Allegory

This is what I see when I battle temptation, fears, and lies.

I held the chocolate bar tightly in my hand. I had eaten this kind many times before. The first bites were always creamy and delightful, but the aftertaste was bitter. So bitter in fact, that the bitterness lasted for days.

This kind of chocolate bar was infested with poison. Just a little bit though. I knew I shouldn't eat it. But it looked so dark and lovely. The sun glinted off the shiny silver wrapper. Just a peek, I told myself. I peeled back the wrapper and gazed upon the dark creamy brown bar.

Ahhh.... I sighed. I'll just take one bite, just one you know. This is the last time too. I've been planning to get rid of these. And I will. Tomorrow.

I heard the Master besides me whisper, "You don't have eat it. It's not worth the pain it causes." Master, I whined. I can't not eat it. I've tried before. I've always failed. So... why try? I glanced again at the neat rows of chocolate... while licking my lips.

It always brought me satisfaction. For a moment, it seemed worth it. But then again... the satisfaction never lasted.

"My child... I have something better. You are thirsting. Thirsting for Me."

Master... I began to say as my voice trailed off. I knew it was true. But I didn't really want to acknowledge that I was in need. In need of Him.

I had to make a choice. One called my name loudly and beckoned to me. Yet, that one gave pain and sorrow for all its packaging. The Other... called me softly and offered me life.

My choice was between poison or a river of living water. Somehow, it was hard to make.

Julie's Tips of Wisdom for Your Loss of It

Yes, I did make it through the surgery and the recovery just fine. Thank you everyone for your prayers. I actually did really well.

I thought I would post some tips for those who are getting theirs removed.

1. Eat fresh pineapple the days before surgery.
This helps with the healing of the gums after surgery.

2. Buy extra guaze before surgery.
They really don't give you enough to survive on. :)

3. Surgery... If the laughing gas they give before surgery makes you feel funny... tell them. They will turn it off for you. (at least in my case they did)

4. Don't worry if you don't remember much afterwards... It's okay. It's normal.

5. When picking up your prescriptions... pick them all up. Don't think you won't need your nasuea meds. You just might need them. Then your mom will need to race to the store to try to make it before the pharmacy closes.

6. Use a mirror to eat your shake.
You can't feel your chin so everything drips down your chin and on to your shirt without you feeling a thing. It's really funny.

7. A marker board is great to communicate with. Or your laptop.

8. Rest.. take it easy... enjoy yourself. (as much as possible)
I really did enjoy myself. My dad told me that he would not have been as calm as me going into surgery. I really did have fun. Except for the weird laughing gas that is. :)
As for the recovery I got to eat ice cream, shakes, pudding, mashed potatoes, and lots of fun stuff.

9. Remember, you will survive and it is not bad. Really.

10. Do not microwave your ice packs. Even it says it is microwaveable. You just might ruin them. Use a heating pad instead.

11. Even 5 days after surgery do not talk for 2 hours on the phone. You will pay for it later. (Guess how I know?!)

12. Don't go anywhere if you don't feel like it. 5th day after surgery I went to a funeral and all I could think about was laying down. Anywhere I could. lol. We promptly decided that even church wasn't worth me going to the next day. It really helped to rest.

13. One of the most important things is to always keep your head up. This really helps with recovery and swelling. I slept on the couch the first night with a big pillow and kept my head up not lying down. For at least the first 2 days I did this and it helped a lot!

14. During the first 2 days, you really shouldn't be up a lot. I got up for awhile and then started feeling bad. Do listen to your body. :)

Anyways, I hope that these are helpful and I again thank you for your prayers for me.

P.S. You can DO it Malu!

Loss of Wisdom

I am here to sadly report that this Monday I have the forced removal of my wisdom. Wisdom teeth that is! All four of them actually. So think of me next week as my jaw is stiff and as I am eating jello and mashed potatoes and talking with my hands. : )

The actual procedure I am great about. It thrills me to think of going back in and getting worked on, laying on a hospital bed, feeling the cold anesthesia run through my veins, having nurses cater to my needs. Ahh... the joy. I am not kidding either. (although slightly exaggerating). I know I may seem slightly crazy for feeling this way, but I have a soft spot for most anything medical. It just makes me smile. (I broke my arm once, and I went in and got put under and worked on and I loved every minute of it. I even enjoyed the cast! It was the perfect childhood ailment for me. Except the cost of course. : ) Thanks Belle!)

What I am not looking forward to is the recovery. arrgh That part is not so enjoyable. Except the part about resting, reading, and movies, the whole experience would be a waste. And of course the maid service. Right...

With all that said, I would appreciate your prayers for me next week. That both the procedure and recovery would go well and none of the numerous possible but rare of course side effects would come upon me. The procedure is planned for August 31st at 8:30 A.M.

Thank you for your prayers!

P.S. Any recovery ideas or tips etc. are welcomed!

11 Things I Want to Say About My Life

1. I completely depended on God.
2. My life made a difference to others.
3. I had a dynamic relationship with God.
4. Impossibilities were accomplished in me by Christ.
5. People were challenged and encouraged by my life.
6. I cared deeply about people.
7. I lived my life on fire for God.
8. I overflowed with the love of Christ.
9. I brought joy to other people.
10. I opened my heart, my home, and my life to others.
11. I lived my life with passion and purpose.

11 Things I Don't Want to Say About My Life

1. I had no spiritual impact on the world.
2. I lived a nominal life.
3. People didn't know I cared.
4. My life was a total waste.
5. I knew a lot about God, but didn't really know Him.
6. I did not develop any deep relationships with other people.
7. Life was all about me.
8. My life was passionless.
9. I only opened my home to a few people.
10. I was lukewarm for God.
11. I was a complete and total failure.

The Love of God

Christ bore so much so I could experience freedom and fellowship with Him. Thank you Lord for your great love.

• He became sin so I could be pure –2 Cor 5:21
  He took the blame so I could blameless –Col 1:22
  He was oppressed so I could be free – Is 53:7
  He was made ugly so I could be beautiful –Is 53:2
  He was condemned so I could be without condemnation –Matt 27:3
• He was forsaken so I could be the friend of God –Matt 27:46
  He was rejected so I could be accepted –Is 53:3
  He died so I could have abundant life –John 10:10
  He became nothing so I could have everything –Phil 2:7
  He was alone so I could have fellowship –Heb 9:7-12
  He was hated so I could be loved –John 15:24
• He was acquainted with grief so I could have joy –Is 53:3
  He died for me to show His great love for me- Eph 5:2
  He endured turmoil so I could have peace –Matthew 27
  He bore the lies so I could know the truth –John 8:32

AE Photography Assignment

These are concepts that AE asked us to photograph and post on our blogs.

1. Stapler: An essential tool for studious Oklahoma natives, especially natives who intend to accomplish any amount of outdoor study.

2. Reflections: ... on great-great- Uncle George

This is a picture of a picture. Yes, that is a pig. Uncle George broke horses for a living and he also broke this pig and also a cow. He made every person who met him feel valued and loved. In fact, many people called him Uncle George who were not related to him at all. I never had the privilege of meeting him but I know that I want to be like Uncle George.

3. Leap: Sheer Joy

These are my precious neices Anna & Allison.

4. Fears: ... that my life would be meaningless to others.

This is a blurred night picture.

5. Coffee: Starting a Cup of Perfection

6. Time: ...is fleeting

7. Squirrel: Squirrel Habitat

This is our pecan tree which every squirrel in the neighborhood loves.

8. White Trash: Cigarette Butt

9. Date: Out with the Boys

Yes, holding twins and a camera and getting it at the right angle while pushing the button is a bit of a challenge!

10. Police: Sign of Protection

11. Self-Portrait: Framed By Me

12. Making a Statement: "I will never play with you again!!!"

Moments later she is happily playing again.

13. Weather: Raindrops After the Storm

14. Green: Green Apple Slush, that is.

15. Funny: Funny Faces