I can't wait for this! I hate money issues and talking about money so maybe reading a funny book will help me address it without feeling too badly. And maybe remembering that I'm not the only one who doesn't manage my money well would help. I don't have a lot of debt, I hear having less than 8,000 is sitting pretty good, but I still HATE having that at all. I don't use credit cards and have no loans out, student or otherwise. but I do NOT manage my current money well.

I've left church early before. Several reasons.

1) I had drumline rehearsal at noon. You don't show up late to drumline rehearsal. Ever. You change in your car from your church clothes to your drumline clothes and get there early. I started going to the 9:30 service after two close calls.
2) It was the third Sunday in a row talking about tithing. I understand it is necessary, but they didn't do anything to "fill up" the congregation, and I was tired of hearing how I was a horrible Christian because I couldn't tithe 10% of my money, and those who could were paraded up in front of everyone. It made me feel small. So I left.
3) I was emotionally overwhelmed. There have been times during a service that I have felt God completely overwhelm and consume me. I am wrought with emotion and I usually feel that when I'm going to break down, like I usually do in those situations, it is best to do in private.
4) I have to go to the bathroom. Let's face it, I've tried to hold it, but those 3 cups of coffee pre-service were a bad call, and when we're 45 minutes in and the sermon is over, I bust out of there and sprint to the bathroom.
5) My parents used to take us out early all the time when we were young. We went to Catholic mass, and after we took communion, instead of following the line and sitting back down in our pew and staying to sing at the end we would break out of that line and sidle along the wall to the back doors to get out before the rush. It was a small church in a small neighborhood, and it didn't take much more than a 5-10 minute car ride before my brother and/or I were whining about it taking too long to get home.

That line was extremely difficult to swallow, mostly because it is so true, and I don't want to admit that. Couldn't agree more.

This may be one of the best Wednesday posts ever. First of all, as the youngest and only daughter, I know now more than ever at 25 that the love my dad has for me is as unconditional as it was when i was 5, sitting on his lap while he played guitar in our little living room. *tear* Don't doubt for a second that your daughters will ever think otherwise. The relationship between a daughter and her father is almost indescribable. I love my dad more than anyone. In the middle of the darkest times of my life, my dad was always supportive, loving, always there for a hug or a laugh. As I write this, it is a strong reminder that my heavenly father is there tenfold in the same way, and that I should remember that too. Thank you, for that.

The pipe organ in the auditorium (performing arts center, if you prefer) at the college I went to was huge. It was also on the second story. We sang some pretty awesome music, and the organ was often a centerpiece to a lot of our songs. It was beautiful every time.

I've been there too!! My choir went in college!! It is breathtaking - I just got goosebumps remembering! Thanks for sharing :)

Nah, I'm 25 and love it too.

I just have to say I love the Highlander reference. And I think those who play the organ are incredibly talented! Like harp players. I played 13 instruments in high school, but I would've LOVED to play the organ. Or the harp. Or both.

I remember when my brother bought a Metallica CD that my dad had to read through all the lyrics before he would allow Matt to keep it.

What a great opportunity! Thanks for giving the chance to us Jon