Palm Sunday

We had an amazing worship gathering tonight at the Brook. Before tonight, I had never had the opportunity to participate in a Palm Sunday service. I think pieces of David's sermon were written especially for me. He is such a communicator of God's Word and the strength of today's message was huge. I'm not even sure I can completely do it justice. Just the reminder that the God of the universe gave His Son for my sins and that Jesus can handle any worry, problem, grief, issue etc. that I can throw just blows my mind. In this huge season of uncertainty for me, I know where my assurance lies. Talk about a peaceful thought.

As for the palms, our worship staff ordered thousands of palm branches and we had a time of contemplative prayer and then were asked to get a palm branch of our own. Once everyone had their palm, we sang Chris Tomlin's "Glory in the Highest" and then another one who's name escapes me. We also had a responsive reading from Psalm 118. It was so cool to see people worshipping and praising with palm branches lifted high. It was a small glimpse of what it must have been like 2,000 years ago when Jesus entered the city. Such a cool time of worship!!

Easter at My Church

Randomness

Had a good day today; busy but good. Got some more stuff done on my data analysis so my good experiences from yesterday are holding. It's nice to have stuff working and my committee member who helps me on my stats said my program looked good.

I am frustrated with the federal government (surprise, surprise). I'm still waiting on word about my extension and they don't seem to give a rip that this is THEIR screw-up, not mine. Now they are claiming they have to examine and approve any incentives over $1000. Um, that's the old budget, not the new one. Stupid government bueurocrats!

And, while the IRS found a mistake in my taxes (in my favor), my sister is fighting silliness with the IRS. This would all go away if we would do the smart thing and institute the Fair Tax. If everyone who is sending red envelopes to the White House protesting abortion would get behind the Fair Tax and would send tea bags to Congress, we might could get somewhere.

Some Success

Okay, so God has showed off big time. I spent part of my quiet time this evening praying about my dissertation and data analysis. I have been struggling mightily with it and wasn't getting anywhere. I gave it up to Him and prayed for diligence in study and work. He answered quickly.

After fighting with a lack of knowledge and a brain that didn't want to recall what it had learned at some point, I broke down this afternoon and searched barnesandnoble.com for a self-help manual. They had one in stock in Hoover so I drove over there after work and picked it up. It has made a tremendous difference! I have a dataset that is read by my analysis program and got two small analysis features run. I still have LOTS to do in this phase but I don't feel so stupid anymore. I will keep plugging away at it and by Monday, should have a program that is well on its way to finishing the simple analysis. Thank you Lord for quickly answered prayers!!!

Long Week and A Busted Bracket

This was an amazingly long week and I don't know why. Weird in a sense. Lots of stuff going on at work - prepping for Easter and all. We need lots of volunteers to make Easter run smoothly and we've changed the way we recruit volunteers. Problem is, we waited too late to make a wholesale change so we're having to play catch-up. I have no doubt we'll have enough volunteers to make it work (we have awesome volunteers) but it'll be a crazy couple of weeks in the meantime. We haven't even begun to think about Secret Church on Good Friday. We're pretending it isn't happening. :-)

Lots of prep work for my Hospice trip has also been going on this week. Lots of reading and getting amazingly frustrated about the lack of action on the problem in so many countries. Not for a lack of a desire to do something - it's a problem created by Western governments and drug companies. Not sure what the answer is, I just know how things are handled right now ain't the answer. I'm also saddened that it's taken the Western Church this long to get mobilized to address HIV/AIDS. For so long we let it be a moral issue and we neglected the parts of Scripture that tell us to serve not judge. I'm convinced that we Christians (me included) in the developed will have to answer before God regarding our inaction in the developing world. We're making progress but things are so bad in so many areas that more effort is needed.

I'm also tired because my data analysis isn't working like I want it to and that frustrates the crap out of me. I can't get past one step and I got help from one of my committee members but it still isn't working. The really frustrating part is that I'm so close and it's one measly step that is holding everything up. I've found some online help so hopefully tomorrow morning when I'm not so tired, I can get over this hump.

As for the busted bracket, I'm referring to mine. I had Memphis winning it all and dang if they didn't go and lose and lose badly last night. It was UGLY. I quit watching. I didn't really like Memphis all that much and now I have even more reason not to like them. I knew I should've gone with a Big East team. Oh well, there's always next year.

Off to make dinner...

Ever Have One of "Those" Days?

I had a yucky day at work today. Nothing major happened, I just got up on the wrong side of the bed this morning and the feeling lasted all freakin' day. I was just in a foul mood. Didn't snap at anyone so that's good, I just had no desire to be there, no desire to work and didn't really care. I did get stuff done so that's a plus and tomorrow is a new day so that's another plus.

I did have a great evening. I got to spend it with my best friend (other than Sarah) Wendy. We have been friends since college and have been through thick and thin together. She is a relatively new mom so I got to see her little one too. He's definitely a cutie. It was great to go to dinner and get to visit and catch up. We're also going to get together again on Saturday to spend more time together than we can on a work night. We have so much in common that we can be apart for months and get together and it's like we never separated. It was a nice way to end an otherwise crappy day.

Fun With Government Bueracrats

I can honestly say that I have never had an experience with government ineptness like I'm having right now. I am trying to get a no-cost (key phrase, NO COST) extension on my grant to finish up my project. The original letter was sent to the agency in charge on October 30th by UPS next-day air. We have the proof it was delivered and signed for. There is some evidence a government bueracrat read it and then sat on it. For months. I called in early December and they promised it by Dec. 19th. That day came and went and no approval letter. I then went to the next person on my list. She assured me it was approved and we should be getting the letter soon. Well, still no letter.

Fast forward to last week. We've been assigned to a new government bueracrat and she says "this is a highly irregular request and we'll see." She's also promising a "complete investigation" of what happened. Yeah, right.

We have a full e-mail to send to her tomorrow that has documentation of all our steps and hopefully they will see the light and just freakin' approve the extension. I could understand a little better if we didn't have a good excuse or we had waited until now to request it. But no, this was requested in OCTOBER (original contact was early Sept.). That's five months ago. Only in government could you be so inept at your job and actually get paid for it. What really burns me is that this is my (and your) tax dollars at work.

And this is the group you want managing health care? Seriously!?

Update...

Who knew!? After such a bad day, I went to check my standing in the Yahoo! pool I'm in and I'm in first (thanks to Siena's 2OT win). Of course, it won't last but it is fun while it lasts. :-)

March Madness & Badness

This is one of my favorite times of year but man it can be frustrating. My brackets are a mess after today's sessions. I had a good day yesterday, picking 14 of 16 games right. Today, not so good. I didn't miss a ton more games but the games I did miss have next round and beyond implications. I've already lost two sweet sixteen teams and may lose an elite eight team if FSU manages to lose. It has absolutely no bearing on anything important but I still like to see more green on my bracket than red. Plus, I like beating the guys in my bracket pool on Yahoo! :-)

I love watching basketball and CBS is making life great tonight. They are going back and forth between Siena/OSU and WI/FSU. Both are in OT; Siena/OSU is in double OT. Every time there is a break in one game, CBS switches to the other. Since I don't have a dog in either fight, it's cool as a fan. Almost feels like a sports bar. :-) I remember watching March Madness with friends at a place called PT's in Homewood. It was wonderful; big screens everywhere, friends to enjoy the games with and games from noon to close to midnight. It was worth the lack of sleep. Man, college life was better than the working world in that respect.

I think next year, I'll pick all 12 seeds. I was so happy yesterday to have finally picked a 12/5 upset and darn if the 12 seeds I DIDN'T pick have managed to win today. With FSU losing, three of the four 12 seeds have won. If I'd gone with 12 seeds, I'd only have lost one game rather than three. UGH!

Well, FSU just lost so I've lost three sweet 16's and one elite eight. The only silver lining is that I don't have money riding on my brackets.

Signing off for now to see if Siena can pull it out...

Long Day (Prayer Request)

We had a long day on staff today. One of our children's ministry faith trainers, Chris Greene, died this morning of a massive heart attack. He was only 39 and leaves behind a widow and three young children. While I didn't know Chris personally, I do know the children's ministry staff and tried to be supportive to them today. Needless to say, none of us understand God's timing in this. Chris was a man who loved the Lord, his family and sharing God's Word with children. He will be sorely missed.

Please be in prayer for his family as they adjust to life without him. Please be in prayer for our pastor as he preaches the funeral on Saturday and our children's ministry staff as they tell the children on Sunday and try to answer the unanswerable questions. Many of the children are out of town on Spring Break trips with their families and Sunday will be a long, hard day. Pray that God will be glorified in our response to this situation as a church.

Biloxi '09

I'm back from Biloxi and we had a great time. I'm tired but it's a good tired. We have been blessed with an awesome set of kids in our student ministry. They love the Lord and sharing their faith. They are also incredibly hard workers. I heard no complaining out of this group even though it wasn't the most organized of trips and the Worship was much different than they were used to.

I am thrilled that God has given me the opportunity to work with these kids and see the growth as they mature and continue to give their lives to Christ. As one of our student ministers put it "For our kids, it's not a question of if they'll go or when. For them, it's a question of should I go to Asia or Latin America this summer." Such a different viewpoint from many kids.

I'll put pictures out there when I get them downloaded and then uploaded to the site.

Random Thoughts

A little randomness for your Friday afteroon enjoyment...

I'm off to Biloxi on Sunday for a few days of mission work with our youth. I'm super excited because 1) I love mission work and 2) I have a GREAT group. I'm sure all the groups are awesome but I have a really good group of kids. We should have a fun time in Biloxi. I can give a few status updates because I downloaded the Facebook app on my Blackberry.

This is such a fun time of year for this rabid sports fan. It's championship week on ESPN so it's all basketball almost all the time. SEC tourney, ACC tourney, Pac-10 tourney, Big East tourney, they are ALL playing right now. Then next Thursday starts the absolute best weekend in sports, the opening weekend of March Madness. I remember in college we would go to our earliest classes and then head to PT's sports bar in Homewood to watch the rest of the action, staying until well into the night. I wish I had a group of friends that liked basketball as much as I do. Oh well, I'll enjoy it by myself. :-)

To add to the sports enjoyment, by the time March Madness ends in early April, baseball season will be starting. I doubt the Braves will have a stellar, playoff type year but hey, it's still baseball. Have I mentioned lately I'm a sports nut?

Back to work...

Too Funny Not to Share

I stole this from another blog (www.pulpit-pimps.org). It's just too good not to share:

Heresy Hillbillies
(Sung to the tune of Beverly Hillbillies)

Come and listen to a story ’bout a boy named Joel
Keepin’ sheeple happy was his one and only goal
Didn’t need no trainin’ from no fancy Bible school,
To build a congregation of unScriptural fools
(Sheeple that is, darkened souls, Bible free )

Well the first thing you know old Joel’s a millionaire
With just a winning smile and a crop of wavy hair
Don’t know if a Moslem goes to Heaven or to Hell
But he sure do know his way around shampoo and gel.
(Whitening gels, glistening teeth )

Well now it’s time to say goodbye to Joel’s trophy wife
Time to let them get on back to living their best life,
You’re all invited back again to their locality
To have a heaping helpin’ of their happy heresy
(Heresy Hillbillies, that’s what they call ‘em now, nice folks.)

Y’all come back now, ya hear?


For those who feel like I do, that Joel Osteen is a charlatan who is leading people down a dangerous path, they will see the humor in this. But, we should as Christ-followers, fall to our knees and pray for Joel and those like him who are making the Gospel say what they want it to in order to appeal to a mass audience. It saddens me that the simple concept of salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone can be so screwed up by man.

Facebook

Well, I finally broke down and did it...I joined Facebook. Of course it look me lots longer than most people because of my interesting last name. Facebook denied me the first time I tried and when I e-mailed them and asked for permission, I got some long e-mail back asking for every bit of info. under the sun. Well, I don't have time for that. So, I waited for a few months and tried again. Got rejected again but this time got a helpful person who opened the account and sent me a username and password. Now, I'm in the "club."

Of course, I don't promise to be the most avid Facebook person and I'll have to get my 7th grade girls to show me how to best use the stinkin' site but at least I have a spot. I like my blog better but I do think Facebook will help keep me connected if I end up moving in a few months.

On that note, be praying for me. I e-mailed today for more information on two jobs with the TO Nation. As most of you know, I'd move there tomorrow if a job was available. I know that doesn't make everyone happy but God has drawn my heart there and I am praying He leads me out there.

Now I'm off to bed to read because I'm cold and my bed is warm. Of course, I'll have to fight the cat...

SNOW!!!

It finally snowed in Alabama in amounts that could be measured in inches! It's been ages since we got snow that actually amounted to anything. While I didn't get out and play in it, it was absolutely beautiful. We had to call the kids inside so we could start large group time this morning. They were having a ball throwing snowballs at each other, the windows, brave teachers and anyone else who happened by. It's amazing how snow can make even the most "mature" teachers frolic like little kids. The only thing that would have made the day better is if it had lasted into the evening and we could get a snow day out of it. Oh well, maybe next year...

Here are some of the pictures from today:

Back Patio:


Cars Covered in Snow:


View off Back Patio:


Breezeway View:


Some From Church:








This poor tree must be so confused. Don't know if it shows up but it was fully bloomed...

Rain, Rain, Rain

I took a sick day today because I felt like I had been hit by a bus, twice. I was still so incredibly tired from last weekend that when I left yesterday, I had a headache, ached all over and the computer screen was fuzzy. My body was screaming for a day off. While I did take Monday off, I spent a couple of hours running errands so I didn't get total rest. Today was different, I stayed indoors, out of the rain and storms.

Speaking of rain, I'm really thinking about going to Home Depot tomorrow and checking to see if they got a shipment of gopher wood. It has rained like crazy today and is supposed to rain/storm all night and into tomorrow. We needed the rain, I just don't think anyone wanted it all at once. And they're talking snow for tomorrow night. Yeah, right. I'll believe it when I see it. This is AL after all.

I did enjoy my day today. I slept in, had my quiet time and then lounged on the couch all day. It was quite nice to just rest and not think about anything in particular. Tomorrow may be much of the same although I'll probably do a little cleaning and then work some on my South Africa AIDS stuff.

Now, I'm off to surf the 'net for a few minutes and then go to bed.

It's a Good Tired...

I am still a little tired from the weekend but it's a good tired and a contentment that the main crunch is over. We had a amazing turn out Sunday for our membership finale. There were somewhere near 300 people in attendance at three events and most of them are completing the membership process. Praise the Lord!

We had such a great volunteer/support system to pull this off. Without them, we could not have successfully funneled 300 people through our Student Building. We had people helping out beforehand, filing paperwork, sticking stickers on folders, alphabetizing, putting out tablecloths, cutting out circles, spreading napkins, etc., etc., etc. God really blessed me and Debby with some truly AWESOME people. Our new members commented about how welcomed they felt and how smoothly everything ran.

I also got to watch God work. I was tasked with assigning potential new members to table hosts. For the most part, I was matching people by age, life stage, interests, etc. There was only one table where the host had requested people. Everything else was based on where I put them. I had a number of people ask me "I knew the people at my table, did you do that on purpose?" I was thinking to myself, um, how would I KNOW that? It was a God-thing pure and simple. He knew where the people needed to be and guided my decision making. It's so cool that we have such a big God yet He cares about the simple things like table assignments. It was just one more way people felt invited and loved on.

Now my life is back to a semblance of normalcy. I am planning a meeting with committee members next week to get started on data collection and hopefully get to a point in very short order where I'll have some good results to comment on and write up to defend. I am so ready to be finished.

I am also starting the job search process. I covet your prayers as I begin this journey. I know where I would like to end up but I want to make sure my will aligns with God's in this situation. I want to stay in ministry but be able to use my public health knowledge at the same time. I am just growing so much while being in a ministry role, I would like to see that continue. I know He has the perfect place already decided, I just have to be diligent and pray through my decisions. Thanks in advance for those prayers. :-)

Now I'm off to watch some TV before bed. More to come when I feel inspired again.

Go God!

I picked the title because that's how I feel after yesterday. I had such an interesting time teaching my 7th grade girls yesterday. I have one girl, H. who is a processor. She thinks out loud and it's so neat to watch her process what God is teaching her. H. is also quick to say "yay God!" for her successes and share those with her classmates. For example, she was nervous about doing well in track tryouts and she said she prayed all day "God take away my fear." and He did. Track tryouts weren't a problem. I love the way she's willing to take God at his word and trust Him for her needs. It's neat when Beth (my co-teacher) and I can see growth in the girls' walks with the Lord.

I'm also excited about getting to chaperone the Spring Break missions trip to Biloxi. I have no idea what we're doing but I know we'll be working with World Changers so I imagine they'll keep us busy. Last year's trip to New Orleans was pretty powerful for the students that went so I imagine this year will be the same.

My most exciting part of yesterday was the AIDS Hospice team meeting. God has brought together the most amazing people. Kristi and I could NEVER have put together a team like this if we'd tried. We have three women who've been to SA before and have a heart for the people, one hospice social worker and one member who has lost a relative to AIDS. Everyone is so excited about the possibilities for the trip and the opportunity we will have to share Christ's love with a desperate people. What greater urgency for the Gospel than among those who are staring eternity in the face? My fervent prayer now is that God will knit us together as a team and that we will work together for His glory and be Christ to those we encounter.

I'm also excited that God is working the membership process details out. While I am still incredibly busy, ever since reading that Chambers' quote last Monday, I've had such a different outlook and I think God is blessing my efforts. We have a system in place to handle almost every contingency that people can throw at us so now it's just a matter of working the system.

Now I'm off to go watch another "House Hunters" episode and then head to bed.

Thoughts on Romans

I finished reading the book of Romans yesterday and I have decided it is one of the best books in the entire Bible if not the best. This isn't the first time I've read all the way through it but I had some new insights from it this go around. Romans really is a perfect book to use with sharing the Gospel. You could easily tell a questioning person to read through Romans and then sit down and talk through it. From Chapter 1 to Chapter 16, it is full of great wisdom and guidance for the whole Christian walk, from beginning to end. It begins with a great outline in 1:16-17 - I AM NOT ASHAMED of the Gospel...what great words! Salvation for EVERYONE who believes. Not acts, not tries hard enough, not is good enough, not prays enough, everyone who believes. What other religion offers that kind of promise. Then there is the beauty of Chapter 3. While it starts out very heavy, the transition in verse 21 with the word "but" should make everyone shout praise the Lord from the rooftops. The majesty continues into Chapter 8:1-2 when Paul says there is now NO condemnation for those in Christ Jesus and on to vs. 14-15, we have not received a spirit of fear but a spirit of adoption. (Can I get an amen?) Verses 28-32 are an awesome promise to the Christ-follower. He is continuing to work in us. The instructions continue as the rest of the chapters outline how we as Christ followers are to act. This whole book is an instruction manual for how to live a Christ-like life and how to glorify Christ with our lives.

I would highly encourage anyone who hasn't read Romans all the way through to give it a try and see what God will show to you. It is such an amazing 16 chapters of truth! And speaking of glorifying God, I want to close with a John Piper quote that I thought was cool when I came across it a little while ago in my quiet time:

"Salvation is not a ground for boasting of our worth to God. It is an occasion for self-abasement and joy in the glorious grace of God on our behalf - a grace that never depends on our distinctives, but flows from God's overwhelming concern to mangify His own glory on behalf of His people." -John Piper, Desiring God

Streams of Consciousness

(This will ramble so just bear with it)

I truly love how God works in amazing ways. This week started the "true" insanity at work and yesterday was somewhat stressful. I was kind of crabby at work and a few outside things were happening that compounded everything so it was just weird. But, last night, I was reading Oswald Chambers' "My Utmost for His Highest" as part of my quiet time and came across the greatest quote. "You have no right to complain 'O Lord, I am so exhausted.' He saved and sanctified you to exhaust you. Be exhausted for God, but remember He is your supply." Talk about an attitude adjuster. It gave me a whole new perspective on work. Plus, he sent me an awesome volunteer to help over the next two weeks as we shepherd 550+ people through the membership process. See, He was being my supply and I hadn't even taken time to thank Him for it. Needless to say, I had a whole new attitude at work today and the day was marvelous. No less busy but with the different perspective, it was a good busy.

God is also so cool in how I see people getting excited about what God is doing at Brook Hills. People are working through what David is teaching in their own personal quiet times and prayer closets and are beginning to see that David isn't trying to beat us up. He is trying to equip us to get about God's business. God intends for the local church to be the body of Christ to the nations and gave us the fullness of Christ for that purpose. (Check out Ephesians 1:15-23 for more detail). We are so spiritually illiterate that we get caught up in comparing whether we are as good or as radical as the next guy and miss the whole freakin' point. God wants to use us as part of the local body to not only win Bham but the whole world for Him. We have to be willing to strip off the junk and deal with our crap and let God restore us as we are used by Him. We'll never be a "finished" product this side of Heaven but we NEED to spend time with God and let Him identify what needs to be changed. David is doing what a pastor is called to do...preach the Word. The Holy Spirit is convicting people (I know He has me) through David's messages but if conviction didn't happen week in and week out, how would we be any different?

I also marvel at how God is putting together a team for South Africa. As of two weeks ago or so, we had less than 6 people signed up including me and my co-leader. As of today, we have a full team and have had to close registration. Praise the Lord!! One lady doesn't yet know she's going. Her husband is giving her the trip as a Valentine's Day present. How cool is that?! She gets a global trip for Valentine's Day. That's the kind of husband I want. I sense God moving in an awesome way in how this team is developing. Since what we are doing is new, we have no idea what to expect but we also have a wonderful blank canvas to work with. We'll come back to the US with what works and what doesn't and be ready to send 10 more teams in 2010. Just one more step in reaching Sub-Saharan Africa for God and seeing His glory shine in all nations.

If you're still reading, thanks for putting up with the randomness. Sometimes the worst part about living alone is being so full of God-stuff to share and having no one to share it with. I feel better now that I've gotten it all out.

Super Bowl Wrap-Up

I had a good time last night at a mini-Super Bowl party hosted by some friends of mine. I say "mini" because it wasn't your all-out, decorate, serve food for an army type of party. Sure, we had plenty of good food but it was more about hanging out with your friends than a party. It was the first time I've watched the Super Bowl with a real fan of one of the teams playing. One of the guys at the part (the imp's husband) is a big Steelers fan and had his terrible towel and everything last night.

The game was good - actually a competitive game. Neither team played exceptionally well but it was exciting til the end. Most years the commercials are better than the Super Bowl. Definitely not so this year. The commercials were horrible for the most part. There were a few good ones (Mr/Mrs Potato Head, a couple of Budweiser ads, Etrade ads) but most were a HUGE waste of money. I can't remember a year where the ads were so forgettable.

Now that the Super Bowl is done, it's on to the most optimistic four words in professional sports...pitchers and catchers report.

Is Clothes Sorting a Spritual Gift?

Not usually found in the list given by Paul but I seem to be really good at it. Must be the spiritual gift of administration kicking in. I actually like to organize stuff. I spent close to 5 hours this morning and afternoon helping Heather from 1Way sort stuff from the storage unit the ministry has. I have to say that having so many clothes and shoes to sort is a great problem to have. Praise the Lord that there are so many people willing to part with perfectly good (sometimes brand new) clothing and shoes to help those who have little or nothing. Donors can rest assured that donations to 1Way are packed up and shipped either to AZ or to South Africa and distributed freely to those in need. We had to have sorted enough kids' clothes to outfit every kid on the reservation. :-) I kept finding shoes that would work so well for the little one who has stolen my heart. It's also neat to pray over the clothes, for the people who will receive them, that they will be receptive to the love with which the clothes are given and be receptive to the Gospel message shared by those giving out the clothes.

I so love that God gives us the opportunity to help missions organizations even when we can't necessarily "go" on one of their trips.

Birthday Weekend

I had a wonderful weekend this past weekend. God has blessed me with a great family that I love spending time with. I spent Friday, my actual birthday, taking care of my dad who just had knee surgery and then went house-hunting with my sister. We saw one really nasty house, one so-so house, one great house with a great yard but lousy kitchen and one really cute little house that Sarah has fallen in love with. Then she and I went out for Mexican and then home to have birthday cake that she made for me. I also got to open my present. It was full of wonderful stuff to pamper myself with. It included a WONDERFUL pair of cashmere slippers that Bath & Body Works had this Christmas season. I wouldn't pay full price for them but Sarah managed to snag the last pair they had when they were 75% off. They are so comfy on my feet. :-) Those of you who know me know I cannot stand shoes and barely tolerate socks so I rarely find good slippers. These make my feet feel like they have their own special pillows. The whole bag had stuff I will enjoy using but would not buy for myself. Between the cake and the gift, I felt so special.

Saturday we went shopping since I needed a new suitcase. We then went and looked at more houses. We didn't find anything that matches the cute house from Friday. Provided the budget numbers work out, this could be her house. Saturday night, we got to have daddy grilled steaks. I know most men who are less than a week post-op would beg off grilling. Not my dad. He got Sarah to help him and he fired the grill right up. The steaks were marvelous. I think I'm spoiled. I can only think of two restaurant steaks in my lifetime that have come anywhere near the quality of steak my dad grills. After dinner, Sarah went home to spend time with Barney and mom and I watched basketball. Perfect ending to a great day. Slept in Sunday and then drove back to the 'ham.

This weekend is just a memory now but I'm blessed to have a family that truly enjoys being around each other and can make pleasant memories instead of nasty ones.

Prayer Request

I know I have several readers so I thought I would put this out in cyberspace for additional prayer support. I can't give too many details because I'm not sure how much I can share in open cyberspace but God will know who you are talking about.

I have a friend who was involved in an auto vs. pedestrian accident on Friday in another state. He hit a pedestrian who wandered into his lane (the police have found the pedestrian was at fault). The man he hit is in critical condition. Please be in prayer for the pedestrian and for my friend who is dealing with the enormous weight that results from this type of accident. Thanks.

In Love...

Not that kind of "in love". In love with my Savior. As I posted earlier this month, I am working on spiritual goals this year, one of which is trusing in God and resting in His perfect timing. As I've continued to have my daily quiet times, I find myself drawn to Him more and more. In the past, my quiet times have become somewhat of a chore or an "I have to do this" concept. Fortunately, this year, God is revealing Himself to me in a way that I haven't experienced before. Everyday, I see something new in Scripture. Even in the more "mundane" passages in Nehemiah. It makes me want to dig, know more, experience more and just BE more with my Jesus.

For instance, today, I was reading Psalm 46 and most people know verse 1, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of need." But, do we keep reading and get to verse 10 "Cease striving and know that I am God."? How contrary to our fleshly desire to do things for ourselves! This is an especially hard verse for me and my type A+ personality. What? You mean God doesn't need my help? Are you sure? That seems to be my message from God for early 2009. I'm slowly learning that our very present help in time of need is also our very present help every single minute of every single day. If you haven't heard it, check out "By Your Side" by 10th Avenue North. Such a great song and a much better conveyer of this message than I am.

Wrong on So Many Levels

John Smoltz in a Boston uniform??? That is just so wrong. What were the Braves thinking? This guy has been the face of your organization for so many years and has taken less money in the past to stay with you. Couldn't you come up with a deal that is respectful of who he is and his abilities? Even by their own admissions, they were impressed with his December throwing efforts. What gives?

This one doesn't hurt quite as much as the Glavine to the Mets deal but it's still wrong. Frank Wren is an idiot.

Randomness

I've taken down the New Year's stuff and was planning to put a winter background up but my favorite blog template site (www.thecutestblogontheblock.com) did a server upgrade over the weekend and I can't get to their site right now. So, we've reverted to the blogspot standby for now. Hopefully my favorite website will be back up and running soon and I can get off the boring stuff.

In other news, I met with the guy who is our South Africa contact over the weekend. He's a cool dude. We learned that we will be accompanied by local hospice workers while we're there. It actually provides two bonuses: first, they will be our translators and they know the area and secondly (and most important in my book), some of them are not Christ-followers and we will have the opportunity to share the Gospel over and over and over for 5 days and develop a relationship with these ladies. I am confident God is going to do some amazing things in the lives of these ladies. We have also had three additional people sign up for the trip over the weekend (Woo-Hoo!!). Right now, we are at 7 people who are confirmed with at least three "maybes" waiting in the wings. Please pray that God continues to stir in people a desire to share God's love with those that are truly the "least of these."

Off to make dinner...

Only in AL??

Why does Alabama seem to attract the idiots? It seems that a pilot of a small plane made a distress call over Huntsville and then made another one saying his windshield had flown off. This plane then crashed outside Milton, FL. Everyone of course was looking for the pilot, fearing the worst. Well, turns out, everything was faked and he bailed out over Shelby County, AL. To top things off, he is the owner of an investment company in Indiana that is under investigation from the feds. Now, if he was taking off from Indiana headed to FL, he had to pass over KY and then TN. Why couldn't he have chosen those states to bail out in? This is leading to a manhunt, costing taxpayers who knows how much money. Maybe we should call in his investors. I bet they could find him!

South Africa 2009

Last night, I had a medical team leaders training for my South Africa AIDS Hospice trip. Yes, God has a funny sense of humor. Me, the white knuckle flyer is going to South Africa in July and last night was the reality check that there is still LOTS to do before we go. Of course, right now, we only have four team members so praying up more team members is job #1. We'll go with only four but having more members means better preparation for 2010 and beyond.

This is the first trip that I have been the responsible party for. Somehow methinks this will be very different than driving on the reservation. :-) Up 'til now, that was my biggest responsibility on the field. Now, I am tasked with training a team on how to share the Gospel cross-culturally, how to interact with those who are dying, how to protect themselves from HIV, TB, and God only knows what else. But, it's like I told my boss last night: God never said obedience would be safe.

It is interesting to begin thinking about how to effectively build a team and equip them to function effectively on the field. I think our biggest task will be reminding them to think about the trip from the eternal perspective. The Gospel will be first and foremost on this trip and if we remember that, we will be successful even if we don't give a single bath or pass out a single pill. Fortunately, David has been preaching an excellent sermon series on grace and freedom in Christ that has tons of valuable information to use while building our training. I am also pulling from other sermon series. Why re-create the wheel?

One piece that I didn't expect to happen so quickly is my excitement about the trip and what God is planning. I know just from what He's showing me in His Word daily that there are lessons to be learned in every experience and the process of sanctification is a learning process. I love knowing that our Father loves us so much that He wants to show us new revelations from His Word if only we'll open our hearts to it. I actually WANT to hear more from Him and learn more. Not because I'm a geek but because I'm in love with my Savior and yearn to know more of Him.

I think there are multiple prayer requests and I would love for prayer warriors to join the fight. First, I am praying for the team members God is preparing to go. Pray they would be open to obeying God's call, learn and grow as a team and be ready to go when the time comes. Secondly, I am praying for the people we will see. Many of them are dealing with the reality of death in the coming months. Pray that they will sense the urgency of eternity and the Spirit will stir their hearts and minds to be receptive to the Gospel message we will share. Finally, I am praying for myself. Pray that I will be open to God's teaching as I prepare to co-lead this team. Pray I will put aside me and my desires and do all our trainings in a way that glorifies only Him.

Thanks in advance for the prayers and support. I will keep posting as we continue to prepare. This is a long process but it will be July before we know it.

New Year, New Goals, New Insights

I had a nice long post typed out this afternoon and the computer froze and ate it. See, the network was down at work and since everything I had to do today was network related, I couldn't do jack. So, I decided to blog. Well, with the network guy in San Diego and helping people out by phone, they shut off the whole system without saying anything to anyone. I lost everything I had typed. I'll try and re-create some of it but some of it will stay gone...oh well, such is life.

I have decided to go with the rest of the blogosphere and not make resolutions. I'm making goals but nothing is set in stone. Anytime I set anything into stone, God comes in and rearranges the furniture (see quote below for explanation). My goals generally revolve around three areas: spiritual, physical and financial. The financial one is pretty obvious. I am graduating soon (cue the Hallelujiah Chorus!!) and will be searching for a job. That new job will pay more than I am currently making which will help out in financial goal #2, paying down credit card debt. I royally put myself into a hole and am diligently working to pay it all off. I am also avoiding putting new charges on and am only purchasing things I truly NEED.

My second area is physical. I am not focusing on weight per se, I am focusing on eating better and getting exercise. If I lose weight in the process, great but I refuse to be bound to numbers on a scale. But, I have a horrible family tree when it comes to heart disease, diabetes and the like so I figure now's as good a time as any to make important changes. I will also feel better in the long run.

Final area is spiritual. I have a goal to read the Bible completely over the next year. I've done it before but it's been a few years and with all the potential changes over the next year, I think this will be a good time to see what God will reveal. I'm also hoping to continue to grow the discipling relationship I've begun and see how God chooses to use both of us for His Kingdom. One of the biggest areas I see God working in my life in 2009 is in the area of trust. I have to trust in Him and Him alone to provide a new job once I am to that point. While my heart's desire is to work with the TO in AZ, He may have something else entirely planned. I am open to that, I just have to be comfortable in His timing and provision. To that end, I found a great Scripture reference this evening as I was having my quiet time.

It is Psalm 62:5-8
"My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken. On God my salvation and my glory rest; the rock of my strength, my refuge is in God. TRUST IN HIM AT ALL TIMES, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us."

What a great set of verses. I've found my first Scripture to memorize for '09. Also found a great quote that I mentioned above. It so fits why I've decided to make goals and then let God rearrange as He sees fit.

"Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on; you knew that those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised. But presently He starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make any sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of - throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it Himself."
— C.S. Lewis

This is such a great quote by C.S. Lewis. He and A.W. Tozer manage to take words and make them say the most amazing things. If you haven't read Tozer and Lewis, I highly recommend them. Tozer is a bit heavy but well worth the struggle to get through it. To steal a line from a friend, I'm a construction zone. :-)

Happy New Year!!!

Happy New Year to all my readers (all three of you). I hope everyone has a magnificent 2009!

This is Why...

I don't have a "fish" emblem on my car. :-)

A man was being tailgated by a stressed out woman on a busy boulevard. Suddenly, the light turned yellow, just in front of him. He did the right thing, stopping at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the red light by accelerating through the intersection.

The tailgating woman was furious and honked her horn, screaming in frustration, as she missed her chance to get through the intersection, dropping her cell phone and makeup.

As she was still in mid-rant, she heard a tap on her window and looked up into the face of a very serious police officer. The officer ordered her to exit her car with her hands up.

He took her to the police station where she was searched, fingerprinted, photographed, and placed in a holding cell. After a couple of hours, a policeman approached the cell and opened the door. She was escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer was waiting with her personal effects.

He said ‘I’m very sorry for this mistake.’ You see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping off the guy in front of you, and cussing a blue streak at him. I noticed the ‘What Would Jesus Do?’ bumper sticker, the ‘Choose Life!’ license plate holder, the ‘Follow Me to Sunday-School!’ bumper stickers, and the chrome-plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk; so naturally…I assumed you had stolen the car.

Lawsuit Abuse

Here is a lawsuit that screams why we need a "loser pays" system. It seems that Michael Newdow (California athiest) who has sued over this stuff before is at it again. He is suing to have the words "so help me God" removed from the inauguration oath. He along with the other people who are plantiffs in the case are saying they will have to choose between not watching the inauguration or being alienated. Really?! You have nothing else to worry about?? In all honesty, it should be up to Obama to say the words or not say the words. If he doesn't want to, don't. Anyone other than the POTUS-elect should have absolutely no say in the matter. After all, they're not the ones who have to live up to the oath. I have very little patience for people who waste our judicial system's precious time with frivilous lawsuits like this. And to top it off, the Justice Department will have to waste MY tax dollars defending this drivel.

Ultimately, the guy really needs our prayers. I think for him to be such a hard-core athiest, he must have had some sort of really negative interaction with Christians somewhere along the line.

Read more about it here: http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/31/inauguration.lawsuit/index.html

Concert Review, Movie Review and More...

Christmas is winding down and we're preparing to brave the crowd at Macy's tomorrow but before doing that, I thought I'd post a few reviews.

First off, the Trans Siberian Orchestra concert last Saturday night. All I can say is WOW! The show this group puts on is spectacular. The lights and sounds were a sight and sound to behold. I love TSO's music and they did their entire Christmas Eve Sarajevo album which is my favorite so that was an added bonus. I'm also impressed by the stamina this group has. They did the entire first half running around the stage and never took a "real" intermission. During a usual intermission time, they introduced the whole gang. Then it was on to round two where they blew things up. Gotta love that. Pyrotechnics, real fire and lasers. It was amazing. Anyone who loves TSO's music should put this concert at the top of their list next time they are in town.

On to the movie review...Sarah and I saw "Marley and Me" this afternoon as our annual Christmas Day movie. It is a very cute and well done movie but any of my friends who cry easily at movies (you know who you are) should avoid this movie or at least the ending. If you've read the book, you know what I'm talking about. If not, I'm not going to spoil it. It is worth seeing but be prepared and take the Kleenex.

This has been such a nice week off so far and I am looking forward to a few more days off. I don't have to be back at work until Monday afternoon so I have more days to spend with my family. I realized on the way home that this is the first week off I've had where I haven't been jetting off to AZ since the Monday after Easter. While I love those trips, some time off has been welcomed. Okay, back to regularly scheduled web programming.

Parties Galore and Other Randomness

Last night, I finished my 5th party of the season. Most years I'm lucky to have ONE party much less five. But, all of them were fun in their own way and it was so much fun to take time out to visit with friends. They ranged from an office party unlike no other to a party with the seventh grade girls I teach. The office party was a lot of fun and we ended up donating $5,000 dollars to a variety of ministry areas around the world. Sometimes I think I work at the coolest place on the planet.

Random thoughts...why do people insist on adding lights, decorations and all kinds of other ridiculous stuff to their yards every year? What happened to tasteful decorations? Lights on the house, trees and bushes is one thing but lights on every freakin' surface is something else entirely. AL Power people must salivate at the thought. :-)

Have you seen the cars dressed up like reindeer? Seriously?! People buy this crap and then put it on their cars? No one will think your car is a reindeer. You just look stupid. Well, at least they have a sign so you know who to avoid. :-)

I'm off work in a little less than 7 hours for a whole week. Woo-Hoo!! I am seriously looking forward to some time off to visit with family, read, watch football and be generally lazy. But first, I get to go to see the Trans Siberian Orchestra tomorrow with my lovely sister who bought us tickets. Yea Sarah! I absolutely cannot wait. I'll post on the extravaganza next time I post.

Tiring Week

This has been an amazingly hectic week and it has nothing to do with the holidays. My mom had a scary episode on Monday that necessitated a hospitalization. Well needless to say, that necessitated a trip to GA on Monday night for me. There was noway on God's green earth that I was staying here while she was hospitalized. Now, that is not an indictment on my dad or sister's ability to deal with medical people but I do have the ability to speak the lingo since I am in the field.

Well, it ended up that it was probably a good thing I went over because her care ended up being monitored by a FIRST-YEAR resident who had a God-complex. Needless to say, I was less than thrilled with this development and managed to completely piss the doctor off with my questions. That wasn't my intention but she couldn't handle being questioned by someone she didn't view as her "equal." Mom's doctor wasn't as concerned about her symptoms as I thought she should be and wants to write everything off as "stress." My mother is not someone who stresses over life, never has been and because of her deep relationship with Christ, never will be. Thousands of women have died over the years because their doctors wrote off their symptoms as "stress" and that is simply unacceptable. There were additional tests that should have been run and weren't. Again, simply unacceptable. Needless to say, mom is looking for a new primary care physician.

Fortunately, God answered all our prayers and mom was released on Tuesday afternoon with no lasting problems (except for annoyance). Hopefully we are on the road to finding out what the problems are and getting them resolved. I have decided that I am too old to miss a night's sleep. I was awake all night Monday night because my chair in mom's room was designed as a torture device. :-) I am feeling the after-effects today. I am tired and can't really focus on any one thing for too long. Hopefully after getting some good rest over the next few nights, I'll be back to my normal self. Or at least what passes for normal. :-)

Lazy Saturday

I like days like today. I slept in, tidied my apartment, read some articles for school (still doing some of that) and have watched football. Add to the fact that AL lost and I'm good. Sometimes not going anywhere is a wonderful thing. I also got my stuff ordered from Samaritan's Purse. They are a really neat organization. I managed to order gifts in honor of my family members and could order things that fit their personalities (well except for Sarah, she wanted chickens). I just think it's a double blessing that my contributions fit my family's personality.

On the SEC Championship, I really would like to have found a way for both teams to lose but it is good to see nice guys like Tebow finish first. He is a guy who is unafraid to share his faith, spent some of his summer on the mission field and just comes across as very impressive. It was nice to see him lead his team to a victory. Hopefully the BCS computers won't figure out a way to keep FL out. The National Championship game should be the FL vs. OK unless OK loses and then it should be FL vs. TX. Anything else and I ain't watching.

Christmas Shopping

I spent my off day sleeping in and then going Christmas shopping. I am happy to report that I am almost finished. Just one more gift and a stocking stuffer and I am officially finished. Yipee! Of course, I still have chickens to buy but that's only a few clicks of the mouse. :-)

I do have a few observations from being out today. One, people are strange. I saw your typical weirdness at the Galleria and nothing in particular stands out but overall, there are some strange people in this world. Two, if you can't park your particular automobile in ONE parking place, please don't get out in public at busy shopping times. I saw more people today who seemed to think their car was so special they needed two or more parking spaces. Three, people seemed to be on their best behavior while I was out today. I didn't see anyone shouting at salespeople, cutting in lines and a few people who stepped in front of me actually apologized. I hope for the sake of those who are still shopping and those who are working retail that this trend continues.

It was a productive day and the best part is that I was home before 3:00!! Gotta love efficiency. :-)

50,000 in 50 Days

Okay people, here's the challenge. Find $5.00 extra in your Christmas spending and go to this website: http://www.50000shoes.com/ and donate to buy two pairs of shoes. The goal is to raise 50,000 pairs of shoes in 50 days. It is sponsored by an agency called Soles 4 Souls that is a charity born out of the Katrina disaster and now serves the poor worldwide with shoe donations. This seems like a really cool way to impact the world for less than the price of a meal out.

Random Coolness

We had staff meeting on Tuesday and David got to share about his time in India. He actually had the opportunity to go into a small village and share the Gospel for the first time. Seriously, the VERY FIRST time the Gospel has ever been shared with these people. Think about that. Let it soak over you. We here in the US, especially in the South, are so spoiled when it comes to the Gospel. We can't grow up without being exposed to some form of the Gospel (sometimes whether we wanted to hear it or not). Can you imagine never having heard? And now they have because our pastor believes in the awesome power of the Gospel and is willing to go to the hard places. I have to think the angels had a major party that day.

Another little tidbit of coolness...find the song "Give Me Your Eyes" by Brandon Heath. It is worth the listen. Heard it on klove.com today and can't wait to get home and get it downloaded.

Another stolen item

This was stolen off another blog but I think it so fits the season...

A Stressed Out Christian's Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Help me remember that the jerk who cut me off in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and is rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry, and spend a few precious moments with her children.

Help me to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who can't make change correctly is a worried 19-year-old college student, balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student loans for the next school year.

Remind me, Lord, that the scary looking bum, begging for money in the same spot every day (who really ought to get a job) is a slave to addictions that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares.

Help me to remember, Father, that the old couple walking annoyingly slow through the store aisles and blocking our shopping progress are savoring this moment, knowing that, based on the biopsy report she got back last week, this will be the last year that they can go shopping together.

Heavenly Father, remind me each day that, of all the gifts You give us, the greatest gift is love. It is not enough to share that love with those we hold dear. Open my heart, dear Lord, not to just those who are close to me, but to all humanity. Let me be slow to judge, and quick to forgive, show patience, and empathy, and love.

Amen.

Randomness

I stole this from a blog I read regularly. I just thought it was cool. Bolded things are things I've done

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo (so low no one could hear maybe)
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child (I'm counting Compassion here)
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a marathon (Seriously??)
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset (Both actually)
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo's David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa (July is coming)
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the EiffelTower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving (Are you kidding me?)
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone's life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day

Thanksgiving

I had a most wonderful Thanksgiving with my family. I have been blessed beyond measure to have a family I love dearly and enjoy spending time with. We have a good time together and Thanksgiving was no exception. My mom and I got to spend quality time visiting over coffee and reading or coffee and football games. I love sharing what God is teaching me with her because she can challenge me to continue to grow and learn and share in ways no one else can. I truly hope God blesses me with a daughter so I can be half the mom my mom is.

My dad and I got to have date night too. It was special for both of us because we hadn't seen each other for more than 16 hours since June. He and I went shopping on Friday and then to dinner and Bass Pro Shop. Who knew Bass Pro could be so fun!? In all seriousness, I love my daddy and really enjoy getting to spend time with him. We've grown from spending time in my grandfather's woodshop making all kinds of fun stuff to throwing a softball for hours on end to being in a place where we just visit without any "thing" getting in the way.

I also got to spend Thanksgiving night with my sister in her new apartment. I helped her decorate her new tree (very cool, pre-lit tree!) and put out her nativities. She has a great apartment that I'm jealous of. She's also decorating it so cool as she finds neat pieces. She has the coolest Eiffel Tower that she found at Target of all places. She also managed to score a new KitchenAid mixer at Wal-Mart the day after Thanksgiving. She got up, went to Wally-World, grabbed the last of the nine mixers they had, picked me up some rubbermaid and then headed to the check-out. She was home again by 5:16! Talk about efficiency. :-)

All in all, I had a wonderful Thanksgiving and just had to brag. I know some people dread the holidays and I truly feel sorry for them. I honestly cannot relate and for that, I'm thankful.

I'm off to work tomorrow and then will finish shopping for the cutie in AZ that I "adopted" for Christmas. I only wish I could be there to see everyone open their gifts. I hope JT and Sheryl take LOTS of pictures.

Global Missions Health Conference

Got back from Louisville on Saturday night after spending 2+ days immersed in a conference full of public health professionals who think like I do. What a concept and a blessing! I have been very discouraged lately because most of the professional organizations I have belonged to in the past have had a very, very liberal view of the world and were very humanistic in their approach to problem-solving. Well, God provided a wonderful opportunity for me to go on this trip and I learned so much about medical missions but also about the wonderful professional organizations that are out there for Christian healthcare professional who desire to serve God and the world. Woo-Hoo!!

I do come back with several prayer requests. First and foremost, I will be co-leading a trip to South Africa in July. Yes, for those of you keeping track, that does mean a 22 hour plane ride. Am I nuts? No, I'm obedient. God is calling me to lead this team for some reason I can't really fathom. But, I'm doing it so I'm trusting He will provide both financially and in the unexplainable peace He promises. For those of you who are prayer warriors, maybe we should start praying for the flight now. :-)

The second request is job related. I came across a wonderful organization (Global Refuge International) that has jobs available. They are a Christian non-governmental organization dedicated to stopping human trafficking and violence against women and international disaster relief. They have US-based jobs open and the hiring woman was at this conference and we had a long talk. I am e-mailing her this week to see about more details. I would appreciate prayers for discernment as to what God would have me do. I still have a heart for AZ but I'm not sure a job would make itself available. I will end up where God wants me but I need wisdom to figure out where that is.

All in all, it was a great weekend conference and if anyone wants more details, just ask. All I ask is that you don't complain about anything in front of me. After being surrounded by medical missionaries who are on the front lines in some of the worst places in the world, our problems are so tiny I get frustrated hearing complaints. Just fair warning if I get snippy with you. :-)

Praise the Lord, It's OVER!!!!!

Finally, after almost 2 years of bickering, pandering, lying, baby-kissing, empty promises and more, it's over. We have a president and history was made. Woo-pee! Can you tell I'm slightly underwhelmed by the selection? The solace tonight other than the fact that God is sovereign and knew this outcome long before we were formed is that the Dems did not get a fillibuster proof Senate. Thank the Lord for small favors.

One thing I caution everyone to remember is that there are still people who need to hear the name of Jesus, need help getting out of poverty, need help learning to read, need help finding love and acceptance and that's what we as Christians are called to do. Had McCain won tonight, our mandate as Christians would still be the same: go until He comes, give till we drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops us by returning for His bride. That matters way more than the outcome of an earthly election.

Voting

Even though I am sick as a dog, I went out and exercised my right and privilege to vote. The lines weren't that long at my precinct. Remember, if you don't vote, don't let me hear you complain about who was or wasn't elected. There is absolutely NO EXCUSE for not voting. Too many people have died for our right to vote. As of this writing, there are still 6 hours and 52 minutes left in AL to vote. Just do it.

Arizona Thoughts

Sorry it's taken me so long to update, I'm still trying to process all that God did and showed on this trip.

First and foremost, this trip was about relationships for me. I didn't hammer a nail or paint a stroke. What I did do was sit and listen, wipe runny noses, hug little children, glue puffy dots on paper and smile at people who couldn't understand a word I was saying.

I think this trip for me emphasized more than any other that God cares about people way more than projects or programs. The TO nation is made up of some wonderful people who need Jesus more than any indoor toilet, five-room house or working pencil. They need someone to listen to their heartache, love them for who they are and share Jesus with them.

I'd like to share about the people. Of course, First Papago wouldn't function as it does without Jay Juan, their local pastor. This is a man who loves the Lord and loves the TO people. He firmly believes spiritual renewal in the Native American population is going to come through the work of the people in his little faith family. Then there's Julie. This woman is simply amazing. When she hears of a need, she doesn't call someone else for help, she gets a prayer team up (sometimes it's just her) and she goes and prays over and with people. She is a spiritual warrior. Cheryl is much the same way. She knows the problems of her people and spends much time in prayer beseeching the Father on their behalf. If only my prayer life was as faithful! Then there's Yolanda. She greeted me on Sunday with the words "what a great surprise! I didn't know you were coming!" Talk about making me feel welcome and wanted. I love this lady. She has such a heart for the children of the nation and will drive an hour on Sundays to bring Sunday School lessons to kids in a village with no indoor plumbing.

Then there are all the other people we spent time ministering to: Frank, Angelita, Martina, Rosita, Del Raya, Alia, Micah, Shorty, Andrew, Pete, Agnes, Mabel, Josephine Y., Josephine M., Priscilla, Elliot, Miah, Mike, Tim and many more. This is why I go and where my passion is.

There are also some special people that my heart hurts for and why my passion is so strong for this area. One such lady is Josie. Josie is a believer but has struggled lately with alcohol abuse. Right now, she has 15 people living in her house. And we're talking 1000 square feet people. Josie also has baby Felicia who rocks my world. If she's around, she's usually in my arms. Anyone who knows me isn't at all surprised. :-) Be in prayer for Josie. She knows the right way but addiction is hard. Pray God works in her life in miraculous ways. K, Nessa and Kayla are another family. K is the leader of the Bloods on the reservation and is struggling to turn his life around. He's so close to taking the final step to trust in Christ as his Lord and Savior. And let me tell you, once he takes that step, watch out! God will use him as a force to be reckoned with on that reservation. Nessa is his girlfriend and Kayla is their adorable 7 month old baby girl. Pray for this sweet family. Pray a hedge of protection around K that his gang activity won't take his life or his freedom.

I hope in this post you can see my heart. This is a group of people that I could talk for ages about. I LOVE these people. I would move tomorrow if I could. In fact, I'm looking at job opportunities out there right now. Jay Juan and First Papago need people to help walk alongside them and spread the love of Jesus to the TO Nation. Who better than me?

P.S. Pictures will come when I'm on my home computer. :-)

Funny picture...

Okay, I understand being a fan and all but shouldn't you be able to spell the cheer correctly??? I took this picture myself last night on the way home from the library. The guy had plenty of room to put an "e" on the end. Who knows, maybe he ran out of tape...

Home From Arizona

I'm home from Arizona, albeit somewhat reluctantly. I have way too much to say in one post so I won't even get started tonight. I do want to say thank you to all those who prayed for the trip. You will never know how much those prayers mean to me and to those who are still working on the ground in AZ. I will have lots of pictures and stories to share once I feel up to it. For those who don't know, I brought a respiratory virus home with me as a souvenier. The baby girl I developed a special bond with last October was sick and I still couldn't resist snuggling with her. Oh well, I'll live and she'll remember the love I gave. Can't beat that. But, after working all day, I come home too tired to put too many coherent sentences together. :-) I promise I will post more when my brain is working on all cylinders.

Praises!!

Two wonderful praises to report on this rainy Wednesday. Yesterday my best friend delivered a healthy baby boy. Alex is just precious and a very cute baby. Then this morning, I got news that a family friend who's been in Iraq for 14 months is home early. Needless to say, I'm pretty psyched this morning!

Changes to the Blog and other random thoughts...

Thanks to my friend Nadia, I found a great site (thecutestblogontheblock.com) that has great backgrounds. I can finally change with the seasons!! Thanks Nadia!! It probably has lots of other benefits that I haven't found yet but I'm still new to this blogging thing. :-)

I will probably continue to blog with my usual randomness. I like the stream of consciousness writing that blogging allows. I can also vent thoughts and frustrations. Sometimes that's the downside to being single and living alone. The cat doesn't talk back and can't affirm my weird thoughts. So, I post them in cyberspace for my readers to comment on.

On that note, is anybody else as peeved with Congress and the president as I am? I KNEW they couldn't follow through with their earlier vote. The cowards. Whatever happened to statesmen? Do they suck out your brains after you've traveled the underground tram so many times??

I think I'm not voting for a single incumbent this year. I know God is sovereign over the upcoming election and I'm not worried about finances, I'm just mad as hell that my elected representatives have heard what we've said as Americans and completely DISREGRARDED it. What nerve! On some scale, this must be what the colonists felt like when they revolted. Too bad most voters in our country are more concerned with American Idol and Entertainment Tonight than they are with starting a new revolution.

Radical, Part 2

We had a wonderful time in small group last night. I was teaching but that's not what made it wonderful. I had been really troubled the last couple of weeks with our discussions of the Radical series. We were getting caught up in who's more radical than I am, what can I give up, etc. and I was afraid people were going to get so discouraged they would give up. So, we took a giant step back last night and I thought it was wonderful the way the Holy Spirit led us in discussion and brought up around to the idea that being Radical is all about being more like Christ. It's not about what you give up, what you do or who you do or don't impress, it's about dying to self and being more like Christ. That alone will lead us to re-evaluate our "stuff."

That all being said, I'm working through what that looks like in my own life. I don't have lots of stuff. I don't think He's calling me to sell my TV but I do think He's calling me to re-evaluate how I use my stuff. I've been convicted about a certain show that I watch that I will no longer be watching. Grey's Anatomy is one of the worst shows on network TV when it comes to Christian values. I'd been thinking that for a while but last week's presentation of an openly gay relationship was the tipping point for me. So, it's out of my DVR line-up. That frees up an additional 42 minutes per week and I'm praying that I don't find some other mindless drivel to fill those 42 minutes.

One prayer request for my faithful readers...I need a no-cost extension on my grant project to allow us to use the money awarded past the end of the grant period. It should be fairly straight-forward but the "deadline" for applying for this with CDC was April 1, 2008. Um, hello? How was I supposed to know in APRIL that in September the money wouldn't all be spent? Typical government! :-) I do have an e-mail in to the program officer to see if this can be resolved. I know God is bigger than government beaucracies and I need Him to show it. Thanks for the prayers!!

Radical

I think I may be weird. For many, this Radical series David has been preaching is really tough. For me, not so much. While seriously convicting, it is also helping to confirm that God has something really big planned for me in the near future. I make no claims that I know what that is but I feel a real Holy Spirit prompting. I think it probably relates to Arizona but God could have something totally different in mind.

David's sermon tonight really hit home on this front because he talked about God's commission often doesn't make sense, people will hate you, think you're nuts, etc. That is straight from Matthew 10 for those keeping score. What's really weird is that when I think about AZ, it doesn't make sense and some people in my life would think I'm nuts. By the world's standards, giving up "everything" and moving to the desert would be radical. Too bad the world doesn't understand calling or obedience to God's command. I say it doesn't make sense because I like big cities, winter, contemporary worship styles, need I go on? AZ offers NONE of that. What it does offer is a real opportunity to make a Kingdom difference on a daily basis. That should be enough for me to pack my bags and move tomorrow. Unfortunately, God hasn't said "go" permanently yet. I feel it's coming (you've been warned) and I have to be patient to pray through this and listen for God's voice as opposed to my voice wanting it to be God's.

If I can ask one thing through this seemingly wandering post, it's this: pray for me. Pray that I will have the patience to listen for God and no one else. Pray that I will be patient for God's provision if AZ isn't His plan. Pray that I will be willing to be a whenever, wherever, however, whoever follower of Christ.

Thanks in advance for the prayers!!

Perfect Lazy Day

Today has been a perfect Saturday. Slept late, tidied the apartment and then have watched football and read all day. Got some meat cooked for the week and just chilled.

After the craziness of this week getting ready for our luncheon tomorrow, I needed a day like today. I am so thankful for all the volunteers God uses to make the Assmilation Ministry run like clockwork but planning for this luncheon has been nuts. Getting the RSVPs, food ordered, centerpieces made, packets made, etc. made for a LONG week. It should be a nice time tomorrow and I know the volunteers who show up will be blessed.

This coming week will be hectic too. We have Starting Point this coming weekend and I'm off on Friday so everything has to be done earlier in the week. Oh well, we did August's preparation in three days so four days is a bonus. :-) I am looking forward to the weekend. Mom and Sarah got tickets for a women of faith event in ATL. It's a chance to spend time with them and hear wonderful Christian speakers and musicians. And it's free for me. That's even nicer. :-) I look forward to the rejuvination the weekend will provide.

OK, UGA seems to be having trouble so I'm off to see what the commentators are fussing about. More next time...

"The Shack"

I finished "The Shack" last night. I don't want to ruin the plot for any of my readers (all five of you) who haven't read it but suffice to say, it's a good book when read in the proper perspective. I read LOTS of comments on it last night from people who loved it and people who hated it. Most of the haters disliked it because of the incorrect theology throughout the book. What I found interesting is some of what they claim as "incorrect theology" is only their interpretation of theology.

Now, I do have to point out that there will be times when you read this book that you will go "hmm, not sure I'm with you there." That's actually a good thing. We as Christians all too often insulate ourselves from things that might cause us to look at our own faith. But, if you don't have to work at it, is it really faith? I know I'm constantly questioning why God is working on something particular in my life. I've never had an experience like what is described in this book but I am 100%certain that my God is big enough and sovereign enough to pull off the encounter described if He saw fit.

In short, this book is recommended with caveats. Remember it is fiction, remember it's an allegory and remember, it's ONE man's opinion. I would also caution that if you are a new believer, read it along with a strong, growing believer so if you have questions, you can ask them of someone who either knows the answer or is willing to search for the Truth with you.

Ramblings

Decided this post will be full of randomness. I'm really too tired to do much else but always seem to feel better after blogging...

Went to the Greek Festival tonight with my best friend. We hadn't seen each other to really visit in weeks and she has a baby coming so we took time tonight. Man, it was crowded but oh so yummy! I love that people who would never, ever support a church come out in droves to support the Greek Orthodox Church during the Greek Festival. Think God gets a chuckle out of that?

Then after visiting with Wen, I went to get gas. Well, I tried to get gas. The first station I stopped at had NO GAS. Really!? Seriously people, the refineries probably won't be damaged but the sheeple in this country panic at anything and put a run on gas. I actually NEEDED gas and ended up paying $4.32 for mid-grade because the cheap stuff was out. So glad my errands tomorrow are within 5 miles of home and work is less than a mile from home. Almost wish I didn't have to guest lecture downtown on Monday. ARGH! Stupid people.

Ever have weeks where you are just tired? I think God knew I didn't need to have John come to town this weekend, that I needed a "down" weekend. I'm looking forward to sleeping in, working on my small group lesson, running a few errands and then settling in with my friend Nicki for spaghetti and a movie. I love my simple life. I am tired from work, tired from school, just tired. Haven't been sleeping really well and that's affected by tiredness. I'm hoping it's a side effect of a med I'm on that will eventually go away. Maybe AZ will cure it. I'm usually so bone tired out there that I could sleep through the start of WWIII. :-)

Okay, enough rambling. I'm going to watch this week's Bones episode then crawl into my bed. One last thought...if you haven't read "The Shack," I seriously recommend it. Remember it's an allegory and you'll be fine. Read it literally and you'll be offended.

How GREAT is our God!!

Just had to share with my five or so readers. We serve an amazing God! Sunday night, I ended up having to serve at one of our desks (again) and had to miss the service. Now I can hear David's sermon in the lobby but I miss the music. So I was somewhat bummed. But, as God usually does, He had something better in mind. I was having a random conversation with a fellow servant and she was asking about my upcoming AZ trip. She said "you know, I have some money in my global account with Brook Hills for a trip I was planning and since getting pregnant and having the baby, I don't think I'll use it. You can have it." To say the least, I was FLOORED. Once I composed myself, I told her I didn't have the words to express my appreciation. Her generous gift will completely finance the rest of my trip!! The office has already done their part and the check should be to 1Way by the end of the week.

Then, to add to the excitement, last night my mom told me she had been saving money for missions this year and was getting ready to send a separate check to 1Way. It's about the same amount my original deposit check was for. So in other words, my trip (the one that was totally unplanned) has been fully covered financially. Hallelujiah!!! There are not words to say the way my heart is swelling to share God's generous gifting on this trip. Who knew He could top the anonymous donation of my May trip? :-)

Okay, enough of my sharing, I have to get back to work. I'll be back later to update on teaching 7th grade girls.

Life Update

Not that my life is all that interesting but just in case anyone in the blogosphere cares...

I'm headed to AZ again in a little over a month and still need $600 for my trip. I know we serve an awesome God and I'm having to trust BIG-TIME to see this money come through. I did get approval today to use three days of "mission trip" time so I don't have to burn all my vacation and have to take unpaid time at Christmas. That is a huge answer to prayer and proves again that God provides for the little things just like the big things.

In other news, I start teaching 7th grade girls on Sunday. I'll be team teaching with a wonderful woman but this Sunday I'm on my own because she's out of town. EEK, what was I thinking?! :-) In all seriousness, this is a different step for me based out of some serious prayer and a response to a question David posed to us on Staff Retreat. In short, I wasn't being as effective teaching adults as I can be investing in the lives of teenage girls. I feel this is where God is prompting me so I know He'll provide the strength but I'm still a bit nervous. I did get great advice from my friend Nicki tonight so I don't feel as overwhelmed. She's been teaching this age for over a year so she is the veteran in this. It's nice to have friends who are willing to share their wisdom.

I guess that's all or at least all of an update I have for now. I'm off to find something more interesting to do...

Clarification

Let me clarify something from my last post since I seem to have offended someone I don't even know. The baby wipe warmer may be useful but it cannot be seen as a necessity regardless of what condition your baby may suffer from. Warm water works just as well. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with you if you use one, heck if given one, I might use it too.

My point (that seemed to have been missed) is that we as Westerners waste so much of our resources be that time or money. The baby wipe warmer was just an example. You could insert daily Starbucks visits, spending countless hours watching TV or multiple trips out to eat in a week and get the same point. I am as guilty of this as the next person. I was bothered by it because it convicted me of behaviors in my own life.

Random Thoughts

I just got back from our staff retreat and David challenged us to be Radical in our lives. Radical in many ways: how we act for Christ, how we live our lives, how we worship, how we serve, etc. He also challenged us to think about what of our possessions we could give up. Do we need all the stuff we have? Considering that millions of people live on less than $2 a day, probably not. That's really got me thinking about what I could give up. Can't really get a much smaller place than I have now, I need a car but do I need all my clothes, shoes, stuff? Can I cut stuff out of my life, can I cut back on stuff and not cut things out completely (ie cheaper cable package, fewer cellphone minutes, less eating out)? It really has convicted me about the wastefulness in my own life and in life in the United States.

Then today I went to a baby shower for my best friend. Now Wendy is probably the most low maintenance person on the planet and she only registered for stuff because that's the "thing" to do. But one of the gifts she got was a baby wipe warmer? Seriously, a warmer for baby wipes?! I can't get the image of that out of my head. Why do you need a baby wipe warmer? Does poop come off easier if the wipe is warm, or smell less? I understand clothes and other needed items but that one really got to me. Wendy didn't really see the need for it either. I just think about the women in developing countries who don't have wipes at all much less a warmer and it breaks my heart that we in the Western Church are so caught up in our own selves we waste our resources on stuff like that. What would Jesus say to us if He was walking among us today? Am I the only one this stuff bothers?

Another random (and much lighter thought): why is Ping Pong an Olympic Sport? And why do they try and classy it up by calling it Table Tennis. It's a skilled activity, not a sport. Someone said trampoline is also an Olympic sport. Really?! We dropped softball and added trampoline? Go back to what the Greeks had and dump everything else. Oh wait, then NBC couldn't make millions of dollars showing all-Olympics, all the time.

Okay, enough randomness, I'm going to bed. :-)

Wow, 2 Days in a Row!!

I've had a much more productive day today. Got more accomplished at work and then went to a fan preview night at Samford. Nice job by the athletic department to put more fans in the seats. I really like the new ad campaign using slogans like "Thou shalt not steal but a well-placed interception is always welcome." and "Thou shalt not covet but it's okay to want the championship really, really bad." Look for billboards coming to the side of the road near you soon. :-)

I have about decided that there are people in the so-called Christian community that cause much more harm than good. First there is some idiot in McCain's camp that is relating Obama to the Anti-Christ. Really?! While Obama is not and ideal candidate (not that McCain is either), calling him the Anti-Christ is a bit over the top. Later I heard he was just kidding and relating it more to how the media has annointed him as the "chosen one." But, the whole thing still bothered me. This one comment, flippant or not, really doesn't help the campaign and makes it look like Obama is being picked on. Stick with the issues and leave Biblical comments to those who are smarter about those kinds of things.

Another batch of weirdos are those who are quite insistent that worshipping on Sunday is false teaching and worshipping on Sunday affects salvation. Excuse me? I don't remember there being anything in Jesus' teachings about going to church having an impact on salvation. Belief in Jesus as the only way to salvation is the ONLY way to salvation. How much simpler can that be? This has all come about because a friend of a friend has been getting serious pressure from her family because she has joined TCABH. Man I wish they were as concerned about feeding the hungry, nuturing the young and ministering to the sick as they were about what day people decided to grace the inside of a freakin' building. For the love people, it's about a relationship, not a day of the week.

Okay off my soapbox. It just bugs the ever-loving stew out of me when supposed Christians begin attacking other Christians over trivial matters. What a waste.

Ever Have One of Those Days?

Not really a bad day, just one where at the end of it you wonder where the day went? I guess I got stuff accomplished at work today but it sure doesn't seem like it. Everytime I turned around something else had popped up that needed my attention. I have a report that I am trying to finish so I can get back to membership data clean-up but the gremlins seem to be conspiring against me. :-)

I finally joined the party and got Netflix tonight. I'm trying the one movie at a time, unlimited rentals thing. Seems like a good deal and once I get two movies a month, it's cheaper than Blockbuster. I loaded my list with drama, comedy, drama, comedy. That way there's nothing too heavy over and over and I can see movies I've wanted to see but were too cheap to see in the theater (that's most movies produced since 1995).

For those two or three people who actually read this thing, I am trying to be better about posting. I go in spurts where I'm inspired but since God is stirring something new in me in terms of what's next career-wise, I thought having an online outlet for my thoughts and emotions would probably be a good thing.

Until next time...