Food Court Surprise!

How fun would that be? A LOT! Merry Christmas!

"For unto us a Saviour is born."

Gift Exchange

I have a Christmas party to attend tomorrow night where we are having a gift exchange. There will be males and females there from ages 22 to 50+. So, what do I get? Oddly enough, I found it hard to find a good list of " great gifts for both genders under $15-$20". I wandered around the mall tonight for a while, and came up with a list of my own. Hope it helps anyone else out there struggling for an idea!

1. Blanket/throw (I gave this last year and it went over well.)
2. Ornament
3. Flash drive
4. Hand sanitizer, lotion. (my gift this year - perhaps slightly on the girlie side, but who can't use hand sanitizer, especially during the flu season?)
5. Serving pieces (nice platters, cake knives, salad tossers, etc.)
6. Movie package (vouchers or DVD rentals)
7. Cocoa and mugs
8. Homemade gift, for the artsy types! Someone did a painting last year that was a big hit.
9. Magic 8 ball? Magnetic poetry? Rubix cube? These just came to me spontaneously. You probably wouldn't buy it for yourself, but you know you can't refuse to pick one up if someone else has it and just play with it.
10. And of course, if nothing else, gift cards are always wildly popular. Chic-fil-a was a popular one last year for grabs. Any restaurants or coffee places are great.

What ideas do you have? Comments? Thoughts?

All Clean

Last night I got in a cleaning mood.  I came home from work about 6:00 and I cleaned until my phone rang at 9:00.  I...

• washed the dishes
• laundered my bed sheets and clothes
• cleaned the fabric softener dispenser, which was starting to look gummy
• wiped my counters (AND) polished them - Ok, so I cheated.  It's a cleaner/polisher solution all-in-one.
• Disenfected and Sanitized my sink, toilet, and tub
• Scrubbed my bathroom floors (think Cinderella...on the floor on my hands and knees scrubbing)
• Dusted all my furniture
• Vacuumed my floors

It was a very productive evening!  I felt much better sitting down and relaxing after that, and not somewhat lazy as I usually do.  :-)

It also probably didn't hurt that I had Pandora Radio blaring over my phone for the entire 3 hours.  It helps pass the time so much more quickly.  It was set to my favorite customized station - Blackbird Radio.  LOVE it.  You should check out Pandora for yourself here.



Photo courtesy of istockphoto.com.



Thanksgiving

I would say that I am late, but it is never to late to give thanks.  I have so many things to be thankful for.  If I tried to list them all, I don't think I could.  But, it is so important to make every effort as often as possible to give thanks and see what the Lord has done in our lives.  If we fail to remember, it will be easy to forget.  So, without further delay, a wee glimpse of my thanks:

• Family - immediate, extended, church...I love them all.
• Friends whose love is unconditional
• Living in the United States of America - still the greatest country in the world to live, though I pray for it daily.
• My Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and his gift of hope to each and every one of his children.  Without this solid hope, I would be lost many days.
• Chic-Fil-A - My food pyramid some weeks really does consist of 1) Chic-Fil-A, and 2) everything else.
• Sweet Tea
• Music
• The Written Word and the Preached Word
• Blankets and Gas Heaters
• Health
• Grace

So many more...The Lord has been so good to me, I want to sing his praise, I want to glorify his name, all my remaining days.

Abide with Me

I feel as though I have been in a spiritual rut for the past year.  I knew I needed to come back to Jesus.  "Draw near to me, and I will draw near unto you."  But, I felt myself turning farther and farther away.

The Monday before my church's anniversary meeting, as I was walking on the treadmill listening to one of my playlists in my iPod, I heard the song by Third Day, "I've Always Loved You".  I was struck by the words - "Though you turn away, I tell you still, Don't you know I've always loved you? And I always will."  The song is written as if spoken by Christ, and I felt like I could hear what he was trying to tell me.  "I love you.  I always have.  Why are you turning away?  Come back beloved."

Then, on Wednesday night at church we sang this hymn, "Abide With Me".  I've sung this hundreds of times probably, and never truly paid attention to the words.

Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.

Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;
Earth’s joys grow dim; its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see;
O Thou who changest not, abide with me.

I need Thy presence every passing hour.
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s power?
Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.

Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

Again, it was like Christ was speaking to me.  And, if he was speaking to me through these songs, then when the meeting arrived and the sermons were preached, I think he actually grabbed me and shook me!  I had been praying all week for the meeting to be blessed, but I was still amazed that God blessed ME.  I felt as if the messages were being preached directly to me.  I was humbled and awed.  And renewed.  And thankful.  It was exactly what I needed.  Rebuke, exhortation, encouragement.

The Lord is good and very good.  Praise his holy name.

Halloween Pics!

Yes, I'm a little late - such is my life these days.  But, I wanted to share these pics.  I haven't carved a pumpkin in about 4 years, but I was invited to a carving party this year and had a ton of fun.  I love being creative when I have the time.  I decided to go with a spider, and was quite happy at the spooky effect it had in the dark.

Mark of the Beast?

Look out, your medicine is watching you | Reuters

Well, probably not exactly.  But, it is disturbing that these "chips" are becoming closer and closer to a reality.  Stomach today, wrist tomorrow.

I think if I eat Chic-Fil-A every other day, that's my own business.  And they can get my vitals the old fashioned way.   No, thank you, big brother.

Whew...that was a long break!

It seems I have been away for a few months.  And I have missed you.  So, let me explain...

Sometime after my last post, my computer decided to go CRAZY on me.  It started by shutting down on its own.  And failing every time I wanted to run media, or a large application.  Seeing as my lappy is eight years old, I began to be concerned.  So, I researched my little problem.  I discovered after searching several sites that it appears that my screen is trying to go bad...something about the battery being next to the driver and over time it just goes bad.  As unfortunate as this sounds, I began to feel very blessed the more I read.  Most owners had lost their screens within 3 years.  And the manufacturer had stopped making a replacement at this point.  So, as I said, having had mine for 8 years, I felt very blessed.  But, all this information didn't solve my problem.  I disabled my driver, but now my screen will often appear in a checker-board pattern.  And, it appears the only solution will be to break down and buy a new lappy.  This has not happened yet.

So, my computer spends most of its days looking pretty on my desk, untouched.  I'm hoping for some good holiday sales.  Some REALLY GOOD holiday sales.

And then, I will return.  (Or post from an alternative computer.)  Until then, my apologies.

What Does a Raven Have in Common with a Writing Desk? Movie Review: Alice in Wonderland

I really appreciate the vision of Tim Burton.  Ever since I saw the first announcement that he was re-making Alice in Wonderland, I have been super excited.  I knew it had potential.  Tim Burton has a reputation for darker, edgier, creative, artistic visions and an amazing talent for making it all beautifully come together.  The story of Alice in Wonderland lends itself to all of these things.  A hookah-smoking caterpillar, talking flowers, a mad hatter, a talking rabbit, a queen who loves to take the heads of unloving, unthankful, unobeying servants, and a young girl who finds herself in the middle of this strange land.

And, you ask, did he succeed?  Yes, most wonderfully.  If I had any disappointment, it was that he didn't take his vision futher, deeper.  He created a beautiful, confusing, mad, mad world, that at the same time helped our young heroine find her own way back in her real life.  I think that is what I appreciated most.  He took Alice and gave her journey through Wonderland meaning.  She wasn't just visiting a strange Wonderland, she was exploring her own values, decision-making capabilities, and her inner strength.  But, you don't have to get bogged down in the deep-thinking aspects if that is not your thing; you can simply appreciate a well-made, funny movie.  Even the approximately four year old beside me was chanting, "Off with her head!"  You will fall in love with the Mad Hatter, and find yourself wishing to return.

I give it an A+ and cannot wait to get it on video.

In keeping with Women's History Month, I must highlight three notable performances: Helena Bonham Carter as the Red Queen, Anne Hathaway as the White Queen, and Mia Wasikowska as Alice.  Absolutely amazing performances.  Each completely nailed her role.

And of course, Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter must be mentioned.  Charming, adorably crazy, perfect. 

Women's History Month

Did you know that March is Women's History Month?  I didn't.  Maybe I did, and it had gotten lost in my brain somewhere.  But, now it knows.  So, what can I offer to honor this month?  A book recommendation, of course.  :-)

Many years ago a dear friend of mine recommended I read 5 books by one of my now-favorite authors, Francine Rivers.  These 5 books comprised the Lineage in Grace series.  Each book tells the story of one of the women listed in the lineage of Christ - Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary.  First, if you haven't already, go read each of these women's stories in the KJV Bible.  What better way could you kick off Women's History Month than to read about the amazing women in the Bible?  They are a few of several examples for us, for good and bad, after all.  Then, when you are finished, go buy, borrow, etc. these books.  If I remember correctly, they are written from a 1st person perspective, giving you an idea of what it may have been like to have been each of these women - what they might have been thinking, feeling, circumstances, etc.  These are things we should think about each time we read the Bible, but we rarely do.  Put yourself in their shoes.  What would your thoughts have been?  The Bible isn't outdated.  We are just like each of them.  What a wonderful blessing to be able to learn from them.

New Music

I love music.  My tastes are various.  Lately I've been digging the sounds of a well-played acoustic guitar, violin, and upright bass (think Act of Congress or Nickel Creek).  But, on another day, you may catch me listening to Fleetwood Mac or Jim Croce.  And on others, it's a 90's Christian kind of day with the likes of Audio Adrenaline, Jars of Clay, and DC Talk.  And let's not forget acapella, instrumental, etc.  This list could go on and on.  So, this week, I bought some new music.  I have been wanting these CDs for months, and well, Barnes and Noble was having a VERY good sale.  :-)

She & Him is the work of Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward.  You may recognize the name of Zooey from the movies - Elf, Failure to Launch, The Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy.  Her voice is silky smooth, and unlike anything my generation typically hears.  It takes me back to a sound reminiscent of perhaps The Andrew Sisters.  It's a clean album, with beautiful, unique poetry.  It's something you should check out.  :-)

I bought the first Glory Revealed cd a couple years ago.  This collaborative effort, led by Mac Powell of Third Day, puts the Word of God to music.  Verses from all throughout the Bible are sung by these various artists.  It's a great way to worship in your car, in your house, where ever you are.   I love Christian music, but I especially love that this is taken directly from the Bible.  What better things could you listen to?

So check them out.  Let me know what you think!

Avatar

I finally joined the masses and went to see Avatar yesterday at the recommendation of a Mr. Logan G., among others.  I went with a friend to the 11:15 am 3D showing, hoping to get a matinee price, which we did.  But, being 3D, it only helped a little.

Everyone I had spoken to did not have much to say about the plot, but rather spoke about the beauty of this film. And I have to agree - this is a beautiful film.  James Cameron's creativity and terrific cinematography shine through, and the actors portraying the various characters were spot on. 

Pandora is a beautiful world, and whether you consider yourself a tree-hugger or not, I think saving Pandora and it's native people is a cause you can get behind.  Think, saving the rainforest.  Have you ever heard anyone say, "No, we should destroy the rainforest.  Destroy, destroy!"  No.  Why?  Because of the diverse life that lives there, and the possiblities it holds to cure diseases, etc.  There are other plot depths that make this an interesting film and has probably fueled additional controversy, but I think it's worth seeing for yourself and making the decision.

And do go see it in the theater.  Even if it's the dollar theater.  You want to see it at its biggest and fullest. 

Snow Day!

I stayed up until midnight last night - no snow.  I awoke at 7:00 am - no snow.  And then, all of a sudden, the beautiful, cold, whiteness, each flake completely unique, began to slowly descend at 10:00 am, right on time.  The office was mostly quiet until that moment, and then the excitement grew and grew.  We could hardly tear ourselves away from the windows.  It was SNOWING!  We had an inch within an hour.  All I wanted to do was run out and play in it.  And, at noon, I did just that.  Our office closed early, and I went to my apartment, stunned by the beautiful winter wonderland that surrounded me.  I saw God all around me, in this white, still, quiet world.  Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow...Isaiah 1:18. 

 

  

 

 

**I guess with 49 of the 50 United States being covered with snow, we should all start to be really worried about global warming.**

Completely & Officially Tied & Knotted

My dearest sister has married her best friend, my new brother. I don't have any pictures yet (we are anxiously awaiting!), but as their own personal paparazzi for the last several years...here's a few of them for you to enjoy from my archives.

Lilies That Fester

I read some of Shakespeare's Sonnets last night, and I happened upon the following:

XCIV

They that have power to hurt and will do none,
That do not do the thing they most do show,
Who, moving others, are themselves as stone,
Unmoved, cold, and to temptation slow,
They rightly do inherit heaven's graces
And husband nature's riches from expense;
They are the lords and owners of their faces,
Others but stewards of their excellence.
The summer's flower is to the summer sweet,
Though to itself it only live and die,
But if that flower with base infection meet,
The basest weed outbraves his dignity:
For sweetest things turn sourest by their deeds;
Lilies that fester smell far worse than weeds.

–William Shakespeare

I was especially moved by those last two lines. What an apt description of the importance of our conversation - our behavior, our conduct, our speech. These things require daily tending. And we must always be aware of the temptations lurking at our door.

It's a new day, it's a new dawn

I started reading My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers on Jan. 1st of this year. Each day has a short, one-page devotional with an excerpt from scripture included. A friend gave me this book several years ago, and I have read several passages from it, but I have never read it all the way through, each day for a whole year. I hope to shares passages as they inspire me, encourage me, convict me...as they teach me. The very first one of these was on Jan. 4th:

"When God brings the blank space, see that you do not fill it in, but wait. The blank space may come in order to teach you..."

This devotion spoke specifically to waiting on God. Do not try to rush God or act before He would have you to act. If you are uncertain, wait. God may be trying to teach you something. Mr. Chambers gave the example of Peter in the Bible. Peter said he was ready to give his life for Christ, and Christ told him he would deny him three times that night - because God knew Peter better than Peter knew himself. Peter needed to be converted first.

I have been thinking over these words, and particulary the phrase "blank space", for several days now. (I guess 14 days to be exact!) When it seems like you have been sitting on the bench game after game (can I use a sports analogy as a female?), it's reassuring to read that God knows exactly where you are and who you are, and try to learn in the blank space.