Goodmorning Wednesday

We are not quite at the week's end, but getting there, slowly, surely, in a turtle-like manner.
Wednesday draws even closer to Thursday. Do you know what Thursday is? LOST returns!!!

You would think, as I have been snagged with American Idol, that I should demonstrate a little restraint and limit my shows. I would like to call attention to tv networking for making these stupid shows so addictive!

So, its not my fault . . . entirely.


And while we are on this 'watching' thing - go see Juno - it is such a refreshing film. Haven and I really enjoyed Ellen Page's work of playing a pregnant teen. It was a witty movie - heartwarming too. :)

Random

Okay - Em tagged me. . .
I am lazy about these things - they are fun and mindless, and sometimes annoying. I am not putting anyone up to doing it. Do as you will.


My 6 things are.....


1) I can't blow my gum into a bubble. I've tried. I just can't do it. :(

2) I used to pretend I was a unicorn when I was little (this strange fascination with unicorns stopped at 8, I think) ;)

3) I have never gotten a massage because I don't liked to be touched by other people (except for my hubster)

4) Someday, I want to get another horse.

5) My toes are crooked :(

6) I can't believe this was my sister's answer to this question:

6)If I weren't a Christian, I'd be a hippy in Santa Cruz california--dreadlocks, grass skirts, hand-painted VW van, a pet ferret, and a beat up guitar.

Splat

H and I decided to do somethin' kinda fun. Somethin' we've been wanting to do for a while. Somethin' all True San Antonians must do at some point or another - go see a Spurs game.

So to online to ticketmaster, we went . . .

Tickets for two - much money was spent . . .

We hopped in the car and went to the little basketball kingdom downtown. Our seats were great (despite the man drenched in cologne next to me who liked to spread himself out).

Its been sometime since I'd gone to a game - and it was Haven's first. We were optimistic as the Spurs had won the last two games, and the first two quarters were going pretty well, with the men in white keeping the Hornets at bay.
And just when we were getting settled into our seats with some soft serve ice cream and peanuts, New Orleans stung. Hard.

Third quarter was really painful. Our little team began swelling.

We thought the Spurs would make their usual comeback - it was their court after all. We were going to show them' Hornets whose territory they were on. . .
But the swelling got worse. And the fourth quarter came with no relief.

It was horrible.

We left 6 minutes early, shocked and disappointed. They were supposed to win this game. This was OUR game.

We opened the paper this morning to see that it was the worst home game loss for them in history. And we were there.

At least we were part of the history.

102 - Hornets
78 - Spurs

No SPURS, NO!!! :(

Buh-Bye Energy Bean

Well, I've given it up . . .
The energy bean, I mean . . . caffeine.

What? Huh? Cold Turkey???

Yep

I realized how much I consumed each day, and I know that it hasn't helped me. I already survived the day one (the worst!) and day 2 has been so much better. I feel so good. I have been drinking juice and ice water, and enough tea to make me have to use the facilities at least 15 times a day.

What I wanted to know when I first started this was, were there any exceptions?

Yes - Sunday morning - coffee with caffeine. And chocolate has NOT been eliminated. My body would go into too much shock if I did that. I am severely cutting back though.

We'll see how this goes -
in the meantime, my coffee cup is empty and my teacup is full :)

Pearl

This week, our study of Matthew weaves through the parables of the mustard seed, yeast, man who finds the treasure in the field, merchant who finds the rare pearls, and the fish net.

Many stories convey the unchanging and compelling purpose of Christ's message, to proclaim the Truth. Of the many things to look at , this one is so dear: the worth of salvation is priceless, to deny it is misery, but to embrace it . . .

And this is what I love especially. . .

How Jesus Christ gave up His life for His Bride, His Pearl.

How He sought her and bought her, as the man who found the treasure in the field.

How He gave up everything, so that we might be saved.
What a Redeemer, who becomes our Precious Treasure, Our Priceless Pearl.

Soul Soak

This week, I have found myself slipping into my tub more than usual. Like a tea bag, I gladly dunk myself into a tub of hot water and bubbles, close my eyes and forget problems of the day.

Its a wonderful soul retreat.

I surround myself with bubble baths, candles, soaps, and scrubbies, and only wish that I could stay in longer without getting pruney.

I have found the same solace and peace (if not even more - you know what, MORE) in soaking my soul in the Word in the morning, complete with a delicious cup of tea. Its a great waker-upper, a pleasant start to any tough morning too.

I have re-arranged my crazy morning schedule to meet with the Lord first, rather than midday. He has given me such joyful mornings since I have changed, I am convicted that I have not done this sooner.
Sometimes it takes a new year to realize the routines that you have fallen into may not be the best things for your Christian growth. I am thankful for His hand on me, steering my thirsty soul to a deep well to soak in.

Dunk me in.

Up & at'em

Its COLD COLD COLD!!!

High today is supposed to be around 45 and it ain't going up much past that. Brrrrr!

Good thing I have a furry little feet-warmer curled up below me - ;)

this was today's reading in Streams -

Trust in His Promises

"God...calleth those things which be not as though they were" (Rom. 4:17).

What does that mean? Why Abraham did this thing: he dared to believe God. It seemed an impossibility at his age that Abraham should become the father of a child; it looked incredible; and yet God called him a "father of many nations" before there was a sign of a child; and so Abraham called himself "father" because God called him so. That is faith; it is to believe and assert what God says. "Faith steps on seeming void, and finds the rock beneath."

Only say you have what God says you have, and He will make good to you all you believe. Only it must be real faith, all there is in you must go over in that act of faith to God. --Crumbs

Be willing to live by believing and neither think nor desire to live in any other way. Be willing to see every outward light extinguished, to see the eclipse of every star in the blue heavens, leaving nothing but darkness and perils around, if God will only leave in thy soul the inner radiance, the pure bright lamp which faith has kindled. --Thomas C. Upham

The moment has come when you must get off the perch of distrust, out of the nest of seeming safety, and onto the wings of faith; just such a time as comes to the bird when it must begin to try the air. It may seem as though you must drop to the earth; so it may seem to the fledgling. It, too, may feel very like falling; but it does not fall--it's pinions give it support, or, if they fail, the parent birds sweeps under and bears it upon its wings. Even so will God bear you. Only trust Him; "thou shalt be holden up." "Well, but," you say, "am I to cast myself upon nothing?" That is what the bird seems to have to do; but we know the air is there, and the air is not so unsubstantial as it seems. And you know the promises of God are there, and they are not unsubstantial at all. "But it seems an unlikely thing to come about that my poor weak soul should be girded with such strength." Has God said it shall? "That my tempted, yielding nature shall be victor in the strife." Has God said it shall? "That my timorous, trembling heart shall find peace?" Has God said it shall? for, if He has, you surely do not mean to give Him the lie! Hath he spoken, and shall He not do it? If you have gotten a word --"a sure word" of promise--take it implicitly, trust it absolutely. And this sure word you have; nay, you have more--you have Him who speaks the word confidently. "Yea, I say unto you," trust Him. --J. B. Figgis, M. A.

Aliens love Texas

Apparently

At least Stephenville-ites seem to think so . . .

Why I should NOT casually browse into Williams-Sonoma on my lunch break . . .

Mom got one of these to crush her pain meds - It was so fun that I think I want one too ;)



This color scheme delighted me - the pattern is a little busy - dunno if the husband would like ;)

This cooker looks positively splendid - and it'd better be, given the price ;)

Icy Predica-moose

Didn't this big guy know its not swimming season?

Crybaby

There have been many tears this past weekend.

The loss of a sweet loved one (my stepfather's mother& my adopted Grandmother) has been the biggest grief-giver. And yet, we are grateful to know that she lives eternally with our Saviour. I am so thankful that God provided a flight right away for my parents to be there before her passing.
Haven and I took their two little boston terriers for a while, and while they were here, there was much romping around with our Hector.

We had a quiet weekend, well, minus our night at the Alamodome for Monster Jam ;)

(Yes, we like Monster Truck rallies - they're a blast ;)

We rented another set of 24 (we are working our way through season six.

We had snacky dinners, happy puppies and lots of vegging out.

We just needed it.

Haven dropped by my work tonight, at the end of the day to say goodbye for the week.
I can't remember the last time I cried so much. I contained it until after I left work, and like a ticking time bomb, I sort of exploded in the car driving home. Its not like he's going away for a month - he'll be back on Friday. Its not like we haven't spent any time together at all this past month either.

Its just that I love him.

The God who is Love gives us love that gets richer, deeper, better, and sweeter with time. The hard things we've gone through with this crazy job of his has made the reward of being together all the greater. I am just one big ball of drippy black mascara and snot and streaky tears.

One big happy crybaby.

Fit Zone

I had to toot the horn for the best site ever for getting toning exercises & instruction. Kudos for MSN for coming up with such an ingenious way to get your butt movin' ;)

Enter the FIT ZONE

Cute Kitchen Ware

While browsing around Target today on my lunch break, I saw the cutest kitchen gadgets, sure to put some fun in your potato-peeling, butter-spreading and ice-cream scoopin' ;)

I just love the designs and creativity - and their prices aren't horrible - just don't ask me if they actually work ;)

The full line is at this link HERE

FRIDAY

WOHOO!!!

We made it . . . FINALLY!

Key Keeper

This reading warmed my soul this morning - I hope it warms yours as well :)

Is there some problem in your life to solve,
Some passage seeming full of mystery?
God knows, who brings the hidden things to light.
He keeps the key.

Is there some door closed by the Father's hand
Which widely opened you had hoped to see?
Trust God and wait - for when He shuts the door
He keeps the key.

Is there some earnest prayer unanswered yet,
Or answered NOT as you had thought 'twould be?
God will make clear His purpose by and by.
He keeps the key.

Have patience with God, your patient God,
All wise, all knowing, no long lingerer He,
And of the door of all your future life
He keeps the key.

Unfailing comfort, sweet and blessed rest,
To know of EVERY door He keeps the key.
That He at last when just He sees is best
Will give it to THEE.

~ Anonymous ~

It makes me smile

Driving home from work this evening, I noticed a little white Subaru legacy wagon in the lane next to me. . .

I had to smile.
The familiarity was somewhat bittersweet.
Haven just sold his a month or so ago. That car got him from Seattle to Texas, and back and forth faithfully as a commuter car.

I reminisced.

And then I sped past him in my dark blue wheels.

He's got the whole world in His hands

Last night, my co-leader and I taught our jr. highers through Matthew 12. Being our first class back from a 3 week break, we both felt so indebted to the Lord for sustaining us through all the little hiccups!
The lesson covered Jesus' replies to the Pharisee's accusations of working & healing on the sabbath, and then their blasphemies against Him by daring to align His work with Satan.

In a rather shaky lesson, I tried to illustrate how God's control over Satan and evil through a visual example, a giant hand. Although it didn't work into the lesson the way that I would have liked, I am thankful that I was able to reach all the other points of the lesson that needed to be taught.

Anyway, today I was thinking of God's Hand of control over our lives. I was especially thinking about all the areas that Haven and I pray for, think about, and worry of often. I mentally placed them in God's open hand
and then thanked Him for closing His palm around them, sealing them off from me. He has taken care of all these things.

I am so thankful for His control.
There is no better place to be than in the hands of our Potentate.

Sustenance

From this morning's readings:

Psalm 3:5
I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the LORD sustains me.

Psalm 4:7
You have put gladness in my heart, More than when their grain and new wine abound.

Psalm 5:3
In the morning, O LORD, You will hear my voice; In the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch.

Putt . . . Putt

Putt. . .

I am puttering 'round the house today. A headach-ey lethargy sent me home early, and I am actually quite content to be home-bodied right now. All the little projects I have been wanting to finish (and the new ones to start) are now at my fingertips.

Oh yes, so is the urge to take a nice long nap like my little pupster here. . .

Sigh.

As you can see, I've been puttering around the ol' bloggeroo too - I have discovered some really neat sites for photo cropping :)

~

Remember this post?

Well, today's picture for my desk calendar is a beautiful Aurora Borealis and my hubby's love note to me:

"I can't think of anyone I'd rather be married to"

Now, its sweet and simple, but the timing of this couldn't have been more perfect. I have been feeling really discouraged lately about feeling like I am inadequate in some areas and yet, the way the Lord encourages me through my loving husband brings tears of thankfulness to my eyes. It makes me go, 'Really?' It makes me feel so lucky, so blessed, so encouraged, and so loved.

I am not perfect. Nor will I ever be. But I am saved by the grace of a gracious and kind God who delights in giving His children excellent gifts.

Blogger's Block

Why is it that when I do have time to blog, I am always racking my brain to find something to say??? Its like a blog fart, I say. That being said, don't get your hopes up about me blogging.

So its Friday, I am sipping the blackest cup of coffee ever and trying to organize a mental list of everything I need to do today. Uggh.

Hector is looking at me with disgust. Last night was so boring for him - A night out with my sister cost him a night out on the town (aka a walk). I thought he'd burn off that hyper-crazy energy running up and down the stairs with me. Alas, only I was tired.

Blah blah blah - I told you this was a boring post ;)

Together, we are going somewhere, farther than I can go alone . . .

I rely on a lot of things to get me through the day. Things like my coffee-maker, my alarm clock, hot water, my hair dryer, a car that drives, the dishwasher, the washing machine and dryer, and the many other little comforts of everyday life.

Its the little things like these that trip me up sometimes because I rely on them. . . when they don't act in the way I want, life can get pretty frustrating. Its funny how I can use their inefficiencies as an excuse for my own shortcomings. None of these inventions are evil or bad, but using them as crutches can be harmful.

The tragedy is the way I have become lazy in the little things. Like, for instance, staying up too late, and then waking up too late, making it a mad dash for drying wet hair, filling an empty gas tank and not allowing enough time for morning traffic. Its a dreadful domino effect.

Being faithful in the little things is the most important. It cultivates that character I so desire, that productive, disciplined, godly character so treasure-able, so prized.

And this leads to something embarrassing, but pointed for the purpose of conviction.

When H is gone, I struggle with the simple things of life. . . like, getting up, going to sleep on time, and being a disciplined woman in all the other areas that require the constant daily upkeep. Having a husband is a huge and helpful blessing. He makes me get up. When he is home, I can't wait to make breakfast. When he is gone, I am lucky if I even get breakfast because I always seem to be running a hair behind.

But why do I see any excuse to be unproductive when he is gone? I need to be this way all the time, regardless of whether he is home or not. And never let me go without saying, my husband is one of the greatest blessings in my life - but the thing is, I cannot rely on him to carry the load I must myself, pick up, strap to my back and move forward. He has his own to bear. And he daily testifies of how he loves me with his desire for my personal faithfulness.

This load-carrying, burden-bearing business ain't easy - oh yeah, this was never supposed to be easy!

Its hard to wake up when the sun isn't even out. Its harder as I have gotten older. Its hard when you know you have to go to work again. Its hard because, frankly, I love my sleep (who doesn't?).

This is quickly developing into another goal for me. To get a better night's sleep, for the sake of tomorrow. I want to feel refreshed and rejuvenated, not exhausted and dragging. And I want to wake up early, and claim that 'joy in the morning'.

Life is so precious. . . don't waste a second of it. Redeem the time.

*Its late, I am going to go to bed now ;)