Mascot and a Census

Saturday, my mom, niece, nephew, and I went to the new ball park downtown for a children's health fair.  We walked around and gathered information and trinkets.  We also got to meet the new mascot.

On Sunday I went to church and the sermon was on community.  I am very fortunate to belong to a small group that meets on Sunday nights that incorporates just what we learned.  Our small group really isn't so small...we have 22 people in it!  Last night we witnessed first hand how being transparency and forgiveness brings healing and unconditional love.  On a lighter note...we were just getting started with our time together when there was a knock on the door of the house we were meeting.  The owner of the house answered the door to a lady who said that she was with the census bureau.  She could not see (all 22 of us) sitting in the room, but as soon as we heard who she was we all just started laughing loudly.  The group leader asked if she would like to get several houses done at once.  She just handed him a piece of paper and left.  I bet she doesn't get that kind of welcome very often!

Administrative Assistant Day

Yesterday was Professional Administrative Assistants Day and those of us who fit that description and our supervisors all went to lunch at Cebolla's.  On the way, I asked my supervisor where we were going and he said that it's a surprise.  Once we were turning into the parking lot, he was very quick to tell me that Robin (another supervisor) planned the luncheon.  If you translate the name of the restaurant into English you will know why he told me that...He didn't want the blame for me eating at a place called "the onion!"  We all got a laugh out of it.  When we arrived, there were sombreros, Gerbera daisies, and chocolate for each of us.  A picture of mine is below.  It was a fun time and we felt really appreciated.  I even managed to get a meal with out the dreaded onions!

Tonight I went for a walk and took my camera with me.  I took more picture and have posted a sampling of them.  I also met a lady that lives about 2 blocks from me.  We got to talking and have decided that once she is cleared by her doctor, we should go walking together.  (She just had major surgery and has another 4 weeks of recovery time.)

Cakes and a park

Saturday I picked up my niece and we went to see "Hannah Montana the Movie" before creating a surprise for her mom (my sister) for mother's day.  I will have to post about the surprise later so that my sister will be surprised.  We went to a local restaurant and shared a club sandwich and Scooby snacks.  Scooby snacks are really good potato wedges with their special seasonings served with a cucumber sauce.  We then began making cakes for Sunday and also played go fish with the Nemo fish cards. On Sunday, I finished the cakes for small group snacks.  Thanks to my sister, I made two sizes of cupcakes.  The larger cupcakes take one cake mix per cupcake!  Those are full-size peeps sitting on one of them.

I also made a butterfly cake that seemed to be the rave of the crowd.

On Monday after work, I stopped by the park and took some pictures.  I would have taken more than I did but it began to rain.  Here is just a sampling of what I did get.

Friday night fun

Tonight was a great night!  I volunteered at the Selah concert tonight.  I saw many friends I haven't seen in awhile and made some new friends as well.  I love to listen to Selah and they are so real.  I had the opportunity to meet them about two years ago when I was the runner for the show and looked forward to seeing them again.  If you have the opportunity to see them in concert, do it.  They are a blessing and are very encouraging.  Best of all, they shine the light of Jesus through their lives!

Allan, Amy, & Todd

Selah does a song in an African language.  Tonight, there was a lady from Africa that lives locally that attended the concert.  Selah met her in the lobby prior to the concert.  She came up on stage and sang the song with them.  She actually stole that part of the show!  It was really cool.

The members of Selah each have a story just like each one of us.  They were open about their struggles.  Amy had us all in stitches the way she told her story.  It was nice to see how she could take her serious story and lighten it up without making light of it.  

Selah and family with a couple that attended the concert.  They are fellow bloggers and wanted to get a picture with Selah and their Stellan sign.  

Yes, I got to see Angie (Todd's wife)!  I met her last time they were here and I drove her around town.  I thought that she was someone I would like to hang out with...too bad we live in different states.  This was before the blog thing.  I saw on my cousin's blog that Angie had a blog too, so I began reading it.  I was excited to see that she was at the concert tonight.  I also got to meet their three daughters.  They were so cute all dressed alike and they are very energetic!  Angie is such a sweetheart.  She hung around to talk to all us bloggers who wanted to chat with her and get our pictures taken.  Even though there were so many of us, she made each one of us feel like we were the only person when she was talking to us.  I noticed she remembers people and their names so well too.

I said that I made some new friends tonight...well one of them is Tasha.  I met this sweet young lady while we waited to talk to Angie.  We past our time talking with Angie's girls until they ran off some of their energy.  That is when we began to chat.  She has two little girls that are just adorable.  I didn't get to meet them, but she showed me pictures of them. 

Well, it is going on 1 a.m., so I should probably get to bed.  I am looking forward to spending some time with my niece later on.

NO onions, hot chocolate, fries, and a friend

Today God used others to bless me.  

Blessing #1:  We had a lunch meeting at work.  One of my co-workers (who was in charge of getting today's lunch for everyone) made some pasta salad just for me without onion!  The rest had onion.  (Just in case you don't know, I am greatly appalled by anything onion!)  

Blessing #2:  About 4:40 this afternoon one of the owners came up to me and asked if I got my hot chocolate.  I looked at her quizzically and asked what hot chocolate.  She responded, "the one I put on your desk after lunch."  I work at the front desk on Wednesdays and not at my desk, so I had no idea that she brought me a Starbuck's hot chocolate.  She said that she got it for me because it was suppose to make me feel better.  (I haven't been feeling the best since Monday.  Today was much better than Monday though.)  At 5, I closed up the front office and got my hot chocolate from my desk and warmed it up.  (However, it is now in my fridge until tomorrow morning.  I will warm it up again and drink it because I went out with a friend after work instead of drinking it then.)  

Blessing #3:  My mom had called me right after work and said that she heard on the radio that Chick-fil-A was doing a promotion today that what ever you bought today you could keep your receipt and bring it in anytime tomorrow through May something and receive the same thing free.  My friend and I decided to go and participate.  When we got there however we found out that it was only in one store in Maryland and somehow it was getting around on the internet and radio.  As a nice gesture, she offered me a coupon for later for free fries.  So, next time I will get my fries for free.

Blessing #4:  (I saved the best for last.)  I got to spend time with a friend I haven't seen in awhile.  We enjoyed each others company and got to catch up with each other.  She is always so encouraging to be around.  It was nice to celebrate with her as well.

A day spent with family

Easter was a great day.  I went to church and the whole service was great.  I had lunch with my family at my sister's house before going to see my nephew for a few minutes.  Later my niece and I went to the park.

My nephew, brother, and niece.

My niece hunting for eggs.

My sister made this giant cupcake for us to eat for dessert.  We each had a piece and there was some left over!

Here is a cupcake that a co-worker made (this one is normal size).

This is a funny video that my niece and I did.

Jesus Christ is Risen!

Songs of the Day...

Prepare Day 38

John 19

1. What God said to me today through His Word...

"It is finished."  Period.  

2. What I saw God do today...

I watched my niece reach out to her mom during the worship time at the Good Friday service.  She listened to the promptings and brought comfort to her.

3. My prayer for today...

Words can not express what You did for me.  I want to live in the light and not dabble in the dark.  I was wrong and You are right.  Please forgive me.  I don't want to demean the One who gave His life for me.  Thank You that the issue is over; it is finished.  For as far is the east is from the west so far have You removed my trespasses from me.  Thank You for paying the price for me.  I'm sorry for being so careless and self-focused far too often.  Thank You that Your blood continues to cleanse me.  Amen.

Prepare Day 34

Luke 22:39-62

1. What God said to me today through His Word...

These 24 verses pack a lot of lessons in them.  

Lesson 1: Pray so we don't fall into temptation.

Lesson 2: We must be willing to do God's will and not our own even when we face difficult times.

Lesson 3: Jesus took time to heal one of the guards that was out to get Him during His attack.  (I wonder how that guard felt after being healed by the One he came to capture?  Did he choose to believe?)  Do we allow our circumstances to dictate whether we reach out to others?

Lesson 4: When we mess up do we weep bitterly over it?  Do we seek forgiveness?

(I am sure that there are more lessons contained in this passage, but these are the four that came to me today.)

2. What I saw God do today...

God is showing Himself to my sister in so many ways!

3. My prayer for today...

Lord, I thank You for all the people You are bringing into my sister's life to show her Yourself.  I pray that You would continue to give her the strength that she needs to get through each day.  May she continue to seek You and trust You.  I pray that she would see herself as You see her as well.  Please place Your healing hand on my niece and heal her from the fevers, passing out, and respiratory infection.  

Draw the people who need to hear about You and prepare their hearts to hear Your calling.  May they seek and find You during this Easter time.  Amen.

Song of the Day...

Prepare Day 33

Matthew 26:17-35

1. What God said to me today through His Word...

As many times as I have read today's passage in the past, I never picked up on verse 31.  We tend to focus on verses 33-34 where Jesus predicts that Peter will deny Him three times.  Verse 31 says: "Then Jesus told them, 'This very night you will all fall away on account of Me, for it is written: "I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered."'"  (How's that for a quote within a quote within a quote!?!)  Peter was not the only one that would deny Christ during that time.  I would like to think that I would not deny Jesus.  However, how many times do my actions do just that?  With the world getting more and more anti-Christian, it will become more difficult.  I pray that I as well as my fellow believers in Jesus Christ will stand strong and not give in to the worldly ways no matter how difficult it is to stand.

2. What I saw God do today...

Got me through a long day.  I went into my full-time job at 8 a.m.; worked until 5; grabbed some supper before working until 9:30 p.m. at my part-time job.

3. My prayer for today...

Thank You Lord for giving me strength for today.  Please give me the ability and strength to stand up in the midst of trials and temptations.  Help me not to deny You in word or action.  Amen.

The song of the day is "I've Just Seen Jesus" performed by Sandi Patty and Larnelle Harris.

Prepare Day 32 a.k.a 100th Post

This is my 100th blog post!  I began my blog almost a year ago...(April 21, 2008 to be exact).  A lot has happened and life has had some major changes.  I have learned much and hope to continue learning.  I'm glad you have chosen to walk this journey with me whether it is by reading my blog and/or physically involved in my life.  

Luke 19:28-44

1. What God said to me today through His Word...

Jesus is worthy to be praised...and if we do not praise Him, the rocks will cry out!  Let's not wait to hear the sound of rocks before we praise Him.

2. What I saw God do today...

I went for a walk in the park today (yes...even though it had snowed this morning and the temperature was in the lower 40s!).  I looked up to see the clouds and saw something flying.  It was three hawks gliding through the air.  They seemed to glide so effortlessly and gracefully.  It reminded me of Isaiah 40:30-31.  "Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (NIV)  It was an encouragement to me.

3. My prayer for today...

Lord, You are worthy of all honor and praise.  Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord!  Hosanna!  Holy One of Isreal!  Thank You for encouraging me today.  Thank You for the growth that has happened over the past year; may it continue into the next.  Amen.

The song of the day is "Arise My Love" by Newsong.  This is one of my favorite songs.

Prepare Day 31

John 13

1. What God said to me today through His Word...

I need to watch out for my pride getting too big; become a more gracious person.

2. What I saw God do today...

He prompted a friend to call me today that I have not talked to in ages.  I also found out that she and her husband are expecting!  I know that she has wanted to be a mom for so long.

3. My prayer for today...

Lord, help me to not think of myself more highly than I should.  Teach me to be more gracious and not so hard around the edges.  Thank You for this gift of new life that is growing inside my friend.  I pray that her morning sickness will go away and that she will be able to enjoy this time.  May this little one be healthy and come to know You at an early age.  Amen.

The song of the day...Sung by Selah.

Song of the Day...

God's Highest Priority

I found this last night on youtube.  If you are not familiar with the guy speaking, it is Louie Giglio.  He teaches at the Passion Conferences.  

Something to think about...

Prepare Day 30

Psalm 32

1. What God said to me today through His Word...

Be open and transparent; confess sin.  God knows about what was done anyway.  Confessing it to God and seeking His forgiveness frees us from the guilt and will stop zapping our energy....energy we can use to reach out to others.

2. What I saw God do today...

God used another blogger to point out something in my life.  

3. My prayer for today...

Lord, I confess that I seek out "how to have a better relationship" rather than just jumping in and and seeking You first hand.  This fear of the unknown and "what if" is not from You.  You have created us to bring You glory and to reach out to the world to show others grace and to teach them about You.  Give me a new boldness and excitement.  Amen.

Song of the Day...

Prepare Day 29

1 John 1:5-2:2

1. What God said to me today through His Word...

I, like everyone else, have sinned.  However, Jesus promises that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness!  

2. What I saw God do today...

I witnessed the innocent laughter and banter of a 4-year old.  

3. My prayer for today...

Thank You Lord for forgiving me of my sin and purifying me from my unrighteousness.  May I comprehend what that really means and life my life in such a way.  Thank You for laughter and little children.

Song of the day...

I found this video on YouTube.  

It is the song "How Beautiful" by Twila Paris and uses clips from "The Passion."

Prepare Day 28

Joel 2:12-13; 25-27

1. What God said to me today through His Word...

When reading today's passage, I stopped to look up what the word "rend" meant.  It means to tear into two or more pieces; cause great emotional pain.  According to the custom of that age, it was proper for them to rip their clothes to show their grief for their sins.  Without the rendering/great emotional pain of our heart, our outward expressions of sorrow are just a mockery and affront to God.  This does not mean that we do not show outward expressions such as fasting, weeping, and mourning; it means that we should not put on a show with them; it must come from the heart.  

2. What I saw God do today...

Gave me peace and a good day at work today...catching up too!

3. My prayer for today...

Lord, when I sin and confess it to You and grieve over it, may it be a true rending of my heart and not just for show.  I do not want to make a mockery of You or offend You. I thank You for Your mercy and praise You for You have worked wonders in my life.  You are the LORD our God and there is no other!

Prepare Day 27

Lamentations 3:19-29

1. What God said to me today through His Word...

Do you ever stop to think about how loud your surroundings are throughout the day?  Noise...music, tv, talking, traffic, motors, clocks ticking, wind blowing...etc.  Always doing, moving... How often do you just sit alone in silence?  If you're like me, it is almost never!  How do we expect to hear from God if we don't slow down and quiet ourselves.  There are so many distractions, we need to stop and leave them all behind and just listen and be sometimes.  Can we even sit FIVE minutes without being distracted?!  

2. What I saw God do today...

Saved me from some reckless driving.

3. My prayer for today...

Lord, I am sorry for not quieting myself before You.  Give me the will to allow myself to not always have to have the radio or tv on in the background.  Give me ears that can hear what You are saying to me.  

I lift up my cousin Barb to You.  I thank You for healing her of cancer in the past.  I pray that You will again place Your healing hand on her.  Give the doctors wisdom and discernment to know what to do and when.  Give Barb and her family peace and strength during the time.  Amen.