God's Blogs

I was recently given and have been reading a delightful little book called, "God's Blogs" by Lanny Donoho. It takes a stab at the question, "what might God say on His blogsite?" Too many people in our world feel that God is no longer relevant. (How sad.) It's been neat to read through "God's blog" and be reminded why God created me in the first place, how much He loves me and what He truly desires for my life. I AM is the God of yesterday, TODAY and tomorrow!

I give it two thumbs up... especially if you're a blogger like me!! :)

Straight from my desktop...

Psalm 63
A psalm of David. When he was in the Desert of Judah.

O God, you are my God,
earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you,
my body longs for you,
in a dry and weary land
where there is no water.
I have seen you in the sanctuary
and beheld your power and your glory.
Because your love is better than life,
my lips will glorify you.
I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods;
with singing lips my mouth will praise you.
On my bed I remember you;
I think of you through the watches of the night.
Because you are my help,
I sing in the shadow of your wings.
My soul clings to you;
your right hand upholds me.
They who seek my life will be destroyed;
they will go down to the depths of the earth.
They will be given over to the sword
and become food for jackals.
But the king will rejoice in God;
all who swear by God's name will praise him,
while the mouths of liars will be silenced.

Black Coffee

Um... right... they OBVIOUSLY don't know how I DRINK my coffee. :)

You are a Black Coffee

At your best, you are: low maintenance, friendly, and adaptable At your worst, you are: cheap and angsty You drink coffee when: you can get your hands on it Your caffeine addiction level: high

What Kind of Coffee Are You?

Can anyone tell me...

Why did all of my fonts suddenly become large? Did I hit something? I'm very frustrated right now. :(

iTunes Game

Instructions: Put your music player on shuffle. Press forward for each question. Use the song title as the answer to the question. No cheating!

How am I feeling today? "Joyful, Joyful" by Lauryn Hill

Will I get far in life? "Play that Funky Music" by Wild Cherry

How do my friends see me? "March to the Scaffold" from Symphonie Fantastique by Berlioz

Where will I get Married? "Come Away with Me" by Norah Jones

What is my best friend's theme song? "The Past is Another Land" from Aida

What is the story of my life? "Green Eyes" by Coldplay

What is/was high school like? "O Fortuna" from Carmina Burana by Carl Orff

How can I get ahead in life? "Where the Streets have no Name" by U2

What is the best thing about me? "Mighty is the Power of the Cross" by Chris Tomlin

How is today going to be? "The Secret Circle" by Kevin Max

What is in store for this weekend? "Allelujah" from the Exultate Jubilate by Mozart

What song describes my parents? "Who am I?" by Casting Crowns

To describe my grandparents? "All by Myself" by Celine Dion

How is my life going? "Hide Away" by Rock Kills Kid (where'd that come from?)

What song will they play at my funeral? "Peel me a Grape" by Diana Krall

How does the world see me? "La Luna" by Sarah Brightman

Will I have a Happy Life? "Clumsy" by Chris Rice

What do my friends really think of me? "All for You" by Sister Hazel

Do people secretly lust after me? "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" sung by Michael Buble

How can I make myself happy? "The Way you Look Tonight" sung by Michael Buble

What should I do with my life? "Queen of Hollywood" by the Corrs

Will I ever have children? "Sugar" by Imperial Teen (again... what?)

What is some good advice for me? "Rock the Boat" sung by the Hues Corporation

How Will I be remembered? "The Boy Next Door/You Made Me Love You" by Linda Eder

What is my signature dancing song? "Hold My Hand" by Hootie & the Blowfish

What do I think my current theme song is? "More Than Words" by Extreme

What does everyone else think my current theme song is? "La Strada del Bosco" Pavarotti

What type of men/women do you like? "If We Are the Body" by Casting Crowns

Ecclesiastes 7:10 & 14a

"Do not say, 'Why were the old days better than these?'
For it is not wise to aks such questions."

"When times are good, be happy;
but when times are bad, consider:
God has made the one as well as the other."

Well, it's official...

1) I'm immune to brain freeze
2) I'm a minor celebrity.

So, I have a friend who is a DJ at a local radio station. He found out that I and another friend of mine have never had a brain freeze. So... he invited us to come into the studio this morning to experience our first brain freeze. They bought two Freezonis from QT (I had the blue raspberry) and had us slurp them down as fast as possible. We did that, and neither one of us got brain freeze. We did have watery eyes, frozen esophagi and stomach aches... but NO brain freeze!! So... there you have it. I'm a genetically engineered slurpee-sucking fool. :)

Check out the broadcast here.

(I'll be available for signing autographs from 9-11 AM tomorrow morning!)

~Krista

A Question for my Brother...

David,

Now that you're all grown-up, now that you have two little girls of your own, I'm wondering... wondering if you still dislike that picture... the one I have hanging in my bathroom... the one of the little girl who is half-naked... leaning over to inspect her belly button.

Just curious.

Krista

Se Magnifique!

I cooked dinner for some friends last night (Jim, Babs and Matt... who all have birthdays within the next ten days). On the menu? Parmesan crusted chicken with sage-butter sauce, roasted potatoes with garlic and rosemary and baked asparagus. And there's only one dessert fitting for the April birthdays... Italian Cream Cake with vanilla ice cream. It's probably the most difficult meal I've ever attempted, and if I may say so, it's probably the tastiest, too! It was a day-long event, because I left for the grocery store around noon and work pretty much straight through until the meal was served at 7:30 PM. I really enjoyed it, too... though I guess I appeared "stressed" once my guests arrived. (I attribute that to the specific point in the cooking process... where everything was happening at once and required close and immediate attention.) But, I suprised myself. I shant cook like that every day, but it makes me think I could be a bit more creative in my meals (for myself and for entertaining).

Mom... you'd be so proud!! You, too, Sis!!

Me and the girls! 

Natalie (approx 8 mo) 

A Dose of Encouragement

To be honest, I wasn't looking forward to this weekend. I mean... I was, but I wasn't. The Gathering had a weekend retreat for Founding Members. Although I was looking forward to the retreat... it's been a long and fairly awful week... and last week was spent on the road (to KC and back). So, in many ways, I would have preferred to stay home this weekend. However, once I got to the retreat and had a chance to dream big with some of our other Founding Members, I was encouraged. We took time to eat together and play together. (I rather enjoyed a two hour break we had this afternoon. I took the time to just wander around the retreat property and visit with friends.) But, I REALLY enjoyed our brainstorming sessions and goal-setting. I truly appreciate the encouragement I get from being reminded I'm not alone in this great adventure God has set out for us. This weekend reminded me that we're all united in our vision to reach people for Christ here in Tulsa and abroad. It's so exciting to hear the passion of others for their ministry areas. I also feel encouraged by people who are looking to play an even greater role in the ministry.

Besides this weekend, I've been encouarged by two other people recently... one who has just recently come to know Christ and one who is still seeking. It's so exciting to have a front row seat to watch God move in the hearts of people. Isn't THAT what it's all about?

But, I suppose it's natural that all this excitement would be followed by exhaustion. I'm pooped!

G'night. (Don't forget to turn your clocks forward tonight!)

What is it about crying...

... that gets your nose all stuffed up?

This is Teo... kinda. (Remember this one, Teo? Serves you right.) 

Teo, Teo, Teo

Well, I was scorned yesterday by my friend, Teo, who complained that he was not mentioned very often on my blog-site... something about being "un-blog-worthy." I quickly pointed out that, though he was not always mentioned by name, he was often referred to as "my friend" and in the pronoun, "we." But, to make him feel better, I thought I'd mention his name here...

Teo, Teo, Teo, Teo, Teo, Teo, Teo, Teo, Teo, Teo, Teo, Teo, Teo, Teo, Teo, Teo, Teo, Teo, Teo, Teo, Teo, Teo, Teo, Teo, Teo, Teo, Teo, Teo, Teo, Teo, Teo, Teo, Teo, Teo, Teo, Teo, Teo, Teo.

Teo's name by the way is Matt, but that would be easily confused with my other friend, Matt, who I also occasionally mention. I'm not sure where "Teo" came from, although the Spanish name for Matt is "Mateo." I remember "Teo" first being popularized on a certain canoe trip... which is where my corresponding nickname, "Keo" was born.

Here are some other uses for the name "Teo"...

Go On, Get Your Teo Out!

A Different Kind Of Company. A Different Kind Of Teo.

Welcome To Teo Country.

I Was a Teo Weakling. (Ha! I'm not making this stuff up, folks!!)

Teo Really Satisfies. (Mm-hmm.)

Cleans Right Round The Teo.

Only Teo Has The Answer.

(Slogans compliments of The Advertising Slogan Generator.)

So, all I have to say now is... Teo... are you happy?

It's me...

100 Questions

I "stole" this from another friend's blog site. :)

1.First grade teacher's name: Mrs. Wakeman
2. Last word you said: "tonight”
3. Last song you sang: "Feeling Good” (singing along w/ a song by Michael Buble)
4. Last person you hugged: My niece, Natalie
5. Last thing you laughed at: My niece, Natalie?
6. Last time you said I don't remember: I don't remember
7. Last time you cried: My eyes got a bit teary talking to someone last week about my Grandpa Looney (who went to be with our Lord in 2001).

.:PRESENT:.

9. What color socks are you wearing: Mostly dark red
10. What's under your bed: Probably some dust bunnies
11. What time did you wake up today: 10:00 AM when my phone rang
12. Current taste: Toothpaste
13. Current hair: Brown with golden highlights
15. Current annoyance: An achy body. I haven’t felt well today.
16. Current longing: Health and Wellness :)
17. Current desktop background: A beautiful picture taken by my friend, Teo, in La Jolla, California, where we visited this past September. It has some daisies in the foreground and waves splashing on a rock in the background.
19. Current hate: Sore throats
20.Current favorite article of clothing: Probably my new jeans I bought for my supposed trip to Guatemala. :)
21. Favorite physical feature of the preferred sex: Smile
22. Last CD that you listened to: I’ve been transferring all my CDs to itunes, so I’ve been re-listening to a bunch of my old CD’s. Most recent may have been a “Best of U2.”
23. Favorite place to be: Coffee shop with a good friend
24. Least favorite place: Mowing my yard in the heat of the summer (most any other time, too)
25. Time you wake up: Weekdays – anytime between 5:30am and 7:30am.
26. If you could play any instrument: Guitar (have one, but don’t play it very well)
27. Favorite color(s): Fall colors – brown, navy, black, dark red
28. Do you believe in an afterlife: Yes!
29. How tall are you: 5’7”
30. Current favorite word/saying: It’s not my favorite by a long-way, but I’ve been working on perfecting my use of the words “affect” vs. “effect.” Those throw me every time!
31. Favorite book: Other than The Bible...I really like “Uncle Tom’s Cabin”
32. Favorite season: I love them all! Spring is particularly great, because everything is blooming!
33. One person from your past you wish you could go back and talk to: My Grandpa Looney

.:FUTURE:.

35. Where do you want to go for college: N/A – Been there, done that. Went to Emporia State University in Emporia, KS.
36. What is your career going to be: Who knows. I’m a CPA, but I suppose I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up. :)
37. How many kids do you want: I don’t know… 2 or 3?
.:HAVE YOU EVER.:.
39. Said "I love you" and meant it?: Well, sure.
40. Gotten in a fight with your dog/cat/bird/fish, ect.: No.
41. Been to New York: Yes, it was awesome!
42.Been to Florida: Orlando only.
43. Been to California: Yes… La Jolla (suburb of San Diego) is one of my favorite places to visit!!
44. Been to Hawaii: Nope.
45.Been to Mexico: Yes – a couple of times. Once to Juarez (just across the border from El Paso) for a missions trip in college and twice to Ensenada (just south of Tijuana, Mexico and San Diego) for work… I used to have an audit client down there. That’s how I was introduced to San Diego and La Jolla! It was awesome!
46. Been to China: Nope.
48. Dreamed something really crazy and then it happened the next day: Not that I can think of.

.:RANDOM:.

What happened to 49-51???

52. Do you have a crush on someone: “Crushes” are so elementary.
53. What book are you reading now? I’m reading several, but the one I’m reading for “fun” is “700 Sundays” by Billy Crystal.
54. Worst feeling in the world: Crushing my finger in a broken chair at Chili’s. Ouch!!
55. What is the first thing you think when you wake in the morning?: Do I HAVE to get up?
56. How many rings before you answer: 3 or 4. I like to answer earlier, but I usually have to run through my house looking for the cordless phone.
57. Future daughter's name: I really like Luella, but I haven’t completely decided I want to subject a child to it. I’ve heard it recently, though, so maybe it’s gaining some popularity. I believe it was my great-great Grandmother’s name.
58. Future son's name: Grandma Looney has started naming them for me. I believe Gabriel is at the top of the list. :)
59. Do you sleep with a stuffed animal: Not most of the time.
60. If you could have any job you wanted: I would be independently wealthy and be able to volunteer my time.
61. Who do you wish was with you? I sometimes wish my family was closer.
62. College plans: Again… been there, done that.
63. Piercings: One in each of my ear lobes. That’s it… promise, Mom!!
.:THE EXTRA STUFF:.
64.Do you do drugs: No way!
65. Do you drink: Not usually
67. What kind of Shampoo and Conditioner do you use: Right now… Aussie, or whatever that stuff’s called. Sometimes Herbal Essence.
68. What are you most scared of: Sharks… and someone breaking into my house at night.
69. What clothes do you sleep in: Pajama pants or shorts and a T-shirt, generally.
70. Who is the last person that called you: Melody… to see if we were still on for breakfast this morning.
71. Where do you want to get married: Tulsa… I suppose, though I’m not “married” to the idea.
72. If you could change anything about yourself what would that be: I wouldn’t be so busy all the time. I think that would lead to a variety of other healthy changes.
73.Who do you really hate: Pine nuts.
74. Been In Love: Yes… there’s a car I’ve been eyeing lately… :) Oh.. with a person? I’d rather leave that to your imagination.
75. Are you timely or always late: I’m very punctual.
76. Do you have a job: Yes.
77. Do you like being around people: Yes, very much, though a certain amount of alone time is healthy, too.
78. Best feeling in the world: Loving and being loved... or losing my stomach on a roller coaster :)
79. Are you for world peace: Um… duh.
80. Are you a health freak: No, unfortunately not, though I don’t mind healthy foods.
81. Do you have a "Type" of person you always go after?: Someone who is grounded and growing in their relationship with Jesus Christ.
82. Do you want someone you don't have: Always have, probably always will.
83. Are you lonely right now: Not this moment, but it’s not unusual.
84. Ever afraid you'll never get married: I wouldn’t say “afraid.” It’d just be nice to know.
85. Do you want to get married: Yes. I think I’d enjoy it. Plus, it would be nice to have someone with whom to serve.
86. Do you want kids: I think so… though I’ve noticed they’re an AWFUL lot of work

.:IN THE LAST 48 HOURS, HAVE YOU:.

87. Cried: No
88. Bought Something: Yes... groceries, coffee product from Starbucks and 2 meals
89. Gotten Sick: Maybe… I haven’t completely diagnosed my current condition, but I’m not feeling real well – weird throat, sore muscles, stiffness, etc.
90. Sang: Not too much… maybe along with a CD or the radio.
91. Said I Love You: Yes… I’m sure I probably said that to my family (sister, bro-in-law and niece) as they were leaving.
92. Wanted To Tell Someone You Loved them: I suppose.
93. Met Someone: No one new… but maybe tonight.
94. Moved On: No.
95. Talked To Someone: Yeah… quite a few someones… (
96. Had A Serious Talk: No.
97. Missed Someone: No.
98. Hugged Someone: Chelle, John and Natalie
99. Yelled at Someone: No.
100. Dreamed About Someone You Can't Be With: Is that a “literal” dream or “figurative” dream? Until I know, I’ll refrain from answering.

MB

Wow! I went to see Michael Buble in concert tonight. He was pretty amazing. I expected the singing to be awesome, but he turned out to be quite an entertainer as well. He did some impressions and made a fair amount of jokes. I was a bit disappointed at some of the swearing and off-colored jokes, as I would have expected it to be a "G-rated," family-friendly show. In fact, there were two young children sitting in front of us. But, save that, it was excellent. His voice is so clean and smooth. My two favorite songs are "Home" and "Feeling Good." You can see the videos here.

I was also excited to learn that the poet, Billy Collins, will be in Tulsa at the end of April. I have one or two of his books, but one of my all-time favorite poems of his is "The Lanyard." My question to you is this... does the poem make you laugh or shed a tear? Apparently it's produced both responses. I'd like to know what yours is.

A nugget of wisdom from the side of a Starbucks cup

"It's difficult for people to get rid of junk. They get attached to things and let them define who they are. If there's one thing I've learned... it's that you are what you can't let go of."

-Brian Scudamore, Founder and CEO of 1-800-GOT-JUNK?

What can't you let go of?

itunes

Well, I've discovered itunes. :)