Quick update then back to your regularly scheduled reading...
Isn't it sad that Tony Snow has died now too? Other stuff...

What a difference time off and wise counsel makes... other stuff

By Joy A. Kennelly

I took some time off from everyone and everything yesterday in attempt to heal emotionally and physically which was exactly what I needed to do. Now I'm back to my old self a little wiser, a little happier and a little better. Time heals all wounds I guess.

I think I was a lot more receptive to today's sermon as a result too. Jim Mackinga over at Bay Cities Community Church is really a gifted teacher. Every single time I think that's my last Sunday there because I don't have many single friends from there to do stuff with, he gives a sermon that makes me realize I would really miss his teaching if I left. Friends I can find outside church I guess. I do love my married ones there though.

Today I actually had some cute guys (too young, but still) sitting next to me so it's all good. Guess God is throwing this old cougar a bone after all. God bless the young hotties is all I got to say. There was a really funny skit to elaborate the point that the world thinks having a man to love is going to solve all your problems when it's really only God.

The scenario was two women discussing a mutual friend who they think will be all better if she only had someone to love in her life. They think of all the guys they can set her up with which was very funny. Then one suggests EHarmony. We all laughed when the other answered, "I, I mean a "good friend" tried EHarmony with not so good results."

I've tried EHarmony too and never met anyone I'd be interested in. Sorry, I'm a little shallow, but I think physical chemistry has to be there too. I like good looking guys. What can I say? Always have, always will. Part of the reason I moved back to the beach. Those are my kind of guys.

I think if I really were a Cougar I could have such fun with all the young un's down here. Unfortunately, not into flings any more. I want a real relationship with a future. So, although it was hard to do, I cut loose the young un who has been very sweet to me lately.

If someone is drunk almost every time you speak to them, or is looking to get wasted all the time too, that doesn't bode well long term. When will young guys realize it's a big turn off to cougars? Just kidding. I really am not a Cougar, I just tease about it because I think it's funny.

My girlfriend Shana keeps telling me that getting drunk is what 30 year old guys do and just to go with the flow. Plus, she tells me she's a little jealous I'm catching the attention of a young 'un since she's married and can't do anything about it when they hit on her. She cracks me up! I might change my mind because it is nice to have male friends. We'll see.

Guess it's ok to have some fun though, right? Still trying to figure all this out since young un's aren't my usual demo. Flattering though. Hello hottie babies... Just kidding.

What was cool about today's sermon is that it really spoke to real life issues. Here's the notes in case you're interested:

How To Get What You Want

"James- Practical Christian Living"

How Normal Life Works

1. We experience turmoil then pain.

2. We try to numb the pain through pleasure.

3. We end up facing conflict and anger.

4. We watch hope for satisfaction disappear. (Jim says then we become less fun to be with. We become mad, sad and ultimately alone since no one wants to be around us. Without a solution we lose hope. Been there, done that. OY!)

Options When Facing Normal Life (How people deal with stuff...)

1. Try fixing things through other people.

(This one really spoke to me because I think I've been a little hard on my friends. My one girlfriend is married with two little kids, a demanding career, and busy social life. I just need to accept that fact and realize she can't always be the best friend I want her to be when I want her to be. Doesn't make it any easier, but does give me more compassion on this friend.

Also, the other one is really going through stuff too. It's not easy losing your job and worrying about how you'll pay your mortgage and take care of your son as a single divorced parent. I have faith we will work things out, but it will just take some time because we need to work on caring communication vs. brutal honesty. Looks like I'm getting a taste of my own medicine, but if I can change there's hope for others too.

It really helped to hear some other people's perspectives and shares yesterday and realize I'm not alone with my stuff. Very healing too. (God bless 12 step programs.)

James 4:1, 2a

What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? 2You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight.

Then Jim shared that no one person can fix us or meet all our needs, only God. Over time a relationship can't handle the pressure and it falls apart. So true. Jim is very funny and he said, "In the words of the great theologian Mick Jagger..." referring to the infamous song "Can't Get No Satisfaction."

The 2nd way people approach normal life is...

2. Try manipulating God to do what we want.

James 4:2b - 3 You do not have, because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

Jim says we are a pleasure seeking people, but pleasure isn't the ultimate answer for us. Bummer. If only it was... (That's me, not him speaking and I'm being facetious!:) Only God can fill that hole in us.

3. Look for things in this world to satisfy. (Like drugs, alcohol, sex, food, material things, the list goes on and on...Isn't that a nice list? Just kidding...)

Philippians 4:9 and 19 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (This is our guarantee if we pursue a relationship with God. Peace.)
19And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (I've found that in my life for sure.)

Jim said the Beatles song, All you need is love should have been, all you need is God.

Here are some of the normal needs we all possess that Jim swears by:

Normal Needs We All Possess

1. To be secure in life.

2. To be loved in life.

3. To be valued in life.

4. To be significant in life.

When these needs are met through God, our life is worth living. Then we can bear fruit for God. So, that's the moral of this message everyone. Hope you enjoyed the crib notes.

If you're searching for a place to worship, then pop over and visit <"http://www.baycitieschurch.com">Bay Cities Community Church sometime. I personally welcome all young hotties. JUST KIDDING! Seriously though, they have a cool 20 something group called Zoe. Call Tyler for more details: 310 877-9753.

You oldies can come too. Not to that group, but to services ok? LOL Can you see I'm really feeling better? Now to go hit the local Greek festival and get me some baklava. Then if I still feel good to hit the country music over at Polliwog Park. I need more fun.

Although this past Thursday was fun hanging out with my friend, her 18 year old son and all his young buds at a recent fun pop-up store opening - not together, just at the same event. I'm not that big of a cougar!

I told her to invite them because they'd been disappointed over something and needed some fun. They loved being there - their first "Hollywood" event. I felt a little guilty because free booze was flowing and of course, once we left they took advantage. Oh well. Can't control everything right? See, I'm learning.

I did take a funny picture of my Desperate Housewife friend with hottie Actor Jesse Metcalf, the gardener dude from Desperate Housewives and other films.  When is Desperate Housewives coming back on? Got to fill my guilty pleasure. She's probably going to kill me for sharing this with you, but I think it's funny. He can be my gardener any time. I need some bushes trimmed, or can find some! LOLJesse & colleen - sm Isn't he a cutie? Someone give that guy a job. We need to see him on screen again. Marc, you reading this? Rides a motorcycle too girls. Watch out! Cougars on the prowl! LOL

Ah, the pleasures of summer. Isn't it a beautiful day? Have a good one!

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