Blessings All Mine

... With ten thousand beside!

And now for a word of thanks. Confession: I used to throw oranges at my floormate Arielle and shout "THINK FAST" as they were flying towards her.

Sometimes I think God likes to do that to me with gifts. I've been slightly homesick and lonesome and tired of summer when people are never around when you need them (this is a general statement and not directed at anyone). Summer is just one of those times where everyone is spread out and on vacation.

Anyway, so today we were scheduled to go to Prairie Rose for lunch and "entertainment". Now this place was introduced to me as "the dude ranch" and considering that I went to Miss Saigon last night, Keith Urban a couple weeks ago, and a restaurant in a casino two weeks ago... I really wasn't sure what "entertainment" meant.

I was ready for anything, but was absolutely blown away by Christian hospitality and sincerity this afternoon at "the dude ranch". We pledged allegiance to the flag (which I haven't done since like 5th grade) applauded all the servicemen in the room, gave thanks to God... and were served a lot of meat...

A LOT.

They served us everything... even seconds. We didn't get up for anything. It was all you could eat and I managed two biscuits (I told you I have this thing for biscuits...). I don't think I'll be eating dinner tonight :)

Then it was time for gospel... southern gospel. Four guys (one a piano man... who's mom was there... it was really cute) sang some of the best hymns I've heard. It's a day for hymns. At First Pres we sang all hymns that I knew! I was so excited (normally I don't know any of them... and I know a lot for a young squirt). I was belting out "Soon and Very Soon" and "I'll Fly Away"

What was so refreshing was the "old fashionedness" of it. Now I know that just going back in time doesn't mean life was any less messy. Just seeing Miss Saigon assured me of that. People are vile anywhere, anytime. And I get fed up with it. So it was really nice to go somewhere out in the bright country air (like my home) where people were jovial, with a wealth of southern hospitality, and a mighty heart for God. They are the kind of people who preach it like it is, and joke like comedians today don't know how. I felt like someone was throwing pie in my face... the good way :) It was totally unexpected and very wonderful.

Today will also go down in history because I finally got to hear Mirko sing. AND I figured out how to spell his name. BUT no, I have not fallen in love... although he did have an excellent voice. However, a voice I can't resist... is one that belongs to anyone who plays the character Marius in the musical Les Mis. Seeing Miss Saigon reminded me how much I love the sound of his voice. (The lead male in Miss Saigon, played Marius in Les Mis). I'm also a big fan of people who sound like Lea Salonga. She is my favorite singer - 50% because of Mulan and 50% because of Les Mis. Now it makes sense why she also sang in Miss Saigon. How did I get on this topic?

Anyway, I'm still lonely, but much less empty. :) Cheers! Get ready for God to surprise you!

All I have needed, thy hand hath provided...