Swagbucks

Hey Followers!

I just signed up for Swagbucks! Sorry to those of you out there that already have it--I did not sign up under anyone. I was planning on it, but as I was going thru and figuring it out, it didn't ask if I was "referred" by anyone. Which was what I was looking for. 'Cause I was wanting to be underneath someone. Before I knew it, I was all signed up and going, 'You guys missed something in there!' Oh well. Next time, right?! Ah, I think  I mostly got the hang of it, too. So far, so good!
But! if any of you other want to get free stuff for just using the internet and doing normal stuff (or taking a little extra time), let me know! and I will figure out how to get people underneath me! Hehe. =P

So, if you hadn't figured out yet, I am back at home. I was gone in Big Sandy, TX from May 22 to June 27, volunteering at STEP 2012! as a team leader. [I will post some pix when I get them. If you want more, you'll have to visit me. ;P] It was a lot of fun and a huge adventure being in a leadership position. And you learn different things. [Hmmm, imagine that!] Different things, because you're "in charge" and even if you feel you have no clue what you're supposed to do or how mature you're supposed to act...um, you do it anyways! and cry out to God for His guidance and help. This year I was tested and grew a lot more: spiritually and mentally. You find out all those blind spots in your life where you are lacking. Lacking patience. Lacking the right words to say. Lacking the ability to really connect with your girls and go heart to heart with them. So. When you ask for patience? God gives you an opportunity to practice patience. When you ask for the right words to say? God gives you an opportunity to speak the words He gives you. When you ask for your girls' hearts? God gives you an opportunity to talk and reach out to them. I'm not saying I now excel in all of these areas. I didn't always take the chances given. I didn't always show love at the right time, in the right manner. I didn't always speak the words that should have been said, with a heart that meant it, etc.

But, as Laura, my awesome amazing group leader, pointed out to me: just because we are not at STEP anymore doesn't mean that we have to stop encouraging the girls and getting to know them more. Which reminds me. Hehe, I have some correspondence to do! That remains a challenge to be conquered.

Since I've returned, I haven't had any super wonderful happenstances...The ATI conference in Sac. The 4th of July. Potluck lunch at church for Cousin who will be moving to volunteer at a Bible College. Finished up some shots/vaccinations for school. Got the first major bill for that. [Oh joy!] Oh! Oh! Ooooh! I did have a speechlessly fantastic moment! On Sunday, I bought myself a laptop!! It's an Asus and her name is Jessalyn. =D She's the best yet and I love her already!

Toodles, poodles! that's all for now!