Friday, September 30, 2005

Confession

Umm...I have a confession to make.

*guilty grin*

Well, it is like this folks. The house I'm staying in is a helter schelter wall to wall mess. That is the honest truth. I am really just a visitor but I live here so I try to tidy things up as I walk by or putting away the few items whose homes I am can figure out. Lately, a new and almost sinister temptation is upon me.

Allow me to explain.

My grandmother collects several types of products. She regularly gets shipments of beauti control, mela stinka, (I mean melaleuca) and Creative Memories. These things all bring her joy. The problem is that even packing material is reuseable and nothing that is reusable is thrown away around here. I noticed over the past few days a horribly large amount of air filled plastic bags sitting around waiting to be used for mailing or packing should that ever occur.

Then it happened, I picked one up and popped it. I threw it away. Then another, then another, then another...I'm addicted. I'm hoping she won't notice perhaps I won't die since new orders are expected in so she will soon have more packing materils... I feel terribly guilty. The worst of it? I'm somewhat addicted to seeing small spots appear in places filled with junk. I may need prayer...not sure if I can handle my random desires to throw away even useful things.

To tell you the truth I'm having a hard time coping with it all. I don't want to be a bother and have them wish me living somewhere else. I don't want to live with mountains of stuff either. Why are earthly posessions so alluring? hmm...well, I'm going to go see if there is anything else I can throw out. Later people!
This week has been awesome.

When my family evacuated along with almost the entire Texas coast we left our home behind in what seemed to be the path of distruction. It was with strained and slightly unsettled feelings that I hugged my family goodbye and headed out. I left a day earlier than the rest hauling camping gear and other things that we thought might come in handy should the house be blown away or damaged.

Two cats and a dog huddled in various states of distress within the confines of my baby truck. The cats were panicked not having ever been in a cage at all...ever... they mewed loudly and protested with full voices at the injustice which had seemingly been thrust upon them in what was the fairest of weather. It did appear to be the most inconvienient time in thier short lives. The dog happily gazed about from his perch in the front seat. It was easy to notice that he was eager to see where the next road would lead.

All was loaded and the last of the things in my room had been placed as advantagiously as possible inside the house. Darkness was almost upon me when I left for the hills. That was the start of what turned out to be a very nice week. I arrived at my Grandparents and started helping them get organized for the others who would be joining us shortly. Washing sheets, making beds and doing the small things that add up in the long run. I'd like to say that this was all done and that the company arrived in a picture perfect world but in reality that is far from the case.

My Dad's parents, my family, and our friends all joined Grandmom, Pop and I for what turned out to be one of those crazy weekends one can only dream about and never thinks to imagine. People scattered all over the floors at night, fellowship until the wee hours of the morning, and a list of other activities to fill the day. It seemed like a family reunion. Everyone got along pretty well and even the 7 dogs and 6 cats seemed to do well together though a few of the cats stayed in cages and one is missing still. To make the end of this crazy but somewhat wonderful weekend everyone was able to travel home to find homes and yards intact. There it is folks the update on Hurricane Rita for which many of you have been asking.

Goodnight to all and I am not checking this for spelling errors so please forgive me...it is 4am and I am going to bed! ~Sarah

3 minute miracle

Have you had your three minute miracle today?

My hair has been extra hard to manage lately. The length plays a minor role in that problem but I also find that it has been slightly damaged lately. One theory on the extra damage is that my hair is taking the stress of abnormal amounts of paint which I continually seem to be stripping, chipping and otherwise removing from my hair. All in all, lots of breakage and damage going on....haha...if your actually reading this I know you are bored!

Back to the story! Ok, so the damage is done but I am trying to keep it looking as nice as possible. I mentioned my troubles to my Grandmother this morning and she offered me a three minute miracle. Conditioner which is supposed to do a lot of repair work in a three minute time slot. I decided that I had nothing to loose so I added this product to my daily washing routine.

Three minutes later hair is falling out in clumps. I almost put it all in a box to save for locks of love, or just to save in case I end up needing a wig...I mean, I'm talking run my hands through my hair and come away with handfuls each and every time.

I'm a little worried at this point. I'm not sure how many miracles I can handle these days but it occurs to me that lots of guys out there must have seen beeen seeing miracles in action. Hopefully that is a blessed thought to some of you with not so much hair on top. Just think you have witnessed a miracle!!

Anyway, I think I'm done with generic miracles. I'd like to keep my what is left of my hair! Luckily, I do believe it was only going through a phase. Don't worry, so far I don't need a wig!

Tuesday, September 27, 2005

Haha...a lethal weapon...whatever that means!

Sarah, you're a Lethal Weapon!

You're open-minded, enthusiastic, and popular. Chances are you might even break the rules sometimes. You're motivated and serious, and you always jump at the chance to take on a new project. Innovation and abstract thinking are your strengths.You get cabin fever if you're cooped up too long. Sometimes you'd rather just work on an independent project so you can concentrate without having to deal with people. And you secretly question your self-worth.And that's just scratching the surface!

http://web.tickle.com/

Tuesday, September 20, 2005

Hurricanes and other things...

Keeping my fingers crossed...

Thanks for all the concern about the hurricane. According to the sources it seems to be hitting close to a town called Freeport which is just down the road from me...the forecast predicts thunderstorms here on Fri. and Sat. but they haven't given us any actual hurricane warnings yet...I'm still watching closely and something feels wrong with this one.
...I told my grandmother the last time we were watching a hurricane come toward us that it wouldn't come our direction so we didn't need to worry. That one hit LA but my gut feeling is to leave for the one coming in now...I may be heading out of town in my baby truck pretty soon. Finding the line between being paranoid and acting in a wise manner isn't always the easiest thing. Especially when I am meeting people everyday who just lost all of their earthly treasures due to Katrina.

Packing up...

We may be packing up. The plants in nearby towns are shutting down and they never shut down so that is a good indication that sticking around may not be the best plan. I'll be spending the day canceling things for my mother and thinking about what I should take...the hurricane probably won't hit us directly but our house floods when we get a lot of water heading our way so.........yeah.
I'll let you all know what happens if anything happens.

I'm about to head back to Seguin. (this evening or tomorrow morning unless they need me to stay until closer to the hurricane moving in.) I'd like to stick around here for a little longer but the hurricane is approaching this direction so it is a bit of a motivation to keep going. The hotels and such are booked solid all along the evacuation route.

I'm glad to have a place to go...this weekend could end up being really crazy because if my parents evacuate we will be taking my Grandmother who is on a feeding tube and completely helpless with us...I hope she will be able to make the trip. Also, Grandpa is not really able to travel much either but we'll be dragging him along. Grins, plus one of the caretakers that works for us and her son and his two house dogs. It could be fun. Actually, if I look at it like an adventure I'm sure it will be fun...hehe...just not the cleaning up part. If your in the area may God grant you safety and blessings. Let me know where you end up. texasgal1983@gmail.com if you don't feel like registering to comment!

Love you all and will probably update Sat. to let you know what is happening with the storm if a computer is available. Don't worry about it too much because my God can supply all my needs and says to not fear.

Sunday, September 18, 2005

Verses to ponder...

Proverbs 17:8
"A gift is a precious stone in the eyes of him who has it: wherever it turns, it prospers."

Proverbs 18:16
"A man's gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men."

God, may I treasure the gifts that you have given me as precious jewels. May I use them to bring glory to you even among great men. Thank you for the talents you have given me and for the friend who took the time to remind me of these things today.

Colossians 3:1
"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."

Col. 3:17
"And whatsoever ye do do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.

Col. 3:23
"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ."

2 Cor. 5:17
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things become new.

God, write these words in my heart that I might do all for your glory. Lord, help me with not seeking the approval of man, give me a heart that desires to please you only. Free me from the spirit of fear, yes, from the very fear. It is this damaging spirit that keeps me from fully walking in the joy you have laid out before me. I regocnize this and ask that you would remove it from my life. ~Amen

Friday, September 16, 2005

Pictures

Some pictures of me taken sometime this month.

Gotta love my sis she did a great job on the photo shoot!


Haha, I look kinda dorky in a few of these but what is life for but to laugh about?

Prince Charming?

I know frogs are technically the ones who get the good parts in the movies but this fellow has my vote! He hopped away before I could give him the hidden prince test. Guess I scared him.

God makes some strange stuff...














Hey y'all,

God makes some really beautiful and yet crazy things. Here is a pic of the bug I saved from drowning in my dog's drinking water today.

~Yeah, I caught it and carried it around in a bottle for a while, showed it to my Grandpa and asked a few people if they knew anything about it!


You can't see it very well in the pic but the beetle has a little black horn on top of it's head. It is a really pretty little fellow.

Wednesday, September 14, 2005

Arrested

I answered the phone.

"Sarah"

"Hey Dad"

"Is your mom there?"

"She is sleeping."

"Well, tell her that I am being arrested?"

"What???"

"My bond is going to be set at a thousand dollars."

"Whoa...Dad, hold up. What is going on? Why are you being arrested?"

"Oh, for the march of dimes."

*sigh of relief*


For some reason the above conversation did not make me want to help support the march of dimes. I was down right mad at first...should have seen me. In a couple of years I am sure this will be funny but today I have been on the edge of emotional agony, yes, painting does that to me on certain days. (Days when I have no flow and make more of a mess than I had when I started).. and it was a rather stressing phone call. In fact...though the actual arrest hasn't been made yet I am tempted to let him sweat it out for a while. It really isn't nice to play tricks like that on me.

Tuesday, September 13, 2005

Mug shot!


Here is a mug shot of my best friend!

Monday, September 12, 2005

Politically speaking...

I took a test that is designed to pinpoint your political stance.
The results were a little suprising but probably somewhat accurate.

I scored like this:
Social Moderate (56% permissive)
Economic Conservative (66% permissive)
The test said "You are best described as a:
Centrist, and that I exhibit a very well-developed sense of Right and Wrong and believe in economic fairness. loc: (24, 62)modscore: (40, 34)

However, when you look at the chart. My spot is nearer to 1/2 Centrist, 1/4 capitalist, and 1/4 libertarian.

*Note to those who wonder about the libertarian part. It is my tendency in principal to allow freedom of personal choice in as many areas as possible but I hold to the values of doing all one has agreed to do, and not enchroaching upon the life or property of others. I cling to the idealistic hope that people will take it upon themselves to make wise choices instead of having that forced upon them by a form of government. I understand in practice though the value of having established policy and leadership.

Ok, now you need to take this test and let me know how you did! Please disreguard the "cupid" part I just liked the test!
http://www.okcupid.com/politics

Texas talk!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/washpost/20050911/ts_washpost/
in_rural_texas__blessings_and_culture_shock

Saturday, September 10, 2005

Reflections in the rain....

The rain is pouring down on earth. It is drenching all it touches with a sad but determined fury. I've been outside within it's cold reach all morning. Sitting beneath the thin protection of a rusty tin roof. I paint at what seems to be a never ending project. Though no human companion dares to watch me at my work I am not alone. My faithful dog sighs as he sits nearby. I look up at him and he gently wags his old blue tail. I smile and wonder if I should move the plate of blue paint which is sitting next to him.

He has been a good dog. A wonderful companion the past 11 years. His deep brown eyes look up at me but an inquiry reveals that the funny antics of a carefree pup have long since ceased. Instead, I see a somehow saddened gaze. It speaks of wisdom and experience. The eyes are dimmed with age but loyalty has given them a new beauty. He lowers his head back to the ground.

The raindrops continue to fall, giving the air a heavy sense of woe. It cries, "look here, see the future as it is comes. Appreciate the present for all of this will pass away." I pat my old dog on the head and take a moment to tell him what I'm thinking...how I'll miss him when he is gone, what he has meant to me over the years and then I turn my thoughts to the Lord. Tears welling up, I thank God for giving me such a faithful friend.

I take a trip inside the house but as I wade through the water which drowns our soil it causes mud to rise. The pressure is placed on it's unstable surface and muds ugly head lifts itself from the water to glare at me. My mind turns it's thought then to humanity. I am haunted by the faces of those I know, those who are sinking deep within the mire of sin. I realize they are sinking but there is something worse. They are not warned and with no real grasp of the dangers at hand how will they have a way of escape. I shudder, is there a way to show them freedom from this grasp of sin?

Can I warn them? Will they listen? I cannot say. I gaze into my reflection in the rain. Do I reflect my maker, can they see him through the dirt and mud. The sin stains smeared into my life? Do they see his loving hand upon me? Friends, I weep for I am found wanting. If this reflection is of me, how can they see?

God grant me purity that others may see you through reflection. Wash me, cleanse me, use me. May I not be the mudd that mars your glory but the clear rain that brings life to those who would have it.

Friday, September 09, 2005

A fix...

Well, y'all I'm in a fix. I just took a quizz that says I'm only 35% redneck. I'm so confused I don't even know what to think anymore...It ain't my fault that all our washing machines work. I do park my truck all over the yard. I don't drink but I love my country music. Heck, my dad pulls a trailer with his car. ~ even the old cadillac had a hitch on it, that should make up for the working washing machines right?? *sighs* Well, if I'm not a total redneck then I reckon some of me is something else...

Some of this: Classy? Country girl? Sweet? Charming? Talented?

Heck, I aint a yankee and I'm not sure what else is out there...Blue collar? Stiff? Swell? Anyone know how to figure out what my other 65% is?

Thursday, September 08, 2005

With Tears...

We still remember you... *video made by Phill Collins

Wednesday, September 07, 2005

Quote of the Day

"Whatever is worth doing is worth doing well." ~Dr. Johnson

Tuesday, September 06, 2005

I guess the drag racing bug bit me this year. Here are some pictures from a recent trip to the tracks. I won't be going often because it costs a fortune to get in. It was a beautiful day for the race even if the hot Texas sun did beat down with all it's wrath giving me the worst sunburn in personal history.
During the afternoon I tried to avoid more sun by borrowing a Green bay packers hat from a friend. It was big and flopped around on my head all day. I felt rather funny in it, but my face was hot so I kept it on. I also added a long sleeve shirt. I hated to wear it because of heat but the red glow of my skin was rather painful to the eyes of others.
Evening at the track was my favorite time. The sun had settled down to a glow and racing spirits were high. I enjoyed the company of racers, but my favorite glimpse of racing life was being involved with the families that participated on a regular basis. They showed no end of cheer and hospitality. I was invited to eat them, and they treated me just like an extra member of the family!

*Heck, perhaps I'll get in on a drag race or two one of these days. Anyone teach me how to drive a standard? Varooom!!!

Me and my truck!

It occurs to me that some of you may never have seen what I look like so I will remedy that by posting this picture of me and my truck. It was taken sometime this month so it is a very accurate likeness.

A book mark...

I was given a book mark by a friend who lives in Viet Nam. It is really beautiful. Handpainted on scented "Po mu" wood, it pictures a little man riding some type of water buffalo in green fields near a modest little hut. It is a very simple drawing but really charming.