So - I had a birthday. And it was one of the best birthdays. Thursday night Donnie gave me my presents. YEA! Loved them ALL! I got a large muffin tin. SO EXCITED! He made breakfast and took me for a pedicure and to get my eyebrows done. I was putty when I left. Then he took me for lunch to Buca di Beppo. I love love love love this place. The food is just amazing. Then, to walk off our lunch, we walked around the mall. I got new black heels. :) That night was a Youth Rally that we praise sang for. And let me tell you. God moved in such a powerful way. He moved in our youth group and I pray changed some lives. The youth needed it before heading off for school.
Saturday we had dinner with my family. Awesome presents, oh-so-yummy steaks, WONDERFUL pie and cake, and lots of fun playing games. Nathan isn't that good at Pit. Poor guy. hehehehe I have a few pics - I just need to download them from my camera!
Over all - it was a really good birthday. I think the best present was being able to spend so much time with Donnie and my family. That and watching those girls pray on Friday night and Sunday, and being able to pray with them. I'm thankful for the blessings God has given. Isn't He awesome? :)
Sondra
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Differences
Isn't love grand? :) This was from rehearsal night. Everyone wore their teams colors. The back of my shirt says "BRIDE" his says "GROOM". It was a really fun night. We still get comments when we were our team colors, "You're married?? To a (Longhorn/Sooner)??" "Wow... that's love!" I think Donnie gets a little too much of a kick out of it. Planning it out. "Honey - why don't you wear your Sooners shirt?" Like it makes him look like good or something... let the crimson get all over you baby!! ;) Love you?
Sondra
Love transcends all college football affiliations... at least until October...
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Perseverance & Pure Joy
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4
I don't know about you - but when I'm going through a trial joy is not my knee-jerk reaction. It is something that has to grow on me. I don't shout when I realize that money is going to be tight. I don't start praising God when my car breaks down. And I definitely don't start worshipping when I am working with difficult personalities. But the Word says to consider it joy when you face trials. My faith must be tested so that I can develop perseverance. To persevere is to persist in spite of counterinfluences, oppostition, and discouragement. Now, that doesn't exactly spur joy in many hearts. However - if you read on the Word also states...
"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." James 1:12
Wow! Now THAT! That is worthy of joy! I want to be one of those Christians that lives these verses! You've seen them. The strong saints that seem like nothing shakes them. A storm blows in to their life - and it just makes them dig their heels in more. They see the big picture. They know that if they can get through the trials, God has promised them eternal life!
Remember - God is good - no matter what the situation is. We may not see His hand - but He is working nonetheless. If we will just hold on - the reward is a crown of life!
Sondra
I don't know about you - but when I'm going through a trial joy is not my knee-jerk reaction. It is something that has to grow on me. I don't shout when I realize that money is going to be tight. I don't start praising God when my car breaks down. And I definitely don't start worshipping when I am working with difficult personalities. But the Word says to consider it joy when you face trials. My faith must be tested so that I can develop perseverance. To persevere is to persist in spite of counterinfluences, oppostition, and discouragement. Now, that doesn't exactly spur joy in many hearts. However - if you read on the Word also states...
"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." James 1:12
Wow! Now THAT! That is worthy of joy! I want to be one of those Christians that lives these verses! You've seen them. The strong saints that seem like nothing shakes them. A storm blows in to their life - and it just makes them dig their heels in more. They see the big picture. They know that if they can get through the trials, God has promised them eternal life!
Remember - God is good - no matter what the situation is. We may not see His hand - but He is working nonetheless. If we will just hold on - the reward is a crown of life!
Sondra
Friday, August 17, 2007
Joy
A blog I like to read posed the question "what brings you joy?" So, I decided to answer! :)
What brings me joy...
Joy: 'joi Function: noun
1a : the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires b : the expression or exhibition of such emotion
2 : a state of happiness or felicity
3 : a source or cause of delight
Music - Good quality music. Whether it be jazz, gospel, country, alternative. Anything that is true talent, not just good mixing skills on the producers part. But when an artist can sing, purely. Or when a musician can play that instrument in just a way that you feel the song. Not just hear it, but you can feel the words. Feel the music. THAT brings me joy.
Organization - Sad, is it not? But when I've worked hard (or not so hard) and things are all in order and organized. I get a sense of joy.
Moments with my loved ones - falling asleep in my husband's arms, having breakfast with my husband, the moment Krista gets a joke (love you girlie!), the long talks with my mother, the inside jokes with my sister (do YOU know WHY?), the inside jokes with Mandy (RUUUUNNN!!)...
I've noticed that the things in my life that bring me joy are not things at all. They are people, moments. It's the feeling that I am in the will of God. It's when I am listening to song and I feel God speaking to me. It's when I am spending time and building relationships. It's the feelings of accomplishment.
Psalms 51:10-13 says "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you."
As I think about it - yes, all of the above things bring me joy. They are all wonderful in their own right - but what brings me a true joy? God's salvation. The peace of His love. For when I have a Godly joy... oh how wonderful! It is the only thing that will help you through the storms of life and will give you the strength to lead others to His sweet love. The joy that comes from Him will give you life!
Sondra
What brings me joy...
Joy: 'joi Function: noun
1a : the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires b : the expression or exhibition of such emotion
2 : a state of happiness or felicity
3 : a source or cause of delight
Music - Good quality music. Whether it be jazz, gospel, country, alternative. Anything that is true talent, not just good mixing skills on the producers part. But when an artist can sing, purely. Or when a musician can play that instrument in just a way that you feel the song. Not just hear it, but you can feel the words. Feel the music. THAT brings me joy.
Organization - Sad, is it not? But when I've worked hard (or not so hard) and things are all in order and organized. I get a sense of joy.
Moments with my loved ones - falling asleep in my husband's arms, having breakfast with my husband, the moment Krista gets a joke (love you girlie!), the long talks with my mother, the inside jokes with my sister (do YOU know WHY?), the inside jokes with Mandy (RUUUUNNN!!)...
I've noticed that the things in my life that bring me joy are not things at all. They are people, moments. It's the feeling that I am in the will of God. It's when I am listening to song and I feel God speaking to me. It's when I am spending time and building relationships. It's the feelings of accomplishment.
Psalms 51:10-13 says "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you."
As I think about it - yes, all of the above things bring me joy. They are all wonderful in their own right - but what brings me a true joy? God's salvation. The peace of His love. For when I have a Godly joy... oh how wonderful! It is the only thing that will help you through the storms of life and will give you the strength to lead others to His sweet love. The joy that comes from Him will give you life!
Sondra
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Busy Life
Busy busy busy!! There is a lot going on right now.
Kerri's shower is Saturday, so I'm really excited about that. We, hopefully!, are going to have loads of fun! I'm hoping a lot of people show, but not more than what I've bought plates for. lol
The next event will be the Ladies Night. If SisB wants me as involved as I hope - I will STILL be busy! :) Lots of great plans for that. Keep your fingers crossed!
My birthday is next FRIDAY! I'm not sure whether to be excited or depressed. I've gotten the comments "well - wait til you're 30" or "wait til you hit 40" and higher. People. How did you feel when you turned 26? How did you feel when you turned 25? Let me have my moment! It's an odd time in life. I wish I could say that 25 was the best year of my life, but I can't. It was hard. Very, very hard. There were a lot of trials, a lot of tears. Yes, I got married and that was one of the best things to have happened in my life. But the journey up to that day, and the journey after that day has had it's very rocky moments. 25 was a turning point. I'm a little excited, that nervous kind of excitement, about what 26 has in store. It's not that I feel old (though I kind of do) - I just feel... like I'm turning a new leaf. 26 has to be good... it adds up to 8! :)
Enjoy your life. Don't waste a single day saying "what if" or "I should have". Live saying "this is what I have done".
Sondra
Kerri's shower is Saturday, so I'm really excited about that. We, hopefully!, are going to have loads of fun! I'm hoping a lot of people show, but not more than what I've bought plates for. lol
The next event will be the Ladies Night. If SisB wants me as involved as I hope - I will STILL be busy! :) Lots of great plans for that. Keep your fingers crossed!
My birthday is next FRIDAY! I'm not sure whether to be excited or depressed. I've gotten the comments "well - wait til you're 30" or "wait til you hit 40" and higher. People. How did you feel when you turned 26? How did you feel when you turned 25? Let me have my moment! It's an odd time in life. I wish I could say that 25 was the best year of my life, but I can't. It was hard. Very, very hard. There were a lot of trials, a lot of tears. Yes, I got married and that was one of the best things to have happened in my life. But the journey up to that day, and the journey after that day has had it's very rocky moments. 25 was a turning point. I'm a little excited, that nervous kind of excitement, about what 26 has in store. It's not that I feel old (though I kind of do) - I just feel... like I'm turning a new leaf. 26 has to be good... it adds up to 8! :)
Enjoy your life. Don't waste a single day saying "what if" or "I should have". Live saying "this is what I have done".
Sondra
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Hooray for MUFFINS
I got muffins!! :) Donnie got up this morning and made me blueberry muffins. Not only were there muffins - but sliced strawberries and cream cheese as well! I have the best husband in the world. And no, not just because he makes me muffins. That's just icing on the cake! :)
It will be a busy week. Kerri's shower is Saturday (I'm so excited!) and there is still some to be done! I'll be busy baking and making. Two things I love to do. I went shopping last night and got her present - I do hope she likes it. If not, I'll keep it! ;) j/k!! It is super cute and looks super comfortable though.
Thought for the day:
If at first you do succeed, try to hide your astonishment!
Sondra
It will be a busy week. Kerri's shower is Saturday (I'm so excited!) and there is still some to be done! I'll be busy baking and making. Two things I love to do. I went shopping last night and got her present - I do hope she likes it. If not, I'll keep it! ;) j/k!! It is super cute and looks super comfortable though.
Thought for the day:
If at first you do succeed, try to hide your astonishment!
Sondra
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Muffins & Keys
My alarm went off this morning at 7AM. Now, this is a daily occurrence for me so there shouldn't have been a problem with it... right? WRONG. I remember snuggling up to Donnie asking him to make muffins (yes - it was a conscious request. I wanted muffins!). The next thing I know Donnie is booming "BABY!! It's ten til EIGHT!" Somehow, in my muffin-consuming thoughts, I had inadvertently turned my alarm OFF instead of snoozing. I came flying up out of the bed and was dressed (including my hair) in ten minutes.
After this marathon dressing I walked in to the kitchen and on the counter sat cinnamon toast. Not muffins, but equally tasty. He had made breakfast, and put together my lunch for the day while I was rushing around. Through all this - I am not fully awake. (In fact, I don't think I really woke up til about 10am. But that's beside the point.) Donnie walks me to the car like he does every morning, kisses my goodbye, and I pull away.
When I pull up to the stop sign by the apartments I do the dutiful look left, look right. Except when I look left, what do I see? My husband running full speed down the sidewalk. My first thought was, "he didn't tell me he was planning on running this morning." My second thought, "why is he barefoot?" A few seconds later it dawns on me that he might be running towards... me. Evidently in the trip to walk me to my car he had locked the door. With my keys. The very ones hanging from my ignition.
We are brilliant.
The good news? I was only 5 minutes late. :)
Sondra
Joke of the day:
Two muffins were in an oven. The first muffin says to the other muffin, "MAN! It's getting hot in here!" The second muffin turns and replies, "AGH!! A TALKING MUFFIN!!"
After this marathon dressing I walked in to the kitchen and on the counter sat cinnamon toast. Not muffins, but equally tasty. He had made breakfast, and put together my lunch for the day while I was rushing around. Through all this - I am not fully awake. (In fact, I don't think I really woke up til about 10am. But that's beside the point.) Donnie walks me to the car like he does every morning, kisses my goodbye, and I pull away.
When I pull up to the stop sign by the apartments I do the dutiful look left, look right. Except when I look left, what do I see? My husband running full speed down the sidewalk. My first thought was, "he didn't tell me he was planning on running this morning." My second thought, "why is he barefoot?" A few seconds later it dawns on me that he might be running towards... me. Evidently in the trip to walk me to my car he had locked the door. With my keys. The very ones hanging from my ignition.
We are brilliant.
The good news? I was only 5 minutes late. :)
Sondra
Joke of the day:
Two muffins were in an oven. The first muffin says to the other muffin, "MAN! It's getting hot in here!" The second muffin turns and replies, "AGH!! A TALKING MUFFIN!!"
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Overcoming!
It has been an interesting week!
Thursday I woke up with a sore throat, no bueno. I ended up leaving work early - what can I say? I'm weak.
The Shift Conference was the next night and I was on the praise team. Poco did a beautiful job when my voice decided to start giving out! God gave me enough strength to get through the service - and a wonderful service it was! Sis Angel played and sang with us since Julie was out of town. Man - God really blessed her with an awesome voice. She rocks. Danelle has formed a fan club for her. Danelle is the pres, I'm the VP, Mandy is the Treasurer. Donnie ended up getting off work just in time for Sis McLaughlin to grab him up to sing. He's so good. Instant in season and out, huh baby? ;)
Saturday was FULL! I helped Mandy and Krista pack, and when Donnie got off work we headed over to my mom's to help her pack. By the end of the day we were both worn out!
When Sunday rolled around I felt worse. The services were amazing though. God is pouring out His spirit!! We had four baptized and two received the Holy Ghost!! Sunday night Jason was supposed to preach - but the choir decided to preach instead. I enjoyed the service, but I was a little bummed. I'm excited to hear Jason preach! I am confident that he and God will do an amazing job.
Monday? I only worked a half day - I was SICK. Krista came through her surgery with flying colors - WOO HOO! But Donnie ended up having to cook dinner. It was good though. Not that I'm surprised or anything... ;)
Tuesday - I'm better!!! :) I feel so much better today - and I know it's because of prayer. This kind of things lingers in my body for some reason, but today I feel alert and ready to face the world. Of course - this lingering cough wants to face the world too!! Stupid monkey.
Please pray. My former pastor suffered a heart attack Saturday night and is in a coma. By the time his wife found him he had stopped breathing. The doctors are saying that there is brain damage and that the future is not looking good. But. I know a healer - and whatever form of healing God sees fit to perform - we ask Him to do it!
Sondra
Thursday I woke up with a sore throat, no bueno. I ended up leaving work early - what can I say? I'm weak.
The Shift Conference was the next night and I was on the praise team. Poco did a beautiful job when my voice decided to start giving out! God gave me enough strength to get through the service - and a wonderful service it was! Sis Angel played and sang with us since Julie was out of town. Man - God really blessed her with an awesome voice. She rocks. Danelle has formed a fan club for her. Danelle is the pres, I'm the VP, Mandy is the Treasurer. Donnie ended up getting off work just in time for Sis McLaughlin to grab him up to sing. He's so good. Instant in season and out, huh baby? ;)
Saturday was FULL! I helped Mandy and Krista pack, and when Donnie got off work we headed over to my mom's to help her pack. By the end of the day we were both worn out!
When Sunday rolled around I felt worse. The services were amazing though. God is pouring out His spirit!! We had four baptized and two received the Holy Ghost!! Sunday night Jason was supposed to preach - but the choir decided to preach instead. I enjoyed the service, but I was a little bummed. I'm excited to hear Jason preach! I am confident that he and God will do an amazing job.
Monday? I only worked a half day - I was SICK. Krista came through her surgery with flying colors - WOO HOO! But Donnie ended up having to cook dinner. It was good though. Not that I'm surprised or anything... ;)
Tuesday - I'm better!!! :) I feel so much better today - and I know it's because of prayer. This kind of things lingers in my body for some reason, but today I feel alert and ready to face the world. Of course - this lingering cough wants to face the world too!! Stupid monkey.
Please pray. My former pastor suffered a heart attack Saturday night and is in a coma. By the time his wife found him he had stopped breathing. The doctors are saying that there is brain damage and that the future is not looking good. But. I know a healer - and whatever form of healing God sees fit to perform - we ask Him to do it!
Sondra
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Oh, How the Mighty Have Fallen
I, once again, have been shown just how much of a competitor I can be. Even when comes to a simple game of scrabble, I find myself on the losing end.(rarely ;-)
I had the evening off last night. A rare thing, in and of itself. She made the most incredible dinner last night. She also made cinnamon rolls for dessert. Let me tell you something, these were some melt in your mouth goodies too!
Anyway, we had a bit of down time last night so we took advantage of it and challenged one another to yet another game of scrabble. In a previous game, I had claimed victory. I was feeling bold, over confident, and arrogant perhaps... Guys, I lost my shirt in that game. She came back with pent-up aggression and just completely creamed me.
She is such a graceful winner. She could have rubbed it in but no. She simply said two words..."next time".
I love you baby
Donnie
I had the evening off last night. A rare thing, in and of itself. She made the most incredible dinner last night. She also made cinnamon rolls for dessert. Let me tell you something, these were some melt in your mouth goodies too!
Anyway, we had a bit of down time last night so we took advantage of it and challenged one another to yet another game of scrabble. In a previous game, I had claimed victory. I was feeling bold, over confident, and arrogant perhaps... Guys, I lost my shirt in that game. She came back with pent-up aggression and just completely creamed me.
She is such a graceful winner. She could have rubbed it in but no. She simply said two words..."next time".
I love you baby
Donnie
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