smell the rain, it is delicious

Today has been one of those terrifically depressing days. And I love it. Maybe that makes me terrifically depressing? On my way home from church, as it began to sprinkle, I decided it is a great day to run outside. So i did. And it was amazing. I put on a jacket, some headphones and headed out. I've just been feeling lately like there's too much stuff in my head. I'm getting sick of myself. And running usually helps me deal with that. Listen to great music, perhaps have a great conversation with the God I have been recently neglecting. Well it was less a conversation and more me apologizing for being so self-centered and just unhappy... when I have SO much to be happy and thankful for. Its just amazing to me how we live in the richest country in the world and still crave to have more... and yet the people who live in countries that have nothing are relatively satisfied with what they have (or don't have) because they haven't experienced anything else.
Well I know why I've been unhappy/disappointed/anxious/dissatisfied... I definitly havent been living to my full potential. I'm not really sure how to do that. And I'm not saying that my life will be perfect if I figure that out, but I think I will be able to experience real joy. I've also forgotten how to really love people.. aside from the ones I'm around all the time and love unconditionally already.
I can't deny I miss my previous church family. For some reason its been worse the past few weeks.. maybe bc i saw many of them last week. Change is hard. But I am moving on.. slowly.
Anyway, I love the Vineyard and their vision right now... the healing center, student center, and their vision to dig wells for clean water in Nigeria. That's just amazing to me. So many people talk about helping out with things like this. But to be able to help out and know exactly where your money is going, and witness this, is a magnificent example of sharing God's love with others. I am in love with this vision, as they are.
The vineyard is also sending groups down to New Orleans to help clean up some of the devastations of Katrina. I am also very excited about this and am planning on going April 9-14. If anyone else is interested let me know!! The cost is only $250, which really isnt bad at all. There are also trips March 3-10, March 19-25 (this one is $350), March 31-April 7.

So today has gotten progressively better. I hope it stays this way.

I love showing off my adorable cousins... here are 2 more .. (different ones than the last blog).



EMMA RAE (9 mo.)...
and.. HANNAH MARIE... (3 yrs)

They are gorgeous children.

k bye :)