Yes, I am alive!

I live! Sorry it's been sooooo long since I've last updated this thing! A lot has changed since I last posted and I have lots of great posts that I've written in my mind, but just never got around to moving them from my mind to my computer. So, here's a brief list:
*went to a wedding in Michigan with my friend Brandi...good times
*had a surprise going away party given for me by my friends from church, Brandi and Teresa---I was TOTALLY surprised with my friends from town...then five of my best girlfriends from college came running out!!!!!!!!!!! I couldn't believe it. We ate (kielbasa and cabbage, of course!) and DANCED, DANCED, DANCED!!!! It was just a perfect night. I was truly honored and humbled by their love for me. It was just amazing.
*I celebrated my grandma's 90th birthday with my family. It was a precious time. My grandma is an amazing woman and she seemed to really enjoy her day.

So, there's the last month in a nutshell! I am now in Virginia at the International Learning Center in training to leave for Poland on January 3. It's really been great so far. Incredibly busy, but great. We're filling out form after form and going to classes, and eating in a cafeteria (including eating Moraccan food today without utensils!), and living in dorm-type rooms, and way busy...sounds, wonderful, doesn't it?

Today was the first of the immunization clinics. After teasing all of the people going to jungle-type places, I looked at my form for Poland and realized I'm getting 9 stinking shots!!!! Most of them are hepatitis series, and today I had a Hep A (I think), rabies, and polio vaccine. Don't worry, it was well worth it, because I got My Little Pony, Dora, and psychodelic band-aids--it was well worth it.

Here are a few photos of my band aids and my room. (ok, so I was just kidding about the photos---apparently they're not loading on my computer. I'll work on that another time.) Please pray for me that I'd get done what gets done here and learn what I need to learn to be ready for Poland! Thank you =)

Deep Thoughts...

Ok, so I have a confession to make. I love watching DOG the Bounty Hunter. I hardly ever get to watch it, but I love it. No excuses, no deep meaning to it. I just do. Do you think they have DOG in Poland????

By the way, I'm kind of over the Lost thing. It's getting too weird. I mean, come one, we need some closure, or at least some hope of closure soon!!!

Red Hat Society, Here I Come!

Through some different circumstances going on right now, I've really been thinking a lot about growing old. To be honest, it's easy to think "it won't happen to me!". It seems like I'll be "young" forever and I sometimes forget that people who have grown "old" were once young and probably thinking "I'll never grow old!". I see some elderly people and see the ways their bodies and minds are failing them and it's a reality check that I'm not invincible; I won't be here forever. I have no guarantee that my body won't fail me or that my mind will always be sharp (of course, I have to add, that's really open for discussion right now!). My days in this body, on this earth are limited and numbered and will quickly pass, and there's absolutely nothing I can do about it. It's a reminder of the Lord's control and reign and my dependence on Him. I must trust Him for my future, that He'll be faithful and His grace will be sufficient to carry me through whatever comes; that His love and care and presence will never fail, and eventually I, along with all those throughout all the ages who have trusted Christ, will be clothed with a perfect body that will never die. This life is temporary.
All this thinking about growing old also reminds me to care for those around me who are in their "golden years". I see that I, too, will most likely one day have to depend on other people to care for me and will long for the company of people coming to visit. It makes me want to care for them right now, knowing that I'll be grateful to anyone who would do the same for me in 50 years. There's also so much to learn! The older generation are living history books! I recently spent some time with an elderly couple from my church and found out that he drove a jeep off of the boat and onto the beach of Normandy on D-Day! How amazing! He is a living part of history.
Of course, my Grandma Davis' approaching 90th birthday has gotten me thinking quite a bit. I'm excited to go celebrate with her, and VERY excited to honor her with the scrapbook of 90 memories of her (thanks to my super-talented cousin, Amy, who is going to put it together!!!). It also makes me think of what my life will be like if I make it to 90 years old. I do not know, but I will cling to this promise:

"My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever." Psalm 73:26

At Least There Are No Wigs in This Movie

...oh, yes, it does get better. This is quite possibly one of my favorite movies. It's the Indian Bollywood version of Pride and Prejudice. It's full of beautiful clothes, beautiful people, and great songs and dancing. The best part is the scene on the beach which includes a full gospel choir, dancing lifegaurds, and singing surfers. How great is that. Sadly, I'd seen Bride and Prejudice before Pride and Prejudice, so I found myself watching P&P thinking "hey! That's just like on Bride and Prejudice!" The storyline is basically the same, but this movie focuses more on the sinister Mr. Wickham and his relationship with both Lalita (this version's Lizzy) and her younger sister Lakhi.
Like I said, the music is great (you can listen here); the dancing is fun; the clothes are beautiful; and there are parts that are hillarious. But, you definitely have to be ready for major cheese. I have to admit...while I was watching it, I was briefly reminded of a little known, late 80's hit movie (at least in the Lehman household) known around the world by one little word...Shag. Good times.

If I Ever Have to Wear a Wig, Please Make Sure it Fits!

I have to admit that I've been on kind of a Romantic movie kick lately. It all started with the "new" Pride and Prejudice that I watched with my mom a few weeks ago. While I've seen movies of other Jane Austen books (Sense and Sensibility and Emma), I'd never seen any film adaptations of P&P. Aside from a few particular details, I loved it. I loved the formality of their manners and etiquette (sorry, I'm a sap for that stuff), the beautiful scenery, and of course the love story. I love that Lizzy (the main character) falls in love with Mr. Darcy mainly because of his character and how he un-cerimoniously helps her family and does what he thinks is best for his friend. She isn't first and foremost attracted to his money and looks (although they definitely don't hurt!), but grows in affection toward him because she gets to know him as a man. I feel like you rarely see that in movies now.
That being said, there were some things that bothered me. First and foremost: HER HAIR!!! For crying out loud, couldn't someone have made that wig fit better??? It was awful. There were little hairs hanging out of the back! Also, while I love the sound of classic writing in those Brittish accents, it was hard to hear and understand. I also have to say that, while most of what Lizzie said (especially to Mr. Darcy) was true and honest without trying to flatter or win opinions of others, she was harsh!
Anyways, I did like the movie and the best part is the ending. I love this line: "you have bewitched me body and soul." Doesn't get much better than that...or does it??????

A Great Day

So, yesterday was just one of those days that was so sweet. It's nice to have those once in a while. It wasn't anything big or exciting or pre-planned, it just sort of happened. My friend Angie came over for the afternoon and, because it was such a beautiful day, we decided to take advantage of it and go for a bike ride. It was perfect. We rode down to a bike trail in Huron that runs along the Huron River and listened to the birds and insects, looked at the pretty flowers, and just absolutely had a great time. It was definitely one of my favorite days of the summer.
Here are some pictures from our wonderful day.
(By the way...I have no idea how to arrange pictures on this thing, they just sort of show up in any old layout, so bare with me!)
We saw this graffiti while riding beneath an old railraod bridge...for Angie's sake I restrained myself from breaking out into "Ice, Ice Baby" with dance moves and all.
The picture of the snake is the snake Angie ran over with her bike. The snake survived; Angie almost didn't.
The picture of the person is Angie (Any hints from the family on arranging these pictures???? I have no idea where these "captions" will show up, so I don't know what to write! Help!)
Anyhoo...we had a sweet day, saw some interesting things, and got some exercise. Good times.

Remembering...

This post actually began as a comment in response to this question from my cousin Amy. My comment was getting too ridiculously long, so I thought I'd turn it into my own post.
Classes had just recently started at Ohio University and I had just left a morning class and went to the Bookstore to check if a book I needed was in yet. I ran into a friend at the Bookstore who told me that a plane crashed into a building in NYC, but I honestly didn't even really think much about it and went home, changed, and went on a long bike ride because it was such a gorgeous fall day. While struggling to get up one of Athens' many hills on my bike, I remember thinking that I never turned on the news to see what my friend was talking about and I'd have to remember to do that when I got back. I peddled home and turned on the tv and soon found that nothing was the same. Images of the planes crashing into the different sites around the country were on every station. I didn't even really comprehend all that was going on, but I remember that I wanted to talk to my dad right away. I also just wanted to hear the voices of the ones I loved and hated being far away from them. I remember my dad saying that he just wanted all of us to be together and go to the Lake. I don't know particularly why the Lake, but that's exactly what I thought, too. I just wanted to have my family near. I remember going to bed that night and looking out the window by my bed. It seemed surreal. I was in Athens, listening to crickets and stillness. Surely not what they were experiencing in NYC. Surely not what thousands of families, waiting and fearing, were experiencing.
I, too, noticed lots of attention given to 9/11 this year, commemorating the 5th anniversary. As I watched, I was again reminded (which I suppose is the whole purpose of Rememberance Day) of my frailty and that I'm not assured security simply because I live in America. My security must lie in Jesus Christ, the One who never leaves, never fails, and never changes, no matter what happens. I must rest in the One who knows the beginning from the end and who still reigns in the midst of chaos, although I may not understand. He doesn't consult me for His plans, but rather tells me to trust Him and know that He loves me and has a perfect plan that, in the end, will culminate in His glory and my good.

"When the earth quakes and its people live in turmoil, I am the One who keeps its foundations firm." Psalm 75:3

Attention Scrapbookers!

Ok, so I've only scrapbooked once in my life...ever. I realize that I may have just sent a few of my cousins into cardiac arrest with that confession, but it's true. I really enjoyed it (it was one of those Creative Memories parties) and even bought a scrapbook to start. However, I literally haven't even taken the thing out of the plastic and that was going on four years ago. For whatever reason (and let's be honest, a huge reason is MONEY!!! That stuff isn't cheap!) I never really got into it, altough I think they're so cute when other people create them.
Anyways, I was spending some time with the Lord, reading the Bible the other morning and came across this verse:

"Every day of my life was recorded in Your book." Psalm 139:16

I just thought that was so neat and it immediately reminded me of scrapbooking! I know people scrapbook to capture memories that are precious and sweet to them and I'd have to guess (being neither a scrapbooker OR a mother) that most mothers would LOVE to have the time and resources to scrap every day of their child's lives...even the rotten ones to remind their children of when they are parents themselves! It was such a precious thought to know that that's the same delight and detail and involvement that the Lord has for us as His creation. He cares for and desires to be involved in every detail of every day of our lives. He's there and He cares. He never forgets or misses a single day, a single hurt, joy, need, fear...nothing. We will never ever encounter a single day that the Lord hasn't promised to be there and paying attention. Acts 16: 27 says "He is not far from any one of us." And His promise is that we have complete and utter security, every single day we will ever live and into eternity, offered to us through Jesus and that "He will never leave us or forsake us" (Hebrews 13:5). Pretty amazing to think about. Any maybe even enough motivation to start scrapbooking for my experiences in Poland!

Is Fantabulous a Word?

Ok, so I'm still teary eyed, but I just watched a great movie. I just got done watching Akeelah and the Bee and I think everyone should see it! It's great and the kids in the movie are GREAT actors and actresses. What a sweet movie. AND I found a new word. My friend Jenn would always say that she had diarrhea of the mouth and there's a word for that! Logorrhea! Who knew?!?!

Warning: Random Musings Ahead Proceed With Caution

So, nothing too exciting to post, just some random thoughts a la my cousin Amy:

~I was just doing some browsing on the web and found an interesting and informative site about the town where I'll be living in Poland. I thought I'd post it if anyone's interested!
~So, I'm watching Lost and watching them all scramble around, fighting to stay alive and I got started to thinking: everything else they were living for was left behind after the crash. I mean, think about it. If I were suddenly stripped of all the stuff I easily think life is about (careers, friends, achievements, retirement, even family) and realize that life really does go on without these things, what's the purpose of life then? All of those things, although not necessarily bad things, are not secure and unshakable (we saw this a year ago in Katrina). I guess that's where you come down to asking what is secure and unshakable, what can be counted on no matter what. I know of only One, Jesus, the One who promises to never leave or fail me, no matter what other junk happens in life...even if I were stranded on a whacked out island! (although, I really wouldn't mind being stranded with Matthew Fox...)
~Another musing from Lost: so, they're stranded on this island, fighting for survival, and they each have different talents and skills and knowledge that is needed for their survival. They can't afford to have petty fights over who's in charge and all that junk. It's just like in a church (or even work or family, really). When we meet Christ, we're each given specific gifts (along with our own backgrounds, skills, and experiences) that we're to use to help the church function in a healthy and growing way. If we're picking at each other, we're not going to make it! On the flip side, if we're looking out for the good of the group other than ourselves first, we'll offer our skills and gifts and get done what needs done!
~My dad and I are going to a flea market tomorrow morning. Why are they called flea markets? Anyone?
~I got a new dress for two weddings and a birthday party in October. It's chocolate chip brown, little cap sleeves, with a little sash around the waist. It's called a "garden dress" and it reminds me of something from the 60's. Now, I just need the perfect shoes.
~I found myself back in Mansfield today (don't ask!) with my friend Brandi. We went to Kingwood Center, this 47 acre estate with a mansion on it that they've kept up as a beautiful garden. It was great walking through the paths and through the house, pretending it was mine and dreaming up what type of parties I would have in the gardens. Wouldn't that be fun?!?!

Ok, well, I'm through. Was that random enough? Have a great Labor Day Weekend!

Witaj (it means "hello" in Polish)

Once again, aplogies for my absence from the blogosphere. I can't claim the excuse of being terribly busy, just lazy and consumed with trying to watch the entire first season of Lost before Sept. 5 (when season 2 is released). I have a whole series of thoughts on Lost, but I'll save those for another post.
I've been waiting until I received my "official" assignment in the mail to post about Poland, but I received it late last week, so here we go!
Shortly before I graduated from college I began to sense that the Lord was calling my life into some sort of ministry as a career and I freaked out, to say the least. I absolutely shot down the idea, said "forget it!" and got myself a job and moved to Huron. To me, ministry as a career seemed way too insecure and scary and not at all what I had planned for my life. While the Lord has been so gracious and has really done some awesome things these past four years, He continued to change my heart and draw me closer to Himself, to a place where I began to truly know Him and trust Him. Even as I think back on this right now, I'm amazed at His grace and kindness to me to patiently show me that I could trust Him and believe Him. I definitely didn't deserve it! Anyways, throughout the past four years He continued to lead towards spending some time overseas serving Him, but I never really thought about actually acting on this. I just assumed I'd wake up one day in another country and there you go! However, back in early January, He really made it clear that this was the time. I began the application process to be a part of a program called the Journeyman Program through the Southern Baptist International Mission Board. The program is for people who have graduated from college, are single, and are not yet 30 and is a term of two years spent overseas. The application process in and of itself was awful in a great way. There were lots of steps including an intensive and extensive health questionaire, VERY personal questions to answer (the Board says they know more about you than your mom, and they're probably right!), references, and lots of other information. Honestly, after finishing the application process, I figured "if I still get accepted, then I know it's the Lord!" Well, I did get accepted and went to a Screening Conference the beginning of August where the Lord really seemed to be opening a place for me in Poland. I got to spend a week last summer in Poland with the man, Sean Stevenson, and his family who started my church here in Huron. So, I will be living in the same town and working with him and his family, as well as another girl about my age (Amber) and a retired woman named Patsy. There is a university in the town we're in, so Amber and I will primarily be working with college students. The young people in Poland are a lot like young people here in that they are tired of "religion" that doesn't have any real meaning in their lives and are hungry for something that is real and that applies to their daily lives. We'll be doing lots of building relationships and just loving on them that way and hopefully pointing them to a real, living relationship with God through Christ.
Let's see...other details that you might want to know...I've been able to take a leave of absence from school; the name of the town is Olsztyn and it's in North Eastern Poland; the family I'll be working with has three daughters named Abby, Cara, and Becca; I'll most likely live in an apartment with Amber; I leave October 24 for training down in Virginia, will be home Dec. 14-28 and will fly out for Poland on Dec.28 for two years; I'll get about three months of survival Polish language training, but most of the college students will want to practice English with us and that will be a big way we'll get to meet people; yes, it's very cold in Poland; no, I don't think they appreciate dumb Polock jokes; I don't know if they tell dumb American jokes...hmmmm, if there's anything else, feel free to ask, but that's all I can think of right now.
So, there you go! That's what's going on in a nutshell. For right now, I'm just working on getting things situated and tied off here and spending time with people. Oh, and watching my new best friends on Lost.
Here is a link for the Northeast Poland website. It's not been updated for quite a while, but at least it may give you an idea!

How Do You Spell ABC's?

Ok, this is for the cousins =) I've definitely enjoyed reading all of yours!

A is for age: 26
B is for beer of choice: Does Diet Pepsi count????
C is for career right now: ummm....used to be Elementary School teacher...now, employed by the International Mission Board to be a missionary!
D is for your dog's name?: Louie, may he rest in peace
E is for essential item you use everyday: my computer
F is for favorite TV show at the moment: Deadliest Catch!!!!!!
G is for favorite game: Catchphrase
H is for Home town: growing up--Mansfield, Ohio; now--Huron, Ohio
I is for instruments you play:flute and shakers and tamborine (don't ask)
J is for favorite juice: Ruby Red Grapefruit
K is for whose butt you'd like to kick: anyone who hurts children
L is for last food you ate: scrambled eggs and a piece of toast
M is for marriage: nope
N is for your full name:Jessica Renee Gordon
O is for overnight hospital stays: none, aside from my own birth
P is for people you were with today: spent some time with the Lord this morning; haven't seen anyone else yet today
Q is for quote: "Are you drinking 1% milk because you think you're fat, because you're not. You could drink 2%"
R is for Biggest Regret: I'd also say high school---I walked around thinking I was too good for everyone, but that was really my safety wall because I was so insecure. I could have cared for and known a lot more people.
S is for status: single, but content
T is for time you woke up today: 8:45
V is for vegetable you love: Corn on the cob cooked over a campfire
W is for worst habit: twirling or playing with my hair
X is for x-rays you've had: Teeth
Y is for yummy food you ate today: the eggs (with ketchup) were pretty good!
Z is for zodiac sign: Taurus

Isn't She a Beauty?

Here she is...my valiant chariot in all of her glory. Know anyone who might be interested in a 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix with 92,000 miles and a new starter? I'm so not kidding. Give me a call 419-602-0111!

2006 Tour De Western Ohio

Here are the final reports from the 2006 Tour De Western Ohio:

The Tour began Friday shortly after four (only slightly over one hour past the intended departure!) and consisted of an exciting drive down rt. 4 to a hotel in Blufton, Ohio *(don't ask!)* where I met up with four friends from college. Great time.
After a short rest Friday night (and I do mean short!!!), the Tour resumed down rt I-75 to Dayton, Ohio where I got to spend some more great times with the friends (aside from Jenn, who had to leave early Saturday morning for the annual tractor pull--not kidding). There was a sense of anticipation in the air Saturday evening as the Tour came back to the parking lot of Apex Community Church (returning from enjoying some good dinner after the Saturday night service)...only to find the chosen valiant chariot for the Tour (otherwise known as the Grand Prix) COMPLETELY UNWILLING TO START!!! The whole future success of the Tour was in jeopardy!
Ok, so it wasn't that dramatic, but special thanks to Amanda's roomate Laura for the ride back to their house!
After some phone calls and a really great time with Amanda (including Panera bagels and coffee at a park), the Tour continued on Sunday with the assistance of Uncle Tom who came to my rescue and picked me up and continued the next leg of the tour up to Urbana, Ohio.
Monday was spent eating, shopping, and visiting with my cousins Kara, Rylee (Kara's ADORABLE daughter), Lori, and my Aunt Barb. It was great.
Tuesday ushered in the reunion between me and my valiant chariot (complete with a new starter...who would have guessed! It wouldn't start, so it needed a starter!). Before pushing hard for the finish of the 2006 Tour, I got my hair cut by Lori and it is so cute! I can't wait to style it myself tomorrow. She did a fabulous job!
So, I'm home now, with the 2006 Tour De Western Ohio in the books. You may be wondering what I'm going to do now...? I'm going to Disney World!

I Love Lisa's Laptop

Hey! This won't be a long post, but I just had to blog for a moment. I'm hanging out with my friends Lisa, Sarah, Jenn, and Natalie and talking to my friend Amanda on the phone. Lisa has her laptop here and we're having good times. I'm getting pathetically old though and need to go get some coffee to stay awake anytime beyong 11:00. SO, I think we're going to head out and find some coffee and I'll try to update at some point later this weekend.

Still Need a Laugh?

I've never watched 24, but these crack me up anyways.

Jack and Jill went up the hill. Only Jack came down. Jill was a terrorist.

Jack Bauer once forgot where he put his keys. He then spent the next half-hour torturing himself until he gave up the location of the keys.

1.6 billion Chinese are angry with Jack Bauer. Sounds like a fair fight.

Killing Jack Bauer doesn't make him dead. It just makes him angry.

There were originally five horsemen of the apocalypse. Jack Bauer said he would travel by foot.

Jack Bauer sleeps with a gun under the pillow. But he could kill you with the pillow.

When life hands Jack Bauer Lemons, he kills Terrorists. Jack Bauer hates lemonade.

Jack Bauer doesn't miss. If he didn't hit you it's because he was shooting at another terrorist twelve miles away.

After running out of ammo, Jack stood in the line of fire, took 3 shots to the chest, and used them to reload.

A Priest, a Rabbi, and a Minister walked into a bar... and Jack Bauer is going to find out why...

Superman has Jack Bauer pajamas.

Jack Bauer is the reason Waldo is hiding.

Jack Bauer has been to Mars. That’s why there's no life on Mars.

Upon hearing that he was played by Kiefer Sutherland, Jack Bauer killed Sutherland. Jack Bauer gets played by no man.

On Jack Bauers Tax Returns, he has to claim the entire world as his dependants.

Jack Bauer killed 93 people in just 4 days time. Wait, that is a real fact.

Jack Bauer's favorite color is severe terror alert red. His second favorite color is violet, but that's just because it sounds like violent.

Lets get one thing straight, the only reason you are conscious right now is because Jack Bauer does not feel like carrying you.

When you open a can of whoop-ass, Jack Bauer jumps out.

Jack Bauer does not sleep. The only rest he needs is what he gets when he's knocked out or temporarily killed.

Jack Bauer literally died for his country, and lived to tell about it.

While being ‘put under’ in the hospital, Jack Bauer can count backwards from 100 every time. This annoys the doctors.

Jack Bauer can watch all 4 seasons of 24 in 24 hours.

Jack Bauer's family threw him a surprise birthday party when he was a child. Once.

Everytime Jack Bauer yells "NOW!" at the end of a sentence, a terrorist dies.

Don't ask what Jack Bauer would do for a Klondike bar...

Need a Good Laugh?

This is just bloggin' hillarious. Enjoy and I'll talk to you later!

These were selected by Chuck Norris as his favorite Chuck Norris sayings:

* When the Boogeyman goes to sleep every night, he checks his closet for Chuck Norris.

* Chuck Norris doesn’t read books. He stares them down until he gets the information he wants.

* There is no theory of evolution. Just a list of creatures Chuck Norris has allowed to live.

* Outer space exists because it’s afraid to be on the same planet with Chuck Norris.

* Chuck Norris does not sleep. He waits.

* Chuck Norris is currently suing NBC, claiming Law and Order are trademarked names for his left and right legs.

* Chuck Norris is the reason why Waldo is hiding.

* Chuck Norris counted to infinity - twice.

* There is no chin behind Chuck Norris’ beard. There is only another fist.

* When Chuck Norris does a pushup, he isn’t lifting himself up, he’s pushing the Earth down.

* Chuck Norris is so fast, he can run around the world and punch himself in the back of the head.

* Chuck Norris’ hand is the only hand that can beat a Royal Flush.

* There is no such thing as global warming. Chuck Norris was cold, so he turned the sun up.

* Chuck Norris can lead a horse to water AND make it drink.

* Chuck Norris doesn’t wear a watch, HE decides what time it is.

* Chuck Norris gave Mona Lisa that smile.

* Chuck Norris can slam a revolving door.

* Chuck Norris does not get frostbite. Chuck Norris bites frost

* Remember the Soviet Union? They decided to quit after watching a DeltaForce marathon on Satellite TV.

* Contrary to popular belief, America is not a democracy, it is a Chucktatorship.

The one I wish he’d had pick:

* Chuck Norris’ tears cure cancer. He has never cried. Ever.

* Chuck Norris can divide by zero.

* Chuck Norris and Mr. T walked into a bar. The bar was instantly destroyed, as that level of awesome cannot be contained in one building.

Red Purses and Burning Bushes

Well, once again, it's been a while friends. And oh so much to fill you all (as in both readers) in on! My friend Amanda does lists a lot on her blog, so I think I'll take that approach tonight. So, here goes:
Things That Have Happened In The Past Two Weeks That Would Take All Night to Write About

1)My cousin Lori has one of the funniest blogs I've ever read. Check it out at http://blog4lola.blogspot.com/
2)Had a great weekend at the end of July with my dad's family coming up on Saturday, then my mom's family coming up on Sunday. Family is great. I'll try posting a few pictures and see how it goes!
3) My church voted a pastor in on Sunday July 30. We're still waiting to hear back from him. Pray for us! We need a pastor!
4)I bought a new cute purse from Wal Mart Monday July 31. It's red pleather and just so fun! It brings me joy to carry it. I would wish such joy on all the women I love.
5)I went to a conference in Virginia to pursue the next step in going overseas to tell people about Jesus. I will post another entry (hopefully tomorrow) about all that, because it really deserves much more than just a mention on #5...but, think Kielbasa.
6)I found out my grandma Davis was admitted to the hospital for dizziness. I got to visit with her and my mom and Aunt Barb, Uncle Bill and Aunt Jeni for a night. She's doing well now and it's nothing serious. However, they'll have to make some serious decisions in the near future about where she'll live and driving and all that. Yikes. I don't want to be around for that conversation! It should go over like a led zepplin.

And, last but not least, the coolest thing that's happend within the past two weeks....drum roll please...I saw a burning bush today. No joke. Only, this time no one spoke to me out of it (a la Moses and the burning bush), but the fire department came! I'd have to imagine that Moses' burning bush wasn't surrounded by mulch in professionally designed landscaping next to Key Bank. I know you're dying to know the story, so here goes...I was up at church picking something up and saw smoke coming from beside a nearby building. As I got closer (yes, closer to what could have been a raging fire. Good idea, huh?) , I realized that it was this little bush that was burning down at the base. So, I thought to myself "Self, this is a little bush that is burning down at the base, what should you do?" I answered myself that I should go back to the church and get a pitcher of water to put the smoldering little bush out. So, obeying my self, that's what I did. Yeah, so that pitcher of water achieved absolutely nothing. After cursing myself for telling myself to do it, I got back into my car just as a police car drove up. I asked if anyone had called about the bush and he said that the Fire Department was on its way. As I pulled away and saw the fire truck tearing down the street with its lights flashing, I felt slightly sheepish and realized that clearly my pitcher of water was no longer necessary! And then I found five dollars!

So, there you have it. The past two weeks in a nutshell. Good times.

VBS Pictures

Here are some pictures from VBS. The bottom is a picture of Sharon working hard, laboring really, on the float for the parade. The middle is the guys "working on the float". The top is a picture of the Worship Rally and the little girl on the left is the girl who came with me. Everyone does an amazing job with decorating. Our theme was the Arctic Edge and the verse was Joshua 1:9 "I command you--Be strong and couragous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Good one to remember.

VBS 2006 Is in the Books

Wow! What a week it's been! We had our Vacation Bible School this past week. Months and months of praying and planning and preparation came to fruition and it was amazing. Our church went through a rough time this past winter where we lost quite a few families, so we all wondered what VBS would be like this year. Well, it started out great for me when, on Tuesday, a little girl that I had brought (background: she used to be one of my students then I got to know her mother a bit and have kept in touch...she comes from a pretty discouraging home life, let's just put it that way) trusted Jesus. We were driving home and we started talking about the Lord and she was asking some pretty heavy questions, which led directly to the gospel. The VBS curriculum uses the ABC's to explain the Gospel: A-admit that you are a sinner, B-believe that Jesus is God's Son and came into the world to take away our sins, C-confess your faith in Jesus as your Savior and Lord...these are a great and simple way to explain the Gospel...I even use it as a guide in talking to adults! Anyways, it was precious to know that she is now securely in God's Hands and He promises that He'll never let her go and that He's her Protector and Defender and Heavenly Father now...she's definitely going to have to learn to lean on Him more than most other children her age. In all, we had 16 kids trust Christ which is just precious. It reminds me how simple the Gospel is. We adults make it so complicated and think and question (not that it's wrong to really think and question the reality of what we believe. I think that's a good thing!) and have to have doctrines to explain and understand everything about the ways of God...what a joke! He says: "How great are His riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand His decisions and His methods!" (Romans 11:33) Children just believe. However, I also think it's interesting and testifies to the working of the Holy Spirit drawing people to God that some kids don't make the choice to accept Christ. It seems to make it clear that it has to be the work of God for us to understand. Some of the kids in my room (I taught 1st/2nd graders) knew right away that they were sinners and that they needed Christ to take away their sins. Others didn't really get it. And it didn't make a difference what type of home they came from, whether a family that took them to church or not. It was the work of God.
Anyways, I'll stop babbling=) It was an awesome week. But now comes the tough part: some of the kids that you just want to take home with you go back to what I consider depressing home lifes. So discouraging and negative...not a lot of hope there. But, I'm so thankful that they came and got to have a taste of and invitation to the hope that "never disappoints".