Learning to Fly

Favorite Things

2009-02-05T18:48:00.002-08:00

1) Bird's Nests

2) Forgetting something you like, only to discover it all over again

3) The sound of wind chimes

4) Attaining a goal

5) When all of your nails look the way you want them to look all the time

6) Children's laughter and their imaginations

7) Believers singing worship music acappella

8) Getting a genuine letter or card in the mail

9) The smell of old books

10) Finally remembering that thing you just couldn't think of

11) Hearing a good song that you haven't heard in a really long time

12) Remembering a Bible verse right when you need to be reminded of it

13) Krispy Creme

14) Autumn leaves

15) A child reaching out their arms to come to you

16) Your childhood stuffed animal

There are a lot of things in this world to make us gloomy, but God gives us plenty to be thankful for.

"...Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes,

Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes,

Silver white winters that melt into springs,

These are a few of my favorite things..."

Shhhh!

2009-02-05T18:48:00.001-08:00

I was filling out one of those online surveys a few days ago (thanks to my faithful e-mail buddy Janci) and one of the questions was, "When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?" I wanted to be a librarian so I could read to kids and use the Dewey Decimal System to assist those crazy, non-library users. I loved that date stamp they used to use and I would pretend to stamp my own books or, if I was lucky, my borrowed books with that clear covering that always smelled like the library and made that great crinkling sound.

I went to the library tonight. It's one of those places that I forget about and love rediscovering again every once in awhile. What a great idea! It may be the one good thing government does do right, lol. It's like shopping without spending money! You can't do that with cars or clothes (at least you shouldn't!) or shoes. And it's not just books either; it's cds and movies too. I went in search of one book and didn't realize until I left that I didn't even look for it. I got engulfed in all types of genres.

I preface my next sentence by saying that even though I have red hair and sometimes wear my glasses, I don't consider myself to be a nerd. I could have been mistaken for one tonight, though. I ended up spending most of my time at the library reading a long encyclopedia entry about Spain (the place I most want to visit). I brought home a book on speed reading, something I've always been intrigued by (and jealous of), as well as a book on how to read Spanish more easily (please know that I can't speak much at all - I've forgotten what little I knew and am trying to regain the knowledge).

I'm currently not taking any classes and I haven't been for the longest period of time since I entered Kindergarten. I must say that it's weird going home from work with no homework to do at night. I'm not complaining one bit, mind you, but for the first time I realized that I like learning. It's a lot easier to say that when you're not being tested on you knowledge, lol. Now that I'm not taking classes I've been watching way too much television and wasting the brain cells that God gave me.

Therefore, like LeVar from Reading Rainbow, I encourage you to put your remote down and take advantage of the local public library near you :)

P.S. If anyone has read The Shack, (if anyone reads this blog, lol) please let me know what you think. I've heard differing views and want to read it myself. Thanks!

Words to Live By

2009-01-19T18:33:00.000-08:00

"Yet I am always with You;

You hold me by my right hand.

You guide me with Your counsel,

and afterward You will take me into glory.

Whom have I in heaven but You?

And earth has nothing I desire besides You.

My flesh and my heart may fail,

but God is the strength of my heart

and my portion forever."

Psalm 73:23-26

Plug

2009-01-07T19:45:00.000-08:00

I just want to put a plug in for Francine Rivers, a Christian author who is probably best known for writing Redeeming Love http://www.francinerivers.com/default.asp I love all of her books, but my favorites include her Mark of the Lion trilogy. It's based in the time period after Jesus' crucifixion, when Christians are sent to the arena to be martyred. They are amazing books and you won't want to put them down. Unlike some Christian fiction books that can be sappy, these really do convict you; they reference Scripture and give you a desire to read the Word. Each book has a different overlying theme: sharing your faith, forgiveness and dealing with anger. You won't be disappointed! God has gifted Francine Rivers with an incredible gift of writing.

Dogs and Funerals....Happy New Years!

2008-12-31T22:41:00.000-08:00

My good friend Janci came to spend New Years with me (yay!) and we went to see the new movie "Marley & Me" tonight. I definitely recommend the movie; it was funny and sweet, but beware: the movie makes you want a dog. Animals are overrated, though. I love animals (especially dogs) and always have. Like I said, I happen to want a dog. However, after seeing commercials inquiring viewers to sponsor a pet for $9.99/month, I get enraged. Children, men and women with lost souls are dying in every country across the map. Let me consider my priorities here: do I want my money to pay for a dog to get its shots or for an orphan child who hasn't eaten or heard the Gospel to get food and hear about Jesus? Should I care more about homeless pets or homeless children? It almost seems as if our society makes the two equal! Now, don't get me wrong. Animals are God's creation and He asked us to take care of them. We should not mistreat animals, but we shouldn't put their needs above a human's needs, either.

So, I went to a funeral today (well, it was technically yesterday). It was for a man in my church who had cancer and I, unfortunately, didn't know him too well. They asked for the church choir to sing at his funeral. I haven't been to a funeral in awhile. I realized that there may come a time when I, like many of the people in the congregation at the funeral today, am at the point where most of my peers are dead or dying. How different will that Jeni be than the Jeni that I know today? Hopefully she will be wiser, more patient, slower to speak, quicker to listen and have a closer walk with Jesus. Will anyone show up for my funeral? Will they come out of obligation or out of sincere compassion? What will be said at my funeral? I asked myself that today, while I listened to our youth minister talk about the man's faithful life and watched loved ones mourn for their loss. Will they say that I've been a good friend? a good neighbor? a good sister? a good daughter? a good wife? a good mother? I hope to be known as a missionary for God, but since I'm pretty sure that's not what they would say if my funeral were this week, doesn't something about me need to change? What if my funeral is this week? If I knew I were dying, would that change how I live today? Would I put down the tv remote and pick up my Bible? What have I really done in my 25 years on this planet? It's 2009 and I'm not sure where the years went. Time does seem to go faster as I get older. It seems like yesterday I was playing in our back yard with my sister and now she is married, pregnant, and a home-owner. What will have happened the next time I blink and open my eyes? It really seems that I go through life with my eyes half closed. When I spend countless hours worrying, watching television, and disobeying God (consciously and unconsciously), is it any wonder? The real question is, will I make any actual lifestyle changes because of this 'lesson'? We talk about resolutions....will 2009 be any different than 2008 or will I be regurgitating this fact for years to come, until it is too late???

King Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, said,

13 I devoted myself to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under heaven. What a heavy burden God has laid on men! 14 I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind. (Ecclesiastes 1:13-14)

Maybe, then, I should devote myself wholeheartedly to glorifying God, the one thing that I can do that reaches beyond 'under the sun.'

Happy NEW Year! and thanks to God for giving me a fresh start every morning.

Yea for Friends

2008-05-03T08:08:00.000-07:00

Well, I am at my friend Meghan Rosenquist's house with Janci, Meghan and Meghan's husband, Shawn. I just have to say that I am very blessed to have such amazing friends that love the Lord. We had fun last night just talking and laughing. Meghan is in med school and Shawn is getting his Ph.D. in soil and water engineering (I'm hoping the intelligence is absorbed via osmosis - they're kids are gonna be einsteins). Meghan got her doctor toys (tools) recently (complete with the knee reflex thingy) and has been trying them out on us. With contacts, I currently have 20/20 vision! but without contacts, I'm basically blind. My blood pressure is good and I have great reflexes! She was always our "mother" in college and is, without a doubt, going to be an amazing doctor. Janci is having some sinus headache/scratchy throat problems and Meghan has done some type of thing to drain her sinuses. Pretty cool to watch and I'll have to get her to teach me.

I love watching Meghan and Shawn. They remind me of my sister and her husband and Rhett and Shannon at church and it's so obvious that God is a part of their lives and marriage. It reminds me that, if I'm going to get married, God has someone out there perfect for me. The man will compliment my personality and I will compliment his; we will glorify God with our relationship. I just have to be patient and wait... in the meantime, I can strive to be the Proverbs 31 woman:

"A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.
She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."
~Proverbs 31:10-31

Presently, and Perfunctorily, a Procrastinator

2008-04-28T18:24:00.000-07:00

Fyi, 'perfunctorily' doesn't fit in the above post heading - I really just wanted a fun, smart-sounding word that would accommodate my already alliterative heading...(I'm not really sure if alliterative is really a word - pretty much, take all of my words with a grain of salt :).

I can't write much because I'm procrastinating already. I have a paper/final due tomorrow night at 11:00 p.m. and I haven't started it. I'm writing in the hopes that I will convince myself to stop procrastinating (ironic, isn't it?). Since my past record proves that I have no clout on this subject, I'm providing some quotes on the subjects of procrastination and time:

"Procrastination is the grave in which opportunity is buried."

~Unknown

"Procrastination is, hands down, our favorite form of self-sabotage."

~Alyce P. Cornyn-Selby

"Procrastination usually results in sorrowful regret. Today's duties put off until tomorrow give us a double burden to bear; the best way is to do them in their proper time."

~Ida Scott Taylor

and my favorite:

"Don't count every hour in the day, make every hour in the day count."

Will I ever learn?

Ecclesiastes 3

Flying Lessons

2008-04-26T21:49:00.000-07:00

So, I've been wanting to tell about my new-found fascination with birds. When I began working where I work now, I started seeing birds everywhere. I'm blessed to have an office on the second floor with nice big windows, so I get to see birds flying and sitting in trees quite a bit. I even saw this cool owl one day (some choose to not believe me :) I've seen some big honkin birds and, until recently asking a friend who works at the zoo, I thought that the zoo feeds the birds and lets them roam free. The reason I thought this was because one day I was eating in the park (the zoo is in this park) near this overhang. I was sitting in my car when this humongous bird flew down and landed on the overhang. I've never seen such a cool-looking animal. I can't describe it well but it was shaped like a flamingo with tall, skinny legs and fluffy white feathers. If it weren't for someone else moving their car closer to the bird to get a picture, I later would have doubted what I saw. The bird stood there for a minute or so and then decided to fly off. I didn't want it to leave but I got to see it in action again. It's wingspan was ginormous and watching it kinda reminds me of a bird that you might see in a sci-fi movie. It really was indescribable and totally a God-moment.

Ever since then I've taken more interest in birds. I remember my great aunt and uncle loving to watch them outside their back window and I even remember, when I was young, hearing the sound that a robin made (to this day, that's still my favorite bird 'tweet'). Have you ever looked up to the sky and seen a large bird's wingspan? Can you imagine being able to fly? I watch them and just wonder what it must be like.

I consider the Christian life to the life of a bird. This may seem kinda silly, but stick with me here...Could you imagine if birds didn't fly? What if they just walked around and decided not to use their wings? If they did that, they wouldn't even be able to get up in the trees and build nests. They couldn't fly in the 'V' shape or fly south for winter. Fortunately, for them and us, they do use their wings to fly and they use what God gave them to do what they've got to do. As Christians, we choose to use or not use what God has given us. Our 'wings' can include things like the Holy Spirit, that all Christians have, or spiritual gifts that are each different.

Also, God's Word reminds us that we shouldn't worry about what we will eat, drink or wear:

29Are not two sparrows sold for a penny^[d]? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. 30And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

We are worth more than sparrows, yet we find it hard to trust that God can take care of us. Birds fly from place to place not knowing what is in store for them next. They don't know what's going to happen but they don't stop flying in fear of what is ahead. In fact, considering my own worries, if I were a bird I would probably still be in the nest fearful of taking that first flight but I've never seen a bird scared of flying. They seem to completely understand God's purpose for their lives without asking questions...do I?

In a lot of ways, I am like a bird that has made it to the tree branch but is holding back before taking flight. In doing so, I'm missing out on a lot of things that God has in store for me to do for His kingdom. Why can't I just trust Him like the birds do?

   "but those who hope in the LORD
       will renew their strength.
       They will soar on wings like eagles;
       they will run and not grow weary,
       they will walk and not be faint."

Isaiah 40:31

"Suffer the children to come unto Me...."

2008-04-20T21:21:00.000-07:00

So, it's late but I'm not tired. I slept for about 3 hours this afternoon to make up for time lost this weekend. The D-Now weekend went very well and I was blessed to spend my weekend with 9 beautiful high school girls. I knew all but two of them before the weekend but I got a chance to really get to know them all and listen to their hearts. They desire to know God more and let Him use them to influence others. I'm not that old and high school wasn't that long ago but I am guilty of doing what many adults do and that is underestimate young people. The girls that I lead for the past two days are amazing and all they need is someone to give them a little nudge of encouragement and direction and they're good to go. Their enthusiasm is beyond refreshing.

I don't know a lot of statistics but I'd be willing to bet (not money, maybe just jelly beans :) that the vast majority of dying churches are filled with older generations and few youth. Most new churches I know of are being attended by young people desiring to be a part of something amazing and untraditional. I may be out of line, seeing as how I'm only 24, but what does time do to us that keeps us from following our dreams and believing that God can do amazing things?

I want to stop here and point out that I believe that my church, Mountain Creek Baptist Church, is an exception to this phenomenon. I've never been surrounded by so many loving, intentional, godly, and encouraging people/families and I thank God for placing me in a church that understands the importance of discipleship and accountability.

That said, I do fear that we don't realize the full potential of young people. With God on their side, they are just as capable of bringing others to know Him as anyone else. This weekend just made me really think about that and consider just what God can do through us if we let Him. I also realized how old I am. Oddly enough, when I'm hanging out with the youth and college students, I forget that I'm older than them. They bring out a fun side of me that I don't want to ever loose. I pray that God will make me a wise and godly woman that seeks to die to self and continually become more like Him. I want to have faith like a child's.

Quitter doesn't start with F

2008-04-13T19:17:00.000-07:00

I'm a quitter. I must admit it. I'm quitting the alphabet game. Props to my sister and others who have prevailed, but it was having the opposite effect that I originally thought. I thought it would be hard to come up with ideas to write about. Who knew that my brain would so frequently think, "I should write about that...oh, nope - no word related to that topic starts with an 'F' - why does nothing happen to me that begins with an 'F'?'" Anyhoo, it was fun while it lasted...sort of.

So, I'm going to get you up to date on my life, since I haven't written in awhile:

I got bangs. I'm regretting it. They are really thick and were in my face all weekend. I should have gotten bangs when winter started so that I could wear them straight with the rest of my hair (the few times that I actually straightened my hair) but now it's curly-hair-season and it's gonna look goofy having curly hair and awquard straight bangs. Fortunately, my hair grows at the same speed weeds grow :)

Went to the Passion Conference this weekend. AMAZING. I'm trying to not idolize the speakers and musicians but God really spoke through them and used them to encourage me. The Passion movement is starting a world tour and trying to get the money together to do that. They're going to Hong Kong, Paris and several other places. I love thinking about how different cultures worship and how Heaven is going to be so, so huge and the music is going to have to be incredible and indescribable because, I hate to tell yah, it's not going to be in English.

I love my church. It saddens me to just consider that I may not be able to go there for the rest of my life. I've never been surrounded by so many encouraging people. Pastor Shirley preaches the Word and doesn't hold back. God challenges me through his preaching every week. I'm leading our high school girl's Disciple Now weekend next weekend and I'm so stoked (not a word I typically use, lol). I'm excited about getting to know them better and I know that God is going to do amazing things. Please pray that I don't get in His way and that he gives me the words to use. Next Saturday our church (including our disciple now students) is going around to the surrounding community and handing out light bulbs to let our community know that we're there and that we desire to be a servant church, full of people who shine His light.

At church we've been learning about being the Church instead of just doing church and being busy doing things that don't glorify God or His Kingdom. We've been challenged to get to know our neighbors and to be more intentional in inviting unchurched friends to Kingdom-building events. Please pray for me. There are some people at work that I want to invite to a women's banquet. I believe some of them think they are Christians or just aren't interested in being involved in the typical church that acts more like a country club than a body of intentional Christians willing to sacrifice for their Saviour. Who can blame them? Also, I've been convicted that I don't know my new neighbors. I live in a very friendly neighborhood but I make excuses about not having time (even though I find time to watch American Idol) to reach out to them or get to know any of them. As a single woman (that 'w' word still doesn't seem fitting for me, somehow) I'm not sure how to go about this. Please pray that God would give me opportunities and creative ideas about how to be a servant and share Christ's love to them.

God has been convicting me for awhile about my physical lifestyle. I've been reminded recently that my body is a temple. I've heard that all my life and I've always thought of it in a physical sense. I've never really put much thought into how my body now symbolizes what once was the "Holy of Holies" before Christ's death divided the curtain that separated us from being in God's presence. At one time only the Priest could enter into the Holy of Holies but because of Jesus' death and his payment for my sins, and because I have put my trust in Jesus, I have been given the miraculous GIFT of the Holy Spirit. My body is now a temple and the Holy Spirit lives in me. When I choose to, I can be a vessel that the Holy Spirit can use to further God's kingdom. Again, my body is a temple. I haven't been taking care of the temple and have been making excuses (I could be a professional excuse-maker, unfortunately) for not having the time to do so. Thanks to my sister's blog, I have been encouraged to change and use this blog to help me. I'm going to start drinking only water, try harder to eat right, exercise more and not eat after 8:00 p.m. I hope she doesn't mind that I steal her idea (I know she won't; we talked about doing this awhile back), but I'm going to use the blog to hold myself accountable. I'll try and give periodic updates with success stories. We started church softball season last week (we won our first game!) and our next game is tomorrow night. I'm very out of shape but I love the game!

Finally (thank you to the faithful readers who have read all of this), I'm hanging in there with school. School has never been so hard for me and I'm struggling, but I don't plan on giving up. I have no idea what God's plan is and I get impatient so often. I have one last prayer request: please pray that I would be diligent in doing my readings and writing my papers to the best of my ability. It's so easy to just do what it expected and not get much out of the assignments. I truly believe that Christians have the best advantage because we have God on our side. Our contributions to society (including work, school, child-rearing, creativity, everything!) should be the best that there is and a witness of God's power in us. God has a purpose for us all, including myself. For now, my purpose is to serve him through diligent study so that I can be an effective witness of His power.

E is for Easter

2008-03-29T16:55:00.000-07:00

I've been bad about posting but...anyways. I know it's a little late, but E is for Easter today and Everyday. I went to the Extraordinary Women's Conference with my mom and women from my church yesterday and today. Among other things, (if you Ever need a good laugh you should find one of Chonda Pierce's dvds) I was reminded of how blessed we really are. Although life manages to continually get harder as time goes on, what do I really have to complain about? Besides the fact that all of my needs and almost all of my wants are Exceedingly met (click here to find out how you can help someone whose needs aren't met) I have a Savior who decided to send His perfect, willing, divine and only Son to Earth to die an Excruciating death on a cross and pay for Every human's sins. In spite of this, I still manage to forget why I am alive and let the Everyday, mundane aspects of this difficult life get the best of me. Where do I get the nerve? I would love to blame Satan and I'm sure that he plays a large part but I must confess that I allow myself to get wrapped up in the temporary comforts here on Earth. Somehow I also manage to turn my attention inward instead of upward and outward. Easter is always a reminder of what this life is really about; it's a reminder of Jesus' sacrifice for our benefit. I'm afraid that I confuse this benefit with 'deserved comfort" and have begun to Expect comfort instead of focusing on "taking up my cross" and following Him, no matter the cost or the sacrifice. How comfortable are you?

D is also for "Does He Still Feel the Nails?"

2008-03-10T18:01:00.000-07:00

The following Ray Boltz song always speaks to me...especially this time of year.

They tell me Jesus died
For my transgressions
That he paid that price a long, long time ago
When he gave his life for me
On a hill called Calvary
But there's something else I want to know

Does he still feel the nails
Every time I fail
Can he hear the crowd cry "Crucify" again
Am I causing him pain
Then I know I've got to change
I just can't bear the thought of hurting him.

It seems that I'm so good at breaking promises
And I treat his precious grace so carelessly
But each time he forgives
What if he re-lives
The agony He felt on that tree

Holy, holy
Holy is the Lord
Holy Holy
Holy is the Lord

Do you still feel the nails
Every time I fail
Have I crucified you Jesus with my sins
Oh I'm tired of playing games
I really want to change
I never want to hurt you again

Holy, Holy
Holy is the Lord
Holy, Holy
Holy is the Lord

D is for Doggies!

2008-03-08T08:55:00.001-08:00

D is for Doggies.

Not much more can be said.

They are better than kitties,

That take up the whole bed.

This is my niece Jazz,

The best canine I know.

If she was entered,

She would win the whole dog show.

Doggies are the best friends

They trust your every move.

When you're having a rough day,

You're sadness they remove.

D is for Doggies,

Not much more can be said.

If you have a kitty,

You should get a dog instead!

Christian v. Baptist

2008-03-05T19:01:00.000-08:00

Last week I was placed in a situation where there was a conversation about the differences between Baptists and Jehovah's Witnesses. One of the guys involved in the conversation wanted to know the differences between his religion (Southern Baptist) and what Jehovah's Witnesses believe. Unfortunately, he snickered at my coworker's response and, noticeably, made her feel uncomfortable. Sadly, some of his beliefs were no where near what I (I am Southern Baptist as well) consider true to Southern Baptist belief, much less my Christian faith. Even worse, I confess that I was embarrassed to consider him my brother in Christ. I attempted to explain some things the way that I have come to understand them but, sensing that the conversation was helping no one, I decided to leave. For awhile, I could think of nothing less than the insensitive man's remarks.

The next day at work, I apologized to the Jehovah's Witness and said that I hoped she didn't feel uncomfortable or pressured by the two of us. She agreed that she had been annoyed by the man's actions. She knows that I am a Christian and I told her that I would love to talk with her more about what she believes. She invited me to their Easter service, which I plan to attend (please pray!).

With that said, I've been convicted about a few things. (The sketch to the right symbolizes God chipping away at my rough surface...there's a diamond in this Christian somewhere!) First, even though I am a Baptist, I consider myself first and foremost a Christian and a child of God. I never want to find myself defending my religion more than my God. Second, I must admit that I was very frustrated with the man's demeanor towards the entire situation. However, I have come to realize that I am not his judge. He was, after all, the one that started the conversation. When was the last time I started a conversation in the hopes of spreading a seed and allowing the Holy Spirit to work through me? Unlike Jehovah's Witnesses and Muslims and other faiths, Christians often shy away from sharing their faith, often to avoid confrontation or being offensive...and often because we don't believe that the Holy Spirit will speak through us. Tonight at church Preacher David talked about Romans 8:30 and how we will never be "glorified" unless we suffer with Jesus and take a stand for Him. Fortunately for those of us who wish to be glorified, the world we live in offers us plenty of ways to suffer (Is "under God" still cited in your elementary school's Pledge of Allegiance?) if we are willing to fight (2 Timothy 1:7 - a verse I found that has helped me greatly). So, you may ask, does God want us to be tactful or offensive when sharing about Him? Well, lucky for us, we have the Holy Spirit to guide us. Unlike myself, Jesus knew just what to say and when to say it. He knew when to be offensive and when to be loving. The Pharisees, who liked to put on a show in the name of religion, weren't big fans of Jesus and his heretical, offensive parables, but the woman at the well sure loved His kind, direct approach.

I pray that God would use me in the life of my coworker and that He would teach me to be tactful, sincere and open while sharing about Him. Also, I pray that I would be more devoted to knowing the Truth by reading God's Word more diligently and by being more willing to learn how to defend my faith (not religion) against others.

When's the last time you shared with someone how they can be saved?

B is for Bathroom

2008-03-04T18:05:00.000-08:00

Yesterday morning I woke up and headed down the hall for the bathroom. I closed the door behind me and looked down to see the doorknob (one of those old-timey crystal knobs) on the floor. When I turned around, I realized that the door was completely closed and I had no way of getting out. Well, I looked for any tool that I could use to escape (its amazing what things you can find in a bathroom closet) but the only thing I came up with was a fingernail file (compliments of my great aunt Nett). I played with the lock for awhile and made no progress. I went to the window and discovered that it's not painted shut - it would open. I decided to leave this as my final alternative. At this point I thought that the situation could be worse; I was surrounded by important "utilities," would be very clean by the time I was discovered (Katie would hopefully be home by 2:30 p.m.) and I had plenty of reading material to keep me occupied. Then, I went back to the door and was able to use the fingernail file to "finangle" (probably not a real word) the lock until it popped open. I hopped in the shower and fortunately managed to make it to work right on time...that said, B is for Bathroom.

P.S. Please don't call me to break into any houses...I'm not proud of my new-found talent. :)

A is for Alphabet

2008-03-02T10:36:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I'm stealing my sister's idea and will be using the letters of the alphabet to guide my blogs. Obviously, today is 'A.' I'm already cheating by using "alphabet." I don't really have much to say about the alphabet...to make up for cheating, I'm going to list things that begin with A that make me happy:

Altos (I'm secretly jealous of them)

Austrians

Autumn

Autobiographies

Amelia (Bedillia and Bailey)

Amusement Parks

Angels

Anklets

Artichokes (just the ones that talk; aka: Archibald)

I apologize for being boring...I'll try to be more creative as time goes on.

Blog Numero Uno

2008-03-01T13:00:00.000-08:00

So, hello blogosphere. My sister (who deserves full credit for my beautiful header) persuaded me to start a blog. I'll try to blog consistently but past experiences cause me to doubt...

A little about me:
I live in Greenville, South Carolina and I go to Mountain Creek Baptist Church. I'm a grad student at Clemson University (at a satellite location), working on a public administration degree, and I work full time at a small law firm. As far as interests, I love my Savior, Jesus, music, politics, books, needlework (some call me "grandma") and spending time with friends.