I've been blogging now for 2 whole months! WOOHOO!
Happy anniversary to me!
Johnny got me started, so go see his blog.
My sister is standing over my shoulder and thinks this "blog thing" is ridiculous - or actually just that I am ridiculous. Just wait, though. I'll get her blogging before long - you'll see.
Happy Sunday to you all!
Sunday, July 31, 2005
Thursday, July 28, 2005
Rock Star: INXS
I missed the elimination show last night!! Man was I bummed. But I did log on to the INXS website to find out who went home. Shocker of all shockers it was both Daphna & Heather. I was not suprised that they were eliminated, just suprised that they were both eliminated on the same night. Normally I have issues w/ singing shows (American Idol) because people are eliminated for weird reasons - which is why they end up with mediocre finalists and why the audience loses interest in the show near the end (at least I do). But, I must give credit to the INXS people (whoever they are) because almost every week I've cheered the decisions made (although I think Wil might have left too soon, and Daphna & Heather not soon enough).
I thought I would give you some predictions - or actually my opinions of how things should go:
Next to leave: Jessica (a long time coming)
After Jessica (in no particular order): JD, Tara & Deanna
I think the last six should be: Brandon, Jordis, Marty, Mig, Suzie & Ty
Then Brandon & Ty should go.
Right now my fav's are Mig & Suzie.
Mig really nailed the Aerosmith tune - not very many people can say that!
Suzie has the most vocal talent in my opinion.
I think Brandon, Jordis & Marty are great performers, but their vocals are not the best.
As of now, I'm not sure who I think will win it - I think it will be between Jordis, Marty, Mig & Suzie (my pick would be Mig or Marty). I think Suzie is the most talented, but probably not right for INXS.
That's all I got for now.
I thought I would give you some predictions - or actually my opinions of how things should go:
Next to leave: Jessica (a long time coming)
After Jessica (in no particular order): JD, Tara & Deanna
I think the last six should be: Brandon, Jordis, Marty, Mig, Suzie & Ty
Then Brandon & Ty should go.
Right now my fav's are Mig & Suzie.
Mig really nailed the Aerosmith tune - not very many people can say that!
Suzie has the most vocal talent in my opinion.
I think Brandon, Jordis & Marty are great performers, but their vocals are not the best.
As of now, I'm not sure who I think will win it - I think it will be between Jordis, Marty, Mig & Suzie (my pick would be Mig or Marty). I think Suzie is the most talented, but probably not right for INXS.
That's all I got for now.
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Scripture of the Week - Week 4
"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33
A good friend of mine forwarded a story to me today - normally I do not read forwards, but felt inclined to read this one. It was about the process involved in refining silver. I have heard about this process before, and it always affects me the same way. The story references Malachi 3:3 ("He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.") and is comparing God to a silver refiner. Here are some quick highlights:
He (the silversmith) explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.
She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.
The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy - when I see my image in it."
Neato story - to think that God has that much control over our circumstances, and that he allows just the right amount of "fire" to mold us into who He wants us to be - into little Christs (Christians).
It's good to know that no matter what happens to us, God is in control and will use it to make us more like Him.
A quote from my devotion today:
"Jesus is your victory for every battle you will encounter. Call on His name."
A good friend of mine forwarded a story to me today - normally I do not read forwards, but felt inclined to read this one. It was about the process involved in refining silver. I have heard about this process before, and it always affects me the same way. The story references Malachi 3:3 ("He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.") and is comparing God to a silver refiner. Here are some quick highlights:
He (the silversmith) explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.
She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.
The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy - when I see my image in it."
Neato story - to think that God has that much control over our circumstances, and that he allows just the right amount of "fire" to mold us into who He wants us to be - into little Christs (Christians).
It's good to know that no matter what happens to us, God is in control and will use it to make us more like Him.
A quote from my devotion today:
"Jesus is your victory for every battle you will encounter. Call on His name."
Monday, July 25, 2005
Compass Church
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
More on Success
Here's an excerpt from another daily devotion that I read -
There is a distinct difference between the believer who operates based on living in the Promised Land versus the one who operates in Egypt. In Egypt, the believer sweats and toils to generate an outcome. The final objective is foremost in their mind. Outcome is everything. In the Promised Land, we learn that obedience is the only thing that matters.
We are called to execute, and leave outcome to God. Sometimes that outcome is very positive, yielding a return. In other cases, we may not yield a corresponding return. We may even get a negative outcome. The difference is that we know that we have been faithful to what God has called us to and we yield results to God. God may call each of us to be obedient to situations that may not yield immediate, positive results. It is in these times that our faith must be obedience-based versus outcome-based. What if Jesus had considered the immediate ramifications of whether he would go to the cross? Based on the immediate outcome, the decision would have been an easy one. Who wants to die on a cross? However, for Him there was a higher purpose in that obedience. We are called to this same kind of obedience. This means putting our own flesh on the line daily, dying to our own self-will. This is what it means to be faithful. Pray that God will make you faithful today.
More cool stuff!
There is a distinct difference between the believer who operates based on living in the Promised Land versus the one who operates in Egypt. In Egypt, the believer sweats and toils to generate an outcome. The final objective is foremost in their mind. Outcome is everything. In the Promised Land, we learn that obedience is the only thing that matters.
We are called to execute, and leave outcome to God. Sometimes that outcome is very positive, yielding a return. In other cases, we may not yield a corresponding return. We may even get a negative outcome. The difference is that we know that we have been faithful to what God has called us to and we yield results to God. God may call each of us to be obedient to situations that may not yield immediate, positive results. It is in these times that our faith must be obedience-based versus outcome-based. What if Jesus had considered the immediate ramifications of whether he would go to the cross? Based on the immediate outcome, the decision would have been an easy one. Who wants to die on a cross? However, for Him there was a higher purpose in that obedience. We are called to this same kind of obedience. This means putting our own flesh on the line daily, dying to our own self-will. This is what it means to be faithful. Pray that God will make you faithful today.
More cool stuff!
What is Success?
I've struggled with this question many times during the last couple of years. Mainly because of my part in a church plant. In the beginning of my relationship w/ North Point (soon to be Compass Church!!) I didn't really know what a church plant was, and I most definitely didn't know what I was getting into. I DID know that God was giving me an opportunity to get involved with what He is doing by being a part of this new venture. Throughout our church's journey (see our story here) we've asked ourselves many times how we define success. I think the closest I've come to a definition is "Being obedient to what God has called me to do" - that's success. I must be obedient to God and the success of my efforts is up to Him - isn't that comforting? - God is in control of the success or failure of the mission.
I found a verse today that I had read before, but not from this perspective - "Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ ." 2 Corinthians 1:21.
Here's a quote from the bible study:
"The lesson I have learned from my failures is that I don't have to succeed. I have to do the right thing under God's guidance, and leave success or failure in His hands." - isn't that cool??
My part in God's plan is to stand firm in Him - to be obedient, to do the right thing - He'll take care of the rest.
I love this verse because it helps me to concrete in my mind a kingdom mindset, or a Big Picture perspective - I am not even able to stand firm in Christ apart from His guidance. I cannot even obey on my own. However, "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength" - with God's guidance - I can do my part! I can stand firm! My success within this church plant is dependent not on my own talents, abilities or hard work - but on God's abilities. My part is to be obedient and to always do the right thing according to God's guidance - and His plan will succeed.
Proverbs 3:5-7 (New Living Translation)
5Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.
Very cool stuff indeed!
I found a verse today that I had read before, but not from this perspective - "Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ ." 2 Corinthians 1:21.
Here's a quote from the bible study:
"The lesson I have learned from my failures is that I don't have to succeed. I have to do the right thing under God's guidance, and leave success or failure in His hands." - isn't that cool??
My part in God's plan is to stand firm in Him - to be obedient, to do the right thing - He'll take care of the rest.
I love this verse because it helps me to concrete in my mind a kingdom mindset, or a Big Picture perspective - I am not even able to stand firm in Christ apart from His guidance. I cannot even obey on my own. However, "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength" - with God's guidance - I can do my part! I can stand firm! My success within this church plant is dependent not on my own talents, abilities or hard work - but on God's abilities. My part is to be obedient and to always do the right thing according to God's guidance - and His plan will succeed.
Proverbs 3:5-7 (New Living Translation)
5Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.
Very cool stuff indeed!
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Personal Mission Statement
I've mentioned that I've started a personal growth plan. Part of the plan is to come up with a personal mission statement. Here's mine - it's in progress, and is probably too long - but I'm working on it. Some of it is borrowed from a book, sermon or article I've read - but most of it - and definitely the heart behind it is mine.
To live an intentional life of intimacy, integrity, and impact. To use my beliefs as a bridge to connect with everyone around me - practicing kindness, showing love and serving with my whole heart. To use my music as a testimony of God's love, sovereignty, and saving grace and to always believe what I sing. To lead others by serving them and to teach and equip them to do the same. To live boldly and unashamedly the life that God has called me to - with passion, strength, and without regret. To constantly seek first to experience, express and expand the Kingdom of God and to become more like Christ every moment of every day. I exist to glorify God, and to bring others to Him. My purpose is to worship God with everything I am, everything I have, and everything I do.
To live an intentional life of intimacy, integrity, and impact. To use my beliefs as a bridge to connect with everyone around me - practicing kindness, showing love and serving with my whole heart. To use my music as a testimony of God's love, sovereignty, and saving grace and to always believe what I sing. To lead others by serving them and to teach and equip them to do the same. To live boldly and unashamedly the life that God has called me to - with passion, strength, and without regret. To constantly seek first to experience, express and expand the Kingdom of God and to become more like Christ every moment of every day. I exist to glorify God, and to bring others to Him. My purpose is to worship God with everything I am, everything I have, and everything I do.
Scripture of the Week - Week 3
"This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. The LORD's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness" (Lamentations 3: 21-23).
To me it seems that this verse is all about perspective. Jeremiah had finally found a right perspective. He finally understood that no matter what is going on around you God stays the same. He is the same God that He has always been. Although we change, God never does. He is always good, always loving, always kind, always faithful - He will never let us down.
Here's a great Spurgeon quote for you:
"Say not my soul, 'From whence can God relieve my care?'
Remember that Omnipotence has servants everywhere.
His method is sublime, his heart profoundly kind,
God never is before his time, and never is behind."
To me it seems that this verse is all about perspective. Jeremiah had finally found a right perspective. He finally understood that no matter what is going on around you God stays the same. He is the same God that He has always been. Although we change, God never does. He is always good, always loving, always kind, always faithful - He will never let us down.
Here's a great Spurgeon quote for you:
"Say not my soul, 'From whence can God relieve my care?'
Remember that Omnipotence has servants everywhere.
His method is sublime, his heart profoundly kind,
God never is before his time, and never is behind."
Scripture of the Week - Week 2
I was out last week and didn't get on the computer at all, so I didn't post a scripture of the week - but I had one. Here it is: “train yourselves to be godly.” 1 Timothy 4:7b - I mentioned last week that I have started a personal growth plan for myself. Well, this is the verse that started it all. Becoming like Christ is not something that just happens. Just like learning to play guitar and learning to sing did not just happen. God gave me the foundation of my voice, but I have worked hard since then training it and making it into something more. Learning to be like Christ is a process - an everyday commitment to study His character and His ways and then to commit myself to following His example. Another important part of this is that I will never reach perfection - with my voice OR with my life! I will always have things to learn or parts of me that don't measure up - that is why God's grace is so important to me. I've been reading "The Grace Awakening" lately (by Chuck Swindoll), and am discovering new truths about God's incredible grace. His grace is my lifeline. Without it I'm in big trouble. That's what being a child of God is all about - recognizing my need for His grace and responding to Him in a way that shows my recognition and appreciation for how fully He saved my life.
Monday, July 18, 2005
More cool searches
Someone found my blog on Saturday by searching for "matthew Mcconaughey, bar-b-q" on google. My site came up at # 9!
Someone else came to my site by searching for "famous eStJ's" on google. I was # 10 on that one (don't really understand why, though).
Weird stuff!
Someone else came to my site by searching for "famous eStJ's" on google. I was # 10 on that one (don't really understand why, though).
Weird stuff!
My Week of Firsts
The past week was definitely a week of firsts for me.
My first Jury Duty experience (no, I did not get chosen.)
My first airplane ride - I went to Corpus Christi for a conference (for work). The flight had a stop in Houston there and back - so I got to take off and land twice each direction - woohoo! It was so cool. To quote the little guy from the Incredibles (and also my daughter) - It was totally wicked!
My first out of town conference - I learned so much that I'm officially experiencing information overload.
My first hotel room all to my self! - I've never stayed away from home all by myself before - I guess I'm growing up :)
My first taxi ride - I took a taxi to the hotel from the airport and then back again (the shuttle was not available) - seems silly, but I thought it was so cool!
My first trip to Joe's Crab Shack - not by choice (I hate seafood), but my burger was actually really good.
My first taste of salmon - unless fried salmon patties count (my mom made lots of these). I tried actual salmon at one of the lunches at the conference - I didn't order it, it's what everybody had - and it was really, really yuck!
My first room service order - silly thing to be excited about, but I felt so important!!
Some other cool things I got to do last week:
* Went to Six Flags on Saturday to see TFK, Superchick, and Third Day - very cool!
* Got caught in the rain on Thursday at the conference and had to run barefoot (my shoes kept making me fall) back to my hotel to check out and get to the airport in time for my flight!
* Watched INXS - I'm really diggin it!
* Got to hang out with some good friends that we don't see very often - and their really cute 7 month old named Max - very cool kid!
* Watched my daughter perform (she's a self-proclaimed Rock Star) in my living room songs she made up on the spot - I have the coolest kid ever!
* Cool pot luck on Sunday with friends after church (good food, good friends, good times).
I hope next week is as exciting!
*
My first Jury Duty experience (no, I did not get chosen.)
My first airplane ride - I went to Corpus Christi for a conference (for work). The flight had a stop in Houston there and back - so I got to take off and land twice each direction - woohoo! It was so cool. To quote the little guy from the Incredibles (and also my daughter) - It was totally wicked!
My first out of town conference - I learned so much that I'm officially experiencing information overload.
My first hotel room all to my self! - I've never stayed away from home all by myself before - I guess I'm growing up :)
My first taxi ride - I took a taxi to the hotel from the airport and then back again (the shuttle was not available) - seems silly, but I thought it was so cool!
My first trip to Joe's Crab Shack - not by choice (I hate seafood), but my burger was actually really good.
My first taste of salmon - unless fried salmon patties count (my mom made lots of these). I tried actual salmon at one of the lunches at the conference - I didn't order it, it's what everybody had - and it was really, really yuck!
My first room service order - silly thing to be excited about, but I felt so important!!
Some other cool things I got to do last week:
* Went to Six Flags on Saturday to see TFK, Superchick, and Third Day - very cool!
* Got caught in the rain on Thursday at the conference and had to run barefoot (my shoes kept making me fall) back to my hotel to check out and get to the airport in time for my flight!
* Watched INXS - I'm really diggin it!
* Got to hang out with some good friends that we don't see very often - and their really cute 7 month old named Max - very cool kid!
* Watched my daughter perform (she's a self-proclaimed Rock Star) in my living room songs she made up on the spot - I have the coolest kid ever!
* Cool pot luck on Sunday with friends after church (good food, good friends, good times).
I hope next week is as exciting!
*
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Personality Test
I've done these tests before, and every time get the exact same results (no matter what version I take). Perhaps there's something to it.
According to the most recent test, I am ENFJ (Extraverted iNtuitive Feeling Judging.) - also called "the Teacher"
Here's the description (which seems pretty right on - as far as I'm concerned):
* are "the benevolent 'pedagogues' of humanity" - They have tremendous charisma by which many are drawn into their nurturant tutelage and/or grand schemes. (Wow - this sounds important)
* generally believe in their dreams, and see themselves as helpers and enablers, which they usually are. (definitely true of me)
* are global learners. They see the big picture.
* The ENFJs focus is expansive. Some can juggle an amazing number of responsibilities or projects simultaneously. Many ENFJs have tremendous entrepreneurial ability. (Hope this is true - very cool.)
* ENFJs are organized in the arena of interpersonal affairs. Their offices may or may not be cluttered, but their conclusions (reached through feelings) about people and motives are drawn much more quickly and are more resilient than those of their NFP counterparts.
* ENFJs know and appreciate people. (also very true of me)
* they are apt to neglect themselves and their own needs for the needs of others.
* They have thinner psychological boundaries than most, and are at risk for being hurt or even abused by less sensitive people.
* ENFJs often take on more of the burdens of others than they can bear.
Some famous ENFJ's:
David, King of Israel (would have thought I would be associated w/ Peter before David)
Abraham Lincoln
Ronald Reagan
Dick Van Dyke
Andy Griffith
Diane Sawyer
Michael Jordan, NBA basketball player (my husband will think this is cool - he's a BIG fan!)
Johnny Depp
Oprah Winfrey
Matthew McConaughey
Lauren Graham ("Gilmore Girls") - my all time favorite show!!! - My husband is always saying that she reminds him of me - her and her character :)
Thought this was kind of cool. I happen to know that Billy Graham is on the ESTJ list and so is Peter, so you ESTJ's - you're in good company too!
Take the quiz - I'd love to see everybody else's results.
According to the most recent test, I am ENFJ (Extraverted iNtuitive Feeling Judging.) - also called "the Teacher"
Here's the description (which seems pretty right on - as far as I'm concerned):
* are "the benevolent 'pedagogues' of humanity" - They have tremendous charisma by which many are drawn into their nurturant tutelage and/or grand schemes. (Wow - this sounds important)
* generally believe in their dreams, and see themselves as helpers and enablers, which they usually are. (definitely true of me)
* are global learners. They see the big picture.
* The ENFJs focus is expansive. Some can juggle an amazing number of responsibilities or projects simultaneously. Many ENFJs have tremendous entrepreneurial ability. (Hope this is true - very cool.)
* ENFJs are organized in the arena of interpersonal affairs. Their offices may or may not be cluttered, but their conclusions (reached through feelings) about people and motives are drawn much more quickly and are more resilient than those of their NFP counterparts.
* ENFJs know and appreciate people. (also very true of me)
* they are apt to neglect themselves and their own needs for the needs of others.
* They have thinner psychological boundaries than most, and are at risk for being hurt or even abused by less sensitive people.
* ENFJs often take on more of the burdens of others than they can bear.
Some famous ENFJ's:
David, King of Israel (would have thought I would be associated w/ Peter before David)
Abraham Lincoln
Ronald Reagan
Dick Van Dyke
Andy Griffith
Diane Sawyer
Michael Jordan, NBA basketball player (my husband will think this is cool - he's a BIG fan!)
Johnny Depp
Oprah Winfrey
Matthew McConaughey
Lauren Graham ("Gilmore Girls") - my all time favorite show!!! - My husband is always saying that she reminds him of me - her and her character :)
Thought this was kind of cool. I happen to know that Billy Graham is on the ESTJ list and so is Peter, so you ESTJ's - you're in good company too!
Take the quiz - I'd love to see everybody else's results.
Spongebob Slip n Slide
I had another hit yesterday from someone searching for spongebob slip n slide. Seriously - from Indiana (Statcounter is so cool).
Nifty.
Nifty.
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
Scripture of the Week - Week 1
I spent the majority of the day creating a personal growth plan. I wrote a personal mission statement, which took me over 3 hours, but I think it finally captures exactly what I want it to say, and I wrote out over 30 personal goals (some are things I'm already doing, but want to step up it up a little). I'm terribly excited about finally writing out the things that I feel God is leading me to change, focus on, or develop - it's currently 8 pages. If you're curious - here's a great resource to get started.
One of my goals is to meditate on one new scripture per week - so here's the one for this week:
"May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." - Psalm 19:14
Happy Tuesday everyone!
One of my goals is to meditate on one new scripture per week - so here's the one for this week:
"May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." - Psalm 19:14
Happy Tuesday everyone!
You like me...you really like me?!
I finally got statcounter working for my blog - and like 3 whole people have read this page over the last week, and they weren't me!! Very cool. So if you are one of the 3 - pass it on. My goal is to get to 5 people by weekend. (You gotta start small, right?)
Change subject: the fireworks were cool this weekend. Did I mention that the 4th of July has always been my fav holiday! It's the only holiday that people are nice for the sake of being nice. The only holiday where people enjoy each other w/out wanting something in return. I LOVE IT! I also really dig the fireworks. I think we should have a day of fireworks every month - to lift spirits. Then again, maybe it's the rarity of the fireworks that make them special. Whatever it is - I feel better after this weekend - it was cool.
We celebrated w/ the city of Roanoke - they throw a great party! Even though we ran out of food and chips and eventually drinks (who knew that everybody in Texas was going to show up??) it was still great. At any other holiday people would have been ticked that there wasn't enough food to go around, but everyone was really cool - no major complaints and no one hurt anyone else to get to the BarBQ (and it was GREAT BarBQ!). Overall it was a SUCCESS.
Change of subject (again): I've found a new hobby. Washing cars. I'm not sure why I like it?!?! I recently bought a new car (a PT Cruiser - woohoo), and have washed it twice since then - to keep it pretty (and it is pretty!). I seem to enjoy washing cars - so I treated my parents' cars to a washing yesterday. Actually I started it and it looked like so much fun to the little people (my sister's kids and my own) that they begged me to let them help (do I look like Tom Sawyer?). It was great - and the cars looked, well, ok afterwards.
Change subject: the fireworks were cool this weekend. Did I mention that the 4th of July has always been my fav holiday! It's the only holiday that people are nice for the sake of being nice. The only holiday where people enjoy each other w/out wanting something in return. I LOVE IT! I also really dig the fireworks. I think we should have a day of fireworks every month - to lift spirits. Then again, maybe it's the rarity of the fireworks that make them special. Whatever it is - I feel better after this weekend - it was cool.
We celebrated w/ the city of Roanoke - they throw a great party! Even though we ran out of food and chips and eventually drinks (who knew that everybody in Texas was going to show up??) it was still great. At any other holiday people would have been ticked that there wasn't enough food to go around, but everyone was really cool - no major complaints and no one hurt anyone else to get to the BarBQ (and it was GREAT BarBQ!). Overall it was a SUCCESS.
Change of subject (again): I've found a new hobby. Washing cars. I'm not sure why I like it?!?! I recently bought a new car (a PT Cruiser - woohoo), and have washed it twice since then - to keep it pretty (and it is pretty!). I seem to enjoy washing cars - so I treated my parents' cars to a washing yesterday. Actually I started it and it looked like so much fun to the little people (my sister's kids and my own) that they begged me to let them help (do I look like Tom Sawyer?). It was great - and the cars looked, well, ok afterwards.
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