This just in February 8, 2010

So much for my weekly re-caps.  How bout every 2 weeks?  That’s still good, right?!   I have lots to catch up on so here are a few shows you may have skipped  on the DVR.

1.  CHUCK -

Love this show!  For all you folks who love spy stuff and computer geeks, this show is for you!  Chuck, a normal guy who works for a computer geek squad ends up becoming a CIA intersect.  Basically, he sees a computer full of CIA stuff and it becomes part of his memories.  He then is trained by CIA agents to use the information in his head to help them get the bad guys.  Chuck is on NBC on Monday nights.  The characters are smart and the comedy is witty!  I never miss an episode
2.  MODERN FAMILY

This show is hilarious!  Ed O’Neil (Al Bundy) plays the patriarch of the family. He has two grown children who have their own families.  These characters are ridiculous.  One of my favorites is Phil.  He’s one of the son in laws.  He tries to be cool but always fails.  My favorite episode was one where he had a kidney stone and pain and torment that caused him.  Knowing that pain first hand made watching it super funny!  If you haven’t caught this show yet, check it out at www.hulu.com or on ABC on Wednesday nights.
3.  THE BACHELOR -

Ok, I didn’t want to keep talking about the Bachelor, but come on, it’s been absurd.  The girls are by far the strangest group of women ever on this show.  I kind of feel sorry for all of them.  Jake seems to be holding it together, but everything has to be so dramatic with the girls.  I would have never picked the last four women.  The only one I liked from the beginning was Ali .  However, Gia has grown on me with her sweet and quiet personality and Tenley is also being portrayed as the nice girl.  She’s been divorced and that seems to be the only blur on her image.  Maybe Jake can heal her heart.  (Insert cheesy sigh here).  Now for Vienna.  What’s the adage, if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all?  Well, she’s crazy and dramatic and all over Jake, but it’s boosting the ratings.  The producers must love her for that!  I don’t get why Jake likes her, but to each his own.  They had hometown dates tonight and I won’t spoil it for those of you who have it DVR’d to watch later.  But let’s just say there is an abundance of tears and furrowed brows.
4.  SNL – Ashton Kutcher

I’m a fan of Ashton.  He’s usually clever and funny in his movies.  Also, I’m a fan of SNL, but the last year or so it has really been lacking in the funny.  The only characters that get good grades from me are Andy Samberg and Kristen Wiig.  They usually come up with one or two really funny skits.   This weekend’s offering of comedy fell a bit short.  There were one or two funny bits: Kristen Wiig and Fred Armisen  as Garth and Kat singing on Weekend Update was one of the funniest things.  They kept making each other laugh, which I think is awesome!!

Well, friends.  That’s about all I have for now.  I’m not feeling super witty this week so I apologize for the lack of creativity.  Perhaps it’s the lack of vitamin D since we haven’t seen the sun much this year.  Also don’t forget to post your own reviews or comments if you have them!  Have a great week!

In case you missed it… January 19, 2010

This week I begin what I think will be loads of fun.  A weekly review of the shows you might have missed.  Now I know that with all that is going on in the world right now, this might seem trivial; however I love laughter and I hope that it will make your day a little brighter.

Here we go:

The Bachelor: www.abc.com

This show is quite possibly the craziest, worst written reality junk out there.  I do like the guy though.  His name is Jake and he’s a pilot from Dallas.  He claims to be a Chrisitan and seems very kind.  The girls, on the other hand, are plain crazy.  There are a few that could be in the running, but I’m hoping that this guy will see through all the drama and lip gloss and find a girl to love.  I don’t fully believe that something like finding your soul mate should happen on tv, but I’ve seen stranger things.  Anyway, if you’re not watching, you’re not missing a whole lot other than girls picking on each other for kissing this guy and coming home and talking about it.  If you do want to watch, it’s on Monday nights on ABC.

American Idol: www.americanidol.com

I LOVE this show!!  First, I’m a huge fan of music and people who can sing.  Secondly, I just can’t stop watching the bad auditions. I feel bad for them, but also know that the producers just want to keep their ratings up by showing the weirdies.  Let me share a few of my favorites from the first episode:

The first girl to audition really caught my attention by the shear fact that she based her ability on the video game version of the show.  Sad.  She told Randy that he liked her 90% of the time on the game.  Real life…maybe .09%

Second favorite was the kid in the striped shirt who kept saying “holla” in a really high pitched falsetto.  I loved him and he made me laugh.  Sassiness in stripes.  Seriously though:  Holla!

There were some pretty good singers – The girl with the Portuguese grandmother was great.

The guy who beat cancer was pretty and had a nice voice. I loved the kid whose family was from Uganda and he sang a George Strait song “You Look so Good in Love”.  Which, by the way is one of my favorites!  They never show all the good ones they choose.  But that’s how they get us to watch all the way to Hollywood week.

The night wound down with Norberto, who was a strange little guy who looked like Prince and Gloria Estefan had a baby.  He was all sorts of interesting.

I liked the addition of Victoria Beckham.  Even though she needs to eat something, she was super classy and seemed to give the contestants good criticism.

I missed Wednesday night’s auditions, but I heard all about Pants on the Ground.  Saturday night, while I was in downtown Ft. Worth, I heard a group of 8 year old girls singing it.  Catchy little tune

How I met Your Mother:  www.cbs.com

This show has quickly become my favorite!  With it’s witty banter between characters and Neil Patrick Harris’ version of a ladies’ man; what’s not to love.  If you haven’t seen it, do yourself a favor and watch.  This past Monday was the 100th episode and they celebrated by doing a song and dance routine about suits.  Sounds weird, but it’s fun and makes me want to move to NYC.

Well, friends, that’s all I have time for today.  I’ll be taking notes for the next installment.  If you have any of your own commentaries that you’d like to share, please send them to me!  Oh and FYI, this is just the tip of the iceberg – there are many more shows worthy of review.  In due time, they too shall reach the pinnacle of their success as a featured guest in Mandyland.

Great Expectations January 11, 2010

I know, I know, it’s been 11 months since I’ve posted anything.   But, it’s a new year so here goes nothing!

This weekend I was honored to be part of the inaugural service of the Cowboy Church of Brenham.  My parents and 4 other families are starting this new endeavor.  Dad is the teaching pastor.  I must say that I was blown away by the response of the first Sunday.  When we talked to my parents a few weeks ago about how many they were expecting, they said they were setting up for 160.  Usually in things like this, we tend to hope for the best, but plan for half of what we expect.  Well, yesterday, 160 came.  Plus 140 more!  The guys were pulling chairs out of everywhere!  It was so obvious that God was there.  He showed up and people experienced Him.

How often do we underestimate what He can and will do?  Ephesians 3:20 tells us that God will do ABUNDANTLY more than we can think or imagine for His glory!!  My desire for 2010 is that I won’t let my expectations overshadow God’s ability to exceed them!  I don’t know if anyone else senses this, but I have a feeling that 2010 is going to be something like we’ve never seen.  So here’s to all the possibilities ahead and to our Great Savior who will blow our minds with what He makes possible!!

Hope Now February 1, 2009

I hear this song by Addison Road on the radio about once a day and I love it.   The first two lines are my favorite.  So profound.  If everything really does come down to love, then what are we waiting for?  Why do we hesitate and hide when we know the ONE who is LOVE?  1 John 4: 7-8 tells us what love is…7Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.  8Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God IS love.  

Here are the lyrics to the song and the video below. Check out  www.myspace.com/addisonroad

If everything comes down to love
Then just what am I afraid of
When I call out Your name
Something inside awakes in my soul
How quickly I forget I’m Yours

I’m not my own
I’ve been carried by You
All my life

Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free

When my life is like a storm
Rising waters all I want is the shore
You say I’ll be ok and
Make it through the rain
You are my shelter from the storm

Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free

I am not my own
I’ve been carried by you all my life

Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free

You’ve become my hearts desire
I will sing Your praises higher
Cause Your love sets me free
Your love sets me free
Your love sets me free

Ignite January 17, 2009

I’m in Lubbock for the Ignite student conference. I’ve been in the Will Call window since 6pm and i’m pretty sure I’ve got frostbite . Whose brilliant idea was it to not bring my coat. Despite the chill in the air, it is so cool to see the excitement on these students faces. I can hear them as they are being led in worship by the Jeff Johnson Band. It’s a warmth that a coat just doesn’t provide. In a little while, the speaker will begin and they will have the opportunity to hear the gospel. Pray for their ears to be opened to what God has for them. I’ll update more tomorrow. God is good and His mercy endures forever!

How long can I go between posts? January 16, 2009

My friend Rob reminded me tonight that I haven’t posted in almost a year!  Yikes!  I’m horrible at this thing.  There’s been so much to blog about over the last few months and I just can’t seem to get it all written down.  This weekend I’ll be going to Lubbock for the Ignite student conference.  I’m looking forward to seeing friends and hearing some good preaching and music.  I’ll do my best over the next few weeks to get up to speed with where I am in life.  Suffice it to say that God is working and I’m looking forward to what He has in store for 2009.

 

My friend Sarah and me with friends we met in Tokyo

Thirty something March 28, 2008

Those are words I never would have used to describe myself.  But alas, it is true.  Today the Thirty something dial clicks one more time.  I must say that I don’t feel thirty-two.  I’m not sure what it’s supposed to feel like, but I’m fairly certain I haven’t fully grasped it.  There are days I still feel like a teenager and others I feel like a middle aged lady.  So what does life look like for someone in their third decade?  For me it’s a new chapter, a new journey and the resolve to follow God as hard as I can.  I desire to be used for His kingdom purpose and to make His name famous wherever I am.  This past year has been one for the record books.  I   still can’t quite believe all that has transpired in the last 6 months.  New town, new friends and new adventures have marked the trail so far.  I’m so excited about what this thirty second year of my life has in store.  I can only hope that God will allow me to continue to be part of His amazing plan.  To all my friends and family who have poured into me this last year, words can’t even begin to express how grateful I am.  Here’s to all that is to come!  

Time flies… February 7, 2008

My my, how the time has flown by since my last post.  I don’t even know where to start to get up-to-date. 
I guess I’ll start with the Christmas holidays.  I got to spend lots of time with my family, which made me very happy.  On Christmas Eve we went to my mom’s parents and sang Christmas carols around their retirement complex.  We didn’t see a whole lot of folks, but those we did see really seemed to enjoy the music.   The rest of the holiday was filled with traveling to Dallas to visit my dad’s folks and the rest of our cousins there.  New Year’s day was spent at my Uncle Marion and Aunt Judy’s house.  It’s a tradition  
January seemed to go by so fast.  I’m in the thick of preparation for YEC.  I think it’s going to be a great one!  We’re going to be at a new venue, the Special Events Center in Garland.  I’m absolutely loving it here in Leander.  I am subbing in the school district and have enjoyed getting back in the classroom.  I also love, love, my Upward basketball teams.  I coach 2 teams.  k-2nd and 3rd-5th.  They’re so much fun to watch!
Things at the church are going really well.  The Upward basketball program has been very successful for our first year.  We get to see lots of parents and other family members of the players every Thursday and Saturday.  One Saturday there were about 200 fans there!  The  youth group is going well.  We have about 5 that come on a regular basis.  Pray for boldness in our students as they share their faith with their friends at school.  I’ll be starting a girls Bible study next week.  I’m very excited about that! 
After the first of the year, a group of ladies at our church decided it was time to get in shape.  We are using the Weight Watchers model and meet every Sunday to encourage one another.  It’s been really fun so far.  I’m determined and know that the Lord will give us all the strength to stick with it. 
I just got back to Leander after a long weekend in Dallas.  It was my cousin Brock’s 1st birthday party.  He sure is growing so fast!  I got to see friends and family and watch the Giants win the Super Bowl.  Doesn’t get much better than that!
 Alright, now that I’ve rambled on, I’ll wrap it up.  I have a few prayer requests this time.  1. Pray that I’ll be able to find a full time teaching position.  2. Pray for my great Aunt Nan.  She has some health issues and will be going in for surgery soon.  3.  Pray for FBC Leander and the surrounding community.  That we will be a light in the darkness.Thank you for your support and encouragement.  I love hearing from ya’ll.  Let me know how I can be praying for you!
Blessings! 

Upward December 14, 2007

This week has been a great one here in Leander. I attended a training session for substitute teaching. I’m really looking forward to getting back in the classroom. On Wednesday night we took the youth on a “Destination Unknown” outing. We took them to the local mall to pick out an angel from the angel tree. They chose a boy and a girl and we spent the next hour picking out gifts for them. It really was a good lesson in helping “the least of these” as Jesus says.

Our church is having an Upward Youth basketball league this winter. It’s the first time they’ve done it. I am coaching 2 teams. My first team, The Bears, are 3rd -5th graders. My second team, The Flyers are K-2nd graders. It’s so much fun. It’s a bit hard to keep their attention though and to explain how to dribble and run at the same time. I love spending time teaching kids though. Watching them figure things out and feel like they’ve done something amazing never gets old.

The church is also having a Christmas musical on Sunday night and I’m really looking forward to it. It’s so nice to be part of something like that again. My sisters will be coming down to sing with me and my parents will be here also. I’m so excited for them to see what’s going on here. God has been so good to me. I’m living with wonderful friends who encourage me and worshipping in a church full of people who love the Lord. I can’t ask for more than that. He has taken care of my every need so far and I have no doubt that He will continue to do so.

My prayer during these days prior to Christmas is that we will all take inventory of God’s faithfulness. Take a look back and see the needs He’s met, the ways He’s made. How amazing is the God of our Salvation! Enjoy the fullness of His love this season!

A little piece of pie… November 30, 2007

I had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.  I got to spend some time with my parents and my sisters.  We had a great time.  We played some Guitar Hero, which is a blast.  My grandparents think that I’m taking a video guitar course . Our grandparents had 2 of their friends with them.  Ms. Lou and Ms. Millie.  It’s always nice to share the holidays with new friends.

 Friday we went to Christian Care center in Mesquite.  My great-grandmother was a resident there many years ago and we started a tradition of singing to the residents the day after Thanksgiving.  After the singing we had our annual gift exchange, which got a little feisty with all the stealing and swaping of gifts.  The highlight of the night was the bowling tournament on the wii gaming system.  Congrats to cousin David who was the Champ! As one who didn’t grow up playing video games, I have now become enamored with these new games.  Oh well, I guess there could be worse things.

I officially arrived in Leander  on Saturday.  I have spent the week finding my way around town and having a couple of job interviews.  We had a really good night at church on Wednesday night.  We call our mid week youth gathering The Well. (John 4:13) We had a game night and had 6 students.  It was a great opportunity to get to know the students.  I’m looking forward to more of that!  We’re praying that God will continue to bring students who need to know Him.  Pray for us that we will be able to reach the students of Leander, Cedar Park and the surrounding area.

I’ll close with this statement  I heard at church.  –When we tell our brothers and sisters in Christ that we can’t forgive a wrong they’ve done us, we’re telling them that His sacrifice on the cross wasn’t enough for them. –  That one still has me thinking.