and then spend the night with Amanda up in Athens. Gah. Have you ever thought about just how much we all adore and thrive on friendship? I'm super thankful for every single friend I have. It's highly likely that that includes you :)

Oh my goodness, we are just SO excited! The family is in Dahlonega today. We visited the kennel that we're getting the new puppy from, and we got to visit a few a LOT of the golden retrievers there. There were a few outside and one of the boys outside named Harvey was so handsome and so fun and friendly and we're hoping to get one of his puppies that will be born about a month from now. The inside kennel was absolutely hilarious. There were so many barking dogs in there (the kennel also serves as a doggy hotel for those who need to board their dogs :P ) and they were all barking for attention. You couldn't hear anything! They were all cute and screaming "play with me!", and I wanted nothing more than to stay forever and play with every single one of them. I love Golden Retrievers so much! When we finally bring our new puppy home it will have been very well worth the wait.

I'm so glad it's finally Easter weekend this weekend. There's so much to look forward to!

Healthy eating

I have finally begun to start focusing on eating healthy! Tonight I made some parmesan crusted zucchini crisps(I'm not usually a fan of zucchini, but I like it fried so I tried this!) which were slices of zucchini tossed in olive oil and then covered in bread crumbs and parmesan cheese and it was very yummy. I also added some whole wheat pasta on the side. Tomorrow I plan on making this really yummy looking salad with strawberries and mozarella cheese. I'm probably going to add some almonds to it too. I like weird, fruity salads like that. Has anyone ever tried that pecan crusted chicken salad with the mandarin oranges in it at O'Charley's? Heaven in salad form, I tell you! But yeah, I saved a lot of healthy recipes to my computer that I'm going to try making. The zucchini crisps was one of them. I'm really trying to make changing my eating lifestyle an enjoyable task. It's worked out so far! :) Who knew there were so many healthy and delicious foods and recipes out there? I commend whoever thinks up these things! :P

By the way...

My blog has a new look. I was just looking around at templates and this one happened to be called "Lindsay Street". I figured it was necessary that I use it. :)

I have been listening to "Before the Throne of God Above" by Selah over and over and I think it is one of the most beautiful songs with perfect words to describe a life with Christ. I just had to share. If you've never heard it, search for it on YouTube. Absolutely wonderful.

I am having a rough time with job hunting. It was one of my biggest struggles last summer, and I still kick myself over it. I think because I was so let down last summer, I've been kind of worried to complete and turn in my forms right now. I've already gotten my hopes up at a desperate tone of "oh yeah, we're hiring" and then been let down when the manager told me he had enough employees. That seemed to be the entirety of my summer last year. Being told by one employee that the business I had applied to was hiring and then told by the manager each time I inquired about my application that he had everyone he needed and he'd "give me a call" if that changed. It seemed like everyone around me was doing well in the labor and finance departments, and for some reason I couldn't find my place in it. It also felt like I had so many people on the sidelines rooting for me, and I always feel like I'm letting them down. Of course, after I go through all this and feel guilty and incompetent I always realize that wealth in this society does not define my life or myself as a person. The song I mentioned up there does. Every single word of it. If I just remembered that every single time I struggle, things would be a lot easier, and I wouldn't post about this issue for the umpteenth time :P I have wonderful friends who have been there and listened while I vented about it countless times, and I hope they know how grateful I am.

One of the things I take for granted is how fortunate I am. I wonder what society would be like if every single person thought about what others have...or don't have. Especially those in other countries who might not even know what some of the luxuries we have ARE. Including this blog! Through this blog I am communicating my thoughts to who knows how many people, and yet there are people my age in other places who don't even have one person to confide in. It's baffling. I'm pretty sure my energy is better off spent praying for those people than worrying if I get a certain job or not. At least I have the opportunity, right?

Anyway, there's a little peek inside my head right now. It's kind off all over the place. :)

I got my hair cut this morning, a wendy's chicken BLT salad this afternoon, and I have a most likely wonderful practice tonight to attend. I'd say it's a good day. :)

Love to everyone! <3

A new little joy is coming!

Melissa, since you asked me why I deleted my other blog, you get a special little shout out! When she asked me, at first I said I deleted it because I either never had anything worth blogging about or I forget to blog. Then I got to thinking about how much I have to blog about now and soon, so I guess deleting my other one was just a fluke, and I'm starting again. With a new look and a much better name and URL too! :)

The biggest excitement in the Guyton household is we found out that the breeder whom we got Angel from is still in business and expecting two litters in May and June. My parents have decided that we're going to go on the list for one of those litters, so in either July or August, we will bring home another little golden retriever puppy. The really cool thing about it is if we get a puppy from May's litter (fingers crossed, I'm not so sure that'll be the case though) then we will have the privilege of owning not only a beautiful new puppy, but also she would be Angel's niece! I'm praying that that is who we will have. It's almost like having part of Angel here in puppy form. 4 or 5 months is such a long time, but both Lacey and I, and I'm sure my parents, are really excited!

Some other news is I'm finally starting to figure out a path for my education. I'm going to apply to Gainesville State and hopefully take some classes there for a little while so I can catch up and while I'm doing that I'll decide where I want to transfer afterward. I'm finally starting to take everything one day at a time and not worry about the future while at the same time making decisions now that will benefit me more in the future...if that makes sense. :P