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!

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.

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:

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

Adding some new stuff

As you may be able to tell, I've added some stuff to my page. (Look to the right!) I've wanted to put some info about me on my website and just haven't had a chance to do it. I've also added a link where you can IM me directly from my website. (You need to have AIM installed on your computer for it to work.)

Anyway, let me know what you think! If there's something else you'd like to know about me, leave a comment. I might do one of those "100 things about me" lists. :-)

What a great weekend!

I had such a wonderful weekend. There wasn't anything exceptionally great about the weekend other than the fact that I really could sense God's presence in a way I haven't felt in a while.

One new thing I did was volunteer to serve at the local theatre. I worked the concession stand serving snacks and drinks. I had fun, got to meet some really nice people, see a good play and to top it all off - was groped by a 70 year old man! That was definitely a first for me! I don't know if he realized he touched my butt, but touch it he did! Needless to say, I was shocked, but not really offended. I mean, the man had been drinking and just seemed to be excited about being there. (He was also a volunteer.)

Anyway, back to the original point of this post. I have really been on the "mountaintop" in my walk over the past few days. I have come to appreciate these times. It gives me an opportunity to look back at where I've come from and examine all the things God has brought me through and has been trying to teach me. He has blessed me in so many ways, I could talk about it for days.

One thing I've learned I need to do while on the "mountaintop" is gear up for the next valley. Because...they always come. The good thing is (at least for this moment) I don't fear the next valley experience as much as I used to. I believe I'm learning to trust God more (I've been working hard at it), and so when those dark times come, I'm going to trust God. I know the valley does not last forever. I'll come through it, because I have before.....because He's brought me through before. Of course, I am speaking from the "mountaintop" right now!

I don't mean to sound like I've got it all together, because at this point in my life, I've just begun to realize how un-together I am - but I do sense a change in me. I'm still working through that Bible study "A Call to Die", and the other day, I was reading about going through dark times. As a young Christian, dark times can be brought about by the sin that is in our life. However, as we mature in our faith, there are dark times we experience because God is wanting to test us - to see where we are in our faith. As I read this particular day's devotion, I really began to examine where I've been in my walk and what were the lessons learned from the dark times I've already experienced. I believe most of them so far have been because of sin in my life, which is kinda scary! That means I haven't been through a time of "testing". You know - the kind that results in those really dark times. I know it's coming and I'm trying to prepare. I think I'm more scared of failing the test than actually going through it.

What if I am found lacking in some way? What character flaw in me will be revealed? What will become of me? What will people see when I go through the test - God or me?

As I read these questions, I realize just how self-centered they sound. Part of me doesn't want to be shown in a bad light or come up short - as most people would agree (if they're honest!) But - there is another part that doesn't want to bring shame upon God's name. I want to be an example to others that, "yes, you too can make it and be full of joy and peace!"

I've tried not to dwell too much on the fact that valleys and dark times of testing are inevitable. I'm just trying to prepare - filling myself with the Word and listening to God's voice. I want to be able to hear Him when He's speaking in that "still small voice" and for those times I can't hear Him, I'll know His voice anyway because of His Word that is in my heart. I just want Him to be proud of me!

Finger Update!

Well, good news - I'm almost back 100%!!!! Almost!

My finger is/was broken, but not like one would think. I went to an orthopedic doctor on Tuesday and had him check it out. He told me that when my finger bent backwards (when I hit the floor!) the ligament in my finger had a good hold on the bone and basically pulled a small chip of the bone off. Ehhh! So it wasn't like the bone was broken in half or anything. THANK GOD!!!! I don't think I would have been able to handle a seriously broken finger!

I don't think my church would have liked it too much either, since I'm the pianist! It would have been terrible to sing to taped music.

Anyway, I am using all 10 fingers to type this post. My "broken" finger is still very stiff and sore (from the tissue damage more than the bone chip) and is colored a lovely mix of purples, greens and yellows. Fortunately, the bruising is fading away. I'll be glad when I can bend my finger and not notice!

Shout outs

I just wanted to post a quick thanks to all of those who visit my site on a regular basis or who have my site listed in your links. I appreciate you!

Here are a few new links I've added to my website that I think are interesting.

Jax of Jax Place

Ailina of Paperbent and Lordside

Neely of Unquenchable Songs & Endless Praise

And last, but not least:

Joshua of VoxJoshua

Check them out if you get a chance!

Another first

I must say, I do not like getting older! Up until last April, I had never broken a bone in my life, and now within a year and a half, I have broken two!

Today, I broke my finger. And not just any finger. No - due to my injury, I am sure to offend someone because of the stigma attached to a fully extended middle finger. I cannot help it.

"So, Christy, how did you break the aforementioned finger?" I'm sure you're all dying to know. Well, that's what makes this story even better! I told the lady at the ER business office that when I injure myself, I make sure there's an interesting story to go with it, otherwise, what's the point, right?

Anyway, here's what happened: Deedee cooked a fabulous lunch - steak, grilled vegetables and mashed potatoes. (Her boyfriend helped her with the grilling.) Anyway, we were sitting in the living room, eating lunch. Deedee's boyfriend was sitting on the floor. Everyone was tossing my dog the fat and gristle from their steaks, so she was walking the floor, waiting to see what else was coming. Well, James looks away to say something to Deedee, and Sheba walks up and grabs his steak off of his plate. I couldn't believe it! So I scream at Sheba and walk over to her to grab the steak from her. At the same time, I go to pop her on the head, and she moves! So instead of popping Sheba, my hand makes contact with the hardwood floor. After that, I didn't care about the steak, Sheba or anything else. That hurt!!!!! After about an hour, and my finger doubling in size, I decided to go get it checked out.

The good news is, I was in and out of the ER in an hour and a half. The bad news, of course, was that I had fractured my finger. The doc told me I had chipped the bone. Tomorrow, I'm going to try and see an orthopedic doctor to make sure there's not any worse damage. After all, I work on a computer every day and play piano for church. My fingers are precious to me!

So that's the drama of my day. As I sit here working on this entry, I'm getting better at typing. I think I'll make do at work. We'll see how I fare at the piano next Sunday!

Everything I ever needed to know about life, I learned from my dog.

Last night, I was reminded of a valuable lesson - trust.

I gave my dog, Sheba, a bath. She hates getting a bath. Even though she always needs them by the time I give her one, she simply hates getting one. When the bath is over, I have to wrap her in a towel and hold her tightly to dry her off. Otherwise, she makes a mess. She'll run all over the place, spraying water and hair over everything and then will make a running dive into the nearest carpet to begin the "Doggie Shuffle". Anyone with a dog is sure to know what that is!

Anyway, we made it through the bath and because she was so good, I decided to give her a treat. So as I got the treat and was sitting on the bed, about to give it to her, I was reminded of how I respond to my Master when He has to "give me a bath" or when He wants to pour out His blessings in my life.

As I sat there, breaking up the cookie into small pieces, I watched my dog and how she responded to me. She sat there, totally focused on my hands and what was in them. As I gave her each piece, her eyes never left my hands. A couple of times I closed my hand with a piece of the cookie inside it, and just sat there, waiting to see what she would do. There were a couple of times she looked away - a car was passing by or a noise caught her attention - but she would always quickly turn back to stare intently at my hand, waiting to see what I was going to do.

It seemed like God was gently prodding me about my response to Him. How do I respond to Him when he wants to "wash me clean"? Do I just endure it, counting down the time until I can get out and run free? Or do I relish those times of cleansing and allow Him to do a thorough job? Am I as fervent in my devotion to "watching His hand"? Do I allow the distractions of this world to cause me to turn away from Him and perhaps miss a blessing or a ministry opportunity He has for me? Do I trust Him enough to simply wait for Him to move in my life? I was convicted, to say the least.

This is something I've been dealing with for a while. This, trusting God thing. I'm trying to figure out why it is so hard for me. It's sort of unfair, because He made me to be independent, but I'm supposed to lay that all down (dying daily to that sinful nature in me) and submit to Him. I'm not complaining, just trying to figure out how to do that. I'm sure a lot of my struggle is due to the sin of pride in my life. I've just recently recognized that I do have too much pride. It's hard when God gives you a good "scrubbing" by shining the light of His truth in your life.

The fact remains that I do want to trust God. To be broken and submissive to Him. Good grief, if I can't trust the Creator of the Universe, then whom can I trust? The hard part is getting to that broken and submissive place. To be the clay in the Potter's hands. To realize, truly realize, that without God, there is no point in going on.

I'm getting better - of this I'm sure! I'm almost beginning to look forward to the next bath!

Yes, Grasshoppa! A Ninja Story

Found this hilarious story over at Dave's site.

I almost wet myself laughing at it!

What kind of world do we live in?

I'm sure all of you have heard the name Terri Schindler-Schiavo in the news lately. Just today, after hearing her father on the Sean Hannity radio program, I went and looked up the website her family has about Terri's situation.

This is just unbelievable! The videos on this website of Terri and her reactions to several different stimuli is amazing. Her husband (who I believe is just evil) has refused any type of rehabilitative therapy for Terri ever since she received an award for a malpractice suit. Terri's father asserts that her husband had something to do with her "collapse" and that is why he doesn't want her to live. He must be afraid of what she would say if she were to start talking.

I only wish I had known more about this before now. Folks, pray for Terri and her family, and that God would intervene in this situation. Unless something happens (i.e., Governor Jeb Bush intervenes or God miraculously intervenes) Terri will slowly die of starvation.

There are several links on Terri's webpage for ways you can help. Who knows, a few more phone calls might make a difference.

Made some changes

Just so you know, I had to change my commenting feature, which means I've lost all the awesome comments left prior to today.

I'm sorry about that! I just got tired of my comments not being there from time to time. I've seen Haloscan being used by several other blogs and thought I'd give them a try.

Please feel free to go back and comment on any prior posting! It might be fun to see what people have to say about past posts!

In any case, I always enjoy reading your posts! I hope you'll continue to leave a bunch!

If only...

Have you ever been somewhere, and a person of the opposite sex walks into the room and so captivates your attention that you lose yourself for a moment (or two, or three....)? That happened to me today.

I was at my friend's office (I was just dropping something off to her) and this guy walks in for a meeting with someone else in her office. Well, when he walked in, I was just knocked over - so to speak. He is an attractive man and the first thing I thought was, "Lord, please let him be single!" Of course, the first thing I look for is a ring on that fourth finger of his left hand and lo and behold, it is naked! I'm thinking, this is good. Well, introductions were made and he asks me if I attended a particular college. I knew he looked vaguely familiar, so when he said he had also attended that school, that explained it. So he goes into the other office and then a few seconds later comes back out. When I introduced myself to him, I mentioned that I work for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He had come back out to ask me how he could get involved with FCA, so I told him I could get him some more information about it. He said ok and went back into the other office for his meeting.

Meanwhile, I'm standing there, praying to God that he is single. I mean, I've never been this rattled by meeting someone. It is very strange. Anyway, my friend gives me a piece of paper so I can write my name and office number down to give to this guy, so he can call me to get more info about FCA. When I finished, I jokingly said, "I'm leaving now, so when you give this to him, ask him if he's married. If he's not, tell him to call me!!!" We laughed at that (although I was dead serious) and then she proceeded to show me something on her computer.

All the while I'm standing at her desk, I'm thinking I need to get out of there before I do or say something stupid. Before too much longer, his meeting is over, so he comes back out and stands there and talks to the both of us for a minute. He then asks me where I went to high school. It turns out, not only did we go to the same college, but we had both attended the same high school. He graduated the year before I did. This explained further why he was familiar to me.

We were having a great conversation (I can tell he is a genuinely nice guy and committed to Christ). I couldn't remember much about him from high school (although, the more I think about it, I'm beginning to remember some things. i.e., he was a really nice guy in high school, too!) The good news is - he's a Christian! He shared a little bit about what God had done in his life and that was cool. The bad news is - he is separated from his wife (has been for a year) and has a four year old daughter. I was so disappointed!!!! I won't lie about it. He wants to reconcile with his wife, which is great! That is God's will, I know. At the same time, he said he is just trusting the Lord for his life and if it was God's will for someone else to come into his life, he was ok with that.

I'll say it again - I was disappointed. Here lately, I've really been thinking about dating and relationships and have begun to pray regularly for my future husband (whoever he might be), so the whole idea of meeting someone has been on my mind. I was rather startled at the intense reaction I had to this guy - it wasn't just a physical response like "oh my goodness, he's hot!" There was also a strong desire to want to know more about him. I don't think I've ever experienced that before. It got worse the more we talked, because he really has a great personality and I could tell he would be the type of guy I would definitely date.

So I left my friend's office (after he left) and start talking to God. Of course the most obvious argument I present to Him is "Why couldn't he have met me before his wife?" I immediately know the answer to that - God gently reminds me: "Do you remember who you were 7 years ago and what you've learned since then?"

"I know!" Then I proceed to throw a short pity party just a bit before I really get a hold of myself and begin to thank God that He knows what's best for me. I finally give it up and tell Him that I trust Him for bringing the right person into my life at the right time. I know He will. I just get impatient.

Nevertheless, this whole episode has caused me to consider what I would do if I met someone who was divorced and had a child. I don't think I would have as much a problem with dating a man who had been married and had no children with his first wife, especially if the guy was a dedicated Christian and had done everything in his power to try and reconcile. But to consider someone who was married and had a child....I just don't know. This guy would make me wonder about it (if he were available and were interested in me, that is!)

To any of you reading this who are divorced or are in a situation similar to this, please don't think this is a judgment on you or your life. I'm just writing about my feelings and experiences. I know that there are certain things I don't want, and until God changes my mind, that's the way I feel. Being involved with someone who is divorced with children is one of those things I don't think I could do. But - I'm not sure.

I'm just glad that God is in control. I truly trust Him for this area of my life and can't wait to see what He brings about. I'm just keeping my eyes and ears open, so that when He directs, I will follow!

A beautiful day!

I just love it when God blesses us with beautiful weather! Fall has finally and officially arrived!!!! Woo hoo!! I saw it when it came. It was the coolest thing!

I was driving to my house after going by the bank and could actually see fall arrive. Let me explain: this morning when I woke up, the sky was overcast and it was muggy outside. Not really hot, but just yucky. Well, when the front was moving through, you could actually see where the clouds ended and the blue skies began! It was cool! By the time I got to my house, there was a wind out of the north, blowing through the trees and you could just feel fall arriving! It was fantastic! I was so excited and the rest of my day was just great! This is my absolute favorite time of year!

In other news....I am really enjoying this Bible study - "A Call To Die". Well, enjoying may not be the right word....but it will do. I know one thing - I am learning a lot about myself. (I think I said that in another post.) It has been very revealing - and not always easy. I believe that God is about to do something in my life, or allow something big to take place. I only wish He would give me a "heads up" about it. Well, I guess He is - I know that I am supposed to be preparing for whatever it is by spending time in the word. I need to take some time to just "listen". I'm not real good at that.

Anyway - my battery is about to die and I'm getting cold sitting here at Cups, so I guess I'll go for now. I'm going to go home and open some windows! :)

One other thing...

To all my fellow bloggers whose sites I used to visit on a regular basis (and you know who you are).....

I have not forgotten about you! I miss you terribly and feel so out of touch since I haven't been able to read your sites and post comments to your pages.

Don't forget about me or give up on me! I'll be back in full force in a couple of weeks! (Lord, willing!)

Watch out blogosphere, here I come!

Found some time

Here I am again at a local coffee shop, Cups, so that I can post to my website. I am tired of not having internet at my house, but it will be a couple of weeks before it gets hooked back up. Waiting for the next payday.

Finally got most of my money from Meagan's paycheck fiasco. I hope to get the rest of it by tomorrow. It's not a moment too soon, since my car insurance will expire on Monday if I don't get a check to them. (That's another result of the money problems caused by Meagan's paycheck bouncing.) Anyway, it is about to be resolved and God has still been faithful through it all. I am glad I know Him.

Speaking of God....this Bible study Deedee and I are doing is kicking my tail. I've come to realize it is a good thing...but VERY difficult! In my previous post, I mentioned that God is dealing with me on some issues in my life. It has been difficult to come face to face with these issues. The one thing I am more certain of than ever, is that I need a Savior. I thought I "had it together" on a lot of different things. That was one of my main problems. I had become comfortable with me the way I am, but what I am is still way short of Christ's standard. Darn. I'm just thankful for my Savior and for the grace and mercy that was provided to me by His sacrifice.

A scripture I've had to memorize for this study is Galatians 2:20 - "I no longer live, but Christ now lives in me. So I will live my life in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." I've read that scripture before (as I'm sure most people have) but it definitely has more meaning now. I am awed and amazed at the price Jesus paid for me. The least I can do is to trust Him. (Another one of my incredible shortcomings!) It isn't easy, but I'm getting better at trusting Him.

Checkin' In

I got an opportunity to be online, so I thought I'd post something really quick.

Deedee and I have started the study "A Call to Die". It is really bringing out some things in my life that I've never dealt with before. As hard as it is, I'm glad to be doing it. I've gotten tired of my spiritual life as it is and so it is worth whatever cost to be able to know Christ better and be more real with myself.

My pastor pointed something out at church last night that I had never considered or realized. He said that the Bible is a mirror that shows us our shortcomings and failures - our imperfections. For example, I may have never known what envy is until one day, I read about it in the Bible. All of a sudden, I realize - I have been envious of my friend. Now I know of a shortcoming in my life. The good news is, we have hope in Christ! There is redemption! Thank God for Grace!

Anyway, what I realized is this: I had been reading the Bible looking for a "good feeling" so to speak and not for the the hard truth. Not for the Word that cuts like a two-edged sword. I have been avoiding those parts that point out my shortcomings. Those parts that would really cause me to examine my life and that would eventually make me more like Christ.

Needless to say, it hasn't been "fun" exactly. I've been looking hard and long at my life. I'm not sure what I think right now, but I know that God is working something out in me and I can't wait to see what He can make out of this mess I am. :)

I have not forgotten

that I have a blog! I just do not have internet at my house for a while.

It is a crazy story!

Here's the deal: one of my roommate's paycheck bounced! Can you believe that!?!?!?! She has been going absolutely crazy trying to get this mess straightened out. As a result, she has had hundreds of dollars in NSF and returned check fees (which she will recoup from the company she works for). It has affected all of us - she wrote checks on behalf of her sister (who was out of checks at that time) and also wrote me a check for some money she owed me. Needless to say, it screwed my bank account up and I have been winging it until payday (which is tomorrow - thank God!)

So.....our cable and internet access was cut off because of this fiasco. It will be a few days until I get the hi-speed internet connected. We've decided not to get cable for the time being. One reason is we are trying to save money; the other reason is, my roommate Deedee and I are starting a daily devotional titled "A Call to Die" by David Nasser. One of the things it suggests for the study to be effective is to commit to fasting from something for the 40 days it takes to go through the book. Deedee and I both feel like TV is what God is calling us to fast from. I haven't tallied the total hours a week I've spent watching tv because I'm scared to know how much of my time has been wasted in front of the tube.

Anyway, this is one of the goals I had in mind when I posted this article. I still haven't taken the time to write out my list of goals, but I will be able to do that now that I'm fasting from tv!!! I'm excited about this study and will share my experiences about what I learn.