New Shoes and New CD = One GREAT Day!

Beautiful Day Today!

Enjoyed shopping with Bek- our shopping = a marathon, not a sprint! Found fabulous shoes- though they are far to practical for Bek (and look exactly like the ones I had previously- but I like them, their comfy and go with anything! So I'm happy!). Maybe someday I'll have reason to break into heals. Found some other good deals- so I think I'm pretty much set for spring and summer. Trying to not add too much to my wardrobe.

Got home- and discovered my new John Mayer CD had arrived. Oh my goodness. It is so good! I'm enjoying him while I organize my room. John Mayer always brings back memories of the spring of 2003- living in my old apartment. I worked part-time then- so I'd get home in the early afternoon, open the patio door, feel the warm breeze, nestle into the couch to work on my Master's while listening to John. Good Times. You have got to hear this CD!

Tomorrow is an early day with the Easter Breakfast (I forgo the Sunrise Service- this year I have a medical excuse- how convenient!). Praise Team is singing for the Worship Service and then I'll enjoy the day at home with the family. This will be my first time singing in church since my "incident"- pray that my voice/lungs are strong. Practice this week really knocked me out and I had two tough days afterwards.

Up and coming adventures! Saturday is the Partners with Haiti Banquet in Weston. I LOVE this dinner every year. It is a great time to reconnect with past teammates. I especially love the people at Westgate and can't wait to see them. Phenomenal people! A few of our friends from the DR and Haiti will be there- so it will be good to see them as well.

Well- I must get back to work- I'd like to set up my new printer tonight (well, HOPE's new printer) but first must clear a space for it on my desk. God was so good to provide this for us- it will enable us to do our mailings more efficiently. Expect one soon (if you don't receive them and would like to- just let me know!).

Happy Resurrection!
Love to you all~

It IS a Good Friday

Last night was a whirlwind working with the teens- they are doing so well on their puppets, vocals and skits. I'm really proud of them. They have come a long way- in confidence, ability and in working together! Being with the teens opens those doors for good conversations and challenge. Last night had a few of them- I'm praying that God uses all things to grow them to be more like HIM.

My friend Nat is home- and it was nice to catch up with him for a bit at breakfast. He is doing so well overseas! It was also good to hear some positive impressions he had from visiting youth group Wednesday night. That was encouraging.



After breakfast- I went to get a haircut (short and chunky for spring). I really liked the place I went today and the gal did a fantastic job on my eyebrows- it made my day (okay...enough posting about vanity-moving on)



Then- I went back to the pulmonologist. He was pleased that my lung capacity is up to 70% now. I'm being weaned off the steroids but he did add another inhaler. I still get winded when I over-exert or talk in one big breath. But- I'm doing better. I go back in 2 weeks to see him again.



Tonight is the Good Friday service- I've just wrapped up Coffee House Bulletin inserts for Sunday- so I'll venture down to church early to get those copied and stuffed.


Wishing you all a reflective Good Friday and a very Special Easter Holiday!
Love you you all~

Goldfish will have to do

Of all the nights for Walmart to be running low on Teddy Grahams- tonight had to be the night. There were only TWO BOXES in the entire store. Doesn't God have a sense of humor? So- plan B. Goldfish. We're going to using multiple varieties (including buffalo, pizza, x-tra cheddar etc...). I've counted out 1,033 individual goldfish and divided them amongst 18 bags. Why you asked? I wanted to make sure I had the exact count so I could figure out all the math in advance and not look like a complete idiot in front of the class (and in front of my boss). It was probably pointless to do- but it is done. My lesson is planned, I have all the materials- now I just have to pray the students behave, are engaged and that I am able to explain it all correctly. We'll see how it goes.

Tomorrow night is youth group- I'll be teaching the lesson to the gals again. This time, answering questions about the lessons we covered the last four weeks and then talking about assurance of salvation. One of our quieter girls has really been blossoming over the last few weeks. I got to spend some time with her last night- for a seventh grader, she is on target! Pray that those who have questions won't be afraid to ask them.

Love to you all~

It's been a long day- and I'm beat. But, before I turn in.... I just have to mention what a great weekend I had.

Since I had to take a 1/2 day off work on Friday to see the doctor, I decided I was going to live up the gorgeous day! Rebecca met me and we perused my favorite antique store. I don't go often- and the one thing I allowed myself to splurge on were old photographs. I love collecting them. It fascinates me to look at the clothing, the expressions (or lack thereof), and the interactions within the pictures. It is always extra special to find sets of pictures- a family, or a person over the years. And- I especially love it when I find ones with dates/transcriptions. On Friday, I found a few good finds. A couple photos from the late 1800's- 1892 I think. And- the coolest was an old "scrapbook" from 1908. The pictures weren't the greatest, but the captions were so awesome. I was in my glory- and all my treasures only cost me a mere $27.

Then we met Bethany for dinner at my favorite restaurant- The Courthouse. Dinner was delicious and there was much laughter! Saturday, after a restful morning, I ventured down for my friend Josh's "pre-wedding" reception. It was lovely! After, the old gang went out for Japanese. Again, the food was great and the company even greater. I miss having Josh around- and it was nice to catch up with him. His fiance Sarah is lovely and the are so well suited. I am happy for him. He seems so content and relaxed. His happiness is so deserved. Two people so finely crafted and suited for each other- as the pastor said, "created for each other"- and that couldn't be more true. We had a great time together- I miss those days.

Sunday, after church, we took the teens to the nursing home to lead the service. They did a good job singing (though I did find it funny that the girl who is not working to full lung capacity could still sing over them.....my big mouth I guess). Ricky gave a testimony and two girls did readings. At the second home, one of the ladies from our church came. She is such a dear- and I know she is so frustrated to not be able to come to church. She cried through most of the service and told us later that "we brought joy to her heart". I hope the teens grasp the importance of not forgetting the elderly and that even the simplest act of service can bring them great comfort.

I had a few hours to kill after that and before worship team practice- so Bek met me and we went to Apple Valley to shop. I found some excellent bargains and even treated myself to a new skirt- I love it!!! Couldn't pass on the great deal. The evening was rounded out by worship team- which was good as we're preparing for Easter service. But, my lungs are really struggling today because of all the singing. Pray they will be rested for Sunday- since there are only three of us singing, I need to be in decent shape.

The week looks pretty routine- I have a math observation on Wed. I'm hoping it goes well. The class I will be working with can be a challenge- I observed in there today and they were good- I hope it continues. I plan to have them work with Teddy Grahams (creating pie charts of the different varieties the class will have)- hopefully knowing they can eat them when they are done will satiate their desire to eat me alive. I don't have any PPT's this week (can I get an Amen???). My favorite boy went home sick today- he did not look or sound good (while I was talking to him this morning, I kept trying to eye where the wastebasket was in case he needed it quick). Hopefully he gets better- making up assignments it not an easy task for him.

Oh- I started practicing tonight with our drama crew. They are preparing a skit for the coffee house 4/18. They did a good job for being the first night. Pray that they are able to memorize their lines- I'm hoping this will be the gospel presentation for the event. Also, pray we have a good response to the coffee house. I've invited 7 youth groups to come (I'm almost afraid that they all will come and we'll be maxed out). Our teens are preparing presentations- and I'm hoping for 2 guitarists to come and play some interlude music. I really have to sit down and wrap up the plans.

Hmmm- Friday we have off. Can't wait! The weekend is full with Good Friday and Easter activities. One more week and then April Vacation! (double amen).

Alright- enough rambling. I'm headed to bed.

Love to you all~