Saturday Stuff...

It’s 10:30 pm here and tis 88 degrees here in Dallas. Saturday Sauna of over 100 degrees today. Sunday is to be even more of a furnace. So after church tomorrow, the a/c, water, and whatever else is cool in the fridge, will call me home. I'll also contemplate pulling up carpet---sometime in October….cooler then.

Today I had the Book Club meeting. A good time had by all. It’s interesting other folks’ take on the book, The Hand I Fan With. All in all good story-even tho, I admit to trouble with more of its more technical things. However, the author has written several award winning novels, and me? Well, I make up reasons why I’m not writing my self imposed 1000 words per day. Which explain why there is no novel to accompany my self-published one from 1998. Blame the cat.

Journeyed to Sonic to again try the strawberry limeade. As I sat and reviewed the menu, as if for the first time--I chickened out. Yes...yes, I did. I opted for the Hazelnut Java Chiller. Can't go wrong when ice cream is a major ingredient. Maybe next time.

After all is said and done tomorrow-house cleaned, cat pet and laundry done-there will be the final of the Next Food Network Star. Who will it be? Hmm. Can you say, “Aaron McCargo?” I can.

Next Food Network Star and Monday...

OK--so all three finialists, Lisa, Adam and my man Aaron are headed for the final challenge. I do agree with the judges--they all bring something to the table. And the three-way final seems like the only fair way to decide.

I like Lisa, yet she doesn't seem that approachable. Adam is cute and likabe, yet is it too much too late? And Aaron--he looked good in his 30 second promo. However the whole camera thing IS what the Food Network is all about....We'll find out next week.

Now, is it Monday allready? UGH. Well, one more day closer to Friday! :)

Sunday Thoughts...

Attended the Inspiring Body of Christ Church, with Pastor Rickie Rush, again today. The message: I Need This Storm (Mark Chapter 4). How the deeper you get into Jesus, the more fierce the Storm becomes. Satan desires to snatch it all away from you. I know God wants to see you character—if you can handle the more blessings He wants to grace you with. One of my Storms was the heart valve (mitral) replacement surgery in 2006. Without my faith I would not be here this day. If my brief illness occurred a few years prior—a ‘whiner’ I would certainly be. "Why me?" I would have cried then. Today, on this day in 2008, I can still ask “Why me?” and only my response is “Why not me?” My belief is strong. My God didn’t leave me—Psalms 50:15 assured that. God had me rest for those few months for a purpose. Too bad my chest had to get cracked open to do it! Honestly, I probably wouldn’t have rested any other way. He knew that. My adventure brought me closer to Him—which was the intention. There have been some Storms since—nothing with my health—just the usual—money, job and can the Dallas Cowboys have another great season, only this time win in the play-offs? Whatever the Storm is, my God provides. Being this whole Christian thing is hard work---you learn by doing. Seek ye first and it all falls into place.

Donny Osmond. The first time I snapped his picture was either July 23 or 24, 1974. Need to dig out my diary for the right date. It was at the Tropicana Hotel in Las Vegas. My very first plane got me there. Donny stood outside the hotel’s restaurant where flashcubes flashed all around. We were both 16. Fast forward 34 years. I’d love to share a few minutes to sip an icy beverage as both put on our reading glasses to locate and discuss scripture. Lively conversation to be sure.

God has brought me far. Just didn’t know it at the time. I admit to my past. I have a testimony. It doesn’t seem that long ago I downed my favorite alcohol beverage and heard “Last Call” more times than I can say. Don’t hide from my faults, because the Storms I survived may help somebody else. Let’s face it, during my whole Osmond travels, where I was just a handful of Black girls in the crowd, did I ever think to discuss the Word with Donny, would be something to get excited about? Indeed, God has brought me far.

Sunday thoughts of how I’m glad the Starbucks closest to my house is NOT on the 600 store closing list. That I have a house of my own, with dishes piled high that I get to wash. Cats that give me some space on my own bed. A car, with warranty, sits in my drive way. And of course, tonight, since the cable bill is paid up, I can watch Aaron McCargo Jr get one step closer to being the Next Food Network Star.

On this day, I journeyed to God’s House, because He’s in mine every day.

On this Sunday I realize again, how much I am blessed.

Still Time Before....

....my favorite New and (future) Food Network Star, Aaron McCargo dazzles us with his culinary talents. This guy's smile could melt any iceberg! Plus he comes across as a cuddly ol' bear that can whip up food to make my tummy happy. OK, sure, I realize Lisa is from Dallas, and in one episode, she did mention her Iowa grandmother. So we have the Iowa connection going on, but I am sorry-my heart and plate and fork and spoon go to the cuddly ol' bear.

Since I do have some time I may tackle my sinkful of dishes, mop my floor, do laundry or just sit on my couch and wait for a cat to stake claim to my lap.

Tough choice.

A couple more e-mails and then head for my couch-well, you know the rest!

C'mon Aaron!