Books

(bump) books books books
READING NOW
Finding our Way Again - Brian McLaren
Daisy Chain-Mary DeMuth
A Good Life-Robert Benson
Complete Book of Raw Food-Rodwell

FINISHED READING
Let Go-Sheila Walsh *****
Handle With Care-Jodi Picoult ****

ALL TIME FAVORITES
Pawn-Steven James
In Constant Prayer-Robert Benson
Between the Dreaming and the Coming True-Robert Benson
The Return of the Prodigal Son-Henri Nouwen
Redeeming Love-Francine Rivers
Sophie's Choice-Lori Wick
The Ragamuffin Gospel-Brennen Manning
Eternal Security-Charles Stanley
Prism Weight Loss System-Karen Kingsbury

STILL TO READ
Take One-Karen Kingsbury
Salty Like Blood-Harry Kraus
Living Prayer-Robert Benson
The Body Broken-Robert Benson
Voluntary Madness-Norah Vincent
Dr. Gott's No sugar No flour book - Dr. Gott
Dr. Gott's No sugar No flour cookbook-Dr. Gott
The Furious Longing of God-Brennen Manning (again)
The New Sugar Buster's shopping Guide
The Tenth Circle-Jodi Picoult
Nineteen Minutes-Jodi Picoult
Songs of the Humpback Whale-Jodi Picoult
The Boneman's Daughter-Ted Dekkar
Three Cups of Tea-Greg Mortensen
Rook-Steven James (again)
Knight-Steven James

I'm back!!

Just a quick update since it's clearly 1 am and I'm at work! Had a great trip to Illinois. I made it back to Georgia by noon today-my luggage did not. Long story, it's on it's way, be here Wednesday and there are a lot more important things in the world to talk about than me having no hair dryer!

I had a great time and got to spend some precious moments with some of my very favorite people in all the world.

My family including my crazy brother - had a great time eating and shopping and helping my mom clean out some things and rearrange the living room. I'm so proud of my family for giving up sugar and white flour after seeing all that it has done for me. And in case they are interested in falling back-it won't be easy-I threw all their sugar stuff away :) Ha ha! They don't need it anyway.

Kathy Fillman-You inspire me with your faith and bless me everyday with your prayers and friendship. I can't tell you how many times when life tries to swallow me up I hang on KNOWING that you are praying for me. It's a gift I'm not worthy of, but I so cherish it. I'm still processing our conversations! I've prayed since December that God would not let anything interfere with our time together and he was so faithful. You mean the world to me :)

Carla-I had so much fun going out with you and kelli, sherri, missy, krystal, and kim. What a fun time. I wish we could have had more time to discuss all that God is doing. The people around your life are so blessed to have you. Thanks for arranging a super fun night :)

Susan VanKirk-A literary mastermind if I've ever met one! I'm glad we squeezed in a few very quick moments to catch up at the very last minute! I cherish your wisdom and love to discuss books with you. You are an incredible listener and a great voice of reason. Thank you!

And to those I would have loved to have seen but could not figure out how to fit everything in know that I'm sad too! Come visit me in Georgia!!!!

And now it's back to work. I'm so thankful for a good vacation and a relaxing time away from the stress of everyday life. Thank you Lord!
Brenda

A good day

Anytime you buy 3 new very cool journals and LOTS of coffee-it's a good day :)

Hightlights

Highlights of today-
Actually got up at 4:26 a.m. and made it to the airport on time (amazing-so tired!)
got out of valdosta on time and out of atlanta on time right before the rain delays (whew)
had starbucks-twice
found super cute heels retail 90.00 for drum roll-12.00! a good day
am enjoying time with the family.
I seriously miss my dogs
my dryer blew up at home today-why i don't know.
my grandparents picked up a new one today and are putting it in.
appliances are crazy.
I bought Jodi Piccoult's new book today-excited!
that's all I got for today :)
Brenda

Prayer

Thanks for following along with the people I'm praying for-especially Missy and Ryan. Missy has an MRI scheduled this week for a new "lump" that is on her forehead. She is understandably very concerned. They were hoping it was an inflamed lymph node, but that has been ruled out. Please pray for peace for her and wisdom for the dr.'s. Thanks! Brenda

Thank you

Sometimes perspective is a wonderful thing. A huge thank you to Dallas one of the therapists at Greenleaf who left me this note this weekend. THANK YOU! It's great. :)


"Don't forget it's not just a job - you are an important part of restoring families, giving people peace of mind, helping them break free from the bondage of addiction and find a new life. It's like the mental health emergency room - you're saving lives - and God's proud of you."

(bump) books books books

READING NOW
Finding our Way Again - Brian McLaren
Daisy Chain-Mary DeMuth
A Good Life-Robert Benson
Complete Book of Raw Food-Rodwell

FINISHED READING
Let Go-Sheila Walsh *****
Handle With Care-Jodi Picoult ****

ALL TIME FAVORITES
Pawn-Steven James
In Constant Prayer-Robert Benson
Between the Dreaming and the Coming True-Robert Benson
The Return of the Prodigal Son-Henri Nouwen

STILL TO READ
Take One-Karen Kingsbury
Salty Like Blood-Harry Kraus
Living Prayer-Robert Benson
The Body Broken-Robert Benson
Voluntary Madness-Norah Vincent

oh my word

Just a quick update. I went back to the car dealership at lunch and the verdict is NO DEAL! I had NO as in ZERO peace about the whole situation on my way there. They again wanted to raise my monthly payment-um hello? Are you living in the same economy that I am? And again I say - YOU CAME TO ME! Apparently they had already promised my car to someone else because they were blubbering all over themselves trying to make me a deal. I think it's safe to say that they were VERY disappointed I wouldn't do it.

It's amazing how quickly you can get wrapped up in something that wasn't even your idea to start with! Wednesday morning when I woke up I had no intention of getting rid of my car. I love my car!! But they planted the idea and made sure it was good and watered to the point that I actually believed it. Their comment today was, "But the new one's a convertable!" DUH-SO'S MY CURRENT ONE DUMMY!

Their final comment was, "Do you want us to call and discuss this with your dad?" UM EXCUSE ME! I'm 29 years old, own my own home that I had built thank you and pay my own bills! WRONG CARD to play on Ms. Independent that I pride myself in being.

Good news? I found out this week that my car is now a collectable and very rare. They aren't making them anymore and apparently the red ones are in high demand. Cool. I'll just hold out for now, but if any of you want to buy it for 2 million dollars we have a deal! HA! :)

Brenda

a crazy week

Sorry for the lack of good posts this week! It's been crazy getting back into the swing of things! Good posts coming next week!

Faithfulness

I think maintaining a spiritual life is not so easy. Maybe on a more spiritual day I'd say it's so easy, but today I feel like I just get met witI love living in a world of technology. I love that my friends are instantly available to me at every turn. Just on my phone I get my personal e-mail and both work e-mails as well as various internet updates and twitters. It's a little ridiculous.

I think the world is moving to a place where delayed gratification will be completely unacceptable. We want it now and we want it delivered.

It's a problem. So much of scripture is centered around waiting. Being patient (yikes). And not having to see the end result to trust that the present circumstance is part of his plan.

food for thought
brenda

strange

Strangely enough the car dealership where I got my car called today and wanted my car back. Um what? Apparently it has now gone out of circulation (is that right?) and is a collectable of sorts. So what? It's red and fast! But I did agree to go talk to them just because I didn't have lunch plans :) Basically if they can get me what I want at the price I want I'll be changing cars. If not-I'll own a collectable car :) ha ha . who knows. weird though, huh? I'll let you know.
Brenda

Tuesday Book Review

First of all this title is so misleading. The Prism program is so much more than weight loss. It's an incredible program that helps you to take care of the temple God gave you. I spent a couple hours with the Prism group in Illinois while I was home and was so blessed! The principles of Prism far exceed nutrition. The benefits are eternal in so many ways. I will post my whole experience with Prism sometime soon, but for now if you're looking for Biblical support to get rid of the things in your life that are negatively affecting your health, this book is worth a read. I'd let you borrow mine but I've had 8 of them and I keep passing them on!

Brenda

Elsie Jane

These are my sweet friends from college Billy and Joanna Coppedge. They are missionaries in Africa and work with pastoral training. This is their cute little girl elsie jane who happens to be sporting the new pink feather boa I sent her! Hey, just because your parents are missionaries does not mean you can't still be a princess! So cute. And below are their new puppies! One will be staying with them. And even more exciting - baby #2 will make her African debut in about a month. Love you guys!

wrapping it up

Survey says-IT'S GOOD! The new Starbucks instant coffee is out. Love love love it. The tumbler that came with mine holds the little instant coffee packs in a pouch on the side of your cup! Oh my. My addiction just hit a brand new level of crazy! I still prefer my quad venti nonfat no foam no whip latte-but this will do in an emergency!

That said-I'm signing off for a few days. I'm wrapping up some things at the store today and have a bazillion errands to run tonight and lots of packing to do! Tomorrow night is a huge by invitation only event at the store that will be sheer craziness until at least 11 pm. Working the weekend and then heading to Illinois VERY early Monday morning for a few days. I may or may not have time to blog while I'm there-you were warned! I'll be home Friday afternoon just in time to rest up for another weekend-whew! I'm looking forward to getting away for a few days-if I can just get out of town!

Thanks for the continued prayers on the job front. We had a significant meeting at Greenleaf on Tuesday. I think things with our new temporary boss will be fine and we'll just have to see what the future holds. For now they are planning on things staying the same as far as I know. They did eliminate the marketing dept. which got rid of a few jobs. Hopefully things will level out not just in my job but in the whole economy very soon!

Gotta run. Some of you I'll see very soon! Those of you (and you know who you are!) who are facing some of the hardest days of your lives with unexpected chaos, you are so heavy on my heart today. I love you and I'm praying every minute that the God of comfort and the Peace that passes understanding would truly be yours in Christ Jesus. I'm praying he would quiet your anxious minds with his love and that you would know he rejoices over you with singing. Hang in there friends!

Love to you all!

Brenda

Kristin Billerbeck

Ok ok I promise I'm working on a complete list of my all time favorite books as well as the list I want to read. I'm a little busy here people (!) Just kidding. I just haven't sat down to do it-my bad. I think the only way I can really separate it out is by authors/categories/etc. And then in a few months I'll give you a complete compliation. I promise! For the record I super love when people do this-a few years ago I ordered every book from my friend Beth Coppedge's list. So fun.

I try to read mostly spiritually stimulating books, but let's face it- life's stressful! So when I can find a well written chick lit book that is funny to me I read it usually over and over again! Kristin Billerbeck is one of my ALL time favorites. Everything she's ever written I love and it's straight up hillarious.

What a Girl Wants

ASHLEY STOCKINGDALE SERIES

“All I want is a Christian guy who doesn’t live with his mother – and maybe a Prada handbag.”
Ever felt like the last item left on the clearance rack?
As a successful patent attorney, Ashley Stockingdale has all the makings of a perfect catch – the looks, the brains, even a convertible. But at 31, she’s beginning to wonder if she’s been passed over for good.

MY FAVORITE BOOK OF THE SERIES!

Calm, Cool & Adjusted
Silicon Valley chiropractor Poppy Clayton, who is as calm, cool and adjusted as they come…Or is she? Known for her bad fashion sense, a love for all things natural, and the inability to get a second date, Poppy is beginning to wonder if she might be misaligned herself. Her route to self discovery will be an unnatural one-a plastic surgeon, a house in Santa Cruz and a wedding date from the dark side. It's all enough to send a girl-and her gal pals-running for the spa.

The Trophy Wives Club
Because Sometimes, Prince Charming Isn’t
Haley’s role as an L.A. Princess is canceled when her producer husband finds someone younger for the part…

Back to LifeA Trophy Wives Club Novel
Lindsay took to marriage like a starlet to stilettos, but her husband had a deeper love for the business lifestyle. Left alone after his death, Lindsay must find out who she is when there isn't a party to plan or another person's life to be organized. Can she find her way Back to Life?

If you need a good laugh and someone to relate to Kristin Billerbeck is your friend! Love her. More to come-I promise!

Do not pass go do not collect $200

Do not pass go do not collect $200.00 Mr. Madoff. HORRIBLE. The one thing that he said today though that I thought was significantly convicting was this, "I only meant to do it for a short time but I couldn't stop." Oh sin will get us won't it? Satan promises it will be short term and Jesus promises our sins will be brought to the light. I'm reminded today to pray that even seemingly small sins or injustices would be kept from my life and to live in the light. I'm sure at the start of this unfortunate fiasco Mr. Madoff did not see this as the end result. Lord, save us from ourselves!

my motto for today!

update on the job front

Thanks for your continued prayers about my job situation that I realize seems to be going on forever (try being me!). My boss was transferred out this morning to a new department. I'm so thankful she still has a job, but I will miss her so much. We've been great friends in addition to her being a wonderful boss. My position will be supervised temporarily by the director of nursing and eventually be under the director of behavioral health who is still to be hired.

Being that I just love change (ahem), I'm just a little anxious about how things will turn out. All I could hear from the Lord this morning was, "Peace child." He is the peace that passes understanding. I know I am fortunate in this economy to have a job at all and I do appreciate the Lord's provision and presence in my life.

Just wanted to keep you updated and thanks again for all the prayers. You guys are the best!
Brenda

Randomness

This is going to be a random post but that's what you get :)

Some of you have asked about Missy and Ryan. So sorry I am so bad about keeping you updated! Please don't feel bad about asking me if you want to know anything-I'm glad to let you know and glad for the reminder!
Ryan is doing great. He's responding well to the current treatment regimen and even got to play outside in the snow last weekend!
Missy is still fighting and has been able to be up and around some. She says she's feeling better even though the cancer could be worse.
As if that's not enough, their other son Will has a strange infection in his legs and was hospitalized yesterday. Please pray it's nothing serious!
Please continue to keep this family in your prayers.

No real book review today. I've been reading kids fiction for work which I kind of enjoy sometimes! There's a great new book coming out for pre-teen guys called The Last Thing I Remember. Despite myself-I enjoyed it! Very fast paced. I'm sending it on to Matthew-the only teen guy I know who reads more than I do! (P.S. I find great hope for the future when a teenager is calling me wanting to know the latest Christain book to read-you're the best buddy!) His Nana owns the store where I work.

I'm working on a comprehensive list of the books I've read/want to read this year. I LOVE when I know what people are reading and it will be a good reference for me in the future. Coming soon-stay tuned!

I love days when you feel like you've accomplished what you set out to do and yesterday was that day. Nothing major-I just like days when you can trash the whole to do list at the end of the day because it's all checked off! Worked 8 hours, nails done, great workout at the gym, finished books I needed to finish for work, facial, bills paid. . . . .and on and on. I love going to bed at night feeling like I did it all! I hope when I get to Heaven I feel like I did everything God put on my to do list here on the Earth.

On a totally unrelated note-my dog Ella who by the way has not been a puppy for almost 4 years CHEWED UP MY BROWN LEATHER SHOES last night! What in the world? Apparently she needs some attention although she's pretty much the queen of the castle and I need some new shoes! Craziness.

I'm finally going to see the movie Slumdog Millionare tonight. I've both wanted to and not wanted to see it for awhile now. It won all the oscars and my friends have all said it's "sad but worth seeing." Hmmmm. I hope it's good. I'll let ya know.

For those who have asked Yes I only sweeten food/drinks with Stevia. You can get it at GNC or at amazon.com. I recommend the liquid myself. The flavors are good too.

Okay, back to work. Have a good day! :)
Brenda

Oh be careful

DISCLAIMER: The following is JUST my opinion and you have to promise to be friends with me even after your read it even if you disagree. You promise? Okay-continue on. :)


Someone asked me this morning if I thought charismatic people were going to Heaven. Wow. I should probably say that apparently I have an invisible tattoo on my forehead that says, "Go ahead ask me anything-I can handle it." It's always been that way and I pretty much find people's questions interesting so I don't care. I tried first to take the politically correct route and said, "I think everyone who has put their faith if Jesus and accepted his gift of salvation is going to heaven regardless of their method of worship. No go. The person then replies, "Yes, but can people who believe in the gifts of the Holy Spirit go to heaven?"

It seriously took everything within my Monday tired self to not say WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE?

I make it a rule in my life not to get into arguments about non-issues.

-I will not discuss drinking with you-I personally don't drink-I personally don't care if you do.
-I do not smoke. I don't really think it's good for you to smoke. I really think people who smoke know it's not good for them and probably don't need me telling them that. So I don't.
-I don't think you can lose your salvation. Some people do. My solution? Stay close to the Lord and you won't have to worry about it.
-I think abortion is wrong. All the time wrong. I do not wish to discuss possible theories of when it would be acceptable-it's not.
-I think sex before marriage is wrong-all the time wrong. I will not get into a discussion with you about "how far is too far." If you feel guilty about what you're doing-stop doing it! Duh. I understand people are human and make mistakes but if you do acknowledge it and stop! I hate to see people trapped in making the same mistakes over and over again.
-I think God forgives everything. Period. I do not believe in unforgivable sin-that contradicts itself. We needed forgiveness-God sent a Savior.
-I don't think baptism equals salvation. Thief on the cross not baptized. Thief on the cross in Heaven. I am all for baptism but I don't think not being baptized will send you straight to Hell. I just don't.

So those are my non issues. Feel free to disagree. I'm happy to discuss just about anything but those particular issues end up going around in a circle anyway and sometimes even with Bible things you just have to agree to disagree. You can argue some things to death, but in the long run they may not matter.

That said I always seem to end up in denominational debates with people. When you're in the counseling field people assume you're already heard it all and they're pretty much right. I've said it before-I hate denominations. I understand their purpose but I hate the separation of the Body of Christ. I grew up in a Bible church, went to a Methodist College, Spent a year in college at a Christian church, 3 years in college at a charismatic church and now attend a non-denominational church. In college I spent several days of silence at a monastery and can easily say my faith grew the most during those times. I adore the catholic church and I love the charismatic church. I can find God where I am and I love that he doesn't always show up like we expect him to.

I'm not getting into what I think about the charismatic beliefs on my blog right now. Even though I love a great spiritual discussion, it doesn't matter and my personal beliefs and experiences may not line up with yours and vice versa. I will tell you what I told the guy this morning.

"Yes, I think charismatic people may get into heaven, but not if they play with snakes or hang from the chandeliers!" He laughed. I'm glad we're not all the same parts of the body of Christ. How boring would that be?

Tales From the Mental Hospital

I'm trying to remember some of my more meaningful experiences at the mental hospital so I'm going to start documenting them occasionally on here. You might like them and it will be a good way for me to save them so there ya go.

I started as a tech on the nightshift and I liked the patient interaction really. There was a lady that came in one night and by the time I got to work she had hit 4 people and her Dr. Not good. I should also mention that I've only ever been hit twice at the mental hospital-both by women over the age of 80 who were less than 90 pounds. Do not be deceived by their looks-they are deadly!! So when the charge nurse asked me if I would work with her that night I said sure why not fully expecting her to rank #3 on my "tried to kill me" list. I read her chart and realized she had been in farming her whole life. When I looked over at her they had her in a geri chair and she clearly wanted to get out. Needing a good walk myself I asked her if she wanted to go for a walk with me and I took her out of the chair. Immediately several people backed up! So, I let her lead and we walked, and walked and walked the halls of the hospital from 7:30 pm to 3 a.m. She would stop occasionally to "work the ground" and I would wait. She asked if I wanted to help and I told her I wasn't very good at farming. She said youth was wasted on the young (Ha!) and we kept going. When she (and I!) were sufficiently worn out I asked her if she was ready for bed. She said she needed a snack first and did I have any peach pie. I did not. Knowing that not having the appropriate dessert had caused the 4 earlier people to get hit I was not about to tell this aggressive alzheimer's patient we were out of peach pie. I told her I would check. I placed 2 graham crackers on her tray. She said thank you and asked for a glass of white wine. Hmmm. I gave her a glass of apple juice that i had shaken up. She said it was the best peach pie she'd ever had but the wine tasted funny! I told her it was probably old and she went to bed. She proceeded to hit 4 more people that week, but she never hit me. One night she said I reminded her of her daughter. Prematurely assuming that was a good thing I thanked her and told her that was sweet. She replied, "Well, I hate my daughter but I don't hate Bill Cosby!" Hillarious. She died a few weeks later. That was almost 5 years ago. I hope she's somewhere happy planting flowers and eating the best peach pie she ever tasted. And I really hope when I'm 85 and confused someone will lie to me too and give me some graham crackers so I don't have to hit them!