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.