Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Lam. 3:22-24

I love the feeling of a new day. Especially when it's so sun-shiny outside and I've had 10.5 hours of sleep. I'm rested. I have new strength. His mercies are new. I'm refreshed. Great is His faithfulness.

I'm glad we have a new day (every day). Because if we were wired to be up for hours and hours at a time, I don't think I could stand it!

I clocked out of work around 11:30 p.m. last night and usually I'm leaving from 10-10:30 p.m. And I wasn't even scheduled last night but came in for a girl who was sick/didn't want to work. The DM's (district managers) were coming in this morning, so we did some major cleaning last night. I worked from 4pm. - 11:30pm. -sigh- I'm so glad for new days.

"'The Lord is my portion,' says my soul, 'therefore I hope in Him!'"

Friday, December 26, 2008

12/25-12/26

Early Christmas morning, about 12 am - 2 am I was working on last minute gifts. A few scrapbooked cards for my mom and aunt. I thought they turned out very cute.



Later Christmas morning, we enjoyed a fabulous breakfast - biscuits and milk gravy. Oh - it was good. We cleaned everything up and read the Christmas story - the great simple, mysterious, and wondrous happening many years ago, that changed the world. We then began opening presents, much to Andrew's delight. The gifts were great, but we really got mom this year. About a month ago, Dad told me he was thinking about buying a keyboard for mom. We have a piano, but the soundboard is cracked and it can't be tuned because we have a wood burning stove and something to do with the lack of humidity. So anyway, our piano is out of tune, so we've been thinking about buying a keyboard. Long story short, dad bought a keyboard and had hid it behind our entertainment set. Christmas eve, mom went somewhere and me and Andrew got it out and wrapped it - it's big. Then we put it behind my door with a sign on my room to keep out. Dad and I wrapped up the speakers and the piano stand and brought them out by the tree. We didn't put labels on them, and mom thought they were for Andrew. We saved the two big packages for last. Mom began opening the speakers first. She kept saying, "What have you guys done?" Finally, she saw the words Buddy Rogers and asked, "Is this a keyboard?!?" She was almost crying. We brought out the keyboard package and the rest is history. It is so awesome!!




Yeah - we are all going to really enjoy it!

We also did some baking - kiss cookies, Oreo truffles, and caramel corn.


For supper we had smothered steak, which we later began referring to it as steak and goop. lol It was so good.


Andrew got a Need for Speed game and was engrossed most of the evening.

I raced a few with him and actually beat him, um one time...yeah, he's good. :)

*****

This morning I slept in - once again. We had more biscuits and gravy - then I went over to Brenda's to help her with inventory. Driving back, I realized that within 4 days I've driven through ice, rain, fog, and rain and fog. But no snow. *sigh*

We're watching Prince Caspian right now. Wow - it's good.

I can't believe that I have just a little over a week left of break and then back to school! This semester is going to be crazy - three tours (choir, band, and Ireland) along with 6 regular classes plus choir and band and an 3 hour independent study + Panera + Wed. night kids class. Gracious me - I thought last semester was crazy. :) Here we go again!

Monday, December 22, 2008

My New Yummy Snack among other things

Roasted Red Pepper Hommus and Crackers - ta-sty! I just keep eating and eating and eating...which means it is too yummy for me.

And holiday shopping makes me not happy! I wish online shopping was a little more convenient - like I could touch/feel/try on all in the comfort of my house! The good news is that most of the shopping is done. I think my neighborhood Meijer and Kohls can do the rest. No more holiday shopping for me!! (YES!)

My dad is the easiest person to buy for this year. I'm seriously buying him a bag of Dove chocolates and Arm & Hammer Complete Care Toothpaste. Isn't that great? It's want he wants!! Well, I told him I would buy him the toothpaste because he mine (that's in my purse) better than Crest. So I told him I would buy him his own toothpaste for Christmas. :P

I worked at Panera tonight - it's been nearly a month. My dad keeps talking about Panera, the place Alanna used to work! :) I'll probably be sore tomorrow - all the manual labor! For Real!

Ok, so I'm done rambling and I'm going to bed - soon.

I wish thee all a good night.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Baby, it's cold outside...

like 4 degrees cold. (at least at my house)

Stay warm and snug!

Friday, December 19, 2008

12/19/08

It feels like Florida outside - just a tad colder. It's been raining and it's windy and cloudy, but the sun is shining. Just reminds me of Florida somehow.

Yet again, I've gotten up around 6:30 - 6:45, thrown some clothes on, put a barrette in my hair and drove Andrew to his carpool about 15-20 minutes away. I drive back, put my pjs back on, and promptly go back to sleep. It's been won-der-ful.

Yeah, so I'm up now, and it's noon. I love break. :) I was going to have to babysit tonight, but they moved it to tomorrow night. So...today...let's see. Gotta go to mom's bank to deposit a check, then to Kroger to buy some pretzels to make white-chocolate covered pretzels for the party that I'm not going to (I love home too much to go partying!). I might drive over to TJMaxx to see what they have since my dear friend, Rachel, gave me a gift card for my BDay (bless you dearie!)

And for the rest of the day? I do need to update and send something to MM, and I think I'm going to work on Thank-yous for my birthday and then a special Christmas gift I'm making. I just came up with the idea yesterday - it's going to be cool.

Well, wherever you are my dear friends, may you have a glorious day! She says with arms dramatically spread out.

P.S. Since my schedule is not quite so busy, I will probably be updating more - so scroll down to see all the new posts! Thank you! :)

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Recent Pictures

Here are some pics from Nicole's Christmas Party, Sam's Birthday, and Thanksgiving 08 at the Conley's. And finally our 2008 Christmas Picture.









My Ponderings

Last night, two vans and a moving van made their way down to 12th Street and set up several tables with clothes, cookies, coffee, and hot chocolate. Soon we had a crowd. Mismatched clothes, toboggans, wide-toothy grins, grateful hearts. Most were polite, appreciative. Some sang carols with us, some laughed and joked around, some just stood quietly sipping their hot drink. It's in times like these that I feel extremely blessed. I wonder at God's goodness to me. Why I am here and they are there? I know some of them are there because of their own choices. But others? What traumatic event happened in their life that now they wonder where their next bed will be? I know why - because of sin. And that is why Jesus and this time of year is so precious. He saves the rich and poor, the healthy and sick, those with a home and those who have none. He was born to save His people from their sins. He calls anyone. I just pray that those people will respond. Whether it was a smile, the giving of food and clothes, or a tract, somehow they will look to the baby who was born, who lived and died, but rose again. For it was He who came to save and seek that which was lost (Luke 19:10). This Christmas - join me by reaching out, even if it's just a smile, a hug, a listening ear. Reach out - because Jesus reached out to you and me. Who knows what difference it could make.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

That and This

"Change before you have to." - Jack Welch

Hmm...very good thoughts Mr. Welch. I know I need to do some changing; breaking old habits and making new ones.

TO DO before break:
  • Video Comparison Paper (3 pg.)
  • 50 Books not read + reviews
  • Bio Lab - Lab 29 - 30 and Lab Summary
  • Read Ch. 9-15 in EEL (yeah, right!)
  • Notebook for EEL
  • Notebook for Herm.
  • Update Herm. Brochure and email to MM
  • Study for Herm. Test
  • Study for EEL Test
  • Study for Child. Lit. Test
  • Christian / Community Service Report
  • Turn in IRE money.
  • Pick up DVD from Lisa.
  • Talk to Mr. Wolf

In other news - I still have a job. I wasn't quite sure. It's been 3 weeks since I've worked. Rick said I do have some hours on the new schedule.

More Christmas music on blog - more of my faves. I have a lot.

BTW - 5 MORE DAYS!

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

3 Words

7 MORE DAYS

Monday, December 1, 2008

Me and Pants and Curlers


This is me at my finest. :) I found this picture and thought it was funny.
Now back to work.
P.S. Grandma doesn't have to have surgery. They put her arm in a plastic cast and they said it should heal on its own. I guess the splint or cast the ER put on it was way wrong and it was no doubt causing a lot of pain. She feels much better now. Thanks for your prayers.

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Weekend

It's 9pm Sunday night, and what a weekend it has been. I never would have dreamed that this would have happened.

We left for Missouri early Wednesday morning. I slept and did homework. We had a good trip. All the family was there when we arrived. My uncle had brought ping pong, pool and air hockey tables and we decided to have tournaments. We bought posterboard for the rankings and prizes for the champions. We drew names and fit everybody in for each of the games. We were having a great time playing and being together. Thanksgiving Day, we had a feast, and enjoyed cheesecake for my birthday cake. Friday - Brenda, Dee, and I organized some of Grandma's cabinets. We made a couple trips to Wal-mart. That evening some of us were working on the tournaments. I was reffing Ping-Pong. Grandma and my cousin was playing. Grandma was doing really well. She had already played air hockey (and loved it) and had played pool. She had lost one game of ping pong (but still had done good). I believe she had just tied up the second game when she went for the ball and fell and just laid there moaning. It hurts me to write about it now. Quickly my aunt Tricia, a nurse, came in and told us to get blankets and to call 911. Grandma was still moaning and it looked like she fell on her arm - she could still move her fingers. A volunteer fire squad responded first. Then the ambulance finally came. There was a big rush as we decided who was going and getting the vital documents and clothes for Grandma. I sat on the swing outside in the cold holding my two younger cousins as we watched the nightmare. I prayed. I was scared. I was sad.

That night we brought in a TV from the camper and watched August Rush while we waited for news. It helped distract us for a while. We cleaned the house - anything to get our minds off it for awhile. There was a lot of worried glances and troubled hearts. Grandma and Grandpa live 1 1/2 hours from the nearest family members. We've already been talking to them, trying to convince them to move closer. They have so much stuff in the house and the barn - so much stuff.

Later that night, we heard that Grandma had gotten Xrays and they were releasing her. It was a holiday weekend. She couldn't get into the doctor until Monday. They came home with her about 2:30 in the morning and got her situated in a recliner. I went to bed soon after.

Saturday, I got up around 11 a.m. Grandma was sleeping, but she had vomited in the night. Saturday was hard. She would eat, but anytime she got up to walk around, she would vomit. Those memories of my very sick Grandma will stick with my for some time, I'm sure.

I remember my aunt Brenda, papers spread out before her, calling people, trying to figure out insurance stuff, trying to get advice as to what was best.

We debated on whether to take her back to the ER - the vomiting, nausea, pain. Finally we decided to keep her unless things got decidedly worse. After several bouts of nausea and vomiting, Grandma's doctor friend wrote her a prescription for different pain medicine and nausea medicine. My dad and uncles and aunt Tricia met the dear angel doctor at Walgreens to get the medicine. He even took them to the hospital to see the X rays. No wonder Grandma was in pain. She had fractured her humerus and had a bone spur a piece was pressing on a nerve- I don't know what else but it's bad.

They brought the medicine home and pizza for the family. After administering the medicine, Grandma slept and slept and didn't vomit and was perky - she still has pain, but she said she feels like a new person.

Dad, Andrew, and I left early this morning to head home. We had rented a van and had to get it back to the airport by 8:30 tonight. Mom and aunt Brenda are staying with Grandma this week and hopefully she'll be well enough to go to my Uncle Dewayne and Aunt Dee's house in Oklahoma this weekend.

Needless to say, we are all tired. Those first 3 hours on the road were rough for my dad - he was so sleepy. I couldn't drive the rental van because I wasn't old enough. But God gave me special strength those first 3 hours to keep me awake so I could keep Dad awake. I got a lot of reading done.

So here I am. Home. Mom's not here. I've got homework, errands, grocery shopping, Christmas program, night class. I'm overwhelmed. I guess the whole reason for this post is that I'm asking for your prayers. I need you to lift me and my dad (especially) up to God this week. I don't feel bold or selfish in asking, because the Bible tells us to carry each other's burdens, and how do you know if I have a burden unless I tell you. God has helped me and my family so much this weekend in so many big and little ways, I know He will not fail. But I do need your prayers and love and encouragement as I face this next week. Thank you, if you've stayed to read all of this. I needed to get it all out. I'm not sure how to end this but to again ask for your prayers and support. I'm sure I might be blowing this out of proportion a bit - I know I'm emotional, but that is why I'm reaching out. Please don't isolate me. Include me, support me, love me, pray for me. And perhaps sometime I can return the favor. Thank you again, friends, for listening and being there for me. I'm looking up to the One "...who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask and think..." (Eph. 3:20 NKJV)

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Thankful

Tonight I got to be with old and new friends for a little over an hour - quite enjoyable. Tiffany and I go way back to Jr. High where we hated each other. Then I went to ACA for 2 years then Tiff came when we were Juniors and we became fast friends. Those last 2 years of HS were probably some of the best and bittersweet years of my life. We had great times and times we regret, but we stuck it out with each other through all the changing, confusing, heartwrending guy relationships we had (you know how HS is!) Now we've both been in college 3 years. We don't talk or see each other near as much as we did in HS, but our relationship is still very cool. Anytime we talk or see each other, we just pick up where we left off. I haven't seen her since summer but it "feels" like we've seen each other every day for the last 3 months. Know what I mean? It is quite wonderful and I cherish our relationship.
Melissa (Tiff's cousin) was also there who I am blessed to see around school. Lissa's great too - she keeps me laughing. Love ya girl!

It was good seeing Tiff and Melissa's cousin Heather and seeing Leanne (Tiff's friend from college) and meeting Katherine (another friend from college).




These lovely pictures are Tiffany's attempt to get all six of us in a picture. (Because she wouldn't ask the cute guy at the window to take them - Tiff and I have a funny experience about cute guys and pictures!)

What a great start to Thanksgiving Vacation.

I'm thankful for FRIENDS and FAMILY. (I get to see family tomorrow night - more pics to come!)

And to my faithful readers out there in blog land - I'm thankful for YOU too! Much love!

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Faith-filled Speech

I'm tired and busy and wonder how it's all going to get done, but "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you [me] will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ." And it won't be the end of the world if I don't get everything done. :) God is good. Be "estatic in Christ" (borrowed from M.M.).

Philippians 1:6 NIV

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Fa La La La La

Christmas Music is uploaded for yours (and my) listening enjoyment. Right now all I have is Jim Brickman and Mannheim Steamroller. M.S. brings back such great childhood memories. It was (is) our favorite Christmas music. But I also enjoy Jim Brickman too. Enjoy!

P.S. We might be putting Christmas up next weekend, so I'll put up a "Christmasy" picture.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Olio* of Thoughts

Hmmm...
I just printed off all the issues / candidates that will be on my ballot. Since this is my first election to vote in - I have a few questions. Can anyone shed some light? Some of the lingo has lost me. For instance this is a proposed tax levy:

"An additional tax for the benefit of (yada yada - school) for the purpose of Current Operating Expenses at a rate not exceeding three and five-tenths (3.5) mills for each dollar of valuation, which amounts to thirty-five cents ($0.35) for each one hundred dollars of valuation, for a continuing period of time, commencing in 2008, first due in calendar year 2009."

So what does that mean for me? or my parents? What does "valuation" mean? And voting "for the tax levy" means I'm voting for the tax increase?

Also, I noticed that on my ballot there are municipal issues, a lot of which is similar to this:

"Milford City F - Local Option - Rooster's - Sunday Sales"

Now what does this mean? I'm guessing that it has something to do with liquor / wine sales on Sunday, but I really don't have a clue. If my dad were home, I'd ask him. :)

So I'd appreciate some knowledge and help if you can! :) I want to vote knowledgeably.

Switching subjects~

Today was absolutely beautiful! I sat out on my front porch/stoop in the sun and looked at books full of ideas/curriculum for my kid's class. That was really an answer to prayer. I forgot that the GBS library had books like that! I've been working off of no curriculum; just my mind - and have been feeling frustrated. Now I feel like I've got lots of ideas!!

Anyway - God is good, all the time. I was able to work on my Bible study for Herm. this afternoon in the library. I've been looking at Eph. 6:10-20. I found something interesting in Clarke's Commentary. I guess when the Greeks and Romans fought: they went constantly armed; before they fought, they ate together, and they began every attack with prayer to their gods for success. While Paul I don't believe mentions eating together, he does show us that God has prepared full armour for us and in v. 18 says "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. (NIV)" Cool, huh?

Well, I want to put some Christmas music on my blog, but I think I need to get to the homework! Don't forget to "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice!" (Phil. 4:4 NASB)

Also - Happy Birthday (yesterday) to Rachel! Love ya girl!


*Olio - "a mixture or medley; a hodgepodge." I have no idea if I used this correctly - I was just looking for a synonym for conglomeration. lol

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

I've been wanting to post for a few days now, but haven't allowed myself the time. I just want to unload about the last few days, but I don't think I have enough time. :) And also because a certain secret lurker said that he likes to read my blog because I'm not all negative and depressed and discouraged (or something like that). lol So because of you, secret lurker, you'll be spared. :)

Actually, there are so many things I want to do (things I need to do) but I'm just getting through each day - doing what has to be done (and sometimes not doing it my best) and I'm not sure how to right my world right now.

I need God's joy, my strength. Meredith and Sam's words in Hermeneutics were very timely for my thirsty soul. I need to rejoice, pray continually, and give thanks - for this is God's will (1 Thess. 5:16-18).

Father - I need you right now. My life is so busy and cluttered right now and I'm not really sure what to do about it, frankly. But I will rejoice in You - in who You are. You never grow weary, faint, or stumble. Be my rock and stronghold. Keep me from falling. Help me to cultivate a subconsciousness of prayer - so that I'm always relying on You. Thank you for salvation, love, grace. Thank you for being my Father, and knowing all about me, and still loving me. Help me to reflect and magnify You. I need you Father.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

JESUS

was whose name I cried as I opened my eyes and saw that I was nearly in the path of an oncoming car. (Sigh) It shook me up a bit. I've got to do better. I have to get more sleep.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

A Diversion

Well, I was typing notes for Christian Beliefs, but I had to ask: Anybody out there enjoy crackers (like Ritz or Saltines) with mustard on them? This was a snack I grew up on. Mom would always write little letters, shapes, or curlie-cues (sp?) with the mustard and that would be my after-school snack. Just curious if anyone else enjoys this snack?

Ok, back to my notes. :)

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Life is a little off-kilter right now! :)


Wilberforce: Billy, no one of our age has ever taken power.
Pitt: Which is why we are too young to realize that certain things are impossible, so we will do them anyway.

I've been meaning to post this quote since I saw Amazing Grace the Movie. Powerful quote and powerful movie.


One more powerful thought. God's gift of salvation is so simple. I was watching the Open Campaigner's doing the academy's chapel today and was struck by how simple salvation is. Not cheap, that is not what I said - simple. Not complicated, not mysterious, not sophisticated - simple enough for children to understand. Wow.


"I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." Mark 10:15 NIV

Saturday, October 11, 2008

This Week in Words

Monday - (not necessarily in chronological order) - traffic. fruit. laughs.biology. library. late meeting. sleep. homework.

Tuesday - classes. car. Panera. disappointment. tears. resolve. God's strength. peace. help. change. sleep.

Wednesday - flute. classes. long nap. Queen Esther. forgotten leaves. precious kids. help from above. my passion.

Thursday - big day. stress. Hector & Evangeline. inspiration. goal. vision. 1:30p.m. spraypaint. construction paper. styraphoam. Chipotle. sugary tea. chaperones. exhaustion. the Boss. cotton. hot glue. decisions. direction. teamwork. sore. clothes. sleep.

Friday - judgment day. flute. smiles. Eden park. bugs. choir. lunch. Oswald Chambers. Hollywood. lost. Grapes of Wrath. corner. library. bean bags. sleep. clothes. tuner. frustration. baton. rhythm. proud. examples. yo-yo. people. walking taco. money. familiar faces. longtime friends. dress-up. a glance. cleanup. recycling. tallying. exhaustion. drive. stars. hot shower. sleep.

Saturday - muffin. Panera. strawberry smoothie. library. Chipotle. Ephesians. magazines. sleep. textbook. Stuart Little. Red Robin. Florida. soon sleep.

Friday, September 26, 2008

Musings on this Week

This week has been crazy. I've been running almost non-stop. Been going to bed way too late, so consequently I can't think right. Struggled with feelings of loneliness, discouragement, inadequacy -- all that stuff. I know it's just because I'm super tired and stressed and don't see how it's all going to work out in the end. Work has been stressful - new manager - too many hours. It's just been a weird week.

But, you know, God has still been incredibly faithful. I was feeling pretty down Tuesday morning, and I just cried out to Him and praised Him for all He's done, and shared with Him my struggles, and He came in such a sweet way reassuring me of His love and mercy and grace.

And today, God enlightened me on an issue. Perhaps my discouragement is because my expectations and wishes - don't seem to be getting met. And God seemed to say, "What if this isn't what I want for you right now?" And it just hit me like a ton of bricks - duh - yeah, this is what I'm dreaming/hoping might happen, but what if it is totally not in God's plan? This may seem juvenille, but it was very eye-opening to me. I need to work on aligning my thoughts/wishes/dreams to God's will, whatever that might be, and trusting Him because I know His ways are higher than my ways, and He is eternally looking out for my good. Wow! What an awesome God!

So, God is helping me out of this hole. Need to put some order back into my life. Focus on my priorities - things are looking up.

P.S. One bright spot of this whole week: I'm going to Ireland by God's grace and help!

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Mountains

Who: Frank, Charlotte, Alanna, and Andrew and Marty (dad's brother), Tammy, Leanna, Emily, and Abby
What: Family Getaway
When: Friday, September 19 - Sunday, September 21
Where: Smokey Mountains, TN
What happened: Galavanting around Cades Cove, wading in the creek, some hiking and walking, playing games, chatting, playing music, eating, enjoying God's nature, and just being together.
The evidence: See pictures below :)