Interesting Facts About Women

Okay, these are some interesting "facts" about women that I found on a silly dating website. No, I'm NOT looking for a date, but somehow, I found myself reading this list and thought it was funny. I'm not so sure all these stereotypical facts are really correct though. What do you think?

1. Women need to cry. And they won't do it alone unless they know you can hear them.

2. Women love to talk. Silence intimidates them and they feel a need to fill it, even if they have nothing to say.

3. Women never have anything to wear. Don't question the racks of clothes in the closet; you "just don't understand".

4. Women hate bugs. Even the strong-willed ones need a man around when there's a spider or a wasp involved.

5.Women are never wrong. Apologizing is the man's responsibility, "It's there in the bible".

6. Women have better restrooms. Ladies receive the royal treatment in the ladies room. Gents just get a large bowl to share.

7. The average number of items in a typical woman's bathroom is 437. A man would not be able to identify most of these items.

8. Women keep three different shampoos and two different conditioners in the shower. After a woman showers, the bathroom will smell like a tropical rain forest.

9. If a man goes on a seven-day trip, he'll pack five days worth of clothes and will wear some things twice; if a woman goes on a seven-day trip she'll pack 21 outfits because she doesn't know what she'll feel like wearing each day.

10. Women will drive miles out of their way to avoid the possibility of getting lost using a shortcut.

Girlfriend Spotlight on Angela Lockwood

Introducing the Girlfriends Spotlight! Over the next several weeks, you'll get an opportunity to meet the many girlfriends we have at Living Hope. One at a time, we'll have some fun reading little pieces of information about these ladies and finding out what makes them tick! You may have the chance to meet someone new or find out some fun information about an old friend. Feel free to ask questions in the comment space and our girlfriend in the spotlight can answer them for us. Hope this is fun... I think you'll enjoy it!

What is your full name? Angela Minatre Lockwood
Do you have any brothers or sisters? I have 1 sister about a year younger than me.
Where did you grow up? Born and raised in N. California (primarily Vacaville)
Are you married? If so, to whom and how long? I have been married to Phil for 10 years.
Do you have any kids or grand kids ?My son Ethan is 5.
Name a favorite thing about someone in your family. No one can make me laugh like my sister can.
What is your current job? Part-time bookkeeper
What profession would you like to attempt? Working in a test kitchen for a food magazine or something like that.
If you could have an endless supply of any food, what would you get? Dark chocolate
What is one goal you’d like to accomplish during your lifetime? Making a pie from scratch.
Who is your hero? My mom - putting up with our family makes her a saint in my eyes!
What’s your favorite thing to do in the summer? Being in the sun - I love hot days!
Are you a morning or night person? Definitely a morning person!
What are your favorite hobbies? I'm a casual runner/ jogger/ walker and I really enjoy cooking for my family.
What are your pet peeves? "Should've, could've, would'ves".
What turns you on? A clean house.
What turns you off? Clutter.
Tell us about a unique or quirky habit of yours. I twirl my hair.
If you had to describe yourself using three words, it would be… Practical, quiet, caring
If I could be anybody besides myself, I would be… I can't think of anyone who has it better than me!
When, how, why did you start attending Living Hope? Pretty much from the beginning. Came from Valley. We checked the group out and decided to stay.
Who's your favorite pastor's wife? Hmm, let me see....

Maria Sue Chapman, Remembered

In a few short days, she captured our hearts, though most of us have never met her. Maria Sue Chapman, the daughter of famous Christian musician, Steven Curtis Chapman, has crept into our souls and given us a new perspective on life and love and the gifts God has given us through our children.

Two weeks ago, sweet little Maria was accidentally run over in her family's driveway by her brother who drove their SUV. After a visit to the hospital, she lost her battle for life and went to be with Jesus. So many emotions and questions have come to the surface since that day and prayers have gone out for the family. Why does God allow this precious orphan to be rescued from her sure ill-fate in China only to be killed at the age of 5 in such a tragic way? It's one of many questions we may never get an answer to while here on earth.

A long time fan of SCC (more than 20 years), it's funny how I feel like a piece of me died. I never knew this sweet spirit, but I was fortunate to have met Steven, his wife Beth, and his brother. Even still, as a human, a mom, a lover of children, it's impossible not to let this grief slip into my heart each time I think of them. How much greater then, must this grief be for Steven himself and their close friends and family?

Today, I ask my "girlfriends" to take a moment and pray. Pray for the family to find peace in this time when only the opposite feelings intrude. Pray especially for Maria's big brother, who will undoubtedly suffer great emotional pain knowing he was at the wheel when this horrific accident occurred. As the days and weeks go by and Steven's fans and the rest of America forget about this big news story, their family will continue to hurt and grieve. Pray that they will experience the miracle of rest in their hearts and get through the pain moment-by-moment, one day at a time. How can you keep this in the forefront of your memory? Every time you hear a SCC song on the radio or see a news brief on the state of China, think of the Chapmans and say a prayer for them.

Want to do even more? Give a gift to Shaohannah's Hope, a foundation for orphans in China, named after Steven's first adopted daughter. Just click on this link for more information on Maria's Miracle Fund. https://secure2.convio.net/ccsh/site/Donation2?idb=2079166640&df_id=1560&1560.donation=form1&JServSessionIdr009=ma974rkmx1.app14a

Summer's Here!

Today is the last day of school and the community of Dixon is about to change in so many ways. It's not officially the start of summer yet, but when school's out, the feeling is all the same. Sleeping in, swimming, shopping, movies, sleep-overs... our kids think they deserve something new and special every day - just because IT'S SUMMER! Of course, they're kids, and in some ways, I guess they're right. We just have to keep reminding them that their responsibilities haven't gone away all together just because it's light outside longer and they don't have homework.

I must admit, I'm a summer time fan myself and look forward to time off with the kids and opportunities to relax. Unfortunately, sometimes that thinking can sink into my habits at church and in my relationship with God.

So this is the challenge. Just because it's summer and my schedule's changing a bit, does it mean I don't have to make church a priority? Do I get to take a summer break from reading my Bible and prayer? Do I still have to minister to those who interrupt my day and have needs to be met? These questions may seem silly, but they're not too far off from the way we justify "taking a break" from our relationship with God when our schedule changes. It may not be intentional, but just like a kid, we shy away from our commitments to the things that matter most.

I encourage you to train your mind to think differently this summer. This is a time to enjoy all the best parts of life that God has to offer. We can soak up extra time with family and friends, savor all the ice cream we can eat, and yet still keep our commitment to serving Jesus just like we do throughout the rest of the year. So enjoy your fun in the sun and don't forget to thank Jesus for all that summer has to offer!

Fit Flops - The New Craze!

Have you seen these yet? They're an awesome new shoe for summer that is trendy and cute, but also offer support and a boost to help you workout while you walk! Here's the deal. They increase leg and calf muscles while you walk to help you burn more calories than if you were walking in a typical tennis shoe. However, they reduce strain on your feet, knees, and back, so you get the support you need! I must admit that I haven't tried them yet, and at $50 a pair, it may be a while. The next time I have a little extra cash - this is at the top of my treat list, though.

We heard from one of our very own girlfriends recently that her kids ordered a pair for her to try on Mother's Day. So ask Colette the next time you see her if the claims are true! Oprah gave them to her audience recently as one of her "favorite things" of the summer. (So they must be great, right?!) If you've had a chance to check them out personally, be sure to let the rest of us know if the benefit is worth the cash! In the mean time, you can check out their web site at http://www.footsmart.com/. Look at all the various colors and find the pair that works with your wardrobe. Happy summer and happy fitness, girlfriends!