Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Quick trip to Kentucky

Last Saturday morning, I headed to Kentucky to see the family and hug my newly-engaged best friend! Christina closed on a house and was proposed to on the same day. Whew! She is still glowing some two weeks later from all the excitement.

We took Sunday afternoon to try bridesmaid dresses on. Yes, I said the dresses. Christina has been on the ball planning this wedding! She had the dresses ordered last Monday and they arrived at her house on Friday. The two bridesmaids are wearing the same dress and the maid-of-honor is wearing something similar but different. Gretchen and I look gorgeous in the dresses! Christina did a great job with picking a dress that looks good on two totally different bodies. And if you knew me and Gretchen, you would understand what a big feat that is to accomplish.

Christina's house looks great and the ring is beautiful. Eric did a wonderful job picking it out. Poor Eric had to listen to us girls go on and on about wedding details. He was a good sport. I'm amazed by all the things Christina has bought or written down for future shopping. The girl has it under control.

The drive there and back through Kentucky was so nice. The trees are starting to change colors. Seeing that I'm the nerd in choir who listens to her music way more than most, I was singing through the Christmas music on a CD. On one stretch of road with beautiful changing leaves, the song "The majesty and glory of Your name" came on. I had tears falling down my face. My soul was struck by how well I could see His majesty and glory through the changing autumn leaves. Truly a worship-filled moment.

It was nice to have a three-day weekend. Not coming in on Monday morning does wonders for the mind!

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Mid-week update

It has been over a week since I graced your lives with my writings. Graced may not be the word you would use but you can keep that to yourself :)

My life-long friend Christina got engaged last week! She closed on a house the same day; talk about a busy woman! I'm going to Somerset this weekend to see the ring and talk of wedding stuff. I also want to see her new house. Christina has found a great guy to marry. Eric has my stamp of approval.

Found a brown recluse spider in the kitchen sink last night. It had the defined violin on the back, the one definite sign of that spider. At first it completely freaked me out. But I know there are multiple spiders in that house that I never see. Nice thought, huh? ;)

My roommate, Wendi, is a second grade teacher. This year, she began a pen pal project with her kids. I volunteered and have a cute little girl with whom I'm writing back and forth. I love seeing the random things she will write about. Second graders are still cute and friendly. They still see an adult as cool; they hit fourth grade and that all changes!

My friend Mandy mentioned today on her blog of there being a basket of laundered and folded clothing sitting in the kitchen, just waiting to be put away. It has been waiting for a while. I have the same problem! Do any of you? I don't mind washing clothes, or folding them. But I detest putting them away! Why? It is a simple thing to do. The funny thing, all the people who responded to Mandy's blog post struggle with the same thing! Maybe we have an epidemic of laziness on our hands :)

I'm awaiting the try-out results of an ensemble at church. I love to sing...did you know that? If you didn't, you don't spend enough time around me. If I don't make it, I will be crushed at first. Then I'll get over it. But I really want to make it! We should have the list tonight.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Completely healed

So many times, we pray for complete healing of a loved one. What we mean by this prayer is that God would see fit to heal the person so their earthly life continues. What do you do when God chooses to heal that person completely but it doesn't extend their life here on earth? Those are the emotions I am dealing with today.

A sweet lady at my church has passed away from a six year fight with cancer. Ashley was only 23. Her age changes your view of this situation, doesn't it? Ashley lived only 23 years on this earth, yet she had a greater impact on the spiritual lives of those in her path than I have had in my 30+ years. There were only a few sparse moments of interaction with Ashley but I will forever be changed by them.

Ashley had a quiet peace that radiated from deep within her soul. It was contagious. Ashley beautifully exhibited what II Corinthians 4:16-18 says. "Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day to day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal."

Never have I been around someone who showed so well the peace of knowing God. Ashley always had a smile on her face. She always asked about you, never talking about her pain. And you knew she was in severe pain whenever you saw her. The cancer was relentless.

Ashley is now completely healed, in the presence of the Lord. There is a part of me that hurts for her not being on earth anymore; we selfishly want our loved ones to stay with us. But there is a part of me that is jealous. She is with our precious Lord. There is no more struggling and disappointment, no more pain and longing. Ashley is enjoying the total peace and rest of knowing our Savior and Lord. Many times our temporal view can't see what glorious hope we have in our future with the Lord. Come quickly, Lord Jesus!

Friday, October 10, 2008

Breaking it down

The current Bible study I am involved in on Thursday nights is kicking my behind. I need this time of God taking me out back and whooping me, so to speak. I've allowed this life of mine to run crazy and it is time to reign some areas back in.

Previously I mentioned the tongue. Oh yes, that wonderful little instrument of peace or war. Which do I choose on a regular basis? In honesty, I must say war. God has shown me that I need to yield that area back to the Spirit. I don't give time before I speak to allow the Spirit to guide my words. And, I haven't spent enough time in the Word lately to have His ways right there at the tip of my tongue.

Next, God has taken me to the woodshed on my priorities. MAN! That was a rough week. OH! But I needed it. I've been working with The Pampered Chef since last fall. I love the products and the company. Absolutely nothing bad to speak of about the two. The problem? God doesn't want that as part of my life right now. The right thing at the wrong time is the wrong thing. At the end of September, I had to place an order or go inactive. I struggled with that decision. I knew I could work on paying my car off sooner by working with The Pampered Chef. Why wouldn't that be a good thing? Why would God not want me to get from underneath that debt?

When it come to debt, God's way is always to pay it off...or don't go into debt in the first place. So, why in my situation is God not allowing me the resource of The Pampered Chef to help pay that bill?

The Lord showed me through one of the Bible study topics on finances that I need to budget differently. If I would rework some of my spending habits, I would have more to pay on the car loan. The money is already there, I'm just not using it effectively.

That is my life at the moment. What has God taught you lately?

Wednesday, October 08, 2008

A day in the life of Mindy

My alarm went off this morning but I didn't get out of bed then. I actually didn't get out of my bed until 8:05. Yes, people, I don't go to work until 9AM and live like a mile from it. It was a mad dash for the shower and getting dressed. Boots didn't even get her meds this morning because it takes so long to administer them. Boots doesn't idly sit by while I give her medication.

It would be wonderful to sleep-in on rainy days. I think that is why I didn't wake up with the alarm this morning. The sound of rain pounding the roof and the road outside is so soothing.

I didn't eat breakfast because I didn't have anything to quickly grab as I went out the door. I'm hungry!!!! My boss is on her way with McDonald's. Yay for my boss!

So, last night the presidential debate was held in Nashville. I was so close to Obama and McCain! Such a weird feeling to know they were right down the street from me. They were at Belmont University and I live just two streets over from Belmont Blvd. I must say though that I was thoroughly bored with the debate. In my opinion, Tom Brokaw did a better job with the debate than the candidates. So, I nominate Tom Brokaw for president.

My fav show comes on tonight! I'm totally addicted to Project Runway on Bravo. Make it work! I think I enjoy this reality show more than others because I can see the contestants construct the garment and see the finished product. And, they are working toward a good goal, money to help start a clothing line.

On to work!

Sunday, October 05, 2008

A few things

Since my brain can't find anything interesting to write here, I'll give you a list of random stuff.
  • My favorite color is green but I've come to love red.
  • I'm an economics and politics nerd. I'll talk your ear off about any and everything.
  • I like the show "House" and I can't figure out why.
  • When I wash dishes, there is an order I follow every time: glasses, plates, bowls, pots and pans, utensils.
  • I don't like mayo, mustard, ketchup except for french fries, sour cream, cottage cheese, and all salad dressings expect for Italian. I think I have a sauce issue.
  • Fall is my favorite time of the year. I love the fresh air in the morning, the change from short to long sleeve shirts, the foliage.
  • To me, the worst household chore is dusting. I gladly clean bathrooms before dusting.
  • I don't have an iPod...pick yourself up off the floor.
  • With the election coming soon, I still don't know who will get my vote.
  • The next Presidential debate is in Nashville! I won't be able to get within two miles of the place, but it's fun to know the candidates will be here.
  • Mike Huckabee has a show on FoxNews?
  • My favorite food is Chinese, Thai is yummy too.
  • Ice cream makes me cough.
  • I collect crosses. I'm not Catholic but my bedroom would make you think so.