The reason...

Luke 2:1-19

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Lord, please let me never forget.. let me not get so wrapped up in commercialism and the gifts and forget that it's about You, Jesus, not me. Today, above all else, I want to glorify You. Thank You for giving me the greatest gift I could ever receive... You. Happy birthday Jesus.

Green with Green Grass Envy

Isn’t it funny how we are never satisfied? When we are young, we want to be older. When we are single, we want to be married. When we are in school, we want to have a job. The grass always looks just a little bit greener on the other side. If I could just… reach… I’d be SO much happier! Yet, when we get there? Behold! Problems! Who would have GUESSED?

Paul states, “for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:11-13)

I love the line “I have learned the secret to being content in ANY and EVERY situation.” Webster’s defines contented as “feeling or showing satisfaction with one’s possessions, status, or situation.” Imagine that. Being satisfied with what we have (not what our neighbor has), with where we are (not where we think we should be)...

Listening to the iPod at work and the song “The Other Side of the Fence” by Jonny Lang played. I guess you could say that it got me to thinking. :)

“The grass always looks greener on the other side of the fence
But the dog over there might be meaner on the other side of the fence
The car in the driveway looks longer on the other side of the street,
Does anything ever go wrong there on the other side of the fence?

Stay in your own yard
Play in your own yard
Be happy in your own yard
Cause everything that glitters really ain't gold

The future always looks brighter on the other side of the tracks
Everybody wants to go over but they don't want to come back
They live like Kings and Queens on their side of the town
They're gonna have to make room for me there on their side of the town

Jealousy's a cold thing, it's ice water in your veins
All it brings is bitterness and pain
Everything that glitters really ain't gold

Instead of worrying about what you are not, gotta make the most with what you got
Instead of keeping up with Mr. Jones, better look out for your own

Stay in your own yard
Play in your own yard
Be happy in your own yard
Cause everything that glitters really aint gold”

Silly Questions

Because I'm tired and fighting sleep... Enjoy...

What is your favorite quotable line from a movie?
"but I love the cookie"

Who is the most famous person you have spoken to?
Umm - Sis Bobbie Shoemake? :)

How many bags/boxes of potato chips are consumed at your place in a month?
less than a bag.. depends on if Donnie is in a sammy and chips kind of a mood.

Who is your all time favorite cartoon character?
HAMMY!!!

What foreign food dish do you prepare from scratch and serve?
I make some pretty good salsa verde chicken enchiladas. Is that foreign enough?

What is your favorite section of the supermarket?
I love to the cheese aisle at Central Market. I could spend hours in that one little section!

What was your high school teams mascot and what were the school's colors?
In Chickasha our colors were purple and gold, and we were the fighting chicks! Scary, no? At South Grand Prairie our colors were red and gold, and we were the WARRIORS! Much scarier. :)

Thanksgiving and Puppy Love

I have a lot to be thankful for this year. One of which - I have a new puppy! Donnie and I have gone back and forth about whether or not to get a dog for a while now. A coworker of mine happened to have eight puppies he was giving away on Monday, so Donnie decided to go ahead!



Her name is Lady, she will be seven weeks tomorrow, and she is a lab/pointer/dalmation mix. She's been great so far. Donnie and I haven't gotten very much sleep the last couple of nights - but she's worth it! :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Food for thought

I am one who loves to be in control. For those who know me well, Shush. :)

Seriously, I do like to have some control in my life. Even if I am a bystander, I like to know what is going to happen, what the plan is. It rolls over in to every aspect of my life in some form or fashion. I will read the last chapter in a book if I can't tell which way it will end, often skimming when I get nervous about the direction it is headed. If watching a movie, when the plot is not predicatable (at least to me) I will get nervous and feel like I have to leave the room. My alarm clock is set 10 minutes ahead - just to get an idea of where I will be in about that time. Sad, isn't it??

I stumbled upon this link (i used to hate to be confused) on a website. I knew had to read it after skimming the title.

Know you may wonder what control and confusion have in common. (I know - you've probably already figured this out - but work with me) I do NOT like being confused. When I am confused, I feel as though I have lost all control and am left vulnerable. I don't really do vulnerable well. However, it is only in that vulnerability and weakness that God is glorified!

Psalms 18:30-32 "As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect."

He is perfect. I am not. A reminder I need daily.

Silly Quizzes

I know, I know... not another post about a quiz I took and the results. What can I say? I am almost addicted to them. I like to take them and see if they even come close. This one? Fairly close! :)

Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...

You Are a Marilyn!

You are a Marilyn -- "I am affectionate and skeptical."

Marilyns are responsible, trustworthy, and value loyalty to family, friends, groups, and causes. Their personalities range broadly from reserved and timid to outspoken and confrontative.

How to Get Along with Me

• * Be direct and clear
• * Listen to me carefully
• * Don't judge me for my anxiety
• * Work things through with me
• * Reassure me that everything is OK between us
• * Laugh and make jokes with me
• * Gently push me toward new experiences
• * Try not to overreact to my overreacting.

What I Like About Being a Marilyn

• * being committed and faithful to family and friends
• * being responsible and hardworking
• * being compassionate toward others
• * having intellect and wit
• * being a nonconformist
• * confronting danger bravely
• * being direct and assertive

What's Hard About Being a Marilyn

• * the constant push and pull involved in trying to make up my mind
• * procrastinating because of fear of failure; having little confidence in myself
• * fearing being abandoned or taken advantage of
• * exhausting myself by worrying and scanning for danger
• * wishing I had a rule book at work so I could do everything right
• * being too critical of myself when I haven't lived up to my expectations

Marilyns as Children Often

• * are friendly, likable, and dependable, and/or sarcastic, bossy, and stubborn
• * are anxious and hypervigilant; anticipate danger
• * form a team of "us against them" with a best friend or parent
• * look to groups or authorities to protect them and/or question authority and rebel
• * are neglected or abused, come from unpredictable or alcoholic families, and/or take on the fearfulness of an overly anxious parent

Marilyns as Parents

• * are often loving, nurturing, and have a strong sense of duty
• * are sometimes reluctant to give their children independence
• * worry more than most that their children will get hurt
• * sometimes have trouble saying no and setting boundaries

Getting Ready for Omaha!

I'm so excited! I found my formal(ish) outfit for Omaha! Almost a month early! Who knew that could happen? I went to the mall with the sister and the cousin this morning and found a skirt to match the jacket I already bought AND a pair of shoes!!

That's all I have for now. I'm at my mom's and the keyboard - eees not so good! Off to have sushi - HOPEFULLY!!!

Evil Eye!

This is hilarious!

List

Sitting at work typing emails.
Smelling someones breakfast in the break room
Listening to the rain as it falls outside and co-workers laughing about their weekends.
Drinking nothing at the moment, just waiting on the tea to finish brewing.
Reading Pride & Prejudice and hoping to actually finish it this time.
Loving God and His people.
Dreading having to draw up a will. Evidently it's important to have or something.
Eagerly anticipating the Bubbles concert Saturday night!
Worrying about family and decisions being made.
Wishing I could have stayed home with my honey today.
Praying that I can be everything He wants me to be.
Grateful for second chances.
Sharing mybox of kleenexs with a coworker.

I got this list from BethanyActually. Feel free to copy.

Demotivation - Love these!

Geezer-ville and Sappy-town

It is official. My husband has turned old. His 30th birthday is today. Now, I don't really think 30 is old. In fact, the closer I get to it - the younger it seems! I just like to tease him about leaping into a new decade of his life.

I am so very proud of my husband. He works so hard day in and day out. The schedule he maintains is packed tight with school, work, church obligations - but he always makes time for me and time for our marriage. This past weekend is a prime example. He normally works Friday nights and Saturday mornings, but he took off so we could go to Granbury with the church. He had a test on Tuesday and a large lab that was due that day as well. I know he really needed to study. But because he wanted to spend time building our marriage he did not study over the weekend, causing him to stay up very late Sunday night and Monday night to go over everything.

What I admire most about my husband is his devotion to God. There were times that I know he could have stayed home and studied instead of going to church. Or times that he could have gotten extra hours for needed income at work. But he didn't. He has put God above all else and is such a great example to me, his family, my family, and our friends.

I love you Donnie. I hope you have a wonderful 30th birthday. And I pray that God blesses you with many more years. With ME!! :)

(btw - he's the hunk in the middle!)

Sondra

Lord, Please Hear My Prayer

I’m Your vessel
Imperfect in my ways
But You’re the master potter
Have Your way
And should You chose to break me
I will trust You
For You know what’s best for me

To be broken
To be used
To be more than formed by You
This is all I long for
All I need
Break this vessel
Work in me

For You to use me
I must be renewed
So into Your skillful hands I place my life
Do what You chose
And should You chose to break me
I will trust You
For You know what’s best for me

To be broken
To be used
To be more than formed by You
This is all I long for
All I need
Break this vessel
Work in me

My lips have said ‘not my will but thine’
But when it becomes my hearts cry
Then I can be used and You can be glorified
Lord, break me and mold me again

To be broken
To be used
To be more than formed by You
This is all I long for
All I need
Break this vessel
Work in me

Old, Ragweed, Family

It's OFFICIAL. I'm 27. A lot of grief is being sent my way due to my getting older. But to be honest - 27 feels pretty good. It feels right. I had an awesome birthday - thank you to everyone that made it extra special!

I've been a little under the weather this week - dumb allergies. All the coughing, scrathy/hurt throat, congestion, sniffling, headache, fuzyz brain - ness has really slowed me down. I really don't like not following through on my commitments and not being able to sing or teach Wednesday night was a real bummer. Service was awesome, but with the head swimming, fluctuating from hot and cold, and coughing - concentration was a little difficult.

The Bohde Reunion is this weekend. I have been fighting going (to no avail, I might add - stubborn father), but now that it is almost here I'm actually starting to look forward to it. If only this cold/allergies will clear up!!

College football kicks off this SATURDAY!!! SOOOO excited!!

On a closing note - a little something to make your day brighter. :) I love this baby girl.

Isn't she beautiful? Makes you realize what's important and what is just fluff.

"Take therefore no thought for the morrow... "

Lists & Ramblings (i.e. it won't make sense, but it will be organized!)

It's Monday. It's raining. I reserve the right to be melancholy!

I'm falling back into the non-blogging. It probably goes back to a couple of resons:

1) I attempt to be as eloquent, witty, and charming as some of the blogs I read and let's just face it - I'm none of the above!
2) I keep saying "I don't have time." Yet, I somehow have time to read the other million and one blogs that I keep up with almost daily.
3) Nothing significant has happened worthy of blogging.
4) Knowing who potentially may read it makes me very leary of what I type.

Now, while 1, 2, and 3 are very true and carry a lot of weight I think 4 is my main hold up. And since I'm in a list mood evidently, it could be from several things.

1) I don't want to say anything that would offend someone.
2) My reputation for being perfect (HAHAHAHAHA! Sorry.. I'm back) or my desire for my reputation to be perfect and I could say/write something that would tarnish it.
3) It would make me to stinkin' vulnerable!

A friend said recently "it's a shame - you can tell some people just aren't comfortable in their own skin." We were discussing how it's hard to make true friends and the fronts/masks people put up. The friend's point (or my interpretation of the point) was that when you are comfortable with who you are, who God made you to be, you don't have to put up a front. You simply say "this is who I am". And as simple as that is - it can be extremely difficult for an approval addict. I want people to like me. And in desiring that - I lose myself. Over and over again. And if allowed - I lose my relationship with God. So we are going to try to remove this mask a layer at a time. I want to be comfortable in my own skin. So here's me:

1) I am loud and will often break out in song or laugh at inappropiate times.
2) My friends are important to me. Mess with them, mess with me. I'm loyal to a fault at times.
3) I am not perfect. I often put my foot in my mouth when I speak rashly (which is a lot more often than I care to admit!)
4) God is the most important thing in my life. I will talk about Him and church and the ministries I am involved in at length. Get ready.

"I'm not perfect, just forgiven. Haven't yet arrived, but I'm on my way. Since Jesus found me, and forgave me - I can't say I'm perfect, but I can say I'm saved."

And isn't that what it's all about anyway?

VBS 2008 - Power Lab!

VBS 2008 is officially over! We had such a great time. There was a lot of time and effort put into it, and I think it went well. This year's theme was Power Lab! We all got to be mad scientist and try experiements. The kids got to make slime, walk on water, create their own language, see how it felt to be blind, have water fights, the works! And most important, they learned about the power of Jesus. Ah HA! Each night had a Bible point and when someone said it the kids had to yell "Ah HA!" It was a lot of fun. I'm really glad I got to help out this year. Enjoy the pictures!

Never Would Have Made It

A coworker introduced me to the song below. Oh, how much truth is in this song! If it was not for the hand of God and His grace that has been extended to me each and every day - I would not have made it this far! He is the reason I stand. It is for Him I will continue to stand.

I'm stronger, I'm wiser, I'm better - so much better... Because of You...

Oh So Yummy

My oh my oh my! I love these chips!! I happened across them in my parents cupboards one day and my chip life hasn't been the same. Try them - you might like them!

Thankfulness

I've been praying about a situation for a while now. I started off praying for God's will, but when it wasn't happening as fast or in the direction I thought it should have been moving I became impatient. My prayers turned into "Lord, give me this." My thought life became consumed with the issue and my peace started seeping out of my life. The focus left God's will and turned to Sondra's wants. Our church services have been starting out with the congregation gathering at the front for focused prayer. One night recently, as the congregation started to gather, a scripture popped into my mind.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6

Oh how wrong I had been!! a) I was anxious and letting it consume me. b) I had no thanksgiving!! I was not approaching the Lord being thankful - I was completely ignoring the blessings and benefits He had ALREADY given me. I learned a valuable lesson that I will hopefully remember for at least a couple of months! To be thankful in every situation is hard. I don't want to be thankful for the allergies. I don't want to be thankful that someone backed in to my car. I don't want to be thankful that gas is almost $4! But for every frustration - the blessings tied to it are tremendous. I have allergies, yes. But I can breathe. Someone backed into my car, yes. But I have a car. Gas is expensive, yes. But God has made a way for me to put gas in that car every week.

Thank You, Lord. Your blessings are abundant. Let me never forget that.

Thought For The Day

"Let It Go"

Such an easy phrase, huh? To say that is! Now, all you phlegmatics are asking "What's so hard about that??" Well, for this melancholy/choleric/red-head - A LOT! It is not easy for me to let things go. I like to hang on to them. Whether it's the last piece of chocolate in a box that I don't want to eat because then I won't have anymore, or it's the hurtful thing someone said to me three years ago. I will say this - I'm learning and I'm trying. One moment at a time. :)

So Long

I'm a horrible blogger!

There have been a few things I have discovered about myself over the last couple of months. First, if I am stressed - I don't blog. :) I don't really like to sit down and think about my feelings. Pushing them to the side seems like the best plan of action, though I know it really isn't. Second, I have become more laid back and assertive since I've been married to Donnie. How that works, well we are still trying to figure that one out. Third, I wear out easier than I used to. I have put on weight since the wedding, and that may have something to do with it. But, it seems that I just can't be around people or be going, going, going all the time anymore. Some days it makes me sad, other days I'm completely ok being a party pooper!!

Donnie is taking Calculus over the summer. He has made repeated attempts to explain what he is going over in class. With each attempt - my eyes glaze over, I nod, and start thinking of other things. It's not that I don't care! Calculus is a class I never took and most of what he is saying I am so clueless about! I do try though. I try very hard!

We just got home from our 2008 CNR Reunion and we had a blast. It was really nice to see the folks from California and from Illinois. We had a cook-out on Friday night. No fireworks - but at least we had bratwurst! I love me some brats! Next year we'll be heading to California for the reunion. I can't wait!! We are planning a road trip with the 6 of us, I think it will be fun!!

OH! I attempted rice krispy treats for the first time. (I know, I know - "the first time??" But, why should I make them when my mom does such a fantastic job?) May I pass along something I learned in my attempt to make these yummy goodies? If you are going to put chocolate chips in. Don't pour them into the hot marshmallows first. Wait til you have most of the rice krispy's covered, k? Just trust me.

Sondra

A Little Late

Hey Everybody...

Sondra and I celebrated 1 year of wonderful wedded bliss this past March 17th. We wanted to go somewhere special for the both of us, a place that neither one of us had spent any amount of time. We chose to take a roadtrip. Our final destination...Tyler, Texas :-)

We had a wonderful time. Sondra and I are a couple of closet history buffs. We visited several of the hsitorical homes in the area. One in particular, the Goodman home, was quite an interesting place. It showed just how much people, in the 1800s, used mirrors as a way to make their houses appear much bigger than they were. The Goodman home had mirrors on opposite sides of the room. Also, every room in the house, with the exception of the kitchen, had a fireplace. Even the bedrooms...all four of which were up a looooooong winding staircase. Long story short, it was a beautiful thing to see and even more fun to imagine life in the heyday of every room.

We went bowling and enjoyed the most incredible Victorian style steaks from Outback. My, my, my...

The best thing about it all was the time that we had to spend together. We had so much fun laughing at each others jokes. We even sat in McDonalds for over an hour just reading the newspaper and cracking up at the latest news.

Sweetheart, I love you

Donley

You're Still Worthy!

There is a song on my heart today:

When I am broken - I’ll be praising You
When my spirit soars - I’ll be praising You
When I’m tested and then tried and You seem far from me
My soul will cry “Bless the Lord!”
When I feel I can touch You - I’ll be praising You
When I can’t hear Your voice - I’ll be praising You
You do all things well so I’ve no need to question
In everything I will rejoice!

It is one thing to sing these words when you aren't going through a trial or you haven't really faced any strong opposition. But! When you feel as though it is one of your darkest times and you can still say the words "BLESS THE LORD!" I never want to let go of the hand of God! He is the source of strength, the salvation of my soul, everything you will ever need. The chorus to the song goes on to say:

I will sing hallelujah!
I’ve got breath in my body and Your mercy still shines on me
Hallelujah!
When my heart is breaking - You’re still worthy!
Hallelujah!

No matter what is going on in our lives - God is still worthy of the highest praise. Though it may be hard to acknowledge that fact - the truth doesn't diminish. He is worthy. Regardless.

Sondra

Been A Long Time

It's been a long time since I've posted anything here. Three months according to one person. Life has been really busy, and honestly, a little hard.

Since I've last posted my grandmother passed away. This was my last living grandparent. I am very grateful for the heritage that she left behind. This past weekend was Texas Women's Conference. Our Music Director, Julie, was asked to be over the music - so a few other ladies and myself were privileged to sing. It was tiring! But it was a wonderful experience. On Friday night a few ladies were asked to pray over the prayer cloths that were passed out to all those in attendance. The woman who led the prayer was Sis Judy Gandy. Sis Gandy is an amazing prayer warrior who has survived cancer. The power in her prayer was as tangible as an electric charged wire. What does this have to do with my grandmother? Well, during her prayer she called out "the dead cannot praise God!," went silent for a moment, and then repeated herself. It got me immediately to thinking about my grandparents. All four were warriors for Christ. They lived their lives praising the most high God and tried to instill that desire into their children and grandchildren. When they passed - so did their praise. The worthiness of God did not diminish, but the praise given Him on this earth did. I do not want that praise to be squelched! It is my desire that their praise continue on in me. I want to carry the torch of praise that my grandparents carried. I want it to be brighter and stronger than when they started their journey. I pray their passion for Christ carries on into my life, and should the Lord tarry, on into the lives of my children.

Sondra

Christmas and New Year's!

Happy New Year!! Oh, and belated Merry Christmas!! :)

Donnie and I had a great Christmas this year. Our first as a married couple! It was a little challenging trying to fit all the family gatherings in. We were sad to miss going to Mimi's this year - but were very happy to see everyone in Marlow! Looking back over it all, I can safely say that we are extremely blessed. Everyone is safe, warm, and happy!

Lots of gifts were exchanged this year - Don and I put a cap on the spending this year (or at least tried to!!). Which meant that we had to get a little creative at times. Over all I think everyone was really pleased with their gifts. Stephanie got us the DELUXE Scrabble game - meaning? It turns! And it has the ridges to HOLD the piece in the square it was intended to be in! I got some wonderful cookbooks that sound oh so yummy and lots of other wonderful gifts. I think Donnie's prize possession this season was the Transformers blanket he got. I know he really enjoyed all the other gifts. But evidently nothing compares to the Optimus Prime. :)

New Year's was fun! We headed over to a friend's house and played games, toasted in the New Year (with apple juice!), and set off fireworks in the street!! :)

Resolutions this year:
1. Use my LOA membership!
2. Read the bible ALL the way through!
...wish me luck!! ;)

I pray everyone had a great holiday season. Remember that no matter what happened last year - it's a brand new start. Let each day be a brand new beginning. Live life to it's fullest.

God bless!

Sondra