What in the world?

I did the unthinkable today.

I visited a new church based on the fact that a former Evangel grad and boys' former music teacher was the music director. After checking them out online, thought, "today is the day we will visit". The information I found online seemed to line up for what I am looking for in a church AND they are close by...only 10 miles one way vs. 20 miles one way to my old church.

The worship and music was great! This is VERY important to me because music is my outlet for worship. Even though I got a vibe the pastor was a little more charismatic than I like...I felt at home and comfortable here even as a visitor. The most amazing thing was the pastor's wife came and personally introduced herself and greeted my boys during the "welcome moment".

Then the bomb fell.

St. Charles River Church was an Assembly of God church. This is NOT what I was looking for at all. I struggled with my attention to the service not because of that fact, but because the service went for ONE HOUR AND 12 MINUTES!!

As I sat making my Pro/Con list, I discovered that if they cut out the 25 minutes of announcements and reading of the bulletin....lol...then we would have plenty of time for the pastor's 20 minute sermon and still only take 1 hour.

The boys did great but even I had difficulty that last half hour. We were hoping to say hello to their beloved Ms. P from school. But she went home after worship to take care of her sick baby.

However, I did meet the other lady who was part of the worship team and am quite glad I did. She sincerely invited us back and understood my hesitation regarding the A/G denomination affiliation, having grown up as an A/G pastor's daughter. She did tell me that she had alot more in common with me and would love to talk more sometime. She has also been divorced and a single mom, but remarried now, AND still in a leadership position. I was glad to learn that the pastor does not look down at those kinds of situations and had even performed her wedding to her new husband. Not only did I feel relief, but she gave me the church directory and her number and said to feel free to call anytime this week so we could talk more. I believe I will do just that.

Oh yeah, and I did listen to the sermon even though it wasn't on 7th Heaven...LOL! He was talking about moving from Rejection to Acceptance. He mentioned "you might even be here feeling rejected from your last church....we are here to love and accept you." He said as humans, our tendency is to push more distance between us and people after we have been hurt, but that is not how God designed us to be. He used the scripture that "it was not good for man to be alone"...clarifying that is for all people, not only in a husband/wife relationship.....and that your church family has the ultimate blood connection through Christ!

So I did the unthinkable today.

I actually enjoyed a service at an Assemblies of God church. Something I have avoided since college graduation.

I am still seeking God's direction on finding a place to land and a church home to call family. But I believe we may be closer than I want to think, since I am looking for more solid Biblical foundation for my children in combination with the contempory/ecclectic style of music to meet my worship needs.

Not a Geek!!!! R U?

You Know a Lot About Blogging

You got 5/8 correct! Your not a total blogging geek yet... give it time.

How Much Do You Know About Blogging?

http://www.blogthings.com/howmuchdoyouknowaboutbloggingquiz/

PCTV?

Back in my college days....someone had written PC on every other step in the back stairwell to the North side of Lewis Hall. For the first two days, we could NOT figure it out. Of course, Pastor Colbaugh kept coming to mind...but we knew there was something else to it. LOL! Later that week, I heard the term "Politically Correct" for the first time. Ahhh...

Last night I watched one of my favorite TV shows, 7th Heaven. It was a really great episode and yes, had the emotional pull as usual. However, it was interesting that they referred to Hurricane Katrina last night. This is the first instance that I can remember of seeing a TV show be politically correct and refer to real life disasters. But maybe I just haven't been watching that much TV anymore. I don't remember shows talking about September 11th, or Hurricane Andrew, or the Tsunami in Thailand. Or am I just not PC enough to catch it?

Three Question Personality Test

Your Personality Is

Idealist (NF) You are a passionate, caring, and unique person. You are good at expressing yourself and sharing your ideals. You are the most compassionate of all types and connect with others easily. Your heart tends to rule you. You can't make decisions without considering feelings. You seek out other empathetic people to befriend. Truth and authenticity matters in your friendships. In love, you give everything you have to relationships. You fall in love easily. At work, you crave personal expression and meaning in your career. With others, you communicate well. You can spend all night talking with someone. As far as your looks go, you've likely taken the time to develop your own personal style. On weekends, you like to be with others. Charity work is also a favorite pastime of yours.

The Three Question Personality Test

The Family that chats together....

I have often known of T and Dash chatting with Dash's dad online...and even Little Artist chatting with her cousin. I have also chatted with my brother and my cousin at different times. It's always been fun!

Recently, my brother talked me into setting up MySpace website....and my younger sisters (still at home) have set theirs up as well. Now that is way cool...I now have a way to interact in their lives despite living long distance AND being 15 and 20 years older....lol!

Tonight, I got an IM from my "baby" sister. After adding her and my "little" sister to my buddy list....I invited them to a conference chat. To which, Lil Sis asked if I would invite her B/F ....lol! So now I "the Big Sis" have "met" him. :)

I decided to send a webcam invitation so they could see my boys. N and J LOVED this. N even typed a few IMs! Then my Bro logged on...so I invited him too. Baby Sis said all we were missing is my other sister. Ironically, I had just gotten off the phone with my Sis (talking about Dell specials I have found for them) right before getting my first "family" IM tonight...LOL!

So it appears soon we will be the Family that Chats Together....kinda like my Friends that Blog together!

Alternating Emotions

A few days ago, I came up to the second level in my parking garage to leave work, when I noticed my car was double sandwiched between 4 "high class" cars. Two Lexus, a Mercedes, and a Volvo. Of course, I am embarrassed about driving my car with a hole in the plastic bumpter...so I felt even more intimidated going to my "broken" car beside the "fancy" cars. I did think how grateful I was that I had a dependable car to drive to work, and tried to remind myself that usually my car looks pretty good but looks don't get you from point A to point B.

Yesterday, I was halted in my path because my car wouldn't start. Instead of feeling panicked, I simply called my roadside assist and ordered lunch next door. I was quickly brought down to earth, when the "assist truck" pulled beside the Mercedes and proceded to "jump" my "broken" car. I did let it run for 20 mins as he suggested to ensure the charge took hold. However, I did go back to feeling glad I was safe in my parking garage and not on the side of the road.

Three and a half hours later, when I left work, my car wouldn't start again. Now, I am dreading it is indeed the alternator. I figure if I can get it jumped again, then I can get my boys from daycare and then safely home. After calling a friend to see about bringing my car to his shop in the morning...I feel relieved because if it IS the alternator, he volunteered to help me out in getting it replaced. My bedtime prayer was to "let my car start in the morning, so I can take the boys to school and get to the car place".

This morning, my car started right up. Just like it was ready to go to the races! After a quick diagnostic test, it was discovered that my battery box had come loose from the cables. (I told the assist guy this yesterday...that I thought it should be checked). I was told since my battery is a side-mounted battery, that it is quite common for this to happen. I left the shop in a shout of jubillee because the owner didn't even charge me for the testing. He said, "See ya, bye-bye. Come back when you have a real problem to fix!" LOL!

Chicken Little (part 2)

Jadee's review: Two Thumbs Up!

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, even for an animated film. Yes, I am getting into them more since I have children....lol!

I loved the pop culture references, but I also loved how direct and true to the point some of them were. (Sorry, in case you haven't seen the movie, I don't mean to ruin it for you) For example:

1. In the Gym/PE class scene - The teacher called it right for playing dodgeball, "Popular kids on one side; Unpopular kids on the other sided". How true that is, yet we always tend to ignore it for our own children, but WE remember how it was for us...let's just be honest.

2. In the public scene with father and Chicken Little - The father dissed his own son to save public face, however, he still faced public disgrace because of that initial incident. Why can't we back our children and stand up for them, even in public and then determine if they were right or wrong later at home? WE remember what it was like when our parents didn't support us. I really hated that as a kid.

3. In the end scene with the "aliens" - Once it was determined that Chicken Little WAS TELLING THE TRUTH...not one of the townspeople offered an apology. They were glad he helped save the town, but kind of forgot one important thing....after public humiliation, he should have received public apology. His father did come around and support his son...and I was very glad to see that!!

So my take on the movie was...its a little more real to life than we may wish to think, when we are sitting and laughing! BTW, the music was GREAT! Lots of clips of old songs...just made the movie for me! =D

Chicken Little

For my youngest son's birthday, he chose to ask a friend to go to the movies with us vs. having a party. Mind you, this is the $2 theater....and his older brother kept telling him he would "get lots more presents" if you have a party...lol! As the mom, I was very happy with his choice! (ref blog "Sit down and blog" - Nov 20)

So here we are...early so we can "beat the crowd" of all the other families in St. Charles to come to the little tiny $2 theater. After finding seats..."I need to use the restroom" came from our guest". Okay, stay together and I will order our popcorn. A's mom told me she would send money for nachos for him because of his diabetes. Well, he was our guest, so I got him nachos....then J wanted nachos too. That left N and me with popcorn. Usually they have a "family deal" of $10...Large popcorn and 2 Large drinks...all refillable. Great choice = Great price. Hmmmm....someone changed my contact prescription....or did they change the price? $12.50??? What is the the Wehrenberg Theater??? N and I didn't need that much popcorn and soda. So I got the three boys waters, myself a small pepsi $2.25, 2 nachos @ $3.45 each, and a large refillable popcorn $5.oo (just in case my boys got really hungry not having dinner beforehand).

Next step: To successfully navigate through running children that are jumping up and down in excitement (and that is just my three in tow)! One kid behind the counter was kind enough to volunteer some help for me...not himself, of course..lol, but another kid that was in the corner "holding up the wall"...LOL!

Whew! WE MADE IT! Sit still, here is your food, and your water, and some napkins. Still 8 more mins until the show.

(To be continued) =D

Hmmm...interesting...

I didn't realize it before when I posted about my renewal to Mary Kay, that I completed my agreement on Jan 11.

For those of you that don't know me...that was my former wedding anniversary date. However, since being a single mom for 5 years and officially divorced for 2 years...it never ceases to amaze me that I always forget that date...even with my youngest son's birthday on the 12th (which I will post about later).

So now I have a "new" anniversary date with positive memories to take the place of the former anniversary.

Interestingly enough, I signed my first agreement with Mary Kay when I lived in St. Charles the first time. And here I am at the SAME apartments, on the SAME stairwell, picking up where my life left off before I left to go get married. (yes, T, I will say it for you that you have already heard this theory in person before...lol)

I do believe that we are given a free will to make choices, even if they aren't the choices God would wish us to choose. BUT, if we continue to seek Him in our lives, HE will direct our paths to bring us to the point where He wants us to be. And the bonus is the learning and growing and molding He gives to our lives, even when the road is tough.

I am thrilled to be the mother of two precious little boys! I am so glad I am no longer the naive and sheltered girl I was when I left Springfield, MO. I am pleased at the insights I have gained along the years. And only God can be credited with bringing those blessings into my life.

Took the plunge

I took the plunge and am officially back in business for myself!!

I have been researching opportunities for additional income, so my decision to renew my entrepreneurship with Mary Kay is actually a step to recovering part of the Miss Independent inside me.

Sounds bizarre, I know. But with lots of encouragement and friendly reminders of how I was happy and enjoyed running my own consultant business....I made the decision today to pursue this avenue again.

I am alot smarter and wiser and confident I will run a better business than I did 5 years ago. And actually, I am really excited about it! This is the first time that the idea didn't sound exhausting to me.

At this point, my website is not completely set up, but the address will be www.marykay.com/joydeboard. Just in case anyone may be interested in placing an order. OR, you can always play "makeup" with the virtual models like T and I just did online! =D

THE TOP TEN PREDICTIONS FOR 2006

Here's What's Going To Happen This Year

1. The Bible will still have the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost.

You've Got to be Kidding!

Since I have been sick and going to bed early at night...I do find myself waking up in the middle of the night. Go figure!

I can't believe some of the commercials there are at night, not to mention the infomercials...lol! Here are my top three:

3. Personals Ads commercials via phone line memberships. Testimonials include, "When I talked to Scott, I knew he was someone I could really see myself with". OMG! Trust me on this, even with online memberships and a pic posted....can you really determine if they are someone you can date?

2. Diet Pill commercials claim "unlike any other diet pill you have tried....guaranteed to work for you....a month's supply free when you order now and try our 30 day money back guarantee." Simply, order one month in the next 3 minutes and receive a second bottle free. Try it for 30 days. Can we say SCAM?

1. Specialty Product Introduction: DoggySteps. Helps your little dog climb up to high places---shows pics of steps assisting dog up to the couch and the bed. First, does someone really need "doggy steps"? And, WHY would you want them jumping up on the couch or bed? Second, even if they do, do they need to "order now in the next 8 minutes to receive an 2nd set free"? I guess that is so you can assist the dog to the couch AND the bed!!!

I had to stop by Walgreens tonight to pick up some cold & sinus medicine. With the unusually warm weather spurts we keep having...my sinuses thinks its March already. Now I have only had to buy some once this season so far...

I learned that you have to ask the Pharmacist BEHIND the counter for the "over-the-counter" medicine! Since I live in a prime crystal meth lab location, with farm area in Missouri and Illinois, they have been reduced to stocking "cards" with a logo of the medicine you are wishing to purchase. Fortunately, I can believe that to be reasonable. Makes it harder for someone to "stockpile" meds.

HOWEVER, when they asked for my drivers license, and copy all my info into a Log, I was a little concerned. How do I know what they are regulating? Do I only get to purchase cold medicine 3 times this season? Or is it 3 times in one month? I do have 3 members in my family...what if we all get sick? I wanted to ask, but then I was afraid that might raise suspicion on me....so I didn't.

I remember when we had to do that with ink cartridges at OfficeMax. Hang cards on the pegs and the cartridges were behind the counter with me. What's next, bring a picture of a cow to get milk?? Or better yet, turn in a bumper sticker from the ad campaign "Got Milk?"

Anyway, I did get my medicine this time...so I guess I still have a chance to get well! =D

Happy New Year 2006

Wow! Another year....and I am 34 now...LOL!

I remember when my parents were "certain" that Christ was going to return before I started kindergarten. Well, I am a long way from that now. Even my own children are past that now.

I had someone tell me that I had changed after I was in the hospital this summer, and I told them I was glad they saw that...because I had changed alot of priorities since facing near death. She meant it as a slam to me...but I was serious. I am very thankful for another year. Another chance to strive to become more like Christ. Another year to work on raising my children to become Christian gentlemen. As well as another year of memories with my children and friends.

Here's to 2006!