Weekend Wind-up

Well, it's Sunday night and the weekend is coming to a close. Such a bitter-sweet time. I'm trying to savor every last minute of this wonderful day, without thinking about what tomorrow brings....another work week.

I was thrilled this weekend to get to spend some QT with my husband since he has been working non-stop on finals and sermons for the last couple of weeks. We started Friday night with a date at the one-act plays at APU. Love us some good theater. Saturday started with a morning date at Classic Coffee and then a 5 mile hike before it got too hot. It wasn't the easiest of hikes...quite a work-out actually. But it was a great view and obviously a ton of fun getting to hangout with my fam: Patrick and Bailey. The rest of the weekend has been full of movies, food and March Madness. Here's to the last few hours of the weekend.

You Know You're Jealous

Most of you know that Patrick and I are still on Dave Ramsey's plan to get out of debt. We are about a year away from being completely debt free. I can't wait for that glorious day. In the meantime, we are celebrating smaller victories. For every $10,000 we pay off, we reward ourselves; we named this tradition "Celebration Elimination."

Well, as soon as our tax return gets here, we will hit the first $10,000 mark for the 2010 calendar year. Woohoo! We decided to cheat a little and celebrate while we wait on the tax refund to get here. We just couldn't resist the opportunity to celebrate at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells....just 2 hours away. We couldn't believe when we heard that all of The Greats in tennis history were going to be on the court at the same time for a charity match to help Haiti. So...we got courtside tickets to the event and to Indian Wells we went.



The gates opened at 4:30pm and we had plenty of time to visit the outside courts. We got to watch Maria Sharapova's match...and then a ton of people I don't know. We had time to grab some dinner and then it was time to head to center court. The line-up for the ladies was Lindsay Davenport and Stephanie Graf vs. Martina Navratilova and Justine Henin. I must mention that because it was a charity match, they had a mic on all of the players. It was so much fun getting to see their personalities during the match...not to mention all of the trash talking.




The line-up for the men was a dream. Pete Sampras and Roger Federer vs. Andre Agassi and Rafael Nadal. I couldn't imagine a better line-up. Roger and Andre did most of the talking. Nadal tried to jump in there a few times, but no one could understand his english.




And here is Nadal, living up to his reputation as a gold digger.


Do you recognize this guy?



That's right....it's Tony Bennett. He came down and treated us all to a dose of his amazing voice.

The night ended with a real doubles match. Sam Querry and John Isner played against a couple of guys I don't know. When Isner took the court, Patrick and I threw out a little GA Bulldawg chant, that I am sure caught his attention. Gooooooo Dawgs....sic em!

Educated to Imbecility

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"Claiming to be wise, they became fools..." Romans 1:22

Thoughts on Exodus

I am way behind when it comes to blogging about my journey through scripture this year, but better late than never right?

Exodus is a book that constantly reminds me of my lack of faith and God's faithfulness. I can't count how many times in the last month I have said, "God, you parted the Red Sea. You literally split waters to let your children walk across dry land. You can handle this problem and these circumstances."

I have always known the story of Moses and the Israelites, but for some reason, when I read scripture in its entirety, I have come to know God in such an intimate way. I feel like I am getting to know HIM, not just know ABOUT Him. My words are failing me, so let me just share a list of things I noticed as I read through this book.

1. After Moses' mother has to give him up by putting him in a basket and floating it down the river, Moses is found by Pharaoh's daughter, who hires Moses' mom (unknowingly) to nurse Moses. How crazy is that? Moses' mother gets hired to nurse her own baby. She gets paid for it!

2. Moses second-guessed his ability to fulfill God's call almost 10 times before he just did what God was telling him to do. He literally said to God, "Can't you just pick someone else for this?" That was paraphrased. God was so patient with him. What a great reminder that when God chooses us for something, we must trust that He will enable us to fulfill His call if we are obedient.

3. God hardened Pharaoh's heart. God does what He wants.

4. Some of the things God told the Israelites to do--like Passover--were gross. I don't understand why they were necessary, but who am I to question God?

5. Nature is at God's disposal. He can move mountains, part waters, control animals and insects. Again, He can do whatever He wants.

6. We need to be aware of how we treat (mistreat) foreigners. God's people were almost always in a foreign land.

7. Our justice system is cake compared to God's expectations concerning social responsibilities in Exodus 22 and the consequences of breaking God's laws.

8. The tabernacle and everything in it was ornate and beautiful. There were concise instructions for every part of it. Measurements, fabric type, fabric color, etc. This was going to be the dwelling place of God! Today, our churches don't need all of these ornaments because the Holy Spirit now dwells in us. Take care of God's dwelling place.

I know 8 is a random number. Sorry. Let me leave you with my favorite verse from Exodus. I never thought I would say that last sentence, but I now have a favorite verse in Exodus.

"Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Lord will fight for you; you need only be still." Exodus 13:13-14

Oscar Observations

I was very close to going to Hollywood yesterday for the Red Carpet action....BUT Patrick was preaching last night so I opted to go support that whole thing. Besides, I highly doubt I would have been able to get close enough to see much. So after DVRing it and watching it hours after my east coast friends, I have a few thoughts and points of conversation.

1. I heart Steve Martin. He and Alec Baldwin did a great job hosting. They cracked me up all night.

2. I was cheering for Sandra Bullock the entire night. I loved her little gang symbols on the red carpet and her dress was beautiful. Her speech was heart warming and I love that her sweet husband was tearing up with her. PLUS, she looked very classy in her dress, don't you think?



3. I thought it was fantastic when George Clooney opted to run along a fence full of fans to shake hands and sign autographs.

4. Who was the crazy lady that ran on the stage when dude was giving his speech?

5. My favorite dress of the evening.....



Miley really needs to stand up straight, but I L.O.V.E. her dress. Miley actually had an awesome dress last year too. I think I actually like last year's dress better, but it's a win/win either way.

Under the Weather

Sorry I have been MIA the last week. In marriage you get to share everything....including germs. Patrick was out sick last week and I have the joy of being out this week. I'm on my 4th box of tissues and almost out of cold meds. I've watched way too much T.V. and have shared Bailey's nap schedule. Thanks for checking in. Looking forward to posting again when I am better.

Here is a picture of Bailey. He makes me smile. Maybe he will brighten up your day too.