Last week in an email I included two little excerpts from my diary when I was eleven years old. They talked about how tough life was at eleven years old and I wanted to make sure that if anyone ever read those pages again, that message was clearly communicated. These lines from 19 years ago brought a smile to my face. The response to this email was a request to see my thoughts at age 25. While I'm sure this was more a response than a request, it got me thinking.
I have been writing thoughts and prayers and ideas in a journal since I was about 9 years old. I have always loved it. Now, with the world of blogging, often my thoughts end up here, rather than on real paper. So, last night I sat down once again as I have so many times before, on my apartment floor, surrounded by my journals of all sizes and colors. These pages contain my innermost thoughts for the past 19 years. I started pouring over one of the journals from about five years ago. I was fascinated by a couple of things.
First, I have come a long way in my life. God has been good to me and faithful in bringing me through so many obstacles and fears and challenges. It was encouraging to see some of the areas I use to struggle with, I don't as often any more.
Secondly, I have been praying for some of the same things a really long time. There were common themes throughout this journal, that I'm sure I would find in my current journal, or journals from previous years. I guess that's a good thing. I keep coming before God with all my requests.
So what? Well, I was armed with a green highlighter last night. I started marking phrases, lines, and even whole entries that grabbed me. Some thing that shows where I was and what I was thinking at those times of my life. What were my thoughts on relationships, my job, my family, my roommates (when I had some), and so many other things. Over the next couple of weeks, I will be sharing excerpts from my journals. I think it will be a good exercise for me to go back and see just how far I've come. And I hope in sharing my struggles and victories, others will be encouraged that we are all living our lives the best way we know how.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
My Crazy - Scary Dream
I awoke just before 6am this morning with the most horrible image still in my mind. I had a bad dream, and I couldn't go back to sleep. I tried turning over, I tried shaking my head, I tried convincing myself I had an hour and a half still to sleep and I just needed to get over it. But the most awful feeling invaded every part of me until I could no longer take it. I got up and pulled out my laptop and started working on the program shell for church on Sunday. Something to keep my mind off of the craziest dream.
There were elements to this dream that came from a movie I watched on Saturday night. In the movie Max Payne there is an elixir that is used and causes hallucinations and ultimately causes people to kill themselves...or some how be killed. This element was in my dream. Only the person giving me the elixir was my mom.
In my dream I was 30 years old, as I am now, but back in my childhood bedroom in my parents basement. I had somehow become aware of people taking this elixir and ultimately dying. My mom came to my door and said she had something for me. She tossed me this tube that looked like lip gloss. But when I held it up I realized it was this elixir. My mom came to my bed side and told me I had to drink this elixir...that it would help my migraines. I pleaded with her to not make me take it. I knew it would kill me. She said, o.k....until tomorrow. I pleaded again and again to not have to take this elixir. She wouldn't listen to me. I got up and began shaking her shoulders, pleading the whole time. Then, frustrated, I threw her up against the closet doors and she dropped like a rag doll. I walked from my room to find my sister standing there asking what was going on. I told her what happened and how I think I may have killed our mom.
This is when I woke up. When I told my mom about my dream today, she didn't want me to blog about it at first. While we both know it's only a dream, it's a horrible feeling...and I know my mom would never do anything to hurt me...and I certainly wouldn't try to kill her. But this dream has shook me to my core, and has plagued me all morning long. A friend told me his only advice was to pray...and that's what I've been doing. Praying that this feeling, and these thought don't haunt me into my bed again tonight.
There were elements to this dream that came from a movie I watched on Saturday night. In the movie Max Payne there is an elixir that is used and causes hallucinations and ultimately causes people to kill themselves...or some how be killed. This element was in my dream. Only the person giving me the elixir was my mom.
In my dream I was 30 years old, as I am now, but back in my childhood bedroom in my parents basement. I had somehow become aware of people taking this elixir and ultimately dying. My mom came to my door and said she had something for me. She tossed me this tube that looked like lip gloss. But when I held it up I realized it was this elixir. My mom came to my bed side and told me I had to drink this elixir...that it would help my migraines. I pleaded with her to not make me take it. I knew it would kill me. She said, o.k....until tomorrow. I pleaded again and again to not have to take this elixir. She wouldn't listen to me. I got up and began shaking her shoulders, pleading the whole time. Then, frustrated, I threw her up against the closet doors and she dropped like a rag doll. I walked from my room to find my sister standing there asking what was going on. I told her what happened and how I think I may have killed our mom.
This is when I woke up. When I told my mom about my dream today, she didn't want me to blog about it at first. While we both know it's only a dream, it's a horrible feeling...and I know my mom would never do anything to hurt me...and I certainly wouldn't try to kill her. But this dream has shook me to my core, and has plagued me all morning long. A friend told me his only advice was to pray...and that's what I've been doing. Praying that this feeling, and these thought don't haunt me into my bed again tonight.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Don't know what to say...
Usually thoughts and ideas are easy for me. Normally I can talk or write on just about anything, and just about any time. But not tonight. I feel like there is something inside that I need to get out...but I don't know what to say. I strangely feel mute. So many things are swirling around me - around my head. I feel like I'm about to explode, but I can't seem to figure out where to start. It's almost as if someone put a gag on my brain, and while I really want to express something, I am being held back. Maybe it's just overload from my day. Maybe it's distraction from the TV in the background. Maybe it's competing thoughts about what just studied in my Bible and the battle over whether or not I should go to the gym before I meet Jenn. Or maybe, it's just my idea that I should have something to share, when really, there's nothing that needs to be shared. Whatever it is, I hope this feeling passes soon.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
My Red Boots
Today I brought them down. Sitting so pretty on the top shelf of my closet for almost six months, my Red Boots called my name this morning. I grew up wearing cowboy boots, but they were rarely for fashion. They were practical boots that could be worn anytime for anything. But these boots are different. They are your classic cowboy boot style, and they are red.
I bought these boots earlier this year for one of the "Great Dates of '08". They were worn to a Tracy Lawrence concert at the Rose in May. After that night, they sat in my closet, waiting to be taken out again. I haven't been dancing since then, and with summer showing up shortly after the concert, I immediately switched to sandals. But today it was below freezing when I woke up, so I thought it was a good day to pull out the Red Boots once again. And I'm glad that I did.
I bought these boots earlier this year for one of the "Great Dates of '08". They were worn to a Tracy Lawrence concert at the Rose in May. After that night, they sat in my closet, waiting to be taken out again. I haven't been dancing since then, and with summer showing up shortly after the concert, I immediately switched to sandals. But today it was below freezing when I woke up, so I thought it was a good day to pull out the Red Boots once again. And I'm glad that I did.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
What are your dreams?
"We cannot achieve our wildest dreams by remaining who we are." John C. Maxwell
This quote literally fell on my desk a few weeks ago. In the mail I received an invitation to host a simulcast for a leadership conference next spring. This quote was in bold letters on the flier. It caught my attention immediately. I've been thinking quite a bit about dreams lately. And my life. And where the two intersect - if they do at all right now.
I wasn't raised to have big dreams. My family is amazing and the biggest supporters of my life. But there was always a strong sense of reality in our family. A strong concept of work hard, live a good life, and don't rock the boat. So when I wanted to perform on Broadway, the reality of where we lived and our lack of resources to put toward that life overshadowed my dream of dancing in A Chorus Line. I quickly accepted that dance would have to be a part of my life in other ways, and have enjoyed dancing and performing at the extreme local level most of my life.
But there are other dreams that I have and would love to see come true. And I think sometimes it's easy, at least for me, to fall back on the idea that I have good life and the concept of "don't fix what isn't broken." But what if it's broken and you don't know it? What if the idea of settling for a good life, rather than going after your dreams and leading a great life is a broken concept for me?
Then how does this idea of what Maxwell says come into play? If I remain who I am, what dreams will I be giving up? What kind of life will I be settling for? If what he says is really true, then one could suggest that unless I am truly willing to welcome change into my life and to who I am, these dreams will never come true.
That's a scary concept. But not as scary as the idea of not seeing some of my dreams come true. I have dreams to be married and share my life with someone, so see the world, to be present for the big days in the life of each of my nieces, to own a home where I can raise a family, to share my life and the experiences and lessons I've learned in a published format. These are just a few. And honestly, I'm not sure how many of them could be achieved unless I am willing to step way out of my comfort zone, shed the ideas of who I am based on what others think and my past, and blaze a new future. All the way trusting that the God who put these dreams and desires within my spirit will provide me with everything necessary to see them come to fruition.
This quote literally fell on my desk a few weeks ago. In the mail I received an invitation to host a simulcast for a leadership conference next spring. This quote was in bold letters on the flier. It caught my attention immediately. I've been thinking quite a bit about dreams lately. And my life. And where the two intersect - if they do at all right now.
I wasn't raised to have big dreams. My family is amazing and the biggest supporters of my life. But there was always a strong sense of reality in our family. A strong concept of work hard, live a good life, and don't rock the boat. So when I wanted to perform on Broadway, the reality of where we lived and our lack of resources to put toward that life overshadowed my dream of dancing in A Chorus Line. I quickly accepted that dance would have to be a part of my life in other ways, and have enjoyed dancing and performing at the extreme local level most of my life.
But there are other dreams that I have and would love to see come true. And I think sometimes it's easy, at least for me, to fall back on the idea that I have good life and the concept of "don't fix what isn't broken." But what if it's broken and you don't know it? What if the idea of settling for a good life, rather than going after your dreams and leading a great life is a broken concept for me?
Then how does this idea of what Maxwell says come into play? If I remain who I am, what dreams will I be giving up? What kind of life will I be settling for? If what he says is really true, then one could suggest that unless I am truly willing to welcome change into my life and to who I am, these dreams will never come true.
That's a scary concept. But not as scary as the idea of not seeing some of my dreams come true. I have dreams to be married and share my life with someone, so see the world, to be present for the big days in the life of each of my nieces, to own a home where I can raise a family, to share my life and the experiences and lessons I've learned in a published format. These are just a few. And honestly, I'm not sure how many of them could be achieved unless I am willing to step way out of my comfort zone, shed the ideas of who I am based on what others think and my past, and blaze a new future. All the way trusting that the God who put these dreams and desires within my spirit will provide me with everything necessary to see them come to fruition.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Tacos in Tecate
One of the highlights of our trip to Mexico this weekend came Saturday night. We had Brandon & Nate, two Americans who work on the ranch, take us into Tecate for tacos. I have heard how amazing these tacos are from a friend who was a house mom for 5 months at the ranch last year. But I had no idea what to expect. We pulled up to the taco stand and found our spot. I ordered three tacos on flour tortillas with everything. The meat is cooked fresh on a coal burning grill right there. The flour tortillas are cooked as they are needed. There was a woman in the back taking the mixture, making the tortillas, and cooking them and then bringing them to the front where they assembled the tacos. The tortillas were filled with chopped carne asada, onions, guacamole and salsa, and wrapped in paper. And of course, you cannot go to Mexico without getting a cold Coca-Cola in the bottle. I sat down and took my first bite. Amazing! So fresh, so full of flavor. I quickly consumed my three tacos and Coke and sat back to watch everyone else.
Our group took up nearly the entire seating area of this small outdoor patio stand. But there were others enjoying their Saturday night tacos as well. Families, laughing and greeting friends as they walked into the patio. Then, a father and three children walked in. They were dressed with sharp black pants and vests and crisp white shirts. The father played the guitar, the two boys drummed, and the little girl played her tambourine. They sang two songs, dancing as they entertained us. I wanted to get up and dance with them! Then after they finished, the little ones came around looking for tips. It was such a treat! They moved on after they made their rounds and everyone returned to their conversations.
Once we were sufficiently full of tacos, we climbed back into our vehicles and headed back. Brandon saw a churro cart on the corner and pulled over. We all climbed out of our vehicles and walked to the corner. The elderly gentleman greeted us with a smile. His wife said hello to our group. We all ordered a bag of churros - about 15 churros for $1.50. He used a hand crank to squeeze the dough into the oil. Once fried, he scooped them out and put them in a bowl. Now it was his wife's turn. She covered them in sugar and cinnamon and put them in the bags. I bought two bags (one for me and one for Adrienne) and took my first bite. It could quite possibly be the best thing my lips have ever touched. Sweet, crispy, hot, fresh, delicious. We hung out on the corner as we all enjoyed our churros. The night life in Tecate was starting to come to out. A sports bar around the corner opened and music spilled onto the street. Cars cruised by, their owners honking and calling out greetings to those standing on the sidewalks. Family after family stopped to pick up their own bag of churros.
The reality of our two long days of work caught up with us and we all crawled back into our vehicles and headed back to the ranch. But a new tradition was started that night.
Our group took up nearly the entire seating area of this small outdoor patio stand. But there were others enjoying their Saturday night tacos as well. Families, laughing and greeting friends as they walked into the patio. Then, a father and three children walked in. They were dressed with sharp black pants and vests and crisp white shirts. The father played the guitar, the two boys drummed, and the little girl played her tambourine. They sang two songs, dancing as they entertained us. I wanted to get up and dance with them! Then after they finished, the little ones came around looking for tips. It was such a treat! They moved on after they made their rounds and everyone returned to their conversations.
Once we were sufficiently full of tacos, we climbed back into our vehicles and headed back. Brandon saw a churro cart on the corner and pulled over. We all climbed out of our vehicles and walked to the corner. The elderly gentleman greeted us with a smile. His wife said hello to our group. We all ordered a bag of churros - about 15 churros for $1.50. He used a hand crank to squeeze the dough into the oil. Once fried, he scooped them out and put them in a bowl. Now it was his wife's turn. She covered them in sugar and cinnamon and put them in the bags. I bought two bags (one for me and one for Adrienne) and took my first bite. It could quite possibly be the best thing my lips have ever touched. Sweet, crispy, hot, fresh, delicious. We hung out on the corner as we all enjoyed our churros. The night life in Tecate was starting to come to out. A sports bar around the corner opened and music spilled onto the street. Cars cruised by, their owners honking and calling out greetings to those standing on the sidewalks. Family after family stopped to pick up their own bag of churros.
The reality of our two long days of work caught up with us and we all crawled back into our vehicles and headed back to the ranch. But a new tradition was started that night.
Swinging a Hammer
The group...
Last night I arrived home from a whirlwind trip to Rancho de sus Ninos. This orphanage, affectionatly called simply "the ranch" is just off the highway between Tijuana & Tecate, Mexico. Over the past four years, since I first visited the ranch on a mission trip with high schoolers, this orphanage has found a place in my heart. I have been back a handful of times. Each time, I feel like a part of me has returned home. It is a unique place. I have written about this orphanage before - after our trip this summer. This time was different.
For the first time in the 21 year history, the orphanage has the supplies and money for a project before the groups arrive. They have been given a very generous donation to finish building the new day care buildings needed before their lease is up in just about a year on their current location. So a group from our church headed down late Thursday night and spent the past couple of days hammering on a new roof and hoisting beams for support for covered porches.
Friday we unloaded 45 trusses and carried them into the building, flipped them upright, and nailed them in place. Crazy heavy work. Then Saturday in to Sunday morning we layed plywood sheeting on top and hammered them into the trusses. This is a long and grueling process. My knees are sore and bruised from kneeling on the sheeting while nailing it down into the trusses.
yep - those trusses weren't there before we got there...
Mark & I nailing blocks in place between the trusses...
Me - on the roof...tool belt and all
CJ, McKenna, and me...it was a moment of downtime...what can i say???
When we weren't working, we enjoyed eating with the kids on the ranch. I sponsor two sister in House 4. It is always a joy to see them, and love on them. Alejandra is alway ready with a smile, hug, and "Hi, Sarah!" Yaqueline is more shy at first, but warms quickly. She speaks more English and we are able to chat a bit by lunch on Sunday.
We headed back across the border on Sunday afternoon. Of course, no trip to the orhpanage would be complete with out a stop at In-N-Out Burger on our way back to the airport. We checked in for our flight with two hours to wait. I found myself sitting at a bar, sipping a rum and coke and chatting with some of the guys about the trip while we watched the last game of the ALCS and Sunday night NFL.
Our flight home was smooth and uneventful. I crawled into bed early this morning and fell asleep without any trouble.
This trip was something that I look forward to doing again soon. The building we worked on will one day house kids who would other wise be locked up in their house or left wandering the streets while their parents work 16 hours a day in the factories. It provides them with two meals a day and loving women to care for them. What a great day it will be when they can open these doors to even more kids who need to hear that God loves them.
Last night I arrived home from a whirlwind trip to Rancho de sus Ninos. This orphanage, affectionatly called simply "the ranch" is just off the highway between Tijuana & Tecate, Mexico. Over the past four years, since I first visited the ranch on a mission trip with high schoolers, this orphanage has found a place in my heart. I have been back a handful of times. Each time, I feel like a part of me has returned home. It is a unique place. I have written about this orphanage before - after our trip this summer. This time was different.
For the first time in the 21 year history, the orphanage has the supplies and money for a project before the groups arrive. They have been given a very generous donation to finish building the new day care buildings needed before their lease is up in just about a year on their current location. So a group from our church headed down late Thursday night and spent the past couple of days hammering on a new roof and hoisting beams for support for covered porches.
Friday we unloaded 45 trusses and carried them into the building, flipped them upright, and nailed them in place. Crazy heavy work. Then Saturday in to Sunday morning we layed plywood sheeting on top and hammered them into the trusses. This is a long and grueling process. My knees are sore and bruised from kneeling on the sheeting while nailing it down into the trusses.
yep - those trusses weren't there before we got there...
Mark & I nailing blocks in place between the trusses...
Me - on the roof...tool belt and all
CJ, McKenna, and me...it was a moment of downtime...what can i say???
When we weren't working, we enjoyed eating with the kids on the ranch. I sponsor two sister in House 4. It is always a joy to see them, and love on them. Alejandra is alway ready with a smile, hug, and "Hi, Sarah!" Yaqueline is more shy at first, but warms quickly. She speaks more English and we are able to chat a bit by lunch on Sunday.
We headed back across the border on Sunday afternoon. Of course, no trip to the orhpanage would be complete with out a stop at In-N-Out Burger on our way back to the airport. We checked in for our flight with two hours to wait. I found myself sitting at a bar, sipping a rum and coke and chatting with some of the guys about the trip while we watched the last game of the ALCS and Sunday night NFL.
Our flight home was smooth and uneventful. I crawled into bed early this morning and fell asleep without any trouble.
This trip was something that I look forward to doing again soon. The building we worked on will one day house kids who would other wise be locked up in their house or left wandering the streets while their parents work 16 hours a day in the factories. It provides them with two meals a day and loving women to care for them. What a great day it will be when they can open these doors to even more kids who need to hear that God loves them.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Where's the nearest beach?
After today, I'm seriously considering a trip to a foreign beach. Somewhere my cell phone and computer won't work. No texts, no emails, no online options whatsoever. Just me, and God, figuring out what is going on and getting back on track.
This morning I woke up with a migraine. About 5:30am I found myself in the bathroom, throwing up. That's how I know it's a bad one. I took some Advil and drank some water and went back to bed. Finally, I started feeling better and decided to go into work. It was a busy and prodcutive morning.
At lunch I drove over to Wendy's to get some chili. A great choice for our cooler day today. As I pulled around to the window, I could tell something was not right with my car. One of my tires was flat. I grabbed my food and pulled into a parking spot. Sure enough, I had a flat...actually, one of my tires was so worn, it split. Tomorrow my car is scheudled to get four brand new tires. I called Ryan, one of the guys I work with, to come and put my spare on. He did and I went across the street to put more air in the tire. By the time I got there, the already low spare had come off the rim. I just sighed, called the towing company and had them take my car to the shop today.
I finished out my day and hopped into the "Green Van". Our church owns a 1987 Ford Conversion van. We call it the "Love Van" or "Cheech". This is my ride home. The foam lining is coming off the ceiling, the metal a-frame signs we put out on Sundays sliding every time I turn a corner. I pulled into the liquor store just around the corner from my apartment. For some reason, after my day, I just want a cold Coors. I find my selection and take it to the counter. The sweet lady asks for my ID and tells me I look young. Thanks, I say. You must be happy, she tells me. Happy people look young.
Well don't that beat all?! I just smiled, thanked her, and laughed once I got back in the van. Right now I'm in my pajamas, a cold beer sitting close by, getting ready to finish the program for Sunday morning. I know this is just one of those days we all have. And I know that God got me through it and will help make tomorrow a better day. Even when I don't realize it or feel it, He is with me in day like this.
This morning I woke up with a migraine. About 5:30am I found myself in the bathroom, throwing up. That's how I know it's a bad one. I took some Advil and drank some water and went back to bed. Finally, I started feeling better and decided to go into work. It was a busy and prodcutive morning.
At lunch I drove over to Wendy's to get some chili. A great choice for our cooler day today. As I pulled around to the window, I could tell something was not right with my car. One of my tires was flat. I grabbed my food and pulled into a parking spot. Sure enough, I had a flat...actually, one of my tires was so worn, it split. Tomorrow my car is scheudled to get four brand new tires. I called Ryan, one of the guys I work with, to come and put my spare on. He did and I went across the street to put more air in the tire. By the time I got there, the already low spare had come off the rim. I just sighed, called the towing company and had them take my car to the shop today.
I finished out my day and hopped into the "Green Van". Our church owns a 1987 Ford Conversion van. We call it the "Love Van" or "Cheech". This is my ride home. The foam lining is coming off the ceiling, the metal a-frame signs we put out on Sundays sliding every time I turn a corner. I pulled into the liquor store just around the corner from my apartment. For some reason, after my day, I just want a cold Coors. I find my selection and take it to the counter. The sweet lady asks for my ID and tells me I look young. Thanks, I say. You must be happy, she tells me. Happy people look young.
Well don't that beat all?! I just smiled, thanked her, and laughed once I got back in the van. Right now I'm in my pajamas, a cold beer sitting close by, getting ready to finish the program for Sunday morning. I know this is just one of those days we all have. And I know that God got me through it and will help make tomorrow a better day. Even when I don't realize it or feel it, He is with me in day like this.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
What I witnessed tonight
At high school group tonight, there was only one girl who came in my group - so we decided to go to Starbucks and catch up. We were enjoying our drinks - her a hot green tea - me a delightful Carmel Apple Spice. Our seats outside were the perfect spot for people watching. At night, you can see perfectly into the coffee shop...and the Kinkos next door. We sipped and chatted for a few minutes when this student paused as she looked into the conference room at Kinkos.
"I think this guy is getting fired," she said. I turned my attention to the conference room inside the Kinkos. Sure enough, there was one man sitting behind a desk, leaning forward, looking down at the sheet of paper. His face was intense, you could tell he was talking loudly and his hand came down on the desk as he made his points.
Contrasting this man is a man sitting on the other side of the desk in a Kinkos shirt. He was sitting back in his chair with his hand over his mouth and at times covering more of his face and his eyes. Sure enough, he was being talked to, and it didn't look good.
But just when we thought we had it figured out, the most interesting thing happened. These men both leaned forward, folded their hands, and began praying. I immediatley shot forward in my seat to get a clearer view of the first man. Sure enough, they were both praying. After their prayer, they stood up, Bibles in hand, and walked out the door.
So now, I have no idea what they were talking about. But my curiousity is peaked and I'm replaying all kinds of options in my head. I don't know what I witnessed tonight, but it was the most peculiar event I've seen in quite some time.
"I think this guy is getting fired," she said. I turned my attention to the conference room inside the Kinkos. Sure enough, there was one man sitting behind a desk, leaning forward, looking down at the sheet of paper. His face was intense, you could tell he was talking loudly and his hand came down on the desk as he made his points.
Contrasting this man is a man sitting on the other side of the desk in a Kinkos shirt. He was sitting back in his chair with his hand over his mouth and at times covering more of his face and his eyes. Sure enough, he was being talked to, and it didn't look good.
But just when we thought we had it figured out, the most interesting thing happened. These men both leaned forward, folded their hands, and began praying. I immediatley shot forward in my seat to get a clearer view of the first man. Sure enough, they were both praying. After their prayer, they stood up, Bibles in hand, and walked out the door.
So now, I have no idea what they were talking about. But my curiousity is peaked and I'm replaying all kinds of options in my head. I don't know what I witnessed tonight, but it was the most peculiar event I've seen in quite some time.
Something to Chew On
Today we received an invitation to host a simulcast for a leadership event next spring. On the flier was this quote. I'm pondering this today and will write more soon...
"We cannot achieve our wildest dreams by remaining who we are."
John Maxwell
"We cannot achieve our wildest dreams by remaining who we are."
John Maxwell
Monday, October 6, 2008
If you are looking to laugh
Last night I enjoyed the company of a very good friend for a movie and dinner. At 5:50pm Adrienne and I found ourselves sitting down to the opening previews for our movie, Ghost Town. I wasn't sure what to expect. All the reviews I had heard and read said it was funny. But I don't always agree with movie critics. In the mood for a light-hearted good time, I settled in as the lights dimmed.
I was not disappointed. The premise, as described in the previews, is that Dr. Pincus, DDS, dies and is brought back to life during a routine procedure. When he comes back, he can see ghosts still haunting Manhattan. The chaos and story that unfolds from that point kept me laughing throughout the entire movie. There were tender moments that helped develop the story, and the humor was both smart and silly. While I enjoyed the antics and laughed a lot, there was a sweet message throughout the movie as well.
Take your friends, your spouse or S.O. and enjoy some laughs and a fun story.
I was not disappointed. The premise, as described in the previews, is that Dr. Pincus, DDS, dies and is brought back to life during a routine procedure. When he comes back, he can see ghosts still haunting Manhattan. The chaos and story that unfolds from that point kept me laughing throughout the entire movie. There were tender moments that helped develop the story, and the humor was both smart and silly. While I enjoyed the antics and laughed a lot, there was a sweet message throughout the movie as well.
Take your friends, your spouse or S.O. and enjoy some laughs and a fun story.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Recovered
I'm sitting on my couch, listening to music on myspace and watching the Broncos play. I feel like I have recovered from my long weekend in PA. It was amazing to me how much energy was drained during Cody's wedding. I guess it was much more emotional that I had anticipated.
I am loving that fall is upon us. This is the time of year when I pull out the Harvest candle from Yankee, snuggle under blankets with cold air coming in the windows, and begin thinking about all the yummy crock-pot meals I've been craving. I know many people look to the spring for a fresh start and renewal, but this year, I look to this fall to provide a new spirit within.
This week I start up another Beth Moore Bible Study...and oh, how I need it. My time with God has not been what I want it to be lately. I think that I let my busy schedule, and dealing with my own feelings distract me from the source of my strength and energy. I am praying that God renews my heart and mind in new ways...ways only He can. My heart is healed. God has been faithful. I truly feel like after all the struggles professionally, relationally, emotionally, and physically the past year, God's provision, faithfulness, and guidance have been what has pulled me through.
God is Good, All the Time
All the Time, God is Good
I am loving that fall is upon us. This is the time of year when I pull out the Harvest candle from Yankee, snuggle under blankets with cold air coming in the windows, and begin thinking about all the yummy crock-pot meals I've been craving. I know many people look to the spring for a fresh start and renewal, but this year, I look to this fall to provide a new spirit within.
This week I start up another Beth Moore Bible Study...and oh, how I need it. My time with God has not been what I want it to be lately. I think that I let my busy schedule, and dealing with my own feelings distract me from the source of my strength and energy. I am praying that God renews my heart and mind in new ways...ways only He can. My heart is healed. God has been faithful. I truly feel like after all the struggles professionally, relationally, emotionally, and physically the past year, God's provision, faithfulness, and guidance have been what has pulled me through.
God is Good, All the Time
All the Time, God is Good
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Back Home...
Our trip home from PA is one that I will remember. It was another 16 hour or better day to get back to my own bed. After a 3 hour drive to Baltimore, we found ourselves on the plane to Memphis. We actually landed ahead of schedule, which was good as we only had 30 minutes before our next flight left. We made a quick stop to pick up a deli sandwich and boarded our small plane.
This plane reminded me of the puddle jumper I took from Chicago to Milwaukee. Thirteen rows long, four seats wide, and one flight attendant, Judy. We took off and I waited patiently for the announcement that it was safe to use our approved electronic devices (aka my ipod). But the announcement didn't come. Then we heard a loud "thunk". The pilot came on saying that they had problems with our gears and that they now have them in the lock-down position and we will be landing again in Memphis in 5 minutes. People start getting upset and complaining - as if there is anything we can do about this situation.
Once back on the ground we are told that they will have to try to find us another plane, which they were able to do. So after waiting for an hour and a half, we are once again airborn and heading for Denver. I'm sure I fell asleep during the two and a half hour flight home. We landed, and found the shuttle to our car. As we went to pay for our car, we were told our reservations were for another lot. Frustrated and to exhausted to fight with them, we paid the money and went home. I fell into bed about 2am Wednesday morning.
It's good to be back home. My apartment is a mess, and I have lots of laundry to do. But at least I'm home, and I'll have lots of time tonight to get things caught up.
This plane reminded me of the puddle jumper I took from Chicago to Milwaukee. Thirteen rows long, four seats wide, and one flight attendant, Judy. We took off and I waited patiently for the announcement that it was safe to use our approved electronic devices (aka my ipod). But the announcement didn't come. Then we heard a loud "thunk". The pilot came on saying that they had problems with our gears and that they now have them in the lock-down position and we will be landing again in Memphis in 5 minutes. People start getting upset and complaining - as if there is anything we can do about this situation.
Once back on the ground we are told that they will have to try to find us another plane, which they were able to do. So after waiting for an hour and a half, we are once again airborn and heading for Denver. I'm sure I fell asleep during the two and a half hour flight home. We landed, and found the shuttle to our car. As we went to pay for our car, we were told our reservations were for another lot. Frustrated and to exhausted to fight with them, we paid the money and went home. I fell into bed about 2am Wednesday morning.
It's good to be back home. My apartment is a mess, and I have lots of laundry to do. But at least I'm home, and I'll have lots of time tonight to get things caught up.
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