Lost . . and Found

I pride myself on taking good care of my belongings and never losing anything. But lately, I've realized that there are several things that I have been missing for quite awhile. Such as:

- this cute floral button-down Abercrombie shirt that I only wore a few times
- camel-colored leather Mia wooden heels that went with everything
- my favorite comb that is broken but, nevertheless, it's my favorite
- the remote control to my stereo
- Wired hair gel that I used every time I wore my hair wavy
- my super-comfy Reef flip-flops
- my digital camera software CD (which has been the source of many frustrations lately since downloading off the Internet has somehow not been working)
- my favorite yellow highlighter
- my fonts and clips CD for scrapbooking
- my Tim McGraw CD

Some of these things I've been missing for months and I still wonder where they could've gone (especially the heels). You would've thought that when I moved four months ago some of these things would show up, but no such luck. All this has lead me to believe that I shouldn't brag about never misplacing things, because clearly organization is not my strong point. I like to say I am organized, because I do love organization and everything in its place, but let's just say, it doesn't come naturally. I suppose I claim to be tidy, because I dream of someday achieving a lifestyle of tidiness and hope that proclaiming that over myself will one day result in me being the perfect housekeeper I dream of being. . . . It's possible.

Update: I cleaned my room and even bothered to finish emptying my suitcase from vacation a month ago - and, sure enough, I have now recovered my comb, my flip flops, and my hair gel. Yess.

My knees

My knees are tomboys
I'm proud of them and I wear my dresses short
[I could] worry I will never marry with knees like that
But I know there's someone out there
Who will say to me:
I love you and I love your knees
I want the four of us to grow old together

-This Nikewomen.com ad made me think of my scarred knees; the left with two scars from two ACL surgeries (one is huge); the right with a small scar from falling on the playground in 3rd grade and getting stitches. I suppose they add character.

Life-Giving Life

Pastor Les gave the greatest message yesterday. He talked about "How to Live a Life-Giving Life". God had a plan for mankind from the very beginning and when He comes back, He will restore things to the way He first intended them to be (and those who know Him can live with Him forever). God's desire is for us to live a life-giving life. Isn't it so awesome that he doesn't just want to forgive us to forgive us, but to offer us a full life?!

It always saddens me to see others living for themselves and their temporary pleasures believing that living for God will spoil their fun. It's the complete opposite! I was talking to a friend the other day who said to me, "I know you have fun, but I couldn't have fun the way you do" (meaning sober and living for the Lord). What a lie! God is the one who created fun and pleasure. My friend may be having a good time with his friends (I don't dispute that), but he has no idea that he is missing out on so much more. Life is about a lot more than having an occasional good time. When I observe my friend in his "element" where he is drinking too much and getting loud and rowdy with friends, what I see is someone who desperately wants to live a full life , have relationships with people, feel good about who he is and be likeable (gain affirmation from others), and when I talk to him about life, I see someone who wants to have a purpose in life. This is the way God made him. This is the way God made all of us.

From the very beginning, He meant for us to have a wonderful friendship with Him and with others, filled with love. He wanted us to care more about other people than we do ourselves, because we gain our sense of self from Him and not from the people we're around or what we see when we look at ourselves. He wanted us to "be fruitful and increase" and have a great destiny.

Pastor Les talked about the two trees in the middle of the garden of Eden - the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. There were lots of trees in the garden that Adam and Eve could eat from (God is all about freedom). There was one that he told them not to. The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. I've always been able to comprehend why we shouldn't know about evil - because it will steal from us, kill us, and destroy us (even when it looks so appealing). But, it was interesting to see why God didn't want us to have a knowledge of good either. Because a knowledge of good causes us to see ourselves as never good enough. It causes us to see things as good, better, and best and we are always comparing and striving to be good people. If we eat from the tree of the KG&E, then emotionally, spiritually, and mentally we will die. "Every wound, hurt, grudge, pressure, fear, and struggle, has its source in the tree of the KG&E."

Thank you, God, for the Tree of Life. Thank you that we can choose You and choose life. And fulfilling, love-filled life at that!
(Click on my Trinity Church link and hear the message for yourself.)

No one like You

I've been dreaming of you
My thoughts are always on you

There is no one like you - I know, I've looked
There is something about the way you touch my heart
In that place that no one else could ever touch

I've been singing of you
My heart is always towards you
I've been dancing with you, my King
I just want to be embraced in the arms of my King

There is no one like you - I know, I've looked
There is something about the way you touch my heart
In that place that no one else could ever touch . . . . . they could never touch

No one touches my heart like you do
No one touches my heart like you do

- "Taken Back; My Only", Brownsville Youth Worship CD

Fall Fever

I have a love/hate relationship with Fall. Before fall comes, I feel excited about all the things it brings. Fall means, first and foremost, football season. (Can't wait to see the Huskers play this year. Last year, I was standing behind the Estee Lauder counter almost every Saturday!) I also love the smells of fall and watching the trees change color over the months. (This year, BF and I are planning on getting some great pics outdoors.) Fall means jean jackets and hoodies - two of my favorite things. It means I can go golfing without breaking a sweat. It means pumpkins and Thanksgiving are coming soon, and Christmas is right around the corner. So, as much as I hate seeing summer come to an end (because it is my favorite season), there is a lot to look forward to in the fall. This, however, is my attitude before the ragweed fills the air and I remember that Fall is . . . allergy season. I'm basically allergic to the outdoors. It means hay fever. . . itchy eyes, itchy throat, an itch that goes deep into my inner ears . . . sneezing that brings on headaches, and either serious drainage, congestion, or runny nose (I'm not sure which I prefer).

I remember the first time my allergies hit. I was in the 3rd grade, playing soccer out on the field, and had to get sent home from school because my eyes were so swollen that I looked like I'd been hit in the face with a bat. Every year I hope for a miracle and wait until it hits before I'll get my meds. This year, it came a week later than usual, and yesterday I was forced to stock up on prescription pills, nasal spray, and eye drops in hopes that this fall will be bearable.

23 Random Questions

Fridays are slow days at work. I love it. It's a good way to wind down and prepare for the weekend. I found this on another blog and thought it might be fun:

1. if you had to choose between a million bucks or to be able to go back in time and fix all your mistakes which would you choose?
i'd take the money. the mistakes i've made have taught me a lot.

2. when you look at yourself in the mirror, what's the first thing you look at?
my eyes

3. how much cash do you have on you right now?
all the cash i'll need to live on for the next two weeks.

4. favorite plant? i love hostas (sp??) outdoors

5. who is the 4th person on your missed call list on your cell phone? Ben (XB)

6. what is your main ring tone on your phone? just a plain ring tone

7. what shirt are you wearing? an abercrombie tee (it's casual day!)

8. do you "label" yourself? nope - that would be hard to do

9. name brand of your shoes currently wearing? Gap flip flops

10. do you prefer a bright or dark room?depends on the situation.

11. what did you have for breakfast? wheaties

12. what were you doing at midnight last night?sleeping!

13. last thought you had before you had a wreck? oh my gosh! she's going to hit me!

14. what did your last text message you received on your cell phone say? "I have fringe group until 8:30" (jenni letting me know she's busy)

15. what's an expression that you say a lot? I feel like I say "Mercy" a lot, but I have a new cousin with that name, so I may need to find a new expression

16. who told you they loved you last? best friend

17. last furry thing you touched? nelly, my cat

18. how many hours a week do you work? 40

19. how many rolls of film do you need to get developed? none; i do digital

20. favorite age you have been so far? hmm, either 19 or 23; every age has had its perks i think

21. your worst enemy? Satan of course

22. what is your current desk top picture? one of my favorite beaches

23. what was the last thing you said to someone?
"i'm glad they're improving the training procedures" (because it sucked when I was trained)

Family Pics @ Ventura

Yay! A picture. Here's Alyssa, Joy, & I at Grandma's lake. We were there celebrating a bunch of family birthdays in the month of August . It was also the night of the annual Lake Ventura family picnic.







Dad got a drum set for his 50th! He used to play in a band. Now all he needs is a Harley.



Justin (cousin) was back visiting from D.C. so we all had our usual discussion on politics. Too bad his wife, Kier, couldn't come along this trip. He'll be a dad in just a few months. Can't wait to see what they're having.


Grandma was the perfect hostess, as usual. She loves having people out. Unfortunately she didn't cook tonight. But we had three different kinds of dessert after unwrapping gifts.

She's Gone Country

BF (best friend) & I fell in love with country music about six years ago. I was a big-time hater until she made me listen to "It's Your Love". After that, I listened to country radio constantly just hear that song, meanwhile discovering tons of other great songs. One of our fave songs back then was "Little Red Rodeo" by Collin Raye. So, when we found out he was going to be in town last Friday, we decided to go. We've just recently begun listening to country again, so it was the perfect time to go to our first country concert. We put on our straw cowboy hats right before we got out of the car and made sure to park by the big flashing sign so we wouldn't get lost like last time we were at Mid-America. We hadn't gotten our tickets yet, but when we asked for the best we ended up with tickets right in the middle of the front row! (Too bad it wasn't a Coldplay concert or something.) Anyway, it was a good time. Even got to shake Collin's hand - ooooh.

Afterwards, we got into Ribfest free and heard what's-his-name sing "Hicktown" which is also one of my current favorites. I tried some deep-fried Oreos and we walked around looking for a good place to take a picture. After finding a spot, we just stood there waiting for someone to walk by who we felt comfortable asking to take a picture of us. After about five minutes of waiting and letting a ton of people walk by, BF says, "Laur, everyone here is W.T. We have to just ask someone." (And she meant that in the nicest way possible.) But I mean, hasn't that ever happened to you? You're wanting to ask someone to take your picture, but no one "feels" right. They either look mean, or unclean, or too old to know how to use a camera. Finally, there they were - the perfect couple. And the man loved taking pictures. He even offered to take more than one. It pays to wait, I guess. Wish I could post one of the pics - they're so cute - but I lost my digital camera software CD. Oh, but don't worry - my next buy will be a cute little Canon I've been eyeing for a long time.

The Plan

So, today I'm starting "The Plan" which really isn't much of plan, because I have very vague guidelines that I am following. Nevertheless, I hope to follow my gut (only not literally because then I will fail) and the basic guidelines of my plan and get back in shape the way I want to be. I plan to not eat any dessert (please don't tempt me) lots of fruits and veggies, small portions, no pasta, only 100% whole grain bread (because I heard the way to lose is by staying away from enriched flour), and exercise 4-5 times a week. In order to motivate myself to exercise more, I am buying an iPod tonight. I have wanted one for over a year and I feel like being impulsive today. Just don't tell those holding me accountable to my budget. I've thought about getting my heart broken again, because that's always a good motivator, but when the opportunity presented itself I decided against it. Of course it's not really that I need motivation. I want to work out, but so many things really do get in the way and then it just doesn't fit into my schedule as often as it used to. But, I figure with fall approaching it won't be so terribly hot and humid at night, so I can power walk or run a lot. So far, my first day has been pretty successful. I've eaten a chicken salad, veggies, and a very small pizza (not the best choice), and I power-walked 3 miles. So, I'm optimistic. I'm off to do some crunches . . .

The wind in my face

Do you ever have those moments when you think, "Life couldn't be better than right now in this moment" and you just want to freeze the moment or keep reliving it over and over? It's like something wells up inside of you and you're just . . . happy. I've had many moments like that, but I've noticed lately that one thing invariably gives me that feeling every time . . . the wind in my face.

Le Crocodile & Other Guilty Pleasures

I was in one of my favorite boutiques the other day (which I have yet to actually buy anything from) when I spotted a book called, "1,001 Guilty Pleasures: The Things We Hate to Love". I flipped it open and it landed right on one of my favorite things . . . Lacoste shirts. They're stuffy and preppy, but I love 'em. . . and I've been known to pay too much for them. And it's not just because I love the alligator . . (which I just found out is actually a crocodile, named after golf pro, Rene Lacoste, "Le Crocodile") . . it's because it reminds me of my grandpa. I was so young when he passed away, but I remember the 80s and how he would go golfing in his plaid pants, cardigan sweaters, and Lacoste (Izod) polos. I realize that, back then, that was not exactly an unusual thing to wear, but it still just reminds me of Grandpa. I remember the first time I bought my own . . . 6 years ago, at Weekenders on Pearl Street in Boulder. It was a navy blue t-shirt at half price, which was still a lot for a t-shirt, but I didn't care. I was little upset when my mom washed it improperly and the color faded really bad, but I suppose it gives it character and perhaps gives it a really cool vintage look. I remember saying, "Mom, this is made in France - you can't wash it like a regular shirt." My next purchase was in Scottsdale where I made what was then my biggest splurge to date and bought a white velour cap-sleeve jacket with cute blocks of color on the shoulders. Only my best friend and her brother know, and will ever know, how much it set me back. Since then, I've only bought one more, a camo green polo, with my excellent Von Maur discount. The thing is, it's not like these shirts are that cool. They might be cool if they were actually vintage 80s, but they're not. I mean it's not like I'm turning heads and everyone is coveting my designer threads. But, alas, my sentimental self just loves them. And, this is why Lacoste shirts are one of my guilty pleasures . . one of the many things I hate to love.
Other guilty pleasures include: Michael Bolton, Rod Stewart, Ashlee Simpson (dare I even admit this), Macaroni & Cheese w/ peas (always), large amounts of cookie dough, country music videos, and the Bachelor. And you??? . . .

Happy on my Birthday

Yesterday was great. It was such a nice day. For starters, my dad had left me very sweet note on my bathroom mirror, that I found when stumbling into the dark bathroom before the sun had come up. It was a great thing to wake up to. I worked, of course, but I knew I couldn't let it be just any ordinary work day. I share a birthday with one of my favorite co-workers, so I asked her what her favorite cake was (cheesecake) and I brought both her favorite and mine (triple chocolate bundt cake) to share with everyone. (Thanks to Mom for baking my favorite at 10 o'clock at night!) I was shocked to find my desk decorated with balloons and streamers when I got to work (and I hear they only do that for people they like - phew!) Let me just say it really does make a difference in your work day when you're surrounded by birthday decorations. Once I sent out the email to my department letting them know about the cakes (though it was 9:30 a.m.), less than 2 minutes later I had some hungry visitors coming in the door with plate and fork in hand, singing a jazzy rendition of "Happy Birthday". Let's just say the cakes were gone before too long. I brought birthday hats, too, and some people actually wore them. I got a couple of cute e-cards at work and took a break with my friend who gave me some cute Kenneth Cole travel bags. I received a couple phone calls over lunch, too. After work, I picked up my best friend, (who got me a cool piece of pottery and a belt from Peru, plus a GC to Sheridan's Custard-yum!) and we went to Firebirds with my mom and grandma. It was so delicious. I got salmon, of course, with mashed potatoes and peppers, and shared a chocolate dessert with my best friend. I opened up my birthday gift from my grandma and parents - a white gold necklace with yellow topaz pendant. It's so pretty! BF & I went to Wal-Mart to pick up . . . The Cosby Show on DVD and went back to her place to watch the pilot. We also watched that Tommy Lee show where he goes to school at UNL, which was pretty cool since we both went to college there (me, only freshman year). And, by the way, that dorm he's living in is NOT in the Neihardt honors dorm - it's way bigger. All that to say . . . my birthday was so great. It's so much more fun when you don't expect the world to revolve around you.

Tuesday

My birthday is in two days and it's gonna be great. And the reason it's gonna be great is because I have no expectations. I've decided over the past couple of years that if you just treat your birthday like an ordinary day, it will most likely be an extra ordinary day. When you get to be my age, there really isn't a whole lot to look forward to. I mean, what happens when you turn 24 besides realizing that you're not where you thought you would be five years ago? . . not that I'm complaining, because I have a wonderful life and I'm content where I am, yet anticipating the next thing. I'm just saying that it's not like it used to be when I was younger. There was always the birthday party with all your friends, playing games, unwrapping a bunch of gifts, and having everyone make a fuss over you. But when you get older, you don't want to plan a party, because what will you do and who will come, and you don't necessarily have a group of friends anymore. Last year I had a small, random bunch of people over at the last minute and (though I was blessed that people actually showed up and friends even surprised me with a cake-very sweet of them) it was just a little weird. Everyone was gone by ten and I just sat in my room the rest of the night wondering why I even invited people over. So, I've decided that I'm not going to plan on having fun on my birthday and then when someone wishes me a "Happy Birthday" it will just be a pleasant surprise, because I won't even be thinking about it being my birthday. And if I get a gift, it, too, will be somewhat unexpected. "For me?" Besides when you get older and have a job, you don't really need anything anyway. So, I have no idea what Tuesday will be like, but I have no expectations so I'm sure it'll turn out to be a pretty nice day.

X & Y

You're in control, is there anywhere you wanna go?
You're in control, is there anything you wanna know?
The future's for discovering
The space in which we travel in

-coldplay, "square one", x & y

"In mathematics X and Y were always the answers, but in life no one knows. To me the album is about those unanswerable questions, and what you should do about the fact that you can’t explain all the unknown variables” - Chris Martin

I got the new Coldplay CD a few weeks ago and it's awesome! I highly recommend it. I had been anticipating it for so long. I can remember hating the band when I first heard them a few years ago, but after being made to listen to them a few times, I, too, became a big fan. Unlike the first two albums, this one didn't take a lot of listens for me to get into it. It was an immediate hit with me. It's true when they say Coldplay is "a band that belongs to the world but fans believe that the music is for them alone". I don't know if it's the guitars, Chris Martin's soothing voice, how each song seems to build perfectly . . . but these guys are good.

My music pastor wrote a positive review on their new album and below is his conclusion:

"Coldplay are not only connecting with people through their lyrics, but also through their music. A group of four guys who all play their own instruments well, along with arrangements that are not overly produced, cluttered or over-polished is all quite refreshing in these days of synthetic pop and banal rap, (I apologize if you are a fan of these types of music but its just, well, bad music).
"Chris Martin is definitely a man searching for answers, along with a genuine concern for the downtrodden - when he asks questions they are, for the most part, the right questions to be asking. Sadly, he's looking for answers in the wrong places. When Martin is offering advice and counsel, he resorts to a humanism that trusts in the goodness of the human heart - but without the healing work of Christ, 'the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked.' Jeremiah 17:9"

Here's to You

Today is my dad's 50th birthday. Wow! Sorry, but that sounds old to me. And to think I'm nearly half way there! I decided since today is so special that I would write a blog about Dad - some things I like about him and some good memories I have.

So, what do I like about Dad?:
(in no particular order)
1. He's funny and has a great sense of humor- he's famous for the one-liners and he always has a new joke to tell
2. He's a good story teller - he can always make you feel like you were there
3. He's sentimental - so I don't have to be the only one who's attached to places and songs because of the memories they evoke
4. He has a good memory - which goes hand-in-hand with his great story-telling and sentimentality and means I get to hear all the details of what my grandpa was like and what my aunts and uncles were like when they were younger
5. He loves to laugh - and you can hear him a mile away, believe me
6. He dresses cool - so I've never had to be embarrassed to be with him in public :)
7. He likes cars - and sells them (how convenient) and can name any make and model and year waaay back into the . . . well almost since cars were first made
8. He's a hard-worker - and ever since I was a baby he's been working long days, pounding the pavement, selling cars so I could eat (thanks Dad!)
9. He's smart - and he knows something about everything
10. He loves his family - and he shows us
11. He's loyal - and a good friend to others
12. He has integrity - and follows his convictions

So, what are some things I remember about Dad?:
1. I remember him tickling me pretty much every day until I eventually grew numb to it
2. I remember peeing on him, after I warned him to stop tickling me
3. I remember watching Miami Vice and Dallas with him when I was little
4. I remember listening to the Casey Casum's Top 40 on the way to church every Sunday in his demos (cars) as his fingers would drum on the steering wheel and I fell in love with songs by Madonna, Billy Joel, Janet Jackson, and Michael Bolton
5. I remember being his "median" (comedian)
6. I remember finishing his sentences when he'd quote Monty Python, Arnold Schwarzengger, and Robin Leach
7. I remember when he won me a stuffed puppy at Adventureland and I named it "Ace" (I was devastated when I lost it)
8. I remember when he'd tease me about how perfect and angelic my little sister was, because she looked so innocent and she always gave him hugs . . . but I knew he loved me just as much
9. I remember when we'd make jokes together about my mom being Czech and growing up on a farm (even though I now love to hear stories about my ancestors).
10. I remember when he'd slip me extra money and tell me not to tell Mom
11. I remember when he took me to my first R-rated movie, "Con-Air"
12. I remember when he taught me how to slalom water-ski
13. Singing to our song, "Unbelievable" in the car

So, here's to you, Dad. I love you!

One of the best days ever

I woke up this morning expecting my Sunday to be just another Sunday. I had no idea what lie in store. I went to church and stayed two services because there were two guest speakers preaching today - both quite good - they spoke on living through the storms in life and intercessory prayer. After church, my grandma treated me to lunch at Charleston's (mmm - one of my faves) with my aunt and uncle. I love eating out with my uncle, because he always asks me meaningful questions. However, I then have to take time to think of the answers and explain them, which means once everyone else is half done with their meal, I haven't even started mine. He asks me questions like, "Give me your dream update: If God said you could do anything you wanted to and you would be successful, what would you do?" (He's always encouraging people to dream big.) And, "Where would you like to be in 20 years?" And, "What kingdom impact do you most like to have on others?", etc. It's so good to be asked questions that make you think. After my delicious lunch, grandma dropped me at home where I did a whole lot of nothing until I went back to church to greet for TerraNova. I was sad to leave TN with no plans and drove home realizing my weekend was over. Oh, but it wasn't. On my way home, I stopped off at Wal-Mart to pick up some pictures I'd had developed, and while I was waiting for an employee to get them, I browsed the DVD new release section. I couldn't believe what I found. . . only the best TV sitcom ever made! The Cosby Show: Season I on DVD!!! And, how convenient! My birthday is only 9 days away! If only you knew how long I've been waiting for this to come out . . . and really I had no reason to believe it would. I even got online and sent an email to NBC requesting that it be sold on DVD. Soo, this pretty much makes today one of the best days ever! Ok, that may be an exaggeration, but I'm really excited.

Happy

My vacation was so great! It really couldn't have been better. I left work an hour and a half early and I was extremely tired from waking up that morning at 5 a.m. I arrived at my friends' house to find that, yes, they did want me to drive an extra car (not my own) down to the lake house. Why my friend's mother, the owner of the car, couldn't drive it down, I'm not sure. Don't think I'm complaining . . I wouldn't have minded had I not felt so exhausted. I mean, I was fighting to keep my eyes open at work and now I was facing a 7 hour drive south that required me to not only be awake, but to be alert. Oh, but I wouldn't be in the car alone. Grandma was going to ride with me, and her shihtzu, Angel. Grandma Emma is 90 years old and very sweet . . . she also has lost 50% of her hearing. So for the first 3 hours of the trip, I was pretty much yelling in order to have conversation with her. You would have thought this would've kept me awake, but I was still struggling. We stopped at Mr. Goodcents, as always, and my friend decided he couldn't handle having his mother ride in the car with him. So . . . now "Mom", and not Grandma, was my companion. Though "Mom" is pretty much an emotional mess (that's as close as I can come to describing her), I was optimistic that she would prove to be a better conversationalist. And she was. I was able to hear about all the bad things that have happened in her life and we went round in circles discussing what it means to know Jesus and how one can have a relationship with him. Circles, because she seemed to always contradict herself. Isn't it frustrating when you're sharing with someone who a) doesn't have revelation, which only comes from the Holy Spirit or b) knows how much they need the Lord, but just won't surrender their life? I couldn't figure out which of these applied to her. But, she kept me awake trying.
At last, we made it to our destination and my vacation really began. The next 3 days were awesome! I love my friends' boat. It's so big and so beautiful. Every day, we'd just drive around, the three of us, my girl friend and I laying out in the front talking, as her husband drove for hours. Occasionally we'd stop and jump in to cool off, and then we'd drive some more. I went tubing once, but other than that, we just relaxed. Every night we ate out - twice at my favorite BBQ place. And every night, we got dessert. The last evening, we went out on the boat after dark and just sat in the cove under the stars - it was so calm, so perfect out.
Every morning, I'd wake up and have my quiet times as I looked out my window to see all the trees and a glimpse of the lake. It was great to have time away from everyday life when I could really reflect on where I am in life and what the Lord's next step is for me. It resulted in me setting a couple of goals for myself. . . something that is so easy not to do. I'm so thankful for my job, but I don't want to become complacent and not be looking forward. It would be easy to stay where I am, though I know my job is temporary, and just wait for the Lord to bring something along. But I know I've got to be moving. In a message I once heard about finding God's will for your life, this guy said that you should ask yourself if what you're doing is bringing God the most glory. And, yes, we can bring him glory just by loving him and living for him, but he's also given each of us giftings and he wants to see us use those. Reality is that I have to work, and I don't expect to ever love doing it, but I don't want to just do anything - I want to do something that is a good fit for who God's made me to be - and I don't want to do it half-heartedly - I want to do it as unto Him. For most people that doesn't happen right away and I couldn't wait for the perfect fit to just come along. I had to be responsible and get a job that I'm honestly not excited about, though I'm grateful for it. But I don't want to settle for it. I have an idea now of what I want to pursue job-wise. If the Lord wants to step in and close the door, that's ok, but, for now, I'm going to start moving.
This weekend was great! - I got a tan, a vision, and a toe ring that says exactly how I feel right now . . . Happy.