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Least you forget, today is St. Patricks day and thus very important to me as I am Scotch-Irish. And in case you have never heard of St. Patrick I will enlighten you by clicking here. Besides wearing green, I am working as a casting director today which is new and exciting. This is the kind of thing I love: interacting with people and watching them do what they love, namely act! The ‘acting factor’ with this group is minimal but enough to give a taste. We are casting for a lottery commercial and so I get to see people over the top excited and being generally goofy. Needless to say, it has had it’s moments. But the best part of this whole thing is the diversity; that is why I love what I do! Sure there are some tasks that have to be routinly done, but there is always something new and challeneging around the corner. I am always being put in situations (or getting myself into situations) that test different parts of my personality or require me to think in a different way…etc. Of course I have days that could be on the mundane side but that is when attitude is everything. I find something new to learn everyday; something about my job or the world around me that teaches me a new way of seeing His creation. Happy St. Patties Day!!!

I spent this last weekend in a new and exciting way I hosted, or rather lead while a church family hosted the senior high students at East Park Ridge Church. And while I have fulfilled different leadership positions before, I have never solo lead a senior high group for an entire weekend; but it was one of the best experiences that I have had since moving to Dallas. Matt, George, Jane, Elizabeth, Karen (whose names have been changed to protect their Identity, especially if my cover as a secret British agent is ever blown…oops). Anyway, I had an awesome weekend not just because I had a GREAT bunch of seniors but also because the family we were staying with was glad to have us, the speakers were eager to teach, and the music was spirit filled. Runks was a stud but his last message on Sunday really hit home. Mind you, he was speaking to a youth group, but several things he said were directly applicable to all ages; namely, “Every time we come into contact with anyone, regardless of circumstances, we either push them towards the kingdom, or away from it. Period. There is no middle ground. Which way do you push people?” Hmmm…well, the immediate 2 words that God brought to mind were “Road Rage!” Now I realize that this will take most of you by surprise (yeah, right) and though the rage is not so much and the road is a lot-so-much, I still got the meaning: every time I get into my car with the “Real Men Pray” sticker on the back, I am being a witness to the other drivers on the road. And while I have been doing a lot better, I still have a ways to go. As to the 3 ladies and 2 gentlemen who directly made my weekend a blast…Much thanks and remember, Q-tips are for cleaning and smoking.

I got up a little bit extra today, due to some help from some zealously eager birthday wishers =) but actually was thankful for the extra time. I decided to treat myself to a little Starbucks b-day treat (a non-fat, tall Chai Latte) and do some extra scripture reading and remembering. So this journal entry is dedicated to two things. The first is a look back at how blessed I have been this last year. Sure, there have been points where I didn’t necessarily feel blessed but it overwhelms me when I think back to all the gifts God has given me. Here is a Highlights Reel: Living in England, Working with an International Film Festival, dating an amazing friend, being single, saying good by to old relationships and hello to new ones, snowboarding, twice ;), spending real time with family in Auburn, Florida, and Texas, Learning more about myself and about God’s view of me, and of course creating an amazing, drop dead gorgeous web log! Mind you those are just a few highlights but God has blessed me so much that I think to often I take for granted what is a true gift and completely undeserved.
The second thing is not really a thing but rather a person. Ms. Nancy Norma. Auntie Norma died many years ago and lived in England. While not my real aunt, she and uncle Tony pseudo-adopted my parents while there were living in England. And I went back to visit her several times as I was growing up. I remember her as a soft-spoken yet firm English lady whose love for those around her nearly matched her love for the Lord. Not many people know this but for the first 48 hours to almost a week after my birth, the doctors were very unsure if I would live. I was both sick and early in my delivery; but I have no doubt that it was due in no small part to Norma’s prayers that God granted me life. I can’t wait to see her again and thank her.