cheers to the 'hood

I still enjoy the occasional chick flick. I watched The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 this week. Granted, the plot line isn't extremely brilliant. Building two movies around the premise of a pair of "magical" pants... very fictional. But it's strange how I am able to identify with this crazy group of girlfriends. I love how different they all are! Life takes them all over the place, but when they're back together again- it's just like old times. *smile* Herein lies the parallelism with my life.

The Fab Four
Caitlin, Michelle, Melody, Emili

Yes, I'm posting this one cause it's el natural (as the French say). Ain't no shame in it.

Location: The white sand beaches of Western Michigan.... holla!

Martha Stewart and the Exodus

At ACE High, we use to name our little pumpkins and gourds that we kept in our locker from Oct-Nov. In loving memory of ACE (R.I.P.), I have named the items in the autumn basket on my desk at work. There's Gordie & Herman & Rumplestilskin & Cleo. This isn't the picture of MY basket, but it does have similar contents, no?

I am very happy to know the Thanksgiving holiday is only one week away. It will be much needed time of refreshment and relaxation at the homestead. I will finally be able to talk to my not-so-little , little brother --> who is seemingly unreachable) as well as the rest of the family. I have always enjoyed being a part of a large family- it makes the holidays happy. When the house fills up again and all the seats in the living room are taken, and I get stuck sitting on the floor- yet again. In a strange way, I like to sit on the floor because it means there are lots of people around me who KNOW me, and I can have the freedom to unleash all of who I am without fear of rejection. They will watch me spin and twirl around the kitchen and think simply- 'that's just melody.'

I will miss my dear friend emili who is sharing this holiday with her in-laws in Michigan, but smile as I remind myself that she will be in Wisconsin over Christmas. Hugs will be given and hearts will be shared over a few cups of Roastery coffee in a few short weeks.

My wonderful, energetic friend Caitlin spurred me to begin reading parts of Exodus this week. I am very familiar with the stories, but it was kind of cool to read them again and see new details that I haven't reflected on in years. This stood out to me:

"Then the Lord said to Moses, 'I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I wll test them and see whether they will follow my instructions.' "

Ex 16:4

The Lord is faithful to provide what we need for each day. We should not stress ourselves out about tomorrow because He will be there to meet us in the morning. There's something about the fact that it was a test of faith. Maybe an encouragement for us to stop relying on ourselves and start trusting God with everything. This has been a common theme God is trying to teach me. I have been reading "Finding God" by Dr. Larry Crabb, and he talks about how often we ask God to remove the obstacle or give us immediate answers or even demand blessings from Him because of our "good behavior"; but that's not how God works. Instead of asking Him to make our lives better, we should be praying for our faith to grow as we learn to rely on the Lord in a different way. I am too focused on myself and my own ability to handle life. I am praying for a heart that learns to need God for EVERYTHING and realize my own ability is nothing compared to the Creator.

Today is my sister and brother-in-laws 3rd Anniversary. Here's a picture to commemorate their wedding day:

manna from the heavens

first snowfall.

there is always something magical about it. i quickly sink into my winter boots and pull my hat on and head out the door. as i drive along the golf course, the tree branches are no longer bare and naked. they are draped in the new snowy blanket. i love this part of winter. when the snow collects on the trees and reaches over the road to create a snowy tunnel.

the temperature is not bad...a balmy 30 degrees. (You come to realize 30 is warm after spending a harsh winter in Minnesota ;-)

This type of weather makes me feel romantic and joyful. A song begins to play in my head in the deep, melodic voice of Doris Day, Secret Love is the title, I think. But that isn't very Christmas-y, so I will post a different song instead.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szrqtgAd3h0