2010.

I can not even begin to describe how thankful I am for what the Lord has done in my life in 2010. If I had to represent 2010 in one word, it would be {{new}}.

:: I relocated to a {{new}} town.
:: I moved into a {{new}} house.
:: I began a {{new}} job.
:: I became a member at a {{new}} church.
:: I had to make {{new}} friends.
:: I found a {{new}} roommate.
:: BUT one of the best {{new}} things in 2010 was that the Lord freed me from an old persistent stronghold that haunted me for many years and a {{new}} passion to follow the Lord arose in my heart.

I say {{new}} because it's not the same old way I used to view my relationship with the Lord. The way where I needed to be good enough or do good enough for the Lord to love me. OR the way where I needed to put on a facade with others people that I was good enough or did good enough. It's just me, y'all. I'm a messy human being. I've messed up in the past and I surely will again.. but there is GRACE! This doesn't mean that I don't care when I sin or that I can just go out and do whatever I want because there is grace. It's the opposite! I want to be obedient to what the Lord wants because I love him. My obedience overflows from my LOVE for God not from my desire to be loved. God already loves me. He already chose me and still chooses me. I found rest in that in 2010. Oh, I forgot a few times this year but the Lord was right there.. affirming his truth of love and grace to my heart. Instead of turning to my usual devices to bring that significance... I found it in Christ.

"Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a {{new}} heart and a {{new}} spirit. Why will you die, people of Israel? For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent and live!" - Ezekiel 18:30-32

Christmas Vacation.

I've decided to use my Christmas vacation to polish off four books. I'm really excited because I think one of my New Years resolutions will be to read a New York Times Best Seller every month. Blog post to come on my resolutions for 2011.. until then, here are the four books that I am going to read during my Christmas vacation:

The Autobiography of St. Ignatius
by St. Ignatius, obviously.
My mentor in Troy bought me a book based on St. Ignatius' Spiritual Exercises. So, before I delve into that book.. I decided I wanted a little bit of background information on this St. Ignatius guy. Luckily, I found this book for free via iBooks and am excited to read it. (Actually, I'm already 1/3 the way through.)

Table for Two
by Amy Kendrick Pierson and Mona Corwin
This is a book I read about online for mentoring girls. I'm really excited to read through it because I've already set up my first victim... I mean youth... to test it out on. I'm hoping it will be great. The subtitle is "doing life and savoring Scripture together". More to come on this for all my girls ministers out there.

The Prodigal God
by Tim Keller
A friend of mine used this in his small group and he raved about it. I hadn't given it much thought until my roommate said something about giving it to new members in her church. I thought I should check it out so she let me borrow a copy. I really enjoy Keller so I'm excited to read this one.

Unafraid
by Francine Rivers
A part of her Lineage of Grace series, this book is about Mary. I was hoping to finish it before Christmas but I got lazy and never did. :/ So, I'm going to finish it this week. I may get on a reading high and finish the whole Lineage. I've read Tamar and Rahab.. but I never got to Ruth, Bathsheba, or Mary. Let's see how overzealous I get about Francine Rivers.. I really enjoy her stuff!

So there you have it. My goals for the week. I have a lot of free time so I'm excited to finally get a chance to read again. I've been slacking so much.. stupid tv.. so this will be a great week to rediscover my love for reading. :)

What are you reading during your Christmas vacation?

Salad Wars.

Yesterday, I went to Zaxby's after church. In the spirit of trying to eat better, I opted out of my usual boneless wings with fries meal and went for, what I thought would be, a more healthy salad.. a Grilled Chicken Caesar Zalad to be exact. However, when I got home and calculated my points for lunch.. it was a heart-stopping 22! {PointsPlus Program} Mind you, I only get 29 a day! WHAT?!?! I felt so ripped off. I could have had my boneless wings and fries for roughly 20 points! :((

Now, I do realized that only 13 points was in the actual Zalad and that the Caesar Dressing is the HUGE culprit here.. coming in at 9 points total for the two packets I used. Come on! You can't eat a Caesar salad without the DRESSING.. that's a crime against salad!

Not only did this make me go way over my points allowance for that day (the weekly flex balance is the best invention ever!) BUT it also made me very very sad. I love a good salad (and yes, the Zalad was amazing) but why would I elect to abandon my wings and fries for a salad that was worth more points! Phooey.

Thus began the salad wars. Here is an article from WebMD about the BEST and WORST fast food salads out there. Some may surprise you:

---

Best and Worst Fast-Food Salads
Which salads are highest in calories and fat -– and which are lowest?
By Elaine Magee, MPH, RD
WebMD Expert Review

When you're looking to order something relatively healthy from a fast-food menu, you probably go for a salad. But did you know some fast-food salads are as high in calories and fat as a double Quarter Pounder with Cheese (740 calories, 42 grams of fat)?

Two key ingredients can make or break your fast food salad: chicken (specifically, whether you choose "grilled" or "crispy" style) and salad dressing. Although some fat helps make salad dressing taste good, many fast-food dressings go too far. A serving of blue cheese dressing at Carl’s Jr., for example, adds 320 calories and 34 grams of fat to your salad.

Below are my picks for some of the best and worst salad options at the 10 top fast food chains. The "best" salads were those with the most fiber and the least saturated fat; the “worst” salads had the highest levels of saturated fat, total fat, and/or calories.

Best Fast Food Salads

All these fast food entrée salads have less than 5 grams of saturated fat, and most have less than 15 grams of total fat. Those with more than 15 grams of fat feature nuts, which are nutrient-rich and contribute "smart" fats (monounsaturated fat and polyunsaturated fat). Because of the fat and sodium content of many fast-food salad dressings, I've suggested using only half a pack of dressing with some of these salads. That should be plenty for most people.

1. Taco Bell Chicken Ranch Taco Salad (Fresco Style). This salad has 240 calories, 6 grams total fat; 1 gram saturated fat; 1,110 milligrams sodium, 6 grams fiber, and 23 grams protein. Ingredients: beans, fiesta salsa, lettuce, rice, southwest chicken, tomato.

2. Taco Bell Chipotle Steak Taco Salad (Fresco Style): 220 calories; 7g total fat; 2g saturated fat; 960 mg sodium; 6g fiber; 41g protein. Ingredients: beans, fiesta salsa, lettuce, rice, steak, tomato.

3. McDonald’s Premium Southwest Salad with Grilled Chicken (with 1/2 packet Southwest dressing): 370 calories; 12g total fat; 3.5g saturated fat; 1,130 mg sodium; 6g fiber; 30g protein. Ingredients: Mixed greens, oven-roasted tomatoes, fire-roasted corn, black beans, poblano peppers, cheddar & jack cheeses, and tortilla strips.

4. Chick-fil-A Chargrilled Chicken Garden Salad (with Fat Free Honey Mustard): 390 calories; 15g total fat; 4.5g saturated fat; 1065mg sodium; 5g fiber; 25g protein. Ingredients: Lettuce, carrots, grape tomatoes, broccoli florets, Jack and cheddar cheeses, grilled chicken, garlic and butter croutons, honey-roasted sunflower kernels.

5. Wendy’s Mandarin Chicken Salad (with 1/2 packet Oriental Sesame Dressing but without crispy noodles): 395 calories; 18g total fat; 2.3g saturated fat; 880 mg sodium, 4g fiber; 29g protein. Ingredients: Salad greens, grilled chicken fillet, mandarin oranges, toasted almonds.

6. Chick-fil-A Chargrilled Chicken & Fruit Salad (with Reduced Fat Berry Balsamic Vinaigrette): Calories: 360; 10g total fat; 3.5g saturated fat; 810mg sodium; 4g fiber; 23g protein. Ingredients: Lettuce, carrots, Jack and cheddar cheeses, grilled chicken, fresh fruit medley, Harvest Nut granola.

7. Jack in the Box Grilled Chicken Salad (with Low-fat Balsamic dressing): 286 calories; 10.5 g total fat; 4g saturated fat; 1,140mg sodium; 4g fiber; 28g protein. Ingredients: Mixed salad greens, grilled chicken tenders, cheddar cheese, grape tomatoes, red onions, cucumbers, carrots.

8. Carl’s Jr. Cranberry Apple Walnut Grilled Chicken Salad (with 1/2 packet Raspberry Vinaigrette): 380 calories; 17g total fat; 4.5g saturated fat; 915 mg sodium; 4g fiber; 26g protein. Ingredients: Mixed salad greens, grilled chicken, feta cheese, apple slices, dried cranberries, glazed walnuts.

9. KFC Grilled Chicken BLT Salad (with Hidden Valley Ranch Fat Free dressing: 255 calories; 7g total fat; 2.5g saturated fat; 1,160 mg sodium; 3g fiber; 36g protein. Ingredients: lettuce, oven-roasted chicken, diced tomatoes, bacon bits.

10. Carl’s Jr. Original Grilled Chicken Salad (with Low Fat Balsamic Vinaigrette): 235 calories; 7.5g fat; 3g saturated fat; 1,090 mg sodium; 3g fiber; 24g protein. Ingredients: Mixed greens, grilled chicken, red onions, shredded cheese, tomatoes, and cucumber slices.

Worst Fast Food Salads

Most of these entrée salads have more than 10 grams of saturated fat, 35-59 grams of total fat, and up to 900 calories. Some have more sodium than most U.S. adults should consume in an entire day (1,500 mg), as recommended by the CDC.

1. Wendy’s Chicken BLT Salad (with Honey Dijon dressing): 790 calories; 53.5g total fat; 13.5g saturated fat; 1,665 mg sodium; 3g fiber; 38g protein. Ingredients: Salad greens, fried chicken filet, grape tomatoes, bacon, shredded cheddar, garlic croutons.

2. Arby’s Chopped Farmhouse Chicken Salad, Crispy (with Buttermilk Ranch dressing): 670 calories; 48g total fat; 12.5g saturated fat; 1,470 mg sodium; 4g fiber; 33g protein. Ingredients: Salad greens, popcorn chicken, pepper bacon, cheddar cheese.

3. Jack in the Box Chicken Club Salad (with Bacon Ranch dressing): 866 calories; 59g total fat; 12g saturated fat; 2,168 mg sodium; 5g fiber; 38g protein. Ingredients: Mixed salad greens, crispy chicken, bacon, cheese, seasoned croutons.

4. Carl’s Jr. Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad (with Chipotle Caesar dressing): 710 calories, 50g total fat; 12g saturated fat; 1,960 mg sodium; 6g fiber; 37g protein. Ingredients: Spring salad mix, grilled chicken, roasted corn, black bean salsa, red onions, shredded cheese, bacon bits, and tortilla strips.

5. Taco Bell Chipotle Steak Taco Salad: 900 calories, 57g fat, 11g saturated fat, 1,700 mg sodium, 8g fiber, 28g protein. Ingredients: crispy tortilla "bowl," steak, beans, cheddar, rice, lettuce, tomatoes, tortilla strips, reduced-fat sour cream, chipotle dressing.

6. KFC Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad (with Creamy Parmesan Caesar dressing): 650 calories; 48g total fat; 11g saturated fat; 1,340 mg sodium; 4g fiber; 32g protein. Ingredients: Lettuce, crispy chicken, Parmesan cheese, Parmesan garlic croutons.

7. Chick-fil-A Chick-n-Strips Salad (with Buttermilk Ranch dressing): 780 calories; 49g fat; 10g fat; 1,825 mg sodium; 5g fiber; 43g protein. Ingredients: Lettuce, carrots, grape tomatoes, broccoli florets, Jack and cheddar cheeses, fried chicken strips, garlic and butter croutons, honey-roasted sunflower kernels.

8. Burger King TenderCrisp Chicken Garden Salad (with Ranch dressing): 680 calories; 46g total fat; 9g saturated fat; 1570 mg sodium; 4g fiber; 28g protein. Ingredients: Lettuce, carrots, tomatoes, cheese, crispy chicken.

9. Sonic Drive-In Crispy Chicken Salad (with regular Ranch dressing): 534 calories; 37.6g fat; 8.5g saturated fat; 1,334 mg sodium; 5g fiber; 21g protein. Ingredients: Lettuce, crispy chicken, carrots, jack cheese, grape tomatoes, red cabbage, croutons.

10. McDonalds Premium Bacon Ranch Salad with Crispy Chicken (with Ranch dressing): 540 calories; 35g total fat; 8.5g saturated fat; 1,500 mg sodium; 3g fiber; 30g protein. Ingredients: Mixed Greens, grape tomatoes, carrots, jack and cheddar cheeses, bacon, crispy chicken.

From: http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/best-and-worst-fast-food-salads

---

There you have it. The salad wars. I absolutely love the Chick-fil-A Chargrilled Chicken Garden Salad. I usually get the fat free Italian dressing and it is still healthy and delicious! I was also surprised to see that Taco Bell held two of the top 10 best fast food salads. Did you even know they served salad? Haha. Happy eating!

Bluebird.

So, I am officially obsessed with this song. I really just feel these lyrics and the melody just woos me. I am in {{LOVE}}. I think it's time to break out my keyboard and learn this bad boy. Enjoy.



Word came through in a letter,
One of us changing our minds.
You won't need to guess who, since I usually do,
Not send letters to me that are mine.

Told you I saw this coming,
That I'd practically packed up my things.
Was glad at the time that I'd said I was fine but,
All honesty knows, I wasn't ready, no.

And so here we go bluebird,
Back to the sky on your own.
Oh let him go bluebird,
Ready to fly,
You and I,
Here we go.
Here we go.

This pair of wings worn and rusted,
Too many years by my side
They can carry me swear to be,
Sturdy and strong but see,
Turning them on still means goodbye.

Leave my love in a letter,
Went to the bes on your side.
Fine gathered my things, I'll make the best of these wings,
And me and my bird take to the sky.

And so here we go bluebird,
Gather your strength and rise up.
Oh let him go bluebird.
Oh let him go bluebird.
Oh let him go bluebird.
Ready to fly,
You and I,
Here we go.
Here we go...

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Christmas is here! This has to be one of my favorite times of year. For many reasons. I love warm blankets, hot chocolate, Christmas lights, and everything about the season. I also believe that Christmas is the most romantic holiday out there. Sorry, Valentine but I want my Santa Baby. ;) All these things are wonderful and woo my heart for the season.

However, there is an even bigger reason why I love Christmas so much. I love hearing the stories, songs, and scriptures about Jesus' birth. Everywhere you turn there is a reminder (no matter how small) of God coming to us in flesh to show us his loving grace. It's a constant reminder.. the gospel is always on the forefront of my mind at Christmas and I love that. One of my favorite Christmas Hymns is "Hark the Herald Angels Sing". There is just so much great theology in the words of this song:

Hark the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled"
Joyful, all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With the angelic host proclaim:
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Christ by highest heav'n adored
Christ the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come
Offspring of a Virgin's womb
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see
Hail the incarnate Deity
Pleased as man with man to dwell
Jesus, our Emmanuel
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Ris'n with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

My prayer for you, dear reader, is that this season you would really dig into the Christmas songs that roll so easily off our tongues and find the Truth in the words.. or even perhaps find where songs have gone terribly wrong in their theology. Sing the Truth.. sing it often.

Don't Forfeit Your Peace.

Elisabeth Elliot's Daily Devotional

Title: Don't Forfeit Your Peace
Author: Elisabeth Elliot

It would not be possible to exaggerate the importance hymns and spiritual songs have played in my spiritual growth. One of the latter, familiar to most of you, has this line: "O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer" (Joseph Scriven). Prayerlessness is one of many ways by which we can easily forfeit the peace God wants us to have. I've been thinking of some other ways. Here's a sampling:

- Resent God's ways.
- Worry as much as possible.
- Pray only about things you can't manage by yourself.
- Refuse to accept what God gives.
- Look for peace elsewhere than in Him.
- Try to rule your own life.
- Doubt God's word.
- Carry all your cares.

If you'd rather not forfeit your peace, here are eight ways to find it (antidotes to the above eight):

- "Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them" (Psalm 119:165 KJV). "Circumstances are the expression of God's will," wrote Bishop Handley Moule.
- "Don't worry about anything whatever" (Philippians 4:6, PHILLIPS).
- "In everything make your requests known to God in prayer and petition with thanksgiving. Then the peace of God... will guard your hearts" (Philippians 4:6,7, NEB).
- "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me... and you will find rest" (Matthew 11:29, NIV).
- "Peace is my parting gift to you, my own peace, such as the world cannot give" (John 14 27, NEB).
- "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts" (Colossians 3:15, NIV).
- "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing" (Romans 15:13, KJV).
- "Cast all your cares on him for you are his charge" (1 Peter 5:7, NEB).

"Grant, O Lord my God, that I may never fall away in success or in failure; that I may not be prideful in prosperity nor dejected in adversity. Let me rejoice only in what unites us and sorrow only in what separates us. May I strive to please no one or fear to displease anyone except Yourself. May I seek always the things that are eternal and never those that are only temporal. May I shun any joy that is without You and never seek any that is beside You. O Lord, may I delight in any work I do for You and tire of any rest that is apart from You. My God, let me direct my heart towards You, and in my failings, always repent with a purpose of amendment."

--St. Thomas Aquinas

All the Poor and Powerless.

Here's the story I'll tell my friends when they come to worship,
and punctuate it with Hallelujahs:
Shout Hallelujah, you God-worshipers;
give glory, you sons of Jacob;
adore him, you daughters of Israel.
He has never let you down,
never looked the other way
when you were being kicked around.
He has never wandered off to do his own thing;
he has been right there, listening.

Here in this great gathering for worship
I have discovered this praise-life.
And I'll do what I promised right here
in front of the God-worshipers.
Down-and-outers sit at God's table
and eat their fill.
Everyone on the hunt for God
is here, praising him.
"Live it up, from head to toe.
Don't ever quit!"

From the four corners of the earth
people are coming to their senses,
are running back to God.
Long-lost families
are falling on their faces before him.
God has taken charge;
from now on he has the last word.

All the power-mongers are before him
—worshiping!
All the poor and powerless, too
—worshiping!
Along with those who never got it together
—worshiping!

Our children and their children
will get in on this
As the word is passed along
from parent to child.
Babies not yet conceived
will hear the good news—
that God does what he says.

StrengthsFinder 2.0

I absolutely love taking personality and strength tests. I've done several; Myers Briggs (ENFJ), "Leading From Your Strengths", and most recently StrengthsFinder 2.0.

StrengthsFinder 2.0 helps you discover your "Top 5 themes" or strengths based on a questionnaire. Then it gives you two descriptions.
1. A brief "Shared Theme Description" for each of your top five themes
2. Your "Personalized Strengths Insights", which describe what makes you stand out from others with the same theme in their top five.
I thought it was pretty neat and after taking the test I really loved the way my words sound. Check it-

My top 5 themes are:
1. Communication
2. Woo
3. Positivity
4. Activator
5. Strategic

:: Communication ::
Shared Theme Description
People who are especially talented in the Communication theme generally find it easy to put their thoughts into words. They are good conversationalists and presenters.
Your Personalized Strengths Insights
Driven by your talents, you usually attract listeners with your stories, presentations, lectures, or speeches. You routinely seek opportunities to talk about what you think, feel, or have experienced. Chances are good that you very much enjoy the animated give-and-take of a lively discussion. It’s very likely that you naturally gravitate to situations where you can be your true self. You feel life is wonderful when people listen as you share stories about your successes, failures, talents, limitations, hopes, or fears. Because of your strengths, you generally keep discussions and light conversation moving when you are chatting with someone you know well. By nature, you regularly surround yourself with people. You are energized by what you learn about each one. You crave to know what makes a person special, singular, or distinct from all the others you encounter.

:: Woo ::
Shared Theme Description
People who are especially talented in the Woo theme love the challenge of meeting new people and winning them over. They derive satisfaction from breaking the ice and making a connection with another person.
Your Personalized Strengths Insights
By nature, you assert — that is, declare and affirm — that every person comes into your life for a definite purpose. This explains why you launch into discussions or engage in small talk with people you are meeting for the first time. You really want to figure out why your paths in life have crossed. Chances are good that you undoubtedly are talkative in social situations. You have a good time circulating from group to group. You feel wonderful about life when people appreciate your unreserved, gregarious, and friendly nature. Instinctively, you probably have been told at some point in your life that you should not talk to strangers. Whoever said this failed to understand how much energy you draw from conversations with outsiders. You want these people to feel at ease in your presence. This explains why you engage them in chitchat or discussions. You are likely to ignore recommendations to keep your distance from newcomers. To do so may be misguided, senseless, or wrong in your opinion. Driven by your talents, you feel a surge of energy when you start talking with newcomers. You typically generate such enthusiasm in these outsiders that they participate in activities, join teams, register for classes, or interview for jobs. It’s very likely that you spark the interests of others with your keen wit and sociable nature. You can quickly establish an easy rapport with individuals by telling a joke, smiling, introducing yourself, or giving a compliment. You recognize that laughter is a universal language.

:: Positivity ::
Shared Theme Description
People who are especially talented in the Positivity theme have an enthusiasm that is contagious. They are upbeat and can get others excited about what they are going to do.
Your Personalized Strengths Insights
Driven by your talents, you feel much better about yourself and life in general when you have a worthwhile cause or project to which you can dedicate your mind, body, and spirit. Instinctively, you may be regarded by people as a big-hearted person. Perhaps this is one way you transform strangers into friends. Perhaps out of thoughtfulness and kindness, you share your time, knowledge, or possessions with others. Because of your strengths, you realize how wonderful your life is when you have been able to assist someone in need. By nature, you support the people around you by acknowledging their outstanding accomplishments and stellar performances. Chances are good that you enjoy discovering as much as you can about the people you meet. You are friendly and enjoy socializing. You quickly put at ease those you are meeting for the first time or the tenth time.

:: Activator ::
Shared Theme Description
People who are especially talented in the Activator theme can make things happen by turning thoughts into action. They are often impatient.
Your Personalized Strengths Insights
Chances are good that you celebrate the achievements and successes of individuals and groups. You compliment them. Your enthusiasm energizes people and makes them eager to tackle the task at hand. Time and again you say and do things that re-invigorate their minds, bodies, and spirits. By nature, you sometimes make people feel special. Typically you point out the importance or usefulness of something they said. Because of your strengths, you routinely spark the enthusiasm of individuals. Your own job, studies, or life becomes much more exhilarating when you help others more fully experience their lives. It’s very likely that you undisputedly stir people’s emotions by motivating them to take action. Discovering what makes each person unique is one of the ways you galvanize — that is, stimulate — groups or energize particular individuals. Instinctively, you traditionally determine for yourself and others what should be done. After you have made up your mind, you typically waste little time moving forward with projects or assignments.

:: Strategic ::
Shared Theme Description
People who are especially talented in the Strategic theme create alternative ways to proceed. Faced with any given scenario, they can quickly spot the relevant patterns and issues.
Your Personalized Strengths Insights
Because of your strengths, you usually feel satisfied with life when your innovative thinking style is appreciated. You automatically pinpoint trends, notice problems, or identify opportunities many people overlook. Armed with this knowledge, you usually devise alternative courses of action. By evaluating the circumstances, available resources, and/or the potential consequences of each plan, you can select the best option. Instinctively, you are a self-reliant person who needs time alone to think and work. You generate innovative ideas and propose systematic programs of action. You likely identify recurring configurations in the behavior of people, the functioning of processes, or the emergence of potential problems. By nature, you select the right combination of words to convey your ideas or feelings. In the middle of discussions, your vocabulary provides you with precise phrases and terminology. You probably express yourself with ease and grace. It’s very likely that you probably feel very good about yourself and life in general when you know the exact words to express an idea or a feeling. Language has fascinated you since childhood. Your ever-expanding vocabulary often earns you compliments. Chances are good that you generate innovative ideas. You offer unique perspectives on events, people, and proposals. You probably inspire people to start projects and launch initiatives. You tend to identify a goal, devise numerous ways of reaching it, then choose the best alternative. This explains why you see opportunities, trends, and solutions before your teammates, classmates, or peers see them.

Music Monday :: The Notion

I went to a show with a friend last night to check out a band from her college town. Surprisingly, I really enjoyed it. I mean, I love music but I can be opinionated about it. This was definitely one of those college bands that plays at the frat houses, but they had some really good original music. They have the frat band thing going on but they also have this funk swagger about them. It was surprisingly refreshing. You should definitely check them out. My favorite song is "Love is Coming Over Me". http://www.myspace.com/thenotionrocks

Psalm 84

How lovely is your dwelling place,
O LORD Almighty!

My soul yearns, even faints,
for the courts of the LORD;
my heart and my flesh cry out
for the living God.

Even the sparrow has found a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may have her young—
a place near your altar,
O LORD Almighty, my King and my God.

Blessed are those who dwell in your house;
they are ever praising you.
Selah

Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.

As they pass through the Valley of Baca,
they make it a place of springs;
the autumn rains also cover it with pools.

They go from strength to strength,
till each appears before God in Zion.

Hear my prayer, O LORD God Almighty;
listen to me, O God of Jacob.
Selah

Look upon our shield, O God;
look with favor on your anointed one.

Better is one day in your courts
than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of the wicked.

For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
the LORD bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold
from those whose walk is blameless.

O LORD Almighty,
blessed is the man who trusts in you.

Lazy.

"Here, then, is the real problem of our negligence. We fail in our duty to study God's Word not so much because it is difficult to understand, not so much because it is dull and boring, but because it is work. Our problem is not a lack of intelligence or a lack of passion. Our problem is that we are lazy." -R. C. Sproul

SYTYCD :: Top 9 Week :: Routines & Elimination

If you have recorded So You Think You Can Dance and you haven't watched it yet.. DO NOT read any further until after you watch it! If you do read this and I end up spoiling it for you.. you were WARNED.

---

So, I missed the show last night. Thanks for not spoiling it for me friends. :) I did hear that I would want to watch it ASAP though. Now- I know why! :)

Here was my quick notes I made on my phone. I had to watch this in my guest bedroom because it's the only room with a VCR because I do not have a DVR. So my notes are short and sweet.

Adechike- Is it just me or was this just not as great as the judges thought it was PLUS he's getting cocky. Yuck.

Ashley- AMAZING routine! loved it! :) She's growing on me.

Robert- I love Robert but really don't like Sonya. Blek. But Robert.. Guyliner.. Really. You are so cute!

Melinda - I really wanted to like that routine but ekkk bad. She just wasn't sharp and crisp. And the judges basically gave her a death sentence.

Lauren- Cute routine but she's starting to get on my nerves.

Billy- amazing amazing amazing! Love him, love the song, love that routine. I downloaded the song. "Jar of Hearts" by Christina Perri

Jose- He is so great. Love him. Shocked! He is so fun. Dude did Salsa with Anya and didn't disappear.

Alex- ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Are you kidding ME? AMAZING! I watched that routine like 8 times. I LOVED IT. He just leap frogged my list with that. He is EVERYTHING. Hurry and watch this before they have to take it down. :)




My Rankings:
This week - Contestant - (Last Week) *America's Bottom Last Week
1 - Alex - (9)
2 - Billy - (3)
3 - Kent - (2)
4 - Jose - (7)
5 - Robert - (4) *
6 - Lauren - (1)
7 - Ashley - (6)
8 - Adechike - (8)
9 - Melinda - (10) *


Tonights show:
Next week - 2 routines. One with an all-star and then one with a fellow contestant. INTERESTING!

Bottom Three:
1. Billy - Contemporary (WHAT?! WHAT?! Booooo..)
2. Robert - Contemporary (2nd time)
3. Melinda - Tap (3rd time)

Shut up. The guest dancers from Vegas just did part of a routine that I swear I did in junior high school! ((Go Wildcats!)) I'm calling Miss Pendergrass!

So who goes home?

Melinda. FINALLY. Sorry sister. I wish Christina would have stayed last week but then I would have wanted her to go home this week. It's getting tougher now. See you next week.

Girls :: Week Two

Last week we talked about how the world defines young women. This week we’re going to look at how you define yourself, not on the outside, but on the inside.

“But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." – 1 Samuel 16:7

Luke 7:36-50, MSG
Jesus Anointed by a Sinful Woman
One of the Pharisees asked [Jesus] over for a meal. He went to the Pharisee's house and sat down at the dinner table. Just then a woman of the village, the town harlot, having learned that Jesus was a guest in the home of the Pharisee, came with a bottle of very expensive perfume and stood at his feet, weeping, raining tears on his feet. Letting down her hair, she dried his feet, kissed them, and anointed them with the perfume. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man was the prophet I thought he was, he would have known what kind of woman this is who is falling all over him." Jesus said to him, "Simon, I have something to tell you." "Oh? Tell me." "Two men were in debt to a banker. One owed five hundred silver pieces, the other fifty. Neither of them could pay up, and so the banker canceled both debts. Which of the two would be more grateful?" Simon answered, "I suppose the one who was forgiven the most." "That's right," said Jesus. Then turning to the woman, but speaking to Simon, he said, "Do you see this woman? I came to your home; you provided no water for my feet, but she rained tears on my feet and dried them with her hair. You gave me no greeting, but from the time I arrived she hasn't quit kissing my feet. You provided nothing for freshening up, but she has soothed my feet with perfume. Impressive, isn't it? She was forgiven many, many sins, and so she is very, very grateful. If the forgiveness is minimal, the gratitude is minimal." Then he spoke to her: "I forgive your sins." That set the dinner guests talking behind his back: "Who does he think he is, forgiving sins!" He ignored them and said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace."

In understanding this story, it’s helpful to understand the etiquette and culture of that day, just as it is important for us to know the etiquette of today. Let’s see how well you do:

Today –
1. At a formal dinner, when should one start eating the main course?
a. After the hostess is served.
b. After the hostess lifts her fork.
c. After three or four people have their food.
d. ASAP, with urgency and passion.

2. What do you do when you’re not using your utensils?
a. Place them on the side of your plate so they do not touch the table.
b. Place them on the table, where they were originally.
c. Place them in your lap. No one needs to see you nasty silverware.
d. Leave. The meal MUST be over; my utensils are not being used!

3. At a formal dinner, what is the signal that the meal is over?
a. When the hostess places her silverware on her plate in an x.
b. When the hostess rises from the table.
c. When the hostess places her napkin on the table.
d. When you are done eating, duh!

Answers -
1. b
2. a
3. c

Old Testament Day-
When the Pharisee invited Jesus to his house he knew that Jesus should be recognized as a guest of honor. The customary greeting was a kiss, not as an expression of affection, simply a polite acknowledgment of the guest’s arrival.

The washing of feet was mandatory before a meal. If the guest was of high status, the host would perform this duty himself. If not, he might have his servant do it.

A thoughtful host would give his guests some olive oil for anointing, though this was somewhat optional. With a very warm climate, and a scarcity of deodorant, such as a gesture was particularly refreshing.

Let's look at Simon and the woman from the outside in.

Simon
Outside World –
Pharisee (Saul. Legalistic. Outward Appearance.)
"You're hopeless, you religion scholars and Pharisees! Frauds! You're like manicured grave plots, grass clipped and the flowers bright, but six feet down it's all rotting bones and worm-eaten flesh. People look at you and think you're saints, but beneath the skin you're total frauds." – Matthew 23:27- 28, MSG
Inside Heart
- Doubted Jesus (Skeptic)
- Judgmental
- Not grateful

Woman
Outside World –
Sinner
“When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner." – Matthew 7:39, NIV
Inside Heart
- Broken
- Sacrificial
- Grateful

Remember:
“But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." – 1 Samuel 16:7

SYTYCD :: Top 10 Week :: Elimination

If you have recorded So You Think You Can Dance and you haven't watched it yet.. DO NOT read any further until after you watch it! If you do read this and I end up spoiling it for you.. you were WARNED.

---

My Move up Mention:
Robert - I'm starting to agree with Nigel (imagine that!). He may be the dark horse in this competition. There is something extremely attractive about him. I can't quite put my finger on it. Does he love Jesus? That may be it. ;) HE described himself on the Fox website as: Goofy, Personable, Charismatic, Loyal. Maybe it's because he is the male version of ME! lol

Bottom Three:
Christina - Salsa w/ Belly Dancing (2nd time)
Malinda - Tap (2nd time)
Robert - Contemporary (what?!.. boo)

Christina - They thought she brought the fire again but this time I agreed. However, what happens when she doesn't do ballroom anymore and she has to dance Hip Hop? I'd keep her around for one more week just to see that.

Malinda - I like her personality. She seems fun a quirky but I'm not her biggest fan. I think she's growing on me but if I were the judges, she'd be gone. Deuces baby.

Robert - WHAT?! Robert is just not growing on me and moving up in my rankings. From 11 to 4. COME ON! Boo America boo.

So who goes home tonight?

Christina. Really? We kept the "hoofer" and lose the girl who did AMAZING last night. I mean, I wasn't a fan of her in the beginning but she rocked it last night. Boo judges. Oh, and just so you know. The judges were NOT unanimous and Nigel wanted to kick Malinda off. Nigel man.. we are on the same wave.

So You Think You Can Dance :: Top 10 :: Routines

If you have recorded So You Think You Can Dance and you haven't watched it yet.. DO NOT read any further until after you watch it! If you do read this and I end up spoiling it for you.. you were WARNED.

---

Let me start off by saying - BOO! tWitch isn't dancing this week. :( Miss you tWitch! Oh, but I do love that the all-stars are staying on-stage for the judging now. Thanks Nigel.

Pre-show thoughts from the contestants (via facebook- http://www.facebook.com/SoYouThinkYouCanDance).

Lauren Froderman: Yayyyy show day!!! I hope everybody watches and enjoys!!

Alex Wong: Today is the big day!! Super excited to dance on the stage! Make sure to tune in tonight :D

Kent Boyd: Today is the day so excited and so nervous the show is great! I wish I had something witty to say but I rly don't thanks everybody!!!

Melinda Sullivan: "Dance is just discovery, discovery, discovery." - Martha Graham.Watch tonight to see a new side of Melinda. YouTube homework: Condos Brothers

Billy Bell: Hey all! YouTube "philippe decouflé's abracadabra" he's an amazing French choreographer! Show day today! So excited! Thanks for the love!

Jose Ruiz: show day! Make sure to tune in its going to be a crazy night!!

Cristina Santana: Early morning dance :) blisters and pain ! I love my life

Adechike Torbert: Waaaaaatup everybody!!! I'm up bright and EARLY and sooooo Sore!! lol but we're ready to dance and share our experiences with you guys. Love, Live, Life, Proceed, Progress :)

Ashley Galvan: Really? 630 this morning.... And about to dance, I am not awake! Lol but you'll enjoy the show!:)

Robert Roldan: Well as of right now at 630am, I'm not a morning person! Butttttt I'm awake and I'm ready to work! Push through and make it happen! Strong heart makes everything work! Thank you everyone for everything you have done for all of us!!:)

Now- on to the show:

Christina & Pasha (Paso Doble by Jean-Marc Généreux) - Christina is growing on me. Yeah, she 's got fire and I love it. The routine had fire and I loved it. I'm not a big ballroom fan but BAM. Get it girl.

Adechike & Allison (Contemporary by Mandy Moore) - eh. He's a powerful and very strong dancer but I don't know if I am a fan. I'm kind of on the fence. I think Mia might have it. It might be because I think he's not fully putting himself out there.

Alex & Lauren (Broadway by Tyce Diorio) - WHAT? I can NOT believe what this kid can do. WHAT? So, he is technically UNBELIEVABLE but I just don't know about him. I just don't feel is personality in it.

Ashley & Mark (Lyrical Jazz by Travis Wall) - First of all.. I FREAKIN' LOVE TRAVIS WALL. His choreography is AMAZING! However, I am not a fan of Ashley. I think she turned me away with the whole, "I think I am in love right now.. wah wah wah". Oh girl.

Billy & Comfort (Krump by Lil' C) - Alright. Billy "B Buck" might be my favorite! Such a sweet guy with a sweet heart. Great contemporary dancer. I think he did a respectable job. It looked pretty good. I mean, it wasn't Krump- for real- but it was good.

Robert & Anya (Argentinean Tango byJean-Marc Généreux) - HOT! That routine was HOT! Robert is creeping up my list too. There is something extremely attractive about him. It may have been the suspenders.

Malinda & Ade (Contemporary by Stacey Tookey) - eh. Not really impressed. Not by Malinda.. not by the choreography. Nigel thought it was good but I just wasn't a fan. idk.

Jose & Kathryn (Bollywood by Nakul Dev Mahajan) - So cute. I love Jose. I mean, Bollywood is a HARD one but I'm impressed with Jose. GET IT BOY!

Lauren & Dominique (Lyrical HipHop by Tessandra) - Wow. She is so stinkin' good. She reminds me a lot of Chelsea. When Chelsea and MArk did the lyrical hip hop to bleeding love. Ah, yeah. Loved this routine. Love this girl.

Kent & Courtney (Jazz by Tyce Diorio) – Yes. I love Kent. He is ridiculously sweet and uber cute. The choreography was amazing.. love Tyce. I’m glad he did this routine. It reminded me of why I live him so much.

Rankings for the Top Ten:

1. Lauren
2. Kent
3. Billy
4. Robert
5. Christina
6. Ashley
7. Jose
8. Adechike
9. Alex
10. Malinda

"Other Guys" by Jonny Diaz

So, after yesterday's blog I decided to share a little somethin' somethin'. I heart JDiaz. First of all, he is an amazing musician PLUS his brother plays for the Braves. SCORE for the Diaz family! Here is a cute song that I love from him.



Yeah, if a guy stepped to me with this song.. I'd give him a shot. Ha! ;)

In case you couldn't hear the lyrics.. here you go:

So you're looking for a rescue,
valiant knight on noble steed.
Well, did you know that I like horses?
Unless that's not quite what you mean.
Girl you're looking for a hero
and what you're looking for I've got.
But if modesty's a turn on.
Well let me tell you what I'm not.

Cause I'm not like those other guys
that just hit on you and feed you lines.
But may I say you're looking fine tonight?
Well, I love my mom and you know I cried
when I saw The Notebook seven times.
but if that is not who you desire,
get that out of your mind.
Did I tell you you're looking fine tonight?
Because you are.

Well, enough about me baby.
Tell me something from your heart.
Like am I perfect for you darlin darlin.
Did you know I play guitar?
And I'd sing a thousand love songs
and hold you in my arms each night.
And if you wanted me to play you to sleep girl,
I would do them both at the same time.

Cause I'm not like those other guys
that just hit on you and feed you lines.
But may I say you're looking fine tonight?
Well, I love my mom and you know I cried
when I saw The Notebook seven times.
but if that is not who you desire,
get that out of your mind.
Did I tell you you're looking fine tonight?
Because you are.

Girl I can almost guarantee
that when you look at me you'll see
the kind of man that's in your dreams
and wants to give you everything.
And if I'm moving way too fast,
just let me know, I'll hold it back.
And if you feel it just the same
can I just ask you for your name?

Cause I'm not like those other guys
that just hit on you and feed you lines.
Do you have a map?
Cuz I'm lost in your eyes tonight.

Well, I love my mom and you know I cried
when I saw The Notebook seventeen times.
but if that is not who you desire,
get that out of your mind.
Did I tell you you're looking fine tonight?

Girls :: Week One

What if we stopped comparing ourselves to the world's false standards and started viewing ourselves in light of scripture?

The world tries to define us by it's own standards. Because those standards are nearly impossible to achieve, many of us are left feeling unattractive, unaccepted, and substandard.



But the world is wrong! Your worth is not measured bu how you look, what you wear, or who your friends are. Don't let the world tell you who you are. Let JESUS tell you.

Mark 5:24-34
So Jesus went with him. A large crowd followed and pressed around him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, "If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed." Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who touched my clothes?" "You see the people crowding against you," his disciples answered, "and yet you can ask, 'Who touched me?'" But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering."

1 Samuel 16:7
But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

Proverbs 31:30
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

1 Peter 3:3-4
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.



There could never be a more beautiful you. Don't buy the lies, disguises, and hoops they make you jump through. You were made to fill a purpose that only you could do. So there could never be a more beautiful you. "More Beautiful You" - Jonny Diaz

SYTYCD :: Nigel's post-show thoughts with GMMR

Here's my favorite, Nigel Lythgoe, giving his thoughts after the show last night.



Thanks to (@GMMR) GiveMeMyRemote.com for this awesome video! :)

SYTYCD :: Top 11 Week :: Elimination

If you have recorded So You Think You Can Dance and you haven't watched it yet.. DO NOT read any further until after you watch it! If you do read this and I end up spoiling it for you.. you were WARNED.

---

So a little shameless plug for the Dizzy Feet Foundation. Announced tonight on SYTYCD, July 31 is going to be National Dance Day. NappyTabs have created a dance that you can learn to shake it on that day. Check it below:



Check out their website: http://www.dizzyfeetfoundation.org. Oh, you know I'm in! I'm thinking about getting a few folks together and learning and dancing the routine on the 31st. Who's in? On to the business....

Bottom Three:
Malinda - Tap
Alexie - Jazz Contemporary
Christina - Salsa w/ Belly Dancing

I don't know why everyone is freaking out about an all girl bottom three. Let's be honest here, the guys are bringing it this year. The girls are great too but the guys are better. Not a big fan of any of the solos tonight either. I just didn't feel like anyone was fighting for their life. Actually, I was kind of bored this whole show.

I do need to comment on Alex however. I feel the need to give him a little bit more credit. After watching the playback from last nights show.. he really did do a great job. I know all the judges love him and what not but of course he was great.. it was his style. Can he do some HipHop with Comfort next week? Then I will decide if I like him or not. I need to see him "get it" outside of his comfort zone. (Haha.. comfort zone.. get it? #cheese)

SIDE NOTE: Who is this Justin Bieber kid? Get off my TV. You are like 12... you do NOT need somebody to love. Oh, and Usher.. *shakes head in shame*

Now.. on to the results. According to Nigel's tweet - "@dizzyfeet The judges are unanimous. Please don't spoil it for the West Coast." No one on the West Coast reads my blog so I think we are good here. As a matter of fact.. no one reads my blog period so I think I am good all around.

Judges thoughts to bottom three:
Malinda - They thought she needs to work on getting her warmth out. She is cool and cute but she needs to learn to bring some fire to the table. I agree with that. I think tap can be cool but I kind of fell asleep during her solo tonight. *yawn*

Christina - They thought she brought fire and really danced for life. I didn't really agree with that; however, I am not a huge salsa fan. I'm more into Jazz, HipHop, Contemporary and Broadway. I think I might just be biased on this one but I just don't feel Christina.

Alexie - They thought she was contained in her movement. She is a small dance but needs to learn to extend herself beyond her body. I can agreed with that. I think she is super cute and can be very versitale. I'd book her for my movie video.. Britney Spears in the 90s y'all! :) "Sometimes I run.. sometimes I hide." You feel me?

So who goes home tonight?

Alexie. So sad. Poor girl. She tried out like four times and was the first one to go home. She danced with tWitch too. Disappointed. I think a lot of the twitterverse is with me on this one too. I think Malinda should have gone home instead of Alexie but I trust my twin Nigel. Her solo wasn't amazing. Check out her performance from last night.

SYTYCD :: Top 11 Week :: Routines

If you have recorded So You Think You Can Dance and you haven't watched it yet.. DO NOT read any further until after you watch it! If you do read this and I end up spoiling it for you.. you were WARNED.

---

Pre-show thoughts from the contestants (via facebook- http://www.facebook.com/SoYouThinkYouCanDance).

Kent Boyd: Hey everyone today is the big day we have all been working hard and everybody looks great!.. its so amazing to walk onto that stage and hear Cats voice

Melinda Sullivan: Listenin to Aretha to get me in the mood, cuz it's opening niiiight!!! All the pieces are so dope... Tune in to see what we've been workin on. Given' thanks!

Alex Wong: SO excited for the show! I love my piece! Feeling so grateful for where i am, everything i have and everyones support! thank you so much!! :D

Lauren Froderman: Weeeee! Show day babyy!!

Cristina Santana: Enjoying, laughing, and dancing a lot!!! I want to let you now that I'm very excited about this wed show!!! Everybody is amaizing Thank you All Stars and my top 11.

Jose Ruiz: knowing others is intelligence, knowing yourself is true wisdom, mastering others is strength, mastering yourself is true power-tao te ching

Adechike Torbert: Yoooooo!!! Wattup Everybody! Love, Live, Life, Proceed, Progress!!! In a Great mood, sooo excited for tonights show! So inspired and humbled to be around such great artists!!

Alexie Agdeppa: And so it begins...TODAY IS ALREADY AMAZING! My All-Star is UNREeeeAAaaLllll!!! Loving and so grateful for every minute of this experience. Be sure to WATCH tonite!!! HUGS AND THANKS FOR ALL UR SUPPORT!

Robert Roldan: Tonight is gonna be a great show everyone! Tune in on fox to see all these talented dancers kill it on the dance floor! I have been so blessed to be apart of this experience! Thank you to everyone who supports me and who supports everyone else! You are all amazing!

Ashley Galvan: What's up guys.. Today is the day of our first live show!:) I'm so excited and can't wait for all you to watch it... It's pretty amazing!:) thanks for the support! Xoxo

Billy Bell: Jason Mraz is getting me through it! So excited for tonight! Make sure you watch! Thanks for the support!

Now- on to the dancin' action:

Billy - Danced with all-star Lauren for a Broadway piece to "Footloose". I really like Billy. I think he is adorable. I really heart him.

Christina - Danced with all-star Mark for a Jazz routine. Surpringly did completely hate the routine. Her splits were really great. Sonya's routines are always twisted and dark.

Jose - Danced with all-star Comfort for a HipHop routine. I think I am a big fan of Jose now. That was a really great routine. I love Tabitha and Napoleon.

Adechike - Danced with all-star Kathryn for a Jazz routine choreographed by Travis Wall. I'm a little biased on this one. I love Travis Wall. I love Kathryn. However, I do not love Adechike. I'm a little on the fence. It was kinda blah for me.

Malinda - Danced with all-star Pasha for a ballroom routine to "L.O.V.E." Not my favorite. PLUS, she stuck out her tongue. GROSS! My cheerleading coach from high school, Mrs. Julie, would die.

Alex- Danced with all-star Allison. Okay, this guy has some mad skills. I don't think I've ever seen Nigel cry before. If he has.. I don't remember. Impressive but I want to see him do HipHop now.

Alexie - Danced with all-star tWitch for HipHop. Okay, first of all- a HipHop routine to Jason Mraz? Yes, PLEASE! :) I loved it but I think I might be biased because tWitch. Yikes.

Lauren - Danced with all-star Ade for Pop Jazz. Cute. I love Lauren. She may be a little immature but she's a great dancer. What's up with Ade putting her in a head lock at the end. That's not romantic.. that's creepy. lol

Kent - Danced with all-star Anya for a ChaCha. I'll be honest.. it looked like Kent was having the time of his life and i love that. (P.S. I wrote that before Nigel said that he said he looked like he enjoyed it.. yay. Reason #4350 I love Nigel.)

Ashley - Danced with all-star Neil for a contemporary routine. Not sure how I feel about the dance and her. "I think I'm in love.. wah wah wah". Sorry, it was sick.

Robert - Danced with all-star Courtney.. I'm glad that they can still dance with the different cultures even though there are all-stars there. That was interesting and entertaining. :)

This is how I feel after tonight's show:

Ladies:
1. Lauren
2. Alexie
3. Christina
5. Ashley
5. Melinda

Guys:
1. Jose
2. Billy
4. Kent
4. Adechike
6. Alex
6. Robert

We will see tomorrow. "If you can can can.. if you can can can can can can...." (Moulin Rouge, anyone?)

I love a good quote.

Matt Chandler busted out a great D.A. Carson quote during his sermon at the Pastor's Conference at the SBC. Check it-

"People do not drift toward Holiness. Apart from grace-driven effort, people do not gravitate toward godliness, prayer, obedience to Scripture, faith, and delight in the Lord. We drift toward compromise and call it tolerance; we drift toward disobedience and call it freedom; we drift toward superstition and call it faith. We cherish the indiscipline of lost self-control and call it relaxation; we slouch toward prayerlessness and delude ourselves into thinking we have escaped legalism; we slide toward godlessness and convince ourselves we have been liberated." - D.A. Carson

No More Boring Suits!

I love getting my daily dose of "Little PINK Book". It's a great newsletter for the "profesh woman". If you like what you read and want to subscribe click here!

No More Boring Suits!

You set business trends and you don't mind being different, adventurous, or even brash. But when it comes to your business suit, you're tempted to be as timid as a grey mouse.

Need help fashionably setting the bar? Here's how:

Coral and turquoise have been lighting up the runway this season and they pair well with neutrals like white and khaki.

Want to add contrast to your suit? Brands like Kate Spade, Kohl's, and Spiegel make pretty pastels sensible for professional women.

Take the classic black suit and mix it with a sexy pair of animal print shoes, add a tribal print top under a basic colored blazer or pair a muted animal print dress with a simple cardigan.

Sheer fabric has emerged as one of the hottest trends this season. A touch of sheer can give you a playful professional look – and keep you cool under a business suit. Tone down a sheer dress with a dressy blazer or put a solid tank under a sheer dress shirt.

Bonus PINK Link: Here are five shopping issues women have with retailers – and how to solve them.

Minute Mentor: Check out what hair colors look best for this season.

By Artesia Peluso

SYTYCD :: I'm a prophet.

If you have recorded So You Think You Can Dance and you haven't watched it yet.. DO NOT read any further until after you watch it! If you do read this and I end up spoiling it for you.. you were WARNED.

---

I’m pretty sure my last post was a So You Think You Can Dance prophesy! Lauren & Kent (my two favorite dancers so far this year) danced with the people I wanted them to (Mark & Kathryn). Watch out. I'm a SYTYCD prophet!

Tonight’s show was really great. I enjoyed it because we got to see all the dancers dance their own style.

Lauren & Kent- Routine with all-stars Mark and Kathryn choreographed by one of my favorites from seasons past (Travis Wall). Of course I loved it. It was like the So You Think You Can Dance stars were aligned. :)

Alexie & Malinda – The all girl routine with all-stars Lauren and Allison. I think I like Malinda now because she is a tall girl; however, the routine was not my favorite.. probably my least favorite actually.

Jose - Danced with all-stars tWitch, Comfort, and Dominque. Surprisingly impressed with him. However, anyone who dances with tWitch will get less of my attention because I'll be watching him! :) This may have been tied for my favorite routine of the night. It would be tied with what Travis choreographed.

Christina - She danced with all-stars Anya and Pasha (anytime I think of Pasha, I think of my friend Jamie from Nashville). Sorry but Anya and Pasha stole that show right from Christina. When Anya and Christina were dancing side by side you could see a difference. I love that Nigel called her out too for "lazy feet" because I totally saw it. Nigel is legit.

Alex and Billy - They danced with all-star Ade to a Mia Michael’s routine. Love Mia's stuff but more than anything I was impressed with Ade. He was the old man character in the piece. He was amazing! I watched Billy because he was the little boy character and he was great. I think he may be turning into one of my favorites. I didn't even watch Alex. Uh oh.

Adechike, Ashley, & Robert - Danced with Neil & Courtney. I thought this routine was going to be soo good. It's started off really great in the beginning but then it kind of fizzled. :/ Not the dancers fault.. I think it was the choreographer. I didn't really get to watch much because there were 5 people dancing and I didn't know who to watch.

My top dancers as of right now are:

Girls:
1. Lauren
2. Alexie
3. Malinda
4. Ashley
5. Christina

Guys:
1. Kent
2. Billy
3. Jose
4. Robert
5. Adechike
6. Alex

Overall:
1. Lauren
2. Kent
3. Billy
4. Jose
5. Alexie
6. Robert
7. Malinda
8. Ashley
9. Adechike
10. Alex
11. Christina

I’m not sure how eliminations are going to work yet so I don’t know how to rank them but that’s what I think so far. Honestly, outside of the top 5 I ranked overall.. I kind of just put them somewhere. I’m not really committed to the rest of them yet. So much more to come!

All and all.. I think tonight's show was great. I can't wait for the competition to REALLY begin! :)

Until next time.. To the left.. Take it back now y'all.. Two hops this time, two hops this time.. Right foot two stomps.. Left foot two stomps.. Hands on your knees, hands on your knees.

SYTYCD :: Top Ten!

If you have recorded So You Think You Can Dance and you haven't watched it yet.. DO NOT read any further until after you watch it! If you do read this and I end up spoiling it for you.. you were WARNED.

---

So, I don't have the list of the top ten because honestly- I've been multitasking a bit during SYTYCD. However, I did notice which of my favorites from Vegas Week made it into the Top Ten. One thing I was sad about is the fact that I missed some of Vegas Week. I didn't get to see the Broadway routines. :( Anyway- on to my Top Ten favorites.

Only one of my favorites from Vegas Week didn't make it. Adrian Lee. He is an excellent contemporary dancer but because there are only 5 guys this year and this was is first time trying out- they decided not to put him in the competition this year. Boo.

As far as the Top Ten.. I have two favorite guys and two favorite girls from Vegas Week.

Lauren Froderman. She is my favorite girl so far. She is an 18 year old contemporary dancer. Very excited to see what this girl can do. I hope she gets paired with Mark. I'd love to see them dance together.

Alexie Agdeppa. This was Alexie's fourth time trying out for the show. She really embodies, "if at first you don't succeed." I can't imagine the discouragement she's faced and NOW to be in the Top Ten. Wow! I'd love to see her dance with tWitch. :)

Adachike Torbert. Yay! Very excited that he made it to the Top Ten. After the bump in the road of almost getting cut from the show.. then dancing for his life.. WOW! :) I'd love to see him dance with Courtney.

Kent Boyd. By far my favorite dancer on the show. He is just so good and so unaware. I love that. He is easy to relate to. I think everyone struggles with self-confidence on some level and he just put that out there. I'd love to see him dance with Kathryn.

Okay, so I remember Billy from last year. Mostly because of the whole drama with Ashley. Ashley was married to Ryan (i think that was his name) and they BOTH made it on the show. They were my favorite! But- it was because Billy left that Ashley made it. :) However, I don't know much about his dancing so he could be a possible favorite.

Until next time.. shake your groove thing, shake your groove thing, yeah yeah!

SYTYCD :: Vegas Week :: Episode 1

If you have recorded So You Think You Can Dance and you haven't watched it yet.. DO NOT read any further until after you watch it! If you do, and I spoil it for you.. you were WARNED.

---

I'm not completely sure how I feel about the change this season. I mean, I kind of like the fact that I will get to see tWitch dance on the show again but I'd almost rather see fresh meat, you know? And with only a TOP 10 this year.. the dancers are getting GRILLED! Cuts are flying.. dancers are crying.. there is no mercy for season 7. Already, in the first episode of Vegas Week some really great soloists have gone home. That's fine. Being a great soloist isn't what the show is about but DANG IT.

I'm really sad to see Rachel Girma (the rhythmic gymnast) leave. Her solo was unbelievable but she could NOT do any of the choreography. It was a little laughable really. However, I think with some practice with learning dance choreography, she could come back next season and KILL it.

I really love Adé Chiké Torbert (contemporary). After a bad desicion to step into tap for a solo.. the judges wanted to see his contemporary routine. I am so glad that the judges gave him a chance to dance for his life. All Yes' and he moves on!

Other than that, I'm not super involved in anyone else (58 survived) that I saw tonight. Some were good.. some were difficult to watch. So, I guess we will see next Wednesday when Vegas week continues! I think I heard Nigel say BROADWAY!

SYTYCD :: Auditions

So, I've decided that I am NOT going to blog about the auditions for So You Think You Can Dance. I'm just not invested in anyone and I think it will be difficult to really put my thoughts down about the dancers until Vegas week. So, until then.. we watch and wait for Vegas week! :)

Oh, but I did tweet about this: The guy who is a Bio hazard Clean up Guy.. he said he never had a girlfriend because it was hard to explain what he did. Basically he cleans up after murders, suicides, deaths, etc. Then we saw him dance.. country line dance. No dude.. it's not your job, it's your dancing. Hah! ;)

Enjoy the show and "cue music"! See you in Vegas!

There's no such thing as perfect people.

I love that scripture is full of diverse and messy lives that God uses in BIG ways... especially when I am feeling insecure because of the different things in my life. Whether it is past sin, shortcomings, or even just the way I view myself.. there are always people I can look to in scripture and see how God uses every single circumstance and insecurity in our lives for His glory. If you notice, he rarely uses perfect people. Actually, God has only used one perfect person, Jesus. Just look at Noah, David, Thomas, Paul, the list goes on and on!

What encouragement for us today, friends. As Natalie Grant sings, "There's no such thing perfect people. There's no such thing as a perfect life. So come as you are broken and scarred. Life up your heart and be amazed and be change by a perfect God". I don't know what your insecurities are... I don't know what you struggle with... but God knows and he understands. And most of all, he wants you to seek him and let those things be used for His fame.

I'm seeking to offer up my insecurities to God so that he may be able to use them in a mighty way. It's not comfortable and it often leaves me feeling even more insecure but I want my life to be a story of God's glory.. not my comfort or security.

Join me. Offer your insecurity to God and let him radically use your life for His renown.

For such a time as this.

I am beaming right now. I just got an email from World Vision saying that one of the loans that I helped fund has been FULLY funded. Praise the Lord! I wish I could be in the Philippines when they tell her that her loan has been funded and that she can buy what she needs for her business. What a blessing.

This is her bio- Getty Cabanag's business is hog raising. She started raising pigs one year after she got married to a farmer. She has three children, the eldest is 21 years old, who inspire everyday. The income she makes in growing pigs has benefited her children for paying for tuition and school fees. She desires to grow her business. By buying more piglets, she can expand her business more. Getty Cabanag is 45 years old and has been married for 25 years now.

The communities bio- The community of Mountain View is located in a boot-shaped province on Negros Island in the Philippines. Home to Mt. Kanlaon, an active volcano, the area is rich with natural resources. With convenient access to a variety of markets, the community is emerging as a promising frontier for investors. Economic activities revolve around agriculture, fishery, and forestry. Environmental degradation is a pressing concern. The region has been identified as one of the lowest income-earning areas in the country. Families struggle to acquire proper nutrients, and some do not have access to clean water. Malnutrition and disease are constant concerns. Families are hindered by poor road conditions, and many children drop out of school. In Mountain View, World Vision has provided community members with key employment skills, including training in food processing and assistance in livestock rearing. We have also provided medical and housing assistance, supplemental food for malnourished children, fees and materials for children to attend school, and educational support for child laborers.

I was praying for Getty Saturday night. Not only that her loan would be fully funded but that she would be a light for other women in her community. "See what the Lord can provide!" Seeing some of the pictures that were posted from World Vision reminded me of my short time in Guatemala. I remember watching the women make tortillas. From shucking the corn to grinding it to make flour.. it was amazing to see how hard these women worked to provide the basic needs for their families. I love that picture and am reminded of it often. A part of me desires to run out into the mission field somewhere and forget the about the twitters and facebooks and such and just go and live in community and be in community with a people. They don't even have watches.. time doesn't matter. People do. I love that. While I'd go in a heartbeat if God asked, He has called me to be exactly where I am now. Alpharetta, GA. (And goodness knows.. he definitely wants me here.. I can't escape that!) I have this desire for a reason, however. Maybe it's so I will be diligent in funding missions with the resources I've been given. I don't know.

However, what I do know is that God has placed you where you are at this time in history FOR A PURPOSE. Like Esther (one of my favorite stories). Just one seemingly ordinary girl who God had great plans for. She was hand picked by the king to be his wife and when her people were in danger.. she was able to help because she had the kings ear. God had a plan. (Oh, it wasn't all that easy though! If you have never read Esther.. DO IT!)

So, where are you? Who is your mission field? What is holding you back? "Who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" -Esther 4:14. And maybe when I get to Heaven, I can meet Getty and hear all of the wonderful things she was able to do because of a tiny little thing I helped do.

---

For more infromation on funding a World Vision loan.. check out: http://www.worldvisionmicro.org/

Me? A Berean? I thought I was just a perfectionist!

Last week I sent out an email to everyone in my group at work about the new interactive media implementation I was working on. It included links to connect to our different sites and detailed instructions on how to join the different sites, if they didn't already have an account.

Now, when I say "detailed".. I mean DETAILED. It's been said about me before that I am "extremely detailed orientated". That was always the one question in interviews I got nervous about- "Are you detailed orientated?" Of course I always said yes but I didn't want them to think that I was just saying yes because that is what you "supposed" to say. I wanted to let them know that I was in fact extremely detailed orientated. When I give directions to someone.. they are to a T. When I am fixing a website or documents.. they are always consistent and uniform. I think that's why I got first place on my Senior Portfolio in college.. it was, for a lack of a better word, perfect.

So, I sent out the email explaining how to get social media accounts and I get an email back, "Thanks! Handy guide that was attached, too."

I reply, "Haha.. thanks! I’m a little too extremely detailed orientated! :)"

He responds, "Okay, so that explains Acts 17:11."

The bottom of my email signature reads: "'Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.' - Acts 17:11 (NIV)" This is one of my favorite verses of scripture. (See "Can I be a Berean?")

When I read his email it really hit me.. Wow! God really created me intentionally. He created me with my crazy "detailed orientated/perfectionist" mentality so that I would be diligent in studying His Word... so that I would be a Berean. Very cool. Sometimes I take my personality for granted. I love taking the personality tests (Myers Briggs, etc.). However, I forget that it was GOD who dreamed me up. He was the one who gave me my greatest strengths and worst flaws. What I am to do? Become more and more like his Son.. that way he can use the way He created me to it's fullest potiental. Oh, I pray that I would be diligent in doing so. That the Lord might use me for His glory.

My prayer is the same for you, friend. You are YOU because God created you that way. Strive each day to "have the same attitude of Jesus" (Philippians 2:5-11) so that HE can use you to your fullest potiental for the Kingdom.

SYTYCD :: So You Think You Can Dance

That's right folks.. in exactly one week from today.. it begins..

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE?!
(nah nah nah nah.. nah nah nah nah)

I love this show! I've been watching it since season two with Benji and Travis. I absolutely fell in love with them. What I am super pumped about this year is that there are going to be some all-stars coming back and dancing again! Among them is one of my all time favorites from the show TWITCH! That's right.. we went to the same high school. ;) If you don't watch this show.. you should. I'm posting 5 of my favorite dances from the past 5 seasons. Obviously, as you can tell my favorite dancers have been Travis, tWitch, and Benji.

Travis & Benji: Hip Hop. Two of my favorite guys. Great season finale!


tWitch & Kherington: Hip Hop. Super cute dance. I loved them as partners!


Chelsea & Mark: Lyrical Hip Hop. Good routine.


Travis & Heidi: Contemporary. Probably my favorite routines from SYTYCD. I remember crying the first time I watched it. I still get chills.. :)


tWitch & Kherington: Contemporary. Beautiful plus, I love John Mayer's music.


Oh yeah.. I think this year.. I'm going to try my hardest to blog every week about the show. Wanna join the conversation? Tune in this Thursday for the season premiere! :)