More Emma!

I saw Emma today.

Praise God for sweet babies who just love you because you are there!

She is about 15 months old and will have a little brother or sister in August.

She Is Here!

This is Emerson, she was born this week. The Lord has given her to my friends Michelle and Trent Davis.

I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth and I will fill it. Psalm 81:10

Frankly My Dear ....

I watched Gone With The Wind today. The only time I have seen it all the way through is when I was ill with the flu 16 years ago. I must say I have a greater appreciation for the film and story line now that I am a grown and mature woman. The irony of Scarlett thinking she is in love with a man she can never have is sad. Rhett who adores her and longs for her to love him like she loves Ashley is heartbreaking to me. Oh, the many times I've pined away for something I thought I wanted/needed only to know that God who loves me best of all is wooing me to come to him. I think I am going to watch it again!

It's My Birthday!

I turned another year older yesterday and I feel fine!

Purity In Dating

http://www.faithhouston.com//view_resource.php?id=1022&comments=all

Please listen and share your comments.

Porque?!

I was awakened this morning at 7 a.m. by the unpleasant sound of drilling. Yes, drilling. The city decided to do some type of repair work two houses down and they began digging up my neighbors front lawn. The part that is the most irritating is that I am on vacation this week. Argh!

Me and Lance B.

I met Lance Berkman along with his wife and one of his daughters last night. Could I be any more excited? I really don't know but I'm sure if it had been Luke Scott someone would have had to call the paramedics. They were very kind and patient. I suppose waiting on the perfect pitch has developed this great patience!

I saw him from a distance and I had to move in closer and closer to be sure it was him. Then, when I was right beside him and Cara I put my hand on his shoulder and said "excuse me, are you ... oh never mind" I was to embarrassed to say hey you're Lance Berkman ... I need therapy. And he just smiled and said "what is it" and when he spoke I closed my eyes and said "keep talking" and then I turned to him and said "yeah your him!"

I proceeded to share with him that I was a great fan of Astros baseball and the fact that I was so calm was a miracle of God. He just laughed and chatted with me. He was so friendly and affectionate and his wife is so great! We chatted about their church and family. Good stuff!

The best part of the whole thing was after I had talked with him for a good 5 minutes, I realized I had not introduced myself and I extended my hand and said "Hi I'm Lori Latham and what is your name?" and as he extended his hand I slapped him in the arm and said "oh gosh, I know who you are, I am such a dork!" I mean seriously why do these things happen to me? He just laughed and gave me another hug. I got three before we parted ways. Yes, I counted them.

Sweeter With Time

I am a little late in posting this but October 25th

was the day I met Jesus.

It's been 13 years since that initial meeting and I'm astounded

by the daily encounters with Christ.

God truly grows sweeter the longer I serve him.

I have mentioned before in a previous post I love The Gaither Vocal Band

and all the songs penned by Bill and Gloria Gaither for that matter.

As I was writing this post this song was resonating in my

heart so I thought I'd share.

The Longer I Serve Him

Words and music by William J. Gaither

Since I started for the Kingdom,Since my life He controls,Since I gave my heart to Jesus,

The longer I serve Him,The sweeter He grows.

The longer serve Him, the sweeter He grows,The more that I love Him, more love He bestows;

Each day is like heaven, my heart overflows,

The longer I serve Him, the sweeter He grows.

Ev'ry need He is supplying,Plenteous grace He bestows;Ev'ry day my way gets brighter,

The longer I serve Him,The sweeter He grows.

The longer serve Him, the sweeter He grows,The more that I love Him, more love He bestows;

Each day is like heaven, my heart overflows,

The longer I serve Him, the sweeter He grows.

California Dreamin'

My first trip to California was all it should have been only it was far to short. There were so many things I would have liked to do but just did not have enough time. I was on the go from the time I got there until the moment I left, it was well worth it but my next trip to california will involve much time on the beach relaxing and reading.

The flight on the way there was 3 1/2 hours long and I spent the time consumed in conversation with my neighbor Jeff, who plays in a rock and roll band; they will be releasing a huge album early next year. We had great conversation about life, music, relationships and Jesus. As I exited the plane I knew I was used in a mighty way to share to power of God in way that I've never done before with a stranger.

Let alone, a stranger who does not intimately know Christ.

I pray he soon does!

My Final Week Of 2006 Astros Baseball.

I was so sad to watch the Astros lose their last game of the 2006 season that dreadful Sunday. I am over it now. Yes, I know it was weeks ago but I was actually over it a week ago but did not have time to write about it until now. This year's heartbreak was shorter than my heartbreak of two years ago so I'm making progress! I went to two games the final week of home games and I have some great pictures to commemorate the good times.

This is Frank, the crazy fan who is way louder than

me on any given day!

Art Howe and Greg Lucas. They were so nice!

Luke smiling after Frank yelled at him so I could take a picture.

It was so embarrassing!

Restoration

This week has been the longest two days I've spent in the office in quite some time. It all began Monday mid-morning and carried into all day Tuesday. Seriously, all day Tuesday. If it could happen it happened in two days.

The opposition from the enemy was so strong that my distress was highly visible throughout the day. The huge difference in my countenance was such that a friend of mine who had dropped by my work for a quick visit stopped short as she walked through the door to my office. My staff did not know what to do as they are accustomed to me laughing and singing all day long. I made it through the day only by God's grace. Several times throughout the stressful mini-dramas I managed to beg God for help.

By the end of the day I was emotionally and mentally drained and in need of my bed and pillows for about 10 hours. But, I wanted to go to bible study and with only God's power did I manage to drive to the church. I made my way inside, nestled myself in the seat and waited. I began to pray that God would restore my soul and during worship I found myself saying over and over again psalm 23. God fully restored me! It was magnificent! When it was time to leave I was full of energy and felt as if I had just slept eight solid hours. The Lord brought me to a new level of understanding of his greatness. I have known restoration for years but tonight I finally got restoration. Knowing what I know now I'm so thankful for the rough times I experienced this week. Glory to God!

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Growing Up Fast

This is Emily (left) and Danielle (right). I've known them since before Danielle was three years old. I can not believe how the time has gone by and they are now teenagers. Danielle turned 18 in August and Emmy is 13. It's amazing to see the work God is doing in their young lives as I watch them mature in age and in Christ. I have prayed for them often over the years and I am seeing the fruit of my prayers! Thank you Lord for hearing the prayers of your children and for moving in the lives of those we intercede for in prayer.

Not So Sweet

Today a huge cookie bouquet was delivered to my office with my name on it! I was stunned and thought for sure it was a mistake. As I read the card I was confused by the message and knew that it could not be for me but it had my full name on it. I could not accept such a sweet gift without knowing who it was from so I started making some calls. After several phone calls I gave up, for the time being.

After what seemed like hours I decided to call the company who made the bouquet thinking that they could give me a name and I was right! It was an exciting moment as the fruit of my investigative efforts came forth. However, it still did not make sense, as to why this person would be sending me a large, colorful, fun cookie bouquet.

I finally gave up and accepted this sweet gift. I carried it into the front office and opened it up. The smell of freshly baked cookies escaped and infiltrated the room. I decided on an orange flower with purple and yellow polka dots. I sat down to visit with some co-workers and enjoy the delectable cookie. After a few bites of what was the best cookie I have ever tasted I saw the delivery receipt on a nearby desk. I picked it up and saw my name on it but with an address other than mine. Suddenly the cookie had lost its sweetness and I felt nauseated.

The Administrative Assistant in the corporate office thought that I was at the location that the cookie bouquet was going and she had the correct address but the wrong Manager. When the delivery arrived at the address the staff at that property saw my name on it and thought it was supposed to go to me and asked them to delivery it to my to my address but it really did not go to me. Go figure.

Ten Of My Favorite Things About Justin Fountain

1. He is a worthy spades opponent
2. He is an awesome spades partner
3. His dry wit
4. He posts comments on my blog
5. He enjoys old movies
6. He is talkative
7. He knows he’s one of my favorites
8. He posts “well hello-o” to the hot stranger who posted on his blog …. Seriously Justin
9. He is rooming with Todd Richards
10. He likes my cooking

Ten Of My Favorite Things

1. Borghese Fango mud mask
2. Warm Vanilla Sugar body lotion
3. Long, hot bubble baths
4. Very cold orange juice without ice
5. Flowers
6. Hot popcorn with M & M's on top
7. Low humidity
8. Rainy days in bed with a great book
9. Bountiful trees
10. Just left the salon hair

Princess Maggie Sleeps

Player Of The Game

Tonight's baseball game was great. We won! Luke Scott was named player of the game. Yeah Luke! He is one of the many Godly men we have in the Astros ball club. It is such a thrill to me that the Astros have many men of God on their team.

Tonight I watched the after game interview and had to smile when he gave glory to God for his swell playing. The interviewer asked him if he was superstitous and Luke just smiled and said "I am not superstitous, I count every day as a blessing" He also added that God has given him a tremendous gift and he wants to use it for his glory.

Lidge Happens

I heard this week that there is a bumper sticker that reads Lidge Happens. Which was tremendously funny to me and yet sad at the same time. Yes, it is true that he has officially been removed as closer and although it is disappointing it was very necessary. Can we recover the 5 losses we've had at the arm of Lidge? Will we win the wild card again this year? I sure hope we do! As of tonight, we are only 4 games behind ...

Music Of Praise

I recently changed job locations and have re-discovered a treasure I had forgotten about. It's Musicmatch Jukebox. I greatly enjoy it for several reasons:

1-No commercials only brief announcements for Musicmatch that occur every 5-10 songs.
2-They have no partiality on which Christian artists to play or how often!
3-It is a jukebox, I choose the genre!
4-No DJ's.
5-I can listen to it all day and not hear the same song twice.
6-If I don't care for a song I can skip it and go to the next one.

I've been at this location for several weeks but not until today had I an opportunity to clean up the computer and organize files. It was a very pleasant surprise to find Musicmatch Jukebox and so I immediately began listening. It was so refreshing as I heard music from artists that I've not heard in years. Songs that were instrumental to my spiritual development early in my walk with the Lord. PFR, Margaret Becker and Wayne Watson to name a few. A Wayne Watson concert was the first Christian concert I attended as a new believer and he was the first Christian artist I owned on CD. I had a great moment with the Lord as I sang along with When God's people pray.

What thrills me about old Christian tunes is that I'm reminded of how far I've come with the Lord. I'm reminded of where I began my journey with the Lord and how God has proved himself faithful time and time again. I am so thankful for the times that were so difficult I did not know how I would continue and yet they have yielded fruit in abundance. Glory to God!

Thank you Jesus.

Good Friends!

I had lunch a few weeks ago with some good, long term friends that I've not seen daily/weekly like I used to and it was water to my soul. Years long intimate friendships are precious and it's so refreshing when people know your "history" as you've walked through valleys and mountains with them. I had forgotten how well Jeff, Krissy and Claudia know me and had to laugh when I was not hiding much of what I thought I was concealing.

This is a picture of Me with Krissy, Claudia and sweet Emma. Who just adores me I might add! Poor picture quality is compliments of Sprint PCS.

Oh For The Love Of Baseball

I went to an Astros game tonight. It was a great night for baseball. There was a lot of energy as members of my church gathered to watch America's favorite past time and to see our pastor Gregg Matte throw the first pitch. It was really very exciting, Roger Clemens was pitching and we are on a winning spree.

As I stood with some friends as they waited in line for dinner I noticed Matthew McConaughey walking behind me. It was rather bizarre to me because this week I had been discussing him with a co-worker, discussed him with my friend David Hilburn and read about him on the internet.

He was stealth in his attempt to cut in line but it did not go unnoticed by me as I don't miss much of what is going on around me. I spoke to him with disdain as if he were an ordinary fan of baseball coming to watch the best baseball club. Yes, I know this is not factual but to me they are the best. I actually said to Matthew "who do you think you are cutting in line". It was a great moment as I watched a look of shock cross his face, I'm sure he is accustomed to women swooning over him. As I stood one foot away from him I could not help but notice how unattractive he appeared to me. I'm not one to get swept up with hollywood stars and such. In fact, I could not name one that I would just love to get to know. Now when it comes to baseball players it is a different story but we don't need to discuss that at this time.

I made several conspicuous attempts to get a picture of Matthew with my camera phone and had to give up with a profile shot. It was a fun moment as I conversed with Matthew and his friend who at the time I did not realize was Lance Armstrong. Yes, I said Lance Armstrong. I actually asked him if he thought Matthew would mind if I took his picture. I'm sure he was thinking to himself what about me lady! I actually had to look him up on the internet when I got home to confirm that it was him as I really have not paid close enough attention to recognize him. Of course, he was a bit over shadowed by Matthew McConaughey who I will just say is really not all that!

Now, back to my baseball players. Tonight was the fourth baseball game in a row that I have been to in the last 2 months where a couple gets engaged on the big screen. At first this was freaking me out but tonight I decided that it is a sign ... I'm going to marry an Astros baseball player.

It's okay to laugh!

True Beauty

I was reminded today of my beauty by the one who makes me beautiful. Recently, I've been so focused on my external beauty that I neglected my inner beauty. Beauty such as a quiet, gentle spirit. As I was driving to church tonight I looked in the rear view mirror and realized that I had forgotten to put on earrings and I actually felt upset. No sooner had my despair set in that God reminded me that I've been neglecting the most important part of who I am, Him.

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair, gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. 1 Peter 3:3-4

Cuba Roomie

Jen Cates was my roommate in Cuba. She is a neat girl and had been on the rookie trip to Cuba so I was able to ask her many questions about what to expect. Of course, most of the answers were "I don't know" but it was still an advantage!

Cuba Day One

There is so very much to say about what God did while I was in Cuba. I am still processing some of the deeper things and others were just moments in God's great plan that bless your socks off and make you long for more of God and His goodness.

The first full day in Cuba was Sunday and we went to church. Morning church I might add and I attend Ascend (night church in case you are unfamiliar) so it was hard to wake up and be dressed for morning church. Night church is so awesome!

The church was modest and without air conditioning and yet beautiful. The sermon was in Spanish and translated by Elmer into English. This was a pleasant surprise! I was overwhelmed to the point of tears by God's presence as Elmer began to lead us in worship on a piano that was badly out of tune. I am musically inclined so when the out of tune music began and praise to our great God came forth I wept at how earnestly the members of the small church sang praises to God Almighty despite the out of tune piano.

As a few weeks have passed and I am able to sit back and reflect, I long to be that content and full of praise with where God has me in this journey of life.

I met Ruth and her mother at this church and just fell in love with this little cutie. The picture above is of Elmer and his wife Keala who will be having their first baby in September.

Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; make music to our God on the old out of tune piano...

So, my Sister got married....

My sister Carrie and her husband Tyler.

(The really good pictures will come later).

These are just some silly photos of me while

I'm waiting with the ladies for the ceremony to begin.

My Mother, Dawn and I in a limo going to the chapel.

My Dad "preaching " from the pulpit on the power of God!

Fantastic Freedom

I am very sad about Watermark ending this season of their life. I had no idea that I would feel this way. When I first heard about the Farewell Tour I was a little bummed but not heartbroken. I thoroughly enjoy their music so I purchased a group of tickets and gathered some friends to bid farewell to Watermark. The concert was last night and it was absolutely spectacular. For me, what made it so spectacular was that God was there. He met me there and loved me right where I was in the moment. Praise Him! I was extremely blessed to get front row seats. I had no idea what God had planned for me by sitting so close to the stage, I was just pumped because I knew I would be able to actually see the eyes and the facial expressions of Nathan and Christy Nockels. Glory to God! I learned great things about myself, my desires and God! Toward the end of the show while we were singing Enough the Lord began speaking to me about an area of my life that needed his touch. It was one of those moments where I had no idea what he was going to say and I have to say that I felt a bit of fear because I knew that when God speaks to me in moments such as this it usually requires an action on my part. Something that is usually a struggle with to comply. But God is just so good. He just reminded of chains that have been broken and he showed me there were still a few links connected that needed to be broken but in that moment he completely released me from this area of bondage. Thank you Jesus for loving me so much and for gently guiding me in my pursuit of you.

All of You is more than enough for all of me For every thirst and every need You satisfy me with Your love And all I have in You is more than enough

You are my supply My breath of life And still more awesome than I know You are my reward Worth living for And still more awesome than I know

All of You is more than enough for all of me For every thirst and every need You satisfy me with Your love And all I have in You is more than enough

You're my sacrifice Of greatest price And still more awesome than I know

You're my coming King You are everything And still more awesome than I know More than all I want More than

an all I need You are more than enough for me More than all I know More than all I can see You are more than enough for me

I Once Was Blind But Now I See

I went to the mall to run a quick errand yesterday with the intention to go in, get what I needed and leave. There was not going to be any meandering around or window shopping. As if I window shop! The mall was so crowded and the parking lot so full that I thought Christmas had come early this year. After what took much longer than I would have liked, I found a parking spot, rushed into the mall and stopped in the restroom. Upon exiting the restroom in a quick state I found myself abruptly slowed down to a more leisurely pace. Walking in front of me was two elderly ladies. One had sight and the other did not. As I got closer behind I could hear the conversation they were having about the seeing woman's hair (she had just left the hair salon). She said to the blind woman "feel the difference" to which the blind woman extended her hand and felt the new do. Upon touching it she exclaimed "Oh, Carolyn, that looks gorgeous!" Right about that time there was an opening for me to dart past them and move on with my task but I did not forget that moment. In fact, it's been resonating within since it happened. I've been thinking about the body of Christ and how sometimes I am the believer with sight (wisdom, discernment, self-control, etc.) that is leading a brother or sister to a higher level of sight of our Lord Jesus. And sometimes I'm the believer that is blinded by something in the world or Satan's lies and I'm gently led to a greater vision by a brother or sister. I still have not fully processed what God is communicating to me about this encounter but I do know that I have been changed from the inside because of a few seniors out for their weekly hair appointment. I am assuming that they have a weekly hair appointment because my Grandmother, for as long as I can remember, had a standing weekly hair appointment.

The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached. to the poor. Matthew 11:5

We All Scream For Ice Cream!

Nothing beats a cool night in May where the wind blows your hair and you actually get a chill. How often does that happen in Houston? I had a treat from Baskin Robbins tonight and I found myself thinking of things that I've not thought about in years. Things like bubble gum ice cream and ice cream cakes. Things I had often as a child but very rarely as an adult. My favorite flavor as a youngster was bubble gum and my favorite flavor as an adult is Mint Chocolate Chip. What are your favorite flavors?

My Eyes

I went to visit the eye doctor yesterday. I was out of contacts and it was beyond necessary. My appointment was at 9 a.m. and I am always on time to any doctor's appointment I have scheduled. In fact, I'm usually early hoping that I will be seen by the doctor sooner than my appointed time. At 8:50 I was still on 610 near the Galleria and I became anxious...What if I'm so late that they give my appointment away to someone else and I'm forced to wait for the next appointment. The good news is that traffic began to move and I got there just before 9 a.m. I had forgotten any reading material and left my phone in the car so I had nothing to read and no games to play. The magazines in the doctor's office are just never of any interest to me. I am telling you the truth that the magazines I had to choose from were either BABY, Sports Illustrated or BABY or Sports Illustrated. I WAS BORED. As I sat there with nothing to occupy my mind I remembered an episode of Seinfeld where Kramer was tired of waiting on the cable company and decided to make them wait instead of the them making him wait. Silly comparison, I know but it made for a great Seinfeld moment.

My least favorite part of the exam is when you look through the big, black machine that they flip back and forth between horribly blurred lines of letters and you are asked "which one is better?" I mean seriously, they are all bad.

As I was waiting for my eyes to dilate I began to think about my ability to read and I was very burdened for illiterate people. I began to thank God for my ability to read and to pray for those that were not given the opportunity to learn.

I just have to honestly say that before yesterday, I never thanked God for the ability to read.

The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light.
Matthew 6:22

I Was Robbed!

My heart broke last night when I heard that Chris Daughtry was being sent home. This morning I saw the footage from last night's American Idol on Good Morning America and the shock on his face broke my heart again. Diane Sawyer consoles herself with the fact that he will most likely get a record deal anyway. He is also obligated to the American Idol tour which begins in the summer. I wonder if they are coming to Houston! Paula (a few crayons short of a full box) wept. Simon said that Kathryn should have gone home. I agree.

I tried for over an hour on Tuesday night to phone in my vote for Chris but each time I was met with a busy signal. My votes could have made the difference!! I was robbed!!

Slime In The Ice Machine

Today at lunch Marvin Zindler was sitting at the table across from mine. It was rather bizarre to see him in real life...he sorta looked like a wax figure.

Of course, I have no shame and I have to know if he goes there often etc. I mean if Marvin is eating there it has to be clean right! Here he is with one of the wait staff.


I know it's hard to tell but that's Marvin in the brown suit with pimp daddy shoes getting his wallet out of his back pocket. I usually don't notice these things but he had a wad of cash. I mean a wad. All $50...I was that close!

I love my camera phone. I have been able to capture many great moments in my daily life.

"Marvin Zindler Eyewitness News"

Time Flies

This is Emma at 7 months, I wrote about her the day she was born .

Let me just tell you that God has really worked in my heart the last 7 months. So much that I just have to shout "Glory" because of his magnificent presence in my life. The past few days I've been thinking about the times in my life where God has shut a door. Things that were heartbreaking and confusing at the moment but as time has past I've seen how God was protecting me. That my friend is something to shout about!

A Little Much!

Last night I was taking Maggie (she is so cute) for a walk and I saw this car and I said aloud "oh my!" To me this is just overkill and would scare most folks you are trying to witness to about the love of God in Christ Jesus.

There are 8 different types of "add ons!" I've had a car since I was 17 years old and not once,
not ever have I ever put any type of sticker/advertisement on my vehicle.

That is until I had to proudly post my W sticker for his re-election! But I have gotten a new car since then so my vehicle is currently sticker free. (This is not an invitation to somehow sticker my truck.)

I Got Chills...

Tonight Elliott Yamin gave me chills with his performance on American Idol. I don't even know the song he chose but that does not matter because I want to know it now! I especially loved Simon's comment "a vocal masterpiece". Seriously though, Paula Abdul is an absolute fruit loop. She wept. I have no problem admitting I got chills but come on, weeping. Really! Maybe she has some history related to the song.


I still believe Chris Daughtry is going to win it. I was not a fan of the song he sang-Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman-but I am now! He gave a spendid performance!



Bless her heart! She's going home this week. I despise the song she sang-Unchained Melody. Gag!

In This World But Not Of This World

Last night a group from church enjoyed a night of karaoke. It was a night filled with laughter, cajoling and an unexpected and unwanted tumble to the ground! We had reserved a private room and had the stage to ourselves. It was fantastic! What was so refreshing about the night was that the body of Christ had gathered in a very wordly atmosphere and was a little bit of salt and light to the dark world. I had to go in and out of the room several times throughout the evening and I felt in my spirit the strong, distinct difference of the presence of the Lord each time I entered back into our room. I know by faith that the folks we encountered throughout the evening got a taste of our great God.


Not of this World Words and music by Bob Hartman

Based on 2 Peter 2:11, John 15:18-19, John 16:33, Matthew 16:18, John 14:3

We are pilgrims in a strange land We are so far from our homeland With each passing day it seems so clear This world will never want us here We're not welcome in this world of wrong We are foreigners who don't belong

(Chorus) We are strangers, we are aliens We are not of this world We are envoys, we must tarry

With this message we must carry There's so much to do before we leave With so many more who may believe Our mission here can never fail And the gates of hell will not prevail Jesus told us men would hate us But we must be of good cheer He has overcome this world of darkness And soon we will depart from here

I Love Lemonade

I ate lunch at Chick-Fil-A today. I love Chick-Fil-A. I suppose folks would consider it to be a fast food restaurant although I am not one of those folks. Their advertising is simply fantastic and it always makes me smile when I see the giant cows up on the billboards begging me to eat mor chikin. I order one of two things when I enjoy a meal and always couple it with a large diet lemonade. I don't think anyone else in town has a treat such as diet lemonade. After spending quite a bit of time catching up with a co-worker I realized that my favorite treat was all gone and I wanted more. So as we were leaving I wondered if they offered free refills on diet lemonade and so I asked. I was very happy when the lady behind the counter excitedly filled my cup to the top with my beverage of choice. I suppose the excitement I saw in her was really mirroring my excitement because I doubt if she cared whether or not I had more. I have never, not once had poor service at Chick-Fil-A and I love how they respond with "my pleasure" when a customer says thank you!

And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. John 14:13-14

My American Idol

From the start of this season of AI, I picked Chris Daughtry to be the 2006 idol and he proved himself again tonight. Taylor Hicks is another favorite and I would not be surprised if the last two contestants are these men. Although, it would make me sad because I know that only one will be able to win the title.

Katharine McPhee is quite the singer and could certainly win the title but I don't think a 17 year old should win plus she will very easily get a record deal down the road.

So, if I had to pick who will win 2006 AI, I can't, I just can't but I think it will be Chris although I could be wrong!

Right Before My Eyes

I went to the Broken for you message at church last night and left forever changed. When it was over I was awe-struck, all I could do was sit and pontificate on the depth of Christs love for me. As the time was nearing for me to descend the mountain and head out into the world I began walking well more like floating to the parking lot. I'm usually one that has my keys in my hand before I even start toward a parking lot but this night I opted to get them out at the car. To my shock, they were not where I had put them as I headed into church. It was one of those moments where I know they are in there I just can't find them. I took everything out of my purse, laid each item on my car to see if the keys had some how gotten stuck inside my wallet or stuck down at the bottom of my purse and I just did not see them. I did this not once but twice, can anyway say denial! I began to track my steps and knew that my keys had to be in one of two locations so I headed back to the bookstore to wait for my hero of the night to arrive with his master key. As I stood staring through the windows of the bookstore at the counter I prayed and I prayed and I prayed for God to show me my keys. Moments later my friend Steven W. Murray (http://stevenwmurray.blogspot.com/) arrived at the bookstore and grasped my keys from the door handle of the bookstore entrance, the keys had been kindly placed there by the bookstore staff as they were closing for the holiday weekend. As the keys fell into my hand I thought how God knows our need before we ask and often the answer to our prayers are right before our eyes.

Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. Ecclesiastes 5:2

Constructive Computer Chaos

Yesterday as I was working on my computer, the screen went haywire and caused complete malfunction to my file. I did everything that I know to do to restore it back to normal working mode but I failed over and over. This was a sign that something was very wrong! After exhausting my knowledge of computer malfunction remedies I called computer support, left a message and was forced to wait until they called me back.

As I waited I began to mill around my office and came across several projects that had been put on the back burner to occupy my time until my computer was healthy again.

When IT returned my call. I was exceedingly happy because I had completed the smaller things and was ready to tackle my bigger, more important project. Unfortunately, that did not happen. The hard drive was completely ruined! There is a hope of being able to save some of the data but I will have to ship it to Phoenix for IT to attempt the salvage
(I hope it works!).

Meanwhile back at the ranch, I had to disassemble my computer and extract the precious hard drive which in case you do not know is the heart of any computer. The picture above is the inside of my computer and safely tucked away is the hard drive that holds all my saved documents necessary for business. I wish I could have gotten a picture of myself trying to gingerly access the hard drive without breaking a nail or causing any more damage! A bit of good news is that in my office closet sits a brand new computer with an even bigger monitor waiting to be used!

Often, my life is haywire and the problem is my heart. And being the great human that I am, I attempt to correct the chaos myself until I accept I can not and turn it over to God. Sometimes God has me wait it out as I have other areas of my flesh that need the attention of his gentle touch and other times he just quickly changes me. I am a new creation and I don't have to hide in a closet and wait to be used! Praise God he uses me as I am and shows me how he wants me to change and be more like him so I can be used in other ways.

Baseball Season Has Arrived

I love it when the seasons change and daylight savings time occurs, even though it takes a week for my body to adjust to the change. In case you did not know I love the Astros and I'm proud to say that I am not a fair weathered fan as I have faithfully cheered them on to what I hoped each year would be our year in the World Series. I left work early to be sure I'm home in time to see the opening pitch of the season opener and some of the pre-game show. As I stood watching the game I cheered and clapped out loud as if I were at the game. I felt so giddy and expectant! I found myself surprised at how baseball could cause this emotion in me and I was thinking about how I've been faithful to "my team" with the ups, downs, disappointments and victories. You know it's just so true with God that when we remain faithful and hold tightly to him through the disappointing times there is a huge victory in the end. Glory to his name!

The Beauty Of God's Creation

I spent the day working in Austin yesterday and it was such a great day, a bit chilly but gorgeous all the same. When I arrived at the location for the day I was taken aback by how it was nestled on a heavily wooded site in the hills of Austin. Grassy hills....Texas Mountains...is what I call them! I walked around to take it all in before I had to get to work and I came upon a sitting area that overlooked the river of water through the hills. I could do nothing but say to God, "thank you for the beauty of your creation" and I took a deep cleansing breath of the cool air. Shortly after my moment with the Lord I sat working surrounded by huge windows which provided a serene and scenic working environment when from nowhere appeared two deer to feed on the grass. It was such a spectacular moment as the Lord whispered to my heart "praise me with a pure heart and just see what I will do!"

I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name O Most High. Psalm 9:1-2