We're moving to Texas!

We're moving on May 20th!

For those of you that haven't heard, Brian has accepted a Worship/Associate Pastor position at a church in East Texas. Our family is excited to see God's hand move us into a new chapter of our lives, but sad that we will be leaving so many great friends in South Carolina.

Please pray for us as we transition. I'll keep you posted!

By the way, have you seen the Spongebob Squarepants episode where Sandy Cheeks is missing Texas? Here is a song and clip from the show. It's FUNNY!!!

Sandy's Texas song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_ADjpeLg1w

What Patrick and Spongebob think about Texas:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U69maNgKFSQ

Once upon a time...

there lived a 12-year old girl named Anna who resided in a place called Duncanville.

Now, Anna was a beautiful, sweet, and fun person, but she lacked the motivation to keep her part of Duncanville tidy. You see, it had been MANY months (or ever?) since Anna had a spotless room to enjoy, and considering all of the trash, books, and other unmentionable items on her floor, it seemed like a lost cause. Her royal parents (having washed their hands of this long ago) had promised her that if she would clean her royal bedroom and keep it clean, then she would be allowed to enter the world of Facebook on her 13th birthday. But alas, Princess Anna had no hope (see pictures below).
BubbleShare: Share photos - Play some Online Games.

Until one day, the Princess was describing her royal plight to her friend, Countess Jill, who just so happened to have the drive and organizational skills (with a mild touch of OCD) to believe this was not a hopeless situation. "I will come and help thee during your break from school," the Countess said. An appointment was made, but only after Princess Anna agreed to toss unwanted items into the royal refuse.

After toiling for many hours, a beautiful, inviting, and cozy bedroom evolved. The end result was priceless.
BubbleShare: Share photos - Easy Photo Sharing

Titus 2:4 - Have you read this?

"In this way they (older women) will teach young women to show love to their husbands and children ..."

Recently, God allowed an older woman at church to live out this verse for my benefit and it has been HUGE in helping me to discipline Sophie. Let me explain.

Several weeks ago, I was talking with an amazing older lady at church named Ms. Susie. Ms. Susie just so happens to be Sophie's Sunday School teacher, and in our high and mighty opinion, the BEST Sunday School teacher in the whole world.

Anyway, Ms. Susie was asking me about how Sophie was doing (at school, etc.) and I proceeded to launch into a mini-tirade about how my daughter was driving me crazy (I love that line) by not listening and obeying. I can only imagine God looking down from heaven and thinking, "Poor child. Maybe she needs a little encouragement today," and blessing me with wisdom through Ms. Susie. Here's what she said: you have to discipline them IMMEDIATELY. Not later. Not when Daddy comes home. Not when you feel like it. NOW. Even if it means pulling the car over off of the road, you do it pronto. So, being at my wit's end and with nothing to lose, I tried it. And thank you, Jesus, it worked!

I never thought I would have a problem disciplining my child, but it's WAY harder than I thought. For one thing, I don't like it. I don't like being the bad guy, but since I don't want Sophie to be referred to as "Damien" behind her back, I guess I'll keep at it. #2: It stinks. It involves tears, sometimes spankings, and losing privileges, and I would prefer to keep things stable. I know. Not going to happen. And #3. Who enjoys punishing their beautiful, sweet, child? Not me. But since I'm pretty sure there is a verse in the Bible about sparing the rod, spoiling the child, I'll keep on keeping on.

Well, it has been about 6 weeks, and things are soooo much better at home. Don't get me wrong. I still have a head-strong 5-year old who only wants her way (who doesn't?), but the fact is now she LISTENS to what I'm saying and OBEYS. Some days are better than others, but considering where we were at the beginning of the year, these past several weeks have been P-R-I-C-E-L-E-S-S. I am enjoying spending time with Sophie more because I'm not having to be on her all the time, and I am actually looking forward to Spring Break next week when she will be home (last year, I dreaded it and couldn't wait for the week to be over).

The moral of this story is LISTEN to your elders. They may just know what they are talking about and Jesus may be setting you up for a WOO HOO moment and you don't even know it. Yet...

I'm not perfect...

just forgiven...

I'm so grateful...

- for the grace of God.

- that when God looks at me, He doesn't see a divorced person, but His child.

- that He has forgiven me of my sins.

- that if I were the only person on this earth, Jesus would have still died for me. And I BELIEVE that.

- that I don't have to answer to man for my failings.

- that God is such a BIG God that He still wants to use me to minister to His people.

- that God can use anyone, anytime, anywhere in whatever way He sees fit.

- "The Lord is my Light and Salvation. Whom shall I fear?"

- That God loves me enough that He has had to bring me to my knees in order to reveal my sinful heart. Dear Jesus, I pray that others will not have to go through what I did in order for You to get their attention.

- that my hope is in the Lord.

- that I'm in such a different and BETTER place in my walk with the Lord than I was even 5 years ago.

- for REAL people and relationships. (Hypocrites need not apply.)

- second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh chances from God...to infinity.

- to be a child of God and that He calls me His daughter.

- that I don't have to be perfect.

- that I KNOW I am not capable of making right decisions without the Lord's help.

- for the chance God has given me to make mistakes, and that out of those bad decisions, I have come to know how much I NEED God.

- that I'm not in control.

- that God is able.

- it's all about Him - not me.

- that no situation is hopeless.

- for the gift of faith.

- that God is longsuffering.

- that I KNOW and UNDERSTAND grace. Dear Jesus, please help me to be quick to GIVE grace.

- I have an opportunity to teach Sophie what I know about God.

- that He loves M-E.

- that I serve an AWESOME God. Not for what He can do for me but because of who He is.

- this place is not my home.

I got a new book

I'm so excited... and I just can't hide it!

Okay, people. I know there are very few of my friends that will understand why I wanted The Complete Idiot's Guide to The Mafia, but trust me. It looks AWESOME! I can't explain my fascination with La Cosa Nostra, it's just there. Some people read romance books to escape, I read about the mob. And now I have a book that explains the history and families involved in this crazy life.

I'll let you know how it is. You know you can't wait.

Del Grosso

Del Taco has opened a new restaurant (if you want to call it that) not far from where I live, and I was so excited! I haven't eaten at a DT since I lived in Spring, Texas which was over 20 years ago. I have been talking about going for weeks and tonight, Brian and I tried it.

When I walked in, I had a sudden flashback of not liking their food, but pushed it to the back of my mind and ordered the Macho Nachos. Oh my goodness, it was so gross! The cheese, beans and steak were lukewarm, and it had no flavor whatsoever. I guess I subconsciously wanted to eat there because it made me think of high school. Why I would try to relive those memories, I have no idea.

Brian did enjoy his burrito, but it came with french fries - what's up with that?!?

Anyway, I told Brian he never had to worry about eating at Del Taco again. We can cross it off of our list like Zaxby's. I don't like that place either.

Eat at your own risk...