2.06.2011

7 Things

I have been awarded the Stylish Blogger award, many times over so I thought it was about time that I played along. So sorry that it has taken me this long. I honestly can not remember who all awarded me so please, pretty please, email me and I will be sure to link you. I really do appreciate it. So here are my 7 things. Some fluff and some that have been life changing, if you only have time to read one please skip ahead to #7...

1. I LOVE to cook. If you have been reading for awhile then you will know this is a new thing. I had no idea how to actually cook until last year. I was the one who could mess up mac and cheese out of box, now we don't eat out of boxes. It was a resolution of sorts for me to learn, so I did.


2. My family. Well, what can I say I am passionately in love with them.

3. I was born in Venezuela. My mom was in an exchange program to Colombia in college, loved the country and stayed, met my papa, married, and moved to Venezuela. I was delivered by a man who may have had too many drinks and I was just over 4 pounds. About 3 months later we moved back to the US.


4. Photography was a hobby for the Mr. and I and it has become a full blown business the last couple of years. We are grateful to those who took a chance on us in the beginning. It is most definitely a blessing many times over.

5. I have a cleaning lady that comes every other week. There I said it. I used to be embarrassed by it, but now I embrace it. This past year I had a surgery that kept me from doing much, so the Mr. hired a lady to help around the house. After I got the go ahead to resume my daily routine the Mr. said I could keep her services, so I did graciously. Wow, glad to get that off my chest.


6. Gardening is my form of therapy. Love getting my hands dirty and seeing the miracles that this land can produce. I hope and pray that all my flowers come back this year, it has been quite a rough winter.

7. This one has been a life changer for me lately. My only hope is that I can convey my thoughts properly. Pastor Billy Hornsby, who happens to be our Pastor's wife and Ellie's teachers dad, has fallen ill. He went from sick to critical much too quickly. It is cancer. I have known him for quite sometime since my husband is on staff at this church. He is the President and founder of ARC and has been changing lives for years. He and his family lived over seas sharing the love of Jesus. He is an author. He builds leaders. I can go on and on. The part of his life that I admire most though is that no matter what he has done he has remained humble and that is rare. He truly just loves Jesus, his family, and helping people. He has built his life around it. He is ready to go home if that is what Jesus has for him. We of course are praying for him to stay a bit longer.

{This is Ellie's class and a few middle schooler's praying for Pastor Billy, She is the one holding on tight looking up at him.}

What has changed my life I suppose is just seeing the peace that he has with leaving this earth to go to Heaven. Believers can say they will be ready, but are we ever that ready? He knows he has done good here and will leave this earth without what ifs. A crazy amount of people from all over have flown in to see him. He is leaving a legacy based on loving others. Isn't that what life should be all about? When it is my time I too want to go out knowing that I did my very best for my savior, that I was a great wife, mom, sister, daughter, friend, and helped others that I have yet to know. That I loved others with passion, not with how they fit into my life, but how can I fit into theirs.  That my family know at all times that they are number one. Of course, me and the Mr. will fight, but I want him to forever know that I love him, really love him. That my babies never feel that they come second to what I am doing at that moment, aka blogging, cleaning, sewing, etc. That I will drop everything for a friend in need without hesitation. That I will drop everything for a stranger in need without hesitation.  Since coming to know Christ nine years ago I have said that loving people would be my passion, I have had my ups and downs in this category, and now I have gotten too comfortable in my life and need to go back. Need to go back to the place where I feel for people. Happy and sad people. Not pity that's something different, but love. A simple love.

*Pastor Billy spoke this past week during service for a few. If you would like to listen go here and fast forward to 30:38 although the whole message is good too. He also spoke here before he became critical.

Thank you! Live Love Small, Real Estate Style, Creative OutpourConstant in Chaos, Style for Living, Lona De Anna, A Dance with Grace which was actually awarded to Mrs French, Desire Design Delight

50 comments:

Alcira Molina-Ali said...

What a beautiful way of telling us about yourself and your breathtaking family -- your words speak volumes about you beyond the stunning photography.
Coming to grips with the fleeting nature of our lives and struggling to keep our top priorities up top is a daily human challenge, and one that you are clearly striving to carry out with loving grace.
May you and yours be blessed with health and happiness, lovely to know you further.
Cheers, Alcira

nerochronicles.com

Laura Bear said...

By far the best stylish blogger post I have seen yet. Inspirational, beautiful and left a knot in my throat. Thank you for sharing this. This is really special and I will keep Pastor Billy in my prayers.

Jessica @ Lavender and Lilies said...

Beautiful post. I feel like mine was so shallow. Yours is beautiful.

Erica Cook said...

As usual Paula, you never fail to astound me with your insightful and simple, yet powerful way of putting things.
I strongly believe that love is at the center of everything... don't ever doubt that you're not sharing it every day on your blog. Sometimes we help in ways that we don't even know we're helping and I am certain this is the case with two ellie.
Ellie's earnest little face brought a tear to my eye. Sending Pastor Billy the warmest wishes of comfort and truly hoping he stays a little longer. xoxo

Unknown said...

My pastor has been to see Billy a few times since he's been ill. He is such an inspiration - inspires me to show God's love to everyone.

I really enjoyed reading your 7 things. you're so wise (:

Cassie said...

Thank you for sharing a little of yourself with us this Sunday.
xx

ALR said...

Congrats on the award and thank you for sharing such a touching pieces of your life. I am now praying for your pastor. I pray that he is peaceful and being celebrated for each and every day is on this earth.

xo
Amy R.

Tiffany @ Savor Home said...

Extremely touching! I have a knot in my throat, too. You are such a sincere and special person. I pray that God will continue to shed a special light on you, your family, and Pastor Billy.

Jacqueline said...

Thanks for sharing that.

Unknown said...

Beautiful post Paula. Reading your words was very touching and definitely gave us a little glimpse of the lovely you. Thanks so much for sharing my dear. xo

Amanda said...

That was beautiful. Thank you for sharing a day early :)

Julie said...

Paula, what a sweet post. I'm so sorry to hear about your pastor. I'll say a prayer for him and the congregation to feel peace.

I also just hired a cleaning lady and I can foresee that it will be the best thing I do all year.

Loretta Fontaine (EcoHappy Blog) said...

Paula- A sincere and beautiful post!

Loretta

Anna White said...

Paula...it was so wonderful to know a little more about you..and all I can say is that it has only confirmed to me just what a beautiful soul you really are.
I will say a little prayer for Pastor Billy..and send alot of love and positive light his way.

Thanks so much for sharing lovely..x

p.s I was one of the ppl that sent a blog award your way...just because you have such a inspirational blog.

Anna x

http://lonadeanna.blogspot.com/2011/01/blog-award-7-things-about-me.html

Vana said...

I loved reading this post Paula! You truly are a wonderful soul! Loved to learned more about you.

Unknown said...

This is why I love blogs. Sharing design is great. And I love it. Seeing all the inspiring ideas and talent is fantastic. Having a voice and using it to share Christ and what is really the most important thing is bold and vulnerable and the most amazing thing. Thank you for your willingness to share your soul. You brought tears to my eyes with not just what you shared about this dear friend of yours but your heart for Jesus and to serve and love people.

My Interior Life said...

Loved learning more about you and your journey. A simple love indeed. Beautiful.

Haven and Home said...

This was just beautiful Paula. Thank you.

Maria Johns said...

Praying for Him, for healing and a miracle. What a legacy, such a powerful testimony. LIfting you guys up as well.

A Dance With Grace said...

What you wrote was absolutely beautiful. I loved learning more about you! Paster Billy is in my prayers now. I gave the stylish blogger award to "Mrs. French"...my fellow lover of the green monster drink. ;)...I adore your blogs!

Mrs. Slatts said...

I have seen you so many times and not gotten to know you unfortunately. I love that I get to see your heart through this post. Paula, you are an amazing woman following passionately after God...you're inspiring to me and so many others. Well Done.

angela hardison said...

loved this post, paula. sometimes the hard and sad things are what remind us what's most important in life. i love that you want your passion to be loving people - i can definitely relate to that, and i think the Savior is the best example we could ever have.

you are an inspiration in many ways!

Unknown said...

oh Paula, that was beautiful. You have such a way of expressing yourself.. I am truly honored to be your friend, xo

Charlotta Ward said...

Paula this was a lovely post to read for me. As you know I am a fairly new 'commenter' (or is it 'commentator'..?) here..

Unlike you I am a terrible gardener. I have all intention and love to make it happen, but fail in practice.. I can't even manage a pot of basil.. :|
I do share your love for family, passion for photography and cooking. I love spoiling people with a great meal and to capture them and the world around us with my camera.

Pastor Billy.. What a heartbreaking and heartwarming story. Love is what it is all about for sure. I hope his cancer isn't too bad and that you get to share a bit more of this remarkable man's life.

x Charlotta

EFT Therapy said...

It's very nice to hear stories and inspirations like this! Hopefully, your readers including myself would become motivated and become goal-driven like you and your husband.

Modern Palm Boutique said...

Wow! What a beautiful post. I love how you just open yourself up and are so honest and lovely. You're very inspiring!

Jennifer said...

Ellie's precious face alone brought me to tears!

Julie-Inspired said...

So beautiful...and how sad for your pastor, although it looks like he has a lot of love surrounding him! Be blessed just because you know him and feel lucky that he is a part of your life. On a lighter note...I have a cleaning lady too (shhhh)!

Sherman Unkefer said...

Beautiful family! So nice to hear a very inspiring story like this.

Andrea said...

You are a beautiful person, inside and out and I feel inspired by you every time I read your blog. I will keep Pastor Billy, and your family in my prayers.

Cat said...

I loved reading this! Especially the part about the man who delivered you! :) I linked up with you and gave you the award, but I think you already knew that! :) Thanks!

April said...

Beautiful post!

la la Lovely said...

Beautifully shared. I know I need to re-focus and think a little more eternal. Thank you for the reminder.

Ps- don't feel bad about the cleaning lady. I have one every other week too. For me, it's paying for sanity.

Anonymous said...

It's great to know you this way. It's a lovely testimony you already have and are giving through your transparency, your family life, the way you live in simplicity. It's so hard to be a Christian nowadays it seems that the most politically incorrect thing to be sometimes, there's so much to stand up for and so much misunderstanding, when all we want to do is live for love and make people see Jesus' love and not religious intolerance towards those who are different.

Wahzat Gayle said...

Happy to get to know more about you
((hugs))
This was such a touching post.
What you wish for you and your family is my earnest prayer as well.


(I think you remember that I have a help as well so enjoy it. Think of it as a way to give your children the attention they need undisturbed by the need to clean)
Keeping your Pastor in my thoughts

LobotoME said...

love everything about this post...thank you for sharing!

Unknown said...

You are stylish always but so much more too. You show such compassion, beauty and grace which make you truly inspiring.

Amy said...

Thank you for sharing such a personal posting to us. I absolutely enjoy reading your insights on life, family, hobbies and marriage, and this entry confirms it even more.

Eden Lang said...

so beautiful. Thank you Paula.

theappletea said...

love those photos!!

P.S. Please, see the contest we were talking about last time: http://theappletea.blogspot.com/2011/02/contest-pick-header-for-appletea.html

Tash said...

Beautiful post, i've learned so much about you, love that. You are a lovely person Paula.
Natasha xo

Katie said...

Thanks so much for sharing. I so know what you mean about getting too comfortable. While I definitely want to live gratefully for the good times, I don't want to get stale or complacent.

On the topic of loving God, loving others, etc... I just finished a GREAT book- He Loves Me by Wayne Jacobson. Don't know what else to say other than it's really good.

ps. thanks for sharing about your cleaning lady too... :) I think it's great!

Brooke @ Blueprint Bliss said...

Such a sweet post. Thanks for sharing!

Anna said...

Your last series of thoughts resonate so deeply with me, Paula. What a charge He has set before us, what grace and mercy He so freely bestows.

rachel@urbannest said...

Thanks for the inspiring post! It never hurts to be reminded of what's important.

Unknown said...

You have no idea how much I appreciated reading that you have someone clean your house :) It is a new thing for me too (since baby #2 joined us), and I often feel guilty/embarrassed by it, when really, it is such a blessing!

annie@mostlovelythings said...

Paula,

This is so beautifully written...so sweet and sincere. You are truly a lovely person.

Annie

Michelle @ Ten June said...

So fun learning these things about you. And what an inspirational story. That IS what life is all about- putting it all on the table and leaving it behind for others. My mother-in-law passed away in 2009 at the young age of 52 and it was such a testament to her life and the way she loved to see our church left with standing room only at her funeral service. Definitely inspirational.

Kristine said...

One of my favorite, favorite posts!

SHERRY HART said...

How vulnerable you made yourself....scary. But there really is no time like the present to say how you feel especially to your loved ones. Because you know we are not promised tomorrow......
How wonderful that you are feeling so blessed with knowing such a wonderful man.