Day 19

19—me when i was little

Okay, Just kidding



Kidding again.

The truth is, I don't have any pictures of myself scanned in, and I'm too lazy to find any.  So I will leave you with this number from about 12 or 13 years ago.  And I wondered why I was single for so long. . .



Day #18

18—your biggest insecurity

I'm not sure if this represents my biggest insecurity accurately, but overall I am most insecure about my appearance.  I am embarassed to say that, but it's the truth.  Most of the time when I look in the mirror I don't like what I see.  Some days it's my hair, some days it's the way my clothes fit, sometimes it's just a general feeling of ugliness.  I recognize that this is all silliness and it really doesn't matter what I look like.  And over the years I have come to appreciate the blessing my body is, but if I am being brutally honest, it is still my biggest insecurity.

5 Minute Friday

This is a five-minute writing exercise.  Try it, and then link your blog post to this blog.  No editing, no going back, just writing for 5 minutes. 

Today's topic:  If you met me. . .

If you met me, you will find that I love (in no particular order)

teaching
reading
my kids
coffee
traveling
being a high school youth leader
cooking
Haiti
running (is it really considered running, as slowly as I go?)
laughing
watching tv
reading blogs
my husband
Jesus

and you will find that I am not very good at

being organized
keeping my living room clean
being patient
keeping my thoughts to myself (aka keeping my big mouth shut)

I have an uncanny memory for all things pop culture (like the fact that the girl in the latest McDonald's commercial was in the movie "To Save a Life"), and it is a completely useless skill.

I am doing what I can to help those all over the world who are in physical and spiritual need. 

I talk a lot.

I love to be with my husband and kids.

And my time is out.

What about you?

Thursday Thank-yous

I'm going to admit, it's been a rough week.  Sick kids.  Sick husband.  Everyone is gone on spring break.  It is times like these where I am tempted to start focusing on the negative.  But it is times like these where I need to focus on all of the blessings that I do have and hang onto that.

Today I am thankful for. . .

141.  good sleep.

142.  Jeff Newton, director of Kokomo Urban Outreach.

143.  the joy of disciplining a strong-willed almost-2-year-old.  Celebrate every little success.

144.  sunshine, especially after a very long, gray winter.

145. bike rides.

146.  8 miles in training for the half-marathon.  Only 5.1 miles to go!

147.  cinnamon-sugar pretzels from Sam's Club.

148.  sharing secrets and inside jokes with my little man.

149.  jellybean season.

150.  time with a very good friend, and watching our boys become friends.

What are you thankful for?

Day #17

17—something that has made a huge impact in your life recently

I left a piece of my heart in Haiti.  I see the world differently, and for that I am glad. Use your life to make a difference!

Day #16

16—someone who inspires you

Several months ago I stumbled on this blog, written by Ann Voskamp.  I must admit, I don't always want to read it.  Not because it's not good, but because it's THAT good.  It's convicting, thoughtful, honest, touching.  And when I saw she had a book coming out, it was the only thing on my Christmas list.  It's taken me a while to read it because the book is very intense. I know I've written about this blog and the book, but Ann Voskamp inspires me.  She inspires me to seek God in every moment of the day. To slow down and marvel at God's love.  To be thankful.  Always thankful.

What inspires you?

Day 15

#15—something you want to do before you die

Well, I would have never considered this a few years ago, but I am currently training to run a half-marathon.  I have run several 5K's, and one 5-mile trail run (which would make a great blog post sometime), but it will be an accomplishment to get my lazy self out there and run 13.1 miles. So far my longest run has been 8 miles, which is a huge feat for me, so we’ll see how the next 6 weeks go.  My goal is to run the entire race.  I don't care if I finish last (okay, I care a little bit), I just want to push myself to see what I an do.  I always tell students that they can do whatever they put their mind to, and I want to walk the talk, or run the talk, I guess.

Day #14

Day #14—someone you could never imagine your life without

No words today.  Just pictures.  And lots of love for him.

Thursday Thank-yous

I am thankful for. . .

131.  time in Chicago with David.  The Bean, Caribbou Coffee, walking, talking, laughing.  The best.
132. someone recommending a great book to read.
133. listening to my daughter "read" her books to me.
134.  Ibuprofen and cold medicine for a stuffy little boy.
135.  learning about other countries and understanding that my world needs to grow every day.
136.  Med-One and the nice people who do stitches there.
137.  (in conjunction with #136):  flip-flops.
138.  boxing up old toys a year ago and bringing them back out.  It's like Christmas in March!
139.  Top Chef Finale, Top Chef Masters on its way!
140.   Discovering Jasmine Rice.  Who didn't tell me about this years ago?!

What are you thankful for?

Day 13

Day #13--your favorite band

Okay, so I'm going to take creative license with this, and share something else.  I love music, all kinds.  To ask me to pick a favorite band/artist is just too much.  As soon as I pick one, I think of another one.  So, I will tell you what I love.

In case you haven't been on the internet in the past year, you've heard of Pandora.  It is a web-based program that creates radio stations for you to listen to.  And you can save the different stations for future use.  I think you can listen to it for free for something like 90 hours each month.  Anyway, I love it.  I have a station to listen to when I'm cleaning up the kitchen (David Crowder Band), when I'm running (Brooke Fraser), when I'm playing with the kids (Dan Zane), and about 5 others.  (By the way, if you type in Six Pence None the Richer + Holiday it's just about the most amazing collection of Christmas music ever).

What do you like to listen to on Pandora?

Day 12

Day #12—something you love


Lazy mornings with my kiddos

How can you resist those smiles?  And who knows what the day awaits?

5-Minute Friday

I've been reading a blog recently that dares you to write for just 5 minutes on Fridays about a given topic.  No editing.  No proofreading.  5 minutes flat. You can read more on the 5-minute Fridays here.

Today's topic:  Waking Up

GO

I used to be the kind of person who would sleep until the very last minute she possibly could.  Every time the alarm went off, I would hit snooze, and each time I hit snooze I would cross something off of my list that I was going to do in the morning.  Snooze #1--guess I won't be ironing that shirt.  Snooze #2--curling the hair is out.  You get the picture.  You don't even want to know the things that started to get elimated by snooze #6 & 7.

And when I first became a stay-at-home mom, I craved sleep.  I took it any chance I could get it.  But now that the kids are older and sleep pretty well, I have a different view of waking up.  I get up about an hour before they do so that I can have some quiet time all to myself.  Read. Drink coffee.  Shower. Blog.  Whatever I want to do for about an hour.  And I can tell the difference it makes.  Instead of being grumpy when they get up because we have to start the whirlwind of the day, I'm excited to see them and ready to tackle the craziness that is a 4 year-old and an almost 2 year-old. 

Some days I don't do this.  Some days the snooze still wins.  And I still can't get my feet to running that early in the morning.  But I have learned that if I want time for myself I can make the time.

STOP

Now, I dare you to try the 5-minute challenge.

Thursday Thank-yous

I am thankful for. . .

121.  My family.  Over the course of the last three weeks, three different family members have traveled to three different countries to share God's love in different ways.  It makes my heart happy.
122.  hard conversations that were needed.
123.  guacamole.  Have I said that one before??  I'll probably say it again.
124.  the opportunity to spend a day with my brother and father.  Such a rarity, and such a fun time.
125.  new running shoes.
126.  playing in the park until the rain chases everyone away.  As we are leaving, Elise is yelling, "Bye, kids!" to everyone.
127.  an upcoming afternoon alone with the hubs.
128.  game time with Noel.  His new favorite:  checkers.
129.  my children's bedtime!
130.  free will.

What are you thankful for?

Day 11

Day #11—something you hate

Materialism. I cannot stand it. It makes me sick to my stomach. I know that all of us in some way or another are tied to our belongings, and that is a constant struggle with me. But the older I get the more I am convicted about the way we spend our money and the way we handle our possessions (which are really God's, anyway).  We live in a culture that says, "You deserve the best.  Take as much as you can.  You're worth it."  All the while, millions, MILLIONS of people go without clean water, safe housing, food.  We try to fill a God-sized whole in our lives with stuff, and it never works.  Never. 

Day 10

#10—picture of the person you do the most stupid things with


I think I’m usually the person who talks people into doing stupid stuff, but I would say that through the course of my life my dear friend from high school, Aimee (Reeves) Cole, was the catalyst for most of the crazy things I did. It was so long ago that neither of us remembers it very clearly, but there were many, many fun times had together making mock-umentaries, pulling pranks on my neighbor, driving our terrible cars, talking to strangers, dressing up strangely, and about a hundred other things. Aimee always brings out the crazy in me.

Getting ready to go to our 5-year class reuinion.  Haven't made another one since.

Day 9

Day #9—picture of a person who has gotten you through the most


My parents have always been so encouraging and helpful to me. They watch the kids and drop everything to help when we need them. They are truly my biggest fans.

Thursday Thank-yous

I am thankful for. . .

111.  the sun and warmer weather!
112.  getting to go to the park for the first time in 2011.
113.  laughter.  Every day.  laughter.
114.  toaster waffles. 
115.  Hearing my almost-2-year-old daughter say, "Delicious!"
116.  our Red Flyer Wagon and all of the adventures we go on in it.
117.  my ipod shuffle.  It seems to know just what song I need to hear on mile 2, 3, or 4.
118.  my brother's upcoming trip to Haiti.
119.  the beginning of March Madness.
120.  the knowledge that no matter what is going on in the world, God is in control and has a plan for each of us.

Day 8

Day #8—A picture that makes you laugh

Alright, my husband is an electrical engineer. Before I met him, the only thing I knew about engineers were that they were really smart. REALLY SMART. And then I came to learn that engineers really are smart.

And organized.

And meticulous.

And procedure-oriented.

And analytical.

All of which I am not.

David and I work so well together because we are so different. But there is a dirty little secret of David’s that makes me laugh every time I see it.

Do you see it?

Oh, let me give you a closer look.

What appears to be a briefcase hidden among our clothes is actually. . .

A CASSETTE HOLDER!!

 

Let me show you some of the highlights from this case:

Phil Collins    . . .Yes, Seriously!

Top Gun (and yes, you are reading that correctly, the Miami Sound Machine is on this soundtrack)

Sidenote:  Did any other girls sit and watch the sand volleyball scene over and over and over and over???  Or was it just me and my best friend Marcy?

Boston

DC Talk (when they were hip-hop)

And of course (drumroll, please)

the mixed tape. Boston and Bruce Hornsby brought together at last!!  Is there anything more beautiful than a mixed tape?  Mine were full of songs and then the subsequent radio commercials that were on after the songs because I ALWAYS forgot to stop recording!

This cassette holder/briefcase makes me laugh for multiple reasons. Number 1 being that this is a glimpse as to what David listened to long before I met him, and that makes me chuckle. It also makes me laugh that, being so organized, he had a cassette holder. I kid you not, my tapes were in shoeboxes. Thirdly, and most comical, the fact that despite multiple clean-outs of our house, THIS DARN THING HAS SURVIVED EVERY PURGE!!!

It’s almost become a part of our family.

What can I say? I’m a sucker for a little Petra.

p.s.  Don't ask about my entire cabinet full of coffee mugs even though I'm the only one in the family who drinks coffee.

Day 7

Day #7—Show a picture of your most treasured item

My wedding ring/engagement ring is definitely my most treasured item. When David proposed to me, he studied different shapes of diamonds and what they meant. He picked out a pear-shaped diamond, which has 47 sides. The reason I know that is because he wrote 47 things he loved about me and read it to me when he proposed. (insert big sigh and pause for nostalgia and romance. . .)

This was what we were doing while my ring was being stolen

And then about a year after we got married my engagement ring was stolen. It’s a long story, but the short version is that we were on a youth group CIY trip and went hiking in the Smoky Mountains. I didn’t want to hike with my ring on, so I left it in my wallet, and while we were gone someone broke into our van and stole my wallet (and some other stuff). I can’t even explain how upset David and I both were about it. It wasn’t the money; it was the importance of that ring. I was just heartbroken.

But then something happened that changed that. The people at CIY told everyone else about what had happened to our group, and (without us knowing) they took up a collection to help us. Well, my ring was insured, so we didn’t need the money. Instead, we took the money people donated and sponsored a little boy through Compassion for almost three years!

So, when I look at my ring, I think about a lot of things. I think about my marriage and how thankful I am for that, But I also think about how God takes a mess and turns it into beauty. He used some redneck’s thieving ways to help a little boy learn about Jesus. And he does this kind of stuff every day.

Day 6

Day #6—Who would you love to trade places with for the day?

Jimmy Fallon. I would have listed him in day #3’s post (favorite shows), but I wanted to save him for this. I would love to be a part of Jimmy’s crew for a day of taping. It would be fascinating to see how a show like that is put together and what the inner workings look like. They all look like such creative, funny people.  If you aren't watching Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, you are missing out.

Thursday Thank-yous

I am thankful for. . .

101.  blogs that inspire me and entertain me.
102.  the fact that spring is right around the corner.
103.  hot water and electricity.
104.  getting to see what Zumba is all about.
105.  healthy bodies.
106.  perfect weather for running, especially while listening to a mix of David Crowder, Def Leppard, and Guns 'N Roses.
107.  prayer.
108.  seeing how much Noel loved his field trip to do gymnastics.
109.  boxed brownie mix.
110.  March Madness, baby!!!!


What are you thankful for?

Day 5

Day #5 - A picture of your favorite memory.

My wedding day.

David and I have been married for almost 7 years. Our story is a funny one, one that I’m not always very proud to share because I did some very embarrassing things during that time. Fortunately, all ended well, and David managed to see past my craziness and fell in love with me. Marriage is hard work, it is not always a cake walk, especially with young children, but I am so thankful that David and I get to go on the journey of our lives together.

Day 4

Day #4 - A picture of your night.

Hanging out together

My little helper.  She is mashing potatoes for me.

Scrubby Time

Getting ready to watch a show before bed

Our nights are pretty exciting, let me tell you! David gets home around 5:30, and we usually take turns running. We eat dinner around 6:00, which means the kids are done eating around, oh, 6:03. Then after we clean up we just hang out until bath time. Then the kids watch a show, read some stories, and head off to bed. That leaves about an hour for David and me to spend together alone. I know that our schedule is kind of boring right now, but we have seen through our friends that as the kids get older they will be in activities that will keep us from having as much down time as we do now. So, we are just trying to enjoy every minute we have as a family.

Day 3

Day #3 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show.


If you know me, then you know I love several tv shows. I’m not sure I can put just one picture, so I’ll give you a few:

Parks and Recreation. Love the cast on this show. Love all of the funny characters and the fact that they are in Pawnee, Indiana. Amy Poehler is hilarious.

Top Chef. This is my hands-down favorite thing to watch. I have watched it since the first season, and I always enjoy it. My favorite chefs have been Fabio, Dale, Sam, Kevin, and Harold. I hope to someday eat in one of their restaurants.

The Amazing Race. I love this show because it is the one show David and I sit down and watch together. Not only is it interesting to see how people work together, but they show parts of the world that we’ve never seen, so it’s cool.

The Mentalist. I enjoy watching this show because a) Simon Baker is great and b) it’s one mystery show that leaves you guessing right until the end.

Day 2

Day #2 - A picture of you and the person you have been closest with the longest.


I met Jenni when we were freshmen at Lincoln Christian College (now Lincoln Christian University). We were both having issues with our roommates (oh my, the stories we coudl tell), and found ourselves hiding out in the laundry room. A lot. We soon discovered that we got along really well and ended up rooming together second semester. The rest is history. We’ve been through graduations, jobs, weddings, funerals, children, moving, and about a thousand other things. She lives in Ft. Worth, Texas, so it’s not as easy for us to spend time together, but when we are together we cherish every minute. The older I get the more I realize that it’s not the quantity of friends you have, but the quality that matters. In Jenni I have a quality friend.

30 pictures

I've been seeing a lot of people of facebook take this 30 day picture challenge, where they post a picture based on a topic every day for 30 days.  I want to do this, but I don't want to post it on facebook every day.  So, instead I'm turning it into the "30 Pictures" project on my blog.

Picture #1:  A picture of me and 10 facts about me.

1. I live in the same town I was born in. I left at 18 swearing I’d never come back. God laughed, and I ended up back here at 29.


2. I love getting handwritten letters in the mail.

3. I’m kind of obsessed with cleaning wax out of my ears.

4. I’m starting to enjoy running. I never thought I would ever say that.

5. If I could eat chocolate for every meal, I would. Case closed.

6. I work with jr. High and high school students, and it inspires me, challenges me, entertains me, and frustrates me all at the same time.

7. I really love watching tv.

8. I just bought my first ipod shuffle. Before that the last thing I listened to was a walkman. I think it’s time.

9. I love to travel, even with my kids.

10. It’s really hard for me to be around negative people.

5-ingredient cookies

We tried these out a few days ago, and they were really good!

1 can sweetened condensed milk
3/4 c. peanut butter
1 3/4 c. baking mix (Bisquick)
1 t. vanilla
1/2 bag chocolate chips (mini chocolate chips would work best)

Mix the sweetened condensed milk and peanut butter together.  Add baking mix, vanilla, and chocolate chips.  Roll dough into small balls or use small cookie scoop.  Put on cookie sheet.  Ues a fork to flatten them a bit and give them that distinctive peanut butter cookie pattern.  Bake at 375 degrees for 6-8 minutes.  Don't overbake them and they will stay soft.

Enjoy!

Thursday Thank-yous hits the big 1-0-0!

I am thankful for. . .

91.  My online class is over!!
92. sunshine!  sunshine!  sunshine!
93.  the chance to read my old favorite children's stories to my children.
94.  a new month full of possibilities.
95.  A new peanut-butter chocolate-chip cookie recipe that has 5 ingredients.  I will share the recipe soon.
96.  getting to teach High School Insight (aka Sunday School) at our church for the next 4 weeks.  We are going to look at 1 Samuel--good stuff!
97.  alone time with each of my kids. 
98.  90's music.  I'm working on a post about the amazing things we learned through music in the 90's (Here's your teaser:  Who let the dogs out???)
99.  potatoes.  They are so versatile, and yet so yummy in all of their forms!
100.  the calm at the end of every day.

What are you thankful for?  If you have a blog, post it!

Save Money! Save Money! Save Money! But, why?

I love a good deal.  I love the idea that I just saved a bunch of money or that I got something on clearance.  I'm not too good at coupons, but I find such a feeling of accomplishment when I actually use one.

But, what am I saving all of this money for?

I've been thinking about this recently.  I know that God wants us to use our money wisely.  There are lots of verses in the Bible about being wise, but what do other verses say? 

We are to set aside money for the work of the church (1 Cor. 16:2)

People who want to be rich are likely to become tempted & loving money is the root of all kinds of evil. (1 Tim. 6 9-10)

We need to be content with what we have (Heb. 13:5)

I think saving money is a great idea if our motivation is right.

Think about it:  what if when we got a good deal we took that extra money and did something good for others with it instead of putting it into our vacation fund?

What if every time we got a "Buy 1 Get 1 Free", we took one of those to a food pantry?

Isn't that why God gives to us?  So we can give to others?

Something to think about.

Five Years Ago

I saw this post over the weekend and thought it was a creative idea.  So, I know it's not Friday, but I will attempt the challenge:  write for 5 minutes (no more, no less) about what you were doing 5 years ago.

Feb. 28, 2006

It's funny, because I actully know EXACTLY what I was doing on this day 5 years ago.  I gave my 8th grade students a quiz over O. Henry and went to the dentist.  Now, before you think I am one of those crazy people who can remember every date in detail, I have my school planner out from that year.  I'm taking an online class, and I have to use plans from when I was teaching.  2005-2006 was my last year in the classroom.  I can't believe it's been that long.  I miss it a lot.  But I wouldn't trade this time with my children.  I don't want to miss this, even the frustrating, mundane days that take me to the brink of insanity.  Staying home has changed me, but in a good way.  I was not one of those people who had the "motherly" gene.  It has not come easy for me.  But through the last 5 years I feel like God has really shown me who He is and who I am in Him.  He has taught me to rely on Him and not on my own accomplishments.  He has shown me what it means to put others ahead of yourself.

So, here's your challenge:  For 5 minutes write about what you were doing 5 years ago.   

Thursday Thank-yous

I'm thankful for. . .

81.  the fact that spring has GOT to be around the corner!
82.  scarves.
83.  chapstick.
84.  the opportunity to help women and their babies in Kenya.
85.  the amazing family who raised me with faith, discipline, and love.
86.  watching my kids dance to my old music, especially Arrested Development. (Who doesn't love a little "Tennessee"?)
87.  no car payments.
88.  chocolate chip bagels.
89.  pre-school soccer.  The best Saturday morning entertainment ever.
90.  forgiveness.  every day.  forgiveness.

What are you thankful for?

Although we've come, to the end of the road. . .

Okay, if you read the title to my post and immediately started singing the Boys to Men song, then please know you are in the right place.

10 days.

10 days left of my online class.

I have enjoyed learning and getting to meet other teachers from all over the world.  I truly think I will take a lot of this information and use it in my future classrooms.

But I'm ready to be done. 

I'm ready to have some extra time in my life, and I'm ready for my house to not look like an episode of some sort of tv show that they broadcast on TLC or A&E.

On a side note, if you have not checked out themercyhousekenya.org you need to do so right now.  Right now!  Pray for them, support them, learn about them.

The end.

Thursday Thank-yous

I am thankful for. . .

71.  getting to run outside in the beautiful weather.
72.  caffiene free diet anything!
73.  date night Saturday night (thanks, Santana for babysitting!)
74.  gaining a little more daylight every day.
75.  getting to celebrate my nephew Jonathan's 18th birthday!
76.  homemade chocolate chip cookies.
77.  seeing teenagers make great decisions and grow up before my eyes.
78.  great conversations that challenge me and encourage me.
79.  roasted red pepper hummus.  Darn you, Meijer, for making it half price!
80.  my son learning to read.  It makes my heart all warm and fuzzy :)

What are you thankful for?

Dear Valentine's Day,

You are a tricky little thing, aren't you?  First, I hated you for years because you reminded me that I didn't have a "special someone" to spend Valentine's Day with.  In fact, I remember watching Bill Murray in Groundhog's Day thinking that my personal hell would be to relive Valentine's Day over and over and over and over.  Seeing everyone's flowers and chocolates.  And that was way before the digital age where people post all of the details.  Yikes!

But now, as a married woman, Valentine's Day, you are still a little stinker.  I end up with expectations that can't possibly be fulfilled, even by a husband as wonderful as mine.  So, instead of enjoying a day and being thankful for the relationships I have in my life, I am disappointed, AND FOR NO REASON WHATSOEVER!

And so, Valentine's Day, I refuse to let you win.  Today I will celebrate love by looking for it everywhere.

In watching my children play together
In reading about God's love for me
In the friendships I have
In the time I spend with my wonderful gift that is my husband

And I will show love to those around me.  Not just in a card or a gift, but in my words and actions.  In thinking of others more than myself.

So you're not ALL bad. 

Thursday Thank-yous

I am thankful for. . .

61.  Getting to listen to Noel and David pray before Noel goes to bed.
62.  Chicken Fajitas w/lime and cilantro.  Yes, please!
63.  Ski trip on Saturday.
64.  Legos, toy tractors, markers, and all other inside toys that have made this winter fun.
65.  college basketball on tv (except our teams aren't doing very well this year).
66.  Every day is a new day, a fresh start, a clean slate.
67.  the funny faces my daughter is learning to make.
68.  friends I visit with at the nursing home.
69.  dilly bars.
70.  encouraging words from those around me.

What are you thankful for?

Random Thoughts

I've been overwhelmed lately with life.  Nothing too crazy going on, just every day life is kind of getting to me.  David was gone for 5 days, my house is a wreck, I have an online class I'm trying to finish, and I'm trying to put together what I need to drive the kids and myself to David's parents' house on Friday.  I feel frazzled, pulled in too many directions.  I look around and instead of focusing on the good, I always notice what is lacking.  Isn't that our human nature?

So, what better way to get perspective than some random, unimportant thoughts from me?  That's what I give you today:

*Yesterday morning, as David was driving to work, he noticed our neighbor taking trash out to the curb in shorts and boots. . .AND NOTHING ELSE!  It was about 10 degrees out yesterday!  And David said this guy was in no hurry to get back in. He was kicking snow, walking slowly, looking around.  I'll say it again, only in Kokomo. . .

*Tonight might be the best night of television I've ever seen (hope I'm not disappointed after a build-up like that!).  My 2 favorite shows:  Top Chef and Late Night with Jimmy Fallon are on together!  The Chefs are cooking for the cast and crew of Jimmy Fallon's show.  Oh, I cannot wait!!!  Fabio and Richard Blaze along with Jimmy, Steve Higgens, and the Roots?!  Bring it!

*Check out this video for a good laugh.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dm7yAWpX1Mc

*We went to the nursing home last night to hang out with the residents, and our friend Levi was cracking us up.  He's 97 years old and has had quite a life.  Anyway, we walk in and David says, "Hey, Levi!  How are you?"  His answer, "Well, I'm still kickin'. . .not very high, but I'm kickin'."

*I'm so glad that I missed Christina Aguilara singing the Star Spangled Banner at the Super Bowl.  I cannot stand to see someone embarass themselves, especially when millions are watching.  It gives me a stomach ache.  That's why I hate school talent shows as well.

*Tomorrow is the Valentine Party at Noel's pre-school.  Parents are invited.  The only catch is we are supposed to wear our pajamas.  Yikes!  Do they know what I sleep in?  I wear David's old t-shirts from high school and raggedy pants that have holes in them!  Is that really what they want me to wear?  I'm half tempted to go to Goodwill and get one of those long fleece nightgowns to wear, just to see if they think it's for real. (or Fa' realz, as I officially say it now)  Maybe I'll take some pictures.  Maybe I'll just wear sweats.

Happy Wednesday, Everyone!

Conflicted

It's been a hard week to blog for me. I try to write things that are encouraging, funny, insightful, something.  But last week a dear woman from our church passed away from cancer at the age of 44.  A dear lady who has two daughters (one of whom was in my lifegroup as a high school student) and a husband who are now left wondering "Why?" And I have to admit, I don't have an answer for them. 

But I've been reading a book, and it has, in a small way, helped.  I don't believe it is a coincidence that I happened to buy this book right when all of this was about to happen.  The book is called "One Thousand Gifts" by Ann Voskamp, and in it she writes about how important giving thanks is.  And not just giving a big ol' "Thanks, God!" at the end of the night.  We need to be thanking God for all of the gifts, big and small, so that we see all of the things He has done for us and continues to do for us.  Yes, life is hard.  Yes, things come that will rock our world and leave us broken.  But God is still here. 

Here are some quotes from the book so far that have really spoken to me:

*As long as thanks is possible, then joy is always possible.

*(We need) to learn how to be grateful and happy, whether hands full or hands empty.

*God is in the details; God is in the moment. God is in all that blurs by in a life--even hurts in a life.  God!

*Some days, ones with laundry and kids and dishes in sink, it is hard to think that the insulting ordinariness of this truly teaches the full mystery of the all most important, eucharisteo (giving thanks). . . But if I miss the infinitesimals, I miss the whole.

*Life change comes when we receive life with thanks and ask for nothing to change.

*God gives us time.  But who has time for God?

*I cannot think of a single advantage I've ever gained from being in a hurry.  Hurry always empties the soul.

*Live fully in the moment.

*I want to slow down and taste life, give thanks, and see God.

*Joy and pain, they are but two arteries of the one heart.

*Only the Word is the answer to rightly reading the world, because the Word has nail-scarred hands that cup our face close, wipe away the tears running down, has eyes to look deep into our brimming ache, and whisper, "I know.  I know."


I hope today you take some time to talk to God.  Share your thoughts, your fears, and most importantly, your thanks.  Tell Him thank you and recognize that, no matter what, He loves you and has a plan for you.

Sorry if this is random.  This is how my mind has been running this week.

Thursday Thank-yous

I am thankful for. . .

51.  laughter after tears.
52.  electricity.
53.  Rooibos tea with a little cream on a snowy night.
54.  free Edwin McCain song downloads.
55.  upcoming ski trip.
56.  the halfway mark of my online class!  4 weeks down, 4 to go!
57.  my husband's opportunity to go see an old friend for a long weekend.
58.  hearing new words come out of my daughter's mouth every day.
59. date nights.
60.  eternity.

What are you thankful for?