To go or not to go...

An old friend of mine it getting married. We were friends in high school, but since then have kinda lost touch. We say hey and hang out with our mutual friends, but nothing serious. Well, I got an invite to her wedding and shower. Then, she called the other day and left a voice mail. She wants me to come and serve at her wedding. I'm sorry that's what you pay people to do... serve. You don't ask your friends. I don't think that I am out of line in feeling this way. I thinks it crazy.

Besides, I'm not gonna go anyways. Her wedding is on November 1. This is they day of our church's 50th anniversary and my parents anniversary. I've already made obligations to the church's anniversary and now to my mom (cause since my dad'd in Texas, I'm sure she'll feel lonely). It's not like we're best friends, so I don't think it's a big deal if I don't go to her wedding.... I mean, serve at her wedding.

Bath Time

Today was bath day for the cats, dogs, and guinea pigs. And let me tell you, it was an adventure. I get home from church and my mom says that Nikida and Sadie are already in the tub and ready for a bath. I just got home and I knew that they would be excited so I went into the bathroom kinda nervous. And with good reason. As soon as I got in, they went crazy. They were jumping and wagging their tails. It took a while to settle them down, and when I did I got all the animals washed.

I don't know why my dogs do this, but when they get done, they run all through the house. Rolling on the couches, beds, floors, everywhere. So, now everything is wet, they are wrestling, and I am soaking wet. Apparently, when they get a bath, it's their job to get me wet too and give me a bath.

Since the youth weren't having anything today, I decided to take a nap. It was nice to finally have one. And I made it through the whole thing without interuptions. Since the dogs tired themselves out, they slept too. The only bad thing, my bed had two nice wet spots from where two lazy dogs slept. And you know what, I wouldn't trade them for anything. I love my babies... even when they get my bed wet :)!

Bama Boys

My dad has been in Texas for a few days now,and he is loving it. It was a bit hard on both my mom and dad for the first day or two, but it's going good now. My mom is cooking a lot and we are doing a few things to the house. One of our goals is to put a door in our kitchen that leads to the backyard. My dad started it but I kinda wanna finish it. I've watched my dad and helped him long enough, that I think I can do it. If not, he'll have something to do when he gets home.

Anyways, he is camped out in a tent with five other guys. All married. I think it's funny that out of all those guys, the married ones find each other. :) Well, they are all from parts of Alabama and living in a red and white tent, so the wives call them the bama boys. My mom has made friends with their wives. It's cool how things blend and come together like this. My dad toke my brother's portable DVD players and a few movies. Funny thing... they all love Kelly's Heroes. It's like a big slumber party for the guys. We all miss the Bama Boys but they are doing fine and having fun.

Books-A-Million

So I went to books-a-million to buy Brinsgr. I totally forgot my brother has our discount card, so I asked the guy up front if I could still use the discount if I didn't have the card. He says yes and I get my book and look around. My mom tells me the guy was watching me the whole time. I then ask her if it was "cute-looking" or "stalking-looking." She says I dunno, but I gonna wait in the car. I decide it was time to check out and leave. And guess who was the only cachier. Him. So I give him my name to use my discount and he rings up my book. I pay without fully looking at the price. I get my stuff and leave. When I get to the car, I look at my reciept cause I had more cash in my hand than I thought I would. The book was like ten bucks. Apparently I got an employee discount. My mom just laughs and we head home.

When I get home, I pull out my book to start reading. On a sheet of paper in my bag, was guess what. "Hi! My name is Aaron. Call me 205-***-****" Can you believe that. I must admit he was kinda cute, but he shouldn't be using his discount for random people. He could get in trouble. And how many girls has he done this too? Hmmmm....

Texas

So, my dad left for Texas today. It's sad to see him leave. It kinda feels loney in the house right now without him.

Well, I guess I should explain why he left. He works for a union and they called for 400 electricans to go to Texas to help with the Hurrican Ike stuff. He is gonna be staying in a hotel with another guy from his union. He gets to be a man and hang with the guys. He is gonna be gone for a couple of months, but it will be over before we know it.

My mom is kinda sad about it. She was crying thirty minutes after he left. It's sad to see her sad, but it's sweet cause she loves him so much. So I will be sleeping in her bed tonight with the girls. Please keep my dad in your prayers.

Human Video

Working with the youth is a lot of fun, but also a lot of hard work. When I was in youth, we had a human video, drama team, and choir. I spent all my time at church and it was so much fun! Ashley Morrison and her husband lead it all and looking back on it; it looked so easy. We never really saw what they did behind the scenes. Even if they were tired, they would never say anything. They are some wonderful servants of God.

Anyways, I love these girls. Some have some hard lives, but they love the Lord and want to serve. They have such big hearts. I am so proud of them and glad that God has allowed me to work with them.

So, we're working on the song "End of the Begining" by David Phelps. On Sunday, we worked on our set-up and worked on the details. Afterwards, we were waiting on Craig for Discipleship. We just listened to the song and Maire asked who sand the song. Jenny told us that it was Stacey. I corrected them, but they said it sounded a lot like him. As I listened, I agreed. Then the girls were like, "How cool would it be if Stacey sung while we did the Human Video?" I asked Stacey to pray and think about it. Even if he denies it, we all think he sounds like David Phelps.

So, all in all, it's going good. I appreciate all the prayers.

Grass

Everyone has a favorite smell. I like the smell of bread, vanilla, rain, but I do think that my favorite is fresh cut grass. Not only that, but I like to cut it. In my crazy days, it about the only time I have to myself. I get to stop and think and reflect on things. It's so soothing. The smell, the sound, the wind. It gets kinda crazy when the girls run around and bark at the lawnmower the whole time, but after we're done, it's nice to lay and roll in it.

Rite of Passage

Do you know the legend of the Cherokee Indian youth's rite of passage?

His father takes him into the forest, blindfolds him and leaves him
alone.

He is required to sit on a stump the whole night and not remove the blindfold until the rays of the morning sun shine through it.

He cannot cry out for help to anyone.

Once he survives the night, he is a MAN.

He cannot tell the other boys of this experience because each lad must come into manhood on his own.

The boy is naturally terrified. He can hear all kinds of noises.

Wild beasts must surely be all around him.

Maybe even some human might do him harm.

The wind blew the grass and earth, and shook his stump, but he sat stoically, never removing the blindfold.

It would be the only way he could become a man!

Finally, after a horrific night, the sun appeared and he removed his blindfold.

It was then that he discovered his father sitting on the stump next to him.

He had been at watch the entire night, protecting his son from harm.

We, too, are never alone.

Even when we don't know it, our Heavenly Father is watching over us, sitting on the stump beside us.

When trouble comes, all we have to do is reach out to Him.

If you liked this story, pass it on.

If not, perhaps you took off your blindfold before dawn.


Moral of the Story: Just because you can't see God, doesn't mean He is not there.

"For we walk by faith, not by sight."
~ 2 Corinthians 5:7 ~

'MEET ME IN THE STAIRWELL'

'MEET ME IN THE STAIRWELL'

You say you will never forget where you were when you heard the news On September 11, 2001 . Neither will I.

I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room with a man who called his wife to say 'Good-Bye.' I held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him the peace to say, 'Honey, I am not going to make it, but it is OK..I am ready to go.'


I was with his wife when he called as she fed breakfast to their children. I held her up as she tried to understand his words and as she realized he wasn't coming home that night.


I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a woman cried out to Me for help. 'I have been knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!' I said. 'Of course I will show you the way home - only believe in Me now.'


I was at the base of the building with the Priest ministering to the injured and devastated souls. I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven. He heard my voice and answered.


I was on all four of those planes, in every seat, with every prayer. I was with the crew as they were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the believers there, comforting and assuring them that their faith has saved them.


I was in Texas, Virginia, California, Michigan, Afghanistan I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news. Did you sense Me?


I want you to know that I saw every face. I knew every name - though not all know Me.


Some met Me for the first time on the 86th floor.


Some sought Me with their last breath. Some couldn't hear Me calling to them through the smoke and flames; 'Come to Me.. this way... take my hand.' Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me. But, I was there.


I did not place You in the Tower that day. You may not know why, but I do. However, if you were there in that explosive moment in time, would you have reached for Me?


Sept. 11, 2001, was not the end of the journey for you. But someday your journey will end. And I will be there for you as well. Seek Me now while I may be found.


Then, at any moment, you know you are 'ready to go.'


I will be in the stairwell of your final moments.



God

Books vs. Movies

I'm reading the first book in a three book series. It's the Inheritance Cycle that includes: Eragon, Eldest, and Brisingr. Recently there was a movie called Eragon and it was pretty good. I thought it had a good story line, so I decided to read the book. And let me tell you, it is good. I think I really do prefer books over movies. I mean, you can use your imagination to create and visualize anything. Movies, not so much. Don't get me wrong, I like to watch movies. For example, I can't wait to see the Twilight movie. But I like to read the books more. Last night we were talking with Missy about the actor who is gonna play Edward. He is cute, but we all agreed that he wasn't what we pictured. And in a book, you can picture Edward anyway you want. :)

So, I just got out of class, cut the front yard, and now... me and the girls (my dogs and kitten) are gonna go outside. I'll let them swim in the pool and play while I lay in the hammock and read.

So... what do you perfer? Books or movies?

Family

We went out to eat after church and while we were waiting, my brother called. He asked if he could borrow my car for a date. (His car isn't the best.) Then someone said that I was a better sister then most. They went on about how they wouldn't ever let their family drive their car. The conversation went on from there, and it kinda disappointed me how the view and ideals of families have changed. I've been at places in my life where when it has been tough on my family, I have given my paycheck to help out the family. I don't say that to brag because my brother has done the same thing. My sister has given up her time and other things. I think a family is about support. We support each other in so many ways. You only get one family. I think you should cherish your family and cover them in love. I am so thankful for the family God has given me. I don't know where I'd be without them. I love them so much and I cherish them each and everyday.

Baseball bats and love

Last night I woke up all of a sudden. I laid there and listened. I noticed that the fan in the hallway sounded off, so I went to check. My backdoor was wide open! I shut the door and run into my room. I grab my baseball bat and start making my way through the house. I checked on everyone and every animal. I couldn't find my dog Sadie. Since no one was in the house, I went outside to look for my dog. I almost started to cry. I can't lose my baby. So with my baseball bat in hand, I go out the door whispering her name. Then I see Big Boy (he's a friendly neighborhood dog who apparently lives at our house) with my baby Sadie. I got onto both of them and went to put Sadie in the house. I look at the back door and see paw prints. I assume that with the wind and Big Boy, the door was pushed open. Either that or it wasn't shut all the way. Satisfied I crawl back into bed. One more problem. My other dog Nikida is in my spot, under my covers, on my pillow. So I get in on the other side of her and go back to sleep.

My dad gets home around four in the morning and wakes me up. He wants to know what's up with Big Boy. My mom, dad, and I go into our backyard and let the ladies pee. I lay down in the hammock and wait. Apparently I fell alseep, cause I woke up with Big Boy, Nikida, and Sadie in the hammock with me. Baseball bats and all, I was loved last night.

No wonder I have weird dreams. I am thankful that I woke up when I did and there wasn't a burgler in the house. Not like there's much to take, but I am thankful non the less.

Dreams...

What do they mean? Some people say that they are our brain's way of sorting things out while we rest. Sometimes it gets confused. Dreams kinda interest me cause I always remember what I dream. Usually it's about something real. Like something coming up or something that just happened. Sometimes, not very often, I dream about werid random things. But for the past two weeks I have had some werid dreams. Not werid in what happens, but werid because it's normal things that could happen. THe only problem is the same person is in every one of my dreams.

For example, last night... I was at a get together (I'll leave the people's names out of it, but it was a lot of people I know) at someone's house. We had BBQ, music, etc. I was jumping on the trampoline with some kids. I went into the house to get something to drink. I go on the porch to talk to some people. I see someone (the person I've been dreaming about) pull up in their car. I turn to my friend and say, "well, that's my cue to leave. See ya'll later." I go in the house and start to tear up. A person asks me if I'm okay. I start crying even more. I talk to this person about the dream person. I go to the bathroom to wash my face. Another person comes and knocks on the door and tells me that the dream person wouldn't mind if I stayed. I get my stuff and I drive away. Still crying. Then I wake up

Two nights ago I was (in my dream) at church. The dream person comes in with a group of people and sit down. All through the service, dream person keeps glancing at me. Church ends and I go out to eat with my friends like normal. Then I wake up.

I have had some crazy and normal dreams, but never the same person night after night. Any ideas?