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!

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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!

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

Weekend Update

One thing I love about seeing people post about a similar event is seeing what everyone walked away with. This past weekend, Julie, Lauren, Mindi, Erin, and I met up for Wicked and visiting in Austin. Mindi and Erin have both weighed in with pics and thoughts so I'll let you check with them for the shots and their thoughts. Here are mine:

1. I love these girls! Always have, always will. I could do an entire post on each one individually but I'll just hit the high points for you. Lauren makes me laugh so much - just ask her about her snake! Mindi has such a sweet heart and knows how to bond with my over teacher stuff. Julie is just that friend that always feels like time has never passed and you can just be your true self with. And I have done entire posts on Erin but I love to watch her with her friends. What a gift it was. Again, I just love these girls!

2. I love Austin! Just the very little bit we drove around stirred up all of that love that has been settling in. This weekend reminded me how great I would be with living there again. Lord willing, I would be thrilled to call Austin home!

3. It may have been the fourth time to see Wicked but it gets me every time. I noticed this time an odd sense of pride towards the performers. I admire the amount of talent and work putting on a musical night after night takes. I love curtain call just to celebrate and honor their accomplishments.

4. Charlie and Jeff are amazing with kids! Honestly, they were incredible!

5. Julie's home is beautiful! Not only can she decorate but she knows how to make people feel comfortable and welcome. What a gift she has for hospitality!

6. I'm not obsessed however - there was a Man vs. Food illustration in the sermon. I about fell off the pew. I'm just saying....

7. You know you are on the same page when we get ready to go and our clothes all coordinate perfectly without any thought or planning!

Overall, what a great weekend! Can't wait to do it again!

Celebrity Crush

The first week of school is down and I'm beat. It was much easier to adjust to than I anticipated but I'm exhausted. So after a long week (and that intense last post), it's time for something light, fun, and a touch on the embarrassing side. :)

I've never been one of those swooning girls. Celebrities have never really done it for me. Brad Pitt and Matthew McConaughey have brought many friends to their knees but not me. I've noticed a few famous actors but they have never really made me pause to take notice. Until this summer....

While I wait for my beloved Office to come back (September 17), I decided to check out a show I had heard about from Gregg, Erin, and the Fritsches: Man vs. Food. OH. MY. GOODNESS. It has jumped up to one of my top four favorite shows ever. The host travels the country taking on food challenges while exploring the city of the challenge. The massive amounts of food can be absolutely disgusting at times and makes this girl's TMJ scream but one thing keeps me watching when I can - Adam Richman. That's right - my celebrity crush.

Now please keep in mind through this next paragraph that I am a level headed, normal person with two realistic feet on the ground. I'm going to sound rather odd but you love me so I'm okay with it at the moment. Here is the greatness of Adam - not only is he obviously passionate about what he does, he is adorable, amazing with people of all ages, incredibly smart, loves to travel, and is absolutely hilarious. The best thing of all is that he is real. He doesn't put anything forward that is not truly him. Based on things I have seen and read, we have quite a few similarities. I've even called some of his unscripted lines at times. In any reality where there would be an opportunity to hang out with him, I have no doubt that good times would be had. However, the reality of a Houston school teacher meeting the host of a popular national television show is highly unlikely. So in exchange, I'll keep my crush from a far and enjoy the show as I unwind after a day with students. At least I don't have to ever worry about cooking for a food aficionado!

So don't leave me hanging here. We all have a celebrity crush whether we want to admit it or not. Time to 'fess up and share. Who is it?

Back to School

This is a post that has been rolling around in my head for a while. It has been difficult to write about and I'm sure it still won't convey what I'm thinking/feeling in its entirety. Thanks for bearing with the stuff and fluff the past few posts have been while I process this.

A few months ago, I was blessed beyond measure to work with a community of Bhutanese refugees during the Houston Project. I wasn't the only one who was significantly touched by these people. The other people in my class were also affected and we have decided that the one week was not enough. In order to truly make a difference for the Lord, we have to be in there, building relationships and serving them in love. And they are SO easy to love! So far we have done two follow ups. Both had to do with school. I am not exaggerating in the least when I say that it has completely changed my world view.

For most people, back to school time is fun. New supplies, new clothes, seeing old friends and making new ones. For those families we have been working with, I am seeing this experience in a completely different way. I am scared to death for them. We have adopted a few families but my experiences have really focused on two specifically. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Most of the families we have been working with have been here for one to four months.
• The families we work with have escaped intense political and religious persecution.
• The parents speak minimal to no English.
• The fathers cannot get jobs - These men were farmers, shop keepers, and business men in Nepal and Bhutan. Now they are unable to find work. Language in a barrier and they don't know how to look for jobs here. On top of that....well, you know the state of the job market.
• Since there is no job, there is no income. That means: no money for uniforms or supplies, no money for a car.
• Since they don't have a car, how do the kids get to school? They live 1.6 miles from the school so they don't qualify for the school bus. Their choices are to either pay $1.25 a day to get to and from school on the Metro bus or they walk. The $1.25 a day doesn't sound like much but remember, no job. So they have to decide by tomorrow morning how to get to school.
• The school district where these kids will attend hands out vouchers for one free uniform to those in need. But....they ran out last week so we have to hope that they can get one - IF they kid can figure out who to ask and how to ask for it. The parents can't help because of the language barrier.
• They don't speak English so today we helped them fill out free and reduced lunch forms, emergency information cards, and employment surveys.
• For the older kids, they not only have to get to school, they have to learn how to navigate in an American school. In Nepal, they stayed in one room all day and sat on the carpeted floor. Not so here.
• We taught a girl how to open a dial lock for her locker. That is hard enough with English speakers!
• These children will have to translate everything for their parents if they can remember it all. I'm not even going to go into the whole homework thing right now!

So tomorrow as I spend the morning getting ready to begin my seventh year teaching, I'm already thankful that I don't have a group of little ones to corral. My mind will not be on them. It will be on dozens of little ones who will hopefully be stepping foot into a new school tomorrow. Overwhelmed and having no clue what is going on, they are the bravest souls, eager and ready to get going. I honestly wish I didn't have to work tomorrow so I could just take them to their schools.

Pray, y'all.....Pray hard!

You're Kidding, Right?

So many wonderful things have happened in the past week but I am WAY to brain dead to put together more than a couple of coherent sentences. So to hold you over....

I was getting ready to check my email and a recipe caught my eye. What was the recipe? Bobby Flay's Root Beer Float. Well, Bobby Flay must have SOME magical ingredient if his root beer float is so good it calls for a highlighted link. I clicked on it and the ingredient list consisted of....wait for it.....vanilla ice cream and root beer! Seriously!?!? How sad is it that just because your name is well known, you can get a highlighted recognition for something so obvious/common! I bet tomorrow they will be featuring Rachel Ray's Water!

And There Go My Teeth...

Yesterday I was watching the Today Show while I was finishing breakfast (waffles, blackberries, and orange juice). On at that moment was a story about the five worst things for your teeth. Number four was lemonade. The dentist on the show was saying that it has the double whammies of sugar and acids. As she was mentioning the acidic drinks, I was taking my last drink of my orange juice. So I jump up and run to the bathroom to brush my teeth. Got the toothpaste on the brush, ran it under some water, and was about ten seconds into it when I returned to the story. As I am finishing up the bottom teeth, the dentist shares that if you do drink acidic drinks like lemonade, white wine, or orange juice, you should wait about 30 minutes before you brush your teeth. This is because the acids are so thick on your teeth that immediate brushing will actually be scrubbing your teeth with the acids instead of removing it.

Grrrr....I only thought I was starting my day right - healthy orange juice with breakfast and good dental care. In about 2 minutes, I learned I was swinging and missing. Oh well.....

Major Catch Up

So I've been without my computer for five days due to virus repair. Yes - FIVE DAYS! I know that the world continued turning and that I survived it. Life did go on. However, I cannot tell you how WONDERFUL it is to have it back! So of course, I had several blog ideas and no computer to put them on. Now that it is back, I can't remember them. :) So here is a recap of yesterday.

You know how when you move away one of two things can happen to your friends: a) you drift apart due to lack of contact or b) you have such a strong bond that time and distance make no difference. Yesterday was filled with option b. I took a day trip to San Marcos and it was exactly what I needed! I got to have lunch with two of the most amazing girls yesterday. Just seeing them made me giddy with laughter. I've missed them so much and just didn't know it until I could hug them. The greatest blessing is that is was mutual. These are the women who taught me how to teach and have just loved me, no questions asked for four years. They are so funny and such wonderful listeners! As we sat and visited about everything and nothing, all I could think about was what a blessing they are to me. I really don't know how I fooled them into thinking I was in their league but somehow I did. :) When we get together, it is like no time has passed at all. Now if we could get together more than once a year...Love you Adrienne and Danielle!

Then it was off to see my friend Brent. We've been in touch over facebook chat and we saw each other in February. Thankfully, it worked out that we were able to get together again. He is one of the few people that I have really kept in touch with from the barbershop world and we seem to be more at ease with each other ever time we get together. A few of the other guys came by while I was there. They didn't know I was stopping by so that was a fun surprise. Lots of hugs and just great joy! Again, lots of laughing!

Overall, it was a day of unquestionable love. Through years of moving around and coming into and out of different stages of life, I've learned that even though you love friends dearly through that season, you don't always get to keep them for years to come. You wish them well and remember them with fondness. Sometimes you get to keep friends but not to the same degree. Staying in touch is hard and it takes its toll. Things change and people change but some friends endure it all, loving you the whole way through. There is no difficulty in being together and time does no damage. Those that endure are truly treasures! Yesterday was filled with those I am incredibly blessed to keep - specifically Danielle, Adrienne, and Brent!

Daddio and Bladen

Erin and Gregg are having a son! In four short months, Bladen Joel will join the family! I was talking to Dad tonight and observed that he will be the first little boy our family has ever had. Poor guy will be the guinea pig for all of us!

While there are many things about Liz that I have loved, one of my favorite has been watching Dad with her. There is something about watching a man with a little girl. For me, it has been so sweet to see that side of Dad. I obviously don't remember what he was like with us as babies. Now, I feel like I get to see what I don't remember - Dad with his baby girls.

Now we are getting ready to welcome Bladen and I anticipate the same thing with him. Dad never had a son and has never felt like he missed out on anything (I know because I asked him once). Now, he gets a chance to fall in love, play with, and experience life with a little boy. I have a feeling we are going to get to see a side of my dad that we have never seen before. I cannot wait to watch him wrestle and rough house with Bladen. It will be so interesting to see the differences in him. I've loved watching him with Gregg but we are entering a whole new ballgame. It is one of the things I am looking forward to the most about Little Man getting here.

Here's to Bladen and all of the joy he will bring to our lives!

Why This Teacher Needs To Go Back To Work

Apparently I've had a lot of free time on my hands to think and observe. That is changing now that school is starting to gear up again. So since I'm sure you have all watched the wedding video enough times to memorize the song, here are some pointless thoughts that have been rolling around in my mind. You are welcome....

1. Around the neighborhood are signs announcing a voluntary water restriction. Isn't that stating the obvious? Why post it if it is voluntary?

2. Standing on the corner with a cardboard sign asking for money is not nearly as effective if you are using your other hand to chow down on some major Chick-fil-a.

3. You have to love new friendships in which one week you are discussing your family tree's various religious backgrounds and the next week you are comparing bad experiences with animal poo.

4. You know that you are too involved with a book when aspects of the plot show up in your subconscious via your dreams.

5. Every town/city should have a coffee place where you can meet a friend and accidentally spend three hours just catching up.

6. Why does using the word "budding" in reference to relationships always sound romantic in nature?

This Makes Me Smile!

If I were brave, this is how my wedding (Lord willing) would begin. Erin, be thankful! I SO want to be friends with ALL of these people! This is seriously worth watching!!

That's What I Get for Moving

In the past 11 years, have lived in 5 different cities and in some of those places, there were multiple homes. It has given me many blessings but has also brought out a bizarre tidbit for me. As odd as this sounds, I was watching the news tonight expecting the anchors to give San Antonio addresses. I was REALLY confused about which city I am living in. It passed quickly but that was SO strange! Unfortunately, I can't say that this is an isolated event. I have had flashbacks of confusion to San Marcos, Pleasanton, and San Antonio. I never flash to Lubbock but that is because I only lived in the dorm there. If usually happens during the news or if specific songs come on the radio. I wonder if that happens to anyone else. Have you ever felt confused about where you are? Probably not - this is most likely just another one of my weird things.

Houston Project

This week, I was blessed beyond measure to take part in a city wide service project called the Houston Project. There were 1,093 volunteers at 10 different sites throughout the city. My bible class worked with an apartment complex housing Bhutanese refugees as well as about 4 other nationalities. The Bhutanese people came here to escape persecution from the government. The majority of them are Hindu and the conversion process to Christianity is very difficult. There are about five ministers working with this community alone and while progress is being made, there is much ground to cover. That was our goal - to help lay a foundation for these people. Each day, kids came for VBS, games, a meal, and of course, sno cones. While we worked with the kids, there was a team doing evangelism and prayer with adults throughout the complex.

Each night started with a meal and then we would take the little kids to opening assembly for the beginning of VBS while the teens ate and played games. Our group of kids came with very limited English - much more limited than we were anticipating. We sang the same five songs each night - My God is so Big, Lord I Lift Your name on High, I've Got Joy Down in My Heart, Trading My Sorrows, and Every Move I Make (Waves of Mercy). Then, after that, we would present the gospel to them using a felt board presentation to help make it more visual. They loved to sing and with the help of a translator, really started to get a grasp on the story of the gospel.

I worked on the VBS team with 3 - 4 year olds. We had about 3 different languages going on in our group. Thankfully, several moms joined us so we could communicate more effectively. Throughout the week, during songs, memory verses, stories, and just our interaction, my co-teacher and I came to realize that this was as much of an outreach to the mothers as to the children. They soaked up every word, hug, song, and activity. Yesterday was the last night and we were able to give them a bible for their help this week. You would think that we had given them the world! Immediately, they were flipping through them, reading as best they could, and asking questions. They had such kind spirits and eager ears!

A few things really stuck out about this week: Kids are kids are kids no matter the culture or language. Love is truly the universal language that will break down any barrier (even language). Kids go NUTS for bubbles!

But even more than these, it was SO humbling to watch God move! Despite the language barriers, the kids could tell you that God made everything, who Jesus is, and what He did. They were singing about life in Christ. In craft time and with sidewalk chalk, they drew Jesus on the cross and exact replicas of the felt board presentation - AND could tell you about them! They knew memory verses. The mothers were open to joining story groups with the ministers that work in their complex. Children who were afraid of these strangers who spoke a different language were running and hugging us, clinging on until the sun went down.

I cannot wait to go back and start our follow up activities. God is needed here and is making Himself know. This week was to His glory as are the days to come. As we sang each night, I would get choked up on one specific song. I've sung it for years but to see children who have never known God before this week lift up these words, it touched me very deeply because this was the physical manifestation of the lyrics: My God is so Big, so Strong and so Mighty, There's nothing my God cannot do!

Please Vote!

This week I am taking part in an AMAZING service project. I will be telling you all about it and posting pictures on Friday. I would like your preference: Would you rather have a long post of single pictures or a slideshow? Thanks for letting me know!

A Hard Pill to Swallow

This morning, I was talking to a friend about some verses that were rolling around in both of our heads. They were hard verses that make us uncomfortable. They are true and Spirit inspired but are difficult to process and apply. They cause us to question but not doubt - make us struggle to know what it means to REALLY live, breathe, and sacrifice for Christ. These verses define a genuine faith.

So I'm curious - what verses are the hard ones for you? Not the ones that make you crazy because people misuse them but the ones that kick you in the gut because of their challenge to your life (their implications). Which verses are an enigma and cause you to almost choke on their meat?

Blue Three

I'm not a very athletic person (understatement!) so when people say they want to play, my stomach tightens just a hair. I know that I am about to either own my lack of skills or embrace my ability to make everyone else look good. So last night, as we sat around the table at Carinos and the answer to "What are we gonna do next?" came out as "Play!", I just prepared myself. Especially with this group. They are the softball, volleyball group of the world! However, we all had a very late night the night before so something that active was out. It was decided to go to one girls house for Hip Hop Uno.

Now those of you who think you know the game of Uno, do not be deceived. There is a whole new level of Uno that I was introduced to. First, the obvious - the game was played with Hip Hop in the background. Big deal, you may think, but watch out! If you are not immune to the effects of Hip Hop, you will be distracted and will lose track of the game. How do you know if you are easily distracted? Let me ask you this: Do you car dance? Do you secretly want to car dance but are afraid of being seen? Then this will also be your Hip Hop Uno downfall! It took me a while to build up a resistance to the music and would often slip into it as the game progressed. More than one person lost the game this way.

Along with the music, I was playing with real cut throat Uno players. All playfully competitive and very strategic, I learned to play this game with some new skills. The Uno we played as children took on a whole new meaning! As cruel as the dreaded "Draw Four" card can be, we all quickly discovered that a blue three can be just as damaging if you know how to look for it...

So if anyone is up for a game, I'm in!

Just in Case You're Curious.....

Guess what I'm doing this afternoon.....Breaking in my new boots! I'm SO EXCITED!! Since I'm not going on a vacation this summer, I decided to use the money from a math curriculum day to get my very first pair of boots. A friend went with me because Cavendars was having a sale. When the sales guy heard this was my first pair, he asked if I had just moved to Texas. When I said I grew up here, and acted like he was doing me a huge favor by finding me a good pair. He did! Now its time to break them in so I can wear them without killing my feet.

Sometimes it is the littlest things that can bring joy!

Pregnant Questions

Our regular teacher for class is in Kenya for the summer so until he gets back, some of the guys in our class are teaching through the book of James. Yesterday, we were going through James 1:27 - 2:13. Several things really stood out to me to make this an exceptional class. The fact that the presenter was working through it so visibly and honestly that he got choked up that he has to pause really touched me! We discussed the law and used a courtroom analogy to discuss our salvation. (A whole other post in itself but it is a better discussion than a blog.) He had us discuss two questions at our tables. They have been unspoken themes throughout our study of I John and have bled over into James. I would really like to hear what you would have said if you would have been sitting at my table. Here you go:

1. What does the 21st century American church look like?
2. What should the 21st century American church look like?

Please share.... :)

Attached

Tomorrow is my last day of training for a month. HALLELUJAH! It has been a month of trainings that I can actually use and am looking forward to that. The past six days have been a crash course in strategies gears towards helping second language learners. We got the theory for the first two days and then the last four have been observing a class using these strategies and then writing a unit in the afternoon.

During our time in the classroom, we have been silent observers. We sit against the wall and watch the class of 17 1st - 3rd graders go through a unit. Today I was caught off guard by how easily it has been to get attached to a couple of these kids. At one point, it took everything I had not to go get a little girl from Pakistan and pull her onto my lap. Seriously adorable and so shy due to know having much English. I don't know when it happened. She and a couple of others are just SO sweet.

While I was thinking on this, I got to thinking over relationships in the past - friendships, crushes, mentors, etc. The same thing was true in several cases. I find myself attached to people rather quickly. Most took longer than three days, thankfully. I don't know what it means that I get attached to people so quickly. Is it good? Is it bad? Is it just how it is? Yes, I think that is it - that's just how it is. Maybe I need to learn to hold people more at arm's length. Maybe I need to just embrace how I'm wired. Who knows?

Just an observation on a Wednesday....

Wake Up, Parents!

I heard these two facts today that I would LOVE to have all parent hear. I'll refrain from commentating on them and let these two facts speak for themselves:

• Research has shown that there is zero brain activity occurring when children are watching TV.
• Language development research has show it takes 85 times for a child to hear/work with a word before it becomes engrained in their vocabulary.

Helpful Hint

On Tuesday, here was my to do list: pack, take out the garbage, meeting, library, fill up with gas, get new tires, and get to Pleasanton in time for dinner. Mission accomplished - except for taking out the trash. So when I got back yesterday, just imagine what I walked in to smell. GROSS! In my hurry to get the smell out of the apartment, I forgot that there was a watermelon rind in the bottom of the can. I yanked the lid off and out flew about 25 fruit flies - everywhere! Again, GROSS!! Also, they multiply faster than rabbits so it has been annoying to say the least. I looked up how to get rid of them. Did you know that spraying them with windex 3-4 times kills them? It works - I know because I have been on a shoot out with the magic blue liquid. So far, I'm winning but also getting high on windex. Time for a break.....

So just a warning - don't forget to take out the garbage with you leave home. :)

42 Seconds of Hilarity!!

This has been a GREAT and exhausting week! I'll write soon but I HAD to share this extremely short clip I saw in my training. It is 42 seconds and I recommend watching it twice. The first time, watch the old lady. The second time, watch the driver. Both times, enjoy!!

Update

The doctor's appointment went well today. I was praying that the doctor would say that everything was linked to the medicine I recently stopped taking. Prayers answered! He shared with me some different things I can do to help regulate the swelling, weight fluxuations, and restlessness. As odd as it sounds, I am very thankful that it was the side effects. Now, it will just be a matter of waiting until it is all out of my system. I am so thankful!!

Summer 2009

School is officially out! WOO HOO! Let's just say that it took me two full days to recoup from the last day. I pushed it too hard and my back is unhappy with me. It is getting over it quickly which is a good thing since it follows me around everywhere I go....

So what does this teacher plan to do with her summer (when not in trainings)? Well, let me just list it out for you:

• Caleb and Gabby's wedding
• Be a helpful sister and a fun aunt
• Tackle that list of books to read
• Hit the work out room
• Terra Cotta Warriors and Genghis Khan exhibits
• MetroLive (weekly time of praise and bible study)
• The Houston Project (weekly long service to others in Houston)
• Dentist and optometrist (it's been too long for both)
• Lunch dates with friends

It is going to be a fun summer!

Next Monday

What a week! And it is only Tuesday night! I have had things to share but have been EXHAUSTED so they will have to wait until later. However, I need to shoot out a quick prayer request.

As some of you know, I've been seeing a doctor and getting medication figured out to help regulate some things. It is nothing too serious right now but I would like to get it figured out before the time to talk kids comes. One medicine has been giving my body fits. My doctor took me off of it on Friday and we will see how things go over the next eight weeks. However, I'm pretty nervous about how some things are going in my body now. I know it will take some time for the meds to work their way out but something is not right. I am trying not to borrow troubles from tomorrow so I made a doctor's appointment for Monday with my regular doctor. I usually don't go to the doctor but I'm really nervous. I'm incredibly uncomfortable and my body is not as it should be. I'm hoping that he will give me some answers or just put my mind at ease. So if y'all could just pray for peace, that would be very appreciated!

Snuggling

For whatever reason, my camera will not connect to my computer anymore. So that means that I can't post many pictures that I take. Well, I am starting to work on our end of the year slide show for work so I got my pictures put on a disc at Walgreens this afternoon. On it is one of my all time favorite photos. This is a shot the day after Lindsey's wedding. Erin and Gregg were loading the car to head home so I was holding Liz (what a sacrificial helper). Anyway, this is the first time that she laid her head on my shoulder and snuggled up with her aunt. Totally melted my heart! It has happened several more times since then and it still turns me into a puddle. But this was the first time. It isn't outstanding of either of us but the moment was precious. I do love this little girl!!

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

This is the highlight of the weekend:

Another niece or nephew!! SO excited!! Go here to read more.....

A Money Rant

I am blessed to have met some amazing people in the past few months! Many of them are spending parts (or all) of their summer working in foreign mission fields. As we all know, this is not cheap and fund raising is a part of the experience. I've received several emails, notes, and letters asking for help in prayer and in giving.

Now, a few weeks ago, I took the car in and girl is in need of some serious love. I have been given a list of things to do and an estimate for what to expect the cost to be. It is do-able but is going to require some serious self discipline and good stewardship.

So how are these two things related? I would LOVE to give to my friends going abroad to serve those needing the Lord. However, my hands feel pretty tied right now. Is it lack of faith that if I give, my financial needs won't be met? Is it showing good stewardship to just stick with my budget?

Oh, money, how you frustrate me......

On the Road Again....

I officially feel old.....

This week we are finishing up a campus wide project called Wolfe Road Trip: Where's Your Destination? We each picked a state or country and researched it as a class. On Thursday, we are doing a scavenger hunt around the school to help learn about all of these new places. We are also making passports so they can stamp where they have "been".

To prepare for the road trip idea, we spent our Social Studies lessons talking about how to prepare for a trip. After talking about packing our clothes, I asked what they would pack to do in the car while they were driving to their destination. Here is the list I got: Nintendo DS/PSP (handheld video games), cell phone, iPod/mp3 player, DVD player, iTouch, and laptop. WHAT!?!? I even tried to guide them to other activities and they couldn't think of what they could take. I told them that when I was their age, our car bag was filled with books, coloring books and crayons, activity books, paper and markers, a doll, and travel games. We played games (ABC, license plate searches, etc) and sang in the car. We looked out the windows and talked to each other. I asked them to raise their hand if they talked to each other in the car. NONE of them raised their hands! No wonder they talk so much at school! It is the only time they have someone to listen to them! Then, we talked about what their parents would need to drive them to their destination. Thankfully, we got gas, a map, and a cell phone out before they all started yelling GPS, GPS, GPS!! I told them that they were all spoiled.....

What a sad eye opener!

Of Course.....

A few months ago, I posted about a town hall meeting in regards to the future of our school. It was looking scary for us because we LOVE our school but others had the idea in their heads that we were not worth keeping around. In the ende, we felt encouraged because there was talk about rebuilding our campus. A steering committee was formed and the talks began. As the year has gone on, it has become apparent that the "powers that be" have made up their minds about how they want things to play out and don't have much (if any) concern about teacher or community input. There has been a lot of political stuff and talking out of both sides of their mouths going on. It has been disheartening to say the least.

A co-worker is on the committee and they had a meeting last night. All of our fears are pretty much coming true. It looks like my campus has about two years left before our kids are re-zoned and we close down to make way for an IB school (for students smarter than gifted and talented). Absolutely NOT the kind of school I want to work in. So it looks like I'll be on the job search again in about two or three years. I find it kind of funny because I remember telling people that I thought God had me on a five year plan in Houston. Pretty close with four! I'm not saying I'll leave the city but, honestly, it wouldn't break my heart. It has been a huge blessing in many ways but I'm just not digging it for the long term. I'm not worried about it but significantly more disappointed. I LOVE my school, staff, kids, etc. Now it looks like it will be coming to an end. So we will see......

Rising Up to Call Her Blessed

Happy Mother's Day all you hard working, ever loving, gracious women! This morning I woke up in my very comfortable bed and I had a bit of longing to be waking up with my mom. That is alright though. In two weeks, we will see each other again and there will be lots of hugs. While there are many women that are due great honor today, there are four that I would like to focus on right now.

Mom - I cannot begin to count the blessings that you bestowed upon me in the past 29 years. In the past few, I've been so thankful for your strength and stability. You have been my sounding board and shoulder to cry on more than either of us would have liked you to have been. You have laughed with me and counseled me on all manner of things. You have made yourself available to phone calls about nothing more times than either of us can count. You have supported me even when things have not quite gone according to plan. But even more, you have prayed for me and over me. This in itself has me humbled before the Lord in daily thanksgiving. You are my blessing for life! For all of these things, I am thankful beyond words! I love you!

Erin - Happy Yo Mama's Day! Watching you become a mom has been more fun than falling in love with your new daughter! The love you have for her makes you radiate more beauty every day! You take everything in stride and are as real as they come! I'm so thankful to be able to learn good mom skills from you! Your heart is growing by the day and everyone around you are blessed by it. Liz is blessed to have you as her mama!

To my future mother-in -law - For the man that you have raised him to be, I thank you! Though I have no idea who you are, I want you to know that you and your son have been prayed over by many. I hope that you are being honored today.

Dana - No, not me. :) I have a co-worker who announced a week and a half ago that she is pregnant. As exciting as this is, she is deeply on my heart. She lost her first baby at eight months and had to deliver him stillborn. This little, growing life is an answer to prayers! I'm praying for peace and a healthy, well developed little one for her. I'm praying her sorrows are being turned to joy. She has blessed my life and I pray that this baby blesses hers!

So all you mamas out there, I hope today has been a good one for you! You are highly esteemed and worthy of some pampering!! Blessings!

Songs in the Morning

I woke up this morning with the hymn "My Jesus Knows Just What I Need" playing in my head - specifically the chorus. It has been "playing" since 5:00. It makes me wonder what this day is going to hold.....

Being Jesus

On Sunday morning, I was standing around talking to a group of girls (with a random guy thrown in) after an intense class entitled Confirmation of Discernment. We had spent our time discussing how the church is presented in our modern day culture, our identity in our culture vs. our identity in Christ, and who we are in Christ. While we discussed what we were still trying to wrap our minds around, one girl brought up the Compassion Bloggers trip a few of us had been keeping up with. For those of you who don't know, Compassion sent some people with highly popular bloggers to Calcutta to see the mission and meet their sponsor kids. They blogged about their experiences in an effort to encourage more people to sponsor children. (I'm just about convinced.) I kept up with Melissa and Angie. As we talked about it, the girl who brought it up made a statement that has stuck with me the past three days. She is feeling a call to Cuba and has a heart for the poverty stricken and persecuted church. She was discussing what we saw/read about India and her experiences in Cuba. She simply said, "I just don't know how to be Jesus in America."

What a statement! We turned it over and over for a while. We just finally had to decide that being Jesus in America looks SO different than being Jesus in the rest of the world. We are not outright persecuted and find ourselves SO blessed. Here, it is more of a struggle against ourselves, our loyalties, and our hearts. In other places, it is a fight against the physical demands of life (poverty, persecution, lack of rights, etc).

Like I said, it has been on my mind for three days. Last night, I was reading The Resurgence blog (which is AMAZING, by the way) when I ran across a post entitled Simplified Missional Living. In many ways, I think it hits the nail on the head for modern day ministry here in the states. However, I keep finding myself wondering, how am I being Jesus to the world around me? I know we can answer the expected answers but when we get down to the reality of presenting a flesh and blood representation of the Savior to a self-centered, over-indulged world, where does that begin? What does that look like? How in the world does that even begin to happen?

Talk about some food for thought quickly followed by a HUGE helping of humble pie!

Hmmmm.....

When you sign into Hotmail, they have started recommending a few people in your contacts list to add to their networking site. The contacts are pulled at random and listed by email address. This evening when I logged in, there were the email addresses of the last few guys I dated/talked to - from most recent to least. My brain went on overload as it went down multiple memory lanes at once.

What in the world!?!?

Memory Verse - May 1

Today, I have a renewed sense of trust in God. So whenever people make comments to me to the likes of, "What do you expect Him to do, drop it in your lap?" my new response is "Why not? He can if He wants to." He did with my job! I'm not giving in to being a slug but I'm being a lot more open to what God can do if I get out of His way. He can totally handle it! I'm counting on Him!

Memory Verse for the next two weeks is from Isaiah 43:18-19 (emphasis added):

18 "Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
19 See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the desert
and streams in the wasteland.

Your Two Cents

I had this thought pop in my head during a women's breakfast this morning. We were discussing prayer and then went into time on our own. Weigh in and let me know what you think:

Debt is another form of gluttony that we as Americans have bought into. Wanting too much and not being content with what we have, we spend too much and throw ourselves further into a hole we struggle to get out of. We wallow in our stuff and drown in our interest rates while bemoaning our choices, only to addictively do it again and again. And our gluttony is killing not only our present but our futures as well - tying our hands of the good God would have us do if we weren't too busy crawling out of our pits. Thank God that He allows us a way out! For all the good I want to do, it is time to break that chain. Time to be a good steward. Time to live the way He has called me to. Time to stop being a glutton!

GREAT Song

Mom wanted directions for embedding a video into your blog. So in order to give her specific directions, I thought I would do it and record what I did step by step. So here is a short song that I listen to more than I would like to admit. Joshua Radin is one of my new favorite singers. This is one of my favorite's from his newest album called I'd Rather Be With You.

Closure: Day Two

Due to flooding, there were five districts closed yesterday in the Houston area. There were partial closures in several others. It was a nice treat. Everywhere else in the state was TAKS testing but not us! Apparently facebook is VERY popular with teachers on days off. :) It was SO nice. My apartment and car got lots of love. I got about three quarters of the way through The Atonement Child, watched Slumdog Millionaire, and cooked. It was a nice treat to get some things done that I didn't get to this weekend because of camping. I ended my day refreshed and ready to head back to work.

Nope!

Due to the high water in the reservoir, six Katy schools and one Cy-Fair school are remaining closed today. Guess who works in one of the six closed schools..... Can I just say, I'm so ready to go back to work. Let's get TAKS over, get back in our routine, and not have to make up any more bad weather days! They have said that they are concerned about run off into the reservoir making the waters rise. I do get that and appreciate their putting our safety at such a high value. However, I just checked trusty weather.com and the highest our rain chances get today is between 20 - 40% depending on which news website you use. Watch out!

So I've made a list of the things I planned on doing this Saturday and am going to knock those out. I'll finish The Atonement Child (which is VERY good, by the way!!). Then, my team is meeting up for lunch and we are going to knock some lesson plans out. Yes, we are over achievers like that!

Sidenote - My principal went up to check in the school yesterday and looked in on our chicks for us. They are in my teammate's room and needed food/water. All he said was that they stink to high heavens! That will NOT be a fun room to go back to!

I never thought I would choose to go back to work over a day off!

Famous Last Words

"I'm so thankful that I won't be moving or changing jobs this year. What am I going to do with my summer!?"

"Next year will be SO great! I can't believe that our entire team will be the same for two years in a row!"

Yeah....right.....

Yesterday, I got home from a wonderful weekend of camping, put things away, and checked my email. Sitting in my work inbox was an email from my principal. It turns out that he has decided to move my position for next year. I will no longer be a first grade teacher or even a regular ed classroom teacher. I will be an oddie and the teacher that you don't want your child to have. I will be working with the students most in need. I'll be spending my mornings working with small intervention math groups (3rd - 5th grade) and my afternoons with small intervention reading groups (Kinder - 2nd grade). That is right - I will be a Kinder - 5th grade teacher. Wrap your head around that one!! :)

Now, this is VERY out of the blue! I had NO idea this was even in the works. Turns out that my principal didn't even think about it either. However, I am finally wrapping my brain around it. I don't handle change well - even if it is good. I'm NOT looking forward to leaving my team. There were tears last night as I thought about the change and again this morning as I told my team. It will be hard for us all but I am finding more to be excited and thankful for now that the initial shock is over. Honestly, I'm very honored that he would trust me to work with our lowest babies. It is such a huge job! The announcement will be made campus wide on Friday.

So this summer is all about learning various curriculums and moving/setting up rooms. Oh well.....life can't be boring, can it? :)

After the Final Campfire

This weekend, our life group went to Martin Dies Jr State Park over by Jasper, TX. Friday night to Sunday morning, there was nothing but the great outdoors. Here are a few of the highlights from the weekend:

1. I helped pitch a tent for the first time on Friday and then I put it away by myself this morning! Amazing how something can make you feel so inept and so accomplished at the same time....

2. Falling asleep to the sound of rain on your tent one night and frog/crickets the next increases your chances for a better night's sleep (if you are on a good air mattress). :)

3. On Friday night, the kids were so tired they were actually asking to go to bed! When does THAT ever happen???

4. No matter how good a breeze/wind feels, don't forget the sunblock - ouch!

5. You know you are a teacher when the first thought you have upon walking up on an armadillo in the middle of the night is, "I wish I had my camera so I could show my kids!"

6. The roots of a magnolia tree are SO cool!

7. It is fun to see people in relationships interact with one another for longer than a couple of hours. I know some amazing parents and some incredibly sweet couples.

8. Little ones get really dirty incredibly fast!

9. I am amazed how you can be so rested and so exhausted at the same time!

10. Holly and Josh have the patience of saints to take such good care of me this weekend!

11. I would be tickled pink if my husband is someone who enjoys camping/fishing/etc. He would have to teach me a lot but I could stand to do this a lot more often!!

Overall, it was a great weekend! God knew I would need it because life hit the ground running as soon as I got back (but that is another post you'll see in a few days). Now if you will excuse me, I have a date with laundry and aloe vera.

More of Life's Mysteries

So it turns out that there are more than three mysteries in life. I know - shocking! So here are a couple more that I have come up with:

4. How come the more time you have to get ready for something, the later you tend to be? (or is that just me?)

5. Why is it on the days that I am well rested, my fuse is shorter with my students but when I go to bed at 1 a..m., I have the patience of Job? (maybe that was a fluke, not a full blown mystery)

6. How come motivation increases as the incentive for it decreases?

I'm going to sit on this last one for a minute or two. Thanks for indulging me! I think that I have mentioned that at work, there is a Biggest Loser competition going on. Well, turns out that isn't me because I have been plateaued for the entire time. There is a two pound window that I cannot break out of. One week I am at the low end and the next I'm on the high end. FRUSTRATING! So every week that you don't lose, you put a dollar in the pot. Let's just say that someone is reaping the benefits of this window of mine. So I'd been thinking about pulling out because it is more frustrating than motivating (for me and my wallet). I went in on Friday morning for weight in and our nurses have traded off that duty. Not a big deal - I thought. I stepped on the scale and there it was - the higher end of the window. The nurse writes it down, looks at me and says, "Up again, huh? You've had to pay in a lot. What's up with that!?" Well, I felt like I had been punched in the gut so I just faked a smile and walked out in shock. Let's call it the straw that broke the camels back and maybe I was over reacting but I was pretty insulted by that so I emailed our nurses and pulled out. I definitely didn't want her working with me anymore!

Fast forward to today.... While looking for something else, I ran across all of my class photos from years past. From first year to this year, there were all of my kids. SO much fun!!! And man, have I changed too! Then in the afternoon, I took my kids to take pictures and play with our baby chicks (we have two - WOO HOO!). So cute! Well, after I took their pictures with the chicks, I wanted one too. A girl took mine but I didn't look at it until later. As one of my boys likes to say, "Holy Potato Pots!" Not only am I at my highest weight ever, my clothes don't fit so well any more, and I found good pictures from back in the day, that chick photo lit the fire under my rear to get back in shape! Now that I am out of the contest, I have some serious motivation! Now I have a new goal set for the beginning of the next school year that is safe and reachable. I have found some exercises that are safe for my back. Now it's time to get going! And there is no outward incentive...... *Sigh*

Three of Life's Mysteries

1. How come your bed is always more comfortable on days that you have to get up than on days when you can just lay there if you would like to?

2. Why is it that the more rested you are, the more tired and puffy your eyes/face look?

3. Why is it that people who have not taken any interest in you or your life for the past year and a half are suddenly very interested in you after you have finally made the decision to invest in finding a peer group somewhere else?

Memory Verse - April 15

When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. - Proverbs 10:19

In the past few weeks, I've really been thinking about the words I use. They truly are a blessing or a curse! Whether I am speaking thoughts over myself or over someone else, they reveal so much about my heart and the motives behind it. To say that it has been a humbling meditation would be an understatement.

I would very much like to learn the art of blessing others around me with my words. To actually hold my tongue when it would be nice to just vent about someone would be an act of God Himself. I have to admit that it has gotten much worse than I would like it to be. Not only over others but over myself as well. I find my thoughts (unspoken words) to be condemning rather than edifying. I don't wish to become boastful in my mind but rather look into the words that God speaks over me and implant His truth in my heart. Then, from that, overflow His truth for others to them. Edification rather than gossip or degradation.

So while I am learning the lessons of words, I am attempting to hold my tongue for the time being. Until I can speak lovingly of others, I will wait. Get the heart right and then let the overflow of words begin.

Lessons from Lent

Today is Easter and it has been a day of celebration and rest. As it reminds of us the significance of Christ's sacrifice, it brings the Lenten season to a close. For the past 46 days, I committed to a fast from television. Three hours a week was all I allowed myself but I didn't even use that most weeks. It was there for grace because we all need a little of that. :) Some may think that this doesn't sound like that big of a sacrifice but take two things into mind - 1) for you Spurs fans, that like watching one game and then no more TV for seven more days and 2) I live alone so that is my nightly interaction. This means no DVR to record and catch up later. No watching shows online either. Just turn it off completely. It was HARD and there were times I wanted to throw in the towel but I didn't. But just as anything difficult, the end was worth it! This was definitely an area of my life I needed purified and God had His way! My evenings were spent in study and prayer, reading, taking care of my home, spending time with others, and listening to speakers/sermons. Now that it is over, I feel lighter and less weighed down. I hope I don't fall back into old patterns and am going to try to set new TV habits (like no reruns or using TV to fill the void of loneliness instead of seeking out God and people). Now that I see that I'm really not missing anything, it is freeing!

Like any fast, I have walked away from this one with a few lessons. So if you will indulge me, here is a list of what I have learned over the past six weeks:

1. God has so much more to offer than a sitcom or dramatic hour on TV. Time spent with Him will carry you throughout the day when a quick show will leave your backside sore.
2. I was given back the gift of time - for reading, people, productivity, etc. TV makes me a sluggard. Seriously, I have spent too much time investing in sitting on my rear. God is much more pleased with me when my TV is off! He wants me to be a better steward of my time!
3. The internet can be just as dangerous for stealing time and attention as the TV.
4. I am much more aware of my desire for people than before. Being among friends is so much more fulfilling, energizing, and uplifting than a TV show.
5. TV robs you of quality time with those you love. Mom and Dad were very respectful of my commitment to end this time with no TV this weekend and I think we had one of the best visits I can remember. Lots of visiting and a challenging puzzle were SO much better than watching the tube!
6. TV is SO negative! Since turning it off, I have been more focused on things that are lovely, pure, and noble. It makes a world of difference - imagine that!

I don't think that TV is evil but I have learned that, just as all things, it should only be used in moderation. One can become just as gluttonous and addicted to TV as anything else. So here's to breaking free from TV......

Delilah - The Samson Version

Tim Hawkins is a Christian Comedian who tends to take popular songs and rewrite them using Christian themes. This is "Hey There Delilah" as sung by Samson. HILARIOUS! Enjoy!!

My God and I

I just want to thank those of you who commented on my last post. You are a blessing to me! If you didn't get to comment, feel free to go on back. Some of you sweet girls commented about how you felt worship happens everyday and not just in an assembly. I agree with you 100%. You just jumped to gun a bit. :) I decided to start with cooperate worship because I feel like there is something powerful about a body of individual believers coming together to concentrate our efforts solely on Christ. I find beauty in the different parts joining together to complete the body. Community is such a necessity! Where would we be without it?

So that brings me to today. Just as the body is important, we all have our own parts and our own ways that we experience God. Sacred Pathways opened my eyes to how different people encounter God. Some I knew about but others - not so much. Just as there are various ways that people's souls soar in cooperate worship, we each find our souls soaring between gatherings. I love it because it almost feels like a secret just between me and God. It is intimate because it is just my God and I. No one else can speak to my heart the way He can. And He is faithful to do so!

For me, there are many things that make my heart skip a beat when it is just me and God. Here are a few of them (limiting this was very hard): when God shows up in an unexpected way, seeing/learning new things in scripture, answered prayer, timely words, being still and quiet beside a natural body of water, having the opportunity to minister to someone, or the perfect praise song at just the right moment. God knows how to speak my love language!

Now it's your turn! Just like last time, please leave a comment sharing how you most closely experience God when it is just the two of you. Is it being outside in God's creation, preparing a meal for someone in need, meditating on scripture, staring at a piece of art depicting something scriptural, being alone and quiet, fighting for a godly cause, seeing God's consistency, being surprised by God, or time in deep study? There are SO many ways that this list is just the point on the tip of the iceberg. I think that this is why cooperate worship is so beautiful. All week we have each served and worshiped in individual ways on our own. Then, we put it all together for a few hours of focused worship. All of the parts coming together. What do you experience during your time on your own that brings you closer to God?

Coorporate Worship

Since finishing Sacred Pathways, I have been thinking about the different ways that people worship and experience closeness with God. For some, it is the worship through song. Others anticipate times of prayer. The sermon, communion, fellowship before and after service, etc. are all parts of our time together worshipping our Father. No part of worship is more or less important than others. All aspects are significant and discussed in scripture. However, some personalities are more drawn to different aspects of worship than others.

For me, I really look forward to communion. If it were up to me, this would be the climax of our time together - breaking bread and remembering the life, sacrifice, teachings, and daily activity of Christ in our lives and in the lives of others. We would sing, pray, and study together in anticipation of the feast to come. I love the ways that different bodies observe this sacrament but I often feel like it is often left as a check list on the things to do to get to the next thing. There have been but a few times that I have really felt that a body hit the nail on the head with communion as a celebration and deeply significant part of worship. For me, it is the most important thing we do as a collective body. I believe that this is why we come together. Now, don't get me wrong...I do love me a good sermon full of original language with ties between the Old Testament and New. I love me a time of song that makes your soul feel like the only thing that is confining it to this earth is the body we are in. I can't imagine worship without any of these. However, when all of that good study/preaching and singing builds up to the purpose of gathering together (communion), that is just how my soul meets God best.

Now it is your turn. When the body joins together for cooperate worship, what aspect of the service do you look forward to the most? If you read this, I would really love for you to comment (even if you just happened to run across this blog for the first time today). It shouldn't take long. I'm going to leave this post up for a few days to give everyone time to weigh in. I'm just so curious about how you soul relates best to God. He is a great and creative God!!

Red Envelope Day

* If you are looking for a more fun post, see below about last night's dinner.

On Sunday, a girl in class stood up to tell us about something called Red Envelope Day. I had not heard about it but am now participating. It is easy and I would love to see you take part in it too. This is very much not like me at all but when something pulls on your heart.....

In recent weeks, the president has signed executive orders releasing funds to pay for abortions, permission to fund human stem cell research, and federal funding for contraception. A guy named Brian Potter decided that a silent, peaceful protest would be beneficial. Today, millions of empty red envelopes from around the country are being sent to the White House with this written on the back: "This envelope represents one child who died in abortion. It is empty because that life was unable to offer anything to the world. Responsibility begins with conception." The goal is 50 million envelopes be sent and the estimate is that about 20,000 will be arriving each day.

I want to encourage you to take part in this. I know that red envelopes are hard to come by so if you go the the website (here), you can get more information about the project but can also send them online. For $1.10 an envelope, they will mail it in for you. How much more convenient can they make it for you?

If you decide to participate by handwriting and mailing an actual envelope, please make sure to include your return address. It is USPS policy to not deliver letters without a return address on them (I'm assuming security reasons).

Please consider helping out. If you choose not to, let's pray for this leader. Pray can do some pretty powerful things!

Hobbits and Gollums and Food - Oh My!

Tonight I was going to meet a friend for dinner in the Montrose area. After getting off dreaded I-10, it was such a nice drive. I rode through all of the areas where I used to run. I forgot how pretty and unique that part of town is. Part of me would LOVE to live there. For now, just a quick drive through was perfect.

Lyndsey picked Ruggles Grill but when we got there, it was closed. We didn't have a Plan B in place but she remembered a little hole in the wall place she stopped by once. She led the way and we stopped in from of....."The Hobbit Cafe". Yes - I had dinner in a Lord of the Rings themed restaurant. Gollum was in the corner when you entered, maps and movie posters were on the walls, and Hobbit signs were everywhere. The outside looked a little "fairy-tale-ish" so that made it even more interesting. The staff was exactly like you would stereotypically predict. I thought it added to the charm. Honestly, I nearly couldn't control the waves of giggles that kept hitting me each time I looked around! However, as weird as it may sound, the food was really good! They had a wide variety of things and it was all fresh. Some of the dishes were as unique as the place but I was impressed. My dinner was good and everyone else's food looked/smelled really good too. I would go back and as embarrassing as it may be, I would recommend it too.

Here's to dinner with Frodo!

Our Sacred Pathways

On Monday night, I finished reading a book that could very well change the way I view people and their worship. The book is Sacred Pathways by Gary Thomas. The premise of the book is that just as there are different personalities, there are different spiritual temperaments. Basically, people worship and are drawn closer to God in different ways. Thomas presents nine different pathways by introducing it, giving biblical examples of people with the same pathway, significant benefits, and warnings to avoid. Then, at the end of the section, he presents six questions to answer to help you find your specific pathway. It isn't a "calling to a denomination that fits you best". Thomas is a sticks fast to the validity of scripture and the need to be rooted in it. These temperaments are more personality driven.

One of the things that I found most interesting was actually identifying which pathway I am most compatible with. My top three pathways were very close: Enthusiast (Loving God with Mystery and Celebration), Intellectual (Loving God with the Mind), and the Contemplative (Loving God through Adoration). However, it was even more interesting to think on others during this book. As I read about each of the pathways, I thought about different people that fit in that temperament. It made me really appreciate them even more. Even though I may not understand that temperament because it is exactly the opposite of me (the Activist - Loving God through Confrontation), it made me see things from their point of view. It gave me a better understanding for how they tick and what motivates them. It opened my eyes to the way they best serve God. It made me thankful that there are people like them! It made me see my past dealings with brothers and sisters in Christ through different eyes as well. I can look over past relationships with various people and see where a misunderstanding of each other's pathways caused friction. What would it be like if we all appreciated the way that we serve and study best?

The other thing I considered is probably the most significant. I wasn't surprised at all about being labeled an Intellectual. I wasn't as surprised by the Enthusiast label as I was about it being the highest ranking. I was SHOCKED by the Contemplative label. I didn't even realize that was important for me. However, as I read, it made perfect sense but I just didn't even have a clue. I wonder how many people there are like that. I wonder if people don't realize how intimate their relationship with God really is/could be because they don't realize how their spirit relates to God. I wonder if some people have a more personal relationship with God than they know but they don't even recognize that they are doing it. I wonder how many people would benefit and grow from knowing how God has specifically made them to meet with Him. I wonder how many would appreciate a little light on their path. Definitely more to ponder.

Would you like to know more? You can read the book but if you would like a shorter version, let me know. I'd be happy to summarize for you via this blog. Thanks for your feedback!

She Speaks Conference and Scholarship

If anything positive came out of the disastrous season of "The Bachelor", it would be that I was officially introduced to BooMama's blog. This woman is something else! I've never met her but she makes me laugh no matter what kind of day it has been. Her recaps of each episode were dead on and when I found she has a love for "The Office" as well, I was officially hooked. Into the favorites menu her blog went.

As part of my unwind a few days ago, I was checking in on several blogs and of course, I clicked over the BooMama. Something in her sidebar caught my eye and there was a button that looked like this:

I decided to check it out. Apparently, Proverbs 31 Ministries puts on an annual conference entitled She Speaks. This conference is geared towards helping women that feel led to lead in various women's ministries. They focus on five main areas: speaking, writing, women's ministry leaders, blogging, and next generation. In a nutshell, they hold sessions on everything anyone interested in serving women in these areas might need to know. Everything from preparation, presentation, booking, peer evaluations, design, do's and don'ts, and so much more! I sat and read through every detail that they gave with an excitement building within me. What an amazing opportunity to sit at the feet of those who have been there and done that with success! What amazed me even more is the Next Generation track that works with girls ages 12-17 who want to make an impact in their generation! What a blessing to these girls! As I looked at the dates and the cost involved in attending, I felt a little of my air being taken from me. The dates are fine but in trying to be a better steward of what God has given me, the cost plus additional airfare had me pulling in the reigns a bit. Something to think about for sure but not to go all in on yet.

One reason that this conference has grabbed my attention so significantly is that I really believe that God has been really working to get my attention in the past few months. In the past, this usually has meant that He has some work that needs to be done with me. This time is different though. I'm by no means finished being worked on but this seems to be the next step. Between the ladies retreat, Surprise Me, and the book Sacred Pathways (see tomorrow's post), God has been opening my eyes to a significant truth in two different ways. The overall theme of this year would have to be "It's Not About Dana!" For one thing, God has done some amazing things in my life and sometimes, we just need to step back and let others have the same experience of being woo-ed by God. The other thing is definitely the more significant. I have become convicted that whatever God had entrusted to us in this life serves two purposes: 1) to draw us to Him and 2) to use us to draw others to Him. God has been going before me every step of the way and now He wants to use this beauty that He made from ashes to bless others. Not for any talent or good that is in me because that is not the case. Instead, He wants others to see what life in Him looks like. I cannot tell you how worked up I get wanting people (specifically women) to know of the intimate, loving relationship we can have with God Himself! It chokes me up everytime I encounter it and I trip on myself trying to verbalize it! It is become more and more a passion for me and I have no doubt that God is giving me this for a reason. I'm not too sure how it will come to be but being open and communicating Him is definitely a part of it. Now I've unexpectedly run across this conference that is designed to equip women for this serving. To be able to be trained to prepare and share what God has put on my heart would simply be amazing! However, it might have to wait for another year.

A few days after it began rolling itself over in my mind, I checked in on BooMama again to get a good chuckle. To my surprise, there was a link to Lysa TerKeurst's blog. Lysa is a major part of Proverbs 31 Ministries and she announced a scholarship being offered for one woman to attend the conference 100% covered (minus airfare)! All you have to do is get the word out about the conference and share why you would like to attend. If I've learned any lesson besides that above, it is that the answer is always "No" if you don't ask or try. So here I am trying. :) I've looked at some of the other women attempting to earn the scholarship and there are some pretty amazing women out there. I have to doubt that whoever is chosen as the winner will be walking through a door God Himself has opened. What a blessed woman!

So if you are interested, check out the conference! There is something for everyone there that is looking for a way to reach out to women around her!