Dear Friend...

Dear Friend,

Check out this link.


http://www.boundless.org/2005/articles/a0001303.cfm



* Amen! My thoughts exactly.

Thankfulness

Often the trials of life bring us to a place of thankfulness, even for things we may deem unimportant. But trials also make us grateful for those things, those people God has blessed us with; that which is abundantly more than we ever asked for.

For me, work often means trying to ignore crude jokes, insulting names, and disgusting conversations. Even though I don't consider myself naive, I often find myself listening with stunned shock to the conversations between coworkers, wondering how someone can live with their mind constantly "in the gutter." The jokes that degrade women and leave them with no sense of self worth continue to show the incredible lack of respect that dominates society.

Although I survive work each day, I often leave with feelings of frustration, amazement, and, yes, even a grateful heart. Sometimes I question why I am thankful for those people who are perverted and crude; however, as soon as I get a glimpse of my life outside of work I quickly realize the tremendous blessings of God.

I reread my journal--the personal collection of my thoughts, fears and questions--to find that simply one year ago I was begging God for just one guy to become a close friend, one that would share his perspective on life issues. Someone who I could talk to as I would one of the girls, but for a guy's perspective. As I continued to question God's ability to grant this one request, little did I know that he was molding a friendship that would not only grow, but also lead to another great friendship.

Today as I look back, I realize the faithfulness of God when I see the two amazing guy friends that I have who are not afraid to share heartfelt perspectives on many of life's issues. I have seen the blessings of respect, integrity and honesty these guys have shown. Sure, they aren't perfect; they're still learning and growing in the Lord. But, along with other friends and family, they have shown me the unmistakable difference when a mindset is rooted in God.

So, to the men in my life who have been an awesome example of respect, honor and compassion, may you find the strength that is needed daily to keep up such an example in this fallen world. Thank you.

And to those who inspire me to thank these wonderful men in my life, to those who provide the stark, sometimes disheartening contrast, I pray that you would turn to the One who can meet your needs and quench your thirst for satisfaction.

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P.S. Although I'm not sure that I made my point exactly as I wished, I hope these words of thankfulness with spur you on to shine like stars in a warped and crooked generation. (Philippians 2:14, 15)

When I Said I Do

Clint Black and Lisa Hartman Black

These times are troubled and these times are good
And they're always gonna be, they rise and they fall
We take 'em all the way that we should
Together you and me forsaking them all
Deep in the night and by the light of day
It always looks the same, true love always does
And here by your side, or a million miles away
Nothin's ever gonna change the way that I feel,
The way it is, is the way that it was

When I said I do, I meant that I will 'til the end of all time
Be faithful and true, devoted to you
That's what I had in mind when I said I do

Well this old world keeps changin', and the world stays the same
For all who came before, and it goes hand and hand
Only you and I can undo all that we became
That makes us so much more, than a woman and a man
And after everything that comes and goes around
Has only passed us by, here alone in our dreams
I know there's a lonely heart in every lost and found
But forever you and I will be the ones
Who found out what forever means

When I said I do, I meant that I will 'til the end of all time
Be faithful and true, devoted to you
That's what I had in mind when I said I do

Truer than true, you know that I'll always be there for you
That's what I had in mind, that's what I had in mind,
When I said I do

Blessings

oh, to discover a major blessing in my soon to be roomate. YAY!

* * * * * * * * * *

I AM SOOOO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!



AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!


ok...breathe.

It's Becoming Reality

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Classes at 8, 9, 10, 11, and 3-5 on mondays. finished by 12:30 on tuesdays. and so on and so forth.



hmmm. sounds like college : / (that's an inbetween smiley/frowny face, just to let you know)

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thanks to jess and brandon for rescuing my sanity today. no thanks for taking a full half hour for break, though.

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to the boys out west, hope all is going well and that you are managing to stay cool in some way. it's unimaginable in here.

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I Hope You Dance

LeeAnn Womack

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat
But always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances
But they're worth taking
Lovin' might be a mistake
But it's worth making
Don't let some hell bent heart
Leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out
Reconsider
Give the heavens above
More than just a passing glance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance

I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

Dance

I hope you dance

That's What I Love About Sundays

I love the absolute relaxation of a Sunday. the joy of worship in the morning, followed by a yummy lunch with the family. then, an afternoon filled with anything you would find relaxing: a refreshing nap, a book, an entertaining movie, an enjoyable walk, a game, a challenging puzzle. all this relaxation followed by perhaps a "get together" in the evening, an email check, a favorite tv show, a movie, a book, or an early bedtime.

or perhaps just sitting and pondering anything that comes to mind.


...that's what I love about Sundays.




p.s. the times listed for these posts is really off...i'm not sure what's up. but it's like 3 o' clock right now even though it would appear as 11 in the morning, just for your interest. : )

I Got a Feelin'

Billy Currington

I don't wanna rush this thing
I don't wanna jump the gun
I really wanna say those three little words
But I'm gonna bite my tongue

Yeah, I'm just gonna lay on back
Leave it on cruise control
I'm gonna hold it all inside
Till the right time comes down the road


I got a feelin'
My head's a reelin'
My heart is screamin'
I'm about to bust loose
Bottled up emotion
It's more than a notion
It starts with an "I"
And ends with a "U"
I got a feelin'
Are you feelin' it too

The World

Brad Paisley

To the teller down at the bank
You're just another checking account
To the plumber that came today
You're just another house
At the airport ticket counter
You're just another fare
At the beauty shop at the mall
Well you're just another head of hair
Well that's alright, that's ok
If you don't feel important, honey
All I've got to say is

To the world
You may be just another girl
But to me
Baby, you are the world

To the waiter at the restaurant
You're just another tip
To the guy at the ice cream shop
You're just another dip
When you can't get reservations
'Cause you don't have the clout
Or you didn't get an invitation
'Cause somebody left you out
That's alright, that's ok
When you don't feel important honey
All I've got to say is

(Chorus)

You think you're one of millions but you're one in a million to me
When you wonder if you matter, baby look into my eyes
And tell me, can't you see you're everything to me

That's alright, that's ok
When you don't feel important honey
All I've gotta say is

(Chorus)

Back When

Tim McGraw

Don't you remember the fizz in a pepper
peanuts in the blottle at ten two and four
a fried bologna sandwich with mayo and tomatoes
sitting at the table don't happen much no more
we've gotten so complicated
it's all way overrated
i love the old and outdated way of life


Back when a hoe was a hoe
Coke was a coke
Crack's what you were doing when you were cracking jokes
Back when a screw was a screw
The wind was all that blew
When you said, "I'm down with that", it meant you had the flu
I miss back when
I miss back when
I miss back when


I loved my records, black shiny vinyl
clicks and pops and white noise, man they sounded fine
Had my favorite station, the one that played 'em all
Country, soul, rock 'n roll, what happened to those times
I'm reading street slang for dummies
'cause they put pop in my country
I want more for my money the way it was back then


Back when a hoe was a hoe
Coke was a coke
Crack's what you were doing when you were cracking jokes
Back when a screw was a screw
The wind was all that blew
When you said, "I'm down with that", it meant you had the flu
I miss back when
I miss back when
I miss back when


(Bridge)
I want the flattop strumming
Give me the old wurly humming
Oh, just keep it coming the way it was back when

Sir Barkley

Introducing Sir Barkley




my fluff-puff of a pooch...

one of my best friends...

brightens my day...

always willing to lend an ear, to listen...

When Did You Fall

Chris Rice

You’re all smiles and silly conversation
As if this sunny day came just for you
You twist your hair, you smile and you turn your eyes away
C’mon, tell me what’s right with you
Now it dawns on me probably everybody’s talkin’
And there’s something here I’m supposed to realize
‘Cause your secret’s out, and the universe laughs at it’s joke on me
I just caught it in your eyes, it’s a beautiful surprise

When did you fall in love with me?
Was it out of the blue
‘Cause I swear I never knew it
When did you let your heart run free?
Have you been waiting long?
When did you fall in love with me?
When did you fall in love?

Make your way over here, sit down by this fool, and let’s rewind
C’mon, let’s go back and replay all our scenes
You can point out the hints, the clues, the twists and the smiles this time
All the ones that slipped by me
I bet my face is red, and you can hear my heart poundin’
Well I guess it don’t matter now that I realize
‘Cause baby I missed it then, but I can surely see you now
Right there before my eyes
You’re my beautiful surprise

Was it at the coffee shop
Or that morning at the bus stop
When you almost slipped, and I caught your hand
Or the time we built the snowman
The day at the beach, sandy and warm
Or the night with the scary thunderstorm
I never saw the signs
Now we’ve got to make up for lost time
And I can tell now by the way that you’re looking at me
I’d better finish this song so my lips will be free

Have you been waiting long, when did you fall in love
I kept you waiting so long, when did you fall
Have you been waiting long
When did you fall in love with me
When did you fall in love?

Memories...

Oh, those lovely days when i was found in the halls of high school...

the most glorious moment of my life...the last minute of my
last government-required school day.

senior week...mostly rain, shopping, and movies...

...but we did glimpse the beach.

Not a Day Goes By

Got a picture of you I carry in my heart
Close my eyes to see it when the world gets dark
Got a memory of you I carry in my soul
I wrap it close around me when the nights get cold
If you asked me how I'm doin' I'd say just fine
But the truth is baby, if you could read my mind


Not a day goes by that I don't think of you
After all this time you're still with me it's true
Somehow you remain locked so deep inside
Baby, baby, oh baby, not a day goes by...


...Minutes turn to hours, and the hours to days
Seems it's been forever that I've felt this way


Not a day goes by that I don't think of you
After all this time you're still with me it's true
Somehow you remain locked so deep inside
Baby, baby, oh baby, not a day goes by

* Lonestar