March Madness

I just LOVE March Madness !! Basketball is my favorite sport and some of my favorite people just happen to play it :) I received an unexpected gift this morning of some UT LADY VOLS house slippers. We are currently in the TranSouth tournament at Union University. We're very fortunate that we have home court advantage !!
I'm excited about seeing some good players and teams March 16-22 at Oman Arena. NAIA here we come !! Vanguard Lady Lions,so excited about your return to TN !!

Katie's blog

If you haven't read this blog www.kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com
then YOU MUST !!
She's an amazing young lady with an amazing story.
Disclaimer: you will never be the same again :)

I'm back !!

Hey everyone !!! Surprise Surprise !! I'm back on my blog :) I hope to use this again to keep up with you all. LOTS been going on in my life. But,I'll have to save that for another post. I have to speak at a church thanksgiving service so I'm about to get ready for that. Say a prayer for me tonight please and i'll post again soon !!

Politically Correct

I know this issue has been around for a while.I also know that alot of good things have happened out of an effort to be politically correct.I think that as of late we,as americans,have been more active in politics and in voicing our opinion about policies we do and do not like.I think it's GREAT and definitely better than being silent and not doing anything !!I've definitely become more involved and feel like I've learned so much from paying attention to what's going on in politics.I really have come to have a new appreciation for our democracy here in the US.Do I think it's perfect or infalliable? No ! But you only can improve something by actively seeking,noticing the weaknesses and then finding a solution to improve those weaknesses.
The one thing I've noticed lately though is the double standard of political correctness.Now,don't get me wrong.I appreciate free speech and think it's a GREAT right provided to us by our constitution.I just don't understand instances like the following 1)a guy named Guy Torry was on a radio show the other night (I just happened across it and don't know which one it was) and was talking about his family.He is one of 6.He said the following "we were like the bradys,more like the ghetto bradys".The group just chuckled and went on about their discussion 2)I was listening to news report on CNN about the New Haven,Conneticut fire fighters lawsuit.(This is quite a story actually if you haven't heard about it).What caught my attention though was the careful use of "african american" but then also "white" when referring to the color of the firefighters. I don't why it's ok for an african american to say certain things but let a caucasian say it and it's a HUGE deal.Senator Lindsey Graham made this exact point when questioning Judge Sotomayor today during the Senate confirmation hearing.Referring to her "wise latina" statement he said "If I had said something like that my head would have been on the chopping block".He's absolutely right !! When Don Imas called the Rutgers players "nappy headed" he was "crucified" in the media.But,one african american can say it to another african american,it's fine or a bad joke at best.I have NO issue with saying that some words are "taboo",insensitive and should be eliminated from our vocabulary.But,if we're going to do that,let's apply it across the board.This is also why I don't understand hate crime. To me a crime is a crime.You have to establish motive in any case and also look at the "mitigating" factors when sentencing someone.That's all a hate crime is doing.We're already doing that folks !! No need for hate crime legislation.It just seems to me that we're not using "politically correct" in the right way.We should use it to help make everyone equal and to discourage hurtful comments.Not just to help a certain group or minority feel better about themselves.
So,these are my thoughts and I just thought I'd share :)

GREAT QUOTE FRIDAY !!!!

Life is what happens to you
While you're busy making other plans.
John Lennon
Beautiful Boy

California's ban on same sex marriage UPHELD !!

I know this is a touchy subject.I certainly intend no offense and am actually one of the most unbiased/non prejudiced people you will meet.I have gay family members and friends and love them all :) So,let me just preface this post with that !!
California today upheld a ban on same sex marriage.I was VERY thankful to see this.
I know alot of people were upset and rightfully so.This is such an emotional subject and to have it constantly changed via law,etc makes the issue even that more difficult.
There are many legal same sex marriages who can't share that same joy with their best friends or family members due to the laws changing.That's hard I know. So,while I am very glad to see the ban upheld I'm not celebrating.These are people's lives and beliefs we are talking about here.This is seen as a slap in the face and a "belittling" (if you will) to same sex couples.Most gay people I know have fought for a LONG time to reconcile this issue within themself. Self esteem and relationships have been affected.Many gay people really struggle with who they are and why they are gay.It takes them a long time to come to a place where they can accept themselves for what they believe is how they are made.So,for someone to then say "who you are is wrong" is a VERY VERY hard pill to swallow.It's caused suicide,depression,divorce,etc. This is the message many people say a ban on same sex marriage says."You're not worthy"."You're not human" "You don't have rights",etc.
However,it is my belief that the approach many people have taken on this issue is the wrong one and VERY harmful !!
God loves each and every human.He CREATED each and every human.He has a will for each and every human.We were all created with special gifts and quirks. That's what makes God's creation so beautiful and diverse.However,along with all this beauty we were also given free will.We are vulnerable to temptation and sin.From porn,to anger,to gluttony,to murder,to lust,to envy, etc we ALL have sinful behavior and sinful tendencies. Homosexuality is among this list too.It's no worse than envy and just as conquerable. The Bible tells us that God will not tempt us beyond what we can bear and that God sent Jesus to be tempted too so we could relate to Him who was without sin. Being tempted is not sin.Succumbing to the temptation is the sin.
This is how I view homosexuality.And,because I do have this view,any measures we can take to prevent temptation or condone sin is welcome by me :) Just as I welcome higher taxes on cigarettes,drinking laws,prison terms,church discipline,etc. I'm just really starting to study and ponder just how much sin is in each of our lives.Believe me,I have my share of mine :) And,YES,I give in at times.But I also have the Holy Spirit reminding me of God's word and take actions so try to keep temptation at bay.
So,this is why I'm glad the ban on same sex marriage was upheld !!It's certainly not the only issue America should be looking at and not the only thing I want to see banned.It's just a start and you have to start somewhere :)

Great Quote Friday !!!!

Hey everyone ! I was reading a friend's blog and she was talking about a quote that inspired her.She then asked people to share their favorite quotes.I have actually started a book of quotes as I LOVE them :) So,I thought I'd start GREAT QUOTE FRIDAY on here ! I'll begin with a few quotes and then you can comment and share yours.
From now one,Fridays will be devoted to sharing a quote.(I'm doing multiple today just because I'm that excited !!). Hope you enjoy these and don't forget to share one of your own. TGIF !!!


1) "Preach the gospel at all times...and when necessary, use words." St. Francis of Assisi

2)"A daily recommitment is not to ensure that we’ll never fail, but to help us develop the mentality that every day is a new day. A new chance to follow Christ. Obedience to God is not some diet we suddenly blow. It is something to which we recommit every single day, no matter how we blew it the day before. Victorious living is not an instant arrival. It is the pursuit of one victorious day at a time until the sun sets on enough to begin forming victorious habits." - Beth Moore

3)Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, 'What! You too? I thought I was the only one!'

- C.S. Lewis

4)"A single gal's walk is never easy but it's much better in a GREAT pair of shoes !"
- Carrie Bradshaw (Sex and the City)

This is a video of a song sung in Swahili.It's one of my all time favorites !!LAtely,I've been really burdened with reaching out to people with different culture backgrounds than myself and this was an encouragement to me :)

p.s. There may be a prize for the first person to post the name of this song in my comments :)

Me too !! Me too !!

Gosh,didn't realize it'd been so long since I posted.I guess I got busy celebrating my birthday :) I'm SOOOOO glad warmer weather is here even if it is rainy.Life is pretty good for me lately.I am truly blessed and try to remember that every day !!

One of the things that has made life bearable lately is all the people in my life that seem to be saying "me too!!".People are willing to listen to me and "carry my burden with me" and also to comfort me and say "me too!!" or "been there done that".
Authenticity is precious and I'm very thankful for it.Having someone who has had the same or similar situation as yourself is a Godsend.Even if you are celebrating,having someone who is excited for you or with you is AWESOME !! I've also been able to be the one to say "me too!!" lately.One example is with a lady I don't know personally whose 5 month old son is suffering from SVT (superventricular tachycardia).He had the same surgery performed that I did in 11/2002.I've been able to encourage a very special christian lady by being willing to "be an outsider looking in" and offer advice to her on her life and home.I've talked with a friend who is having emotional ups and downs and say "me too!!" as I went through the same thing last spring.I've been VERY VERY encouraged by others as we share common family dynamics.I've enjoyed coffee with a fellow church member as we've shared the same vision for a ministry at church. FUN and PRECIOUS times indeed !!!!!
So,I share this to ask 2 things of you. 1)share with me times in your life where "me too!" has meant something to you and 2)be willing to be authentic enough to be a "me too!" person or to ask for a "me too!" person. What an amazing thing when 2 or more with a similar experience can get together and help each other !!

Refreshing (a repost from a friend)

*** I'd actually been thinking about this very topic when I read my friend's blog.She puts it so eloquently so I decided to "steal" her post :) I'd love to hear what you do to "refresh" yourself !! In the meantime,I think there's a pond about a 1/2 mile from me calling my name :) ****



Refreshing April 16, 2009
Filed under: Laura — Laura @ 10:54 pm
Tags: Danny & Laura

Refreshing…we all need it sometimes. Typically we think of a dip in the pool or a cold coke (at least in my family) on a warm afternoon,coca-cola-mom-and-daughter when we think of things that are refreshing. And those things are physically refreshing, but just like we have days where we need something cool to refresh us physically, we also have days where we need more of a combination of emotional, spiritual, and physical refreshing.

I personally have been discovering (in some cases rediscovering) what provides the refreshing I need to live life vibrantly. Our life, as you know, has undergone many changes over the past month and will continue to as we work toward getting settled in our new community. With those changes I’ve found that the type of refreshing I need changes. I’ve had more time on my hands in some areas and less in others, providing for new needs and opportunities for refreshing. So I thought I would share what some of those have been, and maybe you will find some new ideas or be able to say “amen!” to the ones you’ve also found refreshing for you emotionally, spiritually, and physically, or even share some things I haven’t mentioned. Like I said, a new season of life has brought new needs for/means of refreshing so my ideas may not fit you now or ever, and vice versa, but then again they may be helpful. And of course, they are not all inclusive!

Recent “refreshments” in my life:

* Getting at least 8 hours of sleep each night (going to be early or sleeping in later)
* Spending time reading various Psalms in the bible and meditating on them.
* Going to a coffee shop to hang out for a few hours.
* Taking walks around the neighborhood with my husband in the evenings.
* Crocheting…having a crafty project I can pick up and put down easily, and transport without a hassle (often to the coffee shop).
* Reading, for the sake of relaxing and/or learning, just because I can.
* Sitting on a bench and watching the boats go by on the Intracoastal Waterway in the evenings with Danny.
* Volunteering at church/serving alongside Danny…putting up bulletin boards and helping him lead chapel for the preschool. Simple, yet needed.
* Occasionally taking Sadie (my family’s dog) for an afternoon walk…this is refreshing when there aren’t other dogs out because she tends to want to eat them…or at least it sounds like she does (hence walking in the afternoon)

Palm Sunday

Why we recognize a day called “Palm Sunday”…..
John 12: 9- 18

9 When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus [4] was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, 11 because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.

12 The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. 13 So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” 14 And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written,

15 “Fear not, daughter of Zion;
behold, your king is coming,
sitting on a donkey\’s colt!”

16 His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and had been done to him. 17 The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to bear witness. 18 The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign.

Stellan McKinney

http://www.mycharmingkids.net/


This is the blog of a precious "sister in Christ" !! Her little baby boy has been battling SVT even before he was born.Since I also had SVT,this story especially touches me.However,I DARE you to come away from her blog not being moved at Stellan's story and his "travels" :) Jump on over and take a look !!!

India on my mind

I've had India on my mind for some time now.Main reason is because I have some dear friends serving there.They are about to have a baby and I just see their heart for the country of India.They love the Indian people and its culture.I also know of a fellow blogger about to travel in May to India and a friend who leaves this week for India to dig wells for drinking water.This person is also beginning the process to adopt a child from India.So this has alot to do with why India is on my mind.But I also think alot about culture and diversity.For some reason when I see the people of India and their culture it just seems soooo different than mine.It is the best example I see of how another country is so different than mine.I question myself all the time about how "americanized" I am.I have not had the privilege to travel outside of the US but know MANY people who have.I've seen TONS of pictures,videos,etc from many different countries and also have crafts,clothing,etc from these countries.I treasure each and every item I have from another country. I think there is MUCH to be learned from other cultures and pray that I remain open to that knowledge as long as I live.
Do you have any thoughts or comments? Do you have a story about traveling to another country you'd like to share? Do you have pics to share? I love pics :)
I'd love to hear anyone's story !!

What's your self indulgence?

With the release of "Confessions of a Shopaholic",the state of the economy and just personal life situations I've been in lately,I've started thinking about just how self indulgent I can be.Don't worry this isn't going to be a "soapbox" type of post.I've just wondered just exactly what people's self indulgences are and if they've had to cut back on them lately.I saw on tv the other day that some people don't see how they could go shopping at the grocery store only once a month or even once a week.Luckily for me,when I was working and getting paid bimonthly,I went shopping bimonthly. I'm a coupon queen and would be even better if I had the storage space for extra groceries.But,I'm also the same person who gets something on her brain and JUST HAS TO HAVE IT !! It's a bad trait of mine I've had for years.I've started getting smart and asking for such things at christmas,birthday,etc.I used to work overtime alot and would know how much I made on a Saturday working.Then I'd think to myself well,that just paid the utility bill or paid for those shoes I've been wanting.I moved last fall and realized just how much junk (and I do mean junk) I'd accumulated.What I found most interesting is I found a handful of things I just HAD to have and never opened them.To this day,I have 2 pairs of shoes in my closet and a purse that I've never worn or used. So,just wondering if all my readers out there could relate and had a story of their own they wanted to share. I gave up getting my nails done and a few things like that since I'm not currently working.Have you had to downsize a little and if so what have you given up?

A tale of two Americas.....................

"I have alot of things I should be thinking about none of which should be how am I going to pay for college" stated the college student on a CNN story I just saw.She was talking about how she couldn't afford to continue her education at the University of Hartford as financial aid wasn't available and she didn't have the money to pay for it.The piece also mentioned another college student whose parents didn't have good enough credit to get student loans to afford for him to continue college.He was going to take a year off,work,save and go back to college.
This was a great example of something I've been thinking about.Big government vs. personal responsibility.Both of these college students talked like they expected the government (or someone) to help them out.Should I mention that the young woman had excellent grades and perhaps it's not her fault that the financial aid isn't there.It could be another result of the economic situation we're in.The young man has nothing to do with his parent's credit so should he suffer?BUT,who's to say it's their responsibility to put him through college anyway?
I was VERY blessed that my parents helped me through my bachelor's degree and saw them sacrifice alot to do that.Don't think I forget that for one second !!!
So,the question is this? Where does the government fit into this?Where does personal responsibility fit in? I saw my mom work full time AND attend college full time while raising me and my sister.My dad just retired after 36 years at the same company that provided the stability as far as paycheck,insurance,etc our family needed.My family is where it is today because of what my mom and dad did.Praise God for great parents.The thing is that not everyone is blessed like that.You have grandparents raising children,orphans,single parent families,etc that may not be able to do what my parents did.Yet,some can and choose not to !!! Let's say you have a mother who has child after child despite being able to care for the ones she has.Statistics say these children won't succeed and will barely graduate high school if they do.So,what about them?Do we punish them for their mom's behavior? What about a single teen who has a baby out of wedlock but wants to fulfill her dream for college? Should she be helped by the government? My mom wasn't.Yes she had my dad but that was her only help.We were dropped off at babysitters and sometimes had to go back to work with mom once she picked us up from school.
Let's look at another aspect of government help. Now,keep in mind,I'm a former governmental employee who worked directly with families on welfare,food stamps,medicaid.I saw these stories first hand and know many of their names.I had some families I worked with the entire 7 years I was at DHS.Also,I've benefited from a governmental program to return to school.I will be directly impacted by Prez Obama's stimulus plan.So,I've seen both sides of this issue.The biggest problem with government right now is that it's ineffective at times and VERY VERY poorly managed.
But this could be easily solved with better communication,technology and more employees.So,do we continue to let the government be as it always has?or do we send messages through our senators/representatives that we expect more out of our government? Do we fight to the death for private businesses/colleges?Are we better served in the private sector? Personally,I think so.But,that doesn't mean the BIG government couldn't be as effective as the private sector.
So,I just wanted to throw this out there as food for thought !! I'd love to hear from you and read your thoughts :)

Down by the Creek Bank !!!

As a child,there was a musical we did at church called "Down by the Creek Bank".Do any of you know it/remember it? I am fortunate enough to have the tape of it :) I was just wondering what was your favorite song/memory from that musical if you were lucky enough to do it !!!

STARBUCKS ! STARBUCKS ! STARBUCKS !!

YUM !!! I love me some Starbucks :) So,what I want to know is what is your favorite drink? There are some that aren't even listed on the menu so I'm especially interested in those.Do you have a favorite starbucks memory too? A group of friends and I would hang out outside playing board games while sipping our drinks.Fun times !!
So,all you readers out there share with me :)

Looking for a Miracle?

I was watching President Obama's town hall meeting this morning and was intrigued.I was proud to see Americans asking tough questions of the President and coming out to voice their thoughts,comments,etc.Now we can talk about whether he answered their questions or not and if people should be looking to government or not. I certainly welcome that discussion if you so desire.But what I thought I would comment on is the way people were looking at the President to perform "miracles".I am really thinking about the lady who needed help.She was unemployed and homeless.Once she was picked to ask the President a question you could see her excitement.She then proceeded to tell the President of her troubles (which alot of people face) and simply looked at him and said "please help". She was in tears.The President was very affectionate and gracious to her.I thank the Lord for that !! You could tell that she knew that if she could just talk to the President he could do something for her.She was in sheer disbelief that she was actually getting to speak to him. My mind instantly thought of the story from Scripture of the lady who knew she could be healed by just touching Jesus'garment.She was healed and He felt her touch the hem of His garment when there were many people surrounding Him.(Mark 5:25-31).It was a miracle in His time.So,my question is this? Do you still believe in modern day miracles? if you do,who do you look to for those miracles to be performed? The lady today believed the President would do something for her.She believed that if she could just talk with him then all would be fine.She acted out in faith and attended the rally with a slim chance she would actually get to talk to him.She went anyway.How amazing is it that as a christian we can talk to God anytime and KNOW that He cares and can/will provide.May God bless this lady I saw today and may we all as Americans be reminded that God can provide and never forget His supreme authority !!!!!

Adoption and the Family Circus !!!!

I love the Family Circus comic strip for SOOOO many reasons !! The above comic strip is just one of them. Adoption is near and dear to my heart for a few reasons. One is that I know I'll probably have to adopt in order to be a momma.Also,I have so many friends lately who have adopted and have been blessed by that process.So,I thought
I'd share this with them :) Adoption is a hard decision to make.It's hard for the biological parents to give up their child.They are VERY brave to make that decision.
I will always believe it's a much better alternative then abortion.Also,it's a chance to bless another family who wants that child so much.I will ALWAYS be a HUGE supporter of adoption !!! I'm willing to talk to you about it if you'd like or hear a story you might like to share about adoption.Life is precious,life is sweet !!! Know you are loved :)

Basketball vs. Life

Tonight I got to watch one of the most thrilling and entertaining basketball games of my life ! It was thrilling as each team really was really challenged by the other and it ended up being an 88-78 game. There were 3 things that really stuck out at me about this game that I thought I'd share. First of all,the home team really pressured the visiting team and SEVERAL times kept them from coming across mid court or being able to pass in the ball from out of bounds to another player.It was INTENSE pressure.I thought about times in our lives when we're like that.We can't move or we can't find someone to share our burdens with.We can have all the plans in the world or all the right motives in the world but if we can't take that first step to make it happen then it's all in vain.Have you ever had a time when you felt so paralyzed or pressured? I know I have. Secondly,the visiting team's coach at one point got so mad he threw the play board down on the ground and appeared to smash it into pieces.Later I heard him say he didn't break it,that a pen went up in the air as he hurled it at the ground.You could see the look in the player's eyes.They KNEW he was upset (he normally isn't like that !) and after the game was over they'd won but were still upset for letting coach down and not playing to the best of their ability. I thought about 2 things in this scenerio.I thought about the coach who hurled the play board.I'm pretty sure he regretted doing it.It really upset the girls I believe.But,no matter how much he might apologize for it later,etc he can't take it back.I thought about how our words,actions,etc can have a lasting impact on someone.I KNOW some of you have a story you could share about how someone's actions/words affected you either positively or negatively.You could also share about how you've wished you could take back something you said or did. I'd LOVE to hear these :) I also thought about sometimes it takes a coach getting mad at players to get them to do what He wants.I wonder if God feels this way about me sometimes.Does He have to yell,scream,shout,blow sticks of dynamite,send a catastrophe,etc into my life before I do His will? Or am I constantly looking to Him for guidance and then following His commands? I have MANY a story I'm sad to say where God had to hurl a play board at me. What about you? Again,I'd love to hear your story. If you're still with me :) the last thing I'd like to share is about the home team's coach.He was HILARIOUS and was so fun to watch !! I still can't believe he wasn't called on a technical for being out on the floor. He was the MOST enthused coach I've ever seen.It was almost as if he was playing the game himself !! His body would move with whatever his player was doing (if she was shooting so was he,if they were running down the court so was he).It really was a sight to see.He was doing it in such a "cheerleading" sort of a way. I thought about how we need people like that as we play this game of life.We need people around us feeling what we feel,seeing what we see,experiencing what we're experiencing.We need them supporting us.We need them coaching us.
I know this is ALOT of thinking on my part from just a basketball game :) hehe
I really did watch the game and enjoy myself.I thought about most of this while on the way home.But,I could definitely see the parallels so I thought I'd just share my thoughts.I'd love input from any of you on what I've said and may you never look at another basketball the same again :)

Warmly,
Alicia

Wisdom of a 4 yr old !!

I bet you think I'm going to say something about my niece Madelyn.She's only 3 1/2 though so no.This is about a little boy named Hayden. His family is in my small group at church.His mom and I were sitting with him tonight eating supper before bible study.Let me say that I love the whole family so I was having a good time already.We were eating salad and Hayden asked if I liked talking to tomatoes.He said he talked to Bob the tomato from VeggieTales.He then asked me if I'd ever met Bob. I told him that my favorite was Larry the Cucumber.So you get the drift.We're having fun and I'm enjoying the company of this precious 4 year old. Then all the sudden he looks at me and says "Do you love yourself?".I said "yes I do" and he said "good I do too !".
Talk about a moment !! I'm assuming his parents have been talking to him about this subject but it truly was as if God was speaking to me. I battled self esteem issues back in middle school and high school.I finally won the war on it but it does creep back up every once in a blue moon. I've actually been thinking on self esteem issues recently with some things going on with me and within my family too. So,this my friends was one of those "KAIROS" moments for which I named my blog !! Don't let little moments in life pass you by because you're so busy or unfocused. Each day is a gift and can be a new beginning if you need it to be.Be in tune with yourself enough to know when someone or something is speaking to your heart !! It'll be the most wonderful words you'll ever hear :)
Do you have a moment like this you'd like to share? I'm sure there are lots of stories like this out there.So,share with me ! I'd love to hear them :)

audrey caroline

I can't believe I haven't mentioned this before in my blogs. I began following the story of Todd Smith from Selah (the christian musical group) a while back.This story of his daughter Audrey is AMAZING !!! Angie (todd's wife) found out before birth that Audrey would not live.She did manage to give birth to her and they spent about 2 hours with her before she died.Angie has been blogging about this ever since they found out Audrey's diagnosis.Well,she has just created a video that is a MUST SEE !!!
It is hard to watch but tells a story like nothing else. So,please indulge me :)


"Life is precious,life is sweet!" -----Steven Curtis Chapman



Sweet Audrey-Girl from angie smith on Vimeo.

A Twist on a New Year's Resolution

I never do stick to my New Year's Resolutions because I always seem to make more of a "bucket" list then a New Year's Resolution.so,I have 1 goal for 2009.That should make it easy for me to remember and to accomplish :) but,I felt like sharing with you my list of things I want to do before I die. So,here it is..............


Top 10 Things I want to accomplish in my life:


1. travel to Italy
2.lead someone to Christ
3.own a pair of Manolo Blahnik shoes
4.give at least $1000 to charity
5.purchase a GREAT piece of art
6.own a circle pendant necklace
7.get my weight down to ideal BMI (body mass index) and maintain it
8.run a marathon
9.be involved with my nieces as they grow up
10.live in Hawaii


Please share with me your New Year's Resolution or your "bucket" list !!!!

God bless you and Happy 2009 !!!!!

Christmas Quiz

I stole this from another blog but thought it was a GREAT christmas quiz. I'll answer under each question and I can't wait to read your comments :) Merry Christmas Beloved !!!!


1)Fresh Tree or Fake Tree? we always had fake ones due to allergies so I'd have to say fake.I do love the smell of pine though in a home with a fresh tree :)

2. Favorite Ornament?
I'd have to say the Angel ball that my BFF got me a few years back

3. Favorite Christmas Song? Wow this is the hardest because christmas music is my fave but I'd have to say "O come all ye faithful"
A VERY close second is one called "A King is Born" that's on my WOW christmas cd.

4. Favorite Tradition? Making chex mix and sugar cookies with my mom

5. Favorite Gift Ever Received?I'd have to say a max lucado book and a poem that one of clients gave me.She was very special to me and I still see her out and about to this day

6. Favorite Christmas Meal? ham,corn pudding,broccoli,pecan pie

7. Favorite Christmas Cookie? no doubt my mom's sugar cookies that we ice and sprinkle.They are in the shape of snowman,candy cane,christmas tree,etc. A VERY close second comes the gingerbread man :)

8. Favorite Place To Be?wherever my family is

9. Favorite Memory? when we were really little,we lived near a tv station tower that had red lights on it.You've all seen them :) Well when we'd get home from my dad's parents on christmas eve we'd see the red light and daddy would always tell us that was rudolph's nose and we better hurry to bed because he was close to our house ! (Don't ask me how we never figured out that the red light was there all year round and there were more than 1 red light glowing.It was just magical to us ! )

10. Favorite Christmas Movie? haha if you know me at all you know it's "A Christmas Story" !!!!

My favorite Christmas Carol :)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY !!!!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone !!! I hope you feel blessed beyond measure and are ready to celebrate.To help me get into the spirit of the day,I decided to do a "TOP 10" list of things I am thankful for. Feel free to do your own as well and then share with me :)



TOP 10 REASONS I AM THANKFUL :


10) family who makes me laugh and is encouraging
9) friends who have impacted my life eternally and have been with me for YEARS !!!
8) beloved families I know serving overseas to spread THE WORD
7) chocolate ('nuf said!)
6) my 2 beautiful and precious nieces
5) my church home and family
4) the gift of life (lots of pregnant women in my life right now )and the reminder it's been 6 years this week since I had heart surgery
3) technology which allows me to keep in touch with SOOO many people
2) the turkey I am currently smelling cooking in the oven that will be DELICIOUS !! haha
1) the Lord Almighty who saves us and desires to have a relationship with us

Life and Family

Lately,I've been hearing LOTS of stories about pregnancies/babies and families. Just this morning it was announced that the "pregnant man" is now pregnant again.all this week I've been closely monitoring a blog of a family who traveled from Nashville to New Jersey to adopt a little girl who will be born via c-section tomorrow.
I have a DEAR friend of mine who just found out that her baby most likely has Trisomy 13 and will not make it to birth or will die shortly after.At LEAST 2 friends of mine found out the sexes of their babies this week.Another dear friend is pregnant and trying to protect herself from her daughter who has scarlet fever. These are just a few examples that come to mind right now but there are many more believe me ! So,I just got to thinking.With all this love and effort to bring healthy babies into the world how could anyone not say life begins at conception and discourage abortion? I know of TONS of families trying to adopt and willing to give good homes to children.Also,so many people go through fertility treatments,in-vitro,surrogacy,etc just to have a child. Doesn't that say something? I'm really not trying to be judgemental here.REally !! I also wonder why so many couples go through so much just to have a child when they could adopt.I'm just sharing my thoughts and also inviting input,comments,etc. All of this also lends me to think about what is the definition of family? I'd REALLY love to hear your comments on this.My gut is to say that family is blood relatives but I don't think of adoptive parents or children as any less than a family.I'd say it's a mommy,daddy and their children but a couple is a family with or without children.My sister and I are family but she also has her "own" family with her husband and children.So let's hear it readers out there.What is the definition of family? Also,and more importantly,let's look at the legal side of this.If we give family a solid definition,what impact legally does that have? If it has to be family members for visitation at the hospital then what? If family is privileged to some crime information others aren't who does that include? Just food for thought and can't wait to hear what some of you say :)

Election Day !!!!

YAY !!! It's here !!! Whooo Hooo :) hope you all got out and voted.I'm at home today loving the opportunity to watch all the coverage on TV.I'm in AWE over how many people have early voted and are voting today. Way to go Americans !!! I have to say that no matter who wins my heart's cry is from the song "America the BEAUTIFUL".


"America,America, God shed His grace on thee.And crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea"



GOD BLESS AMERICA !!!

Sarah Palin on special needs children

Who moved?

I have to confess that lately I've felt distant from God.I haven't heard His voice.Now,I've seen His provision but nothing else.I don't know if the times I've had where I sensed God's presence so strongly are rare or something I should be expecting everyday.Is it just a kindness of His that I am able to "feel" Him? Should I be concerned if I don't consistently? There's an old cliche that says "If you feel far away from God,guess who moved? It wasn't God!"I'd love for my readers to offer their input.I'm fighting for my relationship with God and tend to think that being able to "feel" God throughout my day is something I should be obtaining to.But,I'm open to thought,suggestions,etc.I'd love for you to share your experience with this (if you've had one) and verses,quotes,etc that you'd love to share with me :)

Sweet Fellowship :)

Last night after a busy stressful week at work,I headed straight over to the Brooks' house for a cookout/fellowship.It was much needed in so many ways.It was SOOOOO good to enjoy some AMAZING chili and smores over the campfire. It was soooo great to just relax and enjoy the fire and outdoors.It was also soooo good to be with my church family.they are so important to me and are used by God in my life in soooo many ways.I forget sometimes just how important the body of Christ is to a christian.It takes sacrifice and committment to have fellowship.That's why it's so important.I missed the past two weeks of church activities due to moving and being sick.I have however been able to e-mail a couple of ladies at church who have invested me in.They have been praying for me and I have felt those prayers.Because of the fellowship I have with my church family I never feel alone.I go to work every day feeling them with me as I know they are thinking of me just as I am them.That encourages me and uplifts my spirit soooo much.That is what the body of Christ is meant to do.So I feel sooooo blessed to have fellow christians that believe in fellowship as I do.One question many people ask is "Why do I have to attend church?"
"Why can't my relationship with God just be between me and Him?" This is the reason why.We were created for fellowship and it's where God can use the body of Christ most.

Peace Out !!

I am FINALLY feeling better after recovering from my cold/virus.Thanks to all of you who were praying. I have had SOOOO much going on lately that it's a wonder I haven't been committed to a mental hospital.I moved,was VERY sick and am facing a possibility of losing my job. For some one who battles anxiety and has to have meds/therapy for it you would think this would have done me in. BUT,my God is FAITHFUL !! He's been everything I needed during this time.It's kind of funny as I've been so busy literally that I haven't been able to talk to many people or see my therapist about any of this.I just a few days ago told my dad and tonight told my mom. I think it was as if God wanted it to be just me and Him.Normally this kind of stress would have been too much but for the most part i've had such peace.PEACE PEACE PEACE !!! Jesus is the Prince of Peace after all. Peace that God is in control.Peace that God's will can and will prevail.Peace that I'll be fine financially.Peace that I've given it my best.Peace in my Spirit.Peace of mind !!!! I don't know what will happen with my job but I rest soundly tonight knowing it'll all be ok. I know that I'm fortunate to be able to say this.Please don't think that I haven't had my moments of worry and stress.That's what makes this such an exciting thing.I usually would've pulled my hair out by now.However,i've learned that God will take care of me AND I've learned the power of God's Truth. I'd love to discuss any details if anyone wants to know.I just say this to encourage anyone who might need it.It's become kinda "cliche" to say "God is in control" but He really is.If we really believe this how differently do we feel and act?

just rambling

I've been sick for a few days now.Can I just tell you I HATE being sick !!! I am praying that i'm finally on the mend.I go back to work tomorrow and need all the mental and physical strength I can get.I have enjoyed the downtime though and just being able to snuggle in my bed. It's been much needed.When I've felt up to it i've been thinking about God and talking to Him lately.I hate to admit that I've put Him on the back burner the past few weeks with my move and stressful job situation. As usual though,I've been on His mind all this time.God is FAITHFUL !!! He reminded me the past few days of some of His characteristics. First of all that He is FAITHFUL !!! He has not left my side for one moment during these past few weeks when I didn't feel Him or sense Him.He's been right there.(As a side not because of this He already knows what's been going on so when I pray nothing is a surprise to Him and nothing is unknown to Him). God is also the REDEEMER !!! I was reminded today of someone who has come back into my life who I knew in high school.This guy had quite a reputation back in the day and I still cant' put that past me even today. God had to remind me that Yes,He can and does redeeem people's pasts and restores their future.I don't see any potential in this guy but God does !!! Praise God that He sees us as NO ONE else does :)
Last thing God has been reminding me of is that He is my PORTION !!! He is all I need and then provides for all my needs.He knows it all (see earlier in my blog) and wants to move in our lives in some mighty big ways.I don't always believe this though as my prayer life shows that.I don't hand things over to Him as if He's the Almighty !!! If I truly believe He's sovereign,omnipotent,etc than who better to give my life to and to give my day to day life to.He's already there and already knows.So,why not invite Him to be there and to work in ways only He can. That is my prayer tonight that I won't forget who God is and what He can do in my life !!!!!!

Home Sweet Home !!!!

I've finally done it !!! I have moved to my new place :) HALLELUJAH !!!!
I love my new back deck and my walk in closet.Not to mention that I have a new bed and it is soooooo comfortable.I'm sleeping so well which is much needed. I think this new place is going to be more inviting and comfortable for me.Lord knows I need it as stressful as work is.I need a place of retreat.
So,just wanted to let you know I'm alive and back online :) haha

An Exodus of sorts

I think it's not coincidental that my ladies' group is starting the book of Exodus monday night.I'm so excited and can't wait to see how God is going to work during this time.I don't think it's coincidental as I'm personally going through an exodus of sorts.It will end in early october which is perfect as the fall is my favorite time of year. I wll be moving in two weeks and it's going to be a journey to pick up and move.i see what God's got in store in the future but it's going to be a trying time while I move.I also am having a VERY stressful time at work.I'm learning to handle it better though so I think over time that'll get better too.So,as I'm going through this time of transition I'm thankful for the times of "exodus" in our lives.It's a VERY hard time but it's also necessary to leave old places,people and habits and to reach towards the promise land God has for you :)

Packing,Packing and More Packing !!!!!

I now know why I used to move once a year once I got out of college.It kept me from accumulating a bunch of crap !! I move at the end of this month and it's going to take me that long to get everything sorted and packed.My job is very busy too so that doesn't help matters either.My internet will be down for a couple of weeks too so forgive me if I don't post or answer e-mails,etc. I'll repost again once I get settled in my new place.Say a little prayer for me over the next few weeks and I'll talk to you soon :)

A VERY LONG HOT SUMMER !!!!

Hey everyone ! I feel like that since we're no longer in the 90's around here that I can say summer is gone :) I can also tell you I've had alot of sweat and tears throughout this summer.I've really struggled emotionally with alot of things.I'm continuing to work out my finances,I've seen my boss be off for 2 months now due to a car wreck,I've had 2 people move in with me and I've celebrated LOTS of birthdays.Oh and all that on top of having an EXTREMELY busy job.It's not quite as tense as usual but it certainly is BUSY !!!! Many prayers in that area would be greatly appreciated.
I'm about to move into a co-workers house and am very excited.It's been a VERY hard decision to make but I think it's best for me financially and emotionally.
One thing I can say is that God is GOOD ALL THE TIME !!!! and I'm a witness to that.
I'm excited about what the next few months hold and i'll keep you posted :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANNA !!!!!

My niece Anna turned 1 years old on 8/15/2008.This year has flown by!! Anna is such a sweet soul :) She's also a comedian.She just busts out laughing for no reason and LOVES making funny faces at you.I'm very anxious to get to know her even better and interact with her more as she begins to walk and talk.Anna also is VERY cuddly and I hope she stays that way. Anna,HAPPY BIRTHDAY,from your Aunt Alicia and I love you very much !!!!!

Kelly is ENGAGED !!!!!!

My dear friend Kelly Carter was engaged Wednesday August 6,2008. You can read her myspace blog to get the details.Let's just say that Nate was very creative and sneaky.I couldn't be happier for Kelly !! She's already got some of the major details worked out (in less than a week from being proposed to).I am praying for Kelly and Nate over the next couple of months as they prepare to marry.I'm also praying for their marriage that it will be God honoring and they will love each other for the rest of their lives.Nate and Kelly,I love you both and am so excited for you !!!!!

Laurel

This is "my girl" Laurel !!! She's going to be a SENIOR this year and I'm SOOOOOO proud of her :) When I first met Laurel she was starting 3rd grade.She captured my heart instantly.I've watched her grow into a beautiful godly lady.She has
had lots of hard times as any teenager does but has always remained true to herself.She is VERY fun loving and can always make you laugh :) She perseveres through basketball and putting up with her family.haha Really,I'm VERY VERY proud of her and honored to call her friend.I'm very excited for her to be starting her senior year and hope it's the BEST.May God continue to bless Laurel !








In honor of Laurel's senior year,I thought I'd do a TOP 10 list.
So,here's the TOP 10 REASONS I LOVE LAUREL ...........

1o.She comes from an amazing family and I'm glad to know any of the Fraziers
9. She hasn't killed her dad yet :)
8. She can make you laugh anytime
7. She can play some MEAN basketball
6. She is BEAUTIFUL !!
5. She loves Taco Bell !!!!
4. She's got the most amazing green eyes
3. She loves the Lord
2. Did I mention she hasn't killed her dad yet :)
1. She has a great heart and a great enthusiasm for life




I love you Laurel and wish you the BEST senior year ever !!!!

Beautiful Video !!!

"You Love the World "

There is a song "You Love the World" by Keith Green that has come in and out of my life ever since I was a teenager.It's got a very catch beat and an even BETTER message. I could only find one video of it online but I really wanted you to hear the music and not just read the lyrics. So,enjoy !!!!!











You Love The World (And You're Avoiding Me)
I want you here with me.
But you've been keeping other company.
You can't sit still, it's plain to see.
You love the world and you're avoiding me.
My word sits there upon your desk.
But you love your books and magazines the best.
Prefer the light of your TV.
You love the world, and you're avoiding me.
You used to pray, you were so brave.
Now you can't keep even one appointment we've made.
Oh I gave my blood, to save you life.
Tell me, tell me is it right?
Will you leave me here along again tonight?
Well I love you, still more and more.
But you're fighting everything I'm working for.
You're acting like my enemy.
You love the world and you're avoiding me.
These other loves, they're hurting you.
If you end up losing me, then what will you do?
Oh, I gave my blood, to save your life.
Tell me, tell me is it right?
Will you leave me here alone again tonight?
Well, I want you, here with me.
But you've been keeping other company.
Prefer the light, of your TV.
You love the world, and you're avoiding me.
You love the world, you love the world,
You love the world and you're avoiding me.
Oh, you love the world.
You love the world and you're avoiding me.

Books,Books and More Books !!!!

I've been reading ALOT lately. I love it now that I'm not required to do it :)
I have several books I've purchased but haven't read yet.I'm beginning to work through them though.I posted a list of books that I would like to eventually read.however,i know alot of you read too.So,I'm asking you to let me know what you love reading.Can't wait to see what you have to say !!!!!

meet Anna Elizabeth

This is my "cutiepie " of a neice Anna Elizabeth.She'll be one next month. I know I've posted some pics but never really blogged about her.She is such a snugglebug and is such a calm soul. She's very quiet and just loves life.SHe's very easily pleased.While Madelyn is more like me i think,anna is just like her momma.she has such a beautiful face and a HUGE smile.Not to mention the bluest eyes you'll ever see. I'm so glad to see none of that has gone away over this past year.she was born with it and I really prayed she's stayed baby faced.Anna really likes to just sit back and watch.she's very cautious.It took her 4ever to warm up to anyone other than her mom and dad.THat's why I had such a great time visiting yesterday.I actually got her to climb up in my lap so i wanted to capture the moment.She really likes just being alone and playing.she loves her big sister and I hope that continues.She's saying a few words and loves kisses.She'll even "smack" at you like she's trying to kiss :)
Well,I just wanted to "formally" introduce you to Anna. She's such a blessing and I can't wait until I can interact with her even more !

Remember King Friday?

I'm once again sharing a blog from a dear friend.Oh that I could write like she does !!! My thoughts,etc will be in bold and her words in normal text........




I know a lot of you tune into my blog because you want to hear my deepest, darkest secrets. The true confessions of my soul. Okay, so I'm about to share one with you. Hopefully it will encourage you and make you stronger in your own journey.

I have a severe aversion to muppets. To anything puppet-like, marionnette-like... just writing this makes me cringe. Any little felt zombie with big plastic eyes and little hands on sticks. My worst nightmare, aside from being eaten alive by a shark, is to be in a room alone filled with muppets.

So it's somewhat ironic that my husband Steve has gotten involved in the puppet ministry at our church. My friend David thinks it's happening so I can go through deliverance. Actually I'm totally great with Steve's involvement with these horrific beings, I love and respect his ministry to children. And there is nothing self-glorifying about being on the puppet team. A long time ago I wanted to get him a t-shirt that simply read "I'm on the puppet team," because it's such his heart. Now that it's actually true, it's a must.

The other day he mentioned the person heading up the puppet ministry is moving. "I might take it over," he says. "It would mean I would have to bring the puppets home." These are not cute little King Friday puppets. These are giant yarn-haired, button-nosed, intrusive - and I suspect- murderous puppets.

Somehow I knew it would come to this. I could ask him to store them in his car I suppose. It will take a strong move of God to get me over my fear. I'm just saying...

My friend David also reminded me of how puppets can increase communication between people. "Yeah," says my friend Debbie. "You guys can talk things out with puppets." If I didn't find that so funny, I would have cried.

So dear reader, remember the puppet man or woman in your church. Remember their family. You may think it's an easy ministry to be apart of, but everyone sacrifices for the sake of the children's laughter. Nightmares come and nightmares go, but the puppet man remains.



I laughed at this story first. Our God has such a sense of humor. He's using puppets to get her attention.I couldn't help but love my Lord and thank Him for His sense of humor.Then,I started thinking (always dangerous for me!).As simple of an issue as it sounds (her aversion to puppets)God knew it was an area in her life not surrendered to Him.It could potentially keep her from doing God's will or participating in His ministry.So,God brought it to her attention and had her address the issue.My friend's heart is soooo sensitive that I know she "hashed it out" with God and I'm so thankful for her heart.I started then wondering what area in my life is like the puppets? I know there's probably too many to name.That's ok. What's not ok is if I'm not asking God to reveal these to me.I'm not having a teachable spirit and allowing God to conquer more and more territory of my heart.I know this is me.This blog has convicted me.So,I wonder about you.Is there a puppet area in your life? Are you asking God to look inside your heart? Friend,let me encourage you about something.It's VERY VERY hard to be so open and raw with someone.however,God knows you already.He knows your heart.He LOVES you and is mesmerized by you !!!!! So,nothing you can say to Him or He can reveal to you will change that.God only wants to show you to make you more like Him and to grow closer to you.So,don't talk yourself out of this process.There's nobody on this earth I'd rather be open and raw before.Also,while I'm not an expert at this I'm not completely ignorant either. I can tell you it gets easier and easier the closer you get to God.I have to remind myself of this.I think "oh He's really going to get me for this one" but He's very gentle and I remember that He's only concerned about me looking more like Him. If you think i can help you in any way or share some wisdom,scripture,etc I'd be honored.Just e-mail me :)I love you dear reader and pray God's blessings on you.I leave you with another quote from my dear friend as she's coming out a time of this proces........




I am blessed a lot and I will always bless His name. I know this night season will have an end.

And tomorrow's dawn will be beautiful, because when is God not beautiful? When do Your mercies ever fail God? When does Your love ever end? You are Courage, You are the only Warrior, You are JESUS. When He leaves me in a hiding place to rest, I get up and follow Him. I won't let Him out of my sight. He gives me a view of the battlefield from His tower, enough to let me know the heavenlies are stirred up and no evil can get near me. He tells me to rest but I hold onto His garment because I won't go anywhere without him. I rest in Him. He's all I need.

Alicia's Top 100

Ok,I basically stole this from some one else.however,I thought it was a great list of "must read" books.So,I couldn't help but share. I'll star the ones I've read to date and see how long it takes me to complete the whole 100 :) Won't you join me?



1.Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen
2 The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien
3 Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte
*4 HArry Potter series - JK Rowling
*5 To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee
*6 The Bible
*7 Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte
8 Nineteen Eighty Four - George Orwellother
9 His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman
*10 Great Expectations - Charles Dickens
11 Little Women - Louisa M Alcott
12 Tess of the D'Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy
13 Catch 22 - Joseph Heller
14 Complete Works of Shakespeare
15 Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier
16 The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien
17 Birdsong - Sebastian Faulks
18 Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger
19 The Time Travelers Wife - Audrey Niffenegger
20 Middlemarch - George Eliot
21 Gone With The Wind - Margaret Mitchell
*22 The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald
23 Bleak House - Charles Dickens
24 War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy
25 The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams
26 Brideshead Revisited - Evelyn Waugh
27 Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoyevsky
28 Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck
*29 Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll
*30 The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame
*31 Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy
32 David Copperfield - Charles Dickens
33 Chronicles of Narnia - CS Lewis
34 Emma - Jane Austen
35 Persuasion - Jane Austen
36 The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - CS Lewis
37 The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini
38 Captain Corelli's Mandolin - Louis De Bernieres
39 Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden
*40 Winnie the Pooh - AA Milne
*41 Animal Farm - George Orwel
*42 The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown
43 One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
44 A Prayer for Owen Meaney - John Irving
45 The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins
46 Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery
47 Far From The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy
48 The Handmaid's Tale - Margaret Atwood
49 Lord of the Flies - William Golding
50 Atonement - Ian McEwan
51 Life of Pi - Yann Martel
52 Dune - Frank Herbert
53 Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons
54 Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen
55 A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth
56 The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon
*57 A Tale Of Two Cities - Charles Dickens
58 Brave New World - Aldous Huxley
59 The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time - Mark Haddon
60 Love In The Time Of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
61 Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck
62 Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov
63 The Secret History - Donna Tartt
64 The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold
65 Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas
66 On The Road - Jack Kerouac
67 Jude the Obscure - Thomas Hardy
68 Bridget Jones' Diary - Helen Fielding
69 Midnight's Children - Salman Rushdie
*70 Moby Dick - Herman Melville
71 Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens
72 Dracula - Bram Stoker
*73 The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett (MY PERSONAL FAVORITE OF ALL TIME !!!!!)
74 Notes From A Small Island - Bill Bryson
*75 Ulysses - James Joyce
76 The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath
77 Swallows and Amazons - Arthur Ransome
78 Germinal - Emile Zola
79 Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackeray* (started several times)
80 Possession - AS Byatt
*81 A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens
82 Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell
83 The Color Purple - Alice Walker
84 The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro
85 Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert
86 A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry
*87 Charlotte's Web - EB White
88 The Five People You Meet In Heaven - Mitch Albom
89 Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
90 The Faraway Tree Collection - Enid Blyton
*91 Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad
92 The Little Prince - Antoine De Saint-Exupery
93 The Wasp Factory - Iain Banks
94 Watership Down - Richard Adams
95 A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole
96 A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute
97 The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas
*98 Hamlet - William Shakespeare
*99 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl
100 Les Miserables - Victor Hugo


* means I've read already

HAPPY 3rd BIRTHDAY MADELYN !!!!!

Phone call today between me and madelyn :

(my sister gives madelyn the phone)

Madelyn- "It's my birthday"
Alicia-"I know.Happy Birthday Madelyn!"
Madelyn-"I'm now 3"
Alicia-"yes you're getting to be a big girl"
Madelyn-"I want a ball for my birthday"
Alicia-"ok.what color ball do you want?"
Madelyn-hesistates then says "I want a Dora ball"



Ahhh ! Precious moments and the reason I LOVE LOVE LOVE being an aunt :)

secret ambition

an AWESOME video : )

Am I worth it?

I've been thinking alot lately about my life and my value.Lately I've felt like a failure and like I'm not worth anything.The odd thing is as I've been thinking I've come to realize what has made me feel this way.What's really funny is that very few of them have any truth to them.I don't feel valued because i'm not "beautiful",have gorgeous clothes,sing beautifully,have a prestigious job, have a famous family,have alot of money,haven't conquered the world,etc. Then I start thinking that these are some of the world's standards of worth.The Bible tells me that I'm of great value simply because God created me AND created me in His image.The Bible also tells me that I'm the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. That's it.That's what makes me worth MILLIONS and MILLIONS !!!!

A "must see" story about a Hippo !!!!!

Sue and Shannon

I'm sharing this video that was made for church.This is my best friend shannon and her very good friend Sue.Both these ladies have blessed my life beyond measure.They talk about their friendship and how God brought them into each other's lives. I thought it was such a neat way to express my thoughts as well on what a real relationship looks like.It is not limited by age,race,social class,common interests.It blesses and edifies unlike anything else in your life.I hope everyone of you has a a sue or shannon in your life. You'll always be blessed when you go outside your comfort zone and let God put His hand of blessing on you :)

my pride and joy/showers of blessings

Isn't she adorable? This is my beautiful neice Madelyn from Feb '08. I have to say that I've had a pretty rough past few months.But,one look at this face and I feel all better. I've got to post a video sometime so you can see just how bubbly and spunky she is :) I swear you'd think she's mine as she has my personality and looks more like me than her own parents.She reminds me of all the blessings I have in my life.That's why I call her my pride and joy.Anytime I feel a little down somehow I manage to think of her or call and she answers the phone.I actually talked to her tonight on the phone.It's so fun to be able to have a little conversation with her on the phone and she actually recognizes my voice too.She truly knows it's me :)
I guess I just felt lead to share this as I'm beginning to learn that everyone has some struggles or has some worries.It's a kindness of God that we have anything good in this life.During these past few months,i've really come to learn just what is important in life and what are needs and what are greeds.I'm learning that I really can live with alot less than I ever thought I could.Also many times the things that bring you the most joy are little things in life that can't be bought or made !!!!

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
Psalm 5:10-12

What's your plan B?

I was watching a video from a church in Nashville.The pastor was talking about their series on Plan B.He said Plan B is what you're dealt that wasn't in your plans.
It's when life throws you a curve ball. I can say I feel like this right now.He made a point by saying that we should always keep our faith in these times.He profiled a couple that had a baby die after 2 hours of birth. They had known she wouldn't live long outside the womb if she lived at all.The wife of this couple made 2 points that really struck home with me.She first said that God can take any and all of the emotions and thoughts we have during this time.He WANTS us to continue to come to Him during these times.She also said that our Plan B was NEVER God's PLAN B.It was His Plan A all along.He ordained that moment or that situation.He KNOWS all about it :) That's gotta be encouraging to us as christians !!!

A recurring theme for me lately : )

can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You

Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times

So I pray

Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain

I am Yours regardless of
The dark clouds that may loom above
Because You are much greater than my pain
You who made a way for me
By suffering Your destiny
So tell me what's a little rain

So I pray

Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain

Holy, holy, holy
Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Is the Lord God Almighty

Bring the Rain !!!

I was sure by now
God, You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain "I'm with You"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives And takes away

I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry
You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain "I'm with You"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives And takes away

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth

Though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

From my friend !

***** I stole this blog from a friend of mine.She expresses some BEAUTIFUL thoughts
about prayer that were so good I just HAD to share :) **************************


Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Prayer - An Offensive Weapon

I worked on preparing a lesson one night. A few years ago each member of our SaLT group was assigned to do a lesson one of the parts of the Armor of God. I said "I want an offensive weapon!" (they asked, "why, because you are offensive?" LOL) and I asked to do a lesson on prayer. I found some interesting stuff about prayer and also went back to some old studies I have done to gather my info. I wanted to show prayer as a weapon in spiritual warfare and also the power that is in prayer. I don't want to mess around with little handguns...I want to show the big weapons! I want to reveal the atomic bomb of prayer!

After demonstrating how prayer is an effective weapon, I wanted to look at the best example of a prayer, Jesus Christ.

I decided to look at the ways and whens of Jesus' prayers and the results of those prayers. This is a summary of what I learned.

Refueling and Gaining Strength: Jesus often retreated to the mountain side or the garden to pray alone after teaching and healing. He did this to "refuel" and to learn God's Will for his next move. (Mark 1: 5, Luke 5:15)

Avoiding Temptation: Jesus taught about prayer (obviously) and made sure it was understood that prayer was the way to avoid temptation. (Matthew 26:41, Luke 22:40)

Decision Making: In Luke 6:12 after praying Jesus came down from the mountain and chose His disciples. That was a pretty important step in his ministry! They would be the ones to carry on His teaching.

Opening Connections: In Luke 9:28 after praying he was transfigured before the disciples there with him. His face glowed and clothes became bright. That's a pretty powerful prayer and open connection to the Father!

Opening Heaven: In Luke 3:21 we learn of Jesus' baptism and when Jesus prayed, "the heaven's opened" and the dove descended to Him. What I find interesting as well is that in Acts 7:54 Stephen prayed as he was about to be stoned to death. When Stephen prayed he saw the "heavens open". Eventually his spirit went to be with the Lord.

Prayer causes the heavens to open!

Heaven opened to allow the Spirit to descend on me when I prayed to receive Christ. At my death, the heavens will again open to receive the Spirit back. cool.

If prayer opens the heavens, OPENS THE HEAVENS, why don't we pray more often? Prayer is very powerful! Heaven opening is a direct connection to God, the Creator of heaven and earth...HE OPENS HIMSELF UP WHEN WE PRAY TO HIM! That is pretty awesome! Prayer moves mountains, opens the heavens...THAT IS MORE POWERFUL THAN AN ATOMIC BOMB AND IT IS AVAILABLE TO ALL CHRISTIANS, who are called to pray, and PRAY EMPOWERING PRAYERS!

PRAY PRAY PRAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you are.......................................

-wondering if anyone cares for you
-feeling guilty
-going through a divorce
-praying for a rebellious child
-addicted to drugs
-wondering if God exists
-feeling all alone
-a victim of abuse
-envious of everyone and everything
-tempted to eat for comfort
-feeling hopeless
-physically tired
-emotionally drained
-worried about money
-grieving the loss of a child
-tempted to be prideful
-seeking answers to life's questions
-wondering what God is all about
-needing some "redemption"

then this video is for you :)









Isaiah 44:22
I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you."

A Great birthday week !!!!

Last Sunday was my birthday ! I had an amazing birthday that lasted several days.First of all,the day before my birthday my family went to the zoo with my nieces.It was soooo much fun :) I haven't been in ages and of course it was great to experience it with my nieces.We then ate at Joe's Crab Shack which was sooooo good !!! I got many calls on Sunday from people saying happy birthday.Then,2 of my bible study girls surprised me with gifts on monday night.One gave me a mug with HOPE on it and Jeremiah 29:11 at the bottom of it.I love it :) Ann made chocolate pie too and it was YUMMY !!! They were so thoughtful to remember me on my birthday.Then wednesday at work we went out for lunch to celebrate mine and stephanie's birthdays.We went to one of my favorite restaurants and it was SOOOO good.I even tried something new and loved it.I got to keep a yellow rose from the table and got a free "chocolate majesty" dessert. I felt so loved and had fun. So thanks to all of you who helped me celebrate !!!!
I'll leave you with some pics from the trip to the zoo :)

A long overdue update !!!!!

hello everyone ! I just realized in looking back at my blogs that I haven't posted about the everday "goings on" in my life in a while. I forget to do this because I feel like I don't do much exciting stuff.however,I do more than I realize AND I know you care about what's going on with me no matter what it is :) So,here's an update.
I'm still working for the state of TN as a social worker and still overstressed and underpaid.But,I really do like what I do and my clients.There's just so much of it.
I host a monday night's girls bible study and look forward to that EVERY week.The ladies in that group are soooo precious to me and I've enjoyed studying the Word with them.We also "come beside each other" and "do life" with each other.I always love the body of Christ in action.I also have to say quickly that God' Word has come alive to me again lately like never before and i'm so loving reading it.
I've been spending alot of time with my sister and nieces. I'm having a BLAST too.My sister and I have had some talks like never before in our lives and I'm so thankful for her :) And of course I love being Aunt Alicia more than anything else in the world. Madelyn will be 3 in June and Anna is 8 months.I heard Anna say "momma" for the first time last night.She also is making faces when she eats :) Madelyn used to do that too but it was a different face.Anna still the cutest baby face with the cutest BIG blue eyes that make you smile just looking at her. Madelyn is very active,quite verbal and somewhat demanding.She's very sweet though too and I have to say obeys pretty well.We all still say she's just like me and she is :) Weird since I didn't give birth to her though. We're all going to the zoo on saturday so i'm sure I'll have some pics to share this weekend :)
A couple of weekends ago on Sunday I had such a fun day.I went to an art show in Trenton Tn where a friend of mine was showing a couple of pieces.I really enjoyed getting to see her,support her and see all the art on display. There were some amazing peices and my friend was voted "people's choice". So it waa a hit all around.Her sister is my best friend and she had just bought a Toyota Prius.I got to ride in it !!!! I loved it :) It's a beautiful red and has so many cool features.You push a button to turn it on and you can barely hear it running.On the dashboard there's a screen that has multiple purposes.One screen shows you how much gas you're using and how much batter power you're using.the Prius is a hybrid in case you didn't know.So that was soooo cool to see.Then the screen shows you behind your car when you back up in reverse.Then it serves as the cd player and radio player (if I remember right).It was just a cool car with a smooth ride.I enjoyed the drive to Trenton with her and it was a beautiful day for a ride. Then,we hung out at their parents house for a while.i always love being around their family and especially being out in the backyard of their house.I've included a pic of it and you'll understand why. That same weekend madelyn and I were picking dandelions out in the yard as it was the first warm weekend here.It was so fun to watch spring come alive through her eyes.I've included a pic I took of her with the dandelion.
I'm thinking about gettin a new cell phone since it's time to upgrade my plan.I'm looking at the Verion Invy (I think that's how you spell it).My friend Rhonda has one and she loves it.I'll post a pic of it as soon as I get it.
I've been sick quite a bit this winter too and that's another reason i haven't been up to much other than work.i'm hoping that since spring has arrived maybe all this nasty stuff that's been going around will be gone.
Last thing to share is that i'm beginning to write a bible study.i've got the name and a temporary table of contents for the chapters.This should be interesting as I'm no english major or biblical scholar.However,i feel that i have something to share so i'm just going to see what happens with it.
Well,that's all I know to share for now. Check back this weekend for some zoo and birthday pics :)

Loves and Hugs,
Alicia

The devil REALLY does wear Prada : )

I realize some of you all have not talked to me lately.So you don't really know what's going on in my life.To be completely honest,I've been battling depression a little and just overall been in a state of mind questioning alot of things in my life.I think I might be having my mid-life crisis early :) I don't enjoy my job,I'm not able to do many things I enjoy doing for various reasons and just overall don't feel like i'm enjoying life.Work keeps me busy and has weighed on me ALOT more than I realized.BUT,i've begun to do some things to try to help.I know my God wants me to live life to the full.One of the hard things about this is that most of my friends seem to be enjoying life and getting to do what they want.So,envy can creep up on me pretty quickly.I'm pretty good about recognizing it though and remembering that they also have struggles and God has me exactly where I need to be.I say all that so that you can know my frame of mind in the story i'm about to share.
Last weekend I got to spend some time with some DEAR and PRECIOUS friends of mine.They are always so encouraging to me because they are so fun,compassionate and just love life !!! They help me to remember to have fun,work hard and play harder :) One of them is self employed and just always seems to have things going her way.She seems to have no cares in the world (even though I know she does).She doesn't have a boss she answers too and can sleep in any time she wants (ok,so we're all hating her right about now right? haha).Just FYI,she knows how blessed she is and doesn't take it for granted. I noticed she had the CUTEST purse with her.And what did my eyes see? Did it really say PRADA ??????? No way!!!! I instantly thought someone had bought it for her and thought "how nice to have someone who would do that for you".All my envious thoughts staring going haywire.I'll spare you some of them :) Later on that afternoon,I asked her about the purse.SHe smiled and said "yes I got it at a market in rome for $10.It isn't even real PRADA".I was shocked. It's still one of the CUTEST purses ever but my thoughts just automatically shifted.She went on to say "yeah,I started not to get it because I didn't want people thinking I'd spend that much on a purse but decided that I knew it was only $10 and I just loved it". Talk about a slap in the face :) Here I was letting all these envious thoughts run wild in my head and God was using that as a teachable moment.He reminded me of 2 things. 1)things are never as they seem and 2)we can think people have it all together or seem to have all the luck but we may not know the whole story.Just think what I'd be thinking right now if I hadn't mentioned the purse to my friend.I would've never known the real truth. I titled this blog "the devil really does wear prada" because I think the devil does look for any opportunity or emotion within us to doubt God,doubt His goodness,provision or sovreignty. I don't think it was coincidence at all this was what Satan threw at me knowing my recent struggles.I've been reminded lately of a little chorus I used to sing at church camp growing up "The greatest thing in all my life is LOVING you,the greatest thing in all my life is LOVING you,I want to LOVE you more,I want to LOVE you more,the greatest thing in all my life is LOVING you !!!!" I also came across this verse today as I was having my quiet time

Psalm 73:28 (New King James Version)

28 But it is good for me to draw near to God;
I have put my trust in the Lord GOD,
That I may declare all Your works.

to the core........

To the core of my being I will trust in the Lord my God !!!! Lately,things have been hard in many aspects of my life.What's so amazing is that it's also a time where I'm seeing God encourage me.I'm at this very moment watching some Beth Moore videos online.God has put many people and places in my path to remind me of His presence.He's the only hope I have right now.Laying things down and not being in control of things is very hard for me.however,i'm learning that I haven't really been trusting God like I should.I thought I was trusting Him but I wasn't.He's got some things to teach me.My dear friend Ashley always emphasizes how important it is to have a teachable spirit.I'm
pledging to always be teachable from this point forward.These are trying times but I hope to come out of the "refiner's fire" looking "pure as silver".



Psalm 56:8 (The Message)
The Message (MSG)




8 You've kept track of my every toss and turn
through the sleepless nights,
Each tear entered in your ledger,
each ache written in your book.

So you've become a christian,now what?

Discipleship has always been on my heart.It's been confirmed to be one of my top spiritual gifts along with intercession.also,i believe there are MANY christians in the world in need of discipleship.From the new christian to the person who has never
been discipled,it's essential that a christian learn some biblical foundations for living the christian life.I believe this is an area that churches failed in for a long time but are starting to realize the importance of it now.Since we're seeing a turn towards discipleship in the church and it's near and dear to my heart i thought I would share some of my thoughts.Typically,when someone becomes a christian they understand that they are a sinner and need Jesus to justify them before Almighty God.I think alot of times that is all that is understood.While this is true,there is so much more to being a christian than just being "saved".In most cases there's this whole life you live afterwards.

Romans 6:4-14
We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection.For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with,that we should no longer be slaves to sin because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him.The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness.For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.




This scripture tells us that we now live under grace,are not to let sin reign our mortal body and to allow our body to be instruments used by God.To me this is the "mission statement" of the christian life.This is what we are to be about while here on earth after we become saved.So,let's take a look at what each one of these means.


What does it mean to live under grace?


Titus 3:4-7
But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared,he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior,so that,having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life



This means to know our eternal salvation is secure NO MATTER WHAT !!! We are heirs of salvation which means it belongs to us.We have a "birthright" that entitles us to the blessings and kindess of God.So how does this "flesh out"? It means that we can go about our daily lives knowing that nothing can take our salvation away from us.It also means we have a Holy Spirit that will help us and a Father who will continue to care for our physical and emotional needs.

What does it mean to not let sin reign our mortal body?
Galatians 5:16-23
So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Romans 12:1-2
And so, dear brothers and sisters,I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

These verses are just 2 that can be found in scripture that speak to our actions and thoughts.There are numerous ones in the Bible.Sin can reign in both of these and that is contrary to our new life in Christ.You can delve even further into this through prayer,accountability,daily quiet time,etc.As a christian I can ASSURE you that you will struggle in these two areas.It's somewhat of an individual issue as to the practical ways you conquer sin's reign over your actions and thoughts.Also,the intensity of this struggle will vary person to person.So,I'm not going to speak too specifically on this subject.But,just know you will struggle with it as will every other christian.Don't feel that you're alone and don't give up.God calls you to not let it reign in your body so you can fight it.

1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.



What does it mean to allow God to use us as His instruments?

This means that we have things God wants us to do.We've been created for a purpose.It means that we can be God's hands and feet to accomplish His will.So,what does God want us to do?

Ephesians 5:1-2
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.





John 21:15-17
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?"
"Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."

Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?"
He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."

The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."

Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.


Matthew 28:19-20
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."


Acts 5:42
Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.

These verses seem to tell us there are 2 things God wants us to do as His instruments.There are 1)love people as He loves them and 2)tell people the Good News. Just like not letting sin reign our mortal body this can seem simple but is really complex.It's an individual decision as to how you practically do these things.BUT,every christian is called to do them.Some may choose to be full time missionaries while others serve in their local neighborhood.Both are doing these 2 things but just in different ways.

So,this is the start of discipleship.This is how a christian lives after being saved.Once you are doing these things you may come across doubts,issues,questions,praises you need to express.that's completely acceptable and appropriate.You will continue this until the day you die.So,let it become a part of you and your daily life.Share with others,get feedback,share testimonies and continue reading scripture.This will help you accomplish these things God wants us to do and see His character even more.