Church Happy!!

Hallelujah...Praise the Lord I found a church I like here in K-ville!!! Seriously, that's a huge deal because I needed something to change my mind on Southern churches. It's actually very similar to Mosaic, and the pastor said he got a lot of the ideas for the church from Pastor Erwin and Mosaic. Needless to say, that thrills my soul. Can I just say that I love to wear jeans to church? Can I also say that I love a pastor that really challenges Christians? I mean, as followers, we need to be taught/reminded/encouraged/challenged to actually follow and what that means. I mean, yes, salvation is core, and I realize that's a huge ministry of the church is to tell others about Jesus Christ. However, I personally think (and that's a scary thing....my thoughts :} ) that one of the reasons why the church has failed to impact is because the same message is always taught...salvation...but what about after? Discipleship is so important! Our church is full of contented people (I realize I'm generalizing...bear with me) because they think they don't need to do much of anything because they're going to heaven....but are they?!? ;{ So, instead of preaching to the choir, persay, about salvation, preaching to the believers who are wondering just exactly how to pursue a relationship with this Savior and make Him Lord. Well, anyway, as you can see, this is a soap box of mine, but basically, I'm just excited about Faith Promise. So, now I'm actually looking forward to church next week!!! :) Sweet!

So, this is really silly, but I'm in such a good mood just because I painted my nails! They're coral pink, and it makes me feel funky...I like it. Maybe I'll paint them more often. :)

I just got back from a fun weekend home. We got so much stuff done for Sheena's wedding...dress, veil, shoes, columns, arch, flowers, cake...it was crazy and fun. Plus, I threw my friend Amanda Rodriguez a baby shower on Sat. She's expecting in Dec. with a baby girl, and it was my first baby shower to ever throw. I must say it was splendid :) with a cute Winnie the Pooh cake and balloons everywhere and yummy food and a couple of stupid games. She got lots of gifts, a nice start to her baby room, and I think everyone had a good time. The best part was that I got to see all of my friends from high school that I haven't seen in like 3 years. I'm the only one not married out of everyone...crazy. They all seem to be doing well, though, and it's hard to believe i was so nervous about seeing all of them because we just talked and laughed like we'd never missed a step. It was just nice to know that a blast from the past doesn't have to be awkward. I don't know why I thought it would be. Anyway! Then, my family and I cooked out in our backyard, as always. That was fun too, beings that it's like 40 degrees outside! Nothing like a good fire smell in the fall. It was just a good weekend, so thought I'd share. :)

So, I went to a swing dance workshop last night for 4 hours, and I gotta say, I didn't realize how much I don't know! It was amazing how much I learned in those hours, and also how humbling it was to be like, oh...I'm not so good...I need a lot of work. I think it's a process for anyone working on an artform, especially professionals. It was just cool, though. We mainly concentrated on following (something I thought I did really well, but realized I stink ;O), and it reminded me of something one of the girls here told me about a month ago. She said that when she was learning to dance, it was a huge lesson to her in life and spiritually. See, as a follower, I can only do what my leader tells me to do, one step at a time. I may assume what will happen next from past dances, or may try to finish a pattern because of knowledge of the step, but the lead can change it at anytime, using creativity and the music to make his own patterns, his own style, and his own steps. My job is to follow each movement, wherever he leads...even if it's different than what I'm used to. Also, I'm not in control of where I go...my lead is. He's driving, and I'm along for the ride. However, the fun part is that sometimes I get to add in my own steps, and my own styling...once I've learned how to follow completely. It's pretty cool how dance and life correlate so much. Trust and following...makes sense.

Oh, Family! How blessed are those with a Father who's ways are upright, and a Mother who's love is boundless. How blessed is the family who prays together, shares life's joys and sorrows, eats together, laughs together. I am so thankful to God for my family. After years of knowing many people and many families, I realize each and every day how unique my situation is and I wonder why. Why did God bless us so? Well, I do believe that generational obedience had something to do with it, and I believe that my parents' devotion to God is the root. 2 Samuel 7:29 Now be pleased to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever in your sight; for you, O Sovereign LORD, have spoken, and with your blessing the house of your servant will be blessed forever." Psalm 37:26 They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be blessed (This one is a perfect description of my parents). Psalm 144:15 Blessed are the people of whom this is true; blessed are the people whose God is the LORD.

Basically, I love my clan!! Thanks Mom and Dad for raising me with the freedom to make my own decisions, but constant guidance in the ways of the Lord.