tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40117865519962200262024-03-13T09:07:09.378-04:00EATING, PRAYING, AND LOVINGJulie Chrismanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039109791735854159noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011786551996220026.post-1298692667471337352010-07-08T23:55:00.000-04:002010-07-08T23:55:02.462-04:00the me I want to be.So moving right along, it is summer time...which allows myself to think! It is so easy for me to get in my daily work and home routine, and not once be still and reflect...on life. So if you don't mind, I am going to attempt to share what I am learning. <br />
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Our small group is doing a study right now called, The Me I want to be. We are not too far into the study, but so far, it has brought a prespective that I have never really thought about. Let me share a part from chp 2 of The Me I Want to Be: <br />
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Your flourishing is never just about you. It is a "so that" kind of condition. God designed you to flourish "so that" you could be part of his redemptive project in ways that you otherwise could not. He wants you to floursih "so that" people can be encouraged, gardens can be planted, music can be written, sick people can be helped, or companies can thrive in ways they otherwise would not. When you fail to become the person God designed, all the rest of us miss out on the gift you were made to give. <br />
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I have been pondering a few thoughts. Who is the "me" that God wants me to be? What holds me back from this? What am I passionate about? <br />
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My loyal friends, I challenge you to also take a few minutes from your busy routine to do that same thing. I would love to compare notes!Julie Chrismanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039109791735854159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011786551996220026.post-42432083420885576782010-02-13T16:36:00.004-05:002010-02-13T16:56:23.862-05:00Excuses, Excuses!Well hello blog faithful! I know that you have missed me so.... I wish I could say my blog stalking has been as absent as my blog posting, but that is not the case. Where in the world has the time gone? I wish I had an ellaborate excuse of why I have not posted in awhile.....but I have nothing! But I do hope this posts finds all of you happy and well.. Where should I begin?<br /><br />I think a nice place to start this post would be our trip to Jamaica over Christmas break. It was out of this world awesome! I loved nothing more than being with Kyle on a tropical Island with no phones or computers (well you know I did check facebook a time or two). We ate wonderful food, drank girly drinks, and sang Bob Marley's best. I reccomend a trip to Sandals Montego Bay for you all.<br /><br />We had a wonderful Christmas holiday with friends and family. We then took the rest of the break easy... and when I say easy... I mean real easy... but we were only home for 3 nights of the entire break!<br /><br />Kyle has been busy with work (surprise surprise).... I do wish I had his work ethic... gosh... he lives out "In all that you do, work with all your heart as serving the Lord." We are trying to balance each other out in our work environments.<br /><br />We are looking forward to next weekend(February 20th). Our dear friends, Kristen and Mark, will be tying the knot. I look forward to seeing what the Lord will do through their joining. They invest in so many peoples lives and it is a blessing that they will be living here in ATL.<br /><br />Enough rambling for today... I will be BACK... sooner than later!! I love you all. Happy Valentines Day! I love you Kyle... thanks for loving me...even when it is nearly impossible!Julie Chrismanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039109791735854159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011786551996220026.post-89642114785817468172009-11-10T17:47:00.005-05:002009-11-10T18:11:32.879-05:00Two Months in a Nutshell!The Fall is off and running... I guess I do say this every year.... but this has been the quickest year of my life. Let me fill you in on what has been going on lately... <br /><br />We have gone to a few Auburn games. Our weekends in the Fall are definitely centered around going to see the Tigers play or watching them on TV. We went to Auburn a couple of weekends ago for the Ole Mill game. We had the opportunity to hang out with great friends. I just love Auburn and I hope that one day the Lord will direct out paths to their again.<br /><br />I was furloughed(not paid) a couple of days in October, so Kyle and I felt it was a great time to spend money! Fantastic logic.... Anyway, we flew to Virginia to spend time with Justin (my brother). It was incredible! We visited several Navy Bases, went to VA Beach, ate a lot of food, watched Auburn lose to Arkansas, and went to Bush Gardens and acted like we were 8 years old! A good time was had by all.. Well by the Chrisman's anyway.<br /><br />My grandmother, Nanny, turned 90 years old on October 19th. We all set out for Birmingham,Alabama the weekend before her birthday. It was so special and a lot of fun. It was the first time that my immediate family had been together since our wedding. I am so blessed to have a grandmother who shows me daily how to live for the Lord.<br /><br />I did it! I actually ran a half-marathon. I am so glad that I pushed myself to do one. The Lord really reveals a lot to you in moments such as running 13.1 miles! My parents, Kyle, and Kim were there to cheer me on to the finish line. It was a remarkable moment and I will never forget it...<br /><br />We love you all and hope that your Fall has been wonderful. See you all soon. God Bless and WAR EAGLE!!! BEAT GEORGIA!Julie Chrismanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039109791735854159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011786551996220026.post-27373655333081487422009-09-08T19:53:00.002-04:002009-09-08T20:18:39.943-04:00CAUGHT BY A RED LIGHT!<p align="center"><br /></p><div align="center"></div><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">I use to be a ticket virgin (as Kyle would say) until late. Well... I was laying on the couch last Saturday and Kyle comes in from working in the yard and says, "JULIE FLORENCE CHRISMAN!" I am thinking in my head,"Hey dummie... it is technically Julie Allbritton Chrisman..." but I decided I would say,"what" in a very agitated tone. Anyway, he showed me the mail and on the top was... MY VERY FIRST TICKET!! A photo enforced ticket... I ran a red light... now.... for starters... I still think it was Kyle even though he did not drive my car that day...And also, it said that the light had been red for .09 seconds... and the picture they showed... definately had to have some photo enhancement to it because it was the brightest shade of red I have ever seen... hello!!!... It was only pink when I proceeded to roll my altima through the Lenox Rd. intersection (for those of you who live in Atlanta... check out how many signs/warnings are surrounding this intersection) To be honest... I am so embarrased.. what a humbling experience... it takes your picture and there is no denying what you have done..All of this got me thinking about our awesome God and His love for us... what if he called us out on our sins and mailed us a picture?!?!? Or made us pay 70.00.... it is pretty amazing that everytime that we disobey Him, he sends us His grace and forgiveness and not a ticket! It is incredible to me the different ways that the Lord reveals himself to us... even if it is through a photo enforced ticket... and PS... how dumb!! Love to all... and WAR EAGLE... next blog... how I miss Auburn and how great it was to see Courtney and Mary Lindsey!!</span>Julie Chrismanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039109791735854159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011786551996220026.post-47081581989511196952009-08-22T15:21:00.004-04:002009-08-22T15:39:17.304-04:00August 22nd!!!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yowBsemkepc/SpBH_6ntXMI/AAAAAAAAAGE/4vGYPfTbP1g/s1600-h/mom+and+tj.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372873518846139586" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yowBsemkepc/SpBH_6ntXMI/AAAAAAAAAGE/4vGYPfTbP1g/s320/mom+and+tj.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yowBsemkepc/SpBH_dDtSMI/AAAAAAAAAF8/rAzKk5u6MFI/s1600-h/020.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372873510910511298" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yowBsemkepc/SpBH_dDtSMI/AAAAAAAAAF8/rAzKk5u6MFI/s320/020.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yowBsemkepc/SpBHNXWdOXI/AAAAAAAAAF0/VZQLb3NKTNk/s1600-h/020.JPG"></a><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc33cc;">The Lord created two wonderful ladies on August 22nd!! Sally (that is my mom) and Mary Lindsey "is a Newlin"...... it is their birthday! Both of these ladies bring such joy to my life. They both have a way of making things better and seeing life on the bright side. Their sweet spirit and fun personality are contagious. Mary and Moma, I hope you have a wonderful birthday. Thank you for loving all and shining for Jesus each and everyday!!</span></div></div></div>Julie Chrismanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039109791735854159noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011786551996220026.post-16230305284051227822009-08-19T18:25:00.003-04:002009-08-19T18:52:07.798-04:00Why I do what I do...<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yowBsemkepc/Sox__mbA-OI/AAAAAAAAAFk/orZQeXojB8w/s1600-h/037.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371809186168502498" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yowBsemkepc/Sox__mbA-OI/AAAAAAAAAFk/orZQeXojB8w/s200/037.JPG" /></a><br /><div>So we all know that the school year is off and running.... and this makes me very MIA in the blog world... Sorry to let ALL my readers down... I am going to try and blog more often because it is great therapy... it also makes me think about life fully....sometimes I do not take the time to be "real" and express my heart. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So let me tell you about my class.... I have ten children!!!! In my mind, that is equivalent to 35 students!!!! It is tough. But it is a challenge that I love to face... I love the sense of accomplishment that I get to encounter when May rolls around and I see progress that my students have made.... I have three grade levels... K-2...planning and scheduling really has been tough....</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The same question plays through my head and when I pass other teachers in the hall, we ask each other.... why do we do what we do?!?!?!? (Besides the two month vacation that I allows me to go on trips to places like NY (look above)) My job is hard, tiring, stressful, emotional, frustrating, challenging, etc........ but I have the opportunity to shower the Love of the Lord on children eight hours a day..... and there you have it.... that is why I do what I do!!!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I have decided that I am going to leave the blog world with my favorite student qoutes from the week in each post because afterall, kids say the darnest things.......</div><br /><div>"Mrs. Chrisman... I can't wait to become a woman..... and I am going to get a job."</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>(after lunch...waiting outside the bathroom) "Mrs. Chrisman... My butt... it itch..it hurt." (Classmate) "BATHROOM WORD,BATHROOM WORD." (passing teacher) "Mrs. Chrisman.... you got to pick your battles!"</div><div> </div><div>Much love to you all!!! Thanks Kyle for being a fantastic teacher spouse.... Not everyone could do it... and blog world.... did I tell you have my sweet husband sent me flowers to school on the first day?!?!? I know... I am blessed!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Julie Chrismanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039109791735854159noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011786551996220026.post-52096042367863030992009-07-18T20:11:00.002-04:002009-07-18T20:37:12.443-04:00Back to life, back to reality!Hello! Back to Life, Back to Reality has been my motto throughout the week considering the weekend we had last weekend. Folks... we were in Aliceville, Alabama. It was the home of my dear friend Mary Lindsey's wedding. A little background of Aliceville, Alabama: according to Wikipedia and the 2000 census, 646 families reside in the city, Walter Jones, the left tackle of the Seattle Seahawks calls Aliceville home, and the Piggly Wiggly closes at 7:00 every evening. This place is incredible. I have met some of the sweetest and God loving people while in this town. They have it made.... all that us city folk have is convience! They get to focus on things that really matter like God and family without the hinderance of traffic jams and crime. I love that everyone knows everybody. I was talking to a sweet girl who is from Aliceville and she was telling me that her runs in town consist of a constant wave.... I love everything about that!!! Bottom line.... Kyle and I love Aliceville!<br />Now... lets take a minute to talk about the beautiful bride and the perfect wedding. My friend hit the nail on the head when she was talking about Mary Lindsey at the rehearsal dinner.. "The best word that describes Mary Lindsey is selfless. She would give you the last bites of her sandwich and the shirt off her back." It was an honor to celebrate such a special day with Mary and Chris. I have never been to a wedding weekend where I felt the love of God so much! I also got to be around some of my closest and dear friends that I no longer get to see everyday.... It was a great weekend.... I can't wait for the Newly Newlins to get back from Jamaica so we can all hear about their first week as husband and wife.<br /><br />THIS WEEK: Leave for New York on Monday (first time)..... going with my mom, my tall friend, Sara Kate, and her mother... (I hope I get to see Brittany while we are there).... Friday will bring on the Woods/Serota wedding!!! I love Wedding season!!! Have a great week and enjoy the Spring weather in July!Julie Chrismanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039109791735854159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011786551996220026.post-31667570550309445732009-07-10T00:28:00.011-04:002009-07-10T00:56:21.376-04:00Williamsburg<p align="right"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yowBsemkepc/SlbJdFQDEzI/AAAAAAAAAFY/hWZLmFLrqoI/s1600-h/IMG_0360.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356690308266660658" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yowBsemkepc/SlbJdFQDEzI/AAAAAAAAAFY/hWZLmFLrqoI/s200/IMG_0360.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yowBsemkepc/SlbJcrrd2xI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/RS2O5NMFO0k/s1600-h/IMG_0359.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356690301402340114" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yowBsemkepc/SlbJcrrd2xI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/RS2O5NMFO0k/s200/IMG_0359.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yowBsemkepc/SlbGsLqvAnI/AAAAAAAAAEg/kttddiuvSrQ/s1600-h/IMG_0345.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356687269152359026" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 156px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yowBsemkepc/SlbGsLqvAnI/AAAAAAAAAEg/kttddiuvSrQ/s320/IMG_0345.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="right"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yowBsemkepc/SlbGr_2mLEI/AAAAAAAAAEY/pkZpnsa8MCw/s1600-h/IMG_0354.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356687265980886082" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 201px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yowBsemkepc/SlbGr_2mLEI/AAAAAAAAAEY/pkZpnsa8MCw/s320/IMG_0354.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yowBsemkepc/SlbGBeiLOeI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/FBYEK-Jo93k/s1600-h/IMG_0353.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356686535482358242" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yowBsemkepc/SlbGBeiLOeI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/FBYEK-Jo93k/s320/IMG_0353.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">I went to see Justin as you know... while I was there I took advantage of a great history lesson and went to Williamsburg, VA! It was crazy to think that the gravel I was walking on could have been the same the George Washington and Thomas Jefferson walked on... We went into the church that these men also attended.... I kept thinking about the faith and courage they all had in order to rebel against the British... Above are a few pictures from the trip.... I took a picture of the ole pharmacy in honor of Mary and Court.... I also wanted you to take note of Rick and Kyles competition... they better treat us right....</span></div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">More pictures to come from the Summer. I am really trying to take more pictures.. I take my camera everywhere but always forget to take pictures. We had a wonderful 4th of July with family at Lay Lake. We are looking forward to a wonderful weekend. We can't wait to celebrate this special time with Chris and Mary Lindsey.<br /></span><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Julie Chrismanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039109791735854159noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011786551996220026.post-50392321533686973742009-06-25T22:26:00.002-04:002009-06-25T23:00:55.602-04:00Crazy couple of weeks!Well hello friends. Sorry I have been a bit out of the loop with my blog. I am sure you have been checking religiously to see an update from "The Chrismans"! It has been a busy last couple of weeks and from the looks of the calendar, things are just getting started....<br />June 12th.... went to Butch Camp... Yeah... you read it correctly... it is called B-U-T-C-H camp! It is an annual event that takes place at the lake with 6 of my high school friends. There is only one expectation that I have for Butch Camp every year... and that is a GREAT TIME! We eat ALOT, drink some (after the recreational activites of course), do the aqua jogger, take wonderful boat rides, play catch phrase, laugh until your stomach hurts, and last but definately not least, play who can prove that they are the biggest facebook stalker with the juicest info from Parkview's finest. If you can't tell... It is a blast.<br />June 15th- Virginia to see Justin... Sally and I packed up the Altima(gets way better gas mileage than the Pilot... Rick made a deal... I pay for gas... you drive your car... I took that deal! We made it to Virginia on one tank of gas and we had 78 miles to spare) and drove nine hours to Portsmouth,VA. This is where Justin currently lives. Justin is the youngest of my three older brothers(I am acting like some distant strager reads my blog). It was such a wonderful trip. My mom and I had a lot of bonding time. It really hit me during the trip that my relationship with my mom has definately shifted to like a best friend relationship. We have always been super close but it is just a different type of relationship now that I am such a grown up. Justin was so wonderful. I miss the days in Auburn where he lived four minutes from me. I really just miss him. He is so good to me and loves me eventhough he has had to put up with me for 23 years! I got to go to his workplace at the shipyard... He is a true GI JOE!!! I walked into his building and looked on the wall on the right side and there was justin's picture with the title, Officer in Charge. It made me so happy that I could call him my brother. I am so proud of you Justin and the wonderful Navy man that you have become. Your work ethic glorifies the Lord so much and because of your dedication and Leadership, young men are seeing the Lord's love. Thanks for the great visit. I can't wait to see you July 4th. (Pictures to come)<br />June 21st........Father's Day.. Kyle and I had my family over for a cookout. It was so fun to be with them.... I love my Dad so much and appreciate his love, support, and laughs along the way. It is also great to see my brother, Jacob as a father. He has two little girls that give him a run for his money everyday! Happy Fathers Day to all the Dads! Kyle is going to celebrate Fathers Day with his dad this coming weekend because his dad was out of town this past weekend. Happy Fathers Day Ken!<br />YAY FOR THE WEEKEND!!! I am leaving in the morning to go to the beach for Maggie's batch party! We will be in Panama City for the weekend. It is going to be a great time. Be looking for pictures next weekend. I will miss you Kyle.. Enjoy the house to your self and some freedom away from your wife.... And to my sweet friend Mary Lindsey.... Have a great time this weekend... I wish I could be there but I know you are going to have a blast......Julie Chrismanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039109791735854159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011786551996220026.post-9050705205020605012009-06-11T12:26:00.006-04:002009-06-11T13:00:11.299-04:00MARRIAGE<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yowBsemkepc/SjEzwWYV8aI/AAAAAAAAADI/XtdvcsCTnVw/s1600-h/IMG_0329.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346111138399908258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yowBsemkepc/SjEzwWYV8aI/AAAAAAAAADI/XtdvcsCTnVw/s320/IMG_0329.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"> The Winery at Chateau Elan is above. There were three weddings going on while we were there so that was really fun! And there wine is awesome BTW!!</span><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yowBsemkepc/SjEza9Ex5rI/AAAAAAAAADA/WZPjW9Aq__Q/s1600-h/IMG_0333.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346110770829715122" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yowBsemkepc/SjEza9Ex5rI/AAAAAAAAADA/WZPjW9Aq__Q/s320/IMG_0333.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yowBsemkepc/SjEzaSyKrLI/AAAAAAAAAC4/ENlAFBBjCyU/s1600-h/IMG_0333.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yowBsemkepc/SjEy-7ydLgI/AAAAAAAAACw/Wj5Qj7Hh0vI/s1600-h/IMG_0328.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346110289448087042" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yowBsemkepc/SjEy-7ydLgI/AAAAAAAAACw/Wj5Qj7Hh0vI/s320/IMG_0328.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#ffffff;">Ok... So I apoligize in advance to my readers.. considering I have no children, I am allergic to practically every animal and therefore cannot have a pet, my postings tend to be a bit boring and a bit repetitive, "I love being married and I love teaching," So if there is any faithful readers out there, (thanks Kim) it means alot that you would stick with me eventhough my words are not meaningful or a bit entertaining... so with that said.... YAY!! We made it a year... Does that mean I am no longer a newlywed? When I am out in public, will I still get asked the question, "So... hows married life?" Hmmm... questions I ponder.. I was talking to one of my dear friends on the phone last night (love you Mary) and she said, "Someone told me that your first year of marriage is the hardest. What do you think?" I told her that all I knew was the first year so I will have to get back to her after the second year. Some of the wisest advice that I have received is that marriage is the hardest and most wonderful thing all at the same time. I agree with that completely. Each party in the marriage has to work at it each and everyday..... and when this happens.... it is the time of your life!!</span></div><div><span style="color:#ffffff;">If I were not a teacher, I really think I would enjoy being a relationship counselor. I am intrigued by relationships... not just in marriage.. but in friendships, families, etc. I see the Lord's work so much in people and in realtionships and so I think this is what enthralls me. Kyle heres me on the phone some times and tells me that I should start charging my clients.. So anyway... all of this rambling to say.. I have been thinking a lot about dating/marriage relationships lately. It hurts my heart to think that 50% of marriages today end in divorce! Yikes.... it kills me to here about unfaithfulness in relationships.. and lie after lie.. And those who suffer from having a phobia to commitment.. and sweet and beautiful girls always being available when he is finally ready to take them to dinner.. What can we do to get relationships back to the way the Lord intended them to be? </span></div><div><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ffffff;">Happy Anniversay Kyle.... I love you and thank you for the best year of my life (I only wish you read my blog!!!)</span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"></div></div></div></div>Julie Chrismanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039109791735854159noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011786551996220026.post-64283687263410542352009-05-27T16:38:00.004-04:002009-05-27T17:13:54.860-04:00SUMMERTIME<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yowBsemkepc/Sh2ndMJErDI/AAAAAAAAACA/PsO9-kiQ2VM/s1600-h/our+first+house.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340608853048601650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yowBsemkepc/Sh2ndMJErDI/AAAAAAAAACA/PsO9-kiQ2VM/s320/our+first+house.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yowBsemkepc/Sh2lcjCeh0I/AAAAAAAAAB4/aqyZ39oypvI/s1600-h/IMG_0319.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340606642991826754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yowBsemkepc/Sh2lcjCeh0I/AAAAAAAAAB4/aqyZ39oypvI/s320/IMG_0319.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#ffffff;">I am finally back in the blogging world! I have stayed current on many friends and strangers blogs over the past ten months but did not update my own blog.... So here I am on my first day of Summer to update my blog. The picture above is our house. Some of you might notice that we have made a lot of changes throughout the year. The top picture is the before and the bottom is the after! We have had to cut down nine pine trees since we moved in a year ago! This is something I never considered in our budget... Let's just say that nine trees is quite the investment!!! We are loving our house and the Peachtree Corners area. Besides the trees, we have planted many bushes and flowers (That the deer have loved eating), and also painted the house and the shutters. It is a work in progress!</span></div><div><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#ffffff;">I can't believe I have one year of teaching under my belt! It was such a fast year and such a learning experience. The great thing is I absolutely love it! Kyle thought I was a huge dork many of mornings because I was like a little girl on Christmas morning when I would be going to work. Sure I had many obstacles and challenges along the way, but the Lord was my rock!</span></div><div><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#ffffff;">Kyle is doing great. He is working a lot and loving watching the Braves. We cannot believe that we are about to celebrate our year anniversary. Kyle has made plans for us to spend the weekend at Chateau Elan. We have had the opportunity to hear Andy Stanley preach a series on "Staying in Love" over the past month. It has really challeneged and encouraged our marriage. Check them out </span><a href="http://www.buckheadchurch.org/messages"><span style="color:#ffffff;">http://www.buckheadchurch.org/messages</span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"> <span style="font-size:78%;">(Click on the series that says Staying in Love) </span><span style="font-size:100%;">We are looking forward to all of the festivites that our planned for the Summer. </span></span></div><div><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#ffffff;">I am planning on being a constant throughout the Summer so please visit our blog often. Thankyou all for your love and support always! God Bless and War Eagle!</span></div></div>Julie Chrismanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039109791735854159noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011786551996220026.post-68728787183310998902008-07-25T17:38:00.000-04:002008-07-25T18:13:28.428-04:00Is Summer really almost over?!?Hello all.. or maybe just to myself as I read my blog over and over again in hopes that someone else might appreciate my babble. I cannot believe that it is the 25th of July. I start my teaching profession officially on the 30th... YIKES IS RIGHT! I have been trying hard to get the classroom in tip top shape this week but the same thing happens everyday... I turn circles like a dog! For the last couple of years I longed for the day of having my own classroom, and now of course that I have it I am looking for someone to tell me how to do everything..... And lets be honest... for those of you who know me, (ok julie... do you REALLY think some stranger is going to read your blog) creativity is not my best quality. So you could only imagine my stress level right now as I stare at a bulletin board the size of Stone Moutain...<br /> However, besides the decorating, I am so excited about teaching. I will have 10-12 first and second grade students. It is a mild autism classroom and it is going to be a great but challenging year. It is crazy to plan the shape and style of a room when you do not know one student who will be sitting in those tiny desks and chairs. I love the challenge... the chance to make a difference in each one of their lives. Some days might be harder than others and I might not prepare the best lesson, but my number one goal is for each one of them to get on their bus in the afternoon and feel loved! Children are a gift from God and I can't wait to be surrounded by His presence each and every day.....<br /> I had a lunch and shopping date today with Mandy, Issa, and Mae. What a treat?!? Issa and me played hide and seek in the clothes racks at The Children's Place.. shhh.. don't tell her mom. And Mae Mae could not be any cuter... I love to eat meals with her because she gives me some competition as the worlds best eater! And Mandy is such a blessing and truly is the sister I never have. Thanks Allbritton girls for such a special day!<br /> I think I have said enough for the day.... I wish you all a wonderful weekend. I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my husband.... get home from work already..... TGIF!!! And can't wait to be with Amanda and Kristen!!! I love you all!Julie Chrismanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039109791735854159noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011786551996220026.post-54357063840307220662008-07-08T16:19:00.000-04:002008-07-08T16:19:00.248-04:00Is it really all over?<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_yowBsemkepc/SHOl8m06IdI/AAAAAAAAAAk/nMrCSgTuKJ8/s1600-h/leaving+reception.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220698853685731794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_yowBsemkepc/SHOl8m06IdI/AAAAAAAAAAk/nMrCSgTuKJ8/s320/leaving+reception.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_yowBsemkepc/SHOlVweEnCI/AAAAAAAAAAc/yxNjcyhn_6c/s1600-h/God+Bless+the+Broken+Road+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220698186259405858" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_yowBsemkepc/SHOlVweEnCI/AAAAAAAAAAc/yxNjcyhn_6c/s320/God+Bless+the+Broken+Road+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_yowBsemkepc/SHOlHa8mCqI/AAAAAAAAAAU/bOcimvS1UdU/s1600-h/dancing+point.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220697939963677346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_yowBsemkepc/SHOlHa8mCqI/AAAAAAAAAAU/bOcimvS1UdU/s320/dancing+point.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_yowBsemkepc/SHOk2pTHy6I/AAAAAAAAAAM/XeC60GFXwzs/s1600-h/praying.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220697651758484386" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_yowBsemkepc/SHOk2pTHy6I/AAAAAAAAAAM/XeC60GFXwzs/s320/praying.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;">I have decided that I would give this Blog thing a shot since I have had more free time on my hands now than I have in four years and I have been thinking ALOT! It is really so hard for me to believe that the wedding is all over. For 11 months, I was consumed with The Wedding. So much to consider.... So much worry... So much stress... and now.. for it all to be over... Because so much went into planning the wedding, I have caught myself asking Kyle a time or two if we could have another ceremony and get married again! The wedding weekend was amazing and I am so grateful for all of the memories. I still sometimes wake up and ponder about how I could have made this or that better, but in reality, it could not have been any better for Kyle and me. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">The Lord's presence was definately with us during the ceremony. I literally felt His arms around me as I was staring into Kyle's eyes and making a commitment to not only Kyle but also the Lord as well. My family and friends made the day just so great. I was pampered, encouraged, kept together when I was about to lose it, and loved on during one of the most important days of my life. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">We have now been married for a MONTH! WOW!! How time flies. I absolutely love married life. One of my good friends just wrote me a facebook message and really opened my eyes to something. She is engaged and will be married in the Fall and we talked back and forth about the greatness and yet hardship of marriage. The thing that she brought to my attention was that our relationship with the Lord is also like marriage in the fact that it is the Best relationship but also the hardest. So true and just another example of how the Lord uses marriage to give us an example of the relationship He has with all of His children.... </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">So where do we go from here? I start teaching the last week of July so I have had a lot of free time. It has been a blessing because I had time to adjust into married life. I think about hard it would be to jump into all of these changes and start a new job on top of all of the new in my life. I am definately ready to find a church for us to call home and get involved and meet other newlyweds. We have visited a couple of churches but both feel that we have not found the church that is most like us. Please pray for our church home. As much as I love not having a schedule to abide by everyday, I think I am ready to get on a rountine and start teaching. Well thanks for listening to me babble. I miss you all so much! I will be back soon to post you on our exciting life... not really too exciting... LOVE YOU ALL!!</span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Julie Chrismanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039109791735854159noreply@blogger.com4