him

This is D.R. McNew.

He's my husband.

He's charming. He's intelligent. He's handsome. He's logical. He's goofy. He's compassionate. He's challenging. He's always growing. He's inspiring. He's frustrating. (c'mon he's MY husband) I love him.

That's all.

Oh, Step Sing practice......

I miss this. I can't wait to go to Step Sing in a week! Zeta, let's bring that sweepstakes home this year!!!!

A Bit of Transition

Hello all! Sorry it's been over a week since I last wrote. Life happens, ya know? And boy did it change for me this past week.

Last Monday, my boss at the real estate co. called me into her office and regrettably told me that they were having to cut my hours back since the company as a whole was suffering from this economy. I was very understanding but at the same time bummed. I knew this would squeeze DR & I a bit financially but I was confident that we would be alright. That night I sent an email to a bunch of ladies from my church, asking for prayer and inquiring about any job positions they knew of. Tuesday morning, our church administrator, Jen called me and asked if I would like to come in and talk to Pastor Jim about her position which will be available soon since she is way prego and due Feb. 19th! I said, "sure".

Now, this church position has been available (on the low down) for a couple months. At the beginning when I knew they would be looking for someone, I was intrigued and thought, "hey, a job at the church....sounds awesome." But after wrestling with my feelings of inadequacy I determined that I was not cut out for the job. I don't view myself as a detail-oriented, super communicative person and that was basically the job description in a nut shell. Well, God wasn't going to let me loose on this. And He sure wasn't going to let me think I had any credentials of my own to offer, cuz I don't! After meeting with a much trusted friend over lunch on Tuesday (1/27) I gained a renewed sense of where my confidence is found- in Christ alone.

His power is made perfect in my weakness (and inadequacy). So why should I limit what God can do with me? I was certain that I should go forth with the interview.

Wednesday morning I met with Jen and Pastor Jim and discussed the job description in full. Thursday I met with two elders and Pastor Jim to discuss what's expected a little more in depth. At the end of that meeting, I was offered the job. Two hours later, after discussing it with D.R., I accepted with a great peace in my heart and an indescribable excitement in me.

I still have those feelings of doubt arise at times, but I know that God is able to extinguish them. When He calls, He equips. He never calls the seemingly "equipped" so that it's nothing we can boast in. I know some of you may be struggling with feelings of "I just can't do this. I'm not fit to be.....(fill in the blank). " "Someone else is better suited to do this." The enemy will try to tell us we are not capable of things but God says in His word that with Him ALL things are possible. Not some. ALL things. That's a promise from God! How encouraging! I am going to choose to believe that as I start my new job at Grace Community Church as the church administrator. God is the one who will be speaking through me and willing me to work with excellence for Him.

So be obedient when you're called! It's scary. The path is uncertain. But our God will be a lamp for our feet and a light for our path.

For now, I must be faithful to finish my time here with the real estate co. and work as hard as possible to leave a positive imprint. I need to remember that God can receive glory anywhere, and SHOULD receive it all places. Work for the Lord, not for men.

I hope everyone has a joyFULL rest of the week.

my champion

I never thought I could love something so much. You know, besides my handsome husband. He's 2 feet tall, super hairy and eats off the floor. He's Champ.

And here are some reasons why I love him: (and Betty I know you are lovin' the bullets:))

• when he greets you he shakes not just his nub of a tail but his whole torso in excitement. He looks like a wiggly slinky.




• the white side of his face turns pink after he wakes up from sleeping on it.




• his snoring sounds like a defective whoopie cushion




• when he first wakes up, he yawns and lets out a high-pitched squeak noise




• he gives high-fives. sitting or standing.




• he has a polka-dotted belly




• he likes my feet




• he cuddles




• he sometimes falls asleep upsidedown with his jauwels(?) hanging down bearing his teeth




• he hops like a bunny when he fetches a toy




• he enjoys being comfortable and has to be near a pillow of some sort

I affectionately call him champ champ. He's definitely a big part of the family. I never thought a bulldog would melt my heart but alas....he has.

And here's my Champ Champ.

Baby Champ at 8 weeks old.

Champ at 8 months old.

Blanket Victory

...this is what my mentor, Jody prays that I have each morning. blanket victory. This means that I make the choice to throw (or my preference, kick) the blanket off and head to the coffee pot. Well, the 'pot' and then the coffee pot. First things first, ya know? I'm on my 2nd week of meeting with God in the morning and it is going fantastically. Although caffeine at 6:30 is a must, I feel unusually refreshed since waking up earlier. I think it's God rewarding me for spending time with him. And hey, if a reward/blessing comes in the form of feeling refreshed and awake all day long, I will take it!

I used to be a night time meet-with-God person which consisted of me praying in the dark under my covers until I fell asleep. I don't think the prayer lasted more than 2 minutes. Not good. So I decided that although the thought of waking up when it's still quite dark didn't thrill me, the choice of doing so has had many benefits. For example, I'm just a nicer person during the day. I'm more patient with my co-workers, I've been taking criticism more graciously (imagine that!), I get to brush my teeth with DR (hey it's time together these days), and I held my tongue on one occasion when I was about to verbally abuse my husband. Hooray!! Thank you Lord!

So for all of you night time devotioners, I am not knocking your time of meeting nor am I saying that God only blesses us if we meet with Him in the morning. He blesses us when we meet with Him period. He just wants a piece of our day, everyday. It's heart medicine and we need it. He will restore your soul as you read His Word. So find a promise and stand on it or a command and meditate on it. Your day will be better because of it.

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Kia & me

Can I just say I love my new car? I just wanted to show it off. K, i'm done.

Favorites from 2008

(idea borrowed from Tricia Butts)

Here are a few of my favorites from 2008.

Song: When the Saints by Sara Groves. Still the most powerful song I've ever listened to. It's a song reflecting on the Biblical patriarchs and other heroes who stood up for Christ during their lifetime. Sara Groves music in general is just good stuff. Convicting and at the same time soothing to the soul. Check her out!

Movie: Fireproof. If you've seen it, you know why it's my favorite.

Book: Galatians by the Apostle Paul. I have only begun to really study the word of God within the last two years and the most recent study in the book of Galatians was the spiritual medicine that my heart needed. If you want to know how many "laws" you try to keep in your own life, you need to read this book of the Bible. Many times.

Comfort food: (not that you should find comfort in your food but...you know what I mean) Santitas tortilla chips with sour cream and salsa. First: dip chip in sour cream. Then dip chip in cup of salsa. Munch. I could eat this tasty snack at any hour of the day. It is my weakness. When I come home for lunch everyday, I have to tell myself to actually make a healthy meal and not snack on chips the whole hour. lol I have salty taste buds.

T.V. show: 24 and Lost are close competitors but I'm gonna have to vote for 24 in 1st place. How do you not love Jack Bauer? He is the man. If you can bear a few terrorist torture scenes this show is incredible! Monday nights 9/8 c on FOX.

Bible Passage: Galatians 6:14 "May it never be that I should boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." I boast a lot on the inside. I carry a lot of inside pride disguised as "humility". So this verse continues to redirect my attention to the cross and off of my tiny, helpless self. Thank you God.

Article of Clothing: the high waisted belt. What a great concept. Shrinks your waistline. Genius! And it just looks really cute.

Restaurant: Camille's Sidewalk Cafe. Kinda like a Panera only with 10+wrap/panini options! Oh and all served with chips and salsa so you KNOW I'm lovin' that! They also have unique pizzas, the best fruit salad and 20+ tea flavors to choose from. Not sure if it's located anywhere other than Mobile.

and that is all I can think up. :) Hope everyone is enjoying their day.