It's Beginning To Sound A lot Like Christmas!

Okay...it's time for another "radio rant."

Maybe you don't agree with me, but I think it should be illegal to play Christmas music before Thanksgiving! I went into my car the other day and turned on the radio...and BAM! Santa was already coming to town.

Don't get me wrong. I love the holidays. I love Christmas especially. I am no Grinch. I listen to my fair share of Silent Night and Hark the Harold Angels Sing...but in due time!

I am sorry. But I just don't want to hear about "Santa Baby" on November 13th. Let all the candy from Halloween settle in my stomach and feed me some turkey before you think about filling me with eggnog and chestnuts roasting on an open fire.

DFC

Hear ye, hear ye. I call to order the first official meeting of the DFC (Doormats for Christ). Our mission statement is simple. As Christian women we need to be silent, timid, helpless, opinionless, incompetent, needy, brainless, and insecure. Honest--it's biblical. And not only is it biblical, but it’s the kind of girl that guys are attracted to. Christian men don’t want a woman who is intelligent and confident and sure of herself. They don’t want a woman who is strong and opinionated. They look for a girl who will never disagree, never raise an objection, and don’t even think about challenging him! Men want a doormat--so that’s what we need to be, ladies--doormats for Christ! Women, once you’re married, it’s okay to express an opinion every now and then, but only occasionally and if you do, make sure it’s not a strong opinion. But until that day, just hold your mouth and keep quiet.
(This blog entry is sponsored by, inspired by, and completely supported by Nathan Casebolt. Please direct all questions, complaints, and hate mail to him at waterlessplaces.blogspot.com.)

White & Nerdy

This is a hysterical video...I thought some of you might enjoy it! If not, then just pretend like I didn't post it.

"Weird Al" Yankovic's music video from his new album "Straight Outta Lynwood" (in stores Sept. 26)

Mabel Hands: A Living Lesson on Ecclesisates 12

Last night I went to visit a 95-year-old woman named Mabel Hands. Since Mabel can no longer physically come to church, it's nice when church members can come to her. Mabel had a stroke a few months ago. She can't talk well--she knows what she wants to say, but it wont come out. Mabel told us how she loved to cook and knit and travel with her family, "but I can't do that anymore," she kept saying. And all I could think about was how our eyes will grow dim, our hearing will grow weak, and our bodies will grow frail. But only one thing matters in the end: fear God and keep His commandments. The things I worry about today will have no concequence in 40, 50, 60 years. So why should I be so concerned about things that don't really matter in the end? Thank you Mabel Hands.

What A Week!

1 Timothy 5:17
“Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the Word and doctrine.”

GMI missionaries are worthy of double honor! And it was a privilege and joy for me to watch their precious children for the week while they enjoyed teaching, seminars, fellowship, technical training, doctor’s appointments, hair cuts--whatever they needed to be refreshed and prepared to go back onto the missions field.

I was in the nursery (0-2 year-olds). My week consisted of playing, changing diapers, preparing and feeding the little ones food, rocking crying and sleeping babies, going on walks with strollers, giving piggy-back rides, reading stories, singing songs, and blowing bubbles. I baby-sat, teddy-sat, cat-napped, cuddled, wrestled, hugged, laughed, smiled, and even scolded.

I also got to spend a little time with the older kids. I sang on the worship team and joined in on a fieldtrip to the Maritime Museum and to Sea World. I had a blast dressing up like Cat in the Hat at picnic day and doing face paints and balloons for the kids.

The late nights, early mornings, and long days did take a toll on me--I got sick--but others picked up my slack, and I was ready to go again full force the next day. I was with an amazing team and I had a wonderful roommate. I am constantly amazed at God’s sustaining grace and I was blessed beyond words by the example of the missionaries who give up the comforts of home to serve a living and powerful God in different places all over the world. My love for the body of Christ and for these missionaries has grown exponentially as the Lord continues to reveal to me more and more of His heart for a lost and dying world.

Quotes from a Friend

"For every need in our emotional or mental or spiritual life, for every problem in our relationships, for every trial we go through, God offers something (such as His love, His power, His provision) that can bring us through triumphantly--if we know and believe and count on Him in the hour of need. God is our first Source, and ultimately the only Source, of all we need for a full and satisfied life. And we have such a great advantage in this relationship with God because it's internal. Every other love is limited by some degree of distance and by the barriers imposed by our physical bodies. But God dwells within us, so that our relationship with Him has unlimited potential for constant closeness and joy and fulfillment. Here indeed is love."
-Ruth Myers, The Satisfied Heart

"God is so vastly wonderful, so utterly and completely delightful, that He can without anything other than Himself meet and overflow the deepest demands of our total nature, mysterious and deep as that nature is."
-A.W. Tozer, The Pursuit of Holiness

Ella&Chai

At this very moment I am sipping a chai tea (which just happens to be my favorite hot beverage) and I am listening to one of the greatest singers that ever lived--Ella Fitzgerald. And I had to stop. How often do I let little moments like this in life pass me by without taking the time to soak it all up and to give thanks for the small things I enjoy so much. The small things like Ella and chai.

Exploding Heads

I'm sick. It started with a sore throat and then my nose started running. The other day, the pressure in my head got so bad, it made me dizzy to stand up. Here's the strange thing...I am sure this is just a coincidence...but my sister who lives practically on the other side of the country (in Indiana) is experiencing the EXACT same symptoms as me. I don't know, maybe it's some sort of sibling connection we have....but I always thought that was only with twins.

What's the worst "sick" experience you've ever had?

Minty Fresh

Apparently I have good dental hygiene. (I went to the dentist today). It seems like when you're young...all growing up...the dentist tells you to FLOSS, FLOSS, FLOSS. Then why was my dentist so impressed when I told her that I floss everyday? Beats me...one of the many mysteries of life.

Do you floss?

Any good dentist stories?

My Verse for the Day

Lamentations 3:22-26
"Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I hope in Him!’ The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord."

Philosophizing, Friends, and Fondue

It's finally happened.

No longer will I be given the kids menu at the Olive Garden. No longer will I be mistaken for a highschooler with the church group. No longer can I blame the alarm clock for the mornings I wake up late. No longer can I flip and run and wrestle and not feel sore the next day. No longer can I eat 3 desserts in one day without feeling guilty.

That's right. I'm old. Yesterday was my birthday. I turned 26. But I'll tell you one thing--it was honestly the best birthday I've ever had. I am not joking. More than ever before I see and appreciate God's lavish grace in my life.

I went to dinner with several friends and I felt so blessed to be surrounded by people who love the Lord and who care about me and my walk with Him. So many encouraging brothers and sisters in Christ that I am so thankful for and that I don't deserve to call my friends. God is so good!

Maybe birthdays aren't so bad. I can get used to one dessert a day. :o)

RIP

Yes, exactly one week ago today on Thursday August 17, 2006, I lost a dear friend. I never knew how much this friend meant to me until it was too late. I took for granted all the times we spent together driving to and from work and around town, laughing, crying...I had grown dependent on this friend. And now my friend is gone and there is a silent, but unmistakable void in my life.

Yes, right after rush hour last week at exactly this time my favorite radio station 93.9 KZLA played Keith Urban "Tonight I Want to Cry" and then suddenly, unexpectedly the hideous sounds of Black Eyed Peas resonated from the station that had once been my friend--but no longer.

Apparently (at least according to the LA Times) 40% of LA radio listeners are Hispanic, and my friend, my station, was not reaching its target demographic. So after 25 years of serving LA with the best music around, the thanks KZLA got was being replaced by Gwen Stefani and "dance-ready" music.

But the saddest part is that KZLA was the only country station in the LA area...so now there is no way for me to hear country music on my way to and from work. But the outlook is not all bleak...I can still hear KZLA streamed on my computer while I am at work. And I guess I'll just have to find a new friend to join me on my morning and afternoon commutes (AM 1260 isn't too bad).

Please join me in a moment of silence out of respect for my dear friend.
RIP.

Got to Love Spurgeon

"My Master has riches beyond the calculation of arithmetic, the measurement of reason, the dream of imagination, or the eloquence of words. They are unsearchable! You may look and study and ponder, but Jesus is a greater Savior than you think Him to be even when your thoughts are at their best. My Lord is more ready to pardon than you are to sin, more able to forgive than you are to transgress. My Master is more willing to supply your needs than you are to confess them. Do not tolerate small thoughts of the Lord Jesus. When you put the crown on His head, you will only crown Him with silver when He deserves gold. My Master has riches of happiness to bestow upon you now. He can make you to lie down in green pastures and lead you beside still waters. There is no music like His music that He, the Shepherd, plays for His sheep as they lie down at His feet. There is no love like His; neither earth nor heaven can match it. To know Christ and to be found in Him is real life and true joy. My Master does not treat His servants meanly; He gives to them the way a king gives to a king. He gives them two heavens-a heaven below in serving Him here, and a heaven above in delighting in Him forever. His unsearchable riches will be known best in eternity. On the way to heaven He will give you all you need. He will defend you and provide for you en route, but it will be at the end of your journey when you will hear the songs of triumph, the shouts of salvation, and you will have a face-to-face view of the glorious and beloved One. "The unsearchable riches of Christ"! This is the tune for the minstrels of earth and the song for the musicians of heaven. Lord, teach us more and more of Jesus, and we will declare the good news to others."

Applying Psalm 62

Truly my soul silently waits for God; from Him comes my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved."

ONLY in God is my soul at rest...He ONLY is my rock. Is this true of my life? I hope the anwer is yes. But if it is, why is my initial reaction to pick up the telephone when something goes wrong. I am thankful for the wonderful people the Lord has placed in my life...but I fear I rely on them too much! He ONLY is my rock. I have no other stronghold. Praise God for His wondrous gift of human relationships...but may it never be said of me that I put my hope or my confidence or my trust in anything other than my great God and King.

Sobering Reminder

"Here's a side to the Christmas story that isn't often told. Those soft little hands, fashioned by the Holy Spirit in Mary's womb, were made so that nails might be driven through them. Those baby feet, pink and unable to walk, would one day walk up a dusty hill to be nailed to a cross. That sweet infant's head with sparkling eyes and eager mouth was formed so that someday men might force a crown of thorns onto it. That tender body, warm and soft, wrapped in swaddling cloths, would one day be ripped open by a spear. Jesus was born to die."
-John MacArthur

A Note To My Best Friend

Dear Christian. Be filled with praise and give abundant thanks that you serve the God of infinite peace! Forget not the picture of your Savior slumbering serenely in the midst of a chaotic, turbulent storm, whose power is so great, He need but only speak a word, "peace." And instantly the rushing water and whooshing winds obeyed Him and all was still and silent, at perfect rest. Dear Christian, empowered by the Holy Spirit that dwells within you, fret not. Your God is more than able to calm any storm that rages within your fearful heart. If Jesus was able to cast out demons, heal the sick, and raise from the dead, if Jesus was able to pluck a wretched sinner like you from the mire and muck and to translate you into the kingdom of the Son of His love, how much more can He soothe your worried spirit and ease your troubled mind? He is able and willing to accomplish what concerns you. Rest, dear Christian, rest!

Ring'a D'em Bells!

It's almost impossible to believe. My best friend is getting married in 3 days! I am ecstatically happy and miserably sad at the same time. I didn't realize it was possible to feel such contradictory, conflicting emotions together. Sandi and I talked about something a couple of weeks ago and I still can't seem to get it off my mind. The purpose of marriage is to serve God better with someone than you can serve Him alone. Yet, there are so many married people who say their time with the Lord was never the same after they got married. But I don't think that has to be the case. As a matter of fact, I think marriage is a sanctifying time and should make you even more like Christ than when you're single. Marriage should not be seen as a distraction or a disruption in your spiritual life. Of course we should enjoy singleness and the benefits of serving the Lord without any encumbrances...but that doesn't give us license to look down our noses at marriage. After all, it is one of the greatest earthly gifts the Lord can give us. Yes, practically the form and the focus of your ministry must shift when you're married, but the motivation and drive remain the same--the glory of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In three days I will walk down the aisle and watch as my kindred spirit makes vows to the man God has chosen for her, and I will praise God for the gift of marriage and the gift of singleness that He so graciously bestows on His children as He sees fit.

Got To Love Chinese Food

I am glad God gave us a sense of humor!

If You Want to Make God Laugh Tell Him Your Plans

I love country music...I am sorry...don't hate me now. But there is a song that has a great line in it. It says, "if you want to make God laugh tell Him your plans." Obviously this is not a Christian song, but that one line really got me thinking.

God's ways are so infinitely beyond ours, we can't even begin to comprehend His ways. So when life is confusing, or my circumstances don't seem to make sense, I have to remind myself that God's plan is out of the scope of my understanding. I just have to trust Him and know that the outcome is from the hand of holy, righteous, loving, good, God. And I have to be thankful for ALL of the circumstances He's put me in.

It seems nothing ever works out the way we want it to or expect it to, but God is creating a beautiful portrait with my life and right now I can only see one color, but as time goes by and I look back, more and more of the picture will be revealed and the handiwork of God will be evident in my life for all to see and how thankful I will be for the way God is shaping me right now.

Go To Jesus (A Reminder To Myself)

A VERY PRESENT HELP.
Psalm 46:1

Covenant blessings are not meant only to be observed but to be appropriated. Even our Lord Jesus is given to us for our present use. Believer, you do not make use of Christ as you ought to do. When you are in trouble, why do you not tell Him all your grief? Does He not have a sympathizing heart, and can He not comfort and relieve you? No, you are going to all your friends, except your best Friend, and telling your story everywhere, except into the heart of your Lord. Are you burdened with this day's sins? Here is a fountain filled with blood: Use it, saint, use it. Has a sense of guilt returned upon you? The pardoning grace of Jesus may be proved again and again. Come to Him at once for cleansing. Do you deplore your weakness? He is your strength: Why not lean upon Him? Do you feel naked? Come here, soul; put on the robe of Jesus' righteousness. Do not stand looking at it, but wear it. Strip off your own righteousness, and your own fears too: Put on the fair white linen, for it was meant to wear. Do you feel yourself sick? Call upon the Beloved Physician, and He will give the medicine that will revive you. You are poor, but remember you have a kinsman, who is incredibly wealthy. What! Will you not go to Him and ask Him to give you from His abundance when He has promised that you will be joint heir with Him and has credited all that He is and all that He has to your account? There is nothing Christ dislikes more than for His people to make a show of coming to Him and yet not to use Him. He loves to be employed by us. The more burdens we put on His shoulders, the more precious He will be to us.
Let us be simple with Him, then,
Not backward, stiff, or cold,
As though our Bethlehem could be
What Sinai was of old.