Seriously, 2006? That's the last time I posted? That's ridiculous! Well, a lot happens in 8 months, but no need to go into all that. The one thing that I REALLY wanted to share is how amazing God truly is, as we all know. I have prayed so long to actually find a ministry that fit my degree in some form (as opposed to a PE Aide.) As frustrating as it has been at times, the Lord, in His own time, has finally provided me with that. Monday, I start training at Happy Hill Farm Academy/Home to be a Houseparent for 8 at-risk teenage girls. I have never been this excited/so nervous that I've wanted to throw up constantly for the past week. Of course I know God sustains us and gives us strength, but I guess you could say this is my first real grown-up job! I'm moving tomorrow, so being the last-minute packer that I am, I need to get busy and finish up. My nerves have finally calmed down that I can actually do this without freaking out. I really will try to post more, but I really enjoy reading everyone's and it's great to know what is going on in your lives that I can pray about. Thanks to those of you who are faithful to share :) Catch ya later!

Currently Reading The Bungalow Mystery (Nancy Drew Mystery Stories, No 3) By Carolyn G. Keene see related

Wow, isn't God amazing. Even in the midst of illnesses, family troubles, work problems, etc..., He is using it all for HIS glory!

We had a party this weekend for my grandparents 60th Anniversary/Papa's 80th birthday. It dumbfounds me that no matter how much planning and preparation you put into something, there are things that are simply out of your control. In the end, the party turned out not to be an extremely jolly occastion. The day before, they put my Papa in the hospital, so he couldn't be there. Kinda defeated the purpose, but my Granny still got to come and almost all of the extended fam was there. It was great to celebrate such a long marriage that is rooted in the Lord. Even though there were cake problems, several illnesses that kept people from attending, and extreme heat, it was still a great time with family. No worries, guys, we're having another party for my Papa in 2 weeks, so he'll get to be at that one!

Sadly, my uncle Tommy will not. Tommy has been in and out of the hospital since September (mostly in), and now it doesn't look like he'll ever be leaving again. The doctors have given him about a month. (By the way, he's an excellent example of the reason not to drink, and my Papa is one for smoking. Even though they both quit years ago, damage is done that you can't fix.) Anyway, although it has been so rough seeing Tommy the way he is, it is great to know that he will be with the Lord soon. I've also come to know other relatives better through all of this, and have been so encouraged by their faith and love, which I had never been able to see before. Not that they weren't always this way, I just have never gotten to know some of them well enough.

Anyway, all that to say, sometimes things are tough: illnesses, jobs, unending family drama...but it's good to know that all things DO work together for the good for those who love God and have been called according to His purpose. (ps- those aren't my words. i plagarized)

Currently Listening What a Wonderful World By Louis Armstrong What a Wonderful World see related

I am so blessed! Even though there is much to be done around here, this week is pretty much dedicated to spending time with friends who I haven't really spent quality time with in a long time! (Doesn't hurt that some of it is taking place at Six Flags and going camping.)

Yesterday, it was the one year anniversary of the time God proved Himself faithful and as a Protector in a time of desperate need, unlike anything I've ever gone through. It has made me reflect on how, even though my 23rd year of life was very confusing, frustating, and rough at times, He has ALWAYS been faithful and so good to me! I'm so looking forward to seeing what God is going to do this year (especially since it's not what I thought it was going to be!) HIS plans, Mindi...not yours.

Ps- I know it's only June, but isn't it such a blessing that it's not sweltering heat so far this summer?! Then again, I'm not in my Rec Team outside all the time mode. Blessings, my friends!

Currently Reading The Crooked Banister (Nancy Drew Mystery Stories, No 48) By Carolyn Keene see related

It rocks to share a birthday with June Carter-Cash! (Johannes Gutenberg is pretty cool, too, but I'm SUPER excited about this June Carter thing!)

check out www.famousbirthdays.net

Currently Watching The Aviator (2-Disc Widescreen Edition) By Kate Beckinsale, Cate Blanchett, Leonardo DiCaprio see related

Don't you LOVE when you find out at 9 that you're teaching Sunday School the next morning! Part of our material right now is on the Five Love Languages. This week was gifts. Not my dominant one, but man, some of the questions this week were challenging. More to come later on that subject....

Oh, yeah, almost forgot. Watched The Aviator for the first time today. Other than being the movie that would never end, it was pretty good. Really depressing though, wanted to stop halfway through. I think I have NOW watched all the movies that we own, which is not a whole lot since they got stolen :( Pathetic goal, but accomplished nonetheless.

Gonna go study my stuff again. Hope you all get to celebrate Father's Day tomorrow. Even for those of us who don't exactly have dad's that are around, it's great to know we have the best Daddy in the world to celebrate with!