My blog posts aren't too profound.  I am not witty, I do not have great metaphors for what is going on in my life.  No big lessons to be learned from me.  I'm sinful, messy, selfish, unforgiving, cynical.  I write about simple little things going on in my life.  

I went to a Sunday night small group meeting for women that meets once a month at my church.  The subject was the practical face of Lordship.  This week when my alarm went off at 3:45 am and I had to drag myself out of bed, I thought, God is Lord over this situation.  When I struggle with reaching out to people, knowing I might be rejected, I know God is Lord over it.  Small things that I think might not matter to bring to the foot of the cross do matter and God is Lord.  

I am starting to memorize Bible passages again.  It has been maybe 10 years at least since I have attempted to learn Bible verses back in an early high school Bible Study.  Looong time ago!  First one down, Psalm 16.  Go look it up, good for you!!

I love coupons

My friend, Kelly, has introduced me to the wonderful world of couponing!! I have always loved coupons, but love them even more so!! I saved $10 yesterday on things I would normally buy. Today I had a buy 2 get one free for Crystal Lite. The store had a buy one get one free. So, I bought one and ended up getting 3 free!! I love coupons! Sometimes they get me to buy things I don't usually buy, but not often!!

I'm sure many have heard of the British sensation, Susan Boyle! If you haven't, please go watch it!! It will warm your heart!

Work has been going well, but leaving me so tired. I haven't been to the gym in 2 weeks. I need a gym buddy, someone who will call me and make me go!!

On to my Sunday paper filled with coupons!!

Easter Eve

I love Easter. There are many things about it that I love. Christ has made all things new, Spring colors, baskets, cute bunnies, lunch with the Kercher family, $10 in change in an Easter egg, dying eggs, extravagant Easter egg hunts still put on for the "little girls" (my sister Hannah and her friend Catherine who are now graduating high school this year), new dresses, chocolate, 4-H rolls. The list can go on and on. I love this weekend.

"He is not here, he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him'. Now I have told you."
So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.
Suddenly Jesus met them, "Greetings," he said. they came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him.
Matthewe 28: 6-9

I need to tell myself this gospel every night.
He is Risen.

He is Risen, indeed.

After 9 days of housesitting....I AM HOME!! I'm a little happy about that, can you tell?  I missed my bed.  Didn't miss getting up so early.  Missed my gym.  Didn't miss going as much.  And I won't miss the little dog!  I have figured out, I am not a little dog person!!!  And I am not a stupid dog person.  I hate stupid dogs.  

The week has progressively gone better.  A couple of nights I woke up at least 5 times a night for a little bit after getting back this past weekend.  I didn't let my mind wander as much and dwell on sad thoughts.

Thankful for a 4 day weekend....I am drained today.

This weekend went by fast. Friday night I drove home and spent several hours with Sarah, crying, laughing, talking, just being. It was really good. I felt like a college kid, being the one who comes home last minute and hangs out with friends late into the night.
Yesterday we all said goodbye to our friend, Ben. The celebration of his life was amazing. I couldn't stop crying until the sermon at the end. I will not forget Ben and have taken a few things to heart after learning more of his short, full life. What an incredible young man!
Back here last night. Today has been a hard day of being sad. I came home from church just feeling sad and lonely. Not that my friends here do not care about me, but there is nothing like the comfort of home. And talking about Ben with people who did not know him is different than those who did.
I am so looking forward to this weekend! Home with family, good times.

Today is really rainy, cloudy, and gloomy....

I am filled with a lot of sadness and pain.  A friend of mine, Ben McCollum passed away last night after a 21 year battle with Cystic Fibrosis.  I'm glad he doesn't have to endure hospitalizations and treatments, infections, sickness.  Ben was someone who really lived life!  He loved a lot and was loved a lot, he had a big heart and a funny sense of humor.  I was not close close with Ben, but enjoyed hanging out with him on different occasions and catching up when I hadn't seen him in awhile.  One thing I loved about Ben is he loved my little brother, and John really looked forward to seeing Ben every week when he went to our church.  They were buddies and I loved the way he interacted and loved on John.

There is a weird pull in my heart.  One towards happiness he is ok now, he is in heaven.  That is so mind blowing to me!!  Ben is hanging out with Jesus in heaven.  As I was reminded today, while he left earth with many things done, many things not done, it might be sad that his life was short and not lived long here on earth.  But, this earthly life is so short, and now Ben is living in a heavenly body that doesn't have sick lungs!  He can breathe again!!!  And all the things I see with sadness he didn't get to do....he is so much more complete and whole, not missing out on anything.  He is with Jesus, that is crazy!!

And I'm really sad too.  Such a guy with a magnetic personality.  You couldn't help but love Ben.  He'll be missed here a lot.  I love his family, and my heart is really heavy for them right now.  Please pray for them.

I'll see you soon, Ben!  I wish you could tell me what heaven is like, I'm sure it is awesome!!

Just a few pictures from my run 3 weeks ago. I came in 7,159th place with 97 minute time. I've been meaning to put them up, but lack of a computer makes that hard. Thanks, Nat!!

My friend is up for winning free wedding photography. Go and vote for Miranda & David!! I think it ends this Sunday night. http://mandyandmestudio.com/blog/2009/03/contest/