When You Least Expect It-Surprise!

The non surprise at work is the 3:00 birthday cake. With very few exceptions I believe most birthdays at church are celebrated at that time. The birthday song sung and out of the way, we begin eating cake and visiting with one another. I like those times and there is good people watching in it too. By that I mean watching interaction and socialization. Now, I can only speak from the Ministries point of view, but we enjoy each other's company and we care what is happening in each other's lives. We celebrated Jason's birthday this week and since he is our usual song leader, our rendition of Happy Birthday was rather sad...but heartfelt.

Surprised by sheep this week in the bookstore. LMS tipped me that there were new sheep in the bookstore from the Round Top Collection. I messed up the whole display buying two out of the three sheep. It would be great if we could buy individual pieces for our Nativity Sets. I would have Mary, Jesus and Joseph and a whole lot of sheep. Guess I would need a couple of shepherds to keep them in sheep shape.

My friend Dena is leaving for Israel tomorrow. So as good friends do for one another, we met last night to eat her last Mexican food before her departure. There is nothing as sweet and salty as sending your friend to the Holy Land with some good Tex Mex, chips and salsa in her tummy. I also received a nice surprise of Mustang goodies. About a month ago Dena asked me if I could write a poem for a Mustang celebration in San Francisco using songs about the town and California. She offered cash or goodies...I'm no fool...always go for the goodies. I wrote it, they loved it and I received a beautiful Mustang pen and a marble kaleidoscope egg for the effort. To tell you the truth, I would have done it for free. I am excited for Dena and her trip. I have been praying for her and this time for months and months. She has really been preparing her heart to receive from God and I have asked the Lord to knock her socks off...to bless her beyond her preparation. I know He is answering that prayer for her. There is so much to see and do in Israel. As in any long distance travel, waiting is usually involved. There are little distractions here and there to take our eyes off the everyday sacred of God. I'm encouraging her with, "He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God." Psalm 50:23. Salvation is healing, deliverance brought to every inch and part of our lives. Thank offerings given to God when we are tired, don't feel like it or can't see any good to coming, changes our focus and we look to God more than to the situation. Let praise to God define the moments. It is laying the groundwork for a changed heart and being able to see God's purpose and plan in our lives. I was surprised by nearly being hit by a Mercedes in the play grocery store parking lot...but the woman who parked next to me, who had given me her spot in line because the checker didn't know the price of her $75.00 bottle of wine, and then was put out with me because not only had I taken her place in line, but my car was obstructing her from entering hers...her unhappiness got my attention. Noticing her unhappiness in that moment saved me from the speeding Mercedes and from a hospital stay. I was about to give her a I'm not so happy with you look when I thought, Praise Him... so I did. And I can tell you this, it is a good thing I had the top down on my car because my hands would have gone through the roof in praise to God. on my way home.

Yesterday, Paige and I took Jason out for his birthday lunch. We were going to go to Jasper's but time became an issue, so we went to The Grand Lux. As we were waiting for our table Paige asked about Bible study on Tuesday night. She had to miss. I am in the midst of telling them what I learned when Jason says, we'll just ask Beth. I thought, what? Does he think I am doing that bad of a job or that I am making up BIRGing and CORFing, so I asked him. He said, no Beth is walking through the door. There was Beth and Melissa out for a little lunch. Well, there are no such things as little at The Grand Lux. Anyway, what a nice surprise to say hello and talk for a moment. By the way, the chocolate moultin cake thingy with ice cream was awesome!

Surprised that the week went by so quickly. Surprised that I wasn't as tired as I thought I'd be by today. Not surprised by some wonderful laughs with friends, those are always a part of the week, a much welcomed part of the week.

Next post, I will surprise you with some pictures of those who took the chance on the mechanical bull at First Fest last night.... no not me. Are you kidding? My knees would never forgive me.

Oh, if anyone watches Dancing with the Stars can you send me tidbits about the show. Peggy and I will be doing Dancing with the Scars for Foundry Methodist and I am basing our script around this concept...only I don't watch the show. I know Marie Osmond fainted, but anything else that would be helpful? Thanks in advance for any help.