Why Do You Believe?

 
On Sunday, the preacher asked the congregation a question that I can't seem to get out of my head. He asked:

Pretty much the simplest question ever. The first thing that comes to mind is, "why not?" I've always believed in God, there has never been a doubt in my mind about the existence of God, but if a non-believer was to ask me,
what would I say?

The bottom line is, it is our choice to believe in God. Nobody is forcing us, God is not forcing us. But, our faith is challenged every single day. In 1 Peter 3:15, it says "always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you". We should be prepared to answer questions about our faith, yet I can't even answer the simplest question that could be asked of me.

I know that I believe in God.

I've seen good works God has done.

I've seen what God has done perfectly in nature.

I can feel God's presence.

I have been blessed.

But what is that one reason.. my one simple answer to this one simple question? 

Maybe there isn't one answer, but anyways, this is something that's been on my heart and on my mind this week.

What is your reason? If someone were to ask you, "why do you believe in God?" what would you say?




  

South Main Street, Memphis, Tennessee

One of my all time favorite parts of Memphis, is South Main Street. Actually, I'm sure that it is my favorite part of Memphis. It's right on the trolley line only a few blocks south of the heart of downtown. It is full of charm, old buildings, interesting graffiti, yarn bombed walls, and tiled floors that are no long part of any building. What's not to love?

  

Eating in Memphis (13) - Ernestine & Hazel's

We ate lunch in a haunted brothel. Did you get that? We ate lunch in a haunted brothel. Yes, our next stop on our Eating in Memphis tour brought us to Ernestine and Hazel's on South Main for a Soul Burger. I don't think words can adequately describe Ernestine and Hazel's. If you've been there, you understand, if you haven't, you should probably go. Not only was the Soul Burger absolutely amazing (at least that's what Jeremy tells me) but it also is something everyone needs to see... at least once.

Back in the day, Ernestine and Hazel's was a shop on the first floor with a brothel upstairs so of course, now it's haunted. I had heard that the jukebox would turn on by itself, and sure enough, while we were eating lunch, it just started playing music quite loudly.. nobody was anywhere near it. Creepy.

 

I was also a fan of the handle bar mustached man who works there. He was so friendly and happy to serve us our order... which wasn't too hard to choose since the menu only has four things on it. He cooks everything right behind the bar.


 

Since I don't eat burgers, I ordered the Seabood Gumbo. I was actually pleasantly surprised!! It was good!! This also might be one of the only times I've ever wished I ate burgers... Jeremy has not stopped talking about this Soul Burger.. he already wants to go back!

 

Valentine Hoops

 
Valentine's Day is almost here!! I can hardly believe it's already almost February (seriously, that's nuts!) I wanted to make some embroidery hoops for the holiday full of love, hearts, and words of affection. When it comes to love, I think some of the musical greats said it best, therefore my stitching was inspired by my favorites: The Beatles, Johnny Cash, and Elvis Presley.

Take a look! Let me know what your favorites are, and of course, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask!

SHOP

I'd love some feedback! Which hoop is your favorite?
Is there anything specific you'd like to see stitched in the future?


   

A Movie Date

We never go to the movies. We are definitely more redbox on the couch kind of movie watchers. However, this weekend we treated ourselves. We went to see The Hobbit. It's been years since, but we both read the book and enjoyed it. We also figured this would be a good one to see on the big screen. It was absolutely amazing. You gotta love Bilbo Baggins.

We didn't know though that there were going to be TWO more Hobbit movies. It ended in a total cliffhanger!!! So now, we are anxiously awaiting the next film, which, to be honest, might be the next movie we see in theaters.

PS. We were thinking about it, the last movie we saw just the two of us was The Hunger Games... wow. That was a long time ago. 

  

A. Schwab

Located amongst the bars and restaurants on Beale Street lies a little general store. Errr, little might not be the word to describe it. Let's say "unique". It is jam packed with novelties, candy, home goods, jellies, toys, hats, pretty much anything you can think of. Jeremy and I had some time to kill on Saturday, so we wondered in. It has recently come under some new management so we were curious to see what had changed. I was pleasantly surprised! The store still has the same charm, however, the new layout makes it seem more open, more organized, and you can spot all the unique items much more easily. We had so much fun.

 

I absolutely adore these tin toys, especially this Memphis bridge one with boats that go round and round underneath.
 

 

  

I had never noticed this mural before. The plaque said all the people and scenes are based on real events. Even a lady being robbed. #onlyinmemphis
 

 

We even bought Jeremy the cutest pair of mustache socks ever.



 

Eating in Memphis (12) - Bryant's

I've said it a million times but I'm going to say it again... I am LOVING that we are eating through the 100 Things to Eat in Memphis list!! We are discovering places that we have never even heard of that are quickly becoming our favorite places to eat in Memphis.

This weekend, we went to Bryant's for the first time. It was a hole in the wall, which is my favorite, and it was packed with many many Memphis Tiger fans getting a bite before the basketball game. The menu is simple, reasonably priced, and you get a ton of food. The thing we were supposed to order was "the breakfast sampler". We cheated. We didn't order that, since it involves a bunch of things we wouldn't have eaten. Instead, I got a three cheese omelet and Jeremy got scrambled eggs with chicken fried steak. They both come with biscuits, gravy, and grits. Our adorably 50's table was FULL of delicious delicious breakfast food.

 

 

PS. You can see the rest of the list and what we've done by clicking here!

I Have A Dream

 

Even though I'm one of the few people who have to work today, I'm taking a moment to remember why we have this day in January. It's because of Martin Luther King Jr. His death had a great impact on our entire country, and especially the city of Memphis. It was here that he was assassinated in1968 at the Lorraine Motel. 

Today, you will find the National Civil Rights Museum at this location and the entire side of the building looking exactly as it did in 1968. 

If you ever have the opportunity to visit Memphis (or if you live here) I definitely recommend the Civil Rights Museum. It's been a few years since I've been there, but I still remember being awed and learning so much about a very important part of our American history.

PS. You can read last year's MLK Day post by clicking here.

Ice Ice Baby

 

If you haven't heard, the weather around here has been frightful (yes, I just went there). We've been battling crazy ice storms the past few days. The temperature has been hovering right around freezing so it's been raining, sleeting, and slushing. There has been no snow in sight, but the roads are horrible (or the drivers who don't know how to drive in bad weather, don't even get me started) so we've been staying inside.

I will say, I enjoyed having the opportunity to spend an afternoon at home during the work week. I left work a few hours early on Tuesday and loved spending the day bumming around and watching movies.

Now, I'm ready for the warm weather to come back! 

PS. Have you entered my January giveaway and met my gorgeous sponsors??

   

Long Lost Friend

Dear Camera,

I'll bet you are feeling neglected. It's been a while since we've spent quality time together. Unfortunately, winter days are so short and I don't get home from work until after dark. Photography isn't as fun at night time.

I promise that once the weather warms up, you are I will be spending lots of time together. You've got lots of things to teach me and I've got lots of things to document.

I'm looking forward to it.

I haven't forgotten about you.

Your long lost friend,

Alyssa



   

January Giveaway

Can you believe January is already half over?! (or I guess we have half left, hah!) While 2013 has been an amazing year so far, it is going by so fast!! I will say, I've enjoyed having these three ladies on my sidebar this month. Not only are they gorgeous, but they're also generous! They have giving one lucky Ten Feet Off Beale reader some pretty sweet prizes. Check it outttt and be sure to enter at the bottom of the post!

Kerry // Kerryingon

1 Coaching Session OR 1 Month Ad Space

I'm Kerry, the girl behind Kerryingon, a blog about the every day life of an actress living in NYC.. well, until last week, when I up and moved to Los Angeles on a whim. Kerryingon is the place where I write about my current adventures, count my blessings, and post lots and lots of pictures of my pup, Henry Elliot Raleigh Alexander Anderson, the first (sometimes he even does guest posts). I know lots of people love dogs, but I really love dogs, and am working toward my life goal of getting every shelter dog into a forever home. When I'm not acting (or singing or writing or doing something else creative), or kerryingon about dogs, I'm a life coach, striving to help everyone live their most authentic and joyful lives. I live by the motto "adopt your pets & wear a tiara" and I can't wait to get to know all of you wonderful readers of Ten Feet Off Beale! Kerry On, friends.

Courtney // exodus31three

$25 Sephora Gift Card

Hi! I'm Courtney and blog at exodus31three. I write about life, marriage, faith and everything in between. As you can tell, my husband and I love to have fun and are enjoying life with our two dogs in Memphis. (Also, that's just ONE reason why I love Alyssa, my fellow Memphian!) You'll occasionally see posts about my dogs too...Ok, maybe a little more than occasionally. Maybe. We've been married for 3 years, but are still learning the ins and outs of married life. We do our best to see the good in every situation, whether it's going on road trips together or freeing Ratatouille. I hope you'll come by and get to know us!

Sarah // Life in a Break Down

1 Month Glass Slipper Ad Space

Hi I'm Sarah and you can find me over at Life in a Break Down - where I blog about all sorts from fashion to beauty, lifestyle to yummy things - you might just find a picture or two of my animals. I would love it if you popped by and hope you find something you will enjoy.

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Relaxed

I'm pretty sure I have the best boyfriend ever. No, I'm positive. For Christmas, he gave me a gift certificate to get an hour long massage. Ever since I had a professional one in Hawaii a few years ago, I have been wanting another (I mean, who wouldn't). I even added "Get a Massage" to my 24 while 24 list. He wanted to help me out, isn't he thoughtful? 

I got my massage yesterday and oh my wow am I relaxed. It was literally the best thing ever. I wish I could go more often! If you have never gotten a professional massage I HIGHLY recommend getting one. I actually don't think I've ever been this relaxed. 

 andddd now I can cross another thing off my 24 while 24 list!! So far, 24 is has been a good year. 

To see the entire 24 while 24 list, you can click here! 




   

Talk About It

Tuesday night was a good night. 

After going on a nice long walk, I sat on my couch to do some Bible reading and studying. My mind kept wondering to all the other stuff I wanted to accomplish like taking down Christmas decorations (yep, they're all still up), writing blog posts, sending emails, laundry, the list literally could go on and on. I was struggling and worrying about how I was going to get everything done, including finishing my lessons for Wednesday night Bible class. I said something to Jeremy about how I'm having a hard time finding time to do my Bible reading. He pointed out that maybe this is just a road block I have to work through and learn how to make time for study. I closed my eyes said a quick prayer and turned back to my lesson realizing everything else could wait.

A few minutes later, Jeremy was sitting beside me asking me what I was reading about (since he's in the same class as me and all). We just started talking about our lesson, our thoughts, what we believe. It was encouraging, refreshing, and something I truly needed. We talked about how the Bible is simple, yet deep, how everything we need can be found inside.

Basically what I'm saying is talk about it. I can't tell you how much I appreciate having a relationship with Jeremy in which we can talk about things like the Bible and God. It's encouraging, motivating, and helpful. Not only does it strengthen our relationship, it strengthens my relationship with God. 

So, thanks Jeremy for being there for me :) You put it all in perspective for me and I appreciate it. You're the best!

 

I'll Make Him an Offer He Can't Refuse

Source: cargocollective.com via Ryan on Pinterest

People sound surprised when I say I have never seen The Godfather. Well, now I can say that I have seen both Part I AND Part II! (It was a big weekend). Jeremy got both of the DVDs for Christmas. We sat down to watch the first one on Friday night, I was hooked. I needed to watch the second one while the story was still fresh in my mind, soooo Saturday night that's exactly what we did. 

As an Italian from the northeast, I could appreciate the accents, the opinionated characters, and even the way they make their gravy (pasta sauce for all you non-italians). I also feel like we are practically fluent in Italian after sitting through two movies. 

and now I'm craving some spaghetti.. I may need to get on that. 

PS. I can check off two out of five Oscar winning movies on my 24 while 24 list!

Eating in Memphis (11) - Las Delicias

Not only can I now cross off an 11th item from our Eating in Memphis challenge.. I can also say I had the best Mexican food I have ever eaten. Seriously. This place went above and beyond my expectations!

It all started with the warm freshly made tortilla chips and salsa with some real flavor (don't you hate when salsa at restaurants tastes like nothing?). Then, we ordered the guacamole, which was the item on our list. Let me preface this by saying neither Jeremy nor myself really are the biggest fans of guacamole, however, this was so good we practically licked the bowl. Our entrees also didn't disappoint!

I am already looking forward to going back! 

Have any of you been here before?

Third New Year

It's so crazy to think Jeremy and I just celebrated our third new year together. We have traditions for everything, except how we ring in the new year. The past three years we've done something different, we have, however, always spent it with friends. That's exactly how I want it. Together, with people we care about, bringing in the beginning of a new, exciting year, with so much potential. I wonder where we'll be next year.

We spent the beginning of 2013 with friends we haven't seen in a while. I'm so happy we all finally got to hang out!! Let's do that again soon, yes?
   

This picture is so funny to me because before this picture was taken, our friend Dustin was carrying around his camera. Jeremy and I were just standing there posing waiting for him to see us! It took him a while so we were trying hard not to laugh. He finally saw us and snapped our picture! #memories

In New Jersey fireworks are illegal. Even in surrounding states you can only get little sparklers that stay on the ground. I had never shot fireworks like this before, especially not on New Year's, so when I saw these GIANT boxes of very professional looking fireworks, I was excited. It was definitely a first.
   

 
 

and just for fun, this last picture is from our very first new year's together...

What do you do for New Year's? Do you have any traditions?