#16 - Check

So #16 on my list was to get a massage, which I did last weekend. Anything that requires me to strip down to my skivvies is obviously going to provide a funny story. I have never had a massage before, so I was rapid fire quizzing my friend, Lauren on our way there on how this whole thing works. We got to the place and filled out paperwork and then waited for our massage therapists to come get us. When my dude walked out all I could think was "Please be Lauren's, Please be Lauren's" seeing as I was a little uncomfortable with this total stranger dude greasing me up. Well, of course he walked up and mumbled my name (which makes me think he was probably thinking "Please don't be Meredith, Please don't be Meredith") He seemed about as excited about working on this big girl as I was to have him workin on this big girl. Oh well, let's get to this, Rob. He leads me into what appears to be a haunted house. It is a giant, dark room that is separated into little sections by hospital curtains. He pulls back the curtain to his table and tells me to get undressed and put my clothes in the (Saved By the Bell) locker. I am pretty sure I was out of my clothes and under the sheet in approximately 7 seconds. I didn't want to risk Rob coming back and seeing a little more than he bargained for. I know the whole reason you get a massage is to relax, but I was laying stiff as a board with the sheet practically over my head when he whispered at the door (curtain) "Meredith, you ready?" I wanted to tell him, "Um, the question is are you, Rob?", but I just mumbled "Mmmhmm". So he came in and got down to business. I figured it was dark enough that he was shielded from the blinding white of my skin. For the first 30 minutes I was anxiously anticipating "the flip". I wasn't quite sure how I was supposed to go from face-down to face-up without something flopping out, but it was successful and everything ended up just fine in the end. I am pretty sure I was in a mild catatonic stupor for at least an hour following my massage, so I guess I was able to relax after all. I would totally do it again.

The Mind of a 5th Grader

Here are two things that have made me laugh lately:
1. This past week I was doing a lesson with my class where we were reading about the Liberty Bell. If you are gearing this paragraph towards 10/11 year olds, please do not start off by saying "The Liberty Bell is known for its big crack." And also please do not continue to refer to "its big crack".
2. For our vocabulary test last week some very innocent or very perverted person included the following question: "Name a body part that protrudes and explain why." Pretty sure most of thsoe 10/11 year old boys were not thinking of their nose.

Happy Birthday, Church of the Highlands!

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday Church of the Highlands, Happy Birthday to You!

Ten years ago this amazing church was launched and I am so thankful for all of the ways God has poured out His blessings on this church. In celebration of Highlands 10th Birthday I will tell you the top then things I love most about my church.

1. My church is life-giving. Experiencing worship at Highlands is incredible because you can literally feel the presence of the Lord so strongly. When people ask me about my church I usually start out by telling them that it is "alive."

2. My church has strengthened and challenged my faith through the messages.

3. My church has inspired me to do great things for God's kingdom through service.

4. My church has introduced me to some amazing new friends through small groups.

5. My church is fun! This church makes God accessible to anyone and everyone.

6. My church is home. I was fortunate enough to be raised in some wonderful churches and youth groups. When I went to college I struggled to find that "connection", but I have found a home at Highlands.

7. My church is focused on serving and worshipping God, not on judging others or scaring them into following Jesus.

8. My church is full of smiling faces and encouraging people. I feel so excited and refreshed when I step foot in the door.

9. My church is real and transparent. Pastor Chris is honest and authentic in his messages. He talks about his own struggles, his family, and things he is seeking the Lord in prayer for.

10. My church makes sure to give God all the glory for everything He has blessed us with over the past 10 years. "To God be the glory, great things He has done."

I am so thankful to be a part of this incredible church and I look forward to seeing what God has in store for us over the next 10 years!