AMAZING!

So last night, my dear friends Karin and Matt let me come with them to Estes Park to the Chris Tomlin and David Crowder Band concert. Let me just begin by saying, I don't always do so well in events that are full of my dear brothers and sisters...perhaps it's just the American-ized version of Christianity we've created. But, nevertheless, I always come away from an evening with Crowder, Tomlin and Louie Giglio SO refreshed.

By the grace of God, these men have dedicated their lives unto His service...and allow the Holy Spirit to work through them so incredibly. I am so thankful for the opportunity to worship the Living God right along side with these guys...and the thousands of folks surrounding me!

If you ever get the chance to see these guys, JUMP ON IT!

Check this out!

As I sit and think of all the things I've accomplished during my "no job" phase of life, I've realized I have a lot of time on my hands....perhaps too much time. Now, mind you, when you check out this link, you might think I could be worse when it comes to having too much time on my hands.

These guys are pretty cool though!

A little disappointed

Well everyone, I beat the final level...Donatello vs. Shedder. I have to admit, I am a little disappointed in the lack of excitement there was in beating the arch rival of our Turtle brothers. There was little excitement or hoo-rah for beating it. I did however unlock some additional characters and get a password to make Donatello's costume change.

When I told my cousin Vicki that I beat the game, she started laughing and said, "Stop playing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and go get a job!" *laugh* I was thinking the same thing.

I just had to let you all know that I managed to defeat Shredder and I'll be going back into the game as Leonardo next. Wish me luck!

Sitting too long=Bad for my back

Sorry for not keeping things up to date lately....I've just not had the stamina to stay seated in front of a computer long enough to write a message on this little blog. However, two things of pressing importance have come to me. 1. A renewed commitment to Christ and 2. Beating the last stage of the Game Cube's version of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Now, you might be thinking the latter is not all that important, but let me show you how these two items relate.

I have been in what you could call a spiritual rut or valley. I hate using these words because they do not quite capture what it's like to be living life feeling disconnected from the Truth....the one True being in your life. I keep on doubting the message I'm "hearing" from God about my future. Am I hearing this, or is there something else that is speaking to me about what I should do now after surgery? A couple things are true....I'm much better two weeks after surgery, but I need to make sure I stay healthy. And secondly, I need to find a job ASAP....which allows me to stay healthy (so, a desk job is a little rough). Now, being in a valley doesn't really allow for a whole lot of trust when it comes to listening to the Lord in prayer or in His Word. I confess, I've lost trust in myself; which is one of the worst things one can allow to happen with one's self. BUT, one thing I have learned while playing through the TMNT game is that teamwork is essential. That is, I must count on those around me to help me see past what's in front of me. Most times, I know that my perspective is a pretty selfish one at best, and I need others to help remind me of other issues going on around me and even broader around the world. For example, I always feel so behind on knowing what's happening with Israel and Lebanon. I can, however, pray for resolution, removal of racism, and for Christ to be the RULER of HEARTS in that land.

Now, can Christ be the Ruler of my heart? Let it be true! This Sunday I was praying in mass, and I asked the Lord to forgive me for my lazy behavior with respect to meeting with Him...and for the first time in a long time, I wanted to glorify my Lord....to serve Him with all my heart....and to love boldly for Him--telling others how He's my King, my Lord, and even my friend in hopes of living eternity with Him. If I'm not telling all those around me about Jesus Christ being Lord, I will never glorify His name. Now, this doesn't always have to come in the form of spoken words, but it can also be communicated through actions of love, this silly little blog, and especially in prayer. I felt so wonderful having realized this again....

Anyhow, this leads me to the second thought in my head...Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have always been a fav-since childhood. Now, I'm finally in the last stage of beating this crazy little game on Game Cube. If anyone has any secrets on how to complete the final level, please LET ME KNOW! I can get to the fifth level within the last stage (there are seven), so I'm getting close.

:-)

Thanks for letting me share!

My Surgery...Lumbar Discectomy

Hi friends,

Well, I'm sure you're all very anxious to hear exactly what happened last Tuesday on the operating table. My doctor was surprised to see how much of an extruding disc I had protruding and pressing onto my nerve. Well, he was just amazed at how long I had lasted being in that much pain!

So, he went in, removed part of the lamina and then removed the disc matter that had squished out and was pressing on the nerve. An example of the procedure looks like this:



















I have felt an immediate relief of pain and started remembering how my back is supposed to feel! I have been so thankful for everyone's prayers and support. I know that I was definitely protected despite my nervousness. My next challenge is to not get too bored....

so I have been filling my time with the ever-favorite games of:
I know, I know...sounds kinda dorky, but I don't care. It's that or the Game Cube version of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or romantic comedies...most of which I've seen before. If you have any other suggestions as to how I can fill my time, please pass them along. (I'm getting a little desperate!) I also enjoy visitors very much...they always make me so happy! :-D

Block Party Dancing!

This is probably one of the cutest dances I've ever seen by a couple of three year olds. GO MIKEY! Those moves can be used in any awesome dance video!! I think we might have a future hip-hop dancer.

Fourth of July

My favorite holiday of the year is totally the 4th of July.


For those of you outside of the US, I realize this isn't an important date for you...but this is our nation's Day of Independence! Mostly, I love this holiday because of fireworks. Either, I'm a romantic at heart or a pyro...you be the judge! hehehe!

I only realized a few years ago, when I celebrated the 4th while in Bolivia that it's a very special national holiday. It's a day where I can always count on my family having a BBQ, getting together and going to the lake to watch fireworks. I was sitting by the lake a couple years ago and as the fireworks lit up the star-speckled sky, tears began to flow. With the national anthem playing in the background, there was something that touched my heart as to the privilege I have in being born in the United States. I'm usually not a very patriotic kind of person, but this is the day I am in awe of the soldiers who have fought for the freedom I have to choose whether or not to be patriotic.

Anyhow, there's just something so cool about fireworks in general. They're so beautiful and yet fleeting. They make everyone say, "ooooh......aaaaaah!" They draw crowds in all places of the world. They're gorgeous to sit under and cuddle with those you love.

Happy 4th of July my friends!