Aslan's Mane

Recap.......What? Again?

2006-11-30T17:14:00.000-08:00

I'm awful at this aren't I? LOL. I just can't seem to find the time. It seems like I am always just updating you, a week or so will pass and I'll recap. How boring is that? Its like I am telling a story not writing spontaneous entries full of interesting and fun tid bits. Mines just the same thing. I work, I eat, I sleep.
Is that sad or what?
This week has been particularly rough. I usually work Tuesday-Friday but because of some crisis that occurred I had to work Monday-Thursday. No big deal just hard to change a routine. We've had a lot going on as far as employee transfers and just changes at work. We are on edge all the time, nothing is ever for certain. It can be very taxing after so long. And there has been a lot of bickering and arguing going on. Whew. These humans, I tell you what! :) So my work week is over as of today, thank you Jesus. I don't know how much more of it I could take.

We got our Christmas tree today. YEAH!!!!!! This weekend we will probably be doing a lot of Christmas decorating. Which means: Emily is getting into the attic to get everything out and breaking her back to get the stinkin' Christmas balls out!!!!!
Trust me, I love this time of year but I don't like getting everything out or putting it back but it must be done! This Sat. Joe and I will be driving his dune buggy in the parade. We're going to string the roll bars with lights and hook it to the battery! Neat huh? I thought so. This Sat. and Sun. is also the Christmas musical at Church, should be interesting. :)
I believe that is all for now my faithful readers of two, my love to the both of you!

On the Road Again!

2006-11-21T17:37:00.000-08:00

Wow. Well thats enough for one post!

Joking, of course, but it seems futile to try to explain everything thats been happening since my last entry. Wendesday we had our Thanksgiving dinner at church. It was fun, I enjoyed the drama the most. It always gives me chills. I taped it with my camera. I need to find away to bring it up as a link so yall can look at it.

Friday I escaped. Rather "we" escaped. Insert sneaky and evil laugh at this time please..:)...... thank you. Anyways...Da Grandma and I went to Cleveland, Athens and Sweetwater TN. to do as we pleased. And thats exactly what we did. We got there at about 8ish er, I don't remember I was just concerned with getting there. Never driven that far away with only me knowing how to get there. But praise the Lord we made it! Sat. we hit the road to explore Athens TN. And to me just the drive and the scenery is worth going there to see, it was gorgeous. There was so much to look at. We ended up right in the middle of downtown. We stopped and ate at this neat restaraunt that was once a hotel. It was so cool. Fortunately we had gotten there during their slow time because the waitress was telling us they get so packed during the busy hours that they fill up three rooms that we're set back from the one we were dining in. I got a gyro sandwich (which pronounced as if you were saying "hero"). Ms. Ann got a pizza which it seemed that I ate most of, hee hee.
After we stuffed ourselves and walked the square we headed back to Cleveland where we shopped till we dropped. And we dropped at the Outback Steakhouse. It was so good!!!!!!!! The steak I got was 12oz of heaven! Ms. Ann said she didn't who would win the steak or me!!! The steak won. Big steak.
On Sunday we went to Sweetwater were we ventured into the cave and the Lost Sea. It was really cool. Actually it was a nice temp of 56 degrees, the guide said. The tour itself was actually longer than I thought it would be. I thought it was just the boat ride on the lake but we walked the halls of the cave as well as sailing the water. I liked it, I think she liked it.
Monday we headed home, but not without a stop at the Crop Shop. Heaven forbid we would miss that. Been there done that got the stickers. We were snowed on like 4 times blizzard style! And it would do that like for 3 min and then stop cold and then little down the road it would start back up again. It was weird.
We made it one piece and I had a blast. Now Ms. Ann might tell you a different story of how I drug her all the way across Chattanooga TN, made her walk through an Antique Shop, forced steak down her throat, threw her into slavery by putting her through the perilous walk of a cave, and then causing her to brave blizzard conditions on the way home. But you'll just have to ask her ;)!

Today I picked up work again. Deep sigh, it was actually easier than anticipated. I just sorta sailed through the day. Our night shift leader is quitting and one of our part timers did quit over the weekend. See what happens when I leave?
Jesus is still the Lord.
Well yall can chew on that for awhile till we go on another adventure and you don't ever know when that will be, because we don't either!

Hold the Cough Syrup on that ok?

2006-11-07T16:52:00.000-08:00

I guess I should write since its been like forever since I last posted. I know, how awful of me to not be more faithful? It can be daunting though struggling through work 36 hours of the week, trying to breath life into a social life that is weakening, trying to keep up with my chores that are expected of me, and still have fun living while I am at it! I am getting so old.....:)

At the moment I am battling some physical ailments that have been bothering me for about 3 weeks now. I went to the doc. today. (Go ahead write it on your calendars, it doesn't happen often.) First the doc. said she didn't recognize me because it had been awhile then she prescribed some drugs and that was it. Short and sweet, thank you Jesus I don't have to take off work! Can't afford to, "can I hear an amen on that? AMEN! Thank you over there in the third row can I just preach to you for the rest of the sermon." Sorry Bro. Brad, I had to! LOL Anyways.....This week my plan is just to get through it. Like always. Oh, supper is ready, if I have time I will write more later this week.
Steak fries anyone?

Still Running

2006-10-24T15:55:00.000-07:00

This week is pretty normal for me. By the way what is normal anyway? My co-worker asks me that question a lot, for some peculiar reason she thinks I am NOT normal. LOL
Speaking of co-workers work is smoothing out as far as me pretty much knowing all there is to know at the new Rick's. I mean we have some kind of crisis everyday it seems. And certainly not everyone gets along at any given time. But that does not bother me anymore, I just don't listen to the smart alleck comments anymore. I only listen to the stuff worth listening to.

At church we are having a Bible Conference with Glen Denton. I like him, he is a good preacher. He is from Lebanon, TN which is where my papa and granny lived before they passed away and where my dad lived the majority of his life. He pastors a church that has over 1000 members in it! Thats a lot of ministry going on there!

Corey doesn't work all week due to the fact that Big City Deli's roof was peeled off in a storm a week ago. Other than that I don't know what happens at the Stem household anymore. I get up at 5 am at work by 6 get off of work go home and go to bed! They do a lot of things with out me knowing now. I am afraid one day when I come home they will have cleaned out my stuff upstairs and have my bags sitting on the front porch. LOL My dad maybe would do that but not my mom, hee hee.

This weekend I am tunning up my car with the assistance of THE Joe. Its cheaper to do it myself. Don't have to pay for labor, just parts. Hopefully we can get it running well enough that it will do better on gas. We'll lay hands and pray over it.
Well I guess thats all for now to my faithful readers of 2, thank you and goodnight.

A Day in the Life of a Supergirl

2006-10-14T06:59:00.000-07:00

The weekend is finally here! Seems like those of who work a close shift to mine are living for the weekend as much as I am. 4 more days. 3 more days. 2 more days. Today is Friday yes! 9 more hours and we'll have made it. LOL. Whew. This week at work was interesting as it always seems to be. We have had no hot water for a week and can't seem to fix it. We have been completely dead most of the week then Friday we made up for it all. We've had people get fired and apologies made and laws laid and who knows what happens with the night crew????????? My weeks are good though. I have no room to complain. I work Tuesday through Friday 6-3:30 and have Sat. Sun and Mondays off. Three day weekend baby! Thank You Jesus! Corey and Mama went to a Barlow concert last night, wow wee. Well I hope they are enjoying themselves. Did enjoy, they are probably trying to pull themselves out of bed this sunny Saturday morning. While they were rocking my dad and I went and ate at the Brass. We had a fairly good time. As good as a time my dad and I can have. We talked about finances, investments, and college....what else would he talk about? :) Today we have a family reunion to go to, UGH!!!! I am rolling my eyes as I am writing this. My dad is cooking the chicken for it right now. I hope I will make it. My mom said we won't be staying long. Pray for me at about 12ish today ok? Tomorrow is church which is always something I look forward to. A place of relief and refuge.
Well there is your thriller for today about my struggles with smart customers and full enjoyment of my weekends that hardly seem like mine anymore. Oh well.
This is my theme song for this week:

Trademark
by, relient K

I think it might just be alright,
To leaves what matters out of sight,
Old habits die hard, holding on,
Inevitable means its never gone,
Told myself what I need to hear
I think the point was very clear,
I showed me what we missed since we slipped into inconsistency,
It seems if my ties with You get severed,
I can't seem to hold a thing together, I just fall apart!
Cause thats my trademark,
its my, my trademark move,
To turn my back on You,
Its my, my trademark move,
To realize I should improve and sometimes soon after that,
You'll see me crawling back
I'll kill the thing that me away,
Amputate the arm that will disobey,
Withdraw from everything thats hurting me,
Until You can finish You're work in me.

"Where are my tights?"

2006-10-05T15:04:00.000-07:00

Talk about being busy and crazy! Thats the story of my life! So it seems. I can now officially purchase tobacco. Yup thats right I hit the big 1-8 this past Thursday (28th). It was a good birthday just not in a good week for me. Long story. Its been stressful from being at work at 6 in the morning and being there for 9 hours and getting along with everyone, cowering away from the boss-man trying to please the boss-woman at the same time, then trying to keep up a social life which by the way isn't working out too well. Its hard to have a life when you work! My little wisdom for the day. I hardly see my youth friends so it seems. I have no idea what I am suppose to do with my life yet, still waiting on God for that one. Fixing to just stop heaven and earth over my dear Ms. Ann. Making sure I have enough money to pay for all my bills and crap. And did I mention if I don't get the kitchen clean before I go to bed tonight I will be in serious trouble??????????
Ok where is my caffeine fix????!!!!! Yes, I will admit, I am back on the stuff.
I find I am going through my closet desperate to find my cape and boots and to don the "S" to fix everything, to save everyone. But I still can't seem to find it. Must have left it at the dry cleaners.
Until next time my fellow Americans!

I Made It!

2006-09-22T16:51:00.000-07:00

I'm back! We actually got back yesterday its just taken me a whole day to unpack! It was fun and without a doubt adventurous, talk about being wiped out! Whew! There was some much to do and so little reason to do anything! I mean if you wanted to lay out and toast (or burn) you could, if you wanted to soak in the pool all day: go for it, shopping: no problem, enertainment: 24/7, food: everywhere!!!!!! And so many things to do when you made your stops, ours were Cozumel and Costa Maya.
We rode horses and rose the speed boats! It was quite the experience. I don't want to try to count how many ice cream cones I had or how many times a day I went and got pizza(or how much the guy at the parlor laughed at me). I'll have pictures eventually.
One thing I found very awe-inspiring was just the fact that you could just look over the side of the boat and see the same water, the same white caps, the same sea weed, feel the same wind but it still captivated you. One would not grow tired of it. The sea was so blue! The sky was so clear! The clouds were so close! The stars were so numerous! The wind was so powerful! And then there was me, little 'ol me. Just watching. Not orchestrating this scene of grandeur. Not making it all possible. Not helping in any way, nor part of anything going on around me. Just there. Just a speck. If I would have fallen into the sea it would have swallowed me up. If I would have shouted to the heavens they wouldn't have seen nor heard me. And the wind would have never slowed its course because I was in its path. With all that said; who am I to demand that the very Creator, the Author, the Finisher, the Begining and the End, the I AM to do as my will bids? Who am I to pitch a fit? Who am I to pout? Who am I to ask "why me?"? Who am I?
Just a vapor in the wind, just a flower in the sand. Yet it is He who causes the wind to ebb and flow, it is He that planted the flower and potted the very earth around it, and it is He that formed me in His own hand from His own heart.
I do not know the depths of the sea, I do not know the names of the stars, I do not know how to call the rain forth, or to beckon the sun to its place.
But I do know Who does.

2006-09-14T15:26:00.000-07:00

Here's our newly redesigned room! I love it! Completely. Its not all the way done though. The wall above our beds will have some decor added to it. We will be getting new plugs and ac vents. And eventually new carpet. But the main things are done and I am so relieved. And everything was on schedule. We leave for the cruise tomorrow. We actually have to be on the boat at like 9 or something in the morning on Saturday. So we are traveling half way to Mobile AL tomorrow to make traveling easier on us. I am so excited! Its finally hitting me! I am actually going on a cruise, doing the happy dance now........:) Whats so funny is that I think we have more luggage with us on this 5 day trip than we do on our trips to Romania that are ten days and in a foreign country! LOL. Well yall try to live without me for a while, I'll be riding the waves, scopping out the hotties, tanning, eating like a pig, horse riding, boat riding, and whatever else I can get into! Peace out hommies!

First Week

2006-09-05T07:29:00.000-07:00

Well so far the first full week at Rick's is going good. Yes I will admit getting up before the crack of dawn will take some getting used to but I am willing to adapt to have my evenings and weekends off and thats what I get! Horray! Its a lot, lot busier being on the strip though. Its really hard to keep all the preparation in line while trying to please customers but it will get easier as we continue to work. It is just so much easier to work with them than the people at Shoe Show. Its not the work that is the problem its the environment that shapes how you will respond. Yeah it can get hairy back there in the kitchen but at least I am with people who are not trying to stab me in the back while they go to reach for the mild sauce or are walking out the door to smoke while I have 5 orders on the board!
Anyways....enough of that. After I got off work Ms. Ann and I went on ANOTHER adventure. We went to David Crockett Park and got lost. Sounds like fun doesn't it? It was. We walked this really cool trail, that was not paved I might add. We crossed through the bushes and the woods to get to the creek and the I crossed the creek. I had to. It was cold. It was fun. We had a good time. She found a bug.
Today I have the day off and Corey and I are painting our room! Yeah I want it done now. Well lets go get high on paint fumes!

Almost There......

2006-08-31T05:20:00.000-07:00

Talk about hectic! This week is my final week at Shoe Show, praise the Lord! No do is a good day there its just can you get through the day without them dissing you too much. I have witnessed as much as possible. Flat out told my boss I am not a Baptist but that I am saved and then proceeded to explain why I believe what I believe. To no avail, she still thinks I am freak. Yeah I am freak, a Jesus freak! Anyways...today is the last day (a wave of relief is washing over me at this moment). This Saturday I start with Rick's. My boss there is going to show me the ropes herself since they have plenty of help that day and they recently got new systems put in. So we'll see how that goes. For those of you who don't know Rick's BBQ (where I was previously employed) asked me to come back and promised better pay and better hours. So I gave them a list of demands and they complied so I said ok!
Whew! glad thats over with.
Also this week I have been preparing my room to paint it and just re-do it in general. Corey and I are going for a modern, youthful, and fresh look. I'll have before-and-after photos in future posts. I am trying to get the room done before we go on our cruise on the 15th of September (woot woot!) so that gives me like maybe two weeks to get it all done! Don't worry if Trading Spaces of TLC can do it we can do it here in Lawrenceburg of good 'ol TN!
Tomorrow (Friday) my mom, Corey, and me will be heading to Cool Springs to shop, get stuff for our room, for the cruise and just to do whatever the heck we want! I can't wait. I'm almost there, this work day will be over in just ten hours! Oh sure I can make it. Oh dear, help us Jesus....:)

Just Ranting and Raving!

2006-08-22T07:05:00.000-07:00

Its hard to really come up with a good story line, or a revelation I've had, or something to really grab you about whats been going on in the past couple of weeks.
Something new and different happened everyday! WOW!

All my friends are gearing up to pursue their careers through the avenue of college.
They are all talking about the same things, all have the same emotions, and all have a similar path before them. Its so exciting yet scary to hear them talking about who they are rooming with, what they are taking in their classes, what activities they will be involved in. Its almost overwhelming to me and I'm not even going to college this year! What????? I'm not going to college with the rest of my friends? Not doing what everybody else is doing? Not joining the movement towards the blessing of education? I'm actually going against the flow??? Well, yeah I am.
I'm not going to school. I'm not moving away. I'm staying here and working and trying to find a better job WHILE working. Yup thats me the loner, doing my own thing. I plan to work a year, get finacially stable and then decide whether or not to take any courses. So I here I am while everybody else leaves. Beth Turner left yesterday heading to UT Martin. Josh Carter will take his basics this year and then move to Chattanooga and continue in Fire Science as his major. Michael Anderson is going to Jackson TN, he is moving this week as well. Jenny Wilkins is moving all the way to East TN, 5 and half hours away on Wednesday! But Brooke is staying, for a little while, she is majoring in Pharmacy and starts school next Monday.
And I am waiting. Waiting on what you may ask? God. I am waiting on God.

The past couple of weeks at Shoe Show I have worked like a dog. This week I work very little which is ok with me. Give me more time to find something else, hee hee!
Me and Corey are redesigning our room with a given budget by my parents. We went and priced a lot of stuff yesterday when we went to Columbia with Ms. Ann. And we bought the focal point of the room, the bed spreads! YEAH! I love doing this kind of stuff. Ideas where popping into my head all night last night and I kept waking up Corey to ask her about everything. She was not ok with that. LOL!
Oh well I must go make something of my day, can't let it get away from me!

Resurrection

2006-08-16T08:07:00.000-07:00

I'm at a loss for words
There's nothing to say,
I sit in silence wondering what led me to this place,
How did my heart become so lifeless and cold?
Where did the passion go?

When all my efforts seem like chasing the wind,
I've used up all my strength and there's nothing left to give,
I've lost of the feeling and I am numb to the core,
Can't fake it anymore!

~Chorus~
Here I am, at the end
I'm need of resurrection
Only You can take this empty shell
And raise from the dead
What I've lost to the world
What seems far beyond redemption
You can take the pieces in Your hand
And make me whole again!

You speak and all creation falls to its knees
You raise Your hand and calm the waves of the raging sea
You have a way of turning winter to spring
Make something beautiful out of all this suffering!

~Chorus~

Words and Music by Nicol Sponberg

First Week

2006-08-10T07:15:00.000-07:00

I just got a new job this week working at a shoe store. Its really BORING! Compared to what I am used to. But thats ok, I get paid better and their response to my application was really fast. So thats good timing. I was scared that it would be like September before I would find anything! God is faithful, as always. I don't think I will be staying at this job for like forever though. Right now its just to pay the bills and expenses.

Well there is always some kind of craziness going on at my house! Yesterday we found out that my mom's sister was put in the hospital due to not be able to breath well at all. And my uncle that my mom is particularly close to had a heart attack and will likely have some serious surgery and a long recovery. All her family is in Ohio. So my mom and Corey are packing as I write this to go up there. Pray that they will have a safe trip, that they can figure out what is wrong with my aunt, and what to do with my uncle (they are getting two different opinions from two doctors).
WHAT NEXT?????????

Lost My Train of Thought......

2006-08-04T08:39:00.000-07:00

Ever find you don't know how to put everything that happens in your life, whether small or big, into words?

This past week I have been helping my mom re-adjust to being back home from Romania.
There are these huge mountains of clothes everywhere! And my mom is like going spastic that she can't just snap her finger and have a clean house. Oh well....
While she's going crazy inside I am breathing outside. Keeping my garden clean and getting frustrated with some of my rebellious plants keep me busy in the back yard.
The pool is quite the oasis with how hot it is has been lately. After mowing and working and sweating I just splash right in!

Today I have to do my chores, go walking with Da Grandma, get back to my house so mama, Corey and I can load up to go to Florence. There we will be watching the movie The Lady in the Water and eating out with my dad. I like Fridays! Oh Jess is here gotta let her in the door!

Nothing Much....WHATEVER!

2006-07-29T14:05:00.000-07:00

Where do I start? Me and Ms. Ann watched really cool movies. Me and Ms. Ann did some shopping. Me and Ms. Ann ate wherever we wanted, whenever we wanted, and whatever we wanted to our hearts content. Me and Ms. Ann played and laughed a lot. Me and Mr. William played the playstation. Me and Mr. William ran errands. Me and Mr. William figured out the deep mysterious of the universe while drinking root beer. I cleaned by myself. And cooked my own food by myself! Hung out with all my youthies as much as possible. Saw my sister as LITTLE as possible. No I am joking I kinda sorta missed her. And I really didn't miss my parents till I got to the airport and was waiting on them....Builds the suspense you know. Dairy Queen is open! And this is the part when the choir comes in and sings the hallelujah chorus thank you very much! My life will go on! I've had a blast these past couple of weeks. Doing whatever you want is very enjoyable. But simply stated, it can't last forever. And it doesn't. Truth be know I don't think I could live that way all my life. It makes vacation even more pleasing when you don't get it all the time. Weird huh? But true. And for everyone's peace of mind there was no getting into trouble and getting into trouble with the law. No one was harmed while I was to myself or out with crazy people of whose names I will not mention for safety purposes. But for those of you who know me know I am very good at writing stories and performing improv. I won't go any further. I will let your imaginations run rampant as has mine.

Running as usual......

2006-07-17T07:25:00.000-07:00

Man.....how the times fly! Speaking of flying, I had the opportunity to go with my Sunday School class to the river and play! We hooked their innertube to the boat and we rode and rode and rode and rode some more!! It was the first time I had ever done something like that before. But for those of you who know me know I jumped to the chance to do something thrilling, daring, and dangerous! I had a blast!!! How does this have anything to do with flying you may ask? Well my teacher was slinging me all over the place, going 50 mph, and hitting those waves did send me flying!!! It was so much fun. I want to go back really bad. I paid for it though, all day Sunday I felt like I had put myself in a dryer and spun around for about an hour cause I was sore like nobody's business! But it was worth it all.

Sunday we bid the Romania and Summer Xtreme people farewell. I'll miss them.........sometime next week! Sorry, couldn't help myself. My mom and dad were up pretty late last night doing last minute stuff done. Corey was sleeping already! I think I was more excited than she was last night!! I could not go to sleep for nothing! I kept thinking about what they were going to experience when they got to where they are going, their safety, the things they will learn and all that good stuff. Its weird how our minds wander. And always at convenient times like when you need to be sleeping or during church when you need to pay attention.
So here I am in an empty house wondering where they are and what kind of trouble I can get into with Ms. Ann today. This oughtta be fun to say the least!

Our Pool Blew UP!!!

2006-07-11T19:38:00.000-07:00

No not really. LOL. BUT! the plug that keeps the filter and pump going did fry like a green tomato! We heard a pop and then a sizzle and then I saw smoke sail past our window and I ran out side to find the plug black and non-functional. So without hesitation we called Mr. William and he will come tomorrow to fix it! Yeah! We want our pool back!

Corey had a swim meet this evening. We lost. I don't know what the score was but we lost. There team was huge and a lot better than us. They have a really nice facility though. Mama and I just played on the playground while Corey swam! No I am joking we watched her.....and then we played on the playground.

My parents leave the country in 5 days and Corey leaves the state of TN in 5 days!!!!! YES! I will be myself to do as I please! Have I mentioned how adventurous I am? How rebellious I am? How independent? And daring? No need for me to go into all that....you'll read about me in the most wanted section of the paper!!!!!

Christian "Stuff"

2006-07-07T17:16:00.000-07:00

I am positively and undoubtedly disgusted with mine and the church's behavior toward the life we have been given. Its starts with me. The blame of all this simply rests on me. I am thoroughly sick and tired with the "stuff" of Christianity. I am appalled by my own sin getting in the way of personal revival and the revival of my brothers and sisters in Christ. Is it me? I ask myself over and over. Is it me that is keeping the store house of heaven from being poured out like rain onto the people of God? Is it me thats keeping my own life from burning alive for His holy cause? I want more of Him and less of me! Left to myself I will send my soul to the grave! What have I but Jesus? I want to be able to see the Lord in everyday instances, know He is there in my times of peril, see the fruit after the labor, I want see Him and touch Him. Burn away the things of this world. Stop the games we play at church! Forget the lies we tell ourselves so we don't have to repent and leave our old ways! Only Jesus. Only grace. Only the blood. He is sufficient. No more charades. No more dances. No more acting. No more hiding. I am weary of this thing we call Christianity. I want Him. Only. Let the River flow. I don't want emotion or feeling or work up to something. I want to simply cling to His promises and believe His word. He will do the work and I must be faithful. I am His and He is mine. Less of me and more of Him. I am done with "stuff". I want my Jesus.

The Last Day

2006-07-01T12:10:00.000-07:00

Finally the day came and it passed. I have resigned my job at Rick's BBQ to get out of the way the owner did business, to hang with my friends before they all leave me and to just be a kid! So July is Do-whatever-the-heck-I-want month, Great huh?
And last night was the last night. The night shift leader and the trainees were not told I was leaving so they are finding out as I write this. Hee, hee. The night shift leader and I did not get along, or rather I did NOT get along with her and I am very happy not to have to hear her voice or bite my lip to stuff anymore. I'm done.
Finished. On to the next thing. Can't wait to pack everyday full this Summer! I've got plans to shop, watch movies, simply hang out, drive the dune bugey, EATING!, swimming, and all the good stuff. Aaahhhh....feel the sun on your face, taste the fruit and veggies of the season, smell the chlorine in the pool, and hear the sound of the lawn mowers roaring up at 7:20 in the morning!!!! Well, the sentence started out good..... These are pictures of my good friends from church. The top one is Malorie, she and I sang together a lot when we had another minister of music at church. The second pic is of me and Brooke, her and I have always been buds since we started going to New Prospect. The last pic is of BethyT and Triner Bug always getting into trouble and pulling me on board. Who could have a better band of youthies? But on a more serious note, they are what it is all about. I never, ever want to fall into the mentality that money and power and position is worth more than the love I have for my friends and family or the love the have for me. May it never be said of me.
I have a packed weekend, having a cookout at Jess and Joe's, Sunday hanging out, Monday going to a Sounds baseball game, and the Tuesday going to see Superman Returns!!!!! Woo HOO!!

Joy Comes in the Morning Mondays

2006-06-26T08:59:00.000-07:00

Receiving Yourself in the Fires of Sorrows

"....what shall I say? 'Father save Me from this hour?' But for this purpose I came to this hour. 'Father glorify Your name.'" ~John 12:27-28

As a child of God, my attitude toward sorrow and difficulty should not be to ask that they be prevented, but to ask that God protect me so that I may remain what He created me to be, in spite of all my fires of sorrow. Our Lord received Himself, accepting His position and realizing His purpose, on the midst of the fire of sorrow. He was saved not FROM the hour, but OUT OF the hour. WE say that there ought to be no sorrow, but there is sorrow ad we have to accept and receive ourself in its fires. If we try to evade sorrow, refusing to deal with it, we are foolish. Sorrow is one of the biggest facts in life, and there is not use in saying it should not be. Sin, sorrow, and suffering are, and it is not for us to say that God has made a mistake in allowing them. Sorrow removes a great deal of a person's shallowness, but it foes not always make that person better. Suffering either gives me to myself or it destroys me. You cannot find or receive yourself through success, because you loose you head over pride. And you cannot receive yourself through the monotony of your daily life, because you give into complaining. The only way to find yourself is in the fires of sorrow. Why it should be this way is immaterial. The fact is that it is true in Scriptures and in human experience. You can always recognize who has been through the fires of sorrow and received himself, and you know that you can go to him in you moment of trouble and find that he has plenty of time for you. But if a person has not been he is apt to be contemptuous, having no respect or time for you, only turning you away. If you will receive you self in the fires of sorrow, God will make you nourishment for other people.

~Oswald Chambers

Hope for the Hopeless

2006-06-23T07:23:00.000-07:00

I work with this girl who is Catholic and basically just believes that all she can do is live her life the best she can to her standards and if she goes to heaven, she goes to heaven and if she goes to hell, she goes to hell. I come in contact with lost people all the time and shamefully never give it a second thought, but I have built a relationship with this girl. I have trained her at work, I have pulled pranks on her and she is a sweetheart and is a fantastic worker. But as she was handing me something and we caught each others eyes something hit me, this girl, if she does not give her life to Jesus will die and spend eternity in hell! It broke my heart! We have the evangelism-view crammed down our throats to the point it seems we block it out to a degree, but in that one moment when I looked at her and saw no hope in her eyes my soul was in anguish. I was suddenly desperate to tell her about this Savior. So we talked. We talked for a very long time. She doubts a lot of the Catholic beliefs and kind of molds other stuff into her "doctrine" if you will. So I went from the angle of dismissing the word "religion", the word "catholic", "baptist", whatever! And concentrate solely on what the Word of God says and not what man has an opinion on. I told her I was not baptist, I was not Church of Christ, I was not Church of God, Methodist, Catholic or anything. At that point I think she thought I was going to tell her I was an atheist! LOL I told her I was SAVED. That was it. (I just so happen to go to a Baptist church because they preach the closest thing to the truth. ) She was not certain she would go to heaven but she believed without a doubt I was going because of the way I talked and lived. But I couldn't get it to her that I am no different than her and that it is only Christ that saves, that changes, that renews. He is the only way, the only truth, and the only life. Yet she was too comfortable to make a change or to even look at herself as a sinner and the hope, the gift that our Lord offers her. Its a relationship NOT a religion. She jumped in her boyfriends truck and drove off. And I sat in my car deeply burdened for her and with an overwhelming need to weep. Its very sad. But only God can save, only HE can do the work. I planted the seed. And it is whatever His will is to have me go any further with her or have someone else come and cultivate her heart.
Not "just another day" in a supergirl's life.......

Joy Comes in the Morning Mondays

2006-06-19T08:53:00.000-07:00

I would take "no" for answer,
Just to know I heard you speak.
And I'm wonderin' why I've never
Seen the signs they claim the see.
Are the special revelations,
Meant for everybody but me?
Maybe I don't truly know You,
Or maybe I just simply believe.

'Cause I can sniff, I can see
And I can count up pretty high,
But these faculties aren't getting me
Any closer to the sky.
But my heart of faith keeps pounding
So I know I'm doing fine
But sometimes finding You
Is just like trying to
Smell the color nine.

Now I've never "felt the presence"
But I know You're always near.
And I've never "heard the calling"
But somehow You've led me right here.
So I'm now looking for burning bushes
Or some divine graffiti to appear
I'm just begging You for some wisdom
And I believe You're putting some here!

'Cause I can sniff, I can see
And I can count up pretty high,
But these faculties aren't getting me
Any closer to the sky.
But my heart of faith keeps pounding
So I know I'm doing fine
But sometimes finding You
Is just like trying to
Smell the color nine.

Smell the color nine?
But nine's not a color?
And even if it were you can't smell a color.
Thats my point exactly.

Pretty honest lyrics huh? Sounds like they came straight from my own personal journal. How often do we find ourselves screaming at God to appear to us, to do a miracle, to show up in a way WE think He should up in. When really we should wait and let Him do what is in His will that is way better than we could ever imagine.
How about looking for God in the small things. I've been having to learn that. Over the past couple of months I've been wanting God to do big things right now. I I feel so hopelessly lost sometimes. But its then that I hear the echo of His laughter when I wake from a peaceful sleep, its at those times that I hear Him whisper my name when I am standing in the middle of my garden, when I feel very alone is when the warm wind wraps itself around me and I feel the breath of the I AM, when I am tired at the end of the day and depressed I see His eyes twinkle in the Summer sky, when I think that the crises in my life are not being handled properly by my Creator it is then that provides more gasoline in my tank than I thought I had, an extra $20 in my purse I didn't know I had, a encouraging word from a friend, and a much needed hug from someone who still loves me even when I feel as if I am about to pull my hair out! God draws near to those who draw near to Him. If you are alert and attentive you will see Him in everyday things, the glory of our Christ will fall while singing His praises in the kitchen, while reading His word in your study, while listening to Christian radio on the road, and when you hear the birds sing in the early morning hours to wake you (even though at the time you would like to take out a few blue jays); God takes care of the sparrow, why would He not take even more care of you, His beloved and adored child? He is ever faithful. Be still.
And know that He is God.

Playing in My Garden

2006-06-13T08:56:00.000-07:00

Man how I love Summer! The dawn comes before I wake and the day waits for me, so it seems. It wasn't too hot out this morning, not that I don't mind the heat. But the climate felt good for my sunburn. Our pool is not working, which is depressing. Hopefully we will get it fixed. But my garden is growing in leaps and bounds! I have four peppers that could be picked and little ones sprouting. I also have a good squash that I am waiting to get a little bigger. My tomatoes also have several fruits on the vine. I am so excited. I fertilized and watered them to help them along. I mowed the back lawn and weedeated everywhere. Looks nice and trimmed. Then I super cleaned my car. Inside and out! Have I mentioned work is play to me? LOL. Except when I have to work at Rick's, thats not always fun. Oh but last night, I had a little fun. We have a new girl with us right now and she is a really good worker so I assigned her to do the dining room. Well part of their duties is to take all the trash out to the dumpster outside. So while she has her back turned to the store I sneak out the back door and was just going to throw some ice at the dumpster just to scare her a little, I couldn't really see her good anyways there was a fence blocking my view. Well anyway I threw it and it hit her in the middle of her back, dead center!! It was so funny I wasn't even trying! She thought it was funny too. I hope. No I am kidding, she is a good sport.
Later today I am venturing to Wal-Mart, haven't been there in a while. Maybe I will make it out of there before I have to go to work. Hee hee. Well my mom made lunch, chicken salad! Gotta go!

Just Stuff

2006-06-08T07:27:00.000-07:00

Not much has been happening lately. Couldn't come up with anything to write about. I'm at a loss for words about my life! Joking. Anyways....over the weekend we had the grad party for the people of my church and my dad's side of the family. Not many people came at all but those that did I had a blast with. On Sunday my aunt and uncle were celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary. This is my mom's sister. Her children planned a surprise party for them at my grandpa's house and invited my mom of course. My aunt was thoroughly surprised when she saw my mom, who had just spent 9 hours traveling up there, in their living room! My mom said she cried, aawww...kodak moment! I didn't get to go because I had to work Monday. So thats all I have been doing is working. Well, Wednesday we went shopping and had a good time that was my day off. Got some really cool stuff. Today Corey, my mom and I are going swimming at Crockett Park! And then I have to go to work. Deep sigh.
Oh well. The chlorine is calling my name!

Friday's Feast

2006-06-02T05:37:00.000-07:00

Sorry, I am just now getting to the tag Becky gave me. Thought I better stick with doing it on Friday, so I just waited.

Appetizer
How old where you when you got your first credit card?
Never had one. Probably won't get one, those things are dangerous.

Soup
When was the last time you felt out of place?
When I was in El Salvador and we were in the market place. It was very crowded and none of us knew what we were doing but of course everybody else did.

Salad
Did you have a curfew when you were a teenager? If so, what time did you have to be home?
Yes I have curfew. Its 10:00pm. And I cut it close every time. I like to live on the edge you know.

Main Course
Name a person from history with whom you feel you have something in common.
Jeez....uh....how about Thomas, the doubting disciple. I am a very practical person. A lot of times I find myself wanting to touch Jesus instead of putting faith in Him. As if if I could see Him and touch Him I would act any better?

Dessert
When you read a newspaper, which section do you go for first?
The first page just to get the overview of the day, then entertainment, then the Life section because yes, I too, enjoy reading the comics!

I'm Not Alright

2006-06-01T11:07:00.000-07:00

At the moment this song is my anthem that plays itself over and over again in my head. I find myself wanting to shout it at the top of my lungs to whoever may be listening. Its a pretty rocky song but the words are very honest and powerful.
And hey I am a teenager, I like rocky. Its sung by a group called Sanctus Real. The word, "Sanctus" is Latin, it simply means holy, or set apart. Its where we get our word, "sanctification". So their band name is a challenge, are you real and are you holy? Anyways...if you see me in my car jamming and pumping the music out you'll know what song I am listening to.

"If weakness is a wound that no one wants to speak of,
Then cool is just how far we have to fall.
I am not immune-I only wanna be loved,
But I feel safe behind this firewall.
Can I loose my need to impress?
If you want to the truth, I need to confess!

I'm not alright!
I'm broken inside, broken inside!
And I'll I go through,
It leads me to you, leads me to you!

Burn away the pride, bring me to my weakness,
Til everything I hide behind is gone.
And when I'm open wide with nothing left to cling to,
Only You are there to lead me on!
Cause honestly I'm not that strong!

I'm not alright!
I'm broken inside, broken inside!
And all I go through,
It leads me to you, leads me to you!

(And now I'm moved,and now I'm moved, and now I'm moved)Closer to You!
(And now I'm moved,and now I'm moved, and now I'm moved)Closer to You!
(And now I'm moved,and now I'm moved, and now I'm moved)Closer to You!
(And now I'm moved,and now I'm moved, and now I'm moved)

I'm not alright!
I'm broken inside, broken inside!
And all I go through,
It leads me to you, leads me to you!

I'm not alright, I'm not alright, I'm not alright,
Thats why I need You."

First Fruits!

2006-05-31T19:18:00.000-07:00

This is my first tomato of my garden yall! Ain't it cute and pretty? My tomato plants are in full swing, I think I have to re-tie them everyday! And my squash plants had little blooms with baby squashes(if thats how you spell that). My peppers also have blooms and I am waiting on my okra yet. I planted them late since for a while there it was pretty cool outside. I love to see the fruits of my labor. Very satisfying. (Deep sigh)

I'm Back!

2006-05-29T06:31:00.000-07:00

On Friday my dad and I left out to travel to Ohio for the first grad party.
This was to take care of my mom's side of the family. Bunch of yankees. Anyways....we had really good food, the people I like are the ones that came, and we had plenty of stories to swap and jokes to spread. So for the most part I had good time. Just glad I am home now. We got back yesterday about 5:00pm. My parents had to pick something in Nashville and (we were in separate cars because mama and Corey had gone up to Ohio earlier in the week)so Corey and I drove from Nashville to Lawrenceburg by ourselves! WOW WEE! It was very exciting. This week I am working during the day a little bit at work. Which will be interesting since I normally work nights. And this weekend we will be having party number two for my dad's side of the family and church folk and friends of the like. We got a lot going on, Summers are always packed. Well I am off to open my pool up. Yippee!!

Nothing Like Pickle Juice!

2006-05-24T06:53:00.000-07:00

I work with a guy who is the same age as me but several years behind me mentally! LOL He has brown hair but he is seriously blonde! A male version of my sister.
Which is scary. Anyways I am always picking on him, relentlessly. So last night we were working together and he made this comment about how much he hated pickle juice.
He shouldn't have leaked that kind of information. So while he was out in the dining room mopping I took his pepsi cup put a little more pepsi in there and then 4oz of pickle juice in there and then more pepsi so he wouldn't smell it or see it.
Is that good or what? Well it took him awhile to finally get to his cup but he did and it was well worth the wait. He turned that cup upside down and chugged it! And then cried out in agony. And made the funniest faces! I thought he was going to get sick! It was so funny! I was laughing so hard. Then he kept coughing and had to eat something and down some more coke just to get the taste out. It was so perfect.
Awful aren't I? HA HAHAHAAA!!!!!

Everything's Okay

2006-05-23T11:58:00.000-07:00

"A friend loves at all times Proverbs" 17:17.

"the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight Proverbs" 27:9

Looked out my window last night
From my pillow and I
Saw the willow weeping a casual sigh
The man in the moon looked rather
Sad and confused as if he'd
Become a mirror to my watery eyes
I dreamed and prayed through the night
"Please send some grace with Your morning light."

Then He sent you along like a summer day
With a blue-sky smile on your funny face
And a bird flew by singing "Everything’s gonna be okay!", yeah
So we laughed all day with the man in the moon
And we thanked the Good Lord for the afternoon
'Cause He showed me His love by sending me you
And it's okay, now
Everything's okay

I open my window tonight
Hear the rain falling light
Whispering that everything is alright
A long, low, and gentle rumble
Starts in the west and tumbles
Across the corners of the colorless sky
I blow a kiss through the dark
Sails on the thunder, reaches Heaven's heart

'Cause He sent you along like a summer day
With a blue-sky smile on your funny face
And a bird flew by singing "Everything’s gonna be okay!", yeah
So we laughed all day with the man in the moon
And we thanked the Good Lord for the afternoon
'Cause He showed me His love by sending me you
And it's okay, now
Everything's okay.

Words, Chris Rice

To Do List

2006-05-22T09:37:00.000-07:00

This is going to be a packed week!
Today I have to fill my car up with gas, go to the auto shop, walk with Ms. Ann, work from 4-close.
Tuesday I have to help my mom with stuff around the house, I have to mow the lawn and study physics and then got to work from 4-close.
Wednesday I have to wash my car, do my ritual chores, my mom leaves for Ohio to help prepare my grad party. I go walking with Ms. Ann then go to church then spend the night with Ms. Ann.
Thursday I have to mow Mr. William's lawn, get packed to go to Ohio with my dad on Friday, go to work from 4 to close, and then drop the car off at the auto shop.
Friday my dad and I will be mini-coopering up to Ohio from the party-8 hour trip UGH!
Saturday I meet a bunch of people I don't know, take their money and gifts, eat food and cake, and pretend like I am enjoying myself. Joking! It shouldn't be too bad.
Sunday my dad and I come back to Lawrenceburg (Praise God!) and I will go to church.
My mom and sis will come back on Monday.
And thats my week!

Listen to the Rain

2006-05-20T17:56:00.000-07:00

Its amazing how even the rain itself can take on a character. Depending on what the weather has been like or if its stormy or if its just a refreshing shower it seems to give off an emotion of either terror, relief, satisfaction, or danger. Like right now, it has been hot and humid during most of the day and now the rain is about to come. The thunder heralds the warning, always giving the young and the old the sense of fear and awe at the same time. The lightning warns us. And the darkness of the clouds comes in closer to cover us like a sheet. And then the rain. The rain. The rain falls; sometimes it comes crashing down one drop at time working its way up to thousands as if pleading with the rest of the drops to jump. And then sometimes it falls in unison, like a choir, singing different parts but all at the same time. As the thunder orcherstrates and the lightning gives us a face to this nature-band. I'll bet yall didn't know the storms could play music did ya? LOL. Only God could put together a choir, a band, a whatever that not only inspires us but sends us running to take cover! How magnificent is our God! How majestic is the Lord of lords. How awesome is the King of kings. That even the thunder must roll through His hand before it rolls across the sky. That He directs every streak of lightning that penetrates our atmosphere. That He gives the command for the rain drops to make their descent. How great is our God!

Tag Time

2006-05-16T19:26:00.000-07:00

Accent: Well it was not southern at one point in time; but then I started working with BobbieJo Dotty and that all changed.

Bible Book I Like: Job, for whenever I forget who I am and Who God really is!

Chore I Don't Like: I HATE folding socks, with a passion!!!!!!

Dog or Cat: Cat, Tiger and he is my baby.

Essential Electronics: cd player of some sort or at least a radio. I have to have music all the time.

Favorite Cologne: Adidas Vibes, sporty yet female-like

Gold or Silver: I were more silver but I like gold

Handbag I Carry Most Often: My Mudd purse, its compact and cute!

Insomnia: Sometimes, depends on if I dream or not.

Job Title: Pork Distributer and Supergirl

Kids: none, thank you Jesus!

Living Arrangements: Two story house, share a room with my sister, have a pool and a garden.

Most Admirable Trait: Patience. LOL Ok I'll get truthful, whatever! Probably passion.

Naughtiest Childhood Behavior: When I ran away from my Sunday morning class in church and lied to everybody about where I went and what I was doing.

Overnight Hospital Visits: None yet and none will come!

Phobias: I am fearless kind of kid.

Quote: "I once saw a man chasing the horizon. I told him it was futile. "You lie!" He cried and ran on."

Religion: I don't do religion. I have a RELATIONSHIP with my Savior.

Siblings: one, younger sister.

Time I Wake Up: Depends on what day. Between 7:00-10:00am

Unusual Talent or Skill: my sister says I talk at incredible speeds, does that count?

Vegetable I Refuse to Eat: turnip greens, yuck, yuck!

Worst Habit: not saying "no"

X rays: nope

Yummy Stuff I Cook: Do I cook? LOL Well when I do I can cook grilled chicken, fried okra, tomatoes, and the fixings during the summer when my garden is in full growth.

Zoo Animal I Like Most: the reptiles, they are very interesting to watch

Spontaneous Night

2006-05-15T08:08:00.000-07:00

Last night after church was over my mom came to me and asked, "Do you want to do something crazy like go to Florence and eat at Cracker Barrel?" Corey and I are almost done with school, Jess didn't have to work today (Monday), and Mr. William and Ms. Ann are retired; so needless to say at about 8:30 we were heading to Florence for some pancakes!!! We had so much fun! And it wasn't that we were eating out together that made it fun (I mean that was part of it of course) it was the fact that here we are from Lawrenceburg going down to a town forty minutes away from us on a Sunday night to eat out! Its crazy and exciting! We had a good time. I think Mr. William thought we had lost it but he had fun too, I could tell. We got home at about 11:30, not too late. We are making memories yall!

Walking Thoughts

2006-05-10T07:45:00.000-07:00

Yeah its Wednesday! I am off of work! I get to go to church! But the most exciting thing is I get to go walking with Ms. Ann!!!! We go walking on Mon, Wed, and Fri, but Wednesdays are the best cause I have more time and don't feel rushed.
Most of the time we go to First Baptist and walk the track there but sometimes we get wild and will go to Crockett Park and explore new and uncharted territory! We are very adventerous you know. They will write about us someday. About how we would spontaneously run away when ever and go to where ever; about how we would jam to Selah and TobyMac; about our escapes to Sonic when no one was looking; about us trapsing around in the forest, stopping to look at wild turkeys, a leaf, the tree bark, and catterpillar or anything else that would cross our path!!!; about our glorious shopping experiences; and about how we would dance with the wind and fly to the clouds every time we would speak with each other and let our imagination run rampant! So if you see us in a 2000-something Lincoln going 60-something with no real destination, for your own saftey get out of the WAY!!!!

His Eye Is on the Sparrow

2006-05-08T08:51:00.000-07:00

Why do I feel discouraged?
Why do the shadows come?
Why does my heart feel lonely?
And long for heaven and home?

When Jesus is my portion!
A constant Friend is He!
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me!

So I sing because I am happy!
And I sing becasue I am free!
His eye is one the sparrow,
And I know He watches me!

"Are not two sparrow sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."
~Matthew 10:29-31

Graduation

2006-05-04T09:19:00.000-07:00

Man being a senior takes a lot out of ya! LOL My calendar has been packed with events and activities and invitations and dresses and just everything. This Sunday the seniors will be recognized in the morning service and my little diploma will be given to me. Then at the end of this month we go to Ohio to have a little party up there. Meaning food. The following weekend we have a party down here at the David Crockett Park, meaning more food. Jeez! Here is what my dress looks like, what do yall think?

Updated Look

2006-05-02T13:13:00.000-07:00

Sorry about there not being anything in the other post! Still trying to get the feel of this site. Cool though isn't it? Becky did an outstanding job! I knew she would.

Well this week should involve me getting a lot of school wrapped up for the year, sniff sniff! Of course a miracle will have to take place for me to be able to get through Physics. Help us Jesus. But I have thoroughly enjoyed Economics and my Health class it was actually somewhat interesting. On the emotional side of things it seems like this shouldn't be happening like I am still just a kid while everyone else is telling me I am an adult. I feel as if I am being tugged from both sides.
Past physical appearance who are we to say if someone is a kid or an adult when it comes to the heart anyways? I think it is good to have a balance of both; to have the maturity and responsibility of a grown up but the carefree and innocence of a child. On the spiritaul side of things I am distraught. It is when you want a clap of thunder that God is barely audible. I have no idea what to do with my life! I am clueless! And God is silent. Thats when He calls us to be faithful still.

My job is still in existence. We have a bitter-sweet relationship as I am sure most of you all are familiar with. If I don't go and put in hours no money for expenses yet sometimes I would much rather ditch that place and take off to where ever the heck I want to go! Know what I mean? Life goes on I guess.
My schedule is tight these days, what with double time on school and work, work, and walking with Da Grandma, chruch, choir, friends, graduating, taking the trash out and cleaning the kitchen, tending to my garden, and above all watching all of the 2nd season of Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman there is no time to do anything! LOL Ok well now I really do have to do something.....its off to the wonderful place of BBQ!

Go Into All the World

2006-03-17T09:56:00.000-08:00

Well the date has finally come upon me. Tomorrow I leave for El Salvador. Wow. Having been on two mission trips before I am not near as apprehensive as I have been. I don't know what exactly to expect from the country itself but I do know what to expect from a mission trip, that God will show up in ways we would have never expected, we will run into some scary situations, we will not stick the schedule!, and we will be blessed beyond our wildest imagination! Please, please prayer, do not take this request of you who read this lightly.

Pray that all fears and nervousness is calmed by the peace of God. Pray that we speak and act in boldness in the saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Pray for the hearts of the people we will come in contact with that they will be open to hear the Good News. Pray for our hearts that we will be taught many things in these seven days. Pray that we will be safe in our travels to the country, in the country and out of the country. Pray that we do everything for the honor and praise of Christ alone for He deserves all the glory. So let it be.

Journal Entries

2006-03-13T12:56:00.000-08:00

September 6th, 2004

"The part of life that is important, that we should have conversation about and dwell on is as follows : spending every moment you can with those you truly love; sunsets while mowing the lawn; getting wet when you are not suppose to'; running barefoot outside; turning the volume of the music up to your ear's limit and then singing so loud you can't hear the music over your voice; driving without any real destination; sitting on a porch in a rocking chair with your grandma listening to the birds harmonize; going to junk yards; wrestling; playing in the creek all day long; riding in a truck in the country with the windows down; playing with a puppy; working all day long; going to Dairy Queen for breakfast; going to Kroger's late at night; finding humor anywhere you can find it; dancing down the aisles of freezer foods; bringing gifts to Pharmacy people; keeping oblivious shoppers alive; getting milk shakes after orthodontist visits; serving in anyway possible at church. That is what should be valued and focused on. Not statistics, numbers, money, technicality, or the weather! Cherish the things unnoticed, unthanked, unheard and unseen. Hold onto the things that are taken for granted, forgotten, that CAN be taken away! Remember the moments that are simple, small, ordinary, plain and often and rare. And Live the Life."