Month of Thanksgiving - November 4th

Okay - this one is going to be controversial.  Everyone always complains about how holiday merchandise comes out sooner and sooner every year.  My aunt always said that people seem to miss Thanksgiving because it is overshadowed by Christmas.  Well - because I have decided to make ALL of November Thanksgiving - I think it is okay for me to be listening to . . . CHRISTMAS MUSIC!!

Yes, today I am thankful for Christmas music and this entire holiday season.  Christmas music is so uplifting and it makes me happy and brings back so many wonderful memories.  Last Christmas wasn't so fun - and I am so thankful for this Christmas and the opportunity to make it so much better.

Some of my favorite Christmas songs are:

• Oh Holy Night
• Stille Nacht by Manheim Steamroller
• Strange Way to Save the World
• Breath of Heaven (and pretty much ALL Amy Grant Christmas music)
• Sleigh Ride
• Silver Bells
• Pretty much all Trans-siberian Orchestra music
• The Bell Carol

Oh - who am I kidding?  I LOVE IT ALL!!!!

So - I apologize Auntie Linda . . . but I'm listening to Christmas music!!!

What are you thankful for today?

You MUST check this out.

This is my Uncle Steve's new project! Check it out!!!

http://eivw.blogspot.com/2009/09/shadowland-is-here.html

http://www.shadowlandproject.com/

Really cool video

My buddy, Don Crane (who just started blogging) sent me this video today and I had to share it with you guys. Pretty cool!!




Happy Monday!

The American Idols in Concert

So, as you know - I saw the American Idols in Concert on Tuesday evening. The top ten contestants from this season's American Idol performed at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Before we left, I told Hunkahubby that I hoped I would not be disappointed. Oftentimes, things don't come through quite the same way on TV that they do live and in person.

I was right.

But in a good way.

TV did NOT do them justice.

They were AMAZING. Honestly. I was only disappointed with one contestant - which I'll get into in a minute.

During the 'warm-up' before the concert, we were treated to an appearance by POP-TART (Pop-Tarts sponsored the concert).
He was fun. (all pictures by Hunkahubby and IzzyBeth, Copyright, 2008)

Not so sure about the implications of a giant fuzzy Pop-Tart though . . .

Right before the show started, there was a little bit of activity in front of the stage and we realized that Hoosier top 24 contestant Luke Menard was in the audience.
Yes, the picture is fuzzy, but it is him. Several of the contestants pointed him out and one even dedicated a song to him.

The concert started and each performer from 10 to the winner was given the chance to sing at least 3 songs by themselves on stage.

The first performer was the contestant who finished 10th: Chikezie


I was extremely impressed with him. He talked of how blessed he was to be on the stage. He had awesome stage presence and he hit some unbelievable notes. He did not deserve to be 10th. He also did a great job of starting off the show and getting everyone pumped up. After Chikezie performed three songs (for a complete set list, click here) Ramiele Malubay got her turn.


Now I have to admit, that I really liked Ramiele at the beginning of the competition this year. But as time went on - she didn't show much personality. Well, unfortunately - that carried through to this concert. She is a tiny, cute girl - but she was not that great. And she acted bored to be there. I was disappointed in her stage presence and in her voice. :-( And I'm not even sure she knew what city she was in. But anyway - I made it through her 3 songs and cheered loudly when she was done.

Next up . . . a contestant that never should have finished 8th . . . Michael Johns.


During this season - I went back and forth on Michael. He seemed kind of cocky. But he was an amazing performer - and in this concert he did justice to favorites from Queen and Aerosmith. And he dedicated Aerosmith's "Dream On" to Luke Menard. Even Hunkahubby who was not a fan of Michael, said that he redeemed himself. He did a great job. (Plus, who couldn't love his Australian accent?)

Next up - the country girl, Kristy Lee Cook.

She had an on again/off again season and I really think it was nerves. She was often pitchy and I wasn't certain how good she really was. Well, she did a GREAT job performing. I didn't hear any pitchy notes either. And of course - she knows how to get the crowd by performing "God Bless the USA". Kristy is also the first contestant (beyond the top 2) to get a record contract. So look for her country album to come out within the next year!

Next was the performer that Hunkahubby and I were VERY excited to hear live: Carly Smithson!!!




She did NOT disappoint. :-) Go Carly. Carly has a magnificent voice. And she sang some pretty powerful songs. She opened with "Bring Me to Life" by Evanescence. And then she talked in her beautiful Irish lilt for a little bit. Then she caused my husband to drool and sweat a little bit by singing "Crazy on You" by Heart (He LOVES Heart). And she KILLED it. (Killed in a good way, obviously). She finished with Cyndi Lauper's "I Drove All Night." Awesome job Carly. Some idiot had better sign her to a label. She is amazing. (And all those people who are hating on her over the "previous contract controversy" - GIVE HER A BREAK, she was REALLY YOUNG. She's paid her dues. Geesh.)

Next up was finalist number 5 - Brooke White.

Brooke has the Carole King/Carly Simon vibe, which I love. I was a little worried about Brooke during the competition because I was afraid the pressure was going to make her CRACK. But she survived the tv season and did a beautiful job performing for us - including accompanying herself on piano and guitar.

Just before intermission - we were reminded about Idol Gives Back and how we can continue to help. The finalists who had performed so far came together to perform U2's "Pride (In the Name of Love)". Again . . . awesome. (I have to find a new adjective.)


During intermission there was a Guitar Hero: World Tour commercial featuring the idols - but I was busy standing in the horrendously long women's restroom line. But I searched for it on YouTube and was able to see most of it. (I won't post a link here, because none of the videos are great quality).

Hunkahubby and I got something to drink to help our parched throats (yes, we scream) and got back to our seats - and were graced with Mr. Pop-Tart's presence for a few more minutes. Then - BACK TO THE SHOW WITH . . . Jason Castro!


I love Jason Castro. He was always really laid back, and just a little bit awkward. But you could not deny that he was talented. He also did my favorite song of his from the season - Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's version of "Over the Rainbow." With a ukulele no less. :-)

The next contestant is a stunning girl and has a beautiful voice - but I wish she'd worn a little bit more clothes. Holy cow Syesha Mercado!


Syesha sang very well, and knew her way around the stage - but I wasn't DAZZLED the way I was with some of the other performers. Maybe I was too busy watching the security guy who thought he needed to police how far people's toes stuck out into the aisle. Or listening to the four adults who had way too much to drink in the rows behind us. (You couldn't NOT hear them, unfortunately.)

After this - the high pitched scary screaming started. The pre-teens were IN THE HOUSE. And they were there for David Archuleta.


Here is another one where I cannot deny this kid's talent. He has an incredible voice for a 17-year-old. He seems very comfortable "working" the stage - but when he stops to talk - he still seems really nervous and completely blown away that everyone is screaming for him.

David Archuleta (or "Archie") got to sing 4 songs, and my favorite was the last one where he sang Josh Groban's version of "When You Say You Love Me."

Now - the moment I had been waiting for . . . Yes - I am a "Cookie". I loved this contestant from almost the very beginning of last season. He was consistently good - and always did something unique with his songs. (And it doesn't hurt that he seems to be a genuine nice guy - AND has family from Indiana!) Yes - it was finally time for - DAVID COOK!

He was BEYOND amazing. He did a great job - and he was so REAL. During one part, he realized that his pants were coming 'un-tied' -- I think it was more on the side than anything that would have caused embarrassment. But after a song, he sat down and said he was going to fix it (and everyone booed) and he said "I can't believe you guys would BOO safety!"

He also talked about his guitar and that he bought it in Indiana. And that his Dad and some other family members were in the audience. (He made his Daddy proud!)

David got to sing five songs including:

His version of "Hello" by Lionel Richie.
His first official single - "The Time of My Life"
Aerosmith's "I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing"
The Foo Fighters' "My Hero" which he dedicated to his brother Adam (from Terre Haute, Indiana) who is battling brain cancer.
And Chris Cornell's version of Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean".

Hello and Billie Jean were definitely my favorites.




Everyone screamed the loudest for the 2 Davids (Carly, Castro, and Michael Johns got a lot of love as well.) And I thought the coolest thing was this gray-haired lady a few rows in front of me who tried to stand on her chair to get a better look at David Cook. When you've won over the Grandmas AND the teenagers - well, what else could you want??

All of the idols came out for one last song - Rihanna's version of "Please don't stop the music". Again . . . amazing. (heard that word enough?)


Oh - and I almost forgot to mention the fact that at the very end streamers shot out of the ceiling and I GOT TO KEEP A PIECE. (I'm weird, I know.) Hunkahubby is working on a collage for our wall from our AI Concert experience and the shiny streamer will just make it that much cooler.

It was a great evening and I didn't want it to end. I wanted to stay after to see if I could meet some of the idols - but Hunkahubby thought we should get home before it got too late. ::sighs:: OH WELL. I got some great pictures - and hopefully several of these people make it big and I can say I knew them when.

And the best part? An evening with Hunkahubby all to myself. I am so blessed.

Happy Thursday - TOMORROW IS FRIDAY!!!!

The Road to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

So - we bought Guitar Hero (The Aerosmith Edition).

So, I love it.

So, my arm hurts.

So . . . I DON'T CARE. It is a lot of fun! I've always wanted to play guitar, but my fingers are short and stubby and even though I knew the chords, they only came out as an annoying plunk. So with this game, I can live my dream in some small way. :-)

I now want to buy Rock Band for the Wii for the family for Christmas, but I'm hoping they'll come out with a Disney Edition so the kids will actually know the songs.

And I think my friend Barry and my Uncle Steve need to play Guitar Hero. I would love to put THAT on YouTube. :-)

Happy Wednesday! (I'm off for 4 whole days! WOOHOO!!!)

The calm before the storm

If you've been watching the news, you know that Indiana has been getting some not so fun weather lately - tornados, flash floods, and very severe thunderstorms. We don't have a basement, so we have spent a lot of time in our closet next to the stairs. (Well, the kids have . . . Hunkahubby and I don't quite fit.)

After a week of storms, and the promise of another on the way - Hunkahubby went outside and took some awesome pictures at sunset - I wanted to share them here.

(All photos by Hunkahubby)

These pictures remind me of the song "Praise You in this Storm" by Casting Crowns. Here is an excerpt of the lyrics:

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God
Who gives and takes away

Chorus: I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For you are who you are
No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise you in this storm

And as a Pastor of mine used to say -

"Don't tell God how big your storm is, tell the storm how big your God is."

My friend Traci Root

I have to take a minute and tell you about my friend Traci. I've known Traci since she was 12 years old and I have a hard time thinking of her as anything but the scrawny little girl with the beautiful smile and huge heart, who I loved hanging out with because of her humor and intelligence way beyond her years. But when I watch this video - I marvel at her talent and I have to accept that she has grown up and is bound for great things.

I am so proud of how far she has come since "I knew her when", but mostly I am blessed that I can call Traci my friend. I am sharing this video with all of you here in hopes that you will check out her music, download her songs (available on iTunes), and support her amazing ministry.



I love you Traci. You go girl!!

Guilty Pleasure

I admit it. I'm an American Idol Freak. I haven't watched it consistently for 7 years, but Hunkahubby and I have been pretty big fans since the end of Season 3.


So I just had to take the chance to say -

Congratulations David Cook! I've been rooting for him since the beginning. (My other favorites were Carly Smithson (awesome voice) and Amanda Overmyer (fellow Hoosier).)

I got choked up in the end, watching he and his family overcome with emotion. I think he is going to make some great music and I'm really looking forward to what he comes up with. I mean seriously, anyone who can turn Mariah Carey's "Always be my Baby" into a relevant hit for a guy . . . he's a winner in my book!

Yay!

Have you ever just had a really OFF week?

I have had one this week. I'm not sure why - but nothing has gone right. I hate it when that happens.

So today I'm making a conscious choice to have a better week from here on out. I went in search of some inspiration.

The first thing wasn't really inspiring - but it did make me laugh enough to get me out of the "funk" I was in.



Okay - so my days weren't THAT bad, not in that respect.

But the thing that really helped me was listening to music and this particular Amy Grant Medley really helped calm me down, give me peace, and remind me of what is really important.

Here are the lyrics:

Be still my soul, the Lord is on thy side
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain
Leave to thy God to order and provide
In every change He faithful will remain

Be still my soul, thy best, thy Heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end

Be still my soul, thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as He has the past
Thy hope, thy confidence, let nothing shake
All now mysterious will be bright at last

Delight yourselves in the Lord
Yes, and find your joy in Him
Be known for your gentleness
And never forget the nearness of our God
And don't worry - whatever is going to come
Just tell God every detail
And the peace of God that no one understands will come to you
No, don't worry
Just tell Him every detail and His peace will come to you

I tried to post the song so you could listen to it, but it isn't working correctly. I'll keep trying, but I think you can listen to it here if you download the free rhapsody player.

I hope all of you find peace today. (And I hope those office people eventually found some peace too!)

The Lord's Prayer - from a 2 year old . . .

This girl was only 2 years old when she recorded this. This will definitely make you smile. Have a great Monday!

Sad News

Larry Norman, "the father of Christian Rock", died on Sunday.

This news saddens me. I had the honor of attending one of his concerts several years ago. He was simple person with a simple, yet profound message. And he was really funny.

On his website,he posted a final message to everyone that included these words:

"I feel like a prize in a box of cracker jacks with God's hand reaching down to pick me up. I have been under medical care for months. My wounds are getting bigger. I have trouble breathing. I am ready to fly home."

Here is a tribute video someone did of Larry - singing my favorite song, "I am a servant."




Goodbye Larry. We may mourn, but Heaven is rejoicing.

Song of the Day

This song is from 2005, but I had never heard it. I will post a live video of the song and the lyrics below. I wanted to share it because I really needed to hear this today - so maybe you do too!



The Real Me

Natalie Grant

Foolish heart looks like we're here again
Same old game of plastic smile
Don't let anybody in
Hiding my heartache, will this glass house break
How much will they take before I'm empty
Do I let it show, does anybody know?

But you see the real me
Hiding in my skin, broken from within
Unveil me completely
I'm loosening my grasp
There's no need to mask my frailty
Cause you see the real me

Painted on, life is behind a mask
Self-inflicted circus clown
I'm tired of the song and dance
Living a Charade, always on parade
What a mess I've made of my existence
But you love me even now
And still I see somehow

But you see the real me
Hiding in my skin, broken from within
Unveil me completely
I'm loosening my grasp
There's no need to mask my frailty
Cause you see the real me

Wonderful, beautiful is what you see
When you look at me
You're turning the tattered fabric of my life into
A perfect tapestry
I just wanna be me

But you see the real me
Hiding in my skin, broken from within
Unveil me completely
I'm loosening my grasp
There's no need to mask my frailty
Cause you see the real me

And you love me just as I am

Wonderful, Beautiful is what you see
When you look at me

Funny Country Songs

I have a confession to make. I LOVE country music. I always have. Sure, people like to make jokes like, "What happens when you play a country song backwards? You get your wife back, your dog back, etc. etc. etc." However, the things I love most about country music are:

• It's simple.
• You can understand the words.
• Almost everyone can relate to the message.
• There is usually a sense of humor involved . . . and I love to laugh.

My dear husband does not share my love of country music . . . so since we've been married, I don't listen to it as much. Not because he won't LET me, but because when we're together, I want us BOTH to enjoy the time. . . not just me. I've tried (sometimes successfully, sometimes not so much) to get him to understand why I love this type of music. He does like certain artists, and I can be grateful for that.

This month, I started a new aspect of my job and I'm back to working in an office again (one of my excuses for not posting every day on my blog . . .) - and the great part about it is, I have about a 20 minute drive where I CAN LISTEN TO COUNTRY MUSIC, if I want to.

This morning, I found a 'Young Country' station that sounds like it is being run by local high school students, but the music was good - so I stuck with it through the extremely slow and icy drive (it took me 40 minutes longer today, so I got a lot of good country listening in.)

Well - there were three songs in a row that evoked significant emotion for me, so I thought I'd share them with you here.

The first one caused me to laugh out loud (or LOL for you abbreviators). The chorus goes like this:

"You say I should stay with you
That Jesus forgives you
You pray I will, but I won't
The difference is
Jesus loves you . . . I don't"

Okay, so I don't necessarily agree with the sentiment, but it caught me off guard and made me laugh. If you are interested, the song is called "I Don't" and it's by Danielle Peck. You can watch the video here.

Right after that, there was another song that was really catchy and again made me laugh. I'll copy all of the lyrics here, because they are really funny . . .

She got her daddy's tongue and temper
Sometimes her mouth could use a filter
God shook his head the day he built her
Oh, but I bet he smiled.
She loves and lives her life unruly
Tears up that dirt road up in a dualy
Dangerous, absolutely.
And in a little while...
She'll be roundin' that corner on three wheels
Ain't slowin down, yellin "Come on, jump in"
Always up to somethin, crazy got nothin' on her

Chorus:She ain't right,
she ain't right
She ain't right,
but she's just right for me

She says she wants to meet my momma
I said, I don't think you oughta
Be like mixin' oil and water
But by midnight she had
momma on the coffee table dancin'
Comin' unwound
Good God I swear,
can't take her anywhere
What's the girl gonna do next

She ain't right,
she ain't right
She ain't right,
but she's just right for me

Every once in a while
she'll give me that smile and say,
I just don't see somebody like you
lovin' somebody like me

She ain't right,
naw she ain't right
She ain't right
She ain't right,
she ain't right

She's just right,
she's just right,
She's just right for me
Mhhmmm she's just right,
she's just right.
She ain't right,
she's just right for me.

I mean seriously . . . didn't that make you laugh? I am beginning to wonder if my husband wrote that song about me . . . well, not the whole song . . . just the 'she ain't right' part. Ha ha.

Again, if you're interested, that song is by Lee Brice and the song is "She Ain't Right" and you can watch the video here.

Finally, we'll end on a serious note. I had heard about this final song, but had not had the chance to listen to it. It was very sentimental, because it made me think about my children growing up, and how their Daddy is going to handle it.

This song is called "Stealing Cinderella" and it is by Chuck Wicks.

Here's the video for you to enjoy.

I challenge all of you today to listen to some music that you can connect with - laugh, cry, and sing really loud!!

Do they still have the right stuff??

This article made me crack up laughing and cringe all at the same time.

Yes, I admit it - I am a child of the 80s and proud to be one. I can't wait for big hair to come back (the kind where you needed a building permit, just to do your hair),
neon green used to be my favorite color - and I still believe that nothing will ever top 80s music for nostalgic value (sappiness) and the perfect music for slow dancing at school functions . . .





However . . . I find it hard to admit . . . that I actually saw the New Kids on the Block in concert when I was in 7th grade. But, it's true. I did. And I loved it. And I was crazily in love with Donnie (who we now know as Marky Mark a.k.a. Mark Wahlberg, serious actor's brother) . . . why? I don't know . . . when I look at old pictures of NKOTB . . . I REALLY don't know.

Honestly, I loved the 80s . . . but an NKOTB comeback? Seriously??? Aren't there enough boy bands without bringing old ones back from the dead?

What do you think??

Nobody's Perfect

Everybody makes mistakes... Everybody has those days...
Everybody makes mistakes... Everybody has those days...
Everybody knows what, what I'm talkin' 'bout... Everybody gets that way...
(From "Nobody's Perfect" by Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus)

I am just having one of those weeks. I'm anxious about things to come, and trying hard to just deal with the present. I get like that sometimes. And then - things happen that make me remember what it was like to have anxiety as a kid . . .

Today was . . . REPORT CARD DAY (dum dum dum).

Yes, the first semester of school is already over. It's hard to believe. I have a son in Kindergarten and a daughter in 2nd Grade. My son, who is always so charming and quiet . . . we are learning is finally starting to come out of his shell . . . and his behavior did not get good marks on his report card. We had to have a long talk and a few things (like TV, his favorite thing) restricted until he starts improving. He was NOT happy.

My daughter, for some reason, ALWAYS freaks out on report card day - even though she always has all As and Bs. She is way too young to be freaking out about grades!! My rule is always this - if you are trying your very best, then you should have nothing to worry about. I know she is trying very hard, at everything except her handwriting . . . for some reason - she just can't seem to care about that. She struggles in Math - but I know how hard she tries, so I never get upset with her over that, we just try to figure out a better way to help.

After she got to hear her brother's lecture - she was REALLY worried about her report card . . . but it was great, she even improved in a few things. And her Music and Art grades were outstanding (my hubby is an artist and we are both music freaks) so this makes us very proud. Even though we had to have a small talk about her handwriting, her Daddy and I both told her how awesome she did. And she cried. No . . . she sobbed.

The poor child - she is so much harder on herself than anyone is on her. So - I have taken to singing the Hannah Montana song "Nobody's Perfect" to her, any time she feels like she is going to DIE because she made a tiny mistake. It works quite well, and is a song you can easily get stuck in your head . . . whether you like it or not.

And here's the thing - sometimes I have to sing this song to myself, and remember - that in the whole scheme of things . . . its not THAT bad.

So today - I'm leaving you with a quote - and that song you'll be hating me for getting stuck in your head . . . except when you need to remember that you are NOT perfect, and that everyone has those days.

Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy. ~Leo Buscaglia

One of my favorite hymns, one of my favorite artists

Be Thou My Vision

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

(Painting by Hunkahubby, 2007)

High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

Dal­lan For­gaill (translated from the Irish by
Ma­ry E. Byrne, Versified by El­ea­nor H. Hull)

Long time no post

I haven't had a lot of time to post lately - school is winding down and work is winding up . . .

But I thought I'd take a few minutes and update everyone on my life.

First of all - I know I don't post pictures of my kids . . . but this one is sneaky. This is my son and his buddy Ronnie in their Halloween costumes . . . they are in masks - so I feel safe posting this.

(Photo by Ruth Roberts Copyright 2007)

Isn't that fun?

Now on to other updates . . .

Hunkahubby just started a new job as a visual merchandiser/decorator at a furniture store in Indy. He got the job a few months ago. He loved it and was doing great. Then . . . they eliminated his position. But - they didn't want to lose him, so they offered him a sales position. Although it was a pay cut, and not what he really wants to do - he took it in hopes it is a stepping stone to bigger and better things. He has been working in his new position for 2 days now and he is doing great! I'm so proud of him. AND - he has to dress up, so I get to see my sexy husband in a coat and tie every day. Makes me want to dress nicer . . .

I am sure that God has a plan in all of this, and I can't wait to see what is going to happen next. :-)

I have 4 more weeks of my Masters and I'll actually be done - I cannot believe it. I will actually have TIME to sit down and love on my kids every night - that is more exciting than anything.

Also - this week, after a 2 year hiatus . . . I actually got to sing in church. Hunkahubby has been leading the children's worship for quite some time now - and no one has stepped up to help him. Well, the 'virtue song' was pretty high and written for a female voice this month and so I said . . . 'I'll do it if you want me to.' I did not want to commit to something that I knew I couldn't follow through on - but now that school is almost done . . . I feel I'm able to do a few things.

We had an absolute blast - and I love watching Hunkahubby dance around with the kids and getting them to do silly things like the wave. I had a hard time focusing on the words, because I was too busy laughing at him.

I really missed singing. Singing has always been a part of my life - and it depresses me when I don't get to do it. (Of course, when I'm alone, I sing to myself all the time!!) I am glad that this opportunity arose and is helping me slowly get back on the musical 'horse' again. I do have to admit though - these last two years have been nice. When I was on a permanent worship team - I very rarely just got to sit and focus on the service and be 'still.' I'm not usually very good at being still. But I learned a lot from being able to do just that. God has taught me many things in the past couple years.

At the end of this week, I'm going on what I hope is my last business trip of the year - to San Diego, California. I've never seen that ocean - so I'm pretty excited about it. I'll post pictures when I return.

Okay - those are my updates for today - I hope this evening finds all of you well.