Guilty

I have another confession. I have to admit that I have somewhat sort of become intrigued in the Prince William/Kate Middleton engagement.  

Did you see that ring?  I think I'd be terrified to wear it!

That is all. :)

Hints

OK, so I can't help it any longer!!  I am kind of (really) looking forward to this time of year:

I know, I know...Thanksgiving first.  :)

A Thankful Spirit

In the spirit of the season of giving thanks, I've come up with a list of a few things I am thankful for.  This is 

especially appropriate for me today because I have found myself lately feeling burned out (mostly with school) and having a negative attitude about certain things.  This list names those things I am most thankful for PLUS the things that I need a reminder to be thankful for!  In no particular order, these are the things I am thankful for today:

1.  My awesome family.  I don't know what I would do without them!

2.  Our wonderful church family.

3.  A job that allows me to interact with patients and make some extra money while I'm in school.

4.  Warm pajamas and a warm husband to cuddle with!

5.  Today I have to be thankful for cold, rainy weather.  Pretty cozy!

6.  A comfortable place to come home to and Chris' parents who always make us feel welcome.

7.  An unexpected free lunch from Jason's Deli!

8.  Friends at school who help keep everything in perspective.

9.  Night when someone else cooks!

10.  Puppy kisses from my Bailey-boy.  

I will enter His gates with Thanksgiving in my heart.  I will enter His courts with praise.  I will say this is the day that the Lord has made.  I will rejoice for He has made me glad!

What is something that you are thankful for today?

Finally Friday!!

The weekend is here and my Mom is coming to visit!  I am so excited!  I just don't get to see her enough and she's coming to Knoxville so I get to have her all to myself. :)  We don't have any grand plans, just some visiting and shopping and being together.  I absolutely have the best Mom in the world!

A Prayer for Today

Just for today Lord...

-help me to complete my work without grumbling or complaining.

-help me give of myself with reservation.

-help me to be a blessing to my husband.

-help me be mindful of my time and spend it on things that matter.

-help me to take care of my body with nutritious food and beneficial exercise. 

-help me to be a good daughter, sister, daughter-in-law, niece, aunt, and all of those other things I am!!

Love Without End, Amen.

It's been a little over 5 months since my Dad passed away and not a day has gone by that I haven't thought of him.  I miss him so much and so many things remind me of him like the start of football season during which he would be cheering on the Vols and the Colts.  A George Strait song will come on the radio and I am instantly taken back into childhood when we are riding in the car singing Amarillo by Morning.  I'm also reminded of him when I see my sister's determination and hard work or my brother's skill of being good with people and being admired by those around him.  I know that I carry some of him in me as well and I am positive that we have received the best of his character and love for family.  Tomorrow, November 6th, he would have turned 54 years old.  That little ache in my heart is hanging around again.  This date has been one of the most difficult for me.  This begins the next couple of months of birthdays and holidays that will be a first without him.  That thought it a little gut-wrenching.  I would want my Dad to know, though, that we are moving on with life.  He would be so mad if he knew we weren't  So, tomorrow may be a little difficult, but my mind will be filled with thoughts and memories of my Daddy who had the strongest arms and the warmest heart of any man in the world. 

Happy Birthday Daddy.

We will  love you and miss you always.

The Fellowship of the Unashamed

"I am a part of the fellowship of the unashamed. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I'm a disciple of His and I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.

My past is redeemed. My present makes sense. My future is secure. I'm done and finished with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, or first, or tops, or recognized, or praised, or rewarded. I live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by Holy Spirit power.

My face is set. My gait is fast. My goal is heaven. My road may be narrow, my way rough, my companions few, but my guide is reliable and my mission is clear.

I will not be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed.  I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice or hesitate in the presence of the adversary. I will not negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won't give up, shut up, or let up until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and preached up for the cause of Christ.

I am a disciple of Jesus. I must give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until He comes. And when He does come for His own, He'll have no problems recognizing me. My colors will be clear!"

I came across this recently and was very moved by the words of the author.  Many attribute it to Dr. Bob Moorehead but I don't think it has been 100% confirmed.  I in no way claim to live up to the words of this passage but can only hope to grow toward this confidence.  What do you think of it?  Have you read it before and do you have any thoughts about what it says?