Scene 1: Moses just led the Israelites out of Egypt. Much rejoicing.

Scene 2: God intentionally hardens Pharoah's heart, which causes Pharoah to change his mind on letting the people go. Pharoah and his men start chasing after the Israelites.

Scene 3: The Israelites get very angry with Moses. They say that it would be better to be slaves in Egypt, rather than to be free in the desert. Imagine bad words in Hebrew against Moses and God.

Scene 4: Moses says "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."

Scene 5: The Lord says to Moses "Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to MOVE ON."

Culmination: Moses raises his staff and parts the Sea, letting the Israelites march through it (imagine the CGI that could be shown during this scene!). The Pharoah and his men, in their selfishness, come after them. Moses motions for the sea to fall back into place, drowning the Pharoah and his men. (Exodus 14 NIV version)

This was the topic of the sermon on Sunday and it really inspired me. For starters, it's very interesting that God intentionally hardened the heart of Pharoah. You don't usually imagine God hardening the hearts of people, or those against you, causing them to do things that (you percieve) are against you. But when he does, it causes them to become very self-centered. Perhaps if Pharoah hadn't been so intent on his personal mission of going after the Israelites, he wouldn't have been blind to the tunnel of water he was walking through. His selfishness and self-centeredness was his demise. But the Israelites sure didn't realize this. In their perception, God was not acting in favor of them, but against.

The next issue is the dialog between God and Moses. Moses tells the Israelites not to do anything. Specifically: Stand Still (ohh, nice alliteration!). God then tells Moses, No! Don't say that, but tell them to GET MOVING! MOVE ON! I think that as Christians (or at least I know sometimes I feel this way), we have this impression that God will just provide and provide and we don't need to do anything. That YES, our dream job will happen (and where are the resumes for that?), that YES, we will get that promotion (and why did you show up late for work?) and YES, we will have that beautiful house and white picket fence (and why weren't you saving your money wisely for this house?). This honestly was a revelation for me. I mean, it's something I knew was true, but it has Biblical foundations. We need to be preparing ourselves for the future. That's not to say miracles don't happen, because they do, and blessings are poured on us all the time. But we should also be good stewards of our time and resources to be prepared for blessings that we don't even know are in the works. Because the Israelites got moving, they made it to the sea and saw an even more awesome example of God having Moses split the sea waters, rather than just making their enemy not chase them anymore. Wow. How incredible.

For me, this was very inspiring. As you all know, I'm still at a job that I never thought I'd still be at. I will actually have my 3-year anniversary there this month. Hmm. Can't say I'm thrilled about that. But that's what has happened, so I can't change that. But I can take measures to prepare for the future. I'm being a good worker, depended on by many of my superiors, won several awards/promotions and have strong recommendations backing my character and work ethic. So, the value of the past three years is not completely negated. But my heart is in non-profit. Not necessarily only Christian non-profit, just non-profit in general. After quite a few job rejections when I first moved to Greensboro, I became afraid. I became very afraid of rejection. It's quite the blow to the old self-esteem, you see. So I slipped into an attitude of, Well-God will bless me with that perfect job when I'm ready for it. But if my passion is in non-profit, how is any non-profit job going to come my way if I'm not volunteering my time. I've spent all of my life (especially in college) volunteering, but I haven't made time for it here in Greensboro. So I'm going to start! I'm going to Get Moving. Starting with a volunteer orientation at the Red Cross, then from there, spending my free weeknights and Saturdays (not every, but say--2/month) volunteering, then going from there. This start is tri-fold. 1. It will give me more fulfillment by knowing I'm doing what I love, which is volunteering (I'd be a professional philanthropist if money allowed it!)  2. Giving back to my community and showing more community involvement on my resume  3. Building more references and connections in a positive manner. You never know what could happen...after months of being a dependable volunteer, a job opening could open up and they could say, "Sara, you're a great worker, why don't you apply for this opening." Not that that's my reason for getting involved, but ...just saying you really never know what could happen. Anyways, if anything, it's being involved in what I'm passionate about. If I have several years of volunteering for what I'm passionate about, then perhaps one day, I'll be blessed to actually get paid for it. But I have to start somewhere. All my volunteer references are in Tennessee. I need some local volunteering. Also, it would help me have a bigger heart for the people of Greensboro.

Sorry to make this long, and I truly hope this makes sense. I am just very inspired and hope this inspires you all to Get Moving! in your life, too. Even if you don't know exactly in what direction you are supposed to be moving, as long as you are praying and seeking God's direction, doing the best at everything you put your hands on, and being good stewards of what God has already blessed you with...then consider yourself already moving! And the end result will be awesome.

It seems like so much has happened lately. But nothing really. Just everyday life. Marc turned 26 last week. I sent him on a scavenger hunt and of course he received much-beloved Star Wars toys. I mean...its the last episode...how could I not add on to his collection. Then on Friday night, we had a party and went out dancing at Sky Bar. There were about 15 of us at the apartment and then 10 of us who went out dancing. We didn't get to bed until 4 am. I felt like I was back at college. Then on this past Wednesday, we both played hooky from work. Ok, so it wasn't really hooky. It was planned and we used some vacation time. But it was wonderful. It seems like the weekends aren't really restful becuase you do what you didn't get done during the week. So it was great to have a day to do nothing. We slept in, went on a picnic in the park, played on the swings, and came home and took a nap. It was so relaxing. I wish I could have every Wednesday off and work a 4 day work week. That would be the life. But I don't want a 4x10 schedule. I just want to maintain the 8-hour day and get paid as if I were working 40 hours a week. Like that would happen. Then last night, our friend Zach was having a surprise brithday party, so we were out pretty late last night as well. Our friends are great. And we always have so much fun doing nothing. I guess I don't really talk about them much on here. They all go to The Rock with us and the age range is from 19-33. So it gets pretty interesting. The 19-year-old is getting corrupted. It's a group of about 15 of us who hang out weekly. We go to Heather's every Friday night and watch Extreme Home Make-Over and the night usually ends in a poker game with the guys. And lately we've been going to Zach's on Friday nights for a night of mindless nothing, which is usually pretty entertaining. Really, who knew balloons could be so much fun.

I guess the thing that frustrates me a little is that Marc was friends with all of these people first, so sometimes I feel like "Marc's wife"--does that make sense. Like, a tag-a-long. The personalities of the group are so strong and outgoing...it's kind of easy to get lost. So yeah, that's a little frustrating because (as you all know) I'm not the most outgoing person in the world. And especially since we're the only married couple in the group...we deal with some different things than all the single friends do. So...maybe I have a hard time relating as well to some things. But they are great and I'm truly belssed to know them all. It's something I need to work on within myself...letting myself open up. I've always struggled with that. And because I'm an introvert, I tend to be able to handle being around so many people for only so long. After that I'm drained and need time to regather myself. Does that sound wierd? While the group makes for a very fun weekend, I'm not personally close to anyone. That's something that I lack in Greensboro. Having the great girl friend(s) to confide in. Which is something I've always had up until now. All throughout my time in Lynchburg, it was always us girls. And then in college, there was the group of girls. Here...of course I confide in Marc, but really...does he understand truly why girls analyze everything known to mankind? Not completely. But of course he listens, which is wonderful. I guess I miss "girl gossip." That's been a struggle for me. Maybe you would suggest I find some other married women out there? I'm working on that. Most of them have babies at church. But there are a few childless, young married couples at church who I'm building a relationship with. Carrie-in particular-is great. Her, Jason, Marc and I go to the VW Club each week. Yes, we both have classic Beetles. www.goodolevolks.com check it out. She and I have started to connect and it's good that Jason and Marc are good friends. I tend to connect better with the more introspective people. It's just hard finding time to hang out one-on-one, especially when the cash flow is low! (hey that rhymed)

You may have noticed my site looks different. The green was bugging me. It looked like lime sherbet. I want a new picture on it, but can't find one at the moment that will suit. This one is really big. It's like <BAM> there's my face. Maybe if I shrunk it a little, it would be better. But I like this color scheme for the moment.

I have to get my wisdom teeth out on May 4th. I'm dreading it. Although I do get 3 days off work for it....I'll catch up on As the World Turns. But the 3 day break really won't be much fun if I'm in too much pain. So prayers please...for painless surgery. They are all imbedded, so I'll be knocked out.

Anyways, that's what's been going on with me lately. Hope to talk to you all soon and perhaps...maybe a visit or two?!?! See you at Wendy's wedding if not before.