potpourri.

You know what potpourri is, right? Well, that's what today's post is going to be like, because that's what my brain is like. I have all these thoughts just swirling around and well...they're likely to come out in some disorganized fashion. Just be prepared. I will use subtitles to try to help you. I don't know if they will help you or not. You can let me know.

bubble gum.
First of all, when I got in my car this afternoon, my car smelled like bubble gum. That was nice -- and somewhat strange. I just hope there is not a bubble gum surprise somewhere in my car.

faithfulness.
God knew exactly what I needed after the mostly awful week I'd had. He sent, first of all, wonderful friends and family my way so that I would know He cares for me. Twelve of us went to the Royals game on Friday night, and even though they lost, we had a great time. Then Saturday I got to go to lunch with my grandparents, which was a nice surprise. I didn't even know they were coming into town until they were already here! Also on Saturday, my former student Carolyn got married. Her wedding was beautiful and I'm very happy for her! I got to serve about a million cups of punch at her reception. It was really a fun day though. Then that night, I went out to help celebrate Sophia's 16th birthday! Yay for parties! It was lots of fun, even though I thought I was gonna die while we were playing spoons. Some of you people are pretty violent when it comes to spoons! THEN on Sunday, God really spoke to me through several different things. My pastor spoke about PASSION in both services, and Steven spoke on FORGIVENESS in the afternoon service. Both topics really convicted me. I know there are so many areas in which I need to move up in my Christian life. THEN I got some really good news -- my brother called to tell us that yesterday he did some pretty serious business with God and completely dedicated and recommitted his life to God. That's some pretty amazing stuff right there, folks. And I'm being totally serious. God is so good and so faithful and He ALWAYS answers prayer! Even when it's not the answer we expect, or in the time frame we'd like!!

breathe.
All of you have to hear MercyMe's new CD, Coming up to Breathe. It is simply amazing, and I haven't even heard it all yet! I've read some of the lyrics and well...let's just say I'll probably be posting some of them in days to come. The entire album just really speaks to me. If you get a chance, get the CD and listen to it! It's awesome!!

lyrics.
Track One - Coming up to Breathe
I'm in way too deep again
I've forgotten how to swim
I can't tell which way is up or down
Save me before I drown down here
I just need some air

I'm coming up to breathe
Oh, I'm coming up to breathe
I've held my breath for all my life
But I am breaking free tonight
And I'm coming up to breathe

I just need to break these chains
I just need to leave this place
Before now this was all I knew
But with just one glimpse of You
I seeYou're the air I need

I'm coming up to breathe
Oh, I'm coming up to breathe
I've held my breath for all my life
But I am breaking free tonight
And I'm coming up to breathe

I've done everything I can
To get myself up on dry land
Lord, here I am again
Reaching for Your hand

I'm coming up to breathe
Oh, I'm coming up to breathe
I've held my breath for all my life
But I am breaking free tonight
And I'm coming up to breathe

This one is for my friends who are hurting. You know who you are. I could name your names, but I don't want to embarrass anybody. But this is for you:

Track 3 -- Hold Fast
To everyone who's hurting
To those who've had enough
To all the undeserving
That should cover all of us
Please do not let go
I promise there is hope

Hold fast
Help is on the way
Hold fast
He's come to save the day
What I've learned in my life
One thing greater than my strife
Is His grasp
So hold fast

Will this season ever pass?
Can we stop this ride?
Will we see the sun at last?
Or could this be our lot in life?
Please do not let go
I promise you there's hope

Hold fast
Help is on the way
Hold fast
He's come to save the day
What I've learned in my life
One thing greater than my strife
Is Your grasp
So hold fast

You may think you're all alone
And there's no way that anyone could know
What you're going through
But if you only hear one thing
Just understand that we are all the same
Searching for the truth
The truth of what we're soon to face
Unless someone comes to take our place
Is there anyone?
All we want is to be free
Free from our captivity, Lord
Here He comes

Hold fast
Help is on the way
Hold fast
He's come to save the day
What I've learned in my life
One thing greater than my strife
Is Your grasp
So hold fast

pray
One last thing before I end this. I know it's been long, so thanks for sticking with me to the end! But I think we all just really need to pray for each other, like never before. The devil has really been fighting. He has been causing conflict and division and misunderstandings. I know that I could really use prayer for my attitude -- that God would help me to forgive the hurtful things and to treat people with the love and mercy which He has given me.

God is good, all the time!