Church day

I feel the need to apologize for my griping post about the high school immaturity .....I was just a tad upset. It's really not like me to gripe like that at all...much less to the entire world of bloggers. Our neighbors did end up telling us they saw who did it, which was exactly who I thought.
I'm just glad we found out for sure who it was. Michael gets worried about stuff like that because of the field I work in. He's always scared one of my clients is going to get mad at me or something......how could they ever get mad at ME, right?!?! All I do is intrude into their lives twice a week, and help them get DHR OUT of their lives!!!

Ok, that was totally not the reason I posted. But this is.....

This morning we went to church again, which was very refreshing! We haven't been able to go regularly lately due to the family reunion, visiting my parents, and being sick. But we went today! After church, they made the announcement about the couples' retreat that the pastor and his wife are doing in January, and they said that there were only 3 spots left. So I looked at Michael and said "Do you want to go to that? I really think we should go." And of course he says "Whatever you want, babe." So I say "Yeah, we need to go."

So we signed up!!! I'm really excited, and we both think this will help us get to know everybody more. Yes, I know we'll be nervous, as we don't really know many people right now....but I just know that God has something for us, and that we'll have a blast!

It's so hard to get back into a routine of being totally involved in church when you've been out for a while. This is the 1st time in my life this has ever happened, and my relationship with God has struggled because of it. I know God has great plans for us, and that he desires for us to serve Him not only in our daily lives, but in the church as well.

Can't wait to see where He leads!!

Bham News

So I wrote a few months ago and said that our wedding would be featured in the Bham news at the beginning of 2010. However, I just got an email from the lady and she said it would be running on December 20th!!!! Just thought I'd give you guys a heads up!!!!!! I'm THRILLED, and so should you!

Guess that can be a Christmas gift along with wedding pics! =)

Wish list

So I just posted a new status on Facebook saying "Heather's Christmas wish list keeps growing, but her money tree doesn't" and I thought I should blog what exactly my wish list is. You know....just in case SOMEBODY in my family happens to read this and has the desire to purchase any one item on my list! =)

1. Shark Steam Cleaner- I registered for this and hoped someone would have purchased it for a wedding gift. I know, I was dreaming big! But our entire downstairs is ceramic time, and even are stairs and upstairs bathroom is time/wood flooring!! Hence the reason this is #1

2. Massage/ Manicure/Pedicure- I don't care where this is, or exactly what kind, I just want them....at least a massage!!! I'll even settle for it on my birthday, which is only 5 months away!

3. Dressy Blue Jeans, or any jeans that fit (yeah, a little weight gain has happened)- I've already told the hubs about this, and he knows my size....I'd rather not post that for the world to see online!

4. These shoes- Or any that are similar.....I just can't bring myself to pay more than $20 for shoes (or any article of clothing as far as that goes...which is why I haven't bought myself the blue jeans)

5. Kitchen cart- Or once again, anything similar to this. I'm not picky, I promise!!

6. Wii Fit, Mario Cart, or Rock band for PS3. I'd take any/all of those.....

7. An entire day with my hubs, where we got to about 3 movies at the theater, and eat out and shop all day......we used to actually have time to do that back in the day!


Ok, I guess I'm finished. I started to go into my entire wish list for our house (new mattress, bed room furniture, china cabinet, etc.) , but I thought that was getting a little out of hand. Therefore, I just have my top 7 I guess you could say.

Ok, now your turn.....what's your top things on your Christmas Wish list?????

Big deal

So I guess I could a quick update on my life. I'm actually home before 8:00 for once, and I'm pretty excited about that! However, I happen to be on call this week, so with my luck I'll get a call. Let's hope not though.

I know you've all been dying to know if I'm still living after the last scary neighbor post, huh? Well, things have actually been just fine. I haven't been home alone much, but not on purpose. Everybody has been leaving us alone......and that's the way I like it. Michael and I did get to hear the guy next door bust down the bedroom door in another screaming fight with his lady. I guess she locked him out of the bedroom or something.

Ok, on a lighter, more positive note.....for those of you who aren't friends with me on facebook, ther is some big news in the Hicks family. I GOT A CAR!!!!!!!!!!! You're probably thinking, "okay big deal...." but it is a HUGE deal for me! As you probably know if you're a faithful reader, Michael and I have been sharing cars for about 3 weeks, and it has been killing us both. Not to mention the fact that ever since we got married, I took over Michael's car and he started driving the good ol' Daewoo! He has been so sacrificial in doing that, because he has a pretty nice car, and the "woo" is falling apart!

I know, I know...you want to know what I got, huh?? Well it's a 2006 Nissan Murano. It's silver, with black cloth interior. I absolutely love it! Good news is, the gas mileage isn't so bad either- at least not for an SUV. I'm getting about 24 average this week, and I hope it can stay that way! I keep saying I'm going to post pictures on facebook, but to be honest, I haven't even taken any pics of it yet! I've been pretty busy lately. Maybe I can get some posted this weekend, and I'll try and post some here too.

Well, this cold weather is getting to me, so I'm off to throw on my warm ups and cuddle on the couch!!!

Scary stuff

Wow have I been out of the "blogger loop" for a while! Let me just fill you in on a few things going on at the Hicks' house. My car is sick again, and has been for over a week. We're thinking about selling it, because we just can't stand pouring money into it all the time when it's not worth it. PLUS, we would love to have 2 reliable cars instead of 1. With that said, I'll probably be getting a new car within the next month or so. Gotta figure out all the lovely budgeting stuff first!

So while we only have 1 car, we've been car-pooling! I wake up to take Michael to work, come back home and get ready for work myself, then make sure I'm finished with my visits in time to pick him up at 7. Or on the nights when I have a late visit, I've been having to pick him up early, take him back home and THEN go to my visit.

Earlier this week, Michael told me that the car was too messy, and he would appreciate it if I would keep it cleaned for him. He went into the whole spill of how that is the only new car he's ever had, and he wants to keep it looking nice for a really long time. I guess you could say that I'm like my mother, as we both tend to leave things in the car, and let it appear as if we live in it! So I've been carrying around all THREE albums of wedding pictures (just in case somebody wanted to see them) along with jackets and other "very important" things that needed to be in the car! Well, apparently Michael didn't like that. So I agreed to clean it up this week.....more on that later.

So anyways.....yesterday was a very productive day for me. I took Michael to work and didn't have to be at my first visit until 11, and it was in Montevallo which mean I didn't have to leave until like 10:45! So instead of going back to sleep, which is what I WANTED to do, I cleaned the house. My initial thoughts were that if I cleaned it that morning, that I could take a nap when I got home that afternoon. Well, I got home around 4:30, and there was no nap for me. The wonderful wife that I am decided to clean out his car, and make it SPOTLESS for him! With the help of a $3 bottle of generic ArmorAll, my lovely DirtDevil vacuum that I got for a wedding gift, and Febreeze.... I got that car looking GOOD!!

After the car was clean I decided to go ahead and get some stuff done upstairs. Well, as I'm standing in our front bedroom, I see flashing lights. My first reaction, is "Oh, it's the cops again."

I guess I should put in a plug here that the Chilton County Sheriff's Department know our neighbors very well. The couple that live beside us fight often, and he's extremely verbally abusive towards her. It's quite sad. So it's nothing out of the ordinary for us to come home to cop cars in the parking lot.

So I see the flashing lights, and I realize that it's not the cops, but it's a Fire Rescue truck, and an Ambulance. Then my next thought is, "Oh my gosh, he's beat the crap out of her." So the nosy caring person I am decides that the trash just HAS to go out so I can see what's going on. Well, when I get outside, they're wheeling some old man out on the stretcher, and the guy that lives on the end (we'll call him Joe) said that it was his dad and he was having bad Gallbladder pain/problems. Joe then asked if he could speak with me when I got back from the dumpster, that he had something to talk with me about. So I proceeded to the dumpster.-knowing that he's going to ask me about the lovely couple (we'll call them Sue and Larry) that live between us. So I go back to Joe's door, and he then asks if we heard any clanging or banging the previous day (which was Thursday). I tell him that I was in and out all day, and didn't get home until 9, and Michael didn't get home until 7. He said ok, and tells me the following sorry....

I called Sue's phone Wednesday to let her know that I had $100 to give her to help get her car fixed. When I was on the phone with her and told her all of that all she said was "okay" and then immediately hung up the phone. Later that day, Larry called me back on that number, which was my work phone, and asked what company that was and asked what my name was and everything. I just hung up, but he called back 2 or 3 times, and I kept hanging up. So Wednesday night when I got home, Larry told me that I was to NEVER call any of his phones again, or he would blow my F-ing brains out. He kept saying that, and then asked me if I didn't believe him, and he started walking towards me saying that he was serious.

So I went to work yesterday, and when I got home last night I could tell somebody had tried to break in my house (and he showed me his door hinge from where the screws were out) and I think it was Larry. So I called the cops, but they said it was my word against his word, and they couldn't do anything about the threat he made towards me or the break-in attempt.

After he told me all of that, and a few more details......I went back to my townhouse realized that his whole time my door was left unlocked and I wasn't to where I could keep an eye on it, so I grabbed my keys and purse and left. I just didn't have an easy feeling about going back in there by myself. I called Michael and explained to him what was going on, and told him I was coming to pick him up, that I would just be early.

Oh, and Michael had plans to go out with his friends last night, so I was planning on enjoying an evening to myself. Plans were quickly changed, and my lovely friend Doerun saved me! We ended up going out to dinner and dollar movie!

Well the evening was great, got home.....no intruders, and got a great night's sleep.

Fast forward to just a few minutes ago...

I'm sitting here on the computer, home alone once again....and somebody knocks on my door. So I go peek out the window (bc our stupid peek hole is only about a foot too tall for me) and see that it's Larry. I'm freaking out, and I decide not to open the door. I then realize that my blinds in the kitchen are open, so I walk very quietly to the kitchen and close those blinds just in case he walks around to the back door.

He goes away....

5 minutes later, he comes back and knocks very LOUDLY, so I'm like well crap, let me just see what he wants. I try to call Michael very quickly so I could be on the phone when I open the door. No answer there.....So I peek my head out the door, and.....

Larry: "Hey, is your husband home?"

Me: "WHAT?"

Larry: "Is your husband at home?"

Me: "Um....nope"

Larry: "Ok, thanks"

And I QUICKLY shut the door and lock it!

So I'm thinking "why in the world would he want to know if Michael is at home? Is he stalking me now? Did he really need Michael? Can I even go back outside without being scared?"

So right now, I'm still locked in my house, a little freaked out by everything going on, and wondering how we can afford to move somewhere else. I just really don't want to live somewhere I'm scared to walk outside to my mailbox.....

Lovely story, huh??

Now I'm gonna grab lunch in town, and come lock myself back inside to watch the game!

ROLL TIDE!

Hope you're enjoying the beautiful weather with your windows raised, and blinds open a little more that I am! =)

Hubs and I

I stole this from my cousin Cherish and thought it was a cute way to tell everybody a bit about Michael and I!

1. What are your middle names? Mine is Renea.....his is Michael!

2. How long have you been together? Well, we dated for about 2 months in 2006, then started dating again on June 2, 2007 (this time for real!) So.....about 2 and a half years total?!?

3. How long did you know each other before you started dating? Oh wow, we met some time around 2002 I guess......

4. Who asked who out? He asked me out, definitely!

5. How old are each of you? I'm 22, he's 28, about to be 29!

6. Did you go to the same school? Nope

7. Are you from the same home town? Nope

8. Who is the smartest? Well, he is definitely! He knows pretty much every random fact known to man, and he remembers EVERYTHING! I think he has a photographic memory, bc he'll say something about like how much something costs down to the penny or what year something happened and I'll think he's just making it up. Then I go and check on it, and he's right....every time!! GAH!

9. Who majored in what? I majored in Social Work...he sorta majored in Criminal Justice, but didn't quite finish it....now he's wanting to go back to school and some point and major in History possibly, which I think he'll be great at!

10. Who is the most sensitive? I think it depends. Me, being a Social Worker am very sensitive when it comes to other people's needs-that's just the way God made me. I can't stand the thought of anybody going without food or being homeless, it just breaks my heart. Michael on the other hand is very sensitive when it comes to family or our relationship........yet not quite as sensitive about other people as I am.

11. Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple? I guess that would be our honeymoon to Destin, Florida. Hopefully a trip to Arizona will be soon.....and I really want to go to Jamaica one day!

12. Who has the worst temper? I'm really not sure. Neither one of us really has a bad temper as far as throwing things and stuff....I get mad about some things and pout for a while, and he gets mad about other things and will sulk or whatever. We both are pretty honest, and have had some temper flares, but I'm very thankful to say that we're not very temper-tantrum type people.

13. How many children do you want? I would love to have about 3 or 4 kids, but when I really think about it, that scares me to death! So I'm thinking however many God gives us. If that's 1 or 2, great.....if it's more, then that's good too. As long as we are able to provide for them and I don't go crazy!

14. Who does the cooking? I do mostly. He's good about helping with some stuff, but he rarely cooks an entire meal by himself. I will say he's GREAT about having me something ready if he's off work and if I had to work late or something! May not be a huge dinner, but he's good about making sure I'm fed, so I won't complain!

15. Who is more social? ME definitely!!!!!!!!!!!!! He's certainly an introvert to the max, but I really think he's opened up a lot since we started dating! I could be around people and entertain every night, he can't handle that! His idea of fun is sitting at home with just the 2 of us, where my idea of fun is going out, or having people over!!! I've learned to compromise!

16. Who is the neat freak? Oh, once again, I AM! He could care less if the clothes are put up, or if the kitchen is cleaned. Me on the other hand....I get very ILL and stressed when the house isn't at least picked up! I'm happiest when it's spotless, but I learned very quickly that it's pretty much impossible to keep it spotless while working a full time job! I settle for "picked up" a lot of the time.....he does help with that! I've learned that it may not be to my standards of how I would put up groceries, or mop the floors, but who cares if he does it!?!? =)

17. Who is the most stubborn? That's a hard one. I think we both are in our own little ways. I'm more stubborn when it comes to talking about something (like me being upset about something) and he's more stubborn about other things like plans or whatever.

18. Who wakes up earlier? HIM!!! I could sleep my life away...and his idea of sleeping late is like 9 or 10!

19. Where was your first date? Well, we had 2 first dates!
First date #1 (April 2006): He took me to Ellis piano in Birmingham to let me look at and play on the pianos....and we acted like we were interested in buying a baby grand piano! Then he took me to Macaroni Grill (my fav restaurant) and to watch Ice Age II.
First date #2 (June 2, 2007): We went to Atlanta and ate at Ruth's Cris Steakhouse, then went to a Celtic Woman concert. This is where he knew I was "The One" and when I knew something was different, and that I was falling for him!

20. Who has the bigger family? I do!!! He has like 1 aunt, and 2 or 3 cousins total!!!!

21. Do you get flowers often? Well, when we first started dating, I got them almost weekly! Now, it's just a special occasion type thing! I have been hinting A LOT recently, bc there is a beautiful glass pitcher I have that I want to put flowers in so badly!

22. How do you spend the holidays? Well, we've had 2 holidays of dating/engagement. Since his family is so small....we do whatever gatherings my family has, then we eat dinner or something with his mom. His brother and sister live out of state. Maybe one year we can get his ENTIRE family toghether!

23. Who is more jealous? He used to be..... I've never been the jealous type. He's not so jealous anymore, but when we were dating, I had to constantly remind him I was completely his!

25. Who eats more? He does, unless it's chocolate or ice cream!

26. What do you do for a living? I'm a Social Worker at Gateway FOCUS, doing in-home work. He is a car-salesman at Victory Pontiac (go buy a car from him!)

27. Who does the laundry? Well, he'll do it if he needs something clean. But he tends to only wash what he needs...... I mostly do it, just because I like to make sure it's done how I want it done. But he's great about putting in loads or getting it started for me!

28. Who's better with the computer? HE IS!! I only know how to do the basics. He can build them, fix them, and anything else that needs to be done! He's great!

29. Who drives when you are together? I think I've driven maybe 2 or 3 times when we've been together....and he was probably sick during those times. I don't think he trusts my driving.....

30. What is your song? He used the song "Love of my Life" by Jim Brickman & Michael W. Smith to tell me he loves me on June 30, 2007 on the beach in Savannah, GA (I was there as a summer missionary for 6 weeks and he had come to visit me). We also danced to that song at our wedding!

Singing again

Christmas of 2007, my dad kept saying that for Christmas morning, we (mom, my brother, and I) all had to get up and eat breakfast together, and that he just wanted it to be us (not Michael or Amanda there too) because he had something special planned. So that morning, we spent time together as a family that will forever been engraved in my heart. Dad had prepared a written letter to both Alan and I just telling us how much he loved us and encouraging us to fulfill God's will in our lives. He also had created a CD for each of us with Christian songs that reminded him of us, or that were his prayer for our lives. In our letter, he stated what each song meant to him and why he included that on our CD.

I say all of that to say this.....I have kept that letter in my bible since then, and have read it from time to time when feeling down or whatever. Well, I read it this past weekend, as I stumbled upon it, and pretty much the only thing I read was this:

"He (God) also gave you a love for music and singing. You need to continue to use these God given talents and blessings to point others to Christ."

Didn't think that much about it that day, except "yeah, I haven't sang in a really long time..."

So Sunday and Monday came and went....Tuesday gets here, and when I get home from work, there is a strange car in my parking spot, and when I walk in the door to our home, there are strange people sitting on my couch! Of course Michael was there talking with them....it was people from Calera Baptist, the church we've been visiting for quite some time now.

So we chit chat and talk about a bunch of random things, and as they're leaving somehow the subject of choir comes up, and of course Michael says that I like to sing. So I got the time that practice starts at church and that was that.

Wednesday comes.....I'm sitting at a visit with one of my clients, and her adorable 6 year old girl is pretending to listen to music through some headphones. Her mother says for her to go sing, and to put on a show for us. Then the mom tells her that if you are too shy and don't use the gift that God has given you, then He will take it away. She then said that she used to sing all the time as a kid in church, and that she quit because she got scared one Sunday and never sang again.

That didn't hit me then, but later on I was thinking about how it seems like God has been telling me all week to SING!!!!! And not just sing in my car with the windows rolled down and the radio blasting!

So I had pretty much one of the longest, busiest days EVER yesterday (including my visit with the lady mentioned above) and thought all day that if I wasn't tired by the end of the day that I would go to church/choir. Well, my 5:30 visit rolls around and I have more energy that I have in a LONG time!!! Went to that visit, and still felt great...and I even wore heels yesterday! lol!

So long story short.....I went to church, then choir was afterwards. It was great! We're working on the Christmas musical and I must say, it's only been about 5 years since I've sang in a choir, so I'm having to readjust! But everybody was SO SO SO nice!

The moral of the story is......use the gifts God gave you.....remember the good ol' times at Christmas.....and SING SING SING!!!

Mini-update

Wow! I just realized I haven't posted anything all month! I must say that the month has already been flying by, and I do believe it's going to be the holidays before I realize it! While the month has flown by and is pretty much half over, not too much has happened here in the Hicks house.

Well, Michael did hang the curtains in the living room.....and I finally got a comforter for the master bedroom that we don't even sleep in. Yeah, I know-it's weird! We have a queen bed in there, but the mattress is only about 25 years old, so we decided to sleep on the full bed that's only 4 years old! Oh, the joys of being married! But I'm going to try and post pictures of our adorable little home soon....as soon as I get it spotless! =)

More Hicks family news...our Chattanooga trip is only a few weeks away, and I'm so excited! I booked the hotel last week, and I changed my mind from staying in the Chattanooga Choo-Choo, so now we're staying in Stay Bridge Suites-which I though was much nicer, and not to mention about $10 cheaper per night! For all you "old married" people, you can imagine how excited I am about our first weekend trip!

Well, that's it for the mini-update. Maybe my life will be a little more exciting in the upcoming weeks. Hope all is well with you....whoever you may be! =)

He is with you

The 1st time I heard this song, I was driving to work for a mandatory staff meeting that nobody in our department knew what it was about. The line in the 2nd chorus "He is with you in the conference room" stood out and it was like God was letting me know that no matter what happened, that HE would take care of us. During that meeting, I found out that everybody in my agency was getting a 10% pay cut. No, that wasn't fun to hear....especially since I had just gotten a promotion for getting my license, but I knew it was all God's timing! It's supposed to be temporary, but even if it's not...God is with me!

This week through my doubts and fears of life, I have been reminded of this song....my joy has been renewed through Christ's love! Praise be to Him, as He never leaves me nor forsakes me! EVER EVER!!!

He Is With You lyrics

There's a time to live
And a time to die
There's a time to laugh
And a time to cry
There's a time for war
And a time for peace
There's a hand to hold
In the worst of these
In the worst of these

Chorus:
He is with you when your faith is dead
And you can't even get out of bed
Or your husband doesn't kiss you anymore
He is with you when your baby's gone
And your house is still and your heart's a stone
Cryin' God, what'd you do that for?
He is with you

There's a time for yes
And a time for no
There's a time to be angry
And a time to let it go
There's a time to run
And a time to face it
There is love to see you
Through all of this

Chorus:
He is with you in the conference room
When the world is coming down on you
And your wife and kids don't know you anymore
And he is with you in the ICU
When the doctors don't know what to do
And it scares you to the core
He is with you

We may weep for a time
But joy will come in the morning
The morning light

Chorus:
He is with you when your kids are grown
When there's too much space and you feel alone
And you're worried if you got it right or wrong
Yes he is with you when you've given up
On ever finding your true love
Someone who feels like home
He is with you

When nothing else is left
And you take you final breath
He is with you

Waiting

I know God is in control, and I see that evident in my life. I know that praying is what you're supposed to do constantly, and I know that God does things that are beyond my control and beyond my comprehension!

However.....I feel right now like praying isn't enough. I know that sounds horrible, but Its like I've been praying and now I'm about the point I'm like "Okay, God....hurry up!" Nobody knows what I've been praying about and that has been so hard because I feel like I'm all alone in the matter.....I just really need to get it off my chest....

I know I'm not, because my God promise to never leave me...

Do you ever feel like you're not being heard? That you know God is listening, but it's like He is waiting for some reason, and I don't know what that reason is. I've come very close to emailing friends or even people I hardly even know and spilling my guts to them about this but I can't. It's like I hear that still, small voice saying "Am I not enough....trust in me.....I'm listening....spill your guts to me, Heather!"

So then I pray......I trust.....I spill....and then I'm back to square one....I wait!!!

Walmart Drive

Just a quick post on what the Lord taught me today. You may think what I'm about to say is absolutely crazy, but that's ok. It was a huge revelation for myself, and I know will continue to be a learning experience for me as He continues to speak.

I was driving home from Walmart, admiring the sunset after ANOTHER afternoon shower. One of the shapes I saw looked like a demon or something stretched out toward the earth, and so that made me start thinking about the spiritual warfare we are constantly invovled in here on earth. Well, that lead to another thought of "Man, I really need to spend some time in the Word tonight" which lead to another thought of "Yeah, I need to do that so I can be an example to those around me." Well THAT was where He stepped it. He told me that I needed to spend time with Him and fall in love with him for the simple fact that He loves me, and I want to get to know Him better.....not for the reason of being an example for others or for others to see that I'm some great "woman of God" (which I'm far from).

So there it was.....CONVICTION! I don't think I have ever in my entire life done something for the reason of Glorifying God alone-even if nobody else was watching. Have you?

I think I've always been so concerned about helping others and being a Godly Example to others that I've neglected to do things just for God....for Him and nobody else.

"So whether you eat or drink or whaever you do, do it ALL for the GLORY of God."

-1 Corinthians 10:31

So now the real journey begins....putting it into practice!

Famous

Several weeks ago, I submitted an application for the Birmingham News LifeStyle's Featured Wedding story that they have each Sunday. I had to answer questions about how Michael and I met and our 1st date, 1st kiss, how he proposed, etc. etc. By the way, our story is pretty amazing, so if you've never heard it, just ask and I may just have to post a blog about everything!

ANYWAYS..... Last week, I received a call from the lady, and she said that she is very interested, and that she is going to publish our story! I am soooooo excited! I always read that article everytime I get a Sunday paper, and I've always wanted it to be about me....and now it will be!

She did say that it won't be published until early 2010 because of all the other summer weddings that she received ahead of mine. But I don't care...I'm just thrilled!!

I'll let you all know when it will be published. She said she was going to call me the week before to let me know, that way I won't have to keep wondering each week. So you'd BETTER get that paper when I tell you about it....Michael and I will be FAMOUS! (Well, sorta!)

Power drill

Well, a lot has beein going on since last week when I posted. Where do I start? I am feeling much better, but just wish the last little bit of sinus crud would just go away instead of linger between my nose, throat and chest! UGH! But I can't complain, bc I'm actually FEELING great! Thankfully it only lasted about 2 or 3 days, so that was great!

Last weekend, Michael and I did absolutely NOTHING! Since we had satelite, we laid around the house all weekend watching TV and being so lazy! The only time we even got out of the house was for him to go to work on Saturday, and us to go to church on Sunday-that was it! I stayed in my pajama's ALL day Monday, which was wonderful! But then came Tuesday, and I had to fit 5 days worth of work into 4! Now it's Friday...I survived! I just have one more visit at 5:30 and will begin my weekend officially!

On the subject of work, I'll just go ahead and say that I absolutely love it! I'm just now beginning the teaching sessions with most of my families, bc the first few weeks you have to do all the inital paperwork and treatment plans and stuff. So last week and this week have been really exciting! I've been having to come up with stuff to teach to the families....anywhere from drug education to parenting to stress and anger management.

I've had a few situations this week during home visits that I was like "Oh No, what do I do?" But then, came out of there really feeling like I accomplished some things and helped. For instance, one of my client's is really struggling bc she has previously been addicted to prescription medications (Oxycotin & Lortabs) and due to that and an abuse allegation, she only has supervised contact with her 7 month old baby girl! So she called me last night squalling because she is just so upset and is ready for everything to be over. I was able to talk to her and encourage her that she is on the right path, but that she just needs to continue working with me and with her DHR worker in order to get her baby back. I can't imagine how she feels.....she's so torn! But THAT'S why I love my job....I'm the good guy =) I get to listen to them when they're down and encouraged them and tell them that we are going to do whatever it takes to get them their baby back at home.

Now do I think she is ready right this moment to have her baby back and everything be just fine? No....she still needs support and help. She's a struggling young mom that has made mistakes....but I really think she's trying and that she's on the right track!

I probably said too much about that, so I'll move on. The bottom line was that I like what I do.....it makes me feel good to know that I can help people. And I really think that God has me at my job to MINISTER to people, and to tell them of HIS love! =)

Ok- moving forward. If you are friends with me on FB, you may have noticed my status earlier this week that I am not so good with powertools. Well, let me just tell you my story.

Several weeks ago, I went shopping with my mom and bought some curtains and a curtain rod for our living room window. Since we live in an apartment-like townhouse, people are always outside, and we have to keep the blinds closed so they can't see our every move. AND even with them closed, you still feel like they can see you. Our couch is right in front of the big window, so it kinda freaks me out you know...

Ok, that's beside the point. So the week after we got the curtains, I thought I would hang them up while Michael was at work and surprise him so he wouldn't have to worry about it. So I already had the cool laser leveler thing of my dad's and everything I THIOUGH I needed. Got the holes marked off and was ready. Well, I remembered that I had always seen a box for a power drill upstairs in the laundry room. Never opened it, but assumed it would get the job done. So I charged the little thing, and tried to drill a hole in the wall. Didn't do too good. The drill wasn't "macho" enough, so I gave up, put all the curtain stuff up and decided that we would just use the $50 ACE Giftcard to get a good drill.

Moving forward to this week. So I saw an ACE Hardware in Columbiana when I was coming home from one of my visits, and decided to stop in and grab a drill. SO I did. Got the cheapest they had, bc most of them were over $100!! So I got it, came home and drug everything out AGAIN to try and surprise Michael, this time with the curtains AND the new drill!!!

Tried to drill a hole in the wall in the same place as last time, and even with the "real" drill, it just didn't work for me. I'm not strong enough to hold the thing steady with the screw and everything. So I made a hole much bigger than necessary, and gave up!

Well, I had a visit after that little attempt, and decided to just leave everything out and hopefully Michael would see the stuff laying out when he got home, and get all excited and drill the holes or whatever. I got home shortly after he did that night, and I asked if he saw the drill. He said "Yeah, and thanks for letting me pick out the drill I wanted." Ugh...I was devestated!!! How could he be upset that I picked out a drill.....I thought I was doing good. I got my feelings hurt and just marched in the kitchen to start cooking supper.

Well the sweet husband he is, wanted to love on me a little bit to make up for hurting my feelings. =) So he assured me that he wasn't upset, and said that we would see how this one worked, and if he liked it then we would keep it....if not, then we could take it back and that would be fine with both of us. I was over it too...yeah I should have just let him pick it out, but oh well.

So that's my story....curtains are still not hung, and he hasn't tried out the drill. Maybe next week sometime, bc we have a busy weekend ahead of us. Who knows, he's off Tuesday, so maybe I'll have a little surprise for me when I come home Tuesday night. (hint hint, Michael)

Ok, that's all for now. I must say in closing that I have the best husband in the WORLD! He makes me so happy even when I'm sad or mad or stressed....he does everything in his power to make me happy! Couldn't ask for anything more.....

Wonders of Television

I went to one of my dear friend's house Sunday to hang out and have a little girl time. Well we got on the subject of Satellite TV and Netflix and other fun things like that. Michael and I have been talking a lot about getting Dish back due to Alabama football, Grey's Anatomy, and Hockey Season....therefore, we need TV! I kept telling Michael that we would wait a few more weeks or a month, and he just kept saying ok ok.
So anyways....I decided to go ahead and order it!! YAY! We got it connected today, and I'm so excited!

I came home from work early today, because I'm sick! Ugh! I was all fine and dandy until yesterday afternoon, and it seemed like I could feel myself getting sick by the minute! I had a sneeze attack, and my entire head started hurting! So today has been so much worse!
It was so nice to just come home to a hubby (his off day was today) who had straightened up the house and was doing laudry....and of course watch some DISH Network TV!!!

Onward to some even more exciting news! Michael and I are planning our first vacation in October! We'll be going to Chattanooga for the weekend to see Celtic Woman in concert and go to the aquarium!!! We're going to try and stay at the Chattanooga Choo-Choo and maybe squeeze in a trip to Rock City! I am sooooo excited, bc this is something I've always dreamed of. One of the most exciting things to me about being married is getting to go on the little weekend trips together, and this will be our first!!!
I want to take as many of these little trips as possible before we have little ones, and I'm thinking we can get several trips in within the next 2 or 3 years! =)

Life is good....if I could only breath through my nose......

The voice

Church this morning was amazing! A group was there from Teen Challenge in New Orleans and they shared some testimonies and songs. The first song they did gave me chills....well everything they did gave me chills, but bare with me. Its called "Top of my Lungs" by Phillips, Craig, and Dean. The chorus is so amazing...
At the top of my lungs I will sing Hallelujah! You're the one who saved me, the one who gave me this life I live, forevermore forevermore. At the top of my lungs I will sing Hallelujah! I'm not ashamed, I'll praise your name. Let the whole world know I love you Lord. I love you Lord.
Just hearing the group of men sing these words overfilled me with joy! Knowing that the Lord has brought them out of a lifestyle of addiction, and now they are able to sing praises to Jesus Christ for saving them!

I always get so moved in services like this-you know, hearing about how God has made such a huge change in somebody's life, and hearing of their drastic change. I mean, it's wonderful hearing about God's grace and him saving ANYBODY, but things like this just show how much he loves.....how far he goes to bring people to him.....how his grace has no end! Chilling......because he does this for me everyday! I may not have a deep addiction but I still have sin that separates me from him!
They talked about how it was the power of GOD that brought them out of the addictions, not some rehab program. The leader talked about how a rehab program is meant to take you back to what you once were. Addicts don't need that....they were trying to fill a God-shaped whole with drugs/alcohol and what they need is GOD! They don't need to go back to an old lifestyle....they need a completely new life!
He later spoke about some of his background, and said that at one point in his life he was homeless and addicted to drugs. I think several of these people had probably been homeless at one point in their life or another. THIS is what touched me the most....and then I heard that still, small voice.......

Let me back up.....

SEVERAL years ago during my teenage days in the youth group at Mt. Vernon. Steve Chambleewas the youth pastor then and he took a group of students on several occasions to downtown Bham to feed the homeless. One time we went and just helped pass out the food and drinks, and talk to the people, tell them about the love of Jesus and just listen to their story sometimes.
Another time we went, we helped pass out the food again and then I remember going back to a HUGE warehouse and help divide up food into paper bags that this guy would distribute once a month. That's about all I remember.....couldn't tell you where we were or who that guy was, I just remember having a part in feeding the homeless those few times.
Moving forward into my college days, I had an opportunity to go out and give jackets, coats, and blankets to some of the homeless in Bham one again. I loved doing this too...they were just so appreciative, and couldn't understand why we were doing that.
And there was that still small voice..........

Moving forward....

Summer of 2007 in Savannah, GA (this is where I spent 6 weeks doing mission work...another story, another day) I heard of this restaurant that all the employees there were once homeless. The owner or whatever had a job-training program where he would train these people to cook and clean and do everything you would need to know to run a restaurant. They even did catering events. This man TAUGHT the homeless how to get on their feet and work. The lady I worked with all summer said that when these people finished the program, restaurants would almost fight to give the people a job. They were well trained and hard workers.
He was speaking............

Moving forward a little more.....

At a Social Work Conference just last year, a man from DC came and spoke about how he is the founder of this place that takes in homeless people and teaches them all kinds of job skills. I think I remember him saying that he would give them a small business loan and one of those cart things that are everywhere in DC and teach them to have a small business. He also had some sort of restaurant/catering thing where he taught job skills and helped them get on their feet. I was so entrigued by this, and so intersted.
He was still speaking, in that still small voice........

So here we are today. August 23, 2009. What I thought was just an ordinary day of church. We even debated going......but I'm glad we did! I've already told you what the service was about, but what I didn't tell you was that He was speaking the WHOLE time! I couldn't help but think that I work with drug/alcohol addicted people everyday with my job now. I would say more than half of the families we work with have some type of addiction. All I could think about was how I needed to tell them about the love of Christ. Yes, my employer says this is ethically wrong, but WHO CARES?!?!?!?!?! If I lose my job for sharing the gospel of Christ, will HE not provide??

Anyways.....that's really not what I sat down to write about. I wanted to share with you all that His still small voice is still speaking to me. I know he has called me to work with the homeless in some way. My desire is to help those who are hopeless. So many (myself included) just think about all homeless people as being adicts who don't want to change. And the answer to that is probably , yes this is true for most of them. But let me ask you.....do they not need Jesus too?? Maybe they are there because they don't know where else to be? Or because the drugs are the only thing they have? Maybe they're searching (which I feel MOST are) for the one thing they've been missing their whole lives??
What if I'm the one who can tell them?
HE is the only ONE who loves them....even in their current condition. (Even in my current condition!)

In the midst of him speaking all of the above to me during the service, and even now...I'm saying "But God, why me? How? Where? When? But God..... but God......"

I don't know how.......but HE does
I don't know when........but He does
I don't know where..........but HE does
But I know why......because HE wants me to!!!!


"For I KNOW the plans I have for you"
-God

10 people

A fellow blogger posted her response to a prompt and I decided to give my own response.

The prompt:

In this weeks assignment one of the prompts is to list 10 things you would say to ten different people in your life if you had the hutzpah.Don't assume to know who is who. You might be surprised. The point is to say whatever it is you feel you need to say. It might be something you tell this person all the time, or it might be something you don't have the guts to tell them. You can be insanely obvious or mysteriously vague.

1. Thanks so much for raising me the way y'all did. You never pressured me to do anything, but encouraged me to make my own decisions. Thanks for all your prayers and support. I am who I am today because of you. Thank you for providing financially for me throughout college-I could have never have made it without you. You both made so many sacrifices to make my wedding perfect-I owe you the world! I love you with all I am, and I pray our marriage is half of what yours is.

2. You have shown me what love is all about. You're all I have ever wanted plus more! You truly swept me off my feet and continue to do so DAILY! I'm so excited we have a lifetime together!

3. I'm not too sure what happened between us. I mean, we were always close and then it just seemed like we all of a sudden were on 2 separate paths. I've been hurt a lot by your actions, but that's ok.....I've moved on.

4. I wish we could be closer. I hardly ever tell you, but I love you. I have been praying for you for so many years, that you would just come back to the Lord. I can see Him using you in so many wonderful ways, with all your amazing talents! I have written tons of letters to you expressing my feelings, but never delivered them. I pray we will one day be close--I'm always here for you if you ever need me.

5. Thank you for your faithfulness towards the Lord. You have made such an impact in my life and have taught me so many things you just do not know! I miss you so much! I'm so glad I'm a part of your family now-which means you can never run away from me! lol

6. You make me proud. It's ok to make mistakes in your life...just pick up and move on. Keep Christ FIRST! I pray that you will stay strong through these next years. Go to college!! Don't give up. Move in with me if you want to! =)

7. I have always looked up to you and wanted to be able to play the piano just like you! I'm so glad you've come around more over the past several years and we've all gotten closer! You need to hurry up and move back to Alabama! I always keep my eye open for jobs for you!

8. I do not understand the pain you have been through, and I'm so sorry. The things we have all been through have been very difficult, and I can see especially on you. I hope I never have to experience the pain of losing a child. I pray you can heal and move on. I pray for strength to get out of the bed each day and to love your family that is still here. I can't imagine....but I know HE is with you.

9. I wish you weren't so concerned with work all the time. That's all you've ever known, and that's all I've ever known you to do. I wish you both would travel and ENJOY your own money instead of saving it all. I love you so much, and I thank you for your support throughout my college years! I can't imagine losing you, but I know that day will eventually come. When it does, I have no doubt you will be walking those streets of gold, praising our Lord. Thank you for your leadership and Godly guidance in our family.

10. I'm so happy you have worked everything out with your dad. I know we both prayed for that for so many years. I pray you will continue to get back in church and raise your little boy in a Godly home. I pray your husband will be made into your spiritual leader and serve Him. You're so special to me, and have given me so much advice and support throughout everything. I ove you!

What a day!

So I woke up this morning at 8:30 ready to get up and conquer the world! Showered, spent some time in the word, got ready....the usual. Then I left around 10 drove to Jeff State Community College to take my Social Work License Test!!! Got a Happy Meal, ate it in the parking lot, went in and began my 170 question test!!! Took a restroom break at question 100....and I still had almost 3 hours left. (The test is 4 hours long) I was freaking a little, thinking I was going too fast, so I tried to slow my pace. I finished all 170 questions with still an hour and a half left, went and reviewed the ones I had flagged....changed a few answers and hit that dreaded button "Quit Test."
Then I had to hit it again.... "Quit Test"...yes I'm SURE!!
Well I THOUGHT my results would just pop right up, but NOOOOO, I had to do a stupid 10 question survey! So at this point, I'm already shaking, my hearts pounding, and I'm beginning to break a sweat, for real!
So I finished the survey....and BOOM....there it was..... PASS!!!!
My gosh, I don't remember the last time I have felt such relief!! So I left the testing room to get my results. I scored a 72!! Now let me remind you, passing score is a 70, but I didn't care...I passed! This test had some much hanging on it, and it was OVER! And of course it was the LAST test I'll ever have to take......at least for about a year till I start on my Masters.


Let me just tell you....I laughed, smiled, screamed, and even had a slight tear or two just from the relief!!! Thanks to all those who said a prayer for me over these 2 months of studying. I know it is only by the Grace of God i got through it all! He gave me the wisdom, and I give Him all the praise, honor, and glory!!!

God-given Saturday!

I'm beginning to realize how much Saturdays are a blessing from God! This week has been extremely amazing, but I've been really busy at work! I opened FOUR new cases...that's right, I went from having juts 1 open, to 5!!! So that means I have all the inial paperwork/treatment plans/ Intake reports to do over the next two weeks times four! It's part of the job, so I'm not complaining...I'm actually a little bit excited. At least I can't say I had a boring day a work anymore!

I also scheduled my Social Work License Exam last week. I'll be taking it this week..... I would say exactly when, but I really don't want everybody calling me that day asking about it. Therefore...just PRAY for me now!! Pray that I will be taking in the last few things I have to study, and this week, that I will remember those things, and be calm during the test. I'll get my results back as soon as I hit the button "Finish Test" so I'll be posting afterwards I'm sure! I feel pretty confident, I'm just really nervous! I trust the Lord will give me wisdom, and it's all in His hands! I've done my part of studying for the past 2 months, and will be reviewing stuff over these next several days, now I just have to take the 170 question test, and make a score of at least 70%!!

I guess that's about all for now.

I'm about to spend my Saturday cleaning my house (which is very much needed) and studying! =)

There will probably be a nap in there somewhere, and several periods of screaming at PennyLane for an array of things. And the best part.....tonight, Michael and I are just hanging out here together! I didn't get home till 8 on Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday...and I had a girls night Wednesday, so we really haven't spent much time together this week. =(

I'm going to rent us a few movies and cook supper (which I haven't done all week) and just RELAX!!

Church day is tomorrow, that's always exciting! I think we're getting ready to join soon, but we want to get to know some of the people some more. Then tomorrow afternoon, Michael is going to the movies with his guys, and I'll probably study! fun fun!

Ok, off to enjoy my God given Saturday! Hope you do the same!

Emotional rollercoaster

Get ready......

So I started my day off today in the most horrible of moods. I woke up mad at Michael to begin with and didn't know why, was getting ready for church all while being just mad at the world. Went downstairs to spend some much needed time in the word to prepare my heart for church, and I just broke down crying. My heart was so bitter, so hard....I read some of Psalms and prayed "Create in me a clean heart, Oh Lord, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." I felt a little better, but I still didn't let go of things to the Lord.
The whole time, my sweet sweet husband is trying to figure out what's wrong with me and "fix" what it was that he must have done wrong for me to be so upset with him. (There really was nothing)
So we head to church, I break down crying again on the way (after Michael asking what was wrong again) and I just said "I don't know....I'm just confused and I feel so lost....I don't know exactly what's wrong!" That was that. During church, I still had this sour attitude, and was on the verge of breaking down crying the whole time. I felt better, being in the presence of so many believers singing praises to our God, and even hearing a great message about how we as a church, a body of believers should be. But as soon as all that was over, and I stepped foot out of those doors, there it was again....my attitude. UGH!!!
So we headed home. When we got home, I told Michael I wanted to go lay down and talk (which is what we do when we have deep conversations) bc I just couldn't hold in anything else. So as soon as we layed down- the faucet broke loose! I broke down crying like I haven't done in a LONG time! He just held me, like he does so wonderfully. I expressed to him an array of emotions I was feeling....and he listened. Without getting into too much details about my crazy head, I'll just abbrieviate everything by saying that I have just been feeling like I don't belong. I'm not in college anymore-I have a "real" job and that's a big adjustment in itself. While most of my old friends are getting ready to start another semester, I'm just working week after week. I feel like I can't relate to them in that area.
Another thing was that with being married and all I just feel like I have to be that perfect wife....to come home, cook, clean and always be happy. I didn't even realize I was doing that until today. Michael reassured me that I was already perfect to him, and that I didn't ALWAYS have to do those things to make him happy. I just thought thats what wives are supposed to do, so I had to do it. (in other words....marriage is an adjustment for me!)
And the last thing was that being married and all, I just really want us to find Godly married couples that we can hang out with. The problem in my head with that is our age difference. I'm 22...he's 28. Most of his friends are already married with kids, mine are still in college as I've already mentioned.
I was just letting all of this get to me, and bring me down.
I don't ever EVER remember being so caught up in emotions like that before in my life. I'm so glad I have a husband who will listen.

So on the flip side of things....Michael listened and told me he loved me and that I was wonderful...blah blah blah. He turned my whole day around. I felt so much better with just him listening. I told him I needed to do laundry, and he said "No, I'm going to do it all...even put the clothes up!" and then a little later he was like... "You want me to go get you some ice cream later today and make you a sundae?" (If you know me at all, you know my answer to this!)

So I sat on the couch, almost finished reading "Eclipse", fell asleep, woke up to the washer and dryer going, and my husband gone to the store....then he came back and fixed me my sundae! What a perfect man! Couldn't ask for more! I'm so thankful God placed him in my life! Well...now I'm off to cook buffalo chicken pizza- not because I have to in order to be a good wife-- but because I WANT to!! =)

I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heart my cry.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.

Psalm 40: 1-3

Awesome parents!

So I just got back from hanging out with the parents today. I love my job and how the hours are so flexible! I've been studying A LOT lately, and plan to continue to study A LOT, preparing for my test that I hope to take in a few weeks....and good news is, is that I can count those hours as work time! YAY! So anyways....THAT is why I just got home from a day with mom and dad.

We went and toured the winery in Calera (which took a total of 20 minuntes) and then met my brother in Pelham and had lunch with him at O'Charleys. That was sooo good, but now I'm stuffed!

I just had to post this saying how wonderful my parents are! They are so in love with each other and it shows! After almost 27 years of marriage, they actually LIKE to go out together....you don't hear of that much these days! They always come out this way and take us out to eat (which is amazing) and I always love hanging out with them!!

Now I MUST go and study some more before I enjoy my Friday night by going on a home visit! The family canceled last night's session and asked to reschedule for tonight. There are 2 teenage kids and a dad. I asked the dad if the kids realized that they would have to spend their Friday night with me if they canceled....needless to say, we're meeting at 6:30! =( That's ok though, because once again...my job is amazing and I work whenever I want pretty much!

Hope everybody has enjoyed their rainy Friday! I wish I could just sleep ALL DAY LONG, maybe it'll be like this tomorrow and that's just what I might have to do!

Big kid now

So I FINALLY finished up with all the training and stuff that I had to do at work in order to have my own cases. I've been working since May 18th and pretty much just shadowing people on visits and trying to get familiar with what I'd be doing. They do the training at the beginning of every month, but since I got married June 6th (for those who just happened to have forgotten that =0 ) and couldn't complete the June training....therfore I had to wait till JULY!

So anyways, now I'm all finished and ready to get out there on my own! (sorta) I did get assigned my first case, but haven't been able to arrange everything with the DHR worker to meet the family yet. I hope to be officially opening it next week, so that should be exciting! Also, I get to fill in for a co-worker who is going to be on vacation the beginning of next week. So I got to meet all of his families this week, and will be having sessions with them next week. We went over the stuff I'll be doing with them, which consist of anger managment with one mom, domestic violence info with another mom (who just got out of a 10+ year abusive marriage), and stress management with the 3rd mom. 5 families is the typical case load, so I'll be prob be opening another case for m;y co-worker and then opening my own.

Pretty much I'll get to taste what it will be like when I have a full case load...which will be in a few weeks I'm sure. Neeless to say...I'M A BIG KID NOW (at least I feel like it!)

I'm also trying to stay on task with studying for the Social Work Licensure test, which I hope to take in August. I have a study guide that's about oh, 3 or 4 inches thick, and I've been studying since the week after our honeymoon! I'm pretty scared about it, but I know God will help me remember everything! Once I get that, I'll be EXTREMELY RELIEVED because my job will then be secure. It's a requirement to have your license within 6 months of employement...I have till November! So please, PLEASE pray I pass on the 1st go around....it's not a cheap test either!

Oh, I don't think I've mentioned on here that we got a cat! Meet PennyLane! She's pretty

adorable. I'm not much of a cat person, but I like her! You'll probably be hearing more about here later. Recently, she's figured out how to get on the counter tops, in the laundry room (which is pretty much the washer and dryer with doors in front of it), hide under the bathroom sink, get in the TOP of the closet and knock down purses and such....and the one that has made me scream at her and throw her out of the bed room: climb up the plastic bag that my wedding dress is hanging in!! Needless to say, she's a character!

Well, I'll wrap up by saying that I miss my husband! He's been gone ALL DAY helping one of his friends move from the middle of nowhere over by columbiana, to hoover! He left this morning at 7:15 and still isn't home!!!! =(

I think this his the longest we've been away from each other since we've been married! I mean, we usually are both home by 7 or 7:30 at the lastest.....I didn't realize how used to that I was until now! I love him and want him home with me.....

Plus I'm hungry, he told me about an hour ago to go ahead and cook.....it's still waiting! =(

I know he's trying his best to get here, it's just been a long day without him!

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You can't take away

So Thursday in the training that I have to do for my work, we did this little exercise thing where we had to make a list of the 5 most important things in our lives. The leader of the training then went through this story explaing the RC Consent Decree. S My list, along with most of everybody else's list consisted of :

1. God

2. Family (my husband)

3. Friends

4. Work/Education

5. Music (or something they enjoyed doing)

So one by one, we had to cross off each of these, eventually ending up with NOTHING. When it got down to the final 2 thing, smost people had family/friends and God left. Some peopel chose to mark off God before their family, others waited....but when it came down to mark off the last item (GOD) everybody seemed to have a hard time doing this. Most of the people were reluctant to do so and one lady even said "God, she made me do it" others were just complaining about it or whatever saying that they were left with NOTHING. The trainer asked how everybody felt about it, and most were saying sad or depressed and stuff. I had to speak up at this point and I said "I feel fine, because I know that God is the ONE thing you cannot take away from me." I was immediately reminded of the song "Can't Take Away". I can't help but think about our country and where we are today. NOBODY can take away our God. This government can take away and will probably eventually take away our freedom of religion. But let's not let it get that far before we start sharing. Just know that if the world around you is crumblig to pieces, your God is still there.....He always will be!

All around
All of us
Fear has come and so we must
Ask ourselves
In who we trust
What we have here
Is not enough
So let it ring
In freedom sing

You can take away
Everything that I've been holding
You can take away the sun
You can take away the very air that I've been breathing
But you can't take away my God
Oh, my God, my God

Waves will come
And winds will blow
But it's not here I've found my hope
My beating heart
My very soul
Is held by one who won't let go
And so I'll cling
To You my King

You can take away
Everything that I've been holding
You can take away the sun
You can take away the very air that I've been breathing
But you can't take away my God
Oh, my God, my God

A hope that can't be lost
A love that can't be bought
You can't take away my God
Nothing high or low
Nothing you can control
You can't take away my God

You can take away
Everything that I've been holding
You can take away the Sun
You can take away the very air that I've been breathing
But you can't take away my God

No you can't
No you can't
Take away my God
No you can't
No you can't
No you can't
Take away my God, Oh My God, My God.

Modern day Acts

So I can already see this blog going in a ton of different directions. The thoughts began in my head yesterday morning and have only escalated since then....so get ready.

My Bible ready this week has been in the life and ministry of Paul, and yesterday I began reading Acts 16. I read through verse 10 and was very impressed I guess you could say with what I read. I was reminded of Steve, Shari, Jay and Denise out in Arizona and the work they are doing for our God....I truely believe after reading this scripture that they are the current day church of Acts. What a great thing to be in a world like today!

Verse 5 says "The churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers." If you have read or heard about ANYTHING that is going on out there in Vail, then you would know that they are growing and being strengthened daily! My prayers for them now is that they would continue with this growth....that each day someone would come to know Christ because of the work they are doing.

Verse 7 says "The Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to..." (this is referring to Paul trying to enter Bithynia)

I'm reminded here of when they were first beginning their process of moving out west, and their first thoughts were that they would be moving to Las Vegas to help specifially with that church there. God had different plans and just as verse 7 states, the spirit of Jesus didn't allow them to go. Hence the reason they are now in Vail.

Verses 9-10:

During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." After Paul had seen the vision, we (Luke, Silas, Paul, and Timothy) got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

Once again, these verses spoke to me about the willingness of those 4 to get up and go. I'm sure Jay and Steve both dreamt about people out there begging for help. They have described the city of Vail many times as a lost and dying city. One that is so dark, crying out for help. I can't help but think about those who have already began that relationship with the Lord because of their service. They each "got ready at once" and left....they had concluded that God called them to preach the gospel to those people.

Moving forward.....

Verses 14-15 says One of those listening was a woman named Lydia.....The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message...when she and the members of her household were baptized she invited us to her home.

Have you heard the stories of all the FAMILIES there getting saved?? Need I say more?

and finally...

Verse 20 says They brought them before the magistrates (after they had been arrested for sharing the gospel) and said "These men are Jews, and are throwing our city into an uproar..."

WOW, how great would it be if the people of Vail said that those at Grace Fellowhip were "throwing our city into an uproar"!!!!!

I suppose I'll close by saying that it is great all the things Steve, Shari, Jay, Denise and even their children are doing in Vail...and those who are about to be there serving, and those who are serving along side of those. That is wonderful, being missionaries for our Lord.

But my question is....what if we, wherever we are in life, started "throwing our cities into an uproar" ?? What if we lived a life of missionaries everyda? I know that we all know that;s what we're SUPPOSSED to do, but when will we begin doing it? God is a God who is big enough to save people. He just needs workers to share his name with those around us.

That's it for now...there are more thoughts bouncing around in my head about this.....those I will dwell on later.

Life's demands

So my car is broken....again! It's not that it absolutely won't crank, it's just that it doesn't want to, AND when I try to accelerate, it acts like it doesn't want to go.....like it feels like there's a skip in the gas or something wierd. So in the meantime, Michael's work looked at it and did the little diagnosis test thing and like 3 things are wrong with it. For them to fix it, it would cost like 7 or 800 dollars! Michael has a friend who has a friend (ha ha, but seroiusly) who fixes cars, and this friend can get the parts at cost or whatever. So what I'm hoping is that when he takes my car to the friend of a friend (confusing, huh?) that he will be able to fix it for much MUCH cheaper....like $700 cheaper!! (yeah right) So then I'm thinking about the fact that this is the 3rd time in less than 8 months that my car has been in the shop, and my parents forked out close to a grand 8 months ago, and Michael forked out about a hundred in May.....so my question is.....if we spend the $700 now or whatever it's going to cost....are we going to be in the same boat again in a few months?????
Uuuuuuggggghhhhhhhh...........why can't life be so perfect?!?!
On another note, Carnival STILL hasn't refunded our money from our cruise that we never went on, and that we canceled the beginning of MAY! Hopefully that money will be coming in soon, and what was planned to be used on purchasing a new mattress and putting the rest in savings will more than likely be used to fix my piece of crap car or put a down payment on a new one.
Sorry if I sound like I'm complaining....I guess I am sorta, so I'll get on to another subject. Something more positive....spiritual....what I usually write about anyways.

A good friend from Mt. Vernon gave me the book "The power of a praying wife" before we got married and told me to read it about a month or two into our marriage, once we got settled down. So I started reading it this week along with another book Michael had here at the house called "The pursuit of holiness" and let me tell you that I have felt the voice of the Lord speak to me and seen the schemes of Satan try to pull me down all in the same moment. I've learned AGAIN that Satan hates to see children of God get on fire and determined to make a difference in their life. As I've been praying that God will be the center of my life, Michael's life and our marriage, he has thrown so many darts at me to make me ill or whatever. Life is wonderful.....as far as the marraige is going so don't start thinking that just because I'm in prayer over something that there is a problem. That's my point....don't you think we should pray about it BEFORE it becomes a problem? I'm determined to have a marraige glorifying to God and honoring to him everyday. I want to be that wife who is still so goo-goo-eyed over her man 15, 20, even 50 years from now! I love Michael with all that I am, and I want to life him up in prayer everyday (hence the book).
I just realize that the Lord test you and Satan tries to bring you down. It's only by the grace of God that I am even where I am today. I'm so blessed, so thankful. As I think back to the earlier part of my post, I realize that my little car problem is so stupid. I mean, there are people out there who don't even have a car....or who don't have a home either! I think I can handle having to take Michael to work and pick him up (while he so graciously lets me drive his car everywhere) until we get something figured out! (oh how selfish I can be sometimes!)

Well, I guess I've rambled enough....off to pick up prince charming!

God runs

"...He got right up and went home to his father. When he was still a long way off, his father saw him. His heart pounding, he ran out, embraced him, and kissed him." Luke 15:20

When God ran by Phillips, Craig and Dean...see/hear it here

Almighty God, the great I am
Immovable rock, omnipotent, powerful, awesome Lord
Victorious warrior, commanding King of Kings
Mighty conqueror, and the only time
the only time I ever saw Him run

Was when He ran to me, He took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest, said “My son’s come home again”
Lifted my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice He said,
“Son do you know I still love you?”
He caught me by surprise when God ran

The day I left home I knew I’d broken His heart
And I wondered then if things could ever be the same
Then one night I remembered His love for me
And down that dusty road ahead I could see
It was the only time – it was the only time I ever saw Him run

And then He ran to me, He took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest, said “My son’s come home again”
Lifted my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice He said,
“Son do you know I still love you?”
He caught me by surprise as He brought me to my knees
When God ran – I saw Him run to me

I was so ashamed, all alone and so far away
But now I know He’s been waiting for this day

I saw Him run to me, He took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest, said “My son’s come home again”
Lifted my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice I felt His love for me again

He ran to me, He took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest, said “My son’s come home again”
Lifted my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice He said, “Son”, He called me Son
He said, “Son do you know I still love you?”
He ran to me and then I ran to Him
When God ran