Friday's Fave Five

Oh my gosh, what a week this has been!! Except for my microwave making a "grand exit", (read: spewing smoke and nasty fumes all through my house), it's been a fantastic week!! Here are a few highlights...

1. Can I take a minute (maybe more than one) to brag about my church??? God has blessed me with the most incredible church and church family in the entire world!! After being in and out of many denominations throughout my life (born and raised Methodist, a couple years in the Catholic church, a couple Sunday's in a "Community" church and a few visits to a "non denominational" church-- etc... you get the picture) I was beginning to feel that I didn't really "fit" anywhere.... but then, when I was going through a bit of a dark time in my life, DD told me about Christ the King Spiritual Life Center (a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Albany). He knew I was going through some "stuff" in my life, and thought that attending one of their healing services might be helpful. So... one fateful Tuesday I made the 45 minute trek up to Greenwich to attend the weekly healing service... can I tell you-- my life was never the same!! As I was sitting in their beautiful chapel, with about 100 others- worshiping God in song and word, hearing Scripture, praying and praying and praying (my first experience with "laying on of hands") the first thought that came to my mind was, "oh my gosh- these people "get it"...". For the first time in my life I felt like I fit in! Several weeks later, when meeting with Fr Nigel, director of the healing ministry, for prayer and counseling, for the first time in my life, I felt totally and completely understood!! CTK is Holy Ground... you feel it the moment you arrive on site- the presence of God is palpable- not only in word, but also in the eyes, hands, compassion of everyone there... yes, the people-- gosh, what can I say about the people... they're so special... you feel like family from your first moment there- there is SUCH love- God's love! Three years after arriving there for the first time- I'm in the process of preparing for Confirmation in the Episcopal church, and have begun the discernment process of possibly becoming a Deacon. Thank you God for leading me to this wonderful place!! Ok... so enough bragging... thanks for letting me share... so tell me about YOUR church now!!

2. I'm one of those with a stupid nut allergy... not only peanuts, but all nuts-- it's realllllly annoying!! But I've discovered Sunflower Seed Butter- which is a really great alternative and SO good! (It's a bit pricey, but will go on sale occasionally) I love eating it any way, but am prone to sit here at my desk and dip crackers right in the jar. YUM!!!!

3. While I'm on the topic of food... sort of... I dug out my sun tea jar this week. It's been quite a while since I've made sun tea, and had forgotten how good it was... throw some sugar, and a little lemon kool-aid in and I'm a happy lady. My aunt used to make it with frozen lemonade (that was SO good!), but I cant afford that right now- maybe sometime, but I'm content with the kool-aid for now.

4. I love having long conversations with friends, or anyone, about what a wonderful God we have!! I consider it a blessing to be able to share about all the wonderful things God has done in my life!!! Several times this week, God has put people in my path that need to hear my story of how God has healed me- in many, many ways. What an honor it is, to spread His message of healing!

5. I've been invited to attend a Woman's Cursillo weekend in November. I hear that this is a life changing event. For some reason, that alone is daunting... but at the same time, I'm really excited about the possibilities of spiritual growth and fellowship. If you've had a Cursillo experience, I'd love to hear about it!

Happy Friday everyone... (late post, sorry!) Enjoy your weekend!!!