What Does Your Coffee Say About You?

I like coffee. It tastes good to me, and I love the smell of it. I was sitting in a coffee shop today just thinking about this very thing: what does the type of coffee I get, say about me? I ran across the following when I googled that, and thought it was rather accurate... So what about you?

Drinking coffee which is very hot, quickly:

This is a person who is always on the move, is fuelled by adrenaline, and who lives for the moment. They don't usually think things through before rushing in.

Leaving coffee to cool, before drinking it:

This coffee drinker refuses to be driven or pressurised, knows what they like, and is prepared to wait for it. They may be "fussy" in their tastes, but they don't make demands on others.

Drinking coffee with milk:

This person may want to weaken a strong coffee flavour and eliminate any bitterness. These are "social" coffee drinkers, who prefer to drink their coffee in the company of others, rather than by themselves.

Drinking coffee with sugar:

These individuals may be feeding a sweet tooth or fuelling a day's energy supply, but they tend to be comfortable with themselves and their lot in life.

Drinking coffee black:

These are forthright coffee drinkers, always on the go, and honest to the point of bluntness. They like a challenge and are fast thinkers as fast talkers - they are full of ideas, and may have a strong creative streak.

Personally, I wait for mine to cool, like it with tons of milk and sugar. And I would have to say, I'm comfortable with myself, I like to be social, and I do know what I like!

I also found this:

The Starbucks Oracle

I thought it was clever, but I do not endorse what it says, just was something fun to look at. You enter what you order from Starbucks and it tells you what you are like. Pretty funny.

Communication 102

In follow up from my previous blog a while ago called Communication 101 in talking about girl/guy relationships, and how not to ask a girl out...here is my 2 cents on even getting to that point.

Men: please do not treat single women like they have the plague.
Women: here is a word from the Lord "Stop putting they guys last name on your name."

Let me explain...

To get from point A to point B, whatever that may be...you must make a move. I know this sounds profound but You must actually DO something. For you men out there...the first step to anything whether it be friendship or eventually dating, you need to actually open your mouth and speak. You need to actually be chivalrous and open the door for them. You need to get over your insecurities and break down those awkward moments with a smile and say an encouraging word. The #1 reason you haven't met a "girl worth dating" is because you haven't stepped out and actually met anyone deeper. I'm not speaking to anyone specific here, this is just a general blanket statement to the men I know in the Christian world that seem to be afraid of women.

I'm not trying to be mean, but what's the deal? I think there is a major need for improvement in this area in the Christian circles I am familiar with. I know it's probably not in your heart that women are scary, but don't be afraid that every girl is going to think you want something more by just befriending them. It is crucial for your life to have friendships with the opposite sex, whether or not it leads to something more. That is the Kingdom of God. You are going to spend eternity with the opposite sex, learn how to be friends with them now! (that is supposed to come off as a funny exaggeration). But really. Please start stepping out there and build some healthy relationships with no strings attached...with no ulterior motives...with purity of heart and mind. It will do you some good!

And not to just pick on the guys out there...WOMEN listen up! I heard this statement my freshman year, soon after I started living for God. "Stop putting the guys last name on yours." And man was that a word for me! Every decent guy I would meet, my mind would automatically go there...would his name sound good with mine, is he taller than me, does he check off my list...etc. STOP! The best way to meet "the one" is to come with (like I said above to men) purity of heart and mind, with no ulterior motives. When you can be yourself and you aren't putting something out there that is "looking or searching" then HE will see you for who you are and will show up when you are least expecting it. And that comes with the underlying hope that you are active in building friendships with the opposite sex as well.

So you may be asking yourself: "Self, what would it look like to have a healthy relationship with the opposite sex?" Here is my thoughts on that: the best way is hanging out in group settings, like movie nights, dinner out, Actually showing up to events that are going on, game nights, take the initiative to plan something, like day at the beach or bowling or anything. ANYTHING!

What are your thoughts?

Warning

I may or may not be able to update for the next 6 weeks because my hubby has claimed the "good computer" for this MPD season of ours. So here is my fair warning so you don't get mad at me for not posting. (as if that would happen)

Good is such a relative term these days. My computer (dumb PC) has serious issues...no matter how many times I change the settings it has a mind of its own in picking up internet. It's so frustrating, you never know when it will have a good minute or not. It also is having screen issues. There is a little button that pushes in when the screen goes down to make the computer sleep...for some reason it has decided to also have a mind of its own and when the computer is sitting open it will just turn the screen to sleep on me for no reason and we have to finagle a little paper-clip and jiggle it around until it decides to wake up, which sometimes doesn't happen. I am still thankful for having it because it was a generous free gift to us last year, so I can't complain (too much, haha) and it has a lot of memory still.

Ross has the "good" computer but it doesn't even have enough memory to open a Word document that is already saved to the computer...or save any new pictures. But at least the internet on that one is consistent, and you can see what is on the screen! haha. I have to make it clear, it's an Apple and we have never had any problems with it in the last 5 years!

So if any of you avid blog readers out there would like to donate a new MAC to our cause, we would greatly appreciate it! I will be happy to advertise for your wonderful product anytime! :)

Did I Mention Consistency?

One of the biggest compliments someone can give me these days is "wow, your kids are so good". And it's not because it makes me feel like some great mother or something...it's because it makes me realize that the discipline, consistency and sweat and tears are actually starting to pay off (so far).

I don't seem to hear that very often, because I do have an extremely active/expressive little boy. And he's hard to harness sometimes...but when those few times do happen when he listens to me are becoming so much more rewarding.

I was in the park the other day and a random mom and I were talking while our kids were running around like chickens with their heads cut off...and I called for Aiden to come back closer cause they were getting too far away and he actually stopped dead in his tracks and turned around (rare!). The other mom looked at me and said "WOW! Your kid actually listens to you!" I had such a good laugh in my head.

Little did she know what is going on behind the scenes to start to get the slightest sign of obedience out of my 2 yr. old. All I have to say is some people make it look like "yeah my kids were just born with great attitudes and obedience built in" All I can say is HA! I've yet to believe that. It takes consistency in discipline, actually taking the time to make sure the child comprehends what you are teaching, repetition, and did I say consistency?

It's so easy to just let little things slide. But the more and more I get into motherhood the more I see it is those very little things that are critical in harnessing so the big things don't have to be big things.

And for all you who aren't in the boat of parenting...this rings true with life. What God is trying to teach you, what He is trying to get you to obey? Obey in the little things and the big things won't be so hard.

On to the Next Show...

Ok I don't watch too much tv, didn't even get to see the American Idol results show last night...but I just had to say I was bummed that Carly got booted....

I was pretty surprised that up to this point everyone I thought should get booted, did...but last night was the 1st one that didn't seem right. So all that to say, I'm pulling for David Cook now and am just waiting for one of my favorite shows to come on for the summer....So You Think You Can Dance. :)

I'm not the biggest reality show fan, but American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance are my 2. I gotta have some guilty pleasure somehow. I like SYTYCD better because you have to be a real dancer to make it anywhere on that show. If you don't know what you are doing you don't last. I like it because you can't get away with karaoke and a good personality/looks on there, you gotta have skill.

Ok that's enough about TV...i'm done. (with the exception of LOST and the Office, of course)

American Idol Update

It's been a while since I last updated my American Idol opinion. Let me make a disclaimer...I am pretending to know what I am talking about here, I have no room to speak because I have no singing voice what so ever...so this is purely for fun. I'm sure each contestant is a nice person, so don't take it as anything personal, this is just my turn to play critic. :)

We are down to 6 contestants and here is my review on each, in order from least to most favorite.

Brook White. Cute girl, seems to have a sweet personality. I hope she does well in life, but sadly to say I think this is her week to go. She messed up pretty bad tonight. Had to ask the band to stop and start back over, and if I'm not mistaken has done that before on this show. I acutally liked her a lot at the beginning because she plays instruments, but the last few weeks have been rough on her.


Jason Castro. I just want to know how long it took him to grow out those dreads! He seems like a nice kid, but can only play one style, soft music with an acoustic guitar. He lacks in the strength of voice department.



David Archuleta. Not a fan of this boy. He's only 16. I would have the age limit at 18, that is just too young for this competition for my taste. I bet this kid gets all the teeny-bopper votes. One thing that bugs me about this guy is that he has already had his 15 mintues of fame on star search a few years ago, yet he has this "I don't know what I'm doing on stage" act of innocence. (I'm harsh on this kid, I know) I know a lot of you out there like him, I just gotta say I don't agree. Not a horrible voice, but definitely not my favorite.

Syesha Mercado. Representing Florida here! She has actually grown on me throughout the competition. She really impressed me with the Mariah Carey week. That is when she rose in my stock. I think she's cute and has a good personality. I don't mind her being in my top 3. Her and Brooke switched in my ranking today.

David Cook. A few weeks ago I feel like he came out of no where. I wasn't really paying attention to him, but one night he re-arranged a song that was pretty amazing and that changed my view of him. After tonight with Andrew Lloyd Webber music he impressed me with his ability to adapt to different genres.



Carly Smithson. I picked her out from the tryouts as a favorite and she has made my top. David Cook is pretty close up there, but she seems like a cool girl. Despite the fact that she is from Ireland and this is American Idol, I will give her a fair chance since she married into America (and she has a sweet accent). I have enjoyed most of her songs, and think she does a good job of picking the right song for her, she was getting weak for a few weeks but I am happy to say she is back on top for me. Go Carly!

So there you have it, my American Idol review. Of course I think Shelby Middleton should have won years ago, but hey I'll settle with this for now. Just wait, she will have her day!

Love True Love

I just had to share with the world that I love my husband! He is the greatest, and I am so completely blessed to be married to him. I thank God for him every day. This is my way of shouting it from the virtual mountain top. :)

Seriously, my hubby is perfect for me. I knew it the first time I hugged him, and my head fit in his shoulder like a puzzle piece, over 7 years ago! God sure knew what he was doing when he put us together. Ross is amazing. I love him.

Guest Blogger on Pope Mobile

My husband and I got a good laugh at this so I figured I'd let him guest blog about it...take it away baby!

Well, the Popemobile is quite possibly one of the most hilarious things I have ever seen. I think it is so awesome that the Pope has his own Benz that he rides in with a bullet proof protective glass casing. I mean, only Catholics could get away with something like that. Amy found out that the Popemobile, although being a Mercedes, does not even have a CD player or any iPod connectivity in it, it just simply has a tape deck and surround sound (like you can really do that with tapes). Come on Catholics hows the Pope supposed to listen to his iPod in his fly Popemobile. I think that Catholics should start a Papal iPod fund and hook his car up, or maybe better we could just get Xzibit, to come and really pimp that thing out.

To me the pope is like the Batman of Religion because of his car. The Batmobile is pretty fly, but it is just not as cool as the Popemobile. In our culture we derive our self worth from the whips we drive so I think the Pope is just trying to stay relevant. But if the Pope is serious about reaching the next generation, I think he should put some spinners on that thing and maybe get a couple nuns to dance on the car or something.

If spiritual leaders get their own rides, I'd put my '96 Pontiac Sunfire up against the Popemobile anyday. I may not have bullet proof glass but the windows are tinted, I have a broken CD player, but at least I have one. I also have a leopard print steering wheel and I am part of the Junky Car Club. The Pope will never be able to pull that one off if he keeps chillin in his Benz. The only thing is my car's name is the Red Leopard but I would have to say that the Popemobile is a little bit more sweet name. Maybe mine would be called the campus minister mobile.

Keep livin' large Pope Benedict XVI, keep ridin in style.

Embarrassing Moment (1 of infinity)

I seem to have more embarrassing moments than most people for some reason. I guess it's God's way of keeping me humble. This story is a request from my dear friend Hope.

So I was going for my first OB/GYN check up with a male Dr. ever (probably more information that you men would like to hear already). Don't worry, this story is clean. Needless to say I was completely nervous because I've always had women Dr.'s for my womanly needs.

The Dr. was really nice, kind of father-figure type, and my experience wasn't too bad for that type of appointment. The Dr. was really talkative and seemed like he really wanted to get to know me. This was before I got pregnant with Aiden and I was asking him questions all about pregnancy, and he asked me a bunch of questions about my marriage to "make sure I wasn't having a baby to make my marriage better" but he wanted to be sure we were having a baby out of an overflow, not a need of, love. I appreciated him for that.

Well, the appointment was over and he was getting ready to walk out the door, I was standing there in my gown (the kind that is open in the back) about to change and he leaned in...

I leaned forward and gave him a huge hug, thinking that was what he was leaning in for, just as my arms went around him he pulled away and I noticed his hand was out...to shake it. He was totally not wanting a hug! I think my face turned purple it was so red... what was I thinking? Who else hugs their OB/GYN????

Outraged.

Warning: Do not watch this video unless you want to be outraged.

Disturbing Video

I was watching the news tonight and couldn't believe what I saw. 2 teens were charged with corrupting and endangering a toddler's life by forcing the little girl to smoke a bong of marijuana. You can even hear the teen girl laughing in the background as the baby coughs. What in the world are these people thinking???!!

I watched just a second of the video and my heart absolutely sank. It was so disturbing and broke my heart for the little 18 month old girl. I don't even want to know what else went on in this girls life because the only way the teens got caught was because they pawned their video camera and the pawn shop owner found the video on the camera and turned them in...can you say stupid criminals?

I know this is probably the least of the horrible things that happens to kids all over the world by irresponsible, selfish, foolish people. God have mercy on us, and bring justice for these children!

Endurance

Just to update, some of you were asking...Porter and Aiden are doing just fine today, only one mention of bunnies getting eaten, no more red hair, so we are recovering from the disturbing day yesterday. :)

On to a completely different subject now...
I've been reading the book of Hebrews lately, I've been stuck on chapter 12, and just thought I'd share with you what I've been thinking.

Rom. 12:7-11 is the specific passage here, but I want to focus on verse 7: "Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons [daughters]."

I don't know about you, but recently it seems like God is building endurance in me. Endurance is the ability to carry on and withstand despite hardship or suffering. I'm not exactly suffering over here, but I do feel like I am going through some "hard times" in certain areas of my life right now. As much as reading that verse above makes it seem like I'm just getting punished, or disciplined for something because I have been bad, but I read that verse and it is totally encouraging to me. You probably think I am crazy...let me explain myself.

God is more concerned with our character, what is in side us, our hearts, trust and dependence on Him than he is our outward actions (Ps. 51:17). Knowing this, when I am facing hard times I know it is because God is trying to do a deeper work inside me. He is working on my endurance, he is working on my ability to find peace and trust in Him to see his goodness, rather than in my ability to do "good things" or have an easy life.

When I am faced with hard times this verse is completely encouraging to me because here, God is calling me His daughter! There is no greater honor than to be called a princess of the King of Kings, there is no greater privilege than to be in Christ's bloodline (because he paid for it with His blood). So when I am faced with hard times, I can have faith and trust that he is building the character in me to be able to be called his daughter. He is disciplining me so that I can be more like Him, be more like my Father! God calls us to endure the hardship because he is going to take care of us, and he is the ultimate Father who knows how to give good gifts, and what we need (Luke 11); He is just working on our hearts and attitudes and shaping us to be more like Him, the proud Papa! If He didn't discipline us than we wouldn't be true sons or daughters, we would be illegitimate, He does it for our good, that we may share in his holiness (vs. 8-10)

So in the midst of a hardship, hold on, press in and have faith...be encouraged because it means that God really cares about you, not the opposite...He IS working, He IS hearing your prayers, He is just doing what He needs to do to get us closer to Him.

Do you see hard times as your excuse to lose faith and run from God, or do you see it as His way of showing He cares and is involved in your life?

If I Believed In Karma....

I would think this is it.

So for the past few days Porter (our dog) had been barking at a bush in our back yard. I went out to investigate and saw it move so it freaked me out and I ran inside. Today I got up the nerve to approach it with a shovel and poke around. The cutest thing! A cute little bunny hopped out!

I was rather excited for a little bunny family to be living in our back yard, so as soon as Aiden woke up from his nap I said "Aiden! Guess what! We have little bunnies living in our back yard! Let's go hunt some rabbits!" He was so excited!

We got all ready to go outside, and Porter was already out there. As soon as I went to open the door and let Aiden go find the bunnies I noticed Porter eating something...

yep that's right! Porter was EATING THE BUNNIES! Not one bunny, but he killed 2!!!! Not only did he kill them, he completely ate the back half of the bunny! I freaked out!

Aiden kept trying to get through the door saying "BUNNIES!" and he just didn't understand...then he said "what is porter eating? Porter is eating the bunnies???" Aww! MY HEART BROKE! Not only for my 2 yr old that just didn't understand, but for the bunnies mom!

So our bloody, white dog has been sitting in our garage for 2 hrs. while we try to figure out how to wash the blood out of his hair. Let's hope he doesn't get any weird diseases. I don't think I will ever be able to look at Porter the same, or go in the back yard (or as Ross now calls it the slaughtering field) without thinking of the massacre.

I'm Terrible.

The other day I was talking with some friends and told this story (maybe for the 1st time) and realized it was probably blog-worthy...although it will make me look like a terrible person.

When reading the following story, please keep in mind I was young, immature, and my parents let me! :)

When I was in elementary school I had a pet hamster...she lived a short life and died rather suddenly from a horrible disease that caused nasty blisters all over her body...it tore me up.

So a few months later I got a guinea pig (looked very similar to the one pictured above). I named her Suzy Q. and I loved her...I played with her all the time and took good care of her. Well, she was starting to get old and I knew her time was coming. She even started randomly peeing on things so I knew it wouldn't be long...I didn't think I could handle losing another pet that I loved so dearly, so....

Our family happened to be having a garage sale the next week so I decided to sell her in the garage sale so I wouldn't have to see her die. I sold her for a good price, cage and everything included to an unsuspecting, innocent little boy about 4 years of age. I never told him she was close to her death bed, because I didn't want to risk not selling her. Oh do I feel bad!

I can still remember what the boy and his mother look like, it still weighs on my conscience. (I guess not too bad because I laughed when I told this story). Anywho, within the week my family happened to be eating out one day and the lady taking our order's name was Suzy Q. It made me feel so terrible.

I hope that boy doesn't hate me now...and you readers either!

Movie Review

Last night my hottie husband took me out on a date (shout out to Liz for taking care of the kiddies!). I finally got to see the movie Juno! I've been wanting to see this movie since I first heard about it. It was at the $1.75 theater (which is the nicest cheap movie theater I've ever been to). 

When I first heard about this movie, I was like "oh no, that looks like a movie that will make being a pregnant teenager cool." Then my sis-in-law saw it and said it was nothing like that, so then I really wanted to see it.

I'm not usually into the Indy-type films...and this had that sort of feel, but the humor was so great (Juno has such a sarcastic, quick wit). There were so many good parts of the movie I don't even know where to start in reviewing it.

The best part was that is is totally a drastically "REAL" movie. Some parts made me mad, but then when I thought about it I realized how that is how life is. 

It's a movie about a 16 yr. old girl who gets pregnant. Her first reaction is to get an abortion. The way she portrayed her thought process was so real to life. "Let's nip this in the bud, let's 'take care of it' before it gets to be a problem." But as she finds herself sitting in the abortion clinic it dawns on her that this is a baby, it has fingernails! So she decides to go the adoption route.

I hope and pray that as teens and people see this movie it will change mindsets about teen-sex (it's not something to do just because you are bored), about adoption being a real alternative to abortion, and how if you decide to be sexually active, you are deciding to live with the consequences of that (you can't just erase it and go on with life). 

I think the movie did a great job of showing how when she decided to stay pregnant, it obviously changed her life and effected her day to day life...but she was able to give the baby to someone who really wanted and needed it. Sure her life was changed forever, but she was able to get back to school, and the life she wanted. 

There are so many messages you can take from the movie, if you haven't seen it, I encourage you to- it will make you think. Here is my fair warning though, there is cussing and they don't show anything, but you know what they are going to "do" scenes.  If you have seen it, what was your take?

It Makes All the Difference

Costumer service, that is. It has the ability to make you extremely happy and satisfied or to ruin your day. Luckily I had the happy experience.

Incase you didn't know, vaccines for infants are all a debate right now- if you should or shouldn't, if you should change the schedule or not..etc. Unfortunately I know of many mothers who have had a horrible experience with their Dr. when asking questions about vaccines, and the Dr. giving them a hard time- it's OUR children, we want to make sure they are safe!

Well, I feel like I had the opposite experience recently. So far I have been very pleased with my experience with my Pediatrician's group. Currently I have been choosing to see the Nurse Practitioners when I take my little one in for well check ups. So far, they have been bending over backwards in helping me figure out this vaccine thing. One in particular actually called me after going over my preferred list of order of vaccines, to double check them with how far apart is safe, and such. I am so impressed with their care and concern, and flexibility with me. On a side note, this is just another reason I pray to God that we never have a socialist form of medicine, because I know this would never happen then!

It makes all the difference when you see someone go out of their way to help you, even when it's not the norm, and they can take the easy way out. That challenges me- I want to be a person who goes out of my way to help people- it has the power to make your day great or terrible, and I want to be one who makes things great! 

I am a Circus Freak (On Motherhood, Part 3)

Juggling is my game. Right now I am only juggling 2 kids in the air, but one day (not anytime soon) it will be more so it's been pretty interesting getting the hang of this one. 

I have a lot of friends just starting to have kids or getting onto their 2nd and have had a bunch of questions on how it works with more than one kid. That's a great question, and I definitely did my share of asking too! There is so much wisdom in the counsel of many (Thanks Proverbs!). 

I hear that having 1 kid is hard, going to 2 is tough but a little easier because you kind of know what you are doing, going to 3 gets a little nuts because it's no longer man to man defense, and 4+ they all blur together so you it's not so hard anymore.  

So far I find that to be true. Having one was so overwhelming for me. As much as I had a lot of friends with kids already, had baby sat a lot and did the working in the nursery thing at church, I thought I would handle it ok...but I quickly found out I had no idea what I was doing. Thankfully I had some great friends walk it out with me and a loving husband that encouraged me though my break-downs, because I have no idea what I would have done without them! 

Therefore, 1st piece of advice: Talk to people! Ask questions! Get help! Don't think you "should have all the motherly instincts down right away", it takes time to pick them up. Don't think you are the only one that has faced this, pretty much every mother has, and you aren't calling too much or asking too much or bothering anybody- get that through your mind. And don't be embarrassed or ashamed of weird things happening to your body, or of making a mistake...being a mother is a learning process!

2nd piece of advice: Prepare yourself mentally for the worst. I don't mean have a "Dooms day" attitude, or pitiful mindset, but prepare your mind to be overwhelmed then when you are in the middle of it it won't seem so bad! haha. I know this sounds strange, but I think that is how I made it though the first 2 months with 2 kids. I kept myself encouraged and connected with people, I prepared by reading up, getting advice, and most importantly PRAYING for peace in the house and GRACE GRACE GRACE!

Finally, 3rd piece of advice: Just tell yourself "it's ok". It's ok to cry randomly- that is the hormones...It's ok to take a break from the baby (get a babysitter or swap watching times with your spouse)- that is critical, you are not a bad mother if you need a break! I feel so sad for mom's that think they can't leave the child with a babysitter or alone with the father, or with a friend/relative- those are great times for the baby to adjust to other people as well as for you to regain your sanity and be a better mother when you get back. It's ok to the let the baby cry. Sometimes they just need to get out some energy and because they can't run it off yet, that is the most efficient way. Just check if they are hungry, dirty diaper, sleepy or in pain first...and if nothing else works, it's ok to let them burn off some energy crying. It's extremely hard to do the first couple of times because you feel bad for them, but just make sure they are in a safe place (like their crib, or seat) and close the door and give them a few minutes (no longer than 45!). In those times I find it most helpful for me to go pray (sometimes for them), put in a CD to worship God, or get some cleaning done. Lastly, it's ok to take a nap, especially when the kids do! If mommy's not happy, nobody's happy. :)

I know this is getting long, but I hope some of that encourages you. What are your pieces of advice, I'm all ears for more!

Dorm Stories

This story goes way back to my Freshman year at FSU! I lived in one of the nicer dorms on campus and had a great roommate (and hallmate, thanks Ashley for reminding me to tell this story!). Well one night something happened that I could never forget.

It was about 2:30am and my roommate and I were sound asleep, which rarely happened living across from the elevator in an all girl dorm. We both jolted out of bed at the same time to what sounded to be a WATERFALL in the middle of our room!

My roommate, Kelly thought there was a man standing in our room with a chainsaw, that is how loud it was. I couldn't figure out what it was but could definitely tell it had something to do with water, but it was pitch dark in there. I thought the shower head flew off and water was pouring out like a fire hose or something, but as Kelly jumped up to turn on the light we saw it:

A literal Waterfall coming down in the middle of our room from around the fluorescent light fixture above our computer desks. What in the world? All I could think was "Save the computers!" So I threw my body on top of our desks and sprawled across the computers to try to block them any way possible. I was getting absolutely soaked!

Kelly ran down the hall to our RA, who was just walking in from partying and all she did was laugh at us...as the room was filling with water. So Kelly had to run down 4 flights of stairs to the front desk to get the "on call" RA. By the time they got back to the room the water was starting to slow down. Meanwhile I was soaked to the bone and still laying on the computers.

Long story short, 2 inches of water on the floor later, around 3:30am the RA comes back from investigating to tell us what happened. As I was standing there dripping she proceeded to tell me the TOILET PIPES busted in the dorm room above us!

WHAT!!??!!

I about gagged! I ran into the shower as fast as I could...I had no idea if it was the clean pipes or used water pipes, and to this day I swear it was the clean ones! But it completely freaked me out.

So we were left to salvage all our books, computers, pretty much EVERYTHING in the room for the rest of the night- Miraculously the computers survived! We didn't get to sleep until the sun came up.

I Love Weddings

I am blogging from the road right now. I got to come to my hometown for one of my best friend's wedding this weekend. As I sat at the rehearsal last night I thought to myself, I love weddings. I thought I might be burned out for a while since this is the "Wedding Season" of my life (especially since I work with college students) but I realized it's pretty hard for me to get burned out of something like this.

Weddings are such great examples of the Kingdom of God. As even in the Bible Jesus is referred to as the Bridegroom, and we (the Church) are the Bride. I love the symbolism. I will never get sick of that! The joining of two people, two families, two lives...I love it! I'm sure most of you reading this know of the meaning behind different wedding traditions, so I'll spare you from my history lesson this week (that might come soon though).

I do want to point out how much I love it when the groom sees the bride come down the aisle the first time. His face is always priceless. And just imagine that is how Jesus sees us when we walk towards him! I love how even in the toughest of men, they usually have a tear! Just imagine what Jesus feels, what he is thinking, what he is going through when he sees that all he has sacrificed for was worth it in his beautiful bride. How rewarding is that!

...And then the party begins!

In the spirit of the celebration, I have this You Tube clip that I LOVE of the Best 1st wedding dance EVER! Just click below!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=gbvWdVj4vGU

The Church of Oprah

If you haven't seen this video, check it out here. It's about Oprah and how she has a following of over 2 million people and preaches her own gospel...not The Gospel. My hubby had some comments on this, which you can check out here...but I wanted to give my two cents as well.

Oprah is a woman that has more power than any other woman on this earth. She's got the funds, she's got the outlet (tv), she's got the smarts, she seems to have "the life". And I enjoy watching her show from time to time, I admit...but there is one thing lacking- Jesus in her life.

It breaks my heart to know that she had grown up in church, yet as you can see from her testimony in the video had an experience that caused her to question God and in one clip, outright deny Christ. I think those moments are so crucial in anyone's life...the point you come where you hear something you aren't sure about and don't go to anyone to challenge those thoughts, but just simply go off your "gut feeling" about something and that is when it gets dangerous. She has now created a "gospel according to Oprah" and wants everyone to know about it. We need to pray for Oprah (and all influential leaders, that is)!

It breaks my heart to see someone with her means out-giving Christians in this world. I know you've seen or heard of "Oprah's Big Give"....why in the world haven't WE come up with something like that...we should be the BIGGEST GIVERS on the planet because we have an eternal bank to give from! Besides the fact that Jesus makes it clear in the Bible that it's our duty to take care of those who are in need!

Where are we, Christian's??? Why haven't we stepped it up? Why haven't we been faithful to disciple people, and help them through the "decision times" in people's lives...it's our job to make sure the Gospel is clearly taught and to fight in Prayer for people, especially leaders. (it's up to them what they will do with it, but we need to be ahead of the game here folks!)

I am so challenged as I saw that video and as I think of how people like Oprah live their lives. We need to stand up and represent Christ right, with power and with generous ways that make people believe in what we live! We need to be accurate of how we share who Christ is, and we need to be cautious of what we are feeding ourselves (through tv, books, etc) and make sure they are lining up with what Jesus teaches.

What are your thoughts?