Apologizing in advance for grainy pictures! They were taken from my cell phone at 2.1 megapixels, and the lighting in my home is horrible.

So tonight I found this incredible candle at Walmart. It's called a "Wonderful Wick"--a knock-off version of the very wonderful (and very expensive) Woodwick candles. I grabbed the last apple spice scent they had (for anyone who knows me, apple scents are my favorite!)

While my candle was burning away, I spent the next hour cooking up breakfast for the rest of the week. Doing so saves me having to get up even earlier (or doing without when I wake up late). I made biscutis and gravy, froze up some breakfast burritos, and made this breakfast pie:

It looks better in real life. Phone cameras don't do the colors justice. Sausage, egg, cheese, and onions with a biscuit crust. YUM-O!

I love to decorate for fall--even moreso than Christmas! (I actually sold my Christmas tree this year and don't know if I'll pull out the decor for the holidays). I did go all out for fall, though, even if no one sees it in person but me, Stella, and the landlord.

Coffee table centerpiece:

My ol' dining table centerpiece is ready for Autumn:

Entertainment Center:

One end table (with my new digital photo frame thanks to Heather!):

I have leaves EVERYWHERE. Hanging over curtains, across the top of bookshelves, on tables...I just love the colors! Oranges, yellows, reds, golds, browns...*taking in a deep breath*

Fall is my all-time favorite season, and I enjoy bringing a piece of it inside so I can enjoy it as long as possible. The crisp, cool air just does something for me. It's not an extreme--not hot nor cold--but just right. I feel closer to God when I look out and see His fingerprints painted across the trees, His footprints across the dew-stained grasses, His glory displayed in every inch of creation. I feel that way every day when I walk outside, regardless of the time of year, but Autumn's colors are so vibrant that details lost on me throughout the year are brought back to mind.

Like the intricate, complex food-making system contained within each tiny, incredibly beautiful leaf. I cannot see how anyone could look at a leaf and still say there is no God! That did NOT just happen one day out of the blue. God intended the leaf to serve as a food source for the tree and He designed it to be most effective.

But now I am rambling, it's too late (or early) for me to be up, so I must call it a night.

Courageous

Call me crazy, but I saw this movie THREE times in theaters in less than a week.

Call me crazy, but I think it is the best film I have ever seen. I now have an ultimate favorite.

Call me crazy, but regardless, I will stand behind the message of this film.

Our country is turning its back on God and our fathers are turning their backs on their families.

I pray that this movie will be an eye-opener and a catalyst for change in our families. I pray that fathers are convicted to the point of doing something about it.

Here's a video that shares the heart of Courageous. It's not the actual trailer. You'll have to go to youtube for that. Or my friend, Heather's blog--> http://www.mrssouthernbride.com/

I love my grandpa very much. He stood in place of the father who walked out of my life when I was really young. He's not always been the nicest, the funnest, or the most loving, but he's been someone. He stepped up and took responsibility for my sister and I when no other man was willing to. When he didn't have to. By doing that, he gave us more than we had.

I hope this film will knock on the doors of the heart of fathers who have walked out--to move them to become the men they are called to be. I also pray that it will encourage, strengthen, and teach "good-enough" dads like my Papaw.

A powerful movie. A powerful message.

Warning: it's an emotional rollercoaster so be prepared.

Perfect Baby Boy

I cannot imagine the pain a mother feels at the loss of the little life that she's carried, nurtured, loved. I cannot imagine the grief of a father as he tries to remain strong for his wife and children. But I can feel pain, sorrow, and grief as an outsider wondering why he never got the chance to take his first breath...

Even in the midst of the pain I felt, I could not help but feel in complete awe of my Maker's skill.

Ten tiny fingers and ten tiny toes, so small that even the period at the end of that last sentence would be too large to suffice as a nail...

A perfectly shaped tongue, mouth, lips, nose...

Little knobby knees and elbows...

I sat in that bathroom staring at the most beautiful little boy I had ever seen. I just couldn't take my eyes off of him, though the pain of the situation was hitting me head on.

He is so very precious. So very perfect in every way. Just look at him. He's amazing!  

At three months, Baby Boy looked complete, whole, beautiful. Words cannot describe how I felt as my eyes took in every bit of his whole 6 inches. The sorrow in knowing that his little life had ceased was mixed with the joy in knowing the One who made every detail so...perfect. The questions that come, like "I wonder what color his eyes were?" were accompanied by, "How did You make those little toes, Lord?" I was crying inside, but joyfully praising God at the same moment. It's just hard to explain.

I'm so grateful for the chance to be there tonight, even if I was clueless what to say or do. I got to meet a little guy I will not forget, who has unknowingly taken a piece of my heart but has also drawn me closer to my Father.

Lord, thank You for life. Thank You for the opportunity to know and love another one of Your precious children. I praise You for Your unfailing love and comfort in good times and bad. You are to be glorified in and through all things, and I am forever grateful for every moment that opens my eyes to more of You. I praise You for blessings of health and provision. Father, be with the S family tonight and in coming days, weeks, and months, as they heal. Comfort them and bless them in soul and spirit as they deal with the pain of this loss. May they always be pointed back to You and grow to trust You more each day through this difficult time. Shower the S family with your blessings of provision, health, and comfort. In Jesus' name.

Oops!

So during an inservice this week, I learned that even stating things that could be associated with my job, such as "I had a bad/rough day today" are inappropriate to share over social networking sites. I had no idea that all this time I've been breaking company policy, even though I do not mention names or places. I hate to take down posts because that would be most of my blog and I use this as a "virtual scrapbook" to remember bits and pieces of the blessings and thorns God provides. I don't want to lose one morsel!

I'm in a tough spot.

Plus, it is so hard to write and NOT bring up work or something funny said/done that I'd like to remember. That's pretty much my life right now!

Wacky Wednesday!

7:00 AM: KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK! A strange old man hand delivers my car tags. States that they were in his mailbox two weeks ago and that he had come by every day since at different times trying to catch me. I was never home, go figure.

8:00 AM: Drive to work through clouds. No really, there were clouds--everywhere!

8:30 AM: Thank Jesus for the breathtaking sight as I top a hill with valleys on both sides with the end of the clouds also in view, floating over the valleys like a canopy of cotton.

9:15 AM: Nonverbal client throws glasses in floor in an attempt to tell me he's mad that I asked him to sit back down so he wouldn't fall.

10:20 AM: Very verbal client tells me that the reason he had to come to the nursing home was this: he'd heard that I worked there and that the torture of speech therapy was actually "quite pleasurable torture".

11:00 AM: Client with developmental disability beats me at Scrabble even though I played the longest word: "blouse".

12:30 PM: Coworker comes into breakroom and threatens to stab me with fork if I eat his food. Then tells me I am allowed one spoonful of his potatoes if I replace it with cheese from my macaroni.

1:55 PM: Client tells me that he hates to break it to me, but there's no way I'll get him to function like he did when he was 30. Then, he proceeds to be the first client I've had at this facility who thanks me for all my hard work and dedication to his well-being.

4:30 PM: Nursing home resident at another place stops me in the hall and tells me I'm a sweetheart and need to be the speech therapist seeing her neice. Said resident was a client of mine when I was a student and refused therapy 3 times in a row.

5:00 PM: Long term client who I have grown very fond of gets swallow study results back--YAY! Diet upgrade to more "real" food/drinks! WOOHOO!

6:30 PM: Run around like a blindfolded turkey on Thanksgiving  morning in preparation for the evening's Awana meeting while trying to read over my lines for the message time lesson.

6:45 PM: Try to compose myself as the Sparks director walks in disguised as "Professor Spark"--complete with lab coat and spiky hair.

9:00 PM: Drive home with a smile on my face and a heart full of love for the darling little Sparkies I have been blessed to get to know.

 "...for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." (Phillipians 4:11)

I love my morning drives to work. It's just me and God winding down those curvy roads...and reminders everywhere of His unfailing power and majesty. Lately, I have found myself becoming irritable about aspects of my job that I was not anticipating upon entrance into the real world--like the excessive amounts of paperwork and the high-stress environment.

Yesterday, as I was driving in to work, God used a cement truck to jog my memory of His faithfulness.

Yes, I did say "a cement truck".

Patience is a virtue that God wants to infuse in my very being, but stubborn me refuses to accept. I constantly find myself arguing with myself (wise folks do that, you know) about the necessity to pray for patience. I know I need more of it, but I'm afraid of the circumstances that will come to work patience in me. God brought that ridiculously slow cement truck into my morning routine yesterday to try my patience...and give me a shocking reminder of my critical spirit and other character flaws that need to be chiseled away. I rode behind that truck for 20 minutes, complaining in my heart and grumbling aloud. The truck was going about 15 miles under the speed limit and I was already running behind schedule. There were no passing zones in sight.

All of a sudden--I don't really recall how--I realized that the old cement truck was a gift from God to help me grow closer to Him by building my faith and my character. I had just been complaining and grumbling about a gift from my faithful, precious, Holy Father! What an ungrateful child I have been!

As tears began to flow and I poured out my broken, repentant heart before God--driving through the backroads of central Arkansas--my mind went back to my attitude at work. Sure, I love my patients and the work I do with them, but I just have not had such a loving and thankful spirit towards other areas of the job. I thought about how it's made me feel when I've given gifts to people only to have their faces darken in dissappointment with no "thank you" to follow.

And I thought about all the amazing things leading up to this job that revealed God's hand on every detail of it. My job is a gift from my Father. He has a purpose and a plan for me at this place, and I should daily praise Him for His kindness, love, grace, and tender mercy.

I am still learning to be content with where I am, who I am, and what I am doing. There's no room for complaint with a God-gift. They are always perfect and right on time. He is my provider, and I will trust in Him.

1 Timothy 6:6-8 "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content."

Real Friends...

...Challenge you to draw closer in your own relationship with the King of kings.
...Support you in their thoughts and prayers.
...Bring their bible, some oreos, and a gallon of milk over when you're in need of encouragement.
...Tell you there's spinach stuck in your teeth so you don't make a fool of yourself in front of strangers.
...Know all your flaws and still want to spend time with you.
...Don't hesitate to tell you when you 've messed up--and are there by your side to help you make it right.
...Don't sugar coat truth.
...Laugh with you when you do something dumb to help make light of it, which, at least to me, eases the embarrassment a little bit.
...Calls or sends you a text every now and then just to say "hi." It really means a lot, you know.

I have some of the bestest friends in the world.

Thank you, Lord, for continuing to show me daily the little blessings all around me, including the wonderful people I call "friends."

"Outside Looking In"

It was the name of a sketch assignment for art class back in high school. I distinctly remember the picture I drew. In fact, I'm sure I still have it, stashed away in an old binder somewhere on my bookshelf. Yes, I am a professed packrat.

The eye of a girl looking through a crack in the wall...searching for something lost...her eye curiously caught staring at a crumpled piece of paper lying in the shadows among the dust...and all this merely centimeters away from a deadly spider...

No, it wasn't really a good piece of art for that kind of thing is not a gift bestowed on the likes of me. But it was real. It was how I felt then, a feeling I still stuggle with now. A feeling of being seen as something I'm not--and the fear of being something I don't want to be. For, the paper represents who I truly am. The message is crumpled, torn, beaten, bruised, and thrown into a secret place where it longs to stay hidden forever. The spider, well, he represents the fear of consequences, of knowing, of being found. And there I am watching myself defeated in fear, isolated from all things good and pure and holy.

That's what fear does best. Separate. Divide. Isolate.

"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; in whom should I be afraid?" Ps 27:1

Lord, help me to trust you with all things. Continue to reveal my weakenesses, but give me the wisdom and the grace to grow through them into the vessel You choose to use. Give me strength to stand wide awake to my sin and depend totally on you for cleansing, victorious power over it. Remind my heart, not just my head, that you are the only Forgiver of Sin. Purge me with hyssop, that I shall be clean; wash me that I may be whiter than snow. Thank you for the rod of discipline and the looking glass that reveals my sinful nature. Don't let me forget who I am so that I will strive to become more like you. You are worthy, Amen.

Lazy Day

My little canine is passed out on the couch looking oh-so-cute, and I took a 4 hour nap today myself.

It's my day of rest. I think I'm entitled to one every now and then.

I went yard-saling with Heather and Josh this morning. I actually stayed at their house so we could leave bright and early. Oh, and so Stella could spend some time with her love, Mr. Darcy. There's nothing like going from house-to-house looking at other people's junk. We did find some good deals today (mostly books). The last one we went to was a gold mine of great stuff, but sadly everything had "sold" stickers attached. We were too late to get the goodies.

There is a lot going on right now. I feel overloaded emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Good and bad all mixed together. I have this very strange feeling that I can only describe as a desire to duck in a hole and hide out for a while. I think it's the lazy side of me wanting to just let everything work itself out., or maybe it's the ostrich in me who feels too inadequate to stand up to the scary stuff, so I wanna stick my head in a hole and hope nothing finds me.

But I am not called to sit on the sidelines with my mouth shut and my eyes closed. I am called to take a stand for what is right, holy, and just. I am called to go to work every day and be the hands of God in the lives of the precious people there. I am called not to depend on the insecurity of a small, dark hiding place but to lean on the strength of Jesus Christ, who came, lived, died, and conquered the grave.

So, today I rest, trusting in Jesus to work everything out. Trusting in Jesus for the wisdom and grace to stand tomorrow. And the day after that. And the day after that...

God of the Little Things

Isn't it amazing to try to wrap your mind around the truth that God is so big that He made a universe millions of lightyears wide but can carry it in the palm of His hand--yet He cares about the little details in day-to-day life.

For each and every one of us.

Today was my "Little Blessings Day," so I shall call it. The Lord showed me through the little things that He cares and He wants to leave fingerprints of His glory all over my life. Even in those mundane, routine things like driving down the road, eating breakfast, or locating clients.

God is just good like that.

Stop and look around. See where He is leaving fingerprints in your own life. Take note.

Don't ever forget He is the God of the BIG things and the little things.

* Having good productivity today.
* Giving me time to get some paperwork done.
* Showing me moments where patience was being worked in me--and finding that it wasn't so hard when I let His grace work.
* A sweet co-worker picking up my favorite, sweet tea, when she didn't have to.
* Texts from precious friends encouraging me throughout the day.
* A calm assurance that everything was under control.
* Smiles and jokes from nurses who I never thought liked me just to serve as a reminder that relationships are forming.
* Sweet hugs and communication with very important people (my clients).
* A free bottle of water.
* A cool breeze blowing up just as 10 of us awaited the rest of the gang outside in the parking lot.
* Previously stated cool breeze remaining for the rest of the evening, with no rain, providing the perfect set-up for curb-side frozen yogurt with 13 friends!
* Stella begging to sit in my lap. Realizing that she has learned my body language...so words aren't even necessary.
* Safety on the road.
* Very little lapse between clients--no MIAs!
* Good attitudes and wisdom on how to redirect when folks weren't so nice.
* Reminders everywhere of the one true God who loves His creation!

Sigh

* i have graduated.
* i am now officially a speech-language pathologist (a.k.a. speech therapist)
* no, i haven't received my nifty name badge yet.
* stella is still very much alive and well. and she's got a cool bandana.
* i am not perfect. go figure.
* yes, of course i am writing in all lower case letters. why? just so you'd ask that question.
* as a matter of fact, i am sleep-deprived.
* how'd you guess?
* i have the cutest nephew ever.
* graduation gowns really are as hot as they look. it's the closest i've ever been to a sauna.
* chic-fil-a is only open til 10:00 on friday nights. even on graduation friday nights.
* if you wanna throw a surprise party, i'm the easiest target. completely unaware of my friends' plans. i even invited them all to my own party...without knowing it was my party. i've got some pretty clever friends. or maybe i'm just that clueless.
* overnight, my body decided it wanted to have a cold. *sneeze* see, it's official. i'm getting sick.
* i work an hour from my home and i drive through three counties every. single. day.
* gas is expensive (read previous statement).
* aww man, i ran out of black ink and i haven't printed my swallowing evals!
* paperwork is going to destroy me.
* walmart sells everything in every color.
* now my sentences are too random for even me to handle. i think i'm gonna say goodnight.

GOODNIGHT! (What? Caps-Lock missed me.)

Sales Representatives. *shakes head shamefully*

Me: "Hi, I just received an email saying I was going to be getting a monthly charge for a credit-tracking service I accidently signed up for while accessing my credit score. The email said I should call you if I didn't want to continue the trial. Can you help me?"
Woman with a foreign accent (henceforth called WWAFA): "Yes ma'am. I understand. One moment please."
...5 minutes later...
WWAFA: "I need your personal information in order to access your account."
(I give it to her.)
WWAFA: "Ahh, I see. Ma'am, did you know you did not see your credit report?"
Me: "No, I didn't know that because I'm pretty sure I did."
WWAFA: "No, Ma'am. Our logs indicate that you only visited the main home screen, thus only seeing a sample credit report and score."
Me: "Then why was my personal information on it? And why did it match up with everything I read on my free annual report? I'm confused..."
WWAFA: "Ma'am, are you signed into your account? Sign into your account and I will walk you through how to view your real report."
Me: "Okay...I'm here."
WWAFA: "Now, with our free monthly membership service you get exclusive benefits..."
Me: "Yes, I realize that, but I only access my information frequent enough for the membership to be beneficial to me...hey, that's not an example! I really did see my credit score!"
WWAFA: "Ma'am, are you on the main home screen?"
Me: "Yes."
WWAFA: "Well, do you see the 'View my Reports' button at the top? Please click on that."
Me: "Okay...yup, this is the same as what's on my home screen. I have seen all of this."
WWAFA: "Ma'am, you must click and view all of the pages of your report. See, we provide a detailed account of your credit profile and we offer..."
Me: (interrupting) "Ma'am, I understand what your membership offers. I read about it before calling you and realized I had made a mistake and signed up for something way bigger than I needed. I just wanted to see my credit score. I don't want to pay for some fancy doo-dad to track my every transaction when it's already being done for free."
WWAFA: "Just let me walk you through this. Hey--I'll give you the membership for 50% off. How about that?"
Me: "No. Will you please just cancel this membership? Please?"
WWAFA: "Of course, ma'am. I understand. Your membership has been cancelled. You still have access to your profile until the trial expires and if at any point between now and then you should change your mind, give me a call."
Me: "Thank you. Goodbye."

I just wasted 25 minutes of my life.

Let's Talk Politics

I don't talk political affairs, especially current ones, if you know anything about me at all. Every time I look or read something about it, I just get more and more leery of our government and less enthused about living the rest of my life here. That's why I don't talk about it. Terrible, I know.

I've always been proud to be an American, but the older I've gotten, the less proud I've been of the monkeys our people continue to put into office to make decisions for us. The less proud I've been of the people putting them into office, too. I mean, really, what are we thinking, America?!

I tend to handle conflict and obstacles like an ostrich handles fear of predators--I tend to duck my head in a hole and hope I'm not hurt too badly by what's going on around me. So whenever I read something I don't like about another ridiculous "plan" for our nation, another disastrous bill signed into law, or whatever the case, I close my eyes and hum a happy tune, trying to forget the words I just absorbed.

Of course I know that's a silly way to handle things--one that never really takes care of the problem--but it's just how I do it. You see, these issues are so much bigger than me that I feel overwhelmed at just thinking of the implications they'll have, let alone how I could help change them.

Government is going way too far, though. They seem to be screaming, "Force the people who have worked hard to succeed in this world spoonfeed their own hard-earned wealth into those who are not willing to TRY to do better for themselves." Government also seems to be shouting out, "Who cares about our old, sick people. They are better off dead and forgotten. Focus all our energy and money on the young, strong generations!" It is true that many poor folks are not brought up with a means of success without a lot of hard work, but let me tell you--it's possible. I'M DOING IT. So can any one else if they get up off their lazy behinds, stop taking handouts from a government so far in debt we are literally owned by other countries, and DO SOMETHING. Our welfare programs have enabled the lazy for too long. It was set up to do good, to encourage and strengthen people falling through the cracks. Instead, it has weakened them. It's given them no reason to want anything better for themselves.

Oh, and as for our elderly population who government wants to rob of the funding they've worked their tails off for--well, I wish those dumbconfounded government "officials" would remember they wouldn't be here without them. Our elderly are our parents, grandparents, great grandparents. They are the ones who taught us, raised us, cared for us when we were weak and dependent yonugsters. They didn't dump us in the streets and rob us of our needs. They cared for us. Now it's our turn to step up and repay them the debt we owe--our love, respect, care, and financial support.

I may regret this post soon for writing so soon after a flare of emotion from reading one more snippet of stupidity our government has bought into, but right now I don't really care. I just feel like ranting.

And now I shall share!

Incite Rehabilitation Services. That's who I'm going to work for after graduation.
It's the same company I've been interning with all summer.
And I'm more than excited about starting!

So, random news/thoughts from my head for today:
1. My mamaw won temporary custody of my nephew yesterday. Long story, but one I've been expecting since my sister's pregnancy. God has that sweet little boy in His master plan; I just know it!
2. Kumquat. It's a fruit, you know. Kinda like an orange. At least, that's what my friend said. A client, my supervisor, and I had an entire conversation about this strange thing--only to agree that we had all heard of it before but none of us had the slightest idea what it was.
3. I graduate in one week, two days!
4. I have five clocks in this house and they all have different times on them. They were synchronized at one point in time. Can't they all just get along?!
5. Nemo man had a heart attack trying to save the world from the Yogurt monster, so Oscar Wilde jumped in and saved the day. Moral of the story: Never underestimate the abilities of famous authors. Only Chuck Norris can overcome Oscar Wilde.
6. If you are clueless as to the meaning (or importance) of #5, then you should have been at CYC with us last night.

I'm not telling!

In·cite [in sIt]

"To give an incentive for action, to urge to action, to move or to put into motion."

I have some important news that has something to do with that word, but I'm not going to tell. Not today, anyway. I am so excited that I haven't stopped pinching myself to make sure I'm not dreaming.When I finally realize this is no lala-land, I may spill the beans.

All over the floor.

Just wait. Have your fork and napkin in hand and be ready to dig in!

Is that tears or sweat bringing water to my eyes?

The cause still remains unknown.

I spent a few hours out at Central Arkansas Youth Camp today. Brushed a girl's eyebrows with a fork and tried to make a guy laugh by attempting to sell him rocks to stick up his nose to protect him from the mosquitoes. I even made a girl sniff a stick and tickled another with a leaf.

That's just how I do things when I'm a Bounty Hunter playing the game "Underground Railroad."

My job was to make folks laugh, so my random side went nuts. I practiced my terrible accent collection--from Cogney-English, to Irish, Spanish, and even some Middle-Eastern sounds thrown in there. It was fun, but sadly, even my best stuff only brought smiles to those faces. They were a tought crowd to break!

The place was teaming with sweaty, smelly kids--and adults--but no one seemed to mind. I fit right in. That's why I still don't know if my eyes were blurry because of sweat or tears. You see, though the music didn't move me [Amazing Grace has a lot more meaning to me than these fancy contemporary Christian songs], the message did. It always does. So I know there were some tears thrown in there with the salty concoction oozing from my pores. My tear ducts hated to be left out.

"A Different Kind of Love." That's this year's theme. That was tonight's message. I pray that it sinks in, grasps those troubled hearts, wraps around their very souls, and never lets them go. I pray it transforms them, changes their lives, breaks the bondage of the past, and opens doors to the future for these children and teens who've never known the unconditional love of Christ.

What a blessing it was. I will be there tomorrow night. And the next. Oh, and the next after that, too!

There is nothing to get your spirits down like rude people. Wednesday just hasn't started off fabulous. You know what, though...I haven't posted a multitude monday post in a while so today I should do that. As well as throw in some miscellany monday, too.

Even if it is a Wednesday. I think that would help me feel better.

Random:
* Still adjusting to having long nails. I haven't bit them, and they are still growing spendidly. Yay!
* Trying to get in the habit of straightening my hair every day. Apparently doing so makes me "look like a...a...a...model," according to some folks. I've never been told that before and I assume it's a compliment. :)
* I've lost eight pounds. I've gotta lose another 51 pounds to get to where I was in 2008. It's so easy to gain and so hard to lose!
* I graduate August 12th at 7:00pm. Sadly, I have not formally invited anyone to this graduation, as I've done in the past. I guess I'm just graduationed-out. I would love to have anyone come that would like, though! It's less than a month away! EEK!
* Speaking of graduation makes me think of jobs. I have been offered an incredible position in a mountain town 1 hour, 40 minutes from here, but I have a couple of possibilities much closer...one that has just, quite literally, fallen into my lap. I am kind of waiting this out and seeking the right choice. I am very hesitant to move.
* Best day all week: Tuesday. Heather. Me. Flea markets. Double Chocolaty-Chip Iced coffee-less frappacino at Starbucks. Razorback snowcone. Bookstores filled with the calming, euphoric fragrance of old, musty, well-read adventures waiting for a new pair of eyes to soak in their wonderful stories...oh, and not to mention a two-hour search for rental disney movies, frozen pizza and cheesesticks, and Reeses Pieces. "Me, Eloise." ...and two-tenths of Alladin (seen from Youtube with fuzzy quality. Part 3 was missing so we stopped there). I think that was the most fun I've packed into a day in a long time. I sure hope I didn't set her back on her work too much, though!

Thankful for:
111. Lasting friendships with the most unique group of individuals.
112. Poolside giggles and talks about "cholerics and steadies."
113. Realizing I have overcome my fear of deep water.
114. God's faithfulness. His hand of instruction, rod of discipline, and words of encouragement...at just the right moment.
115. Catch-and-chase games with Stella that have kind of become routine (like patty-cake with a toddler).

You know you grew up in the 80s/early 90s if...

1. You've ever ended a sentence with the word   "PSYCHE".
2. You watched the Pound Puppies.
3. You can sing the rap to the "Fresh Prince of Bel  Air"
4. You wore biker shorts under your skirts and felt   stylish.
5. You yearned to be a member of the Baby-sitters club   and tried to start a club of your own.
6. You owned those lil Strawberry Shortcake pals   scented dolls.
7. You know that "WOAH" comes from Joey on Blossom.
8. Two words: M.C. Hammer
9. If you ever watched "Fraggle Rock".
10. You had plastic streamers on your handle bars.
11. You can sing the entire theme song to "Duck Tales ".
12. When it was actually worth getting up early on a  Saturday to watch cartoons.
13. You wore a ponytail on the side of your head.
14. You saw the original "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" on the big screen.
15. You were super-excited when it was Oregon Trail   day in computer class at school.
16. You made your mom buy one of those clips that would hold your shirt in a knot on the side.
17. You played the game "MASH" (Mansion, Apartment, Shelter,House)
18. You wore Jordache jean jacket and you were proud of it.
19. L.A. Gear...
20. You wanted to change your name to "JEM" in Kindergarten.
21. You remember reading "Tales of a fourth grade nothing" and all the Ramona books that Ramona completed in 1st grade.
22. You know the profound meaning of "WAX ON, WAX OFF"
23. You wanted to be a Goonie.
24. You ever wore fluorescent clothing.
25. You can remember what Michael Jackson looked like before his nose felloff...
26. You have ever pondered why Smurfette was the only female smurf.
27. You took Lunch Pails ! to school.
28. You remember the CRAZE, then the BANNING of slap bracelets.
29. You still get the urge to say NOT after every sentence.
30. You remember Hypercolor t-shirts.
31. Barbie and the Rockers was your favorite band.
32. You thought Sheera and He-Man should hook up.
33. You thought your childhood friends would never leave because you exchanged friendship bracelets.
34. You ever owned a pair of Jelly-Shoes.
35. After you saw Pee-Wee's Big Adventure you kept saying "I know you are, but what am I?"
36. You remember "I've fallen and I can't get up"
37. You remember going to the skating rink before there were in-line skates.
38. You ever got seriously injured on a Slip and Slide.
39. You have ever played with a Skip-It.
40. You had or attended a birthday party at McDonalds.
41. You've gone through this nodding your head in agreement.
42. Guns 'N Roses
43. "Don't worry, be happy"
44. You wore like, EIGHT pairs of socks over tights with high top Reeboks.
45. You wore socks scrunched down.
46. Red Rover at recess
47. You remember boom boxes vs. cd players.
48. You remember watching both "Gremlins" movies.
49. You know what it meant to say "Care Bear Stare!!"
50. You remember watching Rainbow Bright and My Little Pony Tales
51. You thought Doogie Howser was hot.
52. You remember Alf, the lil furry brown alien from Melmac.
53. You remember New Kids on the Block when they were cool.
54. You knew all the characters names and their life stories on "Saved By the Bell", the ORIGINAL class.
55. You know all the words to Bon Jovi - SHOT THRU THE HEART.
56. JAMS were SO in style
57. Come on Eileen!!!!!!!!
58. Beverly Hills 90210
59. Really bad hair..........

(I don't remember ALL of these, but I CAN nod my head to most of them...lol!)

Femininity

 fem·i·nin·i·ty [fem-uh-nin-i-tee]  -noun 1. the quality of being feminine; womanliness.

/ˌfɛməˈnɪnɪti/ Show SpelledI pretty much feel like a rough, crude piece of wood that's drifted in the ocean too long and is filled with salt and covered in barnacles. I have some really great examples of femininity, but somehow it's just not rubbing off on this rotten driftwood.*sigh*

What's going to happen?

I sure wonder what the next few months hold. I try to focus on the here-and-now, but sometimes I just can't help but think about it. I feel like I'm speeding down a road with a blindfold on, knowing there's going to be a sharp turn or drop off somewhere up ahead, but I'm not sure where it is and I cannot see where I'm going in order to avoid it. That's the anxiety side of me kicking in, I think.

A friend told me the other day that I was going interview-happy because I've had one nearly every week since May. Yeah, I guess I am, but I'm doing it because I'm clueless about what's going to happen come August 15th, and I don't want to leave any doors unclosed.

My preference is to stay around here and find a job working with anyone from 0-115 years of age.
I just don't want to leave the people I've grown to love here! Then I feel guilty because I love my family very much, but I don't really want to move closer to where they are. My reasons aren't because I wouldn't like to have them nearby, but because the southern part of this state is just...lifeless and draining. I don't know how else to describe it. Drive through sometime and see for yourself. It's in the atmosphere or something.

I feel like a little, helpless girl right now--looking to Dad for answers but not understanding the reply. I sure hope His will would be revealed soon. Graduation is one month away.
I wonder what's going to happen after that...

Legalism

I've had my toes stepped on quite a few times since I began to realize what legalism truly is and that my life revolved around it--not God. I've had my heart ripped out, put through the fire, and scrubbed but it still doesn't shine like gold. God is still tearing this chain away, after all this time. Of course it wouldn't take so long if I would just let Him have it, but sometimes it's so hard to just let go and believe. It's like I think doing things the "right way" will make me "more saved." Completely unbiblical concept, I know!

Today, I was extremely blessed by a xanga blog I've been following for a few years. She often blesses me with what she's learned through her experiences, but today's hits at a spot in me I feel like sharing with my friends. Today, like many other times in the past, she talks about legalism.  I love how Resolved2Worship writes about topics. She makes you think. She points it back to Christ. Like everyone else, she's imperfect, but she shares how God is working in her life through her imperfections. And how He is working some of those imperfections out of her, smoothing the sand grain into a pearl.

If you struggle with legalism, stop turning to your self and turn to God. I don't have all the answers; I'm still learning. God, however, knows all the answers and will reveal them to you when you seek Him. If you are on this same path I have found myself, I recommend checking out Mrs. Alyssa's xanga for encouragement and thought-provoking questions. Her blog sends me to my bible with burning questions and a desire to draw closer to Jesus.

I like that. I like that in the materials I read and in the relationships I form in my day-to-day life.
Does it point me back to the One worthy of all glory, honor, and praise? That's another rabbit trail for another day, though.

After all my adventures...

...I have no photos to show for it!

I took my camera, but didn't get any snapshots. I'm sorry!

The past week has been extremely fun--and energy-zapping--all wrapped in one package. Swimming, board games, quality time, laughter, pranks, good food, bonding, reunions, watching videos, being in charge (of classes), planning surprises, trips alone to nowhere for no purpose, daydreaming, book-reading, job interviews, clothes shopping, grocery shopping, free stuff...the list goes on.

One really neat thing that's happened recently is: I haven't bitten my fingernails in two weeks! (My grandma would be proud of me as long as I didn't tell her how I've managed to keep away from my old habit). I've discovered that painting my nails in a COLOR keeps me from biting them. I used to paint them clear, but I'd bite off the polish out of habit. When you bite off colored polish, it leaves the nail looking very ugly. It kind of serves as a visual to me which has proven constant and effective.

I cannot tell you how excited I am about this!

Choices! Choices! Choices!

Have you ever felt just a little overwhelmed?
Mr. P, one of our leaders in Sunday School class, mentioned one time that when he was moving he asked the Lord to only give him two choices of places to live because he couldn't handle any more. I feel that way right now with job offers. I've only had one possibility (not yet an offer) that just really stands out as something great, but I have so many offers--some folks seem desparate to grab me--but every position I've been offered requires me to move or commute a good ways.
What's so special about me? Why do people seem to want me so bad? And why can nothing come open here? Is that a way of God saying He wants me to move?

I have this wish in the back of my head all the time...a wish that I could hear an audible voice from heaven directing ever decision I have to make. Wouldn't that make it so much easier? I want to be in His perfect will, so what do I do? With all these folks coming at me, I don't know what to choose.

I wanna do what's right. I've tried to take control too many times--and messed it all up. I have a very big choice to make, one that will effect my life greatly. I'm just praying for wisdom and for everything to fall into place like God always does whenever I become anxious. He's just awesome like that!

Oh, and after all that seriousness, my friend Heather over at www.MrsSouthernBride.com has a giveaway going on until July 1st. You have a chance to win some pretty cool stuff  on her blog here. Check it out; you most definitely will not be disappointed!

Reviews & More

After posting yesterday, a sweet friend called and invited me to the movies. We went to see Cars 2 with her brother and two other guy friends, then hung out at Marketplace Grill. It was a very entertaining evening!

So, for all you die-hard Pixar fans, you won't be disappointed. Cars 2 is better than the first, in my opinion. Maybe because Mater has a much bigger role in this one. I LOVED IT! Great humor, good plot, and fantastic portrayal of life lessons about friendship and priorities. The only thing to make note of is there is a lot of action: spy stunts, racing, etc., so if that kind of thing makes you dizzy, I'm giving you fair warning. Definitely a must-see and worth paying theater prices!

I've been here before, but thought I'd write a quick review--just for the fun of it. This place is phenomenal. It's great for casual dining or for those fancy date-nights! I have yet to try anything I didn't like on the menu, and believe me, I've tried a lot. Fun, open atmosphere and friendly staff. It's not a cheap place, but it is worth the money you pay.

I went with a group of 5 and we ordered single servings of several entrees/sides and just shared so we all got to try everything. That's a fun way of eating when you go out with pals!


*And by the way* My interview this evening went very well. I love the place already and am hoping this is where God wants me. The man who interviewed me said he has a few more interviews to conduct and will let me know his decision by July 1st. I pray that God reveals who is right for his position! Oh, and if that person is me, I hope I find a place to move to fairly quickly--as the school year is less than a couple of months away!

New Hair and Other Going-Ons

Going-Ons: new word for "what's happenin'."

Yesterday, I had 10 inches of hair gracefully removed from my head. The results are presented in the photos below:

 

Oh, except right now my hair is poofy with lots of little curls all around my face, kinda like Shirley Temple, just not quite so short. That's what happens to curly-headed folks when they get their hair wet.

Anyways, last night was a once-a-month opportunity that I did not pass up: a chance to visit with dear college/career-aged friends and enjoy a bible study together at the Williamson's place. We kind of focused on realizing that things happen, not because we've been good or bad, but because we live in this world, and we should never forget that God can take anything and turn it for good. We also need to keep in mind that the good may not be visible on this side of heaven, but the reward on the other side will be eternally worth it. The testimonies, discussion, and scripture really blessed my soul. This seems to tie in with some sermons and discussions we've had at church lately.

Isn't it neat how God works?

He knows I sometimes need to hear things several times before it really sinks in, and so He always provides those multiple learning experiences for me. Sometimes it's more than just a lesson--it's the hard stuff. I'm glad He doesn't give up on me!

Today has been a long day. I went to Ross House at 6:00 this morning to cook breakfast and get the guys going for the day, then I left work to head out to Vilonia for a work day at a widow's home. I think she suffered some tornado damage from the April 11th tornado, but was more fortunate than some. I'm very grateful for my friend, Ann, who set up the workday. What a blessing it is to have friends with such a heart for God and for people! I started by helping to paint the house, but then I became dizzy in the heat (and from climbing up that tall ladder), so we I went to weed the garden. I started to think I was having some problems with heat exhaustion--a thought that was confirmed when this morning's breakfast came back up.
I guess that sausage wanted to say hello to the azalia bush.
After that, I spent most of my time doing little jobs and hanging out in the shade as much as possible. I painted the mailbox! I had a great deal of fun doing that!
Anyway, I tried to go back to Ross House afterward, but I had (still have) a splitting headache. My supervisor sent me home because she's afraid of the possibility of this being more than just heat exhaustion. I am feeling quite useless at the moment.

Exciting news: meeting up with a possible employer tomorrow evening. It sounds promising, and I'm rather excited! I am kind of nervous, like I always get before a big test or something, and would appreciate prayer for calm nerves and wisdom. God knows exactly where He wants me, but I haven't yet figured it out.

I Know Why I Do It

Today I witnessed a breakthrough.

Today a client broke out of the prison of her own physical limitations...and communicated with me.

Global aphasia is such a scary-sounding diagnosis, and it is one that carries the weight of knowing you'll never be the same again. This beautiful woman fell victim to a stroke, rendering her in near-vegetative state and diagnosed with global aphasia. I have had the privilege of working with her for a couple of weeks, with some (though little) progress--until today.

Me: "Do you want a bite to eat?"
She: [reaches out and touches a button on a communication board] "Yes," the board's speaker blares.

She did it at least a dozen more times! And all this time we've been working on getting her to acknowledge the buttons! Today she not only did that, but USED them! Woohoo!

This is so why I do what I do! I seriously had tears in my eyes and engulfed her in a big hug (whether she truly wanted it or not, I don't know for sure, but her huge smile tells me there's a big chance she did).

I have tears in my eyes as I think about it now. How absolutely amazing it is to be able to help someone trapped within themselve to relate to and communicate with the world around them. I am so very glad that God has brought me to this point and continues to shape me into a tool He can use for His work!

Oh, and if anyone is looking for volunteer work, consider a nursing home. These guys are the most precious folks you'll ever meet! Even the hard-nosed, impatient ones have so much good in them--so much need and so much hurt that can be smoothed over with just a smile and understanding nod. My hardest client can be so downright rotten at times in his attitude, but I still love seeing his face every day. He has a lot to offer this world, still, after nearly 80 years. All of them do; they are just waiting for a younger person to come hear them out and pick up their torches. I spent about an hour after therapy let out today with one of my clients, giving her a manicure and a pedicure to cover up the hideous orange paint that she unknowingly paid to have done. Not a second of that time was wasted--we were both blessed with the company. You could, too!

Coupons

Everyone I know is going coupon crazy. My supervisor at the nursing home actually gets PAID for her groceries by using coupons. I've never seen "Extreme Couponing," but I've heard enough about it to feel like I have.

So, Tuesday I decided to try and get in on this. I didn't do too shabby, though I'm very far from getting my stuff for free. I spent $35 and saved $29. Then I went to Staples. There I spent $9 and saved $7. Today I went to Walgreens where I spent $8 and saved $14.

hmmm...I think this has revolutionized shopping for me.

The View from my Front Porch

It just doesn't do justice to the beauty of tonight's sunset. I really need a better view camera.

106. I just love sunsets.

I'd love sunrises, too, if I was awake and outdoors in time to see them. I'm always available for a sunset. :) And it's not just the sky that is so amazing. Something about the lighting at this time of day makes the green of plantlife so vibrant that it pops right out as if to say, "Look at me!" I have noticed that this same thing happens right before a daytime storm. I'm getting chills just thinking about it. Only God could do something so wonderful!

107.  Praising God for a career where I don't feel pressured to suppress my faith.

I was talking with a client today about how intricate and resourceful the brain is--and how unexplainable it is, even after lifetimes of study. I can never talk about nature or anatomy without talking about God, and so the conversation led into how it is impossible to look at the brain alone and not know that God truly does exist, that He is powerful and omniscient. It is too complex to have just developed without the hands of a mastermind...THE Mastermind. I didn't even know if this woman was a Christian, so I probably shouldn't have said all I said (if I wanted to be politically correct) but my higher calling and love is to share Jesus with the world, so I did anyway. She was a Christian and it blessed her soul to hear that testimony.

108. I'm so grateful God chooses to use me, even in the little things!

Someone told me tonight at church that they think I'm sweet and helpful. Well, it's not me who is sweet, but Jesus Christ in me who is working that in my heart. I've got a long way to go before I could ever consider myself "sweet." But it is very nice to know that God used me to bless her.

109. Glad for another job interview set up for next Friday.

And this one is close to home! My advisors say it's difficult to find jobs around here, and they also tell me it is best to have one lined up for graduation. Well, graduation is less than 2 months away, and I don't have one yet. Regardless, I am not going to worry about it. God has been my provider in EVERY situation and somehow I just know He's going to work it out perfectly in His timing! 

110. Comfort in sorrow and strength to overcome.

June is always a difficult month for me as I think back on where I've come from. Four years ago tomorrow marks the day I got married, and three years ago this month also marks the day my husband walked out of my life. I'm so very grateful that God never left me, even when I thought I did not want Him any longer. I'm glad He didn't give up on me! And now I am grateful that He gives me peace over the situation and a hope for a future. He has a purpose and a calling for my life! I pray I never forget what He has brought me through and what He has done for me in those difficult times.

Shakespeare at the Park

Saturday night proved quite a treat. I had heard that a local theater group was coming to my town to perform Shakespeare's play, "As You Like It," outdoors at an unbelievably low price: pay what you can.

Being the poor college kid that I am, with an extreme love for theatrical arts, I couldn't say no to this!

I didn't want to go alone, but I had my reserves about inviting others to see Shakespeare. It seems his works leave room for naughty imaginations to go wild these days. I've been to too many of his productions that had been turned, quite practically, inappropriate. Anyways, I decided to invite folks anyway and just hope it stayed true to the plot.

I was not disappointed!

We were all psyched during intermission as we waited in line to get sodas. I just noticed we have two squinty-eyed folks and two bug-eyed ones. Wow. We look like crazy cannibals with our mouths opened, baring our teeth like that. Scary. That's what happens to you when you watch Shakespeare!

During the performance, Orlando came up behind me and taped this piece of "bark" to my forehead proclaiming his love. It had words to the effect of:

"From the Eastern coast to the Western Ind,

No jewel is as precious as fair Rosalind."

'Twas a fun night, even if it was outdoors and slightly humid on a June evening. I'm glad that my friends were able to be there and share in the fun.

My favorite thing about the performance (though it was all fantastical) was the woodland men and shepard boys speaking Shakespeare's lines word for word--with a American southern accent.

"Then I shall be thy feeder and buy it with thine own gold..."

Reminder

My last post serves as a reminder to me because whenever I hear "can't," I automatically start going into stress mode. It's mentioned in the bible many, many times that we shouldn't worry because God will take care of us. Jesus rebuked Martha for worrying about getting everything done rather than focusing on quality time with Him.

"Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you..."

Anxiety is a very familiar feeling, and one frequent visitor that needs to be barred from my heart. I continue to build my knowledge of scripture to fight against it, and will continue to post reminders to myself. The Word of God really is sharper than a two-edged sword and is the best weapon against temptation.

So with that, I'll call it quits for today and go enjoy a night out with a dear friend.

Can't, Never Could

I have been told I can't my entire life.

"You can't make something of yourself out of what you come from."

"You can't know how to have fun if you have your head stuck in a book all the time."

"You can't make it on your own because you don't have any idea about streetsmarts and you've been too sheltered for too long."

"You can't get financial aid that will not only cover your tuition, but also your college and living expenses."

"You can't work and keep your grades up in college, especially as a full-time student."

"You can't be a professional without make-up and the latest clothing style, losing weight, and doing something different with your hair."

"You can't be in graduate school and work full-time..."

"...and you most definitely can't have TWO jobs!"

"You can't get enough clinical hours to graduate unless you start back early and carry through the week of graduation."

There are so many more "cants," but these are the first ones that come to mind. Why do people always want to tell me I can't? I have proved them wrong every single time. I wonder if it is their way of setting the bar high, giving me an expectation to meet and the motivation to make it happen.

I was thinking about this today as I drove home from my clinical practicum site. You know, honestly, they are right. I can't. I never could. But God can and He has always been able. I have never succeeded in proving a "cant" wrong on my own, but only by His grace, mercy, and faithfulness.

I stand here rather excited, to think that God has used all these cants-turned-coulds in my life to show His might and power and love in such a real way.

I can when I'm on His side. He strengthens His own!

Three years ago this week...

...my dreams were crushed. My hopes were stamped out. I was at the darkest place in my life I have ever been.

I was lost, broken, nearly destroyed.

Three years ago this past week, my then-husband walked out the door of our home and never came back.

Oh, to think where God has brought me since that time! I am far from where I need to be, but thankfully I am on the right road--looking toward the mark, running the race set before me with a purpose. God turned to good what was meant for evil. And oh what good He has been!

You are never more aware of the Father's voice than when you most desparately wish to hear it, when you are alone and trembling in the mess of life, and, desiring a way out, cry to the only One who can relieve you of your burden.

And guess what? He's there. His arms are outstretched and waiting. No matter what you've done, no matter what mess you've created out of your life...He's there and He wants to fix it. He wants to turn your life into one that glorifies Him.

I let Him transform me. I let Him work in me a new creature.

And it has been a decision I will never regret.

Thank you, Jesus!

A Summer's Journey

Here I sit on my sofa, enjoying the warmth Stella's underbelly gives off towards my very-cold toes. Yes, the day's temperature was in the upper 90s, but try telling my foot's appendages that. They don't care.

Thankfully, my dog does.

The majority of my family, from Ohio to Arkansas, are getting ready to launch off on an adventure to the beach together. They will enjoy a week of fun in sun and fellowship with one another--so much catching up to be done! I, however, will remain where I am, anchored to this town Monday through Friday for the remainder of the summer by a massive magnetic power I tend to call "THERAPY."

I've never been to the beach.

My "adopted" family here are planning a 2-week trip to South Dakota later this month. AHH! What will I do without them?! Again, I find myself glued to this spot, unmoving, due to this unrelenting force--"THERAPY."

I've never been to Mount Rushmore.

Then again, I wasn't invited on that trip. (chuckling quietly to self) I just thought it would add to the dramatic emotion of the scene.

Regardless of all the fun and memories I won't experience this summer, there are so many more to be made. I am loving my career choice more and more with every passing day--and every sweet smile. I am carried away with compassion for these precious elderly individuals, with stories to be told and lives to be shared.

I may miss out on some exciting trips, but God has given me a journey this summer that I will not regret taking. He has been leading me and teaching me. This speech therapist is speechless when I consider His hand in my life.

Thankful for:
101. A last-minute bible study in my small, perpetually dark living room
102. An opportunity to catch up with classmates over hamburger helper
103. Provision of clinical hours and a peace about meeting the quota for graduation
104. A reminder of God's steadfast, unchanging nature in a world of instability and time of shifting loyalties
105. A make-shift blanket of soft black and white fur with two beautiful eyes...oh! that's my dog! Well, I'm thankful for her, too.

A Thankful Heart

"I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together." (Psalms 34:1-3)

96. A cancellation that allowed Stella in early for her spaying. It saved her life.
97. A Memorial Day to remember: visiting with a dear friend and meeting an elderly couple in our church who celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary on Wednesday.
98. Two burnt burgers and eight good ones--and four friends to share them with.
99. The return of a precious lady to our facility from her recent visit to the hospital.
100. An opportunity to participate in the women's class at church.

What Really Matters?

The brevity of life has struck me hard today.

I lost a patient.

Two days ago, we played checkers and laughed at how long it had been since she'd played the game. Today my heart aches as I think no one will ever see that beautiful smile and twinkling eyes again on this side of heaven.

What really matters? Do our careers REALLY mean so much that we put the blessings in life to the side?

Is that hour of peace and quite really more important than a day with our energetic little ones?

Is our own comfort and convenience worth making our parents endure the monotony and loneliness of nursing homes during their final days?

I have spent too much of my life being selfish.

It's time I learned what really matters.

I don't think I'm alone.

Math Teacher Under Arrest

Got this email a couple of years ago from a friend who is now deceased. It cracked me up then and continues to bring a smile to my face as I read it now. Thought I'd share it (and store it) here for memory's sake.

A public school teacher was arrested today at John F. Kennedy International Airport as he attempted to board a flight while in possession of a ruler, a protractor, a compass, a slide-rule and a calculator. At a morning press conference, the Attorney General said he believes the man is a member of the notorious Al-Gebra movement. He did not identify the man, who has been charged by the FBI with carrying weapons of math instruction.

'Al-Gebra is a problem for us', the Attorney General said. 'They derive solutions by means and extremes, and sometimes go off on tangents in search of absolute values.' They use secret code names like 'X' and 'Y' and refer to themselves as 'unknowns', but we have determined that they belong to a common denominator of the axis of medieval with coordinates in every country.

As the Greek philanderer Isosceles used to say, 'There are 3 sides to every triangle'.

When asked to comment on the arrest, President Obama said, 'If God had wanted us to have better weapons of math instruction, he would have given us more fingers and toes.' White House aides told reporters they could not recall a more intelligent or profound statement by the President.

It is believed that the Nobel Prize for Physics will follow----

Fleamarkets and Kiddos

Today I found myself enjoying the day browsing fleamarkets with my *absolutely wonderful* friend, Heather. I brought home a stack of goodies: two board games, three kids' books, a set of Spanish/English puzzle cards, and a set of 12 neat little Christmas ornaments depicting the names of Christ. She got a set of 12 (or 16?) drinking jars and a couple of kids' books. What incredible finds! I love fleamarkets!

Speaking of kids (What? I mentioned kids' books, didn't I?), we had our AWANA awards ceremony tonight. I cannot put into words exactly how I felt when those sweet little angels from my group, the Green team, went up to receive their awards. It was something like a sense of pride and overflowing love, joy at knowing the eternal effects this program will have on some of these kids, and humility because of two things: one, God worked through inadequate me this semester to bless these kids and two, it took the dedication of parents and the determination of these kids to get them to where they are--my role as a leader had little to do with their progress throughout the year.

Helping Little Bubz

Yes, I call my brothers "bubz."

And yes, I did help my brother with a school project today. Wanna see?

...

...

...

...

Here's the two of us...exhausted (after putting nearly six hours into the project)!

It's a...longhouse, home of the Iroquois (a native American tribe).

Like the bamboo "corn"? Yeah, it's kind of tall in proportion to the little plastic Indians, but the bigger the better, right?

Of course, the little bubz had to add some mean settlers to fight these peaceful redskins. That's just what boys do!

I'm back home visiting for the week and am having SO MUCH fun! (Except for the weeding Mamaw's yard in the heat, but, hey, it was worth it to see her smile. I'm glad I could help her out).

Thank you, Lord for:

76. Good pizza with great, old friends

77. Quality time with my youngest brother, discovering what a truly amazing young fellow he is becoming

78. Helping me to find humor in a bitter, old man and love him all the more in spite of his shortcomings

79. Safety on my trip to the south.

80. A phone call from a speech therapy company that almost seems too good to be true.

81. The opportunity to get to know the man my mother married and realize mom's in good hands.

82. My mamaw's sweet smile...and wonderful backrubs!

83. Beautiful weather (and company!) at lunchtime on Mother's Day with other friends who didn't have their mothers nearby for the special day

84. "Stump", the first real English bulldog I've ever met. What strange creatures You have made! This one brings smiles, giggles, and light-hearted fun!

85. Air conditioning! How did people ever survive Arkansas' heat without AC?!

(This post was originally posted on Wednesday, May 11th, but for some reason it is saying it posted on May 17th).