From the Sublime to the Serious

I know my last post was totally goofy--it was meant to make you laugh--but this post is going to be a serious one. So I just wanted to warn you about the sudden change of pace. Anyone who knows me knows that I am super goofy...but I am also super serious. Lately it's been time to be serious in my life. So many of my good friends and family have been enduring some HUGE trials...life-shaking-kind-of-trials...not I'm having-a-bad-day-kind-of-trials. And I have been lifting them up in prayer. It's a little overwhelming sometimes to share in such huge burdens, but I am blessed the Lord has allowed me to be part of the entire trial process in the lives of many of my friends.

Here are some of the major prayer requests that have been on my heart:

1. My friends Scott Frankfurt and Logan Carr-
Jody Frankfurt passed away and her husband Scott and her best friend Logan are still enduring the pain and grieving. They need prayer, even though months have passed.

2. My friend Rebecca-
Rebecca's father passed away. Rebecca is my age and was very close with her dad. I know this is a difficult and painful ordeal to endure.

3. My friends Carly and Chad-
Carly and Chad lost their baby girl "Olivia Grace." Carly was almost 7 months along in her pregnancy, when they heard the news. I will continue praying for their healing, peace of mind and wisdom as they make decisions for their future.

4. My friend Marni-
Marni just recently found out her mom has cancer.

5. My aunt Laurene-
I recently found out that my mom's sister has cancer in her liver. (Her children, my cousins, are only 12, and 15). My aunt is saved.

6. My friend Greg-
Just a few days ago, my friend Greg (30 yrs. old) was admitted into the hospital. He was having bad headaches and after a couple of MRIs, CAT scans, and a spinal tap found out that he has a 3 tumors in his brain. We are still waiting for a fuller diagnosis and a course of treatment from the doctors.

If you'd like to join me in praying for these dear brothers and sister, please do!

What's Wrong With America?

I'll tell you what's wrong:

The Prince of Bel Air

It's always a worthwhile experience when I get to visit other churches. It's a great reminder to me just how vast and diverse the body of Christ really is. Last night, two dear friends and I set out on an adventure that began with an email...

You see, I read Alistair Begg's devotional everyday and occasionally listen to his sermons...so when I got an email that Alistair would be in California, at Bel Air Pres nonetheless, I was there!

The worship was great...you could sense the genuine love these dear brothers and sisters have for the Lord. Although many of the traditions of the church are quite different than I am accustomed to (pastors in jeans, women serving communion, candles) there is still much I can learn from this body of believers. I was reminded that it's okay to express your love for the Lord in a physical way. Drums can be conducive to worship. It's okay not to wear a tie--God doesn't mind! God wants my heart and mind--that is even more important to God than keeping my often legalistic standards.

I thank God for Alistair's message--that God has fulfilled in whole the OT and we are no longer in bondage to the law. Christ has completed it and now sits at the right hand of God enabling me to be free! I thank God for allowing me to learn from these fellow believers and for increasing my appreciation for the wonderful church body God has allowed me to be part of!

Ten Things I Learned from Watching a Clippers Game

10. Not everyone likes potato chips.

9. Drive aggressively.

8. It's fun to smuggle food.

7. If you're nice, you just might get what you ask for.

6. Skittles are easy to lose.

5. If you're patient, good things happen.

4. EBay is a wonderful thing.

3. You shouldn't wear bare midriff shirts if you're chubby.

2. Some people make friends easily.

1. Tim Duncan is a nice guy.