Totally Saturated

Thank Heaven for strangers who out of their sacrifice become friends....

2008-08-15T20:38:00.003-04:00

Just read this article...it is overwhelmingly poignant in that no one HAD to do anything...they could've waited for emergency vehicles, or just stood & stared. They didn't..and for Sean Michael, I am sure the sacrificial bystanders will forever 'rank' as friends.
http://www.verizon.net/newsroom/portals/newsroom.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=newsroom_portal_page__article&_article=1240233&_count=1

Our first NFL game...go Redskins...as long as they're not playing the GIANTS!! :)

2008-08-11T11:49:00.002-04:00

Our friends, Todd & Charissa, were so kind this past weekend and took Nate and I to our first NFL game. We watched the Redskins play the Bills...HAIL to the Redskins as they won this pre-season game. It was a great night & everyone had a blast!! Thanks again Todd & Charissa!

The Family!

2008-07-31T08:11:00.009-04:00

Here are some family pix...Did I mention that I sure do love my family!!

Ava & the best Papa ever! :)

Sarah Beth & Bella..2/3 of the BEST nieces in the world!!

Ava with Grandpa...priceless!!!

The BIG Baker girls! :)

Introducing...the Midget Bella

..and her counter-part, the Midget Ava :)

Prayer Requests

2008-07-31T07:58:00.004-04:00

I know that this attempt will fall short, in that, I can in no way recall ALL the people who are in need of prayer this day. However, in doing this, I hope that removing the focus from myself will allow for God to work in a mighty way.

Adrian - my brother (& the others from his church) in China on a mission trip
Josiah - Leigh's brother in Thailand sharing the gospel
Laurie - :)
Ty - his relationship with General Dynamics...
Christian
Nathanael - that he will come to know the Father
Ava & Bella - their bodies today as they get their shots! :(
Theresa & baby Tank - God's hand of protection
The Hambricks - God's will in their vocation/location :)
My friend ******* - who "can't feel anything." May she seek God and not feelings.

Finally, Praise the Lord for Roy & Julia!!!

They just celebrated 50 years together!!

I love them more than words can describe!!

Silly Randomness...

2008-07-31T07:32:00.003-04:00

Ten years ago...

I was planning my wedding....

5 things on my to do list today...

1. Start work

2. Go to the gym

3. laundry

4. watch So You Think You Can Dance results show

5. Read Nate @ least 2 books

What would I do if I suddenly had a billion dollars...

1. Pay off debt

2. Travel to Italy - with Charissa & Missie

3. Open several new Shake Shacks!

4. Shopping...let's be honest...lots of shopping

5. Go back to school

3 of my bad habits...

1. Denial ;) hehehe

2. touching my face

3. not drinking enough water

Jobs I have had...

Waitress

Cashier

Admin Asst.

IT Tech

5 things people don't know about me...

1. I am very independent

2. I really LOVE babies

3. I love the night life

4. I sing SO loud in the car...poor Nathanael knows this all too well :)

5. I want to be a stay @ home Mom

Snacks I enjoy...

1. andes mints in hot chocolate

2. Sour patch kids

3. any/all snack cakes

4. mint chocolate chip ANYTHING

5 shows I like to watch...

1. So You Think You Can Dance

2. TIE - Big Brother & The Real World

3. Law & Order - any of them

4. CSI - any of them

5. American Idol

Places I've vacationed...

Georgia, Maryland, California

5 things I want to learn...

1. How to cook

2. How to be dance

3. How to drive a stick

4. How to play the guitar

5. Selflessness

The Cola Covenant

2008-07-26T17:10:00.002-04:00

First, let me address the fact that I thought blogging would be so much fun & consume all my time. Well, as you can tell from some of my prior posts - and the small span of time between them - that I was getting a lot of blogging done...but no work. So, not that anyone cares, but tonight finds me waiting for a movie to start, bored, and amused about the Cola Covenant...so here goes.

I think I explained in an earlier post that my dear friend, Charissa, and I had agreed to mutually give up soda for our wellness....since we are training for the Army 10-miler in October. As of Thursday, we had gone 6 and 6/7 weeks without any soda. Well, that same dear friend found herself in Kansas City, MO this week with another dear friend, Missie. I got a text from Charissa asking if we were still abiding by the "Cola Covenant." She was pretty much asking permission to break our agreement and enjoy a Dr. Pepper. I reluctantly agreed (mainly b/c I wasn't in any position to get one myself), and I believe she enjoyed it thoroughly. Thus, when called upon by other dear friends, Jack and Vy, to have Glory Days for dinner....AND they have soda...well, the rest is history. By the way, it was delicious!!!

As far as our wellness...well, I can't speak for Charissa, but that night was my one and only soda. Even though I had to share it with Nate...ugh!! I think I am better off without it and though a small taste was great, I think I'll stick with water and herbal tea until the race is over. Then, all bets are off!! :)

Tasteless or Satire...or just plain funny!

2008-07-15T07:39:00.004-04:00

Yesterday, as I was checking my normal CNN, Yahoo, and MSN headlines, I came across The New Yorker's cover picture of Obama & his wife. You can make your own judgements; but I think it is rather comical. Ok, well I could do w/o the turbin; but the rest of the pic, hilarious! (Mind you, I am fully aware that I may be alone on this boat.)

Commitment & Today's History Lesson...

2008-07-15T07:34:00.004-04:00

I found this little fact today in a Bible Study email I received. It lends me to ask the question...what kind of commitment do I exhibit in my relationships?

Cortes, the great Spanish explorer discovered what we know today as Mexico . He sailed in several boats with many men committed to conquering and settling an unknown land. When they arrived, the men looked around at an undiscovered world and were afraid. Cortes, sensing their fear, gathered them all on shore and set fire to their ships. He then announced, "Now there can be no turning back!" That is commitment; a choice never to turn back; a contract without escape clauses; a battle plan with no option for retreat. Love that never gives up can hold on because of commitment. It looks past the circumstance and locks its gaze on the promise.

Dr. Pepper!!!

2008-07-11T10:41:00.006-04:00

Just to preface...this blog is NOWHERE as profound, (haha) convicting, or sincere as my previous blogs.... But this picture makes me think of Dr. Pepper...Maybe its because its been 5 weeks today with none...ugh!
The camels seemed appropriate b/c I am positive that I had enough Dr. Pepper - in the last 6 months alone - to hold me over for well, eternity. I can't tell which camels I relate to more though...the ones who aren't drinking & are satisified.....or the ones whose necks are fully extended, lapping up every drop they can until the next watering hole.

I guess the reason I am most relating to this picture is that it reminds me of lunch with my co-workers this week. Every other Wednesday, we all go to El Paso's for $3.99 lunch. My 3 co-workers ALWAYS get the same thing; while I always branch out & try something new. Anyway, the point is they ALL ordered Dr. Pepper to drink. I, however, the "strong", (ha) "disciplined"(haha), "dying inside one," madder than a hornet" one had to order water. Bless 'em, they didn't do it on purpose, but it sure did stink watching them enjoy that beautiful brown, carbonated, sugar water... :)

So, I guess I relate most to the camel who IS NOT drinking Dr. Pepper...oh, I mean water...haha!

Exerpts from Lover of My Soul

2008-07-11T08:13:00.003-04:00

Last night, in my devotion, I came across the coolest realization about man and his inability to truly appreciate beauty.

A few outstanding lines from the chapter...

Do you know the difference between observation and a gaze? An observation is a fact-finding mission. "What is this plant?" "What kind of blossom is that?" How is this garden watered?" Those are observation questions. A gaze is a deeper look-not for the purpose of discovering information but for the sake of enjoyment. A gaze is more like absorbing than observing....We have an invitation to worship God in the beauty of holiness. It is an invitation to gaze upon the Lord's loveliness, not for education, but for enjoyment.

No one can enjoy beauty and demand it to be useful at the same time. Isn't that the primary way we miss beauty? As soon as we place a selfish demand upon the beautiful [thing], we lose sight of its glory. If a man could look upon a woman and admire her beauty without fantasizing about having her, there would be no lust. But when the beholding turns to using, it becomes sin.

Too often, we worshipers become like tourists at the Grand Canyon. With a 35mm camera, a Polaroid, and a handycam, the tourist collects lots of slides, photos, and footage to show his friends back home. He sees the famous site through his viewfinders but misses the canyon's grandeur for the lack of a long, slow, unhurried gaze...HOW SILLY TO MISS THE BEAUTY FOR THE SAKE OF A SOUVENIR TO SHOW OFF. Some things aren't meant to be captured or used. They are just for beholding.

God, the heavenly Bridegroom, delights in answering your prayers, comforting your hurts, and protecting you from harm. But..our Prince is not primarily useful - HE IS BEAUTIFUL. God didn't create you primarily to learn something about Him or do something for Him. He made you to admire His splendor and enjoy His beauty.

His beauty is not hard to find. Open the Word-you'll see the splendor there. Open your heart-you can behold the beauty. Open your mouth-you were created to proclaim it.

So often, I spend a few minutes at the opening of a prayer, thanking God for Jesus' sacrifice and thanking Him for the blessings in my life. Then, selfishness takes over and my laundry list of hurts, needs, and confessions fill up the remainder of my prayers. After reading this last night, I was so convicted to spend more time adoring Him. While He says I can ask for them, He already knows my needs. I want to do what I was made to do...worship the Lord in the beauty of His holiness.

2008-07-11T08:09:00.002-04:00

This is NOT my work, just simply something that really stood out to me today. Tears fell as I remembered the work grace has done in my life.

The Wonder of Grace at Work
Gwen Smith

Today's Truth
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- not by works, so that no one can boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9, NIV).

Friend to Friend
A preacher of the early 1900s said that when he was twelve years old, he killed one of the family geese by throwing a stone and hitting it squarely on the head. He figured his parents wouldn't notice that one of the twenty-four birds was missing and buried the dead fowl. But that evening, his sister called him aside and said, "I saw what you did. If you don't offer to do the dishes tonight, I'll tell Mother." The next morning she gave him the same warning. All that day and the next the frightened boy felt bound to do the dishes. The following morning, however, he surprised his sister by telling her it was her turn. When she quietly reminded him of what she could do, he replied, "I've already told Mother, and she has forgiven me. Now you do the dishes. I'm free again!"

We all struggle with sin simply because we are human. "Everyone has turned away, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good; not even one." (Psalm 53:3) Let's be real here. We are saved by grace, not by our goodness.
Grace is unmerited favor.
Not deserved.
Not earned.
I wrestle with sin all the time. My flesh loves to throw my spirit into a tizzy, but I know I'm not alone, and neither are you. The apostle Paul was one of the most passionate men of Christ who ever walked the earth, and even he struggled daily. He said, "I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good, I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do--this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. (Romans 7:18-20)

God wants you to cast aside everything that keeps you from Him. God wants you to get right with Him! He wants to forgive you so, like that twelve-year old boy, you can say, "I'm free again!" As you invite God to change your heart, He will faithful administer grace and forgiveness. One of my favorite scriptures says this: "Those who look on him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. (Psalm 34:5) Through Jesus Christ, we are seen as radiant! That, my friend, is the wonder of grace at work!!

Awww...children...

2008-07-10T11:31:00.004-04:00

Again, the wonderful uncle, Darrin has included me on his forward list...LOVE IT! :)

Children write about the sea:

1) This is a picture of an octopus.. It has eight testicles. (Kelly age 6)
2) Oysters' balls are called pearls. (James age 6)
3) If you are surrounded by sea you are an island. If you don't have sea all round you, you are incontinent. ( Wayne age 7)
4) Sharks are ugly and mean, and have big teeth, just like Emily Richardson She's not my friend no more. (Kylie age 6)
5) A dolphin breathes through an a**hole on the top of its head. (Billy age 8)
6) My uncle goes out in his boat with pots, and comes back with crabs. (Millie age 6)
7) When ships had sails, they used to use the trade winds to cross the ocean. Sometimes, when the wind didn't blow, the sailors would whistle to make the wind come. My brother said they would have been better off eating beans. (William age 7)
8) I like mermaids. They are beautiful, and I like their shiny tails. And how on earth do mermaids get pregnant? Like, really? (Helen age 6)
9) I'm not going to write about the sea. My baby brother is always screaming and being sick, my Dad keeps shouting at my Mom, and my big sister has just got pregnant, so I can't think what to write. (Amy age 6)
10) Some fish are dangerous. Jellyfish can sting. Electric eels can give you a shock. They have to live in caves under the sea where I think they have to plug themselves into chargers. (Chr istopher age 7)
11) When you go swimming in the sea, it is very cold, and it makes my willy small. (Kevin age 6)

Enuf said...

2008-07-09T14:35:00.001-04:00

Your Aunt Theresa loves you beautiful girls!! :)

I LOVE Nathanael!

2008-07-09T10:16:00.005-04:00

This morning, I was listening to the radio & heard 'Family Minute' with Dennis Rainey. Don't recall the title, but he referenced Proverbs 22:6 and the world's skewed understanding of the verse.

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

I was encouraged to find that in the Hebrew translation, 'train' means "to awaken a thirst." I know that I cannot control Nathanael's future and that God already knows what path he will take; along with what mistakes/triumphs will occur along the way. It is my job, however, to show him Christ's love by my example; through prayer, a faith-filled life, integrity, honesty, dependence on God and His provision, an insatiable hunger for the Word, love, patience and forgiveness. I pray today that I would strive for this with all that I am. That I would know & take ownership of my responsibility - and privilege - of steering this precious miracle. I cannot do it alone and know that more days than not, I will surely fail both God and Nathanael. Regardless, I want Nathanael to know that grace comes at the cross and we will never be beyond its reach. If I teach him anything, I pray that I teach him that.

GIANTS

2008-07-09T08:23:00.010-04:00

So, there are only 57 days until the NFL season opener between the Redskins (BOO) and the NY GIANTS!! If there is a soul left in the US that doesn't know I'm a Giants fan, well...catch up! :) My intention is to allow fans of all sports to enjoy their seasons but c'mon, can't football be year round? But, then I guess I wouldn't have anything to look forward to! :)

Now, before I begrudge all the below listed sports, I will say that I can enjoy ANY sporting event 'in-person.' There's something about the air in the arena or stadium that is invigorating. However, when the only delivery method from that same arena or stadium to me is through the 'sin box' (as it is less-affectionately known), I am not impressed.

I have no desire to watch golf...I'm still undecided on the validity of that sport.
I have no desire to watch baseball....maybe its the camera angles, but boring is the only word I can think of.
I have no desire to watch basketball...I think its b/c unlike football, when the ball is thrown, your eye is no longer on the player...seems like physics & gravity take over & the net/board/rim are these mystery players that ultimately control the outcome. Weird, i know. :)
I have no desire to watch tennis...I can't really keep my eye on the ball. **Disclaimer...I do wish I had seen Venus & Serena in the Wimbledon finals.**
I have no desire to watch soccer...probably because I don't know the first thing about it :)!!

I guess there are other sports that I have missed, but these are the few that came to my mind today. They all make up the time in between the best sport season of the year!! So, if naming of the seasons were up to me....fall & winter could be merged and named "football season"...no wait, "Giants season"...OK, maybe that's asking too much! :)
Oh, one more....I have no desire to watch any sport that doesn't have Toomer, Tyree, Manning & Bradshaw! :) GO GIANTS!

Blessings

2008-07-08T12:12:00.006-04:00

My greatest friend, Missie (right), read my previous blog & made the comment that she had expected a list of thing to things that I should be grateful for. She is absolutely right, so here goes....

Jesus & the cross

GRACE

Christian

Nathanael

my Missie :)

the BEST family

amazing sister-in-laws

my health

my house

my job

my 50 lb weight loss

other wonderful Christian women friends

Occoquan Bible Church

Herbalife

Obviously, if I had more time, there are a trillion more reasons I should be content. Praise the Lord that He doesn't take the ones away that we take for granted - or leave off lists like this! :)

Discontentment

2008-07-08T09:38:00.004-04:00

So, my struggle today is discontentment. Websters defines it as "a longing for something better than the current situation."

I know that God has a plan and that patience is one of the fruits of the spirit. I just have the hardest time with the people who are SEEMINGLY happier, skinnier, prettier, richer, more in love, kinder and more educated.

I know that these comparisions can be tagged to envy, covetousness, and a diminished view of God and me as His perfect creation. Regardless of that knowledge, I find myself battling the temptations of this world and its alluring promises of greater things.

I pray that I find my contentment in God, His promises in the past, for the future, and eternity.
I must remember all the things He has given me and find contentment in that realization.

Sour Patch Kids and other ramblings...

2008-07-07T14:54:00.015-04:00

So, I have racked my brain pretty much the greater part of today in hopes of cooler subjects to blog about...but no luck.

I have spent the entire day eating sour patch kids...not just a couple, but i've devoured 1/2 of a 8 oz. bag....so many that my tongue is completely numb & all the tastebuds are standing on end.

I have not had Dr. Pepper in 4 weeks and 2 days. That alone, from the girl who drank at least 4 a day (big ones), is a great achievement. For sanity's sake, I have a goal with my friend Charissa as to when we can drink it again....either after we reach a certain weight or after our October 10-mile run. I may not want it after all that time, but we'll see.

There is a really cool website that Robin posted on her blog a while back...http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.wordpress.com/ You HAVE to check it out. It has been right more often than not.

Had a nice 4th of July. It was odd though b/c we ended up at a neighborhood party with a bunch of strangers. Mind you, they provided everything but the food and fireworks, but it was so odd to be out of my element.....wait, who am I kidding?! I love being around new people, but it was still odd for many other reasons that blogging about would surely be inappropriate.

Well I'm adding a pic & talking now about my dear friend, Nichelle. She leaves for Vienna, Austria for 3 years this afternoon. I am really sad about it, but know that we will remain close regardless. I just hope she knows how much she is loved & will be missed. Congrats on 'lil one...love how you always have those offspring on foreign soil :)

Oh, and in case anyone who knows me isn't aware...I have two BEAUTIFUL baby nieces, Ava and Bella! I love them dearly! I also have a brilliant niece, Sarah who has just turned 4! They are such blessings!! And of course, I would be remiss to not mention my best buddy, Nate! Did I mention that I was blessed?

Ronnie Freeman

2008-07-03T12:16:00.002-04:00

There is one last thing I must address today, July 3. Over the last several months, I have struggled with God's will for me. I have believed the world's lies that I 'deserve' better and should 'be happy.' I know that God wants happiness for me; but not in anything that is of this world. I am to find my happiness, contentment, security, desires, and faith in Him. I am learning to do that more, with the help of Godly women in my life, an amazing church family, and a renewed desire (one that I asked God specifically for) to honor God and the grace which Jesus' blood offers. Other than my quiet times with the Lord, I find myself ignited by the lyrics of many songs in the christian contemporary arena. I think so often, many of us make 'value judgements' on our sin in comparison to others. The greatest thing I have learned about grace is that Christ died on the cross knowing that you and I would deny him (in our actions or speech); that murder, lies, gossip, hatred, stealing, omission, unfaithfulness, jealously, anger, spite, etc. would separate us from His holiness. But, Jesus knew that the cross redeemed us all..even before we needed it. Well today, I need it and I know that I must receive it and believe in it. I do, and I do!

All that to say.. please check out Ronnie Freeman's new CD God Speaking. It is an amazing mix of words and music that I believe can/do apply to almost every and any situation that a Christian finds themself immersed in. You can check his website out at:

ronniefreemanonline.com

I have listed the words below to two of my favorite songs off the album. Enjoy!

BREAKAWAY

Do whatever it takes, whatever you need
to make a change
to see a new day
Leave it all behind, every lie and substitute
for peace and love
These things you long for more of
Get desperate, get hungry
Get tired of, get angry

and BREAKAWAY, BREAKAWAY
say goodbye to yesterday
swing the hammer, crush the chains
and BREAKAWAY

That's why He came, wore the crown, took the pain
All to pay the price for freedom
So we could have life, real life, real hope, for the future
Not just now but forever
So get desperate, get hungry
Get tired of, get angry, yeah - and

and BREAKAWAY, BREAKAWAY
say goodbye to yesterday
swing the hammer, crush the chains
and BREAKAWAY

Tired of the same thing
Tired of the same game
Tired of the drab and the mundane
Tired of needless pain and the selfish gain
Tired of insane
Tired of the shame, having it my way
Ready for change, ready to sing
Dance in the rain, I have a new name
I have been washed clean

LOVE THE LIGHT

I met a man who lost it all
Ten years ago, just like the fall
He gave in and did it his way
Traded his peace for shadows and shame
Now ten years later, with scars to bare
He’s climbing back out of his pit of despair
It is no trouble for him to see
His need for a savior, His need for mercy – cause

He loves the light, he's not ashamed
There's nothing to hide, everything's changed
Voices still call him back to the night
But he's standing strong now
Cause he loves, he loves the light.

He’s learning to dance, learning to sing
He’s seeing colors he’s never seen
You won’t hear deny who he used to be
He’s an open book for the world to read

He loves the light, he's not ashamed
There's nothing to hide, everything's changed
Voices still call him back to the night
But he's standing strong now
Cause he loves, he loves the light.

Cardboard Testimonies

2008-07-03T12:08:00.003-04:00

My uncle Darrin forwarded an email to me with a youtube video attached. Figured it was a silly video...one that I would regret launching. I was SOO wrong!
Take a look at it...on youtube if you can.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvDDc5RB6FQ
If you have ever needed grace or wondered where God was in your struggle; remember that He is ever faithful, always present, and His grace never runs out.

My cardboard testimony...

ONE SIDE - Distraught, Blamed & Turned from God for bad marriage

OTHER SIDE - At peace...Forgiven through receiving grace and obeying, reading & yearning for God's word...even in my marriage

My freedom verses.... 1 Corinthians 6:9-12

9 Do you not know that the unjust will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators nor idolaters nor adulterers nor prostitutes nor sodomites 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor robbers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 That is what some of you used to be; but now you have had yourselves washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.

my first blog

2008-07-03T11:42:00.000-04:00

Well, I don't know quite where to start....

I will say that my fascination with Tara & Robin's blogs has ignited a desire of my own to blog daily (or weekly based on the mood) about the events/thoughts in my life. I am positive that my life is not nearly as exciting as either Tara or Robin, and I am sure that my words will not flow as eloquently...but I will take a stab at it!

Here's to one more thing that sucks time & life out of me on the internet! :)