Monday, Monday

What is it about Monday's? They're not any longer than the other days, and yet, I dread them every Sunday. It's been a good weekend though, and I guess I just don't want it to end. In fact, the past several weekends have been really good, and the next several are promising too. Two weeks ago, five of my former students from UAB came up for a weekend retreat; it's always good to catch up with friends and get deep in God's Word together. Last weekend, Rob's cousin Shannon came to Nashville
for a fun girls' weekend; we went horseback riding and then shopped until we couldn't stand anymore! We just got back from Jackson a little while ago after a great weekend of friends, football, and baby showers. Next weekend Rob's brother is getting married, the next we'll be going to Atlanta to visit my sister... Just looking at my daytimer wears me out! None of our weekends have been, or will be, restful- not even a little bit- but totally worth it. For now, for this moment, Rob and I are back home early and are chilling on the couch watching a movie, and while not the most exciting event or memory of the month, it's definitely one of my favorites!

I've heard several sermons, Bible studies, etc. lately on God's command to have "no other idols." It's so easy to think of this as one of the obvious "Big Ten", like don't steal or don't murder. And we let ourselves believe that this isn't a danger for us- we don't worship statues or relics. I think I'm guilty though. At different times, and for what seemed like a good reason at the time. I've let other things take first place in my life and in my heart. It's hard to hash it all out on paper, or the screen as it were, but I'm definitely in a season of refining. Even though it isn't exactly fun, and certainly not easy, I'm excited about what God is doing in my heart.

One more thing- Rob and I are trying to work it out to be able to take a trip back to the Czech Republic and Romania next year. There are still a lot of details that we need to figure out, so please pray with us that everything will be made clear soon!

Race for the Cure

I love the Komen Race for the Cure! This was my second time participating- it's such a great cause, and everything is PINK! Seriously, it was a really fun, inspiring day with my co-workers Joan and Juliana. I loved seeing all of the breast cancer survivors out there walking, and I had a great conversation with one lady as we walked. I also loved seeing all of the creative team t-shirts... my favorite one had two baseballs strategically placed on the front and read "Save Second Base!" It's may be a little crude, and definitely not something I would wear, but I thought it was really funny!!

Yay for face paint!

My Cheerleader

At home with my honey

Rob and I are just hanging out at home tonight, and I love it! We've had the best week- I like it when we don't have much going on. Not long after my last post, Rob went to Houston to help with Hurricane Ike clean-up; he was gone for nearly two weeks. I did not handle that well. I love my husband, and I really like having him around. On the contrary, I hate it when he's not around. I was happy when he came home. Very happy!
While Rob was in Texas, I went home to Louisiana for a weekend. It was a lot of fun seeing my family. I got to spend time getting to know my future brother-in-law, Scott, a little better; we girls had a good time shopping for bridesmaids dresses; I got to chat with my granny over a cup of coffee before everyone else woke up; and we all had a blast watching my nephew, David (check out his blog!). My mom must have taken a hundred pictures that weekend, but none have surfaced yet! It's so neat watching him grow and change. The trip had been planned for a while, and turned out to be a wonderful distraction in the middle of Rob's trip.
God has been teaching me a lot lately. I've been meeting with a group of women going through Beth Moore's Stepping Up, and have also had some really good conversations with a couple of girlfriends recently. God has been refining my heart, which is often uncomfortable for a time, but always good. I'm thankful for friends who have challenged me and encouraged me. My times with the Lord have been really sweet thanks to all of these things. I hope I'll be able to expound on that soon, and put words to everything in my head and my heart.
Random change of subject (thinking "out loud")... I want to cook a roast in the crock pot tomorrow. I don't have time to cut up the vegetables & get it all ready in the morning, but I'm afraid that if I cut everything up tonight it will be brown by morning. How do I not have time to cook in a slow-cooker?