Since the past many months have been mostly melancholy, I have been trying to do things lately that I know make me happy.
For example, while I was in the hospital I saw the cast of a new broadway show, Jersey Boys, perform. It is the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Their performances were stellar and I was just enamored. So recently I found the cast recording on amazon, and I ordered it. It arrived today, and I've already listened to it three times. I love singing along but my voice gets so horse from all that falsetto! My songs of the moment are "Walk Like a Man" and "My Eyes Adored You," but my all-time forever favorite is "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You." So this is my musical recommendation of the week.
Also, lately I've been catching up with old friends. I grew up in Stephenville, Texas from kindergarten through my sophomore year of high school. It is my hometown, and my heart will always be there, but I had lost touch with just about every person from there (except Nina!). But this week I've been reconnecting which brings back all kinds of memories. Ha, facebook actually serves a purpose! And actually I think I'm going to go back (for the first time in five years) in a couple of weeks for a friend's wedding shower. That'll be interesting!
Continuing with the theme of remembering, last night I called a dear friend and we reminisced over past adventures and I laughed til there were tears streaming down my face. And that is priceless.
Today I took time to look through all my photo albums. It made me realize that I have had a lot of fun with a lot of amazing people in my little life! The one that probably got me the most was the album from my second trip to Brazil. It's just so nice to look at myself in those pictures and realize that I was truly, truly happy then. It makes me think about what I want to do after I fully recover. I think I've been following my mind too much the past couple of years, and it's time to follow my heart for a while, if that makes sense.
In superficial news, I also love the show "Dancing with the Stars." Drew and Stacy are amazing. I think dancing is awesome, and would love to try it. But first you need a partner, and I have no partner, and if I did I doubt he'd want to take dancing lessons. And I wouldn't want to be one of those girls who makes her other half do something like dance classes. :)
That's all for now! I'll close by saying that if you've found yourself down lately, do something that you know will cheer you up. Crank up those great songs that you love to belt out (when no one's listening), look through old photo albums of the good times you've had, or catch up with an old friend.
Tchau!
Friday, February 17, 2006
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
I'm so vain...
... I probably think this blog is about me. Oh wait, it is. :)
Although I find this incredibly vain, I am interested to see what people would say, even if just one person participates.
If the spirit moves you, just go to this website:
http://kevan.org/johari?name=sojochick
and pick 6 words that you feel describe me best. It would probably only take you a couple of minutes.
Arigato! Gracias! Obrigada! Thanks!
Although I find this incredibly vain, I am interested to see what people would say, even if just one person participates.
If the spirit moves you, just go to this website:
http://kevan.org/johari?name=sojochick
and pick 6 words that you feel describe me best. It would probably only take you a couple of minutes.
Arigato! Gracias! Obrigada! Thanks!
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Love is different than you think...*
I've been wondering what to post on Valentine's Day (yes, I think in advance about blogs... yes I am a dork), and I really haven't come up with any great ideas. I have nothing terribly clever, wise, deep, or funny to say about love that hasn't already been said.
So that said, my prayer and wish for you is that you will feel the love in your life-- from God, family, or friends, and that you will be able to accept that love and reflect it on to the people you come in contact with.
PS-- The title is one of my favorite song quotes about love. Gold star if you can identify the artist!
So that said, my prayer and wish for you is that you will feel the love in your life-- from God, family, or friends, and that you will be able to accept that love and reflect it on to the people you come in contact with.
Happy Valentine's Day!!!
PS-- The title is one of my favorite song quotes about love. Gold star if you can identify the artist!
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Book Recommendation-- Five Love Languages
Yesterday... or technically the day before yesterday, I read a book that I'd like to recommend. It's called The Five Love Languages for Singles by Gary Chapman. I read the original Five Love Languages my freshman year in college (on the advice of my dear friend and roomie, Angie), and it really opened my eyes as to how I could better love the people in my life. The original one is intended for married people, but the principles can be applied to all your relationships.
Simply stated, the premise is that each person has one of five primary love languages. They are:
For example, my love language is "words of affirmation." I think this probably correlates somewhat to my being an English major and loving to study words and such. I tend to also give this as my way of showing affection to others.
But here's the key. Let's say I have a friend whose primary love language is physical touch, but I never give them a hug or pat their shoulder. Then even though I praise them with words all the time, they might not feel loved. I need to make the effort to realize what my loved ones' love languages are and speak to them in a manner that shows them how much I care.
It's really a concept that can revolutionize your relationships.
I usually avoid singles books because they're very hokey in my opinion... very much of the "bag 'em, tag 'em, and drag 'em home" type mentality (yes, I actually saw that literal phrased used in a singles book once-- I can tell you which one if you ask me). But this book is about learning to love better. Yes, it was geared towards relationships singles (and singles of all types) might be in, but there is a version for marrieds, one for men, and one for dealing with children. There might be others I don't know of, you can check on amazon. So I recommend that all you bloggies choose a book that best suits your situation and check it out for yourself.
Anyone else out there read it? Anyone know their love language? Or have a story of how learning the love languages has improved a relationship?
Simply stated, the premise is that each person has one of five primary love languages. They are:
- Quality time
- Words of affirmation
- Gifts
- Acts of service
- Physical touch
For example, my love language is "words of affirmation." I think this probably correlates somewhat to my being an English major and loving to study words and such. I tend to also give this as my way of showing affection to others.
But here's the key. Let's say I have a friend whose primary love language is physical touch, but I never give them a hug or pat their shoulder. Then even though I praise them with words all the time, they might not feel loved. I need to make the effort to realize what my loved ones' love languages are and speak to them in a manner that shows them how much I care.
It's really a concept that can revolutionize your relationships.
I usually avoid singles books because they're very hokey in my opinion... very much of the "bag 'em, tag 'em, and drag 'em home" type mentality (yes, I actually saw that literal phrased used in a singles book once-- I can tell you which one if you ask me). But this book is about learning to love better. Yes, it was geared towards relationships singles (and singles of all types) might be in, but there is a version for marrieds, one for men, and one for dealing with children. There might be others I don't know of, you can check on amazon. So I recommend that all you bloggies choose a book that best suits your situation and check it out for yourself.
Anyone else out there read it? Anyone know their love language? Or have a story of how learning the love languages has improved a relationship?
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Self-addiction
"The most difficult lie I've ever had to contend with is this: Life is a story about me."
--Donald Miller in Blue Like Jazz
Today I came to the realization that I have have a self addiction. I think being sick has had a lot to do with it, because when you're sick you really do become the center of the universe. When you're in the hospital you have a little buzzer and nurses come at your beck and call, your parents will do or get anything you want, people come to see you and bring you gifts, and you get cards all the time. It's pretty cool, in a way. :)
However, as I make the transition back into normal life, part of me misses the attention I received. Don't get me wrong-- I am thrilled to be going back to "normal", but the selfish side of me still wants to be catered to. Just proves I'm human, I guess. :)
Once again, as often happens, I come to the end of writing a post and think, "why am I posting this for the world to read?" Maybe it's kind of like step 1 in addiction recovery-- admitting you have a problem. Maybe it's for accountablity. Maybe it's to help edify others. Maybe just to make you think. Who knows.
"Love is a many splendored thing...
... love lifts us up where we belong, all you need is love."* :)
If you don't live under a rock or haven't been in a store for the past month, you know that next Tuesday is Valentine's Day. As usual, this will be a day of mixed emotions for me. On the one hand I am so so lucky because I get the chance to love so many people in my life. On the other hand, I am a single girl. I'm usually not anxious about the fact that I'm single, which is really a gift from God. But I will admit that as I approach 24 I'm starting to feel a little old.
However, when I get to thinking about how I "should" have a man by now, I am reminded of all of the dorky people I know who get married. If they can do it, so can I! And then I remember all of the fantastic single people I know and think, "they're smart, good looking, and holy... I'm in good company!"
Despite the moments of anxiousness, overall I trust God's good taste and sense of timing when it comes to finding the right dude for me. Til then, I'll just keep my eyes open. ;)
*Gold star for the person who can identify the quote!
If you don't live under a rock or haven't been in a store for the past month, you know that next Tuesday is Valentine's Day. As usual, this will be a day of mixed emotions for me. On the one hand I am so so lucky because I get the chance to love so many people in my life. On the other hand, I am a single girl. I'm usually not anxious about the fact that I'm single, which is really a gift from God. But I will admit that as I approach 24 I'm starting to feel a little old.
However, when I get to thinking about how I "should" have a man by now, I am reminded of all of the dorky people I know who get married. If they can do it, so can I! And then I remember all of the fantastic single people I know and think, "they're smart, good looking, and holy... I'm in good company!"
Despite the moments of anxiousness, overall I trust God's good taste and sense of timing when it comes to finding the right dude for me. Til then, I'll just keep my eyes open. ;)
*Gold star for the person who can identify the quote!
Monday, February 06, 2006
Angels of Compassion
Angels of Compassion-- me, Bek, Summer, Lori, Alissa; Angie, Amber, Meredith, Misty
Spring of 2003
These are my girls. We were all in the incoming class of 2000 at OCU, specifically the honors program. Through the years we bonded through homework, Bible studies, personal crises, engagements, weddings, graduations, practical jokes, career searches, and all of the other things you experience in your college years.
This picture was one of the last nights we were all together. As we geographically drifted apart because of marriages, graduations, and intense load work in our major classes, our friendships took on a new role. One of us moved up north to begin a new chapter of her life and found herself homesick and lacking direction, so we rallied around her and a couple even make a trip up to see her. Another gave everything up to move to Central America to spread the light of the gospel and again, trips, emails, and care packages are there to show we support her in her work. When I was sick, these amazing women rallied around me with visits (both in person and through a personalized DVD), gifts, cards, and email.
These are just the examples I thought of off the top of my head to show the ways that we have stuck together through thick and thin to cry with each other tears of joy and pain. I know for a fact that "smaller" gifts of love are passed between all of us each day through emails and phone calls and thinking back on the great memories we share.
I know we're just a few years out of college and as the years go by it will be easier to lose touch. But these girls are some of my best friends, and no matter how far we spread out or now infrequent the emails become, I have faith that there will always be a special bond of strong love between us.
Some of my best friends are guys. But there is a special purpose and gift to having good friends of the same sex. In fact, I've always said that you have to be suspicious of a person who has trouble keeping friends of the same sex. A strong group of male friends is one of my criteria for a potential spouse.
So those are my girls. Once Bailey McBride, upon hearing of some of the stories of our friendship, remarked that we were like "angels of compassion" to each other. I couldn't think of a more appropriate title for these women.
Friday, February 03, 2006
Book of Daniel
This week "The Book of Daniel," an NBC series, was cancelled due to pressure on the network and sponsors from crazy Christian fundamentalists.
The complaints against it were varied, but included the fact that the main character, a priest, and his family had an assortment of issues. The priest popped pain pills, the wife was a semi-alcoholic, the son was gay, the other son slept around. I never understood why this was an issue of contention for Christians. Isn't it about time that Christians are portrayed in the media as real people with real struggles? Do we all really want to be looked at as Ned Flanderses??? Moreover, the family was also portrayed unconventionally. Sure they had their problems, but they all really loved each other, despite their problems.
Another source of contention was that Jesus was portrayed as a character in the show. The priest would often talk to him, seeking encouragement and advice and help. Jesus was kind of a hippie on the show, but in the good sense. He was laid back and kind, and even funny. There was never a time spoken where I thought to myself, "Hey, Jesus would never say that!" In fact, I thought it was quite a good portrayal of what Jesus would probably say. I don't know what the beef with Jesus was, but if the detractors actually watched it they might realize it wasn't bad.
The other big issue was the fact that the church portrayed accepted homosexuality. This is the only issue I could see as being an actual stumbling block to Christians. But the church depicted is an Episcopal church, and that reflects their beliefs (I guess, I haven't really studied Episcopalian creed). I think it comes down to people saying, "I don't want people to get the idea this is what I stand for and accept as a Christian when it isn't." BUT. If we're going to start getting mad about a misrepresentation of Christianity, let's get Pat Robertson off the air. How about all those "send me your retirement and I'll pray for you" televangelists?
Ugh. I'm pretty ticked about the whole deal. I liked the show. Yeah, it was a little "busy" with it's 2345 story lines, but I enjoyed it.
I don't know, maybe some of you guys wanted the show cancelled. Care to share your thoughts?
The complaints against it were varied, but included the fact that the main character, a priest, and his family had an assortment of issues. The priest popped pain pills, the wife was a semi-alcoholic, the son was gay, the other son slept around. I never understood why this was an issue of contention for Christians. Isn't it about time that Christians are portrayed in the media as real people with real struggles? Do we all really want to be looked at as Ned Flanderses??? Moreover, the family was also portrayed unconventionally. Sure they had their problems, but they all really loved each other, despite their problems.
Another source of contention was that Jesus was portrayed as a character in the show. The priest would often talk to him, seeking encouragement and advice and help. Jesus was kind of a hippie on the show, but in the good sense. He was laid back and kind, and even funny. There was never a time spoken where I thought to myself, "Hey, Jesus would never say that!" In fact, I thought it was quite a good portrayal of what Jesus would probably say. I don't know what the beef with Jesus was, but if the detractors actually watched it they might realize it wasn't bad.
The other big issue was the fact that the church portrayed accepted homosexuality. This is the only issue I could see as being an actual stumbling block to Christians. But the church depicted is an Episcopal church, and that reflects their beliefs (I guess, I haven't really studied Episcopalian creed). I think it comes down to people saying, "I don't want people to get the idea this is what I stand for and accept as a Christian when it isn't." BUT. If we're going to start getting mad about a misrepresentation of Christianity, let's get Pat Robertson off the air. How about all those "send me your retirement and I'll pray for you" televangelists?
Ugh. I'm pretty ticked about the whole deal. I liked the show. Yeah, it was a little "busy" with it's 2345 story lines, but I enjoyed it.
I don't know, maybe some of you guys wanted the show cancelled. Care to share your thoughts?
I wasn't tagged, but I still want to play
I saw this on another blog, and although I was not "tagged," I'm going to do it anyway. Consider yourself tagged if you want blog filler. :)
Four Jobs I’ve Had:
1) Scorekeeper/statistician for high school basketball games-- funnest. job. ever.
2) Receptionist at a dry cleaner-- maybe I should tell y'all some of my stories from that place...
3) Telemarketer for OC-- bad on so many levels
4) Writing tutor-- oh man, I have some stories from there too...
Four Movies I Could Watch Over and Over:
1) Dumb and Dumber
2) Legally Blonde
3) Singing' in the Rain
4) The Wedding Singer
Four Books I Could Read Over and Over
1) Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller
2) Leaving Ruin by Jeff Barryman
3) Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
4) East of Eden by John Steinbeck
Four Places I’ve Lived
1) Stephenville, TX
2) Texarkana, TX
3) Edmond, OK
4) Hitachi, Japan
Four TV Shows I Watch
1) Dancing with the Stars
2) Days of our Lives
3) Oprah
4) Desperate Housewives
Four Places I’ve Been On Vacation
1) Walt Disney World
2) Singapore
3) Nasu, Japan
4) Rio de Janiero, Brasil (folks who went with me-- would this qualify as a vacation??? hahaha)
Four Websites I Visit Daily
1) gmail.com
2) www.thehungersite.com
3) www.edition.cnn.com
4) prayingmantis.blogspot.com
Four Favorite Foods
1) Grilled cheese sandwich
2) Cheese ravioli
3) Fried rice (the kind I make)
4) Cherry vanilla coke from Sonic
Four Places I’d Like to Be Right Now
1) Brasil
2) Japan
3) Edmond
4) Tennessee
Notice I stayed vague so I could be in more than one city at once in these places. :)
Four Jobs I’ve Had:
1) Scorekeeper/statistician for high school basketball games-- funnest. job. ever.
2) Receptionist at a dry cleaner-- maybe I should tell y'all some of my stories from that place...
3) Telemarketer for OC-- bad on so many levels
4) Writing tutor-- oh man, I have some stories from there too...
Four Movies I Could Watch Over and Over:
1) Dumb and Dumber
2) Legally Blonde
3) Singing' in the Rain
4) The Wedding Singer
Four Books I Could Read Over and Over
1) Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller
2) Leaving Ruin by Jeff Barryman
3) Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
4) East of Eden by John Steinbeck
Four Places I’ve Lived
1) Stephenville, TX
2) Texarkana, TX
3) Edmond, OK
4) Hitachi, Japan
Four TV Shows I Watch
1) Dancing with the Stars
2) Days of our Lives
3) Oprah
4) Desperate Housewives
Four Places I’ve Been On Vacation
1) Walt Disney World
2) Singapore
3) Nasu, Japan
4) Rio de Janiero, Brasil (folks who went with me-- would this qualify as a vacation??? hahaha)
Four Websites I Visit Daily
1) gmail.com
2) www.thehungersite.com
3) www.edition.cnn.com
4) prayingmantis.blogspot.com
Four Favorite Foods
1) Grilled cheese sandwich
2) Cheese ravioli
3) Fried rice (the kind I make)
4) Cherry vanilla coke from Sonic
Four Places I’d Like to Be Right Now
1) Brasil
2) Japan
3) Edmond
4) Tennessee
Notice I stayed vague so I could be in more than one city at once in these places. :)
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Omer of Manna
While I was in the hospital in November and December, many many packages arrived from Japan containing most of my earthly belongings. I have avoided opening them for the longest time because I just don't want to think about all that situation. But yesterday I broke down and opened a box. It was a wonderful box, too; just like Christmas. It had a bunch of decorations from my walls, my jewelry box, a photo album, and some books.
Among the books was a notebook that I started when I was in college. It's one of those black and white, marblized composition books. I think I got the idea from reading "Passion and Purity" by Elisabeth Elliot, in which she describes keeping a journal of quotes and scriptures and songs that encourage her. She named hers her "Omer of manna," taken from Exodus 16:32, "Fill an omer of it to be kept for your generations; that they may see the bread with which I have fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you out of the land of Egypt." When I began writing in my journal I was going through a rough time and wanted to record the words that gave me peace and encouragement. And I think it's one of the best things I've ever done. So many times I have looked back on those entries and they've helped remind me of the truth that can be easy to forget when times are tough. It's also nice to look back and reflect on where I've been and what God's brought me through.
The reason I share all this is that I encourage everyone to try this for a while. It's not something you have to update daily, but when a scripture, song, quote, poem, whatever it may be really speaks to you, jot in down in your journal. You never know when it will come in handy again in your own life or maybe the life of a friend.
Among the books was a notebook that I started when I was in college. It's one of those black and white, marblized composition books. I think I got the idea from reading "Passion and Purity" by Elisabeth Elliot, in which she describes keeping a journal of quotes and scriptures and songs that encourage her. She named hers her "Omer of manna," taken from Exodus 16:32, "Fill an omer of it to be kept for your generations; that they may see the bread with which I have fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you out of the land of Egypt." When I began writing in my journal I was going through a rough time and wanted to record the words that gave me peace and encouragement. And I think it's one of the best things I've ever done. So many times I have looked back on those entries and they've helped remind me of the truth that can be easy to forget when times are tough. It's also nice to look back and reflect on where I've been and what God's brought me through.
The reason I share all this is that I encourage everyone to try this for a while. It's not something you have to update daily, but when a scripture, song, quote, poem, whatever it may be really speaks to you, jot in down in your journal. You never know when it will come in handy again in your own life or maybe the life of a friend.
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Ann's Quizlette
Please someone take it. I don't want to be a loser. :)
Blog readers should be at an advantage on this quiz!
NOTE:
Two notes from the creator of said quiz.
First, I made a mistake. It's on the question where I asked which movie I'd choose. If you make the question negative, "which movie would I not choose", then it'll work. Otherwise don't worry about it. :)
Secondly, I actually made the quiz twice, losing the first version which one question from being done. The second time around I forgot to include my favorite question. It was the following:
"Which of the following do I believe is a 'man job.'"
a. taking out the trash
b. driving
c. putting up the groceries
d. all of the above
The answer is D. :)
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
How I'm doing and how I'm feeling
During one of my college classes, a social rights advocate of the '70s came to speak to our class on racism today. One of my classmates asked him "What do you feel about..." and he answered, "Do you want to know what I think or how I feel?"
The most popular questions I get these days are "How are you doing/how are you feeling?" I answer them the same, because I know people mean the same thing in wording it both ways. I am doing great, praise be to God, although I don't know how God works in all of this. I have gained 20 pounds in two weeks (wow!) and I have great strength and endurance. I went to Target for an hour and a half last Saturday, without a wheelchair. I'm able to eat anything I want and I haven't gotten sick in several weeks. Incredible, considering where I was a month ago.
Yesterday I had checkups with the stomach doctor and surgeon in Oklahoma City. They were both very pleased with my progress. The surgeon dismissed me and the stomach doctor will see me again in March. And I've been instructed to stop my nightly tube feedings after I gain another ten pounds. Great news.
I am feeling alright. I've been through some major trauma over the last 7/8 months, and that's taken it's toll. Of course I'm happy to be doing better. Honestly as I write this I don't know what to say. A lot of how I feel is too private to put on a blog for the world to see, ya know?
So there's your update, since I've gone a while without telling you how I'm doing. Thank you 70 x 7 for your love and encouragement. It carried me. Sunday at church we sang "Faithful Love", and the second verse reminded me of my friends:
Faithful love, calms each fear
Reaches down, dries each tear,
Holds my hand when I can’t stand on my own.
Faithful Love
From Above
Came to earth to show the father’s love.
And I’ll never be the same,
For I’ve seen faithful love face to face,
And Jesus is His name.
The most popular questions I get these days are "How are you doing/how are you feeling?" I answer them the same, because I know people mean the same thing in wording it both ways. I am doing great, praise be to God, although I don't know how God works in all of this. I have gained 20 pounds in two weeks (wow!) and I have great strength and endurance. I went to Target for an hour and a half last Saturday, without a wheelchair. I'm able to eat anything I want and I haven't gotten sick in several weeks. Incredible, considering where I was a month ago.
Yesterday I had checkups with the stomach doctor and surgeon in Oklahoma City. They were both very pleased with my progress. The surgeon dismissed me and the stomach doctor will see me again in March. And I've been instructed to stop my nightly tube feedings after I gain another ten pounds. Great news.
I am feeling alright. I've been through some major trauma over the last 7/8 months, and that's taken it's toll. Of course I'm happy to be doing better. Honestly as I write this I don't know what to say. A lot of how I feel is too private to put on a blog for the world to see, ya know?
So there's your update, since I've gone a while without telling you how I'm doing. Thank you 70 x 7 for your love and encouragement. It carried me. Sunday at church we sang "Faithful Love", and the second verse reminded me of my friends:
Faithful love, calms each fear
Reaches down, dries each tear,
Holds my hand when I can’t stand on my own.
Faithful Love
From Above
Came to earth to show the father’s love.
And I’ll never be the same,
For I’ve seen faithful love face to face,
And Jesus is His name.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
What on earth?
I love words. I think words have innate power and beauty. However some people do... amazing things with words. Here are two examples I experienced on the drive up to OKC Sunday.
The first was a marquee for a church building in the metropolis of DeKalb, Texas. It said, no lie:
"The Bible-- believe it or be wrong."
I burst out laughing when I saw it. I just could not believe the sheer arrogance. But hey, I should learn not to be surprised when it comes to church-folk.
The second was a song we heard on the radio. What you must understand is that there is a stretch of the journey from T-town to OKC in which you can pick up nothing but country stations. I'm not a country hater, but I'm not a big fan, either. But when this song came on the radio, I again burst out laughing when I realized what they were saying. Here are the words to the chorus, again, no lie:
"At that honky tonk badonkadonk
Keepin' perfect rhythm
Make ya wanna swing along
Got it goin' on
Like Donkey Kong
And whoo-wee
Shut my mouth, slap your grandma
There outta be a law
Get the Sheriff on the phone
Lord have mercy, how's she even get them britches on
That honky tonk badonkadonk"
I understood this song only because my sister had informed me a few weeks ago that a "badonkadonk" is a shapely booty. So... yeah... what a song. :) And y'all were picking on the "Cartoon Song"??? :)
So there ya go. Hope you were as amused as I was.
The first was a marquee for a church building in the metropolis of DeKalb, Texas. It said, no lie:
"The Bible-- believe it or be wrong."
I burst out laughing when I saw it. I just could not believe the sheer arrogance. But hey, I should learn not to be surprised when it comes to church-folk.
The second was a song we heard on the radio. What you must understand is that there is a stretch of the journey from T-town to OKC in which you can pick up nothing but country stations. I'm not a country hater, but I'm not a big fan, either. But when this song came on the radio, I again burst out laughing when I realized what they were saying. Here are the words to the chorus, again, no lie:
"At that honky tonk badonkadonk
Keepin' perfect rhythm
Make ya wanna swing along
Got it goin' on
Like Donkey Kong
And whoo-wee
Shut my mouth, slap your grandma
There outta be a law
Get the Sheriff on the phone
Lord have mercy, how's she even get them britches on
That honky tonk badonkadonk"
I understood this song only because my sister had informed me a few weeks ago that a "badonkadonk" is a shapely booty. So... yeah... what a song. :) And y'all were picking on the "Cartoon Song"??? :)
So there ya go. Hope you were as amused as I was.
Friday, January 20, 2006
Thoughts on why I can never meet Chris Rice
Although this may appear to be a blog about Chris Rice, it's not. It's about fantasy.
If you know me well or have been a long time blog reader, you know that I simply adore Chris Rice's music. I won't try to start to explain how I feel about his songwriting or I'll never shut up. Let's just say it's... wonderful. :) Although the fact is that I only know Chris Rice through his songwriting and brief comments on a DVD from a concert I have, I really don't know the man Chris Rice. But because his music speaks to me on such a deep spiritual level, I feel like I do know him. My mind has conjured up this image of him as a person, and I have put that person on a pedestal as nearly perfect. It's not something I did consciously, but I've done it. For example, because of the deep nature of many of his songs, I would expect Chris to be rather serious and deep most of the time. We could sit in coffee shops for hours brooding over popular theological points. However, the fact is that Chris is primarily a youth leader, and that job lends itself to being rather... not so serious the majority of the time.
This leads to reason number one that I can't meet Chris Rice. Expectation. As my dear friend Jess pointed out to me the other night, "You can't meet him. That'd ruin the fantasy." He couldn't be just who I wanted him to be, I would have to acknowledge who he is. Tied in along with this is a point that I gleaned from the Oprah DVD commentary on her interview with Paul McCartney. Oprah felt about McCartney much like I feel about Chris. She idolized him, put him on that pedestal. In the commentary she says that she had such great hopes for this meeting. Knowing how silly and unrealistic it was, she was honest about how she hoped he'd react to meeting her. She said (paraphrased), "I wanted him to like me. I wanted him to say, 'Please, be my friend. Come away with me and we can spend the rest of our lives hanging out together, because I think you're cool.' But, he didn't say that." I'm like that with Chris. I'd want him to want to be my friend, to like me, to think I was deep and holy. But chances are that if I ever got to the concert and got to shake his hand, I'd just be another fan that he would take a photo with. And then where would my fantasy be? In the toilet. :) And what if, God forbid, he didn't like me? What if he was conservative? :) What would I do then? I shudder at the thought. :) So, be it healthy or not, I think I'd rather hold onto my fantasy than have it dashed.
I write about this because I believe that it's not just Oprah and I who have these idols (this term used loosely, please no comments on my worship of Chris Rice). Surely some of you, my friends, have these in your own life. If you feel the spirit moving you, please give an amen and perhaps who your person is in the comments section.
I feel somewhat safe in having my fantasy person be Chris Rice, who lives far away in Tennessee and I doubt I will ever meet, let alone have any kind of deeper conversation with him. Like I said before, I don't know if this is healthy or not (feel free to give your opinions). But I do know that some people's idols are in their real lives. Friends or boy/girlfriends or parents or children. This is so risky and leaves so many people hurt in it's wake.
Well, I have run out of thoughts on this subject. Congrats if you made it all the way through. And thanks for all the good comments on the Derek Webb CD. I should say that I do have a special place in my heart for KLOVE because it has ministered to me for so many years inbetween the twinkie songs. :)
If you know me well or have been a long time blog reader, you know that I simply adore Chris Rice's music. I won't try to start to explain how I feel about his songwriting or I'll never shut up. Let's just say it's... wonderful. :) Although the fact is that I only know Chris Rice through his songwriting and brief comments on a DVD from a concert I have, I really don't know the man Chris Rice. But because his music speaks to me on such a deep spiritual level, I feel like I do know him. My mind has conjured up this image of him as a person, and I have put that person on a pedestal as nearly perfect. It's not something I did consciously, but I've done it. For example, because of the deep nature of many of his songs, I would expect Chris to be rather serious and deep most of the time. We could sit in coffee shops for hours brooding over popular theological points. However, the fact is that Chris is primarily a youth leader, and that job lends itself to being rather... not so serious the majority of the time.
This leads to reason number one that I can't meet Chris Rice. Expectation. As my dear friend Jess pointed out to me the other night, "You can't meet him. That'd ruin the fantasy." He couldn't be just who I wanted him to be, I would have to acknowledge who he is. Tied in along with this is a point that I gleaned from the Oprah DVD commentary on her interview with Paul McCartney. Oprah felt about McCartney much like I feel about Chris. She idolized him, put him on that pedestal. In the commentary she says that she had such great hopes for this meeting. Knowing how silly and unrealistic it was, she was honest about how she hoped he'd react to meeting her. She said (paraphrased), "I wanted him to like me. I wanted him to say, 'Please, be my friend. Come away with me and we can spend the rest of our lives hanging out together, because I think you're cool.' But, he didn't say that." I'm like that with Chris. I'd want him to want to be my friend, to like me, to think I was deep and holy. But chances are that if I ever got to the concert and got to shake his hand, I'd just be another fan that he would take a photo with. And then where would my fantasy be? In the toilet. :) And what if, God forbid, he didn't like me? What if he was conservative? :) What would I do then? I shudder at the thought. :) So, be it healthy or not, I think I'd rather hold onto my fantasy than have it dashed.
I write about this because I believe that it's not just Oprah and I who have these idols (this term used loosely, please no comments on my worship of Chris Rice). Surely some of you, my friends, have these in your own life. If you feel the spirit moving you, please give an amen and perhaps who your person is in the comments section.
I feel somewhat safe in having my fantasy person be Chris Rice, who lives far away in Tennessee and I doubt I will ever meet, let alone have any kind of deeper conversation with him. Like I said before, I don't know if this is healthy or not (feel free to give your opinions). But I do know that some people's idols are in their real lives. Friends or boy/girlfriends or parents or children. This is so risky and leaves so many people hurt in it's wake.
Well, I have run out of thoughts on this subject. Congrats if you made it all the way through. And thanks for all the good comments on the Derek Webb CD. I should say that I do have a special place in my heart for KLOVE because it has ministered to me for so many years inbetween the twinkie songs. :)
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Songs you won't hear on KLOVE :)
While I was in the hospital, one of my dear friends sent me the new Derek Webb CD, Mockingbird. I have been meaning to blog on it for a while because a) I think it's awesome and b) it is very... different from most Christian music.
I like to read the lyrics to songs the first time I listen to them so I can know what the actual message is. The first song that really caught my attention was "A King and a Kingdom." Here are the lines that struck me:
my first allegiance is not to a flag, a country, or a man
my first allegiance is not to democracy or blood
it's to a king & a kingdom
there are two great lies that i’ve heard:
“the day you eat of the fruit of that tree, you will not surely die”
and that Jesus Christ was a white, middle-class republican
and if you wanna be saved you have to learn to be like Him
My jaw absolutely dropped when I heard that! Not from horror, but because I've never heard anything like this in Christian music! Oh but wait, there's more.
One of my favorite songs on the CD is called, "I Hate Everything." Here's the chorus:
it’s been one of those kinds of days
and i feel so out of place
and i hate everything, everything
i hate everything but you
Typically I despise the word "hate" and think it is used far too casually by many people, but here I think it's cute. Who hasn't had one of those days where they "hate" the world and just want to be with/talk to that one person, be it a boyfriend/girlfriend, friend, or dog. But can't you just see KLOVE playing a song called "I Hate Everything"? Heehee, that makes me laugh.
Next up on the list is a powerful song called "Rich Young Ruler," which has earned the entire song being posted:
poverty is so hard to see
when it’s only on your tv and twenty miles across town
where we’re all living so good
that we moved out of Jesus’ neighborhood
where he’s hungry and not feeling so good
from going through our trash
he says, more than just your cash and coin
i want your time, i want your voice
i want the things you just can’t give me
so what must we do
here in the west we want to follow you
we speak the language and we keep all the rules
even a few we made up
come on and follow me
but sell your house, sell your suv
sell your stocks, sell your security
and give it to the poor
what is this, hey what’s the deal
i don’t sleep around and i don’t steal
i want the things you just can’t give me
because what you do to the least of these
my brothers, you have done it to me
because i want the things you just can’t give me
What a beautiful call for social justice. This really made me reconsider the story of the rich young ruler. In my own self-righteousness, I never really identified myself with him. But if we in America aren't the rich young rulers, then who is?
"My Enemies are Men Like Me" is so blunt and to the point, it really speaks for itself:
how can i kill the ones i’m supposed to love
my enemies are men like me
i will protest the sword if it’s not wielded well
my enemies are men like me
peace by way of war is like purity by way of fornication
it’s like telling someone murder is wrong
and then showing them by way of execution
when justice is bought and sold just like weapons of war
the ones who always pay are the poorest of the poor
because i would rather die
i would rather die
i would rather die
than to take your life
The last song I want to talk about is "Love is not Against the Law." Again, a strong commentary on loving enemies:
politics or love can make you blind or make you see
make you a slave or make you free
but only one does it all
and it’s giving up your life for the ones you hate the most
it’s giving them your gown when they’ve taken your clothes
it’s learning to admit when you’ve had a hand
in setting them up in knocking them down
love is not against the law
love is not against the law
are we defending life
when we just pick and choose
lives acceptable to lose
and which ones to defend
‘cause you cannot choose your friends
but you choose your enemies
and what if they were one
one and the same
could you find a way to love them both the same
to give them your name
Well there you go. When something impacts me as much as this CD did, I just feel a need to share it on the blog, even though it makes for a lengthy post that I doubt many will make it through. :)
Derek Webb is a modern day prophet, and it seems that each of his CDs tackle a different issue. I'm glad he had the intestinal fortitude to tackle these subjects.
As the title says, I doubt we'll be hearing KLOVE play these songs anytime before Jesus comes. :)
I like to read the lyrics to songs the first time I listen to them so I can know what the actual message is. The first song that really caught my attention was "A King and a Kingdom." Here are the lines that struck me:
my first allegiance is not to a flag, a country, or a man
my first allegiance is not to democracy or blood
it's to a king & a kingdom
there are two great lies that i’ve heard:
“the day you eat of the fruit of that tree, you will not surely die”
and that Jesus Christ was a white, middle-class republican
and if you wanna be saved you have to learn to be like Him
My jaw absolutely dropped when I heard that! Not from horror, but because I've never heard anything like this in Christian music! Oh but wait, there's more.
One of my favorite songs on the CD is called, "I Hate Everything." Here's the chorus:
it’s been one of those kinds of days
and i feel so out of place
and i hate everything, everything
i hate everything but you
Typically I despise the word "hate" and think it is used far too casually by many people, but here I think it's cute. Who hasn't had one of those days where they "hate" the world and just want to be with/talk to that one person, be it a boyfriend/girlfriend, friend, or dog. But can't you just see KLOVE playing a song called "I Hate Everything"? Heehee, that makes me laugh.
Next up on the list is a powerful song called "Rich Young Ruler," which has earned the entire song being posted:
poverty is so hard to see
when it’s only on your tv and twenty miles across town
where we’re all living so good
that we moved out of Jesus’ neighborhood
where he’s hungry and not feeling so good
from going through our trash
he says, more than just your cash and coin
i want your time, i want your voice
i want the things you just can’t give me
so what must we do
here in the west we want to follow you
we speak the language and we keep all the rules
even a few we made up
come on and follow me
but sell your house, sell your suv
sell your stocks, sell your security
and give it to the poor
what is this, hey what’s the deal
i don’t sleep around and i don’t steal
i want the things you just can’t give me
because what you do to the least of these
my brothers, you have done it to me
because i want the things you just can’t give me
What a beautiful call for social justice. This really made me reconsider the story of the rich young ruler. In my own self-righteousness, I never really identified myself with him. But if we in America aren't the rich young rulers, then who is?
"My Enemies are Men Like Me" is so blunt and to the point, it really speaks for itself:
how can i kill the ones i’m supposed to love
my enemies are men like me
i will protest the sword if it’s not wielded well
my enemies are men like me
peace by way of war is like purity by way of fornication
it’s like telling someone murder is wrong
and then showing them by way of execution
when justice is bought and sold just like weapons of war
the ones who always pay are the poorest of the poor
because i would rather die
i would rather die
i would rather die
than to take your life
The last song I want to talk about is "Love is not Against the Law." Again, a strong commentary on loving enemies:
politics or love can make you blind or make you see
make you a slave or make you free
but only one does it all
and it’s giving up your life for the ones you hate the most
it’s giving them your gown when they’ve taken your clothes
it’s learning to admit when you’ve had a hand
in setting them up in knocking them down
love is not against the law
love is not against the law
are we defending life
when we just pick and choose
lives acceptable to lose
and which ones to defend
‘cause you cannot choose your friends
but you choose your enemies
and what if they were one
one and the same
could you find a way to love them both the same
to give them your name
Well there you go. When something impacts me as much as this CD did, I just feel a need to share it on the blog, even though it makes for a lengthy post that I doubt many will make it through. :)
Derek Webb is a modern day prophet, and it seems that each of his CDs tackle a different issue. I'm glad he had the intestinal fortitude to tackle these subjects.
As the title says, I doubt we'll be hearing KLOVE play these songs anytime before Jesus comes. :)
Saturday, January 14, 2006
In the spotlight
I'm trying to get back into blogging an talk about things other than my illness, so here goes.
Seems like my dear alma mater, OC, has been getting some attention lately. Apparently they were trying to implement a policy in which an employee of the university who gets a divorce is susceptible to being terminated, if the divorce is not scripturally sound. Due to a lot of negative press the official policy has been done away with.
I'd heard rumors that this was happening, but it was confirmed today when Mike Cope blogged about it. This of course means that all of the Church of Christ blogging world knows about it now. Grrrrrreat. It kind of made me mad that he wrote about it, but I think that was my pride in my school coming out. I was hoping to keep this dark side hidden from public view, ya know? It reminds me of when Anne Coulter was scheduled to speak at Harding and the blogging world went nuts in protest (she ended up being cancelled). Anyway, I read some of the comments on Cope's blog and of course some people were having a field day picking at OC and by association, the Christian Chronicle (which also is close to my heart).
I'm a little torn on what to think about the policy. My first reaction is negative, because the policy is being portrayed as a hard line, "divorced and you're gone" kind of thing. But knowing the leadership of the school, I know that's not true. These are people of compassion and faith and love. And also, I have to think that we have to be holy as a Christian university, and by that I mean we must be set apart. That's why we have daily chapel, that's why we require Bible classes. Shouldn't we have high standards for faculty and administration? Bailey McBride (my hero) wrote a great article about this subject here. I don't know. I go back and forth with myself. Besides, it doesn't really matter what I think, anyway. :)
It just frustrates me that this stupid policy is getting so much attention when there are so many great things about OC. But on the other hand, I think it is good for attention to be drawn to things like this going on in "our fellowship" so we can hold each other accountable. Iron sharpening iron and all that. ;)
Seems like my dear alma mater, OC, has been getting some attention lately. Apparently they were trying to implement a policy in which an employee of the university who gets a divorce is susceptible to being terminated, if the divorce is not scripturally sound. Due to a lot of negative press the official policy has been done away with.
I'd heard rumors that this was happening, but it was confirmed today when Mike Cope blogged about it. This of course means that all of the Church of Christ blogging world knows about it now. Grrrrrreat. It kind of made me mad that he wrote about it, but I think that was my pride in my school coming out. I was hoping to keep this dark side hidden from public view, ya know? It reminds me of when Anne Coulter was scheduled to speak at Harding and the blogging world went nuts in protest (she ended up being cancelled). Anyway, I read some of the comments on Cope's blog and of course some people were having a field day picking at OC and by association, the Christian Chronicle (which also is close to my heart).
I'm a little torn on what to think about the policy. My first reaction is negative, because the policy is being portrayed as a hard line, "divorced and you're gone" kind of thing. But knowing the leadership of the school, I know that's not true. These are people of compassion and faith and love. And also, I have to think that we have to be holy as a Christian university, and by that I mean we must be set apart. That's why we have daily chapel, that's why we require Bible classes. Shouldn't we have high standards for faculty and administration? Bailey McBride (my hero) wrote a great article about this subject here. I don't know. I go back and forth with myself. Besides, it doesn't really matter what I think, anyway. :)
It just frustrates me that this stupid policy is getting so much attention when there are so many great things about OC. But on the other hand, I think it is good for attention to be drawn to things like this going on in "our fellowship" so we can hold each other accountable. Iron sharpening iron and all that. ;)
Saturday, January 07, 2006
Back in Business
Hello loyal blog readers!
I'd like to take a moment to welcome myself back to the blogging world, seeing how it's been over a month since I myself updated.
First I need to say thank you to all of you for your caring, prayers, gifts, and cards. This has been 7 long frustrating months hopefully culminating in the last month, and I wouldn't have made it through without you. Well maybe I would have, but I wouldn't be on speaking terms with God probably. As I was in the ER the Wednesday before last, I was in terrible pain and the procedures they were doing on me were making it worse and I remember just crying and crying and asking why God wouldn't help me. But that wasn't true, wasn't fair. Just spoken out of pain. But God was, has, and is helping me-- through all of you. Thank you so much for being the lights of God in my life when I couldn't see it elsewhere.
This last hospitalization wasn't so bad. I had nice nurses (which truly makes all the difference). I was on some good painkillers (yay morphine and demorol!), which is always great. I left the hospital weaker than when I went in, but overall alright. I have an ear infection, which is a pain, but definitely not worse than anything else I've experienced. Healing from my surgery is going well. My incision is almost nearly healed. I don't think it's been mentioned that I have a feeding tube now. At night for 15 hours I am fed through a feeding pump, which ends up being about 1800 calories a day. Then during the day I eat what I can to supplement that. My doctor wants me to gain 30 pounds by March on this plan. I really hope I can. I gained some weight in the hospital over the past week, so I'm up to 100 pounds. Pretty good since I was in the 80s last week.
I don't want to bore you with details, so I'll wrap up. I love and appreciate you all more than you know.
I'd like to take a moment to welcome myself back to the blogging world, seeing how it's been over a month since I myself updated.
First I need to say thank you to all of you for your caring, prayers, gifts, and cards. This has been 7 long frustrating months hopefully culminating in the last month, and I wouldn't have made it through without you. Well maybe I would have, but I wouldn't be on speaking terms with God probably. As I was in the ER the Wednesday before last, I was in terrible pain and the procedures they were doing on me were making it worse and I remember just crying and crying and asking why God wouldn't help me. But that wasn't true, wasn't fair. Just spoken out of pain. But God was, has, and is helping me-- through all of you. Thank you so much for being the lights of God in my life when I couldn't see it elsewhere.
This last hospitalization wasn't so bad. I had nice nurses (which truly makes all the difference). I was on some good painkillers (yay morphine and demorol!), which is always great. I left the hospital weaker than when I went in, but overall alright. I have an ear infection, which is a pain, but definitely not worse than anything else I've experienced. Healing from my surgery is going well. My incision is almost nearly healed. I don't think it's been mentioned that I have a feeding tube now. At night for 15 hours I am fed through a feeding pump, which ends up being about 1800 calories a day. Then during the day I eat what I can to supplement that. My doctor wants me to gain 30 pounds by March on this plan. I really hope I can. I gained some weight in the hospital over the past week, so I'm up to 100 pounds. Pretty good since I was in the 80s last week.
I don't want to bore you with details, so I'll wrap up. I love and appreciate you all more than you know.
Friday, December 30, 2005
'sweet marie'
'Sweet Marie' is my life long nickname for Ann. The whole nickname is 'Sweet Marie my Darling'. Ann's long time gal pal Nina heard me call this sevaral times and picked it too. Ann has (we have) had a setback. We spent almost 24 hours in ER on Wednesday 12/27 and Thursday. Cutting through details Ann is stable now and in ICU at Christis St. Michaels Hospital in Texarkana Texas. Rules are no phones and limited visiting times for family. A ct scan will be done tomorrow 12/31 and will determine what if any futher treatment is required. The best news would be that the treatments so far will be enough. That is what we hope for. Ann was able to be home for Christmas and we enjoyed that time. She also reads all comments to her blog and e-mail and a highlight of the day would be if the snail mail had a card or letter. She really needs her spirits lifted now. Ann's address is Ann White, 3210 Westridge Ave., Texarkana Texas 75503. If you would like to e-mail my address so I could print and take to Ann, do it at proscw@aol.com I will print comments to her blog also. Ann really appreciated the notes but was not able to respond to most or post her blog. She looks forward to the time when she can respond personally. Again I want to thank everyone for their prayers and encouragement.
Stan White
Stan White
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
12/7 surgery note composed by Ann's Dad
Ann's surgery was 12/7 from 4 pm - 6 :30 pm. We (her mom and I) saw her in ICU at 9:30. The surgeon was pleased that they found some problems and were able to correct them. All the surgery was below the stomach. She has an orignal and a new (2003 surgery) small intestine attachment to the stomach. The orginal one is where all her prior trouble has been and was again. The blockage there was bypassed and connected to a good portion of small intestine. The large intentine was laying over this exact spot and had a restriction (not blocked) that was repaired also. She will be NPO (nothing by mouth) until this heals. A J tube (small intestine feeding tube) will be used while she recovers. Normal recovery is 10 - 14 days. Of course she was weak from this condition already so pray that her body rallys now to heal .
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Same song, second verse...
Hello all!
Well, we made it to OKC. If you read my dad's comment on my last blog, you saw we got here late (12:15am) and of course I didn't get to go to bed til after 2am. But they were kind yesterday and let me sleep in. So far, so good. I saw my stomach doctor who treated me during my surgery 2 years ago yesterday, and he's already on the ball doing all kinds of tests and such. Thankfully with my central line they don't have to stick me everytime they want blood. Praise God for that! Also, this morning I saw a thyroid doctor who is also doing a bunch of tests to see if my hyper-thyroid is causing all this (although I have my doubts that is true).
Overall I feel well, only sometimes some nausea after eating. I've found that I've become much more anxious than normal. All procedures make me nervous, even though they shouldn't. Really the only pain I'm in now is a perpetually achy right arm because of my central line, but considering where I was a couple of weeks ago that is nothing. My mom's here with me, and I have a great support group here, so really I'm doing ok. I just need to gain weight. I know I've asked for that prayer several times, but I really really need to gain weight. My doctors have taken off my TPN (IV feeding) because it can suppress appetite, so I'm on my own to feed myself now. (Of course they can put it back on easily if I continue to lose weight) My doctors just want me to eat as many calories as possible (nice diet, huh!), so I'm hoping to get some Ted's in here sometime soon. Those of you who know OKC know what I'm talking about. :)
Well that's about it. Hopefully soon I'll post a blog about some of the wonderful people who I've encountered through this journey. I'm telling you-- medical professionals have some of the most wonderful ministry opportunities ever.
Thank you all for your prayers and encouragement. You really keep me going.
Ann's contact info:
Mercy Hospital
4300 W Memorial Road
Oklahoma City, OK 73120
Room #321
405-486-8321
Well, we made it to OKC. If you read my dad's comment on my last blog, you saw we got here late (12:15am) and of course I didn't get to go to bed til after 2am. But they were kind yesterday and let me sleep in. So far, so good. I saw my stomach doctor who treated me during my surgery 2 years ago yesterday, and he's already on the ball doing all kinds of tests and such. Thankfully with my central line they don't have to stick me everytime they want blood. Praise God for that! Also, this morning I saw a thyroid doctor who is also doing a bunch of tests to see if my hyper-thyroid is causing all this (although I have my doubts that is true).
Overall I feel well, only sometimes some nausea after eating. I've found that I've become much more anxious than normal. All procedures make me nervous, even though they shouldn't. Really the only pain I'm in now is a perpetually achy right arm because of my central line, but considering where I was a couple of weeks ago that is nothing. My mom's here with me, and I have a great support group here, so really I'm doing ok. I just need to gain weight. I know I've asked for that prayer several times, but I really really need to gain weight. My doctors have taken off my TPN (IV feeding) because it can suppress appetite, so I'm on my own to feed myself now. (Of course they can put it back on easily if I continue to lose weight) My doctors just want me to eat as many calories as possible (nice diet, huh!), so I'm hoping to get some Ted's in here sometime soon. Those of you who know OKC know what I'm talking about. :)
Well that's about it. Hopefully soon I'll post a blog about some of the wonderful people who I've encountered through this journey. I'm telling you-- medical professionals have some of the most wonderful ministry opportunities ever.
Thank you all for your prayers and encouragement. You really keep me going.
Ann's contact info:
Mercy Hospital
4300 W Memorial Road
Oklahoma City, OK 73120
Room #321
405-486-8321
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