Deanna Doss Shrodes

1) I care a lot less about what people think and more about what God thinks, and also being true to my own values. 2) I've become more courageous. 3) I am more focused than ever on making a difference. 4) My goals have become even more defined and streamlined. 5) I appreciate everything a lot more. 6) I savor things more than I used to...even the smallest things like sitting on the beach in the sand, or riding my bike at sunset. 7) Great sex. 8) My kids are getting older and this gives me more freedom than I used to have, the best thing being spontaneous dates and not having to line up a sitter each and every time. 9) I really have some of the most wonderfully supportive women friends a person could ask for. Somehow I have been able to cultivate this, even with being in ministry which many ministers or spouses never accomplish with the fishbowl existence. 10) When I'm criticized I care a lot less about defending myself now and instead just concentrate on doing a great job and a...

Today was a historic day at Northside. It was the first day of our services being interpreted in Spanish! It went excellent. We use headsets for anyone who needs interpretation and they pick them up in the info center. Candy Rivera did the interpreting today. With how loud Larry preaches, she was in sanctuary A room and we (the english speaking people without the headphones) couldn't even hear her as she interpreted! Perfect!!! I believe we could really feel the presence of God today as well...just good service all around...I'm looking forward to getting all the "stats" on it as far as numbers, but the most important stuff, I already know! We had lunch with the Riveras, Garlands, and Coopers. Delightful families. Yummy spanish food at Pipo's. We had Back to School Bash tonight. Larry and Savanna and Jordan went but I stayed back with Dustin. He's still not at 100% but he's doing good. When I came home from lunch I crashed on the bed for several HOURS. I w...

The schedule went as detailed yesterday in my blog and then after all that, I came home, crashed for about 30 minutes, got back up and we went out with Pastor T & Misty and the Garlands for Pastor T's birthday. We went to Kobe...and it was good...always good food there but better company. It's the company of a few that I enjoy the most. Many people would never realize, I really don't enjoy crowds. I "do them" because it's necessary. Anybody who is successful in ministry is going to learn how to work the crowd, but it's in the presence of just a few people that I enjoy most. I was really tired after a long day but when the company is good and the conversation enjoyable it is actually a refreshing time that does not make one more tired. After Kobe, we went over and hit Cold Stone Creamery. Can't remember who asked, "do you guys want to stop for ice cream?" and I retorted, "Um, did Trask resign?" (We're A/G, so I didn't wan...

So here I go with my answers that she asked for. To see who I've tagged, read to the end. Accent - Mixture - Baltimore, with a little Alabama stuff throw in (Dad's influence) Booze of choice - non fat tall latte (I don't do booze...I don't need another addiction. Food has been hard enough to get beyond, let alone liquor.) Chore I hate - weeding, cleaning out the fridge, and doing bathrooms. Dog or Cat - right now a dog and she seems to be my sole responsibility. (Pastor Lisa, I need your wisdom. Been meaning to ask you about this.) Essential electronics - computer, hair dryer and flat iron Favorite perfume(s)/cologne(s) - Halston Gold or Silver? - White gold or silver most of the time. When I wear any leopard type prints I go with gold, though. Hometown - Baltimore, Maryland Insomnia? - Yes, I am a night person by nature, and then if I'm bothered about something I do stay up. However, it's not to worry anymore. I get up, read the Word and pray or write. I refuse...

1. What is the most unlucky thing that has happened to you all week? Out of respect for someone else, I won't answer that. 2. Do bad things happen more often to good people or bad people? The Bible says the rain falls on the just and the unjust. That's not just a pat answer to me, it's reality. I believe bad things probably do happen a bit more to "bad people" because they are purposely heading in that direction however there is no doubt that bad things happen to really good people. 3. How much do you believe that you can improve your outlook in life (from a “fate” perspective ) by doing good deeds and correcting past wrongs? Hmmm...that's a tough question. I believe we can improve our outlook just by determining to. It's a DECISION. Sometimes I don't always make that decision, I have to confess. I get tired. I believe anytime we get our eyes off of ourselves and do for others, or improve ourselves, our outlook changes. However, nothing permanent rea...

Today was a sucky day in so many ways. I make an attempt to blog honestly although sometimes it's incredibly hard because there are so many confidential things in my life. It's just the nature of it when you are in the ministry. (And I hate it - sometimes I wonder why God chose me for this role in life when He knows I hate secrets so much and value transparency even more. ) Let's put it this way, I'll be crying myself to sleep tonight. I don't do this often - maybe once a year, quite honestly. I'm not a cryer. But when I am, I really am to the degree that the kleenex sticks to my eyelashes in little clumps and I feel like I can't breathe. Interesting that today's "Friday's Five" was on stress, and how I deal with it. :-) Should I have taken that as a prophecy? I didn't read that on the Elijah list or anything today... just kidding, actually I don't really read that. I just find it occasionally in my e-mail box from other people who ...

Pastor T spoke with the casting director of the show. They liked his and my husband's "story" so much, they do not even need to show up at the first round of interviews, which are tomorrow. They are moving straight on to the next round, which is Tuesday in Ft. Lauderdale. All of you who read my blog are my friends, so I'll just tell you what's on the top of my head right now. The fun is just starting for me, and I'm sure Misty may have the same feelings since she is a full time working Mom and college student, and children's pastor's wife. I'm already trying to figure out how to juggle school starting on Tuesday, Dustin's follow up appointments (only one of them) on Tuesday, work, and more. This is just for an interview, not the show. If they make the show this season, that means it coinciding with a ton of things which would include...my Africa trip, Houston conference, yada yada yada. Not to mention...I have a church to keep going. Of cours...