I've been thinking a lot lately about people and how we relate to one another. This is one of the things that really fascinates me. I love knowing people; really knowing them. I guess this stems from my love of story. For as long as I can remember, I have been enamored by good stories...not a certain type of story but rather, the story itself.

Lately I have noticed, how much people just want to be needed. I see this in my life - a desire to be used; to be important; to be valued. But I have seen it so clearly in the lives of those who life seemingly has little purpose. I feel like everyone just wants to know they are part of something bigger than themselves; that someone will miss them when they are gone. I have become increasingly aware of this lately. I see it in their faces: the former drug dealer selling candy bars in the Walmart parking lot to raise money for those like himself; the elderly man who pours his heart into volunteer work, but never hears from his son or daughter; the handicapped woman who sweeps floors at McDonalds. I believe that this desire is instilled inside all of us.

I have also become increasingly aware of the fact that most everyone - regardless of what they say - would choose love over money. I thought about this while I was watching the movie "Slumdog Millionaire." I am certain of the fact that the main character would have chosen to be with the person he loved over the money he won at any point without hesitation. One of my friends who is very well off, recently told me that she would absolutely give up her lovely cars and house in an instant to be living again in a tiny rent house, where she was much more certain of her husband's love. Money doesn't love you back...and I feel like there are so many of us who spend all of our time trying to earn money; to climb the corporate ladder; when in actuality, we should be spending that time just loving those around us.

When I was a little girl I would make up fictional stories about people I saw in restaurants and in parking lots. I would wonder what their life was like, and if they were much different than me. I guess part of the reason I love meeting new people is that hearing their stories makes me think about where I am and where I want to be.

So here's to the stories...who teach us, not only about those living them, but about ourselves.

Sunshine on my shoulders...

Today I was off of work and I sat at the lake. All. day. You have no idea how much I love that.

I have so much to do all the time. My truck is 2,000 miles over needing an oil change. I haven't paid my bills. My grass needs to be mowed. But today I didn't think about that. I didn't stress and worry. I just sat there. I sat in the sun and read and slept. It was so amazing.

I feel closest to God when I am outside...like I can feel Him standing next to me...whispering in my ear. And today...on this holiest of days...the day when the God of Creation sent His son to die for my sins....I felt like it was very fitting for me to glory in that Creation. I know that I wouldn't be here without Him. I would be nothing. I don't deserve what He did for me; but I'm so grateful.

Sometimes I just love to shut out those other voices and focus in on who He is and who I am. How can you do that and not be in awe? It's overwhelming. I pray that for you today...that you take time - even if it is just a moment - to reflect on that fact. The God of this world sent his only son to this Earth to die. And he would have done it for ONLY YOU.

Hosanna...