Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Time to change the sheets...

I ordered new bedding via Nate Berkus (that's right... Oprah's guy), and I think it got here today!!! My roommate called to tell me I have something at the post office that needs to be "picked up".

Yay!!!!

Optimism on purpose...

Okay... so the title has no bearing to, well, anything, but I like it. I've had a good week so far. Yesterday was fun. Bible study last night, was very encouraging. I really love these women!!

One of them, who shall remain initial-less sent me a sweet and funny email this morning which I will be promptly adding to my prayer list each night:

BP with BP!

I also love that she signs each email with XOXO. Seriously... love it.

And, I do want BP with BP. Yes, I do!
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Last night, we were talking about negative emotions, anxiety, and fear. The question was posed:

What do you worry about? And WHY?

We all had our own responses. We all worry about different things, but the commonality is that, we all worry. Some more obsessive than others, but we ALL worry. My mom even called this morning and she and I prayed Philippians 4:6-7... "Be anxious for NOTHING..."

So, I'm trying. :) I did find this quote in helping me keep my focus and thought it appropriate to share.

"We can keep two things in mind at once. Indeed, we cannot keep one thing in mind more than half a second. Mind is a flowing something. It oscillates. Concentration is merely the continuous return to the same problem from a million angles. So my problem is this: can I bring God back to my mindflow every few seconds so that God shall always be in my mind as an after-image, shall always be one of the elements in every concept and precept? I choose to make the rest of my life an experiment in answering this question." Frank Laubach

Paul said "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." (Letter to Romans, Chapter 10, verse 5)

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

God's "Craft-time"

This morning I read an ordinary devotion. And it screamed at me. The words were loud. The words were penetrating.

A little girl takes great time in making a snowman out out of socks, batting, and other decorations. When she is finished, the snowman takes on an identity of her own. The little girl is enthralled with what she has made and wants to share it.

Is this NOT how God looks at us? He took time to craft each one of us. For some He added sequins and bows. For others, He gave muscles, or blonde hair, or a short stature. But HE crafted and specially designed each one of us. Then He wanted to show us off. He created the Heavens and the earth. He breathed HIS breath into our lungs. Then He gave us emotions and creativity and compassion and millions of other emotions and novelties that only The Craft God could give. And then He does it everyday. He creates new crafts. I spent time with my best friend and her new baby this weekend. He molded that sweet little boy. He fashioned him extra-specially with talents and gifts and good things. And now God is showing him off.

I love that our crafty God is not finished with His work either. When He sees areas in our life, when our stuffing comes loose, when we lose our sparkle, He puts it back. He adds to the craft. We get more shine. We get more stuffing. (God, I could stand to lose a little stuffing! LOL!) He is sovereign, yet ever-present and Ever-Concerned with our lives. His craft is not finished. Now we do his work. We shine for Him. Some of us are clay-pots for Him to fill and dispense His Love, Glory, and Mercy to a world that is dying.

"In the beginning God created the Heavens and the Earth." Gen 1:1 -- God's curio cabinet

"Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." Gen 1:26 -- God's dolls

"When the day of Pentacost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them." Acts 2:1-4 -- God's "re-stuffing" of us

I love to craft. I think it rocks that My God does too.

Monday, February 26, 2007

unfinished lists...

I am the queen of these! I only finished 7 of the 13 things I needed to do this weekend. But, I did get to see my wonderful best friend of 20 years this weekend, and her baby. I'm not good with tiny babies -- yes, I am scared that I will break them or their heads will fall off, but I managed pretty well. L. and I had a good time! And the precious baby slept most of the time. He's just so sweet. He totally makes me want one.

Yesterday, we went to my Aunt's house to celebrate both of my grandparents birthdays, and I got to see my cousin's baby. He was just too small to hold. He's 9 days old and weighs 6 pounds. (I have dropped more than one bag of sugar that weighed 5 pounds and didn't want to be responsible for permanently damaging this one. )

I had a good time with my Mom... she's so funny.

OOhhh... and when I got home last night, I felt really weird and kind of sick.

I FORGOT TO EAT.

Who does that? Too bad that I don't forget to eat more often. LOL!

Pictures...

Just thought I'd share a few...

Friday, February 23, 2007

Quote for thought.

"If you are not actively involved in getting what you want, you don't really want it!" -- Weight Watchers

Thursday, February 22, 2007

Thursday Thirteen #5

I'm seriously boring today... so here are my 13 things to do this weekend... and there is NO particular order

1) Going home tomorrow
2) Get nails redone
3) pack
4) Get to see baby Waylon & my BF L.
5) See M. and her baby Jude
6) Time with Crystal in the ATL
7) Get to see my friend H. (hopefully!)
8) See Grandparents, Aunts
9) Get rid of headache
10) Reading
11) Work through bible study homework
12) Clean out closet at parents house
13) Get to see my MOM!

And you... what are your thursday 13???

Not so exciting...

Life is moving along right now... nothing spectacular to talk of except...

I'm going to NYC at the end of March. YAY!!!

My brother got tickets for my Mom and I, and we are going up to paint his apartment. It should be an adventure for sure. I love my extended family, but being with Mom and JM -- definitely my favorite. I can't wait!!! I'm going to try to see some friends in the city, but I am not making promises. :)

I'm going to try to post a Thursday Thirteen before the days gets away...

And YAY for LaKisha on American Idol. Wow!

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Works for me Wednesdays...


This is a random post in the mix, but I thought I would share this:

I have ridiculously sensitive skin, but need a good moisturizing lotion. I don't remember how I found this, but I use Aveeno Baby Lotion - Lavender and Vanilla Calming formula. It works for me!

It has a nice, calming scent, doesn't make me break out, and is a great moisturizer. :)

randoms...

"Arranging to get enough sleep is actually an act of discipleship."
(And the whole church said, "AMEN!".)

"If you're devotional life is sleepy and tired -- God is probably as tired of it as you are."

"In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat -- for he grants sleep to those he loves." Psalm 127:2

"For over the margins of life comes a whisper, a faint call, a premonition of richer living... " Thomas Kelly

"We may ignore, but we cannot evade the presence of God. The world is crowded with him. He walks everywhere incognito. And the incognito is not always easy to penetrate. The real labor is to remember to attend." Armand Nicholi

"Who [in the bible] besides Jesus knew which end was up? Nobody... Jesus realized that there is no separation from God." J.D. Salinger

"What matters, what Heaven desires and Hell fears, is precisely that further step, out of our depth, out of our own control." C.S. Lewis

"The word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it." Deuteronomy 30:14

Various and unsundries...

I am sad to say that I didn't get to see Phil last night on American Idol. (I had bible study in Dalton and forgot to DVR it .) But... I voted my little heart out on the phone. :) Thank you to any of you who did the same. I don't count it "accident" that Phil was the last contestant. Through these first few weeks, we all know the last contestant is one that gets remembered and voted for! God, ever the Divine Orchestrator, is up to something!!
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Had the chance to see new girls a few days ago and take a few pictures. Hope you enjoy!



These girls are so precious. This is only half of them, and I will try to take another pic soon. :)

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I need to take some time to just write down all of the good quotes I've read lately. They have blessed my soul and encouraged me incredibly. Last night, as I was getting ready for bed, I wanted to have something to encourage my roommate throughout the lent season, and then out of nowhere, God dropped a beautiful passage into my lap. God is so good...

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

The most dangerous word.

I have finally come to grips that I too often say aloud the most dangerous word.

TOMORROW

I will do that tomorrow...
I will finish this tomorrow...
I will do my bible study homework tomorrow...
I will be more consistent tomorrow...
I will call that person tomorrow...
I will eat better tomorrow...
I will be better tomorrow...
I will confess my feelings tomorrow...
I will share my testimony tomorrow...
I will talk about Jesus tomorrow...

I have wasted a thousand todays for the disillusionment of tomorrow.

Ironically enough, tomorrow is the beginning of Lent. My roommate and I are going to go through the process together. For accountability and encouragement. We even joked about what we will eat today, because tomorrow, we will give them up.

But where do we get this "Hope" for tomorrow and lack-luster to not live out today? We know we are not promised tomorrow. I tried to think about my family. My grandparents do things today, because the unrest of leaving things until tomorrow is almost too much. My grandmother has shared many stories of staying up until 3 in the morning, sewing, ironing, caning, because things couldn't wait. They had to be done today. They were necessary for tomorrow. My mom is a procrastinator, honestly, but when she gets focused, there is no room for doing things tomorrow... they get done today. So... when did I become such a "tomorrow" girl?

Lord, remind me that I have no promise for tomorrow. Things can't always wait until tomorrow. Remind me that, in your strength, I have the energy, determination, and zeal to do today what I would typically put off until tomorrow. Remind me that my faith needs feet today, not tomorrow. You are ingrained in every moment of today. Remove the stubbornness, fear, and anxiety that drive me into tomorrow, for you are the God of Today. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Monday, February 19, 2007

a.j.a.m. and other randoms...

So... I had started writing this post, and got a phone call, so I hit save as draft, and Blogger ATE MY POST.

AARRGGGhh...

I had decided that I wasn't going to give a play-by-play of my weekend. We had a blast this weekend!!! Getting to be with good friends, and share, and laugh, and be serious, was definitely good medicine for my soul. For me, getting to share what's been going on with life, all the gorey details, was beyond therapuetic. In my own weirdo way, I needed to see their faces, hear their questions, face their reactions. It's all good. Talking about stuff... situations... life in general... getting it out was so good. My friend V. encouraged my heart about marriage too this weekend. She is a beautiful, talented woman, and I desperately needed to hear the words of encouragement she had about it. There are too many people in my life who are dismayed with relationships, and she isn't. God is still the God of relationships. Everything in life ISN'T a struggle.

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Yesterday when I got home, I was out for a bit, and then to a friend's to play Apples to Apples. I am now addicted. And, I think I'm getting a crush. Too bad they don't make crush medicine. I would self-diagnose my symptoms, take the prescribed amount, and in a few short days, this would pass. I'm terrified that: I'll get my hopes up, that I'm not good enough/pretty enough, that a friend of mine doesn't want to me have a crush on him either. There is a part of me that thinks I shouldn't be so open to share this. But it's been all the secrets, all the hiding, in my life, that make me feel an urgency just to get it out.

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Okay... today is too hectic to write all of this. Maybe later.

Emotional Hair Cuts


I've read the articles online about Britney Spears shaving her head. Being a woman who has cut her hair TWICE because of emotional haircuts, I feel confident to be able to "see one when I see one". I would have shaved my head if I thought it would have helped, tattoos too, but the reality is that hair or no hair makes no change to the inside... it really and truly only makes it worse.
It's a cry for help folks. A desperate LOUD cry for help. Britney needs Jesus,... BAD.

A.J.A.M.


I had such a ridiculously wonderful weekend! This picture only highlights the purpose of the letters. A.J.A.M. represents the first initial (of the first name) of each of the ladies in the picture. This was our second time having this little "retreat" and, God-willing, will be the second of Many!
I have so much that I want to write down! I know that I am going to have to blog in increments, so bear with me!
Some highlights/inside jokes of the weekend:
1) Our respective drives
2) No Teeth, but the best directions ever
3) Olde Tyme Photos
4) Corndogs
5) Snow!!!!
6) The Hot Tub
7) Food
8) that guy that hit M.'s car
9) "I really ordered a hamburger, not chicken"
10) Wine & Cheese
11) Milk & Cookies
12) "Aunt A."
13) Gifts :D
14) The fact that it took us three hours to get ready
15) Naptime
16) Flexibility!!!
17) Everything to do with the bathroom... LOL!
18) Bed Buddies
19) The ducks
20) Getting the keys to the wrong room, ... then the keys not working
This just highlights a few things...

Friday, February 16, 2007

True Yo.

"Whether we are aware of it or not, at every moment of our existence we are encountering God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who is tryin got catch our attention, trying to draw usinto a reciprocal conscious relationship." William Barry

"Perhaps our capacity to pay attention to God -- like the capacity to lift weights or speak Spanish -- only gets stronger when it gets exercised." John Ortberg

'Tis so sweet

’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
And to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, “Thus says the Lord!”

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!

How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’erJesus,
Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more!

O how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
And in simple faith to plunge me’
Neath the healing, cleansing flood!

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’erJesus,
Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more!


Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace.

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’erJesus,
Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more!


I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
And I know that Thou art with me
Wilt be with me to the end.

God is still in the pages...

So, yesterday I posted about the word Cleveland being mentioned in my book. I shared it at Girls' Group last night. My insecurity tells me that people hearing me talk about this, might think I'm nutty as a fruitcake. But it happened again. My co-workers and I have been conversing about "D.T.R." for a few weeks. None of them knew what it mean. They thought I made up this term. They have given me a really hard time about it. But last night, reading the same book, the author talked about D.T.R. I sat up in the bed and laughed! This morning, when I shared my little findings, no one appreciated it as much as had hoped. They hate it when I'm right. :) I just got tickled that a man, 2700 miles away, wrote about a topic TWO years ago that we are discussing.

Do I think this coincidental? Not even in the slightest.

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My precious best friend of 20 years gave birth on Valentine's. While I rarely get to see my nephew and neice, I am proud to be and "Aunt" of sorts to this precious new baby boy! His big sister and brother were no doubt even more anxious to meet him than I! Congrats BF!!!

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Really... I'm tapped out this morning. I had good prayer time on my way to work. I ran across an old hymn and realized the depth of the words. They pierced my soul this morning like a hot knife to butter. God's presence (and all that entails) are scandalously available to anyone who wants it. I'm so thankful for the little things...

American Idol


I sent an email out yesterday, and thought it appropriate to post something on here.
Phil is now one of the top 24 contestants on American Idol. And I know him! (Craziness...) Phil and his wife both attended my Alma Mater around the same time I did. In 2001, I had the privilege to work with both of them at a youth camp. They are incredibly sweet people. Phil is extremely talented, and it's starting to pay off!!! If you didn't watch the show on Wednesday, you can go to the American Idol website for a few clip-its.
I shared in the email yesterday that God will use any medium necessary, even ones that we don't expect to spread His Glory. Please help me join in prayer for continued favor with the judges and favor with America in the coming weeks!!!

Belated Thursday Thirteen

I forgot to post this... AGAIN. This is getting ridiculous. Here you go... Thirteen thoughts running through my head:

1) need to pack for the weekend
2) hit snooze one more time
3) BRRRR!!!!
4) how I'm hungry but nothing seems appetizing anymore.
5) ALOHA!
6) almost getting clipped by a state patrol officer who was not paying attention
7) getting away this weekend... (HALLELUJAH!)
8) t-shirts
9) A.J.A.M.
10) finishing knitting
11) how not to overpack
12) I don't like the sweater I'm wearing today
13) PTL for Healing the Buick!

I'm extending the tag to all. You know you have stuff that clutters up your head too, so share it!

Thursday, February 15, 2007

Even Cleveland

Two days ago, I got another Ortberg book. I am fully aware that I have gone On and On and On about that first book, until someone is tuning me out. I get it. But Tuesday, I posted the info about the Helix Nebula, and it just rocked my world. We had bible study Tuesday night at the FBC, and I headed home to find my book in the mail. And I promptly started reading.

Now, God has been speaking to me through variety of people and mediums lately. And I have loved every moment. I don't pray for these little moments; they just happen. I can't explain the intensity of them lately, but I am thankful and give Praise to Him who deserves it.

But, I had another surprise. :)

I was minding my own business, reading this book Tuesday night, and suddenly I ran across this passage: "One night Jacob was running away from Esau, who was trying to kill him because Jacob had cheated him and deceived their father. Jacob stopped for the night at "a certain place". That's a Hebrew way of saying no place in particular. CLEVELAND, MAYBE."

I literally sat up in the bed and started laughing. Are you kidding???? **For anyone who may be particularly unaware, please note on my profile where I live. I realize that the author is probably referring to Cleveland, Ohio, but because of his ambiguity and lack of aforementioned state, I am free to make any assumption necessary.

"Cleveland, maybe."

Holy cow. Thinking this might have just been a fluke, I tried again to regain my composure and begin reading again. And then it happened, AGAIN. "God is still in the business of coming down to earth: to this cubicle, this email, this room, this house, this job, this hospital room, this car, this bed, this vacation. Any place can become Bethel, the House of God. CLEVELAND, MAYBE."

At this point, I am so excited that I do not know what to do with myself. Also, for interesting reference, the title of the book is (brace yourself... it's funny) God is closer than you think. Someone suddenly thinks I'm crazy. You are completely entitled to your opinion.

I decided to put the book down and take off into dreamland after that. Again last night, I picked up the book, inconspicuously no doubt, to begin reading. God, ever the divine comedian, did it a third time. "The expectation of Jesus was that this unseen river of life will flow again: in an office in San Francisco, a home in the suburbs of Atlanta, at a desk in a classroom in Chicago. It can happen for an attendant working at a gas station in Detroit. It can happen for plumbers and stockbrokers and homemakers and retired folks. It can happen for a CEO or a seventh grader. IT CAN HAPPEN IN CLEVELAND."

Now three times... well, three is a holy number. Get that through your head. The trinity has 3 parts. Peter denied Jesus three times. The rooster cried three times. This book that I am reading, IN CLEVELAND, said Cleveland three times, it is no coincidence. There is some sense that I really don't know what it means. A man, miles away from here, happened to mention a city that I call home inconsequentially in his book. Accident? I think not. I don't think anybody in Cleveland, Ohio would either.

I rambled all that to say... God really is closer than we think. When we seek Him, we find Him in the strangest places. In a scripture written on the bathroom stall at a junior high school, in the face of a fast-food employee who loves him undauntedly, in an airplane 30,000 feet in the air, and for me, today, in the pages of a book.

He is so jealous for our time and attention... He really is closer than we think.

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Valentine's and all that Jazz...


Yes... today is the day.
Good 'ole Valentine's.
I'm really at a loss for what to say. It is what it is, and I didn't go overboard. I did wear red today, because it's appropriate, but nothing flashy. I sent my mother a V-Day gift, because she's my Mom and she's cool like that. (It was a scrub top with red hearts.) She called me this morning to tell me she was wearing it. :)
Personally, I like Valentine's. I love red. Hearts are iffy and I can't stand solid chocolate, but I love the sentiment of the day. I love that people WANT to be sweet to one another. If only for a brief moment, some experience the emotion and attention they crave the other days of the year. Some will get engaged. I'm sure there are two people, somewhere, who are also getting married. Vegas and Ringgold are my two safe bets on that. (Ha!) Someone is giving birth (too bad it's not my best friend, because she could totally go ANY MINUTE.) Someone is falling in love. My grandparents, no doubt, are thankful for the 58 years they've spent with one another.
It's all beautiful and mushy. Extra mush on the side.
On the flip side, some couple is breaking up. Somebody is getting divorced. Somebody has just lost the love of their life. Someone somewhere is still reeling over a bad relationship. Someone is brokenhearted over where their children are.
Sad and tragic.
And then here I am. Somewhere closer to the mush than not. I prayed for my husband this morning. A little extra. I'm encouraged. Being single on this day, can drive the most righteous woman crying to the altar. But alas... I have no plan B. I trust that what God has for me, is still greater, and more wonderful, and mushy-to-the-infinite-power, and my heart is leaping and squirming just waiting for that day.
"In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice. In the morning I lay my requests before you, and WAIT in expectation." Psalm 5:3

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Spell Check

For the record, I really do try to proof what I write, simply because I tend to get too excited to spell and punctuate correctly. Thus, I have made some minor revisions to my last post so that it is coherent.

I did read up a bit on the Helix Nebula. The original picture I posted it a 'doctored' picture because the colors are changed to recognize infared that may not typically be recognized... so... here is another picture for your viewing pleasure thanks to NASA. I did get slightly tickled in realizing that I am extra-especially excited to know that My Maker might have blue eyes. Guess that's where I get mine from. :)

The EYE of GOD


You know, sometimes, I think we peg God to be something that He is not. We characterize him. We define him in some facet, and that becomes our version of God. Through various sandpaper people, our perception and perspectives are questioned and challenged, then we go through a period of “re-defining” our perspective of God. I do this too, often in regards to whatever situations that I am dealing with. I will call on the names of God, and characterize Him as such.

But I’m learning to love when my boat gets rocked violently.

This morning, there was an article on MSNBC that talked about what astronomers call the Eye of God. (Hence the picture.) I really haven’t read the entire article. For this, it’s not really relevant either. (Basically, astronomers and scientists believe there is dust in the Eye of God.)

I, being a long-time lover of astronomy and the stars, was blown away this morning. It literally took my breath away, and instantaneously shattered my fallable, human shape of God. Because His Eye is watching me. He is larger than I can comprehend. He is greater and more powerful than I can ever give Him credit for. He is The Creator of the heavens and the earth. This reminds me of little doll houses, and those people who collect miniatures. And, I still love to play with play-do and clay and form any variety of shapes. But it’s small stuff. Do we really realize the magnitude of Him who created all of the heavens and the earth?

"Lord, forgive me today for making you into what I want you to be. With every opportunity, remind me how Big You are. Remind me that You Are More Than Enough. You are bigger than any emotion, feeling, foe, friend, gift, or anything else than I magnify in my life. Quicken my heart to remember that I don’t have to magnify You. You Were. You Are. You Always Will Be. You are I AM. In Jesus’ name, Amen."

Monday, February 12, 2007

Miracle...

This story was too good NOT to share: (as quoted from CNN.com)

'Miracle' -- teen's heart, stopped for 4 days, beats again

NEW YORK (AP) -- Daniel Walker was on his final lap jogging in his high school gym class when he collapsed, his flawed heart giving out on him.

More than four days later, his heart at a standstill, kept alive by a bypass machine, it began beating again. The 17-year-old's parents called it divine intervention. His physicians were no less amazed.

"I've been a surgeon for 10 years, and this is probably one of the most incredible things I've ever seen," said Dr. Abeel Mangi, one of Walker's cardiac surgeons at New York-Presbyterian Hospital Columbia.

Walker's father described his son's recovery in spiritual terms. "God turned around, put His hand on my son, and recharged him," said William Walker, 58, a retired sanitation worker.
His son's ordeal began January 19 when he collapsed in gym class. The younger Walker suffered from a rare congenital heart flaw that left his coronary artery pinched, giving him only 10 percent of normal heart capacity. He was shuttled to two hospitals before finding himself at Columbia, waiting for a heart transplant, attached to the bypass machine.

Walker's cardiac surgeons said they could not account for the young man's recovery.

"It's a miracle," Mangi said. "There's really no other way to put it."

Two days after it began to beat on its own, surgeons were able to fix the flaw in Walker's heart, increasing its capacity to 60 percent.

Book Club

Got to work this morning (late at usual) and ran through my routine. FYI -- I usually put on make-up at work. If you see me, and I am already put together, then you need to count yourself among those Blessed and Highly Favored. My mom never wore much make-up, and frankly, I was just never good at putting stuff on. So,... now that I am more mature and know better, I make strides. I rarely make them at home... only for special people.

ANYWAY... checked my list of websites as usual, and ran across this from BooMama. A book club! Be still my little heart. I love it. Those of you who know me well, know that I would be delighted to read anything! So... if you're interested in reading too... read her post and them post a comment. And let me know. We can call and encourage each other.

I'm still Praisin' the Lord for my car. And today is such a pretty day! I love that God is lavishing His Glory on us in sunshine... He's so good.

**Update**
BooMama graciously forwarded me the link for the book club. It's now on the right side of the page if anyone is interested!!!

Sunday, February 11, 2007

marathon weekend...

Friday night... I had to work late, then navigate a barrage of phone calls. I did not go to bed until 1:30a.m.

Saturday morning... Up at 7:00 -- Career fair with friend K. (I went as moral support), we got back into town around 12? Spent the afternoon watching David Caruso and knitting. Yes, my scarf is looking lovely!!! I really am proud. Now onto baby blankets. I will truly save a fortune! Dinner with D. Girl talk. Really inexpensive food and two servers -- one who lives in Hawaii!! (I got so stinkin' excited ... it was ridiculous!) We came back to watch One Night with The King, but just wound up chatting. Did not get into bed until after 2.

Sunday... up at 7:45 -- off to Alabama. Got to see a some friends... (A. A. B. & S.) It was so good to see them!!! I love S. She is precious. I sent them "packages" today... along with one for Salty Sister. I hope you Ladies love them!

OOOOH... total PTL. I have a Buick Regal. I am a total BUICK girl. I absolutely LOVED Never Been Kissed with Drew Barrymore because she owned a Buick LeSabre, and of course the storyline. I was 21 before I got my first kiss, and my first car was a baby blue Buick LeSabre. I really miss that car! Anyway... my SERVICE ENGINE SOON light starting acting up before Christmas, and we discovered that the electric readers in my gas tank were not working, therefore, I was not accurately able to tell how much gas I had in my tank. I lived with it for a while, because the quotes to repair were $600+. Over Christmas, the light came back on, and my Granddaddy found a guy who would repair it for cheaper. So, I got my car back mid-January, and the day I drove it back, my SES light came back on. This is one of those problems that you can't let go unchecked too long. I was so frustrated. Everyday when my Mom and I pray together, we pray for God to let my car run like brand-new, and for Jesus Christ to be the Master Mechanic. This past Thursday, I was supposed to drop my car by the dealership to have it checked out, but on my way home, just prayed at told the Lord that I need a Miracle! I have NO plan B but to trust God to fix it.

Forward**

Saturday afternoon, I went to go get a manicure and pedicure, and Jehovah Jireh had fixed my car!! I cried the entire way to the nail place. Just FLAT OUT WORSHIP. I have to Give God the Glory for His ways with automobiles. His Ways are HIGHER than my ways. Halelujah!

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I finally finished the John Ortberg book. I am sad (that book has blessed my soul), but so thankful for the wisdom. I can't wait for the other books to get here!

Friday, February 9, 2007

Writer's block...

I think I have it.

We had bible study last night at my house. Honestly, I think it went poorly. I think that I came across too personal in sharing what was on my heart. I’m afraid that anyone listening might think I was in attack mode, but I wasn’t.

There is high probability that I should not be so transparent with so many people.

I don’t know where to really go on that topic from here.

Before we started last night, we ran through celebrity gossip and Anna Nicole Smith’s death. I think she’s going to be like Elvis. People are going to see her for years. I don’t care what anybody says, and I don’t want to see her body or her funeral. As if she wasn’t a larger-than-life legend already, then this definitely puts her over the top.

My brother called to tell me that one their auditors wanted to leave early to mourn. I laughed out loud. I do feel terrible for her family, especially for her young daughter. Celebrity or not, I realize that she is a real person. I wonder if anybody ever REALLY tried to tell her about Jesus?

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Monday, I ordered a bunch of stuff off of Amazon. I am totally addicted to Amazon. Because of my student loans, I have poor credit. If I had good credit, I would get an Amazon credit card. :) I ordered four John Ortberg books (hey… if something works… go with it!), and a cd of Starfield. Two of the four books are Ortberg studies – one on Grace, and the other on Life. I’m excited to delve into them.

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I totally balked on Thursday Thirteen. I completely forgot. And in all my blog-readings, I’ve come across Works for me Wednesdays and Menu Plan Mondays. These women blow my mind. I have to say that I completely underestimated the network of incredible intelligent, Godly women who are part of these blog networks. I shared some of BooMama’s stories with my roommate the other day. I’ve also added a new link on the right – Seasoned with Salt. The lovely blogger encouraged my heart about letting writing. This was one of my goals for 2007. I’m slipping on quite a few of them, but writing letters is keeping steady. And I’m sending out more. I got a few of the gift packages together last night, and will try to start sending those soon. If you’d like one – drop me your address. My friend Jenn recently send me her 2006 Mix CD, and I have been playing that thing everyday. It gives a lot of insight when you see what people are willing to put together. And she had a lovely descriptive booklet with it too. Uber-personal. Just plain RAWKS!

Wednesday, February 7, 2007

Everybody call Your Senator/Congress-person

Have y'all seen this????

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17026724/

2.7.07

I'm not gonna lie... it's been a rough week.

I got my butt kicked in Speed Scrabble. I got shamed. It was awful.

Work is ... eh. My heart is in Hawai'i. I can't help it.

I did realize that when I got to work, I left my watch. I feel NAKED. It's just a watch. I don't know if this is normal.

I didn't watch David Caruso last night. Somebody would be proud.

Yesterday was just one of those "bad-I'm-an-overly-emotional-non-PMS-hormonal-thinking-about-junk-that's-not-edifying-or-even-helpful-Are-You-Kidding-Me" kind of days. Bible study last night was good though. You know, I sometimes doubt the simplest things, and had been hesitant to share with them one of my prayer requests. And then, they just loved me. They asked questions. I actually did a good job of refraining from saying something I would regret. (I talk about of emotion more than I should!) And then afterwards, one of the women, (who means more to me than she'll ever know), gave me a hug, and just blessed my soul. I actually cried on my way home, because it's good to feel loved by people.

And even though Stormie O'Martian stutters and mumbles through the study sometimes, the Word doesn't go void. THE WORD never goes void.

Then last night while I was reading, the Holy Spirit just comforted me. I just needed a Paraclete hug. God is so good... All the time... and On time.

"I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?" Jeremiah 32:27

Lent

There are a thousand things I could post about today, but I thought I'd mention this now, while it was still early.

Lent begins in two weeks. I am not going to get into the deep discussion about Lent and it's roll in the Church of God, or any other denomination, but I wanted to mention it, merely for the purpose of sacrifice.

I am going to be observing Lent this year. Jesus did a lot of things, including fasting for 40 days for my soul, so giving up something for Him should be a No-Brainer. While I don't think it's necessarily important or even appropriate to ask what anyone else is considering abstaining from for Lent, but I would like to know if you are observing it, in some form or another.

I want to pray for you.

Here are a few links of information. *Disclaimer: I have not read/analyzed all of the contained information, and therefore do not profess to agree with every word. Information is provided strictly for purposes of defining what Lent is and represents.*

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lent

http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/lent.html

http://www.thisischurch.com/christianinfo/lent.htm

http://www.whitestonejournal.com/lent1.html

http://www.kencollins.com/holy-04.htm

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09152a.htm

http://www.sundayschoollessons.com/lent.htm

And frankly, I don't care if any of you think I am some sort of religious zealot. I want/need/expect God to do big things, and if it means that I sacrifice something that I have placed on a false pedestal anyway, then I feel it's my responsibility as a child of the Almighty to do so. I hope you will too.

Tuesday, February 6, 2007

Just couldn't help myself...

2.6.07

My days begin with reading blogs. First thing, I get on and check my blog, and the links that I have set up. I look at my friend Jenn’s, then read her comments, then read the blogs of those commenters. Then I go back. Then I read the LPM blog, and the many comments, and as many blogs are available from those commenters. It is through LPM that I have discovered a VAST network of bloggers, rings galore, and am fascinated and challenged by their thoughts. And then I go back. Through more links, through more blogs. It’s quite the cycle each day.

And. I. feel. totally. inadequate.

I. feel. boring.

I don’t have kids, so that knocks out funny and sweet anecdotes that children have. I don’t work with children either. Ruled out. I work with adults. And they are totally boring. I go to church or bible study four days a week. So you count 40 hours working, 10 hours a week driving to work, 56 hours sleeping (that’s being generous), 3 ½ hours of personal study time, 8 hours a week spent watching David Caruso, 11 ½ hours eating, 15 hours of church/bible study stuff, 7 hours of “getting ready” time, … that only leaves 17 hours to have a life. And that allocated over 7 days leaves 2.43 hours of social activity.

(And considering the fact that I just wasted ten minutes trying to figure all of that up, I only have a little more than two hours to have a life TODAY!)

I think this means I’m going to have to give up David Caruso time and frankly, that just makes me sad. :(

I think the other thing is that I feel inadequate as a writer. You know there are some people who are originals, and there are others who are imitators. I don’t want to be an imitator! I was reminded of an idea yesterday that I wanted to send to a few people and then felt like a leech for wanting to do so by “stealing” someone else’s original idea. BOO.

So… here’s to being a better writer. And Original.

Monday, February 5, 2007

"We read to know we are not alone." C.S. Lewis

2.5.07

I wound up having a really good weekend. Saturday, my friend D. came over and we went shopping. I broke down and bought the most gorgeous little cami and sweater. I know I shouldn't be weak but I was. I also purchased two videos on hula dancing. I want to know BEFORE I go. :) (They were ridiculously cheap.)

Sunday I was supposed to go to Atlanta, and completely overslept. I mean, ridiculously overslept! I watched David Caruso (*sigh*), and got a lot of overdue letter writing accomplished. I am now working on some equally overdue "Just because you're my friend and I love you" packages. I'm totally slacking this year. I'm trying to figure out what to send that is creative and sincere. I think I might have just figured it out. I’ll try to send each of you one in the mail!

I brought my camera to work to download some stuff. I got a new camera for Christmas because my old one had NO zoom, and it was very frustrating. My new one though, requires a USB2, which I don’t have, so I can only download on my comp at work, that is until I purchase one for home. Problem is – I just realized that I left my USB chord at home. Bummer. I will also try to upload a few videos too (Jenn, you will be proud,… hopefully).

Random funnies:

My brother called me yesterday to tell me that, while he was standing on a street corner in the village waiting for the light to turn red, a young woman rode by on her bike, and then proceeded to wipe out. JM said there were probably 200 people, and everybody just gasps. He said several people had to turn their heads to keep from laughing at her. Apparently, she thought she’d cut the corner without decelerating, and miscalculated.

“2 X 4, … Wait, I think it’s a 2 X 6.” "Do you want to leave and go get your measuring tape to check that out?" Ha ha ha ha ha!

"I didn’t know Prince was black!”

David Caruso One-Liners… (they’re just too funny!)

Go COLTS! Yay Peyton!!!

Saturday, February 3, 2007

Hierarchy of Communication

1. In person

2. telephone/email

3. text message

4. Postal Delivered mail

5. comments on my blog/comments on my myspace

6. Comments on facebook

2.3.07


... I know... a Saturday post! (We finally got the wireless internet hooked up at the house!)

Today has been a blast! I made breakfast for a few DZT new girls, and we just had a chance to sit around and share. They blessed my soul! I'm so excited about the koinonia that we have and will have. God is so good. Here's a pic!

My friend D. came by today. We had time catching up and then headed to Chatt to shop. I broke down. I bought a gorgeous sweater set! I can't wait until it's warmer to wear. (It's still too cold here!)

I have alot I want to share, but I have a pending speaking engagement :), so I don't want to give too much away. God is good. He is faithful. He is everything. That's really all I can say.

I have HOPE. I have hope. Lots of it. This quote encourages my soul:

"I will find you. No matter how long it takes, not matter how far - I will find you." Nathaniel to Cora in The Last of the Mohicans

Friday, February 2, 2007

2.2.07

"the way we continually talk about our own inability is an insult to the Creator. the deploring of our own incompetence is a slander against God for having overlooked us. Get into the habit of examining in the sight of God the things that sound humble before men, and you will be amazed at how staggeringly impertinent they are." Oswald Chambers

Thursday, February 1, 2007

Blizzard Update

Got your attention, huh??

Yes, for you northerners, and inch in the south is the equivalent of a blizzard. Every school within range closes the day before. There is no milk or bread to be found. Nobody can drive in these conditions. It makes the national news.

Life stands still temporarily as snow falls down here. It is such a rarity, an infrequency, that we can only stop what we are doing to digest it in. For all of you who receive any normal amount of accumulation, we are foolish. I will not disagree with you. But, this how things are, and we relish that. That one precious inch of snow becomes the stories that grandchildren hear.

I didn't have to come to work until 12:00 today. More people who work in Dalton live outside of Dalton, so there is an allowance made. It just meant I would be able to sleep late for one more day this week. But on my way to work -- God got my attention.

I absolutely love to watch cooking shows. I have my preferences -- Giada ("Everyday Italian"), Ina Garten ("Barefoot Contessa"), Emeril Lagasse, Bobby Flay, and the ever-incomparable Julia Child. Each of them brings a style to their cooking, making it delectable enough to eat right through the television screen. But I became a Julia Child fan a long time ago, before the Food Network's debut, as she had shows that aired regularly on public television. I would waste time on Saturday just watching her make lots of things, mostly French things that I cannot pronounce, as I would sit, stare, and salivate at the TV. But I loved to watch her make desserts. The time and attention she put into those things was relentless, and her strive for perfection. But Julia love to "dust" her cakes, by using a simple strainer and powder sugar or cocoa. It was always the final touch to a cake, or pie, or tart.

This morning on my way to work (I have a 45 minute drive down a wide, two-lane highway), I realized that God had dusted my surroundings. Everything was covered lightly in this white sift, and all that normally seemed camouflaged, suddenly sprang to my attention. Houses that I didn't know existed were no longer hidden behind shrouds of green and brown. They were exposed. Naked. Visible. Even the woods were unveiled as the snow illuminated fallen branches and trees and exposed what lied around.

And then, God spoke to me. No audible voice (I would pee in my pants or explode from the glory) -- but the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart that, this is what God has been trying to do in me. He's been dusting me, exposing everything in my life, so that I become truly aware and that He can begin to make things new. And that's what He's doing. Spring is coming. New life is coming. Blossoms and blooms, new shoots, growth, color, brilliance -- it's all coming. But before that "new" can come, the old has to pass away. And be Exposed.

I love how God speaks so loudly through creation. He will go to any length possible to get our attention. Even with snow.

2.1.07

It snowed in Cleveland last night.

Schools in a nine county radius shut down yesterday around 8:00 p.m.

Lee University refuses to cancel classes. :) They posted a temporary delay.

Pandemonium set in.

There is no milk or bread in town. Ha ha ha.

What will this town do when Jesus comes back????