"The Claw"

So, I know my last blog was on the Rangers, but as I was abruptly awoken by my alarm clock this morning with this song, "The Claw" on 94.9 KLTY, I had to write about it. Again it's called "The Claw". Randy Phillips of Phillips, Craig, and Dean wrote the song. I am paraphrasing from what I heard on the radio this morning. He heard of the claw and saw the Rangers doing it at the games and was intrigued to find out it's true meaning. He came to find out that it is a in the air high five between the players when they are on the field. So, he went to bed one night and woke up in the middle of it and came up with some lyrics to a song. He got together with Canton Jones to record it. He then contacted Josh and Katie Hamilton and they passed it on to upper management for the Rangers. Now, if you ever go to a Ranger game and notice they play this song all the time. Randy Phillips had no idea it was going to become so big. He decided that it would be cool if the song was available for download and could be used to help people. He put together this website www.dotheclaw.com. I recommend you check it out. It explains what the money goes towards in helping the troops. I think this is one of the coolest stories ever! God is so amazing!!! He's using this simple silly little gesture that the team does, took a well known Christian artist who put together a song about it, thousands of people are hearing the song and now can do something to help others! Is that not awesome?!?!!? I love our God!

Here are part of the lyrics and if anyone can figure out the first verse PLEASE comment back! I would love to know what it says.

"The Claw"

Hey Ranger Nation
Are you ready to roar?

Do the claw, do the claw
Everybody, Everybody
Do the claw
Now put your hand up high

(repeat)

Verse 1 ????????????


Chorus

Verse 2

They lookin' like what?
They can't concentrate
Stongest arms in the world
Bout to step up to the plate
Look at his arms look at his guns
Oh my goodness it's a home run

We got the greatest fans in the world
Hey Ranger Nation lets go

Chorus

Verse 3

I got a brand new dance
Me and the Ranger fans
We call it the claw and
Can't nobody do it like us
If you're not a Ranger
You may be in danger
Cause it's about to go down 1-2-3-4

Chorus


ENUGGET: I'm just encouraging you to go to the website I posted at top and download the song!

Too Many Changes

Oh the Rangers!!! What a season they are having!!! It's been so exciting to watch this year. To finally have the complete package of pitching, hitting, and defense!! So, that was in July, and still rings true today, except I think we could be even better if it weren't for the changes.

I'm not gonna dog on Ron Washington too much because lets face it, he took our Rangers team from losing horribly every year to, in just three years, turning the club around to where we're competitors and contenders! BUT, we were doing soooo well in July and then when Kinsler got hurt, things seemed to change a bit. A bit too much. We aquired Cliff Lee, one of the best moves we could have ever done! That change was awesome! Deciding to add on Christian Guzman to cover second it probably my biggest concern. He hasn't really proven himself at the bat or in the field. We had two perfectly capable guys in Andres Blanco (great defenseman) and Juaquin Arias (who was hitting the bat pretty well). I don't think they were given enough of a fair shot.

Then we go and get not one, but two first basemen to replace undoubtedly one of the cutest we've had (that's besides the point), Chris Davis. I think we would've done well just to bring up Mitch Moreland. He seems to be proving himself at the bat game after game.

Another good change I have to add is David Murphy being a starter! DON'T MESS WITH THE MURPH!!! I've got to make me a T-shirt.

Ok, back to changes!!! The relievers!!! They're all really good, but Ron Washington, in my opinion, switches them out too often. I was listening to 103.5 The Fan after the game last night and one of the broadcasters thought he might be over managing. I think he hit the nail on the head. I absolutely agree. When you have a pitcher as hot as Darin O'Day you don't send him in for one pitcher. Especially when he gets that batter out and we are in a crucial point in the game. See if he can't get that final guy out. Here's another especially, lol, especially when the batter is a righty. Why did we go and call Darren Oliver? My only explanation, which I can't stand by the way, but baseball is all about statistics, is that the next batter was going to be a lefty. But, he wasn't!!! So, Oliver should have come in the 7th inning. Once again, these are my opinions!

One change I do think that Ron Washington seriously needs to contemplate is moving Frankie Francisco up in the rotation of relivers. I do not believe he should be the set up guy. So, put him behind O'Day or Oliver. Lets see if Alexi Ogando can be that set up guy for us. I definately believe he has major potential to be. He's shown me some good things. Now, I know I don't know a whole lot about baseball, but over the last several years watchihg and listening to crazed fans on the radio, talk about how we need to send Frankie down to triple A, give Vladimir a rest, move Josh to DH, and are freaking out about losing a close game to the Yankees mind you, I had to post what I felt.

Oh, how can I forget to talk about Scott Feldman and Rich Harden! So, Scott's supposed to be our Ace and he failed us so we go and pick up Rich Harden. Everyone's so excited because he's it, he's the one to help us! He fails us and gets hurt goes on the DL. We give Scott another chance, he still can't seem to do it and when Rich returns from DL we give him another shot. After the first game things looked really promising, but then he fails us again. Meanwhile, Derek Holland who pitched really well for us unfortunately got hurt and is rehabbing in Triple A. I believe in giving Harden another shot, but another bad outing and I say lets bring back the kid. I know this is bad on my part, but I honestly am so pessimistic when either Feldman and Harden are up pitching. I just sit there and pray that our batting will out bat the other team that night because I have no faith them. Maybe it's my attitude that needs to change. lol And maybe I should just stop caring all together. Afterall it is JUST A GAME!!!

So, take it with a grain of salt as you may! I'm loving watching every minute of Rangers baseball that I can. It's exciting to see the team do well. I remember watching back in 96 - 99 and how exciting that was. I believe this 2010 team is a whole lot better than that too, so I have high hopes for us this year!!! But, we got to keep on doing what we know how to do and we need to keep on winning.

GO RANGERS!!!

ENUGGET: I guess this would be let's keep what's good, good! If it's working for you why change. Now, that's not necessarily a life lesson, just a sports lesson. Making some tweaks is ok because you always want to try and make your team better. But, there comes a point, where too many, is too much and can ultimately have a negative effect.
P.S. I'm so happy for Nolan Ryan!!! Another positive change, I think, that will just make our team that much better in seasons to come!!

Anticipation Is Half Of It

In nine days I leave for a 7 night/6 day cruise to Keywest and the Bahamas! My friends and I have been planning on this for several months now and I can't believe the day is actually nearing. There's so much to do when planning a trip. You have to choose the best one for you and your money. You have to save up that money, which can take awhile depending on your means. Buying clothes (that's the fun part) and essentials that will get you through the week.

But the anticipation of it all has to be half the fun of it!!! There's not a day or time when the girls and I are together that we don't talk about it. It's so exciting to think about all the things that you might do and to plan/layout all the outfits that you want to take with you. Once you are actually on vacation everything seems to go by so fast.

I always tend to over pack. But, I'd rather have too much than to have forgotten something. Some people can pick out their outfits before hand for each day. I have to bring options. You never know what mood you might be in or if plans change you want to be prepared for whatever.

I've only been on one cruise before four years ago with my mom. It was THE best vacation I've ever been on. It was just so relaxing. They had so much to offer if you wanted to, but also you could do nothing. That's the best part about it, there's no set schedule you have to keep. I definitely recommend going on cruise if you haven't. You don't have to go on a long one, they have some really affordable ones that are three and four day. If you go in the off season even the 7 day cruises aren't bad.

ENUGGET: Enjoy the planning. I know it can be stressful at times, but enjoy the anticipation of it all. If you are planning a trip this summer I hope that you have a blast, be careful, and enjoy it. It never last as long as you want it to.

A Year in the Valley

"GET ME OUT!", my heart cries. I totally believe I'm in this for a reason. I've grown a lot over the past year as a person. But, at the same time, I want to start climbing back up that mountain. Not, having a church home is undoubtedly tough without question. I think it's played with my mind a bit. I can't let the enemy in like that. I feel changes are coming. The obvious ones, I bought a new car, I'm moving in to my own apartment. But, those things don't matter in the grand scheme of things.

The struggle with not knowing your full potential and purpose in this life is weighing on me. The not knowing. The not knowing. How much longer Lord? I've laid my life down to you, I relay my life down to you. I want to know you more, I want to be a part of a church family again, I want to feel something real again.

I can buy a new car, I can get my own apartment, I can have meaningful friendships, I can go on fabulous vacations, but nothing, not one thing makes me happy then when I know in my heart that you are Lord of my life. Jesus, help me to, no matter what, always put you first in my life.

The inner struggle I have is...hard! God, no matter the circumstance I will always give you the praise and the honor you deserve. It seems the nights are the worst when you're all alone and all you have to think about is your life. Come morning his mercies are new and I feel rejuvenated!

ENUGGET: God is so much bigger than any struggle/problem we are dealing with. I might not "feel" his presence all the time, but his subtle reminders are always there to know that he IS right there.

My parents have a scripture up in the kitchen that I love. It says, "You scrutinize my path and my lying down and are INTIMATELY ACQUAINTED with all my ways." Psalm 139:3 (emphasis by me)

Isn't that beautiful to think about? That our God, our Father, is looking at each individuals lives and meeting them exactly where they're at. Because everyone struggles with different things. I just absolutely LOVE that about my Jesus! That he cares for ME!! And ALL my idiosyncrasies! lol Seriously though, just think about it!

Hope ya'll have an amazing week and are blessed! Most importantly remember to put God first in every aspect of your life. I think he deserves it don't you? I mean he gave up everything for us! What are you withholding?

Thank God for Moms

What would we do without moms? First off none of us would be here! Given the fact that God made women to bear children. He gave them the ability to be nurturing, loving, and the knowledge to take care of her offspring! For those of you who don't have a mom in your life, I'm sincerely sorry. I hope that you do have women in your life that you look up to. If not, I pray that God would send someone soon into your life. I couldn't imagine not having a woman, as a girl anyways, in my life.

I'm so thankful for my mom! God has truly blessed me with a strong, independent, caring, loving, giving, and patient mom. She is the rock in my family. My dad always says, "She has the ability to make sense out of it all." Though she may not have all the answers she's always there to make sure I'm loved and taken care of. I go to her for everything. She has so much wisdom and I'm so thankful (well maybe not all the time) that she is willing to share that knowledge with me. Someday I hope to be half the woman my mom has become! I look up to her and the strength that she has to get through the days whether they be blissful or discouraging. Her faith is astonishing. She's such a prayer warrior and I am ever thankful that I have someone in my life that I know is always praying for my well being. Thank you Lord for my mom!

Mom I love you; you're the best!!

ENUGGET: If you have a mom or a special lady in your life that you look up to don't go another minute without acknowledging that person and telling them how much they are apreciated and loved.

Celeb Sightings

Are pretty rare, but in the last 6 months I've seen two. Well I get excited about it anyway. If you keep up with me on Facebook you know that last November Michael Irvin (former wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys)was on the same flight back to Dallas from L.A. as I. I walked right past him in first class to get to my seat. I think he knew I knew who he was. He kind of had a smirk on his face as I past and was literally staring at him. I was 100% sure it was him so I didn't say hi. When I landed at DFW airport I asked my dad to check to see if it was him. My dad confirmed. Still didn't say hi. I never know what to do in those situations. You know the people are trying to be as discreet as possible not to get noticed. But, at the same time you want to say hello!! What would you do in a situation or what have you done? I'd like to hear ya'lls feed back.

Today, was the second time I saw someone. This time it was Derek Harper (former guard for the Dallas Mavericks). He does the pregame and post game show for the Mavericks on channel 21 now. It was so weird I was pulling into the parking lot of 24 Hour fitness and out of the corner of my eye I see him get out of his car. I thought to myself, "that guy looks like he should be somebody." When I got out of my car and passed by he was getting something out of his trunk I was like whoa I think that's Derek Harper. But, once again not 100%. I have to know for sure before I go up to someone. Or think about going up to someone. So, I don't say anything. I go in change clothes and then go up to one of the workers at the front desk. I asked them if that was Derek Harper. The guy replied, a little annoyed if you asked me, yes! How cool is that!! I go get on a machine and notice that he's riding the bike. I workout on the machine for 10 minutes, you know trying to muster up some nerve to go over and say hi. I finally did! I know shocked myself. I went over and said, "I just wanted to say hi and that I really enjoyed the game last night" *The Mavs played game 5 vs. the Spurs the night before and won. It was a sudden death situation.) Derek replied, "Hello darlin". I said, "They haven't played like that in awhile." Derek replied, "They haven't played like that ever." I said, "Well true (in a chuckle)". He said, "Do you think they will win tomorrow?" I said, "I hope so." He thanked me for my support and then I just started to walk away and said it was nice to meet him. He seemed like a really down to earth guy.

I just thought it was the neatest thing. I always think it's cool to see athletes/celebrities out of their normal environment. It doesn't take much as you can see to get me excited! The only other person off the top of my head that I've seen and said hi to was Shawn Bradley (former Maverick). He was walking out of a movie theater as I was walking in. I just nonchalantly said hello as I walk passed. Now he's a tall guy!!

ENUGGET: I guess it's not that bad to go up to someone and say hi. They are people just like you and I. They just have a job that makes them well known. The worst they can do is be rude to you right? I suggest not asking for an autograph. There is a time and place for that kind of stuff.

Working Out

For me it's hard to get motivated to work out. Though after I do, I feel so much better. But, every day it's hard coming home from work and getting up enough energy to go out and do something. Most days I'd rather just eat dinner and sit in front of the T.V.

I used to be pretty fit back in high school and a few years after that I kept up with working out. I even did pretty well this past summer for a few months getting back into it. It felt really good too. I only stopped because I was training for the Susan G. Komen 3-day. It was hard to focus on walking when I was lifting weights too. After the walk, which was in November, I lost one of my toe nails and was in some pain for a week. Never got back into the routine of working out.

For the past two Saturdays I have been going to 24 Hour Fitness for their kickboxing class. This past Saturday I also did Zumba. I think it sparked a little motivation for me. Plus having friends to workout with helps tremendously. So from now on a friend and I will be working out on a regular basis starting tonight.

I have a little over 2 months to get fit for the cruise. Now, I know I don't need to lose any weight, but I am extremely out of shape. I can't walk up a few stairs without huffing and puffing. It's aweful!! I need your support in this. Plus you know in the Bible it says, "Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple." (1 Corinthians 3:16-17) If for no other reason we should workout for that alone.



ENUGGET: If you too need a jump start my suggestion is find a workout buddy. You can help keep eachother accountable, motivated,and encouraged. Because if you are anything like me you won't do it on your own.

Be Blessed and keep up the good work!!

Moving Past and Through the Fires

There's a tree called Jack Pine. Here's a brief description of it: New jack pine seedlings grow well after a hot fire. Fire causes the cone of an older jack pine tree to open up and release seeds. Cones that need heat, such as the heat from fire, in order to open are called serotinous cones. When the heat causes the cones to open, seeds are released and fall to the ground. My friend told me about this tree that she was studying with her kids and I thought it was so encouraging to hear that something actually thrives and is created after it has been through a fire.

God did not promise us a life without the "fires". He promised us a life full of hope in His son, Jesus Christ! That one day we would live in eternity with Him. God doesn't throw us into the fire, He allows us to go through it (and He's right there with you) to that we can grow and learn from it and become the person He's created us to be.

What is your "fire" today that you might be going through? Is it the job that's about to end; a bad doctor's report; a foreclosure or bankruptcy; a failed relationship?

"These trials are only to test your faith... It's (faith) being tested as fire tests and purifies gold...." 1 Peter 1:7

My ENUGGET is taken from a sermon that I found from Pastor Marvin Moss. He said, "Don't let life or its circumstances pull you away from God or the things of God. What we must focus on in the midst of the trial is not just what's happening to us, but what's happening in us. God is using the heat of the fire to mold us, to shape us and create in us a pure heart and right spirit. This is why we praise Him! Because despite whatever life throws our way, our God is there to pull us through. We shouldn't just praise God in the good times, because as we all know life is not always a bed of roses. Why do I praise Him? I praise Him because He is so good; because He is faithful; because He always sees me through; because He is my Father; because I love Him.

Instead of concentrating on the negative in your life, thank God for giving you life, health, and strength. Put up the dishes from your pity party; put on the full armor of God; and keep it moving! Encourage yourself in the Lord!"

I don't know about you, but I need the encouragement. I write about these topics not to sound like I know everything because I DON'T. I write because I'm struggling with each and every one of them. This site is just an outlet for me to express myself and in the process I pray the God will use me for His purpose.

To each person their "fire" is a big one. To someone else it may be small, like mine. I feel like other people would feel what I'm experiening is minute, but to me is kind of a big thing.

Be Blessed this week! I'm praying for you!!

Here's a song by Ginny Owens called 'If You Want Me To

The pathway is broken
And the signs are unclear
And I dont know the reason why you brought me here
But just because You love me the way that You do
I will go through the valley
If You want me to

CHORUS:
Now I'm not who I was
When I took my first step
And I'm clinging to the promise
You're not through with me yet
So if all of these trials bring me closer to You
I will go through the fire
If You want me to

It may not be the way I would have chosen
When you lead me through a world that's not my own
But You never said it would be easy
You only said I'll never go alone

So when the whole world turns against me
And I'm all by myself
And I can't hear You answer my cries for help
I'll remember the suffering Your love put You through
And I will go through the valley
If You want me to

A Tribute to Mike Modano

Thursday, April 8, 2010 was possibly the last game Modano will ever play for the Dallas Stars. I was so fortunate to go to the game and very blessed to have had amazing seats about 10 rows back from the players bench! It was very emotional in the American Airlines Center that night. After one of the tv timeouts they showed a video clip of Modano's highlights throughout his career and there was a standing ovation for him for a long time after it. It brought him to tears. I can't imagine how that must of felt after so much hard work and dedication he's put into his career for it to all come to end just like that. Mike Modano only played 15 minutes, but the way he played made it seem he was out there for the majority of it. It was like watching the classic Mike out there with his tying goal and the shoot out goal that won the game for us!

I've enjoyed watching him play for the past 15 years or so! I am happy for him to, that he won the Stanley Cup!! I would love to see him come back for one more year, but someday he has to retire. It would make me very sad to see him play for a different team. I really hope that he doesn't pull an Emmitt Smith! Mike, if you're going to retire, you need to retire with the Dallas Stars!!! Possible ownership of the Stars is a possiblity and would be VERY exciting to have him on board!!!

Thank you Mike Modano for your dedication to the game, to the team, and to the fans of the Dallas Stars!! It was a pleasure to watch you and I pray you be blessed with whatever you decide to do in the future!!

Disappointments

They come from every where in every way! This week for me has been full of them. Wether it be myself or someone else (mostly guys) it's hard to deal with. I'm tired of being disappointed. I Get my hopes up and then they get shot down. I think it's made me cold and aprehensive. Which is not necessarily a good thing.

I will say though my faith is strong in the Lord which has helped me. He will never disappoint. God is always there for you and I know His plans for my life are far greater than the small disappointments people try to throw my way.

ENUGGET: Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct[a] your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Be blessed!!

Love Stories

There are hundreds of movies out there with the classic love story. We love to love them and we love to hate them!!! They are all the same. Boy meets girl next door some way or another and they fall madly in love with each other and live happily ever after!! I think we love them, because we want that to happen to us or it already has in some fashion. We hate them (well at least us single folk) because it hasn't happened. I'm a sucker for a good love story. I know they are so predictable, but they get me every time. Every time though I seem to leave more depressed than when I go in. I shouldn't let that happen I know.

My friend keeps telling me that when we do get married we're going to look back at our singles lives and be thankful we had as much time to ourselves as we did.

ENUGGET: Enjoy being single. I know I already harpped on this subject a little bit a few weeks ago. Enjoy the bliss the movie brings, but don't let it get you down. If anything let it bring you hope! I love that song by Reba McIntyre entitled 'Somebody'. It rings so true. That next someone that you meet or talk to or already know my be your special someone.

2 Corinthians 5:14-15

How do you start your day? Do you put God first?

“For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.”- 2 Corinthians 5:14-15

Are you living for Christ today?

Be Blessed!

P.S. Having somewhat of writer's block. Didn't want to leave you with nothing for awhile, so hope this scripture encourages you!

You're Beautiful

It's been awhile, I appologize!

This topic of beauty. It's hard to feel it sometimes. Most days I just want to wake up, put on my jeans and tshirt, and walk out the door. I find that when I do take my time though, and put on a nicer shirt and a nice pair of pants, some makeup, and fix my hair, I tend to feel a lot better about myself. Even a little pretty.

God created you in His image. That means you are the MOST BEAUTIFUL creation. Yes, it's nice when someone gives us a compliment, but most important is the God of this universe and your Lord and Savior created you for Him and His purpose! Your source of self worth, beauty, and joy should come from Him and Him alone. No person can do that for you! You are beautiful just the way you are.

Here's a song by Bethany Dillon 'Beautiful'

I was so unique
Now I feel skin deep
I count on the make-up to cover it all
Crying myself to sleep cause I cannot keep their attention
I thought I could be strong
But it's killing me

Does someone hear my cry?
I'm dying for new life

[Chorus]
I want to be beautiful
Make you stand in awe
Look inside my heart,
and be amazed
I want to hear you say
Who I am is quite enough
Just want to be worthy of love
And beautiful

Sometimes I wish I was someone other than me
Fighting to make the mirror happy
Trying to find whatever is missing
Won't you help me back to glory

[Chorus]

You make me beautiful
You make me stand in awe
You step inside my heart, and I am amazed
I love to hear You say
Who I am is quite enough
You make me worthy of love and beautiful

Does that sound like you?


ENUGGET: YOU are quite enough! YOU are worthy of love and are beautiful!! Jesus loves you! I love you!!

Be blessed!!!

March Madness

There's just something incredibly great about competition. The Road to the Final Four has plenty of that. Whether you're a fanatic basketball fan or you just like rooting for the underdog, college basketball is the best. I don't watch all year long, but come mid March I'm ready with bracket in hand hanging on to every game hoping that the teams I picked come out on top. We all love the dramatic endings! It has been fun to watch the Men's Baylor team, who hasn't won a tournament game in 60 years, make it to the Elite 8! I was extrememly greatful to find out that the Sweet 16 was in Houston this year and that the tickets, though way up in the nose bleed section, were as cheap as they were! Though last night's game was uneventful with Baylor winning by 30 points, the atmosphere and the experience I will always remember!!

I know this sounds crazy coming from a girl! My friends laugh at me all the time because I love sports so much. I don't know where it comes from!! I love to play sports, but sometimes I get more out of rooting for my team to win! I guess being an only child and being a girl, I was my dad's "boy"! He took me to golf tournaments mostly, when I was younger, which I still enjoy doing. But now it's me begging him to go! I've grown to love most any sport! My dad always asks me how I pick a team to root for. Of course the obvious ones are in my home town, but mostly it's the underdog, or if I like their team name, or a coach/player on the team. There's usually no rhyme or reason to it!!

Now, I'm sitting here in the hotel room waiting for my dad to make a decision to stay one more day and go to the Elite 8 game tomorrow afternoon. Our tickets were good for both games, which is something we didn't realize when we first bought them. We originally thought the game was going to be at 1 pm and were excited to go, but now found out it's not until 4 pm which will put us home late.

You're probably wondering what the ENUGGET will be for today on this topic, well I say there's nothing wrong with a little competition in your life. In fact it's healthy. The only problem is letting it run your life. That's when it gets to be unhealthy and detrimental to your relationships. So, just have fun, and don't let the losses in your life get you down! :) Always put God first!! Be Blessed!!!

Ahh The Single Life

The word single has such a negative connotation! Being single is like being on an emotional roller coaster. One moment you're completely content with being single and the next you are depressed and feeling lonely because you have no one to cuddle up next to. To be quite honest I'm not the happiest to be 25 and still single. But, I know that God has a plan for my life as He does for all of us, if we will trust in Him and have patience. OOO there's another word that makes me wince every time I hear it. Though being single definately has its perks! You have the freedom to do whatever it is that you want to do whenever you want to do it.

The dating process is NOT fun! I have friends who love to date, but me, I just want to know who it is I'm going to marry and date him and only him. Call me crazy! We all wonder where we're going to meet someone. That's been really difficult for me. They say that when you stop looking is when that person will come into your life. You know how hard it is in this lifetime to not be surrounded by things that remind you 24/7 that you're single? You have movies, music, tv, friends, and parents. Like I said somedays it's really easy to be content and enjoy being single. But, most days I want someone to share my life and this walk for Jesus with.

ENUGGET: Don't give up hope! Enjoy life to the fullest while you are patiently waiting. Do the things you want to do, and maybe on that wonderful journey you'll meet someone special.

Be Blessed!

American Idol: The Judges

First off I need to get special props to my boy Nathan for helping me come up with the name 'Keri Me Away'. Thanks Nat!

Today, I'm stepping away from relationships to talk about the judges on AI. If you don't know already, I'm a bit of a reality tv junkie. I really enjoy watching AI, The Biggest Loser, DWTS, The Bachelor/Bachelorette, and Big Brother. So, not all the time, but occasionally I will write about them.

Back to the judges. They are really frustrating me this year. I really believe the contestants are genuinely confused on what the judges are looking for. Just last night they were telling Didi Benami that she over performed. Can we not just go back to last season with Adam Lambert? If anyone over performed it was him. They loved him! You tell a contestant that you want to see more personality and then they try their best to do so but then it's too much. I don't get it.

Personally, as a fan of the show and a fan of music in general, I want to hear good vocals, but also I really want to be entertained with a good performance. So, Tim Urban's cheesy performance, as they called it, was fun to watch! I thoroughly enjoyed it. His vocals are really good too! Not boring at all for me.

I want to leave you with a little nugget of encouragement. I want to start calling these enuggets! ENUGGET of today: Be yourself! Don't try to be someone you're not and don't let anyone else try to tell you that you need to change. God made you who you are! The really great things about you and why people enjoy being around you, don't change.

Be Blessed!

A Sure Way to Ruin It

GOSSIP: Why do we love it so much? It's a definate way to ruin any relationship. I'm guilty of it myself. I try to not to spread it, but we all want to know what someone else has heard about someone else. Are our lives that boring, meaningless, and terrible that we have to try to ruin someone elses to feel better about our own? Your tongue is the most powerful muscle in your body. Saying just one word can either lift up or tear down.

A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret. Prov 11:13

A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends. Prov 16:28

The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts.
Prov 18:8

A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much. Prov 20:19

Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down. Prov 26:20

So, yeah, it needs to stop!

I was going to talk about family today, but something happened referring to gossip and I had to talk about it.

But one question I have been wondering is why is it so hard to keep in contact with family? Especially when they live so close.

I don't know, just think about it! And think about what you say!

Relationships

Relationships are hard, fun, mysterious, confusing at times, rewarding, and very essential to our everyday lives. I'm going to talk about all relationships not just the romantic, though that is the one that spurred on this blog. We'll get back to that. There are so many different types of relationships; family, friends, co-workers, acquaintances, student/teacher, platonic, romantic and most important a relationship with God. I'm sure I'm leaving out several. I don't care who you are, everyone desires to be in a relationship. We long to belong! In the Bible God demands us to be in fellowship with others. We need to love and be loved, encourage and be encouraged, lift up and be lifted up! Some relationship are easier than others. The more involved you are, the more work it will take! Being connected with one another takes selflessness.

Just a little preview of what is to come! Although I'm excited for this new venture in my life, I am nervous at the same time whether this blog will be embraced or not. But, that shouldn't matter. I had an impression to start writing and I feel like I have some things to write about and that is what I'm going to do!

Over the next few days I will break down each of these different relationships. I'm not an expert, just giving my opinion and thoughts on different subjects.

Go out and show some love to someone today that you think might not be feeling loved. Whether it be a stranger, co-worker, or even a loved one.

Be Blessed and feel free to post comments, questions, and any topics you'd like me to talk about.