The Singing Banker

PEACE OUT HOMIES!

2009-01-19T16:51:00.001-06:00

Well...I'm no longer a banker...and you can't really use blogger in the land that I'm moving to...so, I guess this is goodbye???

Weird.

Pac Man and the Mrs...

2009-01-14T08:59:00.001-06:00

Hop on over to our family blog to check out our support raising so far.

I should not be allowed to play on the computer...

2009-01-11T16:16:00.003-06:00

THIS IS AN "I'M AN IDIOT AND I'M SORRY" FACE FOR EVERYONE:

I've been a PC girl for most of my adult life. When Justin is working, I get to play around on the mac.

Well, I pulled a stereotypical "Shelli" today. Kind of like the time I emailed out our newsletter in a GIGANTIC format that slowed about 200 people's computers down.

Yuck! I hate technology. But, I'm learning...

Anyway...I was setting up an "auto reply" from our home email address today to let people know that we'll no longer be using that address beginning in February and that they should delete it from their files.

Well...just by clicking one teeny tiny little "yes" button...it went ahead and sent that "auto reply" message to about 100 email messages that were sitting in our inbox because my hubby doesn't like to delete them.

If you were one of those people that got a random email from our home email address today that said "Hi...our email address has changed...blah blah blah", I'm really really sorry. And, if you had more than 1 email message sitting in our inbox...you probably received about 5 gazillion of those "auto reply" emails.

AAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SORRY.

Ch...Ch...CHANGES!!

2009-01-08T11:22:00.004-06:00

"Turn and face the strain. Ch..Ch...CHANGES". Thank you David Bowie.

Well, its official. I put in my notice at the bank and my last day to be "The Singing Banker" will be Friday, January 16th 2009. Yes folks, its true. I will no longer be balancing other folks check books or making loans to folks who can't pay back the folks that gave them the money.

Most people know that I've never been a banker at heart, so this is a big new adventure for me. I've been in banking since January of 2002 and my last day will be just over my offical 7 year aniversary in this profession. I've worked at 3 banks total and not a single one has made me happy.

Sure, I've loved the folks I've worked WITH...but the job? I never liked the job. And, so...now, I'm ready to bow out and move on. I'm pumped for a new adventure in life. One that includes a very very very tight budget and lots of soy sauce.

Oh...and I cleaned up my side bar a bit. If you haven't blogged in over a year, I took you off. Its the spring cleaning rule of one year. If you haven't worn in over a year...THROW IT OUT. (Not our friendship...just the blog.)

...and sometimes reality kicks you square in the pants.

2009-01-01T22:00:00.002-06:00

I've been a bit out of touch with reality lately. With the holiday mumbo-jumbo and support raising and trying to sell everything I own...one just sometimes gets a bit out of touch with reality.

Reality hit VERY hard today.

Justin and I have some dear dear friends who we love like family. They have three amazing children and their baby (an 11 year old boy) has come down with encephilitis (I totally botched the spelling of that) which is swelling of the interior portion of the brain.

I'm assuming here: It, like its "outer brain" cousin Menengitis, can come in a bacterial form (very treatable) and a viral form (deadly).

Our sweet friend has the viral form and has been writhing in pain for a couple of weeks now.

The swelling has caused pressure on his nervous system and is causing his entire body to cramp and his muscles to draw up.

Justin and I (along with our friend Gennie), having the day off and feeling that we want to do SOMETHING, decided to take New Years day to go to Childrens Hospital in Little Rock to visit the little guy and just spend the day praying over him.

We spent most of the day in the waiting room, reading the word...praying specific prayers over him and his family...and speaking scriptural truths over him. We had no real intention of actually going into his room or even seeing his family. We know that they've had a lot of visitors and may not have time to dedicate to us. And they shouldn't. We planned on being in the background during the day.

...however...we were blessed to spend a small amount of time with the Mom and Dad. Dad was on his way out to spend some (much needed) time away and Mom was taking her shift with her sister-in-law to help massage her little ones legs and back when he cramped up.

She said that, if we wanted to, we could go in and see him one at a time. Gennie and I just ended up standing outside his door and praying for him and for clarity and wisdom for the medical staff.

Justin went in to pray directly over him and had the opportunity to serve the family by helping out when he was cramping up.

The moaning, shaking and obvious pain he is in was almost too much for ME to handle. I can only imagine what his family is going through.

Obviously, I've left their names out of this blog to protect their identity and confidentiality...but, if you can...RIGHT NOW...say a prayer for this little boy.

We are Christians and believe strongly in the power of prayer and that the Lord God is still healing people today. Please pray for a miracle. This little guy has a long hard battle...

Our support info...thus far.

2008-12-19T09:55:00.001-06:00

Who needs fancy charts…when you have Pacman and Mrs. Pacman? Right??

So, here you go: a visual representation of where we are in our support raising goals. As you can see…Pacman and Mrs. Pacman are still VERY VERY hungry and would like to open their mouths wider.

If you are praying about the possibility of supporting us, would you consider taking that leap of faith now? We need our monthly support to start coming in for January.

"Life Sale"...when "garage sale" just doesn't cut it.

2008-12-12T15:39:00.000-06:00

So...with moving overseas comes a need to sell EVERYTHING you own. (Save four suitcases full of clothes, some technology and necessities.) But, besides THAT?...everything we own is for sale.

Its a bit of a wake up call too. I mean...does one REALLY need 8 throw blankets in Arkansas? NO!

Does one REALLY need hot rollers for their hair that they haven't used since college? DEFINITELY NO!

CD's? No!

Books? No!...ok, maybe.

Two cars for a two person family? DEFINITELY NOT!!! (Our 2002 Honda CRV is for sale)

Tons of clothes? Spare bedroom set? Kitchen gadgets and gizmo's?

The list goes on and on and on. So...what does that mean? FOLKS, WE'RE HAVIN' A LIFE SALE. (Date TBD)

If you've been to our house, start making a mental note of something YOU may want to purchase, and let us know. We'll be happy to take your offer and give you first "dibs".

Ok, that's it.

...and seriously. Our 2002 Honda CRV is for sale NOW. So, pass the word around.

"Fat day" + nothing to wear = LOTS OF TEARS!

2008-11-23T18:23:00.004-06:00

So, If you're slightly overweight (or maybe even if you're not) you know what I mean by "having a fat day". *

When these episodes occur in my life...WATCH OUT. There WILL be tears involved.

...add in a little "can't find anything to wear" and you've got the ingredients for a disaster.

That was me last night and this morning. I've realized that in my quest to downsize my wardrobe before moving to Ch*na...I've literally downsized TOO MUCH. I have a handful of warm work (aka: "old lady") clothes but literally, only two thick shirts to wear during the winter months. One is (you guessed it) a "Shelli signature" turtleneck...the other is a fancy sweater dress that looks nice over jeans. But, what about every other day of the week? Aaaaaaagggggggghhhhhhhh!!!

So, what does that mean for me? Purchasing a few new pieces (which is exactly what I don't want to do) or lots of layering.

Layering is all fine and dandy for the average sized person...but on a Plus Size Gal? AHHH HECK NO! You go from chubby to the "Stay Puft Marshmallow Man"...or the "Michelan tire" guy. Take your pick.

AAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

Sometimes, I just want to starve myself with the single purpose to simply fit in clothes more comfortably.

FAT DAYS STINK!!!!!

* "FAT DAY" = a day that may or may not fall on our around a womans period in which she feels ugly and more "fat" than usual days. I would advise any male to stay away from the female during said day...unless you approach her with wine, chocolates or flowers. Or...all three.

"Sister Jones and the Teal Tones"...

2008-10-31T11:14:00.004-05:00

About 5 days a year…I really LOVE my job.

New Years day (we’re closed)
Christmas day (we’re closed)
Thanksgiving (we’re closed)
Veteran’s day (we’re closed)

…and Halloween because we get to dress up!!!!

Presenting: “Sister Jones and the Teal Tones”
My bank president is the white haired gentleman, the rest are VP’s of lending. I’m the branch manager and a loan officer. So…all the “big wigs” of the branch had some fun this year. Enjoy the pics:

Isn't my hair FABULOUS!!!!!!!!??????

Wiley, Ish, Sneeze and the Jones' (and a Bailey to boot...)

2008-09-28T15:42:00.002-05:00

I haven't updated in awhile. I don't have much to say...but, I'll catch you up.

This last week, Justin and I have been house sitting for our good friends, David and Laura Jackson.

The Jackson's don't have cable...so, it has really encouraged us to read and slow down more this week. Today, we're starting week two. It amazes me how much time I spend watching TV...and I don't realize it until I'm forced to NOT watch it. (They do, however, have an AMAZING movie collection and an awesome movie room.)

Along with forcing us to read and relax more, comes the responsibility of 3 little monsters.

Sneeze the outside cat
Ish the inside cat
and...Wiley the dog

Sneeze pretty much keeps to herself and comes and goes as she pleases.

Ish is a high maintenance kitty that will meow...non stop...for about 1/2 an hour until you pick her up and give her love.

Wiley...OH WILEY!! He's one of the funniest dogs I've ever been around. He's a 3 or 4 year old Boxer. He's all white except for one brown circled eye and a brown ear. SOOOOOO CUTE!!!! And so full of life.

We had the pleasure of our friend Brian Bailey staying with us this weekend while his wife was out of town, and he rented out his condo to some people in for Bikes, Blues and BBQ (an annual festival here in Fayetteville.) Justin and Brian sat in the living room the other night and laughed and cut up for a long time. I think it was good for Justin to be around another guy and just...be.

Speaking of Justin...the dude threw his back out. AGAIN! He does this about once a year. He was moving rugs last week, and BAM! His back went out. He was very lucky that a few friends were there to help him with the rugs and get him on his feet. Poor guy...he's just miserable.

Our house is officially on the market with Kirkland Real Estate here in Fayetteville. We've lowered our asking price and are still offering it partially furnished.

LORD...SELL OUR HOUSE!!!!!!!!! (and the Hirschy's too.)

...a ratta tat tatta tat tatta tattoo...

2008-09-05T22:30:00.004-05:00

Well, here it is folks...MY NEW (and only) TATTOO!!! I'm not exactly a good photographer. Sorry for the slightly fuzzy photos. And I REALLY need a pedicure.

Its in my moms handwriting
Its the nickname my hubby calls me
Its from the scripture Isaiah 52:7...

"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion,"Your God reigns!"

...SO...what do you think?

The Ball is rolling...

2008-08-28T12:04:00.005-05:00

Can you believe that these two wackos are going to be missionaries? LORD HELP US ALL!

Please take a moment and hop over to our other blog and read up on what is going on in our life right now.

...and please pray for us.

Gray, or not to Gray...that is the question.

2008-08-09T11:10:00.004-05:00

So...in case you haven't noticed (with the exception of the bloggers that have never seen me)...I'M GOING GRAY. I've "chosen" to grow my natural color out since I'm moving to China. I figure that now is a great time to do it. I mean...I don't exactly know if I'll be able to find Loreal's Medium Ash Brown color over there. Plus natural might look FABULOUS on me...and I wont know until I try. Right??

My Dad has really pretty silver hair color. He started going gray when he was in his 20's before I was born. Nevertheless, I've always known my "daddy" to have brown and gray hair. I can remember the transition to a complete silver head of hair when I was about a senior in highschool..when Dad was in his 40's. Before that, he had "salt and pepper".

My Mom has BEAUTIFUL gray...roots. Which I only get to see when she doesn't color her hair fast enough. Now, don't get me wrong, I think my mom is beautiful, but her hair is REALLY over processed and, "I think", I've chosen to avoid that.

I say "I think" because I'm still not completely 100% sold on this idea. Mainly
because, now that my gray hair is starting to REALLY grow out, I'm realizing "HOLY CRAP!!!! I HAVE A TON OF GRAY HAIR!!!!". Serioulsy...I have more than most 50 year old women do naturally.

My husband "claims" that he doesn't care...but, I'm not sure if he's telling the 100% truth. He always says that the only time he'll ever lie to me is if he has a big surprise up his sleeve. I hope he doesn't surprise me with "Honey, your hair is terrible...please change it" after I've been so patient to grow it out. Know what I mean?

My mother-in-law went gray naturally and looked great. So...maybe Justin DOES like gray hair.

...oh well.

Anyway...I'll see if I can get Justin to take a picture up close of the gray roots adorning the crown of my head and I'll post it.

So...give me YOUR opinion. What do you think about a 30 year old going completely gray?

My husband = freakin' awesome.

2008-07-26T13:06:00.003-05:00

My husband and Brian Hirschy have been working their ARRRSSES off on the video that will be used to promote and bring awareness to Tibet and the project we'll be going over their with. You can check out the project here: www.admgllc.com or www.firstasiadevelopment.org

Let me just say that this video is the BEST work I've ever seen of Justins. I know that Brian has been working equally as hard. I guess that the two of them working together in a creative environment = UNSTOPPABLE AWESOMENESS.

Hopefully all will be able to see it soon...

Rug Sale Rug Sale Rug Sale Rug Sale Rug Sale...rug.

2008-07-19T14:21:00.002-05:00

Today and Tomorrow (July 19th and 20th) come by I.O. Metro in Fayetteville (across from the new Malco theater) and check out some new and limited edition Jade Tree Rugs.

THEY'RE ON SALE...SO COME AND PARTAKE OF THE GOODNESS.

FOR SALE: HOME OR INVESTMENT PROPERTY

2008-06-25T16:18:00.001-05:00

My husband Justin and I are selling our Fayetteville townhouse. We’ll probably put a sign in the front lawn around the end of summer, but we wanted to get the word out to our friends and contacts first. If you know of anyone, or are yourself, interested in purchasing a possible investment property about two blocks from the U. of A …this is a great deal.

Here are the specifics:

Two blocks from the University of Arkansas

Asking: $90,000

Approx 900 sq. feet, two story townhome

Part of the “Oakland Townhomes”

New ceramic tile floors

New kitchen countertops

New paint

*Partially furnished living room with furniture less than 3 years old to sell with home

Includes all major appliances (washer/dryer, stove/oven, dishwasher, microwave)

Built 1985

2 total bedrooms

1 total bath (with sky light)

Large kitchen with dining room

Laundry closet

Central heat and air (all electric)

Slab foundation

Reserved parking for two

Privacy fenced in spacious back porch with gate.

Property Owners Association maintained landscaping

POA dues $273 per quarter

Short walking distance to numerous “Razorback transit” stops

We will be available for showings starting July 7th. Please contact us if you would like to see it. We ask that only those serious about purchasing inquire.

Thanks! - Shelli and Justin Jones

* Furniture included is:

- “razorback red” microsuede durable couch
- “razorback red” microsuede durable chair w/ ottoman
- Tan microsuede durable chair with dark wood arms and legs.
- Multi colored floor rug to match furniture
- Small side table w/ lamp.
- 36” color TV

A "Lafe index" of my cousins wedding:

2008-06-21T10:05:00.006-05:00

Last weekend we went to Tulsa for my cousins wedding. Here is a "Lafe Index" of the event:

Number of times I was asked "How come you aint eatin' meat?" at the rehearsal dinner: 4

Number of AWESOME salads we ate at the rehearsal dinner: 1

Number of times the preacher lifted up his steak and blew its smell towards me to distract and make me stumble (we're 'temporary' vegetarians): about 7

Number of times my sister yelled across the table "a MEAT fast???...that ain't a fast": 1

Number of sharks swimming in the tank as the backdrop to the wedding: 8 ?

Number of times I said "Man, the Oklahoma Aquarium smells like fish": too many

Number of times my cousins cousin (from the other side of the family) said "THIS should be 'interesting'" in response to the reality that our mutual cousin was getting married in front of a shark tank: an endless number.

Number of wedding cakes that collapsed on route to the wedding: 1

Number of "stand in" styrofoam cakes in place for the reception: 1

Number of wedding rings dropped in the ceremony: 1

Number of candles that almost fell over during the ceremony: 1

Number of bridesmaids that sneaked up to straighten said candle: 1

Number of times my Uncle Tommy stepped on the back of my cousins wedding dress train: 3

Number of foot prints clearly left on her train: 3

Number of single girls left at the reception to catch the bouquet: 1

Number of times that I've said "Wow, you know...that was a REALLY pretty wedding. My cousin looked gorgeous and it went really well": TONS.

"So you think the Dancing Idol stars are the next top American model comedians with talent?"

2008-06-04T20:27:00.002-05:00

Yah..."So you think the Dancing Idol stars are the next top American model comedians with talent?"...is the name of MY new reality show.

Seriously. There are SO many of these shows now.

Do you remember when there was only one. It was MTV's "Real World". 7 strangers living in a house. The first (and best) season was filmed in New York. Then came LA...and London (which gave the world the actress )...and Chicago...and on and on and on and on. I don't know if is still going or not. I think now, they're hooked on "The Surreal Life".

Point Shelli...get to the point.

Well, I don't really have one. I just think its hilarious that we have so...many...freakin'...reality shows.

Here are the few I could think of:

1. The Real World
2. Survivor
3. American Idol
4. Amazing Race
5. The Mole
6. So you think you can dance.
7. America's Got Talent
8. America's next top model
9. Nanny 911
10. Wife Swap
11. The Surreal Life

...Thats just the ones I could think of right now. And I don't have cable, so WHO KNOWS what I'm missing out there.

And, would you call a home remodeling show (ie: Trading Spaces) a "reality show"? I mean...they're not "living" their life in front of a camera. They're just remodeling a room. Right? So, I say NO.

Ok, thats my random blog for the day.

I love sexual offenders, gossips, homosexuals, liars and the like. (PS. Wanna buy my truck?)

2008-05-25T20:17:00.009-05:00

DID I GET YOUR ATTENTION?

GOOD...! Because God sure got mine this morning at church. (I'll get to truck for sale part at the end)

Do you ever read the bible, or hear a sermon taught from a person that wants nothing more but to make Christs' truth and grace known to the world...and think to yourself "CRAP! I'M SORRY GOD! PLEASE FORGIVE ME!!!! I'm SUCH a loser. Why do you love ME?"

Yah, today was one of 'those' days.

Matt taught on 1 Peter 2:11-12. "11. Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. 12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation."

Here's a Cliff Notes version of the sermon:

Love the unloved, the hated.

Don't judge.

Be prepared for when others make fun of you or assume you're "holier than thou" for claiming CHRIST.

Don't take a "when all else fails, run to Christ" attitude. Rather HOLD TIGHT to Christ constantly, because he'll sustain you when all else DOES fail.

Confess your sins...CONSTANTLY! Never let your guard down, because satan is QUICK to move in and wage war in your soul.

AAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!

I'M SO PATHETIC!!!!!!!!!! I'M NO BETTER THAN THE PREACHERS OF FALSE GOSPELS, THE METH USERS, THE LIARS AND PROSTITUTES! Actually...they're probably better off than I am. God DID say that he would rather us be 'cold or hot, rather than luke warm'. I'm so 'luke warm' its not even funny.

Am I TRULY...100% sold out to Christ? Am I loving those who are hated? Those that are un-loved? The murderers, the homosexuals...the (gasp) pedephiles? I'm no better than they.

I confess:

1. I'm a liar. Yes, I have a tendency to be a drama queen and over exadurate a story time and again. I don't 'think' I just flat out lie...but, I DO over exadurate at times.

2. I'm addicted to food. No laughing matter here folks.

3. I'm a gossip. This is one I've dealt with for a long...long...long time.

4. I'm a Judgy McJudge. I judge others all the time. I judge OTHERS for judging. WHAT'S UP WITH THAT????

CRAP!!!!!!!

Oh...and Our 1995 Ford F-150 is "un-officially / officially" for sale.

Here are the stats:

1995 Ford F-150
140,000 miles
4 wheel drive
Dual gas tank
XLT package
Extended "Super Cab"
Front chrome grill guard
Bed Liner
NADA retail is around $6000, loan value is around $4500. So, we're open to offers.
...and...the most important aspect: It is referred to as "The Floyd"

PS. I took a 4 1/2 hour nap today. Whoa...someone (named Shelli) was tired.

On a happier / less contraversial note (see previous blog)...Well, maybe not HAPPY.

2008-05-21T22:38:00.002-05:00

ummmm....anyone hiring?

My super, awesome, wonderful, handsome, extremely talented, godly, husband Justin is needing a job.

His qualifications include:

Recent graduate with a Bachelors in Communications and minor in photography. (see his photography blog: www.sevenonethreesix.blogspot.com )

Over 12 years of experience as a videographer, producer / editor, graphic designer and commercial script writer.

3 years experience as a sound guy and tech crew manager for our church.

Makes a kick ass margarita and brews his own beer. (ok, now he's starting to sound like an alcoholic. Really...he is NOT! He has MAYBE 3 drinks a week. MAYBE!)

Is a Lion tamer.

...and likes to go turkey hunting with my dad once a year....where he practices said Lion taming.

If you are hiring, or know of a job; please contact us ASAP. His office officially closed today. (long story...but Equity Media Holdings is a bad place to work. They don't like to pay their bills...according to the Arkansas Democrat Gazzette)

Pick up your cross and follow...JOEL OSTEEN??

2008-05-20T21:32:00.005-05:00

UPDATE: I thought maybe I should add this little bit before people continue to read this blog entry. I DO NOT HATE JOEL OSTEEN. I'm not a fan of his, and I think that he may be a little misleading in some of his sermons on what Christianity entails. But, he is a preacher that claims the word of God to be truth. In accordance with the scriptures, when Paul was writing to the Phillipians, chapter 1: "15. It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.[c] 18. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice".

Ok, now the original blog entry:

This last weekend, my family went trout fishing. Its become an annual tradition. Justin and I go along to enjoy fun times with the fam...but getting up at 5am to go fishin' just isn't our cup of tea. Know what I mean?

My sister and I have a few things in common FOR SURE...singing at the top of our lungs (in beautiful harmony) and making jokes about our crazy family.

However, I discovered this last weekend that my sister and I have one thing that we DEFINITELY don't agree on...JOEL "I'm not gonna say that Larry" OSTEEN. She loves him...I loathe him. Ok, that may be a bit harsh. I "don't care too much for his choice in words and teachings".

If you don't know what "I'm not gonna say that Larry" is referring to, I would encourage you to google the Larry King Live episode when he interviewed Mr. Osteen. Larry King point blank asked Joel Osteen "...do you believe that a belief in Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven?" His response was "Well, I don't want to say that. I don't want to say who WILL or WILL not go to heaven. That is for God to choose and judge."

He DID say that he believes that the bible is true and what it says is true. He just kind of danced around the subject and did not want to judge someone and say that they aren't going to heaven. He's right on the fact that it is Gods choosing and judgement. However, God CHOSE to put in scripture that "...no man shall come to the Father except through me." That's pretty clear.

Osteen is pastor to the largest church in the nation. I went to his website today to read in depth about their beliefs or "mission statement". I also wanted to see what this multi million dollar church is doing in the ways of global missions.

Lakewood churches mission statement is short basic and is pretty much the nicene creed. Here's a snippet about salvation:

"Jesus died on the cross and shed His blood for our sins. We believe that salvation is found by placing our faith in what Jesus did for us on the cross. We believe Jesus rose from the dead and is coming again."

...as for the Larry King interview, he probably should have just quoted his churches mission statement on the show and called it a day. But, he didn't, which is what troubles me, and troubled many folks in his congregation. I heard (no I didn't research this part) that he had to make a statement of apology to his church about his "dance" on the show.

In their mission statement...they never, not once, quoted scripture to back it up. That's strange to me too...but whatever. If you read the comments people have made about this blog entry, you'll see one from John Nelson that kind of puts the hammer down.

As for missions, they have a great mission to Kenya right now that looked pretty awesome. And they do medical missions every year and go to Mexico. Not too bad...but being the multi million dollar mega-church that they are...I, personally, would LOVE to encourage them to do more!!!!

So, in conclusion on Joel Osteen...who knows if he's really a Christian. Only God holds that secret. I'm not going to make that statement. I think my sister and I are going to "agree to disagree" on his biblical standards and choice of teachings. He also said on the interview with King that he doesn't quote scripture in most of his sermons and only uses scripture at the end of his book. That is scary to me. He could start saying ANYTHING and claim it as gospel. But then again...so could any old Televangelist or preacher on the street. I've watched a number of his sermons. From what I've seen...he doesn't teach on the wages of sin...that Christ is the one and only way to heaven...or how this life totally sucks sometimes. But, if he's leading people to Christ (by accident or intent) then he should probably keep doing what he's doing. I just pray that his congregation members don't lose faith if they have a time of drought and sacrifice.

...he is, however, a GREAT motivational speaker.

Of course, I'm going to esteem MY church now. The Grove. A biblically sound church of about 250 that flaunts sometimes in our sound system and cool graphics...but would rather see our front door revolving from our congregation going out to the mission field, than us to become stagnant and sucked into a comfortable "flame proof" Christianity and not telling others about Christ.

I'm happy to say that we currently have some of our church body members serving in:

China (where we'll be in a little over a year)
Mexico
Turkey
Thailand
South Korea

And, here is a small snippet of our (rather long) statement of faith. This is the portion on salvation:

We believe that Jesus Christ died for our sins as the only sufficient, substitutionary sacrifice. All who believe in Him are declared justified by the Father on the grounds of Jesus' death and resurrection. All who receive the Lord Jesus Christ by grace through faith have been regenerated by and baptized in the Holy Spirit. They become, thereby, the children of God forever and members of the one true church, the universal Body of Christ. This salvation will result in righteous living and good works as the believer submits his life to the control of the Holy Spirit who directs the life of the believer in harmony with the Word of God.

(John 1:12, 3:16, 5:24, 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 3:21-26, 5:8; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Galatians 3:26; Ephesians1:7, 2:8-10; Titus 3:4-7; Hebrews 10:10-12; 1 John 5:11-13)

Ok...that's all.

Emporium vs. Euphonium AND Celine Dion vs. Alison Krauss...

2008-05-07T22:21:00.003-05:00

Here is a quick snippet of a conversation I over heard a couple having the other night...

"What is that instrument called that looks like a mini-tuba?"
"Oh, you're talking about an Emporium"
"An Emporium? That doesn't sound right...are you sure?"
"Yes...its an Emporium, trust me."

NO DEAR SIR...an Emporium is a small boutique full of neat gadgets and gizmo's. The instrument in question would be a brass baritone or EUPHONIUM. I had to hold my laughter in.

Second conversation...same couple...about 3 minutes later.

"I really enjoy Celine Dion, but I think Alison Krauss is better at blue grass".

Now, I don't listen to much Alison Krauss...and I CERTAINLY don't listen to much Celine Dion. But, to my recollection...our french-canadian songstress Ms. Dion has NEVER even uttered the WORDS "Blue Grass"...let alone sing it.

Oh...I SO SO SO enjoy eaves dropping.

PS: On a side note. I really enjoy Alison Krauss. I need to own more of her music. We have the new album she just did with Robert Plant. MUY BIEN!

UPDATE...

2008-05-02T18:32:00.000-05:00

FEMA GAVE US $1000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Things I've learned this week...and its only Wednesday.

2008-04-30T17:07:00.002-05:00

1. The maximum amount anyone can get from FEMA for flood or natural disaster damage is $28,300. No matter what your home is worth, its age, or its location. So…we’ll be lucky to get 25 cents.

2. If you are the first or only person on your mortgage and insurance, YOU have to be the one to file on the FEMA website. Your spouse can’t. (Something we would have liked to know BEFORE we filed.)

3. “H”, (the FEMA adjuster that paid us a visit today) is a special, special human being.

4. My husband has a hard time concentrating when dealing with said “special” people.

5. OCD comes in many forms.

6. When you file with FEMA, they don’t mention anything about needing a recent mortgage statement or proof of home owners insurance. (Something we would have liked to have known BEFORE "H" showed up today.)

7. A DNC procedure for a miscarriage (yes, even after insurance paid) is quite costly.

8. I want to be an anesthesiologist.

Bizzarro dreams last night...

2008-04-26T11:40:00.002-05:00

Last night, I had two weird dreams. I'm assuming that one was before the alarm clock...and the second was after.

Dream 1:

I was still living at home with my Mom and Step-Dad...but, my sister, her husband and her kids were also there. I don't know WHERE Justin was. I guess he hadn't made it in the family yet.

Anyway...Chris owned a GIGANTIC Anaconda...or Boa constrictor...or something like that. Well, said snake got out, and the entire family was on a trek to find it. When we did...it was there, with another snake and about 5 gazillion baby snakes. I wasn't scared though.

Weird.

Dream 2:

First and foremost, I was driving a white (circa 1994) Z28 Camaro. Hah...that's bizarre all in itself.

Then, I was in a gas station parking lot when Jason and Jaime Miller drive up beside me. Jaime leans all the way out the window and into my passenger seat to tell me "I'VE GOT TICKETS TO CATS...YOU SHOULD COME". So, I was like "sure".

Then, we all three (Jason, Jaime and I) stroll up to "Casa Bonita" (an old Mexican restaurant delight in Tulsa) for dinner. When we get there, I see Justin inside waiting for us at a table. But...he's not just there to meet us, he WORKS THERE!...AS A BUSS BOY...AT CASA BONITA!

We didn't end up going to Cats, or at least in my dream we didn't. I woke up.

...and now, I'm watching "Goonies" on TBS. I love "lazy days".