Everyday Wednesday

Funny Video

2009-05-19T20:39:00.001-05:00

What do Matt Chandler, Wilson Phillips, and a yorkie have in common?

This video - check it out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=je_f7xBZbP4

Girls just wanna have fun!

2009-05-11T10:51:00.002-05:00

I had to post this videos of our girls dancing! So fun! Love you girls for showing my daughter some moves!!!!

Interview with Matt

2009-04-28T00:46:00.002-05:00

Just passing along this link of Mark Driscoll interviewing Matt. Good stuff.

http://theresurgence.com/

The Best Rockers Around!

2009-01-31T17:16:00.005-06:00

A few Fans of the band
A sleepy fan :)

Andrew, Mandy, Katie and Christi

Nathalie, Andrew, Amanda and Christi

You be the judge of their talent :)

Friday Night P-A-R-T-Y

2009-01-26T10:36:00.004-06:00

Hey guys! I am looking forward to seeing everyone at our house this Friday for some food and Fellowship! We have had some request for Guitar Hero-so we will have that set up---well actually Rock Band, but only because more people can play.

Our address is 1902 Clemson Dr. Richardson, TX 75081 and I guess we can say 7pm as a start time-but feel free to come when you can--earlier or later!

For food, I am going to make a batch of Chili and you guys can bring stuff to go with it. Please post a comment or a new post with what you are bringing so we will have everything covered. On Friday, whatever has not been "chosen" I will go and buy that. But here are some suggestions that I think we could have:

HOT DOGS - PROBABLY 3 PACKS
BUNS - 3 PACKS
CHEDDAR CHEESE
FRITOS - 2 BAGS
PLASTIC PLATES
PLASTIC FORKS AND SPOONS
CUPS
DESSERTS-"SPIRIT-LED"-just for Josh's sake
BEVERAGES OF YOUR CHOOSING-BEER, WINE, SODAS
WHATEVER ELSE YOU THINK SOUNDS GOOD

I am here

2009-01-13T15:26:00.002-06:00

I am here-but no one has posted if forever....I am sure they are lurking at their-just scared. It is okay-you can post here!!! ")

I can't do a movie on Friday because we are going to a play at Water Tower. But their are lots of great movies out so I am sure you will find some takers! See you tomorrow!

Hola

2009-01-12T20:29:00.001-06:00

Where oh where did the people go? HELLO! ANYONE OUT THERE? Anyone want to go see a good movie on Friday? Let me know!

Head or Heart??

2008-12-28T21:18:00.003-06:00

Hi guys! I have missed each of you!!!! I hope you had a good Christmas.
I went to church this past weekend to ear Matt set up setting goals/resolutions for our spiritual lives over the next few weeks. He mentioned that next week he was going to be discussing how to get on track rather you were a head person---someone who has the theology in their head, but a heart the size of a raisin----or a heart person----someone who had a heart for the Lord that was enormous but no scripture to back it up. And, it got me thinking which one I was. For me, no question, I am a head person. I am not a "expert" in theology by any means, but I certainly have a faith that is more logical than feeling.

So what about you???

NEWSBREAK!!! NEWSBREAK!!!!!

2008-11-20T11:52:00.002-06:00

We actually had a Male type something on our blog!!!! In case you missed-Brian Stubblefield commented his answers on the comments on Amy's post.....I fell out of my chair with suprise so wanted to make sure everyone saw it!

Here is the evidence-Source-Comment on Amy K's post
Here is one male response1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? not that I know of
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Not sure, but it was while watching tv
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? no
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Roast Beef
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Other than myself, Avery Grace, Winston, and Sam
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Yes!
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?never when I'm sleeping
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? anytime
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Raisin Bran
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Sometimes
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? willed
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? chocolate
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? usually very little
15. RED OR PINK? red
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? high expectations of others
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? friends from high school
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU?
19. WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? brown
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? snickers
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? typing on my laptop
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? green
23. FAVORITE SMELLS? the beach
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? ryan, my boss
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? no one did26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? all
27. HAIR COLOR? not enough to show
28. EYE COLOR? Green
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? no
30. FAVORITE FOOD? steak
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy endings
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? can't remember
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? blue
34. SUMMER OR WINTER? both
35. HUGS OR KISSES? both
36. FAVORITE DESSERT? don't really like dessert
37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? who has time to read?
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? dell
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? nothing
42. FAVORITE SOUND? waves crashing or the swish of snow under my skis
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? The Cure
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Mexico City or NY, whichever is farther
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? maybe directions, always able to find my way back
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Charleston, SC
47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK?

Amy's

2008-11-16T21:54:00.003-06:00

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? My middle name is the same as my mom's & grandma's name - Elizabeth
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Yesterday morning. I was looking at old pictures with my sister
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Yes and I love paper and cool pens. Yes, pens can be cool. If you're missing a pen, I probably have it.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Ham and I only like one kind on a sandwich. Not into mixing the meats.
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? No, just a 100lb puppy.
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Yes!
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?Yes, I give it and I can take it. Typically don't get along too well with people that don't get sarcasm. i think it is the Northerner in me.
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? No way jose.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Cheerios
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Yes, no, yes, no... I really don't know.
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? I could kick some bootie.
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? coffee
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? How much they talk about themselves
15. RED OR PINK? red
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? That I'm a bit of a one upper. Don't know where that came from. Oh and I procrastinate like right now.
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My dad and my grandma
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? you can post it but not send it to me personally!
19. WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? tube socks
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Cornbread casserole
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? wrigley breathing
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? brown. I'm feeling brown.
23. FAVORITE SMELLS? onions frying in a pan, musky candles, cologne on a man
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? gigi
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? oh, someone needs to send this to you? I just filled it out cuz i am procrastinating!
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Girls shouldn't like to watch sports except tennis. Tennis.
27. HAIR COLOR? I say blonde, some people say brown. Who knows?
28. EYE COLOR? Green - sometimes hazel
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? oui
30. FAVORITE FOOD? sushi 4 shure.
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy endings
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? can't remember
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? green on top of black
34. SUMMER OR WINTER? winter - I love chilly weather! 100 degrees sucks
35. HUGS OR KISSES? both
36. FAVORITE DESSERT? tirimasu (sprelling is wronl)
37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? me
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? who has time to read?
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? your mama
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? nothing
42. FAVORITE SOUND? It's Friday
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? You can't always get what you want.
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? London
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? none
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Cincinnati, ohio
47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK? Anything from a male contributor

Ryland's - enjoy! :)

2008-11-11T22:57:00.003-06:00

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Not really, my name is in the family tree on my mom's side, but I think my parents just liked it.
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? I cried about 4 hours ago cause my teeth hurt
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Yes, I especially love it in the sweet potatoes that I smear all over my tray.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? It would have to be chicken... if its anything like the chicken dinner I had tonight!
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? no.. that would be impossible... duh
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Yes, I am the only baby I know that doesn't bite, scratch or try to take your binky! :)
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Like when I scream just for the heck of it... yup, sure do!
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Oh yeah baby, I am a dare devil!
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Oatmeal mixed with yogurt, plain is for babies
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Nope, the only pair I own are slip-ons!
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Yup, sure am
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Umm... hello, my mom won't let me have that stuff yet!
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? If they are smiling at me or not
15. RED OR PINK? Pink, but that's because that is all they make for baby girls!
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? I get constepated a lot, thats no fun
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My mom when she leaves the room
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? If only I could read
19. WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Another shoe question?
20.WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Chicken dinner.... weren't you listening!
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? The sound of my fan... just humms me right to sleep
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? I think I would try them all out and then decide
23. FAVORITE SMELLS? That's easy.... milk anyone?
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My Nini
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Sure do
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Any one, cause that means I'm hanging out with daddy and I love hanging out with daddy!
27. HAIR COLOR? Don't have any!
28. EYE COLOR? Blue
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? nope
30. FAVORITE FOOD? Prues... they are just dried plums people!
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? happy endings
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? I shouldn't be watching TV...
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? cream colored pjs
34. SUMMER OR WINTER? Winter, cause its my birthday!
35. HUGS OR KISSES? Both
36. FAVORITE DESSERT? Milk agian, that was easy
37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? ...
38.LEAST likely TO RESPOND? ....
39. I agree Amy again. This thing takes forever!WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? All my board books, Dad reads them to me every night
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? Psalm 55:22 "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee."
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? Max and Ruby
42. FAVORITE SOUND? Someone walking down the hall tring to find me... I laugh and throw myself on the ground for you to get me.
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Beatles... they are fun to watch runing across the driveway
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Albuquerque
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? I'm full of them!
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Dallas
47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK? Annabelle's

Katie's Answers

2008-11-11T14:57:00.003-06:00

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? First name no, middle name yes after my cousin Lyn or Lyndy. But the hospital spelled my middle name wrong, so on my birth certificate it says, LYNN but it's supposed to be LYN.
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Last Thursday when they told me I was laid off. 3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? No. my 3rd grade teacher said I wrote to small and so to fix it, I started writing really BIG.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Roast Beef or Bologna if it is with Peanut butter.
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? no. none that I know of (haha) I do have a dog Sophie. and a God Daughter JoAnn Shaver who is in 7th grade.
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? HECK YA! Most days
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? It's a way of life.
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? No. I got them out when I was 7 years old. It was a terrifying time for me. Now it is outpatient surgery!
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? I would like to think I would but I think once I got up there, I would chicken out, or it would take a ton of time to convince me to go .
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? I like Ohs too Amy F! I also just tried Special K Cinnamon and walnuts. Very good.
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? no, and it takes me a long time to unite my shoes with the closet.
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Heck ya! In every way. most days.
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Strawberry cheesecake
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? How personable they are. Tells me how secure they are.
15. RED OR PINK? RED all the way..
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? Sometimes I feel I talk to much about myself and sometimes I can be a little inappropriate.......1,2,3,
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My Dad 10/25/05
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? Of course!!!!!
19. WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Socks no shoes when possible. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Poached eggs and toast
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? The Ellen Show
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Dark Orange - I love Fall!
23. FAVORITE SMELLS? Gasoline and Sharpie oh yea, Onions sauteing in a pan with butter. (spelling?)
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? The Dish Network People
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Yes!
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Basketball finals
27. HAIR COLOR? I have no clue. some say blonde, some say brown, I used to be real red
28. EYE COLOR? Brown
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? yes
30. FAVORITE FOOD? Bread. any kind.
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? happy endings

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? An Affair to Remember (if you haven't seen it, you must! Come over)
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Pretty Green
34. SUMMER OR WINTER? WINTER-I love the cold weather!
35. HUGS OR KISSES? Hugs I guess, Haven't had a good make out in a while!
36. FAVORITE DESSERT? Cheesecake
37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND?you were right, Amy and I would say you too!
38.LEAST likely TO RESPOND? HMM_Christi39. I agree Amy again. This thing takes forever!
WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? Beth Moore Study and a Christian Chick lit book
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? I don’t have one
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? My own worst enemy, and CHUCK!
42. FAVORITE SOUND? Sophie knocking on my door
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Stones
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME??? Mexico? Canada? Depends on where I lived at the time.
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? I have a fabulous Northern Accent
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Cincinnati, Ohio
47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK? Ryland's

fun ?s

2008-11-09T11:19:00.002-06:00

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Nope. I asked once if it was that 80s Boston song but was assured that was not the case. Whoo!

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Ha, yesterday, today. I'm a wee bit emotional this week!

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? I guess.

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Yes, odd question...bit I have to say turkey is.

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? None.

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? I'd like to think so.

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? I believe I do, yes

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? I'm with Laure, I used to woulda...but I'm not sure about now. Skydiving though - heck yeah!

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? That's tough, I love cereal. 1/3 sugar Fruit Loops if something sweet, but mostly I love Corn Chex. Ooh, and Honey Bunches of Oats with almonds. And Cheerios. Haha...see, love it.

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? No...that would require more movement than I'm willing to give at the end of the day.

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? I think I'm pretty strong.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? I don't eat it much but I love cookies 'n cream and vanilla. And I love Braum's sundaes and banana splits without the bananas.

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Hmm...physically, their eyes. Mostly though..just their demeanor. If they're shy, chatty, etc...

15. RED OR PINK? Red

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? Ha...I don't like this question. Pleading the fifth.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My mom. I can't wait to see her next weekend.

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? I hate this question and the ones similar.

19. WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Not wearing any. It's Sunday and I try to not put any shoes on or go anywhere all day!

20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? I just had a PB & J with some chips and a coke zero, and a little earlier, I had egg whites and some pancakes and the best glass of Hawaiian Punch ever!

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? There's a helicopter flying around outside right now...and where I live, they're probably looking for someone seeing as it has continued to buzz around and around for quite a while!

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? This is a hokey question. I guess my favorite is the turquiose type colors.

23. FAVORITE SMELLS? My mom's perfume and my dad's cologne. And I love how it smells when it's about to snow, though I dont' like cold.

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? I dunno...That was yesterday sometime...Mandy, I think.

25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Of course I do...I love my home groupies.

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? I'm with Lauren, I don't like watching sports very much.

27. HAIR COLOR? It's about 4 different colors. Mostly blonde I guess.

28. EYE COLOR? Bluish-green. Sometimes mostly blue, sometimes mostly green...sometimes I have one blue and one green.

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Yes, I'm blind.

30. FAVORITE FOOD? Most food, really. I love food!

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Both but more happy endings.

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? I saw Changeling and The Secret Life of Bees on Friday. Both were goooood!

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? White with teal blue long sleeve

34. SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer and preferably spring.

35. HUGS OR KISSES? Both

36. FAVORITE DESSERT? Not really a dessert person.

37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Dumb ?

38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? See number 37

39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? Doing a Beth Moore Bible study...When Godly People Do Ungodly Things.

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? Don't have one

41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? I forget, I was wiped out.

42. FAVORITE SOUND? I dunno...probably the piano playing...

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Beatles!

44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME??? I guess, California and/or Boston

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? I don't know...

46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Norman, OK

47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK? grr!

2008-11-07T17:41:00.002-06:00

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? No, but my parents were going to name me Tearsa??! Who knows.
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Real tears? Not because my eyes were watering? Josh would probably know better than I.
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? I like my handwriting on the chalkboard...not on paper.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Who comes up with this stuff?? Favorite lunch meat?
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Not yet, but working hard!!! (hahaha, that's for you Mandy!)
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Sometimes I wonder that...I doubt it.
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? If "incessantly" is a lot!
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes--random!
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? I "used to woulda" (love the texan vernacular!!) but not no more!
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Totally depends on my mood...usually Cinnamon Toast Crunch
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? No, that would be conforming!
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Wicked strong...(love that Boston vernacular *see #9) Just kidding; I'm decently strong for a girl.
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Just about anything...I LOVE ice cream!! Josh bought me an ice cream sundae for Valentine's Day last year, and I was touched!!!
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Whether they are attractive or not...we're doing life, right?? Just being real.
15. RED OR PINK? Blue
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? Where to start?? Probably my inability to do my hair. Oh, and that I can be a B*$&#.
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? I'm missing my family pretty intensely right now! But, they'll be here in 2 weeks!
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? Why the frick not?
19. WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? slipper-colored
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Mexican
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? The sound of the freezer making ice.
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Really??? I'd be the skin colored one.
23. FAVORITE SMELLS? I don't know, but I really HATE body smells.
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My sister-in-law, Kim.
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Yes! (but I'd love to see someone say no!)
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Playing sports is fun...going to games is fun for a while...TV blows like Branson.
27. HAIR COLOR? Brown
28. EYE COLOR? Hazel (but sometimes grey, sometimes green, sometimes brown--according to Josh!?!)
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? That's a negative.
30. FAVORITE FOOD? Food! Well, probably steak and good al-dente veggies! Although I love cheese and bread, and just about everything else!
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy endings (anything other than scary movies)
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Part of Chicago, but that movie blows like Branson, too. Million Dollar Baby, I guess--good movie!
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Blue and white
34. SUMMER OR WINTER? Anything other than winter--I hate the cold weather!
35. HUGS OR KISSES? Whatever...I am not a very touchy-feely person. So, hugs, I guess, if I'm really close with you.
36. FAVORITE DESSERT? All of it!!! Especially ice cream and bread pudding!
37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? If I did, anything is possible!
38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? See number 37
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? Chasing Francis--a fictional biography (i guess) about St. Francis of Assissi.
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? Is this really a question? New material, people!
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? I think I was asleep! I have no idea what Josh watched.
42. FAVORITE SOUND? Just not constant beeping (alarm clocks, trucks backing up, etc.)
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Beatles!
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME??? Ekaterineburg, Russia
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? Yes, I am very special...lots of talents!
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Annapolis, MD
47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK? No comment.

2008-11-06T20:10:00.003-06:00

Let's try this! Take a minute and answer the questions below in a new blog post. Looking forward to reading all the answers!

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Mom's middle name was Lee, mine is Leigh
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Last week
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? I believe 'chicken scratch' was used once to describe my handwriting, but I'm alright with that
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Ham
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? No
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? I like to think so.
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Never
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? I'd like to, but I am sure I'd chicken out
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Cheerios (shhh, don't tell)
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Never
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Sometimes
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Vanilla with some chocolate syrup
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Accents - I enjoy a good accent
15. RED OR PINK? RED
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? Just one? LOL
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? I'd have to go with mom
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? For sure
19. WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? I'm barefoot
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? String cheese
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Grey's Anatomy
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Some shade of blue, probably dark
23. FAVORITE SMELLS? Freshly baking baked goods
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Katie to the K
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Love her!
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Football for shizzle
27. HAIR COLOR? light brown
28. EYE COLOR? green/blue
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? No, can't stick my finger in my eye
30. FAVORITE FOOD? Cheese enchiladas from Manny's
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? happy endings
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? The Great Debaters
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Dark Blue
34. SUMMER OR WINTER? WINTER-I love the cold weather! (me too!)
35. HUGS OR KISSES? Hugs
36. FAVORITE DESSERT? Cheesecake Factory Cheesecake
37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? I'm gonna go with Lauren being bored one evening and doing it
38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? HMM_Christi (absolutely)
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? What Jesus Demands from the World
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? No mouse pad
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? A few minutes of Law and Order, I think
42. FAVORITE SOUND? Good music
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Beatles if I have to go with one
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME??? UK
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? Christmas decorating??
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Jacksonville, Texas
47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK? Ryland's (definitely)

Don't have anything to Blog about....

2008-11-06T13:20:00.002-06:00

Let's try this! Take a minute and answer the questions below in a new blog post. Looking forward to reading all the answers!

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Yes, my mom’s middle name is also Dawn
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? I honestly can not remember. I cry at about every Tv Show, Commerical and Movie right now, but as far as a real boo hoo moment-I can't remember
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? No-my brother says it looks like a 3rd grader
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Oscar Meyer Smoked Turkey
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Silly question-I think you all know the answer to this one-Yes, I have a wonderful little girl named Annabelle who makes me laugh everyday!
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? If I were lucky enough :)
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? I don't think so
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Yes, on my 21st Bday-it was a hoot!
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Ohs
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Yes
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? emotionally I am very strong. Physically, only my legs are strong. The rest of me is a wimp!
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Hagen Daz Vanilla Chocolate Chip-even though it can not be found ANYWHERE---The grocery stores are out to get me
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Their ability to open up because that is what Ia m most drawn to. if they ask real questions and really show an interest in people-I am instantly hooked!
15. RED OR PINK? RED
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? I think too highly of myself most of the time
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? I could never pick just one of you. But, one of my friends who I have not seen for a while that I miss is Shelley.
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? Of course!!!!!
19. WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Camel
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Chicken Cesar Salad
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Someone leaving a message for my co-worker
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? The icky green color-no one would use me then!
23. FAVORITE SMELLS? Scotch Tape
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My step mom Andrea
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Don't know here very well
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? I don't like to watch any sports on TV, but I love going to College Football games. They are so fun!
27. HAIR COLOR? Brown with blond highlights
28. EYE COLOR? Boring Brown
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Yes
30. FAVORITE FOOD? Cheese and Bread
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? happy endings
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Rachel getting Married
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Dark Brown
34. SUMMER OR WINTER? WINTER-I love the cold weather!
35. HUGS OR KISSES? Kisses from Annabelle are my FAVORITE
36. FAVORITE DESSERT? Right now it is Banana Pudding
37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? I am going to go with Katie to the K
38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? HMM_Christi
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? I read Little People-Our Little Town and the Runaway Bunny several times EVERY day-beyond that nothing
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? I don’t have one
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? I think it was the Dancing with the Stars from two weeks ago-where Cloris Leachman got swung around by Corkey--scary!
42. FAVORITE SOUND? Italo making Annabelle laugh
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? neither
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME??? Santiago, Chile
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? I can touch my tongue to my nose
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Richardson, Texas
47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK? Ryland's

Livestrong 5K in Austin

2008-10-26T22:12:00.006-05:00

Finally!!

2008-10-20T16:51:00.002-05:00

YES!! THANK YOU for writing something...and adding pictures! I have gotten a bit addicted, perhaps, to the facebook/blog checking! I don't write, but I read! How stalkerish does that sound? Anyways, I was getting really tired of seeing "TIVO" at the top of the page! Way to go, Amy!!

And your daughters are so, so precious!

Our Girls Playing

2008-10-19T21:17:00.003-05:00

Annabelle and Ryland are starting to play together now!!! It is so fun to watch even when it is in small doses. I pray for their friendship everyday and hope that they will develop a God centered friendship that is fun and purposeful! For now-stacking will have to do :)

Does anyone want to Tivo?

2008-09-30T15:30:00.002-05:00

Good Afternoon all!

Well, as Amy and I purge and "smudge" our stuff together I am finding stuff I can't use anymore. One of those things is a great Tivo system. I know many cable companies offer DVR's with their service, but those of you who don't have that, and have a program or movie they would like to watch, but can't, I have the deal for you!

I got a new Tivo 2 System last year cheap through my Goldman Sachs Perks website. You can record 2 shows at once, or watch one channel while recording another channel. it's pretty cool. All you will need is a home phone line, DSL or wireless. (so it can download your guide)

When I got this, I didn't realize that I had to get a 2 year contract of 13.00 a month. Well, on my cable now, it automatically came with a DVR. Now I am paying 13.00 a month for nothing!

what is the deal for you?

1. You get this great updated system w/remote (over 150.00 value)
2. You get the opportunity to get on the website and set up a recording for a program from your computer at work! (if you have wireless, or DSL hook up)
3. You only pay me 13.00 a month! you can pay me monthly, or give me quarterly installments, whatever you want. (no Pennies please)

I just can't justify paying for this that is just sitting doing nothing!

Pass this along, and let me know! You know how to get a hold of me.

Blessings! See you tomorrow!

Katie to the K

Things for Sale

2008-09-15T16:38:00.002-05:00

Hi everyone! Katie and I are moving into our house this Saturday. I will have some furniture that needs a new home. For sure I have two queen size headboards and one footboard. One is a headboard from World Market that is really heavy and beautiful wood with rod iron in it. The other is a head/footboard that you will just have to see. We will have additional furniture as well as we are combining our stuff. If anyone wants to stop by on Sunday or I'll take pics and post to web.

XXOO Miss everyone!!
Amy

Just to let you all know where we are, where we have been and where we will be

2008-09-10T10:30:00.002-05:00

Hi there!! The Frigolis are enjoying life in Richardson, we are unpacked, not decorated and semi-comfortable. I have so little energy to get the house fully together these days, that for the first time in all the moves I have done, I am not completely "moved-in". However, all the boxes are unpacked and we are functioning in our wonderful new house, but it does not yet feel like home. I keep looking around and thinking I need something for a corner of the room, a picture here, a mirror here-that kind of thing. My normal MO would be to go shopping until all is perfect, but due to budget cuts because of the news of a little poppy seed arriving in April, and lack of energy due to the same poppy seed....I have not done anything. So, my house will just have to look empty for a while and I will fill it in over the years and years we will be at our house!

The other news is that we missed group last week because I was not feeling well, Annabelle was not feeling well and I could not bring myself to run all over the house trying to prevent her from ruining all of Lauren's stuff, hurting Ryland or all of the other joys of preventing your child from being a terror in someone else's home. So, we stayed home and let Annabelle ruin our house instead--it was much needed, but I missed all of you!

Today is Italo and I's anniversary so we are going to be dropping Annabelle off at my mom's house and going out to dinner. Our real celebration will be the Alaskan cruise we are taking at the end of the month. Annabelle is going with us and a lot of my family, but it is a good way to get to Alaska and mark that state off of our "list". In case, you may not know, Italo and I go to a different state to celebrate each of our anniversaries. First year was Chicago, IL, second year was Hot Springs, AR and now the third year will be Alaska. Next year will probably be Texas or maybe OK (somewhere close while the newest little one is still so young). But anyway, we will not see you all AGAIN tonight-and we are missing an awesome pot luck...darn it! I hope you all enjoy.

We will be group next week-are you having group next week- and then we will miss the next week because of the cruise.

So-that is my story and I am sticking to it! I love you all!

Great Website

2008-08-26T18:28:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to pass along the link below. Geoff is a pastor at the Village (I've heard him speak at a couple of Saturday seminars). His blog has some really great info and links to check out.

http://geoffashley.wordpress.com/

I am going to get in trouble but....

2008-08-25T09:45:00.003-05:00

Italo and I moved into our house this weekend! We were talking on Thursday evening that since my Dad and Andrea were moving out on Friday, that we could move all of the loose ends at my Mom's house and from the storage on Saturday and then have the movers come on Sunday and move everything else. So, I called the movers to reschedule and they said sure---so we moved yesterday! AND, we slept without chaperons in our house last night! It was great!!!!!!!

So now, I know I am going to get in trouble for not asking for help, but we do still need help.....Italo thought that having extra people there with the movers would have been too hard and actually-the movers were amazing and moved EVERYTHING in less than 4 hours! So much better than last time! But, now we need help unpacking. It would be so helpful to just have help from folks to take everything out of boxes and put it anywhere so I can see what all I have and organize it. I packed in such a state of urgency that I did not organize as I packed as normal, so I don't know what is where. I did a good bit of the kitchen yesterday (while Annabelle played in the kitchen sink for an hour or more-Thank you Annabelle) and tonight I want to focus on Annabelle's room. But, we have a garage full of boxes and I would love to know what is in them!

So, if you find yourself with a free evening anytime this week, come on over to our house!

Praise God! And Pray for this guy

2008-08-25T06:57:00.003-05:00

Click on title.

How completely naive I am and how I take for granted my freedom to celebrate and discuss and proclaim my faith.

DTS

2008-08-24T19:09:00.002-05:00

Hello home groupies! I just wanted to pass along this link below - its for the fall class offerings at DTS's Center for Biblical Studies. There are a few of us that are taking two Tuesday night classes - the 7:00 New Testament Canon class and 8:15 Cults class. Very affordable classes if you are just looking to learn more info or some sort of certification without going the master's degree route.

http://www.dts.edu/departments/campus/cbs/currentcourseofferings/

Hope you have had a great weekend!

Nothing important, or maybe the most important thing in my life

2008-08-23T16:37:00.003-05:00

Hi yall! I really have nothing important to say, just thought I needed to post something since Lauren was giving 'me/us' a hard time. :)

So, I guess you could say that God is working on me. Or should I say molding me. I've been having a deep desire to change into the wife/mother/woman that I should be, that I'm called to be. I have always been the type of person that thought - "when I get there, I'll be good at it." Does that make since? Like when I was a teenager thinking about being an adult, I thought my faith/walk would just click and I would be the 'perfect christian,' when I was single I thought once I got married I would be the 'perfect wife,' and before children I thought I would be, of course, the 'perfect mother.'

What a sinful way to live! I was basically saying to myself that I didn't need to do anything to become the person God desires for me to be, it would just work out that way. I would not need to spend hours digging into the Word to teach me how to be all of those things, I would not need to spend hours on my knees opening my soul to our Father, I would not need to make major sacrifices in my life to shed my human shell. Oh, how I just robbed myself dry.

Back in March God began wooing me to the person of Him. He began to create a spirit that would be mailable and pliable to His ways. To change the way I live my whole life. To change me. And that He is doing. I have been studying the book of Titus, I mean, I read it probably 3 to 4 times a day, the whole book and know that is how I want to live my life. I want to be "self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, submissive to their own husbands... to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy to everyone." Titus 2:5, 3:1-2.

I fight myself on a minute by minute basis sometimes, but fighting myself is so much better then just giving into myself and not caring. I like where I'm at right now, drinking in my fill everyday. I look forward to where I will be because I have worked to get there. I have fought. I have given things up. I have surrendered. I have opened my hand and said, "its yours God, I'm yours."

Thank you God for patiently standing by and knocking at my door. Sorry it took me so long to answer. I knew you were there, I just hid behind the curtains and hoped you would not hear me, but you did and kept knocking. Thank you.

Question of Free Will

2008-08-23T11:05:00.005-05:00

I know that some of us have been struggling with this idea, even though we seem to understand and "accept" (that's fairly oxy-moronic) the sovereignty of God. I didn't watch it in its entirety, but what I did watch was good and I thought that this might be helpful for some of us...
Check it out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Bai00kJ66w&feature=related

By the way, the comments at the bottom are interesting, too!

And, should I mention that I have 2 posts in a row?!?! Come on people!?! Haha.

Okay, Amy...

2008-08-20T16:59:00.002-05:00

So, here goes...
Thoughts on school--mixed. I am very excited that this is my LAST year to do this! That being said, the idea of going back for just one year is so much less daunting than the indefinite "until we have kids" idea. I am very glad to be finishing, and am sort-of inspired to end with a bang. NO pun intended, seeing as we'll be officially trying to have kids, like, tomorrow!

Oh, and as many of you will see tonight, we bought a new TV after trying to watch Phelps win at the last Burger Night. Evidently we care what you say?!?! But, we're enjoying actually being able to see what the characters look like on tv.

Amy, do I get credit? Thanks, babe, for staying in Dallas, by the way!

Show pics

2008-08-19T21:37:00.004-05:00

Howdy, gang! Here are some pics from Amanda's show this weekend. She was awesome!

Roll Call

2008-08-19T10:56:00.002-05:00

The Frigolis are present and accounted for! Sorry we have not been better about blogging. It is all I can do to keep my own blog updated....Although I have been looking to see if anyone else has made a post :)

As for house news on our side-everyone that is homeless in my family will have new homes on August 29th. My parents have been moving some stuff over the weekend and throughout the week, and are moving officially on Friday the 22nd! That will give us about a week to get things cleared out, move a few odds and ends and then on August 29th, I have movers reserved to come and move us while I watch them work! I am going to take off of work that day, and just hang with them while they move all of our stuff out of storage! As for help-if anyone wants to help unpack and decorate anytime the weekend of Labor day---I know great timing to ask for help, I know I will need it. Even though, I don't think I need help, I know I actually will.

Amy and Katie-I am SOOOOO excited to hear your news. I can't wait to help you guys move-wherever you may end up :)

Mandy-I can not even comment on the 5k......The words I want to use are not Christian like :) But, don't count on me joining in!

5K anyone???

2008-08-18T22:14:00.003-05:00

Hey gang! Anyone interested in a 5K??? Or a bike ride??? Check out the link below for the Livestrong Challenge in Austin. I feel an Everyday Wednesday team coming on....

http://www.livestrongchallenge.org/site/c.frKPI1PAIoE/b.3920225/

Staying in Dallas!!

2008-08-18T22:09:00.003-05:00

I blogged about this more in depth in my blog (look to right) but y'all have been so faithful to pray and listen to me and Katie talk about our crazy "are we moving aren't we moving" saga since (drum roll please...) April. It has come to an END, I'm pleased to report. We're staying in Dallas! So excited.

Now, enough about the Krause girls...more about you. It is very frustrating to see NO BLOG POSTS since 8/1. please please please clock in and let us know whats up. Lauren- back to school thoughts? Stubblefield party on Sat, any pics, how was the surprise, Amanda thoughts on your competition and how your body feels afterwards, Amy/Italo - you're moving!! when and how can we help - Natalie, wedding prep? COME ON. we don't need a novel.. just a quick update.

Belated bdays

2008-08-18T22:08:00.004-05:00

I apologize Kyle and Sherah for not updating August bdays sooner! Happy belated bday!!

Have fun Nathalie and Andrew!!!

2008-08-01T16:31:00.002-05:00

Just a reminder that Nathalie and Andrew are running in the San Fransisco Marathon this weekend! They have been training real hard and they are READY!

They get to run across the Golden Gate Bridge! How cool!

So please keep them in your prayers this weekend! I know we are so proud of them!

Here is the link to the race if you want to find out what they will be doing this weekend!
http://www.runsfm.com/home.html

Love to all my peeps!

Katie to the K

A great Blog!

2008-07-31T16:01:00.007-05:00

Good Afternoon everyone! First, I would like to say Happy Birthday to the many people who have had birthdays this month. (Josh, Natalie, Jenn) I think we need to have a cake or a dinner to celebrate!

Second, I would like to publicly thank Josh, Lauren and Monroe for taking care of Sophie while I was in California! You did a great job, (She told me) and it was such a breath of fresh air to know the whole time I was gone she was not in a cage. (Sorry Wrigley) I know you say it's no big deal, but it is a disruption in your everyday life, and I really appreciate it!

Third, I have mentioned before this blog that Sherah has addicted me to. This woman has a gift. She is a beautiful writer and woman! Her last post was just wonderful. Check it out! http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com You will be moved at what she writes about! It's very well written and inspiring!

Love you all, and I hope to see you all soon!

Love- Katie to the K
P.S. Welcome home Dave and Christi! You were missed!

P.S.S. Here are some promised pictures of one of the best vacations I have ever been on!

Matt's Blog

2008-07-30T18:25:00.000-05:00

Found this today - thought I'd pass it along. :)

http://dwelldeep.net/

Love these guys!! Is this a new fad...singing in hotel rooms?

2008-07-29T21:54:00.004-05:00

Carried To The Table

2008-07-24T20:22:00.004-05:00

Word home groupies. I was out for a jaunt around the neighborhood this afternoon when this song popped up on the ole playlist. It was one of those deals where you've heard the song a bunch and then for some reason it stands out in particular one day. Anyway, I posted the lyrics below - hope you enjoy. The cd it is off of is The Sound of Melodies - I recommend it!

Carried To The Table
by Leeland

Wounded and forsaken
I was shattered by the fall
Broken and forgotten
Feeling lost and all alone
Summoned by the King
Into the Master’s courts
Lifted by the Savior
And cradled in His arms

I was carried to the table
Seated where I don’t belong
Carried to the table
Swept away by His love
And I don’t see my brokenness anymore
When I’m seated at the table of the Lord
I’m carried to the table
The table of the Lord

Fighting thoughts of fear
And wondering why He called my name
Am I good enough to share this cup
This world has left me lame
Even in my weakness
The Savior called my name
In His Holy presence
I’m healed and unashamed

You carried me, my God
You carried me

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yn9aX38mjaE (you don't really have to turn off your cell phone!) LOL

2008-07-22T19:59:00.001-05:00

Jeanna Update

2008-07-19T11:24:00.004-05:00

Hey everyone! I just wanted to send a quick update about Jeanna. She went back to the hospital yesterday for a check up, etc. and got some great news. She's already gained over an inch of length in her leg!! She was obviously really excited and is feeling very encouraged about everything. Thank you guys so much for your prayers for her!

HELP!!

2008-07-17T16:56:00.002-05:00

Hi everyone! I have missed you all so very much! I had a great time on Vacation! I think this could be the best vacation I have had in my adult life! Pictures to come soon! It was so beautiful to hang out outside and not be so hot I couldn't breathe! (and we all know about my dreadful Head sweating problem!)

More on the amazing Vacation soon. right now I have to address the current issue. As you all know by now, Amy has sold her condo! Well, they want to close on the 28th of this month! Well, we have been gone for over a week, and now Amy is in Chicago until tomorrow night, that leaves only 2 weekends to pack and get the heck out! (Where we are going is still a mystery, but God knows! I just hope he fills us in soon!) So, If anyone wants to come and help us pack this Sunday or an evening in the upcoming week, it would be so helpful! But I know moving the Krause's has become a "Staple" in the group, and I am truly sorry for that! We are so overwhelmed by your love and our love for you, we are truly grateful!

Shoot me an e-mail, or give me a jingle if you want to hang out this weekend, ( I was thinking any time between the hours of 12-5 Sunday) Food and drink are provided.

And if anyone remembers when I moved, we have lots to purge, so you could win a new set of dishes! (Something to look forward to :-) )

Gotto go - My mom is waiting outside my building to take me to get my car from the shop

Love you all, and can't wait to catch up with what is going on with you!

Forever,

Katie Lyn Krause

in good ole Corpus again!!!

2008-07-14T23:33:00.002-05:00

Hey you guys!! It's been a long while since I've written on here and I just wanted to say hello to everyone at the same time!! :)) I've been in and out of town for the last several weeks and I'm in Corpus Christi again right now. This time however, I'm getting to work basketball camp! Yaaaay. I brought my camera this time around so I could send some pictures (it is actually pretty down here most days) but alas, I bought the rechargeable kind of batteries for the good ole battery sucking digital camera and the darn charger doesn't work. Anyhoo...I'll try to get some on here. Katie K. will you show me how to do that? I'll be back and in the swing of life in Dallas next week. I know we're on hiatus for a few weeks but I look forward to doing something/anything with you guys sometime next week. :)) Ok...as Lauren/Josh said, 10-4, over and out. Oh, have a great week and I love you guys.

Love AAB (the middle A stands for Alyssa for anyone wondering :))

2008-07-11T10:09:00.003-05:00

Hey, I think some of us are headed out to Manny's tonight, for those who are interested. I hear they have very good Margaritas; one of which I will be in desperate need after 3 days of this Spanish Class...I suddenly feel like a much better teacher!!

It's been really good to see those of you who have been out of town for a while...hope to see you tonight, and if not, I'm always up for some good Crooked Tree coffee after class (3pm or after!) for those who have a flexible schedule.

I'm not a writer (don't get mad, Amy K!), but I do love you crazy kids! 10-4, over and out...(I learned that from Josh ;))--->that's not a double chin, by the way!

Funny Comedy Routine about Mani and Pedis

2008-07-08T16:35:00.003-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsWrY77o77o&feature=email

I do not know how to put this in the body of the blog so you just have to watch it here, but thought it was funny and reminded me of our day at the nail saloon!

By the way-Mandy-how is your sister recovering? Is she able to get up and about yet?

See you tomorrow!

Some things

2008-07-03T07:01:00.002-05:00

For those of you who missed small group last night, you missed an awesome church history lesson. I don't know which was more impressive - the information we were learning or the fact that Josh just knows a lot of cool cool stuff! I missed week one but week two was great. To me, history obviously adds so much depth to anything and I guess I never really thought about our bible and how it was brought together. Thanks Josh! Whether you like it or not, I 'm already thinking of a history retreat Josh could do (lol - i can see him rolling his eyes right now!)

Wanted to let you all know that my condo sold last night! As i mentioned, kind of emotional for me. My dad helped me pay for and look for this place. He was so sick and wanted to see me put my inheritance to good use. My very favorite memory ever about this was when our friend Jason moved me in to this condo and it was SO HOT out! My dad was talking all week about grilling sausages on the grill for Jason and his friend who were working so hard for me. But my dad was having a bad bout with Chemo. He was 6'4" and just a shell of a man. He couldn't stand up but he had me prop him up in a chair outside next to the grill so he could make good on his promise. I don't think Jason was even hungry but felt so honored that my dad was going through the process of firing up the grill and yelling for me to bring the onions. He was shaking and I was scared he would burn himself. But he was so happy that he could help.

My dad never got to see the upstairs because he was too weak. He insisted that I take a picture of it so he could see. When I bought my new red leather couch, he wobbled over here and laid on it and marveled at my choice.

One time, my step mom dropped him off at the front gate and he was too weak to wait while I opened the front gate. He started teetering and then fell right in front. Might sound funny, but when a man my dad's size falls, it is a 2 or 3 man process in getting him up again.

I could reminise forever. I like to take mental snapshots of places in my life when change is obvious. My decision to quit my first job, the decision to move to Dallas, the day my wonderful Dad died, the day I called out to God to save me and capture my heart and purify it from anything that isn't of Him. And now today. I don't know if Katie and I will moving in together in a house in Dallas. Or if we will be moving to Chicago. I don't know what the future holds for us. I don't know if I'm making the right choices or not. I have been praying over and over that God makes me brave, gives me courage. Has he equipped me to go back home to Chicago? Do I want to leave my church, my friends, my family? Do you ever "leave" them just because you move to a different city? Who knows.

Love you guys! Happy 4th of July. Praying for travel mercies for all!

spiritual gifts

2008-06-29T08:36:00.001-05:00

Cali

2008-06-25T22:35:00.003-05:00

Howdy from sunny and smokey California! Hope all is well with my peeps in the Big D. So far, I'm enjoying my first trip to CA. I took the above picture driving back to Tracy from Modesto last night. The picture doesn't really do it justice - the landscape is beautiful though a bit hazy from the wildfire smoke.

Yesterday after work, I went with Cary (co-worker) to grab a beverage at the local dive - the Banta Inn. Sounds good already, huh? So we're sitting there just chatting away and enjoying some fries when out of nowhere I see this guy ride up on horse. No lie. Mind you - this is just after a guy has brought his dog in to grab a drink with him. Without missing a beat, Cary says, "oh yeah, he'll go tie up to the post over there." Am I in Texas or California?? It gets better - the guy dismounts and comes in - he's got on shorts, tennies, and SPURS! I can't make this stuff up. I really wish I'd nabbed a pic of that, but I did not. I got a good chuckle out of that for quite a while and wanted to share.

Hope the rest of your week is great!

Book and Brew

2008-06-25T08:42:00.004-05:00

I know this may be too much to ask given everyone's schedules- but if anyone could type a little update on Monday's book and brew discussion I would really appreciate it. Who made it, what were the discussion questions or discussion highlights (not that anyone took notes) what are we to read for next Monday - thoughts, ideas etc. BOYS CAN BLOG TOO YOU KNOW I KNOW YOU ARE OUT THERE!!! :) If not, I'll just catch up at the next meeting!!

hope Mandy is having fun at training in California
pray Sherah's trip to Albuquerque is going well
Christi are you traveling this week? Girl I need to catch up with you
Lauren, glad u r home, upload photos per Amy F's suggestion asap

Moving Again!

2008-06-24T16:44:00.002-05:00

Hi all! Italo and I will be spending our evening moving into my Grandparents house this evening. They are going to Europe for 3 weeks, so we are going to take advantage of the empty house to get some time by ourselves! I am excited, but not looking forward to moving my stuff again. Of course, we are not moving everything we moved into my mom's but we are going to move a good bit just so we don't have to go to my Mom's everyday to get the stuff we need.

I also wanted to let you know that we will not be at group tomorrow evening because i have a 8:00 meeting tomorrow night and Italo said he was scared to go without me :) You guys are scary and all!

Miss you all and missed seeing you this weekend! I hope to see you on Saturday after church or some other activity that I am sure will come up. We just can't get away from each other!

I have two specific messages-one for LAUREN----
You MUST post pictures and stories of your trip! I know it is a lot to ask, but I need to see the sites you saw and hear more details about your trip. I am glad you had a good group and that you made it back ok!

Secondly-NATHALIE AND ANDREW -----
Love the Save the Date cards! You have a wonderful picture and the card is wonderful. SO excited for you and I just wanted to let you know that I am praying for pleasant and stress free planning-Make sure you let us know how we can help you! Love you guys!

2008-06-16T07:30:00.002-05:00

Hey guys!
I have had a difficult time trying to locate a copy of Here I Stand but I may have found some. If I am able to snag some copies, can I grab some for anyone? The problem is that I am out of town this Wed., so I could meet anyone at the Crooked Tree for some brew and give you the book so you don't have to order online. This is all dependent on my ability to understand the InStore inventory section of Borders online...I'm going to call and talk to a human this morning and find out if they REALLY have it! Barnes & Nobles definately does not have it...or we can always switch books if it is too difficult. I'll call this morning and post another blog. Sorry for the difficulty:)

Farmers Market Anyone???

2008-06-13T16:06:00.001-05:00

Anyone up for coffee and Farmers Market in the morning? I was thinking about going to Crooked Tree at about 10am and then off to the Farmers Market if anyone wants to join me!

Sherah

GRACE

2008-06-13T00:03:00.004-05:00

I've been pondering my Cardboard Testimony so here it is:

LEGALISTIC

--------------

EMBRACING GRACE

You might remember from when I shared my story in home group way back when that one subject that has really stumped me is grace. I’ve been thinking about grace and what it means and how it applies for months now. I remember my church experience growing up being super legalistic and not ever hearing a message of grace. When I really started questioning things a few months ago, grace was the first subject I wanted to tackle. I sought out some help on the subject from some very knowledgeable (and patient) friends who really helped me to understand what it is - God’s unmerited favor that we don’t deserve, but receive anyway (see Ephesians, Romans 6). I get that, but I find myself from time to time really struggling with the why. Why do we get it? And, how does it really work in our day to day lives? Because, God shows us grace, we’re supposed to extend grace to others. Here’s an example - there is a guy at work who I constantly butt heads with over any number of things. So how do I extend grace to this guy that has been a constant headache? I was talking with a friend a while back and was telling her that I was trying to figure out how this plays out and she says to me, “There’s a difference in showing grace and being a doormat.” I asked her if she’d just called me a doormat and she insisted she hadn’t, but I was amused anyway. A thought to ponder - what’s the line between extending grace and being a doormat?

Matt did a sermon a couple of weeks ago (Luke Part 19 on iTunes) where he talked about legalism vs. license which I could identify with so much. If you have a legalistic background, that is really hard to break free from - super hard. “Right” and “wrong” are so engrained in my mind that I find myself constantly questioning, constantly struggling to break free of that mind set. When you are so caught up on following the rules, you can’t really have a relationship with God - you have a relationship the rules.

Some examples from my experience would be:
Music - I recall as if it were yesterday a youth group Sunday School lesson in which our teacher talked to us about the dangers of “secular music.” I loved Matt’s take on that. Music doesn’t have a soul - it can’t be Christian or non-Christian - it can be about God or about anything else.
Movies - I couldn’t watch anything rated over PG as a senior in high school. Enough said.
Alcohol - Don’t even think about it. Alcohol leads to babies. I mean, one drink of that stuff and you’d just be unable to control yourself.

Matt said in his sermon that a lot of people who grew up in a legalistic environment decide pretty much that if this is what Christianity is, they didn’t want any part of it. “George Barna, Josh McDowell and others have statistics stating that 85% of teens raised in evangelical churches in America stop attending church in their late teens and early 20's.***” That was me. Every once in a while I’d go to church out of pure obligation, but it was years before I went consistently - still feeling like “I should be doing this.” It wasn’t until The Village, actually, that I wanted to go. I look forward to going to church and to home group and anywhere else I can learn and grow in my relationship with God now.

And, on the other end of the spectrum is license where people do whatever they want and think that anyone who questions that is a legalist. This one I have less experience with (as noted by the novel I wrote above on legalism).

So, if it is true that we tend to walk one way or the other, how do we find the middle ground?

***Quote borrowed from:
http://theworldfrommywindow.blogspot.com/2006/08/survey-question-why-are-teens-leaving.html

Crooked Tree Tonight

2008-06-12T14:55:00.004-05:00

Hey gang! I am gonna go downtown this evening and visit my little sister. After that I was thinking of hitting up the Crooked Tree for some coffee and what not. So, if you are up for some coffee or some what not, holler at me with a text or call. I'm thinking I'll get there around 7:30-8ish, but I'm flexible.

Later taters!

2008-06-12T07:30:00.002-05:00

Hey Home Groupies! I am quite excited to be blogging:)
This one will be quick since I am already running late for work. So, I wanted to get some book suggestions from those who are interested in Book and Brew starting Monday...is this Monday too soon? I'm ready if you are:) Anyway, my first thought was lame in the sense that I think everyone has read it - CS Lewis The Screwtape Letters. I will say that Josh suggested Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther which is a biography (naturally), and he said he thought it might be a great starting point.
Also, Kyle suggested some books by his fav author who, for the life of me, I can't remember but his name reminded me of Ted Bundy. To be clear, his name is NOT Ted Bundy, but I think the "Ted" part is right.
OK...so do any of you have thoughts on the above mentioned books, or a suggestion of your own?

I'm excited by the great conversation that we will engage in while doing a book 'n brew of this sort.
Let me know what you think!
J

Time spent with God

2008-06-12T00:06:00.004-05:00

I have not been on here recently (sorry, I will try and get better). But I just watched the Cardboard Testimony and it really moved me. What a great video. It really had made me think what my Cardboard Testimony would be. I think it would be:

Full of Pride

---------

Humbled by God's grace

I can be prideful about so many things and sometimes its a daily struggle to be humbled by God. I can come up with every excuse imaginable to not spend time with God, but that is what I am lacking in my life. I want to be filled up by you all or by Kyle or even by Ryland and at the end of the day I am still left filling empty. I need time with God.

What does your time with God look like? Do you just read the bible or do you have a devotional that you love? Do you sit and pray or do you pray in the shower? I would love to know what you time looks like. I am running dry and would like to spice up my moments with God. I hope that doesn't sound bad, I'm not saying God is boring, just interested in what you do.

2008-06-11T21:40:00.000-05:00

test my precious...

Blah, blah, blah...

2008-06-11T21:27:00.000-05:00

testing one, two, three!!

Should we Transform?

2008-06-09T15:03:00.008-05:00

Another year has passed and we are at the time of The Village Transform Project. Last year we "kind of" participated in Park Manor in Dallas. I think we did a great job there but I think you will agree with me that that project for us has died. Which is OK, but I do think we need to do some sort of project as a group. Lauren and I talked a little this weekend about what we should do with our time. We talked about doing things for others on a more personal level. What does that mean? I am not sure yet. This is where we come together and "discuss amongst ourselves" (in the words of mike Meyers on SNL) What we should do. Here is a starter list of some things that I think about:

1. Home makeover - We can get word of someone in the church or community who needs some house cleaners, a handyman, a lawn mowed, a babysitter, a good listener, etc. We can really make someones summer if we can all use our talents and help someone who just needs a "boost".Ok, maybe only one is one my list right now, but I had high hopes!

What are your thoughts? I know we might not be able to be able to tap into every ones spiritual gifts every time, but if we do a bunch of random acts of kindness, we are bound to learn something new about ourselves, show someone our gift, and be a good sport.

I don't know about you, but I love to learn something new about myself, by doing something I didn't think I liked, or was afraid of and ending up loving it and doing it again and again.

I also would love to see my family (y'all) in your realm, of something you like and see your passion. How great would it be to turn myself off for the day, my wants and comfort zone, stretch myself to see your passion, or your point of view on servant hood. After all, it's not even about us is it?

Let's talk about this soon. Let's not let the summer pass us by without TRANSFORMing!

Love you all! You all have a piece of my heart!
check out this link:
http://thevillagechurch.net/adults/missions/transform.html

Fun, Food, and Funky Feet

2008-06-08T19:19:00.011-05:00

After my refreshing day at the spa, I'm flippin' exhausted! I wanted to take a second, though, and post some pictures from the day. And, most importantly, say THANK YOU for pampering Jeanna. She had a lot of fun getting to meet you guys and hang out. I am so thankful for the great friends God has surrounded me with and overwhelmed by the love and support you guys showed this weekend. :)

The girls just hanging out at the coffeehouse.

The mani's and pedi's begin...

We discovered the UNO cards last night at Crooked Tree and things got pretty serious....

and then not so much! :)

Weekend full of my Favorite Peeps!

2008-06-05T10:57:00.002-05:00

I am so jazzed (I love that word-thanks Jenn!!!) about all of the weekend plans that revolve around seeing you guys! Tomorrow night is the exciting burger night at Josh and Lauren's, Saturday church, and Sunday is our fun day with the girls. I can't wait to get sick of you all:)

Amy----THANK you for taking the time to blog on our little site. It makes me feel so much better that at least someone is blogging besides me!

Mandy-LOVE the pictures and all the updates to our blog-THANKS!

As for life with the Frigolis, Italo's Dad is coming into town tonight and we will go and pick him up and go wherever he wants to go-He always has an agenda! I am sure we will go to a eat dinner, go to a movie (snuggle time with Annabelle-my FAVORITE) and then he will get to sleep in Annabelle's temporary room at my mom's house. I guess she will get booted out to her pack n play...she is so accommodating:) I think he is leaving tomorrow, but we never actually know how that will work until he actually gets on a plane. So-if we are not at Josh and Lauren's on Friday, you will know why!

We still do not know anything more about the house plans, but my parents are going to look at a house today-so that is encouraging news! If they find a more affordable house, they can have better luck getting a loan and maybe move forward with letting us move in. So-we will see how that pans out. As for now, we are content in our rooms at my mom's house. Certainly not home, but close enough to be comfortable.

Side note-I had lunch with Debbie yesterday and she said to tell everyone HI! She is getting really close to getting a full time position at Atmos, and she is really excited about that. So-please keep her in your prayers!

Countdown to the Grand Opening!!!

2008-06-04T23:14:00.016-05:00

Hey everyone!!! It was so fun to see you guys tonight and to be able to give Kristyn and Sarah a hand at Crooked Tree. THIS WEEKEND is the Grand Opening!!! YAY!!! The place is looking great, Ladies! I took some pictures tonight of everyone hard at work and wanted to share them with you all. Can't wait to grab a cup of coffee with you all this weekend!

burgers, coffee and church...OH MY!

2008-06-04T20:37:00.002-05:00

HI Small Group!!

I was contemplating cracking yet another sarcastic joke about no one contributing to our sweet lil blog. But I thought that wouldn't be very nice. I was going to say something like "a blog is for contributing, not just reading!" You sign in and then click on POST NEW or something like that. But I have to realize that not everyone wants to blog as much as I do! In fact, an intervention may be in order. Watching TV and chilling out in the evening has been replaced by writing in my personal blog and reading everyone else's blog. Yet another way to communicate rather than doing it the old fashioned way...telephone! Our boys in the small group are pretty deep thinkers - can they throw something out that we can ponder and weigh in on?? Maybe it is a loss cause... I thought I'd give a call-out to everyone as I sit here in my hotel room in Houston (bloated after devouring enough sushi for a small army):

- Mandy - we miss you - how is Corpus? Are you having fun? Have you picked up your new glasses yet, can't wait to see them. Also can't wait to snap another pic of you getting your toesies painted on Sunday. I think you should go for fire engine red for sure.

- Speaking of missing - Sherah where are you? I haven't seen you in a while. I don't have your number to give you a call but I'm going to get it. Miss you too! Hope all is ok.

- Kristen's coffeehouse - is it not the CUTEST thing ever? I can't wait for the opening. Already have several friends and collegues asking about it. I'll be going Saturday night - anyone else? Oh, Katie told me about a fire in the neighborhood on Routh? I think it was across McKinney? Just confirming that it was far away from Crooked Tree. By the way, she made me a MEAN GOOD CAFE MOCHA last Sunday. It was soooo good. This is why I'm anti-Starbucks - Compared to coffee like this, Starbucks is...burnt.

- Natalie.....is there something...maybe...you want to blog about....nah - I want to hear about everything IN PERSON!! I'm hearing second hand. CONGRATS ARE IN ORDER!!!

- Amanda, girl, what up? You know your boot camp was on the front page of dallasnews.com on Sunday or Monday and I thought it was you in the picture but when I played the video - I believe it was your boss - you have very similar hairsdoos! Very cute. Hope you are doing well. When is our next boot camp. I'm ready for it.

- Kristi/Dave - miss you! Hope all went well last week. Any news on the Golden retreiver yet?

- Lauren and Josh - Can wait to come to your BBQ on Friday. Trying to convince my bro to come too. Let me know if we can bring anything in addition to the things you've already specified. Would Monroe like a playdate with Wrigley? I take that back... Wrigley is like twice the size of Monroe. But I get my dog back this weekend and I can't wait. Can you imagine being without Monroe for SIX weeks?

- Amy/Italo - Hello my friends! Hows my girl (that would be ANNABELLE!) Any news on the house yet? How are things going? Hopefully I will see you this weekend. Either at burgers, church/coffee or nails on Sunday!

- Lastly, wanted to let you all know that I have had two phone interviews with a very cool digital company who have jobs for me in Chicago, Austin or Seattle. They are going to have me talk to more people on Friday. It would be a stretch for me but something I could only do with God's blessing (like everything!) I also have an interview tomorrow with Honda's national agency in Irving. My mentor who is in Southern California wants me to interview with her company (she is Global marketing director for Mazda at Doner) in July when I am there for a wedding. So please pray for God to give me wisdom and guidance throughout this ordeal.

Can't wait to see y'all!!

Cardboard Testimonies

2008-06-02T12:40:00.003-05:00

Love the video Amy! Thanks for sharing and making me think. I think my Cardbaord testimony would say:

STUBBORN

CONTROLLING

And the Reverse would say:

DAILY SURRENDOR

AND SUBMITTAL

Cardboard Testimonies

2008-05-30T05:58:00.005-05:00

I don't think I've ever been so moved by a You Tube Video. If you feel so moved, comment on what your cardboard testimony would be. I have to think about mine. But for right now, it would be: SINNER/SAD. SAVED/LOVED

I am trying not to fall asleep!

2008-05-28T13:49:00.002-05:00

I am finished with my training classes for the day, and since Italo and I are car pooling, I have to stay at work instead of leaving.....silly boy that works 8 hours a day! So, I am trying to prevent falling asleep at my desk, so I thought I would blog!

Amy-Thanks for posting all of those great pictures! So fun! Looks like the Farmers Market has some good stuff. How is your experiencing Dallas project going? Do you feel like you have tapped into the heartbeat of the city ;)

Mandy-You don't like Baseball????? It is one of my favorite sports to watch (in person, not on the TV). I have even been known to tear up when I have been in the park and a homerun has been hit and they play the music from "The Natural". Don't ask me why, it just moves me! My family is all VERY into baseball so it brings back memories of watching my brothers game and remembering my nephew when he was a little bitty guy and his love for the baseball stats and all of that fun stuff. But, to each her own :)

Looking forward to seeing you guys tonight.

Thank you for helping out!

2008-05-26T13:46:00.002-05:00

Thanks to those who were able to help out last weekend with Katie's friend LeeAnn. She was moving from Southlake to Euless after a divorce.

Pictures from the Farmers Market!

2008-05-26T13:42:00.003-05:00

By the way, this is my brother if you haven't met him yet. He just auditioned to be in a comedy troupe and was chosen to be in it! 32 people tried out and only 8 were called back and I'm not sure how many were picked. Can you tell everyone was annoyed with me taking so many pictures?

Pictures of some peeps

2008-05-26T13:39:00.004-05:00

Here are some pictures from Amanda's Birthday party at Manny's:

Random Thoughts

2008-05-24T22:45:00.003-05:00

Just a couple of random thoughts to share tonight:

Indiana Jones should have stopped crusading after The Last Crusade.

How bored did America have to be for baseball to be America's past time?

I hope you all have a great weekend! Looking forward to our first cookout on Wednesday!

MAC Parody Commercials - These are great!

2008-05-23T22:20:00.001-05:00

Dove Commercial

2008-05-23T22:00:00.001-05:00

Why do I think I need to have it all?

2008-05-15T10:50:00.002-05:00

I just have to confess this and hopefully not many of you read the blog so I can say I confessed it and then it will be like that letter that you never actually mail......

I am so jealous of Amy's weekend plans!

I LOVE my family, love my church, and love the fact that I am moving, but I want to be a hip and cool and do all of this fun stuff with Amy! I mean, going to a cool Arty flick at the Angelica, buying fresh, Delicious stuff at Farmers Market, drinking Sangria on a Sunday afternoon! Oh my goodness-what a dream weekend!!!!!

Would you guys think I was horrible if I deserted my precious baby, my delightful husband and my church obligations and had a Hip and Cool Girl Weekend????? I could let my husband take care of Annabelle, and pack up our house, get rid of the bee hive in our backyard, and repair the rot iron fence that our picky buyers are requiring! It would not be that hard---and it is important to have time with the girls from church ;)

Well-that would be horrible-And I would miss my precious baby and my delightful husband (I would not miss the church obligations---shh-don't tell anyone).

But, it hard hanging out with you single girls that have time to do all of this fun stuff! I feel a bit overwhelmed trying to hang in the balance between being a working mom and doing "mom" stuff and also trying to build connections with your girls! I LOVE YOU GIRLS and I want to hang out with you so badly! But, I feel like the unpopular kid in school that tries to tag along but never quite fits in........ I don't fit in with the moms and I don't fit in with the hip and cool girls. I Don't have a place!!!!!

Why do we have to have these labels-singles, married, parents etc. And why do these labels limit us???? Each one does and each one has its rewards, but what do you do to find balance between all of these labels?

That is all for my confession-now pretend I never said anything and I will continue to act like I don't need anything from anybody!!!!!!!

This Weekend

2008-05-15T08:33:00.006-05:00

Hi Small Groupers... Other than the fact that I have to go in for ROOT CANAL PART DEUX today, I am so looking forward to this weekend. I wanted to toss out what my plans are as of now as well as some future plans so that if you wanted to join in - please do. If you remember previous posts, this is part of my quest for "getting out there" Obviously there is no need to RSVP or discuss in advance. You can text me at 586-944-9140. Don't worry, I won't be doing this every weekend just this time.

Saturday AM 10:30am - quick trip to favorite awesome downtown dallas carwash with store inside (bought many a present here - don't tell anyone!) and then trip down to Farmers Market. Need to get tomatos, avocado, arugula, onion, asparagus for Cobb salad sandwich and asparagus casserole for dinner or lunch later on. Shop around here.

Might go see Helen Hunt movie "Then She Found me" at Angelika Dallas at 3:30pm. Not sure about this depends on how much cleaning I get done for my open house tomorrow. Remembering Mandy wanted to see this and this time may conflict with her going to church this may be moved to Sunday in place of the West Village event.

Saturday PM - Katie and I have Gigi's birthday party so we won't be able to join everyone at church

Sunday AM - 9am church service, help Katie's friend LeeAnn clean her house during a difficult time of divorce (time TBD), maybe possibly depending on time head down to event at West Village (probably will opt for movie above instead of this):
Sangria Stop n Shop
What: Fifteen West Village retailers host a shopping event with (duh) sangria and a portion of the day’s proceeds going to local charity Heart House Dallas
Why: Better than brunch.
When: Sun., 2-6 p.m.
Where: 3699 McKinney Ave. Tickets at participating stores

IN THE NEAR FUTURE:
Thursday, May 22 - Opening Night...Dallas Museum of Art - Free. Summer nights sizzle with cool jazz under the stars - 8pm

Friday, May 30 7-10pm CADD (Contemporary Art Dealers of Dallas) Art Fair 2008 caddallas.net 333 First Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75226

Cheese Making Class - Saturday, June 7th 3pm - 5pm at Mozzerella Company in Dallas
http://www.mozzco.com/classes.html

Re: Happy Monday!!!!

2008-05-12T19:55:00.002-05:00

The party was great and the speech wasn't terrible. As I sat down my boss said, "That was much better than last time." Thanks, I think??? LOL I think it kind of started to sink in a bit that a lot of us are about to go separate ways and that's a little sad since we've all become pretty good friends, but we enjoyed the evening together anyway.

The Emergent Church seminar was definitely enlightening. Lots of new info for me and probably an important discussion to have. I promised Nathalie and Lauren a PowerPoint presentation, but I think I should read up a little more before passing the info along. :) I don't want to give out any false info. Kristyn summed it up nicely with her statement that "we learned that we are not a part of the Emergent Conversation or Emergent Village....we are in fact Emerging at the Village." Well said, my friend, well said. And, the bonding was good, too. :)

Amy & Italo - Will there be a packing party we should prepare for? Also an important question: Is the new place equipped for Guitar Hero 3 and Dance, Dance Revolution? As a side note - I got GH3 a couple of weeks ago and it's weird how when "50 note streak" flashes across the screen how quickly notes are missed. Does this happen to you, or is it a rookie phenomenon?

I guess that's it for tonight! Have a great Tuesday!

Happy Monday!!!!

2008-05-12T15:34:00.002-05:00

Hi all! I hope you all had a great weekend! Mine was pretty good, just busy trying to figure out my life. Did not get very far with that, but I guess that is ok. Italo keeps telling me not to stress about all the details of our move, but there is so much to arrange! Anyway----we will make it through!

Mandy and Krystin-the emergent church-huh!?!?!?!?!?! When I saw that in the bulletin, I was as confused as I am know. I still do not know what it is-but I am glad that you guys got to have some bonding time together!

Katie-I LOVE the pics of you and I am excited to hear the rest of your story on Wednesday night!

Amy K.-boys, boys, boys! I will try to keep you in mind, but I don;t know many people in Chicago-so....you will just have to stay in Dallas so you can match made!

Mandy-How was your party and the speech??? Did you blow them away with your encouragement of Teams?

2008-05-11T19:32:00.002-05:00

Well, Mandy and I went to the seminar on the Emergent Church yesterday and were very enlightened. To make things crystal clear for ya'll, we learned that we are not a part of the Emergent Conversation or Emergent Village....we are in fact Emerging at the Village. Everyone clear?
No, really it was very good and if ya'll are interested I have a notebook with alot of information in it if you want to look at it. I've read a few things that are borderline Emergent and I haven't had any problems with them...apparently they were the tip of the iceburg though. Great to feel more informed and equipped to see what's being passed around out there. Would you believe our greatest weapon is the Word of God?
Amy F. - Yay on selling your house! Sorry to hear things will be uncomfortable for a while. But it sounds like the end will be so great and you will have a great house to call your own. I'll try to remember to encourage you in that.
Amy K. - Got a big kick out of your personal ad and will definitely be keeping my eyes peeled. Once the shop is open who knows what kind of people will be walking in that door. Lots of exposure anyway. Love the idea of experiencing Dallas too!
Mandy - How was your work party? You feeling appreciated?
Love ya'll.
kristyn

A little bit of me

2008-05-11T19:09:00.003-05:00

Since I will be finishing my "Story" this week, I thought I would give you a little refresher on some things I talked about already, so I won't go so long. :-) and thanks for the idea Kristyn!

The first picture is a school pic when I was like in 3rd grade. (my mom monogrammed my initials on my sweater during her cross stitch phase. 2nd picture is when I had my tonsils removed. I was 7 and the hospital was so full that they had to turn the play room into a room for 4 kids. Very traumatic!

My Brownie days! I think this was taken on our "National Lampoon's" vacation from Chicago to L.A.!

My dad, bro and me on Vacation on H.H.I. and a nice old pic of the family.

I hope you all had a great weekend and I look forward to seeing you next week!

Love, Katie Lyn Krause

Excuses, excuses

2008-05-11T12:28:00.004-05:00

Good afternoon, Ladies (since the gents aren't anywhere to be found :] )! I must say I have enjoyed reading all of your thoughts and great wisdom you've been sharing on here. Amy squared have been very thought provoking. I read our little blog here every day and then come up with things to say or respond to and for some reason those thoughts never make it to the computer. I'm going to blame life being so crazy the last couple of weeks. Pretty lame, huh? Anyway, I'll try to do better!

Congrats to Amy and Italo on the sale of the house! And, I loved the pic of Annabelle tree-climbing by the way!

Amy K - I'm on board with the DFW exploration. Let's do it!

Happy Mother's Day to our Mothers!

Love you guys!

Calling all Boys

2008-05-10T15:07:00.006-05:00

Amy & Italo - That is great that I you sold your house! I'm so jealous...I mean happy for you. I would offer that you kids move in with me but with my house up on the market, that wouldn't be much fun.

A couple of really random things I want throw out there to everyone:

1. I'm on a mission to get out and about and do different things around the city. I'm not talking "to-do" list. I'm not talking birthday parties or going to movies etc... I'm talking about getting out there and experiencing Dallas/Ft. Worth. One thing I'm going to do is go to the Dallas Farmers Market next Saturday morning. I'm going to go recipe in hand and buy local fresh ingredients. If anyone would like to go with me. Maybe even go back to my house and make lunch - let me know. I'll let you know what else comes up on my calendar and you do the same. I've got to make a concerted effort to pull myself out of work, out of blah-blah land and get out there.

2. I'm single. Know it, learn it, tell it. I'm putting the call out to all of you - my friends in Christ - so that you can keep MOI in mind if you come across a nice guy. As the song says "I ain"t too proud to beg!" Just because I'm 38 and single doesn't make mean anything except that I've been very choosy - and rightly so. I could be married by now, living in Chicago and not know my sister and not know God. God may have much, much more in store for me than to just "be married" but down here in get-married-at-22 land - it's a little lonely. Plus, I fear I'm just putting too much emphasis on my job just because there is nothing else to do! The greatest thing of being 38 and single and looking is that I have a much much much greater sense of myself than I did at 22. I'm confident. well-traveled and have lots of interests. However, not totally independent. Anyway....as you pour coffee at Crooked Tree, teach French at school (not students/teachers!), train guys at boot camp, as you go through your weekly routine, remember your buddy AMY!! I'm looking for someone taller than me, who is a believer, who is just nice and caring and has lots of interests. chica

See y'all on Wednesday!! Can't wait!

Buncha Voyeurs!

2008-05-09T11:03:00.002-05:00

You made me laugh Amy! I TOTALLY felt that way this week when I went to this site and saw Annabelle's pic at the top-I thought-am I the ONLY loser who is relying on a blog for social interaction! I cried myself to sleep many times this week! At least it is good to know that Lauren and Josh at least read our ramblings!

Amy K.-How did your meetings go on Tuesday and Thursday. Are you getting nervous about your boss coming back next week and giving you news about Chicago? I am anxious enough for you so you should be able to rest easy :)

Andrew and Nathalie-Enjoy Canyon and you must let us know how the meeting of the parents goes!

Sherah and Kyle-I hope you have an AMAZING weekend with your friends! I will pray for good peace for your friend and I am so glad she has responded so marvelously to the chemo! PRAISE GOD!

GOOD NEWS from Carrollton-WE SOLD OUR HOUSE!!!! We have a contract in tact with a closing date of May 27th. We just need to repair our rot iron fence in our backyard-do you guys know any welders? We would love your prayers for a smooth inspection of our house and a smooth closing! We also have lots to do in the next few weeks to get ready to move!

On that front-we are going to be moving in with my MOM! They have a 2 story house and we are going to renting out the top story-it has 3 rooms-one for us, one for Annabelle and the other we will use as a living room. It will be at least 6 months before we can move into my Dad's house-so PLEASE pray for some patience for me! The other discouraging thing about this setup is our foster care journey is going to be put on hold until we can move into my Dad's house. So-I am very discouraged by that, but clearly know that the Lord is telling us to wait-why I don't know, but He knows best-Please remind me of that when you see me :)

We love you guys and pray for you all the time!

What are you all doing this weekend??????

Not Alone!

2008-05-08T16:44:00.002-05:00

We're here...just listening--mainly because I enjoy reading, but don't necessarilly have insight to add. However, it doesn't help that it just took me 10 minutes to figure out how to post this.

All by ourselves...

2008-05-07T17:32:00.003-05:00

Amy F. , I think this is officially our personal blog!! Where is everyone? It is like running to the mailbox every day waiting for something that never comes!! I check and check and nothing. So...Hi Amy! I'll miss chatting with you tonight. How are you? I'm feeling very middle aged today quite honestly. In reality, I'm past middle age so I guess feeling just middle aged is fine. I've been working until 11:45 pm lately and walk around with dark circles under my eyes! I need a day to catch up on my sleep.

Well have a good rest of the week!

AK

Unsearchable Riches

2008-05-05T09:17:00.004-05:00

Hi All! By the way-when are the boys going to contribute to this post??????

Just wanted to share a picture of Annabelle that makes me smile! It has made my gloomy Monday feel better-so thought you might enjoy.

Amy-I hope you have a nice trip to Houston this week and that your meetings on Tuesday and Thursday go well! Thanks for giving us something to think about!

The thing that I have been reminded of over and over this year has been the true meaning of Grace itself. Growing up in a Christian home with the idea of Christ being all around me-all the time-there has never been a time I could have said----I did not know better. However, I did not DO better. In fact, for lots of my life, I have lived a life that is not remarkable. I have always had mixed feelings about reading verses in the Bible about being a NEW CREATION. Because I was not living that way. However, the Bible is clear-----I Am A New Creation. SO-what is AMAZING to me about God's grace is that he provides it everyday-even when I don't accept it that day. And what is even more AMAZING-He sees me as a NEW CREATION-even when I don't live that way. Because when he sees me-he sees Christ's blood. WOW!!!! Christ dies ONCE and FOR ALL!

So-the second half of Amy's question-How does that make you feel?

It makes me feel like a spoiled little kid!!! I have all the riches of Christ laid out for me-and I would rather play with the dirt. How silly! But, I do it almost everyday!

It also changes the way I see other people-I see them as forgiven! PRAISE GOD! However-as Jean said at the retreat this weekend-if I saw a viper about to attack my friend's neck-I would warn you-I would not let you sit there and take it and pray that Jesus would protect you. I would reach out and grap you to get you away from it! So-MY FRIENDS--when you see a viper about to attack me--PLEASE grap me and tell me to MOVE! And---I will do the same!

I love you all!

Grace Renewed

2008-05-03T21:14:00.003-05:00

From our Women's retreat today... One of the speakers - Jean Klughart- brought up a really great analogy as part of her talk today. She said..."If someone bought your house, can you still live in it? Clearly, the answer is no. God bought your sin, guilt and shame, can you still live in it?" I love that thought. It only took me 6 sessions of therapy to grasp that concept. She also said that even if you were saved at a young age and raised in the church it is still very important to ponder salvation and ask yourself "Has grace become Amazing to you yet?" She said that we work so hard to pack the gospel down into a ten minute testimony and it becomes packed in so tight that we forget to unpack it to ourselves every day.

Eph. 3:8 states to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ. I just thought about that phrase - the unsearchable riches of Christ. What does that mean? In order to preach the riches of Christ, I guess we'd have to be in tune with what they are to us. They are so numerous that they are unsearchable. Not just saying "grace, love" etc... but truly uncovering the riches of Christ as it is applicable in your life. I think that is important is because that is what becomes YOUR light to shine to glorify Christ. Am I looking at this right? Weigh in here, please.

What are some of the riches of Christ that you have discovered and how did finding or realizing that (it was of Christ) make you feel?

Thoughts to Corpus and Dallas...

2008-04-29T19:03:00.006-05:00

Hi Amanda! Miss you, girl! Come home and work out with me on Friday!!

There has been so much discussion on community and sharing. I have TRIED to do "life" with other small groups and friends at other churchs and I know what has worked for me and what hasn't worked and why. As a starting point, it is spending time together as a group of believers. Time and Believers being the key words.

Time is important because just as friendships develop - you just need time under your belt to let the Holy Spirit work. Time to go to the movies together, break bread, drink coffee, jam out at concerts, gather and pray together, be silly and play games, pet dogs, giggle with babies, work out together (agh!), cry for each other, read scripture and talk theology together, let people perhaps rub us the wrong way at first - then time lets us appreciate them for who they are and the unique view they bring to the table. Time is important because as the Holy Spirit leads us (to Amy's point) to share our deepest issues, our sins, our joys and blessings we feel like we've had the trust and love of the group to do that. I was part of a small group that felt that WHAM BAM we were all instant friends. No time was allowed to build, no grass under our feet could gather. It was hard. We tried hard once a week but then all went our separate way in the end! It is also key to note that it isn't just TIME - it is time together. Wednesdays together, calls to each other, dinners, lunchs or sitting in the sauna at LA Fitness pretending to work out on a Friday afternoon (forgot my shoes..lol).

Being BELIEVERS is what makes it "community" rather than just a group telling each other intimate secrets and going to the movies. We learn, as followers of Christ, from each other how to encourage each other, reminding each other to run the race, endure hardships, be in prayer for each other to ask God for guidance and hope, not to judge, hold each accountible, love and care deeply. In fact, it is what makes community DEEP.

I'm so very happy to know you, Amanda. I hate that you are in a valley. Hate it! You don't need to feel pressure to share everything with everyone but let us all surround you with love and encouragement anyway. I'm so happy to be getting to know everyone in our group. You are all authentic. I know that God brought this group together.

"When I cannot understand my Father's leading,
And it seems to be but a hard and cruel fate,
Still I hear that gentle whisper ever pleading,
God is working, God is faithful, ONLY WAIT."

Corpus Thoughts...

2008-04-29T10:13:00.003-05:00

Hey there-I certainly do not have all the answers to your questions and thoughts, but they are really good to think of. I think that even Jesus had a community that he was committed to-the 12 disciples, but then he had an even closer group of fellows the 3 disciples he hang with most often, that he was even more intimate with.
I really think that if you live in obedience to what the Lord is asking you to do in your individual situation , He will reveal rather the issues you are going through need to be shared with a few or with the group. I think that it is when you are being lead to share with folks-and fear keeps you from doing so-that you are not living in obedience with community. Matt preached a GREAT sermon on community this weekend. Be sure to download it when you can-or let me know if you need to to burn it for you and you can take a listen. It was REALLY good.
I Love you Amanda and I will pray for you while you are in the desert. Do not feel you have to share, but know that I am here if you want to. In the meantime, I will be on my knees for you!

Community means...?

2008-04-28T21:50:00.002-05:00

Hi y'all. I have to be honest...I've been having a terrible time with these threads. I'm just not sure how I feel here. I need a little help understanding what the word "community" means. I mean...I know the obvious meanings, but when it comes to not being ok or whatever...letting the people you walk with know that you're not ok is one thing...but am I correct in my understanding that in order to be walking in obedience with regard to community, we share our hardships with everyone...will a choice few not do? I guess I'm just confused here. I'm personally going through one of the toughest times I've ever faced, and I've shared the details of that with a couple of people...in and outside our group, but all strong women, walking with the Lord. Is that not good enough? I want so badly to walk with everyone but isn't it hard to be completely transparent with more than just a few people? I mean...truly let someone know your ins and outs and you know theirs. It seems that if the number of people we do that with grows, or is more than a few, it'd be harder to be all you all the time. And it's not that I don't want it to be our group that I personally share me with...but when the desert is at its driest, mustering up the emotional energy to share anything with one person seems to be all I have, much less sharing it with everyone. I'm not sure any of this makes any sense at all...just thoughts I suppose. And...I just miss you guys as I'm sitting out here by the water in Corpus Christi and wanted to say hello. :)) So...please, someone 'splain this to me so I can quit trying to hard to figure this one out. I love all you guys so much.

Am I ok or not???

2008-04-28T10:15:00.003-05:00

Lauren and Sherah-
I think the difference is that when you KNOW something is bothering you, or KNOW you need pray for something that is going wrong in your heart and DON'T say anything-you are being disobedient to the idea of community. I think that is true beauty of community, once we REALLY get to know each other, we can loving call people out on things when they themselves do not even know there is anything going on in their hearts.
There are all kinds of people in this world0I happen to be one of those people that sit around and ponder why I think this or that or why I choose this over that. That is not what other people do. They live life and don't stop to think about why-until they are faced with a major decision. I ponder EVERYTHING I think and do-it is exhausting really. I think God wired me the way he did and he wired other people differently. There is not one way to live that is more right-just different. So-as long as you are being open to what The Lord is laying on your heart to share and what HE is trying to teach you-I think you are good!

Does that make sense-or do you think I am totally off base?

I'm there too... I think

2008-04-24T17:37:00.003-05:00

Lauren, I think I am there too. I don't always know what I am feeling or should be feeling. I usually feel like everything is just fine, but sometimes its not and sometimes I don't know how to act. I am not a highly emotional person and have just always been really good at pushing my feelings under the rug. I desire to be open and share who I am with you all, but at times I feel like I don't even know who that is. I have never been truly vulnerable to anyone except Kyle and I don't really know what that looks like for me. But as we continue to share our stories and I know each of you a little more I feel a little safer and more like I can open up... even though I still don't really know what it is that I am opening up.

Sorry... I feel like I was just rambling.

And It Continues...

2008-04-24T16:40:00.002-05:00

So what do you do when you don't even feel close to yourself? When you don't even know the deep stuff to share, or ask? Or is that, by nature, being deep? I think this is where I am...

To be OK or not to be OK

2008-04-22T11:15:00.002-05:00

I think I understand what Christi is asking and it is something that I struggle with as well. I think that we all have a responsibility to be have ownership in our community. We have to be willing to say when we are not OK and we have to be willing to let people not be OK. However, I think that Kristyn is right that hearing each other's stories is an important part of this journey and until we have the framework that we need for each other's lives, it will be harder to feel like we really know each other. So-we have to patient through this process until we can all feel like we have shared each Wednesday night.

Also, we each have to make choice-am I going to choose to let people now ME or the version of me, I want to be? In trying to think what parts of my story are worth sharing, I find myself tempted to hider certain facts to paint a picture of myself that is not 100% truth. If I choose to do that, I am only robbing myself. Because it is ONLY in being 100% transparent that we feel loved in spite of ourselves.

Something I learned a long time ago was this-when I feel like I don't have close friends-I have to ask myself two questions--1. What I have shared with someone that makes them feel like they know something more about me than we first sat down, and 2. What did question did I ask to help me learn something about the person I am talking to. When there has been a sharing of information by two people, it usually relates to a feeling of closeness.....

Amy F. (Amy Dawn)

...OK not to be OK..cont.

2008-04-21T14:31:00.002-05:00

Christi.. I think your question is good, though I don't think I understand it completely. I think I'm just short on vision for what that looks like. I am so thankful, though, that you as our leader are desiring more for us. It makes me feel more than cared about...but cared for.
I will say, I don't think we need to get down on ourselves this early in the game. Its going to take time for us to get comfortable enough to get there. Story sharing is so great and vital for us to get to know each other well, but it does take away from group discussion time. I don't want to rush through this very important time of building a framework for ourselves, but I am looking forward to when we have time to dig into the word together and work through heart issues.
Just my thoughts...

So is it really Okay to Not be okay ...

2008-04-16T23:20:00.002-05:00

Tonight was great. Thanks so much ladies. My heart is aching though at one level because there STILL was not time enough to hear from everyone ... and I am just wondering how some are that we didn't hear from ...
And in that thought I am wondering if we are REALLY communicating ... if we are really BELIEVING for OURSELVES ... that it is okay to come to group, NOT be okay, and COMMUNICATE we are not okay. And on the other side, come to group, not be okay, and NOT communicate that we are not okay ... just be quiet and kind of keep that to ourselves. ... just random thoughts ...
And since I am new to this blogging thing, thoughts I thought I would share.
It was interesting because as I was driving home tonight the Lord said so specifically to me "You can't FIX 'this'" ... I just have to TRUST ... I have to Trust Jesus that HE will cover my heart, and cover your hearts ... Trust that HE meets MY needs, and trust that HE meets YOUR needs.
And He does.

What stirs my heart for God...?

2008-04-16T13:11:00.004-05:00

Thank you so much, Amy, for starting this blog entry. I've so enjoyed your post and the responses. :) I have to say, when Matt mentioned this particular subject the other day...my heart had an immediate reaction. Several things came to mind...

Robs:

- Hyper self-awareness....i.e., my own selfishness.
- T.V. and the computer (blogging right this second doesn't count!:))
- My need to control everything
- Worry and doubt
- Being judgmental

Stirs:

- immense displays of God's grandeur in nature...literally sitting at the edge of a 2000 ft. cliff, no fence or rail...just me and God, in a National Park in Utah. The scene was even better than any artist's depiction of it could ever be...and then feeling smaller than the tip of a needle, in comparison to it all.

- Deep loss has stirred my affections for the Lord. Just knowing He is holding me up when I truly can't physically stand...talk about a deep sense of comfort and love, even in the deepest of trenches.

- true friendship. Knowing and being known. The risk AND the comfort in that.

- the love my mom has for me. So sweet and truly inspiring...

- That perfect day you're certain God made just for you...everything is ultra bright and beautiful. The breeze is perfect. The sun is out and warms your skin just right. Ahh...perfect days!

- Music. Not just any music though. The kind of music that catches you in a moment that maybe you weren't even aware you were in. Like, when you're in church and you've got something on your heart, good or bad, and maybe you can't quite describe what. Right at that moment they play that one song with just the right words, just the right melody...and all you can do is lift your hands and sing with Him or sit down to cry and pray with Him. It's like God saying right into your ear, here I am...don't worry...I was here with you the whole time....

So...there's some of mine. Thank you so much, to Mandy, for putting this super fun, completely foreign means of communication and sharing together. :) What a neat way to open up to each other. Also...I'm not really sure how to end a blog. Do you say g'bye, have a good day...what? Ahh...umm, I'll just say...love you guys! :)

Stirring and Robbing

2008-04-15T08:01:00.004-05:00

Great question, Amy! I think that is a question we often neglect because some of those things on the 'robbing' list are things we don't always want to give up. I can definitely identify with a couple of things you guys mentioned like the desire to please others robbing and being stirred by noticing those things that fall in to place and realizing that God was in control.

Robbing:

Technology (Internet, email, TV)
Worry and stress
Fear (which really ties in to the worry and stress)
Busyness

Stirring:

Good music
Good teaching
Conversations with friends just like this one
Sunsets and beautiful weather

Blogging 101

2008-04-14T22:46:00.001-05:00

I've had several people mention that they are new to the blogging scene and don't really know what to write about. I'm no expert on the subject, but here are a few ideas you could write about:

Your opinion on any given subject
Random thoughts or feelings you might have
Questions you want to throw out for the group (excellent example is Amy's post)
Something that inspired you (book, song, event, etc.)
What God is doing in your life that you would like to share

This is just a short list, but really, anything goes in a blog. There's no particular format or anything - just go for it. For more excellent examples check out some of "The Village People" links - there are some really great, thought provoking, honest examples on those pages.

Stirring and Robbing...

2008-04-14T21:57:00.001-05:00

Amy-That was great food for thought! Thanks for being so honest! My list would be:

Thinks that stir my heart for the Lord:

Following Italo's leadership-I have to die to myself each day to make this happen-but when I do-it is so sweet!
Annabelle - Her innocence and amazement at the world is amazing! And NOTHING beats her kisses
Cold Days-they energize me to get out in the wind
I echo Amy-I love architecture-especially if you drive along LakeShore Drive in Chicago. If you look on one side of the car (or bus in my case), there are beautiful buildings with history that would amaze you. On the other side, there is a beautiful lake as far as you can see. Each morning that I took the bus to work, I love to see the point where God's hands meet man's hands!
Conversations that open my eyes to a new understanding of God-I had several great ones with my Brother and Kimberly this weekend!

Thinks that rob me:

The TV
The desire to please those around me-constantly interferes with my desire to please God
Jealousy

Stirring and robbing your affection for Christ

2008-04-14T13:06:00.000-05:00

I loved thinking about what I hold (or held) "ultimate" in my life that defined my view of what is "behind" humanity. I also liked meditating on what stirs my affection for Christ and what I know robs my affection for Christ. Here is my MINI list. What is your list?

Stirring: Big cities and how really beautiful and orderly they are, revelation about Christ's character through reading Piper and other authors, when things just happen to work together and I notice it, really sunny days, wide open spaces like out at my mom's house, leaning on God every day to not smoke (it works!), the grace my sister shows to me stirs my heart to thank Christ and realize that His grace and mercy is new every day. Lastly, flying in an airplane. Really makes me feel close to God, I talk to him and thank him over and over while staring at his beauty.

Robbing: being overly passionate about my job and neglecting my body and myself, smoking, big storms because they make me fearful which robs me of my trust in God who controls the storm, when I let my emotions make decisions for me, TV and mindless internet searching...to name a few.

What about you?

Caden's Fun Run

2008-04-13T22:13:00.000-05:00

Hey there home groupies! I just wanted to share some pics from this weekend's Fun Run for Caden. We had several from our home group and our 'sister' home group volunteer to run and man the Toddler Play Area. We had a great time hanging out and playing.

Mr. Caden visiting our play area

Nathalie running a lap

The toddler-less Toddler Play Area

Some of the home group ladies

Nice influence for the kiddos!

Hanging out before the big run

Katie and Lauren entertaining the kiddos

Nathalie and Katie hugging it out

Katie showing off some dance moves