I'll vote for that

Today I heard, from my friend Jessica, that if you go into Ben and Jerry's on election day with your "I voted" sticker (which I am proudly sporting today!) you get a free scoop of ice cream. Hello folks?! I'm not even going to go into all the other reasons you should vote, this one takes the cake...or the ice cream! happy voting!

just because I think he's awesome

cait

Today I heard that my friend, confidant, fan of donkeys, lover of pei wei, partner to Tim Gunn, supporter of all things awesome, and co-founder of the seasons list CAITLIN PALM joined the blog-o-sphere. HOORAY!!!

I think most of you know this little treasure or at least remember her from days gone by. I'm here to say that she is terrific. Funny, creative, bargain shopper, smart, and faithful Caitlin brings joy to the masses on a fairly constant basis. The bummer is she's leaving the country in a few months...for a few months...to help the poor in Romania. Heart of gold this gal.


So, add her to your RSS feeds, google reader, daily "bored at work" list of websites...whatever you have AND prayer lists. Though a bit uneasy about the whole thing, she promises to update often.

Holla atcha boy, see ya later decorator, I miss oshun.
em

no better place

Trust. It's a constant battle for me. Ultimately I know it's OK to do it, but I'm far from being great at it. The Lord has made it a pretty clear theme in my life lately and so I'm doing my best to act on His call.

Monday morning I heard my boss and president of TBCH talk about stewardship...particularly as it pertains to this ministry (the Children's Homes) and the local church. (For you Baptists out there: When you give money to your church, you give money to the Children's Home in your state. I won't get started on a lesson about the cooperative program, just know that I support tithing!) He went on to talk about our new budget and the steps of faith we as a ministry are taking. Times are hard for everyone, even the Children's Home. We are now in a place where we are completely trusting on the Lord's provision when it comes to funds. It's never a good thing when your boss is telling you we are all out of money, but in this case, it seems to be. Though the future is uncertain God's provision for His ministry and His children is far from it. I felt my faith spring into action as he boldly said, "We've been trusting our savings account for too long. It's time to trust the only person worth trusting. God's provided for 118 years and think it's about time we trust Him to continue to do that." He went on to talk about how there is no place he would rather be than in a position of absolute trust and reliance for the Lord to provide.

Wow. If only I could say the same for my life. I agree with him 100%...no better place than only trusting Him. Do I live like that? no.

Last night in Bible Study we looked at Luke 9 when Jesus is sending out the 12. He is instructing them and empowering them. Here is what He says:

1When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, 2and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 3He told them: "Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic. 4Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. 5If people do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave their town, as a testimony against them." 6So they set out and went from village to village, preaching the gospel and healing people everywhere.

You want to talk about a position of absolute trust. No money? no extra clothes? No food? For a person who likes to be in control and likes to pack with options this seemed like a lot to ask. I can see how He wanted them to have nothing but Him.

Reading this made me think about my friend Caitlin (soon-to-be blogger, get excited). She's going to Romania for 4 months to work with people in poverty. Besides various restrictions on make up, hair dryers, etc. she's been asked to only bring 3 pairs of pants...for 4 months ...and that's a with a season change. Though I'm not sure this is as much a matter of trust but about relating to those she is working with...it still hit me all the same.

When God sends us out (which I believe He does daily) He wants complete trust. Trust regarding money, food, clothes, the future, you name it. There's no better place. Now I just have to get there.

officially an adult

I once had a conversation with a friend where we tried to figure the exact moment that someone becomes and adult (I may have blogged about this before...but I can't remember). It seemed like turning 18 wasn't really it...nor necessarily 21. Was it moving out from your parent's house? Buying a home? Living by yourself? Graduating from college? Paying your first utility bill? Landing your first "real" job? So many factors for each of these.

I'm not sure we ever came to a conclusion. As I get older and the more "adult" I become I think I would land on the answer that it's more a process and a culmination of various events than just one in particular...cop out, I know. Now that I have lived by myself for awhile, owned a pet, paid my bills, graduated college, for a few years I'm pretty certain I am indeed an adult. If I wasn't certain, today confirmed it.

Today, I heard my HR person at work knock on my cubicle, "Hey! Since you've been here 3 years we will now start putting money into your retirement fund..." First of all...I've been at TBCH for 3 years?!?! That just seems crazy. Secondly, retirement?! even more crazy but also equally awesome! If I wasn't before I'm pretty now I'm officially an adult.

a birthday KISS

Last night I show up at the Loveless (a historical Nashville Restaurant) for my friend Whit's birthday. Upon arriving we quickly found out that Gene Simmons (of KISS) was not only at the Loveless as well but sitting behind us! Our sweet, though mathematically challenged waitress, told us he is filming some sort of show.


Come to find out, he was filming an episode of GENE SIMMONS FAMILY JEWELS that is starting it's 3rd season on A&E (who knew?!).

After celebrating and filling our stomach's with the deliciousness of the Loveless we walked outside just as they were getting ready to film another portion of episode (the country jam session around the fire pit portion). We were told to fill in a gap and join in the party. Those who know me well know that I never turn down an opportunity to be in front of the camera. So we all stood there clapping, singing, and doing our best to get on camera for about 20 minutes. Afterwards we signed a release form and then took pictures with Gene. So, check in with Gene and his fam on A&E and you just might see some familiar faces!


What a great birthday Whit!

johnny and june

Last week I hear Heidi Newfield's (formerly of Trick Pony) new single Johnny and June.

It's such a sweet song. I listen to a good deal of country music. I like Johnny Cash. I think the lyrics are just so sweet. I'm not typically one to recommend music (if you've seen my CD collection, you are grateful for this). However, I really like this song and I hope it comes on every time I'm in the car! If I bought Cd's or music on iTunes I would totally buy this one!

one, or two? three better than four?

Today I heard the eye doctor tell me that my eyes are healthy, they just need some help. I think that's the nicest way anyone has ever told me I have horrible vision.

This appointment has been about 3 years over-due and my contacts just weren't doing the trick these days (ask anyone who has ridden with me after 8:00pm and they will confirm this to be true). I realize that out of the all the doctors the eye doctor should be the less threatening. No needles, no gagging, etc. However, I get really nervous about the eye doctor. Particularly when they are figuring out your prescription.

The light goes out. The letters are blurry on the wall in front of you and it begins....

DR: "Better with 1 ...or 2?"
em: 1
DR: "how about 3...or 4?"
em: ummm, 4
DR: "Now with 5 or 6?"
em: "oh, um 5"

...for some reason I feel like there is an actual right or wrong answer. like the doc is trying to trick me or something and I'm terrified I'm going to mess up my contact order. Am I alone in this fear?