Passed Over

No - this is not a posting about THE Passover - but more like I got passed over once again. Or maybe it'll turn out to be a Passover posting...hmmm....



Long & short of it - I interviewed for a promotion here at work - for a position that I had already been backing up for four years. I did not get the promotion - seems the person who got it would be "better for the NCAC." So - does that mean I'm not good enough. Of course it does - if I let Satan keep telling me that.



And this has not been the only thing I've been passed over for lately. Lots of church stuff, other job opportunities, social activities with "friends," etc. And the whole time I had to welcome in my competition - since I sit out front - I was obedient to God and prayed & fasted during the day. I prayed mostly for God's will to be done in my life concerning all things. And it's truly amazing the stuff He tells you when you are listening to Him.



It's not that I was "passed-over" but that I was PASSOVER'ed. The blood of Jesus covers me now - and those situations are not what God wants for me, so the death that could have occured had I not been covered in the blood would be so much worse than just feeling "passed over." He revealed to me that He doesn't want me to be a part of certain social circles ("cliques")...it's too narrow-minded and there's no outreach for Jesus. He doesn't want me to have that promotion because He knows He would lose my focus. I would be putting all my energy into doing that job and not spending precious time with Him. Even though I struggle with my current situations, I know He's right here with me. I know He has a plan for me - and I know I am in His will.



So if you ever feel like you've been "passed-over," consider a different perspective - that you've been Passover'ed because the blood of Jesus makes you a child of the Most High - and HE has everything under control.

Bathroom Talk

So I just got back from the bathroom. Already more information than you wanted to know! LOL! But in the hallway - where there's nothing but windows overlooking the expressway - a mom who owns a copy shop on the first floor was up on the 10th with her daughter (probably almost 4) looking at all the cars. They were adorable just in the hallway.

As I'm finishing up in the bathroom stall, I hear them enter - little girl chatting like a grown-up and I had to giggle when I heard her say, "well, actually..." Then it got better. They went into their stalls and the little girl asks mommy, "Are you wiping?" Mommy replies (after giggling), "no, honey, I'm tinkling." "Well, I'm wiping," was the girl's response. I laughed after I left the room!

Serious bathroom girl-talk, indeed!

I just could not resist taking a picture of my favorite view this morning! And I hate that pictures just can not express all the colors, lighting, feel of what I actually see.


This spot is located around a bend in the road. So every morning I anticipate what that view is going to be that morning. During the winter when there's a layer of snow, and the white horse is standing behind the pond, with ice on the trees - it's simply magical to behold!


I hope God saves this spot for me in Heaven.

Easter Passion

This post marks my 200th blog posting. Seems like a lot, but really it's not. There's so much to write about, so many messages to send, so many observations & experiences to pass along. But if I never got a chance to write another post - there's one thing I would have to post about...Jesus.

Last night we went to Southeast Christian Church's "Easter Passion." This production was more than your small-church Easter pageant...and for those that have seen it in previous years - you know what I'm talking about. This is all-out broadway excellence. This year they added video. And not done in a style you would think. The whole thing was completely UN-BE-LIEVE-ABLE!!! Unlike anything I've ever seen before. And there was not a dry eye in the place when we left. Anytime you are seeing Jesus, experiencing Jesus...it's better than a sermon any day.

This Passion starts as John the Baptist is preaching and baptizes Jesus, goes through Jesus' ministry, then his crucifixion, death, burial, resurrection and ascension. That's cool stuff! Beyond cool - it touches you. This picture is from the temptation in the wilderness scene. That's Satan above Jesus' head. Throughout the production you see Satan trying to influence - Jesus in the wilderness, the Pharisees when hearing the blind man's testimony, provoking the mob to choose Barabas over Jesus... It's amazing to SEE Satan's influence - he of course is the ruler of this realm. He's also the father of lies. But anytime Satan came against Jesus - Jesus' focus was on His Father! No focus or attention was even given to Satan. But for the others that were influenced by Satan - no attention was given to God or even acknowledging Satan - they just did what they were influenced to do. It was amazing to witness it as an outside observer and then apply it to my own life.

I have a promotion interview today. I've been anxious about it all week. But, I've given that all over to God to work with. Whatever happens will be in His will. But I've looked at myself and seen where Satan has been pumping me since the opportunity came open. Shoot, Satan's been pumping me about a lot of things for years now. Holding me down, keep me captive instead of captivating. I've lost a lot at the hands of Satan. Every day is a battle to fight, but not alone. Jesus conquered death so we could have victory. So I encourage you readers, learn more about Jesus - stay close to Him. He died to pay the ransom for you (and me). He was the only one who could do it. Satan has you held captive. Whether it be from your own actions & consequences, or those that were influenced by Satan, or even thoughts of defeat and worthless Satan has planted in your head caused by someone else's actions; whether you know it or not, Satan has held you captive.

But the beautiful thing is - Jesus already paid the ransom years ago, all you have to do is accept that - and accept Him as your Lord that has saved you from hell. Repent & be baptized for your sins, accept Jesus as Lord & Savior (brother & friend), take up your cross daily (stay alert & involved with Jesus), love God with all your heart, mind and strength, and love others as yourself. God Bless You!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

'Beannachtam na Feile Padraig!' = Happy St. Patrick's Day!

From Saint Patrick's Breastplate
Christ be with me
Christ before me
Christ behind me
Christ in me
Christ beneath me
Christ above me
Christ on my right
Christ on my left
Christ where I lie
Christ where I sit
Christ where I arise
Christ in the heart of every man
who thinks of me
Christ in the mouth of every man
who speaks of me
Christ in every eye that sees me
Christ in every ear that hears me
Salvation is of the Lord.


An Old Irish Blessing
May love and laughter light your days, and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours, wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world with joy that long endures.
May all life's passing seasons bring the best to you and yours!





And now some clips from one of my favorites..."The Quiet Man" with John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara. This movie has great scenery from Ireland - and I've been in some of these spots and actually rode in the trap they ride in while their "courting." I've walked that same lane they ride their bike in too. It's just breathtaking views and I can't wait to go back someday.

Updating Blog & Book Reco

As you can see - I've been updating my blog. I've added a lot of new links in categories so they're easy to find. This is done so I can share some goodies with others as well as have a central place I can always go to when I want to find them myself. I'm going to keep adding as time goes on, but I have to say - I think I found my dream blog layout. I know it's not frilly and real pretty, but it'll be packed with good stuff to keep coming back for. Plus, I hope to get out there more in blog worlds and start following more people. Everyone has a great story they are living out in God's Epic.



Now for the book recommendation: "Jesus Mean and Wild." This is about one of the best get-to-know-Jesus books outside of the Bible. Most conversations I have or hear about Jesus always involve His great sacrifice and compassion and love - Jesus, meek & mild - and that's absolutely true. But so many times we don't take into consideration just how hard He can be. The gentle sheperd, yes. But remember how demanding and confrontational and fearless and assured and confident He can be: rebuking and casting out demons, putting the Pharisees and religious leaders in their place, training and disciplining the disciples, making bold statements ("Before Moses was, I AM," "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one come to the Father except through me," and so on). This book just reminds me (and you if you read it), that Jesus is more than a healer and redeemer and forgiver. He's God in the flesh - and that includes characteristics of an Old Testament God - remember in John 2 Jesus cleared the temple with a whip of cords HE MADE!


A few weeks ago in church the speaker had us do a visulization exercise - how do we SEE Jesus? How do we imagine talking to Him? Greeting Him? Being greeted by Him? For me - my initial seeing of Jesus is on a white horse with this huge flaming sword with the legion of angels behind him. Then He rides up to me and dismounts to give me a hug then leads me through a narrow gate through the garden to sit on rocks next to a waterfall to talk. That is now my peace place with Jesus - on the rocks next to the waterfall.

How do you see Jesus? Do you have a peace place?

Spring has Sprung!

I got home Sunday night in the dark - I couldn't see this awesome sight! I got home from work yesterday and guess what's coming up - tulips!! Spring's a'comin'!

Awesome weekend

This was one of the best vacations I've had in awhile! Bill and I went to the Smokies to just get away from everything. For me - no work, no computer, no phone calls, no paperwork...just good books to read and rest to be had. For Bill - it was a celebration of his birthday (a week late, but still). It was his weekend - whatever he wanted to do.

I was fortunate enough to find (with the help of my mom who is well-versed in cabins in the Smokies) this fabulous deal on a 2-bedroom cabin that had a pool table, hot tub, wood-burning fireplace, and great view (even better when there's leaves on the trees). All these are some of his favorite things. So after the 4 hour (or so) drive down, we "planned" the weekend - no plans! He went golfing Friday while I went shopping. He cooked for us a bunch - YEAH for me!! Steaks on the grill, hot wings (his are perfect!), and breakfasts.

It was funny cause I was looking forward to having the loft bedroom - I love those. But because it was his weekend, and I didn't express my desire in the upstairs - he chose the loft room! Goober. But my room had a TV in it - plus the outside door went right to the hot tub, but the front door was literally another five feet away - so not a huge bragging point. Saturday we walked around Gatlinburg for awhile people-watching mostly. We are certainly a funny race, God definitely has a sense of humor and loves us all for who we are no matter what we choose to look like! And when we came back to the cabin, it was warm enough I just sat out on the porch reading and soaking up some sun. It was hard coming back home.

Photo Tag

Ok - I didn't OFFICIALLY get tagged, but Lynn kind of tagged everybody on her blog, so I'm taking it! 6th and 6th, right?

Yes, I was really this close to Brooks & Dunn! KFC Convention, 2006 in Dallas, Texas (of course). This was an awesome concert. I was close enough you could see 'em sweat. AND - Kix here actually took one of the attendees' cell phone and talked to the person on the other end. Then laid the phone down on the piano to serenade the caller! Plus, these guys are just great. They pulled a couple of the kids up on stage to dance with them. It was such a family-friendly night (with the exception of the overly drunk guy behind me in the crowd - not pretty).

Ok - just one more

Just one more video for today

I'm cleaning up my emails and just HAVE to post all these! This guy is utterly incredible. If you think you can't get back up from whatever you've fallen - think again!

Goodnight Irena

Amazing Story

The Colonel and Mel Gibson?

Ok - I live in a crazy chicken world around here. For any of you who watch Jimmy Kimmel, you will have seen this clip. Mel Gibson's "trailer" for "The Colonel." Hilarious! (Warning: 2 cuss words if that offends).




And then of course, we at KFC responded with our own "trailer."

English Language

Shawna sent me this in an email and I just HAD to put it on here!

If you ever feel stupid, then just read on. If you've learned to speak fluent English, you must be a genius! This little treatise on the lovely language we share is only for the brave. Peruse at your leisure, English lovers. Reasons why the English language is so hard to learn:

1) The bandage was wound around the wound.
2) The farm was used to produce produce.
3) The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.
4) We must polish the Polish furniture.
5) He could lead if he would get the lead out.
6) The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert.
7) Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present.
8) A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum
9) When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.
10) I did not object to the object.
11) The insurance was invalid for the invalid.
12) There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row.
13) They were too close to the door to close it.
14) The buck does funny things when the does are present.
15) A seamstress and a sewer fell down into a sewer line.
16) To help with planting, the farmer taught his sow to sow.
17) The wind was too strong to wind the sail.
18) After a number of injections my jaw got number.
19) Upon seeing the tear in the painting I shed a tear.
20) I had to subject the subject to a series of tests
21) How can I intimate this to my most intimate friend?

There is no egg in eggplant nor ham in hamburger;neither apple nor pine in pineapple. English muffins weren't invented in England or French fries in France. Sweetmeats are candies while sweetbreads, which aren't sweet, are meat. If the plural of tooth is teeth, why isn't the plural of booth beeth? One goose, 2 geese. So one moose, 2meese? If you have a bunch of odds and ends and get rid of all but one of them, what do you call it? Is it an odd, or an end? If teachers taught, why didn't preachers praught? If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a humanitarian eat? In what language do people recite at a play and play at a recital? Ship by truck and send cargo by ship? Have noses that run and feet that smell? How can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same, while a wise man and a wise guy are opposites? You have to marvel at the unique lunacy of a language in which your house can burn up as it burns down, in which you fill in a form by filling it out, and in which, an alarm goes off by going on. English was invented by people, not computers, and it reflects the creativity of the human race, which, of course, is not a race at all. That is why, when the stars are out, they are visible, but when the lights are out, they are invisible. P.S. - Why doesn't "Buick" rhyme with "quick"?

Back to normal

Well, I got home Friday afternoon from Convention in Washington, DC, and now I'm back at work - back to normal already. It was a great trip - meeting went smooth, Convention went smooth and was packed with a lot of beneficial stuff, and the siteseeing was fabulous. I've added a few albums on my facebook page.

On my downtime I was able to visit a few museums (and a seriously fun whirlwind tour with Moses, my driver). The Smithsonian is fantastic, but the Library of Congress blew me away. The architecture was amazing (that's it with all the arches), and the exhibits were really interesting. I think my favorite part was Thomas Jefferson's collection of books. Did you know he owned over 65,000 books! Not all of those books survived the years, but there is one gigantic room in the Library that houses what's left. And the whole bookcases are encased in glass.

One very interesting treasure I found was Jotham's ring. Jotham's story begins in 2 Kings 15:32, and also shows up in 2 Chronicles 26 & 27. This piece was unbelieveable.

Then there was the rocks! Oh my goodness! I don't know how many pictures I actually took of the gems, rock formations, and other geological stuff. It was amazing. And all I could think about when walking through this exhibit was how much the whole of creation gives God praise and glory! I had just been reading in John the night before and am still amazed how much

God loves us - me. He chose me (and you) to be his adopted CHILDREN. Not JUST his created-in-his-image-beings, but His Children! Seeing all the formations and colors of the rocks (some even glow-in-the-dark!) just made it very clear that God does not NEED us to be His glory. He CHOSE us to be His Glory on this Earth.

I want to be the best me possible - and with the Holy Spirit working in me, I can be (as I let him work!). I want to show excellence for God in everything I do including my relationships, work, creative projects, eating, play and rest and so on.

Then I get to this beauty - the Hope Diamond. This thing is huge and gorgeous. There's a history to it. But the thing I found most interesting was that it is considered imperfect. It's a crudely cut gem - and because of imperfections of other minerals in the diamond, it creates the blue coloring. And another God moment - we are SOOO imperfect, yet gorgeous in God's eyes through Jesus!