a true fan... counts.

a true fan sits through 4 softball games in a row. props to summerdean for coming in 2nd this season!! :]

i've got a big long to-do list for tomorrow [basically everything i've dropped the ball on lately. & no not the softball although i do have softball on the brain.]

i cannot believe it's been 4 years since i went to colorado. oh so much has changed. *sigh* i'm wondering if its too late to facebook my pictures from that trip.

anyways - camping on sunday we went to the "chapel" service at the campground (sponsored by the ruritan club - different local church rotate leading it.. pretty cool i must say.) and i'll admit i was just not in the best mood on sunday. it was one of those wake up on the wrong side of the bed days.. except i woke up on the right side of the camper with a very sore back & some awful morning breath? haha moving on. so i really tossed around the idea of not going to the service. (side note: that night i went to Genesis & allison & i talked about how when you don't feel like going somewhere or listening to something it's probably when you most need to be there and really need to hear it...) but, i was totally blessed by the pastor who spoke [he also lead it last july when we were there] whose been battling cancer & only been given a certain number of years to live. his perspective was amazing & just glorifying. and by this hymn - which we struggled to sing a few verses of accapella. (sp?) it was stuck in my little head for days until i looked it up. basically - its one of those i've always heard and never really listened to, gave much thought to, all these years.

When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed,

When you are discouraged thinking all is lost,

Count you many blessings - name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

[Count your blessings, name them one by one;

Count your blessings, see what God hath done.

Count your blessings, name them one by one;

Count your many blessings see what God hath done.]

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?

Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?

Count your many blessings - every doubt will fly,

And you will be singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,

Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;

Count your many blessings - money cannot buy,

Your reward in heaven nor your home on high.

So amid the conflict, whether great or small,

Do not be discouraged, God is over all.

Count your many blessings - angels will attend,

Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.

[John Oatman Jr.]

and so i want this to be a challenge to myself to take the time, stop focusing on everything negative/uncertain, and count my blessings. daily. :)

ramblings.

I've decided that I never want to live alone.. like long-term. My diet this week has consisted of mac n cheese & bagel bites. and blue koolaid. :] bruce & susan took me to FA's tonight & i ate a salad so that's been my only redeeming factor. And my cat sure has kept me company... so now, i understand how cat ladies become cat ladies. They just make it less lonely! And really I'm not sure what makes my basement so creepy but, it just is. I went bowling tonight for the first time in years -- i think i bowled a 75 the first game & 102 the second. haha. i was proud ok. and it was kind of ironic that i bowled with 5 people who are currently attending LU and i didn't hang out with any of them when i was at liberty or in lynchburg. :) at one point allison, joel, amy, evan & i were standing togetherish and it almost felt like the ol days. almost. haha true friends are the ones who will make sure you make it home okay [even when you don't drink...] i went to what could have been our last softball game tonight - but, we won (sad it was against albo though!) so now we play tuesday as many games as it takes until we lose. and on that note i'm done.

hmm

"Unfortunately, most people believe their doubts and doubt their beliefs... you should be believing your beliefs and doubting your doubts."

easier said than done my friends.

Always There

...When I'm walking in the light and faith comes easy
When I'm drowning in the doubt and not believing
Every step I take, with me all the way
You are always there
There are days I want to turn back
Sometimes it's so tough to trust that you've a plan for me
It's hard for me to see
But there's one thing of which I'm sure
No height, nor depth, nor fear of failure
Can pull me from your grace... I won't ever be alone.

so on a whim yesterday i grabbed a Chris & Conrad cd at lifeway [thanks to my church for the generous gift card!] i was planning on getting "I Will Carry You" or "So long insecurity" or something like that. I did see a book called "Did I Kiss Marriage Goodbye? Trusting God with a Hope Deferred" lol i couldn't bring myself to buy it though. But, for some reason i was just pulled to the cd. I mean I've heard a few songs by these guys on the radio & although i like them the songs were not like my favorite or anything. but, lemme tell you i already love love love this cd. the lyrics are just what i need right now to be encouraged & uplifted. I mean it definitely reminds me of my old boy band loving days with their harmonies & stuff... but i don't mind that so much. :)

anyways - soon i will recount some of my recent adventures in TN & NC!