10 days Off

How is it that too often you need a vacation from the 'vacation' you just got done taking?

The past ten days have been jammed packed with lots and lots of excitement! We started our time off heading to Dallas for baby girl's shower! On Friday morning we picked up Aly & Matt from the airport and spent the day shopping and preparing for the shower. Saturday morning David and I had the wonderful opportunity to have his sister, Robin, take maternity pictures of us! I even got my hair and make up done for the day. Talk about THE best thing you could ever do for a pregnant chick!

 

 The baby shower started at 2pm and all things pink entered the house. It was such a great time to see so many ladies and be 'showered' with gifts for baby girl! Oh how I can not wait to meet her!! :) Sunday afternoon David and I made our way back to Arcadia to get ready for all the festivities of the week.

 Monday morning we met Aly, Matt, Mom & Dad in Shreveport for lunch and a shopping trip to Sam's Club. We had 3 days to prepare, cook, & decorate for David's birthday/graduation party! Don't worry, we got some good north Louisiana sight seeing in, which included a trip to Duck Dynasty. We also didn't want to have any of the family leave the state without experiencing some good food. Luckily, living in Louisiana, there is no shortage on good food!

 

 Thursday arrived and it just seemed so surreal. For four years, David and I have walked, talked and prayed about the day he would walk across the stage with his Master's degree! It was here, and we were all ready to celebrate and share in the day with him. The graduation was held at Thomas Assembly Center at Louisiana Tech University. I am so proud.

After the graduation, we got to take pictures with family and then head over to the Arcadia Train Depot for his party! It was so great to see so many people come together to celebrate David. He is truly something special, and I am just glad I am not the only person who knows it. :)

On Friday David and I made our way to Jefferson, Texas. We stayed at a bed and breakfast there called the Azalea Inn. It was such a great experience. Both of us wish we could have stayed longer!We had dinner at a wonderful restaurant downtown called Memories & More Piano Bar. The food and atmosphere was fantastic! All too soon it was time to go.

Back in Dallas, Saturday evening we went to a dear high school friend of mine's wedding. I don't have to attend any reunions, because we just had one! It was great to see so many people I haven't seen in years, and catch up. Weddings are always a fun time, and this one was no exception!

Sunday our time off quickly came to an end. We headed back to Arcadia just in time to get in bed. It was a fast ten days, but were filled with lots of love, laughter and memories. I am thankful that we were able to see so many people and reconnect. This season is officially closed, so now we wait for direction and guidance on the what, when, and where is next! Fun times ahead! :)

Pretty, Pretty Princess

This past week David and I got to experience something incredible. We were able to see baby girl in a 3D/4D ultrasound. Seeing her move around and really start to look like a baby was just simply unbelievable. She has turned and weighs 2.9 lbs. It was exactly what David and I both needed to see to rejuvenate us and remind us why we are persevering so hard right now!!

I know I am bias, but she is beautiful. The first thing I noticed was her lips. They are mine. :)

 However, I think that is about all she has of mine..... The more we looked at the picture, the more I could see David in her. She absolutely looks just like him. The Adams family has a very, very strong family resemblance of a specific t-zone and this little one has it! David's sister Robin sent me a picture of her youngest son (who also has this t-zone) and when I compared the pictures, it was amazing.

What do you think? Can you see the "Adams t-zone"? I do not think there will be any denying David and baby girl are related. ;) Good thing I picked a handsome hubby! :) I just thought it was SO cool to see the pictures side by side. Of course, once she makes her grand entrance into the world, we will have no shortage of pictures! Such exciting times ahead. Just trying to not get ahead of myself. We have less than 12 weeks to meet this pretty, pretty princess!!!!! Ohhhhhhhhh, how I can not wait!!

Seasons

As a teenager I remember getting so unbelievably frustrated that I couldn't "hurry up and ________". That blank could have been a 100 different things, but some I specifically remember - MOVE OUT, go to college, be 18, be 21, graduate college, etc. You get the idea. Anyone who knew me during that time, you would probably more than testify that I was impatient and I absolutely was unwilling to wait - for anything. I wanted it all AND now. I didn't (and frankly, didn't want to) understand what it meant to 'enjoy the journey' and not just focus on the destination...... Fast forward 10 years, yes, I have been out of high school 10 glorious years. Yikes! Specifically the past four years, OK, really the past six months, I think I am FINALLY starting to understand what it means to LIVE in the moment or ENJOY the journey and not just focus on the destination. I have found that I am very goal oriented and by breaking down long term goals into very, very small pieces makes it so much easier to enjoy the season. It also helps to define what your expectations are for that season and who you want to be a part of it.

 Currently, the season of  "getting through August 30th" is all I can focus on. In the next 30 days we will:
-David sits for his 3rd of 4 CPA exams
-have our first baby shower
-spend weekend in Dallas
-get to spend a week with family & friends
-watch David walk across the stage with his Master's Degree!!!
-PARTYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
-celebrate David's 35th Birthday!
-go to the doctor twice
-watch a dear high school friend get married
-attend a work baby shower
-David sit for his LAST CPA exam
-enter 8th month of pregnancy

Some of the things we still are not any closer on:
-baby name
-setting up a nursery
-determining where we are going to move to & when

I think if this pregnancy could have a top 2 list of best things that have come out of being pregnant that would be:
-we are getting a BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-FORCING me to wait. I have 40 weeks, period.

I am literally learning how to take things ONE day at a time, ONE week at a time. Each day I wake up and really have no idea (as far as my body) what it holds. I have never been 28 1/2 weeks pregnant before, and so, I just have to trust that my body is going to do what is was created to do. I also have to wait on seasons to pass before new ones can begin. Right now David studies in what will be the nursery. He NEEDS a desk and even though in my mind that is where the crib will go, I have to wait. Why? Because I want him to be able to pass his tests! LOL. Don't get me wrong, by no means have I sat back and just twiddled my thumbs, but I am definitely out of my 'norm' of being a master planner and already having 20 different options laid out as to how X & Y are going to happen. I simply have been trying to focus on the task at hand - like to plan a party, a graduation, help leave my hubby alone so he can study, etc. You can rest assured I have been able to get in a little baby prep here and there though - namely accessories! :) Clearly, I have my priorities ALL in line.

I am not sure if life is crazy for you right now or not, but coming from someone who is in the middle of craziness, take it from me - it is MUCH more fun to enjoy each moment as they come verses focusing solely on the end result. I can't wait for the end result, but I know it wouldn't mean what it does it we didn't have the little triumphs all along the way! Plus, if you are walking out a plan of the Lord, he has it all under control, so just enjoy. :)

Hugs,
Anna

Community Celebration

In a mere seven weeks, David and I will have a celebration of a lifetime. He will turn 35 and have just walked across the stage at Louisiana Tech with his Masters Degree in Professional Accountancy. Wow. I knew from the first day we moved into our little house on Locust Street that when the day came (because I KNEW it would) we were going to celebrate. And by celebrate, I didn't mean just a quiet dinner and a movie. :) 

If you have read a single post in the past four years, then you know that I came over here kicking and screaming. Through the last four years I have matured in ways I never thought possible. I am still Anna, but I would like to think a little better, with a greater perspective on life, and grip on reality. While it was NOT my heart's desire to live in this state, I have grown to really appreciate Louisiana, and adore my husband.

In January I really started to think about David's party. It was only 8 months away! For as much time and effort I have put into just thinking about his party, you would think I am getting married again. Thank God, I am not. (One wedding is enough, thank you). 

As I started to dream, I began to quickly get overwhelmed with all that there was to do and how much it was all going to cost to really pull this thing off right! All I could do was pray. While living in Arcadia was not my heart's desire, throwing a party to celebrate the accomplishments of my husband - ABSOLUTELY - was my heart's desire! So, I just clung to the scripture: "Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart's desires." Psalms 37:4. 

My first dilemma was finding a venue. David wanted to have the party in Arcadia, and not only did we have limited venue options, but we were also on a budget. Alas, the doors opened to have his party at the Depot downtown. This location pretty much sums up the past, present & future of Arcadia. It couldn't be better.

Next on the list was a food menu, decorations, music, & invitations. Seriously, didn't I mention it seemed like we are planning a wedding - I wasn't kidding. 

This is the part that continues to just flabbergast me every time I think about it! EVERY time I came up with something else we needed to make David's party a success, someone in the community would just happen to offer their services for the exact thing. IT HAS BEEN UNBELIEVABLE. We have several people in north Louisiana helping us with food, decorations, music AND invitations!!!! Isn't it amazing how when you obey God's plan for your life He completely sees everything through?!?! We will not only have the party of a lifetime for David, but the party has become something of a community event, and above any expectations I originally had!

Two scriptures that come to mind are: "Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think." Ephesians 3:20 and "And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus." Phil 4:19

If you are coming to this party, please know when you walk in that it took an entire community of people that have loved and supported David and me the past four years to make this event a success!!! And believe me, when God shows up too, it is FOR REAL!!!! We can't wait to celebrate and have an incredible time with those that we love the most in our life!  If you are not able to make it, please know we will miss you!

THANK YOU to every single person that is helping contribute. You have no idea what kind of impact that you have made on David and me. As much as I still don't like Arcadia, because of people like you, you have made this journey (dare I say) enjoyable and well worth the tedious steps to finish. Thank you again for everything. We absolutely love you and appreciate each one of you that have helped us make this party a complete success.  

Now, hurry up August 15!! We are all ready to party! :) 

Hugs, 
Anna 

  

Bill 58 to Law

This past week has been nothing short of randomly great! On Tuesday, Governor Jindal stopped by the Mission to say hey! 

Ok, ok, not exactly a random visit, but he was still there none-the-less. :) 

Why was he there? Oh, glad you asked. He came to sign bill 58, which is to make hunters donating their game legal. It was actually really cool to watch a bill be signed into law! I mean how many of you can say that you have actually watched a bill become a law!? I understand that this bill was really a 'no-brainer' and wasn't exactly controversial or anything like that, but still!! It was incredible to see the whole process and be a part of it.

The best part about Governor Jindal coming to the Mission, was that I got to meet him! Let me just say, his ENTIRE staff were SO nice, accommodating and simply wonderful! It was actually kind of shocking how 'regular'  his employees were. When I mean his entire staff, that includes his personal security, communications/PR staff, and even the state troopers! 

This experience made me even more thankful to be an American and live in a country where there is still a democracy! Such a great week. 

First Dream

Last night, I had my first 'official' (in my opinion) crazy pregnancy dream. 

It went something like this:

I am making Churros. This is a Spanish sweet snack consisting of a strip of fried dough dusted with sugar or cinnamon. *I have never made these or ever had any ambition to make them either.*

 None the less, I had just pulled the hot dough out of the fryer and filled the middle with cream cheese. Without even thinking to let the them cool down I give one to baby girl! She completely burns her entire mouth and her face resembles the below picture. 

Oh, it gets worse. 

Randomly, CPS is watching through the window and barges into the house the minute she starts screaming and spits out the flaming hot Churro! They try and take her away from me saying, "I am danger to my daughter" and "I am trying to starve her because now she wont be able to eat for weeks due to her burns in her mouth."

OMG!!

**********************************************

I woke up in a panic. Of course I do what any good pregnant mama would do. I wake up David and inform him of this horrible dream and then (in ALL seriousness) give HIM strict instructions to NEVER, EVER, EVER give our baby anything hot, because if he does he will burn her mouth! 

He just looks at me and smiles and says "you are the one that burned her mouth, not me". 

The end. 

 

It is June.

It is officially June and I am officially five months pregnant. Only four more months. Time is literally flying by. However, I will say the nights are the longest. I can't sleep. I think this child is already preparing me for the many sleepless nights ahead!

We have done some things to begin the process to prepare for baby girl. Well, when I say some, I mean we have registered. It was a fun process but a bit overwhelming to realize that we have absolutely NOTHING for baby girl. The most overwhelming part of it all is that every isle in Babies R Us makes you think you are going to be a bad parent if you don't get "X" product. Luckily, I have some incredible mommy friends and they gave me their top 'must haves' and 'have nots' for baby! Yes, I was walking around Babies R Us and Target with five pages of professional opinions from experienced moms that I trust and love. :) It made the process SO much more manageable!!! I will say my most favorite item to register for was bedding! I found the PERFECT bedding/nursery accessories from Pottery Barn Kids. OMG. I am in love. I hope baby girl gets just as excited as I do about all things pink, white and teal. LOL. Everything else we registered for, like strollers, car seats, etc we tried to go more 'gender neutral' so we could reuse them for the next baby. However, I just couldn't help myself with the bedding. :D Other than registering, we really haven't done much to prepare for baby. We have had school (and work) on the brain.

David finished his final spring quarter with flying colors. It was by far his hardest quarter ever - academically and at home. Not only did he have a FULL load of classes, he had a very hormonal first trimester pregnant wife. I think he scared all his young college buddies into never having children. LOL. :) It wasn't THAT bad, but still, these boys are scared to talk to girls [anyway] much less date/marry/have babies with them. Haha. I digress.

Right now it seems like hormones are finally starting to calm down. However, the cravings have picked up. I love the following:
-pickles (I know, I am serious).
-Strawberries.
-Milk (by far the strangest for me since pre-pregnancy I could hardly walk down the milk isle at the grocery store I hate milk so much).
-COLD drinks (primarily water, but Sonic Ice is a God send).
-Cheese (which I loved prior to pregnancy, so I am not sure if that counts).
-Chicken
-Starbursts
-ICEEs (preferably sugar free white cherry).
-Peanut butter & honey sandwiches.

As far as random pregnancy symptoms I have had:
-Heartburn (I will seriously be disappointed if we don't a curly red headed child at birth). ;)
-Wake up to leaves falling outside. Literally. I wake up to EVERYTHING.
-Can't sleep. I am reading all kinds of literature in the weeeeee hours of the morning.
-Did I mention heartburn? Totally a bummer.
-I have a scar on my ankle that was a slight pinkish tint that by the end of every day is purple.
-Hair is THICKER than any shampoo commercial out there!
-Nails look professionally done 24/7 - which I absolutely LOVE.
-Skin is sooooo soft. Can't complain about that!

Now that I am 'counting down' until we have baby girl, I can say that pregnancy hasn't been all bad. It has just been very, very, very different than any hollywood/fantasy that I had in my head! I am finally starting to adjust to the fact that I have a baby girl growing in my belly! She kicks all the time and is super lively. She is most active at night, which is why I can't sleep hardly. Everyone says her kicks will only get stronger! Since it took us so long to get pregnant, her kicking and moving and keeping me up at night is just constant reassurance to me that everything is fine and she is growing like a weed! After all, she is the length of a banana this week. Isn't that crazy?!

Last thing, I am including two links below. David's sister, Robin, is an incredible photographer and took so many amazing pictures at our gender reveal party! I previously blogged some of them, but I wanted to include the links to both the photo album she made us and the additional pictures of the party! You will have to notice the bride at the top of her website. Hint: It's Me. :) I am so grateful for these precious photos that captured such a wonderful evening. We sure are thankful for such a talented lady right in the family! :)

http://www.adorapro.com/PhotographybyRobinSherman/book/annadavid-gender-reveal/8gw8ned7j2

http://www.robinshermanphotography.com/Other/David/29711873_wz3Q5P#!i=2544415970&k=JSHDv7B

PS - I had several people ask me if I would upload my pictures to Pinterest. I have always 'repinned' and 'liked' everyone else's pictures...... Tonight I actually uploaded some of the pictures from the gender reveal party to Pinterest! Guess what?! People have already 'liked' them! How cool is that!?!? It is the small things in life that make me so very excited. ;)

Love y'all!

Team Pink

I think David and I are still on a high from this past weekend. It was exactly what we both needed. 

On Tuesday, May 7 I had my "gender" ultrasound. David was taking one of his last finals for the quarter so he couldn't be there with me. Not to worry, we knew this was going to happen, so we planned to have a party. :) This party was not like any other. It was "gender reveal party". I had looked at all different kinds of ideas on Pinterest for telling the world what you are having, but I decided we needed a full on party to make the official announcement! 

So, when I went to the doctor I had two double stuffed envelopes. I told the ultrasound tech to please write the gender of our baby on the index card, seal both envelopes and then put a star on that envelope. The starred envelope was dropped in the mail to the baker. The baker and the ultrasound tech were the only two people in the world who knew the gender of our baby prior to Sunday night! The other double stuffed envelope had the actual pictures from the ultrasound. I kept that envelope. Don't worry though, I didn't peak, and honestly, with David finishing finals, I wasn't even tempted. We had so much going on before we could come to Dallas that it kept us distracted! Looking back, I am SO thankful I did NOT look. :) Just so I wouldn't leave the appointment empty handed, she did give me a picture of our baby's spine! How cool is that?!

This past Sunday, David and I, along with family and close friends, found out that we are having a precious baby GIRL! Having a gender reveal party was the best decision we could have made to find out what we are having in October! 

When the guests arrived we instantly asked them to pick a team. Just to make sure everyone was honest, they had to wear a matching necklace. :) Naturally, you can see that David and I were divided. After eating dinner, playing games, and visiting with our guests, it was time to cut the cake! We had the baker make a white on white cake and the middle layer was the color. When we cut into the cake we saw the pink icing! Yes, I AM literally jumping up and down I was so excited to A) be right, and B) be having a sweet baby girl! Still can't believe it.

Hope you enjoy the pictures as much as I do. I am so thankful I will have these pictures, and so many more from that night, to cherish for the rest of our lives. I can't wait to meet this precious baby girl in October. We also can't wait to show her these pictures of her Mommy and Daddy finding out she is a girl! She is already going to have quite the baby book! David is still adjusting to all things pink, but she will have him wrapped around her finger in no time! He will be the best Daddy!

Cheers!

Distracted

So, for the past 15 and a half weeks, I have been slightly distracted. As I think the whole world (thanks to social media) is aware, David and I are expecting a baby in October! We have waited for like forever to have a child and we both are ecstatic to be parents! Y'all just thought I had a Pinterest addiction! LOL. The first trimester really kicked my butt, but Doc feels like the harder it kicks your butt, the healthier the baby - so I am FULLY confident that this baby is alive and well! :) I can't believe I am almost half way there. Seriously, we are both so excited for baby to come!!!

While we wait on baby, we have SO MANY other reasons to celebrate in the mean time.

Here are the exciting things happening in May:
-David finishing his spring quarter. PRAISE THE LORD!
-celebrate Mother's Day as a first time Mom-to-Be
-find out the gender of Baby Adams :)
-seeing my parents twice!
-going to Dallas and visiting with LOTS of family and friends
-enjoying being outside and watching our garden grow
-eating fresh tomatoes from our garden & attending crawfish boils
-admiring my sweet Poppies that have all been blooming beautifully this spring!! (absolutely, my favorite flower!!!!)
-plan, invite, and plan some more for David's party in August!!!!!!! WOOOOO-WHOOOOOO!

Quiet Celebration

Isn't it weird how such monumental life events happen in the quiet moments of life? I always thought that when one accomplished major life events the whole world should (and would) stop to celebrate it with you. The reality is that almost all of the world doesn't even know that I exist, much less that a major life event happened tonight in our house! I mean who knew the world doesn't revolve around ME or David?! ;)

Anyway, tonight, David took his LAST undergraduate final EVER! He is DONE with his Bachelor's Degree and in a mere 6 months he will be done with his Master's Degree! How unbelievable is that?!

My hubby is an official college graduate. I am so proud. Tonight, we celebrate quietly. Just know there is a serious party coming 6 months! I love my husband so much, and I simply do not have the words to express my gratitude for his selflessness to change his family tree. This season has been anything but easy, but all in all, worth it. I can't believe he (we) did it.

While many of you are going through your regular Monday night routine, don't be afraid to stop and give a little shout for us! Know that we would love to have you quietly celebrate with us. :)

Hope each of you are having an amazing week! If you aren't - then change it by claiming it!

I leave you with this.... Proverbs 13:19 "A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul....." Enjoy!

-Anna

February

This past month as been nuts. The winter quarter is always the hardest because it has such a weird schedule. I think the slowest months of the year are January and February. All other months seem to fly by, but not January or February! We have been patiently marking each day off the calendar as though we are in slow motion. David finishes his quarter in two weeks and we can't wait. After all, this quarter is his LAST as an undergraduate! Yes, that's right - he will have a Bachelor's degree in a mere 2 weeks!!!! YA!!!!

I am naturally doing what any good wife would do while their hubby is taking finals - leave. :) On Monday, my boss and I leave for Los Angeles! We will be gone for a week. I can't wait. I hate that David wont be able to go with me, but I am very much looking forward to the sunshine and palm trees. I absolutely love the sunshine! I come back just in time for him to finish up his finals. Then..... it's on to celebrating time. ;) Since his Master's degree will be the BIG celebration, we are just keeping this one to us. He walks on March 2 with his Bachelor's of Accounting. I am so proud. I am so proud. Did I mention, I AM SO PROUD!!! The very goal we moved over here for, David will accomplish in two weeks. It just seems so surreal.

While the past couple of weeks have been nuts, we have definitely found time to enjoy life. On Thursday nights we go to our Life Group (Bible Study) from church. It has been such a great time of fellowship and edifying each other in the Word. I love that there are 'normal' people in this world that love the Lord, but aren't like 'weird'.... haha. Do you know what I mean? Anyway, we have kept our weekends full with miscellaneous activities too. Like, last Saturday night we went to this event called "Tied Up in Knots". We actually got to meet Karen Knots, Don Knots daughter. She was nice, and funny. The best part of the event - it was free. :)

Last Saturday also marked my first ever of attempt of making a King Cake with Aunt Char. Naturally, she did most of the cooking, and I did most of the dish washing, but it was a fun time nonetheless. We had dinner before the event with Aunt Char too. She got boiled shrimp for us! It was delicious. Seriously, one of the best things about living in Louisiana is the FOOD!!! King Cake and Cajun - you just can't go wrong! :)

Sunday night we went to our friends the Stevenson's for dinner. Sherri made us homemade gumbo and you guessed it, KING CAKE! Yum! LOL. We get together with them at least once a month. We absolutely love this family and we are so thankful for them. Plus, they love our pups as much as we do!

This week was jammed packed. You had Fat Tuesday, Ash Wednesday, and Love (Valentine's Day) Thursday. I mean that is just crazy! :)

David and I stuck with our tradition of spending no more than $10 total for Valentine's day. He got dinner and picked his own home grown flowers for me. We had $3 left over, and it was the best Valentine's day yet. I am so thankful for a my husband. He really does mean the world to me.

This weekend we are just as busy! Tonight we have a great date planned: GROCERY SHOPPING. Tomorrow night we are going to a youth fundraiser at our church, and Sunday we will take our adopted grandparents to church and lunch.

And, just to leave you with some random, but very funny humor. My coworker has introduced me to most of these, but I have found a couple on Pinterest. Anyway, enjoy. Hope your February has been great!

Part Two

Continuation on the book of Exodus.  The book of Exodus, in my opinion, should be split into 2 parts. Part one should be chapters 1-15 and then part two should be chapters 16-40. Because I feel so strongly about this, that is how I will breakdown this book.

*please note, this is my interpretation - not to offend - but to simply help me digest the material, and possibly help others glean. All scriptures are based out of the NLT version. 

PART TWO:

When Israel crossed the Red Sea, they rejoiced and gave offerings to the Lord. THREE days later the complaining began! Isn't it amazing how quickly we forget how bad something was when we are forced to walk forward in faith? One word: ungrateful.

This part of Exodus is very detailed and lengthy - did I mention detailed? Basically, Moses and Aaron are leading over 600,000 people and their possessions to the Promised Land (on foot). Can you imagine? Talk about herding cats! No wonder it took them so long to finally get there (among other reasons)!

Instead of giving a play by play of what happened, I am just going to point out the highlights for part two. These are things I considered important.

• God gave Israel manna and quail every day to eat, except on the Sabbath. However,  He gave them double on Saturday so they could rest on Sunday and not have to gather food. 
• The people cried out that they were thirsty. The Lord told Moses, "Strike the rock, and water will come gushing out. Then the people will be able to drink." (Exodus 17:6) The people drank water out of a rock!
• The people were attacked. As long as Moses kept his arms and staff raised, Israel was defeating the attackers. His arms would begin to fall, and the enemy would gain grounds on Israel. To help keep his arms and staff raised, Aaron and Hur found a place for Moses to sit down, and there the two of them held his arms up. Israel defeated their enemy. (Exodus 17:8-16)
• Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, came and paid him a visit. Jethro speaks wisdom over Moses. He tells him he needs to start delegating job tasks to other trusted men in the group. This is first hierarchy of the church set up. You had people over 50, 100, 1000, 10,000 people so Moses could focus on his most important tasks and not get bogged down with frivolous stuff. 
• Mount Siani is one of the most scared locations in Israel's history. 
• The Lord teaches Israel how to worship Him. He gives them law to follow. We know these as the 10 Commandments. (Plus, LOTS and LOTS and LOTS of other laws to follow). 
• The Lord gives Moses instructions for the Tabernacle. 
• They receive the Ark of the Covenant. No one knows where this is today. 
• I find it so interesting that EVERYTHING down to tables, and drapes are given with extreme detail and vivid instructions. Why is everything so specific and detailed? I believe it is because God cares about the details. He cares about you, and your likes and dislikes. After all, he made you that way! Just remember, God is a VERY specific!! 
• Israel learns what Day of Atonement is and how to worship once a year to celebrate it. 
• Israel messes up, and gets inpatient waiting on the Lord and Moses, so they begin to worship a gold calf. Moses comes down and sees what is going on and is pissed. He just spent 40 days getting all this description on what/when/where/how from God and His people are worshipping a cow. Ya, I think I would have flipped a lid too! He was so mad, he actually broke the first set of 10 commandments. What! 
• After everyone calms down, Moses goes back and gets a second set of the 10 commandments from the Lord. 
• Israel gets to work on the plans to build the Tabernacle. (This super detailed structure, is nothing more than a fancy tent!) Isn't that crazy? So much time, effort, detail, expense and GOLD went into this structure! 
• Moses was not a micromanager. He let his trusted advisors oversee their responsibilities. 

Bottom line from Part Two of Exodus: 

Because of Jesus we no longer have to have a building to worship the Lord in, but our bodies now are the temple of the Holy Spirit! Pretty cool, huh? Also, don't forget - GOD IS SPECIFIC. He definitely cares about the small (what we might even consider insignificant) stuff in our lives! 

Part One

Next book: Exodus.  The book of Exodus, in my opinion, should be split into 2 parts. Part one should be chapters 1-15 and then part two should be chapters 16-40. Because I feel so strongly about this, that is how I will breakdown this book.

*please note, this is my interpretation - not to offend - but to simply help me digest the material, and possibly help others glean. All scriptures are based out of the NLT version. 

Part One:

PHARAOH! PHARAOH! LET MY PEOPLE GO!!! Did any one else sing that song at Vacation Bible School almost every summer like me? I feel like that pretty much sums up part one of Exodus!

I am getting ahead of myself.

At the time Moses was born, Egypt's Pharaoh had placed a death sentence on Hebrew newborn boys. "Pharaoh gave this order to all his people: "Throw every newborn Hebrew boy into the Nile River. But you may let the girls live."(Exodus 1:22).

When Moses was born, his mom knew instantly he was special. After hiding him for 3 months, she but him in a papyrus reed basket and placed him in the reeds of the Nile River. Moses' older sister kept watch from a distance to see what would happen. Right on cue, Pharaoh's daughter came with her servants down to the river. She knew the baby boy must have been a Hebrew baby, but he was crying and she felt sorry for him. Older sister walks right up to Pharaoh's daughter and says, "Should I go and find one of the Hebrew women to nurse the baby for you?" (Exodus 2:7). Pretty clever! Of course, the princess says yes and big sister runs to get her mama! The princess even ended up paying Moses mama to nurse him. Once Moses was weened, his mama took him back to the princess and she adopted him as his own.

I feel like I could just stop the story right there! I mean HOW COOL IS THAT? You think God doesn't have a plan for your life?!? Ha! Yes He does, and it is so impressive. We just have to trust in Him and live it out. Too often we over think our plans (mainly me) when we just have to remind ourselves that He has it allllllllllll under control. What's the word? Oh, TRUST! Anyway, back to the story.....

When Moses was older he ended up being exiled from Egypt. He killed an Egyptian after watching him beat a Hebrew slave. Apparently, that is a 'no-no'. He moves to Midian for a new life. (Exodus 2:11)

After marrying and starting a family, Moses tended the flock of sheep for his FIL (father-in-law). "One day the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a blazing fire from the middle of a bush. Moses stared in amazement. Though the bush was engulfed in flames, it didn't burn up." (Exodus 3:2) During this conversation with the Lord, Moses learns that he is not only going to go back to Egypt, but he is also going to set the Israelites free! **I don't know why, but I think of Simba in the Lion King right here, when Simba has to go back and face his past....I digress.

Moses had a million questions. He was asking, "Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?" (Exodus 3:11) and "What if they don't believe me or listen to me? What if they say, 'The Lord never appeared to you'?" (Exodus 4:1). I would have asked the same questions too! God gave him clear instructions on what to do when he met with Pharaoh. He was to show him the Lord's power.

First, Moses turned his shepherd's staff into a snack. Pharaoh's magicians did the same thing. Pharaoh wasn't impressed. Next, Moses turned his hands from healthy to diseased, and back to healthy hands again. Again, Pharaoh wasn't impressed his magicians could do the same thing.

Since Pharaoh wasn't going to give up the Israelites that easily, God gave Moses a plan: 10 Plagues.

But before Moses would follow through with performing the plagues, he demanded that God give him someone who would speak on his behalf. God was NOT happy about it, but He did give Moses a PR person; his brother, Aaron. Apparently, Moses had a stutter.

Now, the plagues begin.

1. Blood. Moses turns every ounce of water into blood through all of Egypt. Even the water in clay pots were turned to blood. (Exodus 7:14-24) Pharaoh's magicians duplicate the plague, so it doesn't impress Pharaoh.

2. Frogs. Frogs come up from the Nile River and cover all the land. (Exodus 8:1-15) Pharaoh's magicians duplicate the plague. Pharaoh pleads to get rid of the frogs and says he will set the Israelites go! But he turns his back on his word to let the Israelites go.

3. Gnats. All of the dust become gnats. (Exodus 8:16-19) The Hebrew neighborhood is untouched by the gnats. Pharaoh's magicians couldn't duplicate the gnats. God gets Pharaoh's attention. Pharaoh pleads to get rid of the gnats and says he will set the Israelites go! But he turns his back on his word to let the Israelites go.

4. Flies. A thick swarm of flies came over the land of Egypt. (Exodus 8:20-32) The Hebrew neighborhood is untouched by the flies. Moses told Pharaoh the flies wouldn't touch God's people, but put the Egyptians into a state of chaos. Pharaoh's magicians couldn't duplicate the flies. Pharaoh pleads to get rid of the flies and says he will set the Israelites go! But he turns his back on his word to let the Israelites go.

5. Livestock. The hand of the Lord struck down all the Egyptians livestock - horses, donkeys, camels, cattle, sheep and goats - with a deadly plague. Not one of Israel's livestock is touched.  (Exodus 9:1-7) After killing all of the Egyptians livestock, Pharaoh still will not let the Israelites go!

6. Boils. "Then the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, 'Take handfuls of soot from a brick kiln, and have Moses toss it into the air while Pharaoh watches. The ashes will spread like fine dust over the whole land of Egypt, causing festering boils to break out on people and animals throughout the land'." (Exodus 9:8-12) No Hebrew man, woman or child was infected by the boils. God protected His people. Boils broke out on all of the Egyptians and their animals. The magicians couldn't even stand before Moses because they too had boils all over them. Pharaoh wouldn't let the Israelites go.

7. Hail. Moses told Pharaoh if he didn't let the Israelites go he would "send a hailstorm more devastating than any in all the history of Egypt. Quick! Oder your livestock and servants to come in from the fields to find shelter. Any person or animal left outside will die when the hail fails." (Exodus 9:13-35) Pharaoh FINALLY admits he has sinned and asks Moses to take the Hebrews to another land! Alas!! "But when Pharaoh saw that the rain, hail, and thunder had stopped, he and his officials sinned again, and Pharaoh again became stubborn. Because his heart was hard, Pharaoh refused to let the people leave!!"

8. Locusts. Locusts cover all of Egypt and eat everything left after the hail. (Exodus 10:1-20) Everyone in Egypt is begging Pharaoh to let the Hebrews go, but Pharaoh refuses.

9. Darkness. Total darkness covers Egypt for 3 days so no one can even move! Naturally, the Hebrews continue life as usual, why? Because they have light!! (Exodus 10:21-29) Pharaoh again promises to let  Israel go, but again changes his mind.

10. Death of the first born. This is final blow. The firstborn of all the people and cattle of Egypt die, but Israel is spared! (Exodus 11:1-12:33) Pharaoh and the Egyptians URGE Israel to leave and QUICKLY!

Moses jumps on the opportunity, and tells all of Israel to pack their bags, they are moving!! Finally, they will be free and go to the land of milk and honey.

On the journey out of town, the Lord leads them a less direct route to get out of Egypt. In the mean time, Pharaoh again changes his mind, and calls all of his army together to go and get the Israelites. Moses gets word from the Lord, and Moses lifts his arms and staff to part the Red Sea. The Israelites pass through the Red Sea unharmed and completely dry. Once the last Hebrew got onto safe ground, Moses raised his arms again and the Red Sea collapses back together - killing Pharaoh and all of his army!

INTERMISSION.

Shortest Gospel

If you have never ever read an entire book in the Bible, I would highly recommend the book of Mark. It is the shortest of the gospels, but jam packed full of the absolute best teachings and understanding of what it is to be a Christian, and why! You get Jesus's entire ministry on Earth in a mere 16 chapters, start to finish!

Background: Mark is not one of the 12 disciples. Who knew? He actually was BFF with Paul. Mark wrote this book to try and prove to the Roman Christians that Jesus was in fact the Messiah. I completely appreciate the fact that Mark was descriptive, but straightforward and to the point. (Kinda like me). :)

Here is my (non-abbreviated) cliff notes of the book of Mark:

*please note, this is my interpretation - not to offend - but simply help me digest the material, and possibly help others glean. All scriptures are based out of the NLT version. 

So, the book begins with John the Baptist proclaiming: "Someone is coming soon who is greater than I am - so much greater that I'm not even worthy to stoop down like a slave and untie the straps of his sandals. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit! " (Mark 1:7)

The book of Mark gives testimony after testimony of Jesus healing, casting out demons, speaking authority over evil or demonic spirits, and performing miracle after miracle.

Here are some of the main accounts:
-the blind man can see
-paralyzed man can walk
-extremely diseased is no longer with fever
-sends demons out of a little girl (7:24-30)
-a bleeding women stops bleeding (she had female issues he cured!) (Mark 5:30-34)
-crazy man has demons cast out of him, and Jesus sent the spirits into a herd of 2,000 pigs that ran down a hill side and straight into a lake of water and drowned. (Mark 5: 1-16)
-speaking peace over a storm
-heals all who touch Him (Mark 6:53-55)
-feeds 5,000 people with 5 loaves and 2 fish (Mark 6:30-44)
-brings a dead girl back to life. (Mark 5:35-43)
-walks on water to his disciples (Mark 6:45)
-feeds 4,000 people with 7 loaves (Mark 8:5)

Read it! It's in there!

You really see the frustration Jesus has with the religious leaders. Majority of them absolutely did not believe that Jesus was anything that he said he was and mocked his teachings. They accused him of getting his powers from Satan. (Mark 3:20-30). Several times they tried to trick him with weird questions or back hand compliments. Mark gives us several examples of this when they ask him about fasting, divorce, and taxes. All of which he answered with extreme eloquence and pose. (If I do say so myself). One of my favorite encounters is when the Pharisees were asking Jesus about taxes.

"Teacher," they said, "we know how honest you are. You are impartial and don't play favorites. You teach the way of God truthfully. Now tell us - is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay them, or shouldn't we?" Jesus saw through their hypocrisy and said, "Why are you trying to trap me? Show me a Roman coin, and I'll tell you." When they handed it to him, he asked, "Whose picture and title are stamped on it?" "Caesar's," they replied. "Well, then," Jesus said,"give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God." His reply completely amazed them. (Mark 12:14-17). BAM! Seriously, eloquent and pose right?! That is the kind of quick (but wise) natured words I desire.

Jesus quickly created a following and large masses of people would turn out to hear him preach. Can you imagine? No microphones, sound equipment, or high tech projectors and yet he still ministered to the thousands! When he taught, he often told parables (or stories) to help the people understand. After his sermons, he would further explain himself to his disciples, just to make sure they understood what he was really trying to say.

I think the most incredible part of reading Mark is the fact that miracle, after miracle he told the people to not tell anyone. Only one time he told the crazy man that had the demons go into the pigs, to go and tell his community of influence what He had done for him. When I was first reading through Mark, I really didn't understand this. Naturally, if I was doing all these miracles and setting people free, I would want them to go and tell anyone and everyone right?! I mean hello! But here is the deal: Jesus wasn't coming to Earth to show off. The devil was (and still is) doing just fine at that. However, Jesus came to be a personal one on one God. He wants YOU. One at a time, one heart at a time, one personal relationship at a time. He didn't (and still doesn't) want people speaking they follow Him with their lips but has no relationship with Him in their heart. Hope that isn't too deep, but do you get what I am saying? He cared single handily about each one of those people he healed or performed miracles on just like he cares about you and me specifically. Pretty neat huh?

Anyway, back to the book. Several times the disciples are just in aw and confused by Jesus. They say things like "who is this man?" I can only imagine; you have been the cool kids for 4 years and rule the high school and then comes this new guy. You accept him as "one of the boys" but then he starts doing things that are "weird" or "not normal" right? The disciples seem to constantly be questioning who Jesus is and half the time, not getting what He is trying to teach them! I think I would have been SO MUCH more frustrated with the disciples than He was. Talk about herding cats! Golly!!

Jesus speaks about the greatest commandment. Jesus replied, "The most important commandment is this: 'Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord you God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. The second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' No other commandment is greater than these." (Mark 12:29-31).

Jesus warns the disciples three different times in the book of Mark about His death. He walks them through what will happen. The book ends with the traditional Easter story. You have palm Sunday where Jesus comes in on a donkey and the crowds are flooded with people waving palm branches and laying them before His path. Four days later, what is now called, Maundy-Thursday, is the last supper. Jesus explains that one of you will turn me in and tells Peter he will deny Jesus 3 times before the rooster crows. Friday morning, Jesus is crucified. My study notes said it was predicted to be about 9am when he was nailed to the cross and 3pm when he took his last breath. He rose from the grave 3 days later. We now celebrate this series of events through the Week of Easter and on Easter Sunday.

The amazing part about Jesus raising from the dead is that he went down to hell put an absolute butt whooping on the devil and then went to Heaven. Good news for us - HE paid the price, so we don't have to! All we have to do is accept Christ and then walk in who He has called us to be. Seems so easy right? That is because it is!!

Seriously, I really enjoyed reading Mark. Again, I strongly encourage you to do the same. It is an easy read and filled with some awesome information about Christ's ministry while he was walking this Earth.

High Standards

Isn't it funny what you randomly remember? Today, I reminisced with some coworkers about my high standards for a husband. I can't stop thinking about it, so I thought I would share. :)

When I was in high school, getting married or meeting 'the man of my dreams' was the least of my concern. Ironically, I even had a boyfriend at the time! HA! I just really never worried about my future hubby. I was simply THRILLED to be leaving the house and moving on to bigger and better things: college. Don't worry, I didn't disappoint. I sure did have a great time. :) Boring easily, I dated a different guy every weekend. Some would say that maybe my standards were too high, but quite frankly, my standards were exactly where they needed to be and being 'picky' definitely has paid off!!

For fun one night some girl friends and I wrote out a list of things we wanted in a guy. Before you even ask, no mine were NOT all materialistic, but just to make sure I got the RIGHT guy, I wanted to be specific. Duh.

Here was (appropriate for the blogging world) my top 10 list for my future husband:

10. NO video games, ever.
9. Sports fanatic
8. Get along with his guy friends, and genuinely like them.
7. Never been married, engaged, or have any children.
6. Drove an SUV - I would NOT date someone with a sports car. Period.
5. Great personality, makes me laugh and gets my jokes (or at least acts like it)
4. Parents were still together and has siblings.
3. Red Headed
2. BIG muscles - arms and NO chicken legs, all around hottie.
1. Christian

Pretty good list huh? My original list actually has closer to 50 things, but you get the idea. I mean, how specific can a girl get, and to know that God really did have someone picked out JUST for me that was EXACTLY what I was looking for! The whole idea still makes me giddy to think about.

David now exceeds the list that I wrote out so long ago. Life has made him so much more than just a Christian-muscled-hottie. ;) He is my husband, my best friend. He is the person that I turn to when I don't understand, or have questions about something. David is my rock. He is my example of how Christ loved the church. David is my true companion.

When life is difficult and I don't understand why, I am thankful that I have him. I have no idea what our future holds, but I am so grateful to be walking the journey with him by my side.

A Book Rated X

This year one of my goals is to read the entire Bible. I have never done this. If I am being completely honest, in the past, I have been lucky to read a Proverb a day! In the past couple of years, I have definitely gotten deeper into The Word, but still felt like I was missing so much. I truly have a desire to have my OWN opinions about what I am reading and not to just go off of what someone else thinks or says. Because after all, I can form my opinions, thank you very much!

Did you know that the Bible was rated X!?!? I have just finished Genesis and OH MY GOSH!!!! I have absolutely LOVED reading through Genesis. You have your classic stories; Creation, Adam & Eve, Noah, Abraham & Sarah, Jacob, and Joseph. I mean duh, everyone knows those stories right?! However, there is SO much more in this one book!

Here is a brief summary of some of the scandals in Genesis (this is per the NLT version):

-Cain and Abel are the first siblings. Cain was the oldest and had an anger/jealously problem. Cain kills his own brother Abel. Cain is cursed by God. Genesis 4

-Noah gets drunk after the flood. (How did I miss that?) Genesis 9:20

-God tells Abraham he is going to have a son. Abraham tells Sarah and she takes matter into her own hands and lets him sleep with her maid, Hagar. Sarah thinks by Hagar sleeping with her hubby that this is how God must have intended her to have a son, right? I mean hello, Sarah is OLD and barren, right? Ishmael is born from Abraham and Hagar. This is the beginning of the Muslim faith. Crazy, huh?

- Abraham and Sarah had a son named Isaac. He would carry the blessing of his family and be the one to father many nations. At a party after Isaac was born, Hagar and Ishmael were there too. Can you imagine? It is like the ex-wife and current wife with their own children by the same dad all at a party.... Ya, I think that this scenario is watched for entertainment by some everyday on a little show called Jerry Springer! Anyway, Sarah doesn't like that Hagar and Ishmael are making fun of Isaac so she tells Abraham to make them leave. Naturally, Abraham doesn't know what to do, so he goes to the Lord for advice. God says, "...DO WHATEVER SARAH TELLS YOU!!!!" (Genesis 21:12) Not sure why that just makes me smile.... sometimes, I wish David's name was Abraham and my name was Sarah. ;) Isaac is the chosen son. To continue the above verse of Genesis 21:12 - God tells Abraham that it is Isaac through whom your descendants will be counted. And thus, you can now understand from the beginning the issues and rivalries that the Jews and Muslims have had with one another. Honestly, I would have been pretty pissed too if I was Ishmael and for 13 years I was told/thinking I was going to be all that and a bag of chips and then a little baby comes along and the tides turn. I get it. I digress.
Naturally there is a big fight, and Hagar and Ishmael are kicked out. The hatred begins between the two families (nations/religions).

-Lot, Abraham's nephew, has two angels come to his door to tell him and his family to leave the city. The city is so corrupt that the men of the city are banging on his door to have sex with the angels! (WHAT!!) Read it, it's in there. (Genesis 19:5) Lot actually offers his two virgin daughters to the men of the city to protect the angels. The angels tell Lot to leave the city and take his family. The angels told Lot and his family to not look back at the city of Sodom and Gomorrah as it was going to be destroyed. His wife looked back and turned into a pillar of salt. (Genesis 19:25).

-After the destruction of the city, Lot and his two daughters moved into a cave. The girls were worried that there were not any men left to marry, and they wanted to have babies. They devised a plan. The oldest daughter got her dad (Lot) drunk and slept with him. She got preggo. (Seriously, so gross!) If that wasn't enough, the youngest daughter did the same thing! (Throw. Up. Now). (Genesis 20:32-38).

-Abraham is asked to sacrifice his own son, Isaac. He was tested. He obeyed. God had favor on him. Could you do that if God asked you to sacrifice your son? Talk about some SERIOUS faith! (Genesis 23:12)

-Isaac married Rebekah. She got preggo with twins. Jacob and Esau. Have you heard the story? While she was preggo the twins fought inside her belly! She was distraught over the unborn babies fighting and asked God what was up?! He said that the babies will be two nations and they will be rivals. One nation will be stronger than the other and that your older son will serve your younger son. When Rebekah gave birth Esau was born first. When Jacob came out, he was grasping Esau's heel. (Genesis 25: 21-26). Isaac favored Esau and Rebekah favored Jacob. Jacob tricked Esau into giving him his birthright. Then right before Isaac died, Rebekah overhead Isaac telling Esau that he wanted to give him his blessing. She went to Jacob and they devised a plan to have Jacob get the blessing instead of Esau. Dressed in Esau's clothes, and a meal cooked by Rebekah, Jacob got the blessing from Isaac and Esau ended up with no birthright or blessing. He was pissed! I would be too!! (Genesis 27). The two brothers do eventually make up.

-Jacob meets a hot chick named Rachel. He wants to marry her. He works 7 years to marry her. On the day of their wedding, her father gives Jacob her older sister Leah to marry instead. AFTER he sleeps with her, he goes to his father-in-law and tells him that he wanted to marry Rachel, not Leah! He works another 7 years to get Rachel. So 14 years later, he has got the girl he wanted (plus Leah, and two other wives that are the girl's servants). Jacob ended up with 12 sons, and his two favorite we the youngest coming from Rachel; Joseph and Benjamin. Jacob is still working for his father-in-law but feels he is ready to move out on his own and prosper. He makes a deal with the father-in-law; "Don't give me anything. Just do this one thing, and I'll continue to tend and watch over your flocks. Let me inspect your flocks today and remove all the sheep and goats that are speckled or spotted, along with all the black sheep. Give these to me as my wages. In the future when you check on the animals you have given me as my wages, you'll see that I have been honest. If you find in my flock any goats without speckles or spots, or any sheep that are not black, you will know that I have stolen them from you." (Genesis 30:31-33). Naturally, the father-in-law agreed. The cool part about this is - that EVERY sheep, & goat got speckles or spots or were black! Ironic huh? Talk about FAVOR! LOL.

-Jacob and God wrestle. God touched Jacob's hip and wrenched it out of its socket. (Genesis 32:24). Even to this day, people of Israel don't eat tendons near the hip socket because of what happened that night! (Genesis 32:32).

-Jacob's only daughter Dinah was raped. The prince that did this to her wanted forgiveness from her brothers and dad. They said if the entire city gets circumcised they would agree to forgive him and live as one people. If the city didn't get circumcised they would take her away. The entire city agreed to be circumcised. (Can you imagine?) Knowing they weren't fully recovered yet from the circumcision, two of Dinah's older brothers changed their mind about there agreement with the men of the city. While the men were still in pain, they went and killed all of them. "They seized all the flocks and herds and donkeys - everything they could lay their hands on, both inside the town and outside in the fields. They looted all their wealth  and plundered their houses. They also took all their little children and wives and led them away as captives." (Genesis 34:28-29). TALK ABOUT REVENGE!!!!

-I feel like everyone knows the story of Joseph, there is even a Broadway play about him! Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat! (Yes, I did perform in it and yes, at one time I knew all the colors in his coat.) Anyway, the last scandalous story that is in Genesis is about Joseph's older brother Judah. Judah had three sons. His oldest son Er was wicked and was killed. The second son, Onan, married, Tamar, the girl that Er was supposed to live happily ever after with. Onan didn't particularly like this girl. We know that because THE BIBLE SAYS "But Onan was not willing to have a child who would not be his own heir. So whenever he had intercourse with his brother's wife, he spilled the semen on the ground." Genesis 38:9. If your jaw is on the ground, don't worry - mine was too. But this story gets even better. So Onan died because he was a disgrace to his family and God for not making babies. Judah's third son wasn't old enough to marry yet, so Judah told Tamar to go back and live with your parents and when Shelah (Judah's third son) gets old enough I will send for you and you can marry him. Naturally, Judah meant nothing of the sort. He felt she was wicked because two of his sons had already died while being with her. So Judah sure didn't want his last son dying because of some chick! HELLO! (makes sense right?) Well, Shelah was of marrying age, and no one notifies Tamar. She hears through the grapevine that Judah is coming to town to shear some sheep. Naturally, she disguises herself as a prostitute and sits outside of town waiting for Judah. He takes the bait. They discuss a price, he offers a goat. She wants collateral. He gives her his ID badge, cord and walking stick. They get it on. She gets preggo. Fast forward a couple of months, Judah's servant goes back to the town where Tamar lives and looks for a prostitute to pay with the goat. No prostitute is found. He asks the locals about this girl and no one has ever seen a prostitute in this town! The servant takes the goat back to Judah. The servant tells him what happened and Judah simply says well we get an "E" for Effort and let's all move on. Naturally, through the same grapevine Judah hears that Tamar is pregnant from prostituting herself. He wants her killed! When she is being dragged to the place of death she screams out saying "I have this stuff right here; ID badge, cords and a walking stick of the man I slept with!" Instantly Judah saw the items were his and he ceased the murder. He never slept with her again. (Genesis 38:20-26). Talk about be sure your sins will find you out!!!!! Opps.

THE END.

Are you still with me?! Doesn't that make you want to read the book for yourself? Talk about juicy!!! OMG! I don't know where I was when all of these stories were read in church.... haha... ;) Needless to say, I am really enjoying reading, learning, and growing more and more every day. I am THIRSTY for truth and knowledge. I am excited to learn, and I pray that I will ALWAYS have a teachable spirit!