Cuppycake Song

Ok, so there's some history with this little song...it started in college, and I would play it over and over and over! I loved it. Well, my good friend Robyn and I have little pet names for each other. Just hearing it (or reading it in an email) makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside...well, maybe not warm fuzzies, but definitely a big smile!!! I'm not going to share what those sweet little terms of endearment are, but I will say one is pretty close to one of the names in this song.

Well, when I googled the song to listen to it, and discovered it's origins go back to 1994. The crazy thing is that it's an actual little girl singing it! Love this...hope you enjoy!

Pray for Africa...Just takes ONE

The pace of life

Well, to say I've been doing a poor job of updating my blog would be a huge understatement! BUT, today is a day of sleeping in, staying in my pajamas til 3:00 in the afternoon, and catching up on life, blogs, and everything else I've been neglecting. Life is zooming by at rates I can hardly fathom, and I'm hoping to see signs of slowing. Don't you hate those time were you feel so completely overwhelmed in life? Where everything is being held by a string, and you're praying to God that string will withstand the pressure. This has been my life the last month or so. I feel I'm definitely at a marathonesque pace, and have been grateful it hasn't felt like a sprint. Slow and steady I can handle right now. Anything faster and I might have had a breakdown.

All that to say, I have allowed myself to use today to take it easy, enjoy some silence, journal about life, and reflect on the weeks gone by. I'm realizing more and more how much I enjoy my downtime, and how important it is to my overall well-being. I always thought of myself as more of an extreme extrovert, but have grown to recognize that might not be the case. Oh, how nice it is to stop every once in awhile...I pray you are doing well...that you will take the time to slow down and recharge. Till next time...

Goodbye's, Birthdays, and more friends!!!

The last part of Heidi and Raven's trip was full of parties and fun. I had my good friend Jacqueline come in from Ostrava, said goodbye to 2 friends moving back to the other side of the world, and Dot had a birthday!!! Whew, so much going on!!! For Heidi and Raven's last night, we went to one of my favorite restaurants, Cowboys, enjoyed the amazing view for "dessert" at the UPrince, and loved every minute of it!! Such good times!

Dot and I hosted a going away party for Sara and Betsy. It was sad realizing they were leaving, but definitely a good time at the party. We'll miss you guys!!!!



And finally, it was sweet Dot's birthday. Some girls met up for a fabulous dinner and Ambiente, and there were definitely some sparks flying! You can check out my friend's Sunny's blog to see what I'm talkin about. Soooo blessed with some amazing friends here in Prague!!!

Easter in Poland

There really aren't words to describe our trip to Poland. Feelings and emotions were all over the place. From the time we picked up our rental car until the time we got home, there really wasn't a dull moment. After doing some research, and based on my last roadtrip experience, I suggested to Heidi and Raven that we rent a car and drive to Poland, and they both were definitely in. So, the night before we were to leave, we went to pick up our car. We had to drive to the airport to get it, which is about a 15 minute drive. Instead of taking public transportation, I decided to see if my friends would drive us up to get it. They said we could just take their car and bring it back when were done. So, we hopped in the car and headed to the airport. The minute we stepped into my friends car, I hear from the back seat,"Is that a standard or automatic?" For some reason I quickly responded automatic, but after a few seconds said,"I mean, standard." Not thinking about why they would be asking, but soon realized after some glances back in forth between Heidi and Raven and awkward silence, I probably didn't need to ask if either of them could drive a stick. Now, let me preface this by saying these are 2 of the smartest friends I know. Between the 2 of them they can fly F-16's, run an Iron Man, and have degrees in mechanical and aerospace engineering. Yeah, so I guess you could say they're pretty smart and ambitious ladies. I freaked out for a second after realizing neither of them could drive a standard, but trusted they were probably smart enough and equipped to figure it out. Heidi had driven one...once. I kinda laughed, and said,"Let the fun begin..." On the way to the airport I try to give Heidi a crash course in driving a stick. I think all is going well, until we reach the airport, and her last question to me is...."So, you start in first gear, right?" Oh, good gracious. Lord, help them make it back in one piece!! All the while, Raven is thoroughly enjoying herself in the backseat, loving the fact the pressure is not on her. I will say Heidi made it...besides stalling a couple times one angry bus driver, I would say it was a success. Way to go Heidi!

Sunday morning we headed to Krakow, Poland. We arrived safely, and went out to explore the city. It was Easter weekend, so there were some fun markets up. We shopped, tried some crazy food, and enjoyed the night life.


The next day we went to see Auschwitz. This is why I was really excited to go to Poland. What an amazing, tragic, shaping time in history. It was a sobering day, and the weather made it even more real. It was absolutely freezing, snow, and a little rain. I can't imagine having to walk the same walk we were without shoes, a coat, or any type of warmth. It's mind blowing the things that took place there. You really can hardly believe it. Here are some pics from Auschwitz. May we all realize how fortunate we are, and be thankful for our freedoms and blessings daily. I will say that while we were in Poland I realized I've spent the last 2 Easter's visiting concentration camps. I'm not really sure what that means, but will someone please make sure I'm not visiting a concentration camp next year...

Entrance to the camp..."Work will set you free."


The shooting wall where those in the right building were awaiting their fate could watch, and those on the left with the boarded up windows couldn't watch, only hear what was happening right next to them.

The chimney's that remain from when the Nazi's were trying to get rid of all evidence of the gas chambers and crematoriums they had built.

Vacation Machines

It's been fun for me to have many friends come over to visit during my time here, and the latest two are Heidi and Raven. Heidi and I were roommates before I came to Prague in Fort Worth, and was has been a huge part of my life. I met Raven through Heidi, and am learning on this trip she is a close kindred spirit. I'm excited to hangout with her when I get back to the States in June. BUT, as Heidi said, the two of us together can only equal trouble. Heidi seems to think lots of laughing, trouble-making, and a possible call from the authorities might be involved. Come on Heidi...give us a bit more credit than that!! There will be tons of dancing and singing as well!!!

So, their trip...They got here early afternoon, and I gave them the usual "jet lag" speech. I told them no naps and I had to keep them up until at least 8:30. I warned they would have to fight hard not to crash in a couple hours. I asked how they were doing, and they responded with wide eyes and grins that they were doing great...not tired at all. I just smiled and said give it a couple hours. It will come. So, we pressed on. They got cleaned up, and the fun began. We were approaching 5:00 or so, and they showed no signs of struggling. I asked how they were doing, and surprisingly enough they were doing great. I, again, smiled and said,"Oh, don't worry, it'll start hitting you soon." It was quickly approaching 8:00 and they show no signs of slowing. I was beginning to get a little worried. I didn't get much sleep the night before, assuming they would want to go to bed early, and I could go to bed at the same time. These girls were machines! It was now 10:00, and they were wide awake! I had never experienced this before. Finally at 10:30, I was done. I said, "Girls, you're on your own. I'm exhausted, and need some sleep." Here I was telling 2 girls that just flew for 20 something hours I was tired and needing sleep. Humbling experience. Straight machines...I gotta tell you, they showed no signs of jet lag the entire trip! Impressive...

I definitely had my work cut out with these two...Here's some pics from the beginning of the trip...

Sick, sick, so very sick

So, I'm sick...it's going on day 4 with this wonderful stomach flu. I'm going to go ahead and choose the high road (aka the positive one) and thank God for this time of "rest." Not that every aspect (or even 50% of it) has been fun, but that it has brought me to His side. That in itself is worth it. It's in our weakness we find His strength, right? Absolutely. Being at home has given me some blessed opportunities to encourage and intercede in prayer for many friends all around the world. I can't tell you how many emails I've received in the last few days of hurting friends that are struggling in their faith. These struggles are all over the charts, but struggles all the same. My heart hurts for my fellow believers. Satan can be such a bully! I know I've experienced an extra dose of fun from him lately. Oh, that in those times we all would remember who God is. That I would remember the truths of His character.

God is good...Oh taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts Him." Ps 34:8

God is compassion..."But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness." Ps 86:15

God is mercy..."The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love." Ps 103:8

God is faithful..."Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you." Ps 9:10

God is Holy... "Exalt the Lord our God and worship at his footstool; he is holy."Ps 99:5

God is perfect..." He is the Rock; his deeds are perfect. Everything he does is just and fair.He is a faithful God who does no wrong;how just and upright he is!." Deut 32:4

God is love..."Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love." 1 John 4:7-8

So, may this be a sweet reminder to you of who our God, THE God is. Just take time to "be still and know..."

"Friends" in town

This past week I had the pleasure of having some good friends stay with me. Mike and Jacqueline are fellow North Americans (Canadians to be exact, but I still love em ;0) ) and just flew in last week from Canada. They actually live in Ostrava, a city a few hours from Prague where Mike plays for the Arrows professional baseball team. We always have a TON of fun, and much laughter when they're in town. One staple to each visit is watching as many episodes of Friends as possible. This time we were on season 10. We crack up for hours...

This time, Jax and I got some quality one-on-one time, so we went to see one of our new favorite movies, Step Up 2 The Streets. Now, before you judge, you have to see it. And since most of you are not going to see it, then no jokes can be made. It really was well done, and the dancing was phenomenal. So amazing the things they can do. I think in a former life I was a hip hop dancer...seriously. Well, maybe not, but I should have been. I'm a little obsessed with this movie. "Are you ready to step up?"

Laughter is the best medicine

There really aren't words...is there anything better than a baby's laughter? Thanks Case! Made me happy!

What's that falling from the sky?

Alright, a few disclaimers are necessary before proceeding with this blog. 1) I am from Texas. We don't really know what winter is. And snow...well, it's something we generally only see in pictures. 2) It is not uncommon to have plenty of sunshine and warmth by the end of February where I am from. 3) I am very focused when I'm running.

Ok, so the story I'm about to share is pretty ridiculous. I can enjoy a good laugh, even if it's at my expense. Everyone should be able to laugh at themselves every once in awhile...and we all have our moments of ridiculousness.

I left my place to go on my usual run, and was overjoyed to have the sun shining down on my face. It's been getting pretty cold here in Prague lately, so anytime I can handle running outside, I do it. Ok, so I begin my run, start my ipod, and head for the park. I kinda notice some stuff falling from the sky, but don't really pay much attention. Alright, so 30 minutes or so goes by, and I'm heading back to my flat. But now, that stuff that was falling from the sky earlier is now coming down even harder. Now, I promise you the following dialogue did in fact go on in my head....do not judge. It really felt like a nice spring day...totally deceiving. I mean, it's winter here! It's suppose to be dark, cold, and depressing! Ok, here it is...

"Man, what is this stuff? Is it coming from the trees? It has to be. I just hope I don't inhale it. I'm already getting sick, and I don't need my allergies to start acting up.....(a few minutes later) Good gracious, it's getting worst!"
(I look up and around, and it's finally hitting me that it is winter here, and it's pretty close to impossible that anything would be in the trees. I'm pretty sure all the leaves left quite awhile ago. Try like 3 months ago.)

As I'm looking at the ground I notice there are little wet spots everywhere. I then look on my fleece, and whatever is falling is instantly melting when it hits me.

"You've got to be kidding me. I am the biggest idiot ever. How in the world could I have missed that one...It's snow. Wow..."

So, there you have it. Not the smartest kid on the block, but what can I say? We all have our moments. And maybe some of us just have the more often! ;0) Hope you enjoyed this Chelsa...posted it just for you!