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!