ramblings of no consequence

changing things up...and moving on...

noreply@blogger.com (michele bennett) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 12:37:00 +0000

at least for 2 weeks!

I'm moving the blog for a 2 week trial to squarespace. If I like it, that's where it shall stay. So, catch me over there. Make sure you change your RSS feed. To do that, just CLICK HERE and copy and paste the new URL wherever you had my old one.

K, SEE YOU OVER HERE. How many links do you need me to post to get you to go HERE?

:O)

Even the smiley face was a link...did you catch that?!

some new stuff

noreply@blogger.com (michele bennett) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 13:52:00 +0000

Hi friends! I've gotten asked by several of you about what's going on in my world as of late, so I figured I probably should start being a better blogger. :O) That means...duh duh duh...update time. And then, hopefully, I will get back on the blogging bandwagon. So, here goes.

As you know (or hopefully know?), I moved to Maryland at the end of the summer following my 2 month stint in Uganda. I won't bore you with those details (the Maryland details), but let's just say...it's not for me. So, I am in the process of moving back to Nashville. I'm anticipating making the move in the month of March, but not quite sure exactly WHEN...probably towards the end of the month.

I've already found a GREAT place to live in East Nashville...just have to work out those pesky details such as figuring out how to afford two rents at the same time for a couple of months, leaving my job here, finding a job in Nashville, and moving all my crap across country once again. But, if you know me, you know I'm up for the challenge. Although not exactly happy and/or excited about the move itself since I just moved. SUPER excited to get back to Nashville, though!

My current work already knows I am going to be moving and has been incredible about giving me the time to figure things out. So, I am now just trying to figure out how to get a job in Nashville in this wrecked economy. (If you have any suggestions, I'm all ears!). I could most definitely use your prayers as I walk through this crazy time. Personally, it's been a very challenging time. But, I realize that God is bigger than the small things going on in my life and I am continually reminded of His grace and provision...and joy.

One of the coolest things about this past month is the amount of time I have been able to spend with my family. I realize that I may never have the opportunity to spend this amount of time with my parents again and it's been really fun. Having the new puppy has made my life crazy, as well, but it has forced me to depend on others for help, which I'm not always excited to do. So, I wouldn't trade this time for anything.

Anyway, that's the somewhat quick update. Moving to Nashville, need a job, if you want to send money, I'm ok with that. Haha. :O)

Obviously, as I get more things figured out, I will keep you posted!

Passion World Tour - the book

noreply@blogger.com (michele bennett) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 16:16:00 +0000

This is really cool...

And no matter how many times I watch it, I see something new...and it blows me away!!!

And my stars even made it in...so, THERE!, MALAINE! :O)

the cake or the diet?

noreply@blogger.com (michele bennett) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 20:20:00 +0000

I took a few minutes at lunch to listen to Baltimore talk radio, which I never do. I guess it's my age. Or my desire to become wiser. Or just my desire to become less bored. Whatever my reason, I did it. I listened.

The one comment that stuck with me came from a man who was a former Marine, apparently a non-believer (his words), and who admitted to openly weeping in his conference room at work yesterday when Obama was sworn in. At that point, I was intrigued. His comment went something like this...(paraphrasing)...

"Obama's speech was like the diet and exercise plan. So, now that we have it, do we go eat cake?"

Basically, the whole conversation was about what WE are expected to do to make our country better. If we have this great idea set before us, yet choose to continue walking a path of selfishness and mistrust, we are in no better shape than we were 2 days ago. As a country, we are putting a lot of hope in a man...in a dream. But, the reality of it is that it is going to take every person doing a little bit more...going one step farther...

I liked this caller's challenge. He was inspired, yet knew that inspiration would only go so far. When the rubber meets the road, is the rubber our running shoes? Are we (ME) ready to dig in and make a difference? I think that's what President Obama is asking us to do. Regardless of what political beliefs you hold, you (I) are responsible for serving your God and your fellow man well. Especially if you say you love Jesus and follow His teachings.

So, what are you willing to do to go that extra step? And, I'm really asking. 'Cause I'm looking for ways to expand my world, challenge my status quo, walk an extra mile in someone else's shoes. Love with excellence and in abundance.

vote for Indigo!!!

noreply@blogger.com (michele bennett) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 18:40:00 +0000

Sorry, but your browser that do not understand iframes.

oh, how i love my mornings...

noreply@blogger.com (michele bennett) — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 13:40:00 +0000

tonight I was reminded.

noreply@blogger.com (michele bennett) — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 05:22:00 +0000

Tonight, God very clearly said, "Michele, do not get so caught up in your life that you miss MY story."

It is easy for me to get weighed down with all the details of this life I am living, figuring out the next steps, looking for the road ahead. I forget that I am ON the journey and God is showing me the Good Life...if only I would pause and remember...and then walk with Him.

Tonight, we remembered the Passion World Tour. Seeing the faces from all over the world...I was reminded, again, of what an incredible journey I have been a part of....and still continue to be. Why do I let my world get so small? Why do I assume I know what is best...that I have all of my best interests at heart? I need these reminders to ground me in Christ and His unfailing love, His unfailing strength, His unending mercy and grace, and His timeless truth and heart for His people.

Tonight, I was reminded. And that is a very good thing.

when life doesn't make sense

noreply@blogger.com (michele bennett) — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 22:25:00 +0000

"Come to Me with a teachable spirit, eager to be changed. A close walk with Me is a life of continual newness. Do not cling to old ways as you step into a new year. Instead, seek My Face with an open mind, knowing that your journey with Me involves being transformed by the renewing of your mind. As you focus your thoughts on Me, be aware that I am fully attentive to you. I see you with a steady eye, because my attention span is infinite. I know and understand you completely; My thoughts embrace you in everlasting Love. I also know the plans I have for you: plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Give yourself fully to this adventure of increasing attentiveness to My Presence."

~ from Sarah Young's Jesus Calling

As I begin 2009, I find myself somewhere unexpected. Abstract as well as physical. I have a lot of thoughts and feelings to sort through, sift through, work through. I must confess that I'd rather be anywhere but this place.

So, I lean on the only One who has already been there, is here, and is where I am going.

Sweetness

noreply@blogger.com (michele bennett) — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 18:48:00 +0000

merry christmas eve!

noreply@blogger.com (michele bennett) — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 18:28:00 +0000

Merry Christmas Eve, everyone! I hope you all get to enjoy time with family and friends and realize the beauty and peace of the season.

My pup wants to send her love, as well...

Indi outside, enjoying being a puppy (and hogging the webcam)!

Indi chatting with me the other night...she's a snuggler.

Merry Christmas!

definitely time for a puppy pic update

noreply@blogger.com (michele bennett) — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 20:21:00 +0000

I was just looking through the past few posts and realized I hadn't updated any puppy pics. I may be the only one that cares, but I do like to look back on my blog and reminisce! :O) Here ya go for your "awwwwinnnnngggg" enjoyment:

sleepy indigo

studs biting indi...playtime!

indi staying close to mom

the pup is getting bigger!

and likes to chew on Nic

and giraffe.

just a little puppy (and roomie!) fun!!!

THE END!

really?

noreply@blogger.com (michele bennett) — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 20:18:00 +0000

I was doing some quick research on crates for le poopie. (That's "the puppy" in french. Haha, not really.) But, really. I found this:

Do people REALLY do that to their dogs? Seriously. Seriously.

what a beautiful song

noreply@blogger.com (michele bennett) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 22:05:00 +0000

I sang this song today...and it's a song I have sung many times...but, the words permeated today...

Come, Thou Fount of every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
Sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it,
Mount of Thy redeeming love.

Sorrowing I shall be in spirit,
Till released from flesh and sin,
Yet from what I do inherit,
Here Thy praises I’ll begin;
Here I raise my Ebenezer;
Here by Thy great help I’ve come;
And I hope, by Thy good pleasure,
Safely to arrive at home.

Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wandering from the fold of God;
He, to rescue me from danger,
Interposed His precious blood;
How His kindness yet pursues me
Mortal tongue can never tell,
Clothed in flesh, till death shall loose me
I cannot proclaim it well.

O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above.

O that day when freed from sinning,
I shall see Thy lovely face;
Clothed then in blood washed linen
How I’ll sing Thy sovereign grace;
Come, my Lord, no longer tarry,
Take my ransomed soul away;
Send thine angels now to carry
Me to realms of endless day.

Written in 1758 by Robert Robinson.

Basket o' Puppies

noreply@blogger.com (michele bennett) — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 00:47:00 +0000

Puppy overload

noreply@blogger.com (michele bennett) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 22:22:00 +0000

Is it possible to get too much puppy time? I think not!!!! This
instance occurred after Indi yelped really loud in her sleep...Pelly
came running either to see if she was ok or because she was freaked
out. Regardless, we had snuggle time. :0)
>

what a good night...

noreply@blogger.com (michele bennett) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 03:34:00 +0000

I got to meet Indigo...

and see my friends.

sigh

noreply@blogger.com (michele bennett) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 14:40:00 +0000

As I was driving home last night, I was listening to a Brooke Fraser song that seemed to strike a chord deep inside me...

C.S. Lewis Song

If I find in myself desires nothing in this world can satisfy,
I can only conclude that I was not made for here
If the flesh that I fight is at best only light and momentary,
Then of course I'll feel nude when to where I'm destined I'm compared

Speak to me in the light of the dawn
Mercy comes with the morning
I will sigh and with all creation groan as I wait for hope to come for me

Am I lost or just less found? On the straight or on the roundabout of the wrong way?
Is this a soul that stirs in me, is it breaking free, wanting to come alive?
Cause my comfort would prefer for me to be numb
And avoid the impending birth of who I was born to become

Speak to me in the light of the dawn
Mercy comes with the morning
I will sigh and with all creation groan as I wait for hope to come for me

For we, we are not long here
Our time is but a breath, so we better breathe it
And I, I was made to live, I was made to love, I was made to know you
Hope is coming for me
Hope, He's coming for me

...even more so today.

Snow!

noreply@blogger.com (michele bennett) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:52:00 +0000

so, to be happy...

noreply@blogger.com (michele bennett) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:29:00 +0000

Gotta have a happy pic/post to follow up that last one. Apparently, my new puppy likes to snuggle. And Pelly, of course, lets her.

a really weird morning.

noreply@blogger.com (michele bennett) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:35:00 +0000

So, I was on the bus this morning...and annoyed because it was late...and people were standing everywhere because the bus before didn't show up. I had a seat because I was early (supposed to be on the bus that didn't show). Lucky me, I guess.

Anyway. I digress. There's this girl (young, probably mid-20's) standing next to me in the aisle. She answers her phone (which I find kind of annoying in public spaces, particularly transportation). All of the sudden, though, she kind of yells, "NO! Where?" and then proceeds to start sobbing and hits the floor. Oh my gosh, what happened. Everyone is kind of looking at her and wondering what to do. I immediately put my hand on her while she is talking and then help her up once she gets off the phone. I finally get her into my seat and she tells us that her husband just called and said her brother-in-law, who is an FBI agent in Pittsburgh, had just been shot and was being Medivac-lifted to the hospital. Sam is his name. That's the only name I got from her this morning, but on that bus, I was praying hard for Sam and his family.

The girl's husband was going to drive into the city and get her, but can you imagine being trapped on a bus and getting news like that? I'm glad there were a few of us around her that actually cared enough to reach out and touch her....literally. By the time she got off the bus, she had calmed down and was making plans to get to Pittsburgh to be with her sister.

As I entered my building this morning, I ran into a co-worker and gave him the quick story because I was a little freaked out by it all. He just stopped by my desk and asked if I had seen the news. "What news?" His next words break my heart for Sam's family...."An FBI agent was killed in Pittsburgh." Man. I don't know her name, but my heart and my prayers go out for my bus companion and Sam's family.

I just found the story online: FBI Agent Slain Serving Drug Warrant

What a weird morning.

Introducing Indigo

noreply@blogger.com (michele bennett) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 18:43:00 +0000

Ignore my crazy hair...I've been up since 3 am and am working from home today. :O)

my puppy!

noreply@blogger.com (michele bennett) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 11:26:00 +0000

Pelly had her puppies overnight and I was able to be there thanks to videochat. This was after #8 was delivered (7 are alive and doing well!). Pelham heard me talking and started looking around. Man, I wish I was there...it's hard to know my friends are sharing in this time together and I'm not there. But, I'm thankful I can be there via the world wide interweb!!! I actually got to see several births...incredible!

Too long...

noreply@blogger.com (michele bennett) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 16:58:00 +0000

It's been a while since I've blogged. And I don't really have time now. I'm just acknowledging my blogging absence. I am going to try and set aside some time tonight.

I moved into my own place this past weekend, so that's a quick update for you! Woo hoo!

Hope you are well. Peace and chicken grease.

This...

noreply@blogger.com (michele bennett) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 02:22:00 +0000

...is good.

2 more days...

noreply@blogger.com (michele bennett) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 12:52:00 +0000

Until I see my Schmoo Bear!!!!!