Light and Darkness

I love my 3 day weekends! I think I've finally adjusted to my 10 hour work days enough that I can actually enjoy my days off.

Last week I bought the new book #5 of Fablehaven, Keys to the Demon Prison. I started reading when I bought it tuesday but sadly my work days are too busy for much reading. By friday I had to delay my reading even more due to a dentist appointment where I experienced the pain of getting my first crown. The dentist had a few complications and it took nearly 2 hours! I'm glad it's over for now.

However, the timing of the two events couldn't have been more perfect! With a sore mouth and not feeling up to much I spent most of this weekend reading and I finished the nearly 600 page book today! The series is simply amazing! I love how the author Brandon Mull uses the imagery of the battle between light and darkness, good and evil. I'm also impressed by how his writing is sometimes hard to predict. I find it interesting how good doesn't always overcome evil in the story. However, in the end all that is light and good prevails...just not in the way you might have imagined!

I've thought about this a lot in relation to life. There might be times in life when we feel evil influences have won. We have to always remember and maintaining our hope and faith in Jesus Christ and know that in the end good will prevail. It might not be the way we imagine it, but I know it will be the way God has planned it.

Time for a Surprise

I love St. Patrick's Day! I love wearing and eating green and I've done both. I thought it was funny that one of my co-workers asked me today where my shamrock pants were. Yes, it's true. I own a pair and I did wear them to work one year and people have never let me forget it! This year I just stuck with my "lucky" shirt and shamrock socks.

It's been a good day. I've even had a few laughs. I haven't had many work stories to tell since I changed positions back in November. Today I had one that made me laugh out loud so I thought I'd share. Here is the actual conversation I had with a lady who called in today:

Lady: Is it true you hold a class on Thursday's at 4pm in American Fork (city changed, of course) that I can go to to learn more about medicaid?

Me: Yes. Would you like to come?

Lady: Yes

Me: Can I have your case number so I can add you to the schedule?

Lady: No, no. I'm going to go but I want to surprise them. Thanks! Bye bye now!

I love to laugh and this one had me laughing! I hope her surprise turns out well.

I also saw this quote on a facebook page today. It also made me smile. I hope none of you reading this have "twisted" ankles...

“May those who love us, love us; and those who don't love us, may God turn their hearts; and if He doesn't turn their hearts, may he turn their ankles so we'll know them by their limping.”

The Power of Music

Today I've been thinking a lot about the powerful influence of music. For good and bad. It's interesting to me how quickly bad lyrics can get stuck on repeat in my head. I'm trying to be more careful about the music I listen to.
However, today I've been thinking more about the influence music has for good. At church this morning I was literally blown away by the power of the organ! Together with the singing there were a couple of moments where tears came to my eyes. Music has such a beautiful, healing power for the soul! I want to share the lyrics with you of a well known hymn which really affected me deeply today. Read through the words and see how it affects you...

The Lord is my light; then why should I fear?

By day and by night His presence is near.

He is my salvation from sorrow and sin;

This blessed assurance the Spirit doth bring.

.

The Lord is my light; tho clouds may arise,

Faith, stronger than sight, looks up thru the skies.

Where Jesus forever in glory doth reign.

Then how can I ever in darkness remain?

.

The Lord is my light; the Lord is my strength.

I know in His might I'll conquer at length.

My weakness in mercy He covers with power,

And walking by faith, I am blest every hour.

.

The Lord is my light, my all and in all.

There is in His sight no darkness at all.

He is my Redeemer, my Savior, and King.

With Saints and with angels His praises I'll sing.

.

The Lord is my light; He is my joy and my song.

By day and by night He leads, He leads me along.

***

The Lord Is My Light

Text by James Nicholson

Some days I just need a nap and some chocolate...

Is there a "nap" for when I don't feel like answering any more phone calls at work?

How about some good chocolate when I really need some?

These made me laugh so I wanted to share them.

Hope you can enjoy a nap and some chocolate!