Life...or something like it...

Happy New Year~!!

2009-12-31T10:09:00.000-08:00

I am not promising anything, but I wanted to say Happy New Year to the bloggity world. And perhaps I will actually begin blogging a little bit more.

I am going to attempt to read the Bible in 90 days...I have a plan...

If you run across my blog here, I will post the daily readings...uhmm...daily...

Have a blessed 2010~!!

Check this out...awesome...

2009-10-02T00:18:00.001-07:00

This is a post I read on Big Mamas blog...go and read it...its fantastic:

The Waiting is the Hardest Part of Waiting

I'm...Back...I think...

2009-10-02T00:05:00.001-07:00

Hello bloggers, blog readers...and whoever might stumble upon this page ;-)

It seems as if it has been forever since I have written anything. So much has changed since my last post. And I am busy compiling all my the events and thoughts in my head so I can post. I may break it up in to categories...hmmmm...I dunno...we shall see.

I just wanted to let you know, if you are still out there, that I am still around, just been rather busy with some things. But I am still here.

Take care...see you REAL soon, I promise!!

I'm Lame...

2009-06-24T14:23:00.000-07:00

I know it has been like forever and a day since I have posted anything. I just really have not felt like writing, despite the fact that I have tons of things to write about.

Hopefully soon. Real Soon....

Desires of My Heart

2009-05-04T10:37:00.000-07:00

As far back as I can remember, I have wanted to get married and have a family. In the past two or three years, that desire has increased, I am not sure if it is my age, God urging me, or what, but I yearn for the companionship that only a marriage can provide. Marriage is a huge responsibility not to be taken lightly. We live in a broken world, no, we live in a shattered world, full of shattered marriages, homes, families, friendships and hearts...just plain shattered. As a follower of Christ I know that the only way all these things can be mended, is through the love of Jesus Christ. I also know that I cannot help spread the news of His tremendous love unless I, myself accept it and LIVE it daily. I have accepted it, over 20 years ago. I strive to live it daily.

But let's go back to my original point, getting married. I have an innate desire to be a wife, but not simply a wife...but a Godly wife. I have a desire to have a Godly man as my husband. A man after God's heart. One who will love and care for me like Jesus loves the church. The following verse is often a "mantra" for "church-going" singles ~ it is found in Psalms 37: 4 ~ Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Does it end there? Is all I have to do is delight myself in the the Lord? Really...? That seems pretty simple, doesn't it...I think some of us would be tempted to scream "I'm delighted in you Lord...I am delighted!..now where is my mate??"

But wait just a moment...there is more to Psalms 37 than just that. I believe the key is the fulfillment of our being delighted in the Lord. The word delighted is being used as a verb here...its an action that we must take. It is our part to play. It's up to God how and when He will then grant us those desires. The Psalmist tells us what our part should look like:

Vs. 3 : Trust in the LORD and do good;

Vs. 5 : Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this;

Vs. 6: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,the justice of your cause like the noonday sun;

Vs. 7a: Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him.

There are things we must do to be granted the desires of our hearts. We must trust in the Lord and live Godly lives, we must commit our ways to the lord and trust fully in him, we must be still before the Lord and wait patiently for his timing, otherwise we risk ending up with broken shattered lives. Some of us may have already. We must also remember that His ways are not ours, sometimes that's a tough pill to swallow, because we tend to want to do things our way.

However, I believe that there is hope: if we strive to live a pure Godly life, the closer we grow to God and spend time reading and meditating His Word - and walking in His ways, the more our desires will conform to His will for our lives. As our desires are aligned with His will - as opposed to our own worldly and sinful inclinations - the more we will see our desires fulfilled.

But it's not just what we do that matters, but also what we don't do:

Vs.1: Do not fret because of evil men; or be envious of those who do wrong;

Vs. 7b Do not fret when men succeed in their ways,when they carry out their wicked schemes;

Vs. 8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;do not fret — it leads only to evil.

We need to be continually be praying against our tendency to look longingly on the world's way of getting our needs met. If we desire marriage but have an idea in our mind that it's primarily about finally being sexually satisfied and never being lonely, having someone to do things for us, then we are setting ourselves for major disappointment.

There's so much misinformation floating around about what marriage really is that , that the majority of couples marry with unrealistic or warped expectations, and the hope of "lasting" instant gratification. The main purpose of marriage isn't companionship, romance, or even sex, those are the fruits and priveledges of marriage. Marriage is a divinely blessed and covenantally sealed procreative partnership. It is a covenant committment that a man and a woman make together in front of God. And the procreating has everything to do with being refined toward holiness.

With all the confusion about what marriage is for, it's possible that unanswered prayers for spouses have more to do with unrealistic expectations than God's power to supply mates... Asking God to help us find a mate is asking Him to take us from a place of single focus to one that will require selflessness. Far from being the answer to all our dreams and fantasies, marriage will be a crucible for making us more like Christ. It was set up that way from the beginning. This is what makes marriage, as God intended it to be, so worthy of our desire. God designed us for relational intimacy — when Adam didn't find a "suitable helper" among the animals, God created Eve. Marriage is a gift from His hand.

Let's face it, we have many desires, and long for physical intimacy, but just as it's unwise to give in to our every whim and desire, it's equally unhealthy to simply stuff them. Rather than asking God to remove our sex drive, our desires for instant gratification and the like, we should pray that He would show us why He's wired our body for sex. Prayerfully ask Him to help us live toward fulfilling our sexual desires in a way that honors Him and brings Him glory. Let Him refine our desires, both in the waiting and should He allow, in getting married for His glory.

Answered Prayers and Compassion

2009-04-30T09:53:00.000-07:00

I have no excuse of why I have not been blogging much lately, other than the Lord is really moving in my life right now, and I just kinda really need to focus on that. I am seeing great things happen, and some things I have been surprised at. I am seeing prayers answered, some almost instantly, some things I have been praying for a long time, those prayers are starting to be answered as well! Hallelujah!!! God is amazing, and wonderful. I give Him all the praise and glory! I am still not sure where everything is headed, but I know that God is in control and he has something grand in store for me (and YOU!)!

In the mean time, I read this post from Angie blog, Bring the Rain and it really touched my heart (even the the digs at Pete (Pastor of Cross Point Church in Nashville) made me smile!)....She is on a mission trip with Compassion in India and I do not yet sponsor a child, but I am praying about it and cam strongly considering do so. Anyway, I encourage you to read the post (and the others) , it brought tears to my eyes! Pete is posting too from India, and so is Shaun Groves and Melissa from Living Proof. Great Stuff! Also Keely is their photographer...and takes amazing photos...check them out too!

God Bless!

Empty Me

2009-04-16T11:06:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been a while since I have bloggeded ;-) Have you ever had so much stuff rattling around in your mind that you have a difficult time sorting it out to write about, because it's just too much for you to do? Well, that's me lately. I have so much on my mind that I cannot sort it all out. I am spending alot of time in prayer lately. Prayer for my health, prayer for a certain relationship, prayer for my family, for my daughter and for dear friends. I have also been spending alot of time (though not nearly enough) just praising God for who He is, and thanking Him for all he has given me, because if I am being honest, I do not do that nearly enough. I need to trust Him more. I need to learn to just lay everything at His feet and LEAVE it there. My theme song of late as been Empty Me by Jeremy Camp, and I visited a church in San Diego, and they had communion service and this was the song they sang as people came up to get the communion elements...what a perfect song for this occasion. WOW. It really spoke to me in a way that it had never before. Listen to it. Listen to the words. Pray that God Empty You and fill you up with HIM!!! I need that. I crave that.

Check this out...I needed it too...

UnChristian

2009-04-03T20:40:00.000-07:00

I am reading a book entitled UnChristian by David Kinnaman... You can check out the premise here: http://www.unchristian.com/

I am only on chapter two, but this section really hit me - keep in mind that this book is written from alot of research done with 17-30 year olds and what their perception on Christianity is...the term outsiders is used for people who are not or do not consider themselves followers of Christ.

How common are these perceptions? It is one thing to encounter a person on the street who says audacious, brash things about Christianity, but quite another if these perceptions broadly define the Christian faith among young people. In our national surveys we found the three most common perceptions of present-day Christianity are anti-homosexual (an image held by 91 percent of young outsiders), judgmental (87%), and hypocritical (85%). These "big three" are followed by the following negative perceptions, embraced by a majority of young adults: old-fashioned, too involved in politics, out of touch with reality, insensitive to others, boring, not accepting of other faiths, and confusing. When they think of the Christian faith, these are the images that come to mind. This is what a new generation really thinks about Christianity.

Obviously the book does not end there...but this is where I have stopped for now. Isn't that far enough? These people are the future of our country...and they see us judgmental and hypocritical as a whole....shouldn't we as the body of Christ be working towards changing the focus back to Jesus, and showing these "outsiders" the LOVE of Christ, after all, isn't the United States a Christian Nation?? We like to say that "we are all human, we all make mistakes, we all do things we regret...etc..." Well, I am starting to think that well, that just isn't good enough. We are called to be DIFFERENT, we are CALLED to STAND OUT, an not conform to this world and be passive...I think it is time we start living that and showing that to any an all we encounter each and every day. We need to dispel of this negative image and we need to start now.

My two cents...

I encourage you to get the book...

~Hugs!

Things I Love and Things I Need

2009-03-27T14:37:00.000-07:00

~Hugs!

I'm still here...I promise

2009-03-26T15:08:00.000-07:00

I know I have been MIA lately...for good reason. I had to move, and bunches of Dr. appointments etc....which I will fill you in with very soon...

So NO...bloggy readers, I have not forgotten you...I still love you...

~Hugs!

All I'm Asking...

2009-02-25T11:32:00.000-08:00

I am at work, and my bosses are out of town at a trade show. I know what you are thinking... partayyy...no, not really. I mean, sure there is a certain amount of freedom when your bosses aren't in the office to keep a watchful eye...but you don't know MY bosses!! I have to watch them! Just teasing (sort of). Nah...they are GREAT! Best Ever! So, when they are not here, I have a little bit more time to do other things. And this morning I was messing around here on blogger and trying to figure out all the "ins" and "outs" of blogger. I added a feedburner "chicklet" as you can see on the top right hand side, so now you can have all my wonderful words of wisdom, humor and complete and total randomness delivered right to your very own inbox. How cool is that? Pretty darn, I tell ya. So...as I was looking around I noticed my last post was entitled "Welcome to my new home". And at that very moment, the Shaun Groves song "Welcome Home" popped into my head. A song that I truly love and if I were more, uhmm, consistent I might well listen to it every morning...cause the lyrics are so simple, yet man, overpoweringly right on target!! They should be something I and or we pray (or sing in worship) to God each day...here are the lyrics...and also a video of the amazing Shaun Groves singing the song...enjoy...and remember....Let God IN...after all we are not our own...it's all He's asking...

Take, me, make me
All You want me to be
That's all I'm asking, all I'm asking

Welcome to this heart of mine
I've buried under prideful vines
Grown to hide the mess I've made
Inside of me
Come decorate, Lord
Open up the creaking door
And walk upon the dusty floor
Scrape away the guilty stains
Until no sin or shame remain
Spread Your love upon the walls
And occupy the empty halls
Until the man I am has faded
No more doors are barricaded

Chorus:
Come inside this heart of mine
It's not my own
Make it home
Come and take this heart and make it
All Your own
Welcome home

Take a seat, pull up a chair
Forgive me for the disrepair
And the souvenirs from floor to ceiling
Gathered on my search for meaning
Every closet's filled with clutter
Messes yet to be discovered
I'm overwhelmed, I understand
I can't make this place all that You can

repeat chorus

I took the space that You placed in me
Redecorated in shades of greed
And I made sure every door stayed locked
Every window blocked, and still You knocked

repeat chorus

Take me, make me
All You want me to be
That's all I'm asking, all I'm asking

~Hugs!

Welcome to my new Home!

2009-02-18T18:30:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my new home on this thing we call the world-wide-web. I hope you like it.

Well, I think (I hope) that Mac is going to be OK, he seems to be a little more stable today. I do think that there is a little problem with him wanting to go to sleep, but we shall see. Mac's friend Punkin advised him to stay on a flat solid surface, and we are trying that.

Other things are going on, but I just have too much rattling around in my noggin to again put down a cohesive post. I do go back to the Endocrinologist and Rheumatologist tomorrow. I will let you know what comes of that. I still have the rash and for the past few days it has felt like it is on fire and it's driving me crazy nuts! I really pray they can do something.

~Hugs!

Mac is Sick?

2009-02-16T10:12:00.000-08:00

I am a little bit depressed today because my MacBook won’t turn on. Oh it did turn on, and kept rebooting like 10 or fifty times and now just won’t turn on at all. And I am praying that it is something so simple that will take to fix it, because I have a whole list of things that are a NEED that I need to do, like, say… get my clutch fixed on my lovely car and even though I LOVE my Mac, (and creating huge run-on sentences)…paying for repair of it is not necessarily a need since I do have a backup of sorts…I’m guessing…

But hey, I did really like this great post on Red Letter Believers blog.

That’s all I got today…

Does Anybody Read This?

2009-02-11T21:07:00.000-08:00

Does anybody care? Ok, I know I a just whining. I really have not been in the right frame of mind or thought lately to pull together a decent readable post. But I felt I needed to put something up. So I am not sure if I mentioned this already, but in my small group Bible Study on Thursdays we are going thru Financial Peace University . This week is our third week. I still haven’t completely finished the homework from the first week. Or the second week. And last week, when I confessed to not having done my homework, when we were “reviewing”, Ric, the leader, kept asking me all the review questions. Uhmm, thanks Ric! Nah, its OK. I still like him. So I have today, tonight and tomorrow to get it all done. It’s really not that much. On top of that, I have got to get up off my lazy rear and start going to the gym. I have to put in some time on the dreadmill. Yes, I said dreadmill. I think if I am going to have all this Financial Peace, my body could play along.

There is still alot going on that I want to write about. I just can’t yet. OK, well, I must get to work, or at least pretend.

Love you ~ one person who reads my blog…

I'm A Mac~!

2009-02-05T09:21:00.000-08:00

Guess what? I converted! To a Mac! I love it. Here it is:

I love it. I really do. I love everything about it! I wonder now why I never switched before, or why there are even PCs at all. Ever since the first time I turned the power on, it is like my Mac anticpates my every need. Installing programs is flawless, I put a CD or DVD in the drive, and it KNOWS instinctively what to do. I don’t have to pick and choose, my Mac KNOWS! It even has this cool little application called Photo Booth, and you can take photos like this:

Or this:

Or even this:

Anyway, I am utterly beyond pleased with my new Macbook, the only thing I have not got used to is that I can’t right click…but i think I can if I get a mouse. So…if you are contemplating a switch, you have my recommendation, but don’t just take my word for it head on down to your local Apple Store and check one out for yourself…right now…go…they will let you play with one as long as you like!! Have fun!! And for entertainment value check this out:

Happy Super Bowl Sunday~!

2009-02-01T09:02:00.000-08:00

Happy Super Bowl Sunday peeps!!! Just a quick update of what is going on, because if I do not get up and get in the shower I am going to be late to church, and we can’t have that! Well, I did not make it to the gym yesterday, and I highly doubt I will today. :-( I promise I will go on Monday. Other than that, everything else is going OK. I still have alot rattling around in my head to write about…still trying to organize it. I hope that you all have a wonderful Sunday and I am going to leave you with the following little video:

Go Cardinals!!!!

Updated to add: Hayley (my daughter) actually thought that church was canceled today because of the Super Bowl…I was like…uhm, yeah…they cancel services for a football game! Geez…how can I have a child who knows so little about football…and church protocol???

Random Thoughts

2009-01-29T09:01:00.000-08:00

I am sitting here watching American Idol and am just in awe wonder at some of the people who come out for their “five minutes”. But that is not why I am writing. I am writing simply because I feel like it. I have nothing really very exciting or meaningful to share, but I just felt like writing something. I have alot of things rolling around in my head to write about, but lately I just cannot create a cohesive set of sentences together to save my life. I did begin a new Bible Study this evening, you can actually check it out here. So far I think it’s awesome, and I think it will be hard to be disciplined and follow all the steps and everything, but I am committed to it. The first step is to put $1,000 in the bank for savings!! Wow! I will let you know how it goes, keep you in the loop! On another note, I really need to start going to the gym, for serious. The thing is, Monday morning, I bent over to get something out of my dryer…and my back went out! I couldn’t get back up. I was in tears the pain was so bad. I finally (after about 30 minutes) was able to pull myself together and get to work, and my boss made me call the Chiropractor. So I went in later that afternoon. It’s better now, but if I turn the wrong way or something it hurts and is still a tad bit tender, but it’s all good. So, back to going to the gym. I joined (got a terrific deal too) back in October and have not darkened the doors. My plan is to go on Saturday. Sunday is church, then after church…Super Bowl baby!! I have been invited over to the Crawfords for a Super Bowl Partayy!! I am so excited…GO CARDINALS!! It’s late and this is getting so random, it’s not even funny. Till next time…

Undecided Themes

2009-01-24T19:57:00.000-08:00

If you are a regular in reading my little blog here, you may notice I change the theme often. It’s because I am looking for the one that makes me go “yeah, this is it…this makes me feel good”…I have found some that are really cool and I have found some that are just OK. I have thought about having a custom one made, but I don’t want to spend money on one just yet. I just need that perfect theme…so, what do you think about this one? It’s kinda earthy and totally environmentally friendly, right? Plus it is “Twitter” enabled… OK…that’s it for now…love ya!

This Made Me Cry...

2009-01-24T08:59:00.000-08:00

I will just post this video…I believe that it fully speaks for itself.

Flash Back Friday!

2009-01-23T09:55:00.000-08:00

I hope that this find the one person who reads this blog having a fabulous Friday…are you ready for a flash back? I found this blog post from one of my Twitter friends @anneglamore, and thought it would be fun to participate. So hop right on over there when you are finished here and check out other Flash Backs and join in the fun your self!

Ok, for my first flash back, I am going WAY back…back into time…Haha

This is my sister bobbing for apples...and I want to join in...I don't know but I think she was trying to push me away...she was mean like that...I'm just sayin...

Ahhh....it's my turn now...yay me!!! I need to ask my brother (I believe that is his arm you see in the photo...) if I was able to actually get the apple...or did my sister just dunk my head in? I told you she was mean....

I could not resist posting this one…I mean I don’t even know what to say about it…it is so hilarious, not so much because we are doing anything particularly funny, but the clothes…and the painting on the wall…I just have NO words…

I Have No Words to describe my thoughts on this !!!

This one of me just makes ME giggle…

I STILL like to make this face...LOL

I keep finding pictures that make me smile…This one was on one of our many trips to Colorado, and we were taking a tour of…well, the Cave of the Winds…No, not all those people are my family…just the ones on your right, my cousin and I are on the front row…the two kids on the right. The man in the plaid pants is the tour guide…is that not funny???

The two Cowboys in the back...are MY dad and my Uncle!! Aren't they cool??

This is of my daughter Hayley, she was sicker than a dawg with an ear infection…but isn’t she just the sweetest thing

My baby...

Ok…that’s all I got for today..It’s been fun…now I am going to go check out other Flash Backs…

Happy Birthday Harland!!!

Oath ~ Take 2??

2009-01-21T15:13:00.000-08:00

Yes, in what is being called an “abundance of caution”, Chief Justice Roberts has re-administered the Oath to President Obama, in a second attempt to “get it right”. And this time he did not have a Bible or even Lincoln’s Bible, but it is apparently still OK and legally binding. Hmmm…well here is a photo to document the occasion. Ughhh….

President Oath II in the Map Room

Historical Inaguration!

2009-01-20T14:12:00.000-08:00

I had to post about this very historical day, even though I didn’t really want to, but I couldn’t let it pass without doing so. I was home today and was able to watch the Inauguration and several of the other events. It seems this is a special day for the whole world, and I won’t get into it today, but if you want to know my thoughts go
here. Even though I did not vote for Barack Obama, I will support the President and his cabinet in prayer!

God Bless America!!

Those Boys Are Just Too Much!

2009-01-20T11:46:00.000-08:00

I ran across this video…it’s funny…but shouldn’t all Dad’s be this way??

Yes…Yes they should…my dad was…look:

My daddy showing me how to brush my Farrah dollhead's hair. He even cut it for me (He was a hairdresser), and showed me how to french braid it...I love my daddy.

Monday Night TV Viewing Dilemma

2009-01-19T16:32:00.000-08:00

I am torn. There are four shows that I love to watch all pretty much at the same time. First I have my new most favorite, The Big Bang Theory on CBS at 8PM, this show is hilarious to say the least, if you have not seen it, I totally recommend that you do. Then on ABC we have The Bachelor also at 8PM. You would think, what is your problem, just record one and watch the other. Well, that would be all well and good, except…then we have House and 24 both on FOX, starting at 8PM…what am I ever going to do?? How do I decide?

To top it all off, I have been having major problems with my cable set top box. First, the DVR quit working, so I took it to the “Cable Store” and exchanged it…easy peasy..right? Wrong. Hooked it up, and not only would the DVR not work, there was no sound. This time I called TW and went through technical support, which yielded another :we will either have to schedule a technician to come out or you can go back to the store and exchange the box. So I opted to exchange the box, I mean let’s be serious…American Idol Premiere was coming on that night, and I wasn’t going to miss it. So I got back home and hooked it up and this time the only thing that wasn’t working was the guide. But I could go to TVguide.com. So we were set for now, I would worry about the guide later. Mind you I did this all while sporting a nasty nasty sinus infection/cold-hell-like symptoms, and after sitting at Urgent Care for hours. But I would watch American Idol dangit! And watch it I did. So Saturday, still sick as a dawg, I trudged back to the cable store to exchange it yet again. They happily did so. I get it home, and it won’t even power on!!! NOT kidding. So I took it back, and they said that they would exchange it, but that they want to send a technician out to check to make sure everything is OK, and asked “when will someone be home on Wednesday?” I was like, “well, I will but not till after 6pm”…to which she gave me a dirty look. So the “repairman” is coming out on Saturday between 10 and 12. On the new box, the guide and pay-per-view doesn’t work. The DVR works, but you have to be on the channel to record, you can switch channels, but you cannot pre-set any recordings. Bummer.

So back to my dilemma. What do I record? Do I just forget about the 30 minute wonder that is Big Bang? Or do I sacrifice my Bachelor or House for that half an hour? Which means I would have to be remembering to switch channels and everything. I think it’s too much for my brain at this moment. My head is still foggy from being so sick, and my head is still hurting. I think Big Bang will have to wait, they will show re-runs…right??

I am planning on blogging about American Idol…but when it gets to real competition. Right now I am liking “Anoop Dawg”, Asa - the Band Director, and the guy whose wife had just passed away, and the girl that went on last. I am really liking the new dynamics of the judges. Keep watching, I am sure Ryan will top this:

Ryan - High-fiveing the blind contestant… nuff said...

Hugs,

Pet Peeves and Nicknames

2009-01-19T12:27:00.000-08:00

Pet Peeves...Face it, we all have one or two hundred fifty-seven. They are the things that others do that bug us, or just plain gets under our skin! I have a few, but it seems that I can never remember what they are until they are right in my face, I am just that way I guess.

I have one for you, and it isn’t a huge one with me, but one that was “in my face” recently, and I have thinking on it recently. Nicknames. We have all had people call us by something other than our given name from time to time and I am sure that we also have called others by a nickname, even when they might not have been exactly endearing ones. Usually not a big deal, right? I have had my fair share of nicknames, and for those of you who know my last name, understand why! Most of the nicknames I can take with a grain of salt, and they don’t bother me. Usually because they were from someone I know and care about. But what I noticed is, that whenever someone I am not close to, or do not at least have some type of established relationship with, calls me something other than my name, it kinda bothers me! And I am thinking…who are they to call me that, they aren’t supposed to do that!!

I’ll admit that I have special names for some sisters and brothers and Christ, but it took time. It took building a relationship first. Then in time, comfort and depth were established…the name flowed naturally…either out of something that they said or did that was funny, and it just stuck, or it was something they had been called all their lives, but even so, I go back to the given name in important moments.

So you might wonder where I am going with this whole nickname pet peeve business. Well, have you ever wondered why your real name is important? Well let me tell you…That is what the Lord whispers to your heart in the moments you are quiet enough to hear Him. I’m cool with being called, TR Cheek, TC, T, Teeny Weeny, Cheeks…etc, I have even been called Tammy (by a well meaning customer)…but when you REALLY want to get my attention…look me in the eye and call me Tina.

Prayers from the heart can be so incredible…

Name Above All Names...

Master, Savior, Lamb of God, Prince of Peace, Alpha and Omega, Messiah, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Son of God, Jehovah, Yeshua, Son of Man, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Bright and Morning Star, Emmanuel, Light of the World, Rose of Sharon, Lily of the Valley, Ancient of Days…

This list goes on and on and each name that flows from your heart reveals intimacy, but eventually, it always come back to the name…

Jesus

Kings and Kingdom’s will all pass away…but there’s something about that name.

~Happy Birthday Trina!!!

Enhanced Lost?

2009-01-14T16:26:00.000-08:00

I am really looking forward to all of the returning shows beginning this month: 24, American Idol, LOST among them. Tonight is the “enhanced” version of the season finale from last season, I guess need to watch it, to get my mind focused for the premiere! 24 is GREAT…I am so happy that it has returned, and it is better than ever. American Idol is back…and despite all the buzz about it not being the same as last year, I thought it was great, Kara is a fabulous addition!! And Ryan trying to high five a blind guy…that was priceless!! I think I will blog about American Idol this year.

There is a lot going on in and around my life and I have so many things I want to write about that I am having a difficult time sorting through all of the thoughts and events in effort to write down a cohesive blog post. Besides that, I have been feeling cruddy the past few days, so that really has not helped any whatsoever, my mind is mud! So I didn’t go to work today again, and decided that I was going to create a list of things I wanted to write about as a starting point. So that is where I am right now. The list.

Mosaic Monday!

2009-01-12T20:23:00.000-08:00

I stumbled upon this blog, and I really like her idea of Mosaic Mondays…so I thought I would play along, and encourage you too as well. It will be a great opportunity for us to get to know one another in a way we might not otherwise, how cool is that? Very cool…

This weeks Mosaic is about YOU. Here is a list of what you need to find to make yours:

#1 (the center): A photo of YOU. Unedited, or fooled-around with. Cartoonish, if you wish. Just as long as it’s YOUR beautiful mug!

#2: MUSIC An album cover, a photo of your favorite singer, group, etc.

#3: FOOD A symbol for your favorite restaurant, a photo of your favorite food, etc.

#4: READING A book/magazine cover, photo of favorite author, etc.

#5: TRAVEL Someplace you’ve been, or where you long to go..

#6: MOVIE Scene from a favorite flick, photo of a favorite actor/actress, etc.

#7: HOBBY Show us what you love to do in your free time

#8: COLOR Get creative with this one

#9: CLOTHING What are you most comfortable in, or what makes you feel like a million bucks?

#10: GOTTA HAVE IT What’s the one item that you always carry with you, wherever you go?

#11: WEBSITE Favorite site to read, shop,browse etc.

#12: TELEVISION A current favorite, or maybe one you miss from childhood, or guilty pleasure

#13: FREE SQUARE Use square #13 to tell us one more thing about yourself..make it interesting!

So, here are the instructions:

So…without further adieu…here is mine:

1. Me…this was me just playing around with my camera…I do that on occassion!!!

2. Jeremy Camp…he is my FAVORITE Christian Artist, actually my favorite of all music I like…he is awesome!!!

3. I think this one pretty much speaks for itself!

4. Crazy Love, by Francis Chan, is a MUST READ…seriously!!

5. This is a beautiful photo of Carmel, CA….I have not been there, but I want to really bad

6. The Ultimate Gift, is a wonderful movie that is worth watching. I have seen it many many times, and will see it many more!!!!

7. My favorite thing to do is to read, the Bible, books, blogs…etc…

8. Red…my favorite color…and isn’t this photo beautiful?? It’s a gerber daisy.

9. My favorite shoes, they are SO unbelievabley comfortable…try them…you won’t want to take them off!

10. My BlackBerry… Must. Have. It.

11. This is the one website I usually spend the most time on during the day, keeping up with friends, sharing thoughts, photos and more…i

12. This is a photo that actually says alot about me. It is the flag of the place of my birth, TEXAS, and it’s state flower. It will always be “home” to me…and the flower, I remember we used to go and take photos in the bluebonnets. They are everywhere in the spring in Texas…

Let’s see yours…if you don’t have a blog…do you’re mosaic anyway and send it to me, and Iwill post it right here!!!

2008 ~ A Quick Review!

2009-01-07T15:21:00.000-08:00

I know it’s been a while since I updated, but I have been so busy!! I hope that everyone had a wonderful and blessed Holidays. I thought I would start my first post of 2009 with a meme, and my first one to boot!!! I who knows, I might make a tradition! I think I have to now! Well, here goes ~

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
Well, I am sure I did a few things that I have never done before, but the one thing is that I went sailing for the first time. On the ocean and everything. ;-)) It was so much fun. I would love to do it all the time, but some of us have day jobs. I also went to American Idol, which was a total blast, especially if you like to stand on your feet for 8 hours straight…yeah…I am not kidding. Good Times!! And I started this blog!!

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don’t usually make them, so that way when I don’t do them, I am not letting myself down. Haha.. But I am going to start going to the gym more…tomorrow…

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Well, my very good friend Deborah had a baby…so yeah.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Yes, a very dear and close friend of our family suddenly passed away just before Christmas.

5. What countries did you visit?
I stayed right here in the good ol’ US of A

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
An even closer relationship with my Lord and Savior, more money/ less debt, give more love than I receive, to watch my daughter mature and grow in the Lord

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
hmmmm, I don’t really know, I cannot think of any particular or specific date, my birthday was interesting to say the least, but I would remember that day anyway.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Actually going to church every week..ok …MOST every week

9. What was your biggest failure?
hmmm, well, I really can’t answer that question, I have had a pretty good year, nothing major happened (Praise God!)

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nope, still trying to figure all that out, something is up and until I know what it is, I guess I can’t say it’s an illness.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
hmmmm…I didn’t really buy much this year, other than things I needed.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Wow, I have no clue.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
There is a certain persons behavior that I could have done without, but it didn’t depress me

14. Where did most of your money go?
Heck if I know…bills I guess…but I know it’s gone…lol

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
I got pretty darned excited about going to American Idol, going sailing, going to Texas for the Holidays

16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
I am really not one of those people whom apply song lyrics to my life, there are songs that I love, however, Slow Fade really touched my heart this year

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? Happier.
b) thinner or fatter? The same
c) richer or poorer? Richer in spirit and poorer in the bank

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Exercise

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Procrastinating

20. How did you spend Christmas?
In Texas with my family and some friends

21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
No, but I did let go…and give it to God!!!!

22. What was your favorite TV program?
I have a few: American Idol, House, LOST, 24 (yay it’s back), and my new most favorite is The Big Bang Theory – HI – LAR – I – OUS!!!!

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No, hate is a horrible emotion, and a waste of time and energy.

24. What was the best book you read?
Hmm, besides the Bible, I would say, Crazy Love, and even though I was against it at first, I got sucked in to the Twilight frenzy…and I have to say that what I have read thus far is not that bad, although I am not a huge fan of her writing style.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Austin’s Bridge, Toby Mac (who I knew of , I just didn’t listen until now), Travis Cottrell

27. What did you want and not get?
Loads of things, but I am really not very materialistic, but I would love to have a kitchen full of Pampered Chef “stuff” and new silverware and new furniture, new car too…;-))

28. What was your favorite film of this year?
Wow…there were several good films this year, here are a few that I enjoyed: Fireproof, The Dark Knight, WALL-E, Valkyrie, Iron Man, Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, Body of Lies, Mamma Mia.

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
This was my 40^th birthday, and I went to San Diego and had dinner with Pete and other than him making me wait for over an hour and thus draining the battery in my car, I surprisingly had an enjoyable time, and then we went to see Dark Knight.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Living more in the Spirit and to not have to live check to check , like that will ever happen, hey, a girl can dream.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Personal fashion concept? Do you even know me? Haha…I’m a casual dresser unless necessary to dress otherwise….so, whatever is comfy. I love my UGGS.

32. What kept you sane?
Knowing Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
As always, Matthew McConnaughey

34. What political issue stirred you the most?
The Presidential Race, Global Warming…because it is a myth, a scam…bunch of balonie

35. Who did you miss?
All my friends and family in Texas, and Pete...yeah, I admit it!

36. Who was the best new person you met?
Lynda Kachic, and more recently, my new friend Michelle seems totally awesome too!!!!

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
My time and attention are the greatest gifts I can give my daughter

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you’re thinking
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking

Casting Crowns - Slow Fade

~Love ya!

Week 14 of the BFL!

2008-12-04T14:18:00.000-08:00

I am running behind today as I missed work yesterday, so I am making this post short and sweet (which is why I added the pic…to sort of jazz it up a bit!)…here are my picks…yay!!!! Join in on the fun…go on over to Insta-Moms blog and get in the action!!!

Oakland @ San Diego
Jacksonville @ Chicago
Minnesota @ Detroit
Cincinnati @ Indianapolis
Philadelphia @ NY Giants
Cleveland @ Tennessee
Atlanta @ New Orleans
Houston @ Green Bay
Miami @ Buffalo
NY Jets @ San Francisco
New England @ Seattle
Kansas City @ Denver
St. Louis @ Arizona
Dallas @ Pittsburgh
Washington @ Baltimore

Monday Night
Tampa Bay @ Carolina
Total score: 56

Keen on Shoes??

2008-12-01T08:15:00.000-08:00

Go over to Three P’s in a Pod’s blog to enter and win some fabulous neato Keen shoes!!!!! These are my favorites!!!

Well, what are you waiting for…??

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T07:10:00.000-08:00

I will be making the 85 mile drive to my cousins house for Turkey. This drive which on a normal day would take me about an hour and half or so. The first time I drove there for Thanksgiving, it took me over four hours. See, there are not many different routes I can take, matter of fact, there are only three, all of which end up at the same place at some point, and you never know…but the traffic in L.A. on Thanksgiving is worse than morning traffic on a normal day!!! It is very stressful and I am so not looking forward to the drive, but am keeping positive thoughts and praying that the traffic will not be bad this time! We plan on spending the night and then tomorrow we are going to the the Sawdust Festival - should be fun!!

Wishing you and your families a very Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving!!!!

BFL ~ Week 13!

2008-11-26T14:09:00.000-08:00

Here we go ! Good Luck to all!!! I haven’t won in the BFL…yet…but am in 2nd place in my pool at work (its who ever has the most wins at the end of the season) and I just found out that the guy who is in first has his 6 year old son make the picks!!! No fair!! Good Luck to all!!!

Tennessee @ Detroit
Seattle @Dallas
Arizona @ Philadelphia
San Francisco @ Buffalo
Baltimore@ Cincinnati
Indianapolis@ Cleveland
Carolina @ Green Bay
Miami @ St. Louis
New Orleans@ Tampa Bay
NY Giants @ Washington
Atlanta @ San Diego
Denver @ NY Jets
Pittsburgh@ New England
Kansas City @ Oakland
Chicago @ Minnesota

Monday Night
Jacksonville @ Houston
Total points: 46

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

How Much Faith Do We Have?

2008-11-23T19:53:00.000-08:00

For the past few days I have been pondering about faith in God, and how much faith do I really place in God. How much faith do I have that God will hear me? Then I started wondering about examples of faith in the Bible and I found a perfect example in Mark
.

I love Mark 5:25-34!

(25) A woman suffering from bleeding for 12 years (26) had endured much under many doctors. She had spent everything she had and was not helped at all. On the contrary, she became worse. (27) Having heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His robe. (28) For she said, “If I can just touch His robes, I’ll be made well!” (29) Instantly her flow of blood ceased, and she sensed in her body that she was cured of her affliction.
(30) At once Jesus realized in Himself that power had gone out from Him. He turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My robes?”
(31) His disciples said to Him, “You see the crowd pressing against You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’ ”
(32) So He was looking around to see who had done this. (33) Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came with fear and trembling, fell down before Him, and told Him the whole truth. (34) “Daughter,” He said to her, “your faith has made you well. Go in peace and be free from your affliction.”

Here we have a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years hears of Jesus and tracks him down. Why…? She believes He can heal her.

Now, I don't know about you, but this is a BIG deal. Her faith is phenomenal. Why? She had most likely been to doctor after doctor, who were all too happy to take her money - even though NONE had healed her. Now she has found herself probably broke and still as sick as ever, and without hope.

…but... she believed Jesus could heal her…So what does she do?

Keep in mind; she was not supposed to be in public, because she was considered unclean by law. She had been cut off from society and religious worship. Despite this she knows that she must get to Jesus and if she could get close enough to him. She tracks Jesus down on His way to a man’s home to heal someone else. She doesn’t need much…just to touch His clothes. This - in itself - is quite a quest, for there are people pressing in on him from all sides. An image of a “holy mosh pit” comes to mind. Sounds funny…but so true. He is being mobbed as He attempts to make His way to the man’s home. In her faith she somehow manages to reach through the throngs of people pushing and trying to get to Jesus…and…the split second her hand touches Jesus’ robe…“Who touched me?” Jesus had turned around and looked, knowing that the virtue had gone out of him. His disciples were like, “What?!? Who touched you? Whoa, wait a second Jesus! You are in the middle of a mosh pit! We are ALL touching you! I am! He is… She is…He is…!! One guy just crowd surfed over our heads! I’m pretty sure a whole buncha people just touched you!”

…but the woman heard Jesus, and in fear knowing what had been done in her…she knew Jesus was asking about her. How she probably wondered? The moment she touched His clothes…her flow of blood dried up. She felt in her body the that healing was complete and real, she was whole again. As she approached the Almighty, she fell down before Jesus and told Him it was her. Jesus said, “Daughter,” He said to her, “your faith has made you well. Go in peace and be free from your affliction.”

What a tremendous accounting of faith. I pray for the level of faith that woman had that day.

Tonight…as you kneel down next to your bed to say your prayers…take a moment to reflect on the FACT that on your street, in your town, in this country…in this world…SO many people are praying at the same time you are. Imagine 10 people talking to you at once. Now…imagine how overwhelming a million or more would be.

All of these voices…all of these praises, concerns, worries, requests…all pressing in on God.

Then you pray.

What about that woman who touched Jesus? An entire crowd was pressing in on Him. Therefore…I submit to you…it wasn’t her hand…it was her FAITH!!!!!

Then…you…pray. God stops. Who touched me? You look up from your bedroom. “God? It was me.” Your Father smiles. “My child. thy faith has made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.”

We need to remember to have faith like that of a child in our Heavenly Father!!! We need to step out boldly in faith in each area of our lives, and trust wholly in the Lord, for He will be right there with us through it all. I know I am going to strive to do so more so each day!!!

Blog Themes...

2008-11-21T19:52:00.000-08:00

I am playing around with my blog themes, gonna try this one for a few days, see how it feels, how it fits…the middle picture is customizable, so that is really cool! But you have to have the picture the right size so it fits right. i have a cute Christmas theme that I will put up after Thanksgiving. Yayyy!!! Anyway, let me know what you think…whether you like it or you don’t really like, or whatever!!!!

BFL ~ Week 12!

2008-11-20T19:51:00.000-08:00

I know this is really Week 2 for my participation…and I fully have faith that I might, maybe could win. Below my week 12 picks, if you want to participate head on over to Insta-Mom’s blog and join in the fun! I love Amazing Greis’s outlook, check it here !! My week started off sorta tough and you can read about it here…but I am thinking positive until I have reason to think otherwise!!! Well, you know what I mean…

Here goes the picks~!!

Cincinnati @ Pittsburgh
Philadelphia @ Baltimore
Houston @ Cleveland
Tampa Bay @ Detroit
Buffalo @ Kansas City
Chicago @ St. Louis
NY Jets @ Tennessee
New England @ Miami
Minnesota @ Jacksonville
San Francisco @ Dallas
Oakland @ Denver
Carolina @ Atlanta
NY Giants @ Arizona
Washington @ Seattle
Indianapolis@ San Diego

Monday Night
Green Bay @ New Orleans
Total score: 41

Woohooo!!! Go Cowboys!!!!!

What may...or may not...be wrong with me...

2008-11-19T08:13:00.000-08:00

Some of you may not know that I have had a rash on my arms and face/neck for quite some time now, actually several months. Most people don’t even notice it until I point it out. I went to my regular Dr. who prescribed a ointment to control itching and suggested that I see a Dermatologist – it made sense to me, so I made an appointment with her referral, who is supposedly the dermatologist of choice here in the SCV, so I felt confident that soon my rash troubles would be a thing of the past. So my appointment was at 7:30AM on the first day of school, so I had Hayley with me. So the dermatologist looked at my rash, and asked me questions, she decided that she would do a “punch biopsy” on my arm where the rash was. So I was like, OK…let’s do it. They have to give me a shot of lidocane (?) to numb the area that they are going to “punch”. So what is a punch biopsy you may be asking yourself? Its where they punch this needle/scalpel looking thing into the infected area and take a “plug” of skin (all layers of skin) to test. Well, after a week or so they came back and informed me that there was nothing abnormal in the tissue that perhaps it was an allergic reaction to something. I was like…OK, allergic to what???? And they said that they weren’t sure, that maybe I could go and see an allergist. I was like gee…thanks…for nothing…

So, off I went to find an allergist (sans the $200 the insurance wouldn’t cover for the dermatologist fee). Before I looked online for an allergist, I decided to give my primary care Dr a call and see what she thought and if she had any recommendations for a good allergist - you know since she did such a great job of the referral on the Dermatologist and all. She referred me to an Allergist, and I called and made my appointment and in a couple of days I found myself sitting in the waiting room of Dr. Strick, the allergist. While I am waiting, a gentleman walked in that was sneezing and wheezing and sniffling his head off, and I thought “Oh, poor guy”, he could barely breathe and I kind of felt sorry for him. And as I sat there listening to this man, I started feeling and congested and hot…what is this?? Was I sympathizing with John Doe with the runny nose??? I think I was… its kind of weird. Anyway, they finally called me in to see the Dr. and off I went. I explained my symptoms, and he took a look at the rash, and we talked about it and he gave me a prescription for some lotion to put on the rash (which is reallllly working – so…SCORE!!! ), and then he handed me an lab order for about seventy thousand and one blood tests. Oh, alright, it was really only about 5 or six, but with the amount of blood that the lab drew it felt like seventy thousand and one. The lab is conveniently located on the same campus as the Allergist so I went right over to have the blood drawn. The girl who was doing the blood draw was really nice, and as she prepared the needle and everything, I explained to her that they almost always have to use the butterfly thingy on me because my veins are small. Do you think she listened? Yeah…uhhh…no…She also ignored me when I showed her where the best vein is to draw blood. So she stuck me…twice…and got nothing…she walked away and came back with the butterfly one! Guess what?? She got the vials and vials of blood needed for the seventy thousand tests, from exactly where I suggested…go figure….

So today was my appointment to go back and get the results. Yay!!!!! I am thinking that I would get a prescription for some magical wonder drug that would rid me of this blasted rash forever. Wooohooo!!! Well….That’s what I get for thinking. But while I was waiting on the Dr. to come in there was this man who had come in to get his allergy shot, and he is standing there while the nurse is preparing and he looked over at me and smiled, and then he raised his sleeve and made this gosh awful look on his face and the nurse said “ohhh, I havent even gotten near you yet…” and then she gave him the shot and his face was so contorted I couldn’t help but snicker. The man opened his eyes and looked over at me and said “ohhh…I didn’t see you there…it’s not that bad at all…I promise….and we all had a good chuckle… Anway…so Dr. Strick finally came in and closed the door and began to calmly inform me that there were some “abnormalities” in my blood work. And I looked at him and said “okayyy”, in the tone that suggested he continue with the news of his findings, meanwhile this is the conversation I had in my head … “What??? Abnormalities? WHAT abnormalities…uhmm, wait…this doesn’t sound normal at all… are you sure doc, are you really really sure???? Am I going to die- just tell me pleaseeeeeee….abnormalities….realllyyyy????????” So he continues and tells me that my thyroid antibodies are elevated, whatever that means (something thyroidal - is that a word??)….I was not so much surprised about that result. And he also explained to me that my ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies) could be positive for Lupus (or something like that), that Lupus typically presents with a rash, but that my rash is not typical of someone who has Lupus, and there are other things that could be the matter that could cause a false positive in the ANA results. Fun, huh? So, he asked my permission to share his findings with Dr. Wells and pass this information over to her so that she could refer me if needed to specialist. I of course said that this was fine. When I left the office, I was fine for about 2.3 minutes….then it sank in…Antibodies, Lupus, autoimmmune?? I just started to cry…I wanted to talk to someone, and nobody was available… :-(( I wanted to cry more because I still have NO idea what is wrong with me. So, within half an hour I received a call from Dr. Wells’s office giving me the names of her referrals to an Endocrinologist and a Rheumatologist. I immediately called both of those Drs offices and neither one of them can see me until like April in 2029 or thereabouts…what is that?? What if I was like really really sick??? What if I really am really really sick and just don’t know????. So I called back my regular Dr. to see if they could refer me to anyone else, and they said NO to check my insurance to see what other Drs I can go see. So I asked her to fax me over my blood test results and logged onto my Blue Cross account and looked for Drs in my area, then I remembered there is this Medical Group called Facey…so I went to Facey.com and found my own referrals (thank the Lord for PPOs)…I will be seeing the Rheumatologist on December 4th, and the Endocrinologist on Dec 16th…just in time for Christmas and I’d say that that is way better than waiting 20+ years, huh? So, I still do not have any more of an idea of why I have this rash, why I am tired, why my joints are achy. I am hoping it’s something that can be either controlled or fixed by medication…I am positive it isn’t something that is horrible or untreatable, it seems like they would have been telling me to come in NOW or something…right??? Yeah, that’s what I am praying for….

On the upside, I do know that God is in control, and has a plan, and that everything will be OK. I just want to know…ya know??

Blogger Football League!

2008-11-13T14:45:00.000-08:00

Ok y’all, I am new to this…I ran across this from Insta-mom’s blog that I stumbled upon and thought I would jump right on in the fun! I have a pool at work, but this seems so much more fun!! Thanks for letting me join…uhmm…at the last minute!!! :-) Here goes….

NY JETS @ NEW ENGLAND

DETROIT @ CAROLINA

DENVER @ ATLANTA

MINNESOTA @ TAMPA BAY

BALTIMORE @ NY GIANTS

OAKLAND @ MIAMI

NEW ORLEANS @ KANSAS CITY

PHILADELPHIA @ CININNATI

CHICAGO @ GREEN BAY

HOUSTON @ INDIANAPOLIS

ST LOUIS @ SAN FRANCISCO

ARIZONA @ SEATTLE

TENNESSEE @ JACKSONVILLE

SAN DIEGO @ PITTSBURGH

DALLAS @ WASHINGTON

MONDAY NIGHT GAME
CLEVELAND @ BUFFALO

TIEBREAKER: 39

Good Luck All!!!!!!

Jesus is my Friend!

2008-11-11T09:22:00.000-08:00

There really isn’t anything else I can say about this…except…well…amen!!! ENJOY!!!! (you have to watch the entire thing…) it cracks me up!

State of Fear

2008-11-10T12:12:00.000-08:00

I have a post in mind that I would like to write about, however, the thoughts are not quite sorted out in my head yet…so in lieu of the aforementioned post, I decided to pay respect to a wonderfully talented writer who passed away on November 4th: Michael Crichton. I had only in the past couple of years discovered his writings, and they are amazing!!! So, in honor of his life, I am reposting my review of his book, State of Fear (which I highly recommend)…enjoy, and keep Mr. Crichton’s family in your prayers.

***********************************************************************************

Michael Crichton is of course well know for his techno-thrillers “The Andromeda Strain” and Jurassic Park”, plus several other novels and non-fiction works, and you might even be a fan of his show ER…But “State of Fear” is a little bit different.

State of Fear is a book with an agenda, even though in its final words, the author denies having one. Its premise is that everything we are told about global warming is either grossly inaccurate, highly debatable or just plain made up!

Its hero – or rather most omnipresent in the cast of characters – is Peter Evans, a young attorney in a firm dealing with multimillionare philanthropist and major environmental charity of which he is the principal benefactor.

One of their most celebrated causes is the lawsuit being brought by the Pacific island nation of Vanatu, one of the world’s lowest-lying territories, against the United States for its contribution to the global warming that will cause sea levels to rise and submerge them.

This is a case that Crichton says was actually announced in the real world (at the 2002 Sustainable Earth Summit in Johannesburg) but never filed. The reason, he postulates, is what the team of lawyers working on it in his “work of fiction” find out: that there is no evidence whatsoever.

Not just NO evidence that the US is primarily to blame, but no real evidence of any measurable rise in sea levels. In fact, the more the lawyers look into it, the more they find the whole received body of opinion is based on questionable deductions and predictions.

What the environmental lobby really needs in order to win not just this case, but he whole body of public opinion is “proof”, or at least the sort of proof that generates headlines: Major “natural” catastrophes related to sudden climate change. Like say…an iceberg the size of Texas splitting away from the Antarctic ice shelf, flash floods in the tinder dry southwestern US or a giant tsunami originating in the Pacific, but swamping California on the day of their major conference.

The scientific evidence is well presented with numerous graphs and references, but more can be said. The climate has never been constant — always either warming or cooling on all time scales (year-to year, decadal, millennial, and over millions of years) -independent of any human influence. While the observed pre-1940 warming is real and mostly natural (a recovery from the preceding Little Ice Age that terminated around 1850), the cooling from 1940 to 1975 is certainly not a greenhouse effect. The warming data reported during the past 25 years from surface stations (almost all of them on land) are likely contaminated by urban effects; we don’t see such warming in the atmospheric record of weather balloons or from weather satellites that cover the whole globe (including the 70% of oceans) on a regular basis. The most we can assign to human greenhouse effects would lead to a temperature rise by 2100 of a measly 0.8 degrees C. [The so-called scientific consensus claims that if climate is currently warming at 0.08 degC per decade, then temperatures will "increase between 4 degrees F and 10 degrees F by the end of this century" -- with all sorts of dire consequences. This remarkable demonstration of poor arithmetic assumes further that all of the current increase is due to human influences rather than natural ones -- and also ignores the fact that greenhouse theory predicts a less-than-proportional temperature increase with increasing carbon dioxide. My own considered estimate for 2100 is about one degree F --- based not on climate models but on the observational evidence.]

There is much more evidence backing up Crichtons message, not only is the current warming well below even the lowest limits given by the IPCC, but the IPCC claim in its 2001 report that the 20th century was the warmest in 1000 years has turned out to be complete fiction – based on mishandled data and faulty methodolgy. Hmmm…

So what could be more natural than for an extremist ecological group — an extrapolation of the more militant elements in organizations such as Greenpeace — to lend a hand? With high technology — acquired with misappropriated funds — from missiles and Ethernet cables to sonic cavitators used in mining, they set out to cause mayhem with the forces of nature. Attempts to prevent this by Evans, an intellectual polymath Rambo with top-level government security agency links, and a few attractive and resourceful females — for the movie roles of course — lead them into perilous Antarctic crevasses, forest fires and eventually the dinner table of resurgent Solomon Islands cannibals.

At one time or another Evans nearly loses his toes to frostbite and faces death by poisoning from the bite of a tiny Australian octopus, deliberately applied in his own living room. Ripping yarns, indeed, but a sermon is never far away, albeit cleverly interspersed among the action.

In the books of his fellow phenomenon Tom Clancy the real hero — the reason most fans buy the books — is the military hardware, all those bad boy toys with incomprehensible acronyms and the similarly designated organizations and command structures that possess them.

In Crichton’s books, the real hero is hard science. From The Andromeda Strain on he has been at his best when weaving his action stories around a framework of believable scientific fact. How many people do not believe we will one day — soon? — clone dinosaurs from their blood sucked by mosquitoes trapped in amber? In this book his research appears formidable, indeed, backed up by copious footnote references and appendices (over 20 pages). He paints a convincing picture of a large part of humanity callous to real global problems and arrogant in the assumption of our influence on a planet that in reality has always been in permanent, often violent, flux.

State of Fear is the state Crichton believes the government likes to keep us in so that we may be more easily governed. Remember that most everything Crichton writes gets made into a movie…and as we all know…Hollywood doesn’t lie…

Happy 90th Birthday Billy Graham!!

2008-11-07T09:10:00.000-08:00

The following is a reprint of his thoughts on his birthday:

Thank you for your kind greetings — and yes, by the time you read this I will be celebrating my 90th birthday. (It is Nov. 7.)

I suppose my first thought about living so long is one of surprise! I never thought I’d live this long; when I was growing up, I can’t recall that any members of our family lived to this age. I thank God for giving me such a long and full life — and above all, my feeling is one of deep gratitude to him for all his blessings. Often in recent days I have recalled the Bible’s words in Lamentations 3:22-23: “His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Most of all, as I look back over the years, I am thankful for Christ. When I was a teenager, some friends took me to hear a visiting evangelist, and one night I gave my life to Jesus Christ. He made all the difference in my life, and he will do the same for anyone who puts trust in him.

I look forward to heaven. But in the meantime, my goal is to be faithful to Christ until he calls me home. May this be your goal as well.

God Bless America

2008-11-05T07:03:00.000-08:00

So…Barack Obama will be the next president of the United States of America. Today there are many voters (and I suspect non-voters) who are ecstatic and many who are completely bummed. I am the latter. That being said, there are a couple of things worth celebrating.

First ~ The comfort that comes from knowing that God is in control. God is the creator and controller of the universe and all that is in it. We cannot expect to fully understand the purposes for things that happen during our lifetime, and most likely will not until He calls us home. Guess what else? We know that He loves us too much to harm us, and that He is far more concerned with our welfare than we are. God’s choices are always right. He is capable of carrying out any project to a successful conclusion without the possibility of fault or failure, even if we don’t see it at the time. Nothing in His universe happens by chance or accident. For every effect there is a cause. This scripture helps bring it all together:

(11) In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, (12) so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:11-12 (ESV)

Yes, God is indeed in control.

Second ~ President-elect Obama’s victory has made a resounding statement about racial issues in our country. It’s undeniable. The whole world is looking at us right now, because we have done what no other democratic nation has and what some countries thought America would never do: we have elected a “racial” minority as President. Not only that, but the man who will be our 44th president was dismissed as a serious contender by political experts just a couple of years ago. In many states, Obama polled better among anglo voters than John Kerry did! Let’s look at Iowa. Which President-elect Obama won the primary, basically pushing him to the front-runner position overnight! Last night, Iowa was a blue state. It’s important to note that Iowa’s population is only 2% African-American! It’s also important to note that according to ABC News exit polls only 11% of the voting public considered race to be an issue when voting. (I’d like to see the data on that one…I’m just sayin…). Regardless…the United States electing a black president is historical my loves, and we are a part of that history. That’s exciting.

Third ~ The numbers (47%) in Senator John McCain’s column were much stronger than most people, especially the Obama camp believed he would achieve. The economic situation strongly favored the Democratic Party. And yet 47% of Americans voted for the Arizona senator, one of the most heroic soldiers and political servants in our nation’s history. I believe that even though Senator McCain did not win the job of Commander-in-Chief, he did win the respect of the American people. And again loves, we are a more grateful nation because of it, and this… is good news.

So, let’s put away the “red state” – “blue state” declarations, we are The United States of America. We are a Christian nation. There is no doubt in our minds that President-elect Obama will face some of the gravest challenges since the Great Depression. I also believe that what Obama does during his tenure in office will define his presidency, not what he says. We as Christians owe our new president and his cabinet our consistent and passionate intercession. We are commanded to pray for our leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-2) and to support their leadership (Romans 13:1). I will be praying for President-elect Obama every day of his administration, and urge you to join me. Our new president concluded his remarks last night with the prayer, “May God bless the United States of America.” , while I pray that he truly means that, I also join him in that prayer, won’t you join me?

OK ~ Honestly…I sincerely mean all that…but I am scared for our country y’all….

I Voted!!

2008-11-04T08:19:00.000-08:00

And so should you… ;-) Looks like I was the 000033rd person to vote…weird… my boss - who lives about 15 miles away, and therefore has a completely different polling place…his “number” was 000025th…hmmmm…how does that work??? Anywho… I feel pretty confident that I understood the pros and the cons of all the issues, measures and propositions…and that I made the right decisions when voting!!! Keep Praying!!

Tomorrow is the Big Day!

2008-11-03T08:45:00.000-08:00

So tomorrow is the day for those of us who have not voted by mail or early voting, to cast our ballots in this election. Are you ready? I was not registered to vote in the state of California, so I had to register, and did so a week before the deadline. I received a letter from the registrar that informed me that I am now a registered voter in The Golden State. Holla!! This same letter also informed me that because of the time frame in which I registered that I would not be receiving the “Official Voter Information Guide”, and provided me the URL where I could go and download the PDF version to read, or better yet, there would be a copy in which I could read at my polling place - how convenient!!!…What…??? So~ What do you guys think I received in the mail the very next day?

Yup, you got it…my very own copy of the California General Election Voter’s Guide!! Woohoo!!! I was so excited, I rushed into the house to take a look at it. People…this “guide” is 143 pages long!!! There are 12…count them…12 propositions. Let’s run down the list, shall we?

1. High Speed Rail Bonds, Legislative Initiative Amendment

1A. Safe and Reliable High Speed Passenger Train Act

2. Standards for Confining Farm Animals, Initiative Statute

3. Children’s Hospital Bond Act. Grant Program. Initiative Statute

4. Waiting Period and Parental Notifcation Before Termination of Minor’s Pregnancy, Initiative Constitutional Amendment

5. Nonviolent Drug Offenses. Sentancing, Parole and Rehabilitation Initiative Statute

6. Police and Law Enforcement Funding, Criminal Penalties and Laws Initiative Statute

7. Renewable Energy Generation. Initiative Statute

8. Eliminates Right of Same-Sex Couple to Marry. Initiative Constitutional Amendment

9. Criminal Justice System. Victims Rights. Parole. Initiative Constitutional Amendment and Statute

10. Alternative Fuel Vehicles and Renewable Energy Bonds. Initiative Statute.

11. Redistricting, Initiative Constitutional Amendment and Statute

12. Veterans Bond Act of 2008.

Ok, so there you have it. I have voted before, but I have not ever voted where I was even remotely aware of what a proposition was or that it needed voting for. Besides, I don’t even remember now.

The TV is bombarded with commercials for and against, and the one that is most prevelant is the one for Proposition 8. And frankly, It is quite annoying. Mostly because the “Vote NO” side is lying…but here is a commerical for and against. The reason I say that the NO side is lying…is because the California Education Code says the following:

In law 51890 it states:

(1) Pupils will receive instruction to aid them in making decisions in matters of personal, family, and community health, to include the following subjects: (D) Family health and child development, including the legal and financial aspects and responsibilities of marriage and parenthood.

And in law 51933 it states:

(b) A school district that elects to offer comprehensive sexual health education pursuant to subdivision (a), whether taught by school district personnel or outside consultants, shall satisfy all of the following criteria: (7) Instruction and materials shall teach respect for marriage and committed relationships.

So if you read the same thing that I did, it clearly states that marriage is to be taught in schools. And if same-sex marriage is allowed in the state of California that means it WILL be taught in a school systems, don’t allow the NO campaign to tell you otherwise.

What does all this mean for employed Californian’s, teachers, churches; that you are either going to lose your job, be sued or simply be shut down. Why you ask, because if you do not believe it is right for same-sex marriage and you refuse service or not teach the material based on your personal beliefs, you can and most likely will be sued, fired, or shut down.

Don’t believe me, you can read about a few cases here. Now I had already made up my mind on this particular Proposition, I am voting YES on 8 - to Preserve Marriage as a union between a man and woman. Read this…

As for equal rights, in 2004 same-sex couples were given all the same rights as married couples just without the title of being “married.” They get to visit their partner in the hospital, they are allowed the same tax-exemptions, they are even allowed to get health insurance through their spouses company. This law effectively gave them everything they wanted out of marriage, giving them the same equal rights as married couples.

So let me ask you some questions. If 10% of Californian’s are gay than that would make 90% not gay right? So if I did my math right would you say it is fair for 10% of the population to push it’s views on the other 90%, what about the rights of the 90%? Also, the state already passed a law with a 61.4% majority stating it did not want same-sex marriage legalized, so how is it fair that four supreme court judges can overrule that? Please remember that this is not a civil rights issue this is a personal preference issue.

Ok…I’m just saying…

Heart of Christianity

2008-10-28T09:12:00.000-07:00

I have often been asked what being a Christian means to me. I believe that as I continue to mature and grow in Christ, this answer or parts of it may change, but for today, here are my thoughts…

Being a Christian always begins with Jesus and His saving grace, and the free gift of salvation only He can provide! There is no greater love than this.

But if I say, “I will not mention him or speak any more in his name,” his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in, indeed, I cannot. ~ Jeremiah 20:9 NIV

In the record above, Jeremiah speaks of how he tries not to talkabout his God, but then it builds up like a fire within him. He cannot hold it in, no matter what the costs. I have been there, I understand what Jeremiah is talking about in this passage. We are so “on fire” for God, we have to tell anyone and everyone, we have to get our hands on everything that we can to learn more and more about our God!! It’s a great feeling, and experience, and often times that fire slowly burns to a smolder all too quickly.

He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” ~ Mark 16:15 NIV

So, the above passage of scripture tells me that we are not to hold our feelings and truths about God inside us, we are to let it out and share that fire and knowledge we have within us ~ to all of creation. This isn’t always an easy thing to do, is it? In fact, it can be downright impossible!! I think that alot of times, our lives, and the way we live it, can tell more than our words. We have all heard the saying “action speak louder than words”, or maybe “preach less with your words and more with your life”. How true those are! The key is to talk with God about it, bathe it in prayer. If we are faithful to ask the Lord to lead us, and we allow Him to, we will be begin to notice those opportunities and be able to act upon them. If we have the Lord in our hearts, and are living our lives according to His will, then people will notice a difference in us that maybe they don’t see in themselves. I have seen it happen, to me even. I had a friend of mine who would always ask me why I was so happy and positive all the time. I would say to her, “I don’t know…I guess it’s just my “cheery dispostion”!! It took me a long time to realize that it was God’s love she was seeing in me. So the next time we talked about it, I told her about Jesus, as best as I could at that point in time, and she accepted Jesus later that week. It was so awesome to be a part of that.

So, what does being a Christian mean to me? It means striving to be the kind of Christian where my faith, hope and love shine through. To get to a point where I cannot escape it…even if I wanted to! Being a Christian means getting to the point where it is no longer an important part of my life…it’s not even the most important part of my life…it IS what makes every part of my life important!!! It infuses a sort of meaning to everything that didn’t exist before. My life changes, I am preaching less with my words and more with my life…and not even on purpose! People begin to ask for prayer, and counsel. They even come to me when someone they know needs God in their lives; and then I realize in a moment of pure fright…God is going to use me to help change someones life!!! My eternal hope is putting His hope in me, and I do it! Not to score points with “the” Big Guy, not so He will love me more (because he can’t love me anymore than he already does), but because I can’t help it, it just happens. A heart filled with gratitude, responding to the love it has been given , with love, I believe is the heart of Christianity.

Jesus and Starbucks

2008-10-26T10:28:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been to a Starbucks or any local java joint and the expresso machine is broken?? Well, if you are a faithful coffee drinker, apparently this can be a pretty horrific experience. One morning, I went into my local grocery store that happens to have a Starbucks located inside, and guess what? The expresso machine was down! I am telling you…It was like mini-riot at the counter! You would have thought that the terrorist threat alert level had been raised to red and martial law had been imposed!

Among the riotors there were your stay-at-home-Navigator-driving-soccer moms, stressed from all their spa pedicures and playdates, then we have the high-school/college students stressed from trying to be “unique” and ‘individual” and then we have the corporate ladder climbing men, uhm, and women who are stressed from well, all that ladder climbing…ALL NEEDING ONE THING…COFFEE!!!!

Then from somewhere in the midst of the small crowd of rioters I heard one say “But what am I going to do?? I can’t get thru a day with out it…I need my coffee”…and everyone nodded in agreement…

I thought to myself, well goodness, according to Google Maps…there is another one just two blocks over, and another yet, half a mile away, and I am sure there is another one within walking distance!! Or, here’s a novel idea…grind your own beans at home…or better yet, just chew the beans up and swallow…it will be absorbed quicker…!! I am not a coffee drinker…I suppose my inability to sympathize at this point would not have gone over well, so I kept my thoughts to myself.

But let me offer an alternative if I may:

“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be afraid of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

I can get through a day without coffee (I don’t drink it anyway), but can I get thru a day without Jesus? I suppose I could, but it wouldn’t work out so well…

Fun Fact Friday - Edition #1

2008-06-20T14:17:00.000-07:00

~ I have seen the movie Grease a bizillion times, and still love it.

~ My mom named me Tina, because in the baby name book the hospital provided her (I was three months early and she hadn’t picked out a name yet), Tina meant “little one”.

~ Tonight I am going to see Get Smart with my daughter, even though she has NO idea what its all about, she has been excited to see it since the previews came out months ago!

~ I get sad when nobody remembers my birthday. Ok…who doesn’t…really….but still

~ On 9/11, I was driving to work listening to the radio at what had happened and what was going on – when I arrived at work, I quickly realized that nobody knew what had happened in NYC. I started telling everyone and we turned the TV set on in the conference room, and all sat and watched…about that time, the 2^nd plane hit…we didn’t move for 3 hours, until we decided to call it a day and go home to our families. I also called my boyfriend, who was in Canada at the time, unaware as to what was going on, because he was in a conference ~ he didn’t believe me!!! He told me I was crazy and exaggerating, and told me I had to be mistaken…I was soooo mad!!!!!

~ I buy all the vitamins and calcium and stuff I should be taking, yet they are mostly still sitting on my kitchen counter…unopened…and well, probably expired…

~ I really do want to get married.

~ I was in the “first” drill team my high school ever had…we were called the Golden Debs and well, we weren’t that good, but it was so much fun! Haha!

~ My wrists circumference is exactly 4 ¾ inches

~ I really would love to jog or run to get in shape, however, those of you who know me – know that I might injure myself…LOL…(update: Joined the gym…woohooo)

~ I believe in Chiropractic..yet rarely go

Saddleback Church

2008-06-16T16:32:00.000-07:00

I attended Saddleback Church yesterday with my cousins. I have been here many times before, but for some reason, this time was different. Let me just start by saying that I am NOT a big fan of the “mega church” but I go whenever I am with my cousins, and yesterday they were handing out free Krispy Kremes…F R E E…(think about HOW many Krispy Kremes that is at Saddleback- plus they gave away a free dozen to the oldest father in the congregation - they had to give out two dozen..cause there was two fathers who were over 90 years old - NINETY years…wow…) sorry, my A.D.D. kicked in…Ok…so…I prefer a much much smaller congregation and this place has a huge campus that can be very overwhelming, it has several different buildings, a new one that will be opening in the next couple of weeks for students is affectionately called “Starbucks on Steroids” by many, but actually called “The Refinery”, complete with two basketball courts, volleyball court, theatre, game room, skate park and a restaurant (thus the “starbucks on steroids” moniker)…so now…the campus will soon have two restaurants for sobbing out loud!!! sorry, my A.D.D again…But anyway… why was this time different, you may be asking. Well, I had pretty much decided that I was not a big fan of Rick Warren. Why? Many reasons, that I will not get into at this point. But he turned me around - OK - maybe it was God…so I am now not going to be so quick to dismiss his “style” of preaching. The approach that they take is actually biblical and makes so much sense for - well - those who are new Christians or might not of grown up in a Christian environment or ever even heard of Jesus!! I know alot of evangelical/protestant churches are “prescribing” to this “Purpose Driven” way of things these days. I guess I am trying to say is that the lesson I really learned in church yesterday was: don’t be quick to judge anything until you have all the facts, and can truly see where someone is coming from or why they do the things they do.

On a side note…do you any of you remember the group Ambrosia? Or perhaps you remember this song by them, called “Biggest Part of Me?” Well, David Pack, the lead singer, is now a member of this church, and sang that song during the service yesterday morning ~ rewritten of course. He can still hit all the high notes…it was great!!! And my cousins daughters best friend got to sing back up for him!! It was really a great treat, it seemed everyone was loving it ~ all that was missing were the lighters ~ haha! I am going to try and find the lyrics…and post them later. But here is the chorus of the song: (they put the words up on the big “jumbo-tron” - so you can sing along).

Make a wish, brother (insted of baby)
Well, and He will make it come true
Make a list, sister
Of the things He’ll do for you
Ain’t no risk, now,
In lettin’ His love rain down on you,
So He can wash away the past,
So that we may start anew

Anyway, it was pretty cool!! The only disappointment to me was that Rick preached “via satellite” from the Corona location. There was a group of about thirty people all the way from Montana on their way to Mexico for a mission trip, that was there, I bet they were disappointed to…that Rick wasn’t actually there live and not like memorex…anywho, I guess we don’t go to church solely for the pastor…huh??

Welcome to my Blog

2006-06-10T19:45:00.000-07:00

I think that many first time bloggers struggle to decide what topics they should cover. This is where I am. I started this blog half jokingly, and half seriously, so after I got all signed up, and everything, I was like – hmmm…what do I do now? So I started thinking about what kinds of things do I want to write about besides my life; what kinds of things will people read? I started to write down things I am interested in - things I like, things ~~I think~~ I know a lot about, and things I want to know more about…and of course, I am always up for suggestions! So I will just write about whatever happens to be on my mind I guess, for now, that however changes fairly often!! It should be fun!!! Stay tuned for the next post, and come back often...and please, bring a friend, or two... ;-)