So I've already admitted to being sentimental and romantic, but I also have "an old soul." I LOVE "the old stuff." Especially in music. Classic country - real women singing real stuff (Patsy will always be my favorite), Southern Gospel - no one beats Vestal Goodman! Bluegrass - give me Ralph Stanley singing "O, Death," and I just melt over Bing Crosby's crooning, feel like dancing with military boys to the Andrew Sisters and even Jimmy Durante can inspire me to "Make Someone Happy." LOVE IT!
Today I've been listening to some of this older stuff - Jimmy, Bing, Doris Day, Mae West, Al Jolson (yah, cha, cha), and the rest. And one song came on my "jukebox" that just absolutely delighted me - well, two really. So I found them on ye old youtube for your enjoyment as well. Tell me these aren't adorable and make you feel all sunny inside!
Turn the sound up a little for this one... you only need about the first minute, but Shirley's just cute to watch!
From my Billy Graham's Page-a-Day calendar:
"And I shall give them one heart, and shall put a new spirit within them. And I shall take the heart of stone out of their flesh and give them a heart of flesh..." Ezekiel 11:19 (NASB)
"I will give them a new heart and a new mind" Ezekiel 11:19 (TEV)
When a person comes in contact with the living God, he or she can never be the same again. This divin e"fire" either draws in or drives away, saves or destroys, helps or hinders. Accepted and utilized, it becomes a boon and a blessing. Rejected, it becomes a bane and a curse. One dying theif was drawn to the warmth of the Savior; he responded in faith and was saved. The other dying theif turned away and rejected God's compassion; he was lost forever....No, you will never be the same once you know Christ. What difference will He make in your life today?
"And I shall give them one heart, and shall put a new spirit within them. And I shall take the heart of stone out of their flesh and give them a heart of flesh..." Ezekiel 11:19 (NASB)
"I will give them a new heart and a new mind" Ezekiel 11:19 (TEV)
When a person comes in contact with the living God, he or she can never be the same again. This divin e"fire" either draws in or drives away, saves or destroys, helps or hinders. Accepted and utilized, it becomes a boon and a blessing. Rejected, it becomes a bane and a curse. One dying theif was drawn to the warmth of the Savior; he responded in faith and was saved. The other dying theif turned away and rejected God's compassion; he was lost forever....No, you will never be the same once you know Christ. What difference will He make in your life today?
Ok - I admit it - I am a sentimental romantic sap! I love the classic musicals and love stories where there's love at first sight, those that fight for love, and the happily-ever-afters. Love 'em!
My birthday was Saturday, and it wasn't as I would have normally planned, but my friends remembered and that made it special! And that night I watched one of my favorite stories - Cinderella (while knitting with a cat in my lap - how much more relaxing can it get). And I not only watched the first Cinderella, but Cinderella III too.
There's so much I love about these stories. Love at first sight for them both, rags-to-riches for Cinderella, justice to the evil stepmother/sisters, and the value of friendship and standing up for those you love.
Now, for those of you who don't know -- I was married once. Yes, I am divorced - almost 8 years now. God forgave me long ago and so did I. Currently, I am under divine protection in the area of a relationship with a man because I asked God to protect me when I started back to college - didn't need the distraction at that time (and I didn't have a good track record). It's been 6 years since I was asked out on a date (not even from the weird ones). 6 years. Talk about having a low self-esteem in this area sometimes. But I know that God is preparing me for my future love that will be Jesus for me while on this earth. I also know that God is preparing that man to be a real man for me. I'm sure he's getting put through plenty of trials to be able to handle me! :-) And he's going to have to ask my FATHER's permission.. But I digress...
When I watch these stories, there's always the kiss. "True Love's Kiss." And in some stories like Cinderella III and Sleepless in Seattle it was the touching of the hands -- it was something they just "knew." For our very own Steve Meredith - he saw Vicki on the dance floor and just KNEW that was the girl he was going to marry. (Everybody together now...."AHHhhhhhhhHHH").
Plus, I'm a history buff. I love to know where people, cultures, traditions come from. And I thought about that whole "You may now kiss the bride" deal. Wouldn't they have already kissed 
normally? What makes THAT kiss so special? And how did that start? So I did some research and found that today's wedding kiss is a testament to the newlywed's devotion and love for each other but it had a more practical meaning during the Roman Times when it was used to seal the legal bond or marriage contract. This may be the origin of the expression "sealed with a kiss" and that does not only refer to a wedding. It seems that the Romans are known for their fascination to the ancient art of kissing. They started the passionate betrothal kiss which is said to be the origin of the kiss which was done at the end of the ceremony. That kiss between the new husband and wife serves as a public agreement that they willingly enter into a life-long contract called marriage. The more superstitious ones believe that the wedding kiss paves the way for the mingling of the couples' souls.
normally? What makes THAT kiss so special? And how did that start? So I did some research and found that today's wedding kiss is a testament to the newlywed's devotion and love for each other but it had a more practical meaning during the Roman Times when it was used to seal the legal bond or marriage contract. This may be the origin of the expression "sealed with a kiss" and that does not only refer to a wedding. It seems that the Romans are known for their fascination to the ancient art of kissing. They started the passionate betrothal kiss which is said to be the origin of the kiss which was done at the end of the ceremony. That kiss between the new husband and wife serves as a public agreement that they willingly enter into a life-long contract called marriage. The more superstitious ones believe that the wedding kiss paves the way for the mingling of the couples' souls. Wow - do we really see it that way now? That the kiss is sealing the contract per se. It's binding. Meaningful. It's not just sharing spit all you youngins! How amazingly awesome would it be if two people saved their "first kiss" to be the kiss that "seals the deal" for marriage?
And I love Jane Austen stories - back when being in love was done in its proper form. There was no sex on the first meeting...there was barely looking at each other the first time you met! And to have touched each others' hands...wow...there was real meaning in that. When everything you did for each other had meaning and was not to be taken for granted. Believing in each other, lifting each other up, loving and taking care of each other in the small things (like killing the spiders or sewing a button or even caring for a sprained ankle after falling off a horse). Where just looking at each other from across the room filled your love jar all night! And the dance! To be chosen as the dance partner of the one you are in love with - you would be floating on air all night like Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady! Whatever happened to all that?!?!?!?
All I've seen lately is people (young and old) that are quick to jump right to sex. Like THAT means anything. That's just destructive. Not only does it not glorify God, but it destroys you...it hardens you to be able to truly love someone. Your perception of what love IS becomes skewed to only the physical. Love is not sex. "Making love" has been turned into a free-for-all with anyone. That's not good. "Making love" is what a married man & woman do -- not only in the physical union, but in the everyday things...little notes, picking up after each other, reaching stuff on the top shelf, fixing favorite foods, listening, interacting, etc. For me, making love is a package deal. I don't want just the temporary physical feelings - but the whole experience! Anything less than that and I short-change myself and my husband (to-be, hopefully).
And to have a husband willing to fight for me - to die for me...that would be imitating Jesus. Just as He loved the church so husbands should love their wives. Another interesting tidbit about a wedding ceremony: The brides placement to the left— When a bridegroom secured his bride and prepared to marry her, she was placed to his left in order to protect her, leaving his right hand free for swordplay if need be. There was in ancient times when brides were literally fought for!
Needless to say, I love the true romantic ways - not the over-done PDA of today. I love to see true love that shines the love of Jesus to others. Call me a sentimental fool and I will agree!
Stuff I'd love to write about and don't have the focused-time today:
- Olympic ribbon gymnasts - wow
- Warriors in Christ - great stuff - Craig Groeschel's message mainly directed at men, but I got a lot out of it too.
- My new pool deck
- Birthday tomorrow
- Youth Leader retreat tonight-tomorrow - sleeping in the bed of my truck I think
- No real work accomplished this week - only God-studies
- KFC Original Recipe strips and Cravin' Filet sandwiches are great additions to the menu
- Walking with a buddy helps
- God even protects my wallet when I lose it
- Dreams can feel so real
- The Holy Spirit does reveal Truth
- I love the kids!
- I need to work on my reaction to being interrupted
- Prayer doesn't always involve words
- God is indescribable
Did you ever contemplate how God's plans are so personalized? I brought this up during Sr. High Sunday - how God being huge enough to create EVERYTHING - yet, individual enough to live inside us. And I went one step further last night while reading "The Barbarian Way."
Erwin McManus talked about following the barbian way when following Jesus - it's not going to be sunshine and roses all the time - it's not fair most of the time. And he used John 21:22 (but in context 17-23). Jesus just talks with Peter about "feed my sheep," restoring Peter. And apparently they are walking - Peter looks back and sees John and asks Jesus, "What about him?" And Jesus flat tells Peter, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you. You must follow me."
What is that to you! Wow. Basically, Peter (Christy), that's not your concern. He (or she) is going to live out their life on the path I've laid for them - just like I've laid your path for you to follow. I will live life in certain situations/circumstances that no one else may have to. And there's one definite I discovered in my life - if I am trying to go in a direction that God has not laid for me - I keep walking into walls - my way is much harder than following God's way.
Erwin McManus talked about following the barbian way when following Jesus - it's not going to be sunshine and roses all the time - it's not fair most of the time. And he used John 21:22 (but in context 17-23). Jesus just talks with Peter about "feed my sheep," restoring Peter. And apparently they are walking - Peter looks back and sees John and asks Jesus, "What about him?" And Jesus flat tells Peter, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you. You must follow me."
What is that to you! Wow. Basically, Peter (Christy), that's not your concern. He (or she) is going to live out their life on the path I've laid for them - just like I've laid your path for you to follow. I will live life in certain situations/circumstances that no one else may have to. And there's one definite I discovered in my life - if I am trying to go in a direction that God has not laid for me - I keep walking into walls - my way is much harder than following God's way.
I just saw a promo on NBC for a new show with Christian Slater, "My Own Worst Enemy." Now, I've heard that phrase more than once in my life - and I tend to agree that I am my own worst enemy. I let Satan get in my head and it makes for one bad day. Like today. Not that today is particularly horrible - just highly irritating and frustrating. Welcome to adulthood.
And being a child of God, I am making constant concerted efforts to pay attention to my attitude and actions. My attitude should like that of Christ Jesus, and my actions should show the love of God to the world. Do I do that? And How? And what does it look like when I don't do such a good job. Am I being a pain in the neck right now because I'm frustrated and feel like the whole office is treating me unfairly? My initial reaction USED to be to go to the bathroom where I had privacy and inwardly scream to God "WHY!?!?!?" "Because your perception is off," was His reply one day. What? MY perception...
That day was a long time ago. There are still frustrating moments and sometimes whole days, but my perception is different. I get closer to God and see things completely different - He's higher up...so situations look smaller...tiny sometimes. And NOT IMPORTANT in the big picture. Just because someone doesn't involve me in areas that will affect my job - doesn't mean it's intentional. It has nothing to do with me - it's not all about me, duh. So what do I do now? For all practical purposes, I do something totally different...like researching youth ministry ideas, or reading mission blogs, or even landscaping ideas, or living on my own island. Today - I listened to Robin Sigar's (from CIY) podcast on David's Mighty Men. Awesome stuff. Never hurts to get a message from the Lord. Plus daydream a little - that never hurts either. Keeps the imagination alive. And watch cartoons, oh wait, I do that for any mood. :-)
All that helps calm me quick and enough to change my attitude about my experience. I don't hold on to it either. Work relations do not accompany me home. WORK does sometimes - just not the office politics atmosphere. I've set up boundaries in my relationships everywhere. Not walls of defense - but strategic reponses to certain situations. For example, if I'm not included on an email that tells of a meeting -- I will not feel obligated to be there. I can spend that time doing something much more productive - without getting my feelings hurt. This method has been fantastic - and helps keep my priorities in check: Jesus first, then others, then me. Make sense? What about you? When you are irritated or frustrated - how do you express it? Is it clear to anyone around that Jesus comes first in your life? How quick can you be not irritated? What do you do to not be that way?
And being a child of God, I am making constant concerted efforts to pay attention to my attitude and actions. My attitude should like that of Christ Jesus, and my actions should show the love of God to the world. Do I do that? And How? And what does it look like when I don't do such a good job. Am I being a pain in the neck right now because I'm frustrated and feel like the whole office is treating me unfairly? My initial reaction USED to be to go to the bathroom where I had privacy and inwardly scream to God "WHY!?!?!?" "Because your perception is off," was His reply one day. What? MY perception...
That day was a long time ago. There are still frustrating moments and sometimes whole days, but my perception is different. I get closer to God and see things completely different - He's higher up...so situations look smaller...tiny sometimes. And NOT IMPORTANT in the big picture. Just because someone doesn't involve me in areas that will affect my job - doesn't mean it's intentional. It has nothing to do with me - it's not all about me, duh. So what do I do now? For all practical purposes, I do something totally different...like researching youth ministry ideas, or reading mission blogs, or even landscaping ideas, or living on my own island. Today - I listened to Robin Sigar's (from CIY) podcast on David's Mighty Men. Awesome stuff. Never hurts to get a message from the Lord. Plus daydream a little - that never hurts either. Keeps the imagination alive. And watch cartoons, oh wait, I do that for any mood. :-)
All that helps calm me quick and enough to change my attitude about my experience. I don't hold on to it either. Work relations do not accompany me home. WORK does sometimes - just not the office politics atmosphere. I've set up boundaries in my relationships everywhere. Not walls of defense - but strategic reponses to certain situations. For example, if I'm not included on an email that tells of a meeting -- I will not feel obligated to be there. I can spend that time doing something much more productive - without getting my feelings hurt. This method has been fantastic - and helps keep my priorities in check: Jesus first, then others, then me. Make sense? What about you? When you are irritated or frustrated - how do you express it? Is it clear to anyone around that Jesus comes first in your life? How quick can you be not irritated? What do you do to not be that way?
On Rebecca's blog entry today, she talked about people having different talents. Well, it sparked something for me so I found this video. Not the exact one I was looking for, but you get the idea that this is definitely a talent that would be fun to have!
So just forget my last posting about the Talent Show....it's postponed. August 24 was just coming up WAY too fast for me and the crew that make it what it is every time - hilarious! And because I want to do all things for God with excellence - the Talent Show is officially postponed until further notice.
But don't forget the cornhole tournament this weekend at the GCC Ranch!!
But don't forget the cornhole tournament this weekend at the GCC Ranch!!
Ok everybody - I need your help on this one. The Talent Show is scheduled for Sunday, August 24 at 6p.m. and I need to get the word out big-time! I'm running a couple weeks behind on preparation for this one - only in the area of promotion. We always run it to the last second on what's really going to happen on-stage!
So - tell everybody you know. Sign-up sheet is up in the fellowship hall. Block out Sunday night the 24th on your calendars! And be prepared to laugh and cry and reminisce a little!
Thanks!
So - tell everybody you know. Sign-up sheet is up in the fellowship hall. Block out Sunday night the 24th on your calendars! And be prepared to laugh and cry and reminisce a little!
Thanks!
I just looked at a blog post by Perry Noble titled "Wrestling With Weight Issues." And for me - losing weight is a matter of doing it. But the title really intrigued me and sparked a play on words: Wrestling with Wait Issues. Waiting. That is one of the hardest things to do in life.
I talked with a friend of mine last night about this very subject. It's hard to wait for new jobs, new relationships, situations to work themselves out, change of seasons, the food to get ready, and even other people.
The word wait is fascinating - it is both a verb and a noun.
I talked with a friend of mine last night about this very subject. It's hard to wait for new jobs, new relationships, situations to work themselves out, change of seasons, the food to get ready, and even other people.
The word wait is fascinating - it is both a verb and a noun.
- The verb form means: 1: to stay in place in expectation of :2: to delay serving (a meal) 3: to serve as waiter for
1 a: to remain stationary in readiness or expectation b: to pause for another to catch up —usually used with up 2 a: to look forward expectantly b: to hold back expectantly 3: to serve at meals —usually used in such phrases as wait on tables or wait on table4 a: to be ready and available b: to remain temporarily neglected or unrealized
— wait on also wait upon 1 a: to attend as a servant b: to supply the wants of : serve 2: to make a formal call on3: to wait for. - The noun form: 1 a: a hidden or concealed position —used chiefly in the expression lie in wait b: a state or attitude of watchfulness and expectancy
2 a: one of a band of public musicians in England employed to play for processions or public entertainments b (1): one of a group who serenade for gratuities especially at the Christmas season (2): a piece of music by such a group3: an act or period of waiting
In the Bible there are plenty of examples of the noun, especially lying in wait (a hidden or concealed position). Usually applies to warfare, ambush or treachery. But that verb form: look forward expectantly, hold back, serve, remain stationary in readiness....WHAT!?!?! Wow. Wait is such a huge word. How do you know what to do? So I looked up a few things because what it reminds me of is "Wait upon the Lord."
In Ruth, Naomi tells Ruth to go to Boaz. She does and lays at his feet while he sleeps and in the morning sends her home with barley - he's been taking care of her and has vowed to continue to take care of her. (not to mention he's in love ;-) ) So Naomi tells Ruth, "Wait, my daughter, until you know how the matter turns out; for the man will not rest until he has settled it today." How did Ruth wait? We don't officially know because the story goes: "Meanwhile, Boaz..." Sheesh. Ruth must have been on pins and needles all day! I can only imagine what was going through her mind.
And the Psalms - FULL of waiting. Psalm 25 alone has multiple mentions: v3: Indeed, none of those who wait for You will be ashamed; Those who deal treacherously without cause will be ashamed. 5:5 Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; For You I wait all the day. 25:21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, For I wait for You. Psalm 27:14: Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD. And there are a lot more in the Psalms. And one of the most famous: Isaiah 40:31 - Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up {with} wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.
Now, in my every day life I have to wait for many things. And there are situations in my life, like career or no career, future husband or no future husband, kids or no kids, etc., that I am waiting on the Lord to unfold His plan in my life. My friend and I discussed that at length. And we agree - waiting is hard. But at the same time I don't want to miss out on the opportunities God is giving me....like the mission trip in October, helping with the youth group, organizing a talent show, or even spending time with a friend. So while I look forward expectantly I am serving in the process...I am waiting on the Lord (both for His Word to be revealed to me, and serving for His glory).
And just think about it. All those years Isreal waited for a Savior - the Messiah - to come. And when He did, they did not recognize Him. (But to those who did He gave the right to become children of God - boy, did those others miss out!) And now we wait for the Lord to return.
Girl-time is great! And I was so thankful to have my best friend with me this weekend. We were at the Women of Faith Conference in Indy along with 30 others from GCC and thousands from other places. It was amazing to say the least.
Now remember, I basically just got back from my first-ever youth conference, CIY, and now I've been to my first Women's Conference. I can tell you - vastly different styles - but both so fabulous! CIY was about MOVE - move closer to Jesus, let the Spirit move you and through you. WofFaith was about Infinite Grace. That it's not about us living up to expectations - it's about his covering us with grace.
There were a variety of speakers - and I can relate to all of them. I don't know if I have a favorite - but hands-down, Anita Renfroe is the funniest lady I've seen in awhile. But there were a few moments that really stood out for me. Sheila Walsh's testimony and how God's message to her and consequently to us was "you don't have to be afraid - you're not alone - He sees you - He loves you - don't be afraid." And she went on to talk about prayer - Jesus in the garden. Not only did he teach us to pray, but he prayed by example. The sorrow of what he was going to go through was crushing his life, yet he still prayed "not my will, but yours Father." So that was one that really validated where I've been on a few things lately -- not my will, but yours Father!
Another one was when Patsy Clairmont talked about Jesus seeing this bent-over woman in a crowd and said "Behold!...." BEHOLD - to be present in the moment. She also joked about being on a diet - although she changed the verbage to edit. LOL! She is so spunky! And Sandi Patty's testimony about tore me up! I'm with ya Lynn on that one! But she had thing that stuck with me: "If a caterpillar stays layered in the cocoon too long - it's toxic - it cannot become all it was meant to be." and "We are all worth being loved."
And a really powerful one was when Nicole C Mullen with her song of "One Touch." I found this video - and the on-stage was extremely powerful! I'm trying to talk Kim K into singing it soon.
Now remember, I basically just got back from my first-ever youth conference, CIY, and now I've been to my first Women's Conference. I can tell you - vastly different styles - but both so fabulous! CIY was about MOVE - move closer to Jesus, let the Spirit move you and through you. WofFaith was about Infinite Grace. That it's not about us living up to expectations - it's about his covering us with grace.
There were a variety of speakers - and I can relate to all of them. I don't know if I have a favorite - but hands-down, Anita Renfroe is the funniest lady I've seen in awhile. But there were a few moments that really stood out for me. Sheila Walsh's testimony and how God's message to her and consequently to us was "you don't have to be afraid - you're not alone - He sees you - He loves you - don't be afraid." And she went on to talk about prayer - Jesus in the garden. Not only did he teach us to pray, but he prayed by example. The sorrow of what he was going to go through was crushing his life, yet he still prayed "not my will, but yours Father." So that was one that really validated where I've been on a few things lately -- not my will, but yours Father!
Another one was when Patsy Clairmont talked about Jesus seeing this bent-over woman in a crowd and said "Behold!...." BEHOLD - to be present in the moment. She also joked about being on a diet - although she changed the verbage to edit. LOL! She is so spunky! And Sandi Patty's testimony about tore me up! I'm with ya Lynn on that one! But she had thing that stuck with me: "If a caterpillar stays layered in the cocoon too long - it's toxic - it cannot become all it was meant to be." and "We are all worth being loved."
And a really powerful one was when Nicole C Mullen with her song of "One Touch." I found this video - and the on-stage was extremely powerful! I'm trying to talk Kim K into singing it soon.
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