Tuesday, January 31, 2006
How it started
I thought I'd elaborate a bit more on my previous post. Teo was in town this past weekend, so in addition to working a generous number of Sudoku puzzles, we rented the first DVD of the television series "24." For those of you who are unfamiliar, each episode occurs in real time. So, the first DVD documents the first four hours (midnight to 4 AM) of the first day of the series. After watching just the first episode or two, I could tell I was hooked. In fact, we couldn't find the 4 AM to 8 AM DVD, so we had to purchase the entire first season at Target! We still only made it through the first eight hours! So... I have a long way to go. To give you an idea... I'm up to 8 AM the first day. The series is currently in season 5 (i.e. - the 5th day), about 4 AM or 5 AM. So, I'm basically four whole days (92 hours) behind. But, after looking at the current season website, I've determined it's not best to view them out of order. So, I won't start watching the current season until I get caught up (if I actually get caught up).
Monday, January 30, 2006
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
The Plans
You may recognize this verse, and maybe you find some comfort in it like I do...
Jeremiah 29:11 - "'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.'"
Well, I've been reading through the book of Jeremiah, and I thought the context of the verse above to be particularly interesting. Basically, the Israelites had been taken into exile - into Baylon - by King Nebuchadnezzar. Well, a young punk-prophet speaks up one day (in front of Jeremiah and other priests/people) and says, "the LORD says that within two years, the Israelites will be free and be able to return to Israel." Jeremiah gives him a warning that peace and prosperity sound good and may gain him some momentary popularity, but he won't be believed unless it actually comes true. Long story short, The LORD reveals something different to Jeremiah, and he tells the people that they will spend seventy years in Babylon...
"When seventy years are completed... I (the LORD) will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place (Israel). For I know the plans I have for you..."
Isn't it funny that when we think of that verse or quote that verse, we always imagine that promise in the near term... next week, next month, next year. God was telling the Israelites that he had good things planned for them... but they were going to have to be patient. In effect... "you might as well get comfortable, because you're going to be here awhile." Apparently they had some lessons to learn first.
So, it makes me wonder... how many lessons do I have to learn? I guess I better get comfortable. :)
Jeremiah 29:11 - "'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.'"
Well, I've been reading through the book of Jeremiah, and I thought the context of the verse above to be particularly interesting. Basically, the Israelites had been taken into exile - into Baylon - by King Nebuchadnezzar. Well, a young punk-prophet speaks up one day (in front of Jeremiah and other priests/people) and says, "the LORD says that within two years, the Israelites will be free and be able to return to Israel." Jeremiah gives him a warning that peace and prosperity sound good and may gain him some momentary popularity, but he won't be believed unless it actually comes true. Long story short, The LORD reveals something different to Jeremiah, and he tells the people that they will spend seventy years in Babylon...
"When seventy years are completed... I (the LORD) will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place (Israel). For I know the plans I have for you..."
Isn't it funny that when we think of that verse or quote that verse, we always imagine that promise in the near term... next week, next month, next year. God was telling the Israelites that he had good things planned for them... but they were going to have to be patient. In effect... "you might as well get comfortable, because you're going to be here awhile." Apparently they had some lessons to learn first.
So, it makes me wonder... how many lessons do I have to learn? I guess I better get comfortable. :)
Monday, January 16, 2006
Cozy feet
I thought I'd include a picture for you of what I have on my feet as I'm blogging here. They're very warm and cozy... a bit challenging to walk in. But, I suppose they're really not made for walking. So, instead, I'm relaxing in them. :) They were a Christmas gift from a good friend, who obviously cares about the comfort of my feet.
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Well, it's official...
The Gathering is becoming its own church! It's been a long-time coming, but we're moving forward. Up until this point we've been a ministry of Southern Hills Baptist Church, the church I've been a member of for nearly seven years now. But the church voted unanimously this past week to support us as a new church plant. There are so many questions yet to be answered, but it was officially announced tonight at The Gathering. So... it's now public knowledge.
It means a lot of work ahead, but I'm excited to see where God will lead us and who he will bring along side of us in this adventure!
I'm sure you'll be hearing more on that later.
It means a lot of work ahead, but I'm excited to see where God will lead us and who he will bring along side of us in this adventure!
I'm sure you'll be hearing more on that later.
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Divine Intervention
Okay, I know it's kind of an odd time of the morning to be blogging. And, I'm still half asleep, so I won't promise this will make too much sense. But, I'm going to blog about a dream I juust had. If I wait, I'm guessing I won't remember it. And, yes... I'll be crawling back in bed when I finish blogging. I probably wouldn't have woken up or gotten out of bed except that I must have dreamed my cell phone rang. So, I got up to check that. :)
I don't recall all of the details of the dream, other than I was out and about in my car. In the dream, it was a very small car. (Okay, seriously people, I'm typing here with my eyes closed. How funny is that?) I was in kind of a rural area, so there wasn't a lot of traffic. I came upon an area where some road construction had been taking place, but the roads were open, but the survace was like this extremely thick, soft mud... maybe something like 6 or 7 inches deep. I didn't realize until it was too late that other cars had apparently been slipping in the mud. I think it was a bit like hydroplaning... everything was fine until I tried to slow down or stop. So, when I hit the brakes, I sunk down into the mud and began to swerve. Fortunately I avoided hitting anything, but I ended up in a ditch on the side of the road. By the position of the car, I knew there was no way I could pull it out or get it out on my own. In the dream, I either didn't think I would be able to find anyone at home who could come help me, or maybe I didn't have my cell phone (though, as mentioned above, I dreamed shortly after than it rang). Anyway, I was there fretting over how I'd get the car out. It seemed just beyond my reach... like the car was small enough that it was nearly possibly (yet I knew it was impossible) for me to get it out myself. I'm not sure what took my attention from the car, but when I turned back around, the car was no longer in the ditch. It was sitting just out of the ditch, slighty disassembled (though easy enough for me to re-assemble) and all clean. I remember being so thankful and believing it a true miracle... that God had been my rescuer.
What do you think it means? I'll give it some thought and blog about it later. In the meantime, I'd be happy to hear YOUR thoughts. :)
Okay... I'm going back to Zzzzzzzzzzz....
I don't recall all of the details of the dream, other than I was out and about in my car. In the dream, it was a very small car. (Okay, seriously people, I'm typing here with my eyes closed. How funny is that?) I was in kind of a rural area, so there wasn't a lot of traffic. I came upon an area where some road construction had been taking place, but the roads were open, but the survace was like this extremely thick, soft mud... maybe something like 6 or 7 inches deep. I didn't realize until it was too late that other cars had apparently been slipping in the mud. I think it was a bit like hydroplaning... everything was fine until I tried to slow down or stop. So, when I hit the brakes, I sunk down into the mud and began to swerve. Fortunately I avoided hitting anything, but I ended up in a ditch on the side of the road. By the position of the car, I knew there was no way I could pull it out or get it out on my own. In the dream, I either didn't think I would be able to find anyone at home who could come help me, or maybe I didn't have my cell phone (though, as mentioned above, I dreamed shortly after than it rang). Anyway, I was there fretting over how I'd get the car out. It seemed just beyond my reach... like the car was small enough that it was nearly possibly (yet I knew it was impossible) for me to get it out myself. I'm not sure what took my attention from the car, but when I turned back around, the car was no longer in the ditch. It was sitting just out of the ditch, slighty disassembled (though easy enough for me to re-assemble) and all clean. I remember being so thankful and believing it a true miracle... that God had been my rescuer.
What do you think it means? I'll give it some thought and blog about it later. In the meantime, I'd be happy to hear YOUR thoughts. :)
Okay... I'm going back to Zzzzzzzzzzz....
Friday, January 13, 2006
Rollercoasters
Seems strange that something I love so much in a tangible form can be so unpleasant in metaphorical terms. It's been that kind of week. I'm just tired... and yet can't sleep. I'd like to tell the operator to kindly stop the ride so I can get off.
Reminds me a bit of a clip from one of my favorite movies...
Reminds me a bit of a clip from one of my favorite movies...
Sunday, January 08, 2006
The Country
This is a poem by one of my favorite poets, Billy Collins...
The Country
I wondered about you
when you told me never to leave
a box of wooden, strike-anywhere matches
lying around the house because the mice
might get into them and start a fire.
But your face was absolutely straight
when you twisted the lid down on the round tin
where the matches, you said, are always stowed.
Who could sleep that night?
Who could whisk away the thought
of the one unlikely mouse
padding along a cold water pipe
behind the floral wallpaper
gripping a single wooden match
between the needles of his teeth?
Who could not see him rounding a corner,
the blue tip scratching against a rough-hewn beam,
the sudden flare, and the creature
for one bright, shining moment
suddenly thrust ahead of his time -
now a fire-starter, now a torchbearer
in a forgotten ritual, little brown druid
illuminating some ancient night.
Who could fail to notice,
lit up in the blazing insulation,
the tiny looks of wonderment on the faces
of his fellow mice, onetime inhabitants
of what once was your house in the country?
The Country
I wondered about you
when you told me never to leave
a box of wooden, strike-anywhere matches
lying around the house because the mice
might get into them and start a fire.
But your face was absolutely straight
when you twisted the lid down on the round tin
where the matches, you said, are always stowed.
Who could sleep that night?
Who could whisk away the thought
of the one unlikely mouse
padding along a cold water pipe
behind the floral wallpaper
gripping a single wooden match
between the needles of his teeth?
Who could not see him rounding a corner,
the blue tip scratching against a rough-hewn beam,
the sudden flare, and the creature
for one bright, shining moment
suddenly thrust ahead of his time -
now a fire-starter, now a torchbearer
in a forgotten ritual, little brown druid
illuminating some ancient night.
Who could fail to notice,
lit up in the blazing insulation,
the tiny looks of wonderment on the faces
of his fellow mice, onetime inhabitants
of what once was your house in the country?
Monday, January 02, 2006
Happy New Year, Folks!!
Well, I think I've been blogging about a year now. I'll have to check that out when I finish here. :)
I slept in NYE... until maybe 8:30 or 9 AM. We were hosting a NYE party at Matt's house, so Matt and I hit the grocery store by 10:30 or so and spent the rest of the day baking and preparing food, save the short break we took to take lunch over to our friends, Jim & Babs. Luke was there, too, but we didn't take him any food. However, we did get to see him eat baby oatmeal for the first time. (Go Luke!)
We were hoping to have time for a break, but that never happened. We worked up until it was time for the evening's activity - The Amazing Race!! Tim & Laurel put together an "Amazing Race" for twelve two-person racing teams. It was quite a site, I'm sure. We were running all over Tulsa... finding clues and performing strange tasks. I have a video that I might be able to attach (with some help from David...). Anyway... Matt and I ended up winning the race!! It may have helped that the race ended at his house, so we had a certain advantage when we left the final stop with the (eventual) second place team. :)
Then we just partied down the rest of the night. Sounds like most everyone was sore from the race! Or... I could've been sore from laughing so much at the party. Mainly I laughed at JW for trying a bite of bleu cheese and gagging on it. :)
There are probably more details to share, but I'll have to do that in person. I'm tired and need to get in bed.
Happy New Year!!
I slept in NYE... until maybe 8:30 or 9 AM. We were hosting a NYE party at Matt's house, so Matt and I hit the grocery store by 10:30 or so and spent the rest of the day baking and preparing food, save the short break we took to take lunch over to our friends, Jim & Babs. Luke was there, too, but we didn't take him any food. However, we did get to see him eat baby oatmeal for the first time. (Go Luke!)
We were hoping to have time for a break, but that never happened. We worked up until it was time for the evening's activity - The Amazing Race!! Tim & Laurel put together an "Amazing Race" for twelve two-person racing teams. It was quite a site, I'm sure. We were running all over Tulsa... finding clues and performing strange tasks. I have a video that I might be able to attach (with some help from David...). Anyway... Matt and I ended up winning the race!! It may have helped that the race ended at his house, so we had a certain advantage when we left the final stop with the (eventual) second place team. :)
Then we just partied down the rest of the night. Sounds like most everyone was sore from the race! Or... I could've been sore from laughing so much at the party. Mainly I laughed at JW for trying a bite of bleu cheese and gagging on it. :)
There are probably more details to share, but I'll have to do that in person. I'm tired and need to get in bed.
Happy New Year!!
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Well, well, well. Do I have some stories to tell about Christmas 2005! It was a wild and crazy time. :) Actually, it WILL go down for the record books. Here's how it went...
Thursday, December 22nd...
I left Tulsa and rolled into KC around 3:30 PM, met up with my friend, Mike, and spent the afternoon with him (and a couple of friends who dropped in and out). Then, that evening we met up with a group of his friends for dinner and drinks at the Country Club Plaza. The food and company was all excellent (as to be expected). Mike was kind enough to give me a cheese serving tray for Christmas... most people have to be getting married to get such a gift! (Btw... Mike's in a great deal of trouble, too, because we had agreed NOT to get each other gifts... so I thought. Actually... that probably just means that I'M the one in trouble!!!)
I arrived home at my parents somewhere after midnight. Mom & Dad were in bed, but I let them know I was home.
Friday, December 23rd...
I got up somewhere around 8:30 AM and was informed by my Mom that if I wanted to go shopping with her and my sister (I did), I needed to be ready by 9 AM. So, I hurried and got ready and spent the vast majority of the day shopping. I bought very little, because I already had my Christmas shopping done (save the gift for Mike!). But, I had a very enjoyable day with Mom, Chelle and baby Natalie. (Yes, I got to tend to the baby!)
We arrived home fairly late in the afternoon and made preparations to head to Michelle & John's house for the evening's festivities. (The entire family was to congregate there for "Christmas dinner," spending the night and then opening gifts the next morning.) Said festivities took place and we eventually all settled in for the night. I slept in a twin bed in the spare bedroom with my niece, Erin, on a pallet on the floor.
Christmas Eve - Saturday, December 24th...
Baby Natalie started fussing about 5:45 AM, at which time Erin decided to crawl in bed with me. I was feeling a bit funny... sort of nauseous. I laid there a few moments but then got up to check on Chelle and the baby. I saw with her in the living room as she fed the baby. My nausea continued until the point I broke my fifteen year non-vomitting streak. I spent some quality time hugging the toilet that day. In fact, we had to open Christmas presents in between hugging sessions. So, the day was passed by 1) hugging said toilet, 2) sleeping, 3) opening gifts and 4) lamenting the fact I couldn't share in the holiday treats being enjoyed by my family.
That night, circa 8:30 or 9 PM, we made the decision to try and make the treck back to my parents' house. (I could continue my recovery from a full-sized bed that way.) I was feeling much improved and had even attempted some crackers and 7-UP... even a bit of chicken noodle soup. My Mom was kind enough to drive me. Half way through the 15-minute drive, I asked her to stop the car. I started thinking the trip wasn't a very good idea. Not only had the vibrations made me a bit queasy, but I was getting very light-headed. Mom pulled the car over, I fumbled around to get the door opened and I imagined piling out of the car and laying spread-eagle on the cold ground, in the cold night air. Instead, I laid out across the seat... and leaned back onto my Mom's shoulder. She later said I was sweating profusely. I'm not sure I really remembered everything that happened there, other than I leaned out of the car to cool down in the night air. I guess it's what I needed, because I was eventually recovered enough to finish the trip.
Christmas Day - Sunday, December 25th...
First of all, I should back up and explain that my parents had both had this strange "stomach virus" earlier in the week before I came home. So, there were certainly questions as to the contagiousness of the illness. I opted not to go to church, but since I felt better, I got ready to go over to my Aunt's house for the "big family" Christmas get-together. Our family convened after church at Mom & Dad's and we debated as to sanity of attending the big group function given our history of and potential future illness. We finally called and gave them a warning, but our presence was nevertheless requested. So, we all piled into two cars and headed for my Aunt Linda's house. By "all," I mean all of us except for my brother-in-law, John. He was already feeling a big uneasy, so he headed home. Good for him he did... he did a fair amount of toilet-hugging at home. My sister was not as fortunate. She did her toilet-hugging at my Aunt Linda's house. I figured we'd be the first of the family to leave, but we actually ended up being the last of the crew to leave. We toted my sister home, and she nearly made it; however, instead of running into the house to do her duty, she ran to the back of the driveway and delivered the last of her Christmas lunch.
At that point, we had two down - Chelle at Mom & Dad's house and John at his. Since we wanted to be one big happy, puking family. Dad went to fetch John so we could tend to them and the baby (who fortunately did not get sick) all in one location.
From Linda's house, David, Sarah and Erin all headed back to their house to meet Sarah's sister, Desiree. She arrived in town about 6 PM and had a plane flight early the next morning out of KCI. (They were making preparations to leave for the airport around 3:45 AM.) Mom assured them to call us if they were sick and needed any assistance with those plans.
Early, early Monday morning, December 26th...
Baby Natalie started fussing around about 2:45 AM. Since her crib was right next to my bed, I got up and tried to lull her back to sleep. No luck. Mom was sleeping on the couch (displaced by the sick couple), so I woke her to prepare a bottle (as I had been instructed before going to bed). Mom warmed up the bottle and was simultaneously startled by a ringing phone. Yup... you guessed it. David, Sarah and Erin were all sick. My Dad was shortly out of bed and out the door to go pick up Desiree and get her to the airport (afterwards returning to the other infected home to care for the suffering inhabitants). By that time, everyone was roused. Chelle, John, Mom, me and the baby all sat around the living room... agreeing it was an odd time for "family time." But, it was a rather humorous time marveling at the turn of events.
After catching a few more winks (until nearly 11 AM), we visited a bit more... talking of how memorable this Christmas would be, though maybe not for the reasons we had hoped. :)
I left for Tulsa a couple of short hours later.
What I learned...
If I'm going to be sick like that, I'd rather be sick around my family than anyone else. They love me and accept me... REGARDLESS. They even clean up after me (thanks, Chelle)! Though I'm sure we'd all have preferred NOT to be sick, it was neat that we could all take turns taking care of each other... moral support, making chicken noodle soup, holding someone's hair back, rides to the airport, etc. I have a very special family. And that was the best gift of all this Christmas!!
Thursday, December 22nd...
I left Tulsa and rolled into KC around 3:30 PM, met up with my friend, Mike, and spent the afternoon with him (and a couple of friends who dropped in and out). Then, that evening we met up with a group of his friends for dinner and drinks at the Country Club Plaza. The food and company was all excellent (as to be expected). Mike was kind enough to give me a cheese serving tray for Christmas... most people have to be getting married to get such a gift! (Btw... Mike's in a great deal of trouble, too, because we had agreed NOT to get each other gifts... so I thought. Actually... that probably just means that I'M the one in trouble!!!)
I arrived home at my parents somewhere after midnight. Mom & Dad were in bed, but I let them know I was home.
Friday, December 23rd...
I got up somewhere around 8:30 AM and was informed by my Mom that if I wanted to go shopping with her and my sister (I did), I needed to be ready by 9 AM. So, I hurried and got ready and spent the vast majority of the day shopping. I bought very little, because I already had my Christmas shopping done (save the gift for Mike!). But, I had a very enjoyable day with Mom, Chelle and baby Natalie. (Yes, I got to tend to the baby!)
We arrived home fairly late in the afternoon and made preparations to head to Michelle & John's house for the evening's festivities. (The entire family was to congregate there for "Christmas dinner," spending the night and then opening gifts the next morning.) Said festivities took place and we eventually all settled in for the night. I slept in a twin bed in the spare bedroom with my niece, Erin, on a pallet on the floor.
Christmas Eve - Saturday, December 24th...
Baby Natalie started fussing about 5:45 AM, at which time Erin decided to crawl in bed with me. I was feeling a bit funny... sort of nauseous. I laid there a few moments but then got up to check on Chelle and the baby. I saw with her in the living room as she fed the baby. My nausea continued until the point I broke my fifteen year non-vomitting streak. I spent some quality time hugging the toilet that day. In fact, we had to open Christmas presents in between hugging sessions. So, the day was passed by 1) hugging said toilet, 2) sleeping, 3) opening gifts and 4) lamenting the fact I couldn't share in the holiday treats being enjoyed by my family.
That night, circa 8:30 or 9 PM, we made the decision to try and make the treck back to my parents' house. (I could continue my recovery from a full-sized bed that way.) I was feeling much improved and had even attempted some crackers and 7-UP... even a bit of chicken noodle soup. My Mom was kind enough to drive me. Half way through the 15-minute drive, I asked her to stop the car. I started thinking the trip wasn't a very good idea. Not only had the vibrations made me a bit queasy, but I was getting very light-headed. Mom pulled the car over, I fumbled around to get the door opened and I imagined piling out of the car and laying spread-eagle on the cold ground, in the cold night air. Instead, I laid out across the seat... and leaned back onto my Mom's shoulder. She later said I was sweating profusely. I'm not sure I really remembered everything that happened there, other than I leaned out of the car to cool down in the night air. I guess it's what I needed, because I was eventually recovered enough to finish the trip.
Christmas Day - Sunday, December 25th...
First of all, I should back up and explain that my parents had both had this strange "stomach virus" earlier in the week before I came home. So, there were certainly questions as to the contagiousness of the illness. I opted not to go to church, but since I felt better, I got ready to go over to my Aunt's house for the "big family" Christmas get-together. Our family convened after church at Mom & Dad's and we debated as to sanity of attending the big group function given our history of and potential future illness. We finally called and gave them a warning, but our presence was nevertheless requested. So, we all piled into two cars and headed for my Aunt Linda's house. By "all," I mean all of us except for my brother-in-law, John. He was already feeling a big uneasy, so he headed home. Good for him he did... he did a fair amount of toilet-hugging at home. My sister was not as fortunate. She did her toilet-hugging at my Aunt Linda's house. I figured we'd be the first of the family to leave, but we actually ended up being the last of the crew to leave. We toted my sister home, and she nearly made it; however, instead of running into the house to do her duty, she ran to the back of the driveway and delivered the last of her Christmas lunch.
At that point, we had two down - Chelle at Mom & Dad's house and John at his. Since we wanted to be one big happy, puking family. Dad went to fetch John so we could tend to them and the baby (who fortunately did not get sick) all in one location.
From Linda's house, David, Sarah and Erin all headed back to their house to meet Sarah's sister, Desiree. She arrived in town about 6 PM and had a plane flight early the next morning out of KCI. (They were making preparations to leave for the airport around 3:45 AM.) Mom assured them to call us if they were sick and needed any assistance with those plans.
Early, early Monday morning, December 26th...
Baby Natalie started fussing around about 2:45 AM. Since her crib was right next to my bed, I got up and tried to lull her back to sleep. No luck. Mom was sleeping on the couch (displaced by the sick couple), so I woke her to prepare a bottle (as I had been instructed before going to bed). Mom warmed up the bottle and was simultaneously startled by a ringing phone. Yup... you guessed it. David, Sarah and Erin were all sick. My Dad was shortly out of bed and out the door to go pick up Desiree and get her to the airport (afterwards returning to the other infected home to care for the suffering inhabitants). By that time, everyone was roused. Chelle, John, Mom, me and the baby all sat around the living room... agreeing it was an odd time for "family time." But, it was a rather humorous time marveling at the turn of events.
After catching a few more winks (until nearly 11 AM), we visited a bit more... talking of how memorable this Christmas would be, though maybe not for the reasons we had hoped. :)
I left for Tulsa a couple of short hours later.
What I learned...
If I'm going to be sick like that, I'd rather be sick around my family than anyone else. They love me and accept me... REGARDLESS. They even clean up after me (thanks, Chelle)! Though I'm sure we'd all have preferred NOT to be sick, it was neat that we could all take turns taking care of each other... moral support, making chicken noodle soup, holding someone's hair back, rides to the airport, etc. I have a very special family. And that was the best gift of all this Christmas!!
First of all....
I'd like to welcome my friend, Mike, to the world of blogging. It's a grand adventure, and I know you'll love it!
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Christmas Parties, etc.
Well... 'tis the season. :)
Last Thursday was our small group's Christmas party. We had a lovely time - I think 17 people. We did what we normally do... visit and eat. We had a lot of good holiday snacks, and everyone seemed to enjoy standing around and chatting. But, we took some time to gather around and read through the Christmas story (Luke 2:1-20) and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas - the gift our Heavenly Father gave us in Jesus Christ his son! Then we sang some Christmas carols and shared in a special time of prayer. Other activities included an ornament exchange and more visiting/eating. Later in the evening, some of us gathered around the guitar and piano to sing some of our favorite hymns and praise songs. It was a very enjoyable evening. Those folks are so good for me.
Last night was our company Christmas party - quite a far cry from the small group party. :) A friend of mine was gracious enough to accompany me, and we had a good time. There were lots of food/beverages, interesting conversation and gifts exchanged. We had a "dirty Santa" gift exchange, where we were supposed to bring a "round" gift. I received the best number - #1. But, I was plenty happy with my original gift - ROUND Tortilla chips and salsa. Fortunately it was never stolen. All-in-all, it was an enjoyable evening as well. Though I don't have much in common with my co-workers, they're an entertaining lot.
So, that brings you somewhat up to date. I have nearly all of my Christmas shopping. What's ironic is that the gift I have left to get is the person's name who I was assigned for our family gift exchange. (Yes, that's YOU, Dad!) He can be somewhat challenging to buy for. I have part of his gift, but I need to get it finished up and wrapped. I think everything else is covered. So, my Christmas tree is looking perfectly happy with a small multitude of gifts under it.
Can't wait to see everyone up in KC! I'll be up there shortly!
Last Thursday was our small group's Christmas party. We had a lovely time - I think 17 people. We did what we normally do... visit and eat. We had a lot of good holiday snacks, and everyone seemed to enjoy standing around and chatting. But, we took some time to gather around and read through the Christmas story (Luke 2:1-20) and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas - the gift our Heavenly Father gave us in Jesus Christ his son! Then we sang some Christmas carols and shared in a special time of prayer. Other activities included an ornament exchange and more visiting/eating. Later in the evening, some of us gathered around the guitar and piano to sing some of our favorite hymns and praise songs. It was a very enjoyable evening. Those folks are so good for me.
Last night was our company Christmas party - quite a far cry from the small group party. :) A friend of mine was gracious enough to accompany me, and we had a good time. There were lots of food/beverages, interesting conversation and gifts exchanged. We had a "dirty Santa" gift exchange, where we were supposed to bring a "round" gift. I received the best number - #1. But, I was plenty happy with my original gift - ROUND Tortilla chips and salsa. Fortunately it was never stolen. All-in-all, it was an enjoyable evening as well. Though I don't have much in common with my co-workers, they're an entertaining lot.
So, that brings you somewhat up to date. I have nearly all of my Christmas shopping. What's ironic is that the gift I have left to get is the person's name who I was assigned for our family gift exchange. (Yes, that's YOU, Dad!) He can be somewhat challenging to buy for. I have part of his gift, but I need to get it finished up and wrapped. I think everything else is covered. So, my Christmas tree is looking perfectly happy with a small multitude of gifts under it.
Can't wait to see everyone up in KC! I'll be up there shortly!
Monday, December 12, 2005
Sole Survivor
Well... she did it! Danielle "Dani" Boatright... Sole Survivor (Survivor Guatemala), winner of $1,000,000. I can't believe it really. I know I'm silly, but I had to dig out a picture to show my Tulsa friends - It's a picture of me and Danielle from my 13th birthday party. Very funny... and I'd post it here, but it's a rather humiliating picture of myself. :)
But... congratulations, Danielle! We've enjoyed watching and rooting for you!
But... congratulations, Danielle! We've enjoyed watching and rooting for you!
Sunday, December 11, 2005
You're Beautiful
I've found a new song I like - James Blunt's "You're Beautiful." It's kind of a depressing sort of song, but I'm somehow attracted to it. I was playing it here on the computer, but for some reason, I guess I can't blog and listen to it at the same time. Maybe I'll try it again now that I have this window up...
Ah, here we go. I have it playing now. I'm disappointed to see that it's been approximately six weeks since my last blog. No... I didn't forget my blog site, though I haven't thought much about blogging lately. I'd like to say that's because my life has been full of excitement lately. Unfortunately, I don't think that's the case. However, we are deep into the holiday season now, so I'll blame some of it on that. I have my Christmas shopping started... most of the "little things" bought, though I still have some of the bigger gifts left to buy.
I dunno... I think I'm getting kind of lazy lately. I can't seem to get myself in bed at a decent time, which means I'm not getting up very early in the mornings, which means I'm not working out. I have plans in my head to change that, but so far it hasn't happened. The Survivor Guatemala finale is tomorrow night. I think after that I may shut my TV down for awhile. In fact, it almost sounds good to me to take down the entire entertainment center... force myself to be more creative with my time. But, speaking of the Survivor finale - my classmate from high school has made it to the final four, so that should make the finale very interesting. Only sad part is that it airs during church tomorrow night. I think I'll just miss the first hour but high-tail it home to catch the 2nd hour of the finale. Maybe I can drag a couple of people over for an impromptu watch party.
Well, it's nearly 2 AM. I suppose I should force myself to crawl in bed. I suppose the two cups of coffee I had after 9 PM didn't help. Ah... caffeine... gotta love it!
Have a good night, world.
Ah, here we go. I have it playing now. I'm disappointed to see that it's been approximately six weeks since my last blog. No... I didn't forget my blog site, though I haven't thought much about blogging lately. I'd like to say that's because my life has been full of excitement lately. Unfortunately, I don't think that's the case. However, we are deep into the holiday season now, so I'll blame some of it on that. I have my Christmas shopping started... most of the "little things" bought, though I still have some of the bigger gifts left to buy.
I dunno... I think I'm getting kind of lazy lately. I can't seem to get myself in bed at a decent time, which means I'm not getting up very early in the mornings, which means I'm not working out. I have plans in my head to change that, but so far it hasn't happened. The Survivor Guatemala finale is tomorrow night. I think after that I may shut my TV down for awhile. In fact, it almost sounds good to me to take down the entire entertainment center... force myself to be more creative with my time. But, speaking of the Survivor finale - my classmate from high school has made it to the final four, so that should make the finale very interesting. Only sad part is that it airs during church tomorrow night. I think I'll just miss the first hour but high-tail it home to catch the 2nd hour of the finale. Maybe I can drag a couple of people over for an impromptu watch party.
Well, it's nearly 2 AM. I suppose I should force myself to crawl in bed. I suppose the two cups of coffee I had after 9 PM didn't help. Ah... caffeine... gotta love it!
Have a good night, world.
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Don't Wait...
I was just reminded of this verse…
Ecclesiastes 11:4 (NIV) - "Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap."
In other words… "If you wait until the wind and the weather are just right, you will never plant anything and never harvest anything."
It's a nice reminder… we can sit around and wait until conditions are just perfect before we do anything… or we can step out, make plans, take risks and watch God produce the results.
That's pretty cool.
~Krista
Ecclesiastes 11:4 (NIV) - "Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap."
In other words… "If you wait until the wind and the weather are just right, you will never plant anything and never harvest anything."
It's a nice reminder… we can sit around and wait until conditions are just perfect before we do anything… or we can step out, make plans, take risks and watch God produce the results.
That's pretty cool.
~Krista
Monday, October 24, 2005
Principles
"I will keep the law given by God; sanctioned by man. I will hold to the principles received by me when I was sane, and not mad - as I am now. Laws and principles are not for the times when there is no temptation: they are for such moments as this when body and soul rise in mutiny against their rigour; stringent are they; inviolate they shall be. If at my individual convenience I might break them, what would be their worth? They have a worth - so I have always believed; and if I cannot believe it now, it is because I am insane - quite insane: with my veins running fire, and my heart beating faster than I can count its throbs. Preconceived opinions, foregone determinations, are all I have at this hour to stand by: there I plant my foot."
Charlotte Bronte, in "Jane Eyre"
Charlotte Bronte, in "Jane Eyre"
Reason
"I can live alone, if self respect and circumstances require me so to do. I need not sell my soul to buy bliss. I have an inward treausre, born with me, which can keep me alive if all extraneous delights shoud be withheld; or offered only at a price I cannot afford to give. Reason sits firm and holds the reins, and she will not let the feelings burst away and hurry her to wild chasms. The passons may rage furiously, like true heathens, as they are; and the desires may imagine all sorts of vain things: but judgment shall still have the last word in every argument, and the casting vote in every decision. Strong wind, earthquake-shock, and fire may pass by: but I shall follow the guiding of that still small voice which interprets the dictates of conscience.'"
Charlotte Bronte, in "Jane Eyre"
Charlotte Bronte, in "Jane Eyre"
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
The necklace
I received this forward today and thought it was worth archiving. :)
The cheerful little girl with bouncy golden curls was almost five. Waiting with her mother at the checkout stand, she saw them, a circle of glistening white pearls in a pink foil box.
"Oh mommy please, Mommy. Can I have them? Please, Mommy, please?"
Quickly the mother checked the back of the little foil box and then looked back into the pleading blue eyes of her little girl's upturned face. "A dollar ninety-five. That's almost $2.00. If you really want them, I'll think of some extra chores for you and in no time you can save enough money to buy them for yourself. Your birthday's only a week away and you might get another crisp dollar bill from Grandma."
As soon as Jenny got home, she emptied her penny bank and counted out 17 pennies. After dinner, she did more than her share of chores and she went to the neighbor and asked Mrs. McJames if she could pick dandelions for ten cents. On her birthday, Grandma did give her another new dollar bill and at last she had enough money to buy the necklace.
Jenny loved her pearls. They made her feel dressed up and grown up. She wore them everywhere, Sunday school, kindergarten, even to bed. The only time she took them off was when she went swimming or had a bubble bath. Mother said if they got wet, they might turn her neck green.
Jenny had a very loving daddy and every night when she was ready for bed, he would stop whatever he was doing and come upstairs to read her a story. One night as he finished the story, he asked Jenny, "Do you love me?"
"Oh yes, daddy. You know that I love you."
"Then give me your pearls."
"Oh, daddy, not my pearls. But you can have Princess, the white horse from my collection, the one with the pink tail. Remember, daddy? The one you gave me. She's my very favorite."
"That's okay, Honey, daddy loves you. Good night." And he brushed her cheek with a kiss.
About a week later, after the story time, Jenny's daddy asked again, "Do you love me?"
"Daddy, you know I love you."
"Then give me your pearls."
"Oh Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have my baby doll. The brand new one I got for my birthday. She is beautiful and you can have the yellow blanket that matches her sleeper."
"That's okay. Sleep well. God bless you, little one. Daddy loves you."
And as always, he brushed her cheek with a gentle kiss.
A few nights later when her daddy came in, Jenny was sitting on her bed with her legs crossed Indian style. As he came close, he noticed her chin was trembling and one silent tear rolled down her cheek.
"What is it, Jenny? What's the matter?"
Jenny didn't say anything but lifted her little hand up to her daddy. And when she opened it, there was her little pearl necklace. With a little quiver, she finally said, "Here, daddy; this is for you."
With tears gathering in his own eyes, Jenny's daddy reached out with one hand to take the dime store necklace, and with the other hand he reached into his pocket and pulled out a blue velvet case with a strand of genuine pearls and gave them to Jenny.
He had them all the time. He was just waiting for her to give up the dime-store stuff so he could give her the genuine treasure.
So it is, with our Heavenly Father. He is waiting for us to give up the cheap things in our lives so that he can give us beautiful treasures. Isn't God good? Are you holding onto things that God wants you to let go of? Are you holding on to harmful or unnecessary partners, relationships, habits and activities that you have come so attached to that it seems impossible to let go?
Sometimes it is so hard to see what is in the other hand but do believe this one thing
God will never take away something without giving you something better in its place.
The cheerful little girl with bouncy golden curls was almost five. Waiting with her mother at the checkout stand, she saw them, a circle of glistening white pearls in a pink foil box.
"Oh mommy please, Mommy. Can I have them? Please, Mommy, please?"
Quickly the mother checked the back of the little foil box and then looked back into the pleading blue eyes of her little girl's upturned face. "A dollar ninety-five. That's almost $2.00. If you really want them, I'll think of some extra chores for you and in no time you can save enough money to buy them for yourself. Your birthday's only a week away and you might get another crisp dollar bill from Grandma."
As soon as Jenny got home, she emptied her penny bank and counted out 17 pennies. After dinner, she did more than her share of chores and she went to the neighbor and asked Mrs. McJames if she could pick dandelions for ten cents. On her birthday, Grandma did give her another new dollar bill and at last she had enough money to buy the necklace.
Jenny loved her pearls. They made her feel dressed up and grown up. She wore them everywhere, Sunday school, kindergarten, even to bed. The only time she took them off was when she went swimming or had a bubble bath. Mother said if they got wet, they might turn her neck green.
Jenny had a very loving daddy and every night when she was ready for bed, he would stop whatever he was doing and come upstairs to read her a story. One night as he finished the story, he asked Jenny, "Do you love me?"
"Oh yes, daddy. You know that I love you."
"Then give me your pearls."
"Oh, daddy, not my pearls. But you can have Princess, the white horse from my collection, the one with the pink tail. Remember, daddy? The one you gave me. She's my very favorite."
"That's okay, Honey, daddy loves you. Good night." And he brushed her cheek with a kiss.
About a week later, after the story time, Jenny's daddy asked again, "Do you love me?"
"Daddy, you know I love you."
"Then give me your pearls."
"Oh Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have my baby doll. The brand new one I got for my birthday. She is beautiful and you can have the yellow blanket that matches her sleeper."
"That's okay. Sleep well. God bless you, little one. Daddy loves you."
And as always, he brushed her cheek with a gentle kiss.
A few nights later when her daddy came in, Jenny was sitting on her bed with her legs crossed Indian style. As he came close, he noticed her chin was trembling and one silent tear rolled down her cheek.
"What is it, Jenny? What's the matter?"
Jenny didn't say anything but lifted her little hand up to her daddy. And when she opened it, there was her little pearl necklace. With a little quiver, she finally said, "Here, daddy; this is for you."
With tears gathering in his own eyes, Jenny's daddy reached out with one hand to take the dime store necklace, and with the other hand he reached into his pocket and pulled out a blue velvet case with a strand of genuine pearls and gave them to Jenny.
He had them all the time. He was just waiting for her to give up the dime-store stuff so he could give her the genuine treasure.
So it is, with our Heavenly Father. He is waiting for us to give up the cheap things in our lives so that he can give us beautiful treasures. Isn't God good? Are you holding onto things that God wants you to let go of? Are you holding on to harmful or unnecessary partners, relationships, habits and activities that you have come so attached to that it seems impossible to let go?
Sometimes it is so hard to see what is in the other hand but do believe this one thing
God will never take away something without giving you something better in its place.
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