A Look Back and A Look Ahead...

It's the last day of 2008 and I sit here to reflect on everything that has happened this past year...

We're all another year older. Alexis and Austin are five and two respectively and never fail to show me the meaning of unconditional love. Mom and Dad are loving retirement and the thrill that comes with not having to have every day planned out. Volunteering to help with Vacation Bible School this past year has lead to all of us becoming more active in our church. It's such a great feeling knowing Alexis and Austin will grow in that church the same way Kimberly and I did, with many of the same people there to love and lead them.

I've reconnected with old friends, let some friends go, and treasured even more the ones that have stuck around through everything. The circle has grown as families have grown and it's great to be able to see.

I'm continuously being taught what faith really is as I continue to pray for the job God has for me, and continuously pray that God will allow the dreams He has put within me to come to pass. I'm in awe as God reveals new dreams, new doors to knock on, and new chances to make an impact on the lives of others.

I'm thankfully daily for "The Dempsey Difference" as it continues to influence how I live my life and allow me to be more open with others as I share my story in the hopes that I can help someone else the way he has helped me.

As I look ahead to 2009, I'm extremely hopeful that a job will come, that my church will find a pastor, that my family will remain healthy, that there won't be an actors strike, that our economy will improve, and maybe...just maybe that elusive dream of meeting Patrick Dempsey in person will happen this year.

I have nothing but hope for the coming year! I pray and expect God to reveal Himself to all of us in new ways this year, and I really believe some incredible things are in store!

I pray that all of you had a wonderful 2008 and that 2009 is one that holds more blessings than you ever thought possible. I pray that you seek God EXPECTING to find Him!

Happy New Year everybody! Amazing times are ahead in 2009........Just breathe and believe!

Love you guys,

Natalie :)

Movie Review: Seven Pounds

Just got in from seeing Seven Pounds. Will Smith was awesome in the movie, as usual (big Will Smith fan). It takes awhile to figure out what's going on, but once I figured out where all of it was leading, it felt as it I'd just swallowed a glass full of ice cubes and I found myself hoping that by some stretch, I'd be wrong. As the movie progresses however, it becomes pretty clear what the intention is of Will Smith's character. It's one of those cold chills type moments after you piece everything together.

Tom Cruise's son Conner makes an appearance in the movie as a young Will Smith.

As for what I said in my previous post about Patrick Dempsey being in the role...Let's just say, IF he had been I would have bawled like a baby. I told Mom they would've had to carry me out on a stretcher.

For me, the Will Smith factor keeps the movie a plus. I didn't leave the theatre with warm fuzzies. The movie's a bit morbid, BUT it DOES make you think about how you behave when you think no one is watching.

They Know Me Well

My parents and I were eating dinner tonight making plans to go see "Seven Pounds" tomorrow. After plans were set, I made the comment, "Movie popcorn, a Dr. Pepper, and Will Smith...There's nothing better!" Without missing a beat, my parents in perfect unison said, "Unless it's McDreamy!" All I could do was nod through my laughter.

Yes, they know me very well.

Princess Party of Two....

Sally and I met in first grade. The first time I got to spend the night at someone's house, it was hers. She was my first best friend, the one I spent hours playing "Princess" with at every overnight stay from then on. the first person the person I called when Dennis (my first youth minister) left and I she was the only one who could understand me through my sobs. She was one of two friends I wanted there when I got baptized at my church, and she was one of my first visitors after every single surgery, even coming with my sister to visit me while I was still in the hospital and then stopping for another visit after I got home. We were in chior together, theater together, and our faith in Christ grew...together.

I was honored to have a part in her wedding as a member of her house party when she married the man of her dreams in December of 2004 and as I sat in the pew watching her pledge her love in her gorgeous white wedding dress, I thought of how fitting it was because the girl I had spent so much time pretending to be princesses with was TRULY a princess on that day!

We are not as close now as we were in the early years of our friendship. Life has taken us in different directions, to different interests, but she will always hold a part of my heart that no one else will because she was and always will be my first best friend. And I will always love her dearly.

And it is with tears in my eyes that I write that our Princess Party is now a party of THREE today as Sally and Wade welcomed Sophie Catherine into the world this morning!

Welcome to the world Princess Sophie! Can't wait to meet you!

Just Feels Right

So, as you can probably tell, my blog got a face lift. And I've changed the name back to breathe and believe. As much as Joy in the journey seemed to fit, I'm finding that Breathe and Believe has really become a motto of mine. The blog description seems to explain it all. Hope you like the new look and enjoy the new song which I think really fits me!

Our Christmas was wonderful! Family, fun, and food! I'll post pictures as soon as I get some!

The Sweetest Prayer...

Alexis and Austin had dinner with us tonight and this was the prayer Alexis said before we ate:

"Dear Jesus, Thank You for letting me sing again in church today, thank You that my Nat-Nat got to see me sing because I saw her smiling at me when I was singing. Amen."

I melted. Utterly and completely melted.

Ballas Hough Band

More music to tell you about...


Ballas Hough Band is the band that includes "Dancing with the Stars" pros (and DWTS winners) Derek Hough (whom I have talked about here before) and Mark Ballas. They have a great sound and I'm really looking forward to their album coming out next year! Check out their myspace page to get the latest info about what's going on with them.


And please keep Mark and Derek in your prayers as they are not only trying to promote their album but will also be hitting the road tomorrow to kick of the Dancing with the Stars tour. LOTS going on for them. Pray for safety on the road and for everyone to stay free of injury on the dance floor.

Family Fun

Here are a few photos of me with my family as we get in the holiday spirit.





All the cousins together for a Thanksgiving Day photo.





Kimberly and I pause for a pose.



A few weeks ago we took a trip to Santa Wonderland in Bryan College Station (Taylor, I thought about you!). It was our second year to go and we all had a great time!





Picture perfect! Justin (my brother-in-law) snapped the picture at just the right time to catch us all looking at the camera and smiling!





Me with my brother-in-law Justin


Austin having a blast in the "snow."


Lexi was having a ball in the "snow" as well! The smiles on their faces are priceless!

Last weekend Alexis sang in the children's chior at the annual "Hanging of the Greens" at our church. She's the youngest one in the group and was a little nervous about singing in front of all those people. So, Mrs. Judy {the chior director) sat beside her and held her hand while she sang. Judy was also my teacher in fifth grade so she's very dear to me and my family. She ADORES Alexis (so much so that we have started calling her "Grandma Judy." and believe me, the feeling is mutual). Alexis did WONDERFUL!!! We were so proud of her and were grinning from ear to ear the entire time she sang!


Getting ready to sing.


Focussed on the assistant director.


She smiled the entire time she was singing! It was SO precious!


Alexis and Grandma Judy! Quite a pair!

Same Blog, Different Name

You may have noticed that the header on this blog has changed. I've decided to change the title of my blog after some thought, "Joy in the Journey" seems fitting.

I started this blog under the title, "Breathe and Believe" at the time it was very fitting because I was at a point where I had to stop trying to figure everything out and just Breathe and Believe that God was in control and that He was guiding my footsteps (or rather, my wheels) exactly where He wanted them to be. I still fully believe that my job is to do just that...To breathe, believe, and trust in Him.

However, I created this blog as God was beginning to reveal new and exciting things to me and I wanted those that were interested to be able to share in that. I'm learning that while God HAS revealed amazing dreams and goals and put them in my heart, it's the JOURNEY of getting TO those great places that He is revealing SO MUCH.

It's often NOT an easy journey. In fact, believe it or not, sometimes posting in this blog is a step WAY out of my comfort zone because I really strive to be honest and real about what's going on in my life. Sometimes it has not been a pretty picture and revealing some of what I have has puts me in a very vulnerable position and it's not a position I feel very comfortable with but I do so because being real isn't always pretty, but if it helps someone else, than it's worth it. It's NOT an easy journey but it's one that I want to look back on and say "Thank you Lord, for everything I had to go through to get here because it was so worth it!"

Breathe and Believe I started to realize was the first step but to me it indicated a destination, an end point where once I reached those dreams, once those goals were realized that the blogging would end and that is not what I want. I want to share the journey with you, the thrill and thankfulness of certain dreams coming to pass, and the excitement of more dreams being revealed in their place. Joy in the Journey sort of sums that desire up for me...To be happy and at peace where we are along the way to our dreams, and in doing that, walking in faith knowing that good things ARE ahead because God said so!

So, my goal is to continue sharing with those that are interested this journey God has me on. I have no idea how many people read this blog or are subscribed to it, the only way I know is through feedback via comments and e-mails and I know lots of people may read and not comment. I value any comments and thoughts you may want to share about anything I have to say so please don't be shy.

I hope you'll continue to read "Joy in the Journey" and and continue to come along with me on my own journey! It's been quite a trip so far and I know the best is yet to come!!

Thanks for reading!

What's This Wet White Stuff?

It's called SNOW! Yes, that's right...It's SNOWING in Huntsville! Very rare for us Texas folks...Especially us SOUTH Texas folks! :)

*Humming "It's Begining to Feel a Lot Like Christmas" (VERY off key I might add)*

Forgiveness: A Continuing Process

I'm having a bit of trouble today....

Several months ago some things took place between me and some people that I know. Things that shouldn't have been done to other people were done, lies were told, lies were found out about, confrontation took place, feelings were hurt, but at the end of it all I decided forgiveness was my only option. So I did. I had let the matter go until last night when I ran across something that brought the entire issue back up...All the hurt, all the anger, all of it and I found myself getting bitter about it all over again...Even all these months later, everything came back so fresh as if it had just happened yesterday.

Today I have found myself struggling to not get angry about it again. I know that forgiveness isn't something that is just a "Did it. Done" type of thing but a process that is a daily choice to not let that issue steal my joy for today. It's a daily (many times, hourly) choice to give the situation back to God and let Him carry it.

And I guess I'm still in the process of forgiving these people even though I thought I had done it long ago.

A Passion of Mine

I recently e-mailed out one of those surveys where your friends fill the questions out about you and not themselves. One of the questions was, "What am I passionate about?" and one of the responses I got back was "Hollywood and anything related to the entertainment industry."

As I thought about that response, I had to smile because it IS true. I am passionate about the industry and have made no secret about the fact that I would like to work in the entertainment industry in some capacity. However, I'm passionate about the industry, not because of the glitz and glamor, I'm passionate about it because so many times Hollywood and entertainment get such a bad rep from people because all they hear about is bad things...How this actor did this, or "so and so is a bad role model because...." Yes, Hollywood (or should I say the media) DOES put great emphasis on looks, weight, etc and it seems all you hear about is who is breaking up, who is suing who, blah blah blah. I'm passionate about Hollywood and the entertainment industry because I know how the OTHER side has reached me. The OTHER side that the media doesn't talk about. And it's also another example of something else I'm passionate about....The fact that somebody else's story can help another person.

I'm a big believer that God meets you where you are. BECAUSE I love the world of entertainment like I do, He has used people within that industry to reach me.

He used Michael W. Smith to help to open my heart to Him.

He used Patrick Dempsey to help save me from myself.

And most recently, He used Derek Hough to help inspire me and reignite my own dreams.

Three ordinary people that because of the media spotlight have touched my life and helped me in extraordinary ways.

So YES, I am passionate about the entertainment world. I am passionate about trying to change the stereotype of it, I'm passionate about trying to get the word out that as much bad as the brings out of it, there's just as much good. I'm passionate about trying to stop the almost automatic eye roll that takes place whenever anything in the particular industry is mentioned and instead help there be at least a small smile. I'm passionate about the entertainment world because I'm a better person due to it.

I owe a lot to Michael, Patrick, and Derek and by extension, I owe a lot to the entertainment industry for shining a light on them so that they could reach me. I don't have all of the resources that the media has, all I have is this blog so I do what I can to share what I have learned and how it has helped me so that perhaps the entertainment industry might not leave such a bitter taste in your mouth.

I Miss "Dancing"!

I'm a HUGE Dancing with the Stars fan! Derek Hough and his sister Julianne Hough being my two favorite professional dancers. The finale was last week and this week I find myself really missing it! It really does make me want to get up and dance and even though I really can't because of my CP, this season especially inspired me for some reason as I saw how hard Derek and Brooke worked and then watched the results of that.... I've watched Julianne win twice and have REALLY been rooting for Derek to get his trophy since. They both are so classy and dance with great integrity. I love Brooke, but when the winner was announced, it was Derek that brought tears to my eyes as I thought about HIS journey and how hard he'd worked for several seasons to get to that point and to see him GET THERE....Was just inspiring to me personally as I continue to strive to make my own goals a reality. Anything IS possible if you work hard enough. So, (not that he'll ever read this but ya never know...) thank you so much, Derek!

A few of my favorite clips from the past season.......

Derek and Brooke dancing the most entertaining incredible freestyle I've ever seen on the show:


Brooke and Derek's final dance...Incredibly touching:


And the winner is:


The win was SO deserved! I'm SO thrilled Derek FINALLY won! It's been his turn for awhile now I think and I'm so happy for him!

And because I just like them both so much and LOVE when they dance together, here is a video of Derek and his sister Julianne (she's the one that sings "that song in my head" that you've probably heard on the radio) dancing together just TWO WEEKS after Julianne had emergency surgery! These two are just AMAZING!


I'm already looking forward to DWTS being back in March! Can't wait to see the new cast and of course, the dancers! And congratulations Brooke and Derek!

Thanksgiving 2008

Well, Thanksgiving has come and gone for another year. It's amazing to me that we spend so much time getting ready...Cooking, cleaning, etc and it's over with so quickly! However, I had SUCH a great time!

Thursday morning, my dad and I got up before daylight, got dressed and drove out and picked up Kimberly and Alexis. We then went to my dad's pasture and did what we call "hunting" but fear not, no animals are ever hurt...That's because we sit there and talk and laugh so much that no animal dare gets close. We don't even bring anything to "hunt with. Although, surprisingly enough, we did see a doe which thrilled Lexi. Once she had seen her deer, she was ready to come home. Kimberly and I have gone every year for as long as I can remember. The only year we didn't go was the year Lexi was born because she was so tiny so we chose to go out to breakfast instead. We just make sure we do something just to have some father/daughter time. Last year was Lexi's first year to join us and now it's tradition that she comes too.

Once our "hunt" was over, we all headed home to shower and get ready for the family to arrive. Once they did...It was nonstop action and tons of fun. I really can't help out a lot in the kitchen because so much is going on and me and my wheels can get in the way. I helped Kimberly set out the desserts and then sat in the kitchen and talked with everyone while lunch was getting ready. We really do have a lot of fun in the kitchen. Lunch was great! After lunch, most of us tend to float to different rooms chatting and telling stories, just catching up and then later in the afternoon we head outside for pictures....It's always entertaining trying to get Austin to stay still long enough to get his picture taken, but at least he was happy to be out there! Around dark the family headed home with the exception of my mom's younger brother, his wife and their two kids.

Friday morning, My mom, aunt, Kimberly, Lexi, (Austin stayed home with his Daddy this year...Believe me, he enjoyed it there much more than with us) Landon (my cousin) and I all piled in the van and headed for the woodlands (don't worry, we may be crazy enough to go shopping that particular day, but we're not up at 4 a.m. we headed out around 9:45 so we're only semi nuts). We had a productive day...Lots of Christmas shopping got done and we had a blast together! This was the first time in MANY years that Kimberly's been able to go with us, she previously worked at the Holiday House the Friday after Thanksgiving and now since it has closed she was free to come. It was so great to have her with us...I recently realized just how much I laugh when I'm around my sister. I laugh a lot anyway, but get us together and she cracks me up! She really is SO much fun and is so hysterical (I see things that probably only crack me up because I'm her sister). I think I enjoyed this year even more because she was with us.

On the way home we were already on the road when Kimberly thought about getting Lexi in her PJ's in case she fell asleep on the way home. She was already in what we like to call "the zone" where she's staring off into space right before falling asleep so we had to get creative so we could keep her awake long enough to get to a well lit parking lot so we could pull over and get her changed. So, my aunt Becca and Landon started singing Christmas songs until we could pull over. After that was done, instead of stopping, the singing just continued and included an absolutely hysterical version of The Twelve Days of Christmas. Each one of us had a part and poor Mom NEVER got her part "six geese a'laying" right....What she came up with each time had us all laughing SO hard it was unbelievable. We were laughing so hard we were crying! And that was the thing we referred back to for the rest of the weekend and would laugh all over again every time. Needless to say, Lexi stayed awake the entire ride home and was totally wound up by the time we pulled in the driveway.

It was crazy around here but we love it. I realize I am one of the few who is blessed enough to have grown up being really close to my extended family. My aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents and even great grandmothers...Some of them are gone now but I realize how rare that is to have known BOTH of my great grandmothers and to have one that is still here to celebrate with us. I definitely don't take it for granted and am SO thankful! It's memories like the ones we made this year that will be talked about for years to come!

I hope YOUR Thanksgiving was just as wonderful!

Screen Actors Guild Strike?

Well folks, it looks as if we're one step closer to an actors strike with SAG seeking a strike authorization vote. Read the latest HERE.

Adventures With A Five Year Old

Alexis spent the night with us tonight, as she does most Friday nights and as my mom and I were playing school with her earlier tonight (with my mom and I as her students) we were given the assignment to draw us when we had gone on some type of adventure (my guess is they are learning about adventures in her pre-k class). So, my mom and I got busy drawing our "adventures"...

My mom drew a picture of her and my dad at the zoo looking at a giraffe. Lexi didn't like that idea because "if you go to the zoo, you have to see more than one animal..." to which my mom quickly explained that they only got to see one animal because it started raining and they had to go home (My mom's amazing at coming up with this stuff at a moments notice...Must be all those years of teaching first graders). Lexi then thought for a second and then took my mom's picture and proceeded to draw black clouds and rain streaks all over the picture, then asked my mom if she wanted her (Lexi) to draw the car in the picture so she (my mom) wouldn't have to walk out to the parking lot and get wet...By this time my mom and I were rolling with laughter. Alexis however didn't think anything of it and proceeded to work my mom's picture into her own unique work of art!

What did I draw you ask? A picture of me standing outside in front of a sign that says, "Welcome to Sam Houston State University." Quite the adventure, indeed.

Sexiest Man Alive 2008 According to Me

Who cares what People Magazine says...This is Nat's World, and in Nat's World, he wins...Hands down.

If Today Was Your Last Day

This song says it all. Available on itunes and highly recommended. Lyrics and music by Nickelback.

My best friend gave me the best advice
He said each day's a gift and not a given right
Leave no stone unturned, leave your fears behind
And try to take the path less traveled by
first step you take is the longest stride

If today was your last day and tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?
Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past
Donate every dime you have?
If today was your last day

Against the grain should be a way of life
What's worth the prize is always worth the fight
Every second counts 'cause there's no second try
So live like you'll never live it twice
Don't take the free ride in your own life

If today was your last day and tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?
Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past
Donate every dime you have?
Would you call old friends you never see?
Reminisce of memories
Would you forgive your enemies?
Would you find that one you're dreamin' of?
Swear up and down to God above
That you finally fall in love
today was your last day

If today was your last day
Would you make your mark by mending a broken heart?
know it's never too late to shoot for the stars
Regardless of who you are
So do whatever it takes
Cause you can't rewind a moment in this life
Let nothin' stand in your way
Cause the hands of time are never on your side

If today was your last day and tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday
Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past
Donate every dime you have?
Would you call old friends you never see?
Reminisce of memories
Would you forgive your enemies?
Would you find that one you're dreamin' of?
Swear up and down to God above
That you finally fall in love
If today was your last day

Pray For L.A.

Please keep those that are being affected by the fires in L.A. in your prayers. And please pray for the firefighters as they continue to try and contain them and put them out. Thanks!

Tonight's Grey's...Personal Shout Out or Pure Coincidence?

Usually I blog about the show using the title of that episode. I guess it would be fitting to do so tonight since "These Ties That Bind" fit this blog as well, but tonight I'm going to deviate from my normal GA blog and kinda make it a personal GA blog all in one...

If I didn't know any better, I'd swear some of the lines said tonight were written as a personal shout out to me, and while I'm not naive enough to believe that that is actually the case, and I'm probably looking way too much into it, but there were times tonight that left me with tears in my eyes as the show crossed into my life in a way that was impossible to ignore.

"I'm trying to ascertain whether he's suicidal or just defeated." ~Derek Shepherd

"You have a story. We all have a story." ~Owen Hunt

"The ties that bind us are sometimes impossible to explain. They connect us even after it seems they should be broken. Some bonds defy distance, and time, and logic. Because some ties are simply meant to be." ~Meredith Grey

If you've read any of this blog before then you understand. If not, CLICK HERE and it'll be clear why this episode and the things above truly hit home for me.

A Good Day For Cooking...

I'm in a blogging mood today (as if you couldn't tell by the two blogs in one day...) The weather outside makes it a great day for cooking, or at least sticking a batch of cookies in the oven! Anyone that knows me knows I don't cook!

However, cooking is what we did at my house this past weekend. My mom, Kimberly, Alexis, Austin, and I had a cooking day all day Saturday and got ALL of our baked goodies done and ready for Thanksgiving! And baked extra for Christmas as well!

My job was, and always has been to break up the pecans for the various recipes. Sounds simple enough, but when cups of pecans are being used almost as fast as you can break them up, it's quite a challenge...And I don't even LIKE pecans!

At one point early in the day, my mom took Austin with her to the store, Alexis had gone somewhere with my dad and it was just Kimberly and myself....So, what do we do? Crank out the Christmas music of course! Kimberly fished out my all time favorite Christmas album (Celine Dion's "These Are The Special Times") and we put it in the cd player in the kitchen and cranked up the volume....Hey, ya gotta hear it over the mixer! I'm sure our neighbors appreciated that...Did I mention our kitchen window was open?! Yep! Get the two of us together for a bit, and there's no tellin' what'll happen Fun times!

One moment that has stuck with me since is a moment that happened just as we were finishing up for the day. We still had the music cranked up (only now it was turned to the local radio station) and "Elvira" by The Oak Ridge Boys came on. We LOOOVE that song! Alexis especially gets into it and if you've ever heard my dad chime in, you know why it makes us laugh!

So, as the song played, we ALL go into it and started dancing around the kitchen! My mom and Lexi doing spins together, Austin squealing and laughing doing his own version of dancing until he eventually got my mom to pick him up and he was able to join her and Lexi...My sister and I were singing and clapping, and my dad joined in from out in the garage where he could hear the music from our kitchen window and that alone left us laughing hysterically!

It was so much fun! We were tired, we were full, and we were sure we would probably go into a sugar coma that night, but wow....What memories!

Rainy Days

We're getting some much needed rain here this week. It rained most of the day yesterday and today. It's dreary and blah outside and if you didn't know any better, you'd think it was in the forties. Ahhh...Fall weather.

Days like these always bring back memories of college. I never watched the weather more than when I was in college because rain in the forecast always played a role in what I wore the next day....Would I go super casual because I'd be getting wet? Or would I chance that that forty percent chance of rain wouldn't shoot to sixty percent later on after it was too late to change?

I'm reminded of the times I would be forced to skip class because the rain was just too much or because lightning and an electric scooter just simply don't mix. Or the times I would simply have to suck it up and go because it was test day and would spend the time in class taking my test soaking wet, wondering why the floodgates of Heaven had to open on that day of all days! And then of course, the times I would already be in class and would suddenly hear the rain pounding on the roof and would know that I'd probably be stuck for a good hour after class was over in that building waiting for the rain to slacken up enough for me to make it to my dorm without getting totally drenched.

I appreciate the rain more now than I did then. It's day's like this that I see the rain coming down and find myself thinking, "Thank God I'm not out in this trying to get to class!"

Speaking of rain...You can stay dry and not even have to leave your computer when you vote Patrick! So, I ask you.... Have you voted today? If not, go now...Before you move on to something else and forget! Thanks!

Vote For Patrick!

I don't have to tell you how much Patrick I like Patrick Dempsey. It's all over this blog. I also don't have to tell you why he means so much to me...That is also all over this blog. So, I'm asking you now to vote for him as he is a nominee in the 2009 People's Choice Awards.

It takes less than five minutes. All you have to do is:

1) Go to http://www.pcavote.com/pca/
2) Click "Vote Now"
3) Scroll down where you will see a list of the categories
4) Under the t.v. category click "Favorite Male T.V. Star"
5) Click Patrick's picture
6) Submit your vote

There are SEVERAL categories with SEVERAL actors/actresses. You can vote in as many categories or as few as you like.

You can vote EVERY DAY! So I ask you to please do this. Even if you are not a t.v. watcher, then go cast your vote for Patrick as a favor to me!

I'd love it of you'd leave a comment for me telling me if you'll help Patrick win! Thanks!

Random Acts of Kindness

Just read this article and thought I'd share! The simplest things can make someone else's day!

Random Acts of Kindness

GA Thoughts: "Rise Up"

You may or may not have noticed that I haven't been blogging recently about Grey's Anatomy episodes. One reason being is that I didn't think anyone read them or was remotely interested in what I thought so I thought that if I was blogging about them simply for my own reasons, I could do that in my other journal...the one that I actually hand write stuff in so that's what I've been doing. Of course, I talk about it with friends that are GA fans, but I'm trying to keep my GA thoughts to a minimum because I realize not everyone that reads this blog is a viewer and could care less.

That being said, a long time friend of mine told me this past weekend that she DID read my GA blogs and enjoyed them. I've decided to resume blogging about the show every week but will only comment on what I thought the highlights were, instead of trying to touch on every storyline. They'll most likely be short and sweet but I hope you enjoy them and I appreciate you reading and commenting if you so choose. So, Juli...This blog's for you!

* Derek and Bailey---I ADORE ANY scene they have together! Therefore, I REALLY REALLY REALLY enjoyed tonight! LOVE their friendship! Best part of the show tonight! Loved it!

* ROTFLMBO that Richard was the voice of the talking fake patient! Kudos to what he said to George at the end of the show.

* Love Lexie...Plain and simple. Love her.

* Miss my MerDer but at least we got a peck on the cheek at the end tonight.

* Was never really into the Denny/Izzie storyline (I know, I'm the only one on the planet) but enjoyed seeing him tonight. I was wondering if he was ever going to talk...Next week's seems to carry over with Iz putting that to rest.

* Loved that Mer acknowledged that she saw Ellis, Dylan, & Denny when she was "dead."

*Speaking of Dylan...Can we bring him back? He holds a special for me as he was on the first episode of GA that I ever watched..."It's the End of The World" season two. If Denny can come back I think Dylan can too...Although, I realize Kyle Chandler is busy with Friday Night Lights (LOVE that show) but he made time for an appearance as dead Dylan in "Some Kind of Miracle" I bet he'd do it again...Just throwing that out there...

* Good music tonight.

* Interesting final scene for Brooke Smith as Hahn. Didn't care for the character but feel bad for Brooke Smith. Best wishes to her.

And, that's all I have tonight, folks. Thanks for reading!

Hope

"While we breathe, we hope." ~President-Elect Barack Obama.~

As I sat and listened to his victory speech last night, it was that line that struck me and that is still with me this morning. I love it!

We hope. Yes, we do. We should be filled with hope because the alternative.....The alternative can't be an option.

My hope is in Christ. He's on the Throne, He's in control, and He has a plan. A plan FILLED with hope!

We breathe. We hope. We believe. We trust Him to lead us and our next president to GREAT places!

I pray YOU are full of hope today!

PSA From Yours Truly

Those of you that know anything about me, or have read even just a few posts on this blog know how firmly I believe that one person can make all the difference. Your voice matters!

That being said, I ask that all of you get out and vote on November 4th if you have not already participated in early voting.

Thanks, and God bless America!

Smitty Does it Again!

Michael W. Smith's most recent album entitled, "A New Hallelujah" came out this past week. I immediately downloaded the entire album from itunes. A definite must have! If you can't afford the entire album right now but can splurge on at least one song, I highly recommend "Deep in Love With You." until you can afford the rest! ;) It's an incredible album, you will definitely be blessed by what you hear.

And hey, the holidays are just around the corner....This would make a GREAT Christmas gift for anyone! Just throwing the idea out there. ;)

Earthquakes in Texas

Sounds crazy, but it's true! Here's the story.

I'm going to keep this article and when my parents try and talk me out of moving to L.A. "because they have earthquakes there" I'll be able to say, "we have them here too!" ;)

Mom Makes Everything Better

I've been having an awful allergy day. I was sneezing a lot last night and woke up this morning to a stuffy nose and could barely breathe. I've felt pretty awful all day and the fact the Alexis' and Austin's birthday party (we're having one party for both of them) makes me panic because I REALLY want to enjoy the day with them tomorrow.

I was getting ready to watch an episode of Friday Night Lights a few hours ago when my mom came in my room with a Starbucks cup. She'd just returned home from running errands and stopped and picked up my favorite drink hoping it would help me feel better (they even put it in a vinti cup...I LOVE when they take my grande and put it in a vinti to make room for the exta whipped cream I like. They don't always do it but when they do, I love it!)

It's amazing what Starbucks and a hug from Mom can do! Thanks Mom, you're the best!

"A God of Second Chances"

Below is a music video of a song entitled, "A God of Second Chances" sung by Keith Caldwell.

I was in Keith's Theatre Appreciation class my second to last semester of college. It was during in a time whenever what I thought God was calling me to do in life was changing and I was really fighting it. I'm convinced God places certain people in your life at the perfect time and Keith was one of those people. Although it wasn't until AFTER I was finished with his class did I find the courage to e-mail him and share what God was doing in my life, and that it was through his class that God clarified things a bit more. He was actually one of the few people I shared all of this with at the time. Keith's encouragement during that time was such a gift and to this day he continues to encourage me and support me in the dreams that God has put within me. He's got an incredible voice and incredible God given talent. His story is one that proves that God heals and that EVERYTHING does indeed work together for good for those that love Him! I treasure my friendship with Keith and am so thankful for God allowing our paths to cross.

Stop by Keith's website or myspace page to learn more about him and his music. Drop him a note and say hello....Tell him Natalie sent you! And keep him and his music ministry in your prayers as he continues to glorify Christ with his talents. :)

Remember to stop my music at the bottom of the page to hear this video. Hope it encourages you!

Amen To This...

Thanks to Kara for this. How true it is...

God's Plan is Perfect!

A big thanks to Donald over at his blog, American Power for sending me this story. After reading it, I had to post it here as well. An incredible story of love, faith, and trust in God's perfect plan....

Today's Wall Street Journal features the story of Parker Carden and his family of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Parker was diagnosed prenatally with a rare genetic abnormality of the kidneys that can kill an infant in the first year ("autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease").

The Parker family was faced with the question on whether to terminate their pregnancy, a decision so traumatic that it nearly cost them their marriage. Advanced prenatal genetic testing, which provided the Parker family with the early diagnosis for their son, "allows parents to take on the role of gene police," according to researcher Evelyne Schuster, who's quoted in the Wall Street Journal article.

In other words, prenatal tests allow families to obtain an abortion and avoid the prospect of bringing into the world a seriously, even catasthropically, ill child.

The Parkers refused to do this, and Jennifer Carden explains her family's decision at her blog, "Our Family Whirlwind":

Things get better everyday and we are blessed that Parker is in our lives. He has taught us more compassion and love than we have ever known. He makes great strides everyday and no one...NO ONE... can put a cap on his potential. Not doctors, idiots commenting on-line about the article, or anybody else. Who are we to question God's plan for us individually, us as a family, or Parker's path. What I know is that our family is full of love and admiration for each other. Parker is such a sweet and loving boy. Thank you God for letting us be his parents. No matter what happens, God gives us the strength to get through our days together. I love my children more than anything in the world. I have four great boys-all special in their own individual way. I have a great husband who supports us and allows me to stay home to raise our children and give more time to Parker.

Parker Carden is now 20 months old. His kidneys function at about 60 percent of normal range. He will be confined to a wheelchair before he can walk. But he has the immortal love of his family, and the protection of God.

This is one powerful story of family commitment and strength, shared in a time when values of life, faith, and family are at risk more than any other time in history.

My Dream...Sharing the Dempsey Difference

You hear me talk a lot about dreams and how I believe God has put a very specific dream in my heart. I haven't been very specific in what that dream is for fear of being judged and told how I need to dream differently or how I need to "get real." I was reading Liz Jordan's blog today and she was talking about how we need to say our dreams out loud. And she challenged us (readers and listeners...She's the afternoon host of KSBJ) to do just that. As I was reading her blog, my palms started to sweat. I've been thinking of blogging and doing this very thing...Telling you all my dream and the reasoning behind it. I have not done so until now because telling you all of this makes me feel vey vulnerable but I pray that in sharing this, you come away with a better understanding of why this particular dream is so important to me.

My dream is to meet Patrick Dempsey and to thank him personally for the life saving impact he has had in my life.

I know I would not be here today had it not been for his story. You've read it in my own story how he was giving an interview and what he had to say in that interview pulled me out of a depressed state when I was having a difficult time knowing why I should keep going, He showed me why through sharing his own struggles and giving me hope in the process.

I didn't know who Patrick Dempsey was at the time. I knew very little about his McDreamy character because I was just getting into the show at the time this took place so when I saw this interview, I wasn't seeing his character, I was seeing him...Patrick Dempsey, being real, being imperfect, making himself vulnerable by what he was sharing, and in doing so saving my life. I had gone to bed endless nights prior to seeing this interview begging for hope that I was not alone in my struggles (again, see my story for those details). I started watching that interview not looking for anything but entertainment and to learn more about this person. I did not start the interview looking for an answer to those prayers, in fact, I watched it to try and get away from the thoughts whirling in my head. But as I watched and listened to the interview, the hope and reassurance that I spent nights begging for was staring back at me in Patrick Dempsey. When you look at a person and see yourself, and then you look at them and see that they made it through the same thing you did, that they are better off, and that you are not alone...It changes you. His words breathed new life and perspective in me night and I've never been the same since.

Patrick saved my life that night and it was all because God had lined everything up perfectly. He wrote Patrick's story knowing it would save me, he heard my prayers all those nights that I spent begging for a reason, he got me interested in Grey's probably for the sole purpose of seeing Patrick and getting me at least interested in his character so that I would "just happen" to stumble upon an interview about the REAL Patrick Dempsey and God knew that was what would pull me back and change my life.

Patrick showed me what is possible. His honesty helped me believe in myself again and the difference I can make in someone's life simply by being real and genuine about who I am. Because of Patrick, I will never again doubt the impact one person can make. I call it The Dempsey Difference (corny perhaps, but it sums it up for me).

Since that night in September of 2006, I have ached to thank Patrick. Even I sometimes wonder why I want it as badly as I do. And while I think that this started out as one of those, "It would be amazing to meet him and thank Patrick one day" types of things. Something that would just be cool if it happened, the more I prayed about it and thought about how life altering it was and the impact he made, the more I feel like this is something that needs to happen because there still seems to be something deep down that won't heal until I'm able to do this. I started off wanting this, and now I think I NEED it as much as I want it. I pray for it daily, I dream about it weekly, and I just have to believe that God would not make me want something this badly if He did not have plans to make it happen.

I have done several things to try and put actions behind my faith and help make this dream happen. Lord knows it would have been a lot simpler for me to thank a friend or someone from my church. Instead, He has chosen to use one of the most sought after people in Hollywood to be a lifeline. It makes this dream very difficult to attain. The people people I have contacted to try and help get my story to Patrick probably think I am just another fan. I can only pray that God intervenes, sees the efforts I have made, and does what I cannot. And that somehow, some way, my story will get to Patrick and I WILL get to thank him personally and share with him how his story changed my own.

"And I feel like I'm naked in front of the crowd, cause these words are my diary screaming out loud and I know that you'll use them however you want to." ~Anna Nalick~

Happy Birthday, Kyle!

Many of you remember getting an e-mail from me about a year ago asking for prayer for Kyle Sherrill. He was born at only 23 weeks and the prognosis did not look good. I received the e-mail via my church prayer list where a link was given to Pray for Kyle and as I read about the situation and being a preemie myself, my heart really went out to this family.

God is good! His healing power reigned and poured over this little baby and his family. I still do not know this family personally but because of my own story and my own early arrival, they hold a very special place in my heart and they are always in my prayers.

Kyle's story has touched so many lives and has showed me what can happen if we are consistently in prayer, on our knees about something. I've been in prayer about many things and for many people in my life but there are few things that I have prayed for and about as consistently as I have with Kyle and his family. He is a picture of what can happen when we stay consistent with our requests, when we keep believing, when we keep expecting...And WOW did God show up!

I am forever grateful to Kelly and John for allowing us to share in this journey with them as they shared their ups and downs of the past year in their blog. As they have shared their story and their experiences, I have learned from them so much and it has challenged me to grow in a deeper way as I walk with Christ daily. Thank you John and Kelly for being willing to share your story with us!

It is with a thankful heart that I wish Kyle a happy birthday today as he is officially one year old!

Happy Birthday Kyle! You are loved by so many!

GA Thoughts: "Brave New World"

As I start this blog, I just heard two Mazda commercials in a one minute time span. Gotta love those PD voice overs!

* Two people I ADORED tonight: George and Bailey! Loved loved LOVED them!

* Callie talking to Bailey about the "northern mountains" and "down under..." Oh. My. Gosh....HYSTERICAL!!! I laughed for ten minutes! I kept trying to picture everyone at the table read during that scene!! Can you imagine?!?

* Izzie and Alex...That was funny and wrong on so many levels. Kudos to Derek for putting Izzie in her place and then putting BOTH of them in their place at the end!

* McNaked McDreamy....*sigh* yes, we'll have to keep dreaming...enjoyed that first scene though and how he managed to get the money from Alex and give it to Izzie.

* I really want to know what's in the journal...Cn we please see more of this revealed throughout the season?

* Cristina, Mer, and Izzie in the "Derm" department...Very funny! "It's like a living freak show!!" Cristina cracked me up!!

* I love George!! Have I mentioned that? LOVED how he was with his patient tonight...That was perhaps the best storyline of the entire show. He was so great! TOTALLY cracked up when he took him into the wrong surgery! It was like an early glimpse of Halloween!

* LOVED the song that was playing as he was getting the little kid geared up to go into the e.r. I'll be downloading it as soon as the name and artist is put up on the GA music guide. I loved it!!!

* Congratulations, George! Your days as a resident are over!

* My heart really goes out to Lexie...I love her and really want her to find happiness. I'd also love to see her and Mer actually interact and form some type of bond!

* I miss Amy Madigan and Dr. Wyatt! Please bring her back!

* My couple was great at the end of the show tonight...I liked that Mer told Derek that she wanted him there. LOVED that he's letting her use the trailer...I just LOVE them...I am disappointed by the AMOUNT of time they've been on together talking about things since the season started, but I have confidence that we will see more of them talking, working through stuff TOGETHER...It's nice to be able to BREATHE as I watch them and not worry that they'll be breaking up....It's so nice! Thank you, Shonda..."Together for good" is quite a comfort. A real couple. Working THROUGH things. Not giving up when things get tough, but saying, "I love you enough to face this fear and to not walk away but to work through this and grow closer in the process." What a concept! THANK YOU! Looking forward to seeing how they grow and love each other deeper as things continue.

* Mer's last line tonight... "Smooth rides make for boring stories. A little calamity...THAT'S worth talking about." Yes, indeed!

And there ya have it...My thoughts off the top of my head. Hope you enjoyed the show and would love to hear what you thought!

A Question for You....

Many times as I pray, I'm aware that God will have one of three answers for me... Yes, No, or Wait.

As I've prayed for specific things, many times (more often than not actually) I do not see an instant answer so I keep praying...Keep asking....Keep expecting His answer.

My question for all the readers that visit here is this....How do you differentiate between the "No." And the "Wait."?

After praying SO long for something specific and seeing NOTHING come of it, does that mean God is saying "No" or is He saying, "Not now...Wait."

I'd really appreciate hearing any and all thoughts on this. Whether you read and have never commented before or whether you read and comment often, now is a time I hope you'll take the time to comment or e-mail me if you don't feel comfortable leaving your thoughts here (my e-mail address can be found by going to my profile).

Thanks in advance for the feedback!

GA Thoughts: Here Comes the Flood"

Yes, I know you probably all want a blog about something other than GA or the world of television...I'll get to it...Soonish. For now, enjoy my thoughts on tonight's show....

Well, another episode that left me wanting...something more....

* First off, I HAVE to start by saying WELCOME BACK AMY MADIGAN!! I love her and I sure hope Dr. Wyatt is a fixture on the show, because Meredith (and from the looks of it, a few others) REALLY need her.

* I waited the entire episode for the couch scene with Meredith and Derek at the end...THE ENTIRE EPISODE and at least three of the shots included in the promo pics were cut....the face cupping, the almost kiss, and Derek's face as he was hugging Mer! I waited for those scenes!!! They've been out since BEFORE the show premiered and then the ones shown in all the mags were CUT?!? Shonda, please explain! And PLEASE let this be an extended episode in the season dvd set WITH those scenes included!

* With all of that said...I thought that scene...what little there was of it...was VERY sweet. "Do you still love me?" And the look on Derek's face as he gently shook his head before answering while looking at her with a look of pure adoration probably thinking, "How could you even think I wouldn't love you?" then kissed her on the cheek as he held her in a hug and she held tightly to him and smiled...She was happy. Great scene! But I must say again...I want the other scenes!!

* I love Dr. Wyatt! Have I mentioned that? And yes, I especially loved it when she called Cristina on the REAL reason she was so crabby about the MerDer situation...She's afraid she's losing Meredith to Derek...Truth hurts, doesn't it Cristina?

* Cristina's line to Derek... "You and I are not team Meredith." Ummm...Excuse me? You're not? You both love her. You both want her to be happy. That makes you Team Meredith in my opinion. Get over yourself, Cristina! Sorry, can you tell I'm not a Cristina fan tonight?

* I actually felt bad for Izzie tonight. *Looks out the window for those flying pigs*

* WHAT in the HECK is wrong with Richard??? He's going off on everybody and his hospital and the staff are all suffering because He's trying to proove that HE'S all that and a bag of chips...Not workin' so well! I really haven't cared for him at all since the season started!

* Loved Bailey and her attitude with Richard...Don't mess with Bailey...She knows what she's talking about!

* The softer side of Alex is the side I like!

* I thought it was sort of ironic that Izzie was taken off the cancer patient's case because she might get too emotionally involved, but Meredith seemed to do just that with the same patient. Great scenes from Ellen though!

* Is it wrong that I was hoping Izzie and Alex did move out so that Meredith and Derek could get the house to themselves?

* Loved Lexi tonight...As usual!

* Great song at the end of tonight's show!

* The only time I cared for Richard tonight was when he was proctoring George's exam at the end...And that's probably because I love George!

The previews for next week look VERY "Dreamy" indeed! Let's hope the episode delivers...As always, please leave YOUR thoughts! :)

Premiere Week Wrap-Up!

Premiere Week (for my shows anyway) wrapped up tonight....Just a few thoughts on what I thought about the return of the shows I enjoy....

Monday:

Dancing with the Stars: *sigh* how can they be "stars" if you don't KNOW any of them? Okay, I KNOW OF some of them...But not enough to vote in their favor. I'll probably split votes between Julianne and Derek (my two personal favorites). Is it wrong to vote for them because you like the professionals and not the star? Honestly, I may like them too as time goes on, I just don't KNOW them. The one I know best is Susan Lucci and I like her AND her partner so that bodes well for them, I suppose. Cloris Leachman...CAN'T believe she's sticking around another week...Should've been the FIRST voted off in my opinion. Her antics with the judges is already old and her snarky comments (most of which have to be bleeped) do NOTHING to make me like her. She needs to go! In other DWTS thoughts...Maks is back! YAY!!! Louis isn't! BOO! I did watch all three nights but won't repeat everything in those nights below.

Boston Legal: So sad this is the final season!!! Denny cracks me up! Actually the whole show is funny. It'll be interesting to see how they wrap things up and how the leave the characters.

Tuesday:

Law & Order SVU: Yay!!! Stabler, how I've missed you!!! I'm most interested to see how Liv deals with her near rape and to see if she lets Elliott in on what happened...They're partners...I think he should know...Especially if it could affect her job performance. This week's episode looks INTENSE!

Wednesday:

Criminal Minds: BEST premiere of the week by far (including Grey's)! Seriously, was on the edge of my seat the entire show...It was one of the shows where the questions left at the end of the season don't get answered the way you expect and just because one person is out of danger, doesn't mean the danger is over or that anyone is safe. Incredibly intense! I was WORN OUT by the end of the episode but it was AWESOME! Garcia and Morgan...LOVE THEM!!! Can't wait to see what the rest of the reason holds! Ordered the first two seasons on Amazon and should get them this week....Very excited!

Thursday:

Grey's Anatomy: Did most of that discussion HERE but a few things I'll go ahead and mention just because it's Grey's and I could talk about it forever....Anybody remember how in my blogs about the show from last season how I talked about how much I love Amy Madigan as Mer's shrink and how I hoped she'd be back? Well, according to credits for the next episode (airing October 9th) Amy Madigan is indeed back as Dr. Wyatt!! Not sure if it's a one time thing or if she'll be back on a recurring basis, but I'll take what I can get...Love her! Like the new army doc but what happened to the accent? The guy's from Britain and if you saw him in Made of Honor you heard the accent. That's one of the things I was excited about most when I heard he was joining the cast was his accent...I have a thing for accents! And on a music related note...Ironically, my favorite song from the episode is "Black Tables" which was playing at the beginning of the episode during the dream sequence....After I managed to sort of replace the image of Patrick Dempsey on the gurney with something a little less horrifying, I was actually able to listen to the song in its entirety and it's very pretty...Lots of piano. Still VERY irritated that we have to wait two weeks for the next episode. *sigh* Oh and McDreamy on the big screen.... *sigh* SO GREAT! Until I meet him in person....Big screen McDreamy will tide me over. ;)

E.R: Oh. My. Gosh. Cried like a baby. And I didn't watch the episode until Friday because I got in late from my sister's so I can't even blame the emotions on a late hour or being tired. I'd heard someone died but had no idea who or when. You'd think with it being the last season, they'd just let everyone stick it out till the end. I'm VERY interested to see how they include new flashbacks for Mark Greene. It'll be nice to see him. I'm interested to see who else they bring back...And no matter how bleak it looks, I'll be crossing my fingers until the very last second of the very last episode that George Clooney's Dr. Ross WILL be back *crosses fingers now*

Sunday:

Desperate Housewives: Two seasons to go and we're five years ahead....This'll be interesting! I thought for sure that Mike had died in the crash until the end when he reappeared. I'm sorry he and Susan split...I really liked them together! Looks like another secret is there for us to figure out. All in all, the season looks to be funny and definitely entertaining!

Brothers & Sisters: Justin and Rebecca.......YAY!!!!! It's about TIME!!!!!! I cracked up when I heard that Nora had actually written that first letter, but loved the letter at the very end. I'd forgotten how much I dislike Holly...Was it rude of me to be applauding Nora when she left the office after giving Holly the news that William had been with someone else? And...Robert and Kitty....Adore them, as usual and REALLY REALLY hope they get their baby this season...They'll make great parents and that'll make a GREAT storyline for them! I'm excited to see what the season has in store!

So....That's MY premiere week wrap-up! I think Mom and I are going to give Dirty Sexy Money one more shot when it premieres Wednesday. We tried it for three shows last season but never could get into it. However, we keep being told how good it is, so we'll see how it goes on Wednesday.

If you guys have other shows you watched, I'd love to hear about them! Have a great week!

GA Thoughts: "Dream a Little Dream of Me"

First off, Had a great time at our McDreamy Party! The food was great and the company was awesome! When you get hugs from your niece and nephew right before the show...It's a great night! Huge hugs to my Sis and brother-in-law for making it such a great night!

Ummm....Hmmm...Well, not really sure how I felt about the episode if I have to be honest. I'm kind of underwhelmed....

* Glad they had the Derek accident scene first. Was dreading it and was happy to see it end in a dream.

* Was REALLY REALLY disappointed by the lack of Meredith and Derek interaction...But loved what we did get.

* What was up with Webber going off on Meredith the way he did...It's not ALL on her and I think she knows more than most of the residents. Kudos to Derek for calling him on it and on his attitude with Derek's patient.

* Still don't like Hahn but will be interested to see how TPTB handle the Callie/Erica situation. And I give Hahn kudos for being able to calm Callie down during the freezing procedure.

* Still don't like Izzie....Enough said there.

* Rose. Gone. Yay. Derek was so angry when she sliced his hand...And that pregnancy joke....NOT FUNNY! Have fun in peds...McThorny and leave Derek ALONE!

* Enjoyed the scene between Mer and Der where he told her he was taking baby steps but was still able to lightly joke with her about marriage. :)

* Meredith got on my nerves tonight. I'll admit it. ENOUGH with the back and forth! I really hope she tells Derek about her dream eventually! Loved the scenes of them packing up Derek's trailer...Although, I must admit, I'll miss the trailer.

* What happened to Cristina...That was just plain odd, but I LOVED the hysterical flash forward of her and Mer! Best scene of the night in my opinion! LOL!! And their talk at the end...SO makes me think of me and my person! Nice touch.

* Loved what Bailey did for that patient and how she had Alex turn the clock back. Go Bailey!!

* The scene with Bailey, Derek, and Callie as Bailey was begging Derek to "say it, say it for me..." and then all of them saying, "we made a man walk!" was GREAT!!! I've always loved the scenes with Bailey and Derek and this was no exception...SOO GREAT!!

* I already see Chemistry between Yang and the new doc....That kiss...Wow!

* I thought the scenes with the patients were confusing tonight. I had trouble keeping track of who was whom and who was sleeping with who else's husband...GREAT actors though.

* the scene with Izzie/Denny came out of nowhere for me. Didn't get it.

*Lots of great music.

* I just wonder if something is going to happen with Lexie and Sloan given the convo later in the episode.

* I love the Lexie/George friendship...Hope they stick with that!


So there ya go. Two weeks until the next episode but based on the promo pics that have already surfaced, looks to be a great episode in lots of areas. Here's hopin'!
Would LOVE to hear YOUR thoughts!

A McDreamy Party!

It's three minutes to midnight Wednesday as I begin this blog.

My sister and brother-in-law recently got a VERY nice, wide screen high definition television. I was over at their house a few weeks ago and was amazed by the clean, crisp picture of it. You think nothing of yours until you see a t.v. like theirs and realize how cool theirs is! As we were talking about it, I just happened to say, "Gosh, imagine McDreamy on a screen like THAT!" without missing a beat, my sister said, "Tell ya what...you and Mom come over on the night of the Grey's Anatomy Premiere. We'll have dinner before and you can see McDreamy on the big screen!" I thought she was joking at first but soon found out she was serious! So, Mom and I will head over and have lasagna for dinner and cookies (all courtesy of my fabulous brother-in-law) while we watch the show on the big screen that I have waited MONTHS to see!! I am ecstatic! We're dubbing it our "McDreamy Party!"

That being said, I'm a bundle of nerves about what the show might bring...If you've seen THIS PROMO you might have a small clue as to why I'm nervous. I saw it for the first time about a week ago. Kimberly walked in just as it was starting and watched as well and it literally made me gasp. I was stunned and wished I hadn't seen it.

In the promo we see Meredith rushing in frantic being told that Derek has been in an accident after he "swerved to miss a car." We then get a close up shot of a battered Derek (played by Patrick Dempsey, of course), blood on his face and body as the doctors of SGH try to revive him. Now, my instincts are screaming at me that this is some awful dream Meredith is having and she'll wake up to find that Derek is safe and sound.

My problem is, when I see that shot of Derek, I don't see Derek. I see Patrick Dempsey. Patrick is an avid race car driver. He races in every race he possibly can and when I hear that he'll be out racing on a particular day, the prayers I say for him daily increase big time! It's his passion and I would never wish it away from him, but seeing that shot of him on a gurney, in that condition is like seeing one of my worst fears realized.... Him being hurt in a race. *shudders* I haven't been able to watch that particular scene since and have had a few nightmares about it believe it or not. It's horrifying to me and I'm sure I'll be praying for the scene to end quickly when I see it on air. Just too close to home for me, but Ellen Pompeo (Meredith) looks to give an incredible performance in that scene!

Sooooo...Check back for my thoughts on the show....They'll be posted before I go to bed!

And now I can OFFICIALLY say.....

HAPPY GREY'S DAY

I'm On Local 2 News!

Okay, so maybe *I'm* not on the news, but an e-mail I sent to the station is.

I sent an e-mail to Frank Billingsley, the chief meteorologist for Local 2 News during hurricane Gustav (yes, before hurricane Ike) telling him how much I appreciated his coverage and basically thanked him for what he was doing. A day or so later I received an e-mail from Local 2 promotional department saying they were putting together a promotional package on Frank they were going to put on air and were asking permission to use a portion of the e-mail I had sent.

I saw the commercial for the first time this morning as I was getting dressed, it includes several viewer e-mails and my e-mail is indeed included at the very end. I've seen two versions of it so far today and the second version was just my e-mail portion and a picture of Frank. :)

So, those of you in the area and that watch local 2, keep an eye out! It will be signed, "Natalie, Huntsville" they don't include last names. And the times we've seen it today have been during news (of course, we've had coverage of Ike going on channel 2 all day so that could be why we've seen it twice already) Keep an eye out especially at 4,5,6 & 10 o'clock news as that is when Frank is on but my guess is you might catch it at ANY of the news times.

Just wanted to share! Hope some of you catch it! If so, let me know!

Hurricane Ike Has Come and Gone...

My family and I are present and accounted for. We arrived home from Dallas (In Coppell...Yes, Clayton, I thought about you and would have called but don't have the number) just a short while ago after being gone since Friday morning.

We made the decision to leave after watching the news and deciding that hurricane Ike wasn't going to do what Rita did at the last minute and turn. Thankfully, we had relatives up in Dallas ready and willing to let us stay there as long as needed. So, my parents, my sister, brother-in-law, niece, and nephew, Tazzie (our dog) and myself left Huntsville early Friday morning and "hunkered down" in Coppell.

The hurricane made landfall at 2:10 a.m. Saturday morning in Galveston and came through Huntsville as a Category One hurricane around four. Our neighbors across the street kept us updated on things with our house and how things were around town. We were glued to the news channel in Coppell (which had been gracious enough to allow channel 11 news from Houston to do continuous coverage of the storm/aftermath). So thankfully, we were able to stay up to date through that as well.

As we were coming home this morning, we passed 56 AT&T trucks all headed south and 21electrical trucks headed the same direction. It brought tears to my eyes knowing that they were headed to help people in such great need. And it was especially moving because as we were seeing these convoy's the song "Home" by Blake Shelton was playing on the radio and I was thinking about all the people who wished they could go home!

I was surprised how much we DIDN'T see as we came into town...Sure there were trees down here and there and yes, the lines at the gas stations (those that have gas) are forever long but I was expecting more. Well, when we turned down our street...We got more. It looks like a war zone. Trees down on houses, yards are a mess, trees on power lines. It's unbelievable! There is NO DOUBT whatsoever that God had an army of angels surrounding our house and that His Hand was over our house and us during this time...Here's a few reasons why:

* A tree of our neighbor's fell across our driveway. It missed our house AND my dad's truck by six inches.

* We are one of the few residents that have power in our neighborhood. We were originally told it could be out for as long as four weeks. It was restored last night.

* None of the stuff in our refrigerator or freezer spoiled.

* Besides a mess in the front yard and the tree that fell, that was the only damage we sustained.

We were not lucky. We were BLESSED. God's gracious Hand was and is upon my family. My sister and her family are still without power but they had no damage to their house and are just dealing with things in the yard.

Thank you SO SO SO much to those of you who sent texts and made phone calls to make sure I was okay. Darenee, Kim, and Kristi, you guys are THE BEST. There's a reason you guys are called my best friends and I know a couple of you were being hit with this as well and to get texts from you and phone calls meant so much. Thank you for the concern and for the constant friendship even in the midst of madness.

Please continue to pray for those affected by Hurricane Ike. Darenee, I know you were hit especially hard. I love you and I'm praying constantly for you guys. If you need me, please call me.

Thank you once again for you all concern and prayers. We are here. We are safe. And we are so so SO thankful.

In Honor of September 11th...

I know this is about my third post in two days and I hope those of you that are subscribed aren't sick of the notifications yet. I just couldn't let today pass and NOT post this video.

It'a called There She Stands and it was written and is sung by Michael W. Smith. Michael has sung this song at every concert of his I've been to since the attack.

Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone that was affected that day and we continue to pray as well for those that are serving our country right now. God bless you all!

Please scroll to the bottom of my page and pause my music to see the video.

A Great Yet Heartbreaking Dream

I had a dream last night....

I dreamt that I finally had my dream realized. The dream that wakes me up at night (and sometimes keeps me up at night).

I've had this dream before. It's always the same...I wake up right before the hug. Last night....I got my hug. And I've never felt so peaceful, relieved, and safe than I was in that moment, in that hug, in the arms of the person that I owe so much to.

I woke up, of course, while I was still in the embrace and I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. I was so elated that I finally, FINALLY, got the hug, and yet so frusturated to wake up and know that it happened...Only in my dreams. My emotions won out in the end and a few tears slipped out, but I fell asleep a bit later after praying about it smiling, confident that one day, that dream WILL become a reality.

Good or Bad: Just Be Honest With Me

As I continue reading, The Last Lecture by the late Randy Pausch, I got to the chapter entitled, "Don't Obsess over what people think." In that chapter (which is only a page long) he states that he told his students and those working for him that they never had to worry about what he was thinking, "Good or bad, I'll tell you what's in my head." I'm sure that took the pressure off and allowed those around him to work without that added weight.

I started thinking about how *I* worry about what people think and how others perceive me, and as I read this I started thinking how nice it would be to have those around me treat me the same way Randy treated those around him...Not to have to worry how people feel because they are upfront with me and tell me straight out if they don't like something (Granted, that doesn't always mean I'll give in and change my course of action, but at least I'll know where they stand on the issue). I often think people humor others or say nothing at all because they don't want to risk hurting others feelings or offending them.

As for myself...I'll respect you a lot more if you have the courage to just be honest whatever the case. I'll do it for you, if you'll do it for me. Sound like a plan?

The Countdown Continues

Imperfect Creation, Made Perfectly!

We're having some remodeling done on our house, one of the areas being worked on is my bathroom so I'm having to use my parent's bathroom to shower. Those of you that know me know that I LOVE my shower time...I have some of my best times with God while I shower. Well, because of the way my parent's bathroom is situated, I can't get in and out of the shower on my own and have to have my mom's help. Having to use their shower really cuts into my desires for long, relaxing showers since I shower at night and I know my mom is probably ready to have her bathroom back to get ready for bed, and because, she can't really get too far because the minute she gets started on something is probably the minute I call her because I'm finished and ready to be helped out. So, I try to shower as quickly as possible and get out of their bathroom.

I was thinking about this tonight while missing my bathroom, wishing things could be different and that I could do it on my own. God spoke to me (no, not outloud) and just told me, "Natalie, I created you in such a way that you would best be able to glorify Me." I stood in the shower for a second trying to process this and then I got it...

God created all of us perfectly! I don't mean physically (you can take one look at me and throw that out the window) or spiritually, or emotionally or in any other sense but God's perfection. He created us with the specific strengths and weaknesses we have so that we can best glorify Him. Everything God has done to me physically gives me a chance to glorify Him and to help make Him known to others. God created me with Cerebral Palsy so that I could glorify Him in the midst of my physical disability! It was perfectly planned and perfectly designed...I don't know if my relationship with Him would be as strong were it not for my CP fact that I don't walk like everyone else and what He has taught me about Himself because of it! It's all about His glory.

People ask me all the time..."What is it about Patrick Dempsey...?"...And it's an incredible chance for me to tell how God is using Patrick in my life, and in sharing that, Christ is glorified! I do not for one second think that *I* was the sole reason God created Patrick with dyslexia which, in turn, gave him what I can only imagine is one heck of a challenge at times (if that's the case, Patrick will probably not like me very much ;) ). BUT I do think that *I* was at least on God's mind WHILE He was writing Patrick's story and creating Patrick the way He did because God KNEW that He was going to use Patrick and his story to save my life. Had Patrick's story been different, mine would have been too.

God created each of us in unique, perfect way so that we could best glorify Him using the abilities and even inabilities He gave us. None of our imperfections are a surprise to God...He had it planned long before we were born. We see our imperfections (whatever they may be) while God sees His perfect design!

All of this revealed BECAUSE of a short shower time. :) Thank God He made us perfectly imperfect!

Lord, May I Be Tenacious!

I'm learning what it means to pray tenaciously....I think that's what this whole journey of me wanting a dream to come true is teaching me...Among other things which I will share later.

A few months back I read something that has really changed the way I pray....

It revolved around the verse Matthew 7:7-8

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.’

And basically the lesson was to Ask and keep asking until we receive, seek and keep seeking until we find, knock and keep knocking until that door is opened. I wonder how many times I missed a blessing because I gave up praying simply because I didn't see anything happening so I assumed it must not be God's will. Many times I think God was trying to see just how badly I wanted something.

I was listening to one of Scott Crenshaw's podcasts recently on active waiting and he was telling the story in Luke chapter 11 starting in verse five and it tells of a man whose out of bread so he goes to his neighbors house to see if he can borrow some bread to feed his kids. It's late at night but the man goes over anyway and knocks on the door of his neighbor asking if he can borrow some bread...The guy basically tells him, it's late...No you can't borrow any bread. You'd think the man would turn and trudge back home hungry, but instead he is persistent and knocks on the door until the man gets up and gives him the bread just so he will stop bothering him.

THAT'S how I want to pray...to want/need something so badly that I ask and ask and ask until something happens!

Lord, may I know the dreams You put in my heart and may I be tenacious in asking for and claiming them! May I not give up when I do not see anything happening and instead keep praying and asking because I KNOW You ARE at work behind the scenes! May I be persistent, asking daily and may I WAIT WITH EXPECTATION! And Lord, when doubts creep into my thoughts and I doubt that You are working, may I instead say THANK YOU that You ARE and pray that much harder. Lord, may I stand on my faith, and not my feelings, Lord, may I stay persistent and may I pray and pray and pray, and until I see something happen because I know Lord, you are up to something, and I may just be one prayer away from it coming to pass. Thank you Father for the desires you have put in my heart, Thank You for what You have done, are doing, and will do! I ask all of this in Your Name, Amen

31 Days

Not that anyone but me really cares but in case you were wondering...Since today is the 25th of August, I can say....



Just thought I'd share that...Carry on with your day now and have a GREAT one!

A Brighter Blog!

I gave my blog a face lift today...I wanted something not quite so dark and a bit more cheery. I'm still messing around with the text colors a little and tweaking a few things so, if you have trouble reading it because of the colors I have chosen, let me know! I hope you like it! Please let me know what you think!

Birthday Weekend!

Friday was my 27th birthday. It was a great day that actually turned out to extend into the entire weekend...

Friday, my Mom, Kimberly and Lexi treated me to lunch. Afterward, my mom feed my Starbucks addiction and bought me a venti white chocolate mocha with extra whip (my favorite treat, but I only ever buy the grande so getting a venti was a REAL treat). Then she and Lexi came home and the two got to work on my birthday cake (strawberry cake...My mom makes the best!) Lexi LOVES helping my mom cook so she was beside herself. Add to that a very top secret present she and my mom were working on and that just fueled her excitement...I just adore how she and Austin remind me to be thrilled about the small things...They are champs at that!

My presents didn't come until later in the evening because Lexi had music camp all last week from 5:30-8:30 so once we started opening, it was craaaazy! Lexi helped me open while Austin ran around with some tissue paper like he had just won the lottery (again, it's the smallest things that bring them the biggest smiles...). I got an adorable "Aunt" precious moments from Alexis and Austin, the book "Still Growing" by Kirk Cameron from Kimberly and Justin. I'd been wanting it for awhile so I was thrilled! Kimberly also got me a daily calendar with sayings about sisters on each day...I love it! My parents got me Season 3 of LOST, and the book "The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch. I started it on Saturday and I think I read it with a different perspective than I would have if I had read it when he was still here. It's a bit of a difficult read knowing that he's gone, and that it happened just a few weeks ago, but makes the lessons in it that much more meaningful, I think.

The gift I received that totally blew me away and had me holding back tears was one from my mom. It was an album she had made of my college years and Graduation. She LOVES to scrapbook so this album, I'm told, became her goal and she worked on it every chance she got. It truly is fantastic. It's got pictures of the graduation ceremony with captions of who's who and little snapshots of things that happened through those years. I can't adequately describe it in words, it's something that you really have to see to understand what it means but, it truly was a labor of love for my mom and I adore it! I find myself pulling it out every night to look at it again and every time see something else that I hadn't seen earlier. It's amazing and as I looked through it, I was once again able to see how God had worked in my life during that time and made me stronger in the end. That album will always be a reminder of what God, my family, and friends pulled me through. God bless my mom for the hours of work she put into it (that was the top secret gift I mentioned above...I was banned from our guest bedroom for three days while my mom put the final touches on the album). I ended my actual birthday with the thrill of watching Michael Phelps win another gold medal "by a fingernail!" What a way to finish my day!!

Saturday, my parents, Kimberly, Justin, Alexis, and Austin and I all traveled to the Woodlands for dinner at Olive Garden. Because of music camp, we weren't able to go Friday so we postponed it until Saturday. I was treated to more Starbucks on the way home and got home in time to see Michael Phelps make history!

And really, I get an extra birthday present tomorrow (Monday) because they are showing a re-run of Patrick Dempsey's appearance on Rachael Ray that I missed the first time around and was upset about..Happy belated birthday to me!!!

I had a fantastic birthday as you can tell...My family and friends made it so amazing and I'm so thankful for the e-mails, texts, and phone calls I got. God has done some really incredible things in my life this past year and I really believe that all of that is leading up to God doing something that is beyond what I can even imagine....I can't wait to see what God is up to because I know with what He's been showing me lately that it's something incredible....We'll all look back a year from now and say, "Wow! Look what God did!!" It's going to be awesome!!!

Thanks again for ALL of the love and support and especially prayers....The best is yet to come!!!! I love you guys!