A Most Wonderful Thanksgiving Blessing!

A Shout Out: To all of you my friends and family! Thank you for your love and support.

So, I was going to send this email on Friday. I thought that would be a good idea, until of course, Friday just snuck up on me out of the blue and realized I didn't have time to do this email. Yeah, so that is why you are getting it today. :D

I have a few things to share with you. This first link is to the best NON-SUPERBOWL commercials of the 2000s. My favorite is the gorilla one. Cracked me up. The other favorite is only if you have a more crude side such as myself, and that is the Bud Light commercial. There are some really cool ones, and ones I had forgotten about. So, check it out and have a good time.

Now we know there is a pumpkin shortage thanks to flooding and not a lot of good crops, which for many of us is a real bummer. I'm not a pumpkin pie fan, but you can just sit that loaf of my mother's pumpkin bread right in front of me. That stuff is great! However, if you are not a pumpkin fan, that is all and well and good, but are you a frozen waffle fan? If so, come join the disappointed pumpkin people. There is a shortage of that too. You can read it here if you don't believe me.

Speaking of cooking and food. How many of you are Rachael Ray fans? I know some of you can't stand her, but I really like her. And this article goes to show how cool she is. I've never been a huge Martha Stewart fan, but I think this just shows what a bitter old woman she has turned into and how gracious other people can be with that behavior. So, come read how Martha Stewart slammed Rachael Ray.

You would think with all of this bad news I would have something good to report right? I do, but not yet. I just wanted to throw a little politics your way since hey that is what I discuss at the dinner table. The reason this article is linked is because I find it very offensive that a government can tell me how large my TV can be. It's only in California now, but just wait, it will be coming your way. You can thank your friendly ex-president and vice president, Bill Clinton and Al Gore for this.

Now that I've gotten that bitter taste out of my mouth onto the wild and bizarre. Here is a look at some sea creatures never seen before. They are quite beautiful if not quite odd. I'll let you make up your own mind on it, but here is to an ever changing world and a God with such a sense of humor.

Speaking of God, I listened to this wonderful sermon from North Point Ministries entitled, The Star, The Cross, and The Crescent. A great story of how the three religions came about (and why Christianity is so different). However, the highlight of this sermon was actually the TESTIMONY of this woman, Judy Reamer. She was Jewish and converted and her testimony is such an awesome tale of God. I so hope you take the time to listen to her because you will be blessed and know what an awesome God we serve. (To see or hear it go to the link, then slide until you see the sermon, then click on it. Below will show the four sermons and choose the one with her name.)

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving. I know I will. May blessing rain down on you this week and once again, thank-you for all that you've done for me.

Love,
Kelli

Still Learning

Shout Out: To Daddy. May your birthday be blessed and this year a blessing!

Hello, my busy friends!

I know many of you are getting ready for next week. I certainly am, and I can't help but look back on the past few months and realize how far everything has come. I love how God humbles you sometimes, because the best lessons are never ones that come harshly. They're so gentle and such an 'a-ha' moment. That's what He has done with me lately. Showing me things I needed to know in such a way that has touched my heart and made me thankful for such a sweet God.

I've been learning a lot, but I loved this from North Point Ministries. It is called G.P.S. : Gratitude, Persistence, and Surrender. I've been enjoying listening to their messages. My favorite ones so far are Your Move and The Waiting Room. I've also been learning a great deal from Pastor Paul Sheppard, if you can listen to him (about 20 minutes) I think you'll find it worth it.

Meanwhile, I heard that I missed an incredible sermon this past Sunday. Considering how much I loved the one before it I'm really sad. However, it was all for a great cause. Dad turns 50 tomorrow. So, my mother and I conspired with his sisters and through some twists and turns took him to Oklahoma City and surprised him with his family there. It was a great time and lots of great stories.

In my own personal life I made moderator of the forum that I visit daily. It's a big position, but thankfully I have a great board with great people. I'm really excited about this. A little nerdy perhaps, but a lot of fun!

I found this article, which is a fun look at some of the expressions we use and how they were generated from nautical terms.

So this post is nice and easy this week, which is really what I've been feeling like. I wish I could let you feel this peace and incredible time I'm having with God. It is unlike anything I've gone through before. I pray you are all having a good week, and if not I know it's tough, and I'll certainly pray for you.

Love to All!

Peace, Pastors, and Paula

Shout Out: Shasta & Joe: Happy Anniversary!! - So glad you're back. :D

I wish I could tell you about all the things that have been happening, but I'm figuring it all out my self! However, God has just been talking to me in all sorts of way. I even heard Him watching Paula Dean and Guy Fieri. I don't usually watch Paula's Party because it bothers me, but it had Guy on there and I think he is just awesome. After Alton Brown I think he's my favorite, anyway I heard something and I just knew it was from God.

Then, of course, there was Brother Gene's sermon. If you didn't get to hear it on Sunday, go and ask for a CD. It was what a great sermon should be, a great kick in the butt right where you need it and the affirmation and uplifting message that inspires you to do great things. From the bottom of my heart, it was just great and I hope you all get the chance to hear it.

Now, another thing I missed and you might have too, was Taylor Swift on SNL. That was some funny stuff. You can view some of the clips here. And if you haven't heard her 'Monologue Song' you should. Proof that humor can be clean and good. Great stuff, and I hope you enjoy! You can also check out this skit, which was good if you enjoy the music scene.

I've also been collecting some other interesting things. Like I found this great video about 50 Movies by the Number. Hilarious!

Then there is this great, "I Love You, Mr. Star Wars". A video about great movie quotes done in a very clever way. So, cool.

Of course what is a Kelli post without some music huh? Not a good one. So, I have this new fabulous song that debuted on One Tree Hill last night called, "Maybe" by Everly (Bethany Joy Galeotti's band). It was incredible and you can listen to it here. Now the cool thing is this is being sold on CDBaby if you are not an iTunes subscriber.

On another note, if you don't wish to be an annoying co-worker, don't be these people. You can thank me when people don't tell others about how annoying you are.

Well, things are really looking up for me, and I want to say how blessed I am. I have great friends, family, and church family. You've made what could be a very tough situation easier. Thanks for being there for me. I hope to return the favor one day.

Love to all and have a great week!!

Kelli

Do Not Fear

Shout Out: To Lora because Thursday, Nov. 5th, is her Birthday! Happy B-Day Lora!!

As many know, because I've said it multiple times, I didn't know what I wanted to do. The truth is I've been living in fear. I've been so afraid to make a move, "constantly second guessing myself until I was less and less" That's from this song, Sunny by St. Lola in the Fields. (by the way that is the only video on YouTube of it.)

So, on Sunday I poured my heart out to God. Because "with one foot in and one foot back, but it don't pay to live like that" and I didn't know how to fix it. Then my favorite verse came to mind, Psalm 34:4 "I sought the Lord and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears." After I had finished my prayer time I went to read my Bible and was taken to Isaiah. Not a book I usually read and it took me to a verse I don't think I ever remember reading. Isaiah 35:4 says, "say to those with fearful hearts, 'Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.'"

The second quote is from, "I and Love and You" by the Avett Brothers. I bought it yesterday, but you can view it here:

Now, having said all of that I think I finally have an idea as to what I want to do at the moment. I always want to do God's will, so until He tells me differently I want to stay working for my dad. We have a project that I'm apart of and quite proud of it. I want to stay until it's completion, if not longer. After the new year then the bakery will come back into play. Of course with God it is all tenative, but that's what I feel is right for the time being.

So, with all this heaviness I believe that there should be some laughter. After all it feels like the storm is breaking up for me, and I found this video so ridiculously funny I have to share. Now, you don't really need to know anything except that Christopher Walken is the best. So here Christopher Walken reading Lady GaGa's "Poker Face". A short video that should give you a good snort.

Now wasn't that hilarious? He just never gets old, well in human terms, but not in humor. In fact I think that video could have used some more cowbell? Anyone feeling me?

You can find the full version of that skit other places, and lets face it you need to! Cause we all could use a little more cowbell in our lives.

I hope everyone has a great week! Talk with you soon.

Motivated for Halloween Specials?

Shout Out: Andi who made call backs for the musical audtions!

Good day,

Yeah, I didn't get this posted first thing, which might make you think the motivation seminar didn't do its job. That's just not true. I was motivated to do my job, which I think my boss would say that was a better motivation than this piece.

It was a great seminar, even Colin Powell was good to listen to. He was quite funny. Now, of course, the man of the hour, was George W. Bush, and he was as funny and wonderful as I remember. Terry Bradshaw was hilarious and there were several others that were wonderful to listen to. Since I'm on the political side for the moment I find it hilarious that although the left tries to defend their position of reporting on Obama they can't deny what they're doing. Here's a great article called, What If Bush Had Done That.

However, this is more of a Halloween update special. Now, I want to make sure you know that Charlie Brown's Halloween Special will be airing on both the 27th and 28th (today and tomorrow for those without a calendar) on ABC. So be sure to look for listings and watch.

Next, I found this link particularly funny: 65 of Sci-Fi's Most Amusing "One Letter Off" Movie Titles Now, if you think you can do better I feel you should submit them to me and everyone else as I'm sure we can all use the laugh. :D

Now, this is where I spent most of my time, 31 Classic Halloween TV episodes and specials, and you probably will too as this had some great clips. It includes my favorite Simpson Tree House Horror Episode, which is Tree House Horror V, and includes the clip:

So funny and soo good. I'll have to see if I can find one of my favorite Simpsons moment for another update. I think this concludes this week. Short and brief. Just like you like it. :-)

Also my church is having their Fall Festival this Sunday on the 1st. Stop by and support the academy. Or me, I have a fun game of racing ping pongs. I want tournament participants of each age.

I hope you all have a great Halloween!

Frustrated Fears and Answers

So this weekend I was "holding down the fort". It wasn't the easiest task, but I accomplished it, which included a security certificate. Another high-five for me! Granted one of those days of fort holding involved Six Flags, but it still wasn't all easy. For example I found that when riding the Batman ride that for me, it was better if I just closed my eyes. Heights terrify me, but I love speed, so by closing my eyes I didn't have to worry about where I was, but I got to feel the speed and rush. It was great. However, this did not extend to the Titan, which I still refuse to ride. One step at a time guys.

Also this weekend Andi conviced me to try her Boba tea from the Tea and Donughts shop in the old Winn-Dixie area. I even liked the tapioca. It was odd tasting, but I liked it. Meanwhile I found this link to be of interest. It's optical illusions. Enjoy. http://health.yahoo.com/featured/46/8-mind-boggling-optical-illusions/

That article was very fun when my eye started twitching. My body is rebelling against its self. My arm has followed in the twitching department as well. Have I mentioned my frustration? Speaking of said frustrating subject, ever get a song stuck in your ear? Well this article from the Straight Dope helps explain why that happens. Great article. Go read it. I'll wait.

I know, who knew music could be like a mosquito bite to your brain? Oh, don't know what I'm talking about, go read the article. I said I would wait... welcome back. Now, as many know I'm not an Obama supporter. And his pansy way of dealing with those that don't like him gets on my nerves. However, that doesn't mean his supporters can't be funny every now and then. Remember the SNL skit? Well, I found this video. It is based on the T.I. song, "Dead and Gone". I laughed when I saw this and I think you will too. Especially since the dude playing Obama does such a great job.

Funny wasn't it? Speaking of Presidents, next Monday I get to go the Get Motivated seminar where George W. Bush is scheduled to speak. I'm so excited. You can all be jealous now.

Well this concludes today's post. I got some answers on Sunday. Some really good ones. This is a plug for Bro. Shawn because if you didn't hear his sermon on Sunday you really need to. So good. And it certainly answered some of the questions I had.

Now, I don't want to dwell on this much longer because it annoys me, but I want to say that today I'm trying to let it go. All of it. I have absolutely NO IDEA what to do next. So, I'm trying desperately to give it all over to God. I know no other solution or answer. This isn't easy for me in the least, but I have no choice. So I'm giving it over, and I need your prayers that He will send me more answers.

Getting A Little Distressed

I wish I knew what to do. It would make things simpler, I think. Of course with my luck it would not, so perhaps not knowing what to do is the better way to go? Meanwhile, I've been scowering the internet to give me some insight for at least a few minutes. What I've found I'll share. A service I like to provide for those who need this too.

I think we're all guilty of using some over-used words. I don't mind most of them. However, this article justifies my absolute hatred for the word, 'whatever'. I mean I've never truly hated many things, except this word (especially when used flippantly toward me) and the song, "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me" by Culture Club. And in answer to their question every time I hear that song I do want to hurt them and hurl a flippant "whatever" at them.

Perhaps I'm starting to have a Clark Griswald breakdown. It is entirely possible. The frustration is getting to me and trying to stay positive and hopeful is really becoming a chore. If you, like me, need a reminder of what going off the deepend is like you can go here. However, a warning that there is language and crude humor. If you're not into the Vacation movies just skip this link.

There, don't you feel better? On a positive note, because I do have a few, a website we've been working on, CookiesInABox.net is coming around in the search engines. I'm responsible for getting it back up there. I'm excited by this. I've done something right. I also probably caused the decline for a few days, but within three days we went from no presence on Google to having a few keywords show up in the first ten links. So, Go Me!

In celebration of my psychotic need to actually be contributing to the workforce I found this video endearing. Perhaps it is because it uses a song I love, "9 to 5" by Dolly Parton. Maybe because it features scenes from a show I used to love to watch, Supernatural. Or perhaps (and this is what I'm thinking) that it features a line that I love, "It's another day at the office. A massive and dangerous at the office." Uttered by the great character, Dean Winchester. I don't know why I love that line, but there it is. You can view it here. No need to thank me.

So that brings this weekly update to a close. As you can tell I'm praying for answers. Lots of them. Be in prayer for me as I struggle at this time in my life. Meanwhile, if you have a prayer request feel free to email me or send a private message.

Until next time, or if Cousin Eddie takes me up on a few suggestions, stay safe folks!