My second "25th" birthday

Ok. So I actually just turned 26 on March 16, 2008. I dreaded this day for a week leading up to my actual birthday. For some reason, I just didn't want to be another year older. I told everyone not to make a big deal and treat it like it was just another ordinary day. Well, they didn't listen. And I'm quite grateful because it turned out to be an awesome day(weekend). On Friday night, Toyia and Robert came to my house to eat pizza and watch "Camp Nowhere". Great movie. Saturday was Girls Night Out with Michelle, Amy, and Toyia. We went to Pimon Thai then to Maggie Moos for ice cream. We met up with a friend, Brian (who was actually also at Pimon Thai-weird). We met his friends Thor and his wife (can't remember her name). Brian invited us to his house to play Rock Hero. I sang once-I can't sing. Then I proceeded to play the drums. I have a greater appreciation for drummers because it was HARD and I played the easy level. I would get the beat down but my timing seemed to be off. Oh well, it was a blast. On Sunday, my actual birthday, Lindsey, Megan, and Luke told me they were taking me out to lunch. Robert also said the he was taking my out to lunch but it wouldn't be until 1:30. So, I spent from 12:30 to 1:30 with the students and from 1:30-3:15 with some of my old anchor group-Michelle, Amy, Artie, and Robert. [BTW thanks Jason for the card. Hope life is good in Florida.] I have accepted that I'm now 26. Hopefully with my age will come a little more wisdom and a whole lot more fun. A huge thank you to EVERYONE who made my birthday special. It was only great because you were there to share it with.

Self Realization

I had one of those moments this weekend where you know something in your head but then it penetrates your heart. It was a moment of self realization about exactly who I am. People always say "Trust your heart", "Do what you feel is right", or " You're a good person". NO I'M NOT! Jeremiah 17:9 says "The heart is more deceitful than all else; And is desperately wicked; Who can understand it?" I have a deceitful and wicked heart. It leads me astray and causes me to do things I know are wrong. I self-destruct when people hurt me and then I leave a path of destruction behind me like a tornado. I do and say things to hurt those I love; and then I close myself off and keep people at arm's length so that I do not become vulnerable again. That is who I am. However, I take comfort in the other verse in this passage: (verse 10)"I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give to each man according to his ways, According to the results of his deeds." The beauty in this verse is that while I may have a wicked heart, God knows it and loves me regardless. He also knows that when I was 13 I gave my heart to Christ and He has changed me. Galatians 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me."