When trying to research Russia prior to my trip I found this quote from their newly elected Russian Orthodox patriarch.
Kirill said before he was elected Tuesday that the Russian Orthodox Church should work with other Christian faiths to support "those partners who are ready to oppose, together with us, the marginalization of religion, to speak out for believers' rights and to build one's life according to one's own principles, to defend the underlying meaning of morality in the life of an individual and society."
I don't quite understand it - but something in my belly isn't sitting right, I just don't know why. Maybe it was my SmartOne today, maybe it's something.
What are your thoughts? I know what I think it means - but I don't want to influence what y'all think. Just curious!
- Rebecca
- Here you will find the daily random thoughts that pop into my head, things that move me.
Monday, March 30, 2009
My New Easter Yard Art - pretty cute!!
Ok - so I was asked to create little yard art chicks from the Noggin Show Chickie-Poo and Fluff. I took a little bit of an artistic license to add them holding things. The boy originally wasn't holding anything but when he saw the drawing he made sure to make it known that he wanted to be holding something as well - so I had the idea to let him hold a chocolate bunny with part of the ear eaten off and chocolate on his face. I think it looks pretty cute myself! 
This other one is the typical Easter Cross with the purple draped material and He is Risen written on there along with the Easter Lilies. I was supposed to make another one for her mom but bigger - but I had absolutely no time and told her that I could pull it together if she wanted but I she would need to let me know.
So all of this comes to about 200 towards my Russia Trip. Between this and the 300 left from my Scholarship I still owe about 1100 - but I'm not worried. God will provide!
Updates
1. After completing my second full week of Weight Watchers I lost 4 pounds this week which makes it a total of 9.4 pounds!! I'm all about getting stars for every 5 pounds lost - so next week I'll have a another gold star (or at least I'd better!!!) and maybe even hit my first goal (I need 5.4 to hit that this week). I already feel better/ healthier and have found that it's not near as difficult this time because I'm doing it for me and not to try and compete with the skinny people that I was doing it with before - this is for me. It's similar to the Diet Coke thing - while the first week was hard and adjustment it got easier - but because it's something I WANTED to do not something I felt I HAD to do it feels natural not forced.
2. Ok - so we had a mission trip update meeting last night and I paid my first deposit. I have about 300 left on my scholarship and a payment of about 1600 - 1700 due at the end of May. So I still need to raise about 1300 - though I just got some money for some yard art I did so that will go towards it as well.
In the book I'm reading for the trip one of the things that really stuck out to me was when he talked about that there are two ways of seeing things up close - you can use a telescope or a microscope. One makes something enormous but far away appear close and able to see some detail. The other makes something teeny-tiny - unseen to the naked eye appear larger than it really is. We are to make God known to others as if using a telescope - We don't have to make God seem bigger that he really is - the God who holds the world in his hands doesn't need me to make him look good. No - I'm supposed to make him know to those around me by bringing him close so they can get a better look at him - it that makes sense. Too many people make God out to be this tiny minuscule God - needing to be seen with a microscope. Nope - my God is a BIG, ABLE God who chose me and loves me and has called me to be his own!
As for walking the stairs - I'm still walking the three flights of the parking garage, and have started a work out video (that I need to do more of this week!). I think that's all I've got on this for now.
3. No diet coke. I want to say that it's been 3 full weeks since I've had a Diet Coke - or any soda for that matter. I don't crave it anymore, and I don't even hesitate at restaurants anymore - I just ask for water or lemonade. Other people have apologized or seemed guilty for drinking one in front of me - but like I said under the weight watchers thing - it's not a hard choice, it just is now. I don't feel like I'm depriving myself. Now, I may get that urge to have one during stressful times at work - but even that is getting to be less and less of a problem. Woo hoo!! So what's that make - 45 bucks so far I've saved. Not to mention all the Sonic Drinks at 3 bucks a pop. Not alot - but I can tell a difference.
Ok - that's all the updates I've got for now. I may not be able to post this week - the big wigs from the UK are in so I have a feeling I'm going to be pretty busy!
2. Ok - so we had a mission trip update meeting last night and I paid my first deposit. I have about 300 left on my scholarship and a payment of about 1600 - 1700 due at the end of May. So I still need to raise about 1300 - though I just got some money for some yard art I did so that will go towards it as well.
In the book I'm reading for the trip one of the things that really stuck out to me was when he talked about that there are two ways of seeing things up close - you can use a telescope or a microscope. One makes something enormous but far away appear close and able to see some detail. The other makes something teeny-tiny - unseen to the naked eye appear larger than it really is. We are to make God known to others as if using a telescope - We don't have to make God seem bigger that he really is - the God who holds the world in his hands doesn't need me to make him look good. No - I'm supposed to make him know to those around me by bringing him close so they can get a better look at him - it that makes sense. Too many people make God out to be this tiny minuscule God - needing to be seen with a microscope. Nope - my God is a BIG, ABLE God who chose me and loves me and has called me to be his own!
As for walking the stairs - I'm still walking the three flights of the parking garage, and have started a work out video (that I need to do more of this week!). I think that's all I've got on this for now.
3. No diet coke. I want to say that it's been 3 full weeks since I've had a Diet Coke - or any soda for that matter. I don't crave it anymore, and I don't even hesitate at restaurants anymore - I just ask for water or lemonade. Other people have apologized or seemed guilty for drinking one in front of me - but like I said under the weight watchers thing - it's not a hard choice, it just is now. I don't feel like I'm depriving myself. Now, I may get that urge to have one during stressful times at work - but even that is getting to be less and less of a problem. Woo hoo!! So what's that make - 45 bucks so far I've saved. Not to mention all the Sonic Drinks at 3 bucks a pop. Not alot - but I can tell a difference.
Ok - that's all the updates I've got for now. I may not be able to post this week - the big wigs from the UK are in so I have a feeling I'm going to be pretty busy!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Quick Update
This week has been super busy at work, so the updates are going to be uber (as they say) short.
1. Weight Watchers - I lost 5.4 pounds - after finally finding an accurate scale!!! Woo hoo - star for me (I love stars), and last night I did a work out video that was pretty fun and I'll probably do again.
2. Mission Trip Update - more and more I feel called to go - but I'll get to that later. As of yesterday there's been over $1,000 donated to me at Grand Parkway and I've got about 125 or so from the web site (I've got questions about that but I'll save those for later). God is Good. Oh and I've got a $1,200 scholarship from the church so I'm about 2/3 of the way there.
3. Diet Coke - still haven't had one and this past week it wasn't so bad. no headaches or craving. I do notice though that I crave them still in stressful situations but that will soon pass as well.
1. Weight Watchers - I lost 5.4 pounds - after finally finding an accurate scale!!! Woo hoo - star for me (I love stars), and last night I did a work out video that was pretty fun and I'll probably do again.
2. Mission Trip Update - more and more I feel called to go - but I'll get to that later. As of yesterday there's been over $1,000 donated to me at Grand Parkway and I've got about 125 or so from the web site (I've got questions about that but I'll save those for later). God is Good. Oh and I've got a $1,200 scholarship from the church so I'm about 2/3 of the way there.
3. Diet Coke - still haven't had one and this past week it wasn't so bad. no headaches or craving. I do notice though that I crave them still in stressful situations but that will soon pass as well.
Friday, March 20, 2009
You know, it's almost as if the flood gates in my life have been flung open. Reading Kaite's story and how God has used her is messing me up.
I can't stop thinking that the God she serves, loves, and proclaims is the same God who's with me. The same God who brings a little girl near deaths door back to health through Katie's pleas and cries and laying on of hands is the same God I serve. The same God who restores the hearing and voice of a deaf mute through Katie's prayers and pleas is the same God that I praise.
O Lord, that I may continue to know you like you desire to be known. "Unite my heart so that I might fear you. That I may rejoice and be glad in you with my full heart." (Psalm 86:11-12 paraphrased by me)
I can't stop thinking that the God she serves, loves, and proclaims is the same God who's with me. The same God who brings a little girl near deaths door back to health through Katie's pleas and cries and laying on of hands is the same God I serve. The same God who restores the hearing and voice of a deaf mute through Katie's prayers and pleas is the same God that I praise.
O Lord, that I may continue to know you like you desire to be known. "Unite my heart so that I might fear you. That I may rejoice and be glad in you with my full heart." (Psalm 86:11-12 paraphrased by me)
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Proverbs 24 - updated
"once our eyes have been opened, we can't pretend we don't know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows what we know and hold us responsible to act."
I think this is where Katie took it from and paraphrased. this is the ESV version
Proverbs 24: 10-12
10 If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small. 11 Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter. 12 If you say, "Behold, we did not know this," does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it, and will he not repay man according to his work?
I think this is where Katie took it from and paraphrased. this is the ESV version
Proverbs 24: 10-12
10 If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small. 11 Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter. 12 If you say, "Behold, we did not know this," does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it, and will he not repay man according to his work?
More from Katie - Her story is messing me up in a good way!!!
It was a cold, rainy night as I headed out of the supermarket on Main Street. Huddled on the street corner was a little boy, sopping wet and shivering. \at the moment, all I really wanted to think about was getting home, getting dry, and crawling into my little bed, but a voice inside told me to stop. I took the little boy inside the supermarket to dry off a bit and bought him some biscuits and juice. I gave him my sweatshirt, a small wooden cross that I carry in my pocket, and some change for his ride home.
As he left, he called out, “What is your name?” “Katie,” I responded, “Auntie Katie.” “Me, I am Daniel!” he shouted, and he disappeared into the night.
That was almost a year ago.
Today as I walked into the supermarket to buy food for my family, two small brown arms wrapped around me, and a little voice excitedly proclaimed “Auntie Katie!” I turned to see a beaming Daniel. “Wait!” he said.
He hurried to the nearest street vendor and bought me a popsicle with the little pocket change he had. He dug into his pocket and pulled out the small wooden cross. “I have never stopped praying for you every day,” he grinned.
I stand amazed at the goodness of our God. That rainy night, I really just wanted to hop on my piki and go home. But I stopped. I only gave him a sweatshirt (I’m sure I have 8 more). I only gave him some cheap biscuits (I can eat biscuits any day I like). I only gave him enough money for his ride home (probably less than the equivalent of 50 cents). But Jesus gave him hope. And he remembered. He didn’t just remember my face, though I’m not sure how he could even see me in the dark; he remembered my name. He prayed for me. He prayed for my safety and for the opportunity to see me again. I blessed him just one cold night, and he blessed me every day after that for this whole year.
Please. Never underestimate the power of your kindness.
As he left, he called out, “What is your name?” “Katie,” I responded, “Auntie Katie.” “Me, I am Daniel!” he shouted, and he disappeared into the night.
That was almost a year ago.
Today as I walked into the supermarket to buy food for my family, two small brown arms wrapped around me, and a little voice excitedly proclaimed “Auntie Katie!” I turned to see a beaming Daniel. “Wait!” he said.
He hurried to the nearest street vendor and bought me a popsicle with the little pocket change he had. He dug into his pocket and pulled out the small wooden cross. “I have never stopped praying for you every day,” he grinned.
I stand amazed at the goodness of our God. That rainy night, I really just wanted to hop on my piki and go home. But I stopped. I only gave him a sweatshirt (I’m sure I have 8 more). I only gave him some cheap biscuits (I can eat biscuits any day I like). I only gave him enough money for his ride home (probably less than the equivalent of 50 cents). But Jesus gave him hope. And he remembered. He didn’t just remember my face, though I’m not sure how he could even see me in the dark; he remembered my name. He prayed for me. He prayed for my safety and for the opportunity to see me again. I blessed him just one cold night, and he blessed me every day after that for this whole year.
Please. Never underestimate the power of your kindness.
Another Quote from Katie
"the purpose of life is to discover your gift.
the meaning of life is giving your gift away. "
"if your ministry today is just praying for one person, do it.
let God use you. be changed. never forget. "
"I believe that life is not about avoiding the storm, but learning to dance in the rain."
More quotes from Katie!! I'm so intrigued by her story, and can't stop reading. I've started at the beginning and have made it to the first adoption of her first 3 girls (mind you she's "alone" in Uganda, not married, and 19!!). The passion with which she describes her love of God and her girls, and Uganda is blowing me away and challenging me in new ways with each post I read!
the meaning of life is giving your gift away. "
"if your ministry today is just praying for one person, do it.
let God use you. be changed. never forget. "
"I believe that life is not about avoiding the storm, but learning to dance in the rain."
More quotes from Katie!! I'm so intrigued by her story, and can't stop reading. I've started at the beginning and have made it to the first adoption of her first 3 girls (mind you she's "alone" in Uganda, not married, and 19!!). The passion with which she describes her love of God and her girls, and Uganda is blowing me away and challenging me in new ways with each post I read!
Woo hoo!!!
Car Bill is finally under $10,000!!! I remember that feeling when I had my first school loan- it was great!!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Water Overload!!
Is there such thing as water overload!!! I feel like I'm about to float away and at the same time I feel like a preggo in her 9th month. I've had to pee about 25 times in less than 8 hours!!!Stinkin water!! - but another day is past me where I didn't have a diet coke. woo hoo.
Oh - and I forgot an update from Tues - this goes under the Russia trip. I've started parking on the 3rd floor of my parking garage in order to get as many stairs as possible into my daily routine in preparation for the Russia trip. The first day I walked the three flights to go home I think I was still huffing and puffing as I was pulling on to the Beltway which was about five minutes later (yes only three flights - yes really out of shape - but you've got to start somewhere!). Yesterday I'd recovered by the time I got to the second floor of the parking garage in my car. So there's progress. I'm even thinking about heading the apartment gym this evening - I'll let you know tomorrow.
Today - despite getting up countless times to relieve the 96 oz of water I've drunk so far today I've managed to catch up on all my meeting minutes, and get somewhat ahead of the game. I love Wednesdays!!!
Tonight - I need to have a healthy meal that's 23 point worth (good luck with that!! I don't have any groceries!!), work out, and then settle in for AI, LOST (wooo hooo), and Criminal Minds. So many shows so little time.
Could this be me one day?
"Because when I am where God wants me to be, serving people that He places in front of me to serve, how can I be anything less than happy? It is impossible."
A quote from a 20 year old (I think) woman named Katie who God called to minister to the people and children of Uganda - oh and did I mention that she's already adopted 14 children between the ages of 3 and 15.
Maybe not in Uganda or even Russia, maybe not the part about adopting 14 children while not being married, but maybe so. Who's to say what God has planned for me - and if my big God can provide in big ways for me to make the trip to Russia than my God can have BIG plans for me in life.
Lord, where ever you lead I'll go. Where ever you want me to serve I'll serve. However you want me to spread your love and your word I'll do it. Use me Lord - I'm yours.
A quote from a 20 year old (I think) woman named Katie who God called to minister to the people and children of Uganda - oh and did I mention that she's already adopted 14 children between the ages of 3 and 15.
Maybe not in Uganda or even Russia, maybe not the part about adopting 14 children while not being married, but maybe so. Who's to say what God has planned for me - and if my big God can provide in big ways for me to make the trip to Russia than my God can have BIG plans for me in life.
Lord, where ever you lead I'll go. Where ever you want me to serve I'll serve. However you want me to spread your love and your word I'll do it. Use me Lord - I'm yours.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Updates
Ok this may be a day late – but I’m NOT a dollar short.
I’ve been remiss in keeping up with my blog site here so here’s the plan I’ve developed – I’m going to steal LauraBeadle’s idea and have a weekly update on a few things in my life.
So here’s the current list of updates that will from this point on be blogged about on Mondays.
1. I’ve started Weight Watchers – I had such great success with it several years ago when I first did it and I need to get back to healthy eating. So the update will be the weight loss. (ok the death march from Star Wars is now playing in my head!!)
2. Mission Trip Update – here I’ll update everything from the book I’m reading, to tasks that I’m completing for the trip, and finally the fundraising – how God is miraculously providing beyond my wildest dreams!!
3. No - God's not coming back - but I have stopped cold turkey drinking diet coke. Again, no - God's not coming back yet - but I've replaced that with drinking . . . WATER (again with the death march. . .geesh!!) I know it's crazy but I didn't want to have crazy migraine headaches while I'm supposed to be playing with the kids in Russia - since they don't really have diet coke at the orphanage. So I figured why not start now!
Ok – well that’s all I can think of for now – I’ll add more as I come up with things.
So Update 1- Weight Watchers/Weight Loss
I weighed myself Sunday night at my friend Kristi's house. I don't like her scale! Going in she said it talks to you. I'm sorry, no, it doesn't talk - it SCREAMS at you. It screamed my weight at me - and actually it wasn't as bad as I though - considering I weighed in at night, fully clothed (like sweater and jeans fully clothed) and with my boots on. (For those skeptics telling me that it's cheating - it's not!!!) I just know myself and if there's not considerable weight loss the first week I get discouraged!! I'm very rewards and goal oriented - I need to see results fast!!
I've signed up for the online version of weight watchers and began to fill in all the tracker points for the day. (Can I tell you - it's hard to eat all that I had too during the day. I generally don't eat anything during the day, just a fiber one bar for breakfast and then one for lunch, occasionally going out for lunch for work, and then going home and having a large dinner at 6 or 7. Now I'm trying to space it out a little - eat more in the morning, and not as much so late at night.
It's hard because my metabolism is so screwed up that once I eat something in the morning I'm so hungry the rest of the day, whereas before as long as I didn't eat I wouldn't get all that hungry. I know it's going to take a while to correct that, same as the headaches from lack of diet coke, but once it's done I should be better off.
2. Mission Trip Update
So I took a spiritual gifts test and my top two, well tied for the top spot were Service and Administration. I kinda figured those two since they are what I love to do and think I'm good at, and tend to lean towards doing. I'll have to go back and check what the runner ups were - (I left it at home)
As for the book - I'm gonna have to get back to you on that- I've been horrible at keeping up with that.
Fundraising - God is GOOD!! I don't know why I ever doubt but I do. It's not that I don't think he'll provide - I know that he will. What I doubt is if I heard him correctly in whether or not to go and maybe that's why I haven't got the funding like I thought. Well I started having those feelings Sunday. (the first installment is due the 29 of 1800 and I had 400) So the first thing he did was have a woman who I sent one of my support letters to come up to me and tell me that she donated and that if I needed more to let her know. Then Monday I called Grand Parkway to see if any checks had come in for me and there was $650 total that had come in from 3 different people. God is good! I've still got about $700 more to go to make my first deadline but I know God will do it.
3. Diet coke. It's officially been over a week. I've drunk more water than I ever have in my life, peed more than a prego in her 9th month, and crave diet coke like an alchie craves a drink (Ok, I realize that I can't say that for sure, and yes I know it's nothing like it - don't mean to offend it's a hyperbole!!) - but I haven't given in. One week and I've saved $7 so far. I figure between $7-14 a week savings by not drinking Diet Coke. Not bad!
Ok - so there you have it - my first installment of my personal updates. You can either stayed tuned every Monday, or you can run for the hills - your choice. :)
I’ve been remiss in keeping up with my blog site here so here’s the plan I’ve developed – I’m going to steal LauraBeadle’s idea and have a weekly update on a few things in my life.
So here’s the current list of updates that will from this point on be blogged about on Mondays.
1. I’ve started Weight Watchers – I had such great success with it several years ago when I first did it and I need to get back to healthy eating. So the update will be the weight loss. (ok the death march from Star Wars is now playing in my head!!)
2. Mission Trip Update – here I’ll update everything from the book I’m reading, to tasks that I’m completing for the trip, and finally the fundraising – how God is miraculously providing beyond my wildest dreams!!
3. No - God's not coming back - but I have stopped cold turkey drinking diet coke. Again, no - God's not coming back yet - but I've replaced that with drinking . . . WATER (again with the death march. . .geesh!!) I know it's crazy but I didn't want to have crazy migraine headaches while I'm supposed to be playing with the kids in Russia - since they don't really have diet coke at the orphanage. So I figured why not start now!
Ok – well that’s all I can think of for now – I’ll add more as I come up with things.
So Update 1- Weight Watchers/Weight Loss
I weighed myself Sunday night at my friend Kristi's house. I don't like her scale! Going in she said it talks to you. I'm sorry, no, it doesn't talk - it SCREAMS at you. It screamed my weight at me - and actually it wasn't as bad as I though - considering I weighed in at night, fully clothed (like sweater and jeans fully clothed) and with my boots on. (For those skeptics telling me that it's cheating - it's not!!!) I just know myself and if there's not considerable weight loss the first week I get discouraged!! I'm very rewards and goal oriented - I need to see results fast!!
I've signed up for the online version of weight watchers and began to fill in all the tracker points for the day. (Can I tell you - it's hard to eat all that I had too during the day. I generally don't eat anything during the day, just a fiber one bar for breakfast and then one for lunch, occasionally going out for lunch for work, and then going home and having a large dinner at 6 or 7. Now I'm trying to space it out a little - eat more in the morning, and not as much so late at night.
It's hard because my metabolism is so screwed up that once I eat something in the morning I'm so hungry the rest of the day, whereas before as long as I didn't eat I wouldn't get all that hungry. I know it's going to take a while to correct that, same as the headaches from lack of diet coke, but once it's done I should be better off.
2. Mission Trip Update
So I took a spiritual gifts test and my top two, well tied for the top spot were Service and Administration. I kinda figured those two since they are what I love to do and think I'm good at, and tend to lean towards doing. I'll have to go back and check what the runner ups were - (I left it at home)
As for the book - I'm gonna have to get back to you on that- I've been horrible at keeping up with that.
Fundraising - God is GOOD!! I don't know why I ever doubt but I do. It's not that I don't think he'll provide - I know that he will. What I doubt is if I heard him correctly in whether or not to go and maybe that's why I haven't got the funding like I thought. Well I started having those feelings Sunday. (the first installment is due the 29 of 1800 and I had 400) So the first thing he did was have a woman who I sent one of my support letters to come up to me and tell me that she donated and that if I needed more to let her know. Then Monday I called Grand Parkway to see if any checks had come in for me and there was $650 total that had come in from 3 different people. God is good! I've still got about $700 more to go to make my first deadline but I know God will do it.
3. Diet coke. It's officially been over a week. I've drunk more water than I ever have in my life, peed more than a prego in her 9th month, and crave diet coke like an alchie craves a drink (Ok, I realize that I can't say that for sure, and yes I know it's nothing like it - don't mean to offend it's a hyperbole!!) - but I haven't given in. One week and I've saved $7 so far. I figure between $7-14 a week savings by not drinking Diet Coke. Not bad!
Ok - so there you have it - my first installment of my personal updates. You can either stayed tuned every Monday, or you can run for the hills - your choice. :)
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Can your pastor pull off saying this?
Men of Grand Parkway,
Just a friendly reminder that tomorrow night is Ladies Night Out at Berryhill"s Tamale & Tacos in Sugar Land. More than a meal, this is an opportunity for us to give our wives a moment to get away from the house, kids and another night of cooking and cleaning! In moments of clarity we all talk about how we want more quality time with our kids and this is a great opportunity!
Last time we took care of dinner so this time let's take the next step and knock out the bath and bedtime rituals as well. That way our wives are not distracted by the responsibilties that await back home and can relax and be all there at table.
Here's the specs for when you bring it up in the conversation and insist that your wife have some time away...Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., Berryhill's Tamale & Taco, fresh salads with chipolte vinegrette, baja fish tacos, tamales like no other and a litany of Coastal creations that will leave you with more than enough to take home for lunch the next day!
Enjoy!
Neil
King of Hamburger Helper
(I love my church!)
Just a friendly reminder that tomorrow night is Ladies Night Out at Berryhill"s Tamale & Tacos in Sugar Land. More than a meal, this is an opportunity for us to give our wives a moment to get away from the house, kids and another night of cooking and cleaning! In moments of clarity we all talk about how we want more quality time with our kids and this is a great opportunity!
Last time we took care of dinner so this time let's take the next step and knock out the bath and bedtime rituals as well. That way our wives are not distracted by the responsibilties that await back home and can relax and be all there at table.
Here's the specs for when you bring it up in the conversation and insist that your wife have some time away...Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., Berryhill's Tamale & Taco, fresh salads with chipolte vinegrette, baja fish tacos, tamales like no other and a litany of Coastal creations that will leave you with more than enough to take home for lunch the next day!
Enjoy!
Neil
King of Hamburger Helper
(I love my church!)
Friday, March 6, 2009
Busy, Busy Busy
I love being busy, much more than not having anything to do. And while things don't always go the way I plan them . . . ok - they NEVER go the way they're planned they go the way they're supposed to.
So what do I have on my plate.
I've got 5 yard art items that need to be cut and painted and delivered very soon!!
I've got to clean my apartment because my sister, boyfriend and newly acquired dog are coming to stay with me and Rach Sat. night.
I've got to shop for my nephew - first I have to decide what to get him!
Tonight I'm going to play at the kids night out - getting hours for my missions trip community service.
Tomorrow I've got my nephews party in the morning, and my dad's party that night all at my sister's in Needville. I've also got to bake 3 things for Sunday's youth auction. (what have I gotten myself into!!!)
Sunday - I'm getting to church early to sing in choir, bringing my four items for the auction, then singing first service and going to sunday school (sorry community what-cha-ma-callit) then sing in the second service. Auction after church, and then maybe getting to see my parents before they head back to Austin. Oh - I've also got to either get my yard art stuff cut out Sat or Sunday so I can start painting next week. (that's about 300 towards my mission trip - woo hoo!!!)
There's more for next week - some of which includes taking out a girl from work who's here from Canada. But lets let this week and weekend finish playing out and then I'll go from there.
So what do I have on my plate.
I've got 5 yard art items that need to be cut and painted and delivered very soon!!
I've got to clean my apartment because my sister, boyfriend and newly acquired dog are coming to stay with me and Rach Sat. night.
I've got to shop for my nephew - first I have to decide what to get him!
Tonight I'm going to play at the kids night out - getting hours for my missions trip community service.
Tomorrow I've got my nephews party in the morning, and my dad's party that night all at my sister's in Needville. I've also got to bake 3 things for Sunday's youth auction. (what have I gotten myself into!!!)
Sunday - I'm getting to church early to sing in choir, bringing my four items for the auction, then singing first service and going to sunday school (sorry community what-cha-ma-callit) then sing in the second service. Auction after church, and then maybe getting to see my parents before they head back to Austin. Oh - I've also got to either get my yard art stuff cut out Sat or Sunday so I can start painting next week. (that's about 300 towards my mission trip - woo hoo!!!)
There's more for next week - some of which includes taking out a girl from work who's here from Canada. But lets let this week and weekend finish playing out and then I'll go from there.
Russia Update
As promised here are some more updates.
I've taken my passport photo (actually twice b/c the first guy didn't tell me I had some jacked up hair and even the second one wasn't my fav either - but it's done!!)
Yesterday I signed in at the post office to get an early spot and then went into work for a little bit. At 10 I left to go back and was in and out of there lickity split.
So letters all out - check
Passport - check
Prayer - check and continuing to check
Up next is my spiritual gifts form to fill out. (Is is bad that I'm nervous about a test I CAN'T fail ;) )
I've taken my passport photo (actually twice b/c the first guy didn't tell me I had some jacked up hair and even the second one wasn't my fav either - but it's done!!)
Yesterday I signed in at the post office to get an early spot and then went into work for a little bit. At 10 I left to go back and was in and out of there lickity split.
So letters all out - check
Passport - check
Prayer - check and continuing to check
Up next is my spiritual gifts form to fill out. (Is is bad that I'm nervous about a test I CAN'T fail ;) )
And they must be careful to do whatever they vowed when they set themselves apart as Nazirites.”
This is part of the Reading of the Word plan that my church is going through. If I’m to be completely honest – I haven’t been following along. Don’t get me wrong – I’ve been getting into the word, having quiet times and praying but not following the plan. So for me – the best thing to do is to just start. So (I think I’m turning into Laura with that word ;) ) SO I’m picking up with the current day and will go back to catch up.
I’m not even through with today’s reading but I came across this verse and I may be reading more into it, but it kinda made my liver quiver a little.
It wasn’t enough that these men followed all these strict rules, and kept themselves clean, but they couldn’t be with their family even when they died because they had to remain pure – no. It went beyond that. Once they were done with the vow they had to be careful to do whatever they vowed when they set themselves apart.
I don’t know – can’t put it into words what made me stop . . .let me think on it some more. There’s something in me.
This is part of the Reading of the Word plan that my church is going through. If I’m to be completely honest – I haven’t been following along. Don’t get me wrong – I’ve been getting into the word, having quiet times and praying but not following the plan. So for me – the best thing to do is to just start. So (I think I’m turning into Laura with that word ;) ) SO I’m picking up with the current day and will go back to catch up.
I’m not even through with today’s reading but I came across this verse and I may be reading more into it, but it kinda made my liver quiver a little.
It wasn’t enough that these men followed all these strict rules, and kept themselves clean, but they couldn’t be with their family even when they died because they had to remain pure – no. It went beyond that. Once they were done with the vow they had to be careful to do whatever they vowed when they set themselves apart.
I don’t know – can’t put it into words what made me stop . . .let me think on it some more. There’s something in me.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Russia update
Hey guys -
Russia update:
My support letters have all been sent out either by snail mail or facebook. I’ve already had donations – thanks to those who’ve already contributed financially, You can go here to see the thermometer rise!!! I really appreciate it!
I plan on going to get my passport done tomorrow which means that I’ve got to get my passport photo’s done today.
All those going on mission this summer have a book we’re required to read as well as scripture to memorize. (those who know me know that I’ve got issues with memory – but I’m not doing too bad so far!) I’ll give updates on the book a little later.
I think that’s about it – except for the random comment I’m about to make. God is just really amazing (I realize that’s not random it’s truth – bear with me I’m getting to the randomness ) Ok – since deciding to go on my trip and sending out my letters I’ve found that there are two families that are planning on adopting. (Not because of the trip – they just are). No real point to me stating the fact – just wanted to – thought it was cool.
Russia update:
My support letters have all been sent out either by snail mail or facebook. I’ve already had donations – thanks to those who’ve already contributed financially, You can go here to see the thermometer rise!!! I really appreciate it!
I plan on going to get my passport done tomorrow which means that I’ve got to get my passport photo’s done today.
All those going on mission this summer have a book we’re required to read as well as scripture to memorize. (those who know me know that I’ve got issues with memory – but I’m not doing too bad so far!) I’ll give updates on the book a little later.
I think that’s about it – except for the random comment I’m about to make. God is just really amazing (I realize that’s not random it’s truth – bear with me I’m getting to the randomness ) Ok – since deciding to go on my trip and sending out my letters I’ve found that there are two families that are planning on adopting. (Not because of the trip – they just are). No real point to me stating the fact – just wanted to – thought it was cool.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
“I’m so disappointed in you”
I’ve always been a people pleaser. Since before I can remember I wanted to be the teachers helper, do extra work after school (didn’t matter that I was stuck there anyways because my mom was a teacher and we’d stay there until 4 or 5 daily!!) – I’d clean rooms, arrange centers, clean erasers. As I got older I started doing things for my friends. Always going above and beyond. Come to think of it, even now I can’t ever “just do a job” I have to go way above and beyond what’s expected . . . . in order to not disappoint. It’s why I’m always asking – “do you like it”, “how is it”, “are you sure, I can redo that”
I’m coming to realize that it may be the reason that I reacted the way I did when my grandmother said those words to me. I’ve never been good enough for her. Never been the weight she wanted, never had the education she wanted, never had the job she wanted, and now one of the two unpardonable sins – I tattooed my body.
I’ve been thinking a lot about those words, and my actions to keep from hearing those words. What started this inward searching was a question from my community group. What do you believe incorrectly about God that’s keeping you from really knowing him (totally paraphrased!)
It made me realize that I think that way about God too. It’s why my walk isn’t consistent – it’s so hot and cold, up and down. When I feel that I’m not a disappointment I feel like I can go before him unashamed, however, it’s when I think there’s a chance that I’d hear those 5 cutting, piercing, damaging words – “I’m so disappointed in you” that I stay away.
Before I you start – I know that he would never. I know that it’s not how he operates. He’s a loving God, who is just, and while he might have his way to get me back on track he would never say that he’s disappointed in me. I know that. My heart knows that. My head on the other hand needs to keep up.
I really think next to being alone (though that’s not even so much of a fear any more) being a disappointment to those I love is probably one of my greatest fears.
I’m taking steps to work on it though. Realizing it, and seeing it for what it is for starters. Praying for the eyes to see that I’m worthy. I am redeemed. I am beloved. I am a child of the most high whose father is in the cattle business (love that). I’m enough. I may be a disappointment to some, but they are not the ones who determine my worth, and the one who does – the only one that matters has already purchased me – chosen me – and loves me.
He is who I live for.
So there you have it – more internal soul searching – you should try it some time. It can be scary – but not as scary as leaving everything packed in!
I’ll even help you along. Are you sitting under a misconception about God that’s keeping you from a deeper relationship with him?
P.S. – freebie from my pastor. Sunday he said that it wasn’t his job to reconcile what I “know” about Jesus, God and the bible TO the BIBLE. I love that. Too many times we take what we hear from dynamic speakers, youth pastors, pastors, and worship leaders and they become biblical truth because surely they know what they’re talking about instead of going to the word and letting God reveal the truth to us Himself. Just something to ponder!
I’m coming to realize that it may be the reason that I reacted the way I did when my grandmother said those words to me. I’ve never been good enough for her. Never been the weight she wanted, never had the education she wanted, never had the job she wanted, and now one of the two unpardonable sins – I tattooed my body.
I’ve been thinking a lot about those words, and my actions to keep from hearing those words. What started this inward searching was a question from my community group. What do you believe incorrectly about God that’s keeping you from really knowing him (totally paraphrased!)
It made me realize that I think that way about God too. It’s why my walk isn’t consistent – it’s so hot and cold, up and down. When I feel that I’m not a disappointment I feel like I can go before him unashamed, however, it’s when I think there’s a chance that I’d hear those 5 cutting, piercing, damaging words – “I’m so disappointed in you” that I stay away.
Before I you start – I know that he would never. I know that it’s not how he operates. He’s a loving God, who is just, and while he might have his way to get me back on track he would never say that he’s disappointed in me. I know that. My heart knows that. My head on the other hand needs to keep up.
I really think next to being alone (though that’s not even so much of a fear any more) being a disappointment to those I love is probably one of my greatest fears.
I’m taking steps to work on it though. Realizing it, and seeing it for what it is for starters. Praying for the eyes to see that I’m worthy. I am redeemed. I am beloved. I am a child of the most high whose father is in the cattle business (love that). I’m enough. I may be a disappointment to some, but they are not the ones who determine my worth, and the one who does – the only one that matters has already purchased me – chosen me – and loves me.
He is who I live for.
So there you have it – more internal soul searching – you should try it some time. It can be scary – but not as scary as leaving everything packed in!
I’ll even help you along. Are you sitting under a misconception about God that’s keeping you from a deeper relationship with him?
P.S. – freebie from my pastor. Sunday he said that it wasn’t his job to reconcile what I “know” about Jesus, God and the bible TO the BIBLE. I love that. Too many times we take what we hear from dynamic speakers, youth pastors, pastors, and worship leaders and they become biblical truth because surely they know what they’re talking about instead of going to the word and letting God reveal the truth to us Himself. Just something to ponder!
Monday, March 2, 2009
Diet Coke
Those of you who know me, or have visited this site know that I'm a Diet Coke-aholic big time. I'm talking - going several days if not full weeks without drinking anything but DC including water. It's all I drink.
Yesterday I didn't have my normal DC in the morning and really didn't have one until 5 pm (yes folks that means I didn't drink all day.) I got a route 44 before heading to house church but sadly the lack of caffine migraine hit around 10 pm and it was terrible. Not the worst I've had - but bad none-the-less.
It got me thinking. Not that I need to give it up - (collective sigh from all the hopefuls out there I know) - but what I was thinking was that if I don't start weaning off DC now - when I head to Russia this summer I'm not going to be able to enjoy the kids or be able to be used by God the way he wants beause I'll be curled in the fetal position due to the caffinee withdrawls.
So as of today I've only had 2 Diet Cokes. (for all those out there thinking that's still a lot - consider I can normally down 5-6 a DAY!!!) so 2 is fabulous!! I'll probably have one more today - but I figure if I slowly cut back how many I drink and MAKE myself drink more water I'll be better off than I am now.
So there you have it.
There's another post bouncing around in my head that deals with being a disappointment, and a question from house group "What is something you believe about God that has kept you from a deeper relationship with him" (Ok - so I'm paraphrasing here but work with me.) I'm sure it'll be up tomorrow!
Yesterday I didn't have my normal DC in the morning and really didn't have one until 5 pm (yes folks that means I didn't drink all day.) I got a route 44 before heading to house church but sadly the lack of caffine migraine hit around 10 pm and it was terrible. Not the worst I've had - but bad none-the-less.
It got me thinking. Not that I need to give it up - (collective sigh from all the hopefuls out there I know) - but what I was thinking was that if I don't start weaning off DC now - when I head to Russia this summer I'm not going to be able to enjoy the kids or be able to be used by God the way he wants beause I'll be curled in the fetal position due to the caffinee withdrawls.
So as of today I've only had 2 Diet Cokes. (for all those out there thinking that's still a lot - consider I can normally down 5-6 a DAY!!!) so 2 is fabulous!! I'll probably have one more today - but I figure if I slowly cut back how many I drink and MAKE myself drink more water I'll be better off than I am now.
So there you have it.
There's another post bouncing around in my head that deals with being a disappointment, and a question from house group "What is something you believe about God that has kept you from a deeper relationship with him" (Ok - so I'm paraphrasing here but work with me.) I'm sure it'll be up tomorrow!
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