25 Things that make me laugh

Anyone who really knows me will tell you that I love to laugh. And laugh I do, at just about anything, which on occasion gets me into trouble. Yes, as I wrote on my profile, I do have a "wicked" sense of humor. Here are 25 things that made me laugh this week:

1. Payton (my pup) eating peanut butter.
2. The phrase, "Just do you, Boo!"
3. Reading funny blogs. Check out Erin's post, "I'm such a dork!"
4. "Girls Behaving Badly" hidden camera pranks.
5. Thinking about my parents babysitting my triplet 5-yr. old nieces and a big, hyper dog in their house this weekend.
6. Catching a look at myself in the mirror when I first get up.
7. My hubby's Monty Python PJ bottoms that say, "I'm not dead yet."
8. My friend Lisa. She consistently cracks me up!
9. The Friends episode where Phoebe teaches Rachel how to run.
10. Listening to my hubby end his prayers (don't ask; I won't tell!)
11. Guys wearing pants so big that they have to hold them up.
12. Teenage girls trying to walk in heels.
13. Life insurance offers we get for my MIL. She's been dead 20 years.
14. The word "spam"
15. The way my son slings his bangs out of his face.
16. God's sense of humor--He is so stinking funny at times!!
17. The ceiling lights at work that look like giant breasts.
18. David Crowder's blog. Check out these two posts squirrels pt.1 and squirrels-pt.3
19. Seeing people using bluetooths (or is that blueteeth?)
20. My video of the week (at the top right of my blog).
21. People who try to eat in their cars without being "noticed."
22. A pimped out purple Chevy Caprice with spinning hubcaps.
23. How to spell Jelly Bellies, Bellys, or Belly's?
24. Teri's at Facedown need to use nicknames
25. This church sign. What were they thinking?

On life, love, and jelly beans

There are a few things in life that I really love. One of those things, I've discovered has a kind of secret society of people associated with it. I mean there's a group of fans that are bonded together by the love of this item. What am I talking about??? Popcorn Jelly Bellies. AJ over at Babybangs got me thinking about them.

And, just the thought of them. . . . ah, there's nothing quite like them! Sweet and buttery at the same time! Oh my! My mouth is watering as I'm typing this.

There's new member to this group--my mom. You see when I left my parents home on Monday, I left a little "surprise" for her on the dresser. You guessed it--Buttered Popcorn Jelly Bellies. And while my mom was totally unaware of the Buttered Popcorn Jelly Belly world, she's now a convert.

So watch out folks. You never know when you too may be "jelly bellied" by a Buttered Popcorn flavored fan. My advice? Simply sit back, put a good flick on the TV and enjoy. After all, it's a sweet, buttery treat with no fat! Who could ask for anything more?

It's time for me to stop lurking in the shadows and declare my love for this sweet, buttery treat. So here goes (deep breath).

"Hi, my name is Cheryl and I am a Buttered Popcorn Jelly Belly Lover."

Reply, "Hi, Cheryl."

How about you? Anyone else brave enough to declare your love?

A matter of the heart?

John Wesley once described his conversion/relationship with Christ as being when his "heart was gently warmed" or something like that. Okay, I don't get the highest marks for accuracy and I'm too lazy this evening/early morning to google it. (tee hee!!) I kind of like Wesley's response, but I think there a whole lot more to it than that. It's more than simple emotions and in fact, the "heart" itself can be very deceitful.

My question for you is this: How would you describe your relationship with Christ to a new believer--without resorting to cliches or Christian-ese? I'm interested to read your responses.

Baby Kaleb

I just received this from a friend and it broke my heart. Please take the time to watch it and pray for Baby Kaleb.

100 posts and counting. . . .

I'm back home!!! And while I'm saddened that I don't have my mom sitting in the same room with me, I am very glad to be among all things familiar. There really is nothing so sweet as coming home.

This is my 100th post! I can hardly believe it! Is there something special I'm supposed to do for a 100th post? If so, I don't know what it is. I guess I'll just claim the "blond" thing on this one (tee hee). Frankly, I'm still trying to get this "blogging" thing down.

I just started blogging in June of this year in obedience to a call from God. Honestly, before that I vaguely even knew what a blog was, let alone ever considered writing one. Those of you who know me in real life, know this has to be true. I'm a pretty private person. Putting my life out on the world wide web was not something I aspired to do. Yet, if nothing else I've learned over the years, it's best to obey the LORD. Doing otherwise has negative consequence (in more ways than one).

What's transpired during the past 4 months has been amazing!!! I've met some of the most talented, funny, caring, Christ-loving women that I wouldn't have met otherwise and have been totally blown away by their comments and blogs. I've laughed with them, cried with them and praised with them.

Hum, it almost sounds Biblical doesn't it? And of course it is. God has called us to be the body of Christ. And while that can and does happen on the local, church level, I don't think it should be limited to that. As we've developed new technologies, God has found new ways to move and connect us.

We hear so much about the negative aspects of the Internet. All you have to do is turn on the tv. and there's bound to be some story warning us of the "dangers" that lurk around every cyber corner. While I don't disagree that Internet has been used for evil purposes, what I'd like to do today here on my 100th post is CELEBRATE--celebrate the good, the community that's been created without us even realizing it.

So here's to my Siestas (and you know who you are)!! Thank you--for all you are and for all that you do both here and in real life. I can't wait to meet you face-to-face, and as my southern siestas would say, "and hug your neck!" Can you say, "San Antonio?" Until then, I'll be here blogging away.

All this and God too! Who could ask for anything more? Yes, life in bloggityville is good, very good.

When home isn't home any more.

I'm in Chicago right now with my Mom. My dad traveled to Southern Illinois for a class reunion of the first class he ever taught. So, I drove up North to spend some quality time with my Mom.

I'm in the house where I grew up, where I spent the majority of my teenage years. We moved into this house when I was in 6th grade and I lived here until I left for college. What's really odd, is that it doesn't feel like home anymore. Why is that??

I think it's partly because my family (hubby, kids, and dog) are not here. In fact, I'm amazed at just how quiet it is here. No one has yelled since I got here. I haven't had to intervene in any fights, and no little mutt has jumped on top of my while I have been sleeping.

And I guess that's it. Home is more about family than it is a place. And while my life at "home" right now may be very chaotic at times, I wouldn't trade it for anything.

So tonight I'm going out with my mom. We may even stay out late--very late. And although I'm an adult, I can't help but think I'll feel just a tinge of anxiety about missing my curfew and "sneaking" back into the house. Although this may not be home anymore some "feelings" never change!

After the Fall

Falling has definitely been on my mind the past couple of days, reinforced of course by my very, very battered, bruised and beat up body. I'm hobbling around like an old person--okay "older" person. I know compared to some of you I'm already old (Just don't tell me so, okay. Remember it's a good thing to humor your elders!) You know the pain is actually worse now than when I first fell. Why is that?

Pondering this question got me to thinking about the first "fall"--that of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. I wonder if their spiritual fall parallels my physical fall. What do you think? I mean, after the initial fall when they ate from the tree of knowledge and realized their sin, they must have experienced an initial shock, shame, pain, a host of things must have come flooding in for them. I think, however that the days after the fall were even worse, especially after they heard the voice of God Almighty and realized what they'd done. Can't you just picture that? If the initial jolt wasn't bad enough being "caught" by the Creator of the Universe had to be an absolute LOW point in their day. And of course, getting kicked out of paradise wasn't any picnic, either.

Anyway, I think that's kind of how we react to falling--both physically and spiritually. It's the after effects that are the worst for us. Yes, we experience some initial pain, but the "afterward" is what impacts us the most.

Aren't you glad that God forgives and forgets our falling? We may not, but He does. I recently came across a quote in one of Max Lucado's books that I think sums this up well. He says, "God forgets the past; imitate Him."

I don't know about you, but I'm going to do my best with the help of the Holy Spirit living within me to do exactly that.

Falling

I've been listening to Travis Cottrell's CD FOUND. I just can't get enough of it!! Did I say already that I love this CD? Well, I do. It's a good thing that you can't wear out a CD, because if you could, this one would be long gone! The second song on the CD is Falling. Now I really love this song and can belt it out with the best of them as I'm driving back and forth to work. I think, however I'm going to skip that track next time.

You see I'm a klutz. I know I've blogged about this before, but I really am very klutzy. Tonight was one of those nights. As I came in the front door tonight behind the kids, caring my portion of our SONIC stop, I fell.
Not a little fall. Oh no, not me. A great big, spill the soda all over, drop the extra long coney fall. It wasn't pretty. There was food and drink flying all over the place. Our pup, Payton thought she had hit the jack pot!.

I, on the other hand, did not fare quite so well. I don't think I broke anything this time (PTL). Let's just say it's a good thing I have a high pain thresh hold and a prescription for pain killers!

Isn't it great that God isn't klutzy? That He's there to pick us up when we fall, because frankly I don't just fall physically. I also fall spiritually. And He's always there to pick me up, dust me off and provide another "do-over" for me.

So as for me, I'm going to try to be more careful. No more falling for me unless of course it's more in love with Christ! But just in case I do take a wrong step, I'm glad I have a Savior who's always there to catch me in His arms. What a wonderful place to land with or without an extra long coney!

Falling in love even more with Christ,
~Cheryl

Starting Over

Okay, I admit it. There are a few things I'm passionate about. . . you might even say I'm addicted to--God, my family, strong coffee, caffeine, my pup Payton, my friends, cold bottled water, sleeping in until the last possible minute, white noise while I sleep, prayer/meditation, my Bible (and it has to be mine-don't want anyone elses), my Ipod/music, the computer, driving my car, listening to books on CD, marching Bands, Barry Manilow, Chicago (both the city and the band), Praise and Worship Music and I hate to say this, but reruns of my all-time favorite show STARTING OVER.

For those of you who've never heard of Starting Over, I'm not surprised. It was a short-lived daytime, reality show--although that's not really a very good description of it. I discovered it in the wee hours of the morning when I couldn't sleep (It aired at 3:30 am when I first started watching it). I've included a clip in my video of the week slot at the right. If you're curious watch it.

Now while all of this may seem relatively insignificant to you, it's quite important to me. You see I was reminded tonight of connections--specifically how God uses one thing/person to connect to another to another and still to another. Because of STARTING OVER I've been blessed with some precious friendships that I just wouldn't have if I never watched the show.

But more important than that is the chance God gives us to start over, to wipe the slate clean so to speak through the blood of Jesus! Somehow I don't think those two words, "STARTING OVER" will ever mean quite the same thing again to me. So am I passionate about STARTING OVER? Yes, siree I am! I'll even bet my life on it. How about you?

What's your spiritual work-out?

Today was second session of high school Sunday School. Much to my delight and surprise our numbers doubled from last week. It's still a small group, but it's growing. That's fantastic! Can you say, "God is Good!!" (all the time, of course)

The theme for today was spiritual power. We watched a clip from the film, "Unbreakable." In the clip, Bruce Willis was working out and was able to lift more weight than even he thought was capable. We discussed our spiritual strength and how in order to maintain (or develop) it we need to do our own spiritual work outs.

So the question for the day is: what do you do to strengthen your spiritual life?? I'd love to share your responses with the kids next week. So leave a comment or two, okay?

There's No Place Like Home!

I'm home--finally and I gotta tell you I am so happy to be here. One of the perks of traveling is coming home. Don't you agree? Oh how nice it is to be among all things familiar--my bed, my couch, my kitchen, my bathroom and the list goes on!

The best thing of all, of course is my family. While it may appear that teens need their mothers less, I think the opposite is true, although I'm not sure my own kids would admit it. And of course it's always weird when I'm away from my hubby. I've gotten kinda used to him over the past 25 years. Oh, and don't forget my baby girl (mutt) Payton. She squealed with delight when I walked in the door. Matthew is home from college this weekend too. Yep, I'm a happy camper.

While I know this world is not my final destination, I'm sure glad I have a place here that I can call home, at least temporarily.

There's nothing like being away from home to provide a new lens from which to see things. Yes, I've got to agree with Dorothy, "There's no place like home!"

Overwhelmed and Blessed!

Oh my!! I'm just overwhelmed by the prayers and support I've received, both here and in e-mail. Do y'all know how much that means??? Well, just in case you don't, let me say right here and now--knowing that you were praying for me, Siestas from all over made all the difference!

Honestly, I could feel God's presence in such a deep way during this difficult time. I have to admit it constantly amazes me. Just when I think I couldn't love Him anymore, BOOM!! . . . .waives of His love wash over me! He was so sweet and tender with me. I wish I could really articulate the feeling, the relationship I have with Him. But I know y'all understand, because you have the same thing, right? What a wonderful thing to be the daughter of the LORD of the universe!! Are we blessed or what?

On to the practical. . .the funeral went well, I guess--at least as well as a funeral can go. It was tough to say goodbye to my uncle--really tough. But collectively as a family we pulled together.

The LORD really guided my words during the funeral service. I'm so glad that I spent that extra time alone with Him in preparation, even though it was into the wee hours of the night when I finally got some sleep. Interstingly one of the passages of scripture He led me to was one read by the pastor. How cool is that? I was able to tie in to what he had already said and then add some more. God was definitely speaking through His Word. I'm just blown away by how He uses His Word to speak to us!!

I do have one last request for you. Please keep my Aunt Pauline in prayer. She has a rough road ahead both physically and emotionally. And while you're at it if you could keep my cousin Larry and his wife Sue in prayer too that would be fantastic. They're on the front-line so to speak with my Aunt.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you, Siestas! Y'all are simply the BEST!!

Feeling exhausted but very, very blessed,
~Cheryl

An all too familiar feeling. . . .

It's late and very, very quiet here. About the only sound is my tapping on the laptops keys in the dim light of the computer. And somehow how, although it' been awhile I feel a little Dejavu, like I'm back in my childhood days.

You see I'm in Southern Illinois sharing a hotel room with my parents. My uncle's funeral is tomorrow, no make that today. I just looked at the clock. As I sit here in the quite of the night, I'm transported back to the days when I was 12 years old and on vacation with my folks. . . sneaking a flashlight under the covers to read. An all too familiar feeling.

I should be asleep, but I've been waiting and praying. My aunt called late last night and wants me to speak at the funeral. Now while I'm used to speaking in public, I don't dare approach this without substantial time with the LORD.

So, I'm waiting LORD and listening. Guide my thoughts and words as I prepare for tomorrow. And please LORD keep my parents asleep, okay? I don't want to get caught with the flashlight under the covers, so to speak.

Sneaking some "quiet" time with the LORD and hoping NOT to get caught (tee hee),

~Cheryl :)

Well, it wasn't High School Musical 2

It just occurred to me that because I was so focused on my uncle's death yesterday, I didn't post anything in response to my first day with the high schoolers in Sunday school. Sorry! You know I fretted a bit over the whole thing AND for no avail! Argh!! Why do I continue to do that?? I lay the problem at His feet, then snatch it back. Okay, okay. I get it. . and I'm learning just a bit slowly.

Anyway, the class was actually okay. And yes, I mean just okay. It certainly didn't go as smoothly as High School Musical 2, but then again Real Life (play on words here folks, this is actually the name of my church) seldom does. We had a few technical difficulties with the DVD clip, but I managed to show the clip on my laptop (that I brought as back-up). And the praise band was practicing so it was a little loud in our room, not really a problem for the teens, except when they were straining to hear the DVD clip on my computer.

It was a small group and likely will be for a while, but they're good kids. So just keep it in prayer folks. God is working at my church that's for sure! But a little prayerful reminder every now and again never hurts.

Thanks bunches, my prayerful Siestas!

Another one. . . .

It's with great sadnesss that I post this. My other uncle (I only had two) just passed away. Yes, two uncles within the past few weeks! I received the call after church today.

I grew up in the Chicago area with this uncle. . lived down the street from me until we moved when I was in 6th grade. He was the worship leader/music director at the church I grew up in, where Bill and I were married. My aunt actually started my love for music/piano very early in my life. She played piano; my uncle sang.

In retirement, he and my aunt spent the majority of their years in small town near Carbondale, IL where my uncle was worship leader/music director at the local Methodist church.

During the past few years they had moved to an assisted living center near my oldest cousin in Indiana. My uncle passed away in his sleep during the night.

My Aunt, (my dad's only sibling) unfortunately was in the hospital at the time. She's been temporarily released. She is not doing well, but will be traveling to Southern Illinois for the funeral.

I'm leaving Tuesday to meet my parents who will be driving down from Chicago. My hubby is staying here to drive both kids to school--Sammie to college, some 30 miles away and Andrew to high school. Ironically, Sammie will be able to get her Driver License Friday this week. Hey, our timing has never been good!

So please pray for my family. Although there's no doubt my uncle is now in Heaven probably leading a choir of saints as they praise the Holy One, he will be missed greatly here by family and friends.

As for me? Well don't worry. I'm in good hands. You see, I'm leaning on the everlasting arms of my sweet and tender Jesus. And yes, I will continue, despite the circumstances to praise Him even through this current storm. For in Christ Alone I Stand.

Crazy for Christ,
~Cheryl

And Justice for All?

Tomorrow is a first for me, a first for the teens at our church. It's the fist day for High School Sunday School. Now just in case you think something's wrong with my church, I've got to remind y'all that we're at a brand new, baby church. So there are lots of firsts. It's my privilege to be the first HS Sunday school teacher.

I'm a bit nervous about the whole thing. Now, I know God will be with me, has called me to this and has gifted me with the ability to teach. I not worried about that.

Here's my dilemma. My first lesson is on justice. We'll be watching a clip from the movie, "The Count of Monet Cristo" In case you've forgotten the plot an innocent man gets sent to prison. In the beginning of the clip we'll watch, he is sure of his faith--that God is just. At the end of the clip, when asked what has replaced his faith in God he says, "revenge."

I'm coupling all this with scripture from both Old and New Testaments (Duet 20:4; 1 Sam. 17:47; job 1:13-22; Isaiah 35:4; 40:31; Matthew 72; 27-44; Acts 16: 22-25; Romans 12:19; 1 Peter 2:19)

Now that's all well and good and yes there's wonderful, solid stuff from The Word for the kids to ponder. I'm not worried about that either.

What worries me is my own real struggle during the past week with the very concept of justice. So, just how do I talk about justice when I, myself don't really "get it?" Do I lay it all out there before the kids--showing my own struggle with the concept? Or do I simply tow the standard party line. Blah, blah, blah. . .

Hum. . . since God has been working on authenticity with me--working overtime by the way--I guess I'm going to have to opt for the honest approach and trust God will use that to lead this young people.

I don't' have all the answers. And I guess that's okay. Because the One I follow, the One I love, the One who gave everything to demonstrate His love for me does. I know without a doubt that His ways are perfect. And I might add. . He did NOT receive justice from the world either. Guess I've got my answer, huh?

So for now, I'm going to rest in His truth and relax about tomorrow. But (and there's always a but, isn't there), I've got a question or two for Him when I get to Heaven! I bet you do too.

Grateful Journal Friday, 9/7

Today, I'm grateful for the following:
~Getting a decision from LPM
~Listening to the New Point of Grace Album
~Talking to my mom and dad today on the phone.
~Pain relief
~God's overwhelming presence in my life.
~Watching a DVD with Sammie.
~Seeing her fall asleep.
~Payton sleeping on the pink pillow by me.
~Lisa's comment on my blog and e-mails.
~Possibilities for my sabbatical research
~God's amazing timing!!
~Forgiveness both given and received.
~Paye's integrity.
~Cold Dr. Pepper tonight.
~Humor!!!
~The Deeper Still conference in Nashville.
~My blogging Siestas both those attending the conference and those at home.
~Beth Moore's insight
~E-mailing back and forth with Nancy today.
~Nancy's suggestion to purchase some Beth Moore studies.
~The Deeper Still blog.
~AJ's thoughtfulness
~Praise and worship music that rocks!
~Trevor's Worship for Today thought
~Websites I love: COF, WCW, LPM, TCM, FBU (tee hee. . sounds like a secret code, doesn't it?)
~Prayer
~Power of 22,000 women worshipping together in Nashville--knowing God is going to show up BIG TIME there.
~My prayer warrior friends.
~Debbie's offer
~Being fearless--refusing to get caught up in the junk
~The gentle sound of the rain falling as I was sleeping this morning.

Worship for Today

My friend Trevor faithfully sends out a daily "Worship for Today." His insight and ability to worship through The Word continually amaze me. I'm always blessed by what he has to share about the LORD and often moved to level of worship beyond words. Okay, let's be honest here. I sometimes find myself unable to catch my breath and all I can do is drop to my knees. Today is one of those days.

Here's in part what he had to say:

"When we embrace Jesus Christ in that same faith Abraham had we receive the blessings God promised to him. As we will read in Genesis 15:6, “Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.” How glad I am that my relationship with God is not based on my performance, but on the faith I have in Jesus Christ. Otherwise, I’m sure you all would miss me in the resurrection as I know I’d never make it based on living a good life. I just could never be that good. Not that my salvation hasn’t been earned. It has been earned! My Savior Jesus Christ died on a cross so that I might have an opportunity to join in the resurrection of life! What a wonderful God he is that sent his Son for me!"

Amen, Trevor. Amen!

Praise You in This Storm

I'm frustrated right now. You might even say I'm in the midst of a storm. You see a dear friend is in deep physical pain and I don't like it. Nope, not one little bit. I've cried out to the LORD, asked Him to relieve her pain. Yet she's still suffering. And I don't understand. But then again it's not my responsibility to know the why is it? His ways are not my ways.

Kathy Troccoli, CCM artist, speaker, and author has a book titled, Am I Not Still God? I think the concept is one we should all heed. No matter what the circumstance--the storm so to speak, God is still God, the Creator of heaven and earth, the Alpha and Omega, the One who sent His son to die for our sins. He and only He knows how all the pieces of the puzzle fit together. We have only one small piece of the puzzle. Our job is simply to trust Him.

So instead of questioning God during this current stormy season in my friend Lisa's life I'm going to praise Him as Casting Crowns suggests in the above video. And perhaps that's the whole point. Beth Moore puts it this way in Whispers of Hope, "We want Christ to hurry and calm the storm. He wants us to find Him in the midst of it first."

Well LORD I'm seeking your face right now. May I not miss how you choose to reveal yourself to me. And although I'm frustrated with the current cirucumstances, I'm laying it all before your throne and simply trusting you. After all, You are still God!

Praise and love.
Your child,
~Cheryl

Giving! It's not a new concept.

Now that I'm on sabbatical I get to watch more tv than usual. No, watch isn't the right word. Let's just say I happen to be around when the tv is on more often. Watch is a relative word.

Today, I caught part of Oprah's show on giving. I'm all for giving. After all God gave us His One and Only Son. How could I NOT give and be a follower of Christ?

It's interesting, though. The Oprah show trotted "giving" as if it were a new concept. I don't get it? Now, I like Oprah. I do think she's done some good things with her celebrity status. But, it just kinda irks me that she's pushing giving as if it were something new.

If the truth be told, Bill Clinton who just happened to be a guest on Oprah (funny how that works) has a new book out on giving. Having an Oprah show dedicated to the topic with his book as a tie in. . . well, who could ask for better publicity?

Where am I going with all this. I don't know. I don't want to be too skeptical, but I also want to acknowledge Christ in this whole process of giving. Without Him it just seems, empty. You know? He is the reason I give. Not because of the "feeling" I get from giving, but because I've been given so much from Him without deserving one bit of it!!!

So Oprah keep doing what you're doing and I'll keep following the One who invented it all. Giving, it's not a new concept!!

When one door closes. . . .

I'm on sabbatical! What does that mean? Well, that's a good question. I'm not sure that I really have the answer, at least for myself. What I can give you is the standard response. That is, I get to take a semester off from all my university duties, including teaching and pursue a research project of some type. And I get paid my full salary. Sabbaticals are competitive and only 3 are awarded each year.

When I put in my proposal for my sabbatical it was over a year ago. Wow! It seems like even longer, but I digress. I initially proposed to study a Women's Website and compare the communication there to face-to-face communication--looking to see if they work the same way (yes, I know it's geeky, but what can I say??) I secured permission of the website owner and registered for a face-to-face conference associated with the site. All was good, or at least I thought.

I blogged about this before, but to summarize things--at the beginning of August the website shut down. Lots of drama, some lying about identity, people hurt and on and on. . the good stuff that soap operas are made of. A new site developed with many of the women from the original site (see "Circle of Friends" entry on this blog from 8/4), however because of all the "drama" that occurred, the website administrators have prohibited copying or sharing anything from the new site. That's good for privacy but not so good for my research.

So just what do I do now? Hum???? Seems like God is alive and on the move again. I'm trying to follow His lead and still stay within the scope of my research. I just wish He's make up His mind!! (j/k, Sorry LORD, you know me as impatient as ever!) If this new opportunity works out, it would be the chance of a lifetime for me. I'm actually just a bit giddy just thinking about it.

So, say an extra prayer or two for me, okay? If not this present opportunity, then I'm sure God will open another door. For now, I'm going to wait patiently. Okay, maybe I'll wait anxiously with anticipation. I'm still working on the the patient thing!! After all, I'm a work in progress.