church shopping

upon our quest to find a church to attend...

there are a few elements of a church that really stand out to me after a visit, and just thought I'd share...

the main one is friendliness. --how friendly a church is. Many times in a service there will be a brief moment to turn around and greet the people sitting around you. At one church, I was quite disgusted because I had actually been there 3 other times previously and not ONE person said hi or greeted me from the time when I walked in the doors to when I walked out. I left with a feeling of "would any of them even care that I just went to their church?" Another church stands out in my memory. I've gone twice, and both times (someone actually shook hands with me during 'greet time') but the overall feel of the rest of the people was stuck up and unfriendly. That is not something that attracts me to a church! This past time I was by myself, and lingered in the lobby quite awhile, and no one even said a hi. One person smiled at me, later, looking at the visitor brochures, I discover he's on staff. (score: one point)

Secondly what I find important is the speaking (preaching). It's got to have substance, make me think and be challenging. It's tough to beat what I've grown up with-- my Dad, an awesome speaker, always has a great substance-filled messages with a good action step at the end. (As well as my brother, I might add, who also grew up hearing my father.)

Thirdly, and very close to second, is the worship. I've got to have the urge to "tap my foot." Good music quality, and the vocals have to be at least on key(!) with a presence on the stage, worshiping, not up there just to observe "who's here at church today?"

I'm not new at church shopping, I've done it another time. These are some thoughts that have conjured up in my head. I just thought I'd share for any pastors or whoever to read.

09 chryslers

the new 2009 Chrysler vehicles will offer wifi in them! (for a monthly fee of course)

sa-weeet! if you're carpooling or on a long trip (not as the driver obviously... or i hope not!) 

how cool would it be to be able to surf the web, send emails, etc all from inside the car!

read more here.

here's some more.

what's funny though, is people are going to know how to spot these brand new 09's and tail them to try to connect onto their wifi.

one more article.

music thru the night

I enjoy listening to Music Thru the Night. I remember listening to it with my sister 15 years ago when we would be getting ready for bed in the bathroom on 104.7 KNDR.

Mike Kellogg has such a cool voice. The show comes on at midnight and plays all through the night (thus, Music thru the night). 

I always thought (from his voice) that he was so much older, but if you look at his picture, he doesn't look as old as I thought.

I caught the show last night, and realized I hadn't listened to it for awhile. It's just like a staple.

Psalm 94

20 Can unjust leaders claim that God is on their side-- 

leaders whose decrees permit injustice?

21 They gang up against the righteous

and condemn the innocent to death.

22 But the Lord is my fortress;

my God is the mighty rock where I hide.

23 God will turn the sins of evil people back on them.

He will destroy them for their sins.

The Lord our God will destroy them.

nlt

gym pet peeves

annoyances at the gym:

• when people have loud conversations either while on treadmills or just standing there. (especially when they carry on for a few minutes!)
• loud music overhead, to where i can't even hear my mp3.
• annoying music overhead
• when my mp3 runs out of battery. and i just can't finish running w/o my music!
• strong "burly" man (aka steroids?) who thinks he's the only one there, either singing out loud with his mp3 or making all sorts of noises. (you know what i mean)
• all the testosterone 
• when people are on the treadmill, and have the incline up to about 10, and are holding on for dear life to the top of the treadmill, all the while reading a magazine. (what good is it when you're hanging on to the treadmill like that?)
• when people 'flatulate' next to you, then look around like, "was that you?"
• when the heart rate monitors don't pick up your heart rate (those silver things you grip on the treadmill handles) or when you have to hold on to them forever and it's not reading. and then if it does, it says only like 50 ... while you're huffing & puffing, it's telling you you're not even in the cardiovascular zone! and you're thinking "yes i am!"
  

and WHY: 

• why do some people show up to the gym and actually go thru a whole work out wearing jeans? that does not make sense to me.
  
• why (it seems quite counter-productive) watching someone get into their car or just before they get out of their car to go work out, suck on their last puff of cigarette or drink some pop. it's counter-productive people!!!

So in conclusion, working out is good. it's worth it. it makes you feel better after you work out, you get into shape. But I've got to say I think I'd much rather have my own gym at home.

repeat...

I just can't get enough of this song today. It's on repeat for the 7th time...
I came across this singer's page on myspace about a year ago, and not only is she very pretty, but she has a beautiful voice too.

Brooke Fraser, originally from New Zealand, is involved with Hillsong United.
I'd say she is an up and coming artist, but I think she's already come. I'm pretty sure she's kind of a big deal now. If you haven't heard of her than, where have you been?   

wikipedia link
She has 2 albums out and available on itunes: What to do with daylight and Albertine

my ring

Story time: Let me tell you why my ring is special to me.

About a year and a half ago, I was at work, performed my regular office duties, finished the work day then went to a local college in town to do my laundry. Sat in a friend's dorm room while my last load was drying. I glance at my hand and "huh?" then *Gasp!* a diamond is missing from my ring!!! ahh! My mind raced to think of all the places it could have fallen out: in the tub of the washer (it's gone for sure!) I retraced every step I had taken thru the dorm, out to my car, in my car, in my trunk, in my laundry basket. Sure it's a small diamond, but I can't afford to replace it... 'how much would a minuscule diamond cost?' Anyway, pretty discouraged and perplexed, I went home. (searched my apartment.... no luck). I think I called my parents. I prayed and prayed I'd find it.About a week later, I'm at work in the copy room, what else than making copies. I go to load more white paper, b/c that's what secretarial duties are don't-cha know. I notice there's something between the paper........ I lift a stack of about 75 pages of white copy paper from about 200 pages..... what is it?.... hmm, it looks like a diamond. I go around and ask all the married ladies on staff if they had lost a diamond from their ring. Then I think, could it be? I slipped it into the missing slot and... it fits. ..... MY DIAMOND! I could NOT believe it. I jumped up and down, squealed, thanked God over and over and then told everyone my amazing story.

So now if you catch me looking at my ring, not only am I admiring it, but I'm checking to make sure all diamonds are where they should be!

(this ring is my purity ring. I had picked it out fall of 03 at a JC Penny's. my previous purity ring was a $7 Avon book find that had become quite tarnished.)

I'm an apple owner.

It's finally official. I am the proud owner of a new Macbook. This has been a loooong time comin.
But do not fret, I have not joined the cult. I have not lite my candle off of anyone else's.


yay for me! I am thoroughly enjoying my newby.

I like how fast it is and especially how quiet it is! woohoo. But my checkbook has dissipated to $0.00 ... actually to a negative. but money is replaceable, right?

ipod case

so i just got my very first ipod. I'm very excited to put it to use. Apple has tons of extras you can buy to dazzle up your ipod, or keep it organized or keep it safe from busting.
In my usual savvy way, I made my own ipod case...



If you'd like one let me know. For a small fee I can customize it to your liking.

Happy Father's Day Bops!

It's Father's Day. About 8-9 years ago, we bought my dad a willow tree for Father's Day b/c it's his favorite tree. It was fun to see how big the tree has grown. 

I'm thankful for an honorable man as my father. He is a godly, honest man that I admire. 

Love ya Dad. Happy Father's Day.

EURO 2008 uefa

This is my second football (soccer) post. I just have to say I love to watch it. I think it's the only sport that when I come across it on espn, I stop, sit and watch the whole game.
I love watching it. Right now I'm watching Italy vs. Romania Live! I feel so connected to the world, i love it.

What I like about soccer (football) is the clock only stops for halftime. it doesn't stop after someone has made a goal, or when the ball goes out of bounds or when someone is down. I like how there are no commercials. Both teams walk out at the same time at the beginning of the game. The energy of the game. I love how each player walks out holding a little kids' hand. (i'm writing this with my eyes on the tv. Romania's goalie is really good, but so is Italy's, Buffon.) I love how cultural it is. I guess I just need to save up some/ enough money to move overseas and live over there. The score is 1-1. Mutu (Romania) was upset he missed his penalty shot.
the game is just awesome b/c it's constantly going. if you take your eyes off it one second, you'll miss something. The game is appx 90 mins, unlike a football game in usa or basketball where a game can last up to 3+ hours.
When I went to England in '95 There was a huge football event going on, and one sunday everyone piled into a small living room to watch it, and it was such a big deal there. i didn't really get it, but i guess i do now.
I love how (most) all the guys are good sports. I know it's a culture thing, but it's how they hug or kiss their teammates on the cheek. the passion these guys have for the game is easy to see.

I think what all these games (on espn from 10am - 3pm about) are a battle for the world cup. I remember watching the 2006 world cup. I was routing for Italy and they won. I blogged about it on my yahoo blog.
ok, game's over I can concentrate on what I'm writing now. I also enjoy Andy Gray's commentary.
I once worked with a Brit who always had a game streaming in on his computer. Each time I'd go in the copy room to make a copy I'd ask what the score was. It's such a European thing.
I would also love to start/ learn to play soccer myself b/c i think i've got the power in my legs for it.

The games I've caught are: Romania vs. Italy 1-1 (6.13.08) Croatia vs. Germany 2-1. (6.12.08)
Netherlands vs. Italy 2-0 (6.9.08) France vs. Romania 0-0 (6.9.08)
and now France vs. Netherlands is just beginning!
Did you know the Netherlands have the oldest national anthem?update: 10 mins into the game and Netherlands have scored. why are their jerseys so tight?

photos are from http://en.euro2008.uefa.com/

Andy's Frozen Custard!! yumm

I am psyched. I found out there is an Andy's Frozen Custard in IL!!! and only about 10-15 mins from me, none the less!
For those of you not from Springfield MO, Andy's Frozen Custard was started in MO, and apparently has recently branched out with franchising. They have awesome custard-- they are known for it. It's so good: creamy and delicious! (don't ask me to write your commercials, i'm obviously not doing a good job at describing how good it is. Just go and find out for yourself!) They totally beat out Culvers in my book.
Other than 8 spots in MO, they have 2 locations in Arkansas, one in Texas, and one in Illinois!
This IS the best custard. My absolute favorite is Choco-Rocko (their version of Rocky Road...but I always call it Rocko-Choco... i think it sounds better... actually I just can't remember which way it goes) and I sometimes splurge and get cookie dough on top! YESS! oh it's soo good. ....it's like a meal.
so IL people, go try it! it's on Weber Rd. in Bolingbrook.

This is a Springfield icon. I attended college there for 3 years, and this is the spot to go. it's also how freshman girls earn their "freshman 15." (gaining 15 pounds for you who would think i'm referring to something else?) I have a lot of fun memories going to Andy's with friends, going on my birthday and taking a bazillion hilarious pictures with friends, and going with my Aunt, always her treat. It's just a fun place! you can go thru the drive thru or park and walk up to order and sit outside (there's no seating, so don't be offended, that's just how it is) and enjoy your goodness!

Now all we need is a Smoothie King (waaay better than Jamba Juice) and I won't have a reason to go back to Springfield, ever!