What's wrong with this 'picture'???

Tue Aug 14
Sunny 99°

Wed Aug 15
Sunny 103°

Thu Aug 16
Mostly Sunny 101°

Fri Aug 17
Partly Cloudy 100°

Sat Aug 18
Mostly Sunny 97°

Sun Aug 19
Partly Cloudy 89°

Mon Aug 20
Partly Cloudy 91°

Tue Aug 21
Mostly Sunny 92°


*And no sign of rain in sight!! And here, this week, I thought we'd get a little more back to normal and maybe see a little precip. But, boy was I wrong! All I can say (just as I did last August ) is: THANK GOD FOR WILLIS CARRIER ~ the "King of Cool"!!!

Women of Faith Weekend!

What more can you say?... If you've been before, you know what I'm talking about - if you've never experienced it, you cannot begin to imagine it!
We attended last year for the first time and made sure to go again this year, and we have not been disappointed. As a matter of fact, just when you think it doesn't get any better? ...it does!
This year, we were blessed enough here in Atlanta, to have the world-renowned Beth Moore speak for our pre-conference. And that unto itself was worth every penny spent for the entire conference. There is just simply none other like Beth Moore. She spoke Friday from about 9:00 'till 3:30. It was an amazing day with her. She chose 2 Corinthians 1:3-10 to focus on.

God Offers Comfort to All

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us.
We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us.

She explained that it is better for us to find comfort in the arms of our Father (Divine Comfort) than search for our comfort in earthly things or people. He's the only One Who can fill that need for us completely. He longs to give us comfort, so that we may then, pass along that comfort to others. In other words, you will suffer in this life, but as Christians you will never have to suffer in vain. And in our troubles, we will get to realize just how real He really is.

Friday evening, we came back to the conference for the start of the actual Women of Faith conference. First, Nicole C. Mullen (my new favorite now!) kicked us off with some awesome praise and worship. And then Patsy Clairmont got us warmed up for the speakers. A woman who once suffered tremendously from Agoriphobia, who now speaks to MILLIONS every year and is the spunkiest, most out-going of them all! A living testimony indeed.
The next morning, after some more praise and worhsip, we were welcomed by dramatist Nicole Johnson. We missed her last year, so it was good to get to see her this year. Truly gifted in bringing the scripture to life, and entertaining as well.
After Nicole, was Denise Jackson - wife of country singer Alan Jackson. She was interviewed and spoke to the hardships that she and Alan have been up against and come through by surrending their lives to God.
Ending out that session was my beloved Sheila Walsh. Even after all the wonderful speakers and performers this weekend, I believe she's still my favorite. She went through so much at a young age, and now today, she fills others with the hope and comfort that she's experienced over the years.
After break, we got to come back to the most hilarious woman I have ever seen or heard! Anita Renfroe. Author of "Purse-driven Life" and "If You Can't Lose it, Decorate It", Anita was once a pastor's wife and is now a well-known Christian Comedianne. You just have to see her to know how funny she is... she had us all laughing 'till we cried!
Thirty minutes later, in true woman-style, we were crying sadly along with Carol Kent, whose only son is sentenced in a Florida penitentiary for life with no chance of parole. Unimaginable for any mother, I'm sure. And yet, she holds onto her faith more strongly now than ever before. In fact, she's been told that their family inpsires many in the prison every week when they visit and are seen praying together and actually laughing together.
After lunch was Marilyn Meberg. One of the veteran Women of Faith speakers. She's seasoned. She's wise. She's funny. One of my favorite books, as a matter of fact has been "God at Your Wit's End" by Marilyn.
Then, that afternoon, after yet another break and more good praise and worship by Nicole C. Mullen, we got an encore performance by Nicole Johnson. And then wrapped up with the one and only Luci Swindoll. One of the other veteran speakers, Luci is Charles Swindoll's (Chuck, as she calls him) sister. She is very well-rounded, quite talented, and EXTREMELY down to earth! As she says, when life gets tough just "show up and shut up". :) She said she got that from her brother, but it is definitely in keeping with her personality! She's a riot.
So, as you can well imagine, we had a truly amazing time this weekend. I just wish everyone I know could've experienced it... but there's always NEXT YEAR! And if you've never been, I strongly encourage you to check it out next time. It's a weekend you won't soon forget.

To give you an idea of the conference, here's what Sheila had to say, in part:

"I always find it very inspiring to see every seat taken and every woman joining in to worship God. This year Luci ends her talk with a story about...well I won't give it away as we might not have visited your city yet but it is one of the funniest stories I have ever heard. What makes it even funnier is that Luci can hardly tell it for laughing. On Saturday she had to hold onto a pole at the edge of the stage to stop herself from falling over. I looked around at the crowd many of whom had tears rolling down their cheeks from laughing so hard. I saw my friend who is in a wheelchair and facing fresh health challenges. I saw the young Mom I had talked with on Friday whose baby girl was stillborn four weeks ago. All across the arena there was pain and heartache and yet for just a few moments everyone was able to receive the healing gift of laughter. It is so good to be able to laugh. I thought of the Psalmist's words in Psalm 126:2: Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, 'The LORD has done great things for them.' "

~AMEN!

Frazzled?

...Me??

(...who knew?

God did.)

Several weeks ago, when my friend Anita told me that the girls were having another bible study over the summer, I said "Count me in!" as I hadn't gotten into the last one and had wished I had. I've missed it terribly. The fellowship and the lessons. So, she was kind enough to pick me up a study guide and when I looked at it, I thought "Well, this a study for pretty much anyone BUT me, but alright..." It is 'The Frazzled Female' by Cindi Wood.

Now, honestly, I think most anyone who knows me would find it comical that I'm in a bible study on being 'frazzled' as I'm generally anything but... and it takes a LOT to frazzle me - in our common interpretation of the word, that is. But, much to my surprise, after the first week of going through the study, it really started hitting on some issues that I've been dealing with lately. And so I looked up the actual definition:

fraz'zled- 1. exhausted and in a very confused or irritable state 2. frayed and in a generally worn, tangled, or otherwise unsatisfactory state

Well, there ya go! That's me! I think most people just think of frazzled as being completely stressed out, but according to the handy thesaurus, it can also simply mean:

exhausted, weary, tired out, drained or fatigued

And THAT my friends is exactly the unsatisfactory state that I have been in lately... at least spiritually.

After having had such an awesome close walk with God in the last couple of years, I now feel that I have just 'dropped out of the race'. Like I didn't pace myself, the way a true runner does. And now, here lately, I just find myself in a little spiritual 'heap' by the side of the road, still encouraged by the others I can see on their spiritual journeys, but just waiting for Him to scoop me up and carry me the rest of the way!

But, what does He keep telling me now? "Draw near to Me (once again) and I will (then) draw near to you (once again)." In other words, "You take the first step." I've been waiting on Him, while He's been waiting on me.

"Take up your cross daily."

UGH! ...DAILY!! Thankfully though, once you get back in the race and build up that momentum, you can feel Him there with you once again, cheering you on, just like before, excited to embrace you at the end. And that's enough to get me back on track.

Life's a BEACH!

Well, I just got back home from the most relaxing week I've had in a long time. My friend Victoria invited me to go along with her family to the Outerbanks of North Carolina. And although it was a LONG HAUL... it was WELL worth it! It was so nice, I'm glad I had taken the whole week off to enjoy it with them.

Most of the first day, we spent on the road. But, we did get a good start, so we arrived at the Bodie Lighthouse by about 2:30 in the afternoon. Kicked around there before checking into our beachhouse at 4:00. Got checked into our house - complete with 5 bedrooms, 5 1/2 baths, game room, elevator, hot tub, private pool and outside showers!! With the house being built on stilts and then having 3 huge stories atop of that, on a strip of land not any wider than a mile across... you can only imagine the view we had of the ocean on one side and the sound on the other.

I got the bedroom/bath in the lower level, so I had that and the game room and second kitchen area all to myself. Then we got some good local seafood for dinner and some groceries for the week and just got settled in the rest of the night.

Monday, we took it easy and just basically enjoyed being on vacation. A little pool time. A little beach time. A little game time. And a LOT of lounge time.

Tuesday, I suppose we were a bit more ambitious. We took off for Roanoke Island to see what we could find there. Hit a few of the shops. Headed over to the Museum to check out the 'Lost Colony', but decided we were more hungry for food than knowledge. So, we got a good hearty lunch on the waterfront and missed out on the 'Lost Colony' story.

Wednesday, we headed back up to Roanoke to find out about the 'Lost Colony', but we didn't beat the rainstorm that hit that afternoon. Basically drove 30 min's for some good ole Micky D's. :) Tried to drive around and just kind of see what all was there, but the rain wasn't about to let up, so headed back to the house. Of course, they hadn't had any rain there. But, it did ease over, so we just stayed in and enjoyed some more game time. Never did make it back to the 'Lost Colony' presentation. I'm assuming they're all still lost though. We never heard otherwise. :)

Thursday was so frustrating. All you hear about is Ocracoke Island. Ocracoke Island. Ocracoke Island. So, we cut out a whole day to check it out and see what all the hype is about. Drove 45 min's down to the end of Hatteras Island to catch the ferry to Ocracoke. Got into what can only be described as a parking lot to sit and wait our turn for an available ferry... An hour and a half!!! Sitting. In the car. In the sun (I can't imagine doing this in the heat of the summer). FINALLY made it onto a ferry that took us close to an hour to get us to the island! By that point, we were just hungry, so grabbed a little something to eat at a local deli, headed over to see their puny lighthouse, and pretty much chalked it up to a lost day.

The one fun thing that day was - on the way down, we stopped in at the Hatteras Lighthouse and climbed to the top of that. 257 steps, I think? And boy am I outta shape!! But, the weather was so awesome and it was such a view from the top, I'm glad we got to do that.

With the exception of the one rainy afternoon, we really had some great weather. It truly couldn't have been better. High 70s / Low 80s with a nice breeze off the water, pretty much anytime and anywhere you went. That alone would be enough to keep me there!!

So, Friday, we wrapped it up by just knocking about the shops back up in Roanoke and had an awesome lunch at the little Full Moon Cafe there. Hit a couple of shops on the way back and enjoyed a good dinner that night at the little Asian place at the end of our street - The Board Wok. :) Walked home and then fit in one more walk on the beach.

Before you knew it, it was time to pack up and head back.

We hated to leave. The climate. The beach. The house. The climate. The good food. All the things we didn't get around to seeing. The climate. ... Did I mention the climate?? It was all just so great. I'd go again in a heartbeat.

But, you know, it's funny. Half of the way home, I was trying to think of how/when to get back out there and who else would enjoy it as much as I had and what I could do to live there :) ... (Victoria suggested me running a peanut shop, but I just don't think that's my calling). But, I think it was just the Georgia heat getting to me, because as I drove out of my all-too familiar Social Circle, in the home stretch of my drive, I looked out over the field there and it was the most beautiful sunset I'd seen in some time. And do you know, we tried and tried every night to catch a pretty sunset over the sound... and never really found what we were looking for. It took getting back to, of all places, the outskirts of Social Circle to catch that gorgeous sun setting.

And I thought back to this as Pastor Rob told a story of a golfer and his caddy playing at Augusta National. Both guys, totally enamored and overwhelmed by the meticulous landscape of the Augusta Course, the golfer tells his caddy that the staff there makes sure that there's not so much as a weed anywhere on their course. Several days later, the caddy runs over to the golfer and says "Guess what I found!" The golfer asks "What?" ... "A weed!" he replies. And the golfer responds "I guess you're always going to find what you're looking for."

And although we weren't able to find the sunset we were looking for over on the islands, it was waiting for me at home. Reminding me that God's blessings are all around, if we look for them. Getting back to my church home. Playing with the kids at Nanny's. And even getting back to a job that I enjoy (of course, I say this prior to seeing what they've left for me to do!)... And that will always rank higher than any beachfront property.

...(Though the beach does run a close second.) ;)

Maybe 33 won't be so bad after all...

Well, after the week I had last week, I was thankful just to make it to my 33rd birthday! And even though I had to work, I must say I had a wonderful birthday after all.

I was reminded all day (and week) long through cards and phone calls, just how many people God has blessed me with over the years ~ each one bringing something special into my life. Lynn had a balloon waiting for me at work. Sally brought me my favorite Truffle cake, special made in Athens. Jeremy and Jodi had a wonderful cook-out at their house and an entertaining night of bowling (of which I incidently won the second game ~ thank you very much!) :) Mom got me a Bruster's ice cream cake (YUM!) per my request. I got some great new books to read and movies to watch and ITunes to figure out (hopefully with some help from Jodi) and some very sweet cards. I have truly been blessed. And I thank God for each and every one of whom He has blessed me through. But, I think the one that takes the cake would have to be Miss Savannah. I was honored that her very first ballet recital fell on my birthday and I got to go catch that before work. And I'm so glad I did. For what better present could I ever ask than to have my sweet non-conformist niece stop the recital, take center stage just to tell everyone that she loves her Aunt Jess (among others... for the 'rest of the story', check out www.jodiyork.com)! That little gift will be sure to stay with me for some time! So, thank you Savannah, and Aunt Jess loves you, too! :)

Two people are better than one... If one falls down, the other can help him up. But, it is bad for the person who is alone and falls, because no one is there to help. ~ Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Amen to that!!
How much comfort we find in the idea of having someone there to pick us up and help get us back on our feet again! And I think, a lot of times, that's exactly what us single women feel like we're missing out on most. Having to deal with the good, the bad and the "ookey" (just for you, Dianne!) all on our own.

Last night, I had a case in point. Having been fighting off some sort of illness - be it cold or semi-flu of some kind - I went to bed relatively early. Well, about 2:00 am, I got up to go to the bathroom and blow my nose (again!) and noticed I was rather warm, so decided maybe I should take some Motrin to just bring my fever down a bit. Thought: "It couldn't hurt." So, headed off to get my purse in the living room, in the dark. Once I got to the Motrin, I realized I was so hot and weak, I had to sit down to try to open the bottle. Fumbled with it in the dark and wasn't able to open it, so dragged myself over to the stove light. Finally, I managed to open the bottle and dump a couple little pills into my hand... slowly turned around to the sink to get some water and honestly only had enough energy just to cup my hands under the faucet just praying water would come out! Didn't have it in me to actually turn it on! So, gave it up and headed back around the counter... to then pass out in the middle of the room! Scary? Yeah, you could say that. Even for a veteran passer-outer like myself... as I had never passed out alone before!! However, thankfully, I didn't get hurt and just forced myself back up to get some water for the pills that were still in my mouth, waiting to be washed down. Got the water successfully this time, dragged myself back toward my bedroom, got to the doorway, and again passed out! Well, now having been there, done that, I wasn't so much scared this time, but rather irritated that I just couldn't 'get there from here'! Sat up thinking "I bet I'll be sore from that tomorrow!" and finally was able to drag myself back to bed... where I actually felt much better and 'secure'. (Of course, I didn't sleep all that well, feeling that I should probably check in on myself every so often, just in case!)
But, what a night!! Now, you must know, that I am not one who wants to be coddled when sick. I'd rather be left to myself until better and back to normal. But, last night, I must say I had truly been wishing I had someone here with me to check on me and at least make sure I made it to morning!! But, in my 'single-mindedness' (that is, frustrated with being single) I forget, that I do have Someone Who watches over me. Day in and day out. In sickness and in health.

Fear not, for I am with you. Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. ~ Isaiah 41:10

And for that, I am thankful.

(And just so mom can sleep better tonight, I have felt much better all day today! Put in a full day's work and feel fine. I'll just know to take my medicine much earlier next time, or at least keep it by my bed!!) :)

Proof that I am NOT

a Morning Person!

*

*

***********

***********

Do not judge, lest you be judged. ~ I'm sure I've heard something along those lines at some point in my life. And today that's all I could think of, as I was just talking about how crazy all these other people were the other day, and then today was humbly reminded... I have no room to talk!!

*

For starters, I had to get up at 7:00 (not something I'm accustomed to) to make sure to get L'il Bit to the vet on time for her 'procedure'. Doing good on time, I was all but ready to go when I dropped my curling iron (on the absolute last curl, thankfully!) and smashed it in the sink. I mean, it had seriously curled its last curl.

*

Then, I had to get my sweet girl all crated up and ready to hit the road (poor thing... of course, she couldn't have been sweeter all night last night, even though she hadn't had food or water! Made me feel bad taking her after that). But, she did okay. Got her to the vet. They tacked on several more charges (bloodwork and what-not...) and I went on my way. With plenty of time left to get to work, I decided to go get my over-due oil change.

*

Anticipating the long, usual wait, I swung back by my place to pick up my Games magazine to work on. Headed on up the road and got all checked-in. ...30 minute wait is all? Wow. That's great. So, I got crackin' on my crosswords. About 25 minutes into it, I realized my right shoe heel kept clunking on the floor... then I thought, Wait... what shoes did I decide on this morning?... THEN I REALIZED... I never DID decide!! I had put one of each on to see which I liked better with my outfit and then just kept on going!!! And not ONCE did I think about it until sitting in that chair at Big 10 Tires. I decided... play it cool. Odds are these guys in the waiting room won't notice. Then, the workers called in the room "Ms. Simmons... we're gonna need to change your air filter... it's really dirty."

*

Now, if you know me, you know that those are NOT the words I want to hear from my mechanics!! To me, it spells out loud and clear "Yeah, Ma'am, I see that you are someone who CLEARLY doesn't know a thing about cars, so why don't we just get an easy $20 from ya." I was so irritated. I generally use this place because I've always appreciated their honesty, but the usual guys weren't there. And these guys were obviously out to get all the money they could get from me.

*

So, then, not only did I have to 'play cool', like I meant to wear two mis-matched shoes (pictured above -the lovely brown ones- you can tell just how different they are!) I also had to show that I was not at all happy over the whole air filter scam.

*

They finally finished. I finally got my keys. I clicked and clunked myself to the car and thought: What nerve! What makes them think that they can fool me into a dumb air filter, anyway?! ... to which I could only reply to myself: Well, look at your feet for starters, you MoMo!

*

But, thankfully, I had time to swing back by my apartment and could swap shoes. Not only for the sake of my pride which had flown out the window with all my money, seeing as I'd already been to the vet's office, back to my apartment, and up to Big 10) but I had also neglected to put my other cat's food and water back out for the day! (Since the little one couldn't have any, I had to have it all put up.)

*

Oh, well. Now you can see why I'm not all that good at the matching-up picture puzzles, Mom! :) ...and why I am NOT a morning person!!!

MAY DAY! MAY DAY!

Was today a little bit crazy for anyone else??

For starters, it was like 90 degrees outside! Hello... what happened to SPRING??? (I've got a show on now about Alaska - to cool me down. Ice sculpting... very coooool. I'm ready to buy my ticket right about now! It's 11:00 and still 80 here in the Deep South. Yuck. I am definitely not ready for that.)

But, the heat wave is just the 'tip of the iceberg', you might say! :) I think today (at least where I was) it was evident that we are in the presence of a FULL MOON. We had so many unusual people today? I thought maybe it was just me, but Judy agreed. They were all strange today.

I asked a guy who appeared to be a surveyor on the property what they were doing exactly... to which he responded: "Trying to locate the ground." (???) I was tempted to say "Have you checked beneath your feet?" But, I refrained. :)

Then we had a lady, who was obviously bitter about her husband (who was from Minnesota - by the way, where there is apparently "not one nice person" and at all "nothing to do") moving her to Nashville (the "nastiest town in the South"). Judy said "Well, you've got all the country stars up there" to which she answered "Well, actually not really. They all live outside of the city... and besides not one of them is nice. Dolly Parton is a horrible person." (I wanted to ask her if there was anyone on God's green earth she DID like! And really how many times had she really had run-ins with Ms. Parton?? But, again... held my tongue.) Well, apparently, she does approve of Mr. George Strait, but he lives in Oklahoma. I think if I were her husband I would be shipping her off to the Sooner state... sooner rather than later! What a gem, she was!

Then, Dominick came down to the shop at 5:00 and asked how the day was. I said "Crazy!" He agreed. Said as they were having lunch on the front porch, they watched as a lady fell asleep while talking on her cell phone!!! And I just wonder how long before the person at the other end realized it was a one-sided conversation!!!

_____________________________________________

On second thought, maybe I don't want to head for Alaska... they've got even longer days there, and I'm not sure I could've taken this day for much longer!!

"DO WHAT?!?"

It's funny... I was just perusing my favorite blogs and on http://nspiredbyfaith.blogspot.com/ she tells of a sweet story that took place on her farm today and named it: "Cows need Girlfriends, too". (Intrigued, right? Yeah, it's pretty cute and very sweet. Hope it had a happy ending...)

But, it just made me laugh, because after the day I've had with my rapidly-growing kitten, I'm reminded that Cats need Boyfriends, too! This girl is PITIFUL!

I knew I'd been needing to go get her spayed, but you know me... Queen of Procrastination! We haven't quite been yet. And I guess my little girl's getting all grown-up on me! Last night, when I had the back door open, I wondered why she was so talkative to everyone outside. And then at one point, I even heard a child say "Look at that cat... it looks like it's going to jump!" (Oops! I live on the 2nd floor, but in my defense, she doesn't normally have that tendancy!) So, I called her back in, closed the door and we went on to bed. Well, knowing what I know now, I'm surprised she didn't jump! She carried on ALL NIGHT LONG! She's even been trying to 'warm up' to her big sister, Sammi, which obviously does not go over well.
So... I guess now I'll actually find the time to take the poor girl in to get doctored up. But, until then... wish us both LUCK!!! It looks like we're in for a LONG weekend!

This one's for the GIRLS!!!

Tonight, I had the privilege of attending a special function at my church, just for the ladies. Above was our invitation and it left us intrigued by what exactly would be taking place there tonight. But, it sounded like fun, so with the help of my dear friend, Connie who loaned me the five bucks to attend (how sad is that??) I signed up for the experience.

Let me just say... I was NOT disappointed!! They had an excellent response... some 130 or so gals... which was great. And once we got there, we broke into groups of about 12.

I was really fortunate in the group I linked up with. Didn't really know any of them starting out, but they were all very enjoyable and a lot of fun. PLUS... we were the first group to find out what the whole "excursion" was about. They led us outside and there came up a stretch limo. We piled in there nice and cozy and the driver took us to the square in Covington? I thought "Oh, boy! We're going for ice cream at SCOOPS!" :) Nope.

They let us out in front of "Utopia" - the new local spa and salon, thank you very much. I had never been to any spa before, let alone this one, so it was like being treated as royalty! They took us back, a few at a time and treated us to either: pedicures, scalp massages, fingernail polish, or paraffin hand treatments. Wow! I had the scalp massage, which was nice.

Then, we headed back to the church, trying to keep secret where we'd been, so as not to spoil the surprise... and from there, we went to make little jars of body scrub for ourselves. This comprised of: brown sugar, olive oil, and a little bit of fragrance. It was fun. And we mused about us all showing up Sunday in casts after crashing in the shower, slipping around on all that oil!!

From there, we got to hit the food table! And, what a spread it was! Awesome chicken salad croissants, cheese and crackers, fresh fruit and veggies, little tortilla roll-ups, Italian pasta salad, and chocolate-dipped strawberries!!! YUM! And, of course, some fruit punch to wash it down.

Next, we were headed off to make our own little bags of bath salts. We took and filled up little baggies with Epson salts (with a little bit of Rosemary) and baby oil. Mush it up in your bag and you've got bath salts! Nifty, huh!

And we still weren't done yet... From there, we went to a classroom to get inspired about devotional time and pray.

And from there, we finished up at the candle table. We took votive candles and wrapped them in double-backed tape, rolled them in little different beads, then plopped them into glass votive holders... too cute! And fun!!

Like I say, the group I was with could not have been nicer or more fun. But, I think the whole thing overall was just a great success. Pastor's wife had said that this was just the beginning of a new thing that they expect to really take off more than likely all over the nation. Our representatives already had great ideas of what they were going to do, but then went to a conference and got even more ideas! (I can't remember what the national level is called!)

But, I am so glad I went. So thankful to Connie for the five dollars... (I'll be glad to pay that interest you mentioned!) :) It was worth WAY more than that! It was a great evening with some really great ladies. And hopefully, just the beginning of greater times ahead! Thanks, girls!!! I can't WAIT 'till next time! ~

Letters to a Few Members of my Community:


My dear hard-working leaf-blowing Amigo:

I understand that you're just doing your job. And I can appreciate that, even when you crank up that loud little leaf-blower by 9:00 am on my Mondays off (granted, my butt should already be up by then anyway!) But, I just have to ask: Really... today? We've got, for the second day now, 50-60 mile an hour winds out there. Mother Nature is practically blowing YOU away! Don't you think she could perhaps manage a few leaves and grass clippings?? And let us both take a break from the dreaded leaf-blower?


My lovely penny-pinching bank teller:

You are so friendly when asking what you can do for me. And yet so loyal and defensive when I say I could just use some coins for dollars. I'm talking a few rolls of each; the likes of what most people would find in their piggy banks at home, or even some in their seat cushions! You hear this and immediately grill me: "Is this for a business?" (No, I just really like to shop with spare change... I find it makes the retailers' days to do so.) "Do they have an account with us??" (Yes, but I mean, c'mon lady... is this really a federal offense to change out money at a B A N K ???) I answer all your questions (same ones every week) and so you finish up and finally ask sweetly: "Will there be anything else for you today?" (Ummmm... No thanks.)

(Although, next time, I may say "Actually, yes, I think I would like to close my account here and transfer it to the lovely home-town bank where they are HAPPY to help us in our desperation for change... though neither the business nor myself have an account with them!")


My fellow church-going mother of two:

I'm glad to see you all come to service. I really am. I just wish I knew why you are habitually late (I mean 30 min's or more) leave out early and still need to leave half-way through the service... every Sunday. I can't help but wonder what you actually take home with you from the visits, considering the time you do actually stay in there, you spend rumaging through your purse or disciplining your two disgruntled children who should be enjoying the other pre-teens down in their own service? Perhaps you are there for no other reason than to refine me and my tolerance of others... and if that should be the case, I guess we shall be seeing a lot of each other... as I've got a ways to go!!!
(Did I mention that they ALL pile in late... they ALL leave out half-way... they ALL leave early... and they ALL insist on sitting at the FRONT of the church... every Sunday???)

A little bit of kindness goes a long way...

In today's world, sometimes it seems a bit hard to find the good in people. Generally, people are just more distracted, more stressed, more agitated... sometimes it seems they just don't care. But, I have found recently, that the more you take time to notice others and appreciate them, the more they're inclined to respond in kind. Last night, I was at Target and with it being a weeknight, they only had a few registers open, and it seemed everyone was ready to check out at once. Isn't that the way it goes? Well, I was in no particular hurry, so I just hung back and waited my turn. Then, a solemn-faced young black teenager said he could help me at his counter. I appreciated the nice surprise and said "Oh, thank you!" Still stone-faced, but serious about his job, he went about checking out my items. I asked nicely if he could scan one particular larger item from where he was... he said "Yes" and started to soften a bit. Then he asked if I needed the hangers my clothes were on, and I said "You know, I really don't. I generally don't use them and have actually acquired quite a collection at home! Matter of fact, I should bring some back to y'all!" He actually kind of laughed and said yeah, they could use them... He finished up my sale, I took the bags and once again said "Thank you so much" and he responded with a sincere smile on his face saying "Thank you! And you have a great night." A different young man than the one who opened the check-out five minutes earlier.

Funnily enough... today's God's Minute:

Jesus said; "THERE IS NOTHING THAT ENTERS A MAN FROM THE OUTSIDE WHICH CAN DEFILE HIM; BUT THE THINGS WHICH COME OUT OF HIM, THOSE ARE THE THINGS THAT DEFILE HIM." (MARK 7:15 *NKJV)

As Christians we must be careful of the words we speak, and keep them soft and sweet, because sometimes we can defile ourselves with our words. For if we are not careful "OUT OF THE SAME MOUTH PROCEED BLESSING AND CURSING. MY BRETHREN, THESE THINGS OUGHT NOT TO BE SO." (JAMES 3:10) Therefore: "LET YOUR SPEECH ALWAYS BE WITH GRACE, SEASONED WITH SALT, THAT YOU MAY KNOW HOW YOU OUGHT TO ANSWER EACH OTHER." (COLOSSIANS 4:6)
So Beloved, speak only words of kindness, and "SPEAK EVIL TO NO ONE, TO BE PEACEABLE, GENTLE, SHOWING ALL HUMILITY TO ALL MEN. (TITUS 3:2) And "FINALLY, ALL OF YOU BE OF ONE MIND, HAVING COMPASSION FOR ONE ANOTHER; LOVE AS BROTHERS, BE TENDERHEARTED, BE COURTEOUS; NOT RETURNING EVIL FOR EVIL OR REVILING FOR REVILING, BUT ON THE CONTRARY, BLESSING, KNOWING THAT YOU WERE CALLED TO THIS, THAT YOU MAY INHERIT A BLESSING. AMEN." (1 PETER 3:8-9)

I've found that when you have a more positive attitude, it reflects in those around you. You know, I was pleasantly surprised a couple of weeks ago at Publix. I had gotten a big sack of cat food, so it was on the bottom of the cart I don't normally use. As I checked out and spoke to the nice cashier, I had noticed that there were a couple of 'punk hoodlum boyz' behind me in line. I went about my business and finished up inside and the 'boyz' continued to follow me out into the parking lot... and do you know, they were actually kind enough to remind me about the sack beneath the cart! It was so minor, but so unexpected and so thoughtful from two kids you would never have thought would even notice, let alone care enough to say anything! Talk about refreshing!
I think we need to expect more from people... they might just surprise you and rise to the occasion! And if it hadn't been for those nice guys, my cats would have starved that night!! :)

"Be the change you want to see in this world!"

My Sentiments Exactly

About two months ago, after having a frustrating day, I got in my car and headed home. Getting on the interstate, I came across Martina McBride on the radio and although I wasn't familiar with the song yet, I knew well enough to crank it up and just enjoy. Sure enough, she hit the nail on the head with the words from "Anyway". Exactly what I needed to hear and be reminded of. Not sure if you've heard it yet, but if not, check it out: http://martinapreorder.echoconnect.com/

Just a few weeks later, a guest speaker at church told of a man who wanted to please God and just do as he should with his life. God brought him to a large rock and asked him to push the rock. So, eagerly, the man started pushing. He pushed the rock with all he had. Before too long, he just got completely frustrated... frustrated with himself in thinking he had failed in some way and perhaps frustrated with God for asking something of him that he just wasn't capable of doing. After all, the rock had not so much as budged, despite his best efforts. Finally, he turns to God and cries out to Him "I don't understand! Why have you asked of me that which you know I cannot do? And if you want me to move it, why won't you help me find the strength to do so??" God gently responds: "I can move the rock... it's just up to you to do the pushing. After all, it's not the rock I'm interested in, but rather what you gain from trying. Just keep pushing."

Life is not easy ~ I think most anyone can attest to that. But, it's in the struggles that you find yourself and that you find your true strength and determination. So, all we can really do is simply do what we can and keep on pushing through!

I'm reminded of another song that goes back to good 'ole Garth Brooks: The Change. Anybody remember back that far? He says:

"This heart still believes

That love and mercy still exist,

While all the hatreds rage and so many say

That love is all but pointless

In madness such as this,

It's like trying to stop a fire with the moisture from a kiss.

And I hear them saying 'you'll never change things

And no matter what you do it's still the same thing',

But, it's not the world that I am changing~

I do this so this world will know

That it will not change me."

Give it all you've got. That's all you really can do. And just watch God do what you can't.

Like Ms. McBride proclaims:

"God is great!

Sometimes life ain't good.

When I pray

it doesn't always turn out like I think it should ~

But, I do it anyway!

Yeah, do it anyway!!!"

______________________________________________

After all, 'His ways are better than our own'. Even when it's hard to understand. All He asks of us is to 'run the race' and trust the results to Him.

*Check out Martina's newest album, available April 3rd!!!

Am I the ONLY one???

So, I wake up this morning... and I'm already disappointed 'cause some guy is still filling in for Paul Harvey at 8:30 (though I am happy for Paul to get some time off). Then, I hear from my stereo, a couple just jabbering and chattering on about something. I think 'Now, I know I know better than to leave it on 104.7 with the dreaded 'Kevin and Taylor in the Morning' (GAAAAAAAAAG!)" So, I stumble out to make sure, and sure enough... it's on MY morning station... the GOOD one... the one that actually plays MUSIC in the morning. Lo and behold, they actually had the audacity to add a morning show to their station!!! Some husband and wife pairing from Vegas... and I ask you. WHY? ~ Why would I want to listen to some couple going on and on about their personal life and how funny their kids are and blah, blah, blah, blah, BLAH!...
Look, new people ~ I don't know you, and don't take this personally, but I DON'T CARE! I'm sure you are lovely people, but I just want my music... especially in the morning!! (Don't even get me started on Delilah and John Tesh at night!) But, the way I see it: if I had wanted to listen to talk radio, could I not just turn it on AM?? Oh, well. Looks like I'm outnumbered, so will just get to brush up on some of the good 'ole B-98.5 hits I hadn't heard in a while... they actually played some good ones this morning... so, until they get to jabbering on there... looks like it's waking up to Billy Joel, Elton John and Sweet Baby James!

How Great is our God

~And how awesome are these guys!!

After having gone to see Echoing Angels at church Wednesday night, I then got to go see Chris Tomlin for the second consecutive year at the Atlanta Civic Center. (Big week for concerts.) :) It was awesome, as usual, too! Joined once again by pals Matt Redman and Louie Giglio, they continued last year's theme of 'significant insignificance' and just brought the house down with their incredible musical talents and passion. Such a dynamic team... I recommend anyone going to check them out. Hopefully they'll be back again next year... I'm already ready for more!!!


And, hey!
Check out their Group effort, The 'Passion Conference's at Louie Giglio's Website:
www.268generation.com

Eastridge Community Church Presents:

ECHOING ANGELS

Last Wednesday night, Eastridge was blessed by having the "new" hit group (formerly Two Bare Feet) Echoing Angels for a private concert. It was pretty rockin' at times, but VERY good. At times it was almost too loud to hear them, but I have thoroughly enjoyed their CD. Check out their website: www.echoingangels.com and you'll find a taste of their music playing on there. I think, like me, you'll soon be HOOKED! :)

Not bad for a bunch of local Georgia boys!! Their best hit, so far, "You Alone" has already been riding in the top 5 with the likes of Chris Tomlin and Casting Crowns! No small feat, by any means.

"Weed 'em and Reap!"

This week, we have returned to Market.
Many of you have never had the opportunity to experience this, so I will just try to paint the picture for you.

It's energizing. It's exhilerating. It's inspiring. It's EXHAUSTING!

We started out Wednesday, and continued on every day until today, Sunday... Day of REST... AMEN! I needed that! We have gotten there every day by 10:00 am and have gotten home every evening about 10:00 PM. Long days. But, it's not so much just the time spent there. It's how you spend your time there.

First of all, though, I must back up and start with the time spent just getting there. Sally picks me up and we head to the city. Not too bad a ride, considering we're just, what 45 minutes out? And, thankfully, we miss most of the morning traffic going in. And, then, thankfully, Sally knows the best and quickest way to get to the closest parking garage in that area. Of course, it's $20.00 a day to park there, but Louis is kind enough to pick up that check.

Then, with lovely badge around neck and walking shoes set on the pavement, we head for the Gift Mart.

No sooner do you hit the revolving door at the entrance and IMMEDIATELY you are inundated with throngs of anxious and excited buyers. And, up you go. Up two rounds of escalators, and then, down the first hallway of MANY, across the bridge to building 2 (unless you want to do about 10 or 14 rounds on the escalator, which we opted for by the last day).

In the lobby of building 2, you meet up with about FIFTY MILLION other people, waiting for at least one of the six elevator doors to open, to get to the floor you're needing to get to. And with there being people getting off on pretty much every floor all the way up to the 18th floor... needless to say, it takes a good dose of patience and cooperation.

... finally *DING*! An open door, for all to smoosh in quite intimately with one another, just holding your breath, waiting for your floor. And then... finally *Ahhhhhh*, you get off on your floor and can breathe once again. Much better. Okay, now... where to?

On any given floor (of the 18 just in building 2 alone) there are anywhere from 20 up to 50 showrooms... PER FLOOR. It's crazy. Check out the map at: http://www.americasmart.com/buyers/planvisit/campus_map/

It doesn't do it justice, but will give you a rough idea of the quantity I'm talking... 2,000 showrooms and over 4,000 booths in 4.2 million square feet of exhibit space . I mean, Mall of Georgia has NOTHING on this place.

But, with directory in hand and blurred memories from the day before, you find the showroom you're looking for. WHEW! A break from the crowds... WRONG!! It seems they all had the same idea you had! ... the nerve.

So, you go through the crowd to finally find a familiar face in the crowd (your friendly sales rep.) They then kindly take your bags and offer you something cold to drink and if you're lucky (or, like us, have learned which showrooms to hit at the right times) something good to eat!.

From there, they walk you through their respective showrooms, showing you new things and reviewing over the same old things. And with every item, your mind is recalculating... how much have we spent? how much more should we really spend? what have we already gotten? what else do we need? and where will it all go when we're done here??

In about 2 hours, you're done with that rep and it's on to the next. And the next. And the next. Like I say, you're doing good if one offers some good food along the way and REALLY blessed if you can find a place to sit down while you eat it! That's a good day when that happens. You know the ole adage: "WILL WORK FOR FOOD" ... yeah, that's us. We're shameless. But, that's okay. Trust me... we have purchased plenty enough to justify a meal or two 'on the house'.

BUT, if you're REALLY shameless, starving and broke, you can always head over to the gourmet food section of temporaries in building 3 for all the samples you can handle (if you don't mind a terrible upset stomach afterward! And if you've actually allowed enough time to do so.) Cookies, crackers, soup, drinks, dressings, jellies... you name it, they've got it. And are ready and willing to cram it down your throat, at the off-chance you'll then buy some from them in return.

By about 6:00 pm, they're all starting to shut down (along with our feeble minds) and you're then rounded back up like a bunch of cattle onto the elevators. Unless you're really brave and ambitious... in which case you get onto the escalator - which by the end of the day and 18 floors later, tends to get pretty log-jammed and nerve-racking.

Finally, you step off the last escalator, step out the door and you're free. Free from the crowds. Free from the constant calculating. Free from the hustle and bustle. You find your car in the parking deck, throw your bags in, drag yourself into the seat, sit down, sigh a huge sigh of relief, and head home, vowing to get enough rest to get through the following day.

You get home, COMPLETELY wiped out. The thinking, the walking, the fighting the crowds... but mostly the thinking. Because once you get home, you can sit down. You don't have to bump into anyone to get from one room to the next. And you'd think your brain would just quit by the end of the day, too. But, no.

It seems the more your brain gets stimulated throughout the day (and I can't think of a more stimulating place than the Gift Mart) the more it wants to keep going strong. As tired as you are by the end of the day, your mind just goes into overdrive. Reviewing the day. What you saw. What you bought. Who you saw. What you spent. What you intend to do with all the merchandise purchased. Who's on the agenda for tomorrow... what they might have. Will they have something better than what we just got today? If they do, will we have to go back and cancel with ________? Will they at least have better food? :) If not, where will we find food? ... I mean, on and on and on and on...........

The other night I lay there, totally spent, wanting SO badly to get to sleep but could not get the wheels to stop turning. And as my wheels were spinning out of control, I thought back to a plaque I saw at Amscan ? (I think...) It said "Weed 'em and Reap". Of course, it was a cute little sign for your garden, referring to your weeds and plants you actually want to grow. But, this night, it held a new and different meaning for me.

I thought back to a sermon Pastor Scott had done a while back. He had said he was having trouble sleeping because his mind had gripped so tightly on something. So, he decided to start consciously counting his blessings to himself. So, I tried it. And you know, it worked. Before I knew it, I was sleeping like a baby.

Now, in this case, it may be more appropriately said "Weed 'em and Sleep" but it's funny. If you just weed out all the anxious thoughts and focus on the blessings you already have at your hands, before long, you forget what it was that even had you all stressed out.

Oddly enough, just today Scott again made special note of Philippians 4:8-9 ~
"And now, dear brothers and sisters, fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise... then the God of peace will be with you."

Pretty much says it all in a nutshell, I would say!

That, and, of course "So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today." ~Mark 6:34.

Which reminds me, I've got plenty of laundry and housekeeping yet to get done for today, so I better wrap this up. But, I hope this has helped you all better understand what Market time is all about! And after tomorrow, I should be back into the regular swing of things. Thank goodness! ... that, is... until JULY!

'Twas the week before Christmas

'Twas the week before Christmas
When all through the Shop
Nothing short of the H-bomb
Could get us to stop

The decorations all hung
Not too long ago
By now, are all thrown
To and (of course) fro

All the old ladies
Were donning their red
While flaunting their lovely
Purple hats on their heads

And Sally in her jacket
And I, in my boots
Had just warmed up
And were ready to SCOOT!

When out on the floor
There arose such a clatter
We sprang from the back
To see what was the matter?

Away to the store front
She flew in a dash
To find no-one around
And a little pile of glass

The fluorescent lights
Overhead gave a glow
To all of the lovely
Merchandise found below

When what to my weary eyes
Should appear?
But over in the corner
A kid riddled with fear

With a negligent mother
So far 'out to lunch' (and I'm not just talkin' the Southern cuisine)
How would she EVER
Have so much as a hunch?

That it was her precious Johnny
Who knocked down the whole shelf
So, I just roll my eyes
In spite of myself

Now Judy! Now Sandra!
Now, Lynn and now Patty!
On, Sharon! On, Sheila!
On, Sarah and Sally!

To the front of the store!
To the counter RIGHT NOW!
Before I lose my religion
And break my one solemn vow

To treat every customer
As though she's a friend
And not to wound feelings
I can't in any way mend

At times, it is trying
It can be very hard
But, I can honestly say
I've killed no-one... so far!

But, if I should do so,
I'm sure it'll be in this season
For it is then that I'm usually
Given SO MANY REASONS!!!

The incessant complaining
The rude interruptions
Would leave any SAINT
Headed straight for corruption!!

So, we just do what we can
Determined to love what we do
And thank God that the nice ones
Outnumber the rude few

For we do have a number
Of great customers, too
Who truly do bless us
When they pass on through

And so, it's for them
That we do all the work
To see the smile on their face
Is the most rewarding perk

Yet, even at that
By the time 5:00 comes,
We are completely exhausted
And our brains have gone 'dumb'

So, with feet really dragging
But, with an ending in sight,
We can still happily say ~
"Merry Christmas to all,
And to all a GOOD NIGHT!"

Colossians 3:23 Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.