A bird is singing its song outside my apartment and another bird is returning with a different one. It's a nice background noise. Today is a gorgeous day outside! The patio door and bedroom window are open, allowing for a light breeze throughout the apartment. Ah! Relaxing.
Laundry is the order of the day. I have wore "laundry clothes" for two days. If you don't know what I mean by laundry clothes, lucky you! Boots is perched on the arm of the couch waiting for a vacant lap :) As soon as I move the laptop, she will be on my lap. It's nice having a lap cat that wants your attention.
Early today we practiced the music for tomorrow night's program. Dennis and Nan Allen wrote the musical and I absolutely love the music! The premise of the program is the kingdom of God, not just Jesus being Savior. I'm excited to sing it.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Monday, March 19, 2007
Is Jesus a threat?
Pastor Gene Mims posed a question during his sermon yesterday that has stuck with me: How much of a threat is Jesus to your religious life?
Jesus was considered a threat to the Pharisees' way of doing things. Actually, Jesus appeared to buck against God's law for His people, emphasis on the word appeared. The religious leaders saw Him as a rebel who would not come under the authority of the accepted way of doing things.
Would we see Jesus in the same light today? But more so, do we shun the power of a redeemed life because it doesn't go with how things are done in our church? Do I allow traditions and my selfish nature to hinder what God wants to do in my life? As my pastor asked but in my own words, Is Jesus a stumbling block when he should be my stepping stone and foundation for my walk with Him?
Jesus was considered a threat to the Pharisees' way of doing things. Actually, Jesus appeared to buck against God's law for His people, emphasis on the word appeared. The religious leaders saw Him as a rebel who would not come under the authority of the accepted way of doing things.
Would we see Jesus in the same light today? But more so, do we shun the power of a redeemed life because it doesn't go with how things are done in our church? Do I allow traditions and my selfish nature to hinder what God wants to do in my life? As my pastor asked but in my own words, Is Jesus a stumbling block when he should be my stepping stone and foundation for my walk with Him?
Sunday, March 18, 2007
March Madness
Muffin and I are ready to watch some Kentucky basketball at Mandy's house. Mandy may not like to think of Muffin as a Kentucky fan, but deep down in Muffin's brain is a desire to love UK! Just kidding Mandy :)
March Madness is a strange time of year. There are so many people who don't follow basketball closely or even from afar, yet they fill out a bracket and watch all the games in the tourney. But the tourney is so addictive and fun to participate in! I love filling in a bracket and then stress over my picks. The following picture shows how crazy I get during this time.
The gangsta look isn't me, is it? :) So far, my brackets have gone well. There were a couple of games I lost in the first round. But as for the second round, I'm right on the mark. We shall see how the rest of today's games go. Go Big Blue!!!!
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Thoughts
I'm finally shelling the money out for a haircut today. The lady who cuts my hair does a wonderful job, I just hate paying the big bucks. A few months ago I chopped all my hair off...I do this regularly. I tend to be impulsive when it comes to hairstyles. :) But today, my hair will get a simply trim. And, I'm growing it out again. Surprise, huh?!
The coffee at my workplace is not the best in the world; yet, when it comes free, I don't complain. Actually, there are many things here in the office provided for free. My boss knows how to take care of his employees. The coffee is free of charge along with the coke machine, filtered water, tea bags, hot chocolate and the such. Well, we still have to put money in for a coke but the size of the bottles are huge and only cost 50 cents. My boss actually pays for the coke products because we use the sales from the coke machine to fund birthdays around here. Each employee gets a little monetary gift on their birthday.
Anyone else suffering from the pollen build-up each morning on the cars?! My ears feel clogged and my eyelids are puffy and my eyes are dry. Nashville sits in a valley so the area is prone to high allergen levels in the air. I for one, would like it to rain today, like the weather channel says it is suppose to, so the pollen can be washed away. I know there is more where the present pollen came from, but still, some temporary relief would be much appreciated!
I recently read a Stephen King novel, Cell. It was the first one I have read by him. I don't plan on reading any others by him but I wanted to see what his writing style was like. I was not impressed. Sorry to all the King lovers out there, but I just don't like his story-telling ways. And no, I did not read some off-the-wall novel, filled with gore and horror. The plot was an interesting one. I liked the premise just don't care for Stephen King's story telling.
I baked a cake last week and have slowly been munching on it. That's not spectacular news, I know. The reason I mention it is this: Do you ever bake something like a cake or cookies and then justify eating it all by only taking a bite here and there? Ha! That's what I'm doing. By not sitting down at the table with a big plate of cake but instead using a fork to grab just a bite, I feel like I'm doing something good. :) I know it's not true, but the females reading this will completely understand!
The coffee at my workplace is not the best in the world; yet, when it comes free, I don't complain. Actually, there are many things here in the office provided for free. My boss knows how to take care of his employees. The coffee is free of charge along with the coke machine, filtered water, tea bags, hot chocolate and the such. Well, we still have to put money in for a coke but the size of the bottles are huge and only cost 50 cents. My boss actually pays for the coke products because we use the sales from the coke machine to fund birthdays around here. Each employee gets a little monetary gift on their birthday.
Anyone else suffering from the pollen build-up each morning on the cars?! My ears feel clogged and my eyelids are puffy and my eyes are dry. Nashville sits in a valley so the area is prone to high allergen levels in the air. I for one, would like it to rain today, like the weather channel says it is suppose to, so the pollen can be washed away. I know there is more where the present pollen came from, but still, some temporary relief would be much appreciated!
I recently read a Stephen King novel, Cell. It was the first one I have read by him. I don't plan on reading any others by him but I wanted to see what his writing style was like. I was not impressed. Sorry to all the King lovers out there, but I just don't like his story-telling ways. And no, I did not read some off-the-wall novel, filled with gore and horror. The plot was an interesting one. I liked the premise just don't care for Stephen King's story telling.
I baked a cake last week and have slowly been munching on it. That's not spectacular news, I know. The reason I mention it is this: Do you ever bake something like a cake or cookies and then justify eating it all by only taking a bite here and there? Ha! That's what I'm doing. By not sitting down at the table with a big plate of cake but instead using a fork to grab just a bite, I feel like I'm doing something good. :) I know it's not true, but the females reading this will completely understand!
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Sin eater
What a title, right? Got you to look for sure! My latest read was The Last Sin Eater by Francine Rivers. I must admit that the book was a weird one and difficult to read. The vernacular was Appalachian, eastern Tennessee in the 1800's. But once I got use the way they spoke, I was able to read it fairly well.
The plot is a small community that is held in fear from believing they must have a man, the sin eater, to take away their sins when they die. This costume is from Wales, Scotland and Ireland (Both sides of my family are from those areas). People believed you needed someone to 'eat up' your sins so you could stand before God on the judgement day. I know many of us would find it hard to understand why they thought this practice necessary. But just imagine a society where a copy of scripture was not readily available. Imagine the control someone could have over that community if they appeared to know what God required of you.
I won't tell the story to you here, I don't want to ruin the book if you choose to read it. But I do want to talk about the impression the book left with me.
God reminded me of the work Jesus did for the sins of the world. Jesus is the sacrificial lamb and the scapegoat all rolled into one person. God ordained that a lamb be slaughtered to cover sins for the coming year, as well a goat be released, bearing the sin of the people. The picture showed us that the lamb sacrificed did not take away the sin but merely postponed the judgement. The scapegoat showed the sin being placed on one being. Every year the Israelites performed this ceremony. And every year, the payment for sin was postponed through the lamb and scapegoat.
Jesus became the sacrificed lamb so that blood would be shed (God required blood for payment) and the one all the sin was placed on, the scapegoat. Through Jesus, our sin can be forgiven and taken away. No need for another sacrifice or scapegoat! And no need for a priest to perform the ceremony for us. Jesus is our high priest! And His sacrifice has met every demand God has for the payment of sin.
God reminded me also that we can easily become weighed down with traditions that don't mean anything to our walk with Christ. We simply do them because "that's how it's done around here." Can't you hear your parents or grandparents saying that?! I agree that some traditions are good to keep around. Just make sure they are helping you grow in the Lord and not keeping you from developing a deeper walk with Him.
The plot is a small community that is held in fear from believing they must have a man, the sin eater, to take away their sins when they die. This costume is from Wales, Scotland and Ireland (Both sides of my family are from those areas). People believed you needed someone to 'eat up' your sins so you could stand before God on the judgement day. I know many of us would find it hard to understand why they thought this practice necessary. But just imagine a society where a copy of scripture was not readily available. Imagine the control someone could have over that community if they appeared to know what God required of you.
I won't tell the story to you here, I don't want to ruin the book if you choose to read it. But I do want to talk about the impression the book left with me.
God reminded me of the work Jesus did for the sins of the world. Jesus is the sacrificial lamb and the scapegoat all rolled into one person. God ordained that a lamb be slaughtered to cover sins for the coming year, as well a goat be released, bearing the sin of the people. The picture showed us that the lamb sacrificed did not take away the sin but merely postponed the judgement. The scapegoat showed the sin being placed on one being. Every year the Israelites performed this ceremony. And every year, the payment for sin was postponed through the lamb and scapegoat.
Jesus became the sacrificed lamb so that blood would be shed (God required blood for payment) and the one all the sin was placed on, the scapegoat. Through Jesus, our sin can be forgiven and taken away. No need for another sacrifice or scapegoat! And no need for a priest to perform the ceremony for us. Jesus is our high priest! And His sacrifice has met every demand God has for the payment of sin.
God reminded me also that we can easily become weighed down with traditions that don't mean anything to our walk with Christ. We simply do them because "that's how it's done around here." Can't you hear your parents or grandparents saying that?! I agree that some traditions are good to keep around. Just make sure they are helping you grow in the Lord and not keeping you from developing a deeper walk with Him.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Quiz for Austen lovers
 | You scored as Marianne Dashwood. Most girls can relate with Marianne on a more personal level than some of Austen's other characters. She represents the emotional longings and struggles that seem to attack and bless us at the same time. Loyal to a fault, passionate for experience and life, and a bit over-emotional, Marianne matures and grows (making her so beloved).
Which Jane Austen Character are You? (For Females) Long Quiz!!! created with QuizFarm.com |
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Lasting impression
A dear friend from my Life Action days called last night. We caught up some on what's going on in our lives right now and, as with all conversations with former Life Action team members, we ended up talking about the days we traveled together. Tammy mentioned an instance from a crusade that got my mind thinking. (NO comments from the peanut gallery about that statement!)
During the first year in Life Action, my team traveled to Christiansburg, VA. The church there had a wonderful meeting where God changed many lives. I've always remembered that church as a place where God met with us as a team and the church.
Life Action has a prayer room set up at each church. Team members man the room during services. It's amazing how so many people thought I had all the answers in the world just because I was on this team and in the prayer room. Sometimes the church members would start sharing things that were way out of my league. Anyway, I am straying from the reason for this post.
One night, during a time of testimonies from the church members, a little boy and his dad came into the prayer room. I knew God was moving in the service, there had already been many people come for prayer. Jason, the boy, was in the Dynamite club, second through fifth grade. He was a sweet kid, as I remember. But he was distant during the services.
That night I watched as Jason received Christ as his Savior! From that moment on, Jason was a completely different kid in the services.
Years have passed, that was 1997 or 1998. His sister has since traveled with Life Action, on the team I was on. When I joined Facebook online, one of my first friend request was from Jason. At first I didn't remember the name. But God brought all the memories from that crusade back to me in a flood of emotion. Jason remembered who I was. Do you remember who was around when you gave your life to Christ?
Jason remembers Tammy, the girl who was teaching the Dynamite club. He remembers me in the prayer room. And Jason has held us up as special people ever since we met. Have you ever stopped to think of how the people around you remember you in their life? Do people remember a Godly impact you made? Or have you made an impact you don't want anyone to remember?
The impression I had on Jason was not of my doing, it was God working through me. I pray that many people remember me as a Godly woman, leaving a good impression in their life.
During the first year in Life Action, my team traveled to Christiansburg, VA. The church there had a wonderful meeting where God changed many lives. I've always remembered that church as a place where God met with us as a team and the church.
Life Action has a prayer room set up at each church. Team members man the room during services. It's amazing how so many people thought I had all the answers in the world just because I was on this team and in the prayer room. Sometimes the church members would start sharing things that were way out of my league. Anyway, I am straying from the reason for this post.
One night, during a time of testimonies from the church members, a little boy and his dad came into the prayer room. I knew God was moving in the service, there had already been many people come for prayer. Jason, the boy, was in the Dynamite club, second through fifth grade. He was a sweet kid, as I remember. But he was distant during the services.
That night I watched as Jason received Christ as his Savior! From that moment on, Jason was a completely different kid in the services.
Years have passed, that was 1997 or 1998. His sister has since traveled with Life Action, on the team I was on. When I joined Facebook online, one of my first friend request was from Jason. At first I didn't remember the name. But God brought all the memories from that crusade back to me in a flood of emotion. Jason remembered who I was. Do you remember who was around when you gave your life to Christ?
Jason remembers Tammy, the girl who was teaching the Dynamite club. He remembers me in the prayer room. And Jason has held us up as special people ever since we met. Have you ever stopped to think of how the people around you remember you in their life? Do people remember a Godly impact you made? Or have you made an impact you don't want anyone to remember?
The impression I had on Jason was not of my doing, it was God working through me. I pray that many people remember me as a Godly woman, leaving a good impression in their life.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Sushi
Last night I had a craving for sushi. To those who don't like sushi, don't think me weird...it's some good stuff! Anyway, many of my close friends do not like sushi. So, I got to eat alone last night :( (boo-hoo for Mindy)
I end up at a place at the back side of Maryland Farms. Great atmosphere and very clean. One other person is seated at the sushi bar and I decide to step out of my comfort zone and sit down next to him. We strike up a convo and come to find out we are both from Kentucky and that he lives decently close to Somerset. How random is that?!
Now, before my match-making friends think this is headed towards something romantic...stop. hehe He is married. But it was fun to sit there and chat about local news of Kentucky. We talked about the possible flooding and dam break that is even in the news here (Nashville is right in line to flood if the dam breaks). My home town of Somerset is on the other end of the dam, they are worrying about low water levels and marinas having to extend their docks.
Just thought I would share a random moment in my usual boring life. Bye-bye!
I end up at a place at the back side of Maryland Farms. Great atmosphere and very clean. One other person is seated at the sushi bar and I decide to step out of my comfort zone and sit down next to him. We strike up a convo and come to find out we are both from Kentucky and that he lives decently close to Somerset. How random is that?!
Now, before my match-making friends think this is headed towards something romantic...stop. hehe He is married. But it was fun to sit there and chat about local news of Kentucky. We talked about the possible flooding and dam break that is even in the news here (Nashville is right in line to flood if the dam breaks). My home town of Somerset is on the other end of the dam, they are worrying about low water levels and marinas having to extend their docks.
Just thought I would share a random moment in my usual boring life. Bye-bye!
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Reminder from God
In Matthew 20, Jesus gives us the parable of the laborers. We are told about a man who hires men at the beginning of the day, then more at noontime, then again almost at closing of the work day. When the men line up for payment at the end of the day, we find some disgruntled workers.
Matthew 20:8-15a says; "When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, 'Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last group to the first.' When those hired about the eleventh hour came, each one received a denarius. When those hired first came, they thought that they would receive more; but each of them also received a denarius. When they received it, they grumbled at the landowner, saying, 'These last men have worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the scorching heat of the day.' But he answered and said to one of them, 'Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what is yours and go, but I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with what is my own?'"
Yesterday at work, I received a reminder about what this parable teaches us. I was standing at my boss' door. She was on the phone with the owner speaking about someone they were about to interview. I heard her mention the wage they would start the person at. My blood pressure immediately rose. That figure was more than what I make.
For a few minutes, I acted like the men in the parable who worked all day and received the same wage as the men who worked only a few hours. Then, God reminded me of this parable. God took me to the wood shed on this one. I have a great job and agreed to work for the wage they give me. I'm so prone to compare my life to others instead of just God's standard for me.
Matthew 20:8-15a says; "When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, 'Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last group to the first.' When those hired about the eleventh hour came, each one received a denarius. When those hired first came, they thought that they would receive more; but each of them also received a denarius. When they received it, they grumbled at the landowner, saying, 'These last men have worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the scorching heat of the day.' But he answered and said to one of them, 'Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what is yours and go, but I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with what is my own?'"
Yesterday at work, I received a reminder about what this parable teaches us. I was standing at my boss' door. She was on the phone with the owner speaking about someone they were about to interview. I heard her mention the wage they would start the person at. My blood pressure immediately rose. That figure was more than what I make.
For a few minutes, I acted like the men in the parable who worked all day and received the same wage as the men who worked only a few hours. Then, God reminded me of this parable. God took me to the wood shed on this one. I have a great job and agreed to work for the wage they give me. I'm so prone to compare my life to others instead of just God's standard for me.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Blog from my roommate, Wendi
I just HAD to share this blog with you! My roommate, Wendi, is a 2nd grade teacher in the Nashville public school system. She came home yesterday with the biggest grin and uplifted spirit. You'll understand once you read the blog; this is from her myspace blog.
Teaching has its ups and downs, just like any profession. When the day is bad, its BAD. All ya want to do at the end of the day is eat some chocolate and call it a day. When it's good, you can't beat the feeling. There is nothing better than seeing a kid's lightbulb go on or practice a random act of kindness. I am always amazed by the kids in my class, year after year.
Today gave me the biggest high I've ever had since entering this profession. Last year was a fantastic year for me. My students were a riot and I loved it. One of those students, Blair, never ceased to amaze me. When she heard me singing with the music teacher, she actually said "Get some tomatoes y'all." PRICELESS.
Blair is at a different school this year, but we have managed to keep in touch. We had dinner earlier in the year, and she's still the same cool little girl. Well today, I decided to call her mom and ask if she wanted to meet up for lunch again. She said, "Oh, Miss Anderson, it's so funny that you called. Blair wanted to call you so badly yesterday. She went forward at church. She said, 'Mama, I'm ready to ask Jesus to come into my heart.'" You can imagine that I was crying on the other end of the line as her mother told me. I can't believe she wanted to call and tell me! Life doesn't get better than that. May I remember this day for the rest of my life.
Here's to you Blair!
Teaching has its ups and downs, just like any profession. When the day is bad, its BAD. All ya want to do at the end of the day is eat some chocolate and call it a day. When it's good, you can't beat the feeling. There is nothing better than seeing a kid's lightbulb go on or practice a random act of kindness. I am always amazed by the kids in my class, year after year.
Today gave me the biggest high I've ever had since entering this profession. Last year was a fantastic year for me. My students were a riot and I loved it. One of those students, Blair, never ceased to amaze me. When she heard me singing with the music teacher, she actually said "Get some tomatoes y'all." PRICELESS.
Blair is at a different school this year, but we have managed to keep in touch. We had dinner earlier in the year, and she's still the same cool little girl. Well today, I decided to call her mom and ask if she wanted to meet up for lunch again. She said, "Oh, Miss Anderson, it's so funny that you called. Blair wanted to call you so badly yesterday. She went forward at church. She said, 'Mama, I'm ready to ask Jesus to come into my heart.'" You can imagine that I was crying on the other end of the line as her mother told me. I can't believe she wanted to call and tell me! Life doesn't get better than that. May I remember this day for the rest of my life.
Here's to you Blair!
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Album release party
I attended a friend's album release party tonight. Rachel did a wonderful job and the coffee house she performed at has a great atmosphere. It was a fun night and it's exciting to see someone's career take off! Many of her friends came out to support her tonight, some even drove down from Louisville. Two of her sisters flew in as a suprise. I've attached a photo for all to see. Rachel has a myspace page which you can find through my myspace page.
Monday, January 22, 2007
What does your testimony say?
Have you seen the movie Saved? I'm watching it on TV right now. For those who are Christians, I suggest you watch it. This movie will challenge your witness to the unsaved around you, or at least your thoughts of how the unsaved view you.
One of my roommates has recently shown me how the love of God helps us love and minister to the people around us that are not living in God's light. She has shown a christian life that is completely different than what is portrayed in Saved. And I must say that the example she has demonstrated is very different than what many Christians would have given in this particular situation.
A friend of hers has been struggling with homosexuality. My roommate has remained his friend without condoning his actions. I have watched her struggle with remaining his friend while listening to him go on and on about his lifestyle. Just this past week, she received some wonderful news.
Her friend called to let her know he has rededicated his life to the Lord, has started going back to church and is attending a bible study! Wow! Just my opinion: I think my roommates continued friendship and prayers helped in that praise coming about. Would you have remained the guy's friend through these past two years?
Sad to say, I think many Christians would walk away from the person, right when they need us the most. God called us to love those around us, show them a love that goes beyond the surface. I pray that I will always show a love that reflects God's love.
I'm not saying her friend has completely walked away from the homosexual lifestyle. I know it will be a long process for him as he continues in his relationship with the Lord. But I believe he will grow more and more in the Lord as he yields his life to God. Are we willing to show the love of God with whatever our friends go through?
One of my roommates has recently shown me how the love of God helps us love and minister to the people around us that are not living in God's light. She has shown a christian life that is completely different than what is portrayed in Saved. And I must say that the example she has demonstrated is very different than what many Christians would have given in this particular situation.
A friend of hers has been struggling with homosexuality. My roommate has remained his friend without condoning his actions. I have watched her struggle with remaining his friend while listening to him go on and on about his lifestyle. Just this past week, she received some wonderful news.
Her friend called to let her know he has rededicated his life to the Lord, has started going back to church and is attending a bible study! Wow! Just my opinion: I think my roommates continued friendship and prayers helped in that praise coming about. Would you have remained the guy's friend through these past two years?
Sad to say, I think many Christians would walk away from the person, right when they need us the most. God called us to love those around us, show them a love that goes beyond the surface. I pray that I will always show a love that reflects God's love.
I'm not saying her friend has completely walked away from the homosexual lifestyle. I know it will be a long process for him as he continues in his relationship with the Lord. But I believe he will grow more and more in the Lord as he yields his life to God. Are we willing to show the love of God with whatever our friends go through?
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Dental work
Everybody join me in the joy of being numb after dental work! Don't you just love the struggle of drinking something when you can't feel if you got the liquid in your mouth? Hopefully by lunch I will feel the right side of my mouth and tongue...I like lunch, so it's important to be able to eat.
Is it Friday yet? My mind has not been in full working order all week. I feel like an ADHD person. I can take sitting at my desk for only a short time when I MUST get up and walk around the office. Maybe next week will find me with a focused mind. :)
Is it Friday yet? My mind has not been in full working order all week. I feel like an ADHD person. I can take sitting at my desk for only a short time when I MUST get up and walk around the office. Maybe next week will find me with a focused mind. :)
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Birthdays and anniversaries
Silence is golden. Whoever came up with this quote had a brilliant mind. I understand this statement more as I get older and have the opportunity for silence every now and then. My coworker is gone for half an hour. Ah! The wonderful sound of nothing. Can I get a witness...
My dad turns 60 this year, in 18 days to be exact. The funny story about my dad's birthday of February 3: Dad was actually born just before midnight on February 2. My grandpa said he didn't want a groundhog kid, so he made the doctor record the time of birth February 3. I guess to be born on Groundhog Day was a bad luck/taboo thing at that time in history. Who knows? My grandpa has weird ideas anyway.
My friend, Janice, has a similar birthday story. Her mom had complications at Janice's birth. Janice was birthed a little before midnight but because of the complications, Janice was place to the side while the doctor attended to her mother. When the doctor had stabilized her mom, Janice was then pronounced 'delivered', on the next day. Her parents could have changed the birth certificate to reflect when Janice was actually born but her dad told her he left it so she would have a fun story to tell in the future.
When it came to my birth - I came right on my due date. I was a good girl. ;) No comments from the peanut gallery.
Along with turning 60, my dad will celebrate a 40 year wedding anniversary with my mom this year. What a milestone! The percentage of marriages that stay together that long is rapidly decreasing. I'm so proud of my parents for sticking it out and remaining together. They have set an example of love and steadfastness before me and my two brothers.
My dad turns 60 this year, in 18 days to be exact. The funny story about my dad's birthday of February 3: Dad was actually born just before midnight on February 2. My grandpa said he didn't want a groundhog kid, so he made the doctor record the time of birth February 3. I guess to be born on Groundhog Day was a bad luck/taboo thing at that time in history. Who knows? My grandpa has weird ideas anyway.
My friend, Janice, has a similar birthday story. Her mom had complications at Janice's birth. Janice was birthed a little before midnight but because of the complications, Janice was place to the side while the doctor attended to her mother. When the doctor had stabilized her mom, Janice was then pronounced 'delivered', on the next day. Her parents could have changed the birth certificate to reflect when Janice was actually born but her dad told her he left it so she would have a fun story to tell in the future.
When it came to my birth - I came right on my due date. I was a good girl. ;) No comments from the peanut gallery.
Along with turning 60, my dad will celebrate a 40 year wedding anniversary with my mom this year. What a milestone! The percentage of marriages that stay together that long is rapidly decreasing. I'm so proud of my parents for sticking it out and remaining together. They have set an example of love and steadfastness before me and my two brothers.
Monday, January 08, 2007
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
The joys of sickness
I haven't left my apartment since Sunday afternoon. Monday night brought a lovely intestinal/stomach illness. I was up most of Monday night and Tuesday morning with an upset stomach and bowels, that's the nice way of putting it :)
Except for the headache, today had been better. I've eaten only a third of a banana, five crackers and a couple spoonfuls of chicken noodle soup. My stomach is not happy with food at the moment. I hope to return to work tomorrow. I can just see all the work waiting for me.
My cat is very confused about mommie being home all day. But she is loving it...she wants to lay on my sore stomach. :( Not a good idea. Ok, time to get off of here. My head needs ibuprofen.
Except for the headache, today had been better. I've eaten only a third of a banana, five crackers and a couple spoonfuls of chicken noodle soup. My stomach is not happy with food at the moment. I hope to return to work tomorrow. I can just see all the work waiting for me.
My cat is very confused about mommie being home all day. But she is loving it...she wants to lay on my sore stomach. :( Not a good idea. Ok, time to get off of here. My head needs ibuprofen.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Thoughts at Christmas time
The time spent at home with my family and friends was wonderful, short but wonderful. I am back in Nashville enjoying an empty apartment. I love my roommates but I also love time alone sometimes.
On the way back from Kentucky last night I listened to Il Divo, my favorite guy group :) They have a Christmas album with my favorite Christmas song. O Holy Night has been a top song with me for years. The lyrics stand out to me every time I hear them.
"O holy night",it was truly a holy night. God had come to dwell among men. What an awesome thought to wrap your mind around! God was pleased to take on the form of his created creature.
Most people missed that holy night. Not many were privileged to see the infant God/man. For most of the world that night was unlike the one before or the one after. The world around Mary and Joseph had no idea what miraculous thing had been done within their hand's reach. God as an infant. God as us.
And many in our world miss the wonderful thing that happened on that long ago night. It was definitely a holy night, a divine night. The divine met humanity in the form of a baby.
On the way back from Kentucky last night I listened to Il Divo, my favorite guy group :) They have a Christmas album with my favorite Christmas song. O Holy Night has been a top song with me for years. The lyrics stand out to me every time I hear them.
"O holy night",it was truly a holy night. God had come to dwell among men. What an awesome thought to wrap your mind around! God was pleased to take on the form of his created creature.
Most people missed that holy night. Not many were privileged to see the infant God/man. For most of the world that night was unlike the one before or the one after. The world around Mary and Joseph had no idea what miraculous thing had been done within their hand's reach. God as an infant. God as us.
And many in our world miss the wonderful thing that happened on that long ago night. It was definitely a holy night, a divine night. The divine met humanity in the form of a baby.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Christmas stuff
The roomies and I took advantage of a free photo shoot with the apartment complex. This is the great picture we just got back! We are three beautiful ladies. (At least I think so.)
Can you believe Christmas is almost here? Where has the year gone? And I still don't have my shopping done...thanks to having the hardest-to-buy-for dad in the world. I'm serious, my dad is impossible to buy for. The man is not interested it most of the things stores have out of the male gender. And his hobbies are way too expensive to fund: airplane building and banjo playing.
My best friend called last night repeating these words, "I'm going to be 29." She said these words more than a couple of times. She is going through what I experienced three months ago, the realization that we are much older than it seems possible. Where did the 20-something years go? When did 30 become the next birthday for me? Time does pass quickly as you get older.
Us roomies had Christmas with each other last night. My roommates are wonderful, they got me things that I truly love. I've started a cross collection...yes, people who know me really well, you read that correctly. Collection is what I said. A cross was a gift from Krista. I've got two on the wall now. Sorda looks like I'm Catholic ;)
Monday, December 18, 2006
Passing on too soon
An friend from church has recently lost his father to a severe heart-attack this past Wednesday. The man was only 54 years of age. My dad is only 59...what if he suddenly left us from a heart-attack? What would my world be like? How would my mom handle going on without her spouse of almost 40 years?
When something like this happens, we are often stopped in our tracks and demanded to evaluate our life. Watching someone pass away, leaving five children and a wife behind is something hard to come to terms with. My heart goes out to my friend and his family.
I wonder why this happens, why a family is left to live without the father. What is God's plan for this family and the people affected? Only God knows. And that is where I have to leave it.
When something like this happens, we are often stopped in our tracks and demanded to evaluate our life. Watching someone pass away, leaving five children and a wife behind is something hard to come to terms with. My heart goes out to my friend and his family.
I wonder why this happens, why a family is left to live without the father. What is God's plan for this family and the people affected? Only God knows. And that is where I have to leave it.
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