Are you God's Masterpiece?

Sometimes a message comes along that is too powerful not to share. This video touched me today and I hope it touches your heart as well. May God bless you this day and always. You are not junk...you're a masterpiece.

Being Thankful in the Waiting

"Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors,
waiting at my doorway."
Proverbs 8:34

Recently, a friend of mine was awaiting the arrival of her new baby. She was ready to go any day, and really, ready to go well before that. The doctor told her the baby could come any day, so as any of us who have children know, that means watching the every tick of the clock and jumping at the slightest of movements. During this time, she made a simple "update" post on her facebook account. "Being thankful in the waiting."

The first time I read this I was thinking how wonderful it was that she was having such a great attitude about the end of her pregnancy and amidst the excitement of the arrival of her first child. The second time I read it I thought, "you know what, there is really something in that." The eighteenth time I read it is when it dawned on me that God was trying to say something to me. "Be thankful in your waiting."

I have been really torturing myself lately with the "big" life items that seem to be on simmer. I'm awaiting an appointment to a church in one capacity or another and really, I have very little control as to how any of that will work out besides simply voicing my interest in receiving such an appointment. Secondly, my husband and I have been trying for a second child. This is also limited in the control I have. I have PCOS and struggled for several years before I got pregnant with my first child...who I call my miracle baby. Hubs and I have been trying for number 2 since January of 2008. We are closely approaching two years of trying and to be honest, I'm just exhausted. In the process, I have been on a several different fertility cocktails that have done little else besides make me horribly sick on a daily basis. So I'm literally sick and tired of being sick and tired.

Most of the time, I have been able to keep a very calm and positive attitude about both situations. I know and trust that God is in control and that my life will be blessed by His loving hands as it always has been. I never thought I'd make it to where I am now in my ministry career...so many road blocks. And, I never thought I'd have the beautiful son I do now...so many fertility blocks. I truly believe that nothing is impossible with God. I do. But...I'm human and the speed and intensity of my perseverance wanes at times.

So when I read this update from my friend that was reminding me to be thankful in my waiting, I suddenly realized that for all that I'm struggling with, I am never alone. I can never and will never forget the amazing gift and blessing God gave me with my son and because that is so real in so many ways, I can't physically, emotionally or spiritually sit here and not believe that I'm just in a season of waiting, but that within this season of waiting there are also blessings to be had. I may not always understand where God is coming from in a given situation. I may also, in my humanness, fail to see the bigger picture in front of me from the onset. But I believe that God is working within me and for me and beside me and with me so that all things in this life will come at the right time.

God blessed my friend with a beautiful baby and her waiting was well worth it. I get to receive kisses and hugs from a beautiful 3 year old and though the waiting was painful and difficult, he is well worth all of it. I said after seeing his face for the first time that given the opportunity, I would do it all again. Maybe that's where I'm at. I'm doing it all again and I have to admit that as badly as I want another baby in my arms today, that it will make no difference in the long run if I have to wait longer...that baby will be worth it. Likewise, my ministry travels have been longer than I had wished them to take yet I've learned so much a long the way that even though I wish I could go back and change a few things, it was all still worth it and I'd go back and do it again tomorrow if I had to.

I remain thankful for all that I have and for this time to reflect on the promises God holds for me. I am thankful in my waiting and will continue to be thankful.

Whatever it is that you're waiting on, whatever prayers you've lifted up to God and are awaiting answers for, whatever is heavy on your heart, whatever healing you desire...be thankful in your waiting.

Prayer
Lord God, I am so thankful for all that you have blessed me with. I'm thankful for the opportunity you have set before me to reflect on that which you have given and that which is to come. I am thankful to you for the reminder that this is a time to be still and to await your will. I am thankful to know you and to know that I am not alone in my waiting. How wonderful it is to have you beside me in the waiting room of life. From the depths of my heart, I thank you. In Jesus' name, Amen.


Word for Thought

"And so after waiting patiently Abraham received what was promised." - Hebrews 6:15

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11

Have You Taken Your "Word" Lately?

Lately, things have been going really well for me. It’s been life as usual, but with God, my “life as usual” has seemed so much more like a life that I can live in. So you can only imagine my surprise when I woke up this morning feeling completely overwhelmed and 28 shades of gloomy.

I spent most of the day in this terrible funk that I just could not shake off. I cried, prayed, listened to music, watched an uplifting movie, but none of it seemed to be breaking the suffocatingly binding shekels.

Unwilling to give in to the clouds, I took myself to a quite place, listened to some calming music and meditated on God’s word. I really wrapped myself in the wisdom that owns my heart.

Proverbs 12:25 tells us that, “anxiety weighs down the human heart, but a good word cheers it up.” NRSV

Maybe that was just it. I was being anxious. Change is all around me. Not bad change, just change. I’m much better at embracing changes these days than I think I ever have been, but maybe my heart didn’t tell my mind and my mind didn’t communicate that to my body.

Either way, anxiety was oppressing me. The worry of how things are all going to work out, what it is God is really calling me to do, whether or not I’ll ever have another child, longing for healing from my PCOS, trying to discover who I really am, desiring answers for the future…just to name a few. I didn’t realize just how much these things were getting to me.

It was when I took a second and third look at the scripture above that God began to speak to me. My heart was heavy burdened because of the stress and anxiety I was putting on it. God informed me that though I was doing a good job being prayerful, I was in much need of the “good word”.

The scripture in Proverbs tells us that what weighs us down can be transformed into cheer with “a good word.” I think the real key, is that everything is better with “THE good word.” The best medicine for our anxiety doesn’t come in a bottle from the drug store, but from God in God’s word.

What a beautiful reminder of just how much we spiritually, mentally and physically – how we wholly – are in need of our daily doses of God.

We take special care to make sure we take our vitamins, our prescriptions, healthy foods, etc. When we don’t take care of ourselves, we feel it. I can tell when I have forgotten to take my medicine…trust me. Well, I think it’s the same with God’s word. I can tell when I’ve forgotten to take my Word for the day. Today, I needed a much bigger dose of the Word to help me feel well again. There simply is no supplement for the healing power of the Word.

Prayer:

Lord God, today I poor myself out before you. I acknowledge how powerful your healing words are. I know that it is your desire for me to be fully well, healthy and happy. Lord God, help me to remember to take my medicine, your Word, on a daily basis. May I always turn to you first in my times of explained and unexplained sorrow. May my frown always disappear in the warmth of your light. Thank you for the rainbows after the rain. Amen.

Questions to Ponder:

1. When was the last time you turned to God’s medicine in your need for healing?

2. Is time with God and studying God’s word a part of your daily routine?

3. Have you asked God for the healing your mind, body and soul desires?

Imagine This...

A while back, I received a wonderful little gift in a book called Mocha with Max by Max Lucado. I pull this book out from time to time to enjoy the fresh sentiments on life and what it is God's really trying to whisper, or possibly shout, to us.

Today, I stumbled across one that really spoke to me and I want to share it with you.

"No one has ever imagined what God has prepared for those who love him."
1 Corinthians 2:9, NCV

"Try this. Imagine a perfect world. Whatever that means to you, imagine it. Does that mean peace? Then envision absolute tranquility. Does a perfect world imply joy? Then create your highest happiness. Will a perfect world have love? If so ponder a place where love has no bounds. Whatever heaven means to you, imagine it. Get it firmly fixed in your mind. Delight in it. Dream about it. Long for it.
And then smile as God reminds you, 'No one has ever imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.' When it comes to describing heaven, we are all happy failures."

Prayer
~ Lord God, today I lift up my dreams, my visions, my wildest and most extravagant imaginations. I lift up the world I dream of and the world I live in. I lift up the way I envision the future and the blessed moments of the reality of today. Lord, I so long for what my souls thirst for and I know the quenching of such thirst is only found in you. God, help me to remember that all things are through you and you make all things work for good. Help me to see the laughter, the joy, the love, the peace and the tranquility that exists all around me and remind me with every breath to be comforted by knowing that these blessings are only the beginning. For Lord, you are the beginning and the end. You are the creator. You are the conductor of the opus of my life and the harmony you create cannot possibly be heard with human ears. Great are you O God who directs the choir and great are you who loves me beyond the depths of my comprehension. In Jesus' mighty name. Amen.

Random Acts of Villainy

Being human isn't easy. We often think we know best and act as if our way is God's way, even when we don't consult God about it. We turn to our own resources and strategies to deal with life when life gets heavy. We allow our flesh to control our emotions, actions and reactions without including God in the mix, or at least leaving God out until we realize we can't do it on our own. Often times we simply react out of fear or defensiveness - we do not wait to shoot until we've been shot upon, rather, we shoot first before anyone else has a chance to get close. We resort to our own sinful tactics, often developed from our prideful ways, to detonate our anger upon anyone who dares to think about encroaching on our territory (work, relationships, family, philanthropy, sports) - we let our competitive nature, the one that demands we're to gnaw through any bystanders on our way to the top of the so-called food chain. We, after all, live in a world that doesn't tell us to act out of love or concern for others, but to simply take care of yourself, forsaking all others. "Do whatever it is to get to the top irregardless who you hurt in the process." Because, the world tells us, "it's all about me".

Today I was a witness of such villainy. I saw someone, for no apparent reason at all besides pure prideful defensiveness, unleash their fury on an innocent bystander. It wasn't pretty friends. The worse part, is that it made me feel like garbage and I was just in the room. The villain in question isn't an evil person, but today, this person let evil take over their better judgement. Worse yet, there was no apology, no amends.

I left the scene quickly and came home. I curled myself into my husband and cried. I'd never been treated in such a malicious way, all verbal cruelty, and I felt attacked. Worse yet, I was and still am, heart broken for the other person I was with. It's a dog eat dog world, right? So if we're all trying so hard to destroy each other on the way to the meaningless top, who will be left to celebrate with when we reach our goal? There is no doubt to me why people say its lonely at the top. It must be hard not to know who to trust and to have to watch your back constantly. I can't imagine how miserable it must be to sit and wonder day after day who will come after you next and to think the worst of everyone.

Today, this man lashed out. Out of anger, out of confusion, out of darkness? I don't know what caused the outburst, but I do know it was pure ugliness. It wasn't out of love, or compassion or even decent humanity. It was uncalled for. Why am I telling you about this? I don't know. Maybe I just felt the need to journal about today's events and how it made me feel. Or maybe I needed to share with you how deeply our actions and words impact others. Or maybe I just want to express yet again how priceless random acts of kindness are. You know, its a difficult world. I don't really need to tell anyone that. It's just that kindness can be such a rare form of human expression in some people's lives that to be a beacon of Sonshine is warming to both the giver and the receiver. I suspect God knew what He was talking about when we were told to live from love. Had this man today taken a few moments to breathe, to talk to the other person, to effectively communicate, to act out of love, everything would be different. Instead, this man caused great harm today.

There was a movie I watched a while back about a man who went to prison. While in prison, he felt a calling from God and not only gave his life to Christ but pursued ministry. Upon his release, he went to his father's old church to take over as the pastor. He had a mighty hill to climb in front of him. There is a scene in the movie where the main character is talking about what happened and why he was incarcerated. He had been joking around with a friend and said something smart. His friend reached across the table and slapped him in the face. There were women present and he felt his pride being severely attacked, so out of anger and without thinking, he got up to fight his friend. In the midst of the struggle, he noticed his friend had a knife. One thing led to another and they were on the floor. The next thing he knew, his friend was bleeding. In the course of things, his friend landed on his own knife. In the end, the main character went to prison for 15 years for murder. What he says next though, I found quite profound. He said that had he allowed for 10 seconds, just 10 seconds, he could have calmed down, he could have walked away from his anger and pride. That 10 seconds cost him 15 years of his life. 10 seconds is all it would have taken.

Maybe if that man today would have taken 10 seconds, he could have changed his random act of villainy into a random act of civility. Its not that hard to act how you're supposed to act. We must act Christ like and out of love, not react. PROACTIVELY AVOID REACTIONARY ACTIONS. Be mindful of who is in control of your actions...you and God or you and your flesh? And, when you hurt someone, apologize and make amends. Go the extra mile to avoid hurting people. We are in the business of healing not wounding. Also be mindful of who you project yourself to be. If you market yourself as a good person, understand that people will trust that is who you are. That doesn't mean you are to be a doormat, but a good person as often as you can be. And if you wear the badge of Christianity, understand that people are watching you and observing how you live your life and how you treat others. You are a living example to others. Make it a good one. And like I said, when you make mistakes which you will because you're imperfect, be a living example of goodness and love and reach out an olive branch, remove your pride so that you can ask for forgiveness and be a salve of healing.

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Healthcare - Boo! Aaah!

Image from FoxNews.com

Who needs the children of the corn, or Steven King or large quantities of dive bombing killer birds when we have the health care reform debates. I mean seriously, is there anything that makes people squirm, leave a family reunion or scares people out of their minds with just the notion of talking about it like health care reform does?

I turned on the news this morning to try and connect with the life and times of our global community. First of all, never brave to do this without first downing at least one cup of coffee and spending time with God in devotion. The coffee makes a tremendous difference, but God makes all the difference. Watching the news prior to spending time with God just depletes my system of all hope. But putting God first (this really shouldn't be a shocker), starts my spirit off right.

These health care debates are intense, no doubt about it. I suppose I could get wrapped up in the fear being generated by some on both sides of the aisle, but I know better than to put my trust and faith in mankind and I know better than to fear.

It is only this ladies opinion, but as I see it, we DO need health care reform. Medical costs are just ludicrous (I paid $60 for one aspirin for my husband when he had surgery...don't get me started on the other bogus charges), pharmaceuticals are acting in criminal ways, too many are without any health care, and people are dying for lack of treatment. This is NOT okay.

We are to care for each other. Jesus healed the sick, cared for the sick, made time for the sick. The sick mattered to Christ and I guarantee you Jesus was not waiting for the Jerusalem health care reform bill to kick in to help these people. What we have in our midst is shameful. It is our job as the church, as people of Christ, to care for each other, to help the poor, the sick, the children and the widows/widowers. We stand by waiting for a political leader to save us, when Christ already has.

I believe in change and that we as a country are in dire need of change. I believe that we need a better way for all to receive health care. However, the proposal on the table right now has more holes than Augustus National and it won't fix our problems anyway. To accept bad change just because its called change, is not the right way to go. I'm not here continuing to propagate the wheel of fear. I'm simply saying we are fools if we invest all of our faith into a man-made health care system and...where ever did our sense of entitlement come from?

Honestly, we sound like a bunch of spoiled brats. There are people in our world who are dying from simple virus's because we are not getting vaccinations to them. In our country we don't fear mosquito bites for anything more than an itchy annoyance, yet other people see them as the carrier of death. What about feeding the hungry? What about learning to properly care for ourselves, to eat right, to live right, to make healthier choices for ourselves and our families?

Like I said, health care needs reformation. Our elderly should not be neglected; no one should be neglected from proper health care. We all desire a good quality of life. My main concern is how quickly this bill is being asked to pass. Something of this magnitude needs time, it needs planning, it needs insight and extensive research and...it needs bi-partisan support. We, the people of this country, need to move past pride to work together to find a solution and workable system. And as flaws appear, which they will because its not going to be a perfect system, then we need to address them head on together. This is not utopia, this is the way we are intended to work together in community.

I would like to turn on the news one morning and see Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Taoists and others, all coming together to speak out about crimes against humanity - global humanity and the lack of attention to the sick, the the ill of God's children, all of us, around the world. We are all entrusted with caring for each other. Let us seek the Word of God for guidance, let us pray to God for God's will to be done in global health care initiatives and let us care for one another. Maybe, just maybe, if the US can work together to construct a health care bill made of complimentary policies that truly care for all, including elderly, we can then set the stage to help other countries develop similar systems.

Morning at the Museum

"Oh what a day."

After my husband tried, mercilessly I might add, to peel me from the wondrous comfort of my bed, I embarked on a mommy journey to the museum with my son and eldest niece. We were on a wild expedition to find dinosaurs. I took the opportunity to hop in my DeLorean and go back to the future. I became one of the kids. I became an exuberant 3 year old who majestically took in each and every Paleozoic wonder.

I can't remember the last time I just let go like that. I mean, stopped being an adult for five minutes and to really embrace the wonders of God's creation for what it is, not scientific discoveries persae, but totally AWESOME fellow creations of God.

I ran through the museum, not following the kiddos but literally with the kiddos following me. I was so excited to just be excited. I wanted to see every exhibit, touch every tooth on display, I even for a minute (just a brief second really) considered climbing in the dino exhibit to try and find a way to "Hi ho Silver" myself into the Land Before Time. Seriously though, this was for just a second before I yanked my kid out of there. The security guard, who was way older than Ben Stiller, yet still "old man cute", had begun to give us the so-called "stink eye" so I thought it best to put aside my dino-girl ambitions and move on to the Native American exhibit.

What's the point? Not really sure, other than that it was such a beautiful morning of freedom. And the most amazing part is that I got a disappointing phone call (let me just say I'm not one to complain, but its been a rather disappointing week) just before entering the museum. The old, not God transformed me would have fallen into a miserable state of depression and took myself back home throwing the kids in front of a movie while I obsessed pathetically over my uncontrollable life. Great news though, God is amazing. Really having faith in God has overcome these limb numbing moments. Did I want to cry? Yes. Did I want to throw my hands up with the towel? You bet. What I did do was call my accountability friend, told her the solid un-exaggerated facts and got her wisdom and encouragement. I knew God was continuing to encourage me through her love and care. She didn't tell me to wallow, she didn't feed my frustration, she just offered me love, Godly wisdom and friendship. In the end, having the strength to turn "UP" the other cheek to this world and persevere, gave me the freedom to enjoy the blessings God has given me, like these amazing kids. What could have ruined the day didn't because I chose not to give it the power to control me. I chose to let God have the power. I let the transformation in me shine through and I'm a better woman for it today.

When we got home from the museum, I took the kids, the dog (we got a new dog - a beagle) and my fluffy self and walked to the park for a very hot but fun afternoon at play. I came home, sent the kids with the hubby and enjoyed the entire book of Hebrews. The world is so much sweeter when you desire a faithful and committed relationship with God. Spend time with God, love God, serve God, trust God, put your hope and faith in God ... and watch God transform your life. Let your inner child of God run free, run with excitement, run with pure joy and run without a care in the world because your cares are in God's hands.

Out for the Kill

In recent news, a leak to a New York newspaper reporter resulted in news conferences, name smearing and conspiracy theories within Major League Baseball regarding players and illicit use of performance enhancing drugs. A variety of speculations abound as to whose name is on this emphasis list of "users"; who didn't play by the rules, who is the next big thing in the soap opera that is professional sports.

This got me to thinking about Jon and Kate Plus 8, tabloid parades at the market, celebrity television news and cut-throat entertainment blogs. Maybe I'm crazy, but it just seems as though our nations culture is thriving off of the failures of others. It's almost as if we celebrate in exuberance when someone makes a bad choice. We are most certainly not a culture of grace. We take pleasure in the failures and envy the successes. We are only happy if everyone else is less happy than we are. Anyone else find this totally and obnoxiously out of whack?

I'm reading a book by one of my favorite Christian speakers, Christine Caine. Stop Acting Like A Christian, Just Be One, is a really great book so far discussing the hypocrisy that exists within the global church; the one we all secretly know exists and the one the rest of the world and nay-sayers eagerly point out. It's the hypocrisy of how we focus on acting the part of what we perceive being a Christian is all about, but how in reality, in the quite of our own homes, we stop keeping up the act. We sit in front of our televisions or reading our celebrity rag and openly criticize those in the more public of eyes.

Why are we this way? Why do we call ourselves Christians and turn on our fellow men and women when they make a bad decision? This doesn't just happen in entertainment, but in our local PTA groups, our child's baseball team, at work, even, yes even, (gasp) at church. We are, as humans, programmed by our culture to jump on the judgment and criticism train...and boy do we.

How wonderful it would be if we could love each other with the love we were created with. If we encourage people through times of trouble rather than continue to push them down, the results could be amazing. I guess I just want to believe that my child will grow up in a world that will encourage him to be better tomorrow than he is today, rather than celebrate when he does wrong. I want to believe in a Christian community, a global community that nurtures each other in the love of God, the love that God has nurtured us with, that redeeming and forgiving grace-filled love.

I'm not sure if the Red Sox player Big Poppy really used performance enhancing drugs or not. All I know is, destroying someone during a trying time, especially without proof of any wrong doing, seems like a great injustice to me. I pray that we stop going for the jugular in the midst of others times of trouble and darkness, but rather seek out the heart for healing. I hope that we all can do better tomorrow than how we have done today. I believe in us, do you?

Parmesan-Crusted Chicken in Cream Sauce

Thanks to a great friend of mine from church, I'm officially hooked on the Kraft Foods website and magazine for great recipe ideas. My husband, who is a chef, recently cooked up this Parmesan-Crusted Chicken in Cream Sauce from the Kraft website and even my fickle toddler ate it up. One warning: we now affectionately refer to it as smelly chicken. It's a little stout on the smell, but if you can get past it to take a bite, its delicious!!!!

Just click on the image to go straight to the recipe. Happy Eating!

www.kraftfoods.com

We're Having a Heatwave

It's another smokin' hot day here in Sunny Okieville and the forecast offers little in the way of a cool down. But, as I sit here making my contribution to the Blogosphere, clouds are moving in from the west and skies are teasing the poor folk of my community with possible rain showers. Weather or not it rains is yet to be seen, but I'm hoping for a nice afternoon shower.

I'm not sure if you've dialed into the news today, but there are a couple of stories that have really caught my eye and I just feel the need to jabber about them for awhile.

How awesome is the story about the journalists returning home? Thank God for their safe return. It warmed my heart and brought tears to my eyes to see them reunited with family. Irregardless of political agendas, the outcome of this situation for those women and their families was a positive one. I think we often loose track of what's really important for us to focus on. I mean, Jesus didn't say love only the leaders you politically agree with. He said love everyone! No out clause folks. I'm not particularly fond of our current leadership, nor am I happy (to say the very least) about our economy and other such matters concerning government solutions to global problems, but...I do believe in doing things the Jesus way and disagreeing with love...not hatefulness. The world is watching what we're doing. Our country needs to come together like a real family and share in the joys, like these women coming home and the many efforts made by people of both parties to bring them home. We won't always agree, but we are family, and I guess every family has that "crazy" uncle that we all want to avoid. Anyway, *snaps* for our country bringing home two extraordinary women. This is a JOY friends.

In other news...WHAAAAT? No Paula Abdul on American Idol? What am I going to fast forward through now? Just kidding. I love Paula...she's "forever" our girl and there's no doubt that with her and Simon "opposites attract". She'll be missed. I guess I'm kinda shocked she's gone, but, eight seasons ain't bad lady. Who wants to take bets on how long it will take for her to get on Dancing With the Stars? I'm guessing a season, 2 at the max. Which by the way, anyone else hear that Dean McDermott, otherwise known as Mr. Tori Spelling is considering DWTS? It could be an interesting season in reality TV. It could just mean more time spent hanging out with the Duggars.

Lifting up many prayers today for the families of the victims of the Fitness Center massacre that took place yesterday. How tragic! Also, prayers for those who were injured as they will be enduring the memory of the incident.

A friend and co-worker of mine lost his grandmother-in-law this morning after a battle with Alzheimer's. Please lift up all families who are faced with Alzheimer's. Mine was and it has since been a personal mission to help families and raise money to try and find a cure. Speaking of, go to www.alz.com and find out when the Memory Walk is talking place in your area and get involved. It's a nice walk, the kiddos LOVE it - even spouses too...and, it's for a GREAT cause.

So, the braces came off yesterday. I'm loving it, but now I can't figure out how to smile. I think I look goofy in the different faces I put on. The dentist is now talking Veneers and I'm think that = more mula so dream on!!! Though I would love it...still, dream on.

Okay all you guys and gals, it's time for me to jet for now. Have an amazing day and remember to look up when things are pulling you down.

Once Upon a Blog

This awesome site, who I have recently asked to design my new blog look, is having a stellar giveaway right now. Be sure to head to their site and check it out. You won't want to miss this great opportunity to flair up your blog.

Prfoundly Unfounded

Ever have one of those days when you just feel like your profoundly intellectually bright? That's not today! Well, for me anyway. Some day's my "ological" brain calls in sick and decides its going to have a mental health day. That is today. I'm not saying I'm incapable of doing the things I need to do, I'm just saying that I would expect me to do them today in any way that would make MIT proud. Today, I'm just goofy brained and I'm okay with that. Needless to say, you will not find a profound blog today, just ramblings of a lady who gave her brain the day off.

So today I get my braces off after two years! I'm very excited about this venture. I have always hated my teeth. You know the saying "you're your own worst critic"? Well, there is no doubt that I am probably the only one who was every bothered by the fact my baby teeth fell out so that smaller teeth could grow in, or the nickle depth space in my top front teeth or the overall misshapen demeanor of my jaw. But, I new every stinkin' detail and I despised it. I especially hated it when someone would ask me to smile and show my teeth. Whaaaat on earth for? Why would anyone want to see my teeth for ever and ever and ever? Needless to say, my husband funded the therapy (braces) to my (since age 12) neurosis. So today, it all comes to an end. I must tell you though that having gone through this as an adult gives me GREAT respect for our little people who have braces. We have tough kiddos let me tell you. There were days when I wanted my mommy my teeth hurt so bad and I'm almost 30.

In other news of the young and unfamous, I've been interviewing for a job as a youth director part-time. I'm really hoping this opportunity presents itself as it will help greatly financially and it will be perfect for my seminary schedule. So prayers are up and fingers crossed there.

Next weekend hubs and I are heading to Dallas with his brother and our sister-in-law to catch a Red Sox game for his brother's birthday. We're all big Red Sox fans and can't wait to check out a game. Hubs really wants to go to Boston for his birthday in September. I told him I'd buy him a lotto ticket for his birthday and if he wins will move there if he'd like. There are days when I just wish that money tree would start to produce fruit, but my trees just have vibrant cores I guess...no "dough".

I'm working on my sermon for Sunday. For those who don't know, my father is also a United Methodist pastor. Him and my mom (still waaay jealous) are heading out of town on Saturday for a two week vaca in Italy. See, you are jealous too now! ;-p Anyway, I'm preaching for dad in his absence. I'm so very excited about this weeks sermon because it's based on The Shack by WM. Paul Young. If you have not read this book, I urge you to do so. It is simply divine! What a great book with deep theological concepts. It takes you to deep places for reflection and has some beautiful imagery for God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. I do encourage you to approach it with an open mind though. You will be challenged, but in a loving and gentle way. Back to my original topic, I'm using it as a premise for my sermon this Sunday and I'm very thrilled. I plan on posting the sermon Sunday after I give it, so come back to check it out. By the way, you can also download the audiobook of The Shack from iTunes. I listened to the audiobook on my travels back and forth from home to Kansas City this summer for seminary. There were so many times when I was talk back to it and say "yes", "amen", "preach it", that I finally decided I needed the hard copy so I could use it for sermon's. So glad I did that.

Speaking of that sermon, I bet get to working on it some more. Many blessings to all of you. Peace and love in Jesus Christ, today and everyday!