Tips for single women.

I read in the news about a woman who was a single lady living alone. A guy broke into her house and ended up strangling her to death.

Here's some tips to all women (and not just single women)from a single woman...... ME....
1. ALWAYS lock your doors at home regardless whether it's night or day. You never know.

2. Don't set a predictable routine. Drive different ways to and from work, and make a map for your family members. I have at least 9 different ways I drive to and from work, and my parents have that map.

3. Make sure SOMEONE knows what time you get home every night. If you're going to be late, let them know.

4.If you drive at night (as I do.) Keep your doors locked and windows rolled up at all times. If you think someone's following you, drive around for a while. DO NOT pull into your driveway, and DO NOT let them know where you live. If you think you're still being followed, drive to the nearest police station or a public, well lit area. 24 hour stores are great for this.

5. If you have to walk across a dark parking lot, have your car key in hand before you leave the building. Don't fumble around looking for keys while you walk. If you have your key in your hand, then you can pay attention to what's around you. If you feel uncomfortable, most places (Walmart, Meijer, ect...) have security guards available to assist you to your car. All you have to do is ask.

6. If a cop pulls you over at night, DO NOT roll your window down all the way. Roll it down just a crack. Just enough to pass your information through. If you're not sure if it's a "real" cop or you feel uncomfortable, let the cop know that you are going to drive to the nearest police station or 24 hour store,(Make sure you name the town and where you're driving to. Most officers will understand if it's late at night. It not only protects you, but also the officer.) turn your flashers on, and drive no more than 30 mph the whole way. MAKE sure they understand what your doing BEFORE you do it.

7. And lastly, if you don't have a cell phone with 911 on speed dial, I highly recommend it.

As a single woman who works and shops late at night, these are the precautions I always take, and I thought I'd pass on my "tips". Maybe I'm paranoid, but I'd rather be safe than sorry.

Christianity in music

I just realized how secular music is becoming more and more Christian. First there's Mercy Me's I Can Only Imagine which was playing on a rock and roll station. Then there's been Josh Turner's Long Black Train on the country stations, and now I've just heard Carrie Underwood's Jesus Take The Wheel, which is yet another country song. If you haven't heard it yet, here's the lyrics..........

Artist/Band:Carrie Underwood
Lyrics for Song: Jesus, Take The Wheel
Lyrics for Album: Some Hearts

She was driving last Friday on her way to Cincinnati
On a snow white Christmas Eve
Going home to see her Mama and her Daddy with the baby in the backseat
Fifty miles to go and she was running low on faith and gasoline
It been a long hard year
She had a lot on her mind and she didn't pay attention
She was going way to fast
Before she knew it she was spinning on a thin black sheet of glass
She saw both their lives flash before her eyes
She didn't even have time to cry
She was sooo scared
She threw her hands up in the air

Jesus take the wheel
Take it from my hands
Cause I can't do this all on my own
I'm letting go
So give me one more chance
To save me from this road I'm on
Jesus take the wheel

It was still getting colder when she made it to the shoulder
And the car came to a stop
She cried when she saw that baby in the backseat sleeping like a rock
And for the first time in a long time
She bowed her head to pray
She said I'm sorry for the way
I've been living my life
I know I've got to change
So from now on tonight

Jesus take the wheel
Take it from my hands
Cause I can't do this all my own
I'm letting go
So give me one more chance
To save me from this road I'm on

Oh, Jesus take the wheel
Oh, I'm letting go
So give me one more chance
Save me from this road I'm on
From this road I'm on
Jesus take the wheel
Oh, take it, take it from me

The changes in my work life and things I've discovered.

After reading my cousin's blog (Hi Carrie!!) I thought; "Hey, this looks interesting. I might as well try it out." So, here goes......

As you may know, I work in factory. One thing some people don't know about factory work is that NOTHING stays the same. I have come to realize that sometimes God takes us out of our comfort zone and puts us elsewhere.

The machine I USED to run was in the middle of 7 other people. I became friends with all the coworkers that worked directly with me. All of us became a close circle of friends. I had their respect, and in turn they had mine. I was feeling pretty comfortable in my "zone."

Then things changed,most of my friends got moved and/or laid off, and my other friends were moved too. Which means I don't see them unless it's in passing. Now my new job I work with all new people, and I don't to anyone much. I read 5 books in 3 weeks. It made me realize how important my "old" friends are to me.

I was thinking the other day how sad it is that there some Christians that refuse to associate with nonchristians. I've actually gone to churches where everyone looks, acts, and dresses like each other. They have their "Christian" friends and NO ONE's allowed into their "group". One thing I learned is that most nonbelievers don't relate to bun wearing, dress wearing, uptight Christians. I'm not saying that's wrong, and I'm not saying to wear sleezy clothes that only covers an eighth of your body, but I know from expereince nonbelievers are more comfortable being friends with someone in jeans and a tee shirt, than someone who looks like they belong in an Amish community.
Here's something to ponder... If Christians don't TRY to befriend nonChristians, how in the world are nonChristians going to have the chance to become Christians?

This song comes to mind.......

"And If We Are The Body" by Casting Crowns
It's crowded in worship today
As she slips in trying to fade into the faces
The girls teasing laughter is carrying farther than they know
Farther than they know

Chorus:
But if we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't His words teaching?
And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them there is a way?
There is a way

A traveler is far away from home
He sheds his coat and quietly sinks into the back row
The weight of their judgmental glances
Tells him that his chances are better out on the road

(chorus)
Jesus paid much too high a price
For us to pick and choose who should come
And we are the body of Christ
(chorus)
Jesus is the way