What a perfect day. Ty's birthday was yesterday and we had a blast.
First, we went to the Anniston Museum to see Sue the T-Rex. My kids l-o-v-e museums. I mean, really. We spent a few hours walking around. Then we had a picnic lunch at the park. The kids played on the playground. Very good times.
For supper, we went to Jessica and Adam's house. We had Shrimp Fettucine Alfredo with steamed broccoli, cheese sticks and garlic bread. For his dessert, we had cheesecake. Ty got to play x-box, game cube, and ps2. All three. His dream come true. Adam and Chris played music.
It was more fun than I can express. Not just fun, but familial, encouraging, relaxing, entertaining and fulfilling. You know. Just a night of shalom... peace, when for a brief time we experience a taste of heaven. And as Jessica put it, those times make us long for heaven, when all is as it should be. We do not grow content with life here.
And to top off Ty's birthday, he got more than $50. Fun times!
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Osteen Said What?
I was sickened when I watched this video. I was convicted also. I admit that I've always thought of Osteen as a joke, but he's no joke. He's an effective communicator who's leading millions astray. Watch for yourself.
Police
Have you ever filed a police report? No? Well, I have... three times now.
Once because a guy tried to run me off the road. Once when I was accused of assaulting a child at Stone Mountain - that's in an old post... "What Is This World Coming To?" from May 2006.
Most recently, yesterday to be exact, I filed one because a man stopped at our mailbox and told Maggie to get in his car. She'd never seen him before, has no idea who he was. But he stopped and told her to "Get in the car, I'm taking you home." Maggie screamed NO and ran away. He took off. Very scary. So, we called the police.
So, if creepy guy in a small green car is reading this, take notice... don't come back. I will rip it off and choke you with it.
Once because a guy tried to run me off the road. Once when I was accused of assaulting a child at Stone Mountain - that's in an old post... "What Is This World Coming To?" from May 2006.
Most recently, yesterday to be exact, I filed one because a man stopped at our mailbox and told Maggie to get in his car. She'd never seen him before, has no idea who he was. But he stopped and told her to "Get in the car, I'm taking you home." Maggie screamed NO and ran away. He took off. Very scary. So, we called the police.
So, if creepy guy in a small green car is reading this, take notice... don't come back. I will rip it off and choke you with it.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Grace
I am so behind in the game this week. I spent the bulk of the week cleaning, scrubbing and organizing. Did I plan for co-op? Not until Thursday night. Did I finish planning the birthday party? Not until Friday night. Did I finish prep for the party Friday? Nope, not until after guests were already at my house on Saturday.
I feel like I'm playing a constant game of catch up that I can never win. I haven't felt this way in a long time. I'm tired of it. What will I do about it? I have no idea. I have my check lists. I have my strategy. I just have to.... try harder to do better? Wait... that sounds familiar.
I am reaching the point where I will finally acknowledge my ineptness and relax. I'll still get things done but I might have to give some things up. And I don't wanna. I want to do it all. I know that everything on my list is something I'm capable of doing. But does that I mean I should do it? * deep sigh* No.
It probably also means that I need to get rid of lots of stuff. Simplify. Purge my home of the idols of materialism and creature comforts. I mean, really, should I keep the backpack with the broken zipper when I've bought another to replace it? No. Should I keep every book that I've ever read or can I donate them to the library?
Side note:
It's so good when things don't go the way I want or expect them to go. It makes me let go of my need to control and be in charge. It makes me remember to rest in Christ and his reputation, not my own. The pressure I feel is always something I put on myself. No one else can make me feel pressured. I make myself feel pressured.
I can choose to let go of what they think of me and rest in the certainty of who I really am. I can do the best I can and relax. Deep breath. Loosened muscles. Smile. It's okay. If things don't go the way they "ought" there is still a sovereign God in the heavens causing all things to work for my salvation. Nothing can be a complete disaster. God's plan is always at work. There is such peace in that. I am being delighted in while I'm in the midst of panic and people-pleasing. Makes me feel dismayed and delighted at the same time. More delighted than anything else.
Why was I tense? Now I can't even remember.
I feel like I'm playing a constant game of catch up that I can never win. I haven't felt this way in a long time. I'm tired of it. What will I do about it? I have no idea. I have my check lists. I have my strategy. I just have to.... try harder to do better? Wait... that sounds familiar.
I am reaching the point where I will finally acknowledge my ineptness and relax. I'll still get things done but I might have to give some things up. And I don't wanna. I want to do it all. I know that everything on my list is something I'm capable of doing. But does that I mean I should do it? * deep sigh* No.
It probably also means that I need to get rid of lots of stuff. Simplify. Purge my home of the idols of materialism and creature comforts. I mean, really, should I keep the backpack with the broken zipper when I've bought another to replace it? No. Should I keep every book that I've ever read or can I donate them to the library?
Side note:
It's so good when things don't go the way I want or expect them to go. It makes me let go of my need to control and be in charge. It makes me remember to rest in Christ and his reputation, not my own. The pressure I feel is always something I put on myself. No one else can make me feel pressured. I make myself feel pressured.
I can choose to let go of what they think of me and rest in the certainty of who I really am. I can do the best I can and relax. Deep breath. Loosened muscles. Smile. It's okay. If things don't go the way they "ought" there is still a sovereign God in the heavens causing all things to work for my salvation. Nothing can be a complete disaster. God's plan is always at work. There is such peace in that. I am being delighted in while I'm in the midst of panic and people-pleasing. Makes me feel dismayed and delighted at the same time. More delighted than anything else.
Why was I tense? Now I can't even remember.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Patron of the Arts
I love art. Maybe not as much as Laura but I love it. Chris and I commissioned an artist to paint something for us. To be precise, a painting of our home in 50 years. It took her a few months but it's finished. She brought it to us yesterday.
When I saw it, I cried. It's a beautiful painting. So beautiful. It was very moving to me. I think because Chris and I worked so hard for so long and trusted God so deeply to provide. It took years for us to get the house. 7 years to be exact. We wanted a home that we could live in for the rest of our lives. A home to raise our children in, for our children to bring their children to, and so on. We were looking ahead. Long term plans. And here I was looking at an artistic rendering of it. A vision of a dream. Our dream. One of the biggest blessings we've ever received.
This painting is a testament to the goodness of God, who gives us good gifts even though we don't deserve anything but his wrath.
BTW, the artist's name is Hannah Foushee.
When I saw it, I cried. It's a beautiful painting. So beautiful. It was very moving to me. I think because Chris and I worked so hard for so long and trusted God so deeply to provide. It took years for us to get the house. 7 years to be exact. We wanted a home that we could live in for the rest of our lives. A home to raise our children in, for our children to bring their children to, and so on. We were looking ahead. Long term plans. And here I was looking at an artistic rendering of it. A vision of a dream. Our dream. One of the biggest blessings we've ever received.
This painting is a testament to the goodness of God, who gives us good gifts even though we don't deserve anything but his wrath.
BTW, the artist's name is Hannah Foushee.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
50 Things I Love
50 Things I love:
1. The way Brody tippee-toes down the hall when Chris is sleeping.
2. Watching Gracie playing soccer... she scored 4 goals today!
3. Listening to Ty's absolutely cracked-up laugh.
4. Blogging.
5. Chris's rear view.
6. Spending time with my friends, for many wide and various reasons.
7. The freedom that overwhelms me when I remember that I am completely forgiven, completely righteous by faith alone.
8. Teaching/Speaking9. Reading Maggie's poetry/songs.
10. Homemade tacos with corn and sweet relish on them.
11. A really good night's sleep and waking up not thinking about anything stressful.
12. My sister.
13. My van. (except the driver's window that won't roll down.)
14. My kitchen... the color of the cabinets, the openness of it, the appliances, everything.
15. Meteor showers.
16. A clean house. Which happens with about the same frequency as meteor showers.
17. Seeing Molly, my hippo-dog, striking the Snoopy pose.
18. Having Amber next door.
19. Friday nights at my house.
20. Knowing that heaven is real and waiting for me... and that my Mother is waiting too.
21. Napoleon Dynamite.
22. A tall glass of water when I'm parched.
23. My in-laws.
24. My nephews.
25. Adam's music
26. My porch swing.
27. Bonfires. (you're not the only one, Jess)
28. Air-conditioning.
29. Vacations... snow skiing, beach, either/or
30. Seeing Scott and my Dad crack themselves up
31. Getting good deals on stuff that we need.
32. Sunny days by the lake listening to my kids laugh... the closest thing to heaven on earth.
33. Realist and Impressionist paintings... and Maggie's paintings (she's really quite good)
34. Helping KimHill eat that 9 pounds of chocolate in her pantry.
35. BBC's Pride and Prejudice
36. My OB/GYN.
37. Looking up from a task and seeing Chris unexpectedly... it makes my heart flutter. *sigh*
38. Hearing Jawan and Amber sing together.
39. Surprise parties.
40. My mother-in-law's Blueberry Dessert. Yum!
41. My Jr. High Sunday School class.
42. Toby Mac. I was at DC Talk's very first concert in Alabama. It was a Christian Teen Club in Centerpoint. circa 1989.
43. My church. And my church staff. Perfection, well, almost.
44. Good music.
45. Terri's spaghetti.
46. Nertz.
47. My Duet washer and dryer.
48. My Nanny and PawPaw and Granny.
49. Witty repartee. In movies, books or with G, doesn't matter to me. Love it all.
50. MY LIFE!!!
I could go on but this post is getting waaayyy too long. Maybe I'll post another list one day.
1. The way Brody tippee-toes down the hall when Chris is sleeping.
2. Watching Gracie playing soccer... she scored 4 goals today!
3. Listening to Ty's absolutely cracked-up laugh.
4. Blogging.
5. Chris's rear view.
6. Spending time with my friends, for many wide and various reasons.
7. The freedom that overwhelms me when I remember that I am completely forgiven, completely righteous by faith alone.
8. Teaching/Speaking9. Reading Maggie's poetry/songs.
10. Homemade tacos with corn and sweet relish on them.
11. A really good night's sleep and waking up not thinking about anything stressful.
12. My sister.
13. My van. (except the driver's window that won't roll down.)
14. My kitchen... the color of the cabinets, the openness of it, the appliances, everything.
15. Meteor showers.
16. A clean house. Which happens with about the same frequency as meteor showers.
17. Seeing Molly, my hippo-dog, striking the Snoopy pose.
18. Having Amber next door.
19. Friday nights at my house.
20. Knowing that heaven is real and waiting for me... and that my Mother is waiting too.
21. Napoleon Dynamite.
22. A tall glass of water when I'm parched.
23. My in-laws.
24. My nephews.
25. Adam's music
26. My porch swing.
27. Bonfires. (you're not the only one, Jess)
28. Air-conditioning.
29. Vacations... snow skiing, beach, either/or
30. Seeing Scott and my Dad crack themselves up
31. Getting good deals on stuff that we need.
32. Sunny days by the lake listening to my kids laugh... the closest thing to heaven on earth.
33. Realist and Impressionist paintings... and Maggie's paintings (she's really quite good)
34. Helping KimHill eat that 9 pounds of chocolate in her pantry.
35. BBC's Pride and Prejudice
36. My OB/GYN.
37. Looking up from a task and seeing Chris unexpectedly... it makes my heart flutter. *sigh*
38. Hearing Jawan and Amber sing together.
39. Surprise parties.
40. My mother-in-law's Blueberry Dessert. Yum!
41. My Jr. High Sunday School class.
42. Toby Mac. I was at DC Talk's very first concert in Alabama. It was a Christian Teen Club in Centerpoint. circa 1989.
43. My church. And my church staff. Perfection, well, almost.
44. Good music.
45. Terri's spaghetti.
46. Nertz.
47. My Duet washer and dryer.
48. My Nanny and PawPaw and Granny.
49. Witty repartee. In movies, books or with G, doesn't matter to me. Love it all.
50. MY LIFE!!!
I could go on but this post is getting waaayyy too long. Maybe I'll post another list one day.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Lost
Lost:
One friend:
Hair: Straight, brown with new layers
Humor: sly and witty
Occupation: being my friend... and maybe something about photography
Hobbies: being my friend... and bonfires
Married: yes and he's missing also
Last seen: so long ago I can't even remember
Blog: not lately
Name: Jessica
If you have seen this elusive friend, capture her and give me a call. No matter how much she pleads, don't release her until I get to the bottom of her disappearance.
One friend:
Hair: Straight, brown with new layers
Humor: sly and witty
Occupation: being my friend... and maybe something about photography
Hobbies: being my friend... and bonfires
Married: yes and he's missing also
Last seen: so long ago I can't even remember
Blog: not lately
Name: Jessica
If you have seen this elusive friend, capture her and give me a call. No matter how much she pleads, don't release her until I get to the bottom of her disappearance.
Pretending
Pretending like nothing's wrong.
Or that I like the food I've been served.
Or that I don't really want to eat the rest of the box of doughnuts.
Pretending that I've got it all together.
Or that I'm not embarrassed.
Or that the fact that my mother's death doesn't scare the *%$# out of me on a daily basis.
Pretending that I didn't smell that.
That writing doesn't mean that much to me.
That I don't wish I could run away sometimes.
That I'm not depressed.
That I'm not secretly overjoyed about getting my own way.
Pretending that my mistakes don't affect my children.
That I didn't hear Maggie call someone a jerk because I don't want to deal with her.
That I don't have bills that need paying.
That you didn't hurt my feelings.
Pretending that I don't secretly like the BeeGees.
Or that my knee's not hurting.
Pretending like I don't have $12.00 in late fees at the library.
That I don't desperately long for all of Chris' attention sometimes.
That I don't need to shave my legs.
But worse, pretending to be an orphan when I am really the beloved daughter of the Most High.
The elusive realness of being me. Just me. Not the me I wish I was.
Or that I like the food I've been served.
Or that I don't really want to eat the rest of the box of doughnuts.
Pretending that I've got it all together.
Or that I'm not embarrassed.
Or that the fact that my mother's death doesn't scare the *%$# out of me on a daily basis.
Pretending that I didn't smell that.
That writing doesn't mean that much to me.
That I don't wish I could run away sometimes.
That I'm not depressed.
That I'm not secretly overjoyed about getting my own way.
Pretending that my mistakes don't affect my children.
That I didn't hear Maggie call someone a jerk because I don't want to deal with her.
That I don't have bills that need paying.
That you didn't hurt my feelings.
Pretending that I don't secretly like the BeeGees.
Or that my knee's not hurting.
Pretending like I don't have $12.00 in late fees at the library.
That I don't desperately long for all of Chris' attention sometimes.
That I don't need to shave my legs.
But worse, pretending to be an orphan when I am really the beloved daughter of the Most High.
The elusive realness of being me. Just me. Not the me I wish I was.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
I am lovin' this whole playlist thing... Thanks to Paige for noticing. Love listening to music I haven't heard in a while. Love is a Battlefield. Great song. Makes me want to roller skate. It also makes me look old. Oh well.
I've figured out that by right clicking on my links, I can keep listening to the music. Me likee-
likee.
Amber is moved in and getting settled. Brody loves having Steven next door. He said that Steven is his best friend. All the other kids have had a best friend live there, so now it's his turn.
I'm having trouble concentrating... the kids keep interrupting. I'm giving up until later when they're asleep.
I've figured out that by right clicking on my links, I can keep listening to the music. Me likee-
likee.
Amber is moved in and getting settled. Brody loves having Steven next door. He said that Steven is his best friend. All the other kids have had a best friend live there, so now it's his turn.
I'm having trouble concentrating... the kids keep interrupting. I'm giving up until later when they're asleep.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Update
I must tell you all what my perfect husband did. After reading my blog, he surprised me with a mini-vacation to the beach. I know, he's wonderful. He told me Sunday morning that we were leaving the next day. And we did. We went to PC Beach. What a blast! It was just what the doctor ordered. Vacation Chris was just as I remembered him: relaxed, funny, witty and sweet. Tense Chris tried to show up a couple of times but he was quickly vanquished by Vacation Chris. Lovely!
A quick note to KimHill... my playlist sucked away hours of my life when I should have been doing other things but super fun! Thanks for the tips.
Also, (drum roll please)... Amber moves back home, next door to me, tomorrow! Yippee!!!! I can't believe it. Cathy moved last week into a better situation and Amber moves back in. Sometimes God surprises us with his plans. I am thankful.
Well, about 10 teenage girls should be arriving at my house for a lock-in in a few minutes. I have to figure out what I shall feed them. Something to balance out the sugar that I'm sure they'll bring with them. Sedatives? How can I disguise the taste? I think I'll go figure that out.
Talk to you soon. Remind me to tell you of all the freaky things that happened years ago that pointed to me marrying Chris. That'll be next time. Bye!
A quick note to KimHill... my playlist sucked away hours of my life when I should have been doing other things but super fun! Thanks for the tips.
Also, (drum roll please)... Amber moves back home, next door to me, tomorrow! Yippee!!!! I can't believe it. Cathy moved last week into a better situation and Amber moves back in. Sometimes God surprises us with his plans. I am thankful.
Well, about 10 teenage girls should be arriving at my house for a lock-in in a few minutes. I have to figure out what I shall feed them. Something to balance out the sugar that I'm sure they'll bring with them. Sedatives? How can I disguise the taste? I think I'll go figure that out.
Talk to you soon. Remind me to tell you of all the freaky things that happened years ago that pointed to me marrying Chris. That'll be next time. Bye!
Friday, September 07, 2007
Laughter
I ran into the church just to post a blog. My internet has been down for 2 weeks now. I am sooo not happy. I called the people today and told them that I wanted it up TODAY. "Roy" promised me that it would be and then added that it would be up for sure by tomorrow. Great! (said with a sneer and dripping with sarcasm)
I spent yesterday afternoon with my dear friend KimHill. We pretty much sat around all afternoon complaining and moaning and crying. Neither of us had good days. Nothing catastrophic just crappy. So we whined. It made me feel much better. I even got to run into her at the soccer field and she made me laugh... really hard. She knows why. I laughed all night long because of her. So thank you Mrs. KimHill. I love you.
Another person who makes me laugh a lot, when he's in the manic swing of his bi-polar, is G. He said he was going to blog about his cleverness of calling Kim and I "thing 1 and thing 2". I beat him to it. Ha Ha Ha. Stole his thunder. See what you can do now, G.
I have other friends who make me laugh but this week it was KimHill, G and oh, don't forget Les. What with her ugly baby and all.
I spent yesterday afternoon with my dear friend KimHill. We pretty much sat around all afternoon complaining and moaning and crying. Neither of us had good days. Nothing catastrophic just crappy. So we whined. It made me feel much better. I even got to run into her at the soccer field and she made me laugh... really hard. She knows why. I laughed all night long because of her. So thank you Mrs. KimHill. I love you.
Another person who makes me laugh a lot, when he's in the manic swing of his bi-polar, is G. He said he was going to blog about his cleverness of calling Kim and I "thing 1 and thing 2". I beat him to it. Ha Ha Ha. Stole his thunder. See what you can do now, G.
I have other friends who make me laugh but this week it was KimHill, G and oh, don't forget Les. What with her ugly baby and all.
Monday, September 03, 2007
Labor Day
Today is Labor Day. Which is good because it means no teaching and fighting children today. Wonderful.
I lost 2 pounds last week. Good for me. Little bit by little bit. Baby steps.
I'm over at Kim's. Chris is overcoming his OCD and ADD tendencies to make homemade ice cream. He's very funny today. very distracted. I can have lots of fun with him. Hee Hee
I'm still a little depressed. I think this is a little more chemical/hormonal than spiritual. Which of course just pisses me off. I want to be jovial. What a nice word: jovial. I like it. I think I'll try to use it a few more times.
We had a nice little party at our house last night. Last night was supposed to be Community Group but most of our group was out of town so no group. Right? Wrong. We ended up with about 20 people at our house for dinner. We had pizza and salads with brownies and homemade ice cream. Adam, Chris and Brendan kept us entertained with music. SOOOO fun!!!! I love having people over. If you wanna come over, give me a call.
The primary thing on my mind today is this pressing desire to go away... like a vacation. A mini-break. Heck, even a camping trip. I want to plan the trip. See how cheaply I can pull it off. I want to pack and clean and travel. I want a break. A vacation. I want to spend time with "Vacation Chris". "Vacation Chris" is completely relaxed and stress free, no worries, no responsibilities. But we have a goal: to be out of debt by Feb. '08. We can do it. But I sure do miss having a break. I'm pretty sure I'll survive. But what's a blog for if not to whine a bit.
That's all for right now. Kim wants me to come help in the kitchen. I miss being a kid when everyone always yelled "Get out of the kitchen!!!!"
HAPPY LABOR DAY!!!
I lost 2 pounds last week. Good for me. Little bit by little bit. Baby steps.
I'm over at Kim's. Chris is overcoming his OCD and ADD tendencies to make homemade ice cream. He's very funny today. very distracted. I can have lots of fun with him. Hee Hee
I'm still a little depressed. I think this is a little more chemical/hormonal than spiritual. Which of course just pisses me off. I want to be jovial. What a nice word: jovial. I like it. I think I'll try to use it a few more times.
We had a nice little party at our house last night. Last night was supposed to be Community Group but most of our group was out of town so no group. Right? Wrong. We ended up with about 20 people at our house for dinner. We had pizza and salads with brownies and homemade ice cream. Adam, Chris and Brendan kept us entertained with music. SOOOO fun!!!! I love having people over. If you wanna come over, give me a call.
The primary thing on my mind today is this pressing desire to go away... like a vacation. A mini-break. Heck, even a camping trip. I want to plan the trip. See how cheaply I can pull it off. I want to pack and clean and travel. I want a break. A vacation. I want to spend time with "Vacation Chris". "Vacation Chris" is completely relaxed and stress free, no worries, no responsibilities. But we have a goal: to be out of debt by Feb. '08. We can do it. But I sure do miss having a break. I'm pretty sure I'll survive. But what's a blog for if not to whine a bit.
That's all for right now. Kim wants me to come help in the kitchen. I miss being a kid when everyone always yelled "Get out of the kitchen!!!!"
HAPPY LABOR DAY!!!
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Freedom
Sometimes life is hard. Well, maybe it's just that life is always hard but I just handle it better sometimes.
Last week was the 3 year anniversary of my Mother's death. It seems like this year was the worst year yet. I was depressed. Still am to an extent. Which leads me to eat. I've discovered that I don't eat when I'm angry or happy... just when I'm sad. I gained 3 pounds last week. Which leads me to frustration and more depression.
Why is it so hard to trust God sometimes? There is nothing, not a thing, wrong with being sad about my mother dying. But when I eat, am I trusting? Or am I feeding a longing that cannot be satisfied this side of heaven?
I want to be free. Free from wanting the things that will kill me. Free from desires for things that are not Christ.
I am free but not feeling very free at the moment. Those whom Christ has set free are free indeed.
Last week was the 3 year anniversary of my Mother's death. It seems like this year was the worst year yet. I was depressed. Still am to an extent. Which leads me to eat. I've discovered that I don't eat when I'm angry or happy... just when I'm sad. I gained 3 pounds last week. Which leads me to frustration and more depression.
Why is it so hard to trust God sometimes? There is nothing, not a thing, wrong with being sad about my mother dying. But when I eat, am I trusting? Or am I feeding a longing that cannot be satisfied this side of heaven?
I want to be free. Free from wanting the things that will kill me. Free from desires for things that are not Christ.
I am free but not feeling very free at the moment. Those whom Christ has set free are free indeed.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
My Seven
Amber also tagged me, as KimHill reminded me. I have a hard time coming up with 7 things though. I'll try.
1. At the age of 8, I was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Doctors gave me 6 months to live. My Momma prayed. I was miraculously healed. Not even a trace of it left. I remember my doctors having no explanation... I believe the word he used was "miracle".
2. I never went to college.
3. I was a little cross-eyed as a child. Lazy eye.
4. My nicknames growing up were Mouse and Cris. Kim and one aunt still call me Mouse. My Granny, my best friend from high school and some of my uncles still call me Cris... no one else does because I married a Chris. It makes life a little complicated sometimes. So my family calls me Cris and him Christopher.
5. I secretly like the movie Dirty Dancing. Sorry.
6. When I was in jr. high, I had a huge crush on Patrick Sharp, my future brother-in-law. I had no idea he even had a brother. Probably because his brother was so much older than him, and Patrick's 5 years older than me. Our joke is: I was looking for tall, dark and handsome... I married his brother instead. (Obviously I joke because we all know that my husband is the sexiest man alive)
7. I have an obsession about my bedside table. It must stay cleaned out at all times. This is really a weird fear of dying. I don't want anyone to have to go thru my 'secret' stuff. I try to stay ready for my own death at all times. Laura Leigh says it's because my mother died traumatically. I'm sure she's right... she usually is. I also have post-traumatic stress disorder panic attacks around fruit flies. Sounds funny and you can laugh. But I really do. It's pretty scary for the person with me when it happens.
Well, that wasn't so hard. I guess for once my verbal diarrhea came in handy.
1. At the age of 8, I was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Doctors gave me 6 months to live. My Momma prayed. I was miraculously healed. Not even a trace of it left. I remember my doctors having no explanation... I believe the word he used was "miracle".
2. I never went to college.
3. I was a little cross-eyed as a child. Lazy eye.
4. My nicknames growing up were Mouse and Cris. Kim and one aunt still call me Mouse. My Granny, my best friend from high school and some of my uncles still call me Cris... no one else does because I married a Chris. It makes life a little complicated sometimes. So my family calls me Cris and him Christopher.
5. I secretly like the movie Dirty Dancing. Sorry.
6. When I was in jr. high, I had a huge crush on Patrick Sharp, my future brother-in-law. I had no idea he even had a brother. Probably because his brother was so much older than him, and Patrick's 5 years older than me. Our joke is: I was looking for tall, dark and handsome... I married his brother instead. (Obviously I joke because we all know that my husband is the sexiest man alive)
7. I have an obsession about my bedside table. It must stay cleaned out at all times. This is really a weird fear of dying. I don't want anyone to have to go thru my 'secret' stuff. I try to stay ready for my own death at all times. Laura Leigh says it's because my mother died traumatically. I'm sure she's right... she usually is. I also have post-traumatic stress disorder panic attacks around fruit flies. Sounds funny and you can laugh. But I really do. It's pretty scary for the person with me when it happens.
Well, that wasn't so hard. I guess for once my verbal diarrhea came in handy.
Monday, August 06, 2007
My Teacher Dane
"his only way out had been crucified by the very people who were supposed to provide the service."
This is a quote from Dane's blog. Which is incredible, by the way. You need to read it in order for this post to make much sense. Dane took a homeless man out to lunch and spent an hour 'being his family'. There is a part of me that wants to pat Dane on the back and walk away. Don't think about it too much. Don't process it. But I can't. I am affected.
I remember hearing Jodi Erickson Tada speak at a PCA function. She agrees with Dane. So does Brennan Manning. Oh wait.... so does Jesus. I want to justify myself right now. Real bad. But I've got nothing to work with. I am selfish.
I can hear some of you thoughts right now, because I have them too. "But middle class people need Jesus too." or " I never see homeless people." etc, ad nauseum.
But what about simple conversations with the smelly woman in line behind me at the grocery? Do those count? I notice what Dane did was treat Donnie like a person. He treated him with dignity and kindness. Not pity or condescension. He acknowledged Donnie's right to dignity as a man made in the image of God.
Chris has been preaching this at me for years. And to an extent I get it. But how much? How much of my life am I willing to pour out into people who are different from myself? Whether that's a homeless man or a lesbian or a redneck or a potty-mouth. Or what about family with different theology? Hmm... You tell me.
This is a quote from Dane's blog. Which is incredible, by the way. You need to read it in order for this post to make much sense. Dane took a homeless man out to lunch and spent an hour 'being his family'. There is a part of me that wants to pat Dane on the back and walk away. Don't think about it too much. Don't process it. But I can't. I am affected.
I remember hearing Jodi Erickson Tada speak at a PCA function. She agrees with Dane. So does Brennan Manning. Oh wait.... so does Jesus. I want to justify myself right now. Real bad. But I've got nothing to work with. I am selfish.
I can hear some of you thoughts right now, because I have them too. "But middle class people need Jesus too." or " I never see homeless people." etc, ad nauseum.
But what about simple conversations with the smelly woman in line behind me at the grocery? Do those count? I notice what Dane did was treat Donnie like a person. He treated him with dignity and kindness. Not pity or condescension. He acknowledged Donnie's right to dignity as a man made in the image of God.
Chris has been preaching this at me for years. And to an extent I get it. But how much? How much of my life am I willing to pour out into people who are different from myself? Whether that's a homeless man or a lesbian or a redneck or a potty-mouth. Or what about family with different theology? Hmm... You tell me.
P.S. After reading this post and Dane's post, click here http://www.myspace.com/actofcongress and listen to "Loves Comes For Free". It's the song that came immediately to mind.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
A Typical Evening At the Sharp's
Gracie was playing on the couch.
Maggie was watching a movie.
Ty was copying the words of the Declaration of Independence.
Brody was running around outside, hitting things with a plastic hockey stick.
My pretty front porch that my lovely husband built for me a few years ago. I love it! I took this while sitting on my porch swing. Which, incidentally, Chris also built.
This picture turned out soooooo cool. I took it at the Guad last week. I wasn't trying for an effect, I just shot it with my cell phone. Neat, huh?
Monday, July 30, 2007
One little thing. If you are a woman that might be interested in going on a retreat go to: http://www.communitypca.net navigate to the Women's Ministries page and take the poll. So far... 8 votes. One of which is mine.
July in Review
Let's see. What did I do this month?
1. Swim ministry on Tuesdays.
2. Pottery class for kids on Fridays.
3. Birthday parties: 3
4. Doctor's appointments: 6
5. Camps: 2
6. Helped organize a banquet feeding 500.
7. Decided on and worked on curriculum for co-op class.
8. Turned in Women's Ministry budget request.
9. Decided on and developed curriculum for my 4 children.
10. Started jogging.
11. Made 200 wedding invitations.
12.Signed Gracie up for soccer.
13. Kept my neighbor's little boy every week day for 2 weeks.
14. Read 3 books.
15. Had Friday night "Girl Night" every week.
16. Forgot my brother-in-law's birthday.
17. Did no laundry for 5 days straight... believe me, not good.
18. Bird-sat Angie's parakeet for a week while they're on vacation.
19. Battled jealousy over all of my friends who got to go to the beach this month.
20. Went to hear Act Of Congress in concert. Great fun!
21. Vow to sleep late tomorrow. Must have sleep soon.
Needless to say, I can't wait for August and the start of school. I need the break. I'm not complaining... I loved everything I did. Well, except the "forgetting Patrick's birthday" part. And the doctor's appointments. Oh, and the jealousy thing. But other than that, I had a great time. But I know that I could not keep up that pace for even another week or two. Resentment would start to set in.
Let me see... was there anything else? ....
Oh yeah, "Hi!" to Laura Kay. Thanks for reading. And if Abby or Michelle read this, we really should meet because I think we're friends just waiting to happen. KimHill and Amber agree.
Love to Jawan. And Marissa. I think of you guys when I'm typing. It makes it seem like a conversation. The kind where I do all the talking. I know, G, you're saying "How is that any different from every other conversation with you?" Well, not very, I guess.
Well, good night, cruel world. I'm off to bed.
1. Swim ministry on Tuesdays.
2. Pottery class for kids on Fridays.
3. Birthday parties: 3
4. Doctor's appointments: 6
5. Camps: 2
6. Helped organize a banquet feeding 500.
7. Decided on and worked on curriculum for co-op class.
8. Turned in Women's Ministry budget request.
9. Decided on and developed curriculum for my 4 children.
10. Started jogging.
11. Made 200 wedding invitations.
12.Signed Gracie up for soccer.
13. Kept my neighbor's little boy every week day for 2 weeks.
14. Read 3 books.
15. Had Friday night "Girl Night" every week.
16. Forgot my brother-in-law's birthday.
17. Did no laundry for 5 days straight... believe me, not good.
18. Bird-sat Angie's parakeet for a week while they're on vacation.
19. Battled jealousy over all of my friends who got to go to the beach this month.
20. Went to hear Act Of Congress in concert. Great fun!
21. Vow to sleep late tomorrow. Must have sleep soon.
Needless to say, I can't wait for August and the start of school. I need the break. I'm not complaining... I loved everything I did. Well, except the "forgetting Patrick's birthday" part. And the doctor's appointments. Oh, and the jealousy thing. But other than that, I had a great time. But I know that I could not keep up that pace for even another week or two. Resentment would start to set in.
Let me see... was there anything else? ....
Oh yeah, "Hi!" to Laura Kay. Thanks for reading. And if Abby or Michelle read this, we really should meet because I think we're friends just waiting to happen. KimHill and Amber agree.
Love to Jawan. And Marissa. I think of you guys when I'm typing. It makes it seem like a conversation. The kind where I do all the talking. I know, G, you're saying "How is that any different from every other conversation with you?" Well, not very, I guess.
Well, good night, cruel world. I'm off to bed.
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