Alas, my friends, I am an artist without a paintbrush....my Mac has been sent in for service work. Honestly, it breaks my heart to even say that, seeing as how wonderful Mac's are. One would think they are invincible. Apparently, they are not.
My iBook gave up the ghost after a brief struggle that began yesterday. It seems that there is some problem with some part of the hardware, so it is being sent back to Apple to be fixed. Fortunately, it is still under warranty!! Woohoo!!!
Unfortunately, I won't have a computer for about 2 weeks! Aaagghhh! This means posts will be few and far between. (This is a busy time at work, so even getting online there will be hard!)
I know that there is a lesson in this. God is again using an event in my life to remind me that He is my source and everything I need. Just this past Sunday, our pastor shared from the scripture in 1 John 2:15-17 about "loving the world." From that, he brought out the fact that anything we value or love more than God reveals that His love is not in us. Ouch! Here, again, the harsh truth of the Word cuts deep.
It is really easy to get caught up in desiring and loving the "things" of this world. Before you start yelling, I'm not saying it's wrong to have things, but whenever they take our attention from God and what He wants to do in us and through us, we should give them up or at the very least, examine our attitude about those things and see how they line up with His Word.
I plan on using this time to focus my attention on Him and what He's speaking to me. Not only that, since this is the Thanksgiving holiday, instead of bemoaning the fact my computer is absent, I'm going to focus on what I do have to be thankful for. Perhaps I won't even miss my computer!
Wednesday, November 26, 2003
Wednesday, November 19, 2003
Sunday, November 16, 2003
There's no place like home!
"Toto, I don't think we're in Kansas (City) anymore!"
I am so glad to be back! Actually, I was home Thursday night, I've just been too busy to post.
Anyway, there is truly no place like home. I don't know if I feel that way because I'm becoming more of a homebody as I get older, or if I just truly love my home. I enjoyed my trip - we had fun and it was great seeing everyone from the Home Office - but after the second day, I was ready to come home! I missed my bed and my dog! :)
I've often wondered if I should have tried moving away from my hometown - either to go to college or to take a job in another state. I mean, I'm single, I have a degree in Accounting (although I'd probably have to go back to school for some refresher courses) and no real "thing", other than my parents and siblings, to tie me down. As a matter of fact, I have a standing offer with the Home Office for a job, should I decide to move there. "There" being Kansas City. They usually say it joking around (because they know I'd never leave my current job) but they are serious about the offer. It's nice to know people like you and want you around.
In spite of that, I am still here. I like being here. I love my house and my roommates. My church is fantastic. And, I truly enjoy my job and love the people I work with. On top of that, God is opening some doors for ministry - I've made some new friends at a local coffee shop and I'm looking forward to how God can use me to minister to them.
I guess, like Dorothy in the "Wizard of Oz", I realize that I don't need to go off to find happiness. Everything I need and love is right here. And that's just fine.
Wednesday, November 12, 2003
Enjoying Kansas City!
Just caught a few minutes and thought I'd post something. Unfortunately, we don't have internet access at our hotel (what's up with that?) so I'm writing this live from our home office.
When I arrived Monday, I found out that I would have to present the Devotional on Tuesday morning, so I was up late Monday night pulling something together. It ended up being about worry - which as an admin assistant can be a constant companion. It was really cool, because the devotion was as much for me as for any of the other ladies. I used the passage in Matthew 6 where Jesus is talking to the crowd about not worrying about our needs. If He can keep up with the birds and the flowers, how much more does He care for us? It was really good. I think just having to dig into the Word like that was good for me. A couple of ladies came up and thanked me for the devotion, so at least it blessed someone else, too!
Anyway, we're having a great time. This class of admin's is very small and very quiet! They are really nice women, but not very lively. I think I'm the liveliest in the bunch, besides the other trainer from Florida - who is a close personal friend and my roommate here. Life is just too short to be dull!
Hope life is treating everyone well. I'll be home Thursday night, so hopefully I'll be able to post some other stuff then.
When I arrived Monday, I found out that I would have to present the Devotional on Tuesday morning, so I was up late Monday night pulling something together. It ended up being about worry - which as an admin assistant can be a constant companion. It was really cool, because the devotion was as much for me as for any of the other ladies. I used the passage in Matthew 6 where Jesus is talking to the crowd about not worrying about our needs. If He can keep up with the birds and the flowers, how much more does He care for us? It was really good. I think just having to dig into the Word like that was good for me. A couple of ladies came up and thanked me for the devotion, so at least it blessed someone else, too!
Anyway, we're having a great time. This class of admin's is very small and very quiet! They are really nice women, but not very lively. I think I'm the liveliest in the bunch, besides the other trainer from Florida - who is a close personal friend and my roommate here. Life is just too short to be dull!
Hope life is treating everyone well. I'll be home Thursday night, so hopefully I'll be able to post some other stuff then.
Sunday, November 09, 2003
Biker chick!
Well, it's official - I am now a member of the Soul Searchers Chapter of New Beginnings Motorcycle Ministry. Not only am I a member, they elected me Secretary/Treasurer. How's that for an interesting bit of news?!?!?
I was voted in on Friday night as member and officer and received my colors (back patch). I had my cloth patch sewn onto my denim jacket and it looks sharp!!! I've got to get a leather vest for my leather patch. The only thing is - I don't have a bike. Yet. :) I am working my way towards getting a motorcycle. It will probably take a year or so, but, Lord willing, I will have one! I'm not sure what I want - my first inclination is for a Harley Davidson. When people ask what you ride, I think it just sounds better.....Harley Davidson. Don't you? I will say this, my pastor has a fine Yamaha V-Star Custom 650cc and I would consider getting one of those, too. Anyway, I can't afford one right now, so I'll just be "window shopping" for a while.
In other news, I'll be leaving for Kansas City tomorrow morning. I'm going to our Home Office for New Staff Training. I'll be "training" new Administrative Assistants. This is my third year to go and I just love it! If I have internet access in the hotel we're staying in, I'll try to keep up with my posts. If not, I'll try to squeeze one or two in somehow.
Y'all have a blessed week and God bless!
Music to my ears!
I'm excited! I finally moved my piano from my parents house to my house. I have missed being able to sit down and play whenever the urge strikes. Playing the piano is therapeutic for me. When I have a stressful day or just need to relieve some tension, I'll pull out some old sheet music and play away.
Music is also my main venue of praise and worship to God. That includes playing my piano, singing or just listening to music that speaks to my heart. I sense His presence more when I'm into my music and whenever I need to pour out my heart to Him, I can do it much better through music than words.
Tonight I had the house to myself so I spent about an hour just piddling around on my piano. I was made painfully aware how out of practice I am. This is particularly strange since I'm the pianist for my church, but what I play on Sunday is a whole different ball game from Franz Schubert or Scott Joplin!
My piano is just a Lowrey console, nothing really special, except that I've had it since I was about 9 years old. (That's 21 years! Yikes, I'm getting old!) Anyway, I love the sound and feel of a real stringed piano, but I'm considering getting a digital. They are so much easier to move and I can plug earphones into one and play whenever I want to without disturbing anyone! Especially a plus if you have roommates!
In the meantime, I will take advantage of any opportunity I have the house to myself to work on some music. (I have one piece that has been requested by my pastor for an offertory that I must learn soon.) That way, no one else has to endure my mistakes as I work out the kinks!
Music is also my main venue of praise and worship to God. That includes playing my piano, singing or just listening to music that speaks to my heart. I sense His presence more when I'm into my music and whenever I need to pour out my heart to Him, I can do it much better through music than words.
Tonight I had the house to myself so I spent about an hour just piddling around on my piano. I was made painfully aware how out of practice I am. This is particularly strange since I'm the pianist for my church, but what I play on Sunday is a whole different ball game from Franz Schubert or Scott Joplin!
My piano is just a Lowrey console, nothing really special, except that I've had it since I was about 9 years old. (That's 21 years! Yikes, I'm getting old!) Anyway, I love the sound and feel of a real stringed piano, but I'm considering getting a digital. They are so much easier to move and I can plug earphones into one and play whenever I want to without disturbing anyone! Especially a plus if you have roommates!
In the meantime, I will take advantage of any opportunity I have the house to myself to work on some music. (I have one piece that has been requested by my pastor for an offertory that I must learn soon.) That way, no one else has to endure my mistakes as I work out the kinks!
Thursday, November 06, 2003
Which Matrix character are you?
You are Trinity, from "The Matrix."
Strong, beautiful- you epitomize the ultimate
heroine.
What Matrix Persona Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
Just who I would want to be like from that movie!
I saw Jesus today.
Have you ever met someone who, without any doubt, is in tune with Christ and His heart? Fortunately for me, I work for one of those people.
Now don't get me wrong, there are days when I'd rather not be at work - usually that's more because of me and my attitude than the people I work with - but there are those days, few and far between though they are, that I just don't want to be in the office.
Putting all that to the side, my boss is one of the few people I have ever known whose heart is truly tuned in to what Christ is doing. In case you don't know, I work for a non-profit sports ministry, so of course, I work in a decidedly Christian environment. I get tickled at my boss, sometimes, for the way he will "corner" people and ask them about what they know of Christ and whether or not they have a relationship with Him. Usually when he does that, and I'm around, I think to myself "man, I could not do that!" and then proceed to justify myself with some mumbled thoughts of "you can't force the Word on people" or "I think you should build a relationship first. People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." The fact remains, Bill is willing to share Christ - no matter what. Wow!
Well, he did it again today. A woman called our office looking for some financial assistance. She had lost a child a month or so ago and also lost her job, so she can't pay her rent or utilities this month. I talked with her for a minute and was, of course, skeptical that she was telling the truth. So, I put her on hold and then went to tell Bill about her. He paused a moment and before he picked up the phone told me I could stay in there and listen. As I was sitting there listening to his conversation over the speakerphone, I was simply amazed. He started out asking for some specific information from her: name, address, phone, last few places she worked, etc. Then, he does what he's good at, and began to ask her about her faith and relationship with Christ.
As I sat there, I began to think of the verse in the Bible where Peter was walking into the Temple and passed by the crippled man begging at the temple gate. He looked intently at the man and said:
"Look at us! I don't have any money for you, but I'll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!" Acts 3:4-6
Peter wasn't concerned with giving the man money to make it another day. His concern, besides bringing glory to Jesus, was to meet the deeper need of this man. He saw an opportunity to give this man something more valuable than money to meet one day's needs. Peter gave him something that would last through eternity.
I was convicted for all the times I had helped people without first talking with them about their eternal soul. What does giving money or a helping hand or even "being a friend" do for someone who is walking the thin line between eternal life and eternal hell? Every day we encounter people who just need to know that there is a God in heaven who loved them so much, He gave His Son to die so that they could know Him intimately.
The rest of the story is this - Bill walked this woman through several scriptures in the Bible and just shared Christ with her. She prayed a prayer of confession and repentance and gave her life to Christ! Just like that! It was beautiful. Now that her soul's need has been met, we get to work on the other needs she has.
She's coming to the office tomorrow to meet me and hopefully one of the other guys in the office (since Bill won't be here.) We're working on helping her with finding a job and meeting the financial needs she has, so if you think about it, say a prayer.
Now don't get me wrong, there are days when I'd rather not be at work - usually that's more because of me and my attitude than the people I work with - but there are those days, few and far between though they are, that I just don't want to be in the office.
Putting all that to the side, my boss is one of the few people I have ever known whose heart is truly tuned in to what Christ is doing. In case you don't know, I work for a non-profit sports ministry, so of course, I work in a decidedly Christian environment. I get tickled at my boss, sometimes, for the way he will "corner" people and ask them about what they know of Christ and whether or not they have a relationship with Him. Usually when he does that, and I'm around, I think to myself "man, I could not do that!" and then proceed to justify myself with some mumbled thoughts of "you can't force the Word on people" or "I think you should build a relationship first. People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." The fact remains, Bill is willing to share Christ - no matter what. Wow!
Well, he did it again today. A woman called our office looking for some financial assistance. She had lost a child a month or so ago and also lost her job, so she can't pay her rent or utilities this month. I talked with her for a minute and was, of course, skeptical that she was telling the truth. So, I put her on hold and then went to tell Bill about her. He paused a moment and before he picked up the phone told me I could stay in there and listen. As I was sitting there listening to his conversation over the speakerphone, I was simply amazed. He started out asking for some specific information from her: name, address, phone, last few places she worked, etc. Then, he does what he's good at, and began to ask her about her faith and relationship with Christ.
As I sat there, I began to think of the verse in the Bible where Peter was walking into the Temple and passed by the crippled man begging at the temple gate. He looked intently at the man and said:
"Look at us! I don't have any money for you, but I'll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!" Acts 3:4-6
Peter wasn't concerned with giving the man money to make it another day. His concern, besides bringing glory to Jesus, was to meet the deeper need of this man. He saw an opportunity to give this man something more valuable than money to meet one day's needs. Peter gave him something that would last through eternity.
I was convicted for all the times I had helped people without first talking with them about their eternal soul. What does giving money or a helping hand or even "being a friend" do for someone who is walking the thin line between eternal life and eternal hell? Every day we encounter people who just need to know that there is a God in heaven who loved them so much, He gave His Son to die so that they could know Him intimately.
The rest of the story is this - Bill walked this woman through several scriptures in the Bible and just shared Christ with her. She prayed a prayer of confession and repentance and gave her life to Christ! Just like that! It was beautiful. Now that her soul's need has been met, we get to work on the other needs she has.
She's coming to the office tomorrow to meet me and hopefully one of the other guys in the office (since Bill won't be here.) We're working on helping her with finding a job and meeting the financial needs she has, so if you think about it, say a prayer.
Tuesday, November 04, 2003
Stop the world, I want to get off!
Is it just me or is life really speeding up? Man, I tell ya - it seems like it was just January 1st and here we are in November! As fast as time flies, I'm sure I'm missing something!
Anyway, we had a busy weekend. Our house is finally complete! Deedee and I drove to Arkansas to get a washer and dryer from her dad. (Adam, we were in your neck of the woods!) It was an all day trip, but we are now able to wash clothes whenever we want to! Woohoo!
I'm still working through "A Call to Die" by David Nasser. It has really been an eye opener for me. I got off track a couple of weeks ago and was feeling guilty about being so behind, but God once again showed me how He works in everything. It seems like everyday I've read exactly what I needed. I can see where a couple of times, I wouldn't have been open to what God is trying to do if I had "stayed on track". God is good!
I also started reading a book by Bunny Wilson - "Knight in Shining Armor - Discovering Your Lifelong Love". It is fabulous! She encourages the reader to take six months, put a sign up (so to speak) that you are "Under Construction" and take the time to really get to know yourself and your True Husband - Jesus. It's kind of neat because I had already purposed in my heart to do just that. That was one of the reasons I began "A Call to Die". At the end of each chapter, there are questions to consider and activities to do, so I'm going to work through each of those as well. I am really excited by what God is doing in my life. I would encourage any single women reading this post to get that book. I read the whole thing last night, but now I'm going to go back and take time to work through each principle. She also has another book - "Liberated Through Submission - God's Design for Freedom in All Relationships". I started reading through that one and it is really eye opening as well.
Well, enough about all that. Today is beautiful and I am thankful to God for all He has done and is doing in my life. Here's a scripture for you:
Anyway, we had a busy weekend. Our house is finally complete! Deedee and I drove to Arkansas to get a washer and dryer from her dad. (Adam, we were in your neck of the woods!) It was an all day trip, but we are now able to wash clothes whenever we want to! Woohoo!
I'm still working through "A Call to Die" by David Nasser. It has really been an eye opener for me. I got off track a couple of weeks ago and was feeling guilty about being so behind, but God once again showed me how He works in everything. It seems like everyday I've read exactly what I needed. I can see where a couple of times, I wouldn't have been open to what God is trying to do if I had "stayed on track". God is good!
I also started reading a book by Bunny Wilson - "Knight in Shining Armor - Discovering Your Lifelong Love". It is fabulous! She encourages the reader to take six months, put a sign up (so to speak) that you are "Under Construction" and take the time to really get to know yourself and your True Husband - Jesus. It's kind of neat because I had already purposed in my heart to do just that. That was one of the reasons I began "A Call to Die". At the end of each chapter, there are questions to consider and activities to do, so I'm going to work through each of those as well. I am really excited by what God is doing in my life. I would encourage any single women reading this post to get that book. I read the whole thing last night, but now I'm going to go back and take time to work through each principle. She also has another book - "Liberated Through Submission - God's Design for Freedom in All Relationships". I started reading through that one and it is really eye opening as well.
Well, enough about all that. Today is beautiful and I am thankful to God for all He has done and is doing in my life. Here's a scripture for you:
O god, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. Your unfailing love is better to me than life itself; how I praise you! I will honor you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. You satisfy me more than the richest of foods. I will praise you with songs of joy! Psalm 63:1-5
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