Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Right place...?

Have you ever wondered if you are in the right place? I am ALWAYS wondering that!!! I reflect on things and where I am frequently. There are times when I think that there is no possible way that I'm in the right place. And then there are times that I know that I am. And yet...there are a few other moments where I'm going on faith that I'm in the right place and that there is a reason for me to be there.

I wish that things were clearer. I wish that I just knew the reasons behind it all. But...then I think a bit further and realize that the reason will come. It will just come on its own time and in its own way. I suppose that patience is somethng that needs to play a role in here somewhere.

So...when you're feeling down, or happy, or confused...know that there is a reason and that you are feeling what you are supposed to be feeling at that time. You are in the right place. However...if you ever get the feeling, and a strong feeling, that you are supposed to be, oh...I don't know, somewhere else - like a police station reporting a crime - I'd follow that instinct! It's probably correct!

Live in the moment, I guess is what I'm trying to say. Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you and appreciate what you have!

Movies and Laughter

Movies can be amazing releases! I saw "Date Night" yesterday with a friend (yes, I know it's been out for awhile...went to the cheap seats). I do not think I've laughed SOOOO much in a movie in a long time! Tina Fey and Steve Carell are amazing together!

I actually clapped 3 or times at something funny and I think I even snorted! Yep...I'm admitting to a snort! It has to be funny if I snort! :)

I am definitely thinking that I should buy this movie when it comes out! It's just too darn funny!

Also...if you need a few good books to read I have read some amazing books lately. I had posted on Facebook that I needed some recommendations for books that were hard to put down. My high school English teacher gave me a few wonderful suggestions! The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society read about it in the previous post, and The Art of Racing in the Rain.

I highly recommend them both. The second book is from the perspective of a dog. It's just a phenomenal read. I was bawling at the end of the book out of sadness and happiness! I'm ready for another good book!

Thursday, July 15, 2010

An amazing book



I finished The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society yesterday. It's such an amazing book. It's all letters written back and forth to an author, Juliet, after WWII from the island of Guernsey to London. It tells of the Occupation during that time as well as of the love of reading.

I love how the letters let you into the lives of these people. I always know when it's a good book because I didn't want it to end. I want to know what happens next! I had a few surprised moments, but I'm very happy with the way in which the book ended.

It's a love story, a story of friendship, a story of grief, and a happy tale all rolled into one.

If you have never read it...do so!

Sunday, July 11, 2010

The Blind Side

Who has watched "The Blind Side?" At church today our pastor started a new series entitled "The Blind Side." He started it off with the scene where the Tuoghy family is leaving the Thanksgiving play and driving home and come across Michael Oher walking down he street in the rain with only a t-shirt and shorts on. Mrs. Tuoghy invites him home with them after he admits to not having a place to stay. It totally got to me, that scene.

I remember watching the movie thinking I would be crying through it. But as the movie unfolds, it's so uplifting that I didn't really cry through it. But that scene taken out of the rest of the movie is such a moving show of compassion from Mrs. Tuoghy.

We had some wonderful people who help out with the Children's Ministry be spotlighted today from the community. They have an organization called Stepping Stones and it's an amazing thing. I was so moved by their talk about it that I want to go and help. They take youth that need help with school work and help them with that as well as witness to them about God. They have helped many youth bring up their grades and show them that there are better alternatives out there than joining a gang or any other not so good choice.

I am hoping to call them up this week and see what they would like from me. Another body in the center to help out, tutoring kids, whatever...I'm willing to do it.

I am so excited about this and I'm motivated to look for ways to do good. I encourage you all to do the same!

Friday, July 9, 2010

Chocolate High

I think I was on a chocolate high last night. I couldn't fall asleep! I had gone to a ladies chocolate and chick flick gathering. It was fun. Lot's of yummy chocolate goodies to eat. I didn't even eat that much, but...it must have been enough to keep me going until the wee hours of the morning. 2am-ish to be exact-ish. I then, of course, woke up at 7:30. Because why would I sleep in? Why would I sleep until at least 9? I wouldn't!

The night was fun. It was through my church. We met at the pastor's house - his wife's house - and chatted with one another. I met some lovely ladies I'd never met before. And then we watched "When in Rome." Cute movie. I ended up getting sucked into a conversation, which was fun, with two of the ladies after everyone else had left. Someone noticed the time was 10:20 and we were all surprised. My eyes were starting to water. My thought was that it was because I was tired (which I was) although you wouldn't know it since I could fall asleep! UGH!

It took me a 1/2 hour to get home and then I was up watching a cool show on BBC America - Dr. Who - anyone seen it? It's kinda fun!

Anyway...maybe my mind mixed with the chocolate just was on overload. Hopefully I'll be able to sleep better tonight.

Monday, July 5, 2010

Visitors

Yeah!!! So, I'm super excited. I have a friend that I worked with in Germany coming to visit for a few weeks. She's coming from England. She's not been to much of the US so she's excited as well. It ought to be fun. She's a sweet girl, too! I'm looking forward to the reunion of sorts! Also, another friend will be in So. Cal. at the same time. She's back from Japan for the summer holiday. She and I were the first grade team. I'm really excited to hang with her for a bit.

It's a mini-reunion. I so needed this. I miss these folks so much! I wish more could come and visit as well! I'm trying to talk two of my other friends to come visit at around the same. One is in LA and the other is in VT. Not sure that it'll work out for them. But it'd be so sweet if it did!

I haven't been able to stop smiling since I got the news that Laura was going to come. She's being a bit spontaneous - her words - and it's going to be great fun!

I don't have the funds to travel this summer, but having people come here...it'll be alright! It'll be almost as if I were traveling! I'll have the British accent in my house for two weeks! How fun is that! :)

Plus she'll celebrate her birthday while in the states!

I'm just so happy about these visitors that I could burst!!! Yippeee!!! I've actually jumped for joy a few times! How crazy is that??!! I've found myself walking around the house and spontaneously jumping up and down and clapping just because I'm uber excited to see these folks! I then think, "my neighbors must think I'm crazy!" But then I think, "Oh well! I don't care!"

Amazing how things work out!

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Sticks and Stones

I've been thinking today about that old adage. It would most definitely hurt to have sticks and stones thrown at you. But it's also way more hurtful to have words said that are unkind. We've all experienced it...and most likely we've all said some hurtful words to someone.

Here's a great article referring to the adadge. It makes me wanna say nice things to everyone I see!

At youth on Friday, we were talking about how God had separated the people to all parts of the Earth after they had begun to build the tower in Babel. This brought about a discussion on how we look at others in different places. What our identity is, in essence. I don't know.

I think it's important to build others up. I think it's mighty important to say: You're wonderful. You are doing an amazing job. I love you. I think you handled that situation well.

Any of those would be fabulous. Please...read the article. The author of it is a friend of mine. She's an amazing person with one of the biggest hearts I've ever seen.

Happy 4th of July!!! I wish you a safe and happy day.