All the cool kids are doing it...

I know this girl who made a New Year's Resolution to send 3 postcards a month. I read that and thought "Man, that's a really cool idea. I wish I could do something like that." And I left it at that. As time has gone on I've thought a little more about it and I'm gonna do it. She said I could steal her idea so I am.

So this is me, Maria Williams, telling the world that for the next year I will send 3 postcards a month to folks across the world.

But this is where I need your help. I have addresses for some of you but for some I don't. Whether I spoke to you today, yesterday, or 3 years ago, send me your address (either on the book of faces or mariadwilliams@gmail.com) and in your mailbox you'll receive a little something special.

I only have 11 days left in this month, so I guess I should get on it.

MeLissa writes this resolution a lot more eloquently, so check out her description at http://shegotjokes.blogspot.com/.

Scott Alan...

Scott Alan has, in the last few weeks, become one of my favorite song writers. And here is an example on why....

"West"

Winter here is coming
The leaves are almost gone
You can hear the birds migrating
Through the sky lit autumn dawn
The colors here are changing
There's no green in sight
And the snow has made it's entrance
So the ground is paved in white

I'm sure you're doing great out west
And you're fine out on your own
But know the front door key still works
If you chose to come back home

Have you made a lot of friends there
In this new life that you've made?
Are there days that you think maybe
You should possibly have stayed?

I'm sure you're happy where you are
And you do not miss the cold
But remember where the spare key sits
If you want to come back home

There'll be seconds, sometimes minutes
Where your face won't cross my mind
There'll be days that I'm not angry
That you left me here behind
And I know you've gone to find yourself
It doesn't make the pain hurt less
When I'm here all alone I wonder
How I'd fare out west

Oh I'd sail upon my feet
And the sounds of the pacific ocean
I'd be basking in the heat
With my face lathered in suntan lotion
And all the stars I'd see
While they're driving on gold streets
No none of that competes
With living here out east

Cuz though I miss you
And God do I miss you
A life out there would make me feel
Incomplete

Cuz I'd miss the change in seasons
And the smell of fire wood
And though I'll be out to visit
New York's my home for good
I'm sure you're happy where you are
And you're fine out on your own
Just know I'm here with open arms if you find yourself
Back home.

The Price is Right

I love The Price is Right. And the love I have for this show became very evident today in class. Hear the story on how...

http://www.youtube.com/user/mariadwilliams

Stop Crying!!!

I know for some of you, you cry yourself to sleep because you don't get to see my face as often as you'd like. Well, today is your lucky day...

http://www.youtube.com/user/mariadwilliams

I don't really talk about anything exciting. Just a little update about life, love, & other mysteries.

9 Days...

In 9 Days my journey into the unknown will begin. This will be the beginning of a new chapter in my life-the emotions going through me right now are numerous (but that's for another post). The last few days have been spent finalizing the details for my road trip. Except for one little hotel room, I think I'm ready!

If you are located in or near any of the following locations, I would love to see you and hang out. Any and all friendly visits are welcomed and appreciated.

Fri. Aug. 28th: I will hit the road to Nashville, TN and stay there for a few nights.

Tues. Sept. 1st: Arkadelphia, AR & Beth Crecink here I come.

Wed. Sept. 2nd: The one and only Brady Plunk gets to be graced by presence in Shawnee, OK.

Thurs. Sept. 3rd: Hotel in Gallup, NM. (I've decided that no one knows any one in New Mexico.)

Fri. Sept. 4th: PASADENA, CA!!! Let the fun times begin with Ellen, Matt, and me.

Conclusion of Camp

On every Saturday morning of M-Fuge this summer I would have my students take a few minutes to write down/draw/be creative, etc on the things that happened to them during the week & what God had taught them. For me it was neat to see them stop & take this time to be pensive.  Some of my students would be extremely creative and draw pictures and I wish you could see them-they're great. 

As I sit here and look through this stack of 75-100 papers I begin to tear up a little. In my 3rd week post camp I am still in awe of all the work that God did with M-Fuge this summer. The city of Birmingham will never be the same and my prayer is the same is the with the students that came.  I am definitely honored to have been apart of another summer of Fuge.  

Looking through these papers makes me wish that everyone could be apart of Fuge. So I decided to write down some of the statements my students wrote down about their weeks at Birmingham M-Fuge. I hope you enjoy just as much as I enjoyed having these students this summer. 

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Tuesday night I had enough courage to take a stand...I love you.

God has called me to missions this week and I am willing to go wherever He leads me. 

I learned how to stand up when called, how to be a leader among peers. 

This week God taught me how to: respect others, pick grass, slap sweat bees, not to be afraid/embarrassed to praise Him, sing like no one is listening. 

I've learned that workin' for God is life changing. I know everything that has happened has happened because of Him. 

I got saved!

I want my heart to stay on fire for Him & go home and keep living this way. 

God has helped me to forgive my dad for what has happened and I'm really glad that I've been able to forgive. 

I learned more about other missions opportunities around the world and was able to contribute to the offering.  

I loved ALL of the songs that the Shane Burlison Band played. 

People who live long lives shake my hand, it felt great. 

I pray I'll continue to be a humble servant of God. 

God has shown me that if I step out in to the unknown, then he will direct me and protect me from whatever barriers come in the way. 

Even though I take a stand in what I believe, I feel like God has lid it upon my heart to be in Bible Study, prayer, and to focus on the goal he has for me!

I have seen God work through our wonderful PCY track group. 

God shows his love by huging me with a light summer breeze. He kisses me on the cheek with the sun on my face.  He give me a beautiful sunset with all colors with alone on an afternoon.  When I'm sad he rains to let me know that he knows me so well he sheds a raindrop. 

I got saved!

My grandfather is a very strong Christian.  I know he'd be so proud of me if he saw how God has worked with me this week & I want to show him. 

At the nursing home we visited I realized that the littlest things you do can really help someone and that people appreciate those things.  

I feel...fired up, convicted, & inspired.

He showed me that I need to be patient.

So...I started a Video-Blog...

ahhh...That's right people. I did my first vlog (is that right?!?).  I thought I'd give it a gander and see what all the hype is about. And because I'm so cool and popular I know everyone will watch it!! bahaha. yea right!

Heres the link. Tell me what you think. If you hate it, um, just keep it to yourself then. :) 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fn7xOxdrmk