Wow I can't believe it has been this long since I have been on here, so sorry. Life has been very busy with school, work, church,friends and well just everyday living. But am happy to say that things have slowed down and I have time now to write.

I have a serious question to ask, what happened to modesty? I mean really has the world lost their minds to think that everybody in it wants to see everyone else run around in their birthday suit. I have been tying to jump on the band wagon with this "healthy living" lifestyle by going to the gym regularly. I have noticed on my exercising travels that the locker room is a scary place to be. Mind you now I am not one who changes or showers there only the occasional potty run. Unfortunately one day I had to work late and ended up having to change in the locker room. Horrified and tempted to go home and use my stability ball and dvd's I gathered enough courage and ran to the nearest toilet stall I could find.

Not realizing that the construction of the stalls permitted someone from being able to pivot, lift a leg up or squat because they were not a size 2. I managed to get my sports bra (with duck tape) and tank on, and decided to venture out in to the main area. I found a small corner way in the back, a hideaway of some sort. There I motivated my self, organizing my thoughts to encourage speed and accuracy as I try to slip off my scrubs and slide on my sweats in one delicately choreographed move, this is to not alarm the other patrons and to avoid glimpses of the half ashy moon other wise known as my buttocks.

Just as I was getting my sweats passed my knees, here comes a woman, Asian decent, taller than most making her way towards me sitting on the bench. She quickly says hello as she, I'm sure noticed that I nearly leaped out of my skin trying to hide that fact that I am a little shy. As I climbed back into the moment I noticed that she was STARK NAKED!! Yep, there she was, pasty white skin that glimmered like diamonds from the residue of the water from the shower. She proceeds to lift her leg so it rests on the bench almost in a straddle move, to apply what seemed to be a type of moisturizing oil. Why she couldn't do that in the shower is beyond me, but that was not the issue I had. As you could visualize the scenario, my view was being obstructed with pornographic material. This woman was engaging in conversation with me, however I heard nothing because all I kept thinking about was an escape plan. Seriously what if someone came by, how would I, a christian woman, a worship leader in the church, a mama for Pete's sake, explain this picture.

Not a care in the world, this woman was walking around all area's of the locker room, buck naked. She made her way to the mirrors to plug the curling iron in, and then continued to style her hair. That's when I notice that she was not the only one, I'm sorry but, I just don't think it's appropriate to display such flamboyancy to people you don't know. What happened to modesty, where did it go, is anyone teaching it anymore.

We wonder why are children are they way they are, the corruption in politics and religion. Where are the days when you had respect for yourself and others that you would keep sacred things secret?

Awards Gala

Every year ISES has an award gala called the Star Awards,I know right. This event recognizes the achievements of the event professionals in MN. It was an honor to work with some of "the best" in the industry to make this event happen. As we, the students learned valuable techniques, skills and gain information needed to be successful in this industry.It was a moment that would change my perspective and motivate me to continue to "create".

The awards ceremony opened up with a great song and "somewhat" dance to the theme song lead by Pete Nelson from Event Lab. Followed by photos of the most beautifully orchestrated events in MN. Presenters were those directly involved in this industry to the famous, like Chris from Project Runway. The nights theme was "Ritmo Caliente" so it was only fitting to have the latin sounds of the Twin Cities "Salsa De Sol" to inspire the cultures of Brazil, Puerto Rico and Cuba.

It was a night of dancing, eating and just simply having a wonderful time. Below are some photos of the event.

Enjoy!!

Thank you to all who prayed for our family during this bitter sweet time. The funeral was beautiful, up lifting and encouraging. Praise God that our flight missed both storms, we were only delayed in Philadelphia because of the nearby airport closings. We had a wonderful time being with family and a handful of friends reminiscing and creating memories.

Do you ever wonder why sometimes you can't get over certain things? I say this because it's been several weeks now and I still can't believe my uncle is gone. Yes he is with the Lord and just the thought should be a comfort, however to be honest, it's not. I have dealt with a lot of death, my friends, grandmother, family so you would think I would be a pro at this. So what is it? why is it such a bother? Could it be the fact that is was so quick, didn't have time to prepare? Could it be that I didn't have a chance to spend those last weeks with him?(we talked several times a day). Could it be that I watched my son deal with his first death?

That fact is I never thought he would not be here. It's funny, I always knew one day my grammy would die, my mom would die and as a parent your fear is your child dying before you, but never once my uncles, I took it for granted.I can wait to call and talk to him tomorrow, oh I can ask him about that later, or I can wait say "I love you" the next time I see them. Funny thing is we don't have the assurance of tomorrow, we only have this moment.

The Bible says in Proverbs 27:1 "Boast not thyself of tomorrow for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth". Basically it means who says you will have tomorrow? You might not get a next time,What ever you need to do, to say, do it now.

If there is anyone that you need to say "I love you", "I'm sorry", or just want to clarify somethings or just spend time with, I encourage you to do it now. It may be the last time.

Thanks for reading:)

Prayers Answered!!!

My Uncle, Burleigh Briggs went home to see The Lord last night. Please pray for my family as our hearts are broken, but we rejoice that he is free from pain, and with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, prayerfully we too will soon see him again!! Pray for Asa and I as we travel home this weekend!!

Thank You!!

Disappointment

Have you ever been disappointed? Silly question,I know. Unfortunately we live in a world where it's extremely difficult to avoid. Either we are disappointed or disappointing someone. Lately I have dealt with what I think is more than my share. This past week has been challenging to say the least. I looked up the word in the dictionary to get a better understanding of the definition.

Disappointment- the act or an instance of disappointing; the state or emotion of being disappointed.
Disappointing- failing to meet expectations
Disappointed- defeated in expectation or hope; obsolete; not adequately equipped.

I thought about it for a bit and then decided to look in the Bible to see if there was anything about the subject. Well I didn't have to look far, the book of Genesis chapter 3, the first disappointment, Adam and Eve "failed to meet expectations" of God. The book of Job, yes I know totally being disappointed,(if you never read it, it's a tough read, you start out wondering if your being encouraged or feeling depressed). Then you have the book of Matthew, where the story of the crucifixion, lots of disappointments there.

Could it be that we are not prepared for the situation at hand? Could it be our expectations are un-realistic? It's a bit of both I think. Sometimes I think we set ourselves up for failure. You, know take a test, before studying for it, and get a failing grade. Going against your morals in a situation because your afraid, only to feel disappointed later in yourself.

Have you ever heard of the saying "God doesn't give you more than you can handle"? I will be honest, I always thought that was a bowl of crap, I mean really? In the mist of the storm your certainly not saying to yourself," hey bring it on, I can handle it". But a close friend of mine said that saying to me recently and I thought I was going to vomit. I said, "where is that in the Bible"? She said "1 Corinthians 10:13" At that point all I could say is "oh". I looked it up and she was right, now it doesn't say it in those words, but it was clear what God was saying.

Well that verse gave me hope, it allowed me to see that God knows what is going on. Regardless of if we were at fault for the situation or not, he will carry us through.
All through out the Bible it shows that our disappointments in life, are character builders, developing patience and faith,giving us hope and teaching us to trust God and not ourselves. If we allowed God to work in our lives more, maybe we wouldn't notice the "disappointments".

Thanks for reading!!!

Oh My, Do I Have A Tale To Tell!!

First and foremost for all of you who know, I recently had my heart broken by "J". I have been a bit unsocial, but after praying about it, I understand I need to move on no matter how I feel. Thank you all who have supported me these past five weeks and have endured my sad days and nights. Well things turn around on dime ladies. This past Friday I was asked by a friend of mine, to go and help her support her boyfriend, who is in a local band. For those of you who know me, understand that when the clock strikes 9:00pm,I am in bed ready to turn on, one of my many men."Rabbit, Mr Darcy, Mc Steamy, Mc Dreamy and my all time favorite doctor "House". And when I feel so inclined, I entertain one of my bad boys, either a "Shark or a Jet", those "West Side" boys really make me sing!!

Trying to be a good friend, I found myself in a near by town at a place called "The Rock". (lesson #1, note to self, investigate the establishment) Now being a christian woman that I am, having no experience, had to inquire about the dress code. I was informed that it was unnecessary for me to "dress up". So I took it upon myself to put on a benign outfit, you know the kind that allows you to not be seen. Black turtle neck, blue denim jeans, black boots, hair pulled back in a sophisticated pony tail. I looked good, not too good, but good.

As we approached the building you could hear the piercing of the lead guitar and feel the vibrations of the drums being stroked with their melodic rhythm. Instantly your tympanum membrane starts to go into overload as it's trying to recover from the overwhelming force of air, that transmits the sound to your middle ear.(lesson #2 purchase ear plugs) The first two bands were not that bad for someone who is not a fan of metal rock. I am not sure however, if its because of their talents or if it's because I have been conditioned by my 19 year old's musical selection.

After hearing my friends band play, which by the way was several hours later and past my bedtime. We were saying our congratulations and goodbyes to the band members. We made our way back stage and found two of the band members packing up the equipment. A member of the band is sitting on the coffee table staring at me. Now I'm not sure how long it was, but it was enough time for me to realize that I couldn't continue to ignore him. He leans towards me and says" did you have fun tonight?" I, trying to be polite and not offend said " yeah". Hoping that would suffice the need for conversation. He then continues to speak by telling me he was watching me and noticed I didn't crack a smile the whole time I was there. Shocked and a little stumped for words (I know right)I managed to mumble out "what"

He then stretches out his hand, making bunny fingers and grabs my nose as if he were going to perform a magic trick. Again thinking if I didn't make eye contact and continue to "ignore" this would all go away. However I am here to tell you, that was only the beginning. All of a sudden, in a blink of an eye this man chest butts me. The force was powerful enough to press me up against a wall. At that moment all I could think about was an escape route. My eyes were scanning the room, looking for the neon exit sign, or a window to jump out of. Realizing that I am confined to a small room located behind a stage where rock music was blaring. If there was a need for a rescue, who would help me?

Trying not to look like this was bothering me (again in denial) I just smiled and moved toward my friend. Thinking the worse was over, we were heading out the door and the same man gives me "the hug". Yes people you know what type of hug. The type where his arms are wrapped tightly around your neck and upper back. Embarrassing you as if you were long time lovers entangled in the dance of desire. This was a little too intimate for me, I don't even know this man. Its sad to say I took comfort in the fact that he was so loaded,(and I mean with alcohol, not the occasional outbursts of flatulence)he might pass out, at which time I would carefully step over his lifeless body.

Finally were were outside, braving the artic night air, that only Minnesota can bring. I must say, just when you are feeling a little low and unattractive, head on over to your local music venue. A few minutes of being "felt up" can really lift your spirits,lol.

Thanks for reading:)

Prayer Request

Most of you know that my Uncle, Burleigh Briggs has stage 4 cancer. Recently he was admitted to the hospital with renal failure. I ask that you keep our family in your thoughts and prayers. My Uncle is a saved man who loves and lives for the Lord. Although we are comforted by the scriptures that tell us ,when his time here on earth is through, he will be in paradise with the Lord. We still feel a sense of sadness that future memories will not be made. But we hold on to hope that one day we will see him in heaven. Please pray for my son, who is having a difficult time dealing with this. Asa is very close to all his Uncles as they are a strong presence in his life. My prayer is that this will draw him closer to the Lord and strengthen his faith. We are praying that the Lord will provide the funds for us to visit with him soon.

Isaiah 66:13 says "As one whom his mother comforteth,so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted...."

It is a privilege to pray for one another, please share your prayer request with me.

Matthew 18:20 " For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them".

Thank you!