Faith + Perseverance = Goodness & Glory

James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Romans 8:18
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Colossians 3:1-4
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

The Smurfs Have Arrived at Macy's...Yippee!

Is it wrong how delighted I was to encounter the below tower of Smurfs at Macy's this past weekend? Not only have the lovable blue superstars of the 1980s been named the official Holiday Ambassador for the retail giant, but they will also be making an appearance in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. It's definitely going to be a "Blue Christmas" on 34th St. this year, ha.

All I can say is, "If loving The Smurfs is wrong, I don't want to be right." (That totally goes for cupcakes, too).

God Never Wastes a Hurt

Hebrews 12:1-13

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons:

"My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline,
and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."

Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. "Make level paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed."

Things I love about New York

As I was browsing through Ricky's fabulous and diverse array of hair products this past weekend, I began to feel really excited, not only about the fabulous and diverse array of hair products, but also about the fact that I am living in NY again. My relocation happened so fast that the fact that I am actually a resident of the Empire State again has not truly sunk in yet. But it's starting to, and I am beginning to think about all of the things that I still haven't done/want to do and see in this amazing city. In light of my continuing efforts to abolish my disdain for Tuesdays by participating in exercises of gratitude expression, here goes another list of awesome things that I love - specifically about NY - in no particular order...

E. 54th Street (my first home!), all the random people like the man who walks around the city with a cat sitting on his head, Pinkberry/Red Mango, the Sanrio store in Times Square, Buttercup Bake Shop/Crumbs/Magnolia, Saturday shopping in SoHo, Lenny's deli (kept me alive my first year), Mister Softee (especially my Mister Softee on 22nd & Broadway), the White Horse, Macy's, listening to New Yorkers talk (love the accents here), regularly homecooked meals courtesy of the Notaro family (kept me alive my third year), meeting new people from all over the place on a regular basis, waiting for my train and seeing the Manhattan skyline in the background, summer street fairs, the West Village, being able to go watch basically any professional sport in person, Central Park, the Yankees, Steve Madden, the Flatiron Building, Union Square, the Brooklyn Bridge (so pretty), the city's close proximity to awesome beaches, all the great pizzerias (and Angelo's Pizza when I am feeling fancy)...I could go on and on. But most of all, I love the many great people I have come to know during my journey here. They include some of the best friends I have ever had!

Thank you, Lord, for bringing me back!

Reunited and it feels so good

What a crazy/wonderful couple of weeks it has been! God has brought me back to the city I love, blessed me with a nice apartment in a safe area and a good job that will allow me to pay all of my bills on time (novel concept, right? Ha.) Thankfully, little Sonny was a very brave and good kitty on the flight and is adjusting well to his new digs. He attacked me the other night, so I know he is feeling comfortable. Even though there are still a few obstacles to overcome in this super fast transition (like, um, where in the heck is my furniture... apparently completely MIA, as the movers seem to have no answers concerning its whereabouts which is becoming a bit disconcerting as the days go by, although I figure they will have to eventually show up with it if they want to be paid), I am feeling happy. But really, how could I be too sad with Mister Softee and unlimited high-quality cupcake access permanently back in my life again??? Not to mention, on a more serious note, a lot of great people whom I love. I miss my family so much, but knowing a direct flight to Kentucky is less than two hours is comforting. On this Tuesday evening, I am feeling grateful for this new adventure. NYC - Act II!

Wildcats rock NBA Draft

I am proud to be a Wildcats fan tonight. I loved this year's team. Even though they didn't go all the way in the NCAA Tournament, they were some of the most talented and entertaining players Rupp Arena has ever seen. John Wall, who is headed to the Washington Wizards, is the first Kentucky player in history to be selected as #1 overall. Awesome! DeMarcus Cousins (aka "Big Cuz") checked in at #5 for the Sacramento Kings. And Patrick Patterson took the 14th spot with the Houston Rockets. Eric Bledsoe and Daniel Orton were also in the mix at #18 and #29, respectively. Not bad. I'm gonna miss these guys. They reminded me and many other fans why UK is still the greatest. But I am comforted to know that they are gonna be just fine...you know, making their millions and all : )

C-A-T-S! Cats! Cats! Cats!

Elvis Mr. Potato Head coming soon to a toy store near you

This is awesome. Well, if you love Elvis as much as I do anyway. But it's kind of awesome even if you are relatively indifferent to the indisputable greatness of the King of Rock 'n' Roll. The August release of this treasure coincides nicely with the annual Elvis Week. So exciting!

June=National Candy Month=excuse to eat lots of candy

It is no secret that I like candy. No, I love candy. I love it so much. And I know many other people do, too. I cannot remember the last day I didn’t eat candy. And I hope to continue eating it every day for the rest of my life. Even though I am a very picky eater and there are very few foods that I will even consider eating, I love almost all kinds of candy, with the exception of black licorice. My favorite candy is plain M&Ms. I’m so glad that candy was invented and that new varieties continue to hit the shelves. I think I will slightly increase my candy consumption this month so as to honor the existence of candy properly and I encourage everyone else to do so, as well. And you don’t have to feel guilty ‘cause how else would you celebrate?

Donate food to shelter animals...with a simple click of your mouse!

Hola, readers. I would like to direct everyone’s attention to the following Web sites (or just click on the cute icons I have posted in the sidebar of this page).

http://www.freekibblekat.com/default.asp

http://www.freekibble.com/default.asp

Each day, you can visit them, answer a trivia question about dogs and cats and regardless of whether you get the answer right or wrong, 10 pieces of kibble will be donated to animal shelters across the country to feed all the sweet doggies and kitties awaiting a permanent home. Such an easy way to make a contribution to a great cause!

Tackling the Tuesdays

In the midst of an irritating and seemingly futile day yesterday, I decided to make good on my vow to combat my crippling case of the Tuesdays by engaging in some higher thinking. So I made a “Top 25” list of the things in my life for which I am most thankful. I was surprised how easily it came to me (it took less than two minutes to type out!) I really think there might be some truth to the notion that having an “attitude of gratitude” can improve your whole outlook and mood. After compiling the following list, I instantly felt less angry and more positive about both my own life and life in general, despite the fact that it was a Tuesday. I should do this type of thing more often, and I want to encourage everyone else to try it, too. Doing simple exercises like this can really help us to remember all the good we have going on!

1. Jesus
2. My family
3. My friends
4. My health
5. Southland Christian Church/Times Square Church (it’s a tie)
6. My sweet Sonny
7. Cupcakes
8. Chemical hair straightening for white people
9. My Chi flat iron
10. Steve Madden
11. Cracker Barrel
12. Mister Softee
13. Manicures
14. Pedicures
15. Massages
16. Chanel mascara
17. Hello Kitty
18. Philosophy lip gloss
19. Sephora
20. The Office
21. Fried balls of dough (a.k.a. zeppoles)
22. OPI nail polish
23. Chocolate in all its various forms
24. Diet Dr. Pepper
25. Argyle in all its various forms

Empire state of mind

We Love New York ... in the Movies

I came across this video tribute to NYC on AOL today and it got me to thinking about my own Big Apple experience. The good, the bad and the ugly, ha ha. I don’t think I will ever be able to fully express through words the depth of my love affair with the city, nor the way it makes me feel inside. But the word magical comes to mind pretty quickly. I put my heart and soul into making a Manhattan move a reality back in the summer of '06, and I will never forget getting that phone call telling me I had landed the job and, even more importantly, the phone call from my broker telling me we had successfully secured the teeny tiny, but oh-so-cute studio apartment on E. 54th St. I felt like I was living in a dream. And despite the many missteps and bumps in the road (not to mention some severe financial hard living) that would ensue over the course of the next 2½+ years, I never, ever lost my deep love and appreciation for what I still consider to be the greatest city in the world.

I think what I love most about New York is the inherent sense of possibility that accompanies each new day. I never knew what I would see, who I would meet or where I might end up. The world had never felt so wide open to me. Thankfully, that sense of wonder and excitement never waned. Each person I met and each experience I had played such an important and specific role in shaping me into who I am today, and I will be forever grateful for every moment I had the privilege of being part of the fabric of such an amazing place. It was definitely a life-defining period of time for me unlike any other, and I thank the Lord for it. Perhaps the essence of the NYC philosophy that I still carry in my heart was best summed up by the owner of a laundromat near my first apartment. During my first week in the city, I had gone into his business to inquire if I would be able to do my own laundry there or if it was strictly a dropoff service.

Me, with my unmistakable southern accent and wide eyes: “Hi...excuse me, sir. Is it possible for me to do my laundry here?”

The old Chinese man smiled knowingly, spread his hands out wide and exclaimed: “Miss, this New York. You can do aaaaaaanything you want!"

So true. I heart you, NY. You will always be one of the great loves of my life!

A beautiful truth

"The laws of physics tell us that energy in the universe is never lost. It is simply transformed from one state to another. So it is with human experience. Nothing is ever lost entirely. God uses every happening to accomplish His divine purpose." - Dr. James Dobson

This is one of the most encouraging affirmations I have read in a while and definitely something I needed to be reminded of. I think we all can have a tendency to fixate on our mistakes and failures and dwell on the distressing consequences of them. We regret things like wasted time and missed opportunities, and all of the “what ifs” and "should haves" can keep us awake at night. But, despite the way we flounder around and foul up, it is comforting to know that not only does God hold us close and want to forgive us, but His goodness is always at work in the lives of His children. He even promises to restore what has been forfeited, lost or stolen (Joel 2:25). Amazing. And God never breaks a promise.

God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? Numbers 23:19

The power of positive thinking

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Philippians 4:8

Tuesday. To me, this has always been one of the most horrific and profane words in the English language. Insert the word rainy before it? Ugh. Even worse. For years, I have tried to uncover the true source of my hatred for this seemingly benign day of the week to no (valid or satisfactory) avail. I just don’t like it. I don’t like the way Tuesday sounds when I say it aloud. I don’t like how the weekend (both the one that just passed as well as the upcoming one) seems so far away. And, in general, I don’t like the way it makes me feel. It is just so relentless. While I really do try my best to remain hopeful and optimistic on a day-to-day basis, I will be the first one to admit that Tuesdays bring out the absolute worst in me (those who know me can attest to this statement). Tuesdays have consistently presented unto me a time of hideous inertia, where all of the problems and frustrations in my life seem to bubble up to the surface and loom, taunting and menacing me for the duration of the day.

So, on this rainy Tuesday, as a flood of particularly depressing, self-defeating and characteristically troubling Tuesday-type thoughts were circulating through my mind and pummeling at my inner peace, I kept thinking that there has to be a way to overcome what I have identified in myself as a chronic and debilitating case of the Tuesdays. And as I was pondering how to reconcile myself with this most dreadful day, the above Bible verse kept popping into my mind. While it is easy to focus and dwell on the negative, considering the chaotic and cynical world in which we live, I know that God wants us to be happy and live lives of joy. And I think one of the surest ways of accomplishing this is by banishing unpleasant thoughts and thought patterns. When we do this, we free up our minds to think about all of the good things in our lives and the many gifts and blessings we have been given. Can I conquer the Tuesday syndrome on my own? No way. My innate animosity toward Tuesday would continue to win out. But, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Whatever your particular "beef" may be, God can help you lay it to rest. All you have to do is ask!

So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks, it will be opened. Luke 11:9-10

Mister Softee merchandise now available for purchase!

I miss my Mister Softee like the deserts miss the rain. So, yes, maybe I do periodically pop by his official Web site to see what's up and wistfully gaze upon my beloved conehead. And on my most recent virtual visit, my heart just about leaped right out of my chest when I discovered that Mister Softee merchandise is now available for purchase on the site, which, by the way, has gotten a beautiful makeover and is now better than ever. Downloadable Softee sheet music, sample jingle and ring tone? Check. Printable (or delightfully interactive) "Color Mister Softee" picture? Check. Photo gallery of Softee in action? Check. Mister Softee locater map with super cute conehead icons? Check. Ok, you get the idea. I was fascinated by every single link on the site, especially those located in the Softee Funzone.

Oh, but back to the merchandise!! So Mister Softee die hards can now own wonderful, life-enhancing items like a Mister Softee bobblehead, T shirt, musical truck, beach towel or truck bank, so that the joy of Softee can be commemorated more continuously, during those many sad moments in life when one is not actually consuming a Mister Softee ice cream product.

I would like one of each please.

https://mistersoftee.com/products

Man, I gotta make it back to NY and soon. Or start a Softee Franchise in Kentucky! It seems like it could be a very lucrative and rewarding endeavor. According to the Web site:

"Many of our dealers who started with one successful unit, have expanded into ownership of multiple fleets. They are prosperous, popular business people, well known and respected in their communities."

Hmmm. I've never considered myself management material, but I kind of like the idea of commanding multiple fleets of Softee trucks.

God is the ultimate problem fixer

Love this.

Smile...it's the weekend!

Derby Day: A Pictorial

Just thought everyone could use a laugh. The good news? We survived. The infield. The rain. And, most notably, a fashion nightmare.

Aww. We look kinda normal here.

Wow.

What not to wear. 

The mud covered chicken man + the much maligned porta potti.

God knows what we need before we even ask Him! (Matthew 6:8)

Sometimes I wonder why it is so easy for me to accept God’s love and forgiveness but so hard for me to completely surrender my will to His. This is something that I struggle with on a daily basis. I know that each time I attempt to take matters into my own hands and futilely devise a "solution" to whatever problem I am facing, I am choosing to not trust God and the fact that He has a perfect plan for my life. I think my resistance to surrender is also an issue of patience (more specifically, a lack thereof) and the failure to remember and accept that God’s timing is very different from my own. I really want to start trusting God completely with all aspects of my life, especially the ones that seem the most uncertain to me right now. I know that by doing this I will get closer to God, and my faith will become stronger and continue to grow. My prayer for everyone today is for the ability to trust and fully believe that God is in complete control of your life and all of the circumstances in it.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

Bobby McFerrin may have told us not to worry back in the 80s, but long before that, Jesus said the same thing!

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Matthew 6:25-27

Don't worry. Just breathe. God is in control. It is going to be OK. He will supply all of our needs. He has already promised us this! : )

After the rain comes a rainbow

The Kentucky Derby. Wow. Why? Plus one giant Ewwww. These are the three words that can best sum up what my friend Maria and I, who are possibly suffering from a mild case of post-traumatic stress disorder, witnessed today in the Derby infield. We saw things that we had never seen before and things that we never, ever want to see again.

The Wow list includes the following phenomena:

• The countless Kentucky natives, voluntarily covered in mud from head to toe, who felt the need to engage in mud wrestling for hours on end for no apparent reason.
• The lone porta potti that we stood by for over two hours and the innumerable, visibly traumatized victims who emerged from its chambers. Wow. What had occurred in there? We were too afraid to find out. We held it.
• The yellow shower curtains, otherwise known as "ponchos," we were forced to wear as a result of the hideous and unforgiving rain. We reached a new fashion low today.

Making the Why list...

• The man in the flowered Mumu.
• The man sporting a Kermit the Frog head. His friend sporting a pig nose. And the mud covered chicken man.
• Why do you stand in the betting line for 20 minutes and not realize you are in a betting line at the Derby. And even if you realize what this line is, after waiting 20 minutes in the line, why do you have no idea what bet you will place when it's your turn and hold up the line for a good 15 minutes trying to make a decision?
• A seersucker suit + flip flops. Why?
• The shirtless man wearing buttless jeans.

And the giant Ewwww:

• Quite possibly the most disturbing image of all, which has unquestionably been burned into our memories for all of eternity, was the giant 2-pound, half-raw turkey leg that was continuously hoisted up into the air by an exceptionally exuberant young man waiting in line to use the infamous porta potti. How many people took a bite out of this turkey leg? We lost count.

The crowning moment of the day occurred just minutes before the actual running of the race when the rich and powerful people came out of their tower to observe the infield festivities and throw beers and cigars down to the "peasants."

I don't think any words can really properly convey the infinite atrocities we were witness to today. But, as we drove away from it all, we came upon the most beautiful rainbow either one of us had ever seen. It spread all the way across the sky, kind of like the St. Louis Arch. That was a nice ending to an, um, interesting day.

He's not only a God of second chances...He's a God of a million chances!

Today, I am most thankful for the gift of God's forgiveness. To me, it is the most beautiful and fundamental truth in the entire Bible. It is why Jesus went to the cross. And it is why we are all here today. It is hard to even comprehend the type of love God has for us, that He would send His beloved and only Son to the Earth to die in our place for our sins so that we never have to be separated from God in this life or on the other side. Thank you for Your indescribable faithfulness, mercy, grace and love God! No matter how many times I get it wrong and fail You, You have always been there, right beside me, to pick me up again.

I am also thankful for the many talented Christian artists who are able to convey the amazing promises of God through their music. The worship, ministry and comfort provided by their words is truly a blessing.

Love this song!

"Forgiven" by Sanctus Real
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZVjKrmvYYQ

Well the past is playing with my head
And failure knocks me down again
I’m reminded of the wrong
That I have said and done
And that devil just wont let me forget

In this life
I know what I’ve been
But here in Your arms
I know what I am

I’m forgiven
I’m forgiven
And I don’t have to carry
The weight of who I’ve been
Cause I’m forgiven

My mistakes are running through my mind
And I relive my days, in the middle of the night
And I struggle with my pain, and wrestle with my pride
Sometimes I feel alone, and I cry

In this life
I know what I’ve been
But here in Your arms
I know what I am

I’m forgiven
I’m forgiven
And I don’t have to carry
The weight of who I’ve been
Cause I’m forgiven

When I don't fit in and I don’t feel like I belong anywhere
When I don’t measure up to much in this life
Oh, I’m a treasure in the arms of Christ ‘cause

I’m forgiven
I’m forgiven
And I don’t have to carry
The weight of who I’ve been
Cause I’m forgiven

The Hills! The City! Tonight, people!

I know, I know. I may be judged harshly by some for my impending excitement over the season premieres of these ridiculous shows. But I don't really care. I try my best to evade reality at all costs, and ironically, that is easily accomplished by watching these two "reality" shows. Ha.

The Hills (Season 5) Trailer: "The journey's coming to an end, but the drama's not over yet! The final season of 'The Hills' premieres Tuesday, April 27 at 10/9c."

God is faithful 24/7...and it is great to be reminded!

David Wilkerson Today

MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2010

THE WAY UP

I have known of great Christians who have experienced a trial so dark and deep that life itself seemed almost not worth living. In his very darkest hour, Jeremiah discovered a glorious truth that brought new hope and assurance to his mind. It was something he already knew about God, but it didn't touch his soul until he came to the end of himself. He discovered that at the very bottom, God was there! The farther down he went, the more God was to be discovered. God was not to be discovered up there in some blissful soaring into untroubled skies, but in the shadows of grief and despair. When Jeremiah hit bottom, he bumped into God! He fell hard against the faithfulness of a compassionate God. Listen to his discovery:

"God is a God of compassion...his compassions for me cannot fail.... They are new every morning...great is his faithfulness..." (Lamentations 3:22-23).

Little by little, Jeremiah came to realize great truths that can only be discovered by those who are down.

1. When I am at the very lowest point; when troubles flow over my heart like water, and I say, "I am cut off," God draws near and whispers, "Do not fear!" (Lamentations 3:54-57).

2. When God seems to have "covered himself with a cloud, so that my prayers could not pass through," he will still see my oppression and will “judge my case” (Lamentations 3:44, 59).

3. If the Lord allows grief and sorrow, he will at the same time uphold me with abundant compassion and love (Lamentations 3:32).

4. God is not against me, trying to crush me under his foot when I'm down like a prisoner in trouble (Lamentations 3:34).

5. God is not trying to sabotage any of my plans; he is not causing my confusion; he is not working against me (Lamentations 3:35-36).

6. Even in my despair and bitterness, when I hated to face a new day, his compassion failed not. His mercies were waiting for me, new each morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).

7. Because God is always faithful, he will not cast me off. He will do right by me and save me (Lamentations 3:25-26).

8. When I am at my lowest, I have nowhere to turn but to God, so I will lift up my heart and my hands, and thank him for his faithfulness! (Lamentations 3:40-41).

9. Being down has spent my strength and hope. I am left empty and humbled, so now I depend totally on his mercies! (Lamentations 3:18, 20-22).

Read this devotion online: http://www.worldchallenge.org/en/node/8230

Mr. Softee Goes to China!

It was only a matter of time before the awesomeness of my beloved conehead would burst out the seams of NYC and go on a mission trip to a foreign land to serve people in desperate need of quality ice cream. Mr. Softee is so benevolent like that. Gotta give the shout out to Mrs. Kelly Gorra for passing along the best and most heartwarming news I've heard in a while!

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/15/nyregion/15softee.html?pagewanted=1&ref=nyregion&src=me

OPI Meets Dell!

Fact #1: I really really really like nail polish. I like to think about it. I like to look at it. I like to buy it. And I like to get my nails painted as often as possible.

Fact #2: I need a new laptop like yesterday.

How are these two facts related, you might ask. Well I will tell you now. I am beyond ecstatic that Dell is currently offering a super special line of laptops in 26 fabulous shades of OPI nail polish. The introduction of this line could not have come at a better time! And for those of you not harboring a psychotic obsession with nail polish and who feel you are not benefiting one bit from this post, I want to add that Dell has many color and design options available to suit your own particular fancy, including many MLB logo options, pretty polka dots, sassy stripes, preppy plaids and a lotta other funky, fun and psychedelic choices. My only gripe: where's the argyle??? Oh, well. I really can't complain. Never imagined I'd have one of my favorite nail polish colors covering my laptop.

http://www.dell.com/content/topics/topic.aspx/global/shared/design_studio/en/us/design_studio?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&dgc=IR&cid=46701&lid=1248146