Fault Lines

More insight from our girl's small group book...

"We all have fault lines that run through our souls...weak spots in our psyches that may go undetected-or simply ignored-for years. Living high above the hidden issues, we may function failry well in our outer lives, never acknowledging our vulnerablilty or the need to guard against potential attack. These are the very places Satan searches for when he prowls around 'like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.'"

What are your fault lines? What is your weak spot?

-Maybe it is finding significance in what others think about you... I have this problem!

MY PERFORMANCE+OTHERS' OPINIONS=MY SELF WORTH (Robert McGee's The Search for Significance)

"For that particular mindset pushes me not only to be what God wants me to be be but also what everyone else wants me to be. Including everything I think they want me to be. A chronic chameleon, I spend my life constantly changing colors and outfits to fit whatever situation I find myself in. It is exhausting. Futile. Hopeless."

"Worst of all, I may persist in viewing God as an aloof and distant judge, holding up a scorecard to rate my every attempt to please Him, rather than seeing Him as He truly is... a loving Father on bended knee with hands outstreched and a smile as big as eternity. Praising my every step. Picking me up when I stumble. Helping me walk while He teaches me how to run. Ready with acceptance and approval when I have been killing myslef to obtain on my own."

Just some thoughts...

Yesterday's church service

I couldn't have said it better than this. Make sure that you read the one titled Chicken Noodle Soup!

Read and comment on Car's blog!

things I love... (in no specific order)

1. my husband- he has great ideas, he cares about people- and where they are going to spend eternity, he takes great care of me, and loves me even when I know that he wants to smack me:)

2. the cooler weather- it is finally feeling like fall. I love it.

3. my friends- God truly has blessed Slim and me with some of the greatest people, in our lives.

4. my brother- today is Greg's birthday. He turns 29. He has an awesome wife with some killer kids!

5. my other brother- he flies up to North Carolina for an interview this week. I pray that if that is where God wants him to be, that God will open the doors and lay the path for Jim!

6. my parents- such cool people with great hearts!

7. my bosses- they came over for lunch today and we had a great time with them.

8. my dog- he can eat those big hard bones in 3 days. I have never seen anything like that!

9. my Lord and Savior- He has given me another year to live, I turn 27 in two weeks. It is crazy!

...and a picture for good measure. This was from when we were on our way to Alcatraz Island. Enjoy!

sorry about that last post...

... too many words, and not that interesting. I did find it fun that two of the top three are right here where I live.

Slim and I had a date to Sushi Thai. Our favorite.

I heart the ginger salad dressing. It makes me so happy!

I had a Mexican Roll... apparently it was still Japanese. Not sure how that works out.

Slim has been eating Masseman super Thai hot. He is crazy and I am still unsure how they make coconut milk and curry mix together to create something good. It is his favorite though.

Way to go, SW FLORIDA!

Best Cities for Job Growth
By Mary Lorenz, CareerBuilder.com writer
Florida isn't just for vacationers and retirees anymore. It seems the Sunshine State is also a hub for employers and businesses eager to expand and hire more workers.
Forbes.com recently released its annual list of the 200 Best Places for Businesses and Careers, and, among those places, five Florida cities ranked in the top 10 for U.S. cities with the highest job growth. Cape Coral, Fla. held the top spot for cities with the highest job growth. Las Vegas, Nev. ranked second, followed by Naples, Fla. and Sarasota, Fla. McAllen, Tex. rounded out the top five.
If you need a change of scenery and are thinking about relocating in the next few years, consider one of the following 10 cities, which are projected to have the highest job growth this year, as reported by Forbes.com and based on five-year projections from Economy.com.
Cape Coral, Fla.Population: 562,000
Most popular jobs and average local salary*:Registered nurses -- $44,561Wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives -- $48,772Accountants and auditors -- $41,609
Jobs more common to Cape Coral than other U.S. cities and average local salary:Helpers/roofers -- $19,634Athletes and sports competitors -- $15,496Construction managers -- $55,752
Las Vegas, Nev.Population: 1,777,000
Most popular jobs and average local salary:Elementary school teachers -- $29,318Registered nurses -- $51,869Wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives -- $49,474
Jobs more common to Las Vegas than other U.S. cities and average local salary:Gaming supervisors -- $22,624Gaming change persons and booth cashiers -- $23,016Gaming service workers -- $12,879
Naples, Fla.Population: 317,000
Most popular jobs and average local salary:Registered nurses -- $47,015Wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives -- $52,641Accountants and auditors -- $41,363
Jobs more common to Naples than other U.S. cities and average local salary:Construction managers -- $67,005Helpers -- painters, plasterers, paperhangers and stucco masons -- $19,753Tile and marble setters -- $30,447
Sarasota, Fla.Population: 689,000
Most popular jobs and average local salary:Registered nurses -- $43,211Wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives -- $48,643Accountants and auditors -- $39,408
Jobs more common to Sarasota than other U.S. cities and average local salary:Fence erectors -- $24,917Financial managers -- $75,189Motorboat mechanics -- $27,961
McAllen, Tex.Population: 697,000
Most popular jobs and average local salary:Elementary school teachers -- $36,246Registered nurses -- $47,115Secondary school teachers -- $39,915
Jobs more common to McAllen than other U.S. cities and average local salary:Personal and home care aids -- $16,142Oil, gas and mining service unit operators -- $29,877Agricultural products graders and sorters -- $12,472
Port St. Lucie, Fla.Population: 391,000
Most popular jobs and average local salary:Registered nurses -- $46,074Wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives -- $39,025Accountants and auditors -- $43,736
Jobs more common to Port St. Lucie than other U.S. cities and average local salary:Helpers -- painters, paperhangers, plasterers and stucco masons -- $25,097Helpers -- roofers -- $18,240Roofers -- $24,463
Riverside, Calif.Population: 4,017,000
Most popular jobs and average local salary:Elementary school teachers -- $48,696Registered nurses -- $58,573Secondary school teachers -- $50,286
Jobs more common to Riverside than other U.S. cities and average local salary:Terazzo workers and finishers -- $32,930Slot key persons -- $13,343Automotive glass installers and repairers -- $42,514
Fayetteville, Ark.Population: 417,000
Most popular jobs and average local salary:Registered nurses -- $41,669Wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives -- $43,358Elementary school teachers -- $36,306
Jobs more common to Fayetteville than other U.S. cities and average local salary:Meat, poultry and fish cutters and trimmers -- $17,975Agricultural inspectors -- $27,180Purchasing managers -- $54,734
Ocala, Fla.Population: 311,000
Most popular jobs and average local salary:Registered nurses -- $44,557Wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives -- $43,782Loan officers -- $36,586
Jobs more common to Ocala than other U.S. cities and average local salary:Recreational vehicle service technicians -- $28,633Farmworkers, farm and ranch hands -- $17,963Nonfarm animal caretakers -- $17,209
Phoenix, Ariz.Population: 3,976,000
Most popular jobs and average local salary:Elementary school teachers -- $29,399Registered nurses -- $50,755Wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives -- $43,028
Jobs more common to Phoenix than other U.S. cities and average local salary:Aircraft structure surfaces, rigging and systems assemblers -- $35,324Gaming and surveillance officers and gaming investigators -- $22,074Umpires, referees and other sports officials -- $50,326
*Salary information provided by CBsalary.com. Other data compiled by Forbes.com and CityTownInfo.com.

Heroes

I came home early from work today because I have some kind of flu. Slim came home and brought me soup and the first season of Heroes. He has watched from the beginning, but I was many episodes behind, and so I haven't been able to watch the new season with him yet.

I have been watching all day. I am addicted. What and incredible show! I can't wait until next week now that I am caught up! I guess that being sick was a bit better because of my hero (Slim). PS I heart Hiro Nakamura

Compare and Contrast!

I have always wanted this...
...but Slim and I got this...


I am very happy with my Eureka Capture! Let's compare it to the Dyson...

Eureka
• HEPA filtration and exceptional on-board cleaning tools help you get into those hard-to-reach crevices, high-ceiling areas and stairs for deep cleaning
• Telescopic self-cleaning spin-duster, turbo nozzle, power paw with riser visor and dual-powered edge cleaners make it easier than ever to reach hidden dirt
• Extension hose reaches up a flight of stairs while vacuum stays at bottom; easy-roll wheels and an ergonomic looped handle deliver comfortable, easy operation
• Powerful 12-amp motor; 30’ cord; dazzling red shell
• 43.5Hx15Wx13D"

Dyson
• Absolutely perfect for pet-inhabited homes, this powerful bagless upright is proven not to lose suction using the IEC 60312 CI 2.9 test standard, and will not clog
• Best pick up across all floor types; hygienic and quick to empty; air expelled from a Dyson has up to 150 times less bacteria and mold than the air you breathe; approved for allergy suffers by the British Allergy Foundation
• Level 3 root cyclone; quick-draw telescope reach; 5-yr. warranty; no extra costs; carpet care kit keeps new carpet looking new; low reach floor tool for easier cleaning under low furniture
• Lifetime HEPA filtration for cleaner expelled air; certified asthma friendly according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
• Fingertip brush control; mini turbine head cleans pet hair from confined spaces such as upholstery, stairs and the car; 43.5Hx16.7Wx13.2D"

Ok, so the Dyson sounds a bit better, but let me just tell you that we love our Eureka. It is bagless and you can wash the filters instead of buying a new one.. the same reasons I love the Dyson..

We saved $430 for purchasing the Capture, so all in all we made the
right decision!

Brandi had this on her blog today...

Here goes

1. I am so thankful for the love of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Even when the Laura I despise shows (the one who whines, complains, argues, is prideful, is jealous, and who lets the anger get the best of her,) Christ still loves me.

2. My husband is the greatest man I have ever met. His humor and concern for people never ceases to amaze me. I am so blessed that I have been called to be his wife!

3. My family... My dad and mom are still together and both love the Lord and each other. I have an older brother Greg. He is married to Brandi. They have 3 kids who I adore (one of which we haven't met yet. They are the best! Jim, my younger brother is my heart. He can sometimes be difficult to understand, but I 'get' him.

4. The amazing friends who walk alongside me each day(whether you are close by or faraway!) You know who you are!

5. My dog Dude. He always makes me feel important, even when he is giving me bruises.

6. I have the awesome opportunity to work for friends who have a heart to care for others. In the business I am in, we just simply get to love God and love people... What could be better?

7. Summit Church is an answer to many years of prayers.

8. I am so thankful that God's mercy is new every morning!

9. Houghton College helped me to expand my thoughts and introduced me to people who have changed my life.

10. I am honestly so thankful for the Internet. Without it, it would be so difficult to keep in touch with people who have been 'lost along the way.

Another thing I want-- that has to do with fall...

Pumpkin Ginger Nut Muffins

1 1/2 cups flour

1/2 teaspoon of salt

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup pumpkin

1/3 cup melted butter

2 eggs, beaten

1/4 cup water

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon allspice

1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 cup chopped toasted walnuts or pecans

Sprinkle top with a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon before baking or frost with killer icing of...(after they are baked of course)

1 tablespoon vanilla

1 lb. powdered sugar

1 stick butter

8 ounces of cream cheese

1 Preheat oven to 350°F. In a medium sized bowl, sift together the flour, salt, sugar, and baking soda.
2 Mix the pumpkin, melted butter, eggs, 1/4 cup of water, and spices together, then combine with the dry ingredients, until just incorporated. Do not over-mix. Fold in nuts.
3 Divide mixture into a muffin tin. Bake for 25-30 minutes.

Cool on a rack.
Makes 12 muffins.

(I would eat everything pumpkin flavored this time of year... ps, Panera, pumpkin muffins?)

sweaters

I love them.

I want to be wearing them every day, but the weather isn't cooperating. (I still wear them in hopes of delightfully brisk weather)

Check out some of the sweaters that I wish I was wearing right now. Anthropologie makes me happy. It was 3 years ago in November, when Carly and I found Anthropologie for the first time! We were at the Mall of Millenia and we came upon the store that changed us forever:). Fun feminine clothing, beautiful things for your home, the list could go on forever! Check them out! Anthropologie!

Let's help out!

From Brandi's Blog: Link to her to find out more


Do you like winning things? Do you like helping people? If you answered "yes" to both questions, this is the place for you. (I won't ask which you like better!) Now, first: the story, then: the gifts!
I want to introduce you to a family. Jon and Christie D. (no last name to protect identity) and their boys. Jon is our wonderful pastor and the best shepherd of a flock that I have ever seen! He and his wife, Christie, love our church and serve it faithfully and sacrificially. I could go on and on and list the ways that they serve our church body and the community that we are in. I could list the times they were called to help someone in the middle of the night. . .The number of community organizations that Jon sits on boards for. . .the number of life lessons I have learned through their faithful example. However, all you really need to know is that they are amazing, faithful people full of integrity. They also happen to be adopting. After 10 years of infertility, Jon and Christie thought adoption would be the way that God chose to expand their family. God had a surprise in store for them, 6 years ago when they found out that they were pregnant with their first son. 3 years later, surprise little boy number 2 came along! While Jon and Christie love their little boys, they still felt their family was not complete. They continued to try to get pregnant while pursuing the options in adoption. This year has brought 2 miscarriages and a renewed sense of God's call to help the orphans through adoption. They prayerfully considered many countries open for adoption and soon settled on VIETNAM! They are now pursuing an adoption of a little girl.You may be thinking, "how does this affect me?". God's Word is clear about helping others. He says over and over throughout the Bible to "share with God's people who are in need" (Romans 12:13), especially pastors ( I Tim. 5:17-18)! Please join us in helping this wonderful family answer God's call to care for a little girl halfway around the world who needs a family so desperately.
THE BONUS!!!!!
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Celtic Woman Wannabee...

If you had asked me two weeks ago if I had ever heard of Celtic Woman, my answer would have been no, but I soon learned that we would be attending the Celtic Woman concert and sitting in the box. About a week ago, I asked Slim if the Celtic Woman sang... he of course laughed at me because now I know that the Celtic Woman is more than that... it is 5 woman plus their entourage, and I am a now a HUGE fan.



It was high security, top notch sets and lighting, and a lot more fun than I was prepared to encounter. Here is how it works. There are 4 main singing girls who wear princess dresses and sing like angels and then there is this feisty little fiffer of a woman who plays the fiddle better than anyone I have ever heard. She frolicked around the stage kicking her legs and spinning around while playing. It was incredible.



Check out their website.



Here are a few pictures of them..





Now don't be confused, the pictures are misleading. I am not sure that there was one moment when these ladies were just standing there and singing. They were always moving and it seemed that they were having so much fun.

I know the tickets are pretty pricey, but if they are coming to your town, you should check them out. The tour dates are on the website. I know that you won't be disappointed!

waiting for fall weather

Last night the weather was so nice-- a little bit of breeze with a cooler bite in the air. It makes me so excited for December when the weather finally feels like early fall. I get these glimpses of fall when I am driving and it looks like it might be a bit cooler outside, but as soon as I open the door to the car, I am overwhelmed by the heat and humidity.

For the past 3 years, Carly and I have had the wonderful tradition of spending the weekend before Thanksgiving at my parent's house in Orlando. There is an ACSI convention that takes place there on the Monday and Tuesday before Thanksgiving, and we have just made it a tradition to spend time doing girly things and getting ready for the holiday.

I was not sure that I was going to be able to do it this year because of being away for my honeymoon, but Steph's wedding is that Wednesday before Thanksgiving, so I am going to have to be there anyway. I am so excited for the Mall at Millenia, Starbuck's peppermint mochas, doing some sort of craft, having the weather be a bit cooler, hitting up Mt. Dora, eating good food and having great conversation. I almost get cozy inside just thinking about it.

Fall weather, we are waiting!

New Davis Pictures...

I am falling in love with this boy, who I have only met in pictures and prayers.

Look and his sweet face and pray that God allows him to come home to us soon.



To read his orphan report, please check out www.homehopeandfuture.blogspot.com

Be a Santa to a Senior!

This will be my second year heading up a program at work, called Be a Santa to a Senior. Santa for Seniors is similar to Toys for Tots, except we provide the opportunity for people in our area to purchase gifts for needy or lonely seniors. Last year was the first year our offices of Home Instead Senior Care participated. We had 2 trees up in the community and provided gifts to about 175 seniors.

It was such a privilege to wrap and deliver the gifts and see joy come to the senior's face. What a blessing! This year I hope to double the amount of gifts that will be donated to seniors in SW Florida. There will be two trees in Naples, and 2 or 3 in Ft. Myers. Stay tuned for locations. (I know for sure that the Sunshine Pharmacy on Gulfshore Blvd. will be hosting a tree again this year)

If you are a teacher or a youth worker, it might be fun to get your class involved to sponser a senior, or maybe each child to purchase a gift. Pray about how you can help!

If you don't live in this area, be sure to check with your local Home Instead Senior Care branch to find out if they will be participating in the Be a Santa to a Senior program.

Visit www.homeinstead.com to find the Home Instead near you.

Visit www.beasantatoasenior.com to learn more about the program.

Comment me if you would like to volunteer to help with wrapping or delivering gifts!

some thoughts for you...

"For God never withholds good except when He has something better to give!"

J. Weaver

This idea struck me at 7:30 am while I was sitting at the office, waiting for the phone to ring and for the day to start. I couldn't wait to start reading my new book, so I didn't...

This quote was on one of the first few pages and it has been running around in my head all day. I keep thinking about what I want right now, and how I feel as if God isn't giving it to me. <---- Lame I know... but it is exciting. Every time I let my flesh get in the way of what God is doing, I become the center... and that isn't where I want to be. Remember, Laura (I talk to myself in the 3rd person) God placed all the stars in the sky and He knows them by name! He cares about every detail and knows our heart and desires better than we do.

Maybe you are waiting to get a job, or change jobs.

Maybe you need a new car.

Maybe you are short on money.

Maybe you want to have a baby, or are waiting to adopt one.

Maybe you are trying to purchase a home.

You know what you are waiting on...

God knows the desires of your heart; His timing is perfect.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

Thursday morning girl time

A few years ago, probably 3 now, a group of 5-6 ladies got together on Thursday mornings at Einstein's Bagels to study God's Word and discuss what He was doing in their lives.

I was among these women and this was my favorite time of the week. Things happened though... Lisa moved away and got married, Kate moved away and got married, Carly got married and moved (but not away), Kendal moved away, and that left Lindsey and me... so we stopped meeting. We tried to keep it up for a while, but it just didn't work out.

Tomorrow that all changes.

Place: Panera Bread- Coconut Point
Time: 6 am (goo)
What: A woman's study
Who: Carly, Alaina, Abby, and me (if you are interested and are willing to take the 6am challenge, we will see you there!)

I will post about how great this is... wait for it!