Amazing story!!

This is definitely a MUST READ!! Read it in just a few hours....couldn't put it down!!! The book is titled "Heaven is for Real", and it will open your eyes!

Digital nativity

Merry Christmas!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZrf0PbAGSk&sns=em

Tis' the Season

November and December are my favorite months!! I love the cool, crisp weather - the food - the smells - the lights - the nativity scenes - and the joy that often comes with the holidays. The joy of seeing a friend or family member open a gift....the joy of visiting with those you don't see all year....the joy of a surprise.....the joy of a slaved-over recipe turning out divine!
However, I know that this can also be the most depressing time of the year for some people.

So, let's all try to make this year joyful for everyone! Money is not the key here....at all. Here are a few things you could do to make this time joyful for someone, even a stranger... (taken from http://comfortablydomestic.com/):

• Make eye contact.
• Give a warm smile.
• Hold the door for someone.
• Hold the elevator.
• Let someone merge into traffic.
• Put change in an expired parking meter.
• Buy someone a cup of coffee.
• Invite someone to check out in front of you at the store.
• Listen to someone–hear their story.
  
• Bring someone a meal.
• Visit someone (I added this one....after discovering what a joy Ms. Brunie, at the nursing home is. My daughter and I visit her monthly since her family won't. She is such a joy to us, as we are to her)
  
• The possibilities are endless. Imagine how great it would be if everyone made it a point to pass on a little random kindness each day.

Kindness ripples.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas, my friends! :)

Back in the Saddle

Sorry I haven't updated my blog much this summer. Maybe once I get going again this semester I can post some more goodies. :)

I have to share this picture with you. Read what my friend Morgan posted on her blog to explain the picture:

"We hosted The Current at our house for an event called "Back in the Saddle". The Current is our young-adult ministry for ages 18 to thirty- somethings at Northwood. We had a blast! The day started out with a huge thunderstorm which dumped a ton of rain, but we still had over 20 people show up. Jeffry had penned up a calf and greased a pig...I can't even begin to tell you how hilarious it was to watch everyone!"

When she says "hilarious" it is not an understatement. God dumped that rain just so we would have a bunch of MUD to play in! I have never laughed so much in my life! And I have to say we were ALL supposed to dress up like cowboys/cowgirls. But I am the only one looking like a fool in the picture! LOL ~ I DID win the costume contest though! whoop! :)

I have to say I have the best church family ever.













This is a picture of Morgan's husband, Jeffry & our youth pastor, Micah.

Can You Handle It?

I know a lot of people going through hard times right now.....whether it be finances, addictions, health, or family. This poor economy seems like it is just making its way to Mississippi....just like fashion, it is always a few years LATE! haha :) Things are tight, and are getting harder for everyone. I have students and co-workers going through MORE than you could ever imagine!!! And just this month it seems like I have heard the line, "God will never give you anything you can't handle!" a million times being said around me. I have always believed this old saying.....until last night.
Last night I heard a different take on this old saying. A preacher man said "I think God WILL give people MORE than they can handle, just so they will realize they can't do it alone. People need God." Wow! Never thought of it that way. Interesting. Yup...preacher man was right! I have to say that I have been through some tough times myself. I made a lot of wrong decisions and went over many bumps in the road. But without prayer, and without God working in my life, I don't believe that I would have EVER made it through.
If you don't know Him, I encourage you to develop that relationship. It is super easy to do. Believe me, there is nothing that will fulfill your life like Him!

Ash Wednesday

Today marks Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent, the traditional 40-day period of fasting and prayer before Easter. Although I am not Catholic, I have decided to give UP something this year (until Easter). You may, or may not, know that I am HOOKED to Facebook. So, after discussing Mardi Gras and Lent with my daughter she decided to give up Coke. I asked her what is something that mom should give up....her answer was Facebook! I thought it was a great idea, considering how Facebook consumes my time. So, that is what I will do! :)

I encourage you to think of one thing that you really enjoy and see if you can go without until Easter. For your health, for your mental sanity, to help you do better in school/work, to focus on something more important....whatever your reason is. My reason is... Facebook is NOTHING compared to the price Jesus paid for me! I can do without for a while to focus on more important things!