Happy Slapsgiving!

"I didn't slap you - I just high-fived your face..."

PS "Just be yourself. People like you." (for all you Mitch Hedberg fans--you know who you are...) :)

I Need a VACATION!

Ever have those days (or weeks) when you just need to get away - from work, from school, from people, from everything?...

Well, I'm there. But at least there's hope - 1 week til semi-vacation! yay! :)

"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

Biggest Loser

"I'm the biggest sinner I know." - CJ Mahaney

We like to judge others and jump to conclusions based on their words and actions. But in reality, we are the biggest sinners we know, because we know our own actions, words, thoughts, and motives. So, it's no use comparing ourselves with others to try to feel better about ourselves, because in the end, we're still the 'biggest loser.' We all deny it, but if we were completely honest with ourselves, we'd have to admit that it's true.

It's also pretty easy to look at everyone else's faults and decide what they need to change about their actions, their decisions, their personality, and even their clothes. This truth is actually pretty ironic. We spend so much time looking in the mirror and focusing on ourselves, but all we see is what is wrong with everyone else. How does that even happen? I'm pretty sure there an 1,859 reasons (or excuses) why, but in the end, it doesn't really matter. What does matter is that we realize when we are criticizing God's creation (including ourselves). Everyone has faults, but we can't be so consumed with what's wrong with the world that we fail to do anything about the one person we can change--ourselves.

Just food for thought...

Turkey Tips

Here is a turkey recipe that also includes the use of popcorn as a stuffing -- imagine that.When I found this recipe, I thought it was perfect for people like me, who just are not sure how to tell when poultry is thoroughly cooked, but not dried out.Give this a try.

15 lb. turkey
1 cup melted butter
1 cup stuffing (Pepperidge Farm is Good.)
1 cup uncooked popcorn (ORVILLE REDENBACHER'S LOW FAT)
Salt/pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush turkey well with melted butter salt, and pepper. Fill cavity with stuffing and popcorn. Place in baking pan with the neck end toward the back of the oven. Listen for the popping sounds.

When the turkey's rear-end blows the oven door open and the bird flies across the room, it's done.

And, you thought I didn't cook...

Solution to Slavery

"According to the Bible, the primary way to define sin is not just the doing of bad things, but the making of good things into ultimate things. It is seeking to establish a sense of self by making something else more central to your significance, purpose, and happiness than your relationship to God..." (Timothy Keller, “The Reason for God”)

The Problem with Man Seldom Lies in his “Things” but rather in what has become his “Ultimate Things.”
When the Wrong Things become Ultimate Things, man Loses His Freedom and takes on a Yoke of Slavery.
(Keith Collins)
----
We've been enslaved to sin, which includes not just bad things but also the good things that become our focus and distract us from God. But luckily, God has the solution for slavery...

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." - Matthew 11:28-30

Don't Judge

So the Ameriquest Mortgage commercials are hilarious! Here are a few of my fav.s:

Brownie:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QbboOzpy7g

Concert:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEfg3mVqPtE

Hospital:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15pycI5A2kc

Happy Voting Day

May the madness soon be over!!!...(or just beginning, based on who's elected) :)

Pumpkins + Hip Hop = Family Fun

We finally carved our pumpkins last week at family dinner night...here's a little taste of what really went down. :)

Congrats to Mari & Julie on their 1st pumpkin carving experiences! You survived! And while you can't hear our hip hop playlist, it was definitely there :)