Jesus Is A Friend Of Mine

Hahahahah! I am still laughing from this one. My friend Carissa shared this one with me today and I think it is hysterical. I just had to share it with everyone.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-NOZU2iPA8


Enjoy!

Disney Proposal - One Year Anniversary

One year ago today, on September 13, 2008, Anthony proposed to me. It truly was the most wonderful day of my entire life. Honestly, I had wondered if he was going to propose that day, but he was ultimately able to change my mind about that and so it was a total surprise when it actually happened. Here is how the fairytale unfolded . . .

About two weeks prior to the day I mentioned something to Anthony about going to Disney World. For those of you who don't know, I am a HUGE Disney fan. From September through about March are the best times to go to Disney because the weather is generally better and they start decorating for the different holidays. It's just exciting for me to go at those times. Anyway, I had been chomping at the bit to go and was dying to get over there and see the Magic Kingdom all decorated for Fall. Plus we had not spent a day at the Magic Kingdom together before and he hadn't been since he was in like the 8th grade. I can't imagine that!! We talked about it and he said he would have to think about it because, like most people, money was tight. So, I put the idea out of my head because I saw his point.

Well, about a week later Anthony and I were at home and he said to me, "you know, we should go to Disney." I was like, "Really, are you sure we can afford it?" So, needless to say we decided we would go on that coming Saturday. I was beyond excited! Then I started thinking - what would have changed his mind? I know he loves me and wants to make me happy so he could just be doing this because of that - or he could have something else up his sleeve. Then I started talking to my girl friends about it and they too thought something could be up. The just a few days before our day trip Anthony called me at work and asked if there were any nice restaurants at the park that we could eat at. Having been there many times I told him of course, there are a few, but you generally need to have made reservations far in advance to eat at any of them, so most likely we would not be able to get in. So, that idea quietly fell to the side. But, him asking that question gave me even more reason to believe that something could be up. So as not to get my hopes up too much I tried to put these thoughts aside and focus on the fact that we were going to be spending the day together at one of the most magical places on earth and I was going to make sure he had a great time.

So, the day arrived. I got us up bright and early (around 5 o'clock!) so we could get ready and be there as soon as the gates were open. I was determined for us to enjoy every possible moment we would have during their open hours that day. We did arrive right when they opened and we decided to take the ferry boat over to the park. The ride was very nice because the breeze off the water helped cool us off. It was still really hot that September day. We arrived at the Magic Kingdom and I immediately started us off on the map I had already planned out for us. Anthony was more than happy to let me lead the way since this was "my territory." LOL! One of the first things we did was ride the Jungle River Cruise and the driver of the boat picked Anthony out to joke around with through out the whole ride. The guy really had us cracking up and Anthony was a good sport as always. I was so happy that he really seemed to be enjoying himself and I remember thinking how wonderfully perfect he was. :o) He was so cute because he kept asking me if we could go up to Cinderella's Castle, but they had shows going on all day and there was no way to get up there. He looked so disappointed. Awe! So we went about our day and eventually met up with my friend Carissa, who works for Disney, at lunch time. We walked around with her for a short bit and then she headed off to get ready for her work day. She was one of the girl friends a had talked to about this day so I can bet she was also curious about how my day would turn out.

After lunch and meeting with Carissa, Anthony and I continued on enjoying our day. We were able to see Carissa in the day parade and it was really exciting for me to see my best friend doing something she always dreamed of doing. I remember getting chills and even a little teary-eyed seeing her on the float. She was perfectly perfect in every way. :o) I remember Anthony again asking if we could get up to the Castle, but they had it all roped off. He honestly seemed a little sad. So adorable. LOL!

As the day went on and nothing "happened" I decided again that today was not going to be "that" day. But, I was ok because the day was so perfect already and I was enjoying myself immensely. Dinner time rolled around and we found ourselves at a one of the sandwich shops that you could view the Castle from. It was so nice! The sun was starting to set and the Castle looked amazingly beautiful. We were having really nice conversation and the food tasted so good and refreshing after our long hot day outside. Interestingly one of us, can't remember who now, mentioned the idea of us eventually getting married. I do remember telling him that it was something I really wanted and he assured me that as soon as he could afford it he would ask me that all important question. He told me that it might not be for a while yet, but that it definitely would happen someday. He really had me convinced at that point that today was not "that" day. :o( But I was still a very happy and content girl. :o)

After dinner we decided to find a spot to see the night parade and one where we would surely see Carissa again. We ended up on Main Street right by the gates where the parade begins. Sure enough it was a perfect spot to see Carissa and those feelings of pure joy flooded over me again seeing her in the parade. And I even got a special wave and a wink from Mary Poppins herself!! That was really cool! :o) It was a beautiful parade and we decided to follow behind the end of it back up towards the Castle to find a better spot to see the fireworks show. I was so excited to see the fireworks because I had not seen Wishes before.

As we made our way up the crowded Main Street I tried to pull us off to the side where it might be a little less crowded, but Anthony was insisting that we try to get a little closer to the Castle. We went back and forth for a moment between our ideas but I finally decided that this day wasn't just about me and I had been pretty much directing him all day. I thought it was time to let him make a decision especially since he seemed so sure about it. He just knew that the view would be so much better right in front of Cinderella's Castle. So, we found a spot right up front and stood there waiting. We talked about different things and I said I wonder which window of the Castle is to the suite that people can stay in. He of course had no idea but decided he would ask one of the workers who was standing near by. She was guarding the entrance to the ramp that led to the Castle and we heard her telling people that only those with dinner reservations could get by. We figured she should be able to point out the window(s) of the suite. He said while he was doing that it might be a good idea to call my parents and ask how our dog was doing (they were dog sitting for us). So I called my parents and watched as Anthony talked to the Disney cast member, but then got lost staring at the Castle and all the wonderful sights around me.

So I called my parents and found out that everything was fine with Riley, our dog, and told them how wonderful our day had been. Just as I hung up with them Anthony came back over to me. After a minute he took my hand and said, "Come with me." I was immediately confused and asked where we were going. We walked right up to the Disney cast member and she motioned us by! I was like what?!?!?! I asked what was going on and he told me that we had reservations! I was totally caught off guard! He never plans anything! LOL! As we got to the top of the ramp to the Castle entryway Anthony stopped in front of me and turned around. I looked out from the Castle and said. "My goodness look at all the people out there!" There had to be thousands and I felt like they could all see us! As I turned back to him he was going down on one knee!!!! I remember the chills going all over my body, feeling hot and cold all at the same time and my hand going up to cover my mouth in shock. He then said to me, "I love you SO much, will you marry me?" Without hesitation I answered, "ABSOLUTELY!" And then he stood up and we hugged and kissed right up there in front of thousands of people at the entryway to Cinderella's Castle. I don't know how many people actually saw us, but it was all just so magical. Then, he said, "ok, c'mon we really don't have reservations!" LOL! When he went to talk to the cast member about the Castle suite he actually was telling her that he wanted to propose in front of the Castle, had tried all day and this might be his last chance, so was there any way that she would let him take me up there to propose. He said he had pulled the ring out to show her and dropped it! Luckily I missed all that and was totally clueless! LOL! So, as we came back down towards the crowd everyone started cheering for us and the cast member took our picture with the Castle behind us. The moment could not have been more perfect!!

We joined everyone who was seated for the fireworks and I called my parents and he called his. Of course they were all SUPER excited. I also sent texts messages to all our friends to share the good news. During the fireworks we were getting text messages from all our friends congratulating us. It was so much fun.

Still elated with excitement we left the Magic Kingdom after the fireworks. I remember the sense of belonging I now felt towards Anthony. Just that quick I actually felt different. It felt right and perfectly wonderful. Disney World really is the place where dreams come true! And it was just the beginning!

In God We Still Trust

My Mom sent me an email that she received from my Uncle Jim today that had this song by Diamond Rio attached to it. The email used a different video, but I found this one that I thought might be easier to link. I had never heard this song before today and I absolutely love it. Thanks Mom and Uncle Jim for sharing it!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVcoQcdjrsA

The Greatest Blessing

Here are just a few of the profound things I learned during my Pastor's sermon (about priorities in our finances) this morning:

1. The greatest blessing that God can give you is contentment. (Wow, that is so true.)
2. Give to God first - he does NOT want your left-overs! (I never looked at it that way before, and man do I feel guilty now.)
3. If your "stuff" owns you, then giving your 10% (tithe) to God seems like a lot; but, if you are a steward and God owns your stuff, then the 90% he lets us "keep" is a lot. (I love that!)

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33

"Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops" Proverbs 3:9

"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in the house. Test me in this," says the Lord Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it." Malachi 3:10

The "Petition" Email

So, this my friends is what actually gave me the idea for my blog.

I received an email a few days ago from my mother-in-law.

Read very carefully:
Pastor Removal from Television

Removal of Joel Osteen, Donald Hillard, Michael & Dee Dee Freeman, Joyce Meyer, Charles Stanley, David Jeremiah, Floyd Flake, Paul & Deborah Morton, William Watley, Zachary Tims, and other pastors from the airwaves. An organization has been granted a Federal Hearing on the same subject by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in Washington , D.C. Their petition, Number 2493, would ultimately pave the way to stop the reading of the gospel of our Lord and Savior, on the airwaves of America . They got 287,000 signatures to back their stand! If this attempt is successful, all Sunday worship services being broadcast on the radio or by television will be stopped. This group is also campaigning to remove all Christmas programs and Christmas carols from public schools! You as a Christian can help!

The email goes on to ask all Christians to sign the attached petition to counter this organization's efforts. The petition in the email had 140 names already on it. Now, I thought to myself, they can't take these programs off the airwaves - that would deny Christians their freedom of speech. But, anyway, I never responded to the email or passed it along. I just didn't do anything about it at the time I read it and then just plain forgot. Well, then later that day I was copied on a response to this email:

This is yet another Urban Legend. Check these things out (snopes.com is a good site) before you pass them on. Paranoia is eating this country alive.

Now, when you read this at first it might not upset you, but I for one immediately thought to myself - how rude of this person! "Check these things out before you pass them on!" That just wasn't a nice thing to say to my mother-in-law. I wrestled for days with the desire to respond to this person's email and I really had a lot to say about it; in fact, it was "eating me alive." LOL! But how . . . well, this is how and here is my response:

Although the "removal of pastors petition", according to snopes.com, does appear to be fiction, the term "Urban Legend" does not apply. Urban Legends are fictional stories used, in most cases, to scare people. What we have in the original email is but a rumor.

Paranoia . . . now, well, I have to say that term doesn't truly apply here either, as this is more a case of misinformation. I have to say though that I don't believe paranoia is necessarily a negative term. I mean you might call me paranoid because I won't go certain places at night by myself, for instance. Me, I just call that being cautious. Now, I get the feeling that the respondent is insinuating that Christians, specifically, are paranoid. Well, again, I would not say that we are paranoid, but rather vigilant in fighting the Good Fight. And we need to be vigilant, my fellow Christians, because there is evil lurking around every corner and we have every reason to think that atheists and agnostics are trying to get anything religious out of our country (and elsewhere), because THEY ARE. I mean they have taken prayer out of public schools, teachers can not teach Creation in public schools, they don't want the Ten Commandments posted in public places, and so on and so on. Our country was founded on Christian principals people! We can NOT let Satan take that away.

So, in closing, I am really glad I received the original email about the "petition." Although, based on a rumor, just look at all the names of Believers who are willing to stand up for our Lord and Savior and not stand by while non-believers try to break us down. What this email did for me is give me encouragement that Christianity still prevails and I do not stand alone. I for one just want to say Hallelujah, Hallelujah, AMEN!!!

The Publix Incident

So, last Sunday my husband and I decided to go straight to Publix to do our grocery shopping after church. We were both in a great mood because we had just heard another AWESOME sermon at church. As we turned down one of the lanes in the parking lot a woman starts backing out of her spot. Now mind you, we were going all of about 2 miles an hour, but this lady went from turning her car on to immediately backing up. She never looked to see if anyone was coming. My husband stopped of course, but she continued to back up so I leaned over and honked the horn. I wanted to let her know that we were there. Of course, this all happened very quickly. I was so upset, because I get so tired of people not paying attention when they drive and putting everyone else in harms way. She would have backed right into my door!! I also motioned to her that she needed to pay attention by pointing to my eyes and then back at her. Maybe not the nicest thing, but I was really upset and I can be like that when I am upset. So, she did stop and my husband continued down the lane and found a parking spot. We got out of the car and the lady sped off. My husband and I pretty much got over it right away and walked toward the store. As we were literally walking through the doors we heard a guy yell, "Maybe you should tell the preacher to teach about patience next time!" At first, it didn't even phase me because he couldn't possibly be talking to us, and then my husband stopped and looked back at the guy and shook his head. I never saw the guy because he yelled this as he was driving by.

Ok, so here I go . . . first of all, this guy made a snap judgment about us because we had obviously just come from church being that it was Sunday morning and we were all dressed up. Second of all, he had apparently seen what had happened although totally misunderstanding what took place. We, or rather I, didn't honk at that lady because we were being impatient; we honked to let her know that we were there. Nothing that took place during this "incident" even REMOTELY revolved around anyone being impatient. The front of our car was already behind her when she started backing out. As I said before, she never looked to see if anyone was there. We were headed to a parking space that was a few spaces down from hers because as we were driving down the lane we didn't even know she was going to back out until we were already behind her. So, this guy had no clue what had happened yet felt he had to comment on the situation.

What really bothers me about this whole incident is that this guy misconstrued the incident and then personally attacked us as being Christians. You might not see it that way, but since he could tell that we were church-goers simply by how we were dressed and said that our preacher needed to teach us patience is just a completely unfair judgement. Had this guy had the guts to walk up to us and say this to our faces instead of yelling it at us as he drove by, I would have kindly explained to him that he was completely wrong about what happened and he shouldn't make unfair judgments about things he knows nothing about. I am so SICK AND TIRED of people thinking that Christians never make mistakes (not that we did in this case), are push-overs and just let people back their cars into them because honking isn't a Christian thing to do. WHAT-EVER! I have heard people say that Christianity is for the weak-minded. EXCUSE ME?!?!?!? Try being kind and nice to people who wrong you or are mean to you. Try not flying off at the handle to people who yell dumb things at you at the supermarket. It is soooo not easy!

But you know what? You know what is truly sad and bothersome about this altercation? This guy, who ever he was, obviously had an opinion about Christians beforehand. And, because he didn't give us the chance to explain what truly happened, we, through no fault of our own, made his case that much stronger. Who knows what he thinks about Christians, but I can assure you it probably isn't very nice. I might be making a wrong assumption about him, but I don't think this guy was a believer. I just hope that someone who crosses his path will plant a seed that will lead him to the Lord. Then maybe when he feels like yelling something out in the Publix parking lot it will be "Praise God their horn worked and saved them from being hit by another car!" :o)

Aahhhh! Me likey this blogging thing. All that has been pent up in me for a whole week!!! LOL!

My Rendition

This is the last thing I ever thought I would be doing. Seriously. I never even thought of starting a blog until earlier today. And no one may ever read any of this and that’s totally fine. This blog is just kind of for me, mostly. Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t mind people “hearing” what I have to say on certain topics, but really I just needed a way to express what was on my heart. This became apparent to me this afternoon when I REALLY wanted to respond to an email I was copied on that irked me to no end (I will be posting something on that in a bit). I didn’t want to respond to everyone copied on that email because I didn’t want to offend anyone or step on any toes. So, I thought, you know, there just might be a way around that. I can still state my response, but in a way that doesn’t force my opinion on people (unlike another responder to that email). :o) I’m a Christian. Some people may not really know that because I have always been kind of reserved about it, not wanting to offend anyone. Well, God has been really working on me. I mean, I know he is telling me that I need to start speaking up and sharing his love with everyone he puts in front of me. That’s a really tall order - especially for someone who likes to remain in the background and stay quiet. I really don’t like being the center of attention and I never seem to have the right words to say when I am speaking. I have wanted to share God’s love with so many people over the years, but wimped out because I was afraid they might laugh or get angry with me. But, you know what? Who cares? I am so proud to be a Christian and I want everyone to know it. Now, I will be the first to say that I am so far from perfect and I am striving every day to be a better person. God is working on me constantly and there is sooooo much work to be done. But that’s so exciting to me because I know God has a plan for me:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

This is one of my favorite verses. I read it every day (it’s on my refrigerator!). But, I have a lot of others that I am sure I will share with you over time. All, I want to say is that this is just what God has laid on my heart to say. This is just Rebecca speaking her mind about the things she feels convicted to say. I am sure many people will disagree and that’s fine, they can say what they want on their blogs. :o) And, I welcome any comments because I am always interested in what people think. Just be nice, okay? :o) This is just my rendition of life as a Christian girl.