Countdown to Vacation

Only 8 hours to go before I begin my 10-day Florida vacation -- woo hoo! I am so thankful to be able to go on a trip like this -- although it won't be fancy or decadent, I don't take it for granted at all. I love spending time with my family, including my mother-in-law, which is a blessing all by itself. Not everyone can say that. We'll be staying with her most of the week, then going to my dad and stepmom's in Tampa for one night before heading back home.

Unless I find an amazing deal on a flight today, we'll be road-tripping it. I'm actually kind of excited about that... although our two toddlers may not appreciate it, I think it could be a fun bonding experience. Like those days when my parents used to take us camping because we couldn't afford any other type of vacation. Four kids packed in the back of a station wagon with a tent and several bags... maybe two sets of headphones between all of us... we had no choice but to get along for at least half the trip. We used to play these silly car games, like trying to spot license plates from as many states as possible, or I spy, or mad libs... Good times, at least in retrospect.

Anyway, I am really looking forward to some rest and relaxation. Rest is so important. I pride myself on my work ethic, but at times I can get overwhelmed and stressed out, which is a form of disobedience. Yahweh doesn't want us frazzled. We can't hear Him clearly that way. This year I'm making a new and concerted effort to be 100% obedient, so I need to hear Him.

One last thing on that note... I really believe I'm supposed to go 100% raw vegan at this point in my life. It's gotten to the point where my body goes into rebellion with the slightest deviation into cooked or otherwise unhealthy foods. New Orleans was a dietary disaster, which was largely not my fault, but nonetheless I'm fighting hard to overcome symptoms of sickness still today. Every morning I hear "eat only raw today," and it sounds a lot like the voice that says, "go to church" and "forgive that person" and "let her go first", so I know what I must do. Sigh... It's all good. He knows what's best.

The Power of Vision

Ok, it's official. I am definitely moving into a beautiful new house, at least 4BR/2Ba, which I will own mortgage-free this year. I will not need to renew my lease. Good-bye, Rockaways! As I type this, construction vehicles are preparing the ground just a few feet from my apartment building so that they can construct another apartment complex right next door over the next several months. I am quite sure that this will a) completely ruin my view of the ocean, and b) prevent us from ever sleeping in again while we live here. Which means, ladies and gentlemen, it's time for us to go!

I declare right now, as I gaze upon my lovely vision board with the Mediterranean and New American style houses surrounded by lush green yards and gardens, that I have my new home, right now, and that we will move into our new home before it's time to sign a new lease. We will have no mortgage, because the house will be fully paid for before we move in, this year. Can I get an amen, somebody? :-)

I am a child of Yahweh, the giver of every good and perfect gift, the creator and owner of every universe that exists, the One who makes rivers in the desert and parts seas, calms storms with a whisper and gives up His only begotten Son for a bunch of lousy, ungrateful sinners. Is anything too hard for Him? Is there anything He would withhold from me, His beloved daughter???

(The answer is no, for those who may be wondering.) I'm glad I'm going to be chronicling this whole journey in my blog this year -- it's going to be good!

It's good to be home

So New Orleans was interesting, to say the least. I felt a bit like I was on an emotional rollercoaster from a few days before I left until today... One reason was because I kept hearing this "little voice" try to tell me something horrible was going to happen during my trip and I wouldn't make it back home. I continually dismissed the voice and did my best to focus on what I was supposed to be learning and doing, but it was relentless. My flight home ended up getting delayed a few hours, so I didn't get back until almost 2 a.m. I didn't realize how much it was all weighing on me until I finally climbed into my own bed next to my husband, and proceeded to weep with relief for a good half hour. Sheesh.

We had relatives visit the next day, then church yesterday, and because I left my computer cord in my hotel room, I had to come into the office today rather than work from home... so it's been go, go, go all week/weekend.

Despite all that, I really enjoyed the conference and learned a lot. There are so many amazing tools out to communicate with people these days... but because there are so many, it means you have to be that much more excellent and strategic in your communications in order to stand out from the crowd -- something I always strive for anyway.

I was also moved by the present conditions of the city of New Orleans, partly from Katrina and partly from a long history of celebrating debauchery and lewdness. I felt so much compassion for the people, locals and tourists alike, who were so obviously suffering and choosing all the wrong ways to alleviate that suffering. I prayed over the city, and specifically the French Quarter, which I had a great aerial view of from my hotel room. I felt Yahweh's great love for the people, and His desire to see them set free. I felt His call to the churches in the area to step up to the plate and meet the needs of the hurting.

There's so much work to be done. It's almost overwhelming, except for the fact that I know we don't have to do it in our own strength. If anything, this trip really brought home to me the fact that there is no time to waste. Every minute counts. We must work hard 6 days a week and then we must rest, and repeat. We're not here to amuse ourselves. Pursuing fun and happiness will leave us disillusioned and empty. But laying down our lives and serving others will prove to be more fun and fulfilling than we could ever imagine.

Dream Team

The prayer calls we're having every day with my church are so powerful. I've only been on a handful of times so far and already I feel the momentum of the team and can't help but be inspired to continue to participate. Teamwork is so important, for everyone, but especially for the Body of Christ. My husband needed a team to get his album produced. I needed a team of creative women to help me rediscover my dreams and get clarity as we pursue our divine destiny together. As my pastor says, "We're all called to do something great, but none of us can do it alone."

I've played on sports teams for most of my life. I've always loved the dynamics of teamwork and the quest to become the best. Who doesn't like to win? The truth is that no one can win on their own. Even solo athletes and performers need a team to get them to victory -- coaches, trainers, mentors, nutritionists, competitors, role models, etc. I've decided that for the rest of my life, no matter where I go or what I do, I will be part of a team. And not just any team, a "dream team" -- consisting of like-minded individuals who know their roles and are committed to fulfilling them. A team that I can dream with, knowing they will support and participate in the dream, not scoff or try and get me to compromise and become mediocre.

I pray that the entire Body of Christ gets this revelation quickly. We need each other. There is no time or place for selfishness or laziness or contention. Arise, Church, arise!

Big Trip

I'm off to New Orleans (N'awlins) on Wednesday morning. I'm excited and, I have to admit, slightly apprehensive. This will be the first time I leave either of my children for more than 1 overnight (and I only did that once). I'll be gone 2 nights and 3 days. Yikes! I know hubby is more than capable, but I just hope the kids understand.

On the bright side, it should be a great IT conference, with lots of cool sessions about social networking, SEO, mFundraising, etc., and--the clincher--it will be over 70 degrees! I'm hoping the sessions I go to can apply to both my current job and forthcoming POC stuff. I love learning new stuff.

This is my year

That's what was prophesied specifically over my husband and me at church today, among other things. I believe it and receive it. The limits are off. We will seek Yahweh for the specific, practical steps we need to take each week, but the end has already been spoken and I'm celebrating now. Woooooooooooooooooooooo hoooooooooooooooooooooo!!!

Already breakthroughs are happening... radio stations throughout the country are playing a single from my hubby's album called, "The Devil is a Liar" -- how appropriate. He is one of the most influential rap artists of all time. I am one of the most influential writers and thought leaders of my day. All things are possible to us because we believe. This is our year!

Quickie

I need my rest tonight so this is going to be very brief... I just want to say how much I love my sisters in Yahweh. I have always had a great group of female friends surrounding me, so I have pretty high standards for my friendships, but the group of women I'm now in covenant relationship with is second to none. Yahweh has outdone Himself. :-)