restoration.

Today I made a choice. I have chosen -- made the conscious decision -- to forgive. I won't go into detail, but the choice has been made, and only by God's grace and strength. I choose to set myself free from resentment and bitterness, and I choose to release into God's care the choices and actions of others. Forgiveness = Freedom.


So last week was very busy! I got to spend lots of time with good friends, doing things I love to do. I am truly blessed by friends and family. I love all of you sooo much!

Tuesday night I went with my friends Suzy, Chantelle, Richard, Matt, Michael, Katie, and Bryan to Jose Peppers and then to Sheridan's. Well, only the girls went to Sheridan's becuz the guys went to the gym to play basketball (I think?) Anyway.

Then Wednesday night I finally got to go to dinner with my good friend Michael. It is always good to see him and get caught up on each others' lives.

Thursday night was an incredible evening with Tami, Jeff, and Chantelle at the Michael W. Smith concert. Did you guys know that President Bush calls MWS "Dubya"? Hah -- I found that very funny! Anyway, it was an incredibly worshipful experience -- one that I'm not likely to forget anytime soon. And when his new CD, Stand, comes out in November, make sure you get it. It has some really good songs on it.

Friday night Chantelle, Suzy and I went to Starlight to see Hairspray. First we had dinner with Sarah, which was awesome because I hadn't seen her for soooo long! (Hi Sarah -- I know you'll read this! ) Anyway, the show was totally hilarious -- we had such a good time! It was good to laugh and just have fun. The weather was beautiful and I'm so glad I finally got to go to Starlight before the season ended!

Saturday night a bunch of us were at Jeff's house for Mexican food and games. It was really great to get to hang out with all those great people! We'll have to do it again soon!
Then Sunday night after church was a gathering of a different group of friends at Sharen's house. Again, lots of fun, food, and games!

See what I mean? I am so blessed! God has indeed blessed my life with amazing friends. I am completely fulfilled, content, and at peace. My gratefulness for God's faithfulness knows no bounds.

Thank you, Jesus, for being so good to me and to the people that I love. Thank you for being who you are and for the gift of salvation which I so often take for granted. Thank you for my wonderful friends and I pray your richest blessings on each of them. Please lift up the fallen, heal the hurting, strengthen the weary, and lead us all into your perfect will.

I'll leave you with more lyrics from MercyMe's Coming Up To Breathe CD. This is track #4:

Something About You

Where... where do I begin?
How do I say what's on my heart with paper and a pen?
How... how can I describe
The God of all the universe and make it rhyme?
I just wonder if it's worth
Painting You with so few words
Oh, with so few words

Still there's something about You
That keeps me in pursuit of who You are
I will spend my days, finding ways to praise
The glory and the grace of who You are

Why... why do I even try?
If I could speak the tongue of every man
I'm still tongue-tied
What can I say about You
When everything I have won't do
Oh, it will not do

Still there's something about You
That keeps me in pursuit of who You are
I will spend my days, finding ways to praise
The glory and the grace of who You are

As long as life runs through my veins
I will live to praise Your name
And if a hundred years I live
I won't even scratch, I won't even scratch the surface

Still there's something about You
That keeps me in pursuit of who You are
I will spend my days, finding ways to praise
The glory and the grace of who You are

Much love, as always, to all who read!