I find this appropiate after my last post. I was tagged by Katherine and just realize that meant me do it..well, at least 'a' Holly is to do it! :) So here we go.....
1. Changed your life: Personality Plus by Florence Littauer
2. Read more than once: Wwo, a lot of books. The first one was back in middle school Remember Me by Christopher Pike. This was the time in my life that inspired me to be a author myself. (And I did--I wrote a book in the 8th grade over 100 pages long.)
3. Want on a desert island: The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
4. Made you laugh (giggle): Several I already mentioned. But for something new, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (all three)
5. If you've seen the movies or plays, the book is hilarious: What does this mean? Does it mean the book is funny it's so bad compared to the movie or play? I don't know. I usually love the book more than the movie.
6. Made you cry: The Hidding Place by Corrie Ten Boom
7. Wish had been written: Interesting question, I don't know.
8. Wish had never been written: Textbooks don't count, huh? Maybe Origin of Species by Charles Darwin. I think I could do without that.
9. Currently reading: I just bought House by Frank Peretti and Ted Dekker and also Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
10. Fact or fiction: Both...I cycle through. Right now I am mostly fiction girl.
11. Awesome book that is empowering me: The last one I read that continues to empower me is Lies Women Believe and the Truth That Sets Them Free by Nancy Leigh DeMoss
12. Meaning to read: Ha! There are too many!
I tag Mock, Brandon, Susanne, SarahG, and Emily in lovely Lubbock....well see who does it!
Tuesday, October 3, 2006
Monday, September 18, 2006
Blind Calls
Well, the Oregon-OU game taught us many things, in the least, that life is not always fair. But I noticed an interesting trend.
As of 9:30 this morning, there were about 70 Facebook groups devoted to the OU-Oregon game. In those 70 groups, there were about 6,500 people (and growing). The groups ranged in composition---some were ref-based, some Pak-10 based, and many others were just sprinkled liberally with expletives.
One group in particular had close to 2,000 names. It was a petition to get the game's win over-thrown. Although that is unlikely, the thought behind that group and the 70-some-old others made me take notice.
The common link behind each of the groups was passion. Passion drives us to take action. We are passionate about the injustice, about the loss, about the unfairness of it all. SO passionate, we find out the email, phone, and address of those who are in charge. We form like-minded groups...we petition...we contact...we pursue justice.
The sad part of all of this is that it is about FOOTBALL. Now, don't get me wrong. I am a HUGE OU fan. I am mad about Saturday's loss. I think we did get robbed, and it was 100% unfair. It stinks!
Given that, though, it kind of makes me sad to think we can get over 7,000+ people to be so passionate ONE football game and yet these same people ignore other injustices each and very day. Are you more passionate about the injustice of a call in a football game, or are you more passionate about reaching the lost?
Which motivates you into action--a bad call on the field, or an abortion of an child? What issues invoke intense, driving, or overmastering feeling or conviction in your life?
I am saddened that I can more easily get passionate about an injustice in football than about people going to hell. I'm disappointed that I'm more likely to sign a petition to get a football game score overthrown than I am to save an unborn child.
Hmm. Yes, the Pak-10 Refs were blind this week, but I think I am just as blind. I am just as guilty of allowing bad calls to stand even in the light of Proof.
As of 9:30 this morning, there were about 70 Facebook groups devoted to the OU-Oregon game. In those 70 groups, there were about 6,500 people (and growing). The groups ranged in composition---some were ref-based, some Pak-10 based, and many others were just sprinkled liberally with expletives.
One group in particular had close to 2,000 names. It was a petition to get the game's win over-thrown. Although that is unlikely, the thought behind that group and the 70-some-old others made me take notice.
The common link behind each of the groups was passion. Passion drives us to take action. We are passionate about the injustice, about the loss, about the unfairness of it all. SO passionate, we find out the email, phone, and address of those who are in charge. We form like-minded groups...we petition...we contact...we pursue justice.
The sad part of all of this is that it is about FOOTBALL. Now, don't get me wrong. I am a HUGE OU fan. I am mad about Saturday's loss. I think we did get robbed, and it was 100% unfair. It stinks!
Given that, though, it kind of makes me sad to think we can get over 7,000+ people to be so passionate ONE football game and yet these same people ignore other injustices each and very day. Are you more passionate about the injustice of a call in a football game, or are you more passionate about reaching the lost?
Which motivates you into action--a bad call on the field, or an abortion of an child? What issues invoke intense, driving, or overmastering feeling or conviction in your life?
I am saddened that I can more easily get passionate about an injustice in football than about people going to hell. I'm disappointed that I'm more likely to sign a petition to get a football game score overthrown than I am to save an unborn child.
Hmm. Yes, the Pak-10 Refs were blind this week, but I think I am just as blind. I am just as guilty of allowing bad calls to stand even in the light of Proof.
Monday, September 11, 2006
Remembering
Well, it's been five years now.
Today I was thinking about where I was on September 11 when I heard about the world trade center crashes. I was not yet working at the BSU yet, but rather, Boise Cascade Office Products. I was on the team on the far corner of the building, which I loved. It was quieter and more private over there. So much so, the guy in the cubicle in front of me would listen to his radio during work. He heard it announced on the radio, and at that time we didn't know it was on purpose. It seemed like an accident.....until the second plane.
Before long most of the several-hundred person office was in the break room watching the TVs. After about an hour, we were actually sent home from work.....I have never heard of that thing happening before. I guess they figured we wouldn't work much with this going on. Plus, we were a national company and it affected the company everywhere--even Norman, Oklahoma. And I watched TV, like the rest of the world, for the rest of the day and days to follow.
That day reminded me so much of the OKC bombing in the shock of watching history unfold in front of your eyes. It's like the Kennedy assassination, too, I guess. They say everyone remembers where they were and what they were doing on that day too.
We never know when a normal day will turn into a historical day. We never know when we might be touched by acts of violence like this. We never know when our time here on earth is over. We never know.
Today I was thinking about where I was on September 11 when I heard about the world trade center crashes. I was not yet working at the BSU yet, but rather, Boise Cascade Office Products. I was on the team on the far corner of the building, which I loved. It was quieter and more private over there. So much so, the guy in the cubicle in front of me would listen to his radio during work. He heard it announced on the radio, and at that time we didn't know it was on purpose. It seemed like an accident.....until the second plane.
Before long most of the several-hundred person office was in the break room watching the TVs. After about an hour, we were actually sent home from work.....I have never heard of that thing happening before. I guess they figured we wouldn't work much with this going on. Plus, we were a national company and it affected the company everywhere--even Norman, Oklahoma. And I watched TV, like the rest of the world, for the rest of the day and days to follow.
That day reminded me so much of the OKC bombing in the shock of watching history unfold in front of your eyes. It's like the Kennedy assassination, too, I guess. They say everyone remembers where they were and what they were doing on that day too.
We never know when a normal day will turn into a historical day. We never know when we might be touched by acts of violence like this. We never know when our time here on earth is over. We never know.
Monday, September 4, 2006
Sweet Dreams
This quote was at the beginning of a book I read over the weekend. Although the book was pretty lame, this quote stood out to me.
"The division of one day from the next must be one of the most profound peculiarities of life on this plant. It is, on the whole, a merciful arrangement. We are not condemned to sustained flights of being, but are constantly refreshed by little holidays from ourselves. We are intermittent creatures, always falling to little ends and rising to little new beginnings. Our soon-tired consciousness is meted out in chapters, and that the world will look quite different tomorrow is, for both our comfort and our discomfort, usually true. How marvelously too night matches sleep, sweet images of it, so neatly apportioned to our need. Angles must wonder at these things being who fall so regularly out of awareness into phantasm-invested dark. How our frail identities survive these chasms no philosopher has ever been able to explain." --Iris Murdoch
"The division of one day from the next must be one of the most profound peculiarities of life on this plant. It is, on the whole, a merciful arrangement. We are not condemned to sustained flights of being, but are constantly refreshed by little holidays from ourselves. We are intermittent creatures, always falling to little ends and rising to little new beginnings. Our soon-tired consciousness is meted out in chapters, and that the world will look quite different tomorrow is, for both our comfort and our discomfort, usually true. How marvelously too night matches sleep, sweet images of it, so neatly apportioned to our need. Angles must wonder at these things being who fall so regularly out of awareness into phantasm-invested dark. How our frail identities survive these chasms no philosopher has ever been able to explain." --Iris Murdoch
Monday, August 21, 2006
Whistle while you work....
It's good to operate on full tanks. Wow.
This week, although super busy and crazy at times, I have been having fun. Today I was singing to myself as I worked on cleaning up the database. It just made me realize how much this summer refreshed me.
I love statistics. At the END of last year, we had 891 contacts in our database. As of today, we have 751 contacts. That is only after one event! I'm excited to see the students really go after it and invite people and really make them feel welcome. No, we are not perfect, but it is the heart behind it that excites me.
I am also excited about the changes we are making in the ministry at OU. I think we will be able to meet more and open the doors to more people than we ever had. That is not about numbers----but about getting to touch MORE people's lives for Jesus! We have 28,000 people to reach just on that campus! What a task!!
I know I need to update more. I will get back to normal soon (I hope). I even want to pick up KCW again. :)
This week, although super busy and crazy at times, I have been having fun. Today I was singing to myself as I worked on cleaning up the database. It just made me realize how much this summer refreshed me.
I love statistics. At the END of last year, we had 891 contacts in our database. As of today, we have 751 contacts. That is only after one event! I'm excited to see the students really go after it and invite people and really make them feel welcome. No, we are not perfect, but it is the heart behind it that excites me.
I am also excited about the changes we are making in the ministry at OU. I think we will be able to meet more and open the doors to more people than we ever had. That is not about numbers----but about getting to touch MORE people's lives for Jesus! We have 28,000 people to reach just on that campus! What a task!!
I know I need to update more. I will get back to normal soon (I hope). I even want to pick up KCW again. :)
Monday, July 17, 2006
Snapshots--in words
Below are some snapshots of what I have been learning. These are quotes from the talks, sermons, Sunday School lessons, speakers, and books I have been reading. If you want MORE explanation of one of them, just ask. I will try to expand on it if there is a desire for that.
- "Leading is putting people in the best possible position to succeed. If people don't believe that you have their best interests in mind, they won't follow you without some kind of reward."
- "It is easy to complain. It takes character to be thankful. Christ is the ONLY one who had a 'right' to complain and he never did."
- "You give glory to what you talk about."
- "A butterfly's wings are made of crystallized waste! That's God, though, taking our 'waste' and making something beautiful out of it."
- "Love is inconvenient. Love sacrifices for another. The greater the love, the greater the sacrifice must be."
- "Where did we get the idea there were no hardships in the Christian life? Jesus was killed! The apostles sufferer and even died. Why do we think we would be any different?"
- "It is easier to talk to God about men, than men about God. If we love people we must put legs to our prayers. Praying alone is not a substitute for obedience."
- "In 2006, $21 Billion was given toward 'missions' and reaching the nations with the Gospel. Another $22 BILLION was LOST due to embezzlement from Christian workers. More money was stolen from the cause of Christ than was given to missions. And we wonder why we see no fruit."
- "Corrie, do you know what hurts so very much? It's love. Love is the strongest force in the world, and when it is blocked that means pain. There are two things we can do when this happens. We can kill the love so that it stops hurting. But then of course part of us dies. Or, Corrie, we can ask God to open up another route for the love to travel. When we cannot love in the old, human way, Corrie, God can give us the perfect way."
- "Oh this was the great ploy of Satan in the kingdom of his: to display such blatant evil that one could almost believe one's own secret sins didn't matter."
- "Intimacy always comes through an invitation and a choice. Each disciple was as close to Jesus as they choose to be. The King has no favorites. To be in His inner circle is by our choice, not by lack of an invitation."
- "Our worldview is much like a frog in a kettle. If you put a frog in a kettle of cold water and gradually turn up the heat, the frog won't jump out because he becomes accustomed, slowly, to the new temperature. He will stay there in the water until he boils. In our culture, the heat has gradually been turned up--changed--and we, like the frog, haven't even realized it's a different temperature."
- "Does it trouble your heart when what you believe is not backed up by scripture?"
- "We many times spend so much time wrestling with God's will that we never really have the freedom to enjoy it."
- "Fear causes us to cover up; to lie; to conform. It is the greatest block to real relationship. Fearful people cannot truly commit, can't accept, can't be real....fear blocks real love."
- "When I am gone, I shall leave some grand men and women behind."
Monday, July 3, 2006
Blogspot Confessional
The last few days I have been in a weird mood. My heart is heavy and sad. It's hard to explain and when people ask what is wrong, I honestly can't say what it is that is wrong. I think God is just doing some pruning. It's not like huge limbs are falling, but through snip, snip, snip, snips....I am getting pruned.
Right now I am not who I want to be. I feel it is on the surface, waiting to spring out. I've been thinking a lot about my up-coming birthday. It's in December, so no one freak out and check facebook. It's not the date that is making me think--it is the age! On December 5, I will be turning....it hurts to type it.....30.
THIRTY! That is a grown-up age. That is old and adultish, even to me. I can't imagine what all you 21-almost-year-olds might be thinking. With this age, I am thinking about who I am, and if I am who I want to be by this age.
This whole 30 thing is probably prompted by my recent joining of "MySpace." I have been looking up high school "friends" and classmates. In some respects, some of the pictures have brought me joy. Like, "THANK YOU LORD, for not giving me who I thought I wanted to marry!" Or when I see the pictures and think, "Man! He looks OLD! I don't look that old (do I)"
For those moments, I am thankful. But when I look at me, I am not exactly perfect either. In some respects, I have done well. I am in a job I love, and have so many wonderful friends it makes me cry just thinking of them.
But my heart--my character--it has come up lacking. I haven't really allowed God to fully make me who He wants me to be. I have been lazy, apathetic at times.
I only have 155 days and counting until I hit the big 3-0. I want to make those days count....but will I let God do it? Will I put in the work and the effort? I know me, and I fear I won't...Romans 7:15 anyone? ("I don't understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do the very thing I hate.")
Sadly, I have a soundtrack to all of these thoughts. I heard it the other day, and over-played as it is, it still pricked my heart. "This is your life. Are you who you want to be?"
Today that answer is no. No, I am not.
Right now I am not who I want to be. I feel it is on the surface, waiting to spring out. I've been thinking a lot about my up-coming birthday. It's in December, so no one freak out and check facebook. It's not the date that is making me think--it is the age! On December 5, I will be turning....it hurts to type it.....30.
THIRTY! That is a grown-up age. That is old and adultish, even to me. I can't imagine what all you 21-almost-year-olds might be thinking. With this age, I am thinking about who I am, and if I am who I want to be by this age.
This whole 30 thing is probably prompted by my recent joining of "MySpace." I have been looking up high school "friends" and classmates. In some respects, some of the pictures have brought me joy. Like, "THANK YOU LORD, for not giving me who I thought I wanted to marry!" Or when I see the pictures and think, "Man! He looks OLD! I don't look that old (do I)"
For those moments, I am thankful. But when I look at me, I am not exactly perfect either. In some respects, I have done well. I am in a job I love, and have so many wonderful friends it makes me cry just thinking of them.
But my heart--my character--it has come up lacking. I haven't really allowed God to fully make me who He wants me to be. I have been lazy, apathetic at times.
I only have 155 days and counting until I hit the big 3-0. I want to make those days count....but will I let God do it? Will I put in the work and the effort? I know me, and I fear I won't...Romans 7:15 anyone? ("I don't understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do the very thing I hate.")
Sadly, I have a soundtrack to all of these thoughts. I heard it the other day, and over-played as it is, it still pricked my heart. "This is your life. Are you who you want to be?"
Today that answer is no. No, I am not.
Friday, June 23, 2006
Mercy me, no!
Last night we talked about Spiritual Gifts. Dave led us through it and we had a little test to take even. After the time, I gave the announcements, which included a little talk on volunteer hours.
Afterwards, I had at least 3 people come up and thank me for NOT having the gift of mercy. What I THINK they meant is--"thanks for telling us clearly and strongly our boundaries--even if we don't like them." I then also had a couple more people tell me I did a good job of explaining the why and what of volunteer work.
Apparently, I have the gift of announcements.
Really, though, I am thankful for their gratefulness. It is nice to know you are needed and appreciated. I think we all want that. We want to know people are glad for our differences--our strengths, even if they are different than our own.
I want to encourage all who read this to tell someone who is gifted DIFFERENTLY than you are why you appreciate their gift.
Afterwards, I had at least 3 people come up and thank me for NOT having the gift of mercy. What I THINK they meant is--"thanks for telling us clearly and strongly our boundaries--even if we don't like them." I then also had a couple more people tell me I did a good job of explaining the why and what of volunteer work.
Apparently, I have the gift of announcements.
Really, though, I am thankful for their gratefulness. It is nice to know you are needed and appreciated. I think we all want that. We want to know people are glad for our differences--our strengths, even if they are different than our own.
I want to encourage all who read this to tell someone who is gifted DIFFERENTLY than you are why you appreciate their gift.
Thursday, May 4, 2006
Core Values
Today I am setting in my little glass office watching the time tick slowy by. I have many things I need to do and should to, but my energy is not there. It is not a lack-of-sleep or too-heavy-a- lunch type of energy zap, it is a deeper one.
My energy has slowly been drained down to my core. My very heart is tired. Every once and a while my spirit comes up to the surface and takes deep gups of air. In those times, I feel better, entergized, inspired, encouraged, and optimistic. Then the little details of life seem to come in and push me back down.
I need Jesus.
My energy has slowly been drained down to my core. My very heart is tired. Every once and a while my spirit comes up to the surface and takes deep gups of air. In those times, I feel better, entergized, inspired, encouraged, and optimistic. Then the little details of life seem to come in and push me back down.
I need Jesus.
Friday, April 28, 2006
So we ate at Red Robin today...
I love season salt. Here are the top 5 things to eat season salt on:
1. Baked potato, butter, and season salt.
2. Fries and season salt.
3. Cucumber and season salt.
4. Squash and season salt.
5. Season Salt by itself.
1. Baked potato, butter, and season salt.
2. Fries and season salt.
3. Cucumber and season salt.
4. Squash and season salt.
5. Season Salt by itself.
Saturday, April 8, 2006
Deep thoughts
"It’s the same old story. Boy finds girl; boy loses girl. Girl finds boy; boy forgets girl. Boy remembers girl. Girl dies in a tragic blimp accident over the Orange Bowl on New Years Day."
The Naked Gun
Thursday, April 6, 2006
What about Holly
Okay, so I saw this commercial the other day that made me laugh (nervously) because it sounded like a secular, male version of my life.
The show's title, What About Brian, is about Brian, who is the last single guy in his group of friends (3 other couple at various stages). I, like Brian, have 3 best girl friends who are also all at different stages of coupledom.
The creepy similarities don't stop there.
Brian's first couple-friends are just engaged. One of my friends was engaged not too long ago and is now a newlywed.
The second couple is married without kids--but thinking they'll come soon. Again, my second friend is married and will probably start a family soon.
Brian's last couple is married with 3 little ones including a baby. My other friend has 2 kids--one a baby.
And like all three of my friends, Brian's couple friends are excited and hopeful that Brian will soon join their club and get married. If I even so much as mention a guy's name my friends immediately ask if he is single, how old he is, and if they need to go dress shopping for me.
Did someone out there sell my life story to ABC? Was the title What about Holly not catchy enough? The worse of it is that the show's creator is the one and only J.J. Abrams. Some of you get the weight of that statement. J.J. created my other two obsessive shows--Alias and Lost. WHY J.J. WHY?
Well, I don't know if I'll be tuning in to see how Brian is doing. Some topics are just too close to home. And J.J. has enough of my heart as it is.
The show's title, What About Brian, is about Brian, who is the last single guy in his group of friends (3 other couple at various stages). I, like Brian, have 3 best girl friends who are also all at different stages of coupledom.
The creepy similarities don't stop there.
Brian's first couple-friends are just engaged. One of my friends was engaged not too long ago and is now a newlywed.
The second couple is married without kids--but thinking they'll come soon. Again, my second friend is married and will probably start a family soon.
Brian's last couple is married with 3 little ones including a baby. My other friend has 2 kids--one a baby.
And like all three of my friends, Brian's couple friends are excited and hopeful that Brian will soon join their club and get married. If I even so much as mention a guy's name my friends immediately ask if he is single, how old he is, and if they need to go dress shopping for me.
Did someone out there sell my life story to ABC? Was the title What about Holly not catchy enough? The worse of it is that the show's creator is the one and only J.J. Abrams. Some of you get the weight of that statement. J.J. created my other two obsessive shows--Alias and Lost. WHY J.J. WHY?
Well, I don't know if I'll be tuning in to see how Brian is doing. Some topics are just too close to home. And J.J. has enough of my heart as it is.
Thursday, March 2, 2006
Prayer Request
Yesterday my dad emailed me to say that there is a huge grass fire all around my hometown of Marlow and the surrounding county. A good family friend' Vet Clinic and house are possible gone. They have fire units stretched all around Stephens County.
This morning I was watching The Today Show and as Al Roker introduced the weather he mention MARLOW OKLAHOMA in his opening segment! I know it was a big deal if little old Marlow made it to The Today Show.
Please be praying for them to be able to put it out without any deaths and not more damage than it's already causes. I don't think my dad is in any danger, but a lot of my family's friends might lose everything.
This morning I was watching The Today Show and as Al Roker introduced the weather he mention MARLOW OKLAHOMA in his opening segment! I know it was a big deal if little old Marlow made it to The Today Show.
Please be praying for them to be able to put it out without any deaths and not more damage than it's already causes. I don't think my dad is in any danger, but a lot of my family's friends might lose everything.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Laughter is the best medicine
Tuesday, as I left work at 6:30 (working late for second night in a row this week), I got into my car absolutely tired. I got out my ipod to listen to one the way home and decided to listen to a comedy routine that I love. By the time I got to Sharkey's, I was laughing out loud to myself.
As I got home I walked in still listening and laughing outloud to myself. Although Tygre and Emily were home I heated up dinner in the microwave and laughed. I tried to eat and laughed, and I cleaned dishes and laughed.
Of course, Tygre and Emily were laughing at me laughing, but I didn't care. Later I finished the set with Lindsay listening to one earphone--both of us laughing until we cried. I shared the CD with both of them and right now they are laying in the living room with their ipods laughing.
*SIGH* It is good to laugh.
If you're stressed out like I am, LAUGH! If you want to check out who I was listening to, you can check out Brian Regan. He is clean and will having you crying because you're laughing so hard. Here is a sample.
And take your medicine--start laughing!
As I got home I walked in still listening and laughing outloud to myself. Although Tygre and Emily were home I heated up dinner in the microwave and laughed. I tried to eat and laughed, and I cleaned dishes and laughed.
Of course, Tygre and Emily were laughing at me laughing, but I didn't care. Later I finished the set with Lindsay listening to one earphone--both of us laughing until we cried. I shared the CD with both of them and right now they are laying in the living room with their ipods laughing.
*SIGH* It is good to laugh.
If you're stressed out like I am, LAUGH! If you want to check out who I was listening to, you can check out Brian Regan. He is clean and will having you crying because you're laughing so hard. Here is a sample.
And take your medicine--start laughing!
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Addicted to Buble
I have an addictive personality. I don't mean, that people are addicted to me but my personality is one that gets easily addicted to things. I tend to be a all or nothing girl. When I love something, I tend to go overboard with it.
Let's take Dr. Pepper for example. I drink at least 1 a day. There is a reason that I don't touch anything stronger. If I like it, I am going to enjoy a lot of it. Then there is Snood. Again, I play and play and play until my wrist hurts. TV shows--like Lost or Alias (back in the day)--I have to watch and own (on DVD).
I am the same with music. Overall, I would say that I am not a huge music lover. I don't always have to have music on, and for the most part, I can't tell you who sings what song. But if I do like a group or album, I tend to own everything they put out and listen to them over and over and over.
Right now, I am a Michael Buble kick again. His song, Home has captured my heart. Have you heard it? Uh. It is absolutely magical. I LOVE IT.
With close to 2,000 songs to listen to, I listed to Home about 5 times just on the way to work this morning. This song is everything I love about Michael Buble--deep and beautiful.
Although I am not a huge concert goer, he is one I would go see. I heard recently he is coming to Oklahoma. I found out that he is going to be in Tulsa and OKC during Spring Break. *tears*
Although I couldn't afford the tickets even if I could go, man I am sad! I haven't been this upset about missing a concert since 8th grade when the New Kids on the Block were in town. :)
If you haven't heard this song, come ask me to listen to it or download it from iTunes. It'll change your life.
Let's take Dr. Pepper for example. I drink at least 1 a day. There is a reason that I don't touch anything stronger. If I like it, I am going to enjoy a lot of it. Then there is Snood. Again, I play and play and play until my wrist hurts. TV shows--like Lost or Alias (back in the day)--I have to watch and own (on DVD).
I am the same with music. Overall, I would say that I am not a huge music lover. I don't always have to have music on, and for the most part, I can't tell you who sings what song. But if I do like a group or album, I tend to own everything they put out and listen to them over and over and over.
Right now, I am a Michael Buble kick again. His song, Home has captured my heart. Have you heard it? Uh. It is absolutely magical. I LOVE IT.With close to 2,000 songs to listen to, I listed to Home about 5 times just on the way to work this morning. This song is everything I love about Michael Buble--deep and beautiful.
Although I am not a huge concert goer, he is one I would go see. I heard recently he is coming to Oklahoma. I found out that he is going to be in Tulsa and OKC during Spring Break. *tears*
Although I couldn't afford the tickets even if I could go, man I am sad! I haven't been this upset about missing a concert since 8th grade when the New Kids on the Block were in town. :)
If you haven't heard this song, come ask me to listen to it or download it from iTunes. It'll change your life.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Two posts in one day! What?
I have been avoiding my blog for a couple weeks because I just didn't have anything worth writing about. I had the wall of posting that almost everyone who blogs has hit.
And if I am not posting, I am not reading others blogs either. I do it all in one setting usually--go down my list and read. My schedule and lack of zeal for blogging has kept me out of the loop for a while. This afternoon I took some time to go to my friends's blogs and read what I'd missed. And I missed a lot.
I am just overwhelmed by how many wonderful, unique, fun people I know. Just reading my friend's posts have encouraged me and challenged me and inspired me. Thanks to you all for sharing your lives with me and so many others.
And if I am not posting, I am not reading others blogs either. I do it all in one setting usually--go down my list and read. My schedule and lack of zeal for blogging has kept me out of the loop for a while. This afternoon I took some time to go to my friends's blogs and read what I'd missed. And I missed a lot.
I am just overwhelmed by how many wonderful, unique, fun people I know. Just reading my friend's posts have encouraged me and challenged me and inspired me. Thanks to you all for sharing your lives with me and so many others.
Tuesday, February 7, 2006
Grey, Grey, Go Away!
This morning I attempted to pull my hair back for a change, and I was sadly confronted with the increasing numbers of grey hairs.
It's getting bad. Last time I got my hair cut, the guy thought it was a birth mark because there were so many. I'm not kidding--he asked me. Being in my late 20's, I am thinking this is a little young to be going grey! So I decided to do a little research to see why hair turns grey.
Basically, the root of every strand of hair is surrounded by the follicle. Each follicle contains a certain number of pigment cells. These pigment cells continuously produce a chemical called melanin that gives the growing shaft of hair it's color. (Melanin is also the chemical that helps you tan.)
Although I want to blame Tony Wu for my graying hair, it seems that as we get older the pigment cells in our hair follicles gradually die. With fewer pigment cells, the strand of hair will no longer contain as much melanin and will become more transparent in color--like grey, silver, or white.
And genetics has more to do with it than anything. We turn grey about the same time our parents did. At least this is a gradual process. Studies show that from the first sight of grey hairs, it will take about 10 years to complete the process.
Luckily for me I don't have to wait to see it happen. Hmmm....Now all I need to figure out is which color to choose....
It's getting bad. Last time I got my hair cut, the guy thought it was a birth mark because there were so many. I'm not kidding--he asked me. Being in my late 20's, I am thinking this is a little young to be going grey! So I decided to do a little research to see why hair turns grey.
Basically, the root of every strand of hair is surrounded by the follicle. Each follicle contains a certain number of pigment cells. These pigment cells continuously produce a chemical called melanin that gives the growing shaft of hair it's color. (Melanin is also the chemical that helps you tan.)
Although I want to blame Tony Wu for my graying hair, it seems that as we get older the pigment cells in our hair follicles gradually die. With fewer pigment cells, the strand of hair will no longer contain as much melanin and will become more transparent in color--like grey, silver, or white.
And genetics has more to do with it than anything. We turn grey about the same time our parents did. At least this is a gradual process. Studies show that from the first sight of grey hairs, it will take about 10 years to complete the process.
Luckily for me I don't have to wait to see it happen. Hmmm....Now all I need to figure out is which color to choose....
Thursday, February 2, 2006
Goals Determine Priorities
Ha Ha, funny, right? This cartoon, however, has a point. Our goals in life are suppose to determine our priorities. Last night I started a One on One with God study with 7 other girls. We looked at three lifetime goals we should have as Christians.
We talked about how, with any goal, we must eliminate and concentrate--eliminate the distractions and concentrate on the goals. But our culture (and especially our age group) really doesnÂ’t know what it means to eliminate and concentrate for the purpose of the Kingdom. We sit in Bible studies talking about the concept of eliminating and concentrating, but when it comes to backing that up with action, we're all talk.
Why is this? I think it comes down to cost and passion. Our passion determines the price tag. How passionate we are about something--how worthy we deem it--will make the cost of it more insignificant to us. We're willing to pay it because it is worth it. But if I don't care that much about it, I can live without it or put it aside.
Who is more worthy than Jesus? NO ONE. I think any Bible-believing person can easily say that. Yet why do our actions not speak show that? Romans 12:2 I think answers that question---we have allowed the world to squeeze us into its own mold instead of renewing our minds to find out what God's will is--—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
We talked about how, with any goal, we must eliminate and concentrate--eliminate the distractions and concentrate on the goals. But our culture (and especially our age group) really doesnÂ’t know what it means to eliminate and concentrate for the purpose of the Kingdom. We sit in Bible studies talking about the concept of eliminating and concentrating, but when it comes to backing that up with action, we're all talk.
Why is this? I think it comes down to cost and passion. Our passion determines the price tag. How passionate we are about something--how worthy we deem it--will make the cost of it more insignificant to us. We're willing to pay it because it is worth it. But if I don't care that much about it, I can live without it or put it aside.
Who is more worthy than Jesus? NO ONE. I think any Bible-believing person can easily say that. Yet why do our actions not speak show that? Romans 12:2 I think answers that question---we have allowed the world to squeeze us into its own mold instead of renewing our minds to find out what God's will is--—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Hmmm. Notice that I have said we. I am preaching to myself here. What a hypocrite I am each day. How many things I put before God!!
Lord I ask you help me examine my goals, my passions, my priorities in light of YOUR worth and not just what I see as worthy!
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Learning to Speak Another Language
Do you guys know what Love Languages are? I am going to assume you do. So if this post doesn't make sense ask me about them and that should clear things up.
My love language is quality time (and second, words of affirmation). Mostly, though, if there is no Quality Time, the words mean very little to me. This weekend I got QT with Debby and Susanne. Today after leaving lunch with Sus, I was filled up and happy.
I think sometimes I don't realize how important that is. Luckily for me, Susanne is a QT person too. So we filled each others tanks. But many of my friends "speak a different language" than I do.
I am reminded at how much more I need to try to speak their language. And how much I need them to speak mine.
So, it you are a physical touch person and those close to you aren't, you MUST learn to speak a different language or the communication of your of love and friendship is "lost in translation." Likewise, I need to know my friends' Love Languages and intentionally speak in their language so they know I love them.
So get fluent and be proactive! If you have friends who are speaking to you in your native language and you never speak back to them in their native language you are doing them a disservice. We are to encourage each other DAILY as long as it is today!
And thanks to those in my life who intentionally seek to spend QT with me. You keep me going. And may we all learn to encourage each other more!
My love language is quality time (and second, words of affirmation). Mostly, though, if there is no Quality Time, the words mean very little to me. This weekend I got QT with Debby and Susanne. Today after leaving lunch with Sus, I was filled up and happy.
I think sometimes I don't realize how important that is. Luckily for me, Susanne is a QT person too. So we filled each others tanks. But many of my friends "speak a different language" than I do.
I am reminded at how much more I need to try to speak their language. And how much I need them to speak mine.
So, it you are a physical touch person and those close to you aren't, you MUST learn to speak a different language or the communication of your of love and friendship is "lost in translation." Likewise, I need to know my friends' Love Languages and intentionally speak in their language so they know I love them.
So get fluent and be proactive! If you have friends who are speaking to you in your native language and you never speak back to them in their native language you are doing them a disservice. We are to encourage each other DAILY as long as it is today!
And thanks to those in my life who intentionally seek to spend QT with me. You keep me going. And may we all learn to encourage each other more!
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction....at breakfast?
Last night I dreamed that Mick Jagger was at my childhood home cooking breakfast for a BSU retreat. He made biscuits and gravy. Doesn't he just look like he is saying, "Come and get it!" : )
Have a great day, y'all.
Friday, January 13, 2006
You are what you drink?
This is sad, I know.
The other night I go to throw away my empty can, and notice the state of our trash can. Cookie dough, one Starbucks cup, and about a 12 pack of empty Dr. Pepper cans.
This is why I don't drink anything stronger than DP! My only disclaimer is that I didn't do this alone. However, only two people contibuted to this sad sight.
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