The Chronicles of Melinda

No - I’m not making some “excuse” for not going to church today.  I’m still in Angier at my mom’s after spending the night.  But I’m very thankful that in the next day or so I can catch Pastor Dave’s message on Podcsat!

 Yesterday I attended a friend and co-workers BEAUTIFUL wedding.  So I just thought I would share.   Got my hair done, packed up Taira and the puppy and headed to my moms!  I got all spiffed up (you should have seen me…I clean up good!) took a few pictures and headed down the road to the beautiful Barclay Villa to see my friend James Fitzherbert wed the woman of his dreams Zimitra Zafiris (a.k.a. Jamie).

 The ceremony was a beautiful garden ceremony!  We were escorted in by the ushers to our seats.  There was a live quartet and the weather couldn’t be more beautiful.  The bridesmaids dresses were gorgeous, the ring bearer and flower girl were too precious!  The ushers were handsome (2 of which were also co-workers!) And then James came down to wait for his bride to be.  Before she came down the path to the gazebo, a trumpet played and Jamie appeared on the balcony and blew James a kiss.  It was ever so sweet.  Then, a couple of minutes later she came down the aisle - absolutely breathtaking.  All I can say is WOW!

 After they joined in marriage, James and Jamie boarded a horse driven carriage and we blew wedding bubbles as they past to go on a carriage ride.  Then there was a coctail hour before dinner was to begin.   Fine wines, draft, and hors de vours in a beautiful atmosphere.  It really was lovely.  (Yes I said lovely).

 Dinner was fabulous, the toasts were tearful and cheerful and it was just - well it was fairytale.  Of course there was dancing….and so it seems by comments of several…I am an AWESOME dancer.  Even had one of those - everyone backed off into a circle around us moments. LOL!  I took on several male guests who were standing and watching others dance and made them into formidable dance partners.  One gentleman, David, took to it pretty well as I led him into twisting and turning me around the dance floor.  It was really a very nice time!

 Anyway the guest gifts were statues of Venus de Milo (better known as Aphrodite) with the bride and grooms names on the bottom.  They were VERY nice.  With a bowed sachet of wedding chocolates.  Very elegant.

 As the night wrapped up and the bride and groom bid sparkler lined farewell to turn into the guest suites at the castle, you just couldn’t help think their wedding and day was nothing less than perfect.

And now, I, one who always swore off marriage has to wonder if I’ll ever get my Cinderella Day.  (Since at the ripe ol’ age of 33 I have now considerred that I could settle into a marriage).  I don’t know that I would want it to be quite so extravagant, but I know I’d want the atmosphere to be nothing less of reflective of the love that was at the Barclay Villa yesterday.

So I guess I’m not really on a full blown hunt for my Prince Charming, but I am sure hoping there is one out there that God created just for me andwaiting in the background to come sweep me off my feet.  I guess it never really is too late though.  So I’ll just wonder until the day comes where my honest, affectionate, compassionate and devoted Prince Charming will pup up!          THE END

Well I hope everyone had a great week.  This week was full of puppy love (literally).  The FINAL name of the puppy (after being Ivan for one day and Axel for one day) is Rolo.  Suggested and voted on by friends for his chocolate appearance with a Caramel center like that of the famous Hershey candies.  (You can roll a Rolo, to your friends!)

 He is a great puppy and I think he will be a wonderful dog.  He is already a little shadow - following me and Taira wherever we go.  He has only had 2 accidents in the house and that includes not using the bathroom in his crate during the day.  At night he wakes up and plays and waits for me to wake up and put him out.  It’s like getting up with a baby!  Well I’d post a picture, but the joy of having a FREE blog instead of paying for one is the limit to the photo transfer.  So I guess until Monday you can’t even see my profile picture.  But you cans see the puppy on my MySpace page.  By the way- I have changed my profile layout there. myspace.com/redbonecowgirl 

 Anyway, Wednesday was a laid back Community Group night.  We had lots of laughs and fun.  I like my group!

After CG on Wednesday I went on one of those late night, hassle free Wal-Mart visits.  Got some last minute things for this weekends Wedding.  Pantyhose, jewelry, make-up.  I’ve picked my hairstyle and I’m off to get that done tomorrow morning EARLY.  Tonight my friend Kathy is doing my nails - fingers and toes.  Isn’t she sweet?

So by this time tomorrow I will be all decked out, nails done, herr did, in a DRESS and off to watch my friend marry the woman of his dreams. Visit their Knot page here:

 http://weddings.theknot.com/pwp/view/co_main.aspx?coupleid=3272243671743750&MsdVisit=1 

It is going to be a beautufil wedding at the Barclay Villa (www.barclayvilla.com ) which is only a tad over five miles from moms.  So that makes dropping Taira off and getting dressed easy!  I’ll try to have some pics of me all decked out before I dance and sweat and look like heck by 9:00PM.  LOL!

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. 

Since I lost Rambo I knew I’d have another Dobie.  Well today is the day. He is here…and he needs a name.  He is a red dobie and we will leave his ears natural.   

Have you heard the new Casting Crowns CD The Altar and the Door?  If not, get it.  Besides the bangin’ ballad “East to West” this CD falls nothing shorrt of Awesome.

One particular song that really gets to me is “Prayer for a Friend”. 

Lord I lift my friend to You.
I’ve done all that I know to do.
I lift my friend, to You.
In complicated circumstances
with clouded view.
Lord I lift my friend up to You.

I fear that I won’t have the words
that he needs to hear.
I pray for Your wisdom , oh God.
And a heart that’s sincere.
And Lord I lift my friend up
to You.

Lord I lift my friend to You.
Though he’s my best friend in the
world, I know he means much
more to You.
I want so much to help him, but
this is something he has to do.
Lord I lift my friend up to You.

There’s a way that seems so right to him.
But You know where that leads.
He’s becoming a puppet of the world.
Too blind to see the strain.
And Lord I lift my friend up to You.

Lord I lift my friend to You.
I’ve done all that I know to do.
I lift my friend, to You. 

See at NHC we have our “Wall People” Yup -you can walk into the church and grab a marker and write the names of friends, family, loved ones that you want the church to pray for and that you are investing into bringing into the church and coming into Faith….right on the church wall!!!  With an entire church praying for our “Wall People” we know that God will make things happen.  But I think this is the PERFECT theme song for our Wall. 

I often wonder if I was a “Wall Person” and if I was….well I’m glad I am now IN the church instead of just on the wall in the church.  I have friends on the wall.   And it’s sometimes a bit discouraging.  You pray for them, you encourage them, you try to entice them to come to the church just once to check out how awesome it really is (cuz that’s all it took for me…just once and look where I am now).  But it all seems to no avail. There’s no give…they aren’t budging.

But we can’t give up on them…we can only work harder to  lift them to Him who loves them even more than we do and that in itself is our motivation to keep on praying.  Even if we put them in his hands…they still need us in their corner.

 Job 6:14 says “A despairing man should have the devotion of his friends, even though he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.” 

Read Luke 18 where it says “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.”

We owe it to our friends and loved ones and to God to keep praying for them…so even when it seems like they aren’t listening to you…remember that God is always listening. 

ON THAT NOTE: 

Beginning in October NHC will make a big push to see more and more of our wall folks join us and encounter God and engage in Community.  To help us focus our hearts and minds on this effort, we will join together as a church for a prayer gathering on Friday night, September 28 from 6pm-9pm.  Please stop by the Community Groups Center and sign up for one 30 minute prayer slot.  You will be lead by a prayer captain through a time of group and individual prayer.  Don’t miss a great opportunity to commune with God and your fellow NHC’ers.

Okay - from my retreat we figured my personality type is primarily Sanguine.  It means of the four personality temperaments that I am “The Talker”.  A short outline of me is that I am:

• Fun loving (Yup - that’s me!)
• Optimistic (I think this was learned…not born)
• Animated and Excited (ya think?)
• The Life of the Party (so I’ve been told!)
• Undisciplined (okay…sometimes)
• Forgetful (I just thought I was getting old)
• Too talkative (Wow - who would’ve imagined)
• Eager for Credit (Tell me I’m great!)

As a “Popular Sanguine:

 I desire: to have Fun.

My emotional needs: Attention; approval;affection; acceptance; presence of people and activity

My Key strengths: Ability to talk about anything at any time at any place (ya think?).  Bubbling personality (I’m so shy and withdrawn); optimism; sense of humor; storytelling ability; enjoyment of people.

My key weaknesses: disorganized; can’t remember details or names; exaggerates; not serious about anything (Oh…I am serious about SOME things); trusts others to do the work; too gullble and naive (I used to be).

I get depressed when: Life is no fun and no one seems to love me (Whaaaaaaaat?  Who doesn’t love me!  HA HA)

I am afraid of: Beingt unpopular; being bored; having to live by the clock; having to keep a record of money spent.

I like people who: Lisen and laugh, praise and approve (tell me I am great.  ha ha)

I dislike people who:  Criticize, don’t respond to my humor, don’t think I’m cute (Don’t hate me cuz I’m beautiful!)

I am valuable in work for: Colorful creativit; optimism; a light touch; cheering up others; entertaining.

I could improve if I: got orgnaized (now I think I’m pretty organized!!!); didn’t talk so much; learn to tell time.

As a leader I: Excite, persuade; inspire others; exude charm and entertain; are forgetful and poor on follow-through

I react to stress by: Leaving the scene, going shopping (naaah - not so); find a fun group; create excuses; blame others.

I am recognized by my; constant talking; loud volume; bright eyes.

 As a friend I: make friends easily; love people; thrive on compliments; seem exciting; am envied by others; don’t hold grudges; apologize quickly; prevent dull moments and like spontaneous activities.  BUT: I hate to be alone; need to be center stage; want to be popular; look for credit; dominate conversations; interrupt and don’t listen; answer for others; am fickle and forgetful; make excuses and repeat stories.

 SO….now that you know about my primary personailty type…here is how you can get along better with me!

• Recognize my difficulty in accomplishing tasks
• Realize I talk without thinking first (sometimes)
• Realize I like variety and flexibility
• Help me keep from accepting more than I can do (GUILTY!  I hate to say no!)
• Don’t expect me to remember appointments or be on time (SOMETIMES…not always.  I keep appointments…but tend to be tardy).
• Praise me for everything I accomplish (…and I will praise God in return for your appreciation!)
• Bring me presents, I like shiny things.  (LOL!  I’m a very humble gift getter, though)
• Accept that I will make fun out of what would be embarrassing to others. (Let’s just laugh at me instead!)
• Realize I mean well  (Always!)

In keeping with the theme of the current Message series at NHC…

I’ve been tempted

By ways common to man

Fell weak in the past

And was unable to stand

Tempted by anger

Sex, money and sin

And before I found God

The devil would win

But then God stepped up

And he showed me the way

To stand up to temptation

Now I simply just pray

1st Corinthians 10

Says that a way out

Will be given by God

Now I have no doubt

Through the Word of my God

I’ll be given a hand

So whenever I’m tempted

I know I can stand

So if you’re feeling tempted

You can turn to him, too

And just trust in His Word

And he will guide you through!

                                          Melinda 

And…if you have a story to tell about being tempted or how to fight temptation, please go to www.beentempted.com and share your story.  It will be posted completely anonymous!

Well what a great weekend. 

The Doxaministries Women’s Retreat (www.doxaministries.net) was wonderful and refreshing.  The retreat was at Camp Chestnut Ridge not too terribly far from home…yet I felt like I was on a great little get-a-way.  Cabins, trails, a lake, it was like a big summer camp.  Changed my voicemail message to let everyone know I was unavailable til Sunday and for once…didn’t walk around with my cell phone attached to me in some way shape or form. 

Taira was well tended…stayed with her daddy Friday and then my friend Stephanie picked her up and took her to stay with Susan and her girls Saturday night so they could come to church Sunday.  Q was kind enough to tend the animals and life was good. 

So we spent the weekend (9 of us women and sweet little 6 month old Matthew who was an absolute JOY) unpacking and evaluating our personalities (strong sanguine and secondary choleric…that’s me…now go google what that means! HA HA!)  While we may be primarily one personality…often times there are characteristics of the other personalities within us sporadically.  So we evaluated our own personalities, learned to recognize the personalities of others and how to relate to them and communicate with them in our lives since it’s written “Be at peace with everyone!” (Romans 12:18). 

It was fun to figure out the personalities of friends, co-workers and others who are a regular part of our lives and helped shed a new light on why they do what they do and such.  I’ve figured out that…well…I know people of ALL 4 of the personality types.  So it really helped to be able to unpack the strengths, weaknesses and tendencies of each of them.  Maybe I’ll understand them a bit better with some of the tools I’ve been given.

If you read 1st Corinthians 12:12-31 as we did in study …to sum it all up we all have a purpose and we are all in one way or another an important part of the whole image of God.  We must accept one another as we are and accept them in the name of Christ to glorify and praise God.  All of our personalities with their strengths and weaknesses are necessary. 

So besides learning a new step to help relate to others in my walk with Christ, I also gained a new group of friends who I shared stories with around a beatiful campfire Saturday night (you know I love campfires and designated myself the keeper of the fire ) in front of the lake.

Now I woke up early today to head home and gather up the horses to give rides at the Barbecue Thang after service. After saying my goodbyes to my new friends…I headed home…reflecting on the weekend past and the day ahead.  I was heading home to load up the horses for the Barbecue Thang after service.

Y’know…I’m really no stranger bringing the horses places for “pony” rides…but I have to say…I’ve never quite been as excited by it. Maybe because I was already looking forward to smiling little faces I knew I was sure to see having their day brightened by a simple 2 minute ride on one of God’s most beautiful creations that he gifted to me to take care of and I think…intends for me to share the way I do.

Pastor Dave had a great message for the second week of the Tempted Series in front of a PACKED room since we piled two services into one. Check out  the message in the next day or so on the podcast (www.encounternhc.com)  And then we were out of service and on to the Barbecue Thang.  Kids were already looking for the horses so it was straight to business

 I inteded to get some of that gooooooood grub first…but I aim to please!

Ransom, Six and Dry Mountain were…of course…on their best behavior.  I tell you…I am absolutely blessed with some great horses and the ability to take credit for making them into what they are from what they were.   Dry Mountain even gave my friend Gwen a ride today. 

Gwen has Muscular dystrophy and is now relying on a wheelchair due to her decreasing mobility, but with assistance we were able to get her up there and DMC took GOOOOOOD care of her.

I saw initially scared little ones ovecome their fear and climb up on those big scary horses and go for a ride and be excited enough to want to ride more than once.  I love my boys!

Thanks to Georgina’s hubby, Mike, I got my plate.  I owe him a big thanks cuz I don’t think I would have ever gotten away to get my plate …the kids just kept comin’! :)  

 All I can say is WOWZAHs - that was some GOOOOOOOOOD food.  All hush puppies aren’t good, but these were Da Bomb!  The slaw was slammin’!  The green beans were great and the barbecue was bangin’!  The end.  If you missed it…you missed out.

It’s amazing how easy it was to recruit help!  The youth were more than willing to jump in and help lead the horses.  So thanks to the NHC Youth for all their hard work: Taira, Kennedy, Teah, Andrea, Matt, Justin and Aryanna.  Seeing all the happy little faces today (and even some happy bigger faces of kid at heart adults) and how eager the youth were to be involved with the horses and riding….I’ve begun to think about some things.  Some directions I can take with my horses to reach out to our youth.  Just some thoughts swimming around… stay tuned!

Have a great week everyone!

Well last night we had our second Community Group meeting.  I love our group. We have lots of laughs and discussion went really well.  I think we’ll have a great year.  And I found out that I am not the only one who knows what belly buttons smell like.  LOL!

Okay - I get off at 5 and group is at 7:00PM so I figured I’d kill time by looking at dresses for Fitz’s wedding.  My friend Sandy Burton let me borrow a nice dress…we’re the same size.  But I wasn’t too crazy about the low cut in back cuz…I don’t have a pretty back like that!  HA HA!  So I hung it up “in case of emergency” and figured I’d keep looking.  Went back to Macy’s- there’s lots of stuff on clearance.  I may go on payday and get a few nice little suit or skirt outfits.  But as for the dress…no go.  Sears was right across soI figured what the heck…let me go see what’s poppin’ in Sears…where I never go.

Well how about I found my dress fro the low low price of $49.95+tax.  Total = $53 and chunk change.  

 And it’s something I could wear to another event.  So short of shoes and accessories…(piece of cake)…it’s all good.  Sigh of relief. Bring on the wedding!!!

Q’s aunt Abigail came out of her surgery okay this evening. Aunt Rosalyn updated me after group last night.  For those who don’t know…she was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer.  She had a masectomy last night…one breast instead of the original intent of two.  They removed more lymph nodes than they had planned and got everything they could see and expect chemo to take care of the rest. She’ll be home this evening if all goes well. Aunt Abigail let us stay with her for a little while when we were between moves when we came to Durham and she’s one of Q’s family members that I really like.  So if you could keep her in your prayers that she’ll make it through this whole ordeal it would be greatly appreciated.

On that note I’d really like to ask that everyone pray for those involved in the West Virginia torture case. I won’t go into details here….I will let you on-line search it if you have the stomach to read the story.  But 6 (possibly people kidnapped a 20 year old girl and tortured her with despicable acts.  It was racially motivated and awful. All I’m asking is that everyone pray for everyone involved. The victim…and that she is given the strength to somehow recover from this…and all of her attackers because for them to have that much hate in their hearts…they surely need people praying for them.

Tomorrow I am off of work.  Going to get a few roundbales for the boys (and girl) and straighten up, then it’s off to the Doxaministries Women’s Retreat “You from God’s View” at Camp Chestnut Ridge.  I’ll fill you in when I get back, but I have high hopes for a fulfililng relationship and a little something more to help push me along through my journey and walk with Christ.

After Sunday retreat…it will be off to service.  We are having one service Sunday and then we are having a “Barbecue Thang”.  Pretty much a big church cook-out! 

On the way to work I encounterred an accident that had  just occurred.  An elderly woman ran into the back of a car that had stopped to turn into their driveway. (I’m really suprised there are not more wrecks at this spot because of the poor visibility with the hills).  Anyway, there were no EMS, Fire or Police on the seen so I stopped.  Made sure everyone was okay and told them to stay put (everyone was obviously shaken, the driver of the car that was rear ended was in some pain from the impact, but coherent.  The elderly woman was shaken up by the air-bag deployment).  A citizen that lived at a nearby residence contacted 911 and I directed traffic until the REAL poe-poe could show.  I called someone for the elderly woman and then like that …I was on my way.  Felt good about helping…and even better that God was gracious enough to not let this accident be as bad as it could have been.

Have a great day!                                                                                                           Mel

I praise you every day

My Savior…how you reign

Not a day on this earth passes

That I will not praise your name

There’s no other above you

Or who’s love is great as yours

For you found me when I was so lost

And pulled me through that door

You cleansed me, made me new

Forgave me of my sins

Shut the door behind me

And let the new me in

I praise you every day

Though you are worthy of so much more

 And I pray that you will never

Let me fall back through that door

You are He who’s most exalted

You are He who reigns above

And you are He who is the Savior

With an everlasting love….

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