Divine Romance

Thoughts for today...
First God answers prayer. I love when I'm reminded of this in a very tangible way. I started keeping a prayer journal recently. I thought it would be an awesome way to record the way God is faithful in hearing my prayers. Well today he answered one for me that was so encouraging. Out of the blue at work I got a bonus check! I had prayed a few weeks ago that God would help me out financially as I most likely will have to move soon, and that can get so expensive. When I was handed the check today I knew it was from Him, and in answer to that prayer. He's always been so faithful to meet my prayers, this just makes me so confident that he hears and cares about my concerns. So cool!

Second you all need to give Phil Wickham a try. I'm in love with his music. I bought his cd a two weeks ago and I can't stop playing it. Its surprising to hear music like this from a "Christian" artist. I'd put him in the Jars of Clay quality category. My best description is to liken him to David Gray, with amazing lyrics in worship to God. Its inspiring and speaks the truth on my heart. His song Divine Romance is playing on Air1 now and its good, but so far I love every song on the cd as much or more than this one. He's passionate about what he's singing, which is just as it should be. Just thought I'd give him a shout out. I think he's coming to the Portland area soon. I might have to try and go.

Planes, Planes, and a Taxi

I went to Memphis for work last week. Essentially every plane I took was delayed, causing me to miss a connecting flights. The way out to Memphis wasn't too bad. I had a great time meeting everyone I work with out there. I learned the meaning of Southern Hospitality. Its definitely a different culture from the one I'm used to.

My observations of the city...
There is a church, and I mean a MASSIVE church on every corner. Probably a Baptist one to boot. This is so weird for me. The rental car I got actually had Christian stations programmed in. So this is what they mean when they mention the Bible Belt!

I was the minority in many places I went, which is a new experience for me. Not a bad thing, just different.

I've never been called Ma'am so many times!

The city seems to reflect the blues music it is home to. Dark and a little dingy with some sad undertones. Its hard to explain. I'm sure someone out there loves this city, but I didn't see those places I guess. When I asked for suggestions on where to go I was told to be careful and not to go places at night. In a parking garage when telling someone we were tourists the lady said we should keep our purses close! Is this all you have to say about your city? Kinda sad. Everyone I work with lives outside of Memphis, and they said the crime is high and local government corrupt. Needless to say it was hard to find places to visit. No we didn't go to Graceland (its expensive)!

I did enjoy seeing Stan and Nicole who came over to visit. It was so fun just to spend time with them and catch up. We took a trip down to see the Peabody hotel and the ducks that live in the Penthouse, and then over to Beale Street (famous blues street). I think Stan's going to load some pic's from our wanderings. We went to the Brooks Museum because there was a massive storm moving in and we wanted to stay inside. Musuem's are seriously one of my favorite things. So peaceful, and I love art of all kinds. I saw this beautiful girl there (William-Adolphe Bouguereau, Au Pied de la Falaise -At the Foot of the Cliff). Don't you just love her? She's amazing in person. It almost makes what happened next worth while. Almost...

When I went to the airport on Saturday to catch my flight out the weather was already pretty bad and a tornado watch was on. I was just praying I'd get out. I got there early just to make sure I got on my flight. When I checked in it was already delayed so much that I'd miss my flight to Portland in Minneapolis (the last for the night). No other options either, because I checked with 4 different agents. So I just decided to wait it out. I had to get a hotel in Minneapolis for the night. It wasn't the end of the world since my company would pay for it. Yeah for travel on the corporate card!

Then my flight continued to delay (4 hours total), because the weather was so bad in Minneapolis. So I didn't get into Minneapolis until 1 in the morning! Which was a 1/2 hour past when the hotel shuttle stopped running of course. So I go to get a taxi, for which there was a line 20 deep waiting. I have no winter clothes of course, and so I'm glad I just happened to pack my fleece. I finally get in and my driver barely makes it through the snow to the hotel. Where I get to sleep for a whopping 4 hours before waking up to try and make it to the airport and hopefully home. Of course I was again delayed and in the end I got to Portland about 22 hours after the time I arrived at the Memphis airport.

INSANE!! I'm okay not travelling again on planes for a very long time.

In case you are stumped...

I thought I'd remind you all its the V word this week. That's right... Valentine's Day. Women the world over will go to bed depressed that night. As I already know you all love me so much, and that money is no option when shopping for my present this year I'm noting a few ideas below. Just to get your juices flowing and perhaps inspire you. And I know you couldn't live with yourselves if I ended up as one of those depressed women this year.

And remember...Its the thought that counts.


Jewlery is always a classic choice:

Tiffany Lace Necklace

Lucida Diamond Band

A nice little gettaway to help relieve my stress maybe:

Here's a nice one in the Maldives set right on the ocean, literally. Huvafen Fushi is the name and I like the Ocean Pavillion. It even has an underwater spa, how peaceful.

A new car possibly:

The Mercedes Benz SLK55 AMG is pretty.

For the practical gift giver:

A private Butler is always a nice way to show someone you care, by taking away all their cares.

Happy Shopping!