Sunday, September 27, 2009

I'm Back!

Hey Y'all!

Well, after two weeks without a computer, I'm back! I have to admit, it wasn't as unbearable as I anticipated but I'm more thankful than not to be blogging from my living room again. The past two weeks have been filled with research on all brands and types of computers. While I am by no means an expert, I'm definitely smarter now! I made my choice and on Friday, I bought a MacBook Pro. I. LOVE. IT. I haven't had much time to play with it but so far, I'm two steps past giddy! Mom and I played on Photo Booth briefly yesterday and had quite a good laugh with it! I really do think that it will turn into a blessing for others as well! So I'm back and singing to praises of Mac! New posts to be coming soon (two weeks gives you lots of time to think).

Thursday, September 17, 2009

As a Doornail.....

Well, I've about had it with computers. Six weeks ago, I lost mine due to virus repairs for about five days. Now it looks like I have completely lost it (well - that could have multiple meanings but for now, I mean just the computer). It won't even turn on. Dead as a doornail! In a nutshell, this stinks.....

So for the time being, I'm using the public library every couple of days. Who knows how long that will last! I've started researching new computers but they are not cheap. We will see. I may not last long without it! Sad, I know! So between my weak will power and sad need for the internet, I may have a new one before too long. Yea for consumer reports!

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Ten Lessons of Christ

Matt is going to teach a sermon series on the ten most important teachings of Christ. He asked us to share with him what lessons we would choose if we were to outline this series. I thought about it quite a bit and came up with the ten that are speaking to my heart most right now. Narrowing it down to just ten was hard! Here is what I said:

1. The Cost of True Discipleship
2. Lean on God for rest and rejuvenation (Matthew 11:28 - 30 and His times of solitude)
3. Do not cast stones! (Woman in Caught in Adultery)
4. Have God as God Alone (Rich Young Ruler)
5. Serving the Poor and Investing Ourselves in Them
6. The Greatest Command (Matthew 22:34-40)
7. Seven Woes (Matthew 23 - I believe that this is vital for 21st Century American Christians - especially for me!)
8. Serving Others (Washing the Disciples Feet)
9. Abide in Christ (John 15:1 - 17)
10. Freely loving people - especially the hard ones!

So what do you think of my ten? If you were to name the ten most important lessons Christ taught us, what would you choose? You are welcome to comment or post it on your blog. I'm curious as to how Christ speaks to us and our hearts right now.

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Brad, Dierks, and Jimmy

Last night, six of us headed up to The Woodlands to see Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley, and Jimmy Wade. What a great show! Jennifer, Krista, and I rode together since we were coming from Katy. We met up with Rachel, Sarah, and Greg. Yes, that is one guy to five girls - he is very secure. :) We had seats on the hill so we were thankful that the rain stopped, a breeze started blowing, and the temps sat at around 78 degrees. Beautiful night! The guys were so down to earth and funny! Overall, it was about 4 hours of great music. We all were wanting to hear different songs and we all got to hear what we wanted. Such a good time! Enjoy a few pictures from last night!

The Pavilion - Our view from the top of the hill

Four of the girls - me, Krista, Jennifer, and Sarah

Rachel and Greg
Jennifer and me
me and Krista

Wednesday, September 09, 2009

Holy Reminder

Just in case you are like me and your just need a reminder that God is right where He always has been, where He is now, and where He always will be: Daniel 7:9 - 10, 13 - 14

As I looked, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took His seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him. Thousands upon thousands attended him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was seated, and the books were opened.....there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence. He was given authority, glory, and sovereign power; all people, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.

Tuesday, September 08, 2009

Revelation

I know that for most people, going back to school is an exciting time for many reasons. Parents are ready to get their kids back in classes. Students are ready to see their friends. Teachers are anticipating new starts. Yet, for me, back to school spotlights one thing - Fall Bible Study!

Tonight, I (along with about 4,000 other women) gathered together to begin a 10 week study of the book of Revelation. I'm pretty excited! The night started off with several of my favorite praise and worship songs ("Lord Your Holy" will get you going no matter what type of day you've had). Then we dove into the Word.

Revelation is such a "controversial" book. I know that is odd to say but I hope you understand the heart behind it. So many people take so many different views about it. Yet, here we embark. One thing that I have grown to love and respect about Beth is that she is very upfront with you. Just as she did with Daniel, she announced tonight that scholars disagree on aspects of the book and she is presenting what she believes based upon her study. She highly encourages people to study on their own and form their own opinions. I so appreciate her honesty and exhortation towards personal study.

I'm looking forward to this study for several reasons but I guess one that I'm looking forward to the most is talking to Dad about it. He has been involved in a pretty intense study of this book for a while now. I am interested to see how what we are learning aligns with what he has read. There are good discussions to be had!

Just a sidenote - The minister at the church where the study is held is teaching on Genesis on Sunday mornings and we are studying Revelation on Tuesday nights. Talk about covering the whole spectrum!

I hope that you find yourself in a good study this fall!

Monday, September 07, 2009

Speech for the Students

Whether you agree with him or not, President Obama has a great speech lined up for tomorrow. Check it out here: speech

At least glance over it - it is the kick in the pants lots of kids need these days.

Saturday, September 05, 2009

What I Learned Today

About two days ago, I decided that I wanted to find a farmer's market in the area (another post to come soon). I found one about five minutes away so this morning I made my way over. Thankfully the vendor I was looking for was still there. He was from a farm in Waller that is all organic and grass fed. I was at the end of his line so we got to visit for a few minutes. We were talking and he asked if I eat much honey. I said not really but I like it. He let me sample what he brought while listing off the benefits honey. Some were blanket statements (helps ward off diabetes) but this one really stood out: Eating locally grown honey actually helps reduce problems with allergies. When I asked why, he said that since bees carry so much pollen, the pollen gets in their honey and acts like a vaccination for the allergens in the air. Basically, it builds up your body's immunity to the area allergens. WHOA! Makes total sense! The fact that I did not figure it out makes me feel dumb but it is so good to know!

So helpful hint for the day - if you have allergies, eat locally grown honey!

Thursday, September 03, 2009

To the Man in the Big, Black Truck

Dear Sir,

While you may not remember me, your behavior this evening insured that you will remain in my memory for a good while. To refresh you, I am the girl in the bright blue car who you saw driving on the interstate through Houston. I must give you credit, you most definitely got my attention. The fact that you drove parallel to me for a full minute would have been enough for me to take notice. So in an effort to acknowledge you, I turned to see who you are. This is the point in which your plan went horribly, horribly wrong.

As I was able to tell by your next move, you obvious do not know me. As a helpful hint, the next time you find yourself in a similar situation, please bear in mind the following information. A nice girl would respond well to the following if you are trying to get her attention while driving on I-10: a smile with a nod or small wave and possibly a wink. I would ask that you forget the move you made this afternoon. I would like you to know that flicking your tongue in and out of your mouth while staring at a girl in not complimentary or safe. While you may find this clever and charming, it has the exact opposite effect on women. I tell you this because I wish to clarify that the face I made in reaction (like I just ate an extremely sour lemon) was not in fact an invitation to continue driving parallel to me. A face of that type is intended to send the message that you can now speed up or slow down. In other words, please move on. Also, your choice to continue after I obviously ignored you for the next two miles actually came across stalker-ish rather than persistent. Instead of sending me into a tizzy of giddiness, the final result of our encounter was that of tremors, repulsion, and edginess around big black trucks for the remainder of my drive. Any good girl would respond in this same manner so I urge you to take note.

Thank you,
The Girl in the Bright Blue Car