One frown can turn you upside down...

I was at Wal-mart yesterday tie-ing up some Christmas Shopping Odds and ends, and I had an experience. I was in the pencil and eraser aisle picking out some wacky pencils to add to a couple of my neice's Christmas packages. When I was finished with my selection I moved on... at the end of the aisle was a middle-aged woman re-stocking some Items. A gentleman came up and asked where the pencils were, I don't know why but I found "Oh they're right down here" coming out of my mouth. Probably because I was just there, and was simply trying to be helpful.
However the woman that actually worked there gave me the nastiest glare I had seen in a while...and my heart sank, I didn't get it. Did she think I was trying to steal her job? I know I wasn't the one being addressed by the gentleman, but I certainly wasn't trying to offend anyone! ARGH! I was so hurt and even kind of angry! Amazing how quickly my emotions went from full of peace and relaxed to upset and hurt!
So anyway, I continued on still feeling those icky feelings and I remembered what Pastor Flattery said on Sunday.... we can choose to be offended or shake it off! Which I was trying to do.
It just helps me to realize... or re-solidify how much everything we do or say.. or the gestures that we make.... How much the smallest things can impact another person. I will do my best not to frown at anyone... not even a stranger!

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YIKES!

The last couple days I was helping another artist with a big venetian plaster job. We were actually supposed to be working today too... however, we ran out of plaster and had to order more.
I have to say I am very thankful that we have to go back next week. We were using 3-level scaffold and I am sore from all the climbing, stabilizing, and troweling! Not to mention that I am afraid of heights... I can't believe I actually agreed to get involved in this one! I'd have to say, after working so high up... I didn't even think twice about getting on the 5th step of a 6-foot. Ashley would be proud... I am usually such a chicken... which I'm sure makes things worse... anyway....
I am also excited about having the day off to get a start on Christmas shopping before the masses get out there! I actually have a couple coupons that expire today... To all you Black Friday people... I am perfectly happy with 20% off.... I know there are better deals to be had, but as my husband can attest, I would be impossible that early in the morning!
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone, and good luck to the 3am shoppers!

God's plan, Where do we come in?

I find it very interesting the people God has placed in my life. I realized about 2 years ago as my relationship with God was really beginning to strengthen that almost none of my friends and many of my family members were followers of Christ. There are different stroies associated with each of them, however most had been introduced to the church at some point during child hood. (Introduced, but not led to understand)
I know that God has a plan for each of us and will reveal himself to those of us he fore knew. However I struggle with 2 different philosophies. One being that as Paul said in Galatians 1:15-16 " But when God who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles" What a great priveledge that God has given some responsibility to me for the ones I love? How could I ever turn my back on them for something they don't understand...
But on the flip side, I found this verse last week that has troubled me, I highlighted it and put a big question mark by it... John 12:40 "He has blinded their eyes and deadened their hearts, so they can never see with their eyes, nor understand with their hearts, nor turn and I would heal them."
Exactly where is the line between lack of understanding and a hardened heart? It lights a fire under me to share with my loved ones what knowledge and understanding I have (little as it may be)..... is it ever too late... it is not for us to determine.
Just something that has been on my mind

I am a blog IDIOT! Maybe I just have to get used to that fact! Anyway, I am going to take Samantha's suggestion and talk about game night! I wanted thank everyone for coming... Mike and I had a great time.... and I think it would be safe to assume everyone did... considering all of the laughing and shouting! Totally fun!
We've been here (in the south suburbs) for over a year now... we have just felt in our hearts that God had his own reasons for bringing us here. And we are having fun watching God's plan unfold in our lives. Moving to a new area and starting a lot of things over has totally been worth it even if it was just to meet you guys... Sam, Jim, Bethany, Erik, Lonna, Tom, Aldo (I hope you can make it next time.) Your are all amazing!
By the way, who's making the fondue next time???

I can't believe how fast the time flies! It's already almost Thanksgiving!!! I haven't been really good about keeping this updated... but that gives me some material to cover!
In October Mike and I went to Costa Rica with his family. The scenery was beautiful and the people were very welcoming! We had a good time. While we were there, we went Kayaking a few times. Everytime I came in for a landing, the waves tipped me over. I was brave about it until the last time the Kayak landed on my head pushing my face into rocks. I was never really comfortable with the ocean to begin with... needless to say I did not have another attempt.
We wento to see David Crowder on November 1st at HOB. It was a great show and a great time... I have wanted to see them for a while now. I'm glad we had the chance! :)
And... once again my crazy cat is hindering my ability to type by licking my hands. Silly Lily!