Black Friday...story of survival

We survived...literally! It was definitely a "Black Friday" to remember. For starters, it was "the boots" first experience at Black Friday! We decided that we'd run by Tanger at midnight, catch a few quick sales, then head home to sleep about 12:30/1am until we would arrive at the mall around 5:30am. OH MY GOSH! Someone told everyone our plan!! It seems that everyone else had the same exact idea! Tanger was completely not prepared for the massive crowds that descended upon Tanger at 12am. By 12:15, there were no parking spots in the entire parking lot. The one store that I wanted to go to the most (Maurices) was selectively not opened at midnight. The only one we made a purchase at was Old Navy. They had things worth standing it the 1+ hour line to check out.

Tanger's most notable experience there was the attitude. I now completely understand the reason it's called "BLACK" Friday. There was a darkness that descended on the vast majority of the shoppers. I believe that 85% of them were smokers that enjoyed blowing smoke in your face as you walked past them. This year was by far the worst attitudes I have seen in people. Women AND MEN were grabbing things, pushing people, acting as if they had never seen anything for sale, treated one another with utter disrespect...I've NEVER seen anything like this. It was definitely a different kind of crowd at Tanger than I am accustomed to!

We arrived back home at 2:45am (so much for 12:30/1am) and unanimously decided that if we went to sleep now, we would not wake up in time for "phase II". So off it was...to the mall to go to JCPenneys at 4am. We figured that all of the crazies left Tanger to do the same, so we headed that direction at 3:15am figuring it would take 45 min to an hour to get there with traffic. Taking a mere 12 minutes to get there, we discovered that no one else had heard that part of the plan. We were so early. HOWEVER, shortly after arriving, people started coming out of the woodwork.

The best part of the night had to be once we were in the store just minutes after the door opened. I looked up only to spot Katie and Gabby (some of my fave f/t interns at HPC) coming in the entrance! Katie's famous quote was (now remember it's 4:01am) "we just came for the free gift...we have no money for shopping!!!" I had to laugh...that was the highlight of my night!!! It was worth it to hear that. I just love Katie and Gabby! They are so awesome!!

Around 5:30am, there were paramedics trying to get through the hundreds of people standing in line waiting to check out inside of JCPenney's. They were yelling to "make a way" and "step to the side". People were just standing there ignoring them refusing to move. I couldn't believe that! UNREAL! What if that person on the other end was in desperate need of medical attention?...were the sales or a spot in line worth more than someones health? The ultimate disrespect that I witnessed?! That's when I came to two conclusions about Black Friday. In years gone by, the deals you would find were amazing. Unfortunately, the sales are getting worse and worse. The answer for this is in the people. They come in as if they have no concept of pricing, grab everything they can grab and stand in line for hours. No wonder the retailers are having fewer and fewer sales. Why should they do amazing bargains?! People go crazy buying regular priced items. I'm beginning to rethink the entire Black Friday shopping experience. But then I'd miss out seeing Katie and Gabby's joyous expressions receiving their free snow globes! The second part is Black Friday is an outreach opportunity if I've ever seen one. Gotta think about this one...

The biggest shopping day of the year is near!

4 days and counting...

Only the biggest shopping day of the year is almost here! I am so excited!! My sister, daughters & I make this our annual event. It's by far the one day of the year that nothing stands in our way. This year, I have a new challenge. It's "the boot"! I am a little nervous about going in those massive crazy crowds with "the boot", but hey! It's either brave the elements or skip that day until next year. I chose to fight the crowd.

Honestly, I'd be content to find a couch or chair at the mall and just watch the crowd. I love watching people...it's kind of a hobby. However, you see some of the funniest sights on this one day of the year. Some people are on a mission and you better get out of the way. Others (like us) just laugh the entire time we are there probably making the "mission shoppers" mad because we are just having a blast! Some people are all about the lines while others avoid any stores with a line. Any way you put it, it's one of my favorite days of the year.

What's your favorite day and why?

Check this out...

Watch this LifeChurch.tv Video

I just finished watching this video. It's about 28 minutes, and well worth the time!

If you know me, you know I absolutely LOVE God's Word. I am amazed at what people went through for the Word to make it into my hands today. Maybe that's part of why I am so passionate about it, but either way, I believe the Word is living and powerful. Powerful to the point of changing anyone's life. The disciples evidently thought the same since they all (but one) died for the cause of what is contained on these pages.

If you want to know why I believe, here it is:
1. Most of the prophecies contained in the Word have been fulfilled...accurately I might add.
2. Deaths of the disciples...they all with the exception of one died brutal deaths for the what Jesus lived.
3. The fact that there are no documents/writings with more authentic copies than the Bible.
4. Dead Sea Scrolls...discovered in 1948 by a young man off the coast of the Dead Sea. The vessels found contain copies of every book with the exception of Esther that date nearly to the date of the final writings. These copies match almost exactly when translated to what we read today. Amazing to me... God's Word was protected to the utmost extreme which speaks even louder to me.
5. Last but not least! My life...enough said!

All for the Kingdom!

This post is probably long with a few pictures (sorry). It's been an interesting past couple of weeks for us so I have not been posting much. I'll tell you a little bit about them. We decided to put our house up for sale and start pursuing some of our dreams. We looked at a few and have not found that perfect place yet. God's pretty much in control and gonna have to move for things to happen due to the market right now! Lots of waiting. We kicked things off with Doug's knee surgery... surgery went great (a little repair work), and he's healing up fine. Should be good to go once he's all healed up. Having him home for almost 2 weeks straight was so nice. I felt like we were on vacation or something. Looking forward to him working a regular schedule job (hopefully one day soon)! During his time off, I went to the Women's Conference and loved it. God really took hold of my heart in a few areas, and I had the pleasure of hearing from some wonderful speakers. Pastor DeLynn and the group really did an EXCELLENT job on things!!!

Then Doug went back to work... just in time for our Sparkle Sleepover! Friday night we had a sleepover at Jump-N-Jive. It was a great night overall especially since we could all stay at the same location! We learned about skin care from Mrs Paula, danced, ate lots of food, did relays, danced some more, and then Shannon and Darelle "brought it" teaching the girls about Relationships (you know...mentors, role models, good friendships, etc...not the boyfriend/girlfriend kind of relationships you may have thought at first). Jump-N-Jive was a great place to have a sleepover...lots to do, great staff, not to mention that we had the entire place to ourselves once the last birthday party cleared out. The girls and leaders had a blast with little to no sleep! Sparkle is the best life group around. First off, we have a team of fantastic leaders. Kudos to each one of them! Their dedication and love for Jesus soars beyond the average! This team is truly incredible!!!! Secondly, we have awesome high school students that help us so much! We could NOT have Sparkle without them. Lastly, I absolutely love the students in Sparkle. They are some of the most awesome chicks I know. Lots of talent and huge dreams! I love hearing their thoughts and ideas. We are so fortunate to have such a bright group of future world changers!

A couple of hours after we arrived at Jump-N-Jive, we decided to do some relays in the inflatable course. Ashley, Lisa and I jumped in to race with the girls. We all LOVE a challenge! When my turn arrived, I tagged my teammate and raced in! I climbed the first hill and flew over only to land on my foot wrong. It was like slow-mo but I couldn't do anything to correct it. Immediately I thought "Oh Jesus, please do not let my foot be broken!" (seriously talking to the Lord) as I waited for the pain. I decided it wasn't hurting so bad (couldn't be broken), so I finished the race. You know I couldn't let my girls down!!! As I slid down the huge slide for the final leg of the journey, I was never so excited to tag my teammate. I hobbled to the bench. Sat for some of the night with ice. Saturday & Sunday, it kept swelling, turned to a beautiful shade of wild blue along the side and hurt a little to walk. Isn't it beautiful?! After more ice and at Doug's request, I went to check it out with Dr. Cheri on Monday just to make sure it was ok. She is so awesome, and wouldn't you know it...I have a small fracture in the side of my foot. Doug was right (again!). I now have a beautifully stylish black boot to wear for the next 6-8 weeks that I am sure everyone will be jealous of! I guess I'll use the down time to work on my writing. Sometimes I think God uses times like these the most. Jesus, I'm all Yours!

Jesus, teach me during this time the lessons only You can whisper into my heart. Let me have ears to hear and eyes to see the view from Your perspective. Move us according to your will. Heal our bodies, sweet savior, so we can use them to serve Your kingdom! I love You and need You!