Today was my coworker and friend, Lee's birthday. She chose to go to one of our favorite lunch spots, Sol Azteca. Lee hates to be the center of attention and hates to be sung to on her birthday. However, Grant and Vaughan decided that she needed a little serenade today. Good thing I stuff my camera in my purse before leaving the office. I got the whole thing on video.
Here's to you Lee. Thanks for being born! Ha!
Monday, November 10, 2008
Sunday, November 9, 2008
TITF #4
So, the past couple of days I've become very thankful for my job. I mean this year, I've gotten to travel around the Southeast with my volleyball team, and mostly recently, the eastern seaboard, like South Carolina and North Carolina.
This weekend, I'm in North Carolina. The Appalachian Mountains to be more precise. Yesterday we were in Cullowhee, N.C., playing Western Carolina and today we are at Appalachian State. Both of which are on top of mountains. It's pretty awesome.
This is probably the best time to come up here. The leaves are a millions different colors. It's a different temperature every 10 miles. The farther up you go, the colder it gets, and it's awesome. The App State coach just told us it snowed here two weeks ago. It's getting really cold and cloudy and it might possibly snow again. I just hope it's not while we are winding ourselves in a big bus down the side of a mountain on a two-lane road. That would be a smidge creepy.
Anyway, I just think it's so fun that I've gotten to really enjoy God's creation and really be thankful for His artistry, something only He can pull off. I've also gotten to build some new relationship and strengthen some others. It's been cool.
So basically today, I'm thankful for my job and the opportunities that come with it, the friends that I've made and the opportunities that come with that. I'll leave you with some cool pictures.
Oh, and I'm also thankful for Panera. And Brite Crawlers (you know, those sour gummy worms). Yum!
The Road To Success Starts With Juggling
Samford MVP senior outside hitter Ashley Adams and head coach Dex Schroeder show the world how to be a 25-3 team in the Southern Conference. It all starts with the juggling skills.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Nostalgia Rears It's Ugly Head Again and I'm Burnt Out
That's right. I'm completely burnt out. I never really thought I would get to this point so early in my life. (And I've learned, when you've worked 16 weekends in a row, all day every day, it's okay to go into work a 10 a.m. or later sometimes, especially when you've been at work until almost midnight the day before. Today, I went in at 11:45 a.m. and left to go on a volleyball trip at 1:45. It was the easiest day yet.) I've been going non-stop since August and really haven't had time to stop and think.
Yesterday, it happened. As I actually had a moment to myself in my office. I started to think. This is never a good thing for Katie, having lots of time to think. My mind starts racing, jumping from one scenario to another, one memory to the next. It's never good and usually ends in me crying my eyes out. Soon after, I'm usually quite vulnerable for the rest of the day and just about anything can send me into tears again.
I started thinking about my family, how I haven't seen them in about four months, which is entirely too long for this homebody.
I thought about my best friends, how each of them are in a different city and I barely have enough time to see each one when I'm remotely close to where they are or how I never have a free weekend to just drive to see them. And how I don't really have "best friends" here in Birmingham. My best friends are just too good to replace.
And then, I thought about me. How I'm single. Still. And how just about everyone around me is either getting married or having babies. Most who are younger than I am. And I'm only 25.
I thought about "the exes". The jerks and bad times. The "one that got away". And the "the one that almost was." And the one who would be perfect is he would just change this or that.
(This is quickly turning into one of those "Sex and the City" type posts, without the sex.)
Anyway, I had a little pity party for myself ,right there in my office. Then again as I talked to Bethany about it and I think at that point we just wish there was some teleporter that could take us the 400ish miles to each other in 1.2 seconds. Then once more with a co-worker, then once more on the phone with my mom later on in the day.
So when I get into this funk, as I was yesterday, I start trying to figure out what it is about me that is inadequate, or that just doesn't draw people to me like I want them to. Then today, I thought about something I wrote almost a year ago in the midst of reading the book, Captivating. I think it's time to share it again, because if there's anything I've learned from this blogging thing, it is this: We are all the same. We all go through similar trials and sometimes hearing (or reading) that someone is going through the same thing you are, gives you just enough of a boost to keep going.
"I'm reading this book called, Captivating. It's amazing! I'm not that far into it but even so, I've run into some things that are just clicking with me at the moment. The other day when I was reading, the author was talking about the beauty we have to unveil. It talked about how so many women just want to feel lovely and beautiful and wanted. Most little girls, to some extent, love to play dress-up. We play in our mothers' clothes and shoes and make-up because we want to be beautiful just like our mothers. And then when we are grown up and have a special occasion that we have to get dressed up for, we go all out. Most of us plan these things in advance. And then we all tell each other how "beautiful" and "lovely" we look.
"However, at some point in time, the desire becomes, not just for an outward beauty, but more for a desire to 'be captivating in the depths of who you are.'
"We all love the fairy tales and story of princesses and maids who are so beautiful but even more captivating on the inside. Here's an excerpt that touched me:
'…Cinderella is beautiful, yes, but she is also good. Her outward beauty would be hollow were it not for the beauty of her heart. That's why we love her. In The Sound of Music, the Countess has Maria beat in the looks department, and they both know it. But Maria has a rare and beautiful depth of spirit. She has the capacity to love snowflakes and kittens and mean-spirited children. She sees the handiwork of God in music and laughter and climbing trees. Her soul is Alive. And we are drawn to her. Ruth may have been a lovely, strong woman, but it is to her unrelenting courage and vulnerability and faith in God that Boaz is drawn. Esther is the most beautiful woman in the land, but it is her bravery and her cunning, good hear that moves the king to spare her people…For, don't you recognize that a woman yearns to be seen, and to be thought of as captivating? We desire to possess a beauty that is worth pursuing, worth fighting for, a beauty that is core to who we truly are. We want beauty that can be seen; beauty that can be felt; beauty that affects others; a beauty all our own to unveil.'
"For so long I had been 'attached' that I forgot how it felt to be single. I really forgot how to act and I forgot how much I could do despite the fact that I was single. From the time that I was a sophomore in high school until I was a senior in college, I was 'attached'. Then I got the shaft. No, just kidding. Things just didn't pan out like I thought they would. After being with someone for three years, and a little bit more, I thought I'd met the man of my dreams and was ready to pick out a wedding dress. Then what to my surprise but the other person in the relationship just wasn't seeing things from my view. And I tried my hardest to make him see. It just didn't work...
"But what I've realized is being single is not so bad. I don't want to make myself into what I think a guy wants. What I've had to realize is that God's got someone out there who wants me for who I am. That guy is going to see that I'm a strong, independent Christian girl who has a passion for God and the things of God. I have a passion for missions. I would love to just pick up and go to South Africa or Honduras or New York City or somewhere like that to share the love of Christ with people who don't know him and declare his glory throughout the nations. There is guy out there who understands that and won't just look at me crazy because he's never had the desire to go out of the United States. There's a guy out there who will quote scripture to me when I'm down or frustrated and pray with me at the drop of a hat – even before a meal. There's a guy who wants to just stay in, just because he wants to spend time with me and then turns around and wants to spend an elaborate night out, not because I deserve it but because he thinks I do.
"There's a guy that will – like my dad says – take care of me because I'm the child of a King…and him. He'll treat me like he knows I should be treated, and even if he feels inadequate, he'll step up and be the man he thinks he should be because that's who he is.
"So I'm going to stop wishing for what I don't have and start praying for what God wants to give me, because God will give it to me when he thinks I'm ready – whether I'm 24 or 74.
"God is bigger than me and anything that I could ever worry about. Praise God for that! I don't know what I would do if I had to worry about the minor details in life, much less the major ones.
So, here I go. Out into the world, to act like the princess I am. The strong Ruth and courageous Esther and the fun-loving Maria and the gentle and hard-working, Cinderella. Not because I think I am, but because that's what I am in God's eyes."
So, I think every girl deserves a pity party every once in a while, but after the alloted 15 minutes is up, she must return to what it all comes down to -- God's will. Being a Christ-follower and a discple-maker. She must be completely satisfied whole in HIM before she can be completely satisfied and whole in anyone else. Having Martha's servant heart and Mary's utmost admiration for her Savior. And realizing that she is a princess. She's the child of THE KING. That's a job that I will never get burnt out on.
Yesterday, it happened. As I actually had a moment to myself in my office. I started to think. This is never a good thing for Katie, having lots of time to think. My mind starts racing, jumping from one scenario to another, one memory to the next. It's never good and usually ends in me crying my eyes out. Soon after, I'm usually quite vulnerable for the rest of the day and just about anything can send me into tears again.
I started thinking about my family, how I haven't seen them in about four months, which is entirely too long for this homebody.
I thought about my best friends, how each of them are in a different city and I barely have enough time to see each one when I'm remotely close to where they are or how I never have a free weekend to just drive to see them. And how I don't really have "best friends" here in Birmingham. My best friends are just too good to replace.
And then, I thought about me. How I'm single. Still. And how just about everyone around me is either getting married or having babies. Most who are younger than I am. And I'm only 25.
I thought about "the exes". The jerks and bad times. The "one that got away". And the "the one that almost was." And the one who would be perfect is he would just change this or that.
(This is quickly turning into one of those "Sex and the City" type posts, without the sex.)
Anyway, I had a little pity party for myself ,right there in my office. Then again as I talked to Bethany about it and I think at that point we just wish there was some teleporter that could take us the 400ish miles to each other in 1.2 seconds. Then once more with a co-worker, then once more on the phone with my mom later on in the day.
So when I get into this funk, as I was yesterday, I start trying to figure out what it is about me that is inadequate, or that just doesn't draw people to me like I want them to. Then today, I thought about something I wrote almost a year ago in the midst of reading the book, Captivating. I think it's time to share it again, because if there's anything I've learned from this blogging thing, it is this: We are all the same. We all go through similar trials and sometimes hearing (or reading) that someone is going through the same thing you are, gives you just enough of a boost to keep going.
"I'm reading this book called, Captivating. It's amazing! I'm not that far into it but even so, I've run into some things that are just clicking with me at the moment. The other day when I was reading, the author was talking about the beauty we have to unveil. It talked about how so many women just want to feel lovely and beautiful and wanted. Most little girls, to some extent, love to play dress-up. We play in our mothers' clothes and shoes and make-up because we want to be beautiful just like our mothers. And then when we are grown up and have a special occasion that we have to get dressed up for, we go all out. Most of us plan these things in advance. And then we all tell each other how "beautiful" and "lovely" we look.
"However, at some point in time, the desire becomes, not just for an outward beauty, but more for a desire to 'be captivating in the depths of who you are.'
"We all love the fairy tales and story of princesses and maids who are so beautiful but even more captivating on the inside. Here's an excerpt that touched me:
'…Cinderella is beautiful, yes, but she is also good. Her outward beauty would be hollow were it not for the beauty of her heart. That's why we love her. In The Sound of Music, the Countess has Maria beat in the looks department, and they both know it. But Maria has a rare and beautiful depth of spirit. She has the capacity to love snowflakes and kittens and mean-spirited children. She sees the handiwork of God in music and laughter and climbing trees. Her soul is Alive. And we are drawn to her. Ruth may have been a lovely, strong woman, but it is to her unrelenting courage and vulnerability and faith in God that Boaz is drawn. Esther is the most beautiful woman in the land, but it is her bravery and her cunning, good hear that moves the king to spare her people…For, don't you recognize that a woman yearns to be seen, and to be thought of as captivating? We desire to possess a beauty that is worth pursuing, worth fighting for, a beauty that is core to who we truly are. We want beauty that can be seen; beauty that can be felt; beauty that affects others; a beauty all our own to unveil.'
"For so long I had been 'attached' that I forgot how it felt to be single. I really forgot how to act and I forgot how much I could do despite the fact that I was single. From the time that I was a sophomore in high school until I was a senior in college, I was 'attached'. Then I got the shaft. No, just kidding. Things just didn't pan out like I thought they would. After being with someone for three years, and a little bit more, I thought I'd met the man of my dreams and was ready to pick out a wedding dress. Then what to my surprise but the other person in the relationship just wasn't seeing things from my view. And I tried my hardest to make him see. It just didn't work...
"But what I've realized is being single is not so bad. I don't want to make myself into what I think a guy wants. What I've had to realize is that God's got someone out there who wants me for who I am. That guy is going to see that I'm a strong, independent Christian girl who has a passion for God and the things of God. I have a passion for missions. I would love to just pick up and go to South Africa or Honduras or New York City or somewhere like that to share the love of Christ with people who don't know him and declare his glory throughout the nations. There is guy out there who understands that and won't just look at me crazy because he's never had the desire to go out of the United States. There's a guy out there who will quote scripture to me when I'm down or frustrated and pray with me at the drop of a hat – even before a meal. There's a guy who wants to just stay in, just because he wants to spend time with me and then turns around and wants to spend an elaborate night out, not because I deserve it but because he thinks I do.
"There's a guy that will – like my dad says – take care of me because I'm the child of a King…and him. He'll treat me like he knows I should be treated, and even if he feels inadequate, he'll step up and be the man he thinks he should be because that's who he is.
"So I'm going to stop wishing for what I don't have and start praying for what God wants to give me, because God will give it to me when he thinks I'm ready – whether I'm 24 or 74.
"God is bigger than me and anything that I could ever worry about. Praise God for that! I don't know what I would do if I had to worry about the minor details in life, much less the major ones.
So, here I go. Out into the world, to act like the princess I am. The strong Ruth and courageous Esther and the fun-loving Maria and the gentle and hard-working, Cinderella. Not because I think I am, but because that's what I am in God's eyes."
So, I think every girl deserves a pity party every once in a while, but after the alloted 15 minutes is up, she must return to what it all comes down to -- God's will. Being a Christ-follower and a discple-maker. She must be completely satisfied whole in HIM before she can be completely satisfied and whole in anyone else. Having Martha's servant heart and Mary's utmost admiration for her Savior. And realizing that she is a princess. She's the child of THE KING. That's a job that I will never get burnt out on.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Random Musings and Interesting Facts
I just had to turn off SportsCenter because it got political. Instead of talking about SPORTS (which should be its job since that's part of its title, right?), they are talking about Obama becoming the new president. Come on people! I can flip over two channels and find that on CNN or MSNBC. When I'm watching SportsCenter, I want to hear about SPORTS!
Don't get me wrong, I see the massiveness of the election of Barack Obama. And although, I don't agree with many things that he stands for, I'm going to be a true American and give him the respect he deserves. He's the President for crying out loud. He's worked hard to get to this point and he deserves our respect. I don't know what the future holds for his administration and term but GOD does, and I trust GOD.
Before I completely get off the political subject, though, I'd like to share a tidbit of info with you all, just in case you didn't know. Obama raised $2.1 billion for his campaign. McCain raised maybe about half of that. $2.1 billion!! That is more than Bush and Kerry raised together in 2004. Do you know how many millions of people around the world could be fed and how many curable diseases could be treated with that much money. Millions of people in poor countries could be eat off of that amount of money for at least five years. Maybe more.
Is there not some way we can figure out how to campaign for president without having to waste all of this money that we could be helping so many people with?
On a completely different subject, there's this guy in Wisconsin who built a Lamborghini in his basement from a kit. It took 17 years to built it. However, he never once gave thought to how he was going to get it out once it was finished. I mean most basement are underground and don't have doors big enough to fit cars through. The guy had to call someone to dig a ramp and hire an excavator to gouge out a slope in his garden to dig down to the foundations of the house to get the car out. Not once, in th article does he comment on his stupidity. He's too excited about having this 20-year-old car to drive around now.
Congratulations Mr. If-I-Can't-Afford-The-Car-I'll-Build-It-Myself," you win the stupidity award for the month of November.
Don't get me wrong, I see the massiveness of the election of Barack Obama. And although, I don't agree with many things that he stands for, I'm going to be a true American and give him the respect he deserves. He's the President for crying out loud. He's worked hard to get to this point and he deserves our respect. I don't know what the future holds for his administration and term but GOD does, and I trust GOD.
Before I completely get off the political subject, though, I'd like to share a tidbit of info with you all, just in case you didn't know. Obama raised $2.1 billion for his campaign. McCain raised maybe about half of that. $2.1 billion!! That is more than Bush and Kerry raised together in 2004. Do you know how many millions of people around the world could be fed and how many curable diseases could be treated with that much money. Millions of people in poor countries could be eat off of that amount of money for at least five years. Maybe more.
Is there not some way we can figure out how to campaign for president without having to waste all of this money that we could be helping so many people with?
On a completely different subject, there's this guy in Wisconsin who built a Lamborghini in his basement from a kit. It took 17 years to built it. However, he never once gave thought to how he was going to get it out once it was finished. I mean most basement are underground and don't have doors big enough to fit cars through. The guy had to call someone to dig a ramp and hire an excavator to gouge out a slope in his garden to dig down to the foundations of the house to get the car out. Not once, in th article does he comment on his stupidity. He's too excited about having this 20-year-old car to drive around now.
Congratulations Mr. If-I-Can't-Afford-The-Car-I'll-Build-It-Myself," you win the stupidity award for the month of November.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
200!!!
This is my 200th post. Yeah, I know. A big deal, huh? Not really? Ok.
I've been thinking for like two days of what I could do to commemorate this occassion. List my 200 favorite things? 200 things I'm thankful for? 200 things I want to do before I die? 200 things you may or may not know about me?
I decided to forego the list of 200. Frankly, I've done it before, except just 100 and it took about three days to complete that list. I just don't think I have the stamina for that right now.
I could talk about the 200 times people asked me about the election today, the 199 times I refused to comment and the one time I gave my "God's got it under control" sermon.
I even did a little research on things that happened 200 years ago in history. Apparently, November 5, 1808 was a pretty uneventful day.
So I really don't know what to say. Maybe thanks to the eight people who actually read this blog, the four who sometimes comment, and the many, many people and things in this world who give me inspiration to write. Lately, it's been God. Thanks to God who gifted me with the intellegence to be able to write a complete sentence and used this crazy machine called a computer.
I hope I'm inspired to write 200 more great and interesting posts, or at least, hopefully half of them will be great and interesting.
Whatev.
I've been thinking for like two days of what I could do to commemorate this occassion. List my 200 favorite things? 200 things I'm thankful for? 200 things I want to do before I die? 200 things you may or may not know about me?
I decided to forego the list of 200. Frankly, I've done it before, except just 100 and it took about three days to complete that list. I just don't think I have the stamina for that right now.
I could talk about the 200 times people asked me about the election today, the 199 times I refused to comment and the one time I gave my "God's got it under control" sermon.
I even did a little research on things that happened 200 years ago in history. Apparently, November 5, 1808 was a pretty uneventful day.
So I really don't know what to say. Maybe thanks to the eight people who actually read this blog, the four who sometimes comment, and the many, many people and things in this world who give me inspiration to write. Lately, it's been God. Thanks to God who gifted me with the intellegence to be able to write a complete sentence and used this crazy machine called a computer.
I hope I'm inspired to write 200 more great and interesting posts, or at least, hopefully half of them will be great and interesting.
Whatev.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
TITF #3/Election Day
I'm thankful that I live in a country where I am free to have a say in what goes on and who leads our country. There aren't many other countries who have that right. I'm proud to be an American. (Insert Lee Greenwood singing in the background here and see Tricia's post for today for suggestions on how to make voting for fun.)
There's not one candidate in this election that I completely agree with. Truthfully, there is really one candidate that everyone agrees with. This year, I'm voting for the lesser of two evils basically. I even considered my dad as a write in, but I figured Randi would probably tear up the White House in a New York minute.
However, one thing I will reiterate, something I've said before, is that I'm not worried about who wins the election tonight. The sixth chapter of Matthew tells us, "Do not worry about tomorrowm, for tomorrow will worry about itself." James 4:13-16 also talks about boasting about what will happen tomorrow. Maybe all of these folks who are planning big celebrations for these candidates should really a little James. Finally, Jeremiah tells us that the only LORD knows what will happen and only HE has the final say: "I have it all planned out -- plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for." (MSG)
This should make us feel even more free than we do as Americans. Although, we all have things we worry about everyday, and we know that ultimately, we shouldn't even be worrying about those things, we can know fully that GOD has things under his thumb and that he's going to take care of us no matter what. He has "plans to take care of you, not abandon you." That's awesome, don't you think.
No matter who gets elected today, we should pray that only GOD gets the glory from what happens. He's risen up amazing and faithful leaders and He's risen up horrifying leaders, but the truth of it is, that He's gotten the glory from it all because He's lead His people through whatever has come their way.
We all know that we are not perfect. "There is no one righteous, not even one." So, we should remember that although our president should be held at a higher standard, we, as followers of Christ, and even just people of this nation, should hold ourselves at a higher standard because of the rights and privileges that we are privy to. No matter who the next President of the United States is, we should remember that he is a human, just like we are. He is not perfect, he will make mistakes and he will probably do some things that not everyone likes. What we should hope for, and pray for, is a president who will consider the people that he leads, what is ultimately and eternally right, and remember who his HEAD is (Now I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. 1 Corinthians 11:3) and make decisions accordingly, and approach the throne of grace confidently in every decision he makes, be it personally, nationally or worldwide.
Anyway, whoever you vote for, just MAKE SURE YOU VOTE. As I alway say, you can't complain unless you voted. (I told my boss that today. He's not even registered to vote. He loses.) You've been given this right for a reason, and many people have lost their lives to protect that right, there is no reason you should waste it.
As I wrap up, I will leave you with a couple of Election Day tidbits I got in my inbox today. You may even be able to tell who I voted for. Or who I didn't vote for.
'Twas The Night Before Elections
'Twas the night before elections
And all through the town
Tempers were flaring
Emotions all up and down!
I, in my bathrobe
With a cat in my lap
Had cut off the TV
Tired of political crap.
When all of a sudden
There arose such a noise
I peered out of my window
Saw Obama and his boys
They had come for my wallet
They wanted my pay
To give to the others
Who had not worked a day!
He snatched up my money
And quick as a wink
Jumped back on his bandwagon
As I gagged from the stink
He then rallied his henchmen
Who were pulling his cart
I could tell they were out
To tear my country apart!
"On Fannie, on Freddie,
On Biden and Ayers!
On Acorn, On Pelosi"
He screamed at the pairs!
They took off for his cause
And as he flew out of sight
I heard him laugh at the nation
Who wouldn't stand up and fight!
So I leave you to think
On this one final note-
IF YOU DONT WANT SOCIALISM
GET OUT AND VOTE!!!!
There's not one candidate in this election that I completely agree with. Truthfully, there is really one candidate that everyone agrees with. This year, I'm voting for the lesser of two evils basically. I even considered my dad as a write in, but I figured Randi would probably tear up the White House in a New York minute.
However, one thing I will reiterate, something I've said before, is that I'm not worried about who wins the election tonight. The sixth chapter of Matthew tells us, "Do not worry about tomorrowm, for tomorrow will worry about itself." James 4:13-16 also talks about boasting about what will happen tomorrow. Maybe all of these folks who are planning big celebrations for these candidates should really a little James. Finally, Jeremiah tells us that the only LORD knows what will happen and only HE has the final say: "I have it all planned out -- plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for." (MSG)
This should make us feel even more free than we do as Americans. Although, we all have things we worry about everyday, and we know that ultimately, we shouldn't even be worrying about those things, we can know fully that GOD has things under his thumb and that he's going to take care of us no matter what. He has "plans to take care of you, not abandon you." That's awesome, don't you think.
No matter who gets elected today, we should pray that only GOD gets the glory from what happens. He's risen up amazing and faithful leaders and He's risen up horrifying leaders, but the truth of it is, that He's gotten the glory from it all because He's lead His people through whatever has come their way.
We all know that we are not perfect. "There is no one righteous, not even one." So, we should remember that although our president should be held at a higher standard, we, as followers of Christ, and even just people of this nation, should hold ourselves at a higher standard because of the rights and privileges that we are privy to. No matter who the next President of the United States is, we should remember that he is a human, just like we are. He is not perfect, he will make mistakes and he will probably do some things that not everyone likes. What we should hope for, and pray for, is a president who will consider the people that he leads, what is ultimately and eternally right, and remember who his HEAD is (Now I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. 1 Corinthians 11:3) and make decisions accordingly, and approach the throne of grace confidently in every decision he makes, be it personally, nationally or worldwide.
Anyway, whoever you vote for, just MAKE SURE YOU VOTE. As I alway say, you can't complain unless you voted. (I told my boss that today. He's not even registered to vote. He loses.) You've been given this right for a reason, and many people have lost their lives to protect that right, there is no reason you should waste it.
As I wrap up, I will leave you with a couple of Election Day tidbits I got in my inbox today. You may even be able to tell who I voted for. Or who I didn't vote for.
'Twas The Night Before Elections
'Twas the night before elections
And all through the town
Tempers were flaring
Emotions all up and down!
I, in my bathrobe
With a cat in my lap
Had cut off the TV
Tired of political crap.
When all of a sudden
There arose such a noise
I peered out of my window
Saw Obama and his boys
They had come for my wallet
They wanted my pay
To give to the others
Who had not worked a day!
He snatched up my money
And quick as a wink
Jumped back on his bandwagon
As I gagged from the stink
He then rallied his henchmen
Who were pulling his cart
I could tell they were out
To tear my country apart!
"On Fannie, on Freddie,
On Biden and Ayers!
On Acorn, On Pelosi"
He screamed at the pairs!
They took off for his cause
And as he flew out of sight
I heard him laugh at the nation
Who wouldn't stand up and fight!
So I leave you to think
On this one final note-
IF YOU DONT WANT SOCIALISM
GET OUT AND VOTE!!!!
Monday, November 3, 2008
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Things I'm Thankful For #1
I've got to start with the spiritual stuff because it's fresh on my mind. I'm so thankful that I've found a church here in The 'Ham where I can worship my Lord and be fed weekly, and sometimes daily. I don't know if it's the fact that I'm growing up or if God is just really opening my heart and eyes to what he is doing or both, but lately I've really just started being broken down by the Holy Spirit.
Today, our church services were led by the youth at our church. Well over 100 sixth through twelfth graders were involved. They did a music type thing which told the creation story and the fall of man and then told about the graciousness of God to send his Son to die for our sins so that we could live in eternity. It was put together by various people in our church with music played and sung by the youth, sets built and painted by the youth and some fantastic choreography made up by the youth. However, the most mind-blowing thing was when student after student would come on stage and quote scripture after scripture.
Now, I was a Bible Driller. I can say the books of the Bible in 30 seconds or less and if I really think about it I could probably do it backwards. I memorized verse after verse and passage after passage but you know what? I probably could only pull about half of what I memorized out of my head right now. Maybe not even half.
These kids didn't just memorize verses of scripture. They have hidden ENTIRE chapters in their hearts. There was one girl who came to the middle of the stage and quoted Romans 8. The entire chapter. And she didn't just say it from memorization. It was like she was just speaking the words, like she had written them herself. It was like she was in a courtroom giving her closing remarks. The passion in her voice and on her face was unlike anything I've ever seen before.
I was completely broken down in amazement of these students and in awe of God's work in them. I mean, here are these kids who are on average about 10-12 years younger than me, who definitely have more on their plate than I do when it comes to memorizing things. They, as a group, committed over 150 verses of God's word to memory. Boy, do I have some work to do if I want to memorize James. That's only 108 verses. There were 12-year-olds quoting chapters of Genesis and Isaiah and Psalms. God is awesome, isn't he?
I just had to stop and praise God for raising up a generation that is ready to stand up and take their place in this world. The fire in these kids heart for God and for the nations makes me excited and ashamed of myself all at the same time.
Just as my pastor said tonight, I am a citizen of two places. I'm a citizen of the United States but I'm also a citizen of Heaven. The latter should have an extreme and radical effect on my citizenship here on Earth. If I'm not living for Him, what am I living for? Because everything around me is going to pass away someday and if I haven't been living for Christ and doing his will and making disciples and living radically for the cause of Christ, I've wasted some serious time.
I love it when God just stops you in your tracks every now and then and just says, "Slow down. I've got this covered. Just do what I say. And watch. Trust me. This is going to be cool."
John 14:12 says, "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father."
Um, did I just read that correctly or did Jesus just say we will do greater things that He's already done? Jesus, are you sure about that?
Yeah, I'm pretty sure He's sure about that. That's a little daunting for some, but just reading that makes me excited. He's going to use me and you and all other who have faith in Him and believe He is the Son of God and can do whatever He wants to do, to do greater things than He ever did while He was here on Earth. That's awesome!
For the past several weeks, God has really been breaking me down and challenging me to really look in my heart and figure out what I'm doing with my life. Am I supposed to go overseas for 11 months out of the year to share the Gospel with those who've never here? I don't know. Do I quit my job and completely shift gears in my career path so that I can more effectively serve him? I don't know. What do I do? I don't know. But that's what I'm hashing out with God right now. How do I more effectively serve him and those around me and make disciples at Samford, in Birmingham and in all nations?
I'm excited to see what God is revealing to me everyday. Please pray for me that my eyes, ears and most importantly my heart and my mind will be open to what God is telling me to do.
We sang a song tonight that I have recently fallen in love with. It's be Hillsong, and if you don't know their music, get to know their music. It's good stuff.
It's called Hosanna. This is a Hebrew term that means "please save or save now." It was used when Jesus entered Jerusalem. "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. In Christianity, it is a cry for salvation while at the same time being a declaration of praise. It's so fitting because everyday we have to consciously surrender to his will and recognize that we can only be saved by Him. I want to leave you with the words of this song.
I see the king of glory
Coming on the clouds with fire
The whole earth shakes
The whole earth shakes
I see his love and mercy
Washing over all our sin
The people sing
The people sing
Hosanna
Hosanna
Hosanna in the highest
Hosanna
Hosanna
Hosanna in the highest
I see a generation
Rising up to take their place
With selfless faith
With selfless faith
I see a near revival
Stirring as we pray and seek
We're on our knees
We're on our knees
Hosanna
Hosanna
Hosanna in the highest
Hosanna
Hosanna
Hosanna in the highest
Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like you have loved me
Break my heart from what breaks yours
Everything I am for your kingdoms cause
As I go from nothing to
Eternity
Hosanna
Hosanna
Hosanna in the highest
Hosanna
Hosanna
Hosanna in the highest
Today, our church services were led by the youth at our church. Well over 100 sixth through twelfth graders were involved. They did a music type thing which told the creation story and the fall of man and then told about the graciousness of God to send his Son to die for our sins so that we could live in eternity. It was put together by various people in our church with music played and sung by the youth, sets built and painted by the youth and some fantastic choreography made up by the youth. However, the most mind-blowing thing was when student after student would come on stage and quote scripture after scripture.
Now, I was a Bible Driller. I can say the books of the Bible in 30 seconds or less and if I really think about it I could probably do it backwards. I memorized verse after verse and passage after passage but you know what? I probably could only pull about half of what I memorized out of my head right now. Maybe not even half.
These kids didn't just memorize verses of scripture. They have hidden ENTIRE chapters in their hearts. There was one girl who came to the middle of the stage and quoted Romans 8. The entire chapter. And she didn't just say it from memorization. It was like she was just speaking the words, like she had written them herself. It was like she was in a courtroom giving her closing remarks. The passion in her voice and on her face was unlike anything I've ever seen before.
I was completely broken down in amazement of these students and in awe of God's work in them. I mean, here are these kids who are on average about 10-12 years younger than me, who definitely have more on their plate than I do when it comes to memorizing things. They, as a group, committed over 150 verses of God's word to memory. Boy, do I have some work to do if I want to memorize James. That's only 108 verses. There were 12-year-olds quoting chapters of Genesis and Isaiah and Psalms. God is awesome, isn't he?
I just had to stop and praise God for raising up a generation that is ready to stand up and take their place in this world. The fire in these kids heart for God and for the nations makes me excited and ashamed of myself all at the same time.
Just as my pastor said tonight, I am a citizen of two places. I'm a citizen of the United States but I'm also a citizen of Heaven. The latter should have an extreme and radical effect on my citizenship here on Earth. If I'm not living for Him, what am I living for? Because everything around me is going to pass away someday and if I haven't been living for Christ and doing his will and making disciples and living radically for the cause of Christ, I've wasted some serious time.
I love it when God just stops you in your tracks every now and then and just says, "Slow down. I've got this covered. Just do what I say. And watch. Trust me. This is going to be cool."
John 14:12 says, "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father."
Um, did I just read that correctly or did Jesus just say we will do greater things that He's already done? Jesus, are you sure about that?
Yeah, I'm pretty sure He's sure about that. That's a little daunting for some, but just reading that makes me excited. He's going to use me and you and all other who have faith in Him and believe He is the Son of God and can do whatever He wants to do, to do greater things than He ever did while He was here on Earth. That's awesome!
For the past several weeks, God has really been breaking me down and challenging me to really look in my heart and figure out what I'm doing with my life. Am I supposed to go overseas for 11 months out of the year to share the Gospel with those who've never here? I don't know. Do I quit my job and completely shift gears in my career path so that I can more effectively serve him? I don't know. What do I do? I don't know. But that's what I'm hashing out with God right now. How do I more effectively serve him and those around me and make disciples at Samford, in Birmingham and in all nations?
I'm excited to see what God is revealing to me everyday. Please pray for me that my eyes, ears and most importantly my heart and my mind will be open to what God is telling me to do.
We sang a song tonight that I have recently fallen in love with. It's be Hillsong, and if you don't know their music, get to know their music. It's good stuff.
It's called Hosanna. This is a Hebrew term that means "please save or save now." It was used when Jesus entered Jerusalem. "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. In Christianity, it is a cry for salvation while at the same time being a declaration of praise. It's so fitting because everyday we have to consciously surrender to his will and recognize that we can only be saved by Him. I want to leave you with the words of this song.
I see the king of glory
Coming on the clouds with fire
The whole earth shakes
The whole earth shakes
I see his love and mercy
Washing over all our sin
The people sing
The people sing
Hosanna
Hosanna
Hosanna in the highest
Hosanna
Hosanna
Hosanna in the highest
I see a generation
Rising up to take their place
With selfless faith
With selfless faith
I see a near revival
Stirring as we pray and seek
We're on our knees
We're on our knees
Hosanna
Hosanna
Hosanna in the highest
Hosanna
Hosanna
Hosanna in the highest
Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like you have loved me
Break my heart from what breaks yours
Everything I am for your kingdoms cause
As I go from nothing to
Eternity
Hosanna
Hosanna
Hosanna in the highest
Hosanna
Hosanna
Hosanna in the highest
Saturday, November 1, 2008
NaBloPoMo...Watch out. It's contagious.
No, it's not a disease. It's a challenge that I am giving eveyone whom I know that has a blog.
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is the blog everyday (including weekends) for the whole month of November. Why? Because it's National Blog Posting Month.
I've chosen to accept it and I'm a little afraid. I'm afraid that I won't have enough things to blog about, but I think what I might do, since it's November and Thanksgiving month and all, I might blog every day about something that I'm thankful for, be it genuine or trivial. All bloggers who choose to copy my idea, will be prosecuted. Just kidding. I'd love to know what everyone is thankful for.
Anyway, I hope you will join me. Go here, for some inspiriation. It's the Nablopomo website.
A little bonus for today. Last night, I wore cowboy boots. I don't do this. Ever. I'm the Mississippi girl who hates that Mississippi is related to anything country by the rest of the world. I have, seriously, when I've visit other states that aren't in the South, had people look at me in amazement that I have shoes on. Yes. It's true. And they are also impressed that I can complete an intellegent statement. Stereotype, much? Anyway, I'm not much of a country music fan and I've never jumped on the cowboy boots with a dress bandwagon. But I have to say, last night (as I dressed up as a cowgirl with a coworkers boots on), I kind of enjoyed the boots. They were actually cute. And...(cringe) I might have to get me a pair. My sister said she wants some too. I think we just found our next shopping trip item.
For proof...
The annual Halloween roomie picture. I got my haircut. It's cute. My hairdresser kicks booty.
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