True Joy

Psalm 28: 6-8, " Praise be to the LORD, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one."

This morning, I was thinking about the difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is determined, largely, by circumstances. The good and bad of life will determine how happy I am. Some people rely on other people, some on stuff, some on success for their happiness in life. Happiness is too conditional.

Now joy, that is what I like. Joy is the, "no matter what, I will be joyful. No matter what happens in this life, I will rejoice in what I have been given and what has already been done for me." Joy cannot be altered by people, circumstances, or successes, it is the continual heart's song that continues to beat moment after moment. Joy is beautiful, the smile and song after the tears, the rainbow that follows the rain.

Joy, the very thing welling up inside my soul, wanting to sing and leap and dance, and the very thing that makes every single day absolutely wonderful.

My Promise Land

At this moment, I am in Texas, my idea of the "Promised Land." It is good to be here, in my parent's home, watching my niece stroll through the house enjoying toys and such as all almost 2 year olds do. The girl is funny; she has certainly been blessed with a great personality and a love to entertain. And me? I'm an easy audience. While her big sister is in school, I am enjoying the time getting to know the little one, so different, but both so incredibly humorous.

My sweet husband, yet again, is back home working while I am out and about playing. My oldest niece asked, "When are you going to let my uncle come too?" It cracked me up. I wish he could come with me on every visit I make, I really do. He would love seeing the girls, and being entertained by them. He's a sweetheart, letting me come out here as often as I do. Although, I am usually flying out thanks to my mom's frequent flyer tickets, which have been a tremendous blessing! So, I guess it's easier to say yes when we aren't spending any money. HA!

Right now, it's actually cooler here than in TN. Crazy. The air is also drier, which I have missed. Even hot days don't seem so bad without humidity thickening the air. It is good to be back in the Promise Land, the place filled with people whom I love dearly, and the place that always welcomes me back.

My heart's cry today

"The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17

This morning, I feel the Lord holding onto me in a heavenly embrace, rejoicing over his creation. It is not because of anything I have done, or even can do, it is simply because He sees himself in His creation.

I am weak, I am flawed, I am inconsistent, and sometimes hard to love. But my God? He is always strong, always perfect, always consistent, and the very essence of love. And today, I feel this more than I have in weeks. His love is very near, very close, surrounding my every breath. It is beautiful, and it is sweet. It is a place of joy, hope, comfort and rest. It is a place I long to stay....at least for today because, truly, "Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; " Psalm 84:10.

Didn't think I would make it through...

This past week has been filled with a vast array of emotions, mild depression, complete elation, everything. And you know what? I.am.tired.

The ebb and flow of life I guess, sometimes we are up, sometimes, we are down. It is good though, if all went smoothly along I think I would take life for granted and cease to enjoy the minor details that are filled with incredible beauty. This past week was a strange one, but good. And now? It's over. Phew.

What caused all of this? I have no idea. Just one of those weeks I guess. There are moments I feel I have no outlet, for creativity and conversation. There are moments I feel the weight of various stresses and trials pounding me into the ground. There are moments I feel that if there is not activity buzzing around me I will lose my mind. The truth? I have outlets, I just have not plugged into them as I should and I am not choosing to give action to my goals. The stress that builds is constructed by me, by my own thoughts and beliefs that what I am currently doing is not enough. The need for activity is simply my extroverted nature feeling neglected and cast aside. The truth? I have an endless amount of options lying before me and I have chosen to not run after them this week. That ends, now.

Lately, I have been making quite a few changes. Changes in my workouts, in my nutrition, in my reading (adding some, taking away others), and in my goals. It's all good. Now? It's time to act. The past week of ups and downs? Probably just my ideas and goals waiting to be put into action.

Can you hear that? The keys turned, igniting the enigne of the week ahead -- a week that will be marked with action.

One Touch

Nicole sang this song in church this past Sunday. It's amazing. The power of the God we serve is undeniable. Listen, be blessed. And for the sermon that went before this song, click here then click on the sermon for 8/19. Enjoy, and be blessed. Praying you all receive just one touch today.

All things new

Yesterday was a day of new things, of "birth" if you will (and that's going be wind up being a funny statement in a moment).

First of all, a friend has began blogging again. Her blog is filled with deep, meditative thoughts, insights, and stumbles on her journey of faith. I love her writings, and am glad she has returned to her blog to capture those moments of growth, learning, and experiences had as she goes through life. Her honesty and openness are a breath of fresh air, and her ability to pen her thoughts is incredible. Welcome back my friend.

Finally, I got a funny call yesterday. Seeing as *who it was from, I was not surprised, but still. Here's a recount of it:

Friend: I have a strange question to ask

Me: Why am I not surprised?

Friend: (Gasp!) Well, I guess I should make a statement before I ask the question.

Me: Whatever you need to do, I'm just hoping we get somewhere with this conversation

Friend: Ok, well, first of all, I guess I should mention that I'm pregnant

Me (imagine, quick, rapid fire questions asked excitedly): What? When did you find out? What was husband's reaction? How did you tell him? Are you feeling ok?

Friend: (after answering all questions) I have my first doctor's appointment in 2 weeks, and husband is out of town, would you mind going with me? I just don't want to go alone for the first one.

Me: Sure I'll go, that will be fun...but don't expect me to venture into the exam room with you, I'll only hold your hand so far.

I am quite excited for our friends, for their induction into parenthood, and for how they will grow and be challenged as they welcome their child into the world. I'm also honored, beyond words, to be the friend she called to go to the doctor with her. It's nice to be needed, and nicer still to simply be for a friend.

*Since this isn't my news to share, I am not comfortable sharing her name right now. However, whenever she says it's ok to do so, I will....maybe.

Pages

Last night, Andy and I headed out (yes, during the middle of the week...shocking), for the Pages Tour with opening acts Mikes Chair and Monk & Neagle and featuring Bebo Norman and Shane and Shane, .

One of my absolute favorite artists, Shawn McDonald was supposed to be there as well. But alas, it was not meant to be. Twice we have gone to see him, twice we have not seen him. Maybe the third time will be a charm. I was disappointed, but then, I read the following on his website:

Personal Note from Shawn:
I am most grateful to everyone who has supported me and my music. I’ve always attempted to be honest with my songs and to communicate what is earnestly in my heart as a follower of Christ. With that said, my wife Kate and I are going through a challenging season as a young married couple and as parents to a beautiful baby boy named Cohen. It’s difficult to find balance as a touring artist and as the head of a young family. I’ve decided to come off the road for a short season to dedicate my time solely to those who are my highest priority, my family. Those who love me, counsel me and support my ministry have agreed that I should come off the road for a time and engage more deeply with Kate & Cohen. My prayer is that God will honor this commitment to find balance, that each of you will be patient with me as I spend this time at home and that ultimately God’s purposes will be accomplished in our lives as we seek to put Him first. We covet your prayers and appreciate your support.

After reading that, I cannot be too upset with the fact he wasn't there. His family should come way before his ministry, so I love that he chose to back off his work to be with them.

Anytime I have heard Bebo Norman, I have always enjoyed what he had to say. He's a great musician, but he is also an incredible insightful speaker. Bebo was the one to discuss Compassion International, which the concert benefitted. He made many statements that caught my attention, such as, "You can't understand light unless you understand darkness, because that's where life is most often lived...somewhere between the two. It's messy and it's beautiful all at the same time."

He then spoke of IJM (International Justice Mission) and its President, Gary Haugen. Here's a brief introduction to what this man, who was awarded the 2007 Joseph Award honoring IJM's anti-slavery work has done:

*In 1994, Haugen was working at the U.S. Department of Justice when he was put on loan to the United Nations to serve as the Officer in Charge of their genocide investigation in Rwanda. Haugen directed an international team of lawyers, criminal prosecutors, law enforcement officers and forensics experts in the gathering of evidence against the perpetrators of the Rwandan genocide.

Haugen says, “Slipping in the mud of a mass grave, I stopped wondering how I might have fared in the great moral struggles of history. It became abundantly clear that such struggles are not matters of idle speculation; such struggles are now.”

Bebo went on to say that Haugen stated, "In times of extreme tragedy, I do not ask 'Where is God?' The question is, 'Where are God's people?'' How.very.true. Profound, and I ask myself the same thing.

There were so many gems spoken last night, once that pierced, convicted, and encouraged. It was a good night, a good night indeed.

*Information found here.

Changes = minimizing things

This is "take 2" on this post. Not sure what happened to the first one I did, but it went *poof* so here I go, again.

Earlier today, I was reading some blogs I have listed on Google Reader and decided to delete some of them. Mainly, I do not read some of them often enough, and I do not see the point in knowing whether or not they have new posts. Secondly, I do not know some of the authors, and as I thought about it, I realized there are people in my physical sphere of influence I need to be investing time in, not strangers in the blogosphere.

Occassionally, I read blogs by folks challenging themselves to do endurance events like marathons and such. I enjoy those because I understand that journey. I know what it is like, the good and bad days, and the accomplishment felt when the finish line is crossed. Some of them I may browse through every now and then because they inspire me deeply, and have actually helped me find ways to motivate some of my clients.

There are two blogs I read, daily, written by women I have never met. Those, I will continue to read. One is going through the process of adopting a child, and writes about issues I hold close to my heart, and, strangely, it feels like I do know her. The other writes openly and honestly about her faith, enduring church burnout, and I simply enjoy how she writes. Both women are open in their beliefs and their love for God, which I love.*

Finally, I have a business to get rolling. Two of them actually. The choices I make should reflect the goals I have set. Moments I should be out talking to prospects, I am sitting and reading. That's a problem. That choice does not line up with my goals. So, I just needed to make a few changes, to simplify things for myself and to start creating ways to feed into the lives of those I come into contact with here, where I am at, right now.

*There is also the sister of a friend, whom I also feel like I know whose blog I love reading, and the girl who takes the most amazing photos ever - I gotta see her pics which inspire me to get out and take more photos myself!

36 Wonderful Years

Soul-mates are people who bring out the best in you. They are not perfect but are always perfect for you. ~Author Unknown

Today, my parents celebrate their 36th Wedding Anniversary. I love that I can say my parents have a strong, healthy marriage that is filled with joy and laughter. They are great examples for how marriage should be done. Especially in the society we live in where divorce seems to be the thing to do when one party doesn't get his or her way, or when reality hits and the fantasy ends; I am proud to say my parents are still married. It seems to be a rarity, which is very sad to me. However, they know how to fight fairly, they know how to enjoy each other, and at times, how to tolerate each other. More importantly, they love each other well. They are friends, the best of friends, and just enjoy walking through life....together.

Round of Applause, round of applause

Our friend, Matt Bronleewe has written a book entitled "Illuminated."

Here is a little overview I found here:

August Adams has failed his family before. He's sacrificed relationships in pursuit of adventure, fame, and money. Now the very lives of those he loves depend on his ability to decipher a centuries-old puzzle encrypted in the colorful hand-painted illuminations that adorn three rare Gutenberg Bibles.

Congrats Matt! Can't wait to actually read it!

Also, my old friend Jon and his wife are having a little girl in October! All are doing well and are healthy, hooray!

And finally, today is little Skylar's first birthday. What fun! Happy Birthday Skylar!!

Write Freely!

Saturday night, Andy and I watched "Freedom Writers." What a wonderful movie! Throughout many parts, tears began streaming down my faces because I was reminded of students I taught at a school in Nashville.

These kids grew up in a world very different from mine, and I wanted them to have at least one safe place in their unstable lives. Since I love to write, I opened up that avenue for the kids. Poetry, raps, stories, whatever they wanted. At least once a month, we held "Mrs. D's coffee shop." I allowed them to bring in food and beverages, I turned off the ever inviting (ha ha) fluorescent lights, and turned on some laps. We played classical or jazz music, and had a stool in the front of the room. One by one, students got up and shared their writings. They were open and raw, heartbreaking, and inspiring. One girl wrote about abuse, another of her mother's death, one young man wrote about the "sperm donor" he would never refer to as "Dad." There were moments that we drew in a collective breath, not knowing where the reader was going to take us on his journey. There were moments we passed out tissues because every eye wept for the story being told. But with each story shared, with each rap performed, we drew closer together, into a place of safety and belonging. I understood them better, and they understood I wasn't just another "white authority" they would be forced to obey.

In the six years I taught, it was the two years at the "ghetto school" that affected me the most. A place where fights happened daily, kids were left to fend for themselves at home, and a place were best friends were lost in a shootout. Those students? They were real, and their writings reflected it. When given the opportunity, they spoke with voices of wonderful knowledge, of creative thoughts, and with deep feeling. And, they chose to allow me a front row seat on their journeys.

As we watched the movie, and heard more about the Freedom Writers, I said a little prayer for the teachers who are just now beginning a new school year. A prayer that they would offer a safe place for their students, a place to express, grow, and be challenged. And especially for the opposition those teachers face by the people who cannot see past the outer edges of the students and who are stuck in "the way we have always done it."

Heat brings visitors

Last night, a friend called saying her air conditioner wasn't working. This is a problem. It's been hot, very hot, here. People are being taken to the hospital all over the county due to heat exhaustion and the like. And my friend? Her husband is out of town and she has two young children. So, we offered them our extra room and an escape from their house that was sitting at a steamy 98 degrees.

This morning, I got to play with the kids. YES! They are so cute, and as laid back as kids can be. It's incredible, it really is. Being the kind hostess I am, I started snapping pictures as soon ads they were awake. But their cuteness? Fantastic, here's proof:

Dancin is Done

The finale of "So You Think You Can Dance" was last night. And, as I said should happen, Sabra won! She was adorable when they announced her name too. When the rest of the dancers rushed the stage however, Sabra was no longer visible because she's so short. That was kind of funny.

Now, Andy and I have nothing to watch on TV. Oh well, that's not such a bad thing.

And the SYTYCD tour? We ordered our tickets this morning. SWEET!

Happy Anniversary

Happy Anniversary Chip and Mona! Hope your day is filled with joy and love! We love you, and miss you!!

Dancin dancin, dance the night away

Hooray! Neil and Sabra are in the finals of "So You Think You Can Dance." I was very sad to see Lauren and Pasha go however. They are so funny. Their personalities alone made them worth keeping around. Oh yea, and they are ridiculously talented! Both of them have an incredible sense of humor and were fun to watch dance. But alas, it was not meant to be.

The show was smart, they kicked out the studio audience so no one could leak the information as to who would be in the finale. Smart, very smart. It was comical too as the cameras scanned the crowd as they were being told to get out. But, I do appreciate the fact that was done so that we all had to wait until last night to find out the results. Now for Wednesday, the finale! WHOOPPEE!

Oh for Monday to be here

Typically, "So You Think You Can Dance" airs their results show on Thursday nights. This past week? Oh no, due to football, the show was moved to tomorrow night. Now, don't get me wrong. I raised by a football coach, in Texas no less, and love watching the game, but SIX DAYS of waiting to see who goes into the finals?!?! Ugh!! The anticipation is killing me (I think I should be worried about myself...but whatever). What I know for sure is this girl and this boy better be in the finals, or truly, I am going to lose my mind.

Speaking of the boy, I was reading his bio (I am almost ashamed to admit that), and when I came across this, the answer to #6, I knew he was a cool guy:

*What other talents/hobbies do you have?
Playing volleyball, I was MVP of my high school volleyball team in my junior and senior year.

Amazing dancer, former gymnast, and, a volleyball player? Yea, he pretty much rocks. My kind of human being. I already liked the kid because he's fun to watch and seems hysterical, but after finding this out? Woo-hoo.

But, I still think she should be the grand champion.

And Jen, sorry I make fun of you for your reality TV addiction! hee hee :)

*copied from this site

What are the odds?!?!

* I got a call from my best friend this afternoon. What was so important? What was making her sound like an overly excited teenager?

This morning, while walking out of church, she met the person you see pictured here. That's right, Venus Williams. You must understand, my best friend LOVES tennis, loves this player. She was overjoyed to have met her face to face. So, what does she do? She's going down the list, calling everyone to let them know. Ahhh, that's my best friend! :)




*Picture found here.

It's August and I'm Not in a school building

In 2001, I started teaching. So began my routine of reporting to a school building to prepare for the upcoming year each August, anticipating the year, coming up with lesson plans for the year (and yes, I had the whole year planned before school started), and attempting to convince myself I was excited to be there.

This week, teachers reported to school. A few days of inservice, meetings, and some time to work in their rooms. But me? I'm no longer there, no longer part of that community. It's a bit strange to no longer be readying myself for the adventures a new school year brings, to no longer stand in a door welcoming students, instantly knowing which ones would need extra pushing and which ones would go above and beyond, and to no longer meet together with fellow teachers to discuss the highs and lows of the job.

Do I miss teaching? No. I do not think I was an exceptional teacher. I miss the relationships though. That is where I excelled, knowing my department, and knowing my students. I took great pride in the fact I knew them well, knew what made them tick, knew the difference between an indifferent attitude and just a bad day. I enjoyed knowing about them, their families, and the vast array of information they shared with me. They were my kids, and there were days I wanted to strangle them and days I wanted to just wrap them up in my arms. I even became protective of them when it came to dealings with other teachers, much like a parent would. I enjoyed seeing them finally "get it."

I miss the community of education, the people, I do not miss the system, the politics, and all the junk that no longer allows for teachers to just teach. I like where I am at, what I am doing, but there are days, that I miss the community of teachers and the students they teach. To all of you preparing yourselves for another year influencing young minds and sometimes dragging them through lessons, I hope it is a year of wonderful adventures, incredible knowledge, and lots and lots of laughter.

Bring on the walker, the cane, and some ointment!

You know you are getting old when your knee on one leg and ankle on the other are hurting. Both, at the same time, causing pain. No need to limp because, luckily, there is pain in both legs so they balance each other out and result in a limp free walk.

But really, I am not old enough to have these pains! I have been thinking I needed to lay off jogging and a jump rope series I do and ride the bike for a bit. Have I done it? Of course not. Why would I take my own advice to do some cross-training? Because I'm a personal trainer? That would just be silly. What do I know? Oh wait, I do know a bit about these things...now if only I would start listening to my own advice. Until then, I'm going to need to find a second ice pack for my pains....dumb joints.

Fade to brown

A week or two ago, it rained. It was nice. Our yard, never having been a beautiful, lush green, soaked it up. The yard was becoming quite pleasant, no longer an eyesore to the passersby. But, that was a few weeks ago.

It has not rained in a week or two, dry as can be, a drought even! Our yard is now fading to a pitiful, pathetic, dying brown color. Oh, there are a few spots that are green, a few that are protected by the shadow the house casts over it. But that grass? It only magnifies its pitiful brown grass brother beside it. So.very.sad. I enjoyed seeing the green shooting up from the earth: evidence of life! Now, no amount of watering seems to be saving the lawn because it is so stinking hot. Or, maybe because we have no idea how to truly tend to a yard to maintain its beauty. Maybe we should buy this book to help us out some. Or, maybe we will just pray for rain.

Reunion-ing

A week and a half ago, my mom's side of the family gathered together n Nebraska for a family reunion. Where were we? Home. Phooey. I was sad we weren't able to go, but my mom was gracious enough to send me some pictures. It was nice to at least see pictures of everyone, but I am so bummed we were not able to attend. When will I see these wonderful relatives again? In 3 years, 3 years I say! When I see them, 6 years will have passed, how sad.

The majority of mom's family live on ranches in Nebraska and Oklahoma. Being raised in the city, I have always been enthralled by the stories they share. The ones of my mom and her sisters growing up? Incredible! My granddaddy and his brother owned a ranch together in New Mexico. And though they had separate houses, their houses were connected by the laundry room (I think it was the laundry room anyway). So, my mom, her sisters, and their cousins all grew up together. How wonderful! The stories they share typically leave me in tears from laughing so hard. It would be so nice to be close to family when we have kids, to have them grow up with a community of people caring for their well being. Ahhh, that just sounds good!

Although the family does possess a certain level of crazy, they are absolutely wonderful. One thing they do well, is converse with one another. When everyone is together, each person is engaged in conversation. Sit, listen, share, laugh, listen some more. It's beautiful. I love that about them. Even if I weren't related to them, I would want to be around them solely based on the fact they are so welcoming, incredibly witty, and just a bit crazy. I'm a lucky girl.

Oh yea, I am suppposed to be doing household chores right now....off I go.

Gonna Go Melt in the Sun

Today, I will be going over to a friend's house to hang out with her and her adorable little girl. What are we going to do? Eat lunch then go to the pool! It is supposed to be a whopping 102 degrees, or something insane like that, today, so hopefully their neighborhood pool is nice and cool. However, I just hope something like this (ewwwwwww!) doesn't happen while we are there! Then again, it does make for an excellent post, well, the way this girl writes about things anyway.

So, off to do some chores around the house before I go melt outside. I may not last as long as the kiddo does, how very sad. Oh well, I am looking forward to hanging out with them today; I guess they are worth melting for!

Walk From Obesity

I will be taking part in the Walk from Obesity on September29th, please help me raise funds for this cause.

*Obesity is a serious, chronic disease affecting more than 32 percent of American adults and 17 percent of American children (an increase of 75 percent over the last 20 years). Every day hundreds of people in the United States will die from obesity and its related health conditions. Obesity is a complex, multi-faceted disease that has been misunderstood by medical professionals, governmental agencies and the general public.
*http://www.walkfromobesity.com/aboutobesity.php

Walk from Obesity
Walk Date: Saturday, September 29, 2007
Walk Location: Hall Of Fame Park
Click here to donate, register, and for more information.

Hair or Hat?

This is a picture I took, with my phone. See that hair on the old man? Yea, I was laughing out loud. Bright blonde and spikey. But then...then he took off the hat, and so went the do. I laughed even harder.

Now I am wishing I asked where he got it, I think that would be a helarious gift for my dad, or better yet, my husband. HA!

Listen Up!

The sermon from church yesterday is now available online. Click here, then click on "Who is the Loudest Voice in Your Life." Enjoy, it is worth the 30-40 minutes it will take to listen to the whole thing.

Peaceful

It's peaceful in our house right now, absolutely peaceful. The hum of the air conditioner lulled my beloved and I into a wonderful nap. My beloved's loud breathing woke me, but that's ok. Outside, the sun is beaming high and strong, but a bit too hot. So, I will remain indoors where the air is cooler.

Although I am a bit behind in my Bible reading, that is OK. I have just completed the Book of Job. I love this book of the Bible. I love how God shows himself in this book, his loving rebuke towards Job, and especially to Job's friends. What I don't like? Knowing I am more like one of Job's friends than anyone else. Got a problem? No worries, I will come make it better! HA! In all actuality, my counsel can leave a person feeling worse and God being less than glorified. But, God always proves himself faithful, able to handle any gripe, complaint, cry, or angry yell, and able to breathe light into the darkest of moments. While reading the end of Job, where God responds to Job (and really, after all that ranting, and God shows up to speak? Man oh man, I would have wanted to run and hide. "Oh crap, I'm in for it now!" And rightly so), I laughed out loud. Job, and his friends, have gone on and on and on, as if they know the mind of God, as if they have the same kind of strength. Then God shows up and reminds them who He is. "Did you make all of this? Didn't think so." God is wonderful in his rebuke to Job yet also loving. In the end, Job is given more than what was taken from him. He ends his life with an abundance, wanting and needing nothing. Beautiful.

This morning at church, our women's director spoke. From the moment she began I thought, "Oh, this is gonna hurt." Our pastor is doing a series entitled "At The Feet of Jesus," and Kristi continued in that theme. She spoke from Luke 7:34-48, and it was good. Once it is posted online, I will link it because it is worth listening to. The point? We have all been the woman in need of forgiveness, and we have all been the pharisee, knowing truth but missing Jesus altogether. Ouch.

It is good to go to church on Sundays and hear the truth spoken so well, the truth that can cut deeply and penetrate the very fibers of who I am, truth that speaks directly to the sinner I am and shows me of my need for grace. It is good to be a part of a body that can openly confess its need for one another and its own wretchedness. It is good to be a part of a church that seeks God's fullness and grace, and rejoices often in the little and big things He does. It is better still to be a part of a church that sees itself as the woman at Jesus' feet.

Blog O Nothin'

Not much blogging going on here these days. Not much to blog about really. I've been a bit bored this week. I seem to go through phases where I just become bored with almost everything. Tired of routine, tired of knowing, to a certain degree, what will happen each day. Oh well, there is also security in normalcy I suppose.

This week, I have also concluded that I really am going to work on building our AdvoCare business, and try to lessen the time I spend training. I enjoy training in the mornings, but right now most of my work is done in the evenings. It.gets.old. My clients are great though, which is nice. However, I like the freedom and the possibilities that AdvoCare provides, so I'll be praying over that and getting into ACTION!

Truly, it's crazy hot right now. A million degrees and a million percent humidity. It's oppressive outside! At 5am this morning, while training, it was already ridiculously hot...not cool (literally). The air quality is way below anything decent too, which is nice for those of us with asthma. Ick. Bring on Fall!!!

So, this blog o nothin' turned into a blog about very little. Nice. I am sure you are beside yourself with excitement after reading this. Sorry 'bout that.

Tragedies

This morning on the news, I am sure most of you have heard about the bridge that collapsed in Minneapolis. During rush hour yesterday, one of the busiest bridges crumbled. I cannot fathom how frightening that must have been for those on the bridge at the time.

While watching the news, and thinking how horrible this is, they began interviewing people who chose to jump into the river to save those whom they could reach. Hope. Even in the midst of this horrible moment, I was deeply touched by the risk strangers took to help others. Beauty in the midst of tragedy. A school bus loaded with 60 kids was on that bridge. 10 are injured, everyone survived. Supernatural protection.

This morning I pray for those who died in this accident, and especially for their families. I thank God for those who risked their own lives to save others, and for the children who were spared.

Lacey and Neil Contemporary SYTYCD Top 8

Last night on "So You Think You Can Dance," this dance brought everyone to tears. Mia Michaels, the choreographer lost her father to lung cancer 2 years ago. This dance is of Mia and her father reuniting in Heaven. It is incredible!!!