Wow. Two months. It's been two months since I last blogged. So much for good intentions.
...
Today is Good Friday. I must confess, I didn't give it too much thought. It was a Friday; that means co-op, tidying up, cooking dinner and having people over. It wasn't until my friends went home and all the toys were put away and the house was quiet that I reflected.
On Facebook many of my friends posted pictures of crosses and Bible verses and various religious symbols. I don't have a problem at all with that. I really don't. But when I try to do that, try to express in plain words what Easter is about or how it makes me feel, I shy away.
Some things are just too big, too deep, too... something to put into words. I am reminded of Mary's response to becoming the mother of Jesus, "But Mary treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart." I think about incarnation, righteousness, perfection, torture, pain, loneliness and death and think, how can I possibly express that? How can I possibly verbalize how I feel about that?
To try and express myself right now would sound trite, overstated and cliched. "Jesus is Lord." - sounds like a bumper sticker. "He is risen!" - church sign. Maybe I am just too cynical. Maybe I over-think things. Why can I not join in with the pictures and the simple words that really are true?
My feelings are just too deep. Like the first time my husband saw me without clothes on. Like the first moment I held my first child in my arms. These are things I have never even wanted to describe to another person. These single events that affected me so profoundly that I am forever changed. I will never think, feel or be the same person again.
My sin makes me sob in the night. My heart breaks with it. I strangle with it and it claws at me, seeking to rip me apart. I fight it and feel that I will never be free of it. This sin that attempts to dominate my existance is... gone... Forgiven. Erased and thrown into the depths of the sea. Cast as far away as the east is from the west. Remembered no more... paid for. Atoned.
I am afraid of being flippant with the blood of my Savior. I am afraid of saying the words without counting the cost, without meaning them. I was raised in the church, my first Sunday was when I was 3 days old. I can name the books of the Bible, heck, I can read the Bible without thinking about it. I can pray in a group while planning my weekly menu. I can tell you where Elijah ran off to after defeating the prophets of Baal (Mount Horeb). I can tell you how David escaped capture from his enemies (drooled on himself and pretended to be crazy). I can tell you about double imputation and propitiation. I can teach you how to repent.
But telling you how I feel about Christ's death on the cross is too intimate. Too personal. Too tragic and wonderful and undeserved and all the adjectives that only the angels know how to pronounce. Maybe when I get to heaven, my new tongue and new body can articulate and sing my feelings. I can join the angels and sing, "Holy holy holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come."
All I know is that God is real and He is good. 'His love is endures forever.' He is the Lord. 'The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and
faithfulness, maintaining love to
thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.'
'Christ is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful
word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand
of the Majesty in heaven.'
Ah-men.
Scriptures referenced in this post are:
Luke 2:19
Micah 7:19
Psalms 103:12
Isaiah 43:25
Revelations 4:8
Exodus 34:6-7
Hebrews 1:3
The phrase "His love endures forever" is repeated in Scripture at least 43 times by my count.
Friday, March 29, 2013
Monday, January 21, 2013
Gus Was A Friendly Ghost
When Maggie and Ty were in 2nd grade and not too keen on reading out loud, we recorded an audiobook. Not just any plain old audiobook, bit one complete with sound effects. Gus Was A Friendly Ghost was their favorite at the time. Ty was the voice of Mouse. Maggie was the voice of Gus. I was the Narrator.
*subject change
Last week I had the flu. I am a great big baby. You may not know that, but it's true. I'm a lot whiner than I like to think I am. On Thursday my wonderful sister came and got my two youngest. Then later that night, Maggie and Ty left for the Youth Ski Trip. Chris was working. I was alone. I slept a lot. I watched a lot of movies... Stranger Than Fiction, Pride and Prejudice, My Fair Lady, Singin' in the Rain, The Artist, Sherlock (the BBC tv show). Then I slept some more.
As I started feeling better, I noticed that the things I had cleaned were ... staying clean. The food level in the pantry was no longer magically disappearing. The toilet paper roll stayed full. It was quiet. Like really, really quiet.
Chris and I talked about it. Talked about how strange it will be when the kids are gone from home. There were some definite perks. Money, tidiness, etc. But then we stood quietly and let it sink in. Then we cried a little and were very grateful that it's not time to turn them into the world just yet.
*subject shift
Tonight, all my kids were home again. We sat around the table after eating our spaghetti and talked for hours. Maggie and Ty told stories from their trip. Gracie told stories about Kim and Nana. The youngers eventually drifted off to their rooms and devices. Maggie and Ty, Chris and I sat and spoke of faith, leadership, servant's hearts, Springville church. Ty said, with tears in his eyes, that he really loves Springville church. (a balm and blessing to this mother's heart) Maggie talked about sharing the gospel with a couple of girls and asked advice.
After dinner, Ty helped me clean the kitchen and then we got talking about books. The book we're reading now for school (Heart of Darkness) and what we should read next (The Old Man and the Sea?)We talked about books that we've studied/read over the years. His favorites were Danny and the Dinosaur, Ferdinand, and ... Gus Was A Friendly Ghost.
I pulled out the old cassette tape and tape player while Ty grabbed the book. Before we were three pages in, the whole family was standing at the kitchen counter, listening and laughing. It was precious and wonderful and one of those rare, beautiful, perfect moments.
They asked me to read them a bedtime story (Sylvester and the Magic Pebble). Now they are all tucked into their beds. And they are happy.
I am grateful. Grateful for the today we've had, but also so thankful for the precious time that I spent with them as little ones. The hardship, tears, trials, exhaustion, selfishness and fears have faded away into a haze and on nights like tonight, all I know is that it was all worth it.
So very worth it...
*subject change
Last week I had the flu. I am a great big baby. You may not know that, but it's true. I'm a lot whiner than I like to think I am. On Thursday my wonderful sister came and got my two youngest. Then later that night, Maggie and Ty left for the Youth Ski Trip. Chris was working. I was alone. I slept a lot. I watched a lot of movies... Stranger Than Fiction, Pride and Prejudice, My Fair Lady, Singin' in the Rain, The Artist, Sherlock (the BBC tv show). Then I slept some more.
As I started feeling better, I noticed that the things I had cleaned were ... staying clean. The food level in the pantry was no longer magically disappearing. The toilet paper roll stayed full. It was quiet. Like really, really quiet.
Chris and I talked about it. Talked about how strange it will be when the kids are gone from home. There were some definite perks. Money, tidiness, etc. But then we stood quietly and let it sink in. Then we cried a little and were very grateful that it's not time to turn them into the world just yet.
*subject shift
Tonight, all my kids were home again. We sat around the table after eating our spaghetti and talked for hours. Maggie and Ty told stories from their trip. Gracie told stories about Kim and Nana. The youngers eventually drifted off to their rooms and devices. Maggie and Ty, Chris and I sat and spoke of faith, leadership, servant's hearts, Springville church. Ty said, with tears in his eyes, that he really loves Springville church. (a balm and blessing to this mother's heart) Maggie talked about sharing the gospel with a couple of girls and asked advice.
After dinner, Ty helped me clean the kitchen and then we got talking about books. The book we're reading now for school (Heart of Darkness) and what we should read next (The Old Man and the Sea?)We talked about books that we've studied/read over the years. His favorites were Danny and the Dinosaur, Ferdinand, and ... Gus Was A Friendly Ghost.
I pulled out the old cassette tape and tape player while Ty grabbed the book. Before we were three pages in, the whole family was standing at the kitchen counter, listening and laughing. It was precious and wonderful and one of those rare, beautiful, perfect moments.
They asked me to read them a bedtime story (Sylvester and the Magic Pebble). Now they are all tucked into their beds. And they are happy.
I am grateful. Grateful for the today we've had, but also so thankful for the precious time that I spent with them as little ones. The hardship, tears, trials, exhaustion, selfishness and fears have faded away into a haze and on nights like tonight, all I know is that it was all worth it.
So very worth it...
Tuesday, January 01, 2013
New Year's Day 2013
Why yes, I do know every single word of Tom's Diner by Suzanne Vega. I'm glad you asked and are now impressed.
Today is apparently flashback day on my Pandora station, currently playing Tracy Chapman's Talkin' About A Revolution. (I know the words to that one too.)
It's an easy day at the Sharp house today. I finally figured out how to get all the sermons I've recorded with my phone onto the website. It's a 12 step process. It's not so bad now that I've finally figured it out.
Here comes Air of December by Edie Brickell. Score!
Brody has been discontent today. He wanted more structure that I was willing to give him. He's since informed me that he's ready for school to start back. Gracie and Ty have turned into vegetables. Vegetables with Netflix and headphones, that is. Maggie and her friend Victory have watched movies and talked and are now at Waffle House drinking coffee. I'm telling you, Waffle House is the place to be in Springville.
Chris is sleeping. He had such a wonderful off week. I hated for him that he had to go back. I know he's not happy at work. He still likes his boss and his co-workers, but the Obama Care is making him die slowly inside. I'm praying for... I don't know. That's one of those groaning prayers. God is good and He loves my husband.
I've seen a lot of stuff on the internet today about "Finally getting organized." Let me tell you something I've learned. Either you're organized by nature or you're not. If you come by it naturally, good for you! If you don't, settle in... it's going to be a lifelong struggle. It will get easier, but there will always be pockets of chaos that slip right through your fingers. And that's okay. It's just the way of it. Don't beat yourself up about it. That's all I have to say about that.
The picture to the left is one that Brody just drew of a suit of armor for fighting. The two things on the shoulders are guns, mini-guns. "they are seven-barrelled guns, that shoot 25 rounds per minute." The mask is gold, red and gray. "The center of the chest is like Iron Man's thing. It's basically 50 rounds per minute, the guns are."
So there you have it...
I really want to brush my teeth but my toothbrush is in my bathroom and Chris is sleeping. Yuck.
I have been in my pajamas all day long. It's been lovely. I need a shower though. Good thing I didn't win the Publisher's Sweepstakes today. That would have been really embarrassing!
Today is apparently flashback day on my Pandora station, currently playing Tracy Chapman's Talkin' About A Revolution. (I know the words to that one too.)
It's an easy day at the Sharp house today. I finally figured out how to get all the sermons I've recorded with my phone onto the website. It's a 12 step process. It's not so bad now that I've finally figured it out.
Here comes Air of December by Edie Brickell. Score!
Brody has been discontent today. He wanted more structure that I was willing to give him. He's since informed me that he's ready for school to start back. Gracie and Ty have turned into vegetables. Vegetables with Netflix and headphones, that is. Maggie and her friend Victory have watched movies and talked and are now at Waffle House drinking coffee. I'm telling you, Waffle House is the place to be in Springville.
Chris is sleeping. He had such a wonderful off week. I hated for him that he had to go back. I know he's not happy at work. He still likes his boss and his co-workers, but the Obama Care is making him die slowly inside. I'm praying for... I don't know. That's one of those groaning prayers. God is good and He loves my husband.
I've seen a lot of stuff on the internet today about "Finally getting organized." Let me tell you something I've learned. Either you're organized by nature or you're not. If you come by it naturally, good for you! If you don't, settle in... it's going to be a lifelong struggle. It will get easier, but there will always be pockets of chaos that slip right through your fingers. And that's okay. It's just the way of it. Don't beat yourself up about it. That's all I have to say about that.
So there you have it...
I really want to brush my teeth but my toothbrush is in my bathroom and Chris is sleeping. Yuck.
I have been in my pajamas all day long. It's been lovely. I need a shower though. Good thing I didn't win the Publisher's Sweepstakes today. That would have been really embarrassing!
Enough rambling. I'm done now.
Saturday, December 22, 2012
On the Subject of Bathrooms and Children
Very short post today. I just was thinking of bathrooms and the small things I've learned about them from raising my kids.
1. Three words: Toilet Paper Stand. The toilet paper dispensers that attach to the wall closely resemble rock climbing toe holds. You can see the problem.
2. Towel hooks, not rods. I lovingly refer to them as chin-up bars. Self-explanatory.
3. Buy a shower curtain that is easily washable. Mine is actually a flat sheet. Boys use it as a hand towel after "washing" their hands; girls use it to finish removing eye makeup. Annoying.
4. Never stack extra rolls of toilet paper anywhere near the toilet. Especially if you have boys. Ew.
5. Get over your aversion to hair clogs. Oh, and random, unexplained holes in the wall.
6. Teach your children to use a plunger at an early age. Period.
7. Paint every few years. It's the only way to make it actually FEEL clean again.
8. Buy a large painting. It gives visitors something else to look at besides the random socks, toothpaste sprinkles and hairballs.
9. The number of towels and washcloths you need will exponentially increase as your daughters' age. They tend to need one for their hair and one for their bodies and one to stand on and then "accidentally" take them into their rooms and "forget" to put them in the hamper - until there are no towels left for everyone else. At all. Not even beach towels.
10. MAKE THEM CLEAN IT EVERY DAY! Then once a week, you can follow them and actually clean it. And even then it will skirt the chasm of disgusting most of the time.
You're welcome.
1. Three words: Toilet Paper Stand. The toilet paper dispensers that attach to the wall closely resemble rock climbing toe holds. You can see the problem.
2. Towel hooks, not rods. I lovingly refer to them as chin-up bars. Self-explanatory.
3. Buy a shower curtain that is easily washable. Mine is actually a flat sheet. Boys use it as a hand towel after "washing" their hands; girls use it to finish removing eye makeup. Annoying.
4. Never stack extra rolls of toilet paper anywhere near the toilet. Especially if you have boys. Ew.
5. Get over your aversion to hair clogs. Oh, and random, unexplained holes in the wall.
6. Teach your children to use a plunger at an early age. Period.
7. Paint every few years. It's the only way to make it actually FEEL clean again.
8. Buy a large painting. It gives visitors something else to look at besides the random socks, toothpaste sprinkles and hairballs.
9. The number of towels and washcloths you need will exponentially increase as your daughters' age. They tend to need one for their hair and one for their bodies and one to stand on and then "accidentally" take them into their rooms and "forget" to put them in the hamper - until there are no towels left for everyone else. At all. Not even beach towels.
10. MAKE THEM CLEAN IT EVERY DAY! Then once a week, you can follow them and actually clean it. And even then it will skirt the chasm of disgusting most of the time.
You're welcome.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
The Hobbit
It does not bode well that I'm sleepy right now. Does not bode well.
I'm taking the three olders to the midnight show of The Hobbit. Tonight. In like four hours. Did I mention that we have co-op tomorrow? Or that I also have to buy groceries? What the what?
But you should see my kiddos. They're so excited. And truth be told, the kid in me is excited too. The thrill of being one of the first to see something. Being out late, lining up with hundreds of like-minded people- it's just so FUN!
So here I go, off to attempt a nap before the time to leave. Wish me luck!
I'm taking the three olders to the midnight show of The Hobbit. Tonight. In like four hours. Did I mention that we have co-op tomorrow? Or that I also have to buy groceries? What the what?
But you should see my kiddos. They're so excited. And truth be told, the kid in me is excited too. The thrill of being one of the first to see something. Being out late, lining up with hundreds of like-minded people- it's just so FUN!
So here I go, off to attempt a nap before the time to leave. Wish me luck!
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Making Sense of This Jumble I Call a Brain
My mind is rushing back and forth with so many thoughts. I'm having definite trouble corralling them into submission. As is my custom, I will write them out to try to find some sense of order.
1. Christmas. hmmm. Christmas. That means gifts. 4 children, older children, expensive children. But the great thing about my kids is that they don't ask for much. They're pretty content. In a way, that makes it harder. If they really only want one thing, but that thing is $200... well, you see my dilemma.
which leads directly to the next item...
2. Money. Ugh. I hate money. If I have too much, I get all cozy with it and want to spend it. If I have too little, I struggle with sleep and my idols of comfort. Plus, my hubs is pretty miserable at his job, Obamacare and all, and I would love to get our budget to where we don't live off of as much to give him some breathing room were he to want to look for something else. I'm trying to spend less.
Spending less is almost always possible with enough planning. As Will Ferrell said in his impersonation of George W, it's all about the strategery. Deliberate, strategic planning. Saves money but it tends to wear me out.
I'm worn out.
3. School. I really should be writing a history lesson right now. My mind is all over the place, not in Antarctica like it needs to be.
4. My oldest child's future. I know. I know. God is in control of her future. I know His will cannot be thwarted. And at the same time, I am responsible to guide, teach and push her. So many doubts. And SATs. I'm silent screaming right now. No need to freak out the 16 year old.
5. Why can I not keep my kitchen clean right now? Seriously! For two weeks now, my kitchen has not been completely clean. It's ridiculous. I just can't keep up. I feel it taunting me right this minute... "There's sauce on our counters. Our sink needs to be bleached. When is the last time you scrubbed our stovetop?" I hear you, you stupid kitchen!!! Keep your pots on!
6. My dining room is once again full. Not of football stuff or wedding stuff, but church decor stuff. I really, really, really want to decorate the church but I can't do it by myself. I'm too unsure of myself. I need the safety of a "committee". I want to see the finished product AND I want my dining room back.
7. Why is Brody still coughing? He needs to stop that and get well already.
8. I checked airline tickets to Manchester today. That's how badly I want to watch Breaking Dawn with my friend Ginger. Alas, the tickets are $800. Is too much! (imagine an Italian accent on that last bit.) But I can dream, right?
9. Speaking of Breaking Dawn. Wow. The other previous movies were adequate. This one is a good movie actually. Twisty ending, happy ending, me likee.
10. I need to make a checklist. Several, really. To Do lists for: Thanksgiving, Christmas gifts, School Short Term, School Long Term, Church Decorating, House Decorating for Christmas, etc.
11. Repentance. Faith. Then some more repentance. With a side of self-awareness and a pinch of repentance.
I'm sleepy.
1. Christmas. hmmm. Christmas. That means gifts. 4 children, older children, expensive children. But the great thing about my kids is that they don't ask for much. They're pretty content. In a way, that makes it harder. If they really only want one thing, but that thing is $200... well, you see my dilemma.
which leads directly to the next item...
2. Money. Ugh. I hate money. If I have too much, I get all cozy with it and want to spend it. If I have too little, I struggle with sleep and my idols of comfort. Plus, my hubs is pretty miserable at his job, Obamacare and all, and I would love to get our budget to where we don't live off of as much to give him some breathing room were he to want to look for something else. I'm trying to spend less.
Spending less is almost always possible with enough planning. As Will Ferrell said in his impersonation of George W, it's all about the strategery. Deliberate, strategic planning. Saves money but it tends to wear me out.
I'm worn out.
3. School. I really should be writing a history lesson right now. My mind is all over the place, not in Antarctica like it needs to be.
4. My oldest child's future. I know. I know. God is in control of her future. I know His will cannot be thwarted. And at the same time, I am responsible to guide, teach and push her. So many doubts. And SATs. I'm silent screaming right now. No need to freak out the 16 year old.
5. Why can I not keep my kitchen clean right now? Seriously! For two weeks now, my kitchen has not been completely clean. It's ridiculous. I just can't keep up. I feel it taunting me right this minute... "There's sauce on our counters. Our sink needs to be bleached. When is the last time you scrubbed our stovetop?" I hear you, you stupid kitchen!!! Keep your pots on!
6. My dining room is once again full. Not of football stuff or wedding stuff, but church decor stuff. I really, really, really want to decorate the church but I can't do it by myself. I'm too unsure of myself. I need the safety of a "committee". I want to see the finished product AND I want my dining room back.
7. Why is Brody still coughing? He needs to stop that and get well already.
8. I checked airline tickets to Manchester today. That's how badly I want to watch Breaking Dawn with my friend Ginger. Alas, the tickets are $800. Is too much! (imagine an Italian accent on that last bit.) But I can dream, right?
9. Speaking of Breaking Dawn. Wow. The other previous movies were adequate. This one is a good movie actually. Twisty ending, happy ending, me likee.
10. I need to make a checklist. Several, really. To Do lists for: Thanksgiving, Christmas gifts, School Short Term, School Long Term, Church Decorating, House Decorating for Christmas, etc.
11. Repentance. Faith. Then some more repentance. With a side of self-awareness and a pinch of repentance.
I'm sleepy.
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Pre-Vacation Week
The week before a vacation is always so busy. I know it's my fault. I try to cram as much into that week as possible. This week is no exception.
My plan for the week was:
Monday - Senior High English Co-op, school, ballet for Grace, Faculty meeting at 7, football meeting at 8.
Tuesday- field trip to the zoo
Wednesday - Go to Atlanta to spend one last day with my sis-in-law before she moves to San Francisco
Thursday - pack, pizza party for the youth
Friday - co-op, home to clean and finish packing
Saturday - finish everything up in an unhurried fashion.
What actually happened:
Monday - as planned
Tuesday - zoo field trip, but on the way home the olders remembered they needed Halloween costumes so we stopped off at the Thrift Store for a couple of hours. Then a trip to Sam's to return some stuff. Then Amber called to tell me her brother I've not seen in years is at her house and do I want to stop by? Absolutely!
Wednesday - stomach virus. No Meghan. I cry.
Thursday - finish all the kids' co-op for Friday. Shove pencil under my toenail, by accident I assure you. Hand off all the football bins to Coe. Pizza party.
Friday - Co-op, meet Coe at Sam's to give her gift card I should have given her yesterday. Take Mags and Brody to pediatrician for sickness. Go to pharmacy. Drop girls at the Hansen's. Get home an hour after people get to my house. Make lists with the help of dearest Tilly.
Notice that ZERO packing got done. No house work either. Van is also disgusting.
Plan for Saturday (today) -
Clean house. Kids are working industriously.
Pack. Ehh. Some is done. Still need suitcases out of the attic.
Finish school assignments to post, print directions. Internet is messed up. Call company and they fix it.
Purge van. Need to invent vehicle enemas.
Bright spots? Pandora radio. G coming for supper! Vacation starts tomorrow. Yay!
My plan for the week was:
Monday - Senior High English Co-op, school, ballet for Grace, Faculty meeting at 7, football meeting at 8.
Tuesday- field trip to the zoo
Wednesday - Go to Atlanta to spend one last day with my sis-in-law before she moves to San Francisco
Thursday - pack, pizza party for the youth
Friday - co-op, home to clean and finish packing
Saturday - finish everything up in an unhurried fashion.
What actually happened:
Monday - as planned
Tuesday - zoo field trip, but on the way home the olders remembered they needed Halloween costumes so we stopped off at the Thrift Store for a couple of hours. Then a trip to Sam's to return some stuff. Then Amber called to tell me her brother I've not seen in years is at her house and do I want to stop by? Absolutely!
Wednesday - stomach virus. No Meghan. I cry.
Thursday - finish all the kids' co-op for Friday. Shove pencil under my toenail, by accident I assure you. Hand off all the football bins to Coe. Pizza party.
Friday - Co-op, meet Coe at Sam's to give her gift card I should have given her yesterday. Take Mags and Brody to pediatrician for sickness. Go to pharmacy. Drop girls at the Hansen's. Get home an hour after people get to my house. Make lists with the help of dearest Tilly.
Notice that ZERO packing got done. No house work either. Van is also disgusting.
Plan for Saturday (today) -
Clean house. Kids are working industriously.
Pack. Ehh. Some is done. Still need suitcases out of the attic.
Finish school assignments to post, print directions. Internet is messed up. Call company and they fix it.
Purge van. Need to invent vehicle enemas.
Bright spots? Pandora radio. G coming for supper! Vacation starts tomorrow. Yay!
Monday, October 08, 2012
Fellowship of the Saints
There are times when church planting is very lonely. Times when you feel forgotten, marginalized or even abandoned. This is true of every church planter I've ever spoken with. It is in those times that I become so self-focused my eyes are completely crossed. There are short moments of this and there are the seemingly endless days of this. I have experienced both.
And then God moves.
God is so gracious in his movement. He reminds. He disciplines. He teaches. Sometimes in the quietness of my heart and sometimes in the public display of himself.
Things in Springville have been going so well. I see how we are becoming family to each other and loving each other so well. I spend most days with friends from here. We watch each others kids, trade recipes, go to the movies. It's great.
Burt preached once about fellowship not just being person to person but also church to church. That moved me to thought. How does that even work?... I'll tell you.
It's knowing that while we were sleeping, 2 churches across the Atlantic were praying for us. It's getting an invitation in the mail from another pca church inviting our women to an event. It's someone stopping by with excitement in their face and exclaiming, "I was going home to Georgia and saw your sign. Our church prays for you guys every Sunday!" It's when another church has to have a cut off on their sign up sheet for a work day with us, even though they live two hours away. I could go on and on and on.
God moves. And we are encouraged. He is so good to us!
Wednesday, October 03, 2012
Planning Another Trip
I love planning trips. I was talking with my Dad this week about this. We think planning is part of the fun of going somewhere. Gas stops, menus, outings, it's all part of the fun.
This time last year I was heavy into planning our family trip to England. It does not seem like a year. My kids talk about it all the time. Either it's the people, the church, the mall, the walking, the food, something. They loved it there. So much so that some people believe God has called us to move there as missionaries!
This year, on the same date - October 28th, we are going to Ft. Lauderdale to see my first cousin and his wife. I am so stinkin' excited. I love Brad and Mandi. I love talking about kids, churches and theology. I love that our senses of humor are so similar. I love everything about them.
Plus, they live in South Florida. Less than an hour from Miami. Where it's still sunny and warm. We're going to see the Everglades and the coral reefs of Key Largo. And we're going to church with them at their new church plant. It's going to be awesome.
Chris is flying down and back. He can't take the 14 hour drive and it would be awful for him to have to take 2 of his 6 off days just to travel. The kids and I will drive. We're going to leave a couple of days before Chris and spend some time in Orlando with our friends the Blairs and LaFountains. That will be fun! We'll all end up in Ft Lauderdale on the same day.
I have been studying the maps and planning out our food menu. I've already started buying snack food for the drive. I'm also harassing Ty into getting his permit so he can help with the driving. Some people think all this planning ruins the trip but I say nay-nay. I love the planning and the anticipation. Bring on the empty suitcases and the lists!
This time last year I was heavy into planning our family trip to England. It does not seem like a year. My kids talk about it all the time. Either it's the people, the church, the mall, the walking, the food, something. They loved it there. So much so that some people believe God has called us to move there as missionaries!
This year, on the same date - October 28th, we are going to Ft. Lauderdale to see my first cousin and his wife. I am so stinkin' excited. I love Brad and Mandi. I love talking about kids, churches and theology. I love that our senses of humor are so similar. I love everything about them.
Plus, they live in South Florida. Less than an hour from Miami. Where it's still sunny and warm. We're going to see the Everglades and the coral reefs of Key Largo. And we're going to church with them at their new church plant. It's going to be awesome.
Chris is flying down and back. He can't take the 14 hour drive and it would be awful for him to have to take 2 of his 6 off days just to travel. The kids and I will drive. We're going to leave a couple of days before Chris and spend some time in Orlando with our friends the Blairs and LaFountains. That will be fun! We'll all end up in Ft Lauderdale on the same day.
I have been studying the maps and planning out our food menu. I've already started buying snack food for the drive. I'm also harassing Ty into getting his permit so he can help with the driving. Some people think all this planning ruins the trip but I say nay-nay. I love the planning and the anticipation. Bring on the empty suitcases and the lists!
Tuesday, October 02, 2012
My Home
Monday, October 01, 2012
First Day Without Facebook
Other than a few episodes of withdrawal, so far so good. I found myself not quite knowing what to do when I had a few free minutes.
I think I'll give you a timeline of my day.
7:00 am- wakey wakey, followed by a walk
8:10- wake the kids
8:30- Bible
9:00- math with Brody and Gracie, followed by reading and science
9:45- Maggie and Ty leave for anatomy
12:30- leave house. Drop off Brody at the Lee's and pick up Hannah and Daniel
1:00- English Co-op starts
2:30- school ends and the kids walk to the park
3:45- Ballet, drop Gracie off and run to gas station and Walmart
4:30- Pick Gracie up and stop by Karen's house
5:15- arrive home, cook supper
6:30- Family Night! We decide to give Time Bandits a go. Eeh. It's okay, I guess. Terribly sacrilegious.
The park was lovely. I took a picture of a blue heron and all the kids playing. It was one of those beautiful, perfect moments.
Dinner and a movie with the fam is one of my favorite pastimes. I love being with my kids and snuggling up to Chris.
All in all, it's been a busy but good day. I feel like I accomplished so much more by not checking my Facebook every thirty minutes.
Now to decide if I should go to a weekly football meeting... hmmm...
Sunday, September 30, 2012
First Mobile Post
This is me, trying to blog from my smart phone. I don't know if I'm doing this correctly but it's worth a go. Right?
Weight Loss
http://www.platesaspinning.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-wild-and-wacky-world-of-weight-loss.html
My friend blogged about her wight loss journey and I found it to be very encouraging. Click and read if you need some grace!
My friend blogged about her wight loss journey and I found it to be very encouraging. Click and read if you need some grace!
It's Time for a Break
For those of you who are interested, there is a reason that I'm taking a Facebook break. Facebook took a post intended for a private group and not only posted it to the private group page, but also posted it to a third party's wall. Not cool. I am still unsure of the consequences of that. I'll try to remember to keep you posted.
I am going to try to figure out my Blogger app. It would be super fun and handy to post pictures straight to my blog. Cross your fingers.
Now let's pretend that I had to come up with a status right this minute... Hmmm.... I think it would say, "Such a lovely Sunday. I'm sitting on my couch with an open window at my back, listening to the rain and reading. (and blogging!) Plus, I got to partake of Communion this morning AND wear my boots for the first time this season. It's been a good day!"
There ya go.
I am going to try to figure out my Blogger app. It would be super fun and handy to post pictures straight to my blog. Cross your fingers.
Now let's pretend that I had to come up with a status right this minute... Hmmm.... I think it would say, "Such a lovely Sunday. I'm sitting on my couch with an open window at my back, listening to the rain and reading. (and blogging!) Plus, I got to partake of Communion this morning AND wear my boots for the first time this season. It's been a good day!"
Thursday, September 06, 2012
To Football or Not to Football?
I am tempted to sigh right now. Football is officially in full swing. I placed my Sam's order yesterday and picked it up today. Just that order was 3 flatbeds and over a thousand dollars. I still have to go to the Dollar Store and buy other stuff.
My house is full of bins and piles of stuff. I should post a picture, but I'm too lazy. I should be going through the bins and reorganizing everything. I should be printing out the menus and sign-in sheets. I should be finishing my shopping. ...
...
I choose to blog.
...
Four out of my next five Saturdays are football. I enjoy being useful and serving the community. I enjoy the rush and readiness of it all. I like the people I'm serving with. But it does get tiring to be in the "Cave" from 8-4 and end up stinking like grease.
I think God is gently moving me in another direction. I have been involved with football, in one form or another, for the past 5 years. I genuinely like the people, but I've come to the conclusion that I will never be one of them. I'll never be part of their in-crowd or be invited to the cook-outs. I am an outsider. I know they like me too but it's just different. That's not why I got involved in the first place. I just wanted a way to serve. I'm not so sure that it's actually helping them anymore.
I'm beginning to see other ministry opportunities and wonder where they will lead. I have no idea. I've learned not to try to see the future. God will move and I will follow and that is that. Right now, I am still in football. Right now I'm brainstorming with the ladies from church of ways to beautify the church. Right now I'm hanging out with the lovely friend who I think will be my right hand in Women's Ministry. (Or I will be her right hand, either way...)
It's all good. Seriously. God is very good to me.
My house is full of bins and piles of stuff. I should post a picture, but I'm too lazy. I should be going through the bins and reorganizing everything. I should be printing out the menus and sign-in sheets. I should be finishing my shopping. ...
...
I choose to blog.
...
Four out of my next five Saturdays are football. I enjoy being useful and serving the community. I enjoy the rush and readiness of it all. I like the people I'm serving with. But it does get tiring to be in the "Cave" from 8-4 and end up stinking like grease.
I think God is gently moving me in another direction. I have been involved with football, in one form or another, for the past 5 years. I genuinely like the people, but I've come to the conclusion that I will never be one of them. I'll never be part of their in-crowd or be invited to the cook-outs. I am an outsider. I know they like me too but it's just different. That's not why I got involved in the first place. I just wanted a way to serve. I'm not so sure that it's actually helping them anymore.
I'm beginning to see other ministry opportunities and wonder where they will lead. I have no idea. I've learned not to try to see the future. God will move and I will follow and that is that. Right now, I am still in football. Right now I'm brainstorming with the ladies from church of ways to beautify the church. Right now I'm hanging out with the lovely friend who I think will be my right hand in Women's Ministry. (Or I will be her right hand, either way...)
It's all good. Seriously. God is very good to me.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
The Poor and The Fatherless
There are so many things going around on facebook right now about "Taking America Back". And the fundamentalists are all about keeping God in America. My sweet, precious grandmother is one of them. I don't know how to break it to her, America is not God's chosen people.
Oh gosh, I know some who read this are getting really, really angry with me right now. But hear me out. "If my people, who are called by my name..." That was not a prophetic utterance about the United States of America. It was about his people. Those belonging to him. Romans 8:16 - the Spirit testifies that we are his children. By the work of Christ on the Cross. Not by the work of our Founding Fathers.
I totally understand and agree that our welfare and immigration systems are completely broken and jacked up. I get that. I know they need lots of reform. But to hear Christians in the name of Christ say that we need to cut off these illegals who are "taking all our jobs and getting freebies" makes me ill. As in sick and angry. To hear the church say that all those poor people need to "get a job and get off drugs" ticks me off.
Let's go to the Scriptures, shall we? Deuteronomy 10:14-20
"To the Lord your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it. 15 Yet the Lord set his affection on your ancestors and loved them, and he chose you, their descendants, above all the nations—as it is today. 16 Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer. 17 For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. 18 He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. 19 And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt. 20 Fear the Lord your God and serve him."
The church has forgotten the fact that WE ARE ALIENS. We were naked, hungry and sick and our heavenly father adopted us as his children. How can we then turn around and ignore the fatherless and foreigner?
And here's the kicker. The government shouldn't even be the ones taking care of the poor. It should be the church. The very people wanting to close the border and cut people off are the very ones who should be taking care of them, advocating for them.
I confess, I was one of them. Sometimes I still am. I don't get it right. There's a whole lot more going on that I've mentioned in this little post. But I think that when we look at the poor, no matter where they're from, and we feel no movement toward compassion, that's a red flag. Christianity is not the icing on top of the "Normal" cake. It should affect how we view everything around us. I need to repent too.
Oh gosh, I know some who read this are getting really, really angry with me right now. But hear me out. "If my people, who are called by my name..." That was not a prophetic utterance about the United States of America. It was about his people. Those belonging to him. Romans 8:16 - the Spirit testifies that we are his children. By the work of Christ on the Cross. Not by the work of our Founding Fathers.
I totally understand and agree that our welfare and immigration systems are completely broken and jacked up. I get that. I know they need lots of reform. But to hear Christians in the name of Christ say that we need to cut off these illegals who are "taking all our jobs and getting freebies" makes me ill. As in sick and angry. To hear the church say that all those poor people need to "get a job and get off drugs" ticks me off.
Let's go to the Scriptures, shall we? Deuteronomy 10:14-20
"To the Lord your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it. 15 Yet the Lord set his affection on your ancestors and loved them, and he chose you, their descendants, above all the nations—as it is today. 16 Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer. 17 For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. 18 He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. 19 And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt. 20 Fear the Lord your God and serve him."
The church has forgotten the fact that WE ARE ALIENS. We were naked, hungry and sick and our heavenly father adopted us as his children. How can we then turn around and ignore the fatherless and foreigner?
And here's the kicker. The government shouldn't even be the ones taking care of the poor. It should be the church. The very people wanting to close the border and cut people off are the very ones who should be taking care of them, advocating for them.
I confess, I was one of them. Sometimes I still am. I don't get it right. There's a whole lot more going on that I've mentioned in this little post. But I think that when we look at the poor, no matter where they're from, and we feel no movement toward compassion, that's a red flag. Christianity is not the icing on top of the "Normal" cake. It should affect how we view everything around us. I need to repent too.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Roasted Adventures
My cooking has gotten so lazy. I'm serious. Corn, rice, potatoes, canned green beans. The end. Gross. This week I took Brody and Gracie with me to shop for new and exciting veges. We came home with lima beans, broccoli (which we LOVE and I got out of the habit of buying), asparagus, brussel sprouts, mixed vegetables, squash and avacado. I'm cooking the brussel sprouts right now. We're trying roasted sprouts because I love roasted vegetables. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, pepper, maybe some garlic salt and voila! Done. I really hope my family likes them. We need to get away from so many carbs.
What is your family's favorite vegetable? How do you cook it? Let me know in the comments. Thanks!!!
What is your family's favorite vegetable? How do you cook it? Let me know in the comments. Thanks!!!
You Like What?!?
Culturally speaking, I found the closing ceremonies of the Olympics to be... peculiar. I liked some of the music and some of the display. The guy from Monty Python was funny. I liked the Freddy Mercury part. But then there were other parts that missed the mark, in my opinion.
The funny thing is: my peeps in the UK loved it. I mean LOVED it. It made them, one and all, proud to be British.
Then there was the Latin American, Brazilian, spectacle. Half dressed women, men in loin clothes and disco-decked out men with perms. Hmm. The music was repetitive, not harmonious. To put it simply, it was weird.
So I am left asking myself some questions. What am I missing? How can anyone like this? What the heck?
It is so easy for me to dismiss someone's culture, because that's what it is. It is someone's culture. It doesn't resonate with me because there are pieces of their life that I am missing.
Sociologically speaking: "Culture consists of the beliefs, behaviors, objects, and other characteristics common to the members of a particular group or society. Through culture, people and groups define themselves, conform to society's shared values, and contribute to society. Thus, culture includes many societal aspects: language, customs, values, norms, mores, rules, tools, technologies, products, organizations, and institutions. This latter term institution refers to clusters of rules and cultural meanings associated with specific social activities. Common institutions are the family, education, religion, work, and health care." - cliffsnotes.com
I think Americans, in particular, dismiss other cultures as irrelevant. Remember Manifest Destiny? No one cared about the Native American culture. They needed to stop it and get with the program. That's also what the Spanish did in South America.
We cannot possibly minister effectively in another culture without respecting who they intrinsically are. So while I don't "get it" sometimes, that does not mean it is wrong. It's just different and sometimes weird to my western, American sensibilities.
Before our last trip to England, when we were going to be taking the kids, my dear friend Laura sent me a book about America culture. So much of it was hidden right in front of my eyes. Other cultures do NOT value fun and entertainment and self-reliance. Did you know that? They don't measure success the same way. They value family much more than Americans. Other people look at us and "don't get it."
The implications make my head spin. SUVs, religion, how we educate, what we play, it all ties into a cultural norm that we don't even realize exists until confronted with something different. I talk about living deliberately, purposefully and thoughtfully. Thinking and learning about other cultures helps me do that. Even if it makes me appear strange and out of sync with the people around me.
There are even sub-cultures within our American culture: Southern > Alabamian > Springvillian. Or American > Bible Belt > Presbyterian (which is different from Southern Baptist)
Just something to think about. It makes my brain stretch a bit and I like that.
The funny thing is: my peeps in the UK loved it. I mean LOVED it. It made them, one and all, proud to be British.
Then there was the Latin American, Brazilian, spectacle. Half dressed women, men in loin clothes and disco-decked out men with perms. Hmm. The music was repetitive, not harmonious. To put it simply, it was weird.
So I am left asking myself some questions. What am I missing? How can anyone like this? What the heck?
It is so easy for me to dismiss someone's culture, because that's what it is. It is someone's culture. It doesn't resonate with me because there are pieces of their life that I am missing.
Sociologically speaking: "Culture consists of the beliefs, behaviors, objects, and other characteristics common to the members of a particular group or society. Through culture, people and groups define themselves, conform to society's shared values, and contribute to society. Thus, culture includes many societal aspects: language, customs, values, norms, mores, rules, tools, technologies, products, organizations, and institutions. This latter term institution refers to clusters of rules and cultural meanings associated with specific social activities. Common institutions are the family, education, religion, work, and health care." - cliffsnotes.com
I think Americans, in particular, dismiss other cultures as irrelevant. Remember Manifest Destiny? No one cared about the Native American culture. They needed to stop it and get with the program. That's also what the Spanish did in South America.
We cannot possibly minister effectively in another culture without respecting who they intrinsically are. So while I don't "get it" sometimes, that does not mean it is wrong. It's just different and sometimes weird to my western, American sensibilities.
Before our last trip to England, when we were going to be taking the kids, my dear friend Laura sent me a book about America culture. So much of it was hidden right in front of my eyes. Other cultures do NOT value fun and entertainment and self-reliance. Did you know that? They don't measure success the same way. They value family much more than Americans. Other people look at us and "don't get it."
The implications make my head spin. SUVs, religion, how we educate, what we play, it all ties into a cultural norm that we don't even realize exists until confronted with something different. I talk about living deliberately, purposefully and thoughtfully. Thinking and learning about other cultures helps me do that. Even if it makes me appear strange and out of sync with the people around me.
There are even sub-cultures within our American culture: Southern > Alabamian > Springvillian. Or American > Bible Belt > Presbyterian (which is different from Southern Baptist)
Just something to think about. It makes my brain stretch a bit and I like that.
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Photo Book
Click here to view this photo book larger
Photo Book Tip: Create an adventurous travel photo album at Shutterfly.com.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)