#2

Today marks anniversary #2!  I married the best guy in the world two years ago.  He has taught me so much and gotten me out of my comfort zone in ways I would have never thought.  

We went on a camping trip this past weekend to celebrate a little early.  It was sooooooo cold but I made it through one night sleeping outside in 33 degree weather.  Thankfully, the next night, we camped at the Days Inn because it was going to be 28 degrees and snowing.  Never have we been more thankful for heat and a hot shower!  

But celebrating your anniversary on a Tuesday is a little more difficult.  I'm working - He's working - I have class this afternoon.  So, by the time I get home by 7 PM, there will hopefully be an incredibly delicious dinner waiting on me made by my incredibly delicious husband.  

Feeling the love today!
Deborah

Lent

The season of Lent is something that I have observed for the majority of my adult life.  Being a Methodist preacher's kid probably adds to this.

Lent is the 40 days leading up to Easter. People tend to "give up" or "sacrifice" something during these 40 days.  In the past, I have given up caffeine, soda - or should I say Coke, or chocolate.  While it may seem a bit silly to do this - it has reminded me that it is a sacrifice for me. 

This year - I'm going down a little bit different route.  This year, I am trying to only drink water.  The sacrifice is that I don't like just plain water.  I like it combined with tea and sugar.  Or with carbonation and sugar and coca cola flavoring.  This is a big one for me.  I will continue to drink milk however.  Can't eat cereal with water.

In the spirit of all honesty, I have had two cups of coffee.  I'm totally okay with this.  

Also, Annie of Annie Blogs fame, did a wonderful roundup of Lent resources.  She also said this:  "You can take the girl out of the Methodist church, but you can’t take the Lent out of the girl, am I right?"

Completely makes sense to me!  Made me smile as well!

Mark Batterson of National Community Church in Washington, DC has another great article for your information.

Hope you have a great day!

Deborah

the distraction of turning 30

well, i have been 30 now for three days.  i'm still getting adjusted to this fact!  i had a fabulous birthday.  in fact, it might have been one of the best ever.  i felt very loved by family and friends.  it was just a happy day.

i thought a lot about all that happened over the last ten years.  i don't remember all of it but many things did stand out.  i thought i would list the most important ones...

-i worked at summer camp
-i transferred to a smaller college
-i graduated from college!
-i worked at a radio station (& had lots of fun doing it!)
-i got my first children's ministry internship
-i discovered my love for children's ministry
-i moved to texas
-scarlett the wonder cat came into my life
-i discovered that i didn't like to be that far away from everyone i knew
-i became independent
-i moved back to georgia
-i got my first real children's ministry job.
-my papa died.
-i lost my first real children's ministry job.
-i moved to florida
-my grandma died
-lucy came to live with me
-i met, dated, and broke up with my first boyfriend
-i bought a house
-i became a certified christian educator in the United Methodist Church
-met some amazing people
-loved my God
-participated in some awesome Bible studies
-dated some other boys
-fell in love with my tiny neighbors
-sold & bought a car all by myself!
-got my puppy

it has been a busy and adventure filled ten years.  i can't wait to see what God has in store for the next ten! 

5 things I've learned/realized/know

1. 5th grade girls are hilarious and most of the time they don't realize it.  also, kindergarten girls.
2. no matter how hard i try to remove it, there will always be cat hair somewhere on my person.
3. i don't feel like a grownup even though i only have 4 more months in my 20s.
4. i really do not understand the hype around twilight.  i haven't read the books only because i refuse to buy them.  although, if someone lets me borrow theirs, i wouldn't be opposed to it.  BUT, i don't get the whole vampire love thing.  it's weird.
5. i have way too much music on my computer/ipod.  it's a little ridiculous. and i keep adding more!

december in review

december was a whirl wind.  i traveled for 1/2 of it and was at home and BUSY for the other half. 

listening to...Angels & Demons on CD (so good!)  and lots of christmas music!

watching...the Santa Clause, the Santa Clause 2, the Santa Clause 3 (that last one stunk by the way)

eating...all the yummy holiday food that was either given or offered to me.

lusting after...a Nintendo Wii

enjoying...my new kitchen stuff- pots and pans, food processor, and dishes!

excited about...2010 - it's got to be better than 2009.

today's distraction...sewing kits (day 2)

today was a great day at sager brown!  we rose nice and early and had several orientations of what kind of work we would be doing this week.  then we headed over to the depot warehouse.  this place is impressive.  everything that comes into sager brown is sorted and all kinds of stuff get ready to head out to whomever needs it.

i worked at the sewing kit table.  at this table, we had to make sure that each bag had 3 yards of fabric, a matching spool of thread, a pack of needles, a pair of scissors, and at least 5-8 matching buttons.  i had a great time putting these together.  it was fun matching everything up and digging through massive amounts of thread and buttons.  many of the kits were already packed by the folks who sent them to sager brown but they all have to be checked.  i couldn't help thinking of who is going to receive each kit and what they were going to make with it.  i pray it blesses their life!  other kits that were being put together were school kits, layette kits, birthing kits, and health kits.

tomorrow, i am headed to the head start program in baldwin.  i believe i will be working with 3 and 4 year olds.  right up my alley!

today was also mary's birthday (68, i believe).  mac surprised her with a cake and candles and she clapped and grinned like a little girl.  pure joy!

quote of today...skip - (talking about planning the communion service on thursday) - well they argued about who was going to bless the condiments.  (he meant elements, as in communion elements)

advent

Advent packages went out to the children of FUMC today.  I enjoy giving advent gifties because it is something that is not often recognized.  I think that children should learn the importance of advent and what it actually means.  I love advent.  Advent is a season of the church that comes before Christmas.  It is a period of waiting for the celebration of the birth of Jesus.  We prepare ourselves, our hearts, and our homes for the joy that Jesus' birth bring us! 
I encourage you to spend this time of advent learning more about and growing closer to Jesus. God gave us the best gift in all of creation when He sent Jesus to us.  Let's welcome Him into our lives and homes this season and for the rest of our lives!
Blessings!