Merry Christmas!

I just want to say Merry Christmas to all of my readers. Beginning tomorrow I will be spending Christmas week with my family--and I am so excited. I work in Television news, and we don't always get holidays off, so it's always a treat when we do. So, I hope you have a wonderful Christmas with the people you love. Remember the reason for the season... JESUS!!!!
Here is the story of why we celebrate Christmas from the Bible:

Luke 2
1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
4 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. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 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.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Matthew 2
1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi[a] from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:

6 “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’[b]”

7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”

9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

A friend sent me this story in my email... it's worth reading!:::

The man slowly looked up. This was a woman clearly accustomed to the finer things of life. Her coat was new. She looked like she had never missed a meal in her life. His first thought was that she wanted to make fun of him, like so many others had done before.

"Leave me alone," he growled... To his amazement, the woman continued standing. She was smiling -- her even white teeth displayed in dazzling rows.

"Are you hungry?" she asked.

"No," he answered sarcastically. "I've just come from dining with the president.. Now go away."

The woman's smile became even broader.

Suddenly the man felt a gentle hand under his arm. "What are you doing, lady?" the man asked angrily. "I said to leave me alone."

Just then a policeman came up. "Is there any problem, ma'am?" he asked.

"No problem here, officer," the woman answered. "I'm just trying to get this man to his feet. Will you help me?"

The officer scratched his head. "That's old Jack. He's been a fixture around here for a couple of years. What do you want with him?"

"See that cafeteria over there?" she asked. "I'm going to get him something to eat and get him out of the cold for awhile."

"Are you crazy, lady?" the homeless man resisted. "I don't want to go in there!" Then he felt strong hands grab his other arm and lift him up. "Let me go, officer. I didn't do anything.."

"This is a good deal for you, Jack," the officer answered. "Don't blow it."

Finally, and with some difficulty, the woman and the police officer got Jack into the cafeteria and sat him at a table in a remote corner. It was the middle of the morning, so most of the breakfast crowd had already left and the lunch bunch had not yet arrived.

The manager strode across the cafeteria and stood by his table. "What's going on here, officer?" he asked.."What is all this, is this man in trouble?"

"This lady brought this man in here to be fed," the policeman answered.

"Not in here!" the manager replied angrily. "Having a person like that here is bad for business."

Old Jack smiled a toothless grin. "See, lady. I told you so. Now if you'll let me go, I didn't want to come here in the first place."

The woman turned to the cafeteria manager and smiled. "Sir, are you familiar with Eddy and Associates, the banking firm down the street?"

"Of course I am," the manager answered impatiently. "They hold their weekly meetings in one of my banquet rooms."

"And do you make a goodly amount of money providing food at these weekly meetings?"

"What business is that of yours?"

"I, sir, am Penelope Eddy, president and CEO of the company."

"Oh.." The woman smiled again.. "I thought that might make a difference."

She glanced at the cop who was busy stifling a laugh. "Would you like to join us in a cup of coffee and a meal, officer?"

"No thanks, ma'am," the officer replied. "I'm on duty."

"Then, perhaps, a cup of coffee to go?"

"Yes, ma'am. That would be very nice."

The cafeteria manager turned on his heel. "I'll get your coffee for you right away, officer."

The officer watched him walk away. "You certainly put him in his place," he said.

"That was not my intent.... Believe it or not, I have a reason for all this."

She sat down at the table across from her amazed dinner guest. She stared at him intently.

"Jack, do you remember me?"

Old Jack searched her face with his old, rheumy eyes. "I think so -- I mean you do look familiar."

"I'm a little older perhaps," she said. "Maybe I've even filled out more than in my younger days when you worked here, and I came through that very door, cold and hungry."

"Ma'am?" the officer said questioningly. He couldn't believe that such a magnificently turned out woman could ever have been hungry.

"I was just out of college," the woman began. "I had come to the city looking for a job, but I couldn't find anything. Finally I was down to my last few cents and had been kicked out of my apartment.. I walked the streets for days.. It was February and I was cold and nearly starving. I saw this place and walked in on the off chance that I could get something to eat."

Jack lit up with a smile.. "Now I remember," he said. "I was behind the serving counter. You came up and asked me if you could work for something to eat. I said that it was against company policy."

"I know," the woman continued. "Then you made me the biggest roast beef sandwich that I had ever seen, gave me a cup of coffee, and told me to go over to a corner table and enjoy it. I was afraid that you would get into trouble.. Then, when I looked over and saw you put the price of my food in the cash register, I knew then that everything would be all right."

"So you started your own business?" Old Jack said.

"I got a job that very afternoon. I worked my way up. Eventually I started my own business that, with the help of God, prospered.." She opened her purse and pulled out a business card. "When you are finished here, I want you to pay a visit to a Mr. Lyons. He's the personnel director of my company. I'll go talk to him now and I'm certain he'll find something for you to do around the office."

She smiled. "I think he might even find the funds to give you a little advance so that you can buy some clothes and get a place to live until you get on your feet. If you ever need anything, my door is always open to you."

There were tears in the old man's eyes. "How can I ever thank you?" he asked.

"Don't thank me," the woman answered. "To God goes the glory. He led me to you."

Outside the cafeteria, the officer and the woman paused at the entrance before going their separate ways.. "Thank you for your help officer," she said..

"On the contrary, Ms. Eddy," he answered. "Thank you. I saw a miracle today, something that I will never forget, And thank you for the coffee.."

Book Review for "Hatteras Girl"

Jackie is a journalist, but it's not her dream job. Her dream is to run a bed and breakfast--one from which she has good memories from her childhood. Her family's dream is to see her get married to a good man. So, she's gone on countless blind dates, and at 30, she's convinced she may never get married. But then something wonderful happens...her journalistic job brings her to a man that not only can make her dreams come true with the Bed and Breakfast, but she believes he may also offer her something she's never had before...true love. Is he the one? Or has "the one" been under her nose all along?

I loved this book... it reminded me of myself in many ways. I am also a journalist, and I'm also single and over 30. This book made me laugh at the lengths one can go through to not only reach toward a dream, but also to reach toward love...and the lengths family members will go to to help you find love. I would definitely recommend this book to women who are looking for a good laugh, and even a good cry...it's the ultimate "chick" book! I didn't want it to end...I wanted to see where it went...

There was one part of the book that I felt like skipped several chapters...it's like all of a sudden, she was dating someone...but we didn't find out exactly how it happened. I wish the author would have went into more detail.

I was provided a complimentary copy of "Hatteras Girl" by Bethany House Publishers for my honest review.

Happy Birthday, Robbie

Happy Birthday Baby Brother, on what would have been you 29th birthday. Wow, how time flies. It seems like just yesterday, we were teenagers, cutting up and laughing, or fighting like brothers and sisters do. I miss that. I miss you. Everyday I miss you. Do you get birthday gifts in Heaven? I sure hope so. Although, I know everyday with Jesus is a gift. And now you have Grandmama there to celebrate with you on your special day. I'm so jealous. I miss her, too.

I love you Robbie, and although I only had you here on earth for 15 years, you're always in my heart. I've posted this poem before, but this poem says it all...I carry you in my heart.


"I Carry You in My Heart"
E.E. Cummings
(an excerpt)
Here is the deepest secret no one knows.
Here is the root of the root... and the bud of the bud...
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life... which grows higher than the soul can hope... or mind can hide.
It is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart.
I carry your heart. I carry it in my heart.

An American Holiday

these are pictures from last Thanksgiving.




I love Thanksgiving. It's all about the food and family. There are no gifts involved, just the gift of each other's presence-- that's the most important thing. This year, just as in many years past...I don't get to be with my family on Thanksgiving. I will be working. But I do get to be with my family on Friday and for the weekend. And I am very excited. My brother (another I was blessed with through marriage) and his family will be at my dad's for Thanksgiving. I love them dearly...my niece and nephew are so cute and sweet... But they live in Chicago...and I very rarely get to see them. So this year I'm thankful for the time I will get to spend, not only with my dad and step-mom, but also the time I will have with Chris, Francoise, Raphael and Olivia. So even tho I won't be there to see them on THursday, I will cherish my time Friday...because it is definitely a gift.

Within My Heart- By Tamera Alexander

I just finished reading the book "Within My Heart" by Tamera Alexander, and I have to say, I really enjoyed this book. The story takes place in the 1800s in Colorado. THe book has two central characters The first is a woman who is trying to raise her two sons alone, and survive, after her husband is killed. Her father was a doctor and she was able to learn a lot from him, which helped her care for others when needed. The second character, a doctor who, for some reason, decided to move out west and offer this town medical care. The doctor very quickly falls in love with this widowed mother of two, but she won't have anything to do with him. SHe thinks he is arrogant, plus, there's no way she is going to allow herself to fall in love with anyone else. Her love died. After she is injured, she begins to see things a bit differently, and this opens her to possibilities that she never dreamed of.

This book, for the most part is very good. IT explores the possibility of love when you feel that has been taken away from you. It also explores friendship. The reader is also taken through tragedy and hardship, but in the end, even after all of that, the main characters survive...a bit stronger than before.

Don't let the first chapter fool you...keep reading. I really felt the first chapter just didn't belong in the book. It takes you WAY back in time, and truthfully, it's not engaging at all! I felt this "memory" could have been added somewhere inside the context of the book. But overall, a very good read.

Bethany House provided me with a copy of this book for my honest review.

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A Wedding and a Funeral

The weekend of October 22-24 started as a very happy weekend, and took a huge turn to make it one of the saddest weekend's of my life.

On Thursday, October 21st, I flew to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for the wedding of my college roommate, and very dear friend, Jill. Jill and I are both in our early 30s, so this was a very special occasion. She finally met the love of her life, and we celebrated that! It was so great spending time with her during her special weekend. We shared a room like old times, and stayed up late talking both Thursday and Friday night. I even got to take many of her wedding pictures, since I am getting into photography....my gift to her. She got married on Saturday, October 23rd.

On Sunday, October 24th, I flew back home. My plane arrived back in Chattanooga at 11:30am. Around one o'clock that afternoon, my phone rang. I was napping, so I let it go to voicemail. But it didn't. Instead it started ringing again. So, I looked at the phone to find it was my mother calling. My grandmother, who had been sick for some time went to be with the Lord that Sunday morning.

My grandmother and I have been close since I was in college. My junior year, I transferred to a new school and decided to live with her rather than live on campus. Since then, we have been the best of friends. So, although I knew it was coming, this was devastating news to me. So, after traveling to Pittsburgh, I repacked my suitcase, and got in the car and headed south, to Mobile, where my grandmother's funeral would be held.

I did get a gift, though. My grandmother had been staying at my mom's for some time. The weekend before, I had been home and got to see her, to talk to her, to tell her how much I loved her. She got to express that to me as well. I will always thank God for that opportunity, that gift, since I do live nearly four hours away.



On a different note, yesterday marked the five year anniversary of this blog's existence. I thank all of you for reading. It's amazing to think that people are interested in what I have to say.

Is this your new house?

I am not one to use my blog to sell things, but this is important. My family really needs to sell my grandmother's house. So if you live in the Mobile, Alabama, area, or have plans to move there, or know someone who needs a house in the Mobile area, please consider this house. Here's the link. Thank you!

Rainy Days

I have a friend that I've adopted as my "little sister". She wrote this poem, and it spells out what I love about a summer rain! So I asked Olivia if I could share it...Oh, I almost forgot to mention. Olivia is 14! Here it is:



The grass is alive in a vibrant and vivid green.
An elegant color, such as this, is rarely seen.
A summer rain is falling, showering the ground,
Nourishing every plant’s roots that it has found.
Beads of raindrops are visible on every growing leaf,
The summer heat is not blaring; it’s a relief.
I am relaxed and calmed, as it taps on my windowpane,
But I refuse to sit here inside; I want to feel the rain.
So I hurry outside, and the rain soaks into my hair.
Water droplets fall on my tongue, as I stick it into the air.
The rain drenches my body from my head to my feet,
As it continues to cover my backyard in steady sheets.
My body is refreshed, as the gentle rain drizzles.
The tranquil rain is so peaceful, as it sprinkles.
I can’t help myself; like a kid I must skip and run.
A rainbow of pastel colors appears-
While shining through it arrives the sun.

Review for "Catching Moondrops"

It's 1938 in a small Virginia town. It's a time when the color of your skin determines the staion you hold in society. White men think they're superior, and in many of their eyes, it's okay to do anything, even murder, to put others in their place.

That's the setting for "Catching Moondrops", by Jennifer Erin Valent. Tyndale House Pubishers provided me with an advanced reader copy, and I absolutely loved it.

18-year-old Jessilyn lives in a time when it's not okay for black people and white people to be friends. But her family invited a young, black girl to live as a part of their family when her parents died. So, Jessilyn and Gemma grew up, not only as sisters, but as best friends. Jessilyn's parents even viewed Gemma as a daughter. That didn't sit too well with the town folk. Then a black doctor moved to town. As you can imagin, this ruffled a few feathers as well.

I loved this book. It attempts to break down the walls of prejudice. Several times in the book, a statement is made: Just because someone is born with darker skin (or lighter), doesn't mean the person is different, or bad, or not as good as you. I wish some living in today's society would realize this fact. Everyone loves, hurts, laughs, and cries.

This book is a love story, but it's also written by a Christian author. Many times, Christian authors leave details about intimacy out. I'm guessing they do this to keep from offending readers, but when they do that, they leave out some very real facts. Many will just say, then they kissed. Okay? Well what did they feel? This book describes kisses and touches, and tells you what Jessilyn is feeling in those moments. They are described in good taste, but the point is, they are described. I loved that because there's always a feeling that goes along with any intimate moment.

Many would believe fiction books are only that: Fiction. I would challenge that thought and say you can sometimes learn a lot from fiction. This is one of those books. Jessilyn and her family teach the reader a lot about love for your neighbor.

One of my favorite statements in this book: "The memories of where we were, remind us of how we got to where we are." We should always remember how we got to our place in life. That, my friend, is very important.

My Sister

Today is my sister, Lisa's, birthday, and over the last few days, I have been reminiscing a lot about our lives together. You see, Lisa and I weren't born sisters. She became my sister the moment my mother married my step-dad. I had never really wanted a younger sister, but you see, God always knows what we need. When our parents got married, I was 13, and she was eight. She drove me crazy--always following me around, wanting to do everything I did. She liked me right from the start, and I think I liked her, too, but I wouldn't admit that at the time.

As time went on, and as both of us got older, she and I became the best of friends. We would stay up all night, giggling. We would share our deepest secrets with each other. I would even let her go out with me and my friends sometimes. Then I went off to college. I found a picture the other day of Lisa. On the back, she had written a note to me at college. It said she missed me and that she would send me new pictures all the time. I know I got a few.

When she went to college, she was only a couple hours away from where I lived. We saw each other frequently then. She would spend weekends with me. WE would ride around town, blaring the music, and singing at the top of our lungs. We just loved to be together. And I knew then that God knew I needed a sister, and he blessed me with Lisa.

Since college, our lives have grown a bit apart. She got married a few years ago...and I've moved all over the southeast. We have had a few weekends here and there together, and I cherish each and every one. I always look forward to the times we will get together in the future.

Happy Birthday, my dear sister.

I love you so much!

Storm Warning

Today it's beautiful outside. You wouldn't know there's a storm brewing. This storm isn't of the weather kind. It's of the supernatural kind. This is my review of the book "Storm Warning" by Billy Graham. And I have to say this book was provided to me by BookSneeze for my review.

Have you ever noticed how most people are fascinated with storms? Maybe you are. I know I am. Billy Graham speaks of another type of storm. A storm that he's been fascinated with in his lifetime...he says he believes the storm clouds are darker now than they have ever been.

The first chapter in this book made me think very hard about the world today. I never thought about the numbers of dead in recent world events--the earthquakes in Haiti and in Chile. Hurricane Katrina. In some of these events there were no warning, but in some there were warnings and folks failed to heed them. Billy Graham speaks of the warnings in this book that people fail to notice. But he also says some of these storms in our lives are necessary.

In this book, Graham talks about supernatural events, about political events, even the environment and global warning. He speaks about how it's all biblical--leading up to Christ's return. He even talked about 9/11. He said "these are the kinds of storms that drop from the skies when the warning signals are ignored". But he made note of the response...He says it brought Americans to their knees.

Graham even made mention of social networking sites like Facebook. He says these sites just add to the cult of self.


I loved one quote, and I wrote it down. He says, "No life is without its own set of problems. Jesus never promised our paths would smooth." This is so true. So many times we as Christians think we are immune to the storms of life. Then we get devastating news and wonder why something so tragic could happen to us. Billy Graham writes, "The Bible assures us that God will abolish evil when Christ returns."

This book was very enlightening. I guess I never thought much about how the things in life, the events, and thought about how much they actually mean. This book is a very hard read, and was difficult for me to get through it. But if you are interested in end times prophecy, I would recommend this book to you. Billy Graham is reknowned throughout the world, and I love the way he brings recent, relevent examples into this book. But this is not a book to just read for leisure, as it will take you a while to get through it...at least it did me.

Scars: An Amazing Endtime Prophecy Novel

I just finished the book Scars: An Amazing Endtime Prophecy Novel. The book was provided to me by the author, Patience Prence. It's about a teen girl, living in the tribulation. The book begins already in the Tribulation. Things are changing quickly, and she never gets to live out her childhood because of the changes. There are natural disasters that kill thousands. Then the man, who the Bible calls the Anti-Christ, comes on the scene. Many are deceived, but Becky decides to do her research. She buys a Bible on the Internet, and learns about the Saviour, Jesus Christ. She becomes a Christian, but because she purchased the Bible on the Internet, the purchase wasn't secret. That purchase got her father and brother kidnapped...and turned her Mother against her. She eventually gets turned over to the enemy because of her faith. I got very close to Becky in this book, and the last two chapters, I found myself crying for Becky. When she was scared, I found myself scared for her. When she was brave, I was cheering along with her.

There are a few questions I still have about the book after finishing it. The book never mentions what Christians call the Rapture. Becky never makes mention to people disappearing. So, getting into the book, I was thinking that maybe this book was written with the belief that the Rapture happens during the tribulation. But Becky never makes reference to other Christians in the area.. there were a few others in court with her. So, I'm not sure if the rapture happened before the book began, or if it happened after the end of the book. Also, I would have liked some closure on what happened to Becky's Dad and brother...and even toward the end her mother. But this was Becky's story, so I can understand why this information wasn't in this book. Because Becky didn't know what happened to them, neither did we.

This book was very descriptive. I personally don't care what color the bedstand is, or the ceiling for that matter. I'm not really into description. I like the storyline more. So that was a distraction for me in this book. For those of you who like description, you would like this book.

Overall, I think this would be a great book for a teenager or young adult. It's not very long, but it's long enough for you to begin to relate to the character. Me personally, I began to hurt along with her..and feel sad for her. But at the end, all the pain pays off.

The Great City of Chattanooga

Sunset Rock


Some things I love about Chattanooga, are many times not even on a tourist's radar... So, I thought I would share my loves in hopes that the next time you come for a visit, that you visit like a local!

Food: My favorite restaurants are:
Tony's Pasta Shop and Trattoria, located in the art district in downtown Chattanooga.
Rain Thai Bistro on Lee Highway. Rain has wonderful lunch prices, with a wide variety of entrees for only $6!

Places to See:
The Passage, located next to the Aquarium. Water flowing down stairs that signifies the Trail of Tears.
The Riverwalk-- miles and miles of beauty and exercise
The Walnut Street Bridge. THis is a pedestrian bridge where you will find lots of exercisers in the mornings and evenings. It also offers great views.
Point Park on Lookout Mountain. $3 to get in and the views are so worth it...IF you feel a little adventerous, take a hike from there to Sunset Rock, which is beautiful at, you guessed it, sunset :)
Rock City. Yes this is a tourist place, but I still love it just the same
Cloudland Canyon State Park. This is a short trip down I-59 into North Georgia, but so worth the trip. Take your camera, and plenty of water.



There are more places to see, but this is all I can think of off the top of my head. I will update more later. I've lived here for two years, and it's such a beautiful place, I want to share it with everyone.

I'm Not Ma'am

On December 11th, I will be another dreaded year older...I'll be 32. While I am in my 30s...and only 8 years away from the dreaded 40, I still at many times think of myself as a young woman. I'm not married, although I would like to be, and I don't have children, although I would like them. (So if anyone knows a nice, Christian man in their late 20s or in their 30s, introduce me!--and i'm not kidding!) The point is, many times I don't feel like a grown up. And I cannot get used to people calling me a woman, a lady, Ms. Tidmore, or "Ma'am!" The other day, a young man, I'm guessing a college student, was moving into my apartment building, and I asked him a question. He responded by saying "No Ma'am." I wanted to cry! I don't feel old enough for college students to be calling me ma'am! Today, I logged onto facebook, to find that a friend of mine was complementing my photography...which really made me feel good. But she said "A 'lady' in my church"...I just can't get used to not being called a "girl". I guess I just don't want to grow up!

The Four Seasons: Spring, Summer, FOOTBALL, and Winter

It's the best season of the year--Football season! I'm from Alabama, and in Alabama, football is more than a game, it's a religion! Not only on the college level, but the high school level as well. In my hometown, everyone bleeds green...for the Gordo Greenwave. And on Friday night, it's not a question of what you're doing. Everyone goes to the game.
When it comes to college football, it's pretty much a split. Alabamians either chant "Roll Tide" or "War Eagle".
Tonight, I'm sitting here watching the Crimson Tide dominate Penn State. Just a few years ago, it would have been a much different outcome. The Tide has had some rough years, but I'm not a fair weather fan. I've stuck with my team. And during the Nick Saban era, Alabama has returned to greatness! We celebrated a National Championship last year.

So, Crimson is definitely my color! And if you happen by my apartment during a game, you will probably here a few "Roll Tide's" and a few "Rammer Jammer's"! Probably not what all the Tennesseans around me want to hear! I've shouted a few tonight!

Seems fitting on what would have been the Bear's 97th birthday. Happy Birthday, Bear Bryant.

"If you believe in yourself and have dedication and pride - and never quit - you'll be a winner. The price of victory is high but so are the rewards."--Bear Bryant

Just a quick post this time, but I did want to follow up with my last post...I had a great turnout for our singles event... Now it seems kind of silly that I was worried about it. We will see how it goes from here on out.

Popularity Enters Adulthood

For those of you who say popularity is only a problem in high school, I would like to challenge that philosophy. I'm told all the time, people grow up and popularity doesn't matter anymore. But I live with unpopularity everyday. I'm 31, and I think I deal with it just as much as I did when I was 16, just in a different way. It all comes in the form of people not coming to events I plan.

Just before my best friend got married, I threw her a lingerie shower. I guess this was about 9 years ago. I invited so many people. But only the bride-to-be, her soon-to-be sister-in-law, and myself showed up. I will always believe if someone else had planned it, more people would have come...

This idea haunts me even today. A few weeks ago, I hosted a Spa party, and I invited 20 ladies. Only 3 showed up.

I am the leader of the singles group at my church. I use that term, "leader" loosely, because, number one: it's a new group,
and number two: I don't have many willing to take part in group activities. We have about 10 singles, which is awesome, since we have such a small church. I believe it's important for singles to hang out together, and befriend each other. Being single is hard, and the only people who understand just how hard it is are other singles. I'm not saying couples don't have it hard...but singles face totally different issues. So, it's important we support one another. Well, i've been planning events for months now...and usually only about 3 show up. I just wonder if popularity is playing a role. I'm not the "popular" one, or the "cool" one. I wonder if someone else in the group were to plan the same events on the same day if more people would show up.

I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that God gave me a heart for other singles. I have had this singles group on my heart for years--even before I became part of this church. I just pray everyday, asking God if someone else would be a better leader than me...better at getting others involved.

So yes, I believe popularity, or the lack thereof is a big problem today. This has never been an issue for me. I've always been able to befriend everyone--hang out with anybody. So, this is an issue that leaves me perplexed! I just wish folks would get over it and look at others as someone different from them, and therefore someone you might be able to learn something from...and someone that might make their life better by allowing that person into it.

The Lord's Blessings

This week, I checked my checking account, only to find that I had severely over-spent this month. I moved, so there were lots of unexpected expenses. Plus, I had a my "lil' sis" come to visit for a week, and of course spent more money than I should have. But I loved every minute with her.

Looking at my checking account scared me. I also realized I was in dire need of an oil change and tire rotation on my car. So, reluctantly, I got in the car and drove to Ford this morning to get those things done. I just decided if needed, I would put the fee on my credit card and pay it off later.

After the car got finished, they checked my advantage card, and lo and behold, I had a free oil change! Because using that credit would require changing all the paperwork, the guys in the office decided to give me the tire rotation for free as well!

So, Thank you, Lord, for blessing me today. The cost would have been about $50, and I really couldn't afford it right now. Jesus comes through when we least expect it!!!

A Wonderful Place

It's one of my favorite places, and this year Camp SAM turns 25! Watch this video and tell me what you think about this place that allows kids battling cancer to just be kids!

CAMP Smile A Mile