I have found myself with the dilemma of needing to post but having nothing to post about. I feel obligated to write something every few days or so, and sometimes I go completely blank as to what to share with you guys.
But to ease my conscience about being absent for the last few days from my blog, I will share what's on my mind--which I'm sure you know is not that much and definitely not that deep.
I was extremely encouraged yesterday by a simple little dance performance the dance class at school performed for us on the playground. (You see, Poptart is in this dance class and has been telling me for months, yes, months, that she is too scared to be in her dance recital. I would assure her she would be prepared by the time the recital rolled around and that God would help her draw up her courage.) To practice being in front of an audience, the dance class came out onto the playground and practiced their dances. And to my extreme surprise, and I mean, extreme surprise, Poptart did every step and smiled the entire time. The dance teacher later told me Poptart ran back into the room exclaiming, "That was FUN!" Thank you God. Maybe the recital Sunday won't be a bust after all. But as always with this age and especially with this child, you just never know.
Not only am I looking forward to the dance recital on Sunday, I am also looking forward to beginning a series of Sunday School lessons on marriage for the entire month of May. I can't wait to hear my hubby teaching these lessons. I'm just gonna sit back and see what he has to say! There should be some good discussions, and I am looking forward to what we can learn from God's Word and each other through this series on marriage.
Gogurt was chosen as Cougar of the Quarter. We're not sure what that means or how he was chosen, and apparently he doesn't know either. But it is a nice honor, and he will get his picture in the newspaper. Brad went to be with Gogurt at the small program honoring all the Cougars-of-the-Quarter yesterday morning. Brad said Gogurt was much more interested in the donut holes than what was being said. Thankfully, Brad videoed a snippet of the program so I could watch it, and Gogurt's teacher said some very nice things about him. I guess she has to--but every time I see her or Brad sees her, she tells us Gogurt is going to be something great, like an astronaut or scientist or doctor. I'm not sure about all that--she is basing that on his passion for reading--but honestly I just want him to do whatever fulfills him, no matter the money or prestige that may come with it. And I soooooo mean that.
Lastly, I have to say there are only TWO weeks left of preschool. Yippee! And if you count graduation practices, a trip to the park, and the actual graduation, there's only one "real" week of school left! I can't believe it! We survived!
Thanks for reading today....I know it was scattered. Have a blessed day!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Finding This Book
I wanted Brad to post this on his blog, but since he has stopped blogging (for the timebeing only I hope), I will have to do it here. I'm sure I won't do it justice since this is really Brad's story, but I'll try to tell it anyhow.
If you've noticed, there has been a new blog added in my list of blogs over there. If you haven't noticed it, then you need to pay closer attention!
A few months ago, one of Brad's professors read a quote from a book titled "Blue Like Jazz" by Donald Miller. Brad's curiosity was piqued and he made a mental note to someday look this book up and read it. Someday. Only a few short days later he was sitting in the secretary's office at work and happened to look behind her on the bookshelf. And there it sat, "Blue Like Jazz." He inquired about it and she stated she had not even read it. She just found it lying around the park and picked it up and brought it to her office. It had been on her bookshelf ever since. So of course Brad asked if he could take it and read it.
He ended up using this particular book to fulfill his book review requirement in his class. And that book review is what I wanted him to post. But no such luck, yet.
I have since read the book (any book that makes my hubby want to read it is exceptional). I was not disappointed. I do have to say that you have to read this book with an open mind and stick with it...and you will not be disappointed. This book is, like the subtitle says, "Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality."
After looking up the website at the back of the book, I realized Donald Miller has written several more books. In fact, "Blue Like Jazz" is in the process of being made into a movie.
This is not a deep, theological book. Or is it? A couple of chapters drive home a point using cartoons. There's no "churchy" language, no hard-to-understand theologies. It's just plain and straightforward.
Until you put the book down, and then you start to think.......
If you've noticed, there has been a new blog added in my list of blogs over there. If you haven't noticed it, then you need to pay closer attention!
A few months ago, one of Brad's professors read a quote from a book titled "Blue Like Jazz" by Donald Miller. Brad's curiosity was piqued and he made a mental note to someday look this book up and read it. Someday. Only a few short days later he was sitting in the secretary's office at work and happened to look behind her on the bookshelf. And there it sat, "Blue Like Jazz." He inquired about it and she stated she had not even read it. She just found it lying around the park and picked it up and brought it to her office. It had been on her bookshelf ever since. So of course Brad asked if he could take it and read it.
He ended up using this particular book to fulfill his book review requirement in his class. And that book review is what I wanted him to post. But no such luck, yet.
I have since read the book (any book that makes my hubby want to read it is exceptional). I was not disappointed. I do have to say that you have to read this book with an open mind and stick with it...and you will not be disappointed. This book is, like the subtitle says, "Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality."
After looking up the website at the back of the book, I realized Donald Miller has written several more books. In fact, "Blue Like Jazz" is in the process of being made into a movie.
This is not a deep, theological book. Or is it? A couple of chapters drive home a point using cartoons. There's no "churchy" language, no hard-to-understand theologies. It's just plain and straightforward.
Until you put the book down, and then you start to think.......
Monday, April 19, 2010
Extraordinary Women
This past weekend I had the privilege of attending my 3rd Extraordinary Women Conference. I was first introduced to this conference by my mother and her Sunday School class. They were attending the conference here in Jackson and invited me to meet them there. The second time was in Birmingham where I invited a friend who was going through a really tough time in her life to meet me and attend the conference with me. And the third time was just this past weekend here in Jackson again, alone.
Yep, I went all by myself. It really wasn't supposed to be that way (or maybe it was supposed to be that way). Originally, there was a couple of other people going, but something came up that prevented them from attending, so I said, "No problem, I'll go by myself!" I don't mind doing things by myself, it's not my first choice, but I don't mind that much.
There are some advantages to attending alone. First of all, it is a lot easier finding a seat for one than a group of 12 trying to all sit together! In a room of 3000 women, all I needed was one little space. The first night I sat with a group from Greenwood, Mississippi. Saturday I sat with a couple of nice ladies from around Hattiesburg, Mississippi. It's funny though, whenever someone would find out you were there alone and not with a group, their face immediately dropped and started apologizing. It was strange.
Second of all, there is a certain freedom in worshiping in a room where no one knows you. I'm ashamed to admit it, but sometimes I feel restrained. Restrained by the "What will they think of me?" thoughts that run through my mind. I hope you do not do this, and honestly, I am becoming more unrestrained the closer I get to my Lord. If the Lord has saved you, you have something to praise him for! Amen!
I heard Sheri Rose Shephard, Chonda Pierce, and Angela Thomas. I saw Jeremy Camp in concert Friday night and Mandisa in concert on Saturday. If you do not know Mandisa from American Idol, that girl can sing! She had that place rocking and praising the Lord!
Mark your calendar for the end of March 2011 - EWomen will be returning to Jackson!
******************
Listen to Unrestrained by Mandisa
Yep, I went all by myself. It really wasn't supposed to be that way (or maybe it was supposed to be that way). Originally, there was a couple of other people going, but something came up that prevented them from attending, so I said, "No problem, I'll go by myself!" I don't mind doing things by myself, it's not my first choice, but I don't mind that much.
There are some advantages to attending alone. First of all, it is a lot easier finding a seat for one than a group of 12 trying to all sit together! In a room of 3000 women, all I needed was one little space. The first night I sat with a group from Greenwood, Mississippi. Saturday I sat with a couple of nice ladies from around Hattiesburg, Mississippi. It's funny though, whenever someone would find out you were there alone and not with a group, their face immediately dropped and started apologizing. It was strange.
Second of all, there is a certain freedom in worshiping in a room where no one knows you. I'm ashamed to admit it, but sometimes I feel restrained. Restrained by the "What will they think of me?" thoughts that run through my mind. I hope you do not do this, and honestly, I am becoming more unrestrained the closer I get to my Lord. If the Lord has saved you, you have something to praise him for! Amen!
I heard Sheri Rose Shephard, Chonda Pierce, and Angela Thomas. I saw Jeremy Camp in concert Friday night and Mandisa in concert on Saturday. If you do not know Mandisa from American Idol, that girl can sing! She had that place rocking and praising the Lord!
Mark your calendar for the end of March 2011 - EWomen will be returning to Jackson!
******************
Listen to Unrestrained by Mandisa
Monday, April 12, 2010
Our Trip to the Big Easy
If you've read Jennifer's blog, you already know about our trip to New Orleans this past Friday night. We were there to take in an NBA game, the New Orleans Hornets versus the Utah Jazz. To be honest, I had to read up on the Hornets on Wikipedia. As much as I follow college basketball, I do not follow NBA basketball. Going to an NBA game is not something Brad and I would have ever been able to do, (especially go and sit in a suite with free food and drink), so we thank our "friends in high places" who provided the tickets!
However, our trip to the Big Easy wasn't always easy. There was a slight problem with our accomodations and we ended up in the van riding around New Orleans a little longer than expected. I must say that I learned something great on this trip though. Ronnie is cool under pressure. Maybe it was because he had company along and he felt like he couldn't lose his cool, but either way he stayed cool as a cucumber. Way to go my friend. As I said many, many times, I'm just glad you were driving and not me.
I don't have any pictures of the actual game. The PA announcer asked no pictures to be taken. That is definitely different than college! But I was a good little girl and didn't take any pictures of the game. Once we went through those doors under "The Hub Club" sign, I was shown how "the other half" live. Food, food, and more food. Drinks, drinks, and more drinks (RC Cola never tasted so good). Special seating just for the Hub Club guests. Man, it was nice. But as I began to look around, those people (whom I am assuming are either rich or just happen to know someone who can get them a free ticket) I realized they looked just the same as I did. Normal.
The next day we drove across the Causeway to Mandeville, LA. Most of you know Brad and I lived there for almost 4 years and that Gogurt was born in nearby Covington, LA. It was nice to see our old stomping grounds although it has changed ALOT. Mandeville is alot bigger of a town than it was when we were there. I am always flooded with memories when I return there. It was nice to share some of those memories with friends.
Ronnie also got to take a walk down memory lane. He served at a church in Bogalusa, LA, and he took us there. Very nice church in a beautiful rural area. It seemed very cozy and down-home. Even though we had lived so close to Bogalusa for those years, I had never been there so it was nice to have a personal tour guide!
Of course with a previous seminary student and a current seminary student on board, we couldn't not ride through NOBTS. It is a beautiful campus, and I think Brad wants to live there. There and Alaska.
I can't go without shouting out a word of thanks to my sister (and my mom who got them there and back) for keeping our two kids so Brad and I could do this with our friends. It really means the world to me to know my kids are being taken care of.
Here's a picture of Brad and me by Lake Pontchartrain. We have another picture of this exact pose in this exact place from probably 11 or so years ago. I would scan it in but it has been cut to fit a tiny, little Christmas ornament frame and is packed up with my Christmas stuff. I don't want to show it to you that bad. You'll just have to take my word for it.....we look EXACTLY the same!
However, our trip to the Big Easy wasn't always easy. There was a slight problem with our accomodations and we ended up in the van riding around New Orleans a little longer than expected. I must say that I learned something great on this trip though. Ronnie is cool under pressure. Maybe it was because he had company along and he felt like he couldn't lose his cool, but either way he stayed cool as a cucumber. Way to go my friend. As I said many, many times, I'm just glad you were driving and not me.
I don't have any pictures of the actual game. The PA announcer asked no pictures to be taken. That is definitely different than college! But I was a good little girl and didn't take any pictures of the game. Once we went through those doors under "The Hub Club" sign, I was shown how "the other half" live. Food, food, and more food. Drinks, drinks, and more drinks (RC Cola never tasted so good). Special seating just for the Hub Club guests. Man, it was nice. But as I began to look around, those people (whom I am assuming are either rich or just happen to know someone who can get them a free ticket) I realized they looked just the same as I did. Normal.
The next day we drove across the Causeway to Mandeville, LA. Most of you know Brad and I lived there for almost 4 years and that Gogurt was born in nearby Covington, LA. It was nice to see our old stomping grounds although it has changed ALOT. Mandeville is alot bigger of a town than it was when we were there. I am always flooded with memories when I return there. It was nice to share some of those memories with friends.
Ronnie also got to take a walk down memory lane. He served at a church in Bogalusa, LA, and he took us there. Very nice church in a beautiful rural area. It seemed very cozy and down-home. Even though we had lived so close to Bogalusa for those years, I had never been there so it was nice to have a personal tour guide!
Of course with a previous seminary student and a current seminary student on board, we couldn't not ride through NOBTS. It is a beautiful campus, and I think Brad wants to live there. There and Alaska.
I can't go without shouting out a word of thanks to my sister (and my mom who got them there and back) for keeping our two kids so Brad and I could do this with our friends. It really means the world to me to know my kids are being taken care of.
Here's a picture of Brad and me by Lake Pontchartrain. We have another picture of this exact pose in this exact place from probably 11 or so years ago. I would scan it in but it has been cut to fit a tiny, little Christmas ornament frame and is packed up with my Christmas stuff. I don't want to show it to you that bad. You'll just have to take my word for it.....we look EXACTLY the same!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
I'm Not A Gambling Person.....
but if I were, I'd take Poptart with me. A few weeks ago she talked her Daddy into putting a dollar into the claw game at Wal-Mart. As he was saying things like, "This is a waste of money, nobody ever..." she bumped a stuffed Eeyore in just the right place and it dropped right in. Winner! Really?? Who EVER wins anything out of that machine?
Fast forward to Saturday, the City of Flowood Easter Egg Hunt. I almost talked the kids out of going, but since Brad was working the Easter Egg Hunt I figured we might as well go. And good thing we did. Poptart happened to pick up the prize egg. The Grand Prize egg! Out of hundreds and hundreds, probably thousands of eggs, she picked up the Grand Prize egg! Are you kidding me? Where's the nearest casino? (Just kidding)
Here's what she won:
Fast forward to Saturday, the City of Flowood Easter Egg Hunt. I almost talked the kids out of going, but since Brad was working the Easter Egg Hunt I figured we might as well go. And good thing we did. Poptart happened to pick up the prize egg. The Grand Prize egg! Out of hundreds and hundreds, probably thousands of eggs, she picked up the Grand Prize egg! Are you kidding me? Where's the nearest casino? (Just kidding)
Here's what she won:
Friday, April 2, 2010
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