So I admit, I needed to do something this evening to take my mind off stuff, so I perused the internet and looked up different poems and quotes on weddings. I came across a few that I really love and thought that I would share them with y'all. Enjoy!
The first is a traditional Irish wedding blessing.
May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rains fall soft upon the fields.
May the light of friendship guide your paths together.
May your troubles grow few as your blessings increase.
May the saddest day of your future Be no worse than the happiest day of your past
May the laughter of children grace the halls of your home.
May the joy of living for one another trip a smile from your lips, A twinkle from your eye. And when eternity beckons, at the end of a life heaped high with love,
May the good Lord embrace you with the arms that have nurtured you the whole length of your joy-filled days.
May the gracious God hold you both in the palm of His hands. And, today, may the Spirit of Love find a dwelling place in your hearts. Amen.
***********************************************************
This second one is from a traditional Irish wedding song. It is based on Genesis 2:22-24
Wedding Song
He is now to be among you at the calling of your hearts, rest assured this troubadour is acting on His part.
The union of your spirits here has caused you to remain, for wherever two or more of you are gathered in His name, there is love.
Well a man shall leave his mother and a woman leave her home, then shall travel on to where the two shall be as one.
As it was in the beginning, is now and till the end, woman draws her life from man and gives it back again, there is love.
Well then what's to be the reason for becoming man and wife, Is it love that brings you here, or love that brings you life?
For if loving is the answer, then who's the giving force? If you believe in something you've never seen before, there is love.
The marriage of your spirits here has caused Him to remain, for wherever two or more of you are gathered in His name, there is love ~ yes, there is love.
Based on Genesis 2:22-24
**************************************************************
The following is more of a wedding prayer and I really like it.
O, God, by your power you have made everything out of nothing. In the beginning you created the universe and made us in your own likeness. You gave man the constant help of woman so that man and woman should no longer be two, but one flesh, and you teach us that what you have united may never be divided.
O, God, you have made the union of man and wife so holy a mystery that it symbolizes the marriage of Christ and his people. O, God, by your plan man and woman are united, and married life has been established as the one blessing that was not forfeited by sin. Look with love upon this woman, your daughter, now joined to her husband in marriage. She asks your blessing. Give her the grace of love and peace. May she always follow the example of the holy women whose praises are sung in the scriptures. May her husband put his trust in her and know that she is his equal and the heir with him to the life of grace. May he always honor her and love her as Christ loves his people.
Keep them always true to your commandments. Keep them faithful in marriage and let them be living examples of Christian life. Give them the strength which comes from the gospel so that they may be witnesses of Christ to others. And, after a happy old age, grant them fullness of life with the saints in the kingdom of heaven. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
***********************************************************************
This is a poem titled United Hearts by M.S.Lowndes
God has brought us here together
To be united in His love
Joined in Holy Matrimony
With faith in God above
For it's our faith that guides our lives
With a measure of God's grace
For this is what keeps love strong
Through whatever we may face
And as we build our marriage on
The foundation of Christ
It will not crumble or give way
Through the daily pressures of life
But it will stand the test of time
Growing stronger day by day
As we keep our hearts united
And joined as one when we pray
The cord that binds our hearts in love
Will not fray over the years
For when we build our lives on God
We discover His love is there
************************************************************************
Finally, I am including a poem that I wrote around my sophomore year of college, when my sister was getting married. Don't judge it too harshly please!
Beginning Today
Beginning today a new chapter has started
We are not you and me, but now we are we.
Two hearts are joined together as one loving unit.
Boyfriend and girlfriend have become husband and wife.
Beginning today we take a solemn, serious vow.
A promise to the dear Lord that lasts till death.
In sickness and in health we will love and support.
We will be the strength when the other one is weak.
Beginning today a new family has been created.
A home and a shelter through all of life's many storms.
A place to raise and love children and guide them to God.
A place where love, laughter, tears, and joy abounds.
Beginning today I promise to honor, serve and obey.
I promise to protect, love, guide, support and laugh.
I promise to put you before myself and all others.
I promise to help you grow into a more godly spouse.
Beginning today I give you my heart, my body and my love.
I will do my best to honor what you have given me.
I will love with all the love the Lord has granted to me.
Beginning today I promise to take a leap of faith.
Beginning today the journey starts anew!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Satisfying my Wondering
So just out of sheer wonderment I did some exploring online this week. I looked at some of the major online dating sites to see just how expensive it is find love online. I have to say that it surprised me.
Eharmony.com has 2 options: Basic and Total Connect. They give you 3 options in each plan. 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months of service. Now, if you just look at it you see the prices. With the Basic 3 month plan it says $44.95/month. Now that is staggering enough, but if you read the fine print you are billed for all three months at once, so the cheapest payment to eHarmony is $134.85
Match.com is another site that I visited. Match.com will bill you monthly, so you don't have the staggering one installment fee. For the basic membership without any frills it will cost ya $35/month to be on match.com There are extras you can add on- Highlighted profile, e-mail read notification (so you know when people you contacted read your messages)and a first impressions thingy. Each of those will cost ya $5/month.
Christiancafe.com is a dating site dedicated to helping Christians meet other christians. In that area it sounds promising. Christian cafe allows you 10 days free, and if you post a photo you get 3 extra free days, so you can get about two weeks free. For every friend that signs up you get an extra few days free as well. This site will let you pay $29 for two weeks, $35 for a month and on up from there.
Those are the main sites I visited. Out of those 3 sites I like ChristianCafe the best because it allows me to view profiles and photos before I have to even sign up for an account, which is interesting.
I am not totally sure yet what I think of online dating, I know I've talked about it before on here. I still think going to bar and meeting your soul mate is best (ummm...I meant church choir...!) ;) But, online dating is growing in popularity. It seems to look for a lot of people. It isn't for everyone, but that is what makes life so interesting-we can be friends with people and we all have our own stories! I love it!
Eharmony.com has 2 options: Basic and Total Connect. They give you 3 options in each plan. 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months of service. Now, if you just look at it you see the prices. With the Basic 3 month plan it says $44.95/month. Now that is staggering enough, but if you read the fine print you are billed for all three months at once, so the cheapest payment to eHarmony is $134.85
Match.com is another site that I visited. Match.com will bill you monthly, so you don't have the staggering one installment fee. For the basic membership without any frills it will cost ya $35/month to be on match.com There are extras you can add on- Highlighted profile, e-mail read notification (so you know when people you contacted read your messages)and a first impressions thingy. Each of those will cost ya $5/month.
Christiancafe.com is a dating site dedicated to helping Christians meet other christians. In that area it sounds promising. Christian cafe allows you 10 days free, and if you post a photo you get 3 extra free days, so you can get about two weeks free. For every friend that signs up you get an extra few days free as well. This site will let you pay $29 for two weeks, $35 for a month and on up from there.
Those are the main sites I visited. Out of those 3 sites I like ChristianCafe the best because it allows me to view profiles and photos before I have to even sign up for an account, which is interesting.
I am not totally sure yet what I think of online dating, I know I've talked about it before on here. I still think going to bar and meeting your soul mate is best (ummm...I meant church choir...!) ;) But, online dating is growing in popularity. It seems to look for a lot of people. It isn't for everyone, but that is what makes life so interesting-we can be friends with people and we all have our own stories! I love it!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Facebook Hiatus Continues...
Ok, so I have cheated a few times this week, but mostly I have enjoyed my time away from facebook. Today it hasn't been hard at all, because I feel like uckiness. I am catching some form of a bug and I hope it passes quickly, because being sick is not my idea of a good time.
Yet, there is something to be learned while we are under the weather. It could be that my body is telling me to rest and recover, or to rest and prepare for something coming up. Either way it reminds me to take a time-out and make sure I am overflowing with Living Water.
Being sick also gives me more cuddle time with Queenie, and she loves it. She also gets to be outside more, because I love to sit on my front steps in the sunshine and let the sun warm me up and help me to feel better.
I am starting to yawn, so that is good. I'm off to get some more juice and then head back to bed and fight this darn bug. Have a blessed day, I know that even though I am sick I am still going to count my MANY blessings!
O&O,
JLK
Yet, there is something to be learned while we are under the weather. It could be that my body is telling me to rest and recover, or to rest and prepare for something coming up. Either way it reminds me to take a time-out and make sure I am overflowing with Living Water.
Being sick also gives me more cuddle time with Queenie, and she loves it. She also gets to be outside more, because I love to sit on my front steps in the sunshine and let the sun warm me up and help me to feel better.
I am starting to yawn, so that is good. I'm off to get some more juice and then head back to bed and fight this darn bug. Have a blessed day, I know that even though I am sick I am still going to count my MANY blessings!
O&O,
JLK
Monday, March 22, 2010
Chance Encounter! :)
Our globe really is a small world after all! Here I am sitting at the Richmond Int'l Airport minding my own business, when I happen to look up from my laptop screen (I was working on finishing up a paper). I see that some passengers are heading toward the baggage claim when I do a double take. Lo and behold 2 friends from college are at the airport!
This is a guy that I haven't seen in YEARS but was a GREAT friend of mine in college, we just lost touch. He was with his wife (gf when I knew them). I've been praying for them and wondering what had happened to them! The Lord is amazing. HE knew I needed the boost of seeing an old friend. I think my friend was as shocked as I was that we ran into each other.
We talked for about 15 minutes, but they wanted to get to their car. At least now I have his updated e-mail, cell phone and snail mail addresses so we can hopefully stay in touch better.
I just love chance encounters, they bring a smile to my face and renew my energy, which I need since at 10:00pm I have to get in my car and drive the 2.5 hours to my apartment! What a blessing the Lord brought my way. I pray that you can find all the blessings of each day.
This is a guy that I haven't seen in YEARS but was a GREAT friend of mine in college, we just lost touch. He was with his wife (gf when I knew them). I've been praying for them and wondering what had happened to them! The Lord is amazing. HE knew I needed the boost of seeing an old friend. I think my friend was as shocked as I was that we ran into each other.
We talked for about 15 minutes, but they wanted to get to their car. At least now I have his updated e-mail, cell phone and snail mail addresses so we can hopefully stay in touch better.
I just love chance encounters, they bring a smile to my face and renew my energy, which I need since at 10:00pm I have to get in my car and drive the 2.5 hours to my apartment! What a blessing the Lord brought my way. I pray that you can find all the blessings of each day.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Facebook Sabbatical Day 4
Ok I have to admit I logged on for 30 seconds to update my status. I know, but I wanted to thank all my friends for the marvelous birthday wishes.
Thinking about my birthday I naturally think about life and when life begins. According to many states, life begins when the fetus takes it's first breath. I find that to be utterly ridiculous. I spend 9 months growing and developing in the womb, I shove my way out the birth canal and I'm NOT a human life till I breathe? What is it about inhaling and exhaling that makes me more "alive" than before?
The thing that really makes me shake my head is that many of the same people that are fighting for abortions to be even easier to obtain are the people that are fighting for more rights for animals! Now I have a cat and I love her, she is my sweetie and she is part of my family, but she is a CAT--I don't love her the same way I will my children or my husband. I love my nephew, sister, parents and friends more than my cat!
I'm all for protecting animals from abuse, but when animals have more rights than people that is just asinine. People are more outraged these days by the "murder" of calves for veal than they are by the abortion of a human baby! Veal is aborted calf! How is it that the baby cow is considered to be alive and worthy of rights when the human baby is not? How insane is that?
Moving on from that soapbox to the other issue on my mind which is what to do with my life. Right now I'm in a place where I have amazing friends. I love my friends here, and I am working toward my PhD and I love my school, but there are better schools out there that offer the emphasis on trauma counseling that I want. If I stay where I am my studies will be broad and any focus I get will have to be independent studies or going to clinics. If I am going to pay for a PhD why not pay for it somewhere that offers the classes I want, especially if that school is in DC?
It is no secret that DC is my favorite city. I love US history, I love our political system (though I'm fed up with the direction our country is going and that we Americans are allowing the liberals to do whatever they want. We need more grassroots efforts like the Teaparty Movement to spring up and force lawmakers to realize some things) and I love city life. DC offers 3 of my favorite things in one place- and a lot of the museums and memorials are FREE! Can't beat that!
So I am praying. Do I stay here, in a town that I like with friends and a church that I love? Or do I pack up and move to a city that I love and go to a school that offers exactly what I want? It would be hard to leave my friends, I hate making new friends, I'm not good at it, too introverted (it is easy to be honest on a blog, harder to go out of my comfort zone and meet new people IRL). I don't know what to do, so I'm praying about my decision.
I want to follow the Lord's guidance, I want to be in the city where HE wants me, doing the work that HE wants me to do, and loving and serving the people that HE puts in my life. That may be here, it may be DC, or it may be somewhere else totally different. The important thing is to seek HIS guidance and then follow it.
All these thoughts and more as I continue my Facebook sabbatical. Have a blessed evening!
-Me-
Thinking about my birthday I naturally think about life and when life begins. According to many states, life begins when the fetus takes it's first breath. I find that to be utterly ridiculous. I spend 9 months growing and developing in the womb, I shove my way out the birth canal and I'm NOT a human life till I breathe? What is it about inhaling and exhaling that makes me more "alive" than before?
The thing that really makes me shake my head is that many of the same people that are fighting for abortions to be even easier to obtain are the people that are fighting for more rights for animals! Now I have a cat and I love her, she is my sweetie and she is part of my family, but she is a CAT--I don't love her the same way I will my children or my husband. I love my nephew, sister, parents and friends more than my cat!
I'm all for protecting animals from abuse, but when animals have more rights than people that is just asinine. People are more outraged these days by the "murder" of calves for veal than they are by the abortion of a human baby! Veal is aborted calf! How is it that the baby cow is considered to be alive and worthy of rights when the human baby is not? How insane is that?
Moving on from that soapbox to the other issue on my mind which is what to do with my life. Right now I'm in a place where I have amazing friends. I love my friends here, and I am working toward my PhD and I love my school, but there are better schools out there that offer the emphasis on trauma counseling that I want. If I stay where I am my studies will be broad and any focus I get will have to be independent studies or going to clinics. If I am going to pay for a PhD why not pay for it somewhere that offers the classes I want, especially if that school is in DC?
It is no secret that DC is my favorite city. I love US history, I love our political system (though I'm fed up with the direction our country is going and that we Americans are allowing the liberals to do whatever they want. We need more grassroots efforts like the Teaparty Movement to spring up and force lawmakers to realize some things) and I love city life. DC offers 3 of my favorite things in one place- and a lot of the museums and memorials are FREE! Can't beat that!
So I am praying. Do I stay here, in a town that I like with friends and a church that I love? Or do I pack up and move to a city that I love and go to a school that offers exactly what I want? It would be hard to leave my friends, I hate making new friends, I'm not good at it, too introverted (it is easy to be honest on a blog, harder to go out of my comfort zone and meet new people IRL). I don't know what to do, so I'm praying about my decision.
I want to follow the Lord's guidance, I want to be in the city where HE wants me, doing the work that HE wants me to do, and loving and serving the people that HE puts in my life. That may be here, it may be DC, or it may be somewhere else totally different. The important thing is to seek HIS guidance and then follow it.
All these thoughts and more as I continue my Facebook sabbatical. Have a blessed evening!
-Me-
Friday, March 19, 2010
Facebook Sabbatical Hour 48
I am into the 48th hour of my 240 hour Facebook Sabbatical (that is 10 days folks)! I have to say, while I'm still not willing to admit that I was (am) addicted to the social networking site, I will say I miss catching up with people and seeing what is going on in my friends' lives. It is a fun way to keep up with others, and not being on there makes me feel like I'm disconnected somehow-even though people can reach by other means.
On the other hand it is also nice and freeing in a way. I have spent the time I normally waste on fb by reading and driving a friend to an airport 2.5 hours away. So, it isn't like I have had a hard time and have just been sitting here.
All my thoughts on time have brought me to conclude something and that is the heart of tonight's blog.
How many things do we do just because they are easy? Not that easy is all bad-I am certainly thankful for many things like my laundry machines! But, how often do we let the easy things take up more of our time than they should? How often do we do things without realizing how much of our time is being spent doing them, when it could be spent on more worthwhile pursuits?
I am learning that I want to make sure I am being a good steward of my time. I want to be honoring the Lord with how I use each hour He gives me, because I'm not guaranteed the next. I want people to see me as a person that works hard, honors her commitments, loves her friends and family and has packed my life with as much life as possible, and I can't be all that if I'm not constantly evaluating how I'm using the time. Am I spending it well, or am I letting the easy, habit forming things take up too much time?
Hour 48-all is well, but all is quiet on my Facebook profile...if only I could post that it is going well... :) (Just kidding)
On the other hand it is also nice and freeing in a way. I have spent the time I normally waste on fb by reading and driving a friend to an airport 2.5 hours away. So, it isn't like I have had a hard time and have just been sitting here.
All my thoughts on time have brought me to conclude something and that is the heart of tonight's blog.
How many things do we do just because they are easy? Not that easy is all bad-I am certainly thankful for many things like my laundry machines! But, how often do we let the easy things take up more of our time than they should? How often do we do things without realizing how much of our time is being spent doing them, when it could be spent on more worthwhile pursuits?
I am learning that I want to make sure I am being a good steward of my time. I want to be honoring the Lord with how I use each hour He gives me, because I'm not guaranteed the next. I want people to see me as a person that works hard, honors her commitments, loves her friends and family and has packed my life with as much life as possible, and I can't be all that if I'm not constantly evaluating how I'm using the time. Am I spending it well, or am I letting the easy, habit forming things take up too much time?
Hour 48-all is well, but all is quiet on my Facebook profile...if only I could post that it is going well... :) (Just kidding)
Friday, March 12, 2010
Excerpt...
The following is an excerpt from my 2nd book "If You're Crazy Talk to Me: the unconventional escapades of a Christian sex therapist"
The main character is in her mid 20's and has been working as a sex therapist since she graduated from a Christian university. She is single and the story contains clips from her sessions with clients as well as her own mixed up dating life.
The point of my story is to entertain, but to also bring about a 21st Century view of how sexuality can be dealt with in the church. The church tends to shy away from anything that has to do with sex. We tell our youth "wait till marriage" and leave it at that. Not cool. So I wanted to take a humorous look at the subject while remaining true to Godly principles.
In this excerpt Jilly is talking with her gals about a guy that she thinks likes her, but she is on the fence. BTW- this is copyrighted so no stealing it! I don't want to have to visit you in the big house!
**************************************
"Kat, you are not listening. I need advice here! I'm going crazy!"
"Jilly I love ya girl, but you see this here phone, when it rings I have to answer or this here chair will be occupied by someone else and I'll be out on my tush looking for another job and I love my job!" Kat told her
"Yes, because you have the meanest, orneriest boss in the world!" Jilly laughed, because she was Kat's boss. But the two were as close as sisters and Jilly didn't know what she'd do without either Katherine or Meagan her other sister-friend who was the other therapist in the office. Meagan and Jilly relied on Kat to keep them straight at work and sometimes out of the office.
"By the way where is Meagan, I didn't think she had another appointment till this afternoon. I need both of you for advice. I have a huge conundrum." Jilly said
"While you were with Mr. and Mrs. Smiley Meagan got a call from her sister. Little Carl is sick and Andrea can't get away from court to take him to the doctor, so Meagan is doing it and will be back ASAP. She has a 2 o'clock with the Greens."
"I hope Carl is ok, he is a sweetie and a half!"
"Me too, now back to your guy problem. If I can't solve it for ya we can talk to Meagan this evening after we close up shop."
"Ok, so you know this guy Jimmy that I met one night when out with the GAP guys?" At Kat's nod Jilly continued, "He had I have done a few things together in groups, and we talk on IM quite a bit. He is a nurse Bethesda. We flirt back and forth all the time and I'm getting the vibe that he likes me, but I just don't know what I think of him. I'm not sure if I'm attracted to him or not."
"Since you met him at a GAP outing I'm going out on a limb and assuming he is Christian?" at Jilly's affirmative Kat continued, "Do you have fun talking to him, hanging out with him? What do the guys think of him? Do they hang out with him just because he is in the Sunday school class, or is he actually part of the group?"
"He is newer to the group but he seems to be part of it. He and Jeff do a lot of things together. Oh Jeff...now there is a guy I am good friends with and totally attracted to! But, I do't feel like waiting till I'm 40 for him to get around to doing anything."
"Yes well that is Jeff and that is his bad, you know we ALL think you and Jeff would be great, but unless God does a feeding the thousands type miracle he is going to remain the Jeff we know, love and fret over! So back to Jimmy. I think that IF he asks you out you should go. Maybe you are not attracted to him now, but it might grow. The more you get to know him you might find a growing attraction. And as you tell clients "Attraction is important, it is a God ordained part of a relationship, but the whole relationship is not about physical attraction it is about friendship, trust, spiritual attraction and shared experiences."
"True! So on the off chance that he asks me out I should say yes?"
"Totally! Besides it would just be a date or two, you are not the type to run off and get married on the 1st date, so if it doesn't work out, while there will be hearts to mend, it is ok."
"True! Thanks friend! I love ya! Now, what is going on with you and Dale?"
"We are great! Thursday will be 9 months! He is amazing. Every time I see him I'm like WOW! This guy loves me! I don't deserve it, he is way out of my league!"
"He is great! But you are the one out of his league girlfriend! You deserve a prince and if Dale is that prince than I can't wait to see the ring!"
"You and me both! Last night we were wandering around the mall by his church and as we passed by one of the jewelery stores I couldn't help but stop. He actually seemed to pay more attention than he normally does. So who knows. I know that I love him and that for the first time I found a guy that knows how to be a spiritual leader without being domineering about it. How sexy is that!?!"
"Totally sexy! I'm so excited for the two of you. You are coming over Sunday after church right? Lunch and then the race on my new screen! I love my new media area in my loft. God is blessing me beyond what I deserve. I can't believe my book is selling so quickly!"
"We will be there! Dale is excited. Who else is coming?"
"Meagan her new roomie, Cheryl. Brad, Mark and Jenn. Should be fun. Potluck style, don't forget!"
"I won't, now get back to your office I have papers Boss 2 wants me to type up for her and you have an appointment in...10 minutes so hustle to the chapel and prepare." The girls made a point of heading to the little room they had decorated as a prayer chapel before each appointment, so that they would be ready emotionally and spiritually to help their clients.
*************************
This story is in the really fun stage right now for an author. I hope you enjoyed. Have a blessed weekend!
The main character is in her mid 20's and has been working as a sex therapist since she graduated from a Christian university. She is single and the story contains clips from her sessions with clients as well as her own mixed up dating life.
The point of my story is to entertain, but to also bring about a 21st Century view of how sexuality can be dealt with in the church. The church tends to shy away from anything that has to do with sex. We tell our youth "wait till marriage" and leave it at that. Not cool. So I wanted to take a humorous look at the subject while remaining true to Godly principles.
In this excerpt Jilly is talking with her gals about a guy that she thinks likes her, but she is on the fence. BTW- this is copyrighted so no stealing it! I don't want to have to visit you in the big house!
**************************************
"Kat, you are not listening. I need advice here! I'm going crazy!"
"Jilly I love ya girl, but you see this here phone, when it rings I have to answer or this here chair will be occupied by someone else and I'll be out on my tush looking for another job and I love my job!" Kat told her
"Yes, because you have the meanest, orneriest boss in the world!" Jilly laughed, because she was Kat's boss. But the two were as close as sisters and Jilly didn't know what she'd do without either Katherine or Meagan her other sister-friend who was the other therapist in the office. Meagan and Jilly relied on Kat to keep them straight at work and sometimes out of the office.
"By the way where is Meagan, I didn't think she had another appointment till this afternoon. I need both of you for advice. I have a huge conundrum." Jilly said
"While you were with Mr. and Mrs. Smiley Meagan got a call from her sister. Little Carl is sick and Andrea can't get away from court to take him to the doctor, so Meagan is doing it and will be back ASAP. She has a 2 o'clock with the Greens."
"I hope Carl is ok, he is a sweetie and a half!"
"Me too, now back to your guy problem. If I can't solve it for ya we can talk to Meagan this evening after we close up shop."
"Ok, so you know this guy Jimmy that I met one night when out with the GAP guys?" At Kat's nod Jilly continued, "He had I have done a few things together in groups, and we talk on IM quite a bit. He is a nurse Bethesda. We flirt back and forth all the time and I'm getting the vibe that he likes me, but I just don't know what I think of him. I'm not sure if I'm attracted to him or not."
"Since you met him at a GAP outing I'm going out on a limb and assuming he is Christian?" at Jilly's affirmative Kat continued, "Do you have fun talking to him, hanging out with him? What do the guys think of him? Do they hang out with him just because he is in the Sunday school class, or is he actually part of the group?"
"He is newer to the group but he seems to be part of it. He and Jeff do a lot of things together. Oh Jeff...now there is a guy I am good friends with and totally attracted to! But, I do't feel like waiting till I'm 40 for him to get around to doing anything."
"Yes well that is Jeff and that is his bad, you know we ALL think you and Jeff would be great, but unless God does a feeding the thousands type miracle he is going to remain the Jeff we know, love and fret over! So back to Jimmy. I think that IF he asks you out you should go. Maybe you are not attracted to him now, but it might grow. The more you get to know him you might find a growing attraction. And as you tell clients "Attraction is important, it is a God ordained part of a relationship, but the whole relationship is not about physical attraction it is about friendship, trust, spiritual attraction and shared experiences."
"True! So on the off chance that he asks me out I should say yes?"
"Totally! Besides it would just be a date or two, you are not the type to run off and get married on the 1st date, so if it doesn't work out, while there will be hearts to mend, it is ok."
"True! Thanks friend! I love ya! Now, what is going on with you and Dale?"
"We are great! Thursday will be 9 months! He is amazing. Every time I see him I'm like WOW! This guy loves me! I don't deserve it, he is way out of my league!"
"He is great! But you are the one out of his league girlfriend! You deserve a prince and if Dale is that prince than I can't wait to see the ring!"
"You and me both! Last night we were wandering around the mall by his church and as we passed by one of the jewelery stores I couldn't help but stop. He actually seemed to pay more attention than he normally does. So who knows. I know that I love him and that for the first time I found a guy that knows how to be a spiritual leader without being domineering about it. How sexy is that!?!"
"Totally sexy! I'm so excited for the two of you. You are coming over Sunday after church right? Lunch and then the race on my new screen! I love my new media area in my loft. God is blessing me beyond what I deserve. I can't believe my book is selling so quickly!"
"We will be there! Dale is excited. Who else is coming?"
"Meagan her new roomie, Cheryl. Brad, Mark and Jenn. Should be fun. Potluck style, don't forget!"
"I won't, now get back to your office I have papers Boss 2 wants me to type up for her and you have an appointment in...10 minutes so hustle to the chapel and prepare." The girls made a point of heading to the little room they had decorated as a prayer chapel before each appointment, so that they would be ready emotionally and spiritually to help their clients.
*************************
This story is in the really fun stage right now for an author. I hope you enjoyed. Have a blessed weekend!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
My Deepest Fear
Well folks after my last post I need to write about something a little bit lighter. So I thought I would confide my deepest fear! I am terrified of roller-coasters! I don't even really like to watch my friends ride them because I'm afraid to witness a tragedy (and yes there have roller-coaster related injuries and deaths in history).
I know that MILLIONS of people ride coasters each year and survive. In fact I hear the testimonies of friends that say coasters are...FUN! I know, these people must be on something! Who in their right mind would think the death coasters are fun!?! These are the people that probably keep counselors in business because they are psycho, right?
Is my phobia really justified? Ever since a conversation I had a few months ago with 3 "friends" I have been wondering. Being me, I have also done some research and it turns out that NOT everyone who mounts a coaster dies! Yep there is not a 100% mortality rate on the scary things! In fact the coasters at theme parks like Disney and Busch Gardens are pretty safe. Weird!
The 3 "friends" I mentioned are great, I love them! But in April (that is NEXT month! GULP) are going to make me pay to go to Busch Gardens here in VA and ride a coaster! I have been told that I'm not getting out of it. 27 years is old enough to overcome this phobia.
So like it or not, in just over a month I'm going to be strapped into a coaster and whirled around a track and just maybe, if I pray really hard before and during, and if I have others interceding on my behalf I will be able to walk away after the ride and not plummet to my death.
Valium anyone? Tequila maybe? Lord, I pray in advance that you forgive the foolishness that I will commit when I ride the death coaster, and please protect me!
PS...If I survive I'll blog all about the trip- I'll even include pictures! :) But, the key is that I'll have to survive...
I know that MILLIONS of people ride coasters each year and survive. In fact I hear the testimonies of friends that say coasters are...FUN! I know, these people must be on something! Who in their right mind would think the death coasters are fun!?! These are the people that probably keep counselors in business because they are psycho, right?
Is my phobia really justified? Ever since a conversation I had a few months ago with 3 "friends" I have been wondering. Being me, I have also done some research and it turns out that NOT everyone who mounts a coaster dies! Yep there is not a 100% mortality rate on the scary things! In fact the coasters at theme parks like Disney and Busch Gardens are pretty safe. Weird!
The 3 "friends" I mentioned are great, I love them! But in April (that is NEXT month! GULP) are going to make me pay to go to Busch Gardens here in VA and ride a coaster! I have been told that I'm not getting out of it. 27 years is old enough to overcome this phobia.
So like it or not, in just over a month I'm going to be strapped into a coaster and whirled around a track and just maybe, if I pray really hard before and during, and if I have others interceding on my behalf I will be able to walk away after the ride and not plummet to my death.
Valium anyone? Tequila maybe? Lord, I pray in advance that you forgive the foolishness that I will commit when I ride the death coaster, and please protect me!
PS...If I survive I'll blog all about the trip- I'll even include pictures! :) But, the key is that I'll have to survive...
The Cycle of Life
Being as my focus for my PhD will be on working with military families, and I have a lot of friends that are either active duty, reservists or vets one would think I've come to terms with the fact that we all die.
Well in a sense I have. I know that most likely none of us are going to pull an Enoch and be swept up to Heaven without dying, and even if we do pull an Enoch there is still the passing to deal with.
Death is not an easy subject. There are no magic words a person can say to make it easier to deal with a friend or family member passing. As Christians we know that when we die we are entering Heaven and we know that our Christian loved ones that have passed are right now praising God. That gives us hope, but it doesn't make the pain go away. It doesn't mean we don't miss the people that have died. Heck, Christ who knew firsthand (because He was there before time began) what Heaven was like wept when His friend Lazarus died. If death causes God to mourn, how much more do we mourn?
Last night (or rather early this morning) I received a text from a dear friend informing me that her dad has just passed away. That is never good news. I weep for her and for the pain that she is dealing with, the decisions that have to be made in this time of sorrow.
Yet, today is also my Mom's birthday. A day to celebrate life and accomplishments. Death and life on the same day. The cycle of life: I celebrate my Mom's life and my friend mourns her dad's death. There is no better picture for two absolutes. People will be born and people will die.
I'm still trying to figure this life out. I think that I'll be trying to make sense of life up to the day I die and can FINALLY talk face to face with the holy Lord and hopefully get some straight answers.
Till then I will continue to celebrate life's joys (be they big or small) and mourn life's hardships (be they little inconveniences or major trials) because life is a roller-coaster that begins with earth and continues to move along a track till the Lord tells us it is our time to get off.
Well in a sense I have. I know that most likely none of us are going to pull an Enoch and be swept up to Heaven without dying, and even if we do pull an Enoch there is still the passing to deal with.
Death is not an easy subject. There are no magic words a person can say to make it easier to deal with a friend or family member passing. As Christians we know that when we die we are entering Heaven and we know that our Christian loved ones that have passed are right now praising God. That gives us hope, but it doesn't make the pain go away. It doesn't mean we don't miss the people that have died. Heck, Christ who knew firsthand (because He was there before time began) what Heaven was like wept when His friend Lazarus died. If death causes God to mourn, how much more do we mourn?
Last night (or rather early this morning) I received a text from a dear friend informing me that her dad has just passed away. That is never good news. I weep for her and for the pain that she is dealing with, the decisions that have to be made in this time of sorrow.
Yet, today is also my Mom's birthday. A day to celebrate life and accomplishments. Death and life on the same day. The cycle of life: I celebrate my Mom's life and my friend mourns her dad's death. There is no better picture for two absolutes. People will be born and people will die.
I'm still trying to figure this life out. I think that I'll be trying to make sense of life up to the day I die and can FINALLY talk face to face with the holy Lord and hopefully get some straight answers.
Till then I will continue to celebrate life's joys (be they big or small) and mourn life's hardships (be they little inconveniences or major trials) because life is a roller-coaster that begins with earth and continues to move along a track till the Lord tells us it is our time to get off.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
MARCHing Toward Spring!
Right now I am sitting at my favorite little cafe table at my public library. I have a window beside me, and everywhere else I look there are books, books and more books! I love books! A book can take us anywhere: we can solve crimes alongside the greatest sleuths, we can boldly go where no man has gone before, we can watch the delicate dance of an 18th century romance, or we can fend off vampires, potato famines, or war. I love to get lost in the pages of a well crafted book, be it fiction or non-fiction.
If I pause to look out the window I see some snow, but mostly dead grass and cloudy skies. Yet, I know that before this month is over that will change because March is the month that ushers in Spring! Spring is the season for hope, for renewal and for cleaning. The long hibernation of winter (and all the beauty of the snow) is drawing to an end and generally people feel more optimistic during Spring. The grass is green, the leaves return to the trees, and people are able to be outside without bundling up in 12 layers of clothing! Not to mention how wonderful the plants smell!
It is no wonder that people love Spring so much! There is another good thing about March...birthdays! My best friend's birthday is tomorrow, my Mom's is the 11th, I celebrate mine on the 17th (the nation and St. Pat celebrate with me), and my Aunt has her birthday on the 20th! I love birthdays, it is a chance to focus on having some fun, and also on what we've accomplished and what we hope to accomplish in our next year. Plus, it beats the alternative (even though I can't wait for Heaven, I'm not ready to go yet).
March is such a great month, it is one of my 12 favorites in fact!
If I pause to look out the window I see some snow, but mostly dead grass and cloudy skies. Yet, I know that before this month is over that will change because March is the month that ushers in Spring! Spring is the season for hope, for renewal and for cleaning. The long hibernation of winter (and all the beauty of the snow) is drawing to an end and generally people feel more optimistic during Spring. The grass is green, the leaves return to the trees, and people are able to be outside without bundling up in 12 layers of clothing! Not to mention how wonderful the plants smell!
It is no wonder that people love Spring so much! There is another good thing about March...birthdays! My best friend's birthday is tomorrow, my Mom's is the 11th, I celebrate mine on the 17th (the nation and St. Pat celebrate with me), and my Aunt has her birthday on the 20th! I love birthdays, it is a chance to focus on having some fun, and also on what we've accomplished and what we hope to accomplish in our next year. Plus, it beats the alternative (even though I can't wait for Heaven, I'm not ready to go yet).
March is such a great month, it is one of my 12 favorites in fact!
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