The weather in Nashville is crazy. I moved here in August 2009. The winter of 2009/2010 brought more snow than Nashville had seen in years, or so I was told. Then there was the flood in May 2010 when it seemed to have rained more than ever before (now, I realize it our good friends, Harpeth and Cumberland). I think I've seen it snow more in the past year and half than I've ever seen in my life. Maybe that's not entirely true, but that's sure what it feels like. It has flurried several times in the past couple of weeks, which is incredibly exciting for someone who has seen it legitimately snow (not ice) only a handful of times in her life. Today, December 12 (yes, BEFORE Christmas) it's snowing again. Only this time, it's sticking! I feel like a little kid. I'm pretty sure the last time I saw a lot of snow, not counting last year, was during Spring Break (!!!) in 2008. Again, that was in TN, and you never know what the weather will do here. I guess we will wait and see what the rest of the day brings!

Pictures: top, Nashville, Winter 2009; middle, Millington, Spring 2008; right and bottom, Nashville, Fall 2010

Question mark inside or outside the quotation marks?

Dear Grammar Fairy,

I have a few questions and concerns, and I felt it best to write you, directly. As I'm writing this, the clock on the wall shows a late hour, so to save myself the headache of trying to compose the following thoughts into a cohesive, flowing letter, I'll simply number them, and you can do with it what you will.

1. Please tell me that I'm not alone when I cringe at the incorrect usage of "your" and "you're".

2. Can you please differentiate between "despite" and "in spite of"?

3. Let's remind all people that, "Then tells when."

4. Perhaps you, of all people, have reason to inform all how to spell "grammar".

5. When sentences are ended with prepositions, my face grows sad.

6. I must confess: I often improperly use pronouns when talking about me and others. :/

7. Comma splices.... :(

8. Could you instruct us how to correctly use the -- in a sentence?

9. Brownies are done. People are finished.

10. What's up with the homonyms and homophones in the English language? I mean, seriously!

I'm sure there are more, but for now, I'm headed to bed. School ends tomorrow, and I couldn't be any more excited!!!!

Toodles.

Life, Recently

I've been in a whirlwind of emotions over the past week. While spending joyous, long-awaited, greatly anticipated, much needed time with my family, I was soberly convicted and reminded of the reality of Heaven and Hell in the death of a girl I grew up with. Over the past few days, I've had to beg for God's forgiveness in not ministering to her and others I was around every day in school. I've had to come to terms with the fact that I'm not responsible for her death, but I do have a responsibility to those around me. If I don't assume this weighty responsibility, I'm very much in the wrong, and I'll have to give an account to God for that. Oh, that I may be like the moon, reflecting the sun so that others see Him alone when they look at me.

I've found myself, several times over the past week, being very judgmental. Pride creeps up and voices a betterment over other people. Lies from the Enemy want me to believe that my sin is insignificant compared to that of others. I've found myself disappointed in someone--not because I was upset with him, but because I felt embarrassed. Complete selfishness. As a friend reminded me a few days ago, the only difference between my sin and the next guy's is that mine hasn't been exposed yet. How true that is! I always find it such a bittersweet time to have the Lord convict me. I know that He disciplines His children, and I know that sin would be no big deal if I didn't have the gift of salvation, but seeing more of the depths of my depravity is so painful.

While life has been somber the past few days, it's also been absolutely chaotic. I have only 3 days of class before the semester ends, but I have tons of work to be done in that short time. Sometimes, it seems completely overwhelming. To make matters worse, when I feel like I've gotten ahead, something else comes up and smacks me in the face. Today, I felt like I had a good handle on the subject matter. I felt very prepared, even telling one of my classmates that I had some "rocking awesome ideas". My teacher didn't agree, and told me that she felt it was not my best work and that there was a chance I needed to redo the assignment. It was her professionally polite way of saying that I possibly failed, but she'd "let [me] know by the end of the day". :( We do have two chances to pass the huge grades like today's, but I was looking so forward to being that much closer to the end. On the way home, through the tears, God reminded me with His faithful, loving words..."Sarah, be careful where you stand. Take heed that you do not fall."

Several times recently, regardless of how the events of life are playing out, I've been reminded of a song that I've grown to appreciate. It's words were written by Charles Wesley in the 1700's, and they remain so rich today.

Come, Thou long expected Jesus
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel’s Strength and Consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.

Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne

I really feel like this has been the cry of my heart over the past few days. Saying that, however, I struggle with feeling that way, because while I'm eager for His return, I feel like I'm not content with the now. I feel like I don't make the most of every opportunity today. I feel like there's much left undone--things for which I'll be held accountable. I struggle with knowing how to balance these two things out.

Your thoughts?

Sam Well

Because Griffin turns 18 on Wednesday, I thought I'd bring out some photo memories that I have of the two of us. There are some that go much further back than these, but I don't have virtual copies of them. I'll attempt here to use these pictures to tell some of the reasons why Samuel Griffin Metcalf is, by far, one of my favourite people on the planet.

10. You want to talk about silly? This kid is the definition of silly. He, however, keeps me laughing. I can be in a terrible mood, and a single word from him causes nothing but laughter. There have even been times that he's the very reason I'm in a bad mood, and within 5 minutes, he cracks me up.

9. Although he's the younger of my two brothers, he takes care of me as if he's years older than I. About two years ago, he jokingly assured me that he would do a background check on my next "friend". That's our relationship. We can mess with each other, but if outsiders mess with one of us, the other one will be on you "like a spider monkey".

8. He's willing to hang out with my Garrett and me. When the three of us are together, we have insane amounts of fun. Inside jokes beyond what you can imagine, and we make one incredible Catch Phrase team!

7. He's had pretty big changes in the past year or so, and overall, he's adapted well and been compliant with my parents. He had to leave a school and friends that he loved. He moved to a different state--a state he knew nothing about. He had to change churches, too. He knew no one except my parents,

which I'm sure, was rough. Through it all, though, he's made comments about knowing that he's still under mom and dad's authority, so he supports whatever God calls them to do.

6. Griffin loves people, and he can make a friend out of anyone. It's awesome to see the heart God has given him and is continuing to shape to be so welcoming and loving to those who too often are overlooked, ignored, and mistreated.

5. I miss him. Lots.

4. He's smart as a whip. The kid rarely has to study for anything. At the top of his class, he's not your typical geek. Yeah, he's a self-admitted nerd at times, but he's such a well-rounded kid. Everybody likes him. He sets a good example for those around him, not putting up with people's crap. He's very much one of the most popular kids in school, and such is so for good,

healthy reasons. How often does that happen?! You know what I mean? Most popular kids are popular because they are willing to compromise their standards on the weekend, because it's "cool" to rebel, and such. Griffin's different. He's cool, but this is true because he's such a good kid. He's kind, he's smart, he's athletic. He has a backbone. He's the whole package.

3. He's not afraid to be himself.

2. He has instilled in me a desire to be healthy--to eat more healthy foods and to exercise on a more regular basis. He's all about running, and he's an absolute beast when he runs. I'm nowhere near his calibur of physical fitness, but he helps me be a healthier me. Even though he's way more in shape than I, he is patient with me and makes a point to include me when we are together. One time, he and I went for a run. Even though he could have runs lots faster than he did, he intentionally ran more slowly to stay so I wouldn't be alone. It took a great deal of humility to do that. I'm telling you...he's awesome.

1. He loves the Lord. To hear him pray or discuss the things God is doing in his heart and life is such a blessing! He will make such a great boyfriend and husband, some day. I'm so proud of him for not giving into dating before God ordains it time. If you can't tell, I'm pretty stinkin' proud of Griffin. It is such a great privilege to be his sister! Happy birthday, Giffeh. I love you!

I want to be praying for...

submission to parents - vision - character - a shepherding king - strength - power - a warrior - faith - wisdom - a mentor - heart - love - a friend - a protector - a defender - gentleness - servanthood - courage - respect - accountability - submission to God's authority - accountability - genuineness - faithfulness - commitment - time spent with God - a guide - a provider - dedication - a hard-worker - mercy - investment in the younger, less mature - transparency - honesty - willingness to listen - sharing of successes and failures - connection - deliberation - consideration of others - balance - communication - authenticity

The First 25

I'm not sure why I'm so into making lists as of late, but here's another for you.

Top Reasons I'm Looking Forward to Christmas Break:

1. Christmas lights!!!!

2. I want to volunteer at a soup kitchen.

3. I will be able to leisure read.

4. Hot cocoa makes me smile.

5. All three siblings under one roof??? Yessir!

6. Slumber party with Mallory Huber

7. Christmas carols on the radio make driving time more enjoyable.

8. Putting up the Christmas tree with Jennifer Metcalf is a tradition that can't be broken, yet.

9. Christmas trees, in general :)

10. There's something magical about being able to see your breath on a cold day.

11. NO MORE SCHOOL!!!!

12. bulky sweaters

13. turtle necks

14. warm, Christmas socks :)

15. reading the story of Jesus' birth with my family

16. CPR recertification? I'm a nerd.

17. Christmas choir!

18. Loukas time

19. annual sibling picture

20. There's something to enjoy about finding that perfect gift for people.

21. Hearing the Salvation Army jingle bells is completely nostalgic.

22. Christmas parades

23. Bellevue sing Christmas tree

24. It's a Wonderful Life :)

25. I'm determined to watch A Christmas Story in its entirety, for the first time ever (!!!) this year.

There's more to come, kids. I'm excited.

Mothers Amaze Me

I seriously think that when lady becomes a mother, she receives this whole new set of superhuman abilities. It's almost like Peter Parker when he's in the Spiderman suit. I joke with my mom that I'll be the worst mom ever because I can sleep through anything. I have this fear that I won't hear my kids crying in the night. She, along with others, has assured me that "something happens when you become a mother", and for sure, I'll hear my children crying. We shall see, I suppose. Nevertheless, mothers amaze me. All mothers.

I can be having a crummy day, when I get a phone call from my mom. I can intentionally try to make my voice sound like everything is fine, and her first words after "Hello" are "Are you okay? What's going on?" When I tell her I'm fine, it's always, "What's wrong?" in this pathetic, I-know-you're-lying-because-I'm-your-mother voice. How does she do that?

This morning, I had another Mothers Amaze Me moment. The lady I live with--who granted, is not my mother but is a mother, nonetheless--was able to know that I didn't feel well without even seeing me. She knocks on my door and basically told me to stay home and rest "if" I didn't feel well. What in the world! Spy cameras? ESP? Psychic? More like motherhood. It's amazing.

Hopefully some day I'll be as amazing as these and so many other women I know.