I'm One of the Guys

Yes, I must admit it, I actually watched the Super Bowl last night because I am a HUGE Peyton Manning fan! I don't really care that much about football, but ever since Peyton was playing for the TN Volunteers, I've followed his success because he just seems really likable. I may be wrong, and if I am, don't tell me. I think he's funny and I love his commercials with his brother Eli.

So, we went to some friends house last night where there were two other couples. I sat right in the middle of the family room in front of the big screen t.v. and for the first time EVER, I watched every second of the game. I was surprised that I actually understood most of it too! At one point, I was acutely aware of how strange this must have seemed to my husband and two boys because I NEVER watch football with them at home. I looked around and saw the other two wives chatting in the corner about a totally non-football related topic, only to look up from time to time when a commercial would come on. I'm thinking to myself, "when did I become one of the guys?" The big surprise came when my husband made this comment (I'm sure as a cue for me) "Do I need to go help the ladies clean up in the kitchen?" To which the husband whose house we were at said "no, you two are enjoying the game, they don't watch football". Wow, it was like something out of the Twilight Zone!

I also must confess that I blew my diet all in one night. I will have to do extra work to try to make up for the damage. It was just too much temptation all on one table. And of course, seeing that I was momentarily "one of the guys", I was eating right along side of them - hot dogs, chips & dip, choc. chip cookies...need I say more?

All for what? Just to see some mediocre commercials and my beloved Colts go down in flames. Except for this one commercial for Doritos, which I thought was so funny. It was made & filmed in my home State.


For all you Saints fans out there, I don't blame you, they deserved to win. As much as "us guys" tried to blame it on the officiating at first, we finally came to the conclusion that the Saints outplayed the Colts in the end. At one point, one of the guys (not me this time) actually said that he would have done a better job coaching because he wouldn't have used his time-outs when Coach Caldwell did. He was totally serious, not a joke (even though we all thought it was hilarious!, you know, me and all the guys).

So, here's to next year - I'm hoping the Colts make it back for another try. Even better would be to see the Panthers, but that would truly be a miracle.

Filling A Void

I have a little secret to tell...I'm a normal (that's up for debate, I'm sure), not so "touchy feely" person on the outside, and a hopeless romantic on the inside. I'm the one who watches for the romantic comedies to come out, WEEKS before everyone else even knows about them.

Ever since I gave up my diet drinks and I'm trying to eat better, instead of eating a snack late at night, I've been going to my room to lose myself in a series of Christian Fiction romance novels. My Mom had an entire house full of books, and that's where I picked up the first novel of a series by author Kristen Heitzmann. I devoured the first book in one weekend, hardly wanting to put it down. Since then, I've become hooked on all her books. I've already read 3 entire series which includes over 10 books in just three weeks.

At first, my husband was happy I found something I enjoyed doing. Then it became a little bit of a bother because I spent so much time by myself; but last night it was apparent that he was concerned. I had laughingly told him that I had to get my "romance" fill from somewhere. Now let me just say that my hubby loves me more than anyone in this world. I couldn't ask for a better soul mate. He's my love, my partner, and my best friend - but he is also the goofiest person I know and any attempts on either one of our parts to be so-called "romantic" usually ends up with us laughing our heads off. And that's okay, I wouldn't have it any other way.

So, what is the reason for his concern? Well, last night he was trying to understand why I'm all of the sudden obsessed with these books and he immediately comes to the conclusion that I have a void in my life that he's not fulfilling. So I thought about it. I told him that I thought I had just transferred my obsession for food into a new hobby, but that still left the question, what is causing this void in the first place?

Now I've been a Christian for years - I love God with all my heart, I love my husband, my kids, my extended family, I've got great godly friends...I'm not supposed to have a void! A void is for people who are searching for God and are trying to fill it with all kinds of worldly things. What I am doing?

After praying and thinking about this...I am convinced that there is a void, and that no amount of romance, or food, or anything else will fill it. I prayed and asked God, "what is this void, this stirring, this restlessness I feel?" and I believe He showed me that it is a God-given void to keep me from becoming satisfied with where I'm at. Don't get me wrong, I'm NOT unhappy with my life. Have you ever just said "there must be more?" While I love mothering my children and emotionally supporting my husband, serving in the church where I can, praying for people, worshipping the Lord...I know that there is a deeper level of faith that the Lord wants me to enter into - and then to activate that faith by doing something, I just don't know what it is yet. I guess I was experiencing this hunger inside for change, but didn't immediately recognize that it was the Holy Spirit tugging at my heart.

Ten years ago, before my first son was born, my husband and I were crying out to the Lord for revival in our church, and in our lives. We were so hungry for more of the presence of the Lord. We started reading this book called "God Chasers" by Tommy Tenney, and our hearts were on fire for the knowledge & presence of God. After my son was born with medical problems, we were broke financially, and we were physically & emotionally exhausted - our zeal & passion turned to just hanging on to Jesus with all our might. We went from wanting to change the world for Jesus, to simply survival mode. I'm sorry to say that the trials just increased over the next ten years almost without stop, one thing after another, after another. While God has remained faithful to see us through, and we have not allowed the trials to turn us away, I believe we are just now getting back to that passion and stirring we once had. However, now our passion & zeal is coupled with a faith that has been tested and tried through the fire, along with wisdom and perseverance.

I'm looking forward to this next decade with excitement and expectancy to see what
God will do. I know to start with, He's looking to fill that void He's created with a fresh touch and a new assignment for me.

No matter where you are in your walk with the Lord, there is always a higher level of intimacy to attain. We must never stop asking for more of God. This is one time when it's okay to be greedy! Be content where you are, but NEVER be satisfied to stay there!

I Won An Award!!!

I can't believe I actually won an award! I'm so excited, because I don't usually win things...I'm also so blessed that you wonderful blogging friends are staying with me and I haven't completely bored or offended any of you. Amazing! You just never know when you share you heart, if it will be received. I guess I didn't take into account how awesome you all are (no I'm not sucking up, I really feel this way). I've met some wonderful people, so it is very difficult to pick only 7 of the blogs that I'd like to pass this award on to. But, I like to play by the rules, so I will give it a try.

I won the Prolific Blogger Award from Cathy at Tales of the TCKK Family Thank you Cathy! Please go check out her blog and be as blessed as I've been.



Here are the Rules:

A prolific blogger is one who is intellectually productive… keeping up an active blog that is filled with enjoyable content."

1. Every winner of the prolific blogger award has to pass on this award to at least seven other deserving prolific bloggers to spread some love!

2. Every prolific blogger must link back to the blog from which he/she has received the award.

3. Each prolific blogger must link this back to this post which explains the origins and motivations for the award.

4. Every prolific blogger must visit this post and add their name in the Mister Linky so that we can all get to know the other winners.

So, here we go - my 7 picks (in no particular order) are:

1. Debby at Heavenly Humor

2. Mimi at He & Me + 3

3. Anitra at If Mama Ain't...

4. Jennifer at Blonde Ambition

5. Jennifer at More Than Adams Rib

6. Denise at Shorty Bears Place

7. Beth at I'm Heading Towards My Destiny

Like I said, there are so many other blogging friends who I could have just as easily given this award to. Too bad I could only pick 7 of you. Thanks so much for sharing your blogs with me, and allowing me to do the same with you.