This is totally random, but I’ve devloped a thing for champagne glasses. Call me crazy, but I see a lot of meaning in them. And I’m not talking about the actual champagne buzz.
I see a lot of simplicity and class in these little glasses. Almost every time they are used, it is during a celebration and a happy time.
Simplicity. Class. Celebration. Happy. That’s why I’m loving champagne glasses! They aren’t quite my lovely pearls, but they’re getting close! 
I used to think I wasn’t a big fan of change! But I sure am excited about this one!
Today I am starting my Graduate Accounting Certification through the University of Phoenix. (Yes, I’m one of the few that actually enjoys school.)
Gerardo’s med school orientation is this week with class starting on Monday. (We are both just so happy about his beginning medical school and what lies ahead with all of that! I’m so proud of him!)
Sounds like I might get to start teaching at the University of Phoenix campus in OKC. (Hopefully a starting point to my ultimate career dream – teaching.)
Starting some new involvement in a community program with Boeing. (My position uses my mind but this is more in-line with my heart.)
My new job is no long feeling as ‘new’. (Really enjoying it . . . whole package is a gift from God.)
We’re gonna get back into serving regularly at our LifeChurch.tv campus. (Able to actually experience my church as my church now.)
I’m on a new health kick that is just that – focused on health instead of the stupid scale. (Don’t worry – be healthy!)
Getting more regularly with spending time with the girlfriends. (That’s just good for the soul.)
I guess when it comes down to it, I am enjoying all this change because I know it is all completely from Him and fills me with peace and joy! God is good!
What about you? Do you find yourself enjoying or dreading change?
Okay, I need ya’ll’s help! I am wanting a camera but don’t know much about what’s out there. I know many of you are big picture-taking gurus so I’d love your thoughts! I don’t need anything really fancy but would like something with high quality but not high-dollar. :) Any recommendations?
So I received this link in an email forward and am very intrigued! And honestly very excited!! 
Youniverse – Personalities & People!!!
Just click on the link, select the pic that best fits you on each screen, and then it will give you a whole personality description. If that’s not fun enough, up at the top is says discover people. I’m very curious! First personality profiles, now discovering people.
(I do realize stuff like this probably excites me more than the average Joe. But I wanted to share it with you all just in case! I know my hubby loves all the personality tests and such that I ask him to take! He’s praising that I no longer bring home LifeChurch.tv ones. )
I don’t really know much about this site . . . and need to get back to work . . . but its some good ‘Happy Friday’ stuff!
If I had to give some key words for this chapter of my life, they would probably be . . .
Joy
Blessed
Reforming
Learning
Encouraging
Health
Grace
Love
Faith
What about you? What are your key words?
Gerardo and I are entering into a new season . . . and just like this past one. it will be wonderful, challenging, exciting, painful at times, filled with joy, and most importantly, from Him and full of blessings!
What’s changed? Med School. Boeing. Weekends. Evenings. Time. Friends.
What’s the same? Love. Faith. Values. Family. Relationships. Home. Pups. God @ work!
Am I looking forward to it? Definitely!
Am I anxious? Of course!
Do I know what’s ahead? Nope!
What do I know? God’s got it! His plan is perfect! He’ll be with us the entire time!
Self-control of the mouth – Part II
Talking and listening!
Harsh reality #2 – talking too much!!! This is something I definitely have to watch. I think most of us do. I would love to talk a lot if everything I say is filled with the Spirit. But I know that’s not true. That’s where the self-control needs to come in.
But in addition to our talking, we can listen more, but only to the wholesome stuff. We need the self-control to stop listening when it comes to gossip and such.
‘Don’t let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.’ Ephesians 4:9
Lord, fill our mouths and words and minds with You!
Self-control of the mouth – Part I
Food!!!
Beth Moore pointed out our mouth’s role in self-control that stirred me deeply. Mostly because those are the main two areas that seem to get me. One, of course, is food. Overeating, undereating, obessing. This is the one addiction that is politically correct for Christians. But it can become a similar ‘filler’ just like alcohol, drugs, sex, or smoking.
Why is food that big of a deal? Why does our society make is so exciting and special? It’s just temporary, unless it turns into fat. :) And we totally go beyond its original purpose – to nourish, sustain us, allow us to serve and live fully.
The thing that really stinks is that when I’m sad, down, excited, nervous, tired, stressed, at peace – are my thoughts focused on Him, His glory, His fulfillment, or am I wondering what I can eat right now?
Crap! the truth hurts!
‘So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.’ I Corinthians 10:31
Lord, give us freedom from our struggles with grabbing food or anything else instead of grabbing onto You.
I’m participating in a Sweets Strike for the next 30 days! (And by participating, I mean I created it, named it, and am the first participant.)
The strike includes (can not eat):
candy
cake
cookies
ice cream
The strike does not include (can still partake in moderation):
coffee/capp
wine
sno cones
Holler if you want to join in! It will be fun! Just wanting to be free from that stupid sugary stronghold! My intentions are kind of like a fast – when I get the urge for sweets, I’ll direct my focus to the Spirit to fill me. He’ll be getting lots of attention!
I have read some amazing devotional books, but this by far has been my favorite – Living Beyond Yourself: Exploring the Fruit of the Spirit by Beth Moore. I went through it in its entirety during college with a dear friend, and now reference back to it and redo chapters when I’m in need of guidance. This week has been one of those times!
As you all well know, I’m definitely a self-improvement advocate and also share my struggle with food, weight, beauty, etc. In the midst of my crazy thoughts, God totally showed up to provide clarity. And He wrapped everything up into one powerful idea – Self-Control.
I’ve got lots to share in the posts to come, but any thoughts before I get started?
| Michelle Giles on The Bealls’ Book | |
| Mike on My Medical Student | |
| Amanda Kerns on Actions Speak Louder Than… | |
| Amy Jackman on My Medical Student | |
| Valerie on My Medical Student |
