Singles Night at Zero Gravity

View Pictures Here.

Now that my adrenaline has gone down, I can t think clearly and write a blog entry! I had so much fun and did everything they had – so I could have died 5 times over. Thankfully, God kept the rides together!! I cant really say which was my favorite, seeing how I rode all of them in about an hour and a half.

I first did the bungee jump – around the waist, not the ankles. I think next time I’ll do the ankles (yes, there will probably be a next time!). When I was on the ground, the platform didn’t really look like it was 7 stories high. It is a different story once I climbed all the stairs and got up there. Just the 7 stories took my breath away! Then I had to step up to the ledge to jump. At first, I was just going to jump off, not even think about it – just jump! Again, it becomes a different story when you are standing on the edge! After the waiting, the staff guy told me to put my toes on the edge as he put his hand on my back – and he gently pushed me off. And as I went down – screaming of course – I did my rendition of the running man! I guess my body’s natural reaction is to flail – so flail I did! Now, as I apply the bungee to a relationship with Christ, I think about how when you walk with Him, it can be strenuous – and it can really make you work hard. Like climbing the stairs (not that they were really that much work). But even after the hike, you think you’ve been through so much and you think you get time to rest, or you think it is the end of the journey. Think again. You now get to step up to the ledge and He asks you to jump. “Ok God! Anything for you!! I am not even going to think about it – just jump in and follow you Lord:” Funny how our attitudes change as the situation changes. When it is your time to actually leap you say, “are you sure Lord? I don’t know about this. I am scared, I don’t know what is going to happen”. But somehow God gently guides us off the platform and we rely completely on Him. And you know what? It is thrilling when He does that! You learn so much and grow in your relationship with Him in leaps and bounds (no pun intended). So next time God directs you to the ledge, don’t be afraid. Know that He will take care of you. And how do we know that? Because God brought you through trials that brought you here. In Proverbs 4:2 he says “I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching”. Remember that teaching so that you will be prepared for the leap. Proverbs 4:11-13 tells us “I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction; do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.” So we know when we are led by God to the ledge, it is His way and we can trust Him when we jump.

Next, I did the Nothing but Net (freefall). In this one, they give you a special harness and take you up 16 stories high. They lift you to just below the top of the tower and then release you 100' into a net below. That's right - no bungee, no parachute, just you and the air. Man, I really liked this one too. You totally don’t know what is coming, then BAM! You are falling! This one reminded me of when you are flying along in life and then from no where the bottom just drops out – totally catches by surprise. Sometimes you fall for a little while and sometimes you fall for a long time, but God is always there to catch you.

Then, I did the SkyScraper. It is a big arm that holds 2 people on each end and it spins around at 60mph. The people on the ends also spin in place! I really think this might be one of my favorites. It was a lot of fun!! Smooth ride too! You were suppoesed to feel 4G's, but I dont know if I can attest to that.

Then there was the SkyCoaster. It is just a big swing and I had done it before. Though, on the ride up, I didnt remember it being as tall. It pulls you up 110 feet high, then you pull the rip cord and start flying! Fun, but not my favorite.

Last, there was the Texas Blastoff. I was the most nervous about this one. I dont know why. And I wouldnt have done it, but I got a free ticket for it and it was the only thing I hadnt done. The Texas Blastoff rockets you and a friend straight up 150 feet into the air (like a slingshot) with the speed of a dragster... zero to 70 mph in 1.2 seconds! It twists and turns and flips. It is a lot of fun too!! I lauged in between the screaming! I think this is also a favorite.

All in all we had a great time. Cant wait to go back!

AH!

This week is so busy with BSF Tuesday, Church on Wednesday, and Zero Gravity on Thursday - and then packing my apartment on top of all of that! How am I going to get it all done? What should I drop out? I think it is going to be BSF unfortunately. Man, I should have started packing earlier!

Chasing the tail

My dog, Paisley, relentlessly chases her tail. It is really funny to watch as she spins around and around and falls to the ground. Then she sees her tail and begins in circles again - this time she catches it and realizes it is just her tail. She releases it, but then realizes there is something behind her and begins chasing her tail again. Silly dog.

On Sunday, we talked about Romans 6. "Shall we go on sinning? No! We died to sin; How can we live in it any longer?" (v1-2) The question arose about if we are dead to sin and live in Christ, then what is the deal with us still sinning? Well, it all has to do with lifestyles. Are you in a lifestyle of sin? Those that are true Christians should not be in a lifestyle of sin, but sin still creeps in our lives. We are sinners - it is a habit we have. But isn't it wonderful that the habit of Christ is forgiveness!

I can just see God looking down on us and laughing as we chase our tails (sins) in a manor of habit. Silly people.

Locked Out, Always Saved

We went camping this weekend and had a blast - even though not many people came. I think maybe I shouldn't have taught Paisley to speak because she barked more than I would have liked, but it wasn't too bad.

Well, when it was time to go to bed, I went to my car to get my toiletries and lock the car. Well, this is my second Volkswagen, and I found out with the first one that the only way to lock my keys in the car is to have the car alarm already set and to leave the keys in the trunk. Since I knew this, I didn't think I would ever do it again, but I guessed wrong - I locked my keys in my car at Joe Pool Lake.

At first, I thought I would just call Melanie in the morning (since it was already 1:45am) and she could run by my house and get a spare key - but then I realized that all the keys to my car were in the car! Funny how just earlier this week I had 2 thoughts: First, "I need to give Melanie one of my keys incase something ever happens." and Second, "I need to get a key made and hide it on my car (it will only unlock it - not start it)." But did I actually do either of these things? Nope, of course not. I guess I didn't act on it because I thought I would have more time.

Well, In the morning, AAA came out and tried to unlock my car. It isn't something I like to watch because you can't just use a jimmy and unlock it. The guy uses these whoopie-cusion like things that he places between the door and the car and you pump them up and it cracks open the door so a long pole can reach in to try to unlock the car by pushing the unlock button. But, apparently, when you use the remote to lock the car (as I had done), it shuts off all the electronics in the car - included the electric locks - and the trunk release. We were at our wits end. Nothing was working! And then I asked, "did you try just pulling the door handle and seeing if it unlocks?" I know it sounded simple, but it is usually the simple things we forget, and with all the anti-theft features my car apparently has, you wouldnt think the handle would work... but strangely it did! (Guess I shouldnt really post the solution lest my car be stolen!)

I gave you this long story because I thought it was important to know the background as well as all the details of the event - and of course, I am going to relate this to Christ since our whole life is about Him anyways.

I think first about how I locked my keys in my car and how it was just a mindless act that had big consequences. That is much like the "little" sins in our life... like not reading our Bible daily, not praying, not going to Church or other Christian fellowships (not that there are really little sins and big sins - all sins are alike in the eyes of the Lord). Missing it once or twice doesnt seem so bad, but it eventually adds up and catches up with you. And how we put all our resources into the sin (like all my keys in the car) and it creates other obstacles down the road as well. And then we call on all sorts of people and things to save us from the sin and it's consequences. We try all sorts of acts to make up for what we have done or get us out of the pit we created, but of course, nothing works. And then, finally, the last thing we try is the most simple, and of course, the one that we should have gone to in the first place - God. He is the only one that can save us and He is the one that we should always go to FIRST.

Psalm 55:16 But I call to God, and the LORD saves me.

God's Logic

For the last few weeks I have been very frustrated with my job. Don't get me wrong, I love it. I love working for Brinks and wouldn't have any reason to leave. But my workload has been extremely slow (just ask Sara - as I IM her all day - and she claims I blog all day to!). I think the fact that I have time on my hands at work is frustrating for several reasons. First, it makes the day go by so slow! There is only so much you can find to do and only so many websites you can go to. =) Second, I don't want to make a complaint out of it, but I think I work better under pressure (thanks mom) and when I have nothing to do but a few small jobs, I find it hard to focus completely on them and do my best... Which frustrates me that I don't glorify God in the work I do. Which is no excuse - I should always do my best.

Anyway, I have thought about blogging my frustrations for a while, but just haven't. Mainly because I feel more like I am making excuses and complaining, and I don't want to do that. I am very grateful for my job. I just wish it were more challenging at times. My boss is great and keeps telling me, "don't worry Emily, you're work will increase". It is supposed to increase as we rollout a new program for our Branches to use, but I have not seen an increase with any of the rollout phases thus far.

Which brings me to God's logic. I have been thinking about talking to my boss about it, but just haven't. Don't know why... Just haven't. Well, I had a meeting today with some people (Rachael and I still aren't sure where they are from. I don't think they work for Brinks, but they have Brinks email addresses). Anywho, as we were discussing all the programs that Brinks uses to process all the different product lines that we offer, things started to make sense... and confuse me at the same time. Thankfully they confused Rachael a little too, so we talked to Cindy afterward. Cindy is the manager of the new computer application support team (the application that is supposed to bring me more work). She explained all the rollouts and I now see how I am going to have more work! And I can see that when my boss said I will have a team that I lead to support this new system (well, support one aspect of it), I can now see how that is possible! And, I even got a time line out of the discussion. Supposedly, all parts of this new system should be integrated by next October... so I guess I'll have a team by then! And phase 1 is almost complete which means phase 2 can start which will bring me more work!

So, isn't it interesting how God aligns events in your life that answers prayers (I asked God about it, but I didn't ask my Boss about it.... Well, technically, I guess God is my Boss!). I would have never guessed the billing meeting today would have answered so many questions and eased frustrations of my job. Now I just have to look forward to having work to do.

Well, it is almost 5. I better wrap this up so I can go home =)

2 bit, 4 bits, 6 bits, a dollar

It's Sunday and I went to church this morning. I really enjoy Sunday School (or Bible Study I think they call it) but the sermons have never been my favorite (but that topic is for another blog). PPBC does topical studies for the sermons, and it seems to be the same every year - one month is missions month, one month is about stewardship, and so on. This month is about stewardship.

Today's sermon was about "How do we give to God" - and we talked about the tithe. My church is pretty adamant about whatever you give, it should be the first 10th to the Lord. - and don't get me wrong, I have nothing wrong with that. But I think as long as you are a cheerful giver, God will be happy with whatever you give. And, whatever you give is between you and the Lord. (2 Corinthians 9:6-7 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.)

But I was thinking, what if I gave a tithe, not only from what they Lord had provided financially in my life, but also of my time. So, there are 24 hours in a day, to give 10% of thatwould be 2.4 hours. Wow! 2.4 hours every day!! Sometimes I have trouble sitting down for 30 minutes to read God's word - even still, to sit down at all!!

So I think we shouldn't focus just on what we put in the offering plate, but all other aspects of life that God provides for us. Have we given back faithfully in those areas?

Genesis 3: The Fall of Man

We just finished Genesis 3 at BSF and there are so many things that I never realized before. I just thought I would take the time to share them with you too.

First, after the fall, Adam and Eve realized they were naked. Sure, you say, everyone knows that. But I had never really thought about it before. I had thought that they only realized it because there was shame and guilt from the sin - that they now knew what evil was - but I had never thought about the before. Why had they never noticed before sin that they were naked? Some say that they were clothed in light. Light? Otherwise known as God's glory. But when they partook of sin, His glory was removed and they noticed they were naked.

The second thing that stood out to me was when they hid from God (admitting their fear, guilt and shame) and God called out to them saying "Where are you?" We all know that God knew where they were and that they had sinned, but He was calling to them to confront them of their sin. He wasn't abandoning them. He does the same for us. He asks us where we are in our relationship with Him - of course He knows, but do You/I? It helps us to evaluate our relationship and confront our sin. And of course, assures us that God will never abandon us.

I remember when I was younger and my brother and I would get in trouble. My parents would always asks us what happened. We, of course, would blame it on each other or on something else and my parents would say to the one that was less guilty "I'll deal with you later". Can you believe God did that too? He asked Adam, "What happened?" Adam said, "It was that woman you gave me - she made me do it" (Notice the blame on the woman, but also on God - though, I am sure he would have sinned anyway - without the woman!). Then God asked Eve, "What happened?" and Eve said, "Satan tempted me and I gave it - I ate it!" (atleast we women can be honest about this situation and admit to our faults! haha) God then evaluated and handed out judgments accordingly - first to Satan, then to Woman, then to Man. It was like he had said "I'll deal with ya'll in a minute, but Satan, you're first!

And in handing out these judgments for sin, I found it interesting that God only cursed Satan and the Earth. He didn't curse Man or Woman. Why? Curse as defined by dictionary.com means in the Ecclesiastical sense: To put under a ban or an anathema; excommunicate. God excommunicated Satan and the Earth from ever being redeemed. It was the end to them. Praise God that He didn't curse man and woman! And also, to save us, He removed access to the tree of Life. What would have happened if Adam and Eve took part of the Tree of Life after the fall? We would live in sin forever... always being separated from God. That would be like dying without knowing God today. How dreadful! Again, Praise the Lord that God has such a greater plan for us and that He loves us enough to save us from eternity without Him!

So, to sum it up: The devil tempts us to sin, but we can choose to resist the temptation (the sin is in the action - not in the temptation). And Only God can remit sin. Be prepared, be on the offensive. How? Know God's Word. Know His truth. In this, you can recognize temptation and be ready for the battle.

Meeting of Chapters

For the last two and half years I and the rest of the Singles Department at PPBC have been blessed with the presence, teachings, and generosity of time, energy, resources and food of Tim and Susie Corbett. It has definitely been a great time and blessing to know them. But there comes a time when God tells us to turn the page in our books - one chapter has finished and another will begin; now is that time. This particular meeting of chapters reminds me of a lesson from the study of Genesis.

Genesis 2:8-9
Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. 9 And the LORD God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

Genesis 2:15
The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.

God created this wonderful garden for man. Before man existed, God meticulously designed and created a place specific for man - so that man would glorify God and enjoy Him forever. And He created man and placed Him in this garden to cultivate it, nourish it, grow it, take care of it, and enjoy it. God created man to be committed to the Lord and to serve to Lord forever.

I can't help but think about all the ways that Tim and Susie have been committed to the Lord and served Him as He has created and evolved the Singles Ministry at PPBC. And sometimes I can't help but feel as though the Singles, or at least I, have just been sitting on the sidelines - not very committed to the ministry or the Lord. But now, in this new chapter, it is our time to take the shovels, rakes, seeds, nourishment, and trust in Christ - to be committed to the Lord and our service to Him. It is our turn to step up to the plate to cultivate, nourish, grow, take care of, and enjoy the Singles Ministry and the Church that God has created for us. I pray that each one of us would participate and be committed as we enter this time. I pray the Lord would give us direction, provide the people we need, the resources we need, and the things we didn't know we needed - and I pray that we would glorify God as he reveals to us His plan for His ministry.

p.s. I love you Tim and Susie! and can't thank you enough for all that you have provided to me and the others in Singles 1 during your time with us. You have blessed us all beyond what you could imagine. I pray that God provides wonderful times of relaxation, blessing, direction as you continue on His path. Thank you so much!

The Sin's in My Eyes!

We often think of the Sun as a good thing. It gives us light, warmth, reveals things hidden in darkness. But when you are driving into the Sun, it just becomes plain annoying. Just when you are trying to focus the most on your direction and where you are going, it blinds you. You can make out shapes, but you cannot see the details. You cannot read ths signs on the road, you cannot see the stoplights, and at times, you can't even read the time on your dashboard - one of the closest things to you. And last, when you look away, it still leaves those nasty sun spots in your vision.

Our life in Christ is like that too. As we travel down the path, most focused on pursuing Him, we are blinded by Sin in our life. It becomes very annoying and distracting as it blinds you from seeing where you are going. It blocks out signs that God has placed in your life. With sin glare in your eyes, you can't see God's stoplight to tell you to stop, go, or just wait and sometimes you can't even see the guage at where you stand in your relationship with Christ. When you realize the sin in your life and look away, you are left with the inklings it leaves in your life that remind you of the sin... Still annoying and distracting, but with time, they disappear.

Now, there are a couple ways to reduce the effects of the sun in your eyes. You can put on your sunglasses which reduces the glare from the sun. Through sunglasses, you can see where you are going, but there are still some distractions. You can also hold up your hand and block the sun out. This allows you to see everything clearly.

The same is true with Sin in your life. Like donning sunglasses, you can be in God's Word which provides insight and direction - not completely showing you the way, but it does help you deal with the consequences of sin so you can be better directed on the path. You can also just rest in Christ and allow Him to step in front of the Sin in your life, releasing you from the distraction. With Christ blocking out your sin glare, you can see perfectly His will and direction for your life.

So what will I choose to do? I think not only should I put on my spiritual sunglasses, His Word, but I should also rest in the Lord, trusting Him to block the sin and direct me in His will.

Lord, thank you so much for allowing me to see you in the smallest of things. I praise you as I see how you are working in my life. I am starting to look at life from Your perspective not just my own - and not letting life just pass by, but taking the time to apply the events that You bring me to our relationship. I only pray that I don't just leave them at this recognition, but that I can take them day after day and apply what you have taught me - not forgetting. Lord, in this new desire to see you in "the small stuff", I pray that you also give me a desire to pray constantly and be in your Word daily. These are two of the most important things, yet I am not at all consistent in this. I pray that you would give me just a taste of that desire that I would see it is good and would hunger for more. I love you Lord!

Quick Italian

Well, now that I have completed all my certification exams (and passed!!), maybe it is time to get back to learning Italian. I have always known that I can't learn most things on my own, that I need the structure to keep me focused, so the learn Italian book I bought was good, but not good enough.

I found a weekend class that just runs on the weekends through October... but I would have to miss the last class on the 29th as I will be moving apartments. The class is only $50 which really isn't that bad. Just over $10 a class (there I go allocating costs - I am such a nerd).

This is the class description: The Quick Italian course will teach students a general overview of the Italian language. The course includes vocabulary, grammar and syntax, conversation and culture with the goal of giving students the ability to understand, speak and read in Italian.

Do they really think we'll be able to understand, speak and read in Italian by the end of the month? In just 4 classes?

Do I do it? Need to decide soon as the class starts on Saturday!
(on another note, I think I want to take tennis lessons again too)

A day of "Should-a's"

It's long, but worth the read!

Wow, what a day - what an adventure! It was opening weekend at the Texas State Fair. Melanie and I had been wanting to take advantage of the Dallas Public Transportation system, and what better way to do that than taking it to the State Fair.

It all began at 10am when we arrived at the train station. We purchased our Day Passes and anxiously waited for the train... but wait! Melanie realizes she has left her free ticket into the fair at home! There is no time to race home to get the ticket and make it back to the train station by the schedule posted (but we didn't notice it was the schedule to Ft. Worth, not Dallas). The train was to arrive any time now! So, we decided we would forego the trip to the Fair today and find somewhere else to ride the transportation system - after all, we had purchased our day passes! (Should-a remembered the ticket)

We arrive back at Melanie's and get online to see where we can go. For kicks, we entered the State Fair into the DART Trip Planner (which is useful, but I think a "trip" planner for the DART is funny). The next train to the Fair is at 10:36... 10:36!!! It's 10:30!! GO GO GO!! We peel into the train station just as it pulls out. Strike 2. (Should-a read the right schedule)

Disappointed, with tickets in hand, and realizing we had read the wrong schedule earlier, we board the bus that arrives shortly after. It might take us a while, but we can ride the bus to the fair. We were very out of place. We had no idea what were were doing or where we were going. It was obvious. But the people on the bus were very helpful. They planned our route for us and sent us on our way.

As we waited for the next bus, the 11:25 route 408, we met several people. The bus never came. We began to feel like this was strike 3 and give up again (but we couldn't get a hold of anyone to rescue us). Finally, the 408 arrives at 12:00. We board and are back on our merry way. Looking at the route, we see that we will be stopping at the South Irving Train Station. We could catch the train there instead of using all the buses... the next train was at the South Irving Station at 12:36 anyways. And sure enough, we make it to the South Irving Station in enough time to jump out and sprint to the train... Barely made it! A whole hour and a half of going in a circle on the bus just to catch the train again. (Should-a just waited for the 2nd train)

We make it to Union Station and catch the Blue line to the next stop... Texas State Fair, here we come! We de-board our train (underground) and are excited, so we decide to run the stairs instead of taking the escalator... there aren't really that many. 4 flights of 16 steps... Not too bad. Then we round the corner... See more stairs, this is no problem - lets run them too. Then we look up! Oh dear! You're kidding me! 7 flights, 19 steps each. Died at the 4th flight. Took the escalator on the last 2 flights. Such wimps... We did 197 stairs, what's another 30? (Should-a started with the escalator)

Finally at the Fair. It was not crowed at all! Man, it was the best weekend ever to go! We had a great time. Saw the autoshow, the train sets, the info-mertials, went through a fun house (it really was fun!), went through the science place and learned about the body and science, ate a corn dog, ate fried cookies (oreos for Melanie, nutter butters for me), got a foot massage (we needed it!), yeah, I think that is about it.

The way home was a breeze... no trouble at all. What a great day! What a great adventure!

When I think about the day's adventures and apply it to my adventure with Christ, I think about the paths we take in life. I think about how we wait on the Lord, like waiting for the train, we grow impatient, or we miss God's calling because of our own mistakes and unrighteousness. We've got our ticket, but God's timing just doesn't fit our plan. So we devise our own plans to get where we want to go. And yet, we find our ways don't work and we come back to God's plan and it all works out perfectly in the end - in our willingness, God redirects our path to His original plan and takes us on His journey.

Am I impatient with His plan? Psalm 27:4 tells us "Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD." What areas in my life have I redirected paths, created new schedules that don't align with Christ? We all know the verse Jeremiah 29:11 (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). Why do we not trust this always; waiting on the Lord, letting His plans work out for His perfect purpose the first time around?