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!

Got a Little Story for Ya.....

Today was exhausting. I'm not too sure why because it wasn't anything trying. My plan was to write a new post tonight and I was having to choose between two different things that I'm rolling around in my head. Then, tonight happened and it just has to take priority. God just pulled out the stops for me tonight! But before you can understand the beauty in the significance of it all, I have to back it up for you.

So Friday evening, I realize that I am short an onion that I need to make dinner. I jumped in the car and headed over to the closest grocery store. In the same shopping area, there is a Starbucks. It was a gorgeous evening and all of the outdoor tables were full of people just sitting and enjoying a drink with a friend/significant other. It has been quite a while since I've had the chance to sit with friends and just hang out over a social coffee (or in my case, tea). On that evening, that scene really pulled at my heart with GREAT longing. However, I went in to the store, got my onion, and had a quiet evening, putting it out of my mind.

The next evening, after dinner and games, Mom asked about the bible study I was planning on attending tonight. I said I didn't know much about it but had mixed emotions about it. Part of me was excited (it's bible study - it's what I LOVE) but that I was nervous as well. Walking into an established group in the middle of a study is not an easy thing to do. I mentioned that I didn't know what they were doing so I didn't know what to expect. Erin shoots out, "Yeah, like if they are doing something like Nehemiah." I commented that I would love that - being an Old Testament girl and all. We talked about it a little more and then moved before saying good night.

So to my story. Tonight comes and I am beat! I briefly think about skipping study but I know one girl there is expecting me so I get in the car and drive over. When I arrive, only one other girl is there so we start chatting. I caught myself and asked if she was leading the study. She was so I apologized for talking and not allowing her to review her notes for the evening. She was kind and said she felt as set as she was going to get. I asked what they were covering and guess what she said - Nehemiah! A laugh burst out of my mouth and then I told her what Erin randomly said. Once everyone was there, we got to it and discussed chapter 3 - the rebuilding of the gates. It was pretty interesting and I would have loved to go deeper. I'm pretty sure I'll revisit that one on my own pretty soon. Anyway, we finished up and were just sitting around visiting. The girl who led the study looked around and said, "Does anyone want to take this over to Starbucks?" I didn't show it but inside I was falling off the couch! I wanted to yell out, "OH! Pick me!" but I showed restraint. We did. Five of us drove the quarter mile up the road and most of us got drinks. Then we found a table outside and just sat and talked - nothing serious at all. Just visiting. Just like those people on Friday evening. Just like I wanted. And it was exactly what I needed!

Nehemiah and Starbucks. Sometimes God speaks directly to our hearts in a way that only He can!

Spring Break Recap....

Spring Break 2009 is officially at an end. In less than 12 hours, it will be back to the grind stone for another three weeks before Easter break (but who's counting?). Erin asked me on Thursday it I'm ready for summer yet and initially I said no. However, this week has given me a peek into what it will be like. With no moving or job changes this summer, I don't know what I'll do with myself! Anyway..... Here is my recap of the week:

- Impact Garage Sale - made $27,000 for the Impact church! On a weekend of yucky weather, we are thankful!

- Shopping - I say that I'm in need of some new things when I know that is so superficial. I'll be honest though...it was fun. I could have done some damage but I exercised some self control. I'm pleased with what I got!

- Trip to Pleasanton - good visit! The only thing I would change is that I would get to see Darla. Next visit though.... Bonus, I got lots of time to visit with Erin while sitting on I-10 (a couple of times). The extra hour of our trip due to construction was not a highlight but we did get in more time together. Gotta look for that silver lining! Plus, I'm deluding myself to think that at five months Liz recognizes me. She's just so sweet and so big! She is my favorite little girl!

- Lunch with friends - I love long lunches with girlfriends! Especially if you haven't seen them in a few weeks. Good times!

- Spring! - officially Spring is here! I'm not too sure why but this is VERY exciting to me this year!

- No work! - I had about three projects I was going to work on this week for school. Didn't even start to look at any of them! I don't even feel guilty about it!

- Parents came into town - playing risk with the family and time to visit. Good times!

- Extended family photo shoot - I always enjoy time with the entire family. I think my favorite moment was when Malory stepped out of the car and saw all 22 of us standing there. She was warned but I guess seeing us all together was something else. There is always a thing or two that gets a laugh. Happened today. :) This may be vain but I really enjoy having my picture taken. They may not always turn out the best but it is fun. Watching others being photographed is fun too.

- Reading! - I finished one book and am almost finished with two more. I think the total is about 400 pages this week. It can't compete with Erin's 2,500 pages a few weeks ago but it is such a blessing to have the time to just enjoy books! Besides, I am a SLOW reader!

Overall, a good week. I'm rested and more ready to get back to it than I was a week ago. Hope you all had a great week!

Thirty Days Later....

Last night, as I wrapped up the last post about my 30 days, I'll admit that I got pretty teary eyed. There was nothing magical about the month except that I was so much more aware of God's presence in my day. Things that didn't mean anything to anyone but me. While I know that He does not stop showing up because the 30 days are over, it almost felt like a loss. Come today, there He was - showing up where ever He pleased and surprising me. I'm not going to lie, it really made me feel good. Between Erin, traffic, and just getting home, He worked His way in there. I love it!

I took some time and re-read the past thirty days. It was so sweet! Looking at what I have seen and experienced was such a blessing. I looked for threads that wove themselves through the month. Here are just a few words that came to mind as I read: mercy, humility, compassion, community, and tangible representations of unseen concepts. Above all, people were a HUGE part of my days. It has convicted me of the need for each other and what that means. I don't think He is finished with that so I'm looking forward to what that means in days to come.

About four or five days into this, I talked to Erin about not posting the journal because of its length and depth. She encouraged me to do what would benefit the whole thing most. She is so wise. You can obviously tell what I decided to do. So I want to thank you for indulging me the past 30 days. I know the posts have been LONG (they could have been much longer) and pretty personal at times. I didn't put everything out there. Some of you have been privy to some additional struggles and joys that didn't make it to the public eye. Thanks for taking part in this in your own way.

I really do encourage you to give this a try. It's simple - ask God to do His thing throughout your day and keep your eyes open. It's personal and touches exactly where He needs to do some work. He has always been there but this opens your spiritual eyes. You don't have to post you experience but if you decided to take the plunge, shoot me an email. I'd love to hear what He's doing for you. It would be a joy and blessing in my life but not half as much as it will be for you.

As I close this thing out, I have to share a scripture (Ephesians 3:17 - 21) I found myself praying on Tuesday night. At the time, it was for a dear friend but now I pray it over you in hopes that you will see God and have your socks knocked off. With great love -

I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Day Thirty: Timing

This morning began by the reading of the end of Esau's journal, a prayer, and the sound of my family in my parents' living room. I "got dressed" and headed out to see Dad, Erin, and Liz. Mom joined us a little bit later. I forgot how nice it is to start the day in your PJs with those you love. Sweet surprise right off the bat.

Jackie came over for lunch. She is such a sweet friend. That is a weird thought. Your first boyfriend's mother is now your friend. At 16, I could have never guessed. My heart does love this woman! She came to meet Liz and share lunch with us. I was thinking about today being day thirty as we sat by each other and it felt like I was hit upside the head with.... "Dana! You finished the book today. You know it is time to pass this on and this is who gets it next!" Anytime you get your head hit, it's a surprise. I tucked that away for a better time, anxious to do the hand off.

A little bit later, Erin and I went to Caleb's shop. It was the place to be this afternoon! We got there and he had customers lined up at the counter. We looked around and then got to have time to visit. As we looked around, I was just amazed again at my friend. I remember when he was throwing around the idea of a shop and now, four years later, the shop is flourishing. He is a business owner and has more confidence because of it. Now don't get me wrong - I'm not surprised at his success. I'm surprised by the transformation of the past few years. Erin mentioned that she saw it too. God can do some amazing things when we are faithfully waiting on Him and letting Him do His thing. Caleb is such an example of that.

Fast forward a few hours and there I sit in the ladies class talking about Herodius and feeling like I have a huge bulls eye on my heart. I'm not sure if anyone else could see it but God and I could. That is all that matters. Surprise, God let the lessons fall in such a way that the one I needed to hear was on the night I was visiting. He is SO good! Immediately after class, I got in line to talk to Jackie. I'll admit that I was nervous about it. I can see why some people would not be as receptive to this 30-experiment as others. However, when someone's name is screamed into your head, you hand over the book. Usually it is hard for me to let someone take one of my books. It is like handing off a friend. This time was very easy though - very right. I handed off the book and am now anxious to see what happens for her. I know that God has some things up His sleeves when she decides to jump in. Here's prayers for you, girl! It's going to be good!

I'm tempted to write more about this being day 30 but for now, I will just enjoy where I've seen God today. Tomorrow, I'll do the recap. I don't think it will end today though. Tomorrow may be day 31, Friday will be day 32, and on, and on. We'll see.......

Day Twenty Nine: Worked Up

What a day it has been! Erin and I hit the road about 10:30 this morning to make it to Pleasanton in time for Little Girl to eat at 2:00. I forgot how quickly the trip can go when you have someone to travel with! We visited the whole way about everything from books to parenting (well, I mainly listened on that point). It was very nice to have a few uninterrupted hours with my sister all to myself.

We got here and out came the grandparents. Mom and Dad came out too. Immediately there was one star in the house. I'll let you have one guess as to who it was but I'll give you a hint - it wasn't me. :) Liz got lots of love from lots of people who adore her.

At one point, I snuck off to visit with Caleb for a few minutes on the phone. He is such a blessing to me. Having a friend since you were seven can sure bring make you thankful! What a blessing! We have a really good time together. He can be honest with me and I know it is filled with love. I know there isn't a sour bone in this man's body. We know where the other is coming from. Besides Gregg, he is as close as it gets to a brother for me.

Then, about 6:45, I headed over to bible study. It went pretty well. I felt myself getting worked up at times but I tried to control it. For whatever reason, God sometimes just makes me get so wound up that I trip over the excitement. I never know how it comes across but I'm just thankful to be in a relationship with Him that makes that part of me come alive. Everytime it happens, I get surprised. It makes me really miss my Life Group. There is something precious about being intimately connected to those around you. Studying God and getting into each other's stuff can really bond people together. Especially when you get so worked up that you lose your words but they know what you are getting at.

I think that is my favorite thing about God. When He gets under your skin, you can't help but get worked up. I think that is something that I am really looking forward to in reading Sacred Pathways. I know it can be frustrating to not have others share your passion. However, I do believe that everyone does have a passion for God. We all get wound up and worked up about Him. We just do it in different ways and for different reasons. I think that knowing what gets people worked up about God would change the way that we see not only each other but even ourselves. What I get worked up about is different than what you get worked up about. What triggers my spirit to draw closer to God is different that what draws other hearts to God. This is where unity comes it. This is what God wants - all of us worked up about Him together but in deeply personal ways that He custom fit for us. This is one of our callings - a unified body that loves and embraces the individualism our creative God calls us to. Surprise, God wants us to be unified! Well duh......