I have been encouraged to create a blog by several sweet folks who apparently think I might have something to offer the world. I still can't imagine that anybody would actually read this and care a lick about what I might have to say. However, I have become an avid blog reader and so have finally decided to join the crowd. I am not the techie in my family, but am assured that blogspot makes it easy schmeasy to post. Here's to trying.. May God be glorified as I seek to live and blog "Appreciating His Blessings".
Last weekend I went to Chicago with my dear friend, Angela, who was attending a conference courtesy of the Navy. Since my airfare was cheap (free) and the lodging was cheap (free), childcare for my precious children was guaranteed (and free), and the fellowship with my amazing, encouraging, wonderful friend sooo desperately needed, the offer was too good to turn down. I slept (uninterrupted!!!) all night and morning and into the early afternoon! on Saturday and piddled my way thru Chicago in a I've got nothing to do except whatever I want to do kind of way while Ang was busy with her conference. What a blessing to have some time to myself to rejuvenate my Spirit, gain some perspective on how much I love and miss my sweet family, and have an opportunity to truly reflect and appreciate His blessings in my life. What a gift! Thank you, God! Thank you, Angela! Thank you US Navy!! :)
As part of my research into what in the world I was going to do in Chicago by myself all weekend, the Lord directed me toward Willow Creek Community Church in Chicago. Unbelievable!!!!!!! First of all, I've never really been to a mega super crazy big church like Willow Creek. The worship center was like the VBCC concert arena and this was just one of 5 different Willow Creek sites all over the Chicago area!!! Anyway, I know that my stumbling upon Willow Creek was ordained because Darlene Zschech, the worship leader with Hillsong Church in Australia, was leading worship during the service. The Lord has been teaching Scott and I about worship over the last 2 years. Praise & worship has become an integral part of how we now connect and worship the Lord. Darlene Zschech & Hillsong music have become our absolute favorites. The music is absolutely divinely inspired and beautiful. Darlene Zschech has most famously written "Shout to the Lord", but my favorites are "Worthy is the Lamb" and "The Potters Hand". Anyway, turns out that she led worship for the entire service and I was overwhelmed. I highly encourage downloading a couple of Hillsong songs from itunes and allowing praise music to fill your house and your car during the day. It's amazing how the Lord can change the atmosphere with His praises playing in the background.
While running the risk of sounding absolutely fanatical on my very first blog posting, I also have to mention the movie that we saw last night. Scott and I had date night with dinner at Applebees, a movie and a visit to the bookstore (complete even with coffee & hot chocolate!! Wow Wow Wee!) We saw the movie "Fireproof" made by the people who made "Facing the Giants" (my all time favorite movie ever!!!). Having walked through a very ugly time in my own marriage several years ago (a blog posting for another day) and seeing the UNBELIEVABLE restorative work that God can do in marriages, I couldn't be more supportive of this movie. May the Lord bring millions to see it and do His amazing restorative work in thousands more through it. Go see this movie!!!!!!! :)
So, those of you that know me well know that my stories are long, dramatic and often have no point. Jenny & Amy used to say that I should add "and then I found $5" to the end of a rambling story! At least then it has a substantive ending. :) Thanks for taking today's journey with me. I hope that you'll bookmark me and return despite my ramblings. :)
3 comments:
You're funny! I am excited to have you as a "time sucker"! Love you. Love the name of the blog and I am excited to read more....no pressure:)
I'm also glad you have become a blogger! I'll be sure to check out what the Braddocks are up to frequently-better keep those bloggies coming! Allyson went to see "Fireproof" last night too. She LOVED it also-did you know that??
This is exciting!! I'll check it often. We loved Fireproof, too. The theater we were in was PACKED!!! It was so good that there was cheering and applause at the end :)!!
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