Happy Friday, everyone!
It has been a great work week, but oh my word, my brain is utterly fried. I am tired. I have absolutely nothing of any sort of substance to share with you. Just some very random pictures coupled with commentary in like fashion. I was going through the camera roll on my iphone today and decided I would share some of them. I love to scroll through the pictures my friends take with their phones. I think you can learn something new about someone by looking at the little things they like to capture throughout their day. So the following jumbled mess is a string of some pictures or moments that I have captured over the past few months.
Eatin’ breakfast across from my love.
A perfect mid-morning, continued.
One of my favorite areas in Atlanta: West Midtown. It is raw and industrial; it provides all kinds of inspiration.
Piedmont Park, midtown Atlanta. One of the many Atlanta parks I frequent weekly.
A good friend of mine recently made approximately one hundred individual origami butterflies and strategically arranged them on the wall one at a time. The pattern is brilliant. I’m in love.
But not quite as in love as I am with the real thing. This butterfly was showing off for me. If I were a butterfly, I would want to spend my afternoon perched near these flowers, too. Little kaleidoscopes of colors bursting with oranges, pinks, and yellows.
My **favorite** sandwich from Alon’s. Roasted eggplant, roasted red peppers, sliced tomato, cold chunks of fresh mozzarella, and homemade basil pesto all held together with whole wheat bread. Insane, I tell you.
Columbia Seminary’s Library . . . One of my happy places.
One benefit of having the window seat. “The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.” Psalm 19.1
The moon testifies, too. One beautiful night I slipped out for a walk and the moon was so bright, one could nearly have mistaken it for the sun. “Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever . . . who by understanding made the heavens, for his steadfast love endures forever . . . the moon and stars to rule over the night, for his steadfast love endures forever”(Psalm 136.1, 5, 9).
Tomato Juice? I warned you that this was going to be random. I don’t even like tomato juice but for but for some odd reason I have a fierce loyalty to it when I’m on the airplane. Maybe the recycled air changes its chemical composition or something. Also, I really wish they would go back to serving peanuts. The one meager little package of tiny pretzel sticks leaves a lot to be desired.
My nephew and a Stetson box.
Now you see him.
And now you don’t.
Sort of?
My little niece. This may seem like a random picture to you but it thrills me to no end because she looks so much like Amanda here. Her lips and eye shape are identical. I keep praying her eyes are going to turn sea green like Amanda’s. Okay, you caught me, I haven’t actually been praying about it. But, I’ve been hoping.
Dear Chicken and Fluffy Biscuits, I could eat you every night of the week. I was Colin’s hero when I made this dish.
A few evenings ago I was running in my neighborhood and I was struck by the way the light was plummeting down through this tree like a lightning bolt. The leaves were so illuminated that it was nearly impossible to discern their color. A few of them looked like brilliant white snowflakes.
My crazy Dad and his portable but sizable hunting blinds. This was my first glimpse of my parent’s house upon my arrival into Houston a few weeks ago. Needless to say, it felt good to be home. Never a dull moment in the Moore house.
Um. Yes, please do. This might be the most profound graffiti I have ever seen in a bathroom stall.
A pretty church in our neighborhood. I love the rose window. Makes me feel like I got off at the wrong Marta stop and magically ended up in Europe.
Our local bagel shop, Belly General Store. They make the BEST olive oil and garlic bagels EVER. Also, the style and design in this little shop are out of this world.
The side of Belly General Store, equally as aesthetically fabulous.
Typical Melissa and Colin.
Mom, Annabeth, and me in Houston. This picture was originally taken with a DSLR camera but I decided to throw it in the mix because I saw it today and it made me smile.
Working in the Living Proof Office in Houston. And, sipping on coffee, of course. The coffee that we were guzzling that particular day is called Stumptown Coffee. Stumptown Coffee is Kelly Minter’s favorite coffee roaster. Evidently it makes her long for the New Jerusalem. She has got some good taste. We were licking our coffee cups when we weren’t busy taking turns running laps around the office in a caffeine frenzy. Apparently, according to several Siestas from the Northwest, Stumptown Coffee is from Portland, Oregon, but it also has locations in Seattle.
Today I went to run an errand and when I went to pay the parking meter (downside to intown living), I noticed a little note.
It blessed my heart that someone took the time to write out this little message for a stranger. But I did wonder where he or she got the scotch tape. I don’t typically carry scotch tape around with me but maybe I’ll think twice about it next time. Anyway, after I saw the little note, I went to look at my parking spot and lo and behold, I had parking spot 601. Gotta love it.
I will end this late night tangent with a picture my Mom just texted me from Chicago. If you look super closely, you can see the sky-line in the distance. You can definitely see the Sears tower (or Willis tower?) to the right. Also, you can tell the leaves are going to turn for fall soon. Oh be still my heart. I wish I were going to be at the event tomorrow! Not to mention, Chicago is my favorite city in the world.
Have a wonderful weekend, Siestas. Whether you are busy with work, church, high school football games, or just hanging out at home, I hope this weekend brings each of you peace and restoration and that whatever you are up to, you are supremely blessed by God in the midst of it.
Love this random post, Melissa and love the pictures!!
I know you are a Texas girl and may not like Chinese food, but if you do the VERY best is up on Buford Highway at a restaurant called Pung Mei. When we lived in ATL we ate there OFTEN. The Shrimp with Hot Tom. Sauce is to die for…a garlic and shrimp lovers delight. The restaurants are what I miss about Atlanta. We have a paucity of excellent restaurants here in the N. GA mountains. Boo!
Leah
Sweet Melissa – Stumptown coffee is proudly brewed in Portland, Oregon. If you and your mom ever want to come out here, I’ll take you there 🙂
Cheri-Beri, Thanks for letting me know! I edited my post for you. I would absolutely love to come to Portland! I’ve never been. It is on my list!
Portland rocks 🙂
good to see you here Cheri!
Wow,amazing photography. Have you ever heard of the photographer Man-Ray? If not, check him out and some of his quotes on Wikipedia. (I only heard about him last night after he was referenced on Warehouse 13).
One quote was,
“It has never been my object to record my dreams, just the determination to realize them.”
Seems like that one fits this set for some reason. Thanks for giving us a view through your lens. Have a fantastic day in Jesus!
In Christ,
Carol
AL
I must say, I love this post! It made me smile like the dickens this morning! Thank you, Melissa :)) There are times that ‘stream of consciousness/seemingly random’ reading is exactly what’s needed. Living in God’s world was so evident in every picture — and while that might seem an odd comment … I saw creativity, creation, imagination, love and kindness throughout this post. Go figure! :))) God bless you and all your family, today and every day!
T.
PS: I am exactly the SAME way about tomato juice!!!! I’ve never known anyone else that has that same quirk :)))) Smiling broadly 😀
What beautiful pictures! Thanks for sharing the random post. But I wondered, would you mind sharing the recipe for the Chicken and Fluffy Biscuits? It looked so delicious, and I want to be my husband’s hero, too!
Melissa,
I just love when you guys do these sorts of random postings. We get so busy. I am like you, I love to learn. The “computer” in my brain is constantly trying to analyze things, organize things, characterize things etc, etc, etc. The brain is on overload just too much sometimes. And when I read this kind of post, I realize I just need to stop and look around. And when I look around, I am reminded to look up.
“So here I am in the place of worship, eyes open, drinking in Your strength and glory. In Your generous love I am really living at last! My lips brim praises like fountains. I bless You every time I take a breath; My arms wave like banners of praise to You!” (Psalm 63:2-4 The Message).
Thanks for sharing….those are some gorgeous photos!
Dear sweet girl, I loved your random thoughts and shots! You do know, though, that now you’ve shown us your Fluffy Biscuits and Chicken, you HAVE to share the recipe… Pretty please???
Hey Melissa thanks for sharing the pics. I love random. I really like the picture of you and Colin! Praying for your mom, Travis & co., and everyone attending/involved with the simulcast today! Have a wonderful weekend!
Oh Melissa! So fun to read through all these photos! I love the scripture for the sky photos, moved my heart.
I was just checking e-mail and decided to check the blog….Thank you, Melissa, It was like reading a an e-mail from a friend, loved the pics and the comments. Even after a long work week, I can so relate to being drawn to the short, sweet, uneventful moments(living in the present/moment is never uneventful, as you so eloquently noted)of life, with words and pictures together. Slowing down the pace with pictures seems to drawn me in, to creation, coffee (thank you Lord for all kinds of coffee!) and the daily gifts we receive. Thank you for this gift you gave me, (I’m enjoying my coffee as I sign off)bless you, Pam in San Diego
Happy Saturday Melissa and all the Siestas!
This sure did make my morning…I’m working on a surprise for my man this weekend. Turning a “keeping room” into his personal “patriot hero room”. He lost his grandfather on Thursday, and is in San Antonio taking care of all the planning, etc. (He is also the executer of his grandpaw’s will, and has a lot of decisions to make over the next several weeks…prayers for discernment would be much appreciated). It is times like these that bring out the best and worst in families. Which makes me all the more appreciative of the fact that God truly blessed me with a man of true character. Why? All I can say is grace and mercy.
In the midst of my decorating surprise, I’ll be praying for lives to be touched in ways only God can through this simulcast!
Melissa,
I am so glad you said that about tomato juice on the plane! I have been saying for years that for some reason, Diet Coke just tastes better in the air. People look at me like I am crazy, but it is the truth!
Thanks for sharing the pictures.
great post Melissa! i love all the pictures – my cell phone is full of pics of all my grandbabies – about 150 of them!
on my way now to a church in New Mexico for the simulcast. Then we head further into New Mexico where my husband is preaching a revival starting tomorrow.
love to you all!
Melissa, This post is so fun. I love to look at other peoples pictures.
Have a blessed day.
Love the pictures. Chicago….oh, made me wanna cry. (My home away from heaven-home….alas, God saw fit to move us to Oklahoma – which is great, too, but I do miss my White Sox. And Giordano’s Pizza.)
Hoping you’ll share the recipe for that yummy chicken dish!!
🙂
Melissa, Thanks for your fun pics! The sandwich threw me tho! My first tho’t was “where’s the meat” (maybe your Dad would agree?!!), but I remember Amanda saying that you like your veggie sandwiches! The picture of the Columbia Library is great-reminds me of some of the older, cozy libraries where the Librarian says ‘SHHHH’! Just makes me want to curl up with a great book!
Have a great weekend!
So Melissa, I really enjoy seeing the photos but I do have one question. Will you be sharing the chicken and fluffy biscuits recipe with us?
You definitely shot skylines and quaint stores that I’m are familiar to me. Even though Atlanta is full of HOT and sometimes unflattering weather, it is home to me. I can’t wait for the leaves to change!
My favorite picture, I think, is the one of the “lightning bolt” of sun bursting through the tree. Marvelous!
Hi Melissa
Loved your post it was like every picture just seem to bust at the seams with how adorable and awesome our God is. I loved the one with you and Colin that was to sweet and you and your mom drinking your coffee.
Thanks Melissa for sharing have an awesome weekend.
Blessing to you
Carol
P.S. The song I heard this a.m.
How Great Is Our God
sing with me How Great
Is Our God
and all the earth rejoice
Name above all Names
You Are Worthy Of Our Praise
time and space are in your hands.
Your post reminded me of that song
I believe Chris Tomlin sings it.
That baking dish of chicken and biscuits…looks so yummy!!! Any chance you could share the recipe, please?
Melissa, I got on here this morning just hoping you may bless us with some random profoundness. You delivered as usual. Thanks oodles!
The library pic made me catch my breath. Is there any sight more endearing? Well, that and mountains.
Wanna know a secret? I too have prayed about eye color. As a tot I got it in my head that I wanted blue eyes and blonde hair. Only problem? God had already blessed me with dark, dark eyes and hair. But, trust me, He was listening. My firstborn has blue eyes And blonde hair. As I live and breath. It’s almost a genetic anomaly. Neither I nor my husband have blue eyes and I don’t even have a blue eyed parent. Isn’t God something? That might not bless another living soul, but God knew it would tickle me right down to my toes. So, pray on, Sweetie!
Kathy B
That’s amazing. As a child I loved blonde hair and blue eyes, yet I have dark hair (when its not highlighted) and hazel eyes and my husband has dark hair and eyes. But God saw fit to bless me with a son and a daughter with beautiful blonde hair and blue eyes. An anomaly for our family also. But then he blessed me a third time with a son who looks just like his daddy, dark hair and big beautiful dark eyes. Our God is awesome. He gives us even the little desires of our hearts.
Love it, Christina! Those little “sweetnesses” are so endearing, are they not?
Melissa,
Love the pictures. The ones from the Atlanta area are common sites for me. I live up in Cartersville, which is the farthest northern suburb of Metro Atlanta, so I pass those same locations often.
Have a wonderful and blessed weekend!
Steph
Hey sweet Melissa…
Thanks so much for sharing the pix! I loved each and every one of them. I’m sitting here in my den while the family is gone doing some studying for a talk I’m giving tomorrow night and nursing this blasted cold that I know the Lord gave me. Wanna know how I know? Coming out of an intense wilderness season where there was nothing but utter dependence on Him and 3 days before I’m to share this experience….BAM! I’m sick. He is gently reminding me of just how dependent I am on Him. And, that I’ve drifted too far away when I swore I wouldn’t. 😉
Enjoy the weekend. Had the simulcast on my heart all morning. I can’t wait to hear about it.
Hugs and blessings from TN,
Fran
Fran,
I am so sorry to hear that you are sick–way to greet the beginning of autumn, right? At times like these we can be thankful, and relieved, to cling to a gospel that preaches God’s power in human weakness. I pray that the Lord uses your wilderness story mightily for the edification of the church and the praise of His glory. Let us know how it goes!
With Love, Melis
is 601 significant? just wondering
Lori, The reason the # 601 was significant is because the unknown person who wrote the note on the parking meter had pre-paid parking for the spot #601 and I just happened to park in spot #601. It was just a fun little coincidence, that is all; there is nothing significant about the number in and of itself.
Melis
Sounds like Law of Kindness to me!
Your Mama’s Law of Kindness message was … well I just don’t have words to describe how impacting it was and will be.I will be going over my notes again and again. I want it coming alive in me.
Thank you for your Friday post that I am just now reading. SO ENJOYED IT!!
Holy hugs!
This is just what I needed today…Wonderful pictures – loved the randomness. Blessing to all…
One benefit of having the window seat. ”The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.” Psalm 19.1
I always like the window seat the best on a plane. When my hubby and I build our library, I want a window seat. Maybe Ps. 19:1 is the reason, so I can look out at God’s creation and marvel.
Happy weekend everyone.
You just made my day, Melissa. Thank you! 🙂
Now, if you would be so kind to make mine and my husband’s night….please let me know how to make the chicken and biscuit dish you mentioned! It looked wonderful! 🙂 🙂
Prayers and blessings,
Rebecca
p.s. I’ve only visited Chicago once–for a week one summer. I was in a conference all day long every day, but I loved touring Chicago during the late afternoon and evening hours. The architecture alone will make your heart skip a beat, but the whole town is fabulous!
Steph,
i stumbled upon your blog looking for more beth moore bible studies…I loved all your pics..it’s funny how every day life can be so eventful if we are to take a mental snapshot of it all! Thank you and your family for being the “real deal” and waking up our all to often sleepy souls!
llj
ps. loved the pics of atlanta…i’m a southern gal so it brought back sweet memories of atlanta! oh, and the sandwich made my tummy growl. so job well done.
melissa,
i stumbled upon your blog looking for more beth moore bible studies…I loved all your pics..it’s funny how every day life can be so eventful if we are to take a mental snapshot of it all! Thank you and your family for being the “real deal” and waking up our all to often sleepy souls!
llj
ps. loved the pics of atlanta…i’m a southern gal so it brought back sweet memories of atlanta! oh, and the sandwich made my tummy growl. so job well done.
I love this post Melissa!! It is randomly filled with the beauty of life. And that sandwich looks amazing! Funny how paid-for parking spots, butterflies, city-scapes, a library, the park and the glory of God shining through the clouds can make this heart of mine feel like I just went on a virtual vacation. Must have been couped up at home too much this past week with my 2yr old! Thanks for sharing your everyday story and your love of everything adventurous with us!
…and the recipe for the chicken dish? Pretty please…???
I’m here for the recipe, too, please!!!!! 🙂
Thanks for sharing the pictures! Any chance you can share the recipe for the chicken and fluffy biscuits? It looks yummy and sounds relatively easy…my qualifications for a great meal!:)
I can’t help but wonder if that Stetson box belongs to your dad??!! Great pics, Melissa!!
Are you kidding? Yes!
Melissa – do I see another NYC fan – I saw the New Yorker magazine and a section from the NY Times in one photo. I work in Philadelphia but I love NYC. Thank you for sharing the pictures, they brought me some joy.
I would like the recipe for the Chicken & Fluffy Biscuits! I just love the “Fluffy” in the recipe title.
I hope you have a very nice night.
P.S. – Do people call you “Mel” without you saying it’s ok to do that? People at my church do it all the time & it drives me nuts!
I have been a blog-slacker lately so it blesses my heart that you 3 Moore girls take the time to let us in…into the randomly sublime and the supremely Divine. It’s all good stuff.
PS-I could eat Annabeth with that Chicken and Fluffy biscuit casserole! What a precious little face!! (I never use the word darling…must be Mama Beth rubbing off on me.)
I originally typed the word darling instead of precious, then forgot to delete that last sentence. duh, time for a nap.
Melissa,
Scotch tape is a must once you become a mom! I kept tape, tissue paper and a sack for the “forgotten” birthday parties on Friday afternoons after school. It was also good for dog and guinea pig hair (before lint rollers), hems, and torn homework. So glad you were the beneficiary of a good deed 🙂 Have a great weekend!
Jan
ps Woooooooo Pig Sooooieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!
So fun, Melissa! Loved this! Thank you — You and Colin are adorable!
Melissa,
Loved looking on with you through your iphone…gotta say they really are swell! love what it said about you : )
Didn’t get to go to the simulcast today. Was so very sad. Had committed to a neighborhood garage sale instead. Really not my thing, but I love God show’n up through our everyday stuff. God brought a mother of four 20 yrs. my junior who is a church staff wife (same as me on both accts.) to buy a vintage pink table for her daughter’s room she saw as she drove by my house. Well, of course we chatted away…she loves your Mom’s bible studies, too; and just moved here from another state a yr. ago. She wants to come to the bible study at my house and have coffee to talk.
…it’s never about what we’re DOING….it’s all about what HE’s doing while we’re doing it.
xoxo,
rene
GREAT pictures! I love the color of them – did you edit them that shade? Also, I’d love the recipe for the chicken and biscuits. That looked so delicious.
loved this post, as i’m a fellow chicago lover (lived in wheaton for 15 years) who is living away from her favorite city too–in cumming, north of atlanta!
some random thoughts in response to your photos:
alon’s…we drive almost 30 miles to get to the one closest to us, but it’s worth every penny in gasoline. have you tried the chocolate louise?
i’d love to have the chicken and fluffy bisquits recipe. are you willing to share?
LOVE the sunlight bursting through leaves and clouds pictures. God’ creation is the BEST art!
smiled when i read Sears Tower. it’ll always be that, won’t it?
i’m off to google Belly General Store! have a great rest of the weekend.
jenn, i’m going to try the chocolate louise this week. i’ll keep you posted. do you ever make it out to the virginia highlands area?
Random posts are my favorite!
My family and I use to live in Georgia…so where is your pictures of Stone Mountain, the Little Roosevelt Home and Callaway Gardens ( my favorite spot)? LOL
You have some beautiful pictures…the kids are always precious and so sweet. …Your mom with you is a picture of perfect happiness and blessedness! Enjoy you time with family_I miss my mother and grandmother so much.
Love the coca-cola sign..so cool. You know things go better with Coke…I like Jesus better.
When I was younger, my sister and I use to do the oragamic paper- making. It was really fun, but I couldn’t do it now. Butterflies are always so pretty. Love to paint butterflies on canvas. God always teaches us grow and spread our wings_ one day we will come out looking as beautiful as some of those butterflies we see.
Your ministry is a blessing and so is your family!
Unfortunately, I missed the simulcast today, but keep all of you in prayer. The Lord had me helping some other ladies out and serving them.
Tomorrow is Sunday…are you excited about the Lord?
Are you excited about what the Lord is doing in your life and in the life of others? Well, I am excited! Have a blessed day!
the simulcast event was to die for!!!
Melissa:
Thanks for the random pics. I love random stuff.
I’ve just gotten home from the simulcast. Praise the Lord I got to go this time. :0) We had Chick -Fil -A for lunch…I love Chick -Fil-A. BUT… the Spiritual Food was umm-delish!! The Law of Kindness… and I was hungry.
My location was in the Nashville area, IL was a bit far for me, and JBC was about 7 minutes.
Later girl
:0)
Oh Melissa, I so enjoyed the snippiet snaps of your life. Thank you for sharing and blessing. I have just now arrived home (Bryan/College Station, TX) from Madisonville and participating in LPL The Law of Kindness. Glory! Praise! What an Awesome God we have. It was my first simulcast, and I will remember it always.
Thanks for sharing all the pics…even if some of them are random. My personal fav is your dad with his BIG ol’ GRIN. He looks so PROUD of himself. Also, are you going to share that yummy biscuit dish?? Enjoy your fall weekend. Still waiting on fall here in south Texas.
Melissa,
Maybe we can trade places for a day? My hubby & I live in chicago now, but you made this Atlanta girl homesick! What beautiful pictures of the city & being with your family. LOVE the one of annabeth! Maybe you could also give a ‘melissa’s must see in Chicago’ someday?
Enjoy the sun & the humidity, I hear y’all have a few 90 degree days in the forecast!!!!
-alicia
I have to confess: The Marta in Atlanta scares me! There, now I feel better.