GOOD Read

I'm a chick lit reader at heart, but I always enjoy a good mystery/psychological thriller. However finding one that keeps me on the edge of my seat, but not too bloody/gory/scary is a challenge. Well friends, I just read a GREAT book that kept me intrigued til the end. I loved that it was similar to The Unit, a TV show that no longer airs, but one I loved ALMOST as much as Alias; and you know that's saying a lot :)

If you get a chance check out Certain Jeopardy by Captain Jeff Struecker with Alton Gansky. It's about a team of 6 men on a special operation that goes from normal to high risk in the blink of an eye. The book follows their mission and the lives of those they leave back home.

Happ Birthday to my Sister!!!

Lots of people have a really great best friend.

Lots of people have a really great sister.

I am lucky that for me this person is one and the same!

I love my sister and am so very blessed to have her. I wish I could tell you all that she has done to enrich and bless my life, but she would be horribly embarrassed and is one of those who truly does not let the left hand know what the right is doing as she gives to others. She is a Godly woman. She is a gifted prayer warrior and intercessor. She is a treasure, and I'm glad to celebrate her life today!!!

What What?

A year? What? I've been back in the States for a year now? Craziness!!!

Guilt and Grace

I messed up. I mean I messed up BIG time. I didn't mean to do it. In fact I tried really hard not to, yet I landed face down in a big way. For a while I hoped it wouldn't matter, but eventually I realized that I had to own up to my actions and apologize.

It. was. brutal.

The severity of my wrong stared me straight in the face, and I was crushed. There was no way to fix the matter, in fact reminders of my mess-up were constantly around me. The person who I'd wronged let me know that I was wrong. They weren't harsh, but they didn't cushion the blow either. I was grateful to ask for and receive forgiveness, but that didn't change the past. I still had to and have to today deal with the consequences of my actions. I know there are those who don't know my heart and will only know me by this one action and it makes me sad and ashamed. I grieve for a potential friendship that was halted before it had an opportunity to bloom. And so many times I wish I could rewind the hands of time and remake those decisions over again, but I can't.

Fortunately those same hands of time have lessened the weight of the blow, but not fully removed it. I am continually humbled by the forgiveness I received for the wrong that I did. In all of this, I am so reminded of Jesus and His grace. Yes I feel the weight of this particular wrong, but I am guilty of so much more. Jesus chose to sacrifice His life and take my guilt and my shame. He offered me grace and mercy when I fully deserved the severity of the Father's wrath and justice. I am so thankful for Jesus.

Shoes

I've got this pair of black boots that I totally love. They have an awesome heel on them that helps me to achieve 6ft easily. When I walk in them, I feel like I can conquer the world.....for about an hour. Yep, these heels give me a back ache like you wouldn't believe. And while they look great on the outside, well, the inside is showing the wear from all the lovin I've given them. There's no way for you to know any of this of course, unless you put on my boots, and wore them around for a bit. I may look cute in them, and appear confident, but you have no way of knowing how they actually feel on my feet unless you put them on.

I was reminded once again about not making assumptions about people until you know the shoes they walk in. I've slowly begun to get to know some brand spankin new people. The time recently came in the relationship for a few walls to come down, and for hearts to be revealed a little bit more. I was astounded by knowledge that I never would've guessed by looking on from the outside. I was encouraged, challenged, humbled, and motivated to continue in friendship with them. Most of all I chastised myself to remember that everybody has a story. People aren't born the way they act at 20, 30, 40, and beyond. Things have happened to shape them into who they are today. If I take the time to wait to get to know the person behind the mask, I'll usually be rewarded with an authentic relationship. It takes a bit of time, but it is worth it.

Bullet Point Blog

* You know you can make your own homemade popcorn in the microwave???? My popcorn addiction just went to a whole 'nother level :)

*A new blog template, should I or should I not? While tempting, it's nice to not start that whole changing cycle..... (I'm not hating on those who do, just processing my thoughts on the matter :)

*Yeeeaaah, so about that half marathon; injury and illness have not been on my side :( might have to postpone that 'til later this year

*I keep thinking it's 2009. Anyone else with me? Perhaps it's my subconcious attempt to delay the big birthday this year.

* Speaking of the above, what is the big deal about 30? Why not all the attention to 20 or 40?

*Crazy to think that in a month I'll have been back a year.

*So starting a business is more than I ever imagined it would be. How do people balance work and regular life when you never clock out or in?

*Regular "heart sharing" fellowship is a good thing.

*Waiting on God is hard, but suffering the consequences of not waiting on God is even harder.

*Jesus and Judas Iscariot...after reading the passage in John 13 where Jesus washes the disciples feet, I realized that Jesus washed Judas' feet right before Judas betrayed Him. How was that for both of them; Jesus loving the one who would betray Him. Judas allowing Jesus to do it with pride and arrogance in his eyes. Have I like Jesus washed the feet of those who'd betray me? Or am I more like Judas deserving the worst, but acting as if I deserved the King to serve me.

*It has been SUCH a joy to see prayers looooooooong prayed be answered with such irrefutable proof. Just stinking awesome. Like God's saying "here's chocolate cake zee, with icing, and salted mixed nuts, and I'll through in a bit of peanut butter morsels just for the heck of it." Yeah, that kind of goodness. And with thoughts like these, I really should revisit that whole half-marathon idea!

No really, I'm content

In honor of Valentine's Day :)