Saturday, September 27, 2008

Might I Recommend...

We saw a movie today that I took a chance on. It was recommended by one of the students at my school. I wasn't sure Rod would agree to go but he did and he actually liked it. It is a Christian produced movie and is only in particular theatres for a limited time. It is about a couple whose marriage is falling apart and the things that they try to make it better. I thought the message was really good. While the religious language used was a little different from what we are accustomed to in my church, it can be applied easily to my faith or any other. It's not a movie with sit at the edge of your seat, action packed scenes -and it surely won't win an Academy Award. In fact, it didn't receive great reviews from the general public. But let me tell you this, if you have a desire to better your relationships with your spouse and with God-this movie will motivate you to do so. Maybe the timing was just right for me or something but I was touched by the message of this movie and came home with a renewed determination to work harder at the things in my life that are more important. Just my two cents!

Friday, September 26, 2008

Happy,Happy Birthday- Brenda Dear!

Well, Today is the Day my sister-in-law has been dreading for the last year. The Big 40! Let me tell you, my favorite sister-in-law, this is SO not a big deal! I know you worry about getting older but of all the people I know you are one of the most young at heart! Those 4 little ones of yours are going to keep you young for a LONG time! Just think- when Allie has her 18th Birthday you will only be 55! LOL Seriously, you are as young (or old) as you allow yourself to feel. You are one of the funnest, active people that I know. You live life to the fullest, always find ways to have a good time and you LOVE beyond what is expected. You are such a caring friend- you take the time to check up on people when they are down, you give, give, give until you would think there is nothing left and then you give some more! You always try to make everyone feel important and take the time to keep in touch.

I want you to know how thankful I am to have you in my life and to be a part of your amazing family. I hope you have a fantabulous birthday and I hope you can stretch it out for at least a week or two. We'll get that Hawaii trip in someday! Love you mucho sista!

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Weekend getaway!


Rod and I managed to take a quick little getaway this weekend. Just an overnighter but I will take it! We definitely needed a little break. We went to Kohl's Ranch in Christopher Creek. There isn't much there so you are pretty much forced to spend time together which we needed! Even our phones didn't work up there so no interruptions! Here is a picture of the lodge:

Here is us just enjoying hanging out at the creek.


On our way there we passed this Adult Cabaret. We had to do a double take and on the way I just HAD to take a picture for you all to see. So I'm guessing the line "if you frequent a topless bar that has a COW on the sign- you might be a redneck" would be fitting! What do you think? We laughed so hard we had tears in our eyes! Who would have thunk it?


Friday, September 12, 2008

For the Temple is a Sacred Place...


Tuesday I decided I really needed to go to the temple. I took half the day off and went on my way. It's maybe a 45 minute drive-give or take with traffic. Not really such a big deal. Why I don't go more often I have no idea. Anyway, I'm so glad I went- I really needed to regroup, think about what is important in life and try to find ways to better myself. It's so nice to escape the real world for a few hours.

I saw this video on these amazing people in Nigeria and the sacrifice it took for them to attend the temple and it hit me how easy it is for me to get there and take advantage of these blessings and yet I don't go as often as I should or would like. These people went through a lot more than taking a half day off of work and a 45 minute drive. I'm SO grateful for my blessings. Pretty soon we will have a temple within 5 minutes of my house!!!! It will be so AWESOME! I can't imagine coming up with excuses why I can't go often then!

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Meet me in the stairwell...

Just a reflection I wanted to share...







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'MEET ME IN THE STAIRWELL'

You say you will never forget where you were when
you heard the news On Septem! ber 11, 2001.
Neither will I.

I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room
with a man who called his wife to say 'Good-Bye.' I
Held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him the
Peace to say, 'Honey, I am not going to make it, but it
Is OK..I am ready to go.'

I was with his wife when he called as she fed
Breakfast to their children. I held her up as she
Tried to understand his words and as she realized
He wasn't coming home that night.

I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a
woman cried out to Me for help. 'I have been
knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!' I said.
'Of course I will show you the way home - only
believe in Me now.'

I was at the base of the building with the Priest
ministering to the injured and devastated souls.
I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven. He
heard my voice and answered.

I was on all four of those planes, in every seat,
with every prayer. I was with the crew as they
were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the
believers there, comforting and assuring them that their
faith has saved them.

I was in Texas , Virginia , California , Michigan , Afghanistan ...
I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news.
Did you sense Me?

I want you to know that I saw every face. I knew
every name - though not all know Me. Some met Me
for the first time on the 86th floor.

Some sought Me with their last breath.
Some couldn't hear Me calling to them through the
smoke and flames; 'Come to Me... this way... take
my hand.' Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me.
But, I was there.

I did not place you in the Tower that day. You
may not know why, but I do. However, if you were
there in that explosive moment in time, would you have
reached for Me?

Sept. 11, 2001, was not the end of the journey
for you. But someday your journey will end. And I
will be there! for you as well. Seek Me now while I may
be found. Then, at any moment, you know you are
'ready to go.'

I will be in the stairwell of your final moments.

God