Sad News

A coworker of mine just found out that his 20-year-old daughter was killed in a car accident this morning. My frist reaction was to reach out to him; to do something to take away the pain and the panic. But there isn't anything I can do for him right now. God has to take care of him.
Times like this make you really think about your values. What is really important? Does it really matter if I have a nice car? Does it really matter if Ken notices that I've had 1/16th of an inch trimmed off of my hair? Does it really matter what size I wear?
If I were to be gone tomorrow I don't think I care about any of those things. If a loved one was gone tomorrow I don't think I would care about any of those things. Do the people around me know how much they mean to me? Have a made a Kingdom difference?
What is your regret if tomorrow never comes? I want to do something about mine.

God, please help me to see what really matters. Take away any pride or selfishness

I have and make my heart new. I want to live to appreciate the Joy You have blessed me with. I want to live like tomorrow isn't coming...no regrets. Thank you for my life and my loved ones. I pray in your Son's name, Jesus Christ my Savior! Amen

No More

I will not be negative anymore. I will not mope. I will not complain. This is it...I'm turning over a new leaf (actually, I'm turning an old leaf back over). I used to be known for my ability to find a silver lining around the darkest cloud; for finding the good in the worst; and for staying optimistic when the cards were stacked against me.

My how things have changed.

I'm so negative these days.
"Hi Mandee, how are you today?"
"My life sucks...and you?"

That's no good! Not fun, not enjoyable, not the way a Christian shows Jesus to anyone! So, I'm going to make the JOY OF THE LORD my strength because NOBODY FILLS MY HEART LIKE JESUS. Those are 2 of the songs we sang a church yesterday. Quite perfect for me.

So, this blog is now a negative free zone!

Welcome back, me!

That's Why We Pray

Prayer is powerful.
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Just thought I would say so. I'm about to be gone for a week. I'm going with my church youth group to JINO (Jesus in New Orleans). I'm really looking forward to it, but I'm also really nervous. I used to go to New Orleans for quite the oposite reason. This is a new experience for me. My first mission trip! I'm also a little nervous about being responsible for other peoples' teenagers for an entire week. I know what I did down there at that age and I don't want any of them to have any part of it!
I'm a little nervous about the work I will be doing too. What if I'm not good at this? Ok, I know God will provide us with everything we need, but I can't help it. Its nervous excitement, I guess.
Anyway...hope you're having a great week!

Vacation - All I Ever Wanted

I have had that song stuck in my head all day. I had a 5-day weekend and now I'm back. At work. At this desk. Working. Yuck.
I really needed the time off. I needed the time with Ken and my family and the kids, but it makes it so much harder to face this place again!
I spent a lot of time with the people I love doing the things I enjoy for my birthday weekend. It was nice, but probably one of the most sedate birthdays I have ever had. Up until this year, I have spent the month of May making sure everyone knew it was my birthday month. Why is 26 so much less exciting? I'm almost disappointed in myself.
I'm not disappointed in anyone else. In fact, everyone that loves me did what they normally would for my birthday and it was quite lovely! In fact, Amber gave me a painting she did of a boot...her very first piece that her art teacher didn't touch and its mine!!! I can't tell you how much that means to me :)
So, anyway...great weekend, not so happy to get back here. But my attitude is different. I'm feeling more secure and settled now. I'm sure God's got much more work to do on me now though. That was the whole point of this...I got my attitude adjustment. :)
Such a rambler...