Understanding God

Does one truly understand God?  Well, I can say that I understand God a lot more than I did 6 weeks ago.  Jayme and I are enrolled in a class at our church titled, "Understanding God".  I cannot begin to tell you the many changes/instances that we have gone through in the past 6 weeks.  They have been AMAZING!!!!!  I am understanding the bible in ways I never have before.  I have chosen to be baptized with water, fire, and the Holy Spirit and that has been simply amazing.  The message Jayme and I received from our pastor was unbelievable, and he has no idea where our marriage has been in the past. 
Our small group in our class has had many interesting conversations and it seems to be drawing the 8 of us closer together in understanding God and one another.  I wouldn't trade my life for anyone else's right now.  I am happy and want to continue to learn more about God everyday I am here on this Earth.
I know this entry might seem like it has gone everywhere with info. but it makes sense to me.  I am also sick, so that could be why too!  :)  Off to bed for me!

Make It a Great Day or Not, It's Your Choice

Wise words.  My principal starts every day out with those words.  And they speak such a truth.  It is up to you how you choose to live everyday.  Don't get me wrong, we all have bad days.  But it's your choice whether or not you are going to smile to people when you pass them in the hall.  It's your choice if you're going to encourage someone that is down.  It's your choice if you're going to listen to someone who may need to talk.  IT'S YOUR CHOICE!
This year at school, there is a definite divide.....between those who CHOOSE to be positive, and those who CHOOSE to be negative.  It just takes so much energy to be angry and negative all the time.  I don't have that kind of energy.  I don't want to be the negative one.  It doesn't even sound appealing.
God created us all.  God wants us to be happy.  I want to make God happy and use every minute of my life trying to be kind to others, serving him, and hardest of all, forgiving those that it's very difficult to forgive.
So, what are you going to choose?

My Sweetness Griffin

I am so proud of my sweetie Griffin.  Since we have started attending our new church, BVCC, Grif has really put forth an effort and changed.  He recently joined The Impact, which is a group of youth from grades 6-12 that meet and hang out, pray, talk, play crazy games, etc.  He had a great time.  My brother is one of the adults that works with this group and when Pastor Matt, who is the youth pastor, asked anyone that wanted to receive Christ in their life and needs some help with treating people the way they should be treated, please come forth.  Grif took it upon himself to walk up there and do it.  Wow!  That takes guts for a 6th grader!  Today, he received a letter from Pastor Matt thanking him for coming up and doing that and that he looks forward to seeing him again at Impact!  I would have never done something like that when I was a kid.  Heck, most adults I know wouldn't go up and do that.  I am SOOO proud of you buddy.  I love you!!!

20 Year Reunion

Wow!  What a night!  My 20 year reunion from Bay City Central!  What a fun time!  I had so much fun catching up with people.  The one thing that impressed me the MOST was the amount of people who offered their help, payed extra money to cover costs, and said, "Thanks so much.", in the end.  That meant so much.  But, you know me, I LOVE to plan parties.  Other than photography, dj'ing, and making slide shows, it's what I like to do.  Perhaps in retirement I can spend more time on these things. 

Also, my hubby helped me out so much and I appreciate that.  He ran to the store when I ran out of name tags and he purchased some more (even though they were Handy colors) :)    He got me drinks all night, fixed me a plate to eat, helped me decorate, took all kinds of pics for me, etc.  He's the best!!!  I couldn't have done it without him.  He was also very supportive all the nights I sat and scanned pics, counted the list over and over, sent emails, cashed checks, etc.  I love you Jayme!!!!!!

Anyway, looking forward to another reunion in 5 years!!!!  Seems like such a long time away, but I'm sure it will go by quickly!!!!!!

Music

Music has always played such an important role in my life.  I believe my brother was probably a big influence in this area, as he played in bands at a very young age.  Most of my life music was always played in my house, whether it be on our little am/fm transistor radio, on our record player, on my tape deck, on cds, on now on to Napster and dvds. 

Music also brings back memories, some good, some not so good.  It's funny how hearing a song can take you right back to the moment you heard the song along with an event.  The song, "On Eagle's Wings" reminds me of my Grandma Dukarski's funeral, and it also reminds me of my Grandpa Dukarski coming up to me at his wife's funeral telling me he remembers that song being played at my wedding.  The songs "Red Skies" by the Fixx, and "Modern Love", by David Bowie, remind me of when my brother was in the service.  The song, "Somebody", by Depeche Mode reminds me of my first serious relationship when I was young.  The song "Groove Is In the Heart" reminds me of the crazy times I spent with my friend Mandy during the Delta Days.  The song "I'm Your Lady", by Celine Dion reminds me of when my Uncle Joe died and my Aunt said that this was his favorite song.  Songs by Breezy the Bunny remind me of my Uncle Joe and his friend Mr. Muncher singing crazily on a Christmas Day down my Aunt's basement.  "Wonderful Tonight" by Eric Clapton of course reminds me of dancing my first dance with my husband on our wedding night.  "Macarena" reminds me of the night my husband met his biological father for the first time. 

I know these were a bunch of random memories and thoughts, but it's fun remembering some of those.  My life would not be the same without music.  I rely on it to pump me up when I'm feeling good, to calm me when I am stressed, to bring me peace when I am worshipping, and to help me cope when I am trying to heal.  Thank you MUSIC for being a part of my life.

My Changed Life

I feel like I have made some pretty serious, awesome changes in my life in the past two - three months.  The biggest change is that we have decided to leave the Catholic faith.  That was a HUGE and difficult decision for me because, of course, that is what I been a part of my WHOLE life!  All in all, Jayme and I discussed the issue many times and then decided to visit other churches and see what else was out there.  We finally decided upon attending Bay Valley Christian Church.  Our kids love it and so do we.  I finally look forward to going to church and I enjoy being there.  I LOVE the music, which was an adjustment at first, but now I love it.  It has changed the way I feel, and think about many things........I'm sure I'll write more about those things another day.
Another change is that I LOVE to read.  My friend Joann would be so proud.  I have learned so many things after reading a few books this summer.  One book, Financial Peace by Dave Ramsey, has caused my hubby and I to make a MAJOR change, which is to stop using credit cards and get out of debt.  Love that!  Another book, Have a New Kid by Friday has taught me how to discipline our kids without losing my cool.  Trust me, I needed that.  It has changed our oldest especially!
My last change, which I sort of mentioned above, is paying off debt and NOT spending money.  That has been a huge life saver for me.  I no longer just go to a store because I'm bored or just want to look around.  I go with a purpose.  I only spend cash.  It is such a great feeling.  I never realized how much depression can lead to spending money.........  Thank goodness I finally have that under control!
I am looking forward to writing on this, so I guess until next time!