How to have a happier birthday . . .

LOAD UP ON FREEBIES!

There was an article in today's Star Trib that was right up my alley. It was all about coupons and free offers for your birthday. I cashed in on some of these for my birthday a month ago, but I'm planning to do lots better next year!

• free burger at Red Robin 
• free entree at Noodles & Co.
• from free dessert up to free All-American at Famous Dave's
• free drink at Caribou Coffee and Dunn Bros. Coffee
• free ice cream creation at Cold Stone Creamery

I also got $10 at my favorite mani/pedicure place.

My mom . . .

. . . is a wonderful, godly example to everyone around her.

Mom, I'm so thankful for you! Happy Mother's Day!

Charleston

I spent Spring Break in Charleston with my sister Emily. Visiting Em in Charleston was a perfect choice because it was a break from snowy Minnesota and because I could sleep in and work while Em was working in the morning, and then we had afternoons and evenings to have fun.
[I posted lots more pics on my facebook.]

Thanks for letting me stay in your fabulous new house, Em! I love you!

"Christian"

by Maya Angelou

'A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ
that a man should have to seek Him first to find her.'

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not shouting 'I'm clean livin''
I'm whispering 'I was lost. Now I'm found and forgiven.'

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.

When I say.. 'I am a Christian' I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I am worth it.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner who received God's good grace, somehow!

Happy Women's Day!

Today is International Women's Day!

I know we don't really celebrate it in America, but we did/do in China so I'm celebrating today!

Jake and Meg are engaged!

Big congratulations to Jake and Meg!
They got engaged Friday night in Wilmington, NC.
Jake totally surprised Meg (which isn't easy to do). You can check out a video of their engagement on Meg's blog. They're planning a July 26th wedding in Minneapolis!
Congrats, Jake and Meg! I love you guys!

Metro News--a new blog about crisis pregnancy ministry

Check out Metro Women's Center's new blog @ www.metrowomenscenter.blogspot.com!

and

Don't forget that January is Sanctity of Life month!