Absolute randomness........

Slackin again....but for good reason!

2009-04-09T12:31:00.002-04:00

I have been super busy and really haven't thought to write.....but since I am homebound.....time abounds.

I had my face basically chemically burnt off on Monday. At the last minute, I elected to not do the sedation. (WRONG CHOICE!!!!!!!). So with a whopping 3 advils (thanks to the plastic surgeon) on board, I was put through Hell. Fun tidbits......

1. It was Hell on earth. I spent 45 minutes wide awake....shaking and crying. Those horrid 45 minutes are nothing when compared to eternity in Hell. My God reigns. It hurt. Like a blowtorch to the face....with burning razorblades raking across the skin. Horrible.

2. I only swore once. That is a miracle in and of itself. When the doc asked how I was doing I told him I wanted to blow him out then said the word that rhymes with 'wit'. 1 bad word- PROGRESS.

3. About twenty minutes in, I gave it (the pain) to Jesus. And said the Serenity Prayer. On repeat. In fact I just about wore it out.

4. I shook so hard that my ABS are still sore. Yes, that is correct. My STOMACH muscles shook. Ugh.

5. They offered to get my mom from the waiting room. Since I love her, I told them no. She would have flipped.

6. I cried so hard some of the blue dye came off!

7. I rode home with the AC on blast...crying.

I was the only patient they have had do this procedure without sedation. I am fairly certain I am also the last.

Pics coming as soon as I upload them. :)

It is......

2009-03-01T09:26:00.000-05:00

going to snow!

This rocks my mind.......and knocks on my heart......and strengthens my soul.

2009-02-15T21:56:00.003-05:00

So a couple nights ago I stumbled upon this passage during my nightly readings.....and I have continued to chew on it for three days. ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. :)

Ezekiel 18

¹The word of the LORD came to me: ²"What do you^[a] mean^(A) by repeating this proverb concerning the land of Israel,^(B) 'The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge'? ³^(C) As I live, declares the Lord GOD,^(D) this proverb shall no more be used by you in Israel. ⁴Behold, all souls are mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is mine:^(E) the soul who sins shall die.

⁵"If a man is righteous and does^(F) what is just and right— ⁶if he^(G) does not eat upon the mountains or^(H) lift up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel,^(I) does not defile his neighbor’s wife^(J) or approach^(K) a woman in her time of menstrual impurity, ⁷^(L) does not oppress anyone, but^(M) restores to the debtor his pledge,^(N) commits no robbery,^(O) gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with a garment, ⁸^(P) does not lend at interest^(Q) or take any profit,^[b] withholds his hand from injustice, executes true justice between man and man, ⁹^(R) walks in my statutes, and keeps my rules by acting faithfully—he is righteous;^(S) he shall surely live, declares the Lord GOD.

¹⁰"If he fathers a son who is violent,^(T) a shedder of blood, who does any of these things ¹¹(though he himself did none of these things),^(U) who even eats upon the mountains,^(V) defiles his neighbor’s wife, ¹²oppresses the poor and needy,^(W) commits robbery,^(X) does not restore the pledge,^(Y) lifts up his eyes to the idols, commits abomination, ¹³^(Z) lends at interest, and takes profit; shall he then live? He shall not live. He has done all these abominations; he shall surely die;^(AA) his blood shall be upon himself.

¹⁴"Now suppose this man fathers a son who sees all the sins that his father has done; he sees, and does not do likewise: ¹⁵he does not eat upon the mountains or lift up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, does not defile his neighbor’s wife, ¹⁶does not oppress anyone,^(AB) exacts no pledge,^(AC) commits no robbery,^(AD) but gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with a garment, ¹⁷withholds his hand from iniquity,^[c] takes no interest or profit, obeys my rules,^(AE) and walks in my statutes; he shall not die for his father’s iniquity;^(AF) he shall surely live. ¹⁸As for his father, because he practiced extortion, robbed his brother, and did what is not good among his people,^(AG) behold, he shall die for his iniquity.

¹⁹"Yet you say,^(AH) 'Why should not the son suffer for the iniquity of the father?' When the son has done^(AI) what is just and right, and has been careful to observe all my statutes,^(AJ) he shall surely live. ²⁰^(AK) The soul who sins shall die.^(AL) The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son.^(AM) The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself,^(AN) and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.

²¹^(AO) "But if a wicked person turns away from all his sins that he has committed and keeps all my statutes and does^(AP) what is just and right,^(AQ) he shall surely live; he shall not die. ²²^(AR) None of the transgressions that he has committed shall be remembered against him; for the righteousness that he has done he shall live. ²³^(AS) Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord GOD, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live? ²⁴^(AT) But when a righteous person turns away from his righteousness and does injustice and does the same abominations that the wicked person does, shall he live?^(AU) None of the righteous deeds that he has done shall be remembered; for^(AV) the treachery of which he is guilty and the sin he has committed, for them he shall die.

²⁵^(AW) "Yet you say, 'The way of the Lord is not just.' Hear now, O house of Israel: Is my way not just? Is it not your ways that are not just? ²⁶^(AX) When a righteous person turns away from his righteousness and does injustice, he shall die for it; for the injustice that he has done he shall die. ²⁷Again,^(AY) when a wicked person turns away from the wickedness he has committed and does what is just and right, he shall save his life. ²⁸Because he considered and turned away from all the transgressions that he had committed, he shall surely live; he shall not die. ²⁹Yet the house of Israel says, 'The way of the Lord is not just.' O house of Israel, are my ways not just? Is it not your ways that are not just?

³⁰"Therefore^(AZ) I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD.^(BA) Repent and turn from all your transgressions,^(BB) lest iniquity be your ruin.^[d] ³¹^(BC) Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed, and^(BD) make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit!^(BE) Why will you die, O house of Israel? ³²^(BF) For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord GOD;^(BG) so turn, and live."

The acid aftermath....

2009-02-11T16:16:00.002-05:00

Monday I met (again) with the PS. This time I got subjected to 100% TCA (pure acid) in four spots. OUCH! Hoping that it helps. So, I was off work yesterday and got off early today. (See, there IS sunshine behind every cloud!). It does not look too bad.....but I do have it slathered in Neosporin.......yum. We have changed our game plan and am going to do a full deep chemical peel (less cost prohibitive). Reason being that I can always do another......and he would prefer to only subject me to dermabrasion once. So- I will go back this upcoming Monday for a recheck and to schedule the full face peel. I will hold off on pictures right now.......figure they will be more impressive when the whole face looks like a burn patient....rather than the four spots. The fun continues.............

As for the Makers Diet.....still going well! I am pretty accustomed to the grazing on veggies and fruits. Strawberries are my buddies! Red peppers are not my buddies. :) I do miss cheese......really really miss cheese. I am over the bread fascination.......but I don't know if I will ever be cured of the cheese addiction.

So, my glorious three readers......how is that for excitement?

Oh- Aunt J! YOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOO! Do I need to send out an APB for you being apparently missing from the blog world?

Hugs......

2009-02-09T13:36:00.002-05:00

The Worst Wedding Ever from NewSpring Media on Vimeo.

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!!!!!!!

3 weeks......

2009-02-09T13:05:00.002-05:00

Today marks day 21 of the makers.......highlights so far:
1. I no longer want to rip bread out of peoples hands and devour it. Same goes for chocolate. AMEN!
2. I have lost 7 lbs. (WHOA!)
3. I have only cheated once: Super Bowl Sunday. Who wouldn't? I don't watch football- but went to a get together. Since it was a booze fest and junk food fest.....I indulged- in the junk food! Buffalo wings...a cupcake....and a piece of the BEST cake from the Sweetery. Tho I did eat salad too! Oh- I forgot to mention a couple of deviled eggs too!!!!!
4. I now sleep in comas. I hit the pillow and I am in lala land for 8 hours. I guess getting all the food injected with hormones, preservatives, antibiotics etc etc really does affect ya!
5. I am testing being off the Crohn's meds. So far- so good.

I still have not gotten used to the goats milk. I LOVE the cheese, but the milk is a bit ummmmm different.

And...the Buffettmeister is home.....

2009-02-02T16:45:00.003-05:00

So......a recap of Buff's excitement.....

-Dropped off at 7:30 at vet. He is never a happy camper there. Ever. He growled at the receptionist and tried to hide from the vet tech......behind me. So, I got to go with him to the back. We stopped at the scale and he refused to get on. I picked his 63 lb arse up and placed him on scale.

- He still refused to go with tech. So, I got the fun duty of having to take him in back to the kennel area. I felt like a turd leaving him............The tech promised to call me (on my cell) as soon as they were done so I would know he was ok. (Border Collies are known to have anesthesia probs).

-At 11:30 the home phone rings. Caller ID says "Magnolia Veterinary". In panic mode I answer. On the line is the DOCTOR.....who is stumbling on his words. FULL PANIC MODE. Once he finally spit it out (or I quit freaking out) he says he has a fractured tooth. I give the A-OK to extract.

-At 1:00, my cell rings. Its the tech. He did very well....but was under for more than two hours so they want to keep him longer.

-I call at three.....and they say he is cleared to go.

-Upon arriving, the receptionist (a different one from this morning) heads in back to get my boy. She comes back out and says I need to get him. So.....I go back to place I deserted him earlier. Another tech is there and walks in first and I can hear him growling. Once he heard my voice....the growling stopped.....and the whining began. They have me open the kennel and get him out......and then I am sent with whining/growling/shaking dog to wait to talk to the doc.

-Fast forward thirty mins....Buffett manages to crawl all 63lbs of black hair ball onto my lap as we sit on a super uncomfortable bench. He growls at every soul that walks by. Every single person. I continue apologizing profusely with the "I swear he is only like this here" record playing over and over and over.

-FINALLY at 4:30 the doc comes to see us. Buffett is truely not a fan. I had to lift cheeks up so the doc could show me the extraction site. Evidently, Buff was quite snappy with him at some point during the day....I guess the doc wanted to keep his fingers intact.

-Poor Buff is finally now home. And he is miserable. And still kinda sedated. And whiny. Bless his heart.

Lessons from today:

1. Everyone was shocked to see him curled up on my lap as we waited. A couple different people made comments about "thats quite the lap dog" and the sort. Buffetts answer was always a growl. My take? He is not limited to conform to what the standard accepted norm is.

2. When miserable, he just wants his mom.

3. Even though he was in uncomfortable surroundings, in an uncomfortable surrounding....and I PUT HIM THERE....he still loves and forgives me.

How many parallels can be drawn from this?

(He is now snoring LOUDLY next to me)

Until next time.....

Day 8......

2009-02-02T13:10:00.003-05:00

1.I really-really- really cheated last night......and it was SOOOOOOO good! I am back on the food wagon now though.
2. Buffett got his teeth cleaned today. In the middle of it, the Vet called to tell/ask me about pulling one of his back molars. Evidently, he cracked it. So......once he is out of his anesthesia daze I can pick him up...minus his tooth! Poor Boy.
3. I really don't enjoy the Super Bowl and my attention span was too short to enjoy the commercials. After all, there was food! Carb laden, calorie packed, processed glorious food. What Game?

Day 1 contd

2009-01-26T13:40:00.001-05:00

I forgot to mention...no caffeine.

......blah........

Trying the Makers Diet......

2009-01-26T09:58:00.002-05:00

So today marks Day 1 of The Makers Diet. After reading the book (by the same name) I have decided to give it a whirl- and see if it will help with the Crohn's as it did for the author. Basically the entire thing is centered on eating biblically. So out with the processed, chemically laden food and in with organic. Out with Cow's milk- in with Goats. Out with ham ("unclean animal") and in with chicken (free range), beef (all natural) and fish (only the kind with scales). No shrimp, crab, lobster. As for veggies it is now BERRY TIME! Out with margarine and hydrogenated fake fats. Butter is now my friend. Enough about that. I will keep you posted!

Chuck and I got to rescue the MOST BEAUTIFUL black lab that had gotten hit by a car last night. We managed to get him onto a towel and carry him using the towel as a stretcher. Unfortunately, he did not have on a collar- but definitely looked well cared for (minus the fact his ownders had no idea where he was). At the vet, we found out that he was MICROCHIPED. And guess where the owners were from? INDIANA!! We went back to the vet after dinner and found out that he had several broken bones but would be ok. :)

And, since we were already at the vet, I went ahead and made an appointment for the Buffett to get his teeth cleaned. Next Monday.

:) Love!

The madness ensues

2009-01-19T17:46:00.002-05:00

1. Still waiting on the flipping kidney stone. I feel it....but its not unmanageable. And it is certainly not fun.

2. So the weather people have decided that it may snow tonight.
For a true South Carolinian that means:
-The grocery stores are filled with people buying all the milk and bread available.
-There will not be a single person on the roads tonight.
- It might be the end of the world.
-Rumors flying of "huge" snow amounts....i.e. 2 inches.
-Home Depot and Lowes running out of Ice Melt.

For the rest of us 'normies' living in South Carolina that means:
-A dusting that will melt upon impact.

Hopefully there will be nothing of news importance today/tonight/tomorrow morning. It appears the news stations are doing their fair share to help with the ensuing 'massive snowstorm chaos inducing panic' broadcasting. :)

P.S. Have you started reading the Christmas Sweater Aunt J.?

Love to all.

Kidney flipping stone

2009-01-15T09:51:00.002-05:00

I...have...a...kidney....stone.

I have been absent from the blog world.....but I have a doctors excuse! :)

Heres a fun bit for you:

Monday- threw up ALL day
Monday night- threw up half the night
Tuesday- more barfing....

So my boss said that I may have the nasty stomache thing thats going around and to go to the dr. Since I couldn't get in till Wed. with my regular doc I carried my happy butt to Urgent Care.

After blood work (three sticks to get a vein since I was so dehydrated), a tummy xray (because any time something is wrong with a crohnie an xray is in the cards) and a urinalysis....We find out that the vomiting is a kidney stone that can be seen on xray, I have blood in my urine, my body was burning 'ketones' blah blah blah....... Need I mention that after four hours of vomiting in the Urgent Care bathroom, I begged to be able to go home to vomit in my own clean bathroom. So I got to go home but had to go back yesterday morning for abdominal ct. Hopefully my 5mm stone will pass without any intervention.

So here I sit. I am going back to work today. I get to pee in a lovely strainer type thing (noodles , anyone?) and hope that all comes out ok. :)

Happy Trails!

Read....This....Book

2009-01-06T16:09:00.001-05:00

IT ROCKS!

And...the Holidays are OVER!

2009-01-05T10:24:00.003-05:00

I know....I know...... back after a short absence from the blog world......I know.

Christmas and New Years have come and gone..........and I have some pics....

But first...quite possibly the best thing I have heard Perry Noble say......'either get the Hell out of you or get the Hell out of this church'.

While you ponder all the different meanings....check these out.

Buffett on Christmas Eve....

Buffett passed out with one of his presents Christmas Day!

Lorin and I on New Year's Eve

Melting Pot

2008-12-15T11:32:00.001-05:00

ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YUUUUUUUUMMMMMMMY!

Amazing Birthday!

2008-12-12T10:16:00.002-05:00

I had an AMAZING birthday!
1. I was surprised at work with a beautiful delivery of flowers!
2. What was to be a birthday dinner with my parents turned out to be a surprise as well: with John, Linda, and Chuck showing up.

There were lots of other highlights from the day....quite possibly one of the best birthdays I have ever had!

:) I love my family!!!!!

forgot:

2008-12-08T15:10:00.004-05:00

Ok, so I have never been one to flip out about my birthday. The whole 'getting older' thing never really struck a chord. It was just another day.......

Until:

I fully comprehended that in just more than 48 hours I will be closer to 40 than to 16. 16 seems like yesterday......so that makes 40 tomorrow. hmmmm. So, as I work on embracing the big, bold....(just around the corner from "30") big, fantasic, and wonderful 29.......i rationalize the occasion as follows:

1. Mark is still way older.
2. Chuck is still way older.
3. The parents are way way older.
4. Buffett is still older.....thanks to dog years.
5. That special dog Oscar is older......and at a ripe 49 in dog years he is finally using the restroom outside.....the majority of the time! Granted he pukes all them time and smells AWFUL...... but

I must concede that things do get better with time. People get better with time. I would rather spend 1 day "old" and loving Jesus than a lifetime denying Him.

And, so, I will wake up on Thursday morning...on alert for fine lines. And should they appear....well.......we will cross that bridge when we get there.

What is normal?

2008-12-08T14:35:00.003-05:00

Here are a couple pics from yesterday's service.

They brought all the kids out on stage for two songs. The great part? They did not sing.......instead they did some dancing......that appeared to be choreographed. The little little little kids looked like deer in headlights......it was priceless! The best part? These kids will think this is a 'normal' church. (Perry said that we are spending more on the new youth areas than they did to build our main building/sanctuary). What rocks? Resources are being poured into children's ministry!!!!!!

Here is what the tree and presents looked like (with one service to go!). It is amazing that SO MANY kids will have SOMETHING under their tree.

(pics courtesy of Greenville News).

So as I was sitting waiting for the service to start I noticed mr. telephoto lens walking around....snapping away. He took a hundred pics during the service (11:15).

Yet again Perry was on point. My favorite? "There is usually temporary pain for longterm gain".

P.S. How awesome is it to consider your church of over 9,000 normal?

Happy Friday!

2008-12-05T10:07:00.002-05:00

So here is a funny:

The other night Buff had a poo accident in the house. I didn't see it- nor smell it....and stepped RIGHT IN IT on my way out the door as Chuck was waiting in the car for me. As we drive down then road we kept getting 'whiffs' of what smelled like Oscar.......LOL!! He attributed the off and on bad smell to me having just held and played with special Oscar. Fast forward about 30 minutes......and it becomes quite clear that I have poo all over one of my Nike's. Nice huh? My shoes were then not allowed in the car- we rode around with them in the trunk. CLASSY!

Lessons that can be learned:
1. Aiming heat at you feet when riding in the car helps bring forth the lovely aroma.
2. Sometimes you don't see the poo you are in until its too late.
3. Its easier for others to recognize the poo.
4. Sometimes we have to walk through poo to cherish the days we don't!
5. The poo we carry around leaves tiny imprints everywhere we go.

Draw your own conclusions.

:)

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!

2008-12-01T09:54:00.001-05:00

....saw "Fireproof" last night.......it is GREAT!!!!!!!

In Everything Give Thanks.....

2008-11-25T09:32:00.001-05:00

(I had this forwarded to me this morning........had to put it here) Love to all!

In Everything Give Thanks
Margaret Manning

"In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus"
(1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Had I read and understood this verse as a young girl, perhaps I wouldn't
have needed to read all the books I read about finding God's will for my
life, or attend all the seminars on discernment, or spend anxious nights
in prayer wondering if I was perfectly aligned with the will of God. Paul
tells the Thessalonian Christians that giving thanks in everything was
God's will for them, plain and simple.

On the surface, this seems too easy, too simple to encompass something as
deep and as wide as the will of God. And yet, praise and thanksgiving
have always been the markers of a people who walked in the will the Lord,
even of those who struggled with circumstances in which we would be
stretched to find any reason for praise.

For ancient Israel, the concept of thanksgiving was explicitly tied to
remembering all that God had done on their behalf. The people are told to
remember the God who "brought them out of the land of Egypt" and to
remember "the days of old" when the Lord found them "in a desert land, and
in the howling waste of a wilderness; He encircled them, He cared for them,
he guarded them as the pupil of His eye" (Deuteronomy 5:15; 32:7-12). The
psalmists remind the people to "remember that God was their rock, and the
Most High God their Redeemer" (Psalm 78:35), and Job cries out in defiant
praise after losing everything, "The Lord gave and the Lord has taken
away. Blessed be the name of the Lord" (Job 1:21).

A spirit of thanksgiving marked the earliest followers of Jesus as well.
These early believers were so overjoyed at the Spirit's work among them
that they shared meals, their property and possessions, and were
continually praising God (Acts 2:42-47). Paul exhorted the Philippian
Christians to offer their prayers and supplications "with thanksgiving"
(Philippians 4:6), and the endless song around the throne of heaven in
Revelation sounds the chorus for "blessing and glory and wisdom and
thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever"
(Revelation 7:12). Indeed, it is the will of God, from beginning to end,
for us to give thanks and praise.

The American celebration of Thanksgiving was founded because our earliest
leaders thought it important for the entire nation to stop and give
thanks. Written in 1782, one of the first declarations concerning the day
of Thanksgiving read:

"The United States in Congress assembled, taking into their consideration
the many instances of divine goodness to these States:[...] Do hereby
recommend to the inhabitants of these States in general, the observation
of THURSDAY the twenty-eight day of NOVEMBER next, as a day of solemn
THANKSGIVING to GOD for all his mercies: and they do further recommend to
all ranks, to testify to their gratitude to GOD for his goodness, by a
cheerful obedience of his laws, and by promoting, each in his station, and
by his influence, the practice of true and undefiled religion, which is the
great foundation of public prosperity and national happiness."(1)

This declaration reflects the notion that the mark of a great nation, like
the distinction of God's people in Scripture, is in its thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is God's will for God's people because when we give thanks
for who God is and what God has done in our lives, there is no room for
jealousy of what others' have, no room for complaining about what we lack.
Even in times of deepest sorrow, there is a joy that rises up on the heart
when praise comes even with tears. Thanksgiving makes the heart full of
gladness which overflows from our lives and spills out into acts of
kindness and generosity. When we are grateful, we cannot help but share
our gratitude. And this is the will of God for our lives.

I am grateful for a day set apart to focus on thanksgiving, but I am
challenged to live into God's will for my life by giving thanks in
everything, every day of the year. As the author of the letter to the
Hebrews concludes: "Through God then, let us continually offer up a
sacrifice of praise to God that is the fruit of lips that give thanks to
His name. And do not neglect doing good and sharing; for with such
sacrifices God is pleased."(2)

Margaret Manning is a member of the speaking and writing team at Ravi
Zacharias International Ministries in Atlanta, Georgia.

(1)Thanksgiving Proclamation State of New-Hampshire. In Committee
of Safety, Exeter, November 1, 1782 from https://www.history.com.
(2) Hebrews 13:15-16.

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RAIN!

2008-11-24T16:25:00.003-05:00

So- its a trickle. I suppose I will put off building an ark till another day. But it is super gloomy and has made a most wonderful, relaxing afternoon OFF with the Buff watching TLC. LOVES it!

And here is my shoutout! One of my childhood best friends (Jen) is currently awaiting the arrival of her first child (with husband Mike......HI MIKEEE!) at the hospital....any moment now in the sunny state of Florida. What is absolutely awesome is that Mike is blogging during the whole thing.........you can check out their blog listed in my favorites. (Hey Mike! Tell Jen I love her.....and I guess you are pretty ok too!) I am stalking it to see pics of the highly anticipated Annabelle!

Love to all!

It may- just may- rain today!

2008-11-24T08:45:00.002-05:00

So I spent the day hiking yesterday all around Lake Hartwell. It was wonderful weather and probably the last time I can get in some good outdoor time before it gets way too cold to do so. The drought has brought the lake down MUCH more than when I was last out there (maybe a month ago). Kinda scary since two weeks ago an article in the paper said we have 300 days of water left. Not good. We are going to need rain of epic proportions.......Noah's Ark type rain.

Church was great yesterday! Only NewSpring can incorporate Barry White music into the teaching.

Turkey day is right around the corner! Yay for the upcoming good eats! Which also means that Christmas is coming coming coming.

Oh- and I failed to mention.......OHIO STATE OWNED MICHIGAN!!!!!! Go Bucks!

2008-11-19T19:21:00.002-05:00

1. I am breaking down- going to Mexican tonight!

2. I heard about the roto-rooter experience Aunt J! Great time isn't it?

3. Al- have you watched the NewSpring service from this past Sunday? It ROCKS>

Hi Aunt Judy!

2008-11-17T16:38:00.002-05:00

So I hear that you have been missing my posts :). So- I had to go through two different sets of emails to find my password.........but......ta dah! Here I am!!!!!!!

Quick summary
1. Newspring still flipping rocks.

2. Buffett still flipping rocks.

3. I am amazed that one can go through 12 years of schooling, 4.5 years of college and NEVER have heard of Jonestown. Thanks to CNN, I am now updated. And I now 'get' the "Don't drink the kool-aid" off color comment that I have hear people make over the last many years.

4. My best friend moved into a house where a woman was murdered by her son 4 years ago. I finally went in a week ago yesterday (after church nonetheless) and it is.......HEAVY. Not to be superstitious- but........I will not go at night!!!

5. My new favorite food has changed from Mexican to Sushi. And tonight mom and I are going!!!!!!!

6. Its getting COLD down here.

7. I had two pairs of my favorite buckle jeans die on the same day a few weeks ago. SAD! So, I replaced them with one pair:).

8. I sat through a 4 hour district meeting yesterday afternoon. NOT FUN! The good? Our sloppy joe's rocked!!!!!!!

9. Turkey day is right around the corner!!!!!!!!!

Ok- hopefully I will be back on before I have to search for my password again!!!

Peace and LOVE!

Random updates....

2008-08-11T14:08:00.002-04:00

1. Finally rented Juno. Jodi, Lorin and I had a great girls night Saturday night! Oh- and Jodi has a 105 lb lab who took to me......really took to me. In fact, at one point, he jumped up on the recliner I was in to give me more kisses and he FLIPPED US BOTH over! Now that is a big....big arse dog!

2. Church rocked it yesterday! The sermon was about being a Christian surrounded with all the pop culture. They even played "I Wanna Make Love in this Club" and "I Kissed a Girl" on the sound system with the videos and lyrics on the screen right in the middle of the sermon. Perry was especially fired up! This is a must see.. www.newspring.cc

3. I invited my parents to go with Chuck, his kids and I to the river yesterday. IT WAS A BLAST! I think my dad was in his own paradise. He LOVED it. And my mom got to find more rocks for her collection and, of course, Buffett swam his heart out. We managed to not get injured UNTIL we were hiking back to the car. On a smooth trail. We could see the car. And then my dad stepped on the ONLY rock around and rolled his ankle. It was priceless!!!!! And he has now lost his right to make fun of my river injury. At least I was running for my life :).

4. I have done a major cleaning today. It is amazing to me that the older I get, the more I enjoy cleaning!! (CRAZY!)

5. HI ALLISON!!!!!! I HAD A GREAT TIME WITH YOU GUYS!

Slacking....

2008-07-14T09:56:00.001-04:00

AGAIN!!!

So- today at 2.......Having some Plastic Surgery. AWAKE. Say a prayer. :)

I love the summer- and Happy Belated Birthday Allison!

2008-06-23T12:59:00.004-04:00

1. Happy 22 Allison!

2. I love the pool, the sun, relaxing outside, taking my dog to the park, and pretty much anything else to do with the outdoors. Minus the river. This is probably the first time in my life that I have spent most of my time (when I am off from work) outside. Love the fresh air! Its good for the spirit!

I stink at linking.....

2008-06-15T19:09:00.001-04:00

http://tonymorganlive.com/2008/06/11/newspring-first-campus-outside-of-anderson/#comment-6052

Check this out! LOVE IT!

Where are your eyes?

2008-06-15T18:56:00.002-04:00

So- I wrote the other day about my friend hit by the car. Turns out, the young guy who hit her is 22. He had just left a doctors appointment where he found out that his cancer had returned. He looked down for a moment while driving.....and look what happened.

So after hearing this I started thinking about my driving. The past 2 days I have noticed just HOW MANY times I look down. Whether to grab a cd, check a text, or rummage in my purse..........Try it yourself for a couple of days. You will most likely be as amazed as I am at the amount of time your eyes are NOT on the road. It is by pure luck (more likely the grace of God) that I have not hit anyone or anything..............

On happier notes:

1. My brother, mom, dad and I went to a good lunch today for Father's Day. Unfortunately, the Crohn's kicked in- but I did manage to sit at the table long enough to eat half my sandwich. It was a nice time....and ruebens rock!

2. The washer is fixed!!!!! AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

3. I got to spend a couple of hours at the pool this afternoon with Chuck and the boys. I LOVE being able to see the world through a child's eyes- if for just a moment.

4. Gas is still under 4$ a gallon here. I paid 3.79 today!

5. I see the doctor again tomorrow at 2. Please say a prayer!

Until then......

But for the grace of God......there go I.

2008-06-12T15:53:00.003-04:00

So in the past week....
1. One friend had one failed back surgery and a second to try to fix the first problem and newly created. She is now in a rehab hospital to learn to walk again. She has wonderful spirits and takes this as just another stepping stone.
2. A friend who I am not as close to as I used to be was hit by a car walking on her break at work. (She is a nurse at the hospital). She was dragged and the car didn't stop until it ran into a cab. She is alive and enduring several surgeries and still in the ICU. She is facing months of rehabilitation for the many fractures.....but she is alive.
3. Another friend was killed Tuesday morning when she went off the road into a tree. Her BAC was .24. Legal limit in SC is .08.

Every smile, every tear, every kiss, every EVERYTHING is a gift from GOD. Cherish it.

Knee update.......

2008-05-30T15:27:00.003-04:00

Ok- so......saw the ortho today......
My 'little rock' fall gives me some bad news to deliver:
1. Bad sprain of my MCL
2. Probable meniscus tear
3. Inflamed "fat pad"

The good?
1. My knee cap is ....and I quote "PERFECT". Still doing great from the overhaul in 03. God bless the Hughston clinic. My ortho is impressed.
2. We are going to hold off until my follow-up on 6/17 for an MRI.
3. Since I can (and this is also a quote) "practically teach rehab" I will be doing my rehabbing at home!!! HOLLLAAAAA!
4. No more knee immobilizer! New sporty (ha!) and much less bulky knee brace.

Lessons:
1. No more river for Buff and I.
2. Urgent care actually knew what they were doing.
3. There is positive in EVERY situation. I just have to look for it.

....anything above my head is still below His feet......

Ow Ow Ow!

2008-05-22T10:09:00.003-04:00

So here is a funny story for you:
Went to the River/Dam on Saturday with Buff and Chuck. Let me set this up for you:
1. I go nearly every week as detailed by previous pictures.
2. I decided to bring an insulated cooler bag this time. I figured I needed a safer place to put cellphones/cameras besides in my sports bra. This is the first time I did this.
3. Once we made it to the island in the middle of the river, Chuck decided to take Buffett to the GA side of the river. Reason being: if the Dam horn ever went off (signaling impending doom) I would take Buff to the GA side as is was somewhat closer to the island. Chuck would take the longer route and cross back to SC to get the car and then come get Buff and I. This was all theory....... and it was also the first time Chuck showed Buff where to go.

Fast forward approx. 2 hours. There is this loud blaring horn.........that sounds like a semi truck on the bridge. However, about 30 seconds into it...chuck states....."thats the dam horn" along with some colorful language. PANIC.

I tossed him his keys from his bag- he handed me his cell phone and the adventure began.

People pulled off the side of an access road that runs along the GA side and were screaming "water is coming- GET OUT!". I had now escalated to full petrified panic.

Buffett got about 10 feet in front of me (THANK GOD he had had a practice run earlier) and I believed it was me and him.......ALONE. And then I fell- twice. In water approx 2 feet deep with large moss covered rocks underneath. I yelled for help. I hadn't realized it but Chuck was worried upon seeing the people stopped in their car- so he decided to follow me to GA. Buff turned around and CAME BACK and sat next to me in the now somewhat rising water! AMAZING! We finally made it to land and had to go up a 10 ft embankment. At that very moment, this very POS car comes driving by- bout 20 yrs old........falling apart kind of car. In it were two very VERY country people- a son and his 80 yr old mother with a wiener dog on her lap. They stopped and immediately offered us a ride back to the other side of the now raging river. I was soaked, with blood running down my leg. My dog was soaked. Chuck was soaked. And they welcomed us. God bless them!

Here is a pic once we got back to SC- with my fresh wounds......

I am finally giving in after 5 days of swelling and pain and going to the doctor today.

With all this in mind:

God had me in his hands the whole time.
1. The practice run with the dog to GA
2. The bag to protect cell phones.
3. The old beat up car that had more than likely seen much worse than the three of us.

Coincidence is merely God acting anonymously.

P.S. I am still terrified when I think of what could of happened. I will no longer be playing on the river rocks. I'll let ya know what the doc says!

2008-05-12T14:20:00.000-04:00

Couple quick pics.....

And- look who has become quite the swimmer!!!

Some pics from yesterday....

2008-05-05T14:56:00.003-04:00

Yesterday Buffett got to go to the Savannah River/Hartwell Dam.......Here are some pics....

and....MY FAVORITE!!!!!!

2008-05-01T09:56:00.000-04:00

:) It is beautiful outside today!:)

another great day off...

2008-04-28T16:16:00.004-04:00

This morning I went with one of my best friends to Greenville so she could pay a past debt. Honestly- I really didn't want to go. It was rainy, yucky, and perfectly dark enough to stay in bed and do nothing all day. She came by at 9:45 and we headed to G-Vegas. It rained the whole way there but stopped once we left the tax office. So, we decided to stop by the house my brother is having built. My parents went by on Saturday and found the thing unlocked, so I figured it still would be. We get to the house and there were no workers.....so I was betting on it still being unlocked. Well, the front door was locked. So- my genius self walked through the neighbors yard around back. Reminder: It has poured all morning. So, since the house still isn't done, there is no sod. Nope- none. So- me and my pretty NEW sneakers run as quickly as possible across the RED CLAY DIRT. My best friend was laughing......I was sinking. And the dang back door was locked!!!!!

Lesson learned. In life......and construction sites, it is best to survey the scene before impulsively acting. I really need to focus on the whole picture.........and while the quickest way from point a to point b may appear to be a straight line- there may be obstacles.....both seen and unforeseen. I clearly saw that there was a better way to go- (around the OTHER side of the house) yet I chose the lesser option.

So- Lorin was cracking up. I had to take my shoes off and put them in the back of her truck for the ride home.

Then the sun came out and my shoes ACTUALLY CAME CLEAN. It only took a couple mins with the hose and they are good as new.

And, the sun has remained out all day! Got in a bit of tanning.

:)

Mexican Food

2008-04-25T10:19:00.002-04:00

What do I love almost as much as NOS? Mexican Food.!.!.! I pretty much eat the stuff 5 nights a week.......and have narrowed down all the Mexican establishments in town to my favorite: El Patron. Vegetarian E...extra cheese enchilada and a side of sour cream and the all important jalepenos. HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT! Here is the prob.....just like the ridiculous gas prices that keep going up...imagine our surprise last night when the bill was 2 dollars more. From 18.58 to 20.58. Bleh.

Also, what is this I hear about Sam's club rationing rice??? At least I am not a rice fan. And, I will continue the El Patron streak. Darn economy!

...What have you done for Him today?....

Show up to your life!

2008-04-23T09:59:00.003-04:00

So last night, I was in the car with a friend coming home from dinner- listening to DELILAH. Go ahead and laugh....but I love her show. Anywho, she mentioned that we should "show up to our lives."

It hit me.

My take: You can't sit back and expect to pray your way out of life's obstacles. I like to refer to those prayers as "foxhole prayers". You have to put action and true meaning behind your prayers AND your life. As 'they' say: faith without works is dead. (sidenote: who is they????). I have to meet my Savior somewhere in the middle........I have to do everything in my power to grow in circumstances- good and bad- asking for His assistance and guidance along the way- and when I can do no more, I have to ask Him to take over- completely.

Do you show up to your life?

Random Pics......

2008-04-21T12:41:00.001-04:00

face:

the Buffett!

the NOS!

:) I be here! I is here! Here I am:)

2008-04-21T09:52:00.004-04:00

I have been blog slacking again.... (HI AUNT J!!!!!!!!!!!!!) It has been a super busy couple of weeks. Seems like since the weather got warm- there is suddenly more stuff to do and to get done!

OH! I am currently working my way through Joel Osteen's Live Your Best Life Now Journal.......HIGHLY recommend it!!!! Very thought provoking........and makes you put a pen to paper which is also good too!!! I find it is one thing to read something.....but when I have a book that makes me actually THINK HARD because I have to write something.......it hits home much more so.

Face update: looking LOTS better!

Funny stuff!

2008-03-31T11:43:00.002-04:00

Ha- so my church is doing an awesome series....."sex, money, and power: the man series". This video is how they started the teaching yesterday morning. HYSTERICAL!!!! The funny part was that most of the service was aimed at men......but definitely made all the ladies think. And then......the call for women to back up....sit back....and keep quiet. You could pretty much feel every woman's ego bubble being popped. Good stuff! To think- every female ALMOST walked out of there unscathed. ALMOST.

On a completely different note: I finally saw Catch Me if You Can this weekend. I am slack on movies.....I know! And it was great!

Happy Thursday!

2008-03-27T09:35:00.002-04:00

1. It is BEAUTIFUL here!!!! SUNNY AND WARM!!!

2. I am trying to cut back on the energy drinks.

3. The face is doing MUCH better!!!

4. I wish I had the day off to enjoy this weather with Buffett!!! But at least I can stare out the window at it.....till 7.

Phone calls in the morning.....

2008-03-25T09:45:00.004-04:00

I'm blog slacking. I know. I embrace it. I accept it. I will try to do better:)

That being said, I was getting ready for work a bit ago and got a phone call from my dad. Two things about calls from dad in the morning. 1. He never calls from work. 2. Its not usually a good thing. Well, he and my mom found out last night that one of their best friends in Florida passed away on Friday. So.....as I stood dripping water everywhere (I had just gotten out of the shower) several things hit me.......

1. The older my parents get and the older that I get, the more I redefine what 'old' is. I remember years ago when 40 seemed old to me......Ron was only 60. Too young.
2. Who am I/we to say 'too young'????? When our work is done here, we are called home by our Heavenly Father. Not on our time, but His. Have we lived each day - to the best of our ability- glorifying Him.......not other people or materialistic items or our self-serving desires?

I don't know if this is making much sense.......as I am very stunned at the moment. But......it was another reminder that we are here but a short time.........some longer than others.... but our time here is a but a blink when compared to the eternity that is offered. Open your eyes.

Our God is an awesome God!

Day off! Trampolines and Plastic Surgeons......on St. Pattys Day!

2008-03-17T15:10:00.003-04:00

Ah- the glorious Monday off!

Let me update you on the face: OUCH! My lips have looked like cold sore heaven for the past week.....granted I have never had one! That is just how stinkin chapped they are from some the chemicals that someone leeched onto them.

So I went for my weekly pic at the Plastic Surgeons office. I am currently a burning and blistering mess......imagine having a camera shoved in the face! NOT FUN! Just gotta keep stickin it out.......thank God my friends love me enough to come visit me in hiding at my house. Seems the only place I go these days is work and dark dark dark restaurants.

I did go out in public to Panera for lunch this afternoon for some awesome French Onion Soup breadbowls with my best girls!

But the pure excitement was.......jumping on one of my best friends daughters new trampoline! Who ever said that at age 28 with a burning peeling face one can't jump like an idiot on a trampoline? It rocked. It also kicked my butt. Enjoy the pics!

Day off.....

2008-03-10T16:06:00.002-04:00

Let me say this for the record: I LOVE LOVE LOVE having Monday's off!!!!! And no, I don't just lay around on em!
1. Went to meeting at 10. Of course, had to stop to fill up on an energy drink.
2. Got home and spent some time in 'sermon on the mount'........does it get much better than that? I love rereading it-----always something different speaking to me.
3. CLEANED! You know what that means....clean fresh sheets tonight! Rock it!
4. Was going to hit the park with my best friend and her 2 year old......but time got away from me and its about shower/peel the face off time to get ready for tonight.

God is great!

Exhausted..

2008-03-07T20:41:00.002-05:00

What a week! Do you ever feel like you are doing the same thing....day in and day out......Menial things......but what a blessing to be ABLE to do them.

Might I also mention that my dog flipping ROCKS!

Well, I'm off to watch some t.v. and relax. And yes, I am quite aware that it is a Friday night. But considering that I work on Saturdays, my 'weekend' doesn't start till tomorrow night.

PS: The face is looking almost presentable this evening. ALMOST.

LIVE.

Forgiveness.....thought for the day....

2008-03-06T10:00:00.001-05:00

"For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."

Matthew 6:14

And remember: God doesn't make junk. Happy Thursday!

2008-03-05T10:11:00.002-05:00

So I have been blog slacking.......I have been super busy and am finally getting some downtime so here goes...

1. I am officially addicted to Thin Mints. The problem: I have half of one box left. Wishing they sold them all year!!!!! Thankfully, the Thin Mint problem took the place of the Cadbury Egg issue....haven't had one in 2 weeks:) But, I am pretty sure I will be back to my trusty Cadbury Eggs VERY soon.........(PS. Why do I LOVE the junk they only sell for short periods of time each year? Maybe its the fact they aren't available everyday that I hoard them while I can????)

2. My scope went very well. I was completely out....it was WONDERFUL. They found some stricturing and a polyp. The polyp is no longer around. :)

3. My face is a burning, peeling mess. Raw.

4. Thinking about hitting a G-vegas church service at Redemption church on Sunday.

5. God is GREAT.........greater than anything else in my life.

DUI checkpoints and other fun detours....

2008-02-29T23:45:00.003-05:00

1. Tonight I met some friends at Chiefs for a late dinner.....but they were charging a $5 cover to listen to some 'country rock band'. Needless to say, I did not get my much heralded Buffalo Chicken Wrap. We walked out and went to O'Charleys.

2. On the way home I come up to........the dreaded DUI checkpoint. LIBERATING! I cruised right up.......and didn't have to: a) throw my seatbelt on quickly b) turn my radio down c) put gum in my mouth or d)pray a foxhole prayer. It made my night! I chatted with the officer......who was very friendly.....gave him my license....HE GAVE IT BACK.....and went along my way. (I won't go into details on how some moron at the intersecting street then nearly hit my car as he ran the light....with my window still down and officers everywhere.....I did swear at him. oops! I'll try better next time:)

3. My face is flipping peeling off! I currently have Neosporin slathered all over my lips. ATTRACTIVE.

4. I also heard from the hospital today. I have to be there at 7:30 Monday morning for the scope. They are putting me out for it so it isn't a repeat of last time! Thank God. So.....I will be abstaining from food.....and nourishing my body with clear fluids and Fleets Phospho Soda in prep for the "big dig" monday.

To thine own self be true.......

Blessings in everything. Just open your eyes.

2008-02-26T20:37:00.003-05:00

I got my new prescription filled for a Crohn's med....Yesterday when I dropped it off I asked the pharmacist how much it would be and he commented '$40....you have really good insurance". I really didn't think much of it until today when I got to Publix and picked it up. As I was walking out to the car, I read the info sheet they give you. At the top it said "Your plan saved you $397.15". WHAT? So pretty much a two month supply is almost $440?? As much as I like to moan at paying almost 400 a month for COBRA (through my previous job) ..... it payed for itself today! What gets even better, I will be switched to my work insurance in April........same plan and everything! For this "Crohnie"......another blessing.

So then I got to thinking......how in the world do people pay for this stuff uninsured? I suppose through the government or through discounts from the manufacturers (think Montel Williams commercials). I can't imagine the worries that occur when people need these medications to stay alive or to keep some quality of life -- to then have to battle on a monthly basis to get them at a free or reduced cost.

What a minor and insignificant gripe I have had for several months forking over that ridiculously large check to keep insurance coverage. What a huge amount of gratitude I have tonight that I am able to do so.

Adios!

Day of Doctors......

2008-02-25T15:03:00.002-05:00

I am finally relaxing after the appts. today. Heres the update:

Plastic Surgeon: Going to start at home Obagi peels on Weds. to be followed followed by a surgery in a couple months, then followed by a Obagi blue peel. So I will have skin like a baby's bottom in no time. :)

And, speaking of bottoms.....

GI; Hold on to your pants for this one. I am scheduled for another super duper fantastic Colonoscopy. That fun will be a week from today at 8:00 am. The doctor was awesome....he even gave me a hug before I left......there definitely should be more docs like that....I haven't seen any specialist with bedside manner in a LONG time. You want to know what made my day? I get to "prep" with the same stuff I prepped with at U of Michigan.....2 little tiny bottles of Phospho Soda. None of the 4 gallons of nastiness.....no 40 pills to swallows.....Its the little things boys and girls!!!!
But, speaking of mass pills to swallow.....he put me on some Crohn's medication to hopefully help out the symptoms but I have to take an obscene amount of them a day. You win some, you lose some I guess.

Sunday night thinking....

2008-02-24T22:08:00.004-05:00

1. Last night was ladies night out......we ditched the guys, saw Vantage Point, and hit up some Chiefs for some AWESOME buffalo chicken wraps.....and then finished it off with a brownie sundae....As for the movie: GO SEE IT!
2. Ladies night.....we need to do it more often. It was great!
3. Tomorrow, (I am off) I have a day of doctor appts. scheduled. JOY! Seeing the plastic surgeon at 9 (more on that later) and the GI at 2. Say a prayer please:). The GI visit is important as they are going to be checking up on the Crohn's disease and seeing about the Yersiniosis.
4. Church rocked today. It was all about keeping your priorities as they should be. God first, family second, and your 'purpose' last. So I got to thinking after church. I hear SO MANY people say "What is my purpose in life?", "I am trying to figure out what God's purpose is for me?". In my opinion, I think the "purpose of life" is made abundantly clear to us the day we are called to our eternal home. Thoughout the Bible it is clear that God wants us to serve Him first, serve others second, and serve ourselves last. I think that is the purpose of life here on earth for all of Christ's followers. As long as we strive to strive for His will to be done, and not ours.......we will be fulfilling that which we are here for.
5. I am still eating the flipping Girl Scout cookies.
6. And finally, I am dogsitting again...

But for the Grace of God, there go I.

2008-02-24T13:02:00.001-05:00

NOS energy drink...fruit punch flavor.....WONDERFUL!

Attitude of Gratitude.....

2008-02-21T21:03:00.002-05:00

Ok so the past couple days, I have felt like chewing certain people's heads off and have been short with many others.

1. What gives ME the right?
2. Why do I set unrealistic, unnecessary, and impractical expectations on others and not understand when they don't reach them?

After praying about this, it dawned on me: my poor attitude was directly proportionate to my level of gratitude. The lower my gratitude- the poorer my attitude. So, it became gratitude list time. I will spare you the details.....but after about 15 minutes of writing down many things......and regaining some humility....the glass is now MORE than half full. Blessings are everywhere- I need to strive to keep my eyes open to see them.

:)

2008-02-19T09:52:00.000-05:00

A thought for a beautiful Tuesday morning:

GO BUCKS!

Passing some time until a friend comes by....

2008-02-18T19:19:00.001-05:00

1. This past Christmas, I was given the book "The Strength of Character'. It is AWESOME.......pick it up!!!

2. I LOVE energy drinks. I am currently dogsitting for a family friend.....WHO DOES NOT OWN A COFFEE POT....(I didn't know that was possible) so I have been hitting up the energy drinks to keep the caffeine headaches at bay. I pose the all important question: WHO DOESN'T OWN A COFFEE POT?

3. I am hoping all the yersiniosis bacteria (look that one up...fun times!) is gone. For those who haven't heard, I was food poisoned sometime the week before Christmas which resulted in (what I thought) a stomach bug on Christmas Eve. Fast forward 5 weeks to mid Jan and I was still having issues which I attributed to the Crohn's (look that one up too!) so I visited the dr. Thats right guys- I waited 6 weeks to go. I don't go to the dr. till I have one foot in the ground. After many tests, they realized it was this rare- 1 in 100,000- foodborne illness. And, I even got a phone call from the local health department as this is a reportable illness. But, the good news is that I now have a GI appt next Monday so they can see what kind of damage the bacteria has caused and what the status of my Crohn's is. I suppose this was a way of getting my attention to find a GI- considering I haven't been to one since my diagnosis when I lived in Michigan. Funny how things work. :)

4. Foot rubs are underrated!

Have a blessed evening!!!

The Pursuit of Happyness...

2008-02-18T10:46:00.000-05:00

Watched this yesterday. IT ROCKS! Will Smith's character spends most of the movie chasing a job with a brokerage firm. I could relate to it.....as this is what I used to do. And the funny thing was- every time I would obtain more money or another promotion- I just wanted MORE MORE MORE. I had to develop and continue developing my relationship with Christ to learn that I was not put here to worship jobs or money. I was created as a child of God- and not a slave to materialism and all that encompases.

This movie absolutely brought me back to where I used to be.

Gratitude!

Better late than never.....

2008-02-17T18:48:00.001-05:00

So its been awhile.......

The past several months have been absolutely amazing! God is continuing to show me things about myself- both "good" and those "needing improvement". The wonderful part of living in God's will and not my own is that I am seeking His guidance in removing these defects. Little by little, some have been removed and the rest at least improved. After all, today is not about striving for personal perfection, but striving for spiritual progress and continuing to seek His will.

Last night...

2007-09-12T10:38:00.000-04:00

Amazing!

Random thoughts for a random Tuesday....

2007-09-11T11:36:00.000-04:00

Random:
1. The MOST AMAZING thing at church on Saturday. 562 people baptized (my mom being one of them). It was AWESOME.
2. Chiefs buffalo chicken wrap and ranchero potatos: quite possibly the best meal ever. The best part? They actually got it right last night- no bacon, extra ranch, extra origional mild.
3. Car hunting: not fun.
4. Britney Spears....I feel sorry for her. She is such a mess and is surrounded by people that enable her- after all, as long as they pacify her they stay on the payroll. Its very sad. Secondly, all over the internet people are talking about her being 'fat'. How about REAL?
5. the guy: we shall see how that goes.......
6. FRIENDS: I love them. But have realized that some are not healthy to actively be around. And so, several are loved....from a distance. Remember, those who gossip TO you, will gossip ABOUT you.
7. I am excited for tonight!!!!

Happy Thursday!

2007-09-06T23:13:00.000-04:00

ok, so today=not so good. Tonight= MUCH better.

Tonight I finally realized what God is trying to tell me to do. Its AMAZING when something is so clearly layed out in front of you.....He could not have shown me this in anymore of a clear way.

Tomorrow I am going to listen....and do what needs to be done.

God will never give you more than you can handle, but he just might give you enough to make you get on your knees.

Friggin Tooth....

2007-09-05T16:10:00.000-04:00

Thanks to the extraction from hell, I found this site:)

I think I am getting a damn dry socket.........thinking I may have to relent and call the dentist....that is, if the pain gets worse.