Revelations...

These are just some random revelations I have had over the last couple of days. None of them are all that serious... but just random thoughts I want to share with you, blog world! Don't you feel so lucky!

1. Boys have a universal language. And that language is sports.

Seriously. I went up to Michigan for the Penn St. Game this past weekend (expect a post on that as soon as I download the photos) and I watched my brother talk to complete strangers and create this bond... all over sports!

First, during lunch all the boys were watching GameDay and then one of the bajillion games one. And it was hilarious. They ranted together. They cheered together. And they didn't even introduce themselves. They all just watched and bonded. It was weird.

And then during the game, we had 4 (rather good looking) Penn State fans in front of us. I watched Ross and them talk technicalities and learn from each other. I watched the Dad in front of them (who was a UM fan) bond with them and talk the WHOLE game.

I just don't understand it. For all you men out there. This is NOT how women bond.

2. There is a martyr in all of us.

When I was little, for far back as I can remember, my mom has told me, "don't be a martyr."

It used to make me angry -- mainly because I didn't know what it means.

It still makes me angry, but mainly because I am getting called out.

But, I think we all like to be a martyr. We all like to be able to say "poor me!" "woe is me!" "I have a harder time than you!" I was struck by this because I have had a couple of volunteers recently who have purposefully made life harder for themselves, but as I watch I see them in some way almost enjoy being the martyr.

So, do you think that is true? Do we all like to be the martyr?

3. I am both a morning and a night person. I am NOT an afternoon person.

How did I learn this, you ask? Well, last night we had a social with our Women's Bible Study. We have maybe 15 get to know you questions. One of them asked "Are you a morning or night person?" And one of the girls answered BOTH and went on to explain it. And. Oh. My. Gosh. It sounded just like me!

I like to stay up at night. Typically that is when I am most alert.

But I also like my mornings. I don't like to waste the day away. I love exercising in the morning and hitting the ground running.

At work I get the most done during the morning hours and from about 3:30 on.

But my afternoons... drag... on.

I LIVE for the nap.

So, my ideal schedule would be: get up early. exercise. work. take a nap at about 1-3ish. get up and finish out my day working, hanging out, etc.

What are you? a morning person? night person? both?

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Ok, so those are my three, random revelations of the last couple of days. Hope you enjoyed a small trip into my brain!

Read This

I found this article of msn today... and it comes from the O magazine.

I think you should read it. Why? Because it explains so much... and I hope it makes you see that things aren't always so black and white.

I won't excuse what these two teenagers did... but I will say this. They were probably both very sick and needed help themselves. As Dylan's mother said... this doesn't excuse their reaction. But it does need to be understood that these boys were sick and are in need of forgiveness. Holding onto hurt and bitterness won't help.

And more than they need forgiveness, their mothers, their fathers, their siblings and other family members need forgiveness. Because they live under the burden of losing a loved one, not understanding that loved one's actions and feeling guilt for those actions.

I didn't attend Columbine and I didn't attend Virginia Tech. My brother, however, did attend Virginia Tech and he lived through one gruesome mass murder-suicide. It affected him deeply and was a very dark hour for our nation and that campus. But I'll never forget talking to him a couple months later and hearing him say some very mature and profound things.

"I feel for his family. He not only killed others, but killed himself. They lost a son both physically and the son they thought they knew."

My brother also feels pretty strongly that people should count him as part of the loss that day. You may not need to memorialize it... but it wasn't just 32 lives lost at Va Tech that April day. It was 33 lives lost.

I hope this article helps to explain why I feel so strongly as to why we need to remember that distinction. Those three men did horrible things. But they left behind loved ones who lost someone, too. And they lost the memory of that person. Don't know if that makes sense. I just know in my heart I feel sorrow for every person in this story and every side of it, too.

Someday we won't live in a fallen world and I for one can't wait to see Jesus face to face.

Monday

Is it just another Manic Monday? Maybe, not...

"Why don't people like Monday? It's a day of optimism. The week can only get better from here. We should rename it "Funday."" - stolen from Josh Wilson (via his Twitter Updates).

I'll try changing my perspective on Monday... after all, it couldn't hurt Monday's chances of being a good day!

Happy Monday!

Busy

I find that this post is me to a "T." Seriously. I crave being busy... I don't know how to say no... and it has been this was since I can remember.

I have always loved planners -- since they made you write in them in elementary school and have them signed by your parents. In 6th grade when it became optional, I searched high and low for the perfect one.

I still use the same brand/type I found in high school. It works perfectly for me. I don't think I will ever trade it in... especially for something electronic. I love my paper planner.

But even more than that -- there are times when God makes me sit still and just spend time one Him. There have also been times where He has forced me to depend upon Him, because we all know how much I love control.

Like right now -- I take the GRE in less than a week and am terrified. I want to go back to school, but what if I do terrible? It has been so stressed that I am reverting back to my paralyzed by fear state where I do nothing but ignore all the things I should be doing... I am doing it at work, at home, with friends. I have recently started asking for prayers concerning it because that is the only way it will get better. And it is forcing me to depend on God and His promise -- that He will provide everything I need for He has called me to it. And if I am not meant to teach then He will open the right door. And THAT is what I need to depend upon.

Each time I moved, I have had to depend upon God.

This summer, with my heart broken, I have to depend on God. I had to slow down long enough to let Him comfort me and my heart.

Lord, thank You for taking things out of my control (no matter how much I cling to my planner and my lists) so that I can depend upon You.

A Lesson...

On how to pick up the pieces when life falls apart... don't know if I could be any more moved than I am right now. Read this article:

Mealer Brothers a Lesson in Courage.

Wow. Life can change in an instant. Sometimes for the worse. Sometimes for the better. Sometimes to show you what you are made of.

This family is made up of a lot of love, courage and determination.

Singleness

Overall I don't mind being single. Yea I have my moments where I think "my life will be completed if I only had ...a boyfriend ...a husband ...a wedding to plan ... children."

But then I remember all the awesome things you get to do as a single:

- spend money how I want to without consulting anyone
- go one trips with the girls (hello Disney, Tennessee, Maine, etc)
- drop everything to go and see a friend
- the joy of knowing I can do it!
- choosing to go back to school
- getting all the Introverted time I need
- decorating my room how I want
- not having to cook dinner every night (I have a very limited number of dishes I can make)

Sure, life isn't perfect in either boat. But I like where God has me. I read this quote quite some time ago... but it always makes me laugh.

It always makes me think, too... Let's celebrate being single! Or for that matter, celebrate where God has you! It is by no mistake you are there.

"Think about it. If you are single, after graduation there isn't one occasion where people celebrate you... Hallmark doesn't make a "congratulations, you didn't marry the wrong guy" card. And where's the flatware for going on vacation alone?" --Carrie, SATC

** Disclaimer: I am not a SATC fan, but the quote is great!

In earnest prayer...

Today and yesterday have been those type of days where I am just overwhelmed, tired and could throw myself a big old pity party. I have thought to myself repeatedly, "thank goodness I am a Christian and know that hope lies somewhere else than in this world and that He can provide me with more comfort than anything on this Earth, because if not I would be reaching for the bottle... or something else to comfort myself." YES! ME! Even though I don't like alcohol all that much, and see no point in "drowning your sorrows."

But then I am reminded that my problems are nothing compared to others on this Earth. There are people who aren't healthy, who don't have all of their family healthy, who are suffering more than my mere annoyances. I am fed, have a roof over my head at home AND at work, I get to choose my occupation and where I worship, I have freedom and liberty.

And more than that, my small, petty problems compared to other here are on Earth are nothing to my BIG, GREAT GOD who can do anything!

I found this blog and was brought to my knees for this family. Pray for them, that if God would choose to, to heal Sara and bring her back to her newborn. But if not, that He would be glorified and her family comforted. Pray they would turn to God in the midst of all of this, and that all of us, no matter how big or small would turn to God.

First Signs

It happened. Last night was the first official sign of Fall in my book.

As I was walking into our Wednesday night service at church I looked up and realized "it's getting dark earlier. It's only 7:30 and it is dark."

Sad.

But there are good things about the Fall.

The colors. I saw the first tree with changing leaves yesterday, too.

The football! Go Blue! Michigan has been playing pretty well! :-)

Halloween. My sweet tooth can't wait!

My birthday! I'll be 26 -- when did I get closer to 30 than 20?

What do you enjoy about fall? What is the first sign for you that summer is over and fall has begun? Have you reached it yet?

Random Question

There was a HUGE thunderstorm rolling in as I went to bed last night. Had me thinking a lot about thunderstorms.

At what point do children stop being afraid of thunderstorms?

And at what point did they actually start to bring me comfort?

I am serious. I haven't feared a thunderstorm in a LONG time. But I never really enjoyed them. However, it the last couple of years I have really begun to enjoy them. Last night as I fell asleep to the thunder claps I thought "in a weird way, this is comforting." Why is that?!?! And when did it happen?!?!

I'll give you this, though -- I do NOT like thunderstorms if I have to drive through them or if I have to walk from my car to a building. Its not the sounds... its the lightning!! i don't want to get hit. (really, what are the chances of that happening?).

Do you like thunderstorms? or do you still hate them?

Debt

I have talked a little bit on my blog about my credit card debt. I am so thankful that God has convicted me to clean up my spending habits. I still have quite a ways to go, but I feel like at 25 I am leaps and bounds above where I could be...

Here is one article that just forced me to stop and be thankful and praise God for where He has brought me to my knees. $60,000 -- I can't even imagine being that far in debt and then being forced to begin taking furlough. Or even worse... lose your job! Praise God that I have a job that seems (for the time being) stable and one that I enjoy. Praise God that I am not that far in debt!

I also really enjoy this portion of Dave Ramsey's website... gives me hope that someday I'll be able to call in and yell FREEDOM! I will be there someday! And hopefully sooner rather than later.

BLAH!

Today is a blah day. I don't know how else to explain it.

I think a lot of it has to deal with the fact that I have a lot swimming around up in my head...

...should I go to Hawaii? but it will cost a LOT of money! and what about time off?! I mean, I technically have the time to take. BUT, then I'll have no even two full days off!

...will I ever be in a relationship? am I just too dorky? not funny enough? too tall? not outgoing enough? too controlling? would I be ok with being single for the rest of my life?

...work! ACK! why have I been such a slacker? I need to: -book the rooms for next year's meetings; -plan my Admin Meeting for next week; -return phone calls; -schedule and plan Try It Troops; -find volunteers to lead troops; -fill spots on my Admin Team; -and the list goes on and one

...back to am I likeable? well, maybe if you said this differently, or did this differently is what then starts to run through my head...

...what is God teaching me? That I need to know myself better. But what does that look like? Am I afraid to see myself, who He has created me to be?

And really, that is just a small glimpse into my mind. And only what has run through my mind in the last hour or so. It makes it hard to even concentrate long enough to get something done at work.

Do you know who the theologian Jonathan Edwards is? He wrote all those "resolved" statements. Part of me feels like today would be a day we I would write some of my "resolved" statements.

Like...

Resolved: I will no longer sleep through my alarm.

Resolved: I will be a good steward of my time at work. This will be shown through no longer playing spider solitaire as a "mental break" and returning all phone calls the same day they are received.

Resolved: I will not focus on being single. Each time that thought crops up in my mind I will instead begin praying.

And on and on it could go...

And part of me is serious in making these resolutions. Maybe I should at least consider trying to redirect many of my thoughts... especially when trying to be productive at work.

What about you? Do you all have days like this?

Walls and Word Vomit

Warning: If you don't like the word vomit, then don't read any further. I will be using it occasionally (but take comfort in the fact that I am not talking about actual vomit here).

First- let's define Word Vomit. I first heard this phrase from a girl I lived with the summer after my Junior Year; I stayed in Ann Arbor that summer for my Internship at Pulte Homes. I sublet at 710 Catherine house and one night I stayed up late talking with Nikki. She was going through some rough moments and she "word vomited" in her words. It is basically what it sounds like: all the words to describe what you are going through just come right on out of your mouth, almost in way you can't control. So there you go- word vomit.

That being said, I don't word vomit. At least not often. And most likely not about things I haven't dealt with. I have walls and they are high my friends. If I have dealt with something I am feeling then I'll probably be willing to talk to you about it.

If I haven't then most likely not.

I don't like being vulnerable.

And its not that in the midst of being vulnerable that I mind it.

It's the way Saran attacks me afterwards. I just regret it. I question why I ever said those things. I feel dumb. I feel like an idiot for letting my guard down, for letting people see me as weak.

And while I know accountability and being vulnerable is a good thing, I just don't do it.

I am working on it and have made improvements by leaps and bounds over the last couple of years. But I am learning that I need someone to ask me questions, someone I trust to do it, too. If not, I probably won't be offering up the material (in my head I think, why bother them with that information, they don't want to know).

In fact, I am now realizing I want my closest friends to ask me about it they notice something. Why are you so sad? What are you learning about? What are you reading? Do you like that boy? Are you feeling fulfilled at church? Do you miss being in a Bible Study?

But they don't, and yet I expect them to. So now I am trying to decide how to tell them that I want to be asked. That I want to be pursued in that way. That is one way I feel loved...

So what is the point of this rambling entry? Pray for me... Pray that I would be open with people... that I would lower my walls (especially with those people who are closest to me) and that i would learn how to word vomit.

Earth Day

We all know I am a little bit on the moderate to liberal side when it comes to politics. One of the main reasons is I believe in helping the environment, being a good steward of the planet that God has given us. No, we cannot control the weather nor can we save it from destruction. But just as with our body, our time, etc we should be good stewards. I get a daily devotional sent to me everyday... and today's read:

"Today's Scripture
God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life.-John 3:16 (TEV)

MANY read this verse and interpret it to mean "God so loved us" - people. However, the Greek word translated here as "world" means "cosmos." In other words, God loved all creation - including this planet and the entire universe - not just people.

There is much about this planet to love. I look forward to taking walks in our local park. Since each season has its own beauty, I walk year round - looking around me and thanking God for what I see, whether the trees are barren or full. Sometimes I wonder if this same beauty will be available for my grandchildren and great-grandchildren to enjoy.

As a person of faith, I am concerned about God's creation and what we are doing to it. We don't have to agree about the issue of global warming to know that we all need and want clean air, clean water, and unpolluted soil in which to grow our food. We want our grandchildren and great-grandchildren to experience the same beautiful planet we have enjoyed. Each of us can find ways to love and care for this world that God loves so much.Barbara A. Chaplin (Kansas, USA)

Prayer
Creator of the universe, help us to live in harmony with you. Help us individually to do all we can to solve environmental problems. Amen."

What struck me is how we interpret this verse. Yes, Jesus came to this Earth to save mankind. He did that by dying on the cross for our sins... and I am extremely thankful for that. But God loves not just people, but all of His creation. Elohim is one of God's names and this is the name for God as creator. He loves all of His creation, the Earth and all in it. We should be treating the Earth better... myself included. I recycle, try to minimize water usage, my use of electricity... but what else can I do? How can I lead a "greener" lifestyle (not to be trendy or anything).

Just my thoughts today. Enjoy Earth Day... and even if you aren't someone to recycle... can you do it just today? Celebrate what Elohim has created for us to enjoy!

Random Thoughts on Dating...

It is inevitable being single, in a Singles Ministry, that I talk about dating and relationships. If you thought you talked about the topic a lot in college- it is nothing compared to how much we talk about it in a Singles Ministry.

And it makes sense. We are in a pressure cooker (umm, hello, you talk to a boy for more than 5 seconds and everyone's eyes are on you). At this point in our lives, most of us in that ministry want to be married.

So this leads to not surprising fact that when I see a dating article on msn.com or some other news feed, I normally read it. They are normally written from a worldly perspective, but sometimes still have some good insight.

I recently ran across two articles (Article 1 here and Article 2 here) and wanted to share my random thoughts on them with you.

Article 1:
Ok, the second paragraph... definitely my favorite:

"After years alone, on the cusp of my 35th birthday, I was serious. I'd learned that letting myself kiss the wrong guy set in motion a sort of unwitting hormonal bonding stronger than rational thinking. If I was going to meet the right man, I decided, I needed to remain chemical-free, to think clearly, to get to know him first."

I think all non-Christians (and, well Christians,too!) should take note. And is probably one of the best reasons I have heard as to why you shouldn't get physical while dating. Yes, the bible commanding it is the best reason, but for those who don't believe the bible- this is a very strong argument!

Overall, I don't know if I could do 100 dates in 6 months. But it seems to make sense in some ways. If you aren't meeting new people then you can't find "the one." As well, if you let your emotions (due to lust) do all of the talking, then you may miss the one who should have deserved a second date. And finally- the being honest with people as to why or why not you are going on a date with them. Most guys I have ever talked to would rather be told "no" right away than have even one pity date.

Article 2:
Ok, as a warning- this is just more of a reaction to the idea of "giving a guy a chance" idea than the whole article.

I agree with the "give a guy a chance" idea. Most guys do fall into that "maybe" boat rather than the "I have a crush on him" boat or the "absolutely no way" boat. Most of my "maybe" guys are my friends. Just haven't really thought of them as more than that. So, I would probably say yes.

But here is my issue. Are guys told to give the girls in the "friend" or "maybe" boat a chance? I personally don't think they are. But, how is that fair? However, my roommate did have a good point last night. Girls and Guys have different friend boats, and different ways of approaching them. AND, it is possible that a girl is getting a "chance" and we just don't know it.

However, this article leads me down a different road. What about the boys who are in the "no" boat? I have a couple of guys who I am friends with and they are really just in the "no" boat. Girls, if they were to ask you to coffee, do you say "yes" because you should give everyone a chance? Or do you answer honestly? (like the girl in the first article learned is the best way to go). It could be freeing, but it could also really hurt the guy. I don't know... I think honesty is the best policy. I just pray if I have a guy in the "no" boat and God wants differently then He will change my heart. Until then... if he is in the "no" boat, but honest with him. I think a pity date is worse than a no to a date.

Let me know what you think!

Reconsidered...

Well Ladies and Gentlemen, I was going to write to you this morning about how frigidly cold my office is, and how it isn't even winter yet. But, nope. Not today. Instead, let me lead you down another path.

I opened up my blog, and rather than immediately go to writing, I instead decided to pursue some of my favorites (see the list to your right). And it led me to one of my favorite blogs, Bring the Rain. Click here for the article that changed me day.

Angie is the mom of five wonderful children, two who have already be called back into God's arms. She has chosen her blog as one way to grieve and in the grief minister to others out there, whether they have been through such a loss or not. And it has many times over ministered to me.

Today she wrote about one of her precious daughters, Ellie, the mother hen as Angie has dubbed her. Ellie sounds like a delight. A little girl that in some ways reminds me of myself. I wasn't a scaredy cat as a child, but I was definitely a timid child. I would talk to adults, as along as I knew exactly where mom and dad were standing. I would try things, but probably after a little coaxing. I have vivid memories of being terrified to try new roller coasters, and especially of having to ride my first roller coaster, the Big Bad Wolf. Seriously... I can remember the knots in my stomach, the inability to breath as I stepped into the cart, the desire to get out as soon as the restraint was locked. But I did it. I was determined to ride. And I can also remember how much I loved that first ride, how excited I was to get on it again and again, and to try another roller coaster, then another, and another.

Have you noticed how riding a roller coaster is never the same after the first time. It is always still enjoyable, but never quite the same? you never get quite as scared? never feel that determination you felt the first time? Maybe that is way they have to keep building bigger and better ones, to continue to scare us into enjoyment.

But that is a digression. Angie, in her post talks about how Ellie had this moment of determination to ride this ride, even if she was scared. And how this moment, with of course great pictures, reminded Angie of her own determination to follow Christ and the freedom He brings us.

Man, did that hit home. I have yet to share my testimony with all of you, blog-world, but I do intend to one of these days. I can't tell you how many times since that Early Winter of 2002 that I have had to literally decide to believe God and His Word over what I wanted to believe. How about an example?

During my Freshman year, I can vividly remember having this conversation with my now best friend, Jenn (who God has used tremendously in my life). We were talking about who we would consider marrying. She said, "well, whoever I marry has to be a Christian." And I said, "well, I wouldn't mind if he wasn't. I mean, as long as he respects me and my beliefs." And she looked at me like I had ten heads. So, I asked her, "Why does he have to be a Christian?" And we talked for a long time about being equally yoked, what the Bible says, etc. And I remember that evening talking to God and saying... "ok, I don't get it. I don't get why the man I marry has to be a Christian, but I am going to trust Your Word..." It has been amazing how God has worked in that decision, shown me relationships that have been disasters and mainly because of the fact that they don't share the most important thing, the love of Christ. It is amazing how God works when you let Him in.

I'll tell my testimony in more detail later... but I do remember the day I became a Christian. It was in the car with my friend Sarah. We were talking about the hypocrisy in the church and how disappointed we were with it. We were talking about all the "leaps of faith" you have to take if you believe in Christ. How could someone be fully God and fully man? How do we even know the Bible is true? Oh, there are so many. BUT, I finally said to Sarah, and more importantly, to God, "I don't care if I ever know these answers. And it sucks the church is full of fallen and sinful people. But I am choosing God. I am choosing Christ. From here on out, I walk according to the scriptures. From here on out, I follow Christ and what He has for me."

It was a scary moment and can still be scary at times. But I have never regretted that decision. I love the adventures God has taken me on. I hope that people can see the same expression of joy Ellie had on her face in mine. It is joy that is unexplainable, except to tell you it is God given.

Thanks Angie for sharing your story, it has been a good reminder of why I also chose to believe and why I walk with determination each and every day towards Christ.

One Year Ago

Don't you love these posts?

What were you doing one year ago today?

I can tell you what I was doing!

I was starting my job here at the Girl Scouts. :-). And what a fun change it has been. This job has been such a better fit for me and what I like to do. I get the human interaction that I like, but also get to work very independently. It is the perfect balance for my social-introverted self.

It is kind of fun, because today I working (for the first time mind you) on my goals. We have membership goals we are supposed to meet each yet... and well, for the first time, I am getting to set them. And after being here for a year, I feel like I am actually prepared to set them! I know enough about our council, what the ultimate goal of this organization is, etc to make this happen. Kind of cool (and scary!, I am evaluated based on this... eek!).

Anyway... I pray for each and everyone of you in a job you aren't too excited about that you find something you like to do. I also pray that I continue to enjoy this job! I am also extremely thankful for how God got me to this point. I love my life here in NC, my job... my church... etc. Thank you, Jesus!

Concentration

Do you remember that sleepover game called concentration? I don't remember much about it any more... except that you chanted "concentration, concentration," over and over again. Was this also the one where you "cracked an egg on your back" and while saying that you pounded your fist on the back?

Do you also remember the game "Light as a Feather, Stiff as a Board." Man, fun times to be had a sleepovers as a kid. We played all of those game; they never worked. But that is ok... still the myth that is passed down; i feel like our moms probably played this games, too.

What other games did we play? We played lots of board games, watched many movies... I miss sleepovers. Maybe I should organize one and just give all of us grown ups a chance to be tweens again. We could even watch High School Musical (its a guilty pleasure of mine, not going to lie).

Well, anyway, I am thinking of that game today because I am having such a problem concentrating today. I just can't focus at work. I am getting distracted and not wanting to work. I wonder if this is because it is sunny out and I just want to be outside. I don't know why. I am just taking a moment to rest my brain and pray that the Lord would allow me to focus on what I need to rather than be bored and let my mind wander.

Bad Mood

Today I am in a funk. I think it is because I am just tired and wearing myself thin this week. See people, this is why I am an introvert. No one believes me... but here is why. Because when I am faced with weeks like this one I crave being alone and just want to crawl into bed and pull the covers over my head.

My week has been crazy. My weekend a couple of days ago was crazy. This weekend is going to be crazy. And all of this is a good thing. I LOVED hanging out with people this past weekend; loved dinner with the girls on Friday night, loved the Bulls game on Saturday night... just makes it so I don't get any rest. Work has been nut-so and so i just feel overwhelmed and need to rejuvenate, and can't.

However, I am excited for Caswell this weekend :-). Friday I am heading to camping at Carolina Beach with the girls. And then Caswell Beach Retreat all weekend. :-) :-) :-)!!!

But, with all of this going on I have just noticed how bad of a mood I am in. I want to complain about everything. Complain about stupid Hilary. Just drop out of the race already. Your stubbornness is just making you look worse. I guarantee the only people excited about you staying at this point are Republicans who want this chaos to continue. Complain about oil companies and how they are currently rolling in more money than they know what to do with; what they really should be doing instead of giving all the money to the shareholders is figure out how to make gas prices go down. Ok government, now is the time to step in and change this. Monopoly? put a cap on how much the earn? i don't know, just do something before my budget is only gas and I have to starve myself to survive. Complain about things at my job that are just giving me a headache. Complain about the state of my room, the lack of time I have, etc.

Bummer. I am just praying that God would first give me rest and second to remind me to praise Him before I complain. He is in control. None of this stuff matters in the grand scheme of things anyway.

Hope you day is well! Pray that my attitude changes. I want to enjoy today.

God is working...

So, I am not one of those "God did this natural disaster because those people deserved it" Christians. I am, however, one of those "God allowed this to happen for a reason" Christian.

I look at the cyclone in Myanmar and now the earthquake in China as God shaking that part of the world so that they are ready to hear His Good News. But it is just so sad. So many have to lose their lives in these crazy natural disasters. I just pray for them, their families. I pray that God will have good done despite all the sadness and devastation.

Random thoughts...

... I so voted today in the primary here in North Carolina. Kind of felt cool... like it was important. Maybe it is, maybe it isn't. Still, I did it!

... yesterday as I was driving to work I pulled up to a guy in his Aztec or something SUV-like. He had his windows down and out was hanging his hand with his cigarette. It took all of me not to role down my window and SARCASTICALLY tell him how cool his was. And the proceed to tell him was going to die someday from smoking. But I didn't, I am not that brave.

... tomorrow we have an all day staff meeting. not too excited about it. we have to ride three hours just to get there, eat lunch, and bowl. yippeee!

... Ross (my brother) graduates this weekend. I am soooo excited for him. :-)!!! Not to mention proud of my little (ok, not so little, younger) brother.