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Target and Garrr, Part II

On Wednesday I said that I would let you know what happened at Target. Here it is.

This Tuesday night, I stopped in at Target as a break during a road trip. That’s a great place for a break– right, any ladies reading this? As I was shopping I came across a particular lady – a stranger – a couple of times. Not much interaction, maybe a smile and a few words. The next time our paths crossed in the store, somehow we struck up a conversation. And somehow I went from stranger to confidant in no time flat. She opened up to me about struggles she’s had lately. The flow of the conversation then shifted easily to God; she heard some simple words from me that she said she’d needed to hear. …And shortly afterwards our paths parted. I felt joy in being used by Him in a small way.

Now, some of you may be saying to yourselves, “What–that was it? Why did you make a big deal about this in the last post?” And you’re right. It shouldn’t be an unusual event. I didn’t tell you about this to sound like a great Christian. The point is that this was somewhat unusual for me–I often use shyness as an excuse– and happenings like this could be a daily occurance for any Christian. The truth is that usually I’m too busy or lazy to share with others.

But it did happen so easily this time. As I continued driving, I thought about why that might be. (Do you ever over-analyze things afterward? =) ) Of course, the main reason for this meeting was that it was God’s will and He orchestrated it. No question about that. Beyond that, though… my mind drifted back to earlier in the day. During my significant length of time in the car that day, I found myself listening a lot to a great CD by Daniel Kirkley. By the way, if you happen to be looking for a Christian version of Josh Groban, he’s it. But because of things like listening to him, I spent a lot of time with God. I walked, well–drove with Him through most of the trip. Sadly enough, sometimes it takes hours in a car for me to be focused on God throughout the day! By the time my car took a breather at Target, however, the overflow passed on to this woman was natural.

Wow…have you ever noticed that sometimes the simplest, most basic lessons have to be learned over and over again? As I neared home I was reminded of my second favorite passage: “Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1Thessalonians 5:16-18 (italics mine) When I simply show up and keep in step with God throughout the day, those “chance” meetings seem to happen so naturally. I pray that every morning I answer His invitation to join Him on the walk.

(P.S. Happy Anniversary to my parents and to Daniel and Kara.)

Target and Garrr, Part I

The “garrs” have spoken: International Talk Like a Pirate Day has won as the Best Non-Major Holiday. I’ll make sure I remind ye all when the day arrives, mateys. Speaking of speaking, if you go to Google.com and click on “Preferences,” in the language menu you can choose such languages as “Elmer Fudd” and “Pig Latin.” Also, a new poll is now in place.

As for the “Target” part of the title, I wish I had time right now to tell you what happened there last night. Hopefully soon I can fill you in.

Across the Miles…

Happy Labor Day weekend to you all–any fun plans?

And…Happy 64th Birthday, Daddy (Sunday)! I hope it’s a great day for you. You’re the best father a daughter could hope for. I just wish I could be there for you today, the way you’ve been there for me.

P.S. To the (ahem) talented poet who has the most recent comment on “Poet, Interrupted,” calling herself “number 1” – not Commander Ryker, I assume…if you want to rejoice in being old(er) than me, have at it. =) hee hee By the way, thanks for letting me share birthday parties with you (picture at right).

Miscellaneous, etc.

Poll update: Capt. Crunch was grateful to tears for being elected the “Next Great Lunch Box.” Be proud, all of you who exercised your freedom to vote. However, Capt. Stubing more than hinted to me that he’s miffed at being slighted in this poll.
And to those who took on the trivia challenge, you sure know your train robbers. Big Mouth Billy Bass was…not it. I’d better admit it was Sam before he comes back and sets me straight. Neither was it hockey player Cody, nor would-be astronaut/N’Sync alum Lance. (I’m so sad that I know that.)

Random topic: “The Bourne Ultimatum” was a good movie. David and I saw it at our drive-in last weekend (which has the best popcorn, by the way), and we both liked it. I hadn’t seen the previous two. Despite warnings from an anonymous friend (initials K.C.) not to do this, I just read the plot summaries of those first two online and was able to keep up with this third movie. What movies have you all seen (or want to see) lately, either in the theater, DVD, or TV?

Did anyone catch the lunar eclipse this week? I didn’t, but Del Tackett from The Truth Project has an interesting blog entry about it – and great picture – here.

One last item: “dd pk” from a couple of the comments – show your identity! I have my ideas, and you obviously know me… Speak up and let me see if my guess is correct. =)

Pickles and Gravy

I’ve always wanted to name a cat “Pickles.” Don’t ask me why.

Well, okay, here’s why: It’s such a funny word and would be a funny name, don’t you think? It would be a tongue-twister to say quickly, though. “Heeeeere, Pickles, Pickles, Pickles…” Anyway, speaking of funny names…then came the day that I had a cat named “Gravy.” He had long, cream-colored fur, just the color of chicken-fried steak gravy. Very appropriate name, and I was reasonably sure that no one would copy me when naming their cat.

…And as I was petting Gravy, the weirdest thing happened that I’ve kept a secret until now: I was an undercover p.i. with all of Magnum’s buddies, scuba diving to find clues and solving all kinds of crimes. But it came to a sudden end when the tour we were taking halted abruptly in front of Sanford & Son’s house.

Then (you guessed it) I woke up. What? You mean that didn’t sound believable?

All of the above are parts of several weird dreams I’ve had. All, except for the fact that I want to name a cat “Pickles.” And I will someday, mark my words. In the meantime I’ll just enjoy my odd trips to Dreamland. …But surely some of you would also like to share your weird/funny dreams, right?

I can almost guarantee that tomorrow I’ll have another funny dream to share from tonight.