Three Reasons I Appreciate Pastor Derek Sanford

Bear with me. I'm trying to win him this.

Inspired by his new blog theme , I'd like to give you three four quick things I appreciate about Derek:

1. He is passionate about Jesus and making Him famous. He especially loves doing this through and for people who are struggling and need to be served.
2. He is a visionary leader who also happens to be very organized. I remember many a time when the two of us were positively giddy over a newly organized booklet or binder.
3. He is, by far, the second-funniest person on the planet (Dave is number one, of course).
4. He is a wonderful and loyal friend. 

Foreshadowing

A while back, I was playing the game Portal with my friend, Brian. His goal was to teach me how to play a PC video game, but I was distracted by the story line. About five minutes into the game, I could tell where it was leading and what was going on, which completely distracted me from my task of learning. In fact, I still don't remember "how" to play, I only remember the story line. He blogged about my "incredible sense of foreshadowing" the next day.

He's not the first one who has noticed that.

A while back, I made a (bad) habit of yelling out things like "she's weird," or "he did it" when watching a movie. Now, I just find myself rolling my eyes at the outcome before my friends have any idea what's going on.

I started the Twilight series last week. I'm about 400 pages into book two, as of last night. The problem is, I'm almost 100% sure I know what is going to happen and what is going on (and not because someone told me). I really hope I'm wrong. We'll see. The one thing about me, though, is that I commit. I'll finish it. Even if I do know the ending. Just ask Aaron . We've committed to many a bad movie together, waiting for one or both of our spouses to realize how horrible it would turn out to be.

I don't want to read to much into it, but I think is a silly side effect of the discernment gift I have. I can usually read people pretty well. Sometimes, I will feel completely awkward in a situation and afterward I have to explain to Dave why. It's frustrating to realize things that other people don't, but it can also be a blessing. I only wish I had a better measure of compassion to go along with it.

Full-Timing It

I'm absolutely loving only having one full-time job. It's incredible. I'm experiencing a very steep learning curve for some things, but I really like it.  I'll get there.

I'm sorry I haven't been a faithful blogger. I haven't been a faithful friend to a lot of people, either. (wow...can I GET any more depressing?)

The goings-on:

• Dave and I went to Toronto to see the Sound of Music. It was a really great time, although I absolutely crashed because I was so tired.
• My cousin had her baby all safe and sound! She's in the high risk category, so it was a relief. I'm doing announcements for them, and I'm super excited.
• We plastic-ized our windows for winter. I never claimed to have a glamorous life, people.
• I'm loving the ESV Study Bible. I can't imagine what kind of pressure these people were under to make this thing happen.
• I've brought my garden veggie spaghetti sauce back to life with a new twist and some chicken. I find myself wanting to have it every night for dinner.
• We're going to Myrtle Beach for Thanksgiving. 
• I think one year, I'm going to go anti-social for all holidays. I will stay in my bed and be alone for all holidays. Wouldn't that rock?
• Churches are messy organizations. Not because they're poorly run, but because they're a "people business."
• Directed a little drama this evening. Too much pressure.
• Got asked to sing in a 12 person ensemble. I don't think the asker knew who he was talking to. Eek. Can I get an amen?
• I'm insured. w00t!
• Speaking of w00t!, Brian has a new game that makes me want to buy my first gaming system. It's soooo cute.
• I'm reading Twilight.
• Dave has been filling out the husband role nicely, lately. I love him.

Why I Voted for John McCain

Since the last presidential election, I have spent a lot of time researching how I think the national government should be run. I used to be a single issue voter (abortion rights) and I used to want the President to be a Christian. Today, I can honestly say that neither of those things are true anymore. I've come a long way and would not consider myself a Republican OR a Democrat. I'm saying all of this because I think there are some people who will write my comments off. I've said some pretty crazy things in the past. I regret a lot of it, but I feel it had to happen so I could make the changes I needed to.

Here are my reasons:

• I think a limited government is the best thing for our country. George Bush has not been a traditional Republican in this way. I believe John McCain is.
• This country needs a moderate (along the lines of Clinton and Reagan). I believe John McCain does have a record of "reaching across the aisle," and that says a lot. We don't need to keep polarizing ourselves. It's counter-productive.
• Supreme Court Justices need to make decisions based on the constitution and law, not circumstances and empathy/sympathy. I believe John McCain will appoint responsibly.
• Economics and Taxes. I feel more comfortable with McCain's plans. I don't think either candidate has the correct solution, but this one feels more right to me.
• Generosity. I don't want the Government taking more of my money and then deciding where it should go. I want to feel freedom to give generously to my sister(s) if they need help. I don't want them relying heavily on Government hand outs. European nations are the most stingy givers, and this is the main reason why. Americans are generous people. I don't want to see that change.
• Leadership. Leadership is different than motivation. Though it says a lot to have a well-run campaign and be a great orator/motivational speaker, it doesn't say enough. McCain has proven himself ready and worthy to lead the country and our military.

Whatever your decision, please know that it doesn't change the way I feel about you (and I hope you can say the same!). Thanks for reading.