Week's update!

This week's been busy busy! So since I haven't blogged in forever, i'll play catch up as best as I can!


Rewind to last Friday. MT took me on a surprise date! I think often times I take his sweetness as the "norm", but he goes out of his way to "sweep me off my feet" everyday! We've been dating for aroudn.. 5 months and still he's planning surprise dates (remember back to July 3rd, he surprised me on our first date by taking me to Ruth's Chris, fancy, i know.. i felt special) but, I kinda feel like I don't brag enough about the sweet surprises and caring things he's STILL doing, i love it! My thoughts and from past experiences tell me most guys only "try" for the first couple months, three tops, but MT's a real life prince charming! He swept me off my feet in June, and hasn't put me down yet. (I hope he never does!) Anyways, so enough of the mushy stuff, bet you just wanna know where we went, wellll.. he took me over to Avondale to a place called Espeto's, it's a brazillian steak house, much like the one i brag about while visiting Brazil back in '05! Here's the art of this place, it's owned by brazilians, so it gets done right! You are first seated, they take your drink order, and you then help yourself to the "hot" bar, (which includes a salad bar) and there's hot beans and rice, pasta salad, soups... all the good side items, not meats on the bar. As you sit and enjoy your sides, waitors carrying swords (yes real swords) bring around 14 different meats to try, from lamb, to ribs, peper and garlic steak, and the list goes on! They give you small portions of meat so you can try them all! It's different and enjoyable! It's up scale avondale, but I would def.  recommend it! Tasty!


Saturday, MT and I headed to Yulee to do a little "shopping", can't elaborate on this quite yet.. so i'll leave it at that! =)
We lazied around the rest of the day, visiting with his family, enjoyed the beautiful weather, played bag-o, and as night fell, laid out a big blanket and watched the stars and planes. (MT lives like 10 mins from  JI-Airport, we laughed, cut up, and enjoyed time together! That's my second time star gazing ever.... very special, and again super sweet!


Sunday was spent at HFBC and Mama and Pa Seeley's house. Our pastor, Bro. Wayne, laid it down again. This time on prayer, he left me with a lot to chew on, and I love his challenging messages! Don't ever "not" pray for something because you think it's "too big" or "too out of control or our hands"... God's got big hands, he can handle anything, and pray with meaning and be presistant, God loves to be bothered with blessings! =)


Monday night is our "doubles" date with my roomie Laura and her beau Will, we go play tennis at some local courts, good exercise, and lots of fun, i look forward to Monday Night Throw Downs!  It's another work week, and another time of battling my schedule. Me and MT have started our Bible Study of reading the NT all the way through, MT challenges the study by bringing out discussion questions from scripture, it's so challenging and so good for me!


If you've hung in through the whole post, then thanks for reading! I wanna leave you all with a favor to ask! Prayer for direction: hince my road sign, i'm at that point where i'm ready to finsih school, but i don't even have my major picked yet, and so many good things are happening and I'm Thankful and anxious to see what all God as in store according to his will for my life! I won't get into specifics, but that's my biggest struggle right now.. Direction of where God is leading me..... =)

(Gasp for breath) I'll end with just a few parting words/ picture!
MT sent me a random text message today, and a picture say 1,000 words, or maybe just 3! How sweet is this, dont you just love random displays of kidness? Do you have any to share? Love mushy things like this!!

XOXOX,
Halee Renee

First Gator Game.. (crazy I know)

After almost 21 years of being a Gator Fan, MT finally took me to see my first game! I can't explain how my heart was pumping as i entered the swamp full of about, oh, 90K people wearing Orange and Blue, almost enough to make any true Gator Fan tear up! I was super excited, super pumped, and ready to "get my chomp on". As charming and sweet as MT is, he's a Noles fan... (sad.. i know!) but he was sweet enough to bring my Fav. little cousin David along. (i say little, he's 16, but he'll always be little to me, even if he is inches taller) I'm a firm believer that my cousin stalks each Gator Player, as he knows EVERYTHING about them.

I was alittle.. ok, a lot stressed out before the game, because it was my first game, G-ville was packed, and we didn't even have tickets, we bought them off the street! But MT never fails me and we had awesome seats 15 rows up for the South End Zone! Awesome because Tebow warms up on that end of the field, and 2 touchdowns of ours were scored right infront of us! I can check "Seeing Tebow play at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium" off my list! I loved the atmospher and can't wait to go back! Sad thing is, part of the deal is that I have to go to Doak in two weeks. Wonder if I can get away with wearing Blue or Orange? We'll see....

Below are some pics from the night.. Enjoy, and above all GO GATORS!!!!

Costume jelewery or pearls? hmmm....

This week has been one "reflective" week for me, not real sure why, can't think of a particular thing that triggered it.. just has been! I have found myself Indian style on the floor looking through High School Pictures, seeing old friends, old traditions, old memories.... makes me think that even though I graduated 3 years ago, that life has changed dramatically! Take for instance, as i was getting ready for work this morning, I was digging through my "neat clean" jewelry box with all types of fun interesting pieces of jewelry to go with my outfit, and decided on my pearls my grandmother gave me! Don't ask me why pearls made me feel "classy", because if this was school, my "pumps" would match my costume jewelry, would match my hair bow, my belt, purse, etc.... and not in the most dull colors either! .... I love my pearls, but wouldn't have dreamed of wearing them 2 years ago.. Small I know, and I know I'll go right back to my costume jewelry, but it just caught my attention that i chose pearls!! Guess it's just what I'm favoring now.. hmm... Any of you ever noticed small things that have changed or matured? My necklace decision was of course small.. but as i examined my life "since" high school, i notice a huge 180 change!

Which isn't a "bad" thing, just something I've pondered on... I found myself now making decisions and planning for things and realizing.. Wow, I must be getting old... Life has gone so fast since the memory i have of learning how to ride my bike, starting middle school, homecoming, proms and so on. It feels good to move from that stage, and leave some of those memories in the past. God has cleared a different path for me to go down, and I'll follow that where ever he leads me! He's blessed me and amazed me this past year of where my life was in January to where I am now! I live on my own (never thought that would happen), dating the Love of my Life, (he's a real life prince charming.. they really do exist) and growing spiritually everyday! I've learned "life long friends" are fewer than i thought in high school, bills exist and come way to often if you ask me, and the SALE rack at Target is my new "name band"... forget AE and A&F... and payless here i come.......

I just pray as I continue "growing up" I'll be a strong woman of faith and make those decision hand in hand with my creator!


One thing that I'll never move on from is my family! I love my family more than they know, and even my extended family is a little crazy, i love and look forward to Thanksgiving... and hey, who knows I might even wear my pearls!!


XOXO,
Halee Renee

I just love kids.......

As most of you know, I am involved with the kids at our church as much as possible! I co-teach 2-5 year old Sunday School, Help as much as possible with mom on Wednesday Nights, and the past month I've been on the Praise Factory team. And I'll admit, going from SS school when kids can barely carry on a conversation, to kids that dish out sarcasm more than I do, has been a real treat!

Yesterday, MT got up to "try" to explain the Trinity to about 15 kids from K-3rd! He picked Caitlyn F. to stand up and went through the whole "She's one, a daughter, two, and sister.. and three a student...

and without missing a beat Aaron B. says ( and before i go on, he was sitting beside her, they're friends, and this did not phase Catilyn at ALL, and she got him back later, no doubt)

So as MT was Finishing up "three, she's a student"
Aaron B. chimes in... Four... she's annoying!!!!

I couldn't do anything but laugh... Thought I'd share a laugh with you guys!

Sorry about the "hit and miss" bloggin' I've been doing.. I"ll try to get better... and catch you guys up on some fun facts in my life!

Love,
Halee Renee!

Labor Day Weekend... the best ever!

OUR VIEW FROM THE DRIVE WAY!!! ( This view just makes me think... We have an awesome God and Creator!)

(WARNING: this post may end up a pretty lengthy post! )

This Labor Day Weekend was by far the best Labor Day I've ever had! Hands Down!!! I, of course, had Monday Off, but I snuck in a extra VACA day and took Friday off as well! Thursday after work, Mr. and Mrs. Tallman, MT (Michael) and Myself headed up I-75 towards Helen, Ga! After a few tire problems on the jeep, and a few bathroom breaks, we arrived safe and sound at our cabin at 2:30 a.m.!!! No worries though i slept most of the way! ( We did Karaoke in our car til' atleast 11:30.. "Slide" by the Goo Goo dolls was our favorite.. hands down!) After a long night's sleep, we kick started our weekend fresh and rested around 11:00 Friday!

I must say my favorite time of the whole trip was Breakfast every morning! The four of us sat around the table discussion "Table Talk" articles, and Mr. Mike read a prayer every morning! It was just good times and I loved it! It was spiritually growing, and I'm so thankful for our time together! The whole Tallman family is a HUGE blessing, and answered prayer in my life!!

Most of Friday was spent around the Mountain House! I met the Grandparents! (Who I love) Mrs. Jenny (or Nanny Tallman) made a delicious dinner and then when ended the night with a loving friendly game of poker! Mrs. Yvette killed the guys, I just assisted her! (check my facebook mobile updates for pictures of her stack of chips compared to the men... it's awesome! She was too funny!)

Saturday morning, we headed out to every woman's true dream! We tour the Southern Living Model Home! This particular house was designed by a young lady who was 27, and i loved her taste, and the house was HUGE! I'm only posting a few pictures of the house, cause there were so many things I loved, the master bed and bath were my absolute favorite so I included the pictures!

Saturday Evening was spent a Turner Field! We headed out for our now regular "Saturday Night Double Date" with his parents! This was my first MLB game, and the experience was awesome.. we sat VERY high up in the stadium, but our view of the field and Atlanta's skyline was breath taking! (more so because I'm not to fond of heights.... but, I got kinda used to it...) We had such a good time! They even had a fireworks so after the game! Weather up there couldn't have been more perfect! Not to hott not to cold, just like i like it! =)

Sunday we went to church with his Grandpa... (papa Tallman).. and busted out the Old Baptist Hymn Books.. so fun! And the Pastor (Bro. Drawdy) was ordain right down the road from my home church in Hilliard, Fl... SMALL WORLD! We all packed up and headed to LongHorn from lunch!!! (soooo goooddd!!!) And Sunday Afternoon MT took me into Helen for a "Date Night"... we ended up playing some PuttPutt.. which he beat me.. but that's ok.. I still love him! ;)

All in All, I DID NOT want to come back Monday...... to say the least! But Michael wanted to watch the FSU game.. (hahahaha.. and they lost.. good stuff!!)... and then it was back to work on Tuesday.... I hope we get to go back soon!

Sigh.... we'll there it is...... it was such a relaxing time and I really enjoyed myself!

Belmonte Terrace #2!!! (Finally Got Pictures Up!)

Welcome to the mini tour of my apartment! It's still in the works, and needs curtains and wall hangings, but it's liviable for now =)! Hope y'all enjoy as much as I love it!

Our Living Room! ( how awesome is that couch... and it's was given to us!)

Our "Oh-so-cute" Zebra Bathroom! (provided by Target!)

Our quaint Dinning Area! (We love our Pear Place mats!)

My Bedroom!
Living Room Center Piece!

"Table Talk" and the 5 Solas of Reformation

( been slacking again on my blogging... so these next couple of post will be me playing "catch up"!!)


It's only right, that the first week I pick up "Table Talk" (by R.C. Sproul) we dive straight into the 5 solas of Reformation: Sola fide (faith alone), Sola gratia (grace alone), Solus Christus (Christ alone), sola scriptura (Scripture Alone), and Soli Deo gloria (Glory to God Alone), and it's with these that God really put me "in check" spiritually. I've felt like I was in a "spiritual battle" and I was, I was battling against what God was really revealing to me. God has really opened my ears and heart this past month. Our pastor Bro. Wayne always delivers and powerful message from the pulpit, and for that I'm so grateful, and then two weeks ago, his son-in-law Casey preach on God's Amazing Grace... and asked the question, "Do we still find God's grace amazing? Or do we take it for granted?" His message gripped my heart and made me step back and examine myself. I'm so undeserving of His amazing grace, and as I examined myself and my heart, God sent along Table Talk to help me out! My salvation is "through faith alone, by grace alone, and on account of Christ alone- and to merit myself for any of it is robbing God of His full Glory. (Glory to God alone) Leaving Scripture alone as the final, infallible authority! I promise you, grabbing a copy of Table Talk and sitting down with 10 minutes to spare everyday, it will truly bless your life, and has with mine! Not only the article itself, but the further study scriptures at the bottom, and the publications from Pastors all over the country, have assisted in deepening my walk and passion for my Savior and Heavenly Father, and displaying God's message he's been trying to get through to me for a while! It's so worth it, it's truly blessed my life!

Work all Day, Party all Night! VBS 2009

( I wish I could start posting pictures, sad thing is, i lost my camera battery, and haven't managed to get a replacement yet... but pictures will hopefully follow!)

This week has been pretty tiring! Work from 8 am til 4 ( no breaks in between this week), then straight to the apartment to change, and only getting better as I hit the Fuller Warren at 5 o'clock to head back to Hilliard.... (cause we all know there's no traffic to fight crossing all four lanes.... sigh...) to VBS from 6-8.. One would think it couldn't even be enjoyable being rushed and burned out all day, to teaching VBS to a bunch of kids when it's 100 degrees outside.. but actually my heart has been blessed this week. And i look forward to my crazy day ending with a great group of young kids, eager to learn about our Savior! It truly is a blessing. About a year ago I started teaching Sunday School to the 4 and 5 yr olds at Hilliard First Baptist, and lost my heart to that group of kids... actually to ALL the kids in our nursery, but when asked to help teach 2 graders I jumped at the chance to switch things up, and help out with the Children's Dept.! And I'm so glad I did! Don't get me wrong, I'm going through some nursery with drawls, and I miss hearing the "Hey Miss Halee" from those sweet little voices.. but I've really enjoyed these second graders the past couple nights! The VBS staff at HFBC has really done a great job in reaching out to these kids and making sure they are having fun while learning about Christ Jesus and His apostles! We' have a good number of kids this year and a lot of new faces, it's been a amazing to know we're establishing a very important foundation in this kid's lives! I pray every day God's everlasting Love will be poured out on these kids, and that they'll see it reflected in each worker's life. They're the next generation of disciples that will do His work for the kingdom, and the hunger in they're hearts this week has really touched me deeply. How intent they are as they listen to the study, and how fast their hands shoot up when we ask a question..blows me away, and i'm overwhelmed with joy! I wanted God's loved reflected in us, but God's shown me not only that, but that His Love is shinning through these kids too! We're here to teach them, but if we sit back and watch, we can learn quite a bit from them also! I'm so thankful to be apart this years VBS, and I'm continuing to pray for a awesome week, and a amazing work to be done in these kids lives!!!! Pray with us and for us as we minister to the surrounding communities families and friends! God's at work... and just like our theme "It all comes back to Jesus"!


Halee Renee

Living Life.. San Marco Style!

Well, I've just decided, on this boring Friday afternoon at Beaver Dental Care, that I'd clear this blog off, (seeing as I posted things every.. i dunno, 6 months) and try this thing over again!

July 1st, 2009, was bittersweet day for me! I loaded down the good Ole' G6 (aka Gixie) and pulled out of Henry Smith Rd, headed for a new "temp." home (as Mapeg likes to cal lit) right off San Marco Blvd! ... I know I made my mom sad, but I love LIFE IN JACKSONVILLE! It's a beautiful thing to drive to work in less than 5 minutes, Walmart less than 5, movies, St. John's town center... any place you could imagine to eat.. all less than 5 minutes... it really is a beautiful thing! I live not to far for the "strip" of San Marco, where all the shops and places are! If any of you are familiar with the Firehouse Subs, I'm a block behind there!... and I can't stress enough how much I love it! From Hilliard "town" girl, straight to the "big" city of Jacksonville... Having the Jacksonville River Skyline basically in my back yard is truly amazing! Our apartment might just been the cutest thing every, from Zebra Shower Curtains, to Marilyn Monroe pictures... it's amazing.. I'll have to post some pictures! Don't' get me wrong, I LOVE Hilliard, and always will, it's just good to have a small break from it, and experience life on my own!!