As the sun sets...

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I'm back! For real this time. I have so much to catch up on. However, I will spare you the melodrama and just discuss the topic for the day...blessings. Today was FULL of them and for that I am eternally grateful. I've been wallering in my own self pity for nearly three weeks now. I guess God thought it was time for a break. Here is the lowdown:

1. Was able to go to church this morning for the first time since Easter. Can you say "God was in the house". Literally. Have you ever had one of those mornings when you feel like the pastor is speaking directly AT you? I had one of those moments this morning. Bob preached on "Abba" (no silly, not the 70's Norweigen singing group) but Abba father. Without torturing you, I'll just go to the fourth point.. Authority. Bob told us that God wants us to BOLDLY pray our desires. We shouldn't feel as if we can't pray our desires just because.. well maybe.. that's not what God wants for me. To heck with your insecurities. Pray boldly. Ask God for specifics. If it's not His will, He will change your desires to HIS desires for your life. Is this new news to me? Of course not. Do I always believe this? Most of the time, NOT A CHANCE! Let me just tell you that I have been BOLD today. Thank you Jesus!

2. I had lunch with some of my favorite people today. Two of the girls were old roommates of mine and well, Terry was a rather constant fixture at our house long before Whit moved in. Marc is Carrie's sweet husband and Chad is ... well, Chad. As long as I have known Chad, he hasn't changed. He's maybe the most mellow person I know. He is one of the people who unexpectedly prayed me though my mother's death two years ago. For ALL of these people, I am eternally thankful. They have all seen me through love and loss, moves and emotional breakdowns. And you know what, they are still constant. Even though I don't see them often.. or even keep in touch as much as I should, they will always be a blessing in my life. Also at lunch today was Addison and her chunky thighs that I just wanted to take a bite out of. She is a precious little one and a gift to Terry and Whit. If you didn't already know, you can even find God at Zaxby's!

3. I ran today. For those of you who don't know, I've been working out with Derrick, my personal trainer. He is a hulk of a man.... 6'5" and easily 300 lbs of PURE MUSCLE. He's a softy though. I have him laced though my running shoes. As I say all that, I also must mention that I have the inability to disappoint the man. He tells me to run 2 miles after we've done what feels like 100 lunges (while carrying 15 lb weights in each hand) and I just nod and start running. He pushes me far beyond my mental limits. So anyway, I went running today. My neighborhood isn't a running mecca. It's boring. House after house. Small yards. Yip yip dogs. Nothing exciting.... nothing to look at. I guess, honestly, nothing to distract me. On my iPod, I listen to bad rap and John Mayer songs full of cliches. It makes the pain bearable. The weather was beautiful today (another blessing, I might add) and I couldn't stand to be inside. I finished my run and I was famished. It's amazing the strength God gives you when you just want to quit.

4. I enjoyed a tasty glass of wine with dinner tonight. Conquista Malbec.. made in Argentina. If you like wine, you should try this one. They sell it at World Market.

5. Without going into any detail, I'll just finish by telling you that I faced one of my demons today.... head on. God was by my side and things went well. I left the situation sad but satisfied. I prayed alot. See point #1.