The Internet Is A Tempting Arena to "Spill It."

Ok.  Here's the situation in a no-detail nutshell.  I have SOMEONE who has made a request of me that I feel is completely uncalled for and none of their business.  This request was to take down one of my videos about a dog and his first fireworks.  Who could possibly want to deny the world the pleasure of watching a dog share his excitement about his first fireworks.  The video was completely about the DOG and HIS FIRST FIREWORKS - NOTHING to do with any ancillary people that happened to be in the video.  I LOVE this video - it's MINE.  It's purely entertaining because of the DOG. Hopefully, that's been clarified.

However.....

This is the part where it is so tempting to "spill it" on the internet.  Of course there's a backstory to this video request.  One I won't be sharing here simply because this whole thing is ridiculous and really does NOT INVOLVE ME.  But because I've received this request - along with a litany of other pointless syllables - it is really tempting to just tell the whole world how I feel about it.  And the internet provides the perfect venue.  But that would not be the wise thing to do.  Oh, there will be follow-up, but offline and in my usual way. 

What is a wise response when emotions run high?  What about when someone just simply offends you because of their views?  Do you ignore it?  Do you put a nasty comment on their status?  Do you message a litany of useless syllables hoping to gain a response in your favor? 

Why am I writing all this anyway?  Well, first to use the platform to make it clear that what I post is MINE and not meant to cause harm but enrichment to others' lives.  If it has offended - sorry, but I'm not retracting.  Second, to gently remind us all to take a pause before reacting online.  Breathe, think it through, then respond if necessary.  You may find that it's not necessary to jump into someone else's "drama party."

Getting More Done With FOCUS

Ok, ok...I haven't kept-up my personal blog very well lately. I have a few logistical challenges, but I have a way around those now. So here I am!

I wrote a posting for our Arkham Executive blog about calendar control (part one). This is something I have been a student of for more years than I care to admit.  There's always so much to fit into a day, like networking for business.

Yesterday was a great networking day.  Had a wonderful meeting in the morning over smoothies, then off to the Jtown Business Expo where I hung around the silent auction area guiding people to the things they really wanted to win.  I met a few new people, connected with others I knew, and caught up with those I hadn't seen in awhile.  For my business partner it was like coming home.  Then after that event, we still had No Rules Networking to host - during the March MADNESS.  Fox & Hound was PACKED with red, then blue depending on gametime.

Here's the kicker.  One businessman hovered around for a few minutes during the expo.  He waved, I smiled - then looked around cause I didn't think he was waving at me, I didn't recognize him.  Then he told he compatriot "I know that girl." I looked around again.  Nope, noone behind me.  "Hmmmmm, how does he know me?" I wondered.  Then he approached me, "Do you recognize me?"  "I'm assuming I should, help me remember from where."  So we started that timeline of events to see what matched up.  Turns out, we worked together 'back in the day' at WVEZ and WSFR radio in Louisville.  Roughly 19 years ago!!!!  Not exactly 20, no.  But close enough to make me feel old.

We'll be catching up over lunch sometime, and potentially doing business.  But that was a really cool moment to have someone recognize me and want to reconnect after so long.  It actually fed my ego a bit - I still look young  :-) .  And like sands in the hourglass...so are the days of our lives...(can you hear the music?) 

Learning New Ways...

Both of my businesses are very face-to-face relationship necessary. This requires me to drive roughly 100 miles a day. Most days include the trying-to-get-across-the-bridge experience.  Some go quickly, others not so much.  Take one morning not too long ago...

I headed to Louisville at the appointed time, giving myself an hour and 30 to get to my destination across the river.  However, I did not factor in the sprinkling of rain  Everyone moves slower in the rain - unless they're actually IN it then everyone's a sprinter. I take my normal route tempted to try a different way - maybe the stoplights won't hold me up too much.  Nah...stick with the original plan.  Well, I manage to get to the traffic parking lot about four miles from the bridge...about a hundred yards from the last exit to freedom.  Sheesh. 

So I reassess the situation.  My time is dwindling, my frustration is rising.  Maybe I should try the next exit and take the 2nd Street bridge instead.  Now, to do that, there are a few options off that exit.  I chose the unknown...I couldn't actually SEE the backup until I got into it.  Ok. No problem.  However, my bladder is now screaming for my attention.  It had already been my alotted hour & 30 with my morning Dew.  Not a good combination.  But that's the beauty of having a truck that can ride the shoulders.  All I could do at this point was laugh at the hilarity of it all.

After a short respite in the nearest restroom, it was back on the road again.  Willie Nelson wrote a theme of my life before I could drive. 

More choices. Again - I choose the slower route.  Not on purpose, it's just how it worked out.  More laughing.  Good thing I have a YouTube favorites playlist on my smartphone.

When I finally arrive at my meeting - thank God for a business partner! - I had an epiphany.  It was an illustration of many people's path to success.  We start out with that determined plan to reach a goal.  We have the timing, tools, everything in place, when all of a sudden the unplanned element throws us into a crossroads of choices.  We may have to change our plans to get to our desired goal.  We may have to take a detour along the way. We may have to make a pit-stop every now and then.  But with support (my partner to cover me), a good attitude (my perspective & YouTube motivators), and the resources (my trusty truck), my desired goal (the meeting) became reality.  Not necessarily in the way I originally planned it - but it happened. 

So for all of you with a goal: losing weight, taking your business to the next level, having a retirement fund, marrying that perfect someone, whatever that goal may be, be flexible along the way but stick to it. 

An amazing day ... can be found in the details

I had such a great day I just had to share it!


The morning started with a gloriously gorgeous sunrise.  A scene like that cannot be truly captured in a photo - and quite frankly, I just laid in bed with the cats and watched and thought.  Wonderful thoughts. 

Change scenes to one of my long-time traditions...Saturday morning cartoons!  I don't get too many Saturday mornings where I can relax on the couch (with my laptop now) and just watch cartoons.  Totally fun and totally outrageous!

Let's not forget breakfast!  Man.... (my roommate) Bill's son, Tom, turns 10 next weekend and he's here this weekend.  So in honor of Tom's pending birthday - a BIG breakfast/brunch:  biscuits & sausage gravy, bacon, cheesy eggs, and fried potatoes.  We were stuffed! 

Once that settled it was time to head out to work ON my Premier Designs High Fashion Jewelry business - not IN it.  I went to watch my "mama's" show.  It was so much fun meeting new ladies, playing in all her jewelry, and getting new ideas for my own shows.  The best part...she has some of the new holiday line!!!  That Buckle Up bracelet I'm simply in-love with?  She has it!!!  And did it ever look lovely on my wrist.  I've been on an "in-love" high all day. I'm using my free jewelry certificate from Premier to get that sucker!

 

Back home to spend some much needed time in the sun in my retreat area, worked out a bit, and updated my blog designs - among a few other things. Nothing major, but all the little things have added up to a pretty amazing day.   

I'm Honored! A blog award!

My friend, Lynn, has just honored me with my FIRST blog award. This'll be fun.

The rules...

1. Thank the person who gave you the award... THANK YOU LYNN!

and...

2. List seven (7) things about yourself that people don't know.

Wow, that may be hard. If you've read my blog for any length of time you know a lot already. But let me see...it HAS been awhile since I've blogged.

1. I am officially a professional life coach. This is a career change for me in the past year. I have a marketing background, but life coaching really allows for transformation in people's lives. I finally feel I'm who God created me to be :-).

2. I have a secret vice of watching Days of Our Lives. It's that nice little escape from not only my reality - but a lot of the world's reality. Seriously, that period when Marlena was a demon, and how many times can people come back from the dead? The baby switches, and uncovered secrets played out over WEEKS, all the twists & turns and dramatic pauses. But I think what I like the most - the hairstyles. I really wish I could do some those styles myself. Maybe I should work in a personal hairstylist to my future goals.

3. I have no interest in watching any of the Twilight movies or read the books. Now, that statement may knock me out of or never allow me in some social circles. Oh well. Now, Harry Potter or Star Wars - right on! Wonder if it's because it's directed specifically to women (chick-flick), which I just stay away from.

4. Just like Lynn, I'm a band geek. Yep, that's me. I taught myself to read and play music long ago, still have my instruments, and even taught marching band/flag corps for awhile. In fact, a couple of my former students are talking about doing a "reunion." I hestitated to say "old" students, because that would make me old too. Not happening.

5. I don't like the word geek anymore. Do you know what the original definition of "geek" is? Check here for the full version. How did it get so distorted?

6. I talk to myself a lot. That's why having pets ar a good thing. It's an excuse to talk outloud as often as I want. Lately though, I just feel like I talk to the Holy Spirit or whatever angel is on duty for the day.

7. I'm going on another mission trip - to Romania this time. I would have tried to do both Romania and Philippines, but the dates are the same time. I'll be going to Tinca, Romania, a gypsy village to simply be the hands and feet of Jesus. We're doing a 5-day VBS, prayer walk, relationship-building with families and older people who need some basic supplies. Plus, I think there's "football" involved. Wonder if I'm coordinated enough to kick a soccer ball?

So that's seven. And I would love to pass along the honor to: Mrs. 4444, Chris, and The Prairie Maid! Check them out along with Lynn

Recall

I got this in an email from my aunt today and loved it. I hadn't seen it before. If you have, enjoy it again :-).


RECALL NOTICE:

The Maker of all human beings (GOD) is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart.
This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units. This defect has been technically termed "Sub-sequential Internal Non-Morality," or more commonly known as S.I.N., as it is primarily expressed.

Some of the symptoms include:
1. Loss of direction
2. Foul vocal emissions
3. Amnesia of origin
4. Lack of peace and joy
5. Selfish or violent behavior
6. Depression or confusion in the mental component
7. Fearfulness
8. Idolatry
9. Rebellion

The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory-authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this defect.

The Repair Technician, JESUS, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required.

The number to call for repair in all areas is: P-R-A-Y-E-R.
Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure. Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, into the heart component.

No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with:
1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Patience
5. Kindness
6. Goodness
7. Faithfulness
8. Gentleness
9. Self control

Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth) for further details on the use of these fixes.
WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded. For free emergency service, call on Jesus.

DANGER: The human being units not responding to this recall action will have to be scrapped in the furnace. The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility. Thank you for your attention!

- GOD

P.S. Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important recall notice, and you may contact the Father any time by 'Knee mail'!

Because He Lives!

Finally caved in

Summer's almost officially here, and my personal goal was to make it until June to turn on the air conditioner. Almost made it. This picture is close to where I caved-in. It was 86 degrees in the house yesterday. The air HAD to come on. The cats were panting, spread-eagle on the kitchen floor. I got the hint.

We worked outside all day yesterday. I went with Bill to help powerwash a house clean. I was the official gopher and ladder-holder. Whatever helps. Then we got some topsoil on the way home to level-up the pool area. Got all that shoveled around, sand back over it, and ready to clean it. Borrowed mom's powerwasher. It didn't want to work right - clogged. So the machine gets turned off and Bill's pulling the nozzle off the wand. When all of a sudden - POP! The nozzle goes flying off 100 feet into the bean field. We both just stood there with our mouths open, wide-eyed.

Then I busted out laughing simply because I didn't know what else to do. But then we immediately thought of how close he came to busting his eye out. So after the initial shock wore off, I had to go find the nozzle. That includes crawling under the neighbors fence to get to the bean field. Little did I know - it was electrified. Only a small zap on the tush, but still.

So I finally found the nozzle, thank goodness the beans are only 6 inches tall right now and the nozzle was bright orange. When I had to crawl back under the fence to get out, Bill was standing over me "cheering" me on...as if I was a marine. I did it though - all those military movies paid off. I knew how to do "the crawl" and avoided getting my butt zapped.

We both decided that was a sign to stop for the night. We got back at it this morning, and water is now flowing into the pool! Should be swimming by the weekend!

Bird Turf War

Apparently I have bully situation in my yard. You see, there's this mockingbird...
And he has taken a real liking to my yard. So much so that he has laid claim to all the feeders. All five of them. Hummingbird feeders included. If another bird even tries to come close to them, he chases them off, comes back to perch on top of the feeder, and puffs himself out to three times his size. My biggest problem with this is that he doesn't even eat from the feeders! He's just being a bully.

The hummingbirds are too quick for him, so they can still get their food. Having two feeders, they just zip back and forth giving the mockingbird a headache from spinning in circles.

I've seen a few collisions with robins that are hunting for worms - mockingbirds like those too and apparently feel that EVERYTHING in the yard, including the worms, is his. But today teh little bully finally met his match. Enter into the ring - The Red-Breasted Woodpecker!

This beautiful gal LOVES the feeders. I have a couple of suet cake feeders, but she prefers to peck at the plaster column that has the regular feeder on it. She shares her space. She doesn't bother the doves or sparrows or finches or any other visitor. She takes up more space, but she doesn't chase off. Well, she works her way around the column to the feeder and low-and-behold who should appear? Right, resident bully. She doesn't move but continues to eat. He even attacks her while she's eating! She politely lands on the stone ground, puffs up and begins to peck at his head! Needless to say, the mockingbird took off and left her alone. She went back to eating. And other birds started showing up again.

Now, the mockingbird is still around, but I'm hoping that he learned his lesson. Just like I can learn from the red-breasted. Share and don't be afraid to stand up for myself as well as others.

A Different Perspective

A friend of mine sent this to me in an email. I liked it so much that I wanted to post it today.


Perspective is everything.

One day, the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to
the country with the express purpose of showing him how poor people live.

They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be
considered a very poor family.

On their return from their trip , the father asked his son , "How was the
trip?"

"It was great Dad" said the son.

"Did you see how poor people live?" the father asked.

"Oh yeah , " said the son.

"So, tell me , what did you learn from the trip?" asked the father.

The son answered:

"I saw that we have one dog and they had four.

We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a
creek that has no end.

We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night.

Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon.

We have a small piece of land to live on and they
have fields that go beyond our sight.

We have servants who serve us , but they serve others.

We buy our food, but they grow theirs.

We have walls around our property to protect us , they have friends to
protect them."

The boy's father was speechless.

Then his son added, "Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are."

Isn't perspective a wonderful thing? Makes you wonder what would happen

If we all gave thanks for everything we have, instead of worrying about
What we don't have.

Appreciate every single thing you have, especially your friends!

"Life is too short and friends are too few."

Outside My Window

I look out my office window and to what my wondering eyes should appear? Bright shining light and patches snow-cleared!

Although, somebody had the audacity to tell me we were going to get another snow this weekend. Bye-bye no-snow-patches.

When Things Don't Go As Planned

Do you see the keys? On the seat of the truck. While I'm on the outside looking in a locked vehicle. This totally put me behind today. If this happened to you wouldn't you get a little angry? Believe it or not, I didn't. I laughed at myself for being in such a hurry. Then I found something more productive to do while waiting for Bill to bring the extra key, I walked to the library.

The library is one of my favorite places. So much to read! Just to walk down the aisles, it's peaceful and motivating at the same time. I was proud of myself though; I only came away with one book! That's good because I am already reading about five others right now. So I got a book to help me prepare for the GMAT test (Graduate Management Assessment Test), so I can get into a Masters Program this Summer.

My day certainly did not go as planned. But I'm getting much better at the gift of self-control. I didn't get angry, I laughed and adjusted. How much better would my whole week, month, year(s) be if I could just laugh and adjust?

Psalm 100:1 (The Message): On your feet now—applaud God! Bring a gift of laughter, sing yourselves into his presence.

Confirmation

Have you ever gotten to a place in life where you just needed a confirmation you are where you are supposed to be? You don't necessarily expect to be at your destination, but you want to make sure you're on the right path, right? Well, with losing my job recently, I've really wanted to make sure I was going to be doing what God wanted me to do for now; to rest & refresh for awhile - at least a month! Who ever has that opportunity? It's like a dream. But I wanted confirmation that's it's ok to rest that long.


So of course I've been praying, more like ongoing conversations really. And anytime I need real confirmation, God always provides - in threes. It can be any method: music, sermons, scripture, blog posts, even commercials - whatever speaks to my spirit. As long as the message is the same. And this weekend, inlcuding this morning, I got five!


Saturday night, George started a new sermon series on Pursuing God - Connect. Asked the questions: What am I pursuing in life? Is there really a God worth pursuing? What does a life look like when pursuing God? What does a life look like that doesn't pursue God? And part of his message included Matthew 6:33 & 34: "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." And he finished up with Ecclesiastes 12:13-14: Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man..." Ok - so seek God first, don't worry about tomorrow, keep his commandments. Got it.


Sunday morning Michael starts the new segment of his series - Head2Heart2Life. Time to focus on not only getting the knowledge of the scripture - but comprehending it - taking it to heart. Spend time letting it sink in. That in spite of ME (and all my sins and failings), He loves me (and everyone else). His Q's to us were: Who in my life needs the love of Christ? (insert family member, coworker, etc.) and, What are the things that keep me from showing the love of Christ? (selfishness, fear, impatience, etc. - busy-ness was one of mine). I didn't do the public display of commitment by taping our cards to the cross mainly because I am in that process of taking up my cross daily, and I want this card held close to pray over.


We went over Ephesians 3:13-21 this week. And in vs 17 it states, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith... So ok - need time to let scripture sink into my heart.


This morning I have had THREE confirmations. Dave Stone's message on the radio was about spending time with God - being obedient to His Word. And this phrase stuck with me: Obedience is faith in action. Christ dwells in my heart through faith. And Christ ALWAYS made time with God to reconnect with His father away from others. Just what I need to do.


When I got back from taking the truck for his Fixin' Day!, I read a blog post at At The Well. It was dead-on with where I've been and where I am now. Then I got a message in my Facebook inbox from "SIS" (Sisters in Scripture). Part of it included a note from Shiela Walsh: SIS WOW:You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. John 15:16. "This verse had been a part of my life since I was a young teenager. It helps when I feel overwhelmed-I remember that if God chose me, He will equip me. -Sheila"


I KNOW God has brought me to this place in time to rest & refresh. And whatever He has in-store for me from this point, He will equip me. So for now, I am going to enjoy life the way Christ wants me to. Spending time with My Father and learning to enjoy moments and who Christ created me to be. As well as spending time with others just to show the love of Christ. And I can't tell you enough what your wonderful supportive comments have meant to me, both online and off.


Grace & Peace to you all! Have a Marvelous Monday!

Today

This morning was a peaceful, easy start to a beautiful day. I woke up to a bright, sun-shiny day. Little did I know there would be so many wonderous images to find!

See this little guy - the rabbit? Out my office window. When I sat down at the computer to do the deadline projects, he just nibbled at the grass then mosied across the road to a much larger field with better grass, I'm sure. He stopped to play with a red-winged blackbird on the way.



The time for some cleaning work. I needed to get my trash and a few other items to the dump. So I called my mom for a ride in exchange for garden labor. I felt like an avatar in FarmTown - I helped harvest some veggies. Of which, we ate a couple green tomatoes - fried, of course - and some corn-on-the-cob with cucumbers for lunch. Topped off with a peppermint patty for dessert.

It was good spending time with mom and catching up with all our personal drama and how the world should be ran conversations. She showed off her flower gardens and plans for the rest of the yard. She has stargazer lillies in the midst of other kinds and it brings such a fragrant blessing to the whole area.

And what would a visit to mom's be without loving on the "puppies!"

Katie, the black & tan, and Preacher followed us everywhere we went. Tammy, the 16-yr old (that would be 112 in dog years), decided she had better things to do and found a nice cool spot in the hostas. Actually, she has made a bed in the hostas - complete with a mound for a pillow.

Preacher is the one who LOVES fireworks. Katie is the guard dog pretty much. These dogs used to live a life chained to a dog box. That's the life of a coonhound - a hunter. But when mom & stepdad got a divorce, these three got a new life OFF the chain. They lay wherever they want - run whenever they want - eat whatever they want. They're spoiled rotten that's fo sure. They are not "inside" dogs, but they get to sleep in the garage whenever they want. Ahh, the life of a dog!

I've enjoyed my day off. I got a few things done around the house and now to play!

Life is a *itch

As you can see, I've changed the look of the blog again. Just slightly though. And I've changed the title. I actually got inspired by Mama Kats' Wednesday writers challenge question: Tell us about your blogline...how long have you been blogging, when did you start, what were/are your goals for your blog, etc.


I've been blogging for a couple of years now. The look has changed multiple times and so has my purpose for it. My initial blogline was "Life is a Daring Adventure, or Nothing..." based on the quote by Helen Keller. This amazing lady who was both blind and deaf has many insightful writings that give inspiration to many. I wanted to be able to show how life really can be a daring adventure. However, through my 2-year blogging journey, I have found there is so much more. So I've changed my blog title to "Life Is..."


Because life really is so many things, I thought about it while doing dishes at work (that's how glamorous my job is :-) ). The first thing that comes to mind is the saying I grew up with is "Life is a *itch, then you die." And you all know what that word is, don't even try to fool me! So I thought about it - what is a *itch?


The Webster's description is: 1: the female of the dog or some other carnivorous mammals, 2 a: a lewd or immoral woman b: a malicious, spiteful, or overbearing woman —sometimes used as a generalized term of abuse, 3: something that is extremely difficult, objectionable, or unpleasant, 4: complaint.


Then I thought about the Proverbs 31 woman. There's no mention of her being malicious, spiteful, or overbearing or difficult or unpleasant at all. In verse 25 it says: Strength and dignity are her clothing, And she smiles at the future. I want to smile at my future! Does she smile because she has not one hint of *itchness in her? Is my own *itchy-ness holding me back from being worth more than jewels to someone?


I think about that Proverbs 31 woman quite a bit. She's got a lofty standard for us to live up to as women. She's rumored to be Solomon's mother - you remember her? Bathsheba....David & Bathsheba! If it really was her...oh, the grace that abounds! God is amazing to have such an impact in a woman's (or man's) life and perspective. This Proverb was written ABOUT her ... I wonder what she actually thought of herself? Regardless, she is an example for all women to look to and ponder.

What a weekend!

It's so good to have my pool up and ready early this year! Especially since I hurt my back. The exercise is great. And to have the perk of 1:00 p.m. Fridays at work, it's just like having a 3-day weekend!

Friday started out as usual, although I came in early to "plow" in Farm Town. Then when I left work for the day, I went supply shopping for both mom and myself. I try to be a good steward of God's money, but I always seem to go over-budget on supplies. It's that whole shopping-when-hungry syndrome. Then I have enough food to last two weeks till I get paid again, but like the brat I am, I get bored with the food I have at home and end up spending money to eat-out. Not good. But it's an area I'm working on with the Holy Spirit's help. "How?" you might ask...it's that nagging that hits my brain every time I eat-out without paying cash that was specifically set aside. Or a huge reminder when I see a FABulous bargain of an item I like and can't afford cause I've mismanaged. Or guilt when I can't bless someone in need because I was selfish. So I've been convicted.

And Friday night Bill fixed brats. Now, I've only had brats once in my life - they were ok. But the way Bill cooks them, I'd be able to eat them every week! And he LOVES to cook. I think he should chef his own restaurant personally - he's that good. But one rough thing - my home phone line got chewed up under the house again. Maybe I should just lock the cats up under there so they can eat the mice that are too afraid to come into the house topside.

Saturday was nap and pool time! it was great having the housework done in advance and not really caring if dishes were done from the night before. The clear water in the pool was just too inticing! Then later in the afternoon, Bill and I went to Northside for worship. Signed up for a Wednesday night class. It'll be great to get a Summer lesson in. But on the way home, the transmission went out on Bill's car. Talk about being under attack. I've never seen it so much in one person. Reminds me so much of Job! AND - he has a kidney stone AGAIN!

Sunday we went to GCC to see-off the mission team. I was thrilled to see Chayla's mom get baptized! Jeanette is a great lady and it was exciting to welcome her as a new sister in Christ! And it really felt good to be there Sunday. Bill and I love the people at GCC so much. And like Jeremy said, we're family - dysfunctional, but family. The new preacher seems to be doing fine. He's a good fit for GCC. And there's an opportunity for me to teach a class for young adults (around college-age). It would be a going-deeper type of plan. But I'm praying for God's leading on this for sure. I was approached, it got mentioned in a meeting an hour later (without prompting), so now I'm just trying to be observant of God's confirmation He has this work planned for ME.

Then the rest of the day? Resting in and by the pool. Bill and I finally finished the first season of "24." It certainly was the longest day of Jack Bauer's life!

What I've been missing lately...

My mind mostly! Come on - if you didn't laugh a little, or relate a lot, you are still in search of your own.



Since I've been "down" in my back lately, which is such a weird way to look at it since I can't actually bend down, I've realized I've been missing out on a lot. Here's some of what I've been missing:

• Satellite TV - used to have it at mom's....oh the joys of adulthood billing budget
• Being outside - with the rain and my back, not much work is getting done on opening the pool
• Old friends - just when I finally have time, I literally don't feel like going anywhere to see people. Thank God for facebook!
• Friends in general - being single, living alone out in "God's Country," I don't get visitors. And since I'm not really the "popular girl" I don't get calls or emails much either...oh well....
• Motivation - pain meds and muscle relaxers have a way of really making you feel lethargic
• Passion - same as above plus some uknown confusion in my life
• Self-confidence - that was low enough, but when you can't get off the couch without rolling off it, makes me feel like a sea cow in sludge
• Dreams of youth - everything I thought I would be doing, I failed at in life. I realize God's got a much better plan for me, but I am still reconciling that with my own lost dreams
• Ice cream - I'm REALLY trying to be good with what I'm eating, especially since I can't get exercise in, but I am seriously craving my favorite: Haagan Das' Bailey's Irish Cream Ice Cream, mmmmmmm
• And yes, I miss Bill - he's been working nights the past couple of weeks, AND he's been feeling sickly too, so we don't get to see each other every day.
• Church - I'm in limbo lately with church. With all that has transpired the past couple of years, I think I'm just burned-out with GCC, maybe with "church" in general. Don't get me wrong, I love the people - and miss all of them terribly. But I certainly DON'T MISS the political-ness of it. I DO miss serving and working in the church. But it's not worth the struggles if you don't work well with people. Guess I'm just not what some people want to be around, or considered to be "holy" enough to work, or they feel I'm not "called" to a certain work? Who knows. Who cares. Just miss it.

And there you have it. But anytime I feel like I'm missing something, I go to the one who fills the hole...Jesus. Only He can fill it, only He can complete me, only He can save me, only He can really love me the way I am. And He can fill your holes too.