Go here and tell her I sent you!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Giveaway
In honor of her 100th post this week, Ministrysofabulous is giving away a big basket of goodies. This is not just open to women. Men, mother's day is coming, and I don't know a woman who wouldn't love a basket of 100 things!
Go here and tell her I sent you!
Go here and tell her I sent you!
AJAM 2008
Last year, a few dear friends and I got together for a "Girls Weekend". We'd gotten together the year before to catch up and have a good time. We all went to college together and were in the same sorority. Honestly, had it not been for the sorority, it's highly likely that I would have never met these three. We use the weekend to get away, reminsce and be silly. When we were planning for last year, I got inspired enough to come up with a title and had t-shirts made. A.J.A.M. is the first letter of our first initals (Amanda, Jennifer, Aubre, & Miranda). The back of the shirts (I thought) really explained what it meant... What do you do when you get in A JAM? You get away and have fun!
Well, it's that time again... time for AJAM 2008. I don't know why I get so excited doing stuff for this, but we really do have a good time on these weekend retreats. We had initally intended for it to be bigger (more people) and different (location), but with four busy life and work schedules, we were lucky to find a weekend between January and June that we could all get away. Honestly, I've been thinking about and planning for this retreat since December. You know... what I wanted to do, what to bring, what activities, etc. This year, I decided to do Swag Bags -- just like celebrities. Just a bunch of stuff that is useful and cute. It's definitely been interesting to try and find alot of swag stuff that is suited to the ladies' personalities, but also doesn't cost me a fortune. Last year, we decided to bring something for each of the other ladies. One of our friends, who shall remain NAMELESS sortof, didn't understand and only brought one gift. This year, I figured out what I wanted to give (as my individual gift), and thought it would be cute to coordinate the other girls gifts with mine.
As a sidenote, I really try to find the best cards possible. I buy cards all the time for occassions all through out the year. As I was in Walgreens last week, I ran across three identical cards. There were four women (from the 40's or 50's) decked out. There was no writing on the front. The inside said something to the effect of, "I'm ready for a Girls' Night Out". I was floored and ecstatic to find the perfect cards for this event!
Since we had a boo-boo with the nameless friend last year, I decided to make things crystal clear and send out cards and include exactly detailed information including a personal color for the gifts from each lady. I actually COLOR-CODED the cards!!!! I was able to give out two of the cards last week, and made sure to tell those two friends to make sure NOT to tell anyone their color. I was so pumped about the surprise.
Well... lo and behold, that same friend who only brought one gift last year decided to MASS EMAIL all of us this morning, and without shame, mentioned what color her stuff was.
:(
And now I'm sad because she's partially spoiled the surprise.
I'm seriously contemplating putting her through a mini-induction, or freezing ALL of her underwear.
Well, it's that time again... time for AJAM 2008. I don't know why I get so excited doing stuff for this, but we really do have a good time on these weekend retreats. We had initally intended for it to be bigger (more people) and different (location), but with four busy life and work schedules, we were lucky to find a weekend between January and June that we could all get away. Honestly, I've been thinking about and planning for this retreat since December. You know... what I wanted to do, what to bring, what activities, etc. This year, I decided to do Swag Bags -- just like celebrities. Just a bunch of stuff that is useful and cute. It's definitely been interesting to try and find alot of swag stuff that is suited to the ladies' personalities, but also doesn't cost me a fortune. Last year, we decided to bring something for each of the other ladies. One of our friends, who shall remain NAMELESS sortof, didn't understand and only brought one gift. This year, I figured out what I wanted to give (as my individual gift), and thought it would be cute to coordinate the other girls gifts with mine.
As a sidenote, I really try to find the best cards possible. I buy cards all the time for occassions all through out the year. As I was in Walgreens last week, I ran across three identical cards. There were four women (from the 40's or 50's) decked out. There was no writing on the front. The inside said something to the effect of, "I'm ready for a Girls' Night Out". I was floored and ecstatic to find the perfect cards for this event!
Since we had a boo-boo with the nameless friend last year, I decided to make things crystal clear and send out cards and include exactly detailed information including a personal color for the gifts from each lady. I actually COLOR-CODED the cards!!!! I was able to give out two of the cards last week, and made sure to tell those two friends to make sure NOT to tell anyone their color. I was so pumped about the surprise.
Well... lo and behold, that same friend who only brought one gift last year decided to MASS EMAIL all of us this morning, and without shame, mentioned what color her stuff was.
:(
And now I'm sad because she's partially spoiled the surprise.
I'm seriously contemplating putting her through a mini-induction, or freezing ALL of her underwear.
Friday, March 28, 2008
fill in the blank...
Anne Jackson's Flowerdust is linked on my sidebar, and to just say that I enjoy her is an understatement and injustice. She's great!
A few days ago she posted Fill in The Blank. I would love to hear your responses!!!
A few days ago she posted Fill in The Blank. I would love to hear your responses!!!
You should go read...
This morning I had time to read though the blogs I check daily (as opposed to merely skimming through a few of them).
The Futurist has a post entitled "My struggle with homosexuality" that is awesome. Go check it out.
The Futurist has a post entitled "My struggle with homosexuality" that is awesome. Go check it out.
Pretending is safer than honesty and vulnerability
**I'm a little gunshy to blog about this, but I'm doing it anyway.**
Last night, I went to the bible study that meets at my house. 10 Ladies later, we started with prayer requests. Then, we watched the Rob Bell Nooma video about Rhythm.
It dealt with hearing the song of God, and reasons why we don’t hear it. He talked about your life being in tune. Sitting at my desk right now, I can’t regurgitate the video to you. What sticks out to me more was the conversation we had and an analogy that was brought out. How, in relationships, our feelings are the source of the tunes we hear. Sometimes we hear jealousy, anger, frustration, hurt, and disappointment. Other times, other relationship, we hear sweet sounds, the melody, the rhythm, all-falling together succinctly to be the mellifluous cacophony that is life. (That might read like an oxymoron, but … such is life.) There was mention of the kind of people that are in our life, the ones that we feel are “out of tune”.
Philippians 4:8-9 got brought into the conversation too: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
I had made a comment prior to the scripture that, I think there’s a fine line where we as believers love and serve God because we believe He is The God that does ______ (stuff), versus the God that Is, and that we might fall short in doing what we need to do because we have faith that says that God will just drop stuff in our lives and in our lap.
Obviously, I did not expound on this the way that I had been thinking it over in my head.
But after hearing the verse and analogy aloud, the conversation (to me) seemed to shift that we need to solely focus on “good things”. I got nauseated thinking about prosperity gospel and the good life. And yes, I got a visual of Joel Osteen smiling at me in my head. (I like Joel, don’t get me wrong… but see where I’m going with this.) In that split second of nausea, Joel Osteen, and goodness, I became ashamed, and made a feeble attempt to rectify what I said.
Really, Feeble is an understatement, but I’m not bashing myself on here.
But the more I’ve thought about the video and the conversation that came last night, the more introspective I’ve become. Honestly, I’m not the most positive person. I aspire to be a glass half full person, but in spite of my optimism, I do have a side of realism.
And I’m unapologetic for it.
As I was listening last night, my initial thought was that I needed to walk away from a lot of my friends because of any negativity, any “out-of-tune-ness” that I project. I have been blunt, and have definitely hurt people’s feelings expressing opinions about that.
Most of those were uninvited opinions, but I can’t take them back.
And this morning, as I was worrying/thinking/pondering, I found this quote (and my header):
"Pretending is safer than honesty and vulnerability"
Life is a beautiful disaster. Frankly y’all, I’ve been a poser too many years of my life. I’ve coddled friends and family, co-workers, church members, and strangers with things either just to have a conversation, or out of fear and rejection. Through all of high school, I played games just to have friends. In college, I petted and coddled friends for acceptance. Even at work, I have patronized people for fear that I will lose what I consider precious. Things like:
“No, we can do whatever you want.”
“But you don’t REALLY know him; He’s a great guy. “
“I think that shirt is so cute!”
“I love your hair.”
or my personal favorite…
“How are you?”
But it’s vanity. All of it. A grand illusion of smoke and mirros that equates to nothing (at times) but a woman trying to figure out who she is.
And the beautiful jagged flipside of it all is that, I’ve been coddled too.
The reality is that, I don’t ever want to pretend again. The last two years of my life have been peeling away the layers of pretension and exposing who I am, the beautiful and ugly, so that God can deal with it all. Most things I have said to friends that have been blunt have been out of love. I want my peeps (all of them) to be better. I want to be better. I want friends that speak truth into my life, even if it is painful, or bitter tasting. I don’t think life is about living the “good” all the time. For me, it’s about living the reality of today, knowing full well my hope for tomorrow.
“By all means let’s be open-minded, but not so open-minded that our brains fall out.” Richard Dawkins.
Last night, I went to the bible study that meets at my house. 10 Ladies later, we started with prayer requests. Then, we watched the Rob Bell Nooma video about Rhythm.
It dealt with hearing the song of God, and reasons why we don’t hear it. He talked about your life being in tune. Sitting at my desk right now, I can’t regurgitate the video to you. What sticks out to me more was the conversation we had and an analogy that was brought out. How, in relationships, our feelings are the source of the tunes we hear. Sometimes we hear jealousy, anger, frustration, hurt, and disappointment. Other times, other relationship, we hear sweet sounds, the melody, the rhythm, all-falling together succinctly to be the mellifluous cacophony that is life. (That might read like an oxymoron, but … such is life.) There was mention of the kind of people that are in our life, the ones that we feel are “out of tune”.
Philippians 4:8-9 got brought into the conversation too: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
I had made a comment prior to the scripture that, I think there’s a fine line where we as believers love and serve God because we believe He is The God that does ______ (stuff), versus the God that Is, and that we might fall short in doing what we need to do because we have faith that says that God will just drop stuff in our lives and in our lap.
Obviously, I did not expound on this the way that I had been thinking it over in my head.
But after hearing the verse and analogy aloud, the conversation (to me) seemed to shift that we need to solely focus on “good things”. I got nauseated thinking about prosperity gospel and the good life. And yes, I got a visual of Joel Osteen smiling at me in my head. (I like Joel, don’t get me wrong… but see where I’m going with this.) In that split second of nausea, Joel Osteen, and goodness, I became ashamed, and made a feeble attempt to rectify what I said.
Really, Feeble is an understatement, but I’m not bashing myself on here.
But the more I’ve thought about the video and the conversation that came last night, the more introspective I’ve become. Honestly, I’m not the most positive person. I aspire to be a glass half full person, but in spite of my optimism, I do have a side of realism.
And I’m unapologetic for it.
As I was listening last night, my initial thought was that I needed to walk away from a lot of my friends because of any negativity, any “out-of-tune-ness” that I project. I have been blunt, and have definitely hurt people’s feelings expressing opinions about that.
Most of those were uninvited opinions, but I can’t take them back.
And this morning, as I was worrying/thinking/pondering, I found this quote (and my header):
"Pretending is safer than honesty and vulnerability"
Life is a beautiful disaster. Frankly y’all, I’ve been a poser too many years of my life. I’ve coddled friends and family, co-workers, church members, and strangers with things either just to have a conversation, or out of fear and rejection. Through all of high school, I played games just to have friends. In college, I petted and coddled friends for acceptance. Even at work, I have patronized people for fear that I will lose what I consider precious. Things like:
“No, we can do whatever you want.”
“But you don’t REALLY know him; He’s a great guy. “
“I think that shirt is so cute!”
“I love your hair.”
or my personal favorite…
“How are you?”
But it’s vanity. All of it. A grand illusion of smoke and mirros that equates to nothing (at times) but a woman trying to figure out who she is.
And the beautiful jagged flipside of it all is that, I’ve been coddled too.
The reality is that, I don’t ever want to pretend again. The last two years of my life have been peeling away the layers of pretension and exposing who I am, the beautiful and ugly, so that God can deal with it all. Most things I have said to friends that have been blunt have been out of love. I want my peeps (all of them) to be better. I want to be better. I want friends that speak truth into my life, even if it is painful, or bitter tasting. I don’t think life is about living the “good” all the time. For me, it’s about living the reality of today, knowing full well my hope for tomorrow.
“By all means let’s be open-minded, but not so open-minded that our brains fall out.” Richard Dawkins.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
I'm quitting my day job to be the weather girl
There is a part of me that is slightly jealous that meteorologists only have to be right ONE out of THREE DAYS. That's right... with those odds -- 33% -- You Too! can predict the weather!!! Roll Credits!!! News at Five!! It's Easter! It's 70 Degrees today! Tomorrow -- SNOW!! The next day -- 95!
Oi.
Who can dress with this mess?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Speaking of dressing, last October, I finally unloaded all of the items I've so carefully put into a storage unit. Some took up residence in the local landfill. I had a lot of furniture that I had tried desperately to sell, and in the midst of our unloading, the Lord sent someone by who had lost everything in a fire. He even had a truck! The rest of the stuff went home with my mom to be stored until I get married.
That's right... I'm getting married. I just don't know when. :)
Included in all that hullabaloo were my spring/summer clothes. My mom, the wonderful, kind woman that she is, was able to bring them to me today! We also got to have lunch and do a little shopping!! Or alot!! Either way, we had a blast!!
I count it a privilege to get to spoil my Mom when I can. It's because of her that I have a really hard time receiving gifts. (Sorry,... but that's definitely NOT my love language.) She's such a giver, so I can't really express how much fun I had giving back to her. Ironically enough, she kept telling me she'd put $$ in my account. Silly woman.
Oi.
Who can dress with this mess?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Speaking of dressing, last October, I finally unloaded all of the items I've so carefully put into a storage unit. Some took up residence in the local landfill. I had a lot of furniture that I had tried desperately to sell, and in the midst of our unloading, the Lord sent someone by who had lost everything in a fire. He even had a truck! The rest of the stuff went home with my mom to be stored until I get married.
That's right... I'm getting married. I just don't know when. :)
Included in all that hullabaloo were my spring/summer clothes. My mom, the wonderful, kind woman that she is, was able to bring them to me today! We also got to have lunch and do a little shopping!! Or alot!! Either way, we had a blast!!
I count it a privilege to get to spoil my Mom when I can. It's because of her that I have a really hard time receiving gifts. (Sorry,... but that's definitely NOT my love language.) She's such a giver, so I can't really express how much fun I had giving back to her. Ironically enough, she kept telling me she'd put $$ in my account. Silly woman.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Jesus has Risen, but my underwear is falling down!
I realize that I don't share alot of funny stories on this blawg. I'd like to think I'm a funny person, funny-sarcastic if you will. I tell myself that, when I'm with my friends, I know how to keep them entertained.
Well... in keeping with that tradition, it seems only fitting to humiliate myself on the internet right?
Yesterday was Easter. I had pretty much decided on wearing another dress to church, but Saturday, after treating myself to a fabulous and long-overdue pedicure and manicure, I decided that I really wanted to buy something pretty for Easter. Growing up a Pentecostal pastor's kid in the 80's, I have a decade's worth of pictures from Easters gone by wearing no less than 57 pounds of lace, pastels and patent leather. If it didn't have a coordinating jacket, white patent leather shoes or purse, and the occasional gloves and hat, it was not fit for Easter Sunday Morning. With that said, I have a hard time not dressing up, or at least trying to on Easter. It has nothing to do with other people, it has to do with Jesus. He gave me His Best, so it can't kill me to look nice for Him, you know?
Anywho... I went into Belk's in Cleve and as I was searching, I uncovered the most beautiful dress for me. Let me also throw in that, I don't buy too many dresses. Insecurity with my body and the gain of 40 unwanted pounds rarely leaves me in a mood to buy anything "dress-related" for fear that I will look pregnant. An unwanted pregnancy, no doubt? Or a second immaculate conception? I digress.
It's a 50's style dress, heavy material in Kelly Green. I wish I had a picture, but I'll have to take it tonight. Asked what my favorite color was as a child, my response was always, "Geen". So, you can imagine my delight when not only was the dress gorgeous and reasonably priced (50% off), it was the first one I tried on, and it fit perfectly.
See, Jesus really does love me.
I wish that the search for lovely accessories had been so fruitful, but I knew I was pushing the line with this dress, so I graciously wore accessories I already had at home.
On Easter Morn, my friend Miranda showed up at my house around 10:00 to do some shopping of her own. She thought was dress was FABULOUS too. So after a few finishing touches, we were off to church.
Did I mention I wore gorgeous open-toed black patent leather shoes too? Yes, Jesus was going to Love them!!
We arrived at church, and on the way through the parking lot, I knew something was not right. I made it into church without an incident. During the service, I had a gut feeling that there was going to be a mishap, and I could only pray that wouldn't happen. I had to "Re-Adjust" alot. Apparently, the elastic in my underwear decided that it wanted to bow before the Lord as opposed to staying up. In my fashion-conscious state, I decided not to wear panty-hose, in light of temps in the 30's, because I was wearing open-toed shoes. Y'all, you just can't mix hose and open toes, k? Don't.
But on the way back to my car, a quarter of a mile walk or so, I experienced the greatest Easter discomfort of my life as I realized that my underwear wanted to fall off in the parking lot. Right there in front of Jesus and everything. I actually had to HOLD IT ON, y'all. Miranda and I were cracking up as we walked back. Once we got in the car, I had to flash Miranda and some people at Wendy's so that I didn't lose anything else.
It was soooooooooooooo embarrassing.
and funny.
And even though it was Resurrection Sunday, I decided that those underwear needed to be buried. For Good. Thank you. Amen.
Well... in keeping with that tradition, it seems only fitting to humiliate myself on the internet right?
Yesterday was Easter. I had pretty much decided on wearing another dress to church, but Saturday, after treating myself to a fabulous and long-overdue pedicure and manicure, I decided that I really wanted to buy something pretty for Easter. Growing up a Pentecostal pastor's kid in the 80's, I have a decade's worth of pictures from Easters gone by wearing no less than 57 pounds of lace, pastels and patent leather. If it didn't have a coordinating jacket, white patent leather shoes or purse, and the occasional gloves and hat, it was not fit for Easter Sunday Morning. With that said, I have a hard time not dressing up, or at least trying to on Easter. It has nothing to do with other people, it has to do with Jesus. He gave me His Best, so it can't kill me to look nice for Him, you know?
Anywho... I went into Belk's in Cleve and as I was searching, I uncovered the most beautiful dress for me. Let me also throw in that, I don't buy too many dresses. Insecurity with my body and the gain of 40 unwanted pounds rarely leaves me in a mood to buy anything "dress-related" for fear that I will look pregnant. An unwanted pregnancy, no doubt? Or a second immaculate conception? I digress.
It's a 50's style dress, heavy material in Kelly Green. I wish I had a picture, but I'll have to take it tonight. Asked what my favorite color was as a child, my response was always, "Geen". So, you can imagine my delight when not only was the dress gorgeous and reasonably priced (50% off), it was the first one I tried on, and it fit perfectly.
See, Jesus really does love me.
I wish that the search for lovely accessories had been so fruitful, but I knew I was pushing the line with this dress, so I graciously wore accessories I already had at home.
On Easter Morn, my friend Miranda showed up at my house around 10:00 to do some shopping of her own. She thought was dress was FABULOUS too. So after a few finishing touches, we were off to church.
Did I mention I wore gorgeous open-toed black patent leather shoes too? Yes, Jesus was going to Love them!!
We arrived at church, and on the way through the parking lot, I knew something was not right. I made it into church without an incident. During the service, I had a gut feeling that there was going to be a mishap, and I could only pray that wouldn't happen. I had to "Re-Adjust" alot. Apparently, the elastic in my underwear decided that it wanted to bow before the Lord as opposed to staying up. In my fashion-conscious state, I decided not to wear panty-hose, in light of temps in the 30's, because I was wearing open-toed shoes. Y'all, you just can't mix hose and open toes, k? Don't.
But on the way back to my car, a quarter of a mile walk or so, I experienced the greatest Easter discomfort of my life as I realized that my underwear wanted to fall off in the parking lot. Right there in front of Jesus and everything. I actually had to HOLD IT ON, y'all. Miranda and I were cracking up as we walked back. Once we got in the car, I had to flash Miranda and some people at Wendy's so that I didn't lose anything else.
It was soooooooooooooo embarrassing.
and funny.
And even though it was Resurrection Sunday, I decided that those underwear needed to be buried. For Good. Thank you. Amen.
The MUCH-anticipated return
Y'all know what today is, right? Well, amidst being the wedding anniversary for two friends (that's right, I went to TWO WEDDINGS in one day), Really Wow! and Join Left (they're married to each other!) and Roselyn and Roy, today is the long awaited, much anticipated, highly celebrated (by Me! of Course!) return of...
you guessed it...
CSI: Miami.
My friend A. is in town, and I'm supposed to hang out with A. and M., but I really just want to celebrate at home with a big glass of sweet tea and some snacks while I wait for a new cheesy-oneliner opener for the show. 'Cause who doesn't love when David/Horatio pulls those glasses on or off delivering the state of Miami? **Squeal** Be still my redhead-lovin' heart!!
I even have sunglasses to "play along".
Y'all pray for me please? This could be a disease.
Love,
Jenn
Jenn
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Easter/Resurrection Sunday
Happy Easter Peeps! Hope you had a wonderful day celebrating that Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose again. I spent the day with my CleveVegas family, and then laid before the Lord for three hours on my couch. It was glorious!
Easter Weekend reminds me of reading "The Day I Was Crucified" by Gene Edwards. If you haven't read that book, just know that it ranks as one of the top five books I've ever read. It's a fictional perspective from Jesus of the few days leading to and following his death. To know that he drank the cup of iniquity for me, worthless, undeserving me, is humbling and mindblowing and more incredible than I can put into words.
And just to leave you with something rad, check out Coffey Anderson's remix of Umbrella -- the Christian version.
Easter Weekend reminds me of reading "The Day I Was Crucified" by Gene Edwards. If you haven't read that book, just know that it ranks as one of the top five books I've ever read. It's a fictional perspective from Jesus of the few days leading to and following his death. To know that he drank the cup of iniquity for me, worthless, undeserving me, is humbling and mindblowing and more incredible than I can put into words.
And just to leave you with something rad, check out Coffey Anderson's remix of Umbrella -- the Christian version.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Dr. Charles W. Conn (1920-2008)
(I had to swipe a picture... I'll have a better one soon...)My heart was so sad today to discover that Dr. Charles W. Conn had passed away. In brief, he served as President of Lee University, General Overseer of the Church of God, and is the undisputed historian of the COG.
I had the privilege to meet him my very first semester in college. His former secretary (Dr. Evaline Echols) taught a business communcations class that I was taking that semester. As often as she could, she would ask Dr. Conn to come speak to her classes. The day he spoke to mine, he shared about his love to write (and communicate) and how that was translated literally for him, from books he'd written, to every love letter he'd ever sent his wife, to his collection of journals. He was a prolific writer and historian. He had the vocabulary, drive, and charisma to convey his feelings into words on paper, a gift that so few have. Specifically that day, he shared how, during his courtship with his wife on through years of their marriage, they both kept the letters they exchanged. (Later his children has those letter bound for their family.) He also kept journals to document his ministry. Early in their marraige, his wife asked what she was to do with the journals. To this day, I have never forgotten his response:
"I made sure to document every phase of my life so that, when I'm gone, Edna can explain my idiosyncracies to my grandchildren for them to know how much I loved her and them."
(And then he said this...)
"But then Edna cheated, and passed away first. And now I have these wonderful memories and letters to remind me of the wonderful woman that she was."
... I cry every time I think about what he said.
While Dr. Conn has been a gift to our denomination, he reminded me in that moment, and every moment since that that is the kind of love that I want.
Dr. Charles W. Conn (January 20, 1920 - March 18, 2008)
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
U2
Take a moment to visit Sunburned.org if you can. This is a page owned by my friend Jenn and was her main site until a few months ago. She reopened the site only to, in her words, "revel in it's former glory".
I'm linking this to encourage you to check out the January 6, 2006 entry. This is probably my favorite entry from Jenn. I've never been a big U2 fan, (I thought they were weird when I first saw them, and then my Mom had MTV blocked out of our house for six years), so I missed alot of really awesome U2 stuff while I was listening to christian radio getting hooked on DCTalk, 4Him, Truth, and Point of Grace.
Go pay a visit, and leave a comment or two.
P.S. Go visit her other blog too. She has the most incredible heart for urban children's ministry. She's salawesome.
I'm linking this to encourage you to check out the January 6, 2006 entry. This is probably my favorite entry from Jenn. I've never been a big U2 fan, (I thought they were weird when I first saw them, and then my Mom had MTV blocked out of our house for six years), so I missed alot of really awesome U2 stuff while I was listening to christian radio getting hooked on DCTalk, 4Him, Truth, and Point of Grace.
Go pay a visit, and leave a comment or two.
P.S. Go visit her other blog too. She has the most incredible heart for urban children's ministry. She's salawesome.
TV... getting away from reality
I try not to blog about television too much, simply because I feel like I'm being judged. But I'm human, and I watch TV. I've become a bit of a CBS junkie, with my madlove for all things David Caruso. Beyond CSI: Miami, I love CSI: NY, Big Bang Theory (although I vehemently do not believe in the big bang theory for clarification!), Criminal Minds, How I met Your Mother,NCIS, Ghost Whisperer, and Numb3rs.
Clearly all of these tv shows rob me of precious time and rationale. I mean, seriously... Ghost Whisperer? I hate anything suspenseful and the thought of seeing a ghost or corpse...eww. I can't deal. I shudder when I see really gross things.
Oh, and then there's my all-time Favorite -- The Biggest Loser. One of only two or three shows where people actually make their lives better. Oh, and while I'm throwing shout-outs, my love for Dancing With The Stars, All things Law & Order (including SVU & CI), and So You Think You Can Dance.
I have weaknesses, people.
With that said, I was very sad to discover that news reports that David Caruso is acting like a DIVA were on MSNBC. Because I HEART DAVID CARUSO. I care nary that there is a 23-year age difference. I love redheads. I love that his character is so ridiculously over the top. I have seen the David Caruso One-Liners video on YouTube so many times I have it memorized.
I do hope that none of you are offended. I need an vacation from real life sometimes!
Clearly all of these tv shows rob me of precious time and rationale. I mean, seriously... Ghost Whisperer? I hate anything suspenseful and the thought of seeing a ghost or corpse...eww. I can't deal. I shudder when I see really gross things.
Oh, and then there's my all-time Favorite -- The Biggest Loser. One of only two or three shows where people actually make their lives better. Oh, and while I'm throwing shout-outs, my love for Dancing With The Stars, All things Law & Order (including SVU & CI), and So You Think You Can Dance.
I have weaknesses, people.
With that said, I was very sad to discover that news reports that David Caruso is acting like a DIVA were on MSNBC. Because I HEART DAVID CARUSO. I care nary that there is a 23-year age difference. I love redheads. I love that his character is so ridiculously over the top. I have seen the David Caruso One-Liners video on YouTube so many times I have it memorized.
I do hope that none of you are offended. I need an vacation from real life sometimes!
Monday, March 17, 2008
The inevitability of change - The BIG REVEAL POST
The last time I was home, I had a chance to snap a few photos while driving down I-85. In case you don't know, my sleepy little home town of West Point, Georgia, is the new home of Kia Motors. West Point is tiny y'all. According to the 2000 Census, we had a population of 3,382. Estimated population in July 2006: 3,352 (-0.9% change). I mean, it's seriously small. This is the first U.S. plant for Kia, and to say that I'm still in shock that my little town is the new home is a gross understatement.
Everytime I go home, I am amazed at the changes that are taking place. In the picture, you can see the facilities' bones. Ironically enough (and my reason for choosing this picture), you can see the construction for the new interstate exit in the side mirror. (I am understandably amazed at my photography skillZ.) This facility, scheduled to open in 2009, is slated to hire more than 2,000 direct laborers, as well as others involved in manufacturing. This number also doesn't include any distributors who are going to open facilities in the area, and hire additional workers. They've cleared over 3200 acres in preparation for this site, too.
What you don't see, is the change that is taking place in preparation for Kia. Signs for local businesses are being changed to read in both English and Korean. Communities are popping up all over West Point and the Valley area to provide housing for the workforce that is coming through. The change... is inevitable.
And everytime I go home, my thoughts go deeper into how this mirrors my own life, personally, literally, and spiritually. The change that I have been struggling with in my social circles, in my devotions, and in my thoughts is no coincidental parallel to my little town, or to what God states clearly in His Word. I find myself wondering what Moses thought about the changes that occurred in his 120 years. I cannot begin to imagine what Methusulah saw in his nearly thousand years on earth. And to think that Kia's changes have only been fourteen months!
There is change in my family, change in my job, change in my thoughts and emotions. Change has permeated me in ways I had almost forgotten, you know? We get stuck in a routine, a rut if you will, and just when we get comfortable, the walls shake, they crumble, and reveal change.
Change for some brings fear and anxiety. I wish I could be one of those people who always welcomes change with arms wide open, but I'm not. I try, Oh how I try! In spite of my apprehension to change, I find constant comfort in knowing that, change is like new mercy. It reveals a new opportunity for God to pour out grace in my life. Grace in the lives of my friends. Grace in the lives of my family. Grace, Grace, and more Grace.
I feel like I talk about Grace too much. If you think I do, then obviously you need another dose from God. :) I also take hope in knowing that God's presence is always there in the midst of my change. I realize that He never leaves me, but sometimes I worry that I walk away too far from him. Thankfully, I know that in those moments, He is the closest beside me.
I know that the future brings so much more change. A husband. CAN I GET AN AMEN??? 'CAUSE I KNOW THAT THE FUTURE HAS MY HUSBAND. AND HE IS COMING QUICKLY. Along with that, Praise the Lord, is a change in the dynamics of my friendships, both personally and professionally. I will hopefully change locations. I will definitely change my hair. My body and mind will continue to change. Hopefully for the skinnier and wiser.
Even with all the change, I have hope. I have reminders all around me to keep inspiring hope. Case in point, I have a prayer on my desk and in my bathroom that is an adaptation of Philippians 4:6-7. It reads like this:
Jennifer Leigh,
My dear daughter, do not be anxious about anything. All things are in my control. Talk to Me about your concerns. Do not look at the things that others have or what I have given them. Do not look at the things you want. Instead, look to Me. As you set your heart and your desires upon Me, I will give you peace. I will satisfy your longings. In Me you will find what you have been seeking.
- from the only One who can love you like you need to be loved,
God (from the pages of My book, Phil 4:6-7)
Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!!!!
By no means is this anything but conceited. I am green, with thankfulness! This seriously made my whole weekend.
Friday, March 14, 2008
A blog party!!
It's a blog party! I have never done anything like this, but Staci inspired me. Technically, I've adopted a child (I adopted Fred a few weeks ago through Compassion International), so I'm counting that to be included! I'm single, I'm 29, I love Jesus more than I can ever express!!! I have wonderful blog friends, especially Bits and Watercolor Ponies!
As far as prizes go...
#45 - Blog Design by Summer
#24 - Blog Design by Sweet n' Simple
and #20 - $50 GC to Paperlicious
But can you tell what I really want? LOL!!!
Thursday, March 13, 2008
...
Pay it forward has begun!!!
Round 2 starts tonight!!!!!
I <3 Jesus,
Jenn
P.S. Aren't you the least bit curious?
P.P.S. Don't you want one too?
P.P.P.S. Send me a comment with your address!!!
Round 2 starts tonight!!!!!
I <3 Jesus,
Jenn
P.S. Aren't you the least bit curious?
P.P.S. Don't you want one too?
P.P.P.S. Send me a comment with your address!!!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Midweek Funny
I've seen this on about four blogs already, but couldn't help but share it.
If Celebs moved to Oklahoma
My two favs were Ashlee Simpson (doesn't this look like she posed for GlamourShots??!!??)
and Jennifer Lopez & Marc Anthony
If Celebs moved to Oklahoma
My two favs were Ashlee Simpson (doesn't this look like she posed for GlamourShots??!!??)
and Jennifer Lopez & Marc Anthony
Monday, March 10, 2008
...
Today's one of those days where I really, and I mean REALLY want to write a book about relationships.
"Those who can't do, Teach."
"Those who can't do, Teach."
**I'm still working on the color scheme and blog design. Thanks for not leaving me hateful comments about the colors!
I had good intentions of posting something yesterday after church, but didn’t get around to it.
Friday night, I had dinner with some friends. I was supposed to go see Fools’ Gold, but got really sick… unexpectedly. Saturday was a lazy day, trying to recover from Friday night. I did however get to watch a marathon of Law & Order (all three series), and loved it!
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Yesterday after church, the guy behind me taps my shoulder and says something to the effect of “Hey, you’re Jenn Calhoun”.
You can imagine the look of horror on my face trying to figure out 1) who this is? and 2) oh Lord what have I done?
Much to my surprise, I met a fellow blogger! It was very exciting!!! I met The Futurist and his wife. After I left church, I realized that I had read their blog while they were in Prague but I was unable to put two and two together until we walked away.
Can I just tell you that made my whole day?? You can go read his blog here! Good stuff!
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After church and lunch (Panera… yum!), I decided to brave my way to Target. Just so you know, I hate Target. I think they’re overpriced, and just unorganized. But, I made an exception because I had to put some gift packages together. Since they’d only been open a few days, I figured that, they should have something cute.
While I was there, I had an inspiration for a “Pay it Forward” project. I bought the items that struck my fancy, and headed back to the house to put them together. They’ll go in the mail today!
My second semester in college, my R.D. gave me a gift that I have never forgotten. It probably cost her $10, but it ranks as one of the most thoughtful gifts I have ever received. I’ll be sending some of you one of these gifts in the very near future, so if I ask you for your address, expect something!!
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A friend called me last night, and we had a conversation that has pervaded the majority of conversations I have had in the last week. We know that life has seasons. Some seasons are good, some are bad, some breeze by, and some are very difficult. In the last few weeks, I’ve run across several quotes and scriptures that reiterate that, God is not always going to deliver us from those situations. Regardless, He will ALWAYS, always SUSTAIN us through them. We’re so stubborn that we fail to learn things the easy way, you know? If God were to deliver us, we wouldn’t learn anything. His Grace is a sustaining, strengthening, sufficient Grace, y’all. Drink it in. I suddenly was reminded of the Christian-ese phrase “You can’t have a testimony until you’ve had a Test!”. While it seems trite, there is truth it in. We need to be tested, so that, whatever is in us that hinders God’s word, gets out. Refining is painful, but the finished product,… is so beautiful!
“But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
I had good intentions of posting something yesterday after church, but didn’t get around to it.
Friday night, I had dinner with some friends. I was supposed to go see Fools’ Gold, but got really sick… unexpectedly. Saturday was a lazy day, trying to recover from Friday night. I did however get to watch a marathon of Law & Order (all three series), and loved it!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yesterday after church, the guy behind me taps my shoulder and says something to the effect of “Hey, you’re Jenn Calhoun”.
You can imagine the look of horror on my face trying to figure out 1) who this is? and 2) oh Lord what have I done?
Much to my surprise, I met a fellow blogger! It was very exciting!!! I met The Futurist and his wife. After I left church, I realized that I had read their blog while they were in Prague but I was unable to put two and two together until we walked away.
Can I just tell you that made my whole day?? You can go read his blog here! Good stuff!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
After church and lunch (Panera… yum!), I decided to brave my way to Target. Just so you know, I hate Target. I think they’re overpriced, and just unorganized. But, I made an exception because I had to put some gift packages together. Since they’d only been open a few days, I figured that, they should have something cute.
While I was there, I had an inspiration for a “Pay it Forward” project. I bought the items that struck my fancy, and headed back to the house to put them together. They’ll go in the mail today!
My second semester in college, my R.D. gave me a gift that I have never forgotten. It probably cost her $10, but it ranks as one of the most thoughtful gifts I have ever received. I’ll be sending some of you one of these gifts in the very near future, so if I ask you for your address, expect something!!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
A friend called me last night, and we had a conversation that has pervaded the majority of conversations I have had in the last week. We know that life has seasons. Some seasons are good, some are bad, some breeze by, and some are very difficult. In the last few weeks, I’ve run across several quotes and scriptures that reiterate that, God is not always going to deliver us from those situations. Regardless, He will ALWAYS, always SUSTAIN us through them. We’re so stubborn that we fail to learn things the easy way, you know? If God were to deliver us, we wouldn’t learn anything. His Grace is a sustaining, strengthening, sufficient Grace, y’all. Drink it in. I suddenly was reminded of the Christian-ese phrase “You can’t have a testimony until you’ve had a Test!”. While it seems trite, there is truth it in. We need to be tested, so that, whatever is in us that hinders God’s word, gets out. Refining is painful, but the finished product,… is so beautiful!
“But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
Friday, March 7, 2008
Unwind
I wish I had some cutie little story to tell you from this week, but I am thankful to say that, this week has been relatively uneventful. Most of that (I'm sure) is due to the fact that I have stayed home and rested at night. I've fallen asleep by 7pm the last two nights. I believe (not really) that this is my body's way of catching up from all the sickness that's going around. And, if I'm not ever-mingling with the general population, I have a lower risk of getting sick again.
Oh, except for New Guy.
He sounds rough, y'all.
Since I am kind (or cautious, whatev...) I have made sure to give him 2000 milligrams of Vitamin C a day. He finally went to the doctor today to get some meds. And I gave a shout of praise!!
Unrelated to that, I'm putting together a team for Great Strides. It's the walk for Cystic Fibrosis. I have a friend who has the disease, and frankly, I'm just tired of this disease wearing him out. I'm having t-shirts designed, and after talking to my friend's father this morning, I'm hoping that we're really going to have a good turnout. Plus, we've got some other fun stuff in the works!!
Lastly, and again unrelated to topics aforementioned, I am really in the mood to cut my hair. My plan has been to donate my hair in June after I get back from Mexico, but the last few days, are taking a toll on me. Currently, I have fifteen inches to donate. I don't think I necessarily look good with super-short hair, but dealing with all that I have is getting ridiculous. I mean, I've blown up TWO hair dryers in the last two weeks. I seriously don't know how Crystal Gayle ever got her hair dried! Oy! In case you just started reading, with the exception of the last two years of my life, I've always been an emotional hair cutter. Two years ago, after something drastic in my life happened, I decided it was time to turn it over to Jesus once and for all, and begin the 90-day rule meaning that, I can't do anything major to my hair until 90-days after the event that I deem drastic. Plus, there was the nasty hair incident of 2006, and frankly, I still think I'm scarred from that. :) I know my hair stories are keeping you on the edge of your seat, no?
I went looking for the link to when I messed up my hair royally and lost my train of thought.
Maybe that's a good thing? Oh well... maybe I'll remember later, and update.
Oh, except for New Guy.
He sounds rough, y'all.
Since I am kind (or cautious, whatev...) I have made sure to give him 2000 milligrams of Vitamin C a day. He finally went to the doctor today to get some meds. And I gave a shout of praise!!
Unrelated to that, I'm putting together a team for Great Strides. It's the walk for Cystic Fibrosis. I have a friend who has the disease, and frankly, I'm just tired of this disease wearing him out. I'm having t-shirts designed, and after talking to my friend's father this morning, I'm hoping that we're really going to have a good turnout. Plus, we've got some other fun stuff in the works!!
Lastly, and again unrelated to topics aforementioned, I am really in the mood to cut my hair. My plan has been to donate my hair in June after I get back from Mexico, but the last few days, are taking a toll on me. Currently, I have fifteen inches to donate. I don't think I necessarily look good with super-short hair, but dealing with all that I have is getting ridiculous. I mean, I've blown up TWO hair dryers in the last two weeks. I seriously don't know how Crystal Gayle ever got her hair dried! Oy! In case you just started reading, with the exception of the last two years of my life, I've always been an emotional hair cutter. Two years ago, after something drastic in my life happened, I decided it was time to turn it over to Jesus once and for all, and begin the 90-day rule meaning that, I can't do anything major to my hair until 90-days after the event that I deem drastic. Plus, there was the nasty hair incident of 2006, and frankly, I still think I'm scarred from that. :) I know my hair stories are keeping you on the edge of your seat, no?
I went looking for the link to when I messed up my hair royally and lost my train of thought.
Maybe that's a good thing? Oh well... maybe I'll remember later, and update.
Oh... but I did find a picture. Gasp with me if the Spirit moves you, 'cause it was bad. VERY bad.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Confession.
Super-mature people intimidate me.
You know those people who seemingly always have it together? They always look meticulous? Perfectly coifed hair. Perfectly manicured nails. Shoes without a blemish. I think you get what I'm trying to say, no?
They intimidate the hootie-hoo out of me.
And I have no idea why.
I'm really flawed. I forget stuff. I do not put my make-up on until about 10:30 everyday (at my desk at work). Perfectly coifed hair? Ha ha. Let's not talk about my hair, k? Some days it's as though I lack some beauty-school quality that they taught in elementary school on a day that I was out sick... or something. I'm sure that was the same day they reiterated that pink is a good girl color. I apparently came back on "Black is your new BFF" day. At 29, you would think this fear would have passed. I mean, I have a college degree, a career, and no jail record. That should be enough, right?
I wish.
Furthermore,... really skinny people intimidate me too.
That, is another blog inandofitself though.
Oi.
You know those people who seemingly always have it together? They always look meticulous? Perfectly coifed hair. Perfectly manicured nails. Shoes without a blemish. I think you get what I'm trying to say, no?
They intimidate the hootie-hoo out of me.
And I have no idea why.
I'm really flawed. I forget stuff. I do not put my make-up on until about 10:30 everyday (at my desk at work). Perfectly coifed hair? Ha ha. Let's not talk about my hair, k? Some days it's as though I lack some beauty-school quality that they taught in elementary school on a day that I was out sick... or something. I'm sure that was the same day they reiterated that pink is a good girl color. I apparently came back on "Black is your new BFF" day. At 29, you would think this fear would have passed. I mean, I have a college degree, a career, and no jail record. That should be enough, right?
I wish.
Furthermore,... really skinny people intimidate me too.
That, is another blog inandofitself though.
Oi.
Inspector Gadget
I had dinner with a good friend of mine last night. At Outback. YUM! :) And as we were chowing down on a Bloomin' Onion, Queensland Salad, and Alice Springs Chicken, Priase Him Y'all, we discussed what was going on in our lives, blogging (becuase this friend has faithfully read my rantings since I revealed the url to her -- thanks!), relationships, counseling, and the group of friends we hang out with. We also had a lovely conversation about a server who has hair that is a cross between Elvis and The Fonz. My friend would really like to sit down and have a convo with him about how he wound up where he did. Because, when you run across somebody that intrigues you, your curiosity is always peaked to find out how they came to be who they are.
I digress.
Somewhere in the middle of dinner, I said something so funny that my friend nearly choked on her water.
My friend is getting a Masters in Counseling, and just finished reading a book about Choice Theory. I'm not a counselor, or working on a degree, so please do not crucify me if I goof this up. (Or FRIEND, you could leave a comment.) Choice theory, as I understand it, is basically counseling by asking questions about actions without ever digging up the past. 'Cause some things are better left un-dug up, ya' know?
I digress.
Somewhere in the middle of dinner, I said something so funny that my friend nearly choked on her water.
My friend is getting a Masters in Counseling, and just finished reading a book about Choice Theory. I'm not a counselor, or working on a degree, so please do not crucify me if I goof this up. (Or FRIEND, you could leave a comment.) Choice theory, as I understand it, is basically counseling by asking questions about actions without ever digging up the past. 'Cause some things are better left un-dug up, ya' know?
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Of adversity...
"If tell you, if you are serious about wanting to be like Christ, He is going to put you in circumstances where your only true choice is to become like Him."
Francis Frangipane
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"Often times God demonstrates His faithfulness in adversity by providing for us what we need to survive. He does not change our painful circumstances. He sustains us."
Charles Stanley
I'm working on a the "reveal" post. Thank you MinistrysoFabulous for your encouragement.
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"The rain is pourin' down"... I have Alicia Keys stuck in my head. Boo. :(
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If you haven't gone to see any of the "Throwing Rocks at my BooDaddy episodes", you should go check them out. hi.lar.i.ous.
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While I'm throwing out props, let me recommend Pure Blog, Brandon, and the Stephens Family. Not only did I go to college with these people, I was in DZT with them. As I write this, I realize that 15 of the blogs on my sidebar, all went to the same college. And it fills me with pride. Most of them (okay, maybe all but two) are involved in ministry, from youth, to childrens, to urban missions, to working with girls, to church plants, to full pastorates. I'm so honored to have been at the same school with these people who work with unbridled fervency to reach the world. God is so good.
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I am kinda sorry that my posts (at least the last few) have been so hodgepodge. I have lost the urge to sit down and post something big because I always feel like I'm offending somebody. Plus, I have a lot on my mind. Life, really. While this year is truly different than others before it, I knew that I would still struggle with the change. I don't always embrace change with open arms. Sometimes, I flee from it screaming like a child. And yet, I have been known to chastize others for not accepting it. Okay... enough on me. But, hopefully soon the posts will return to something that resembles a full, coherent thought. Maybe. :)
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"The rain is pourin' down"... I have Alicia Keys stuck in my head. Boo. :(
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If you haven't gone to see any of the "Throwing Rocks at my BooDaddy episodes", you should go check them out. hi.lar.i.ous.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
While I'm throwing out props, let me recommend Pure Blog, Brandon, and the Stephens Family. Not only did I go to college with these people, I was in DZT with them. As I write this, I realize that 15 of the blogs on my sidebar, all went to the same college. And it fills me with pride. Most of them (okay, maybe all but two) are involved in ministry, from youth, to childrens, to urban missions, to working with girls, to church plants, to full pastorates. I'm so honored to have been at the same school with these people who work with unbridled fervency to reach the world. God is so good.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am kinda sorry that my posts (at least the last few) have been so hodgepodge. I have lost the urge to sit down and post something big because I always feel like I'm offending somebody. Plus, I have a lot on my mind. Life, really. While this year is truly different than others before it, I knew that I would still struggle with the change. I don't always embrace change with open arms. Sometimes, I flee from it screaming like a child. And yet, I have been known to chastize others for not accepting it. Okay... enough on me. But, hopefully soon the posts will return to something that resembles a full, coherent thought. Maybe. :)
Monday, March 3, 2008
Weekend rundown & misc
This weekend, I went home for a double birthday party for my grandparents. My granddaddy turned 78 on Feb 21st, and my grandmother turned 19 (76) on Feb 29th. Saturday afternoon, I had lunch with good friends, and we had a blast. (See Flickr for photos.) Saturday night was equally as eventful, because I spent it with family. (See Flickr for photos.) :) We had a few fights, and some drama. What kind of family gathering would it be without it?
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I had the privilege to go hear a pastor in LaGrange this weekend who is also a Lee Alum. He preached an awesome sermon that I needed to hear. God. Boxes. Putting God in Boxes. (I think you see where this is going.)
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I'm feeling like I need a good "revelation" post, and by revelation, I do not mean the book (notice the lack of capitalization), but instead a post that is revealing. About friendships. About seasons. About being healthy. About healthy relationships. About moving on. About change.
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If it should happen to cross your mind, please pray for my roommate. Thanks!
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I had the privilege to go hear a pastor in LaGrange this weekend who is also a Lee Alum. He preached an awesome sermon that I needed to hear. God. Boxes. Putting God in Boxes. (I think you see where this is going.)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm feeling like I need a good "revelation" post, and by revelation, I do not mean the book (notice the lack of capitalization), but instead a post that is revealing. About friendships. About seasons. About being healthy. About healthy relationships. About moving on. About change.
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If it should happen to cross your mind, please pray for my roommate. Thanks!
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