Rain, Rain, Go Away!
Now, don't get me wrong. I really enjoy the rain, but I want to stay home and watch a movie or read a book, not go out in the rain and get soaked. I really feel for Southern Missouri and Illinois right now. I know they must really be wondering when it might end.
This week has been a catch up week. One night was a catch up on rest kind of night and last night was catch up on errands night. I really should have reversed them because I got soaked last night but oh well.
This past weekend was "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner!" It was the first time we have done that here and it sounds like everyone had alot of fun. There were a few snafues but overall we got it worked out.
This weekend my dad is coming to visit. I keep trying to think of projects we can tackle! I'm sure he will be thrilled. I also am planning out where we will dine throughout the weekend!
Okay, so this is pretty random and boring today, but that's all I've got!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Monday, March 17, 2008
Nonsense
Life feels like it is moving in fast forward. It definitely seems to go in waves with busyness.
-I have a tendency to try to make everything that comes up work. I hate to have to say "No" to anyone.
-It always seems that you make a plan and suddenly 16 other things come up that you really want to do during that same time. The days before and after are mysteriously empty.
-I have several big projects that I want to get done. Each time I think this is it, I think of something else that really needs to get done too. Does it ever end?
-Gas at $3.18 a gallon is nonsense. You have to have a detailed plan everytime you go somewhere just so you don't have to make double trips.
-I really want to develop more "green" habits. I hate that it seems more expensive to do so. I read (probably on a blog) that the green revolution will never truly work unless people that are poor are able to have "green" resources as well. I can't seem to get this out of my mind. If you think about it, we tend to hand down all of our resources down to the poor when we become "green." How are they ever supposed to have a chance at helping save the environment.
-We may be selling one of our vehicles soon. I didn't think I was emotionally attached to my car, but I guess 10 years will form some kind of attachment.
-Kevin seems to be emotionally attached to his pig. He had harsh words to say to me when it was still missing 5 days later. All I can say is, "he started it."
-I have a tendency to try to make everything that comes up work. I hate to have to say "No" to anyone.
-It always seems that you make a plan and suddenly 16 other things come up that you really want to do during that same time. The days before and after are mysteriously empty.
-I have several big projects that I want to get done. Each time I think this is it, I think of something else that really needs to get done too. Does it ever end?
-Gas at $3.18 a gallon is nonsense. You have to have a detailed plan everytime you go somewhere just so you don't have to make double trips.
-I really want to develop more "green" habits. I hate that it seems more expensive to do so. I read (probably on a blog) that the green revolution will never truly work unless people that are poor are able to have "green" resources as well. I can't seem to get this out of my mind. If you think about it, we tend to hand down all of our resources down to the poor when we become "green." How are they ever supposed to have a chance at helping save the environment.
-We may be selling one of our vehicles soon. I didn't think I was emotionally attached to my car, but I guess 10 years will form some kind of attachment.
-Kevin seems to be emotionally attached to his pig. He had harsh words to say to me when it was still missing 5 days later. All I can say is, "he started it."
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Coherent Thoughts
I really want to blog but I have no time these days! Hopefully, I can snag a few minutes to put some coherent thoughts together soon!
I miss you all!
I miss you all!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Giggles
What a whirlwind weekend! Thanks for all the prayers this weekend. I made it to St. Louis in time to grab a quick sandwich for dinner and get parked and to the airport. I have to admit flying out at 9pm was pretty nice...there weren't any lines at security and the plane was only about a third full. I love Southwest airlines, and only wished they had a closer hub to Paducah! My sister and Karmen were waiting curbside and we were off. I enjoyed the trip home with Karmen in the backseat holding onto my finger while she dozed. (It was way past her bedtime.)
We had a great time together and there are few other people that I would get up at 6am with on a Saturday morning! We enjoyed lunch with family to celebrate my grandmother's 87th birthday. I hope I am still going so strong when I am 87. They still live on their own and are in great health. Here she is with Karmen.
Later that afternoon we enjoyed a photo session. I just love these pictures!
The best part was right before my sister and Karmen left, I lifted her over my head and brought her down to my face. She thought that was the greatest thing ever and just laughed. Well, that was all it took for us to get the video camera out and do it over and over again! She thought it was great everytime.
It is also great to be home. Mike was wonderful and picked up the house before I got home because he knows how much that means to me!
We had a great time together and there are few other people that I would get up at 6am with on a Saturday morning! We enjoyed lunch with family to celebrate my grandmother's 87th birthday. I hope I am still going so strong when I am 87. They still live on their own and are in great health. Here she is with Karmen.
Later that afternoon we enjoyed a photo session. I just love these pictures!
The best part was right before my sister and Karmen left, I lifted her over my head and brought her down to my face. She thought that was the greatest thing ever and just laughed. Well, that was all it took for us to get the video camera out and do it over and over again! She thought it was great everytime.
It is also great to be home. Mike was wonderful and picked up the house before I got home because he knows how much that means to me!
Friday, February 22, 2008
Only a few more hours.....
I can't wait to spend some time loving on my niece Karmen this weekend. I haven't seen her since Thanksgiving and she is almost 4 months old now. My sister tells me how she is smiling and cooing and I can't wait to experience it too. If only the interstate cooperates and the roads are clear...I will get to be there before bedtime tonight. Unfortunately, I have to drive north into southern Illinois and get to St. Louis by 8:15 tonight to catch my 9pm flight! Hopefully there are no big stories to tell tomorrow! Pray for safe and quick travel!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Swamped
Goodness Gracious. I was just getting started with blogging and then everything felt crazy. I can definitely tell that it is February at work. It has been dreary and cloudy for weeks on end and everyone really starts to feel it! However, in Gatlinburg this weekend we were able to enjoy 65-70 degree weather everyday!
A few things about the trip.....
-Charter buses are the only way to travel! It was the best trip yet because we didn't have to worry about keeping 4 15-passenger vans together and stopping every two hours to fill up. I called our bus the "Rockstar" because it was really new and sleek.
-Standing in line was almost fun because we weren't freezing our tails off!
-All of our kids were very responsible. They were where they were supposed to be at all times. Most of the time they were even early!
-The drama and art was really moving. I think Sunday morning was the best session by far.
-Our chaperones were incredible! They really work to make the trip an awesome experience for our kids. They are willing to do whatever the kids want to do.
-I was so proud of the way the students opened up and shared their hearts during our devo time Saturday night.
-We got to witness one of our own dying to their selves and being raised into life with Jesus! We are so proud of you Casen.
-The worship time on the bus Sunday night was spontaneous but moving. I think we even impressed our bus driver, Mr. Don.
-Topaz really stunk after a weekend at the kennel. He must have had a good time!
-These weekends totally wear me out. I was exhausted when we got home and crashed early.
A few things about the trip.....
-Charter buses are the only way to travel! It was the best trip yet because we didn't have to worry about keeping 4 15-passenger vans together and stopping every two hours to fill up. I called our bus the "Rockstar" because it was really new and sleek.
-Standing in line was almost fun because we weren't freezing our tails off!
-All of our kids were very responsible. They were where they were supposed to be at all times. Most of the time they were even early!
-The drama and art was really moving. I think Sunday morning was the best session by far.
-Our chaperones were incredible! They really work to make the trip an awesome experience for our kids. They are willing to do whatever the kids want to do.
-I was so proud of the way the students opened up and shared their hearts during our devo time Saturday night.
-We got to witness one of our own dying to their selves and being raised into life with Jesus! We are so proud of you Casen.
-The worship time on the bus Sunday night was spontaneous but moving. I think we even impressed our bus driver, Mr. Don.
-Topaz really stunk after a weekend at the kennel. He must have had a good time!
-These weekends totally wear me out. I was exhausted when we got home and crashed early.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Playing in Photoshop
Alright, so if I am going to keep this up, I have to like how it looks! I have been playing in photoshop the last few nights and here's what I came up with last night. However, if my husband has his way, I will fast from blogs for Lent so my blogging may be short-lived!
What do you think?
What do you think?
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Shocker.....
Here are a few things that have shocked me lately....
Mike didn't get sick even after being around Kevin on Friday before he started throwing up. Mike has one of the weakest immune systems of anyone I know. I'm scared for when we get old!
We have two weekends coming up that aren't already packed solid! That is a miracle. However, the three weeks after that are a zoo!
(Umm...I'm blank. This is why I don't blog very much!)
I don't talk on the phone as much now that we have texting. I would much rather have a conversation by text rather than by voice. This is odd for me because I am a do it and get it done kind of person. Texting definitely takes longer.
I have been blogging. This is a real shocker!
Mike didn't get sick even after being around Kevin on Friday before he started throwing up. Mike has one of the weakest immune systems of anyone I know. I'm scared for when we get old!
We have two weekends coming up that aren't already packed solid! That is a miracle. However, the three weeks after that are a zoo!
(Umm...I'm blank. This is why I don't blog very much!)
I don't talk on the phone as much now that we have texting. I would much rather have a conversation by text rather than by voice. This is odd for me because I am a do it and get it done kind of person. Texting definitely takes longer.
I have been blogging. This is a real shocker!
Friday, January 18, 2008
Topaz and His New Accessories
Hmm...I can't believe it has been a week.
The post that allowed me to rejoin the blogging world told you that everything in our house was displaced for a few days. I am happy to report that everything is back in order and we can cook again! These changes have been taking place since just before Christmas. The result of these changes has made me an expert in finding durable dog booties.
The first pair we bought (an XL) was entirely too big for Topaz. However when I initially brought them home and put them on him he pranced around like a show horse.
These sufficed until I could order some nail tips for him. His first pair were red and it was quite the chore to put them on. He doesn't like people touching his paws! I didn't quite get enough glue in them so they didn't stay on long.
Our next step was to order booties that were more his size. I ordered a medium and a large because I wasn't sure what would work. The large did the trick, however they aren't the most well constructed booties. Within a few weeks they were getting holes in them and we could see that this wasn't going to work.
Back to the search....
Finally, we found what we hope will do the trick. Mutlucks! They seem well made and are much sturdier than other booties!
The funny thing is....the first thing people comment on when they walk in the house is how Topaz wears "shoes." Everyone always ask if how he likes them, but he has never given any indication that they create a problem for him! Lucky for us!
The post that allowed me to rejoin the blogging world told you that everything in our house was displaced for a few days. I am happy to report that everything is back in order and we can cook again! These changes have been taking place since just before Christmas. The result of these changes has made me an expert in finding durable dog booties.
The first pair we bought (an XL) was entirely too big for Topaz. However when I initially brought them home and put them on him he pranced around like a show horse.
These sufficed until I could order some nail tips for him. His first pair were red and it was quite the chore to put them on. He doesn't like people touching his paws! I didn't quite get enough glue in them so they didn't stay on long.
Our next step was to order booties that were more his size. I ordered a medium and a large because I wasn't sure what would work. The large did the trick, however they aren't the most well constructed booties. Within a few weeks they were getting holes in them and we could see that this wasn't going to work.
Back to the search....
Finally, we found what we hope will do the trick. Mutlucks! They seem well made and are much sturdier than other booties!
The funny thing is....the first thing people comment on when they walk in the house is how Topaz wears "shoes." Everyone always ask if how he likes them, but he has never given any indication that they create a problem for him! Lucky for us!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Fiascos
Ever feel like you have days, weeks, months when nothing seems to go your way. The last few weeks we have had several of those. It started with Mike's office furniture that arrived with missing pieces and different products than ordered. That was finally resolved after calling the local store manager and giving up on the 800 number customer service.
I ordered a gift card well before Christmas that was to be sent to my mom. I never received a confirmation email but when I called they said it had been shipped - but never arrived. Several phone calls later and 2 weeks late they shipped a new one.
We have been in the process of re-flooring our house. In the process of tiling the kitchen we realize we were not given enough tile at the store in Nashville. After a phone call and a gracious friend Mike met them in Clarksville to get it. When Mike got home he realized the store gave us the wrong color. The next morning the store got to meet Mike halfway to exchange the tile out.
Everything is in place now and it was all worked out but it is definitely frustrating in the process. However, there is a theory I use alot in therapy that emphasizes looking for the alternative outcomes (positives) rather than the problem saturated narrative. For example, if you feel like you ALWAYS mess up when you are doing a project you try to find examples of times things went pretty well. We often have problem saturated stories yet several positive things have happened that we never stopped to notice. Doing this for a lifetime can really shape someone's perspective of how life has treated them. I had to stop and think about how many other things we have ordered that didn't get messed up to bring some perspective to feeling like life isn't all doom and gloom.
So try it sometime.....when you feel like you can't get it right or something keeps going wrong stop and take inventories of the victories, regardless how small. It helps keep us from always thinking we are failures. If you have a hard time doing it ask a friend to talk through it with you and help you look for alternative outcomes that you wouldn't notice.
I ordered a gift card well before Christmas that was to be sent to my mom. I never received a confirmation email but when I called they said it had been shipped - but never arrived. Several phone calls later and 2 weeks late they shipped a new one.
We have been in the process of re-flooring our house. In the process of tiling the kitchen we realize we were not given enough tile at the store in Nashville. After a phone call and a gracious friend Mike met them in Clarksville to get it. When Mike got home he realized the store gave us the wrong color. The next morning the store got to meet Mike halfway to exchange the tile out.
Everything is in place now and it was all worked out but it is definitely frustrating in the process. However, there is a theory I use alot in therapy that emphasizes looking for the alternative outcomes (positives) rather than the problem saturated narrative. For example, if you feel like you ALWAYS mess up when you are doing a project you try to find examples of times things went pretty well. We often have problem saturated stories yet several positive things have happened that we never stopped to notice. Doing this for a lifetime can really shape someone's perspective of how life has treated them. I had to stop and think about how many other things we have ordered that didn't get messed up to bring some perspective to feeling like life isn't all doom and gloom.
So try it sometime.....when you feel like you can't get it right or something keeps going wrong stop and take inventories of the victories, regardless how small. It helps keep us from always thinking we are failures. If you have a hard time doing it ask a friend to talk through it with you and help you look for alternative outcomes that you wouldn't notice.
Monday, January 07, 2008
Contentment
Two blogs in the span of 4 days? We'll see if I ever hit publish!
This is the first full week of work in several weeks due to the holidays and being sick. I find that I love anticipating a short work week or an upcoming day off. I think I almost enjoy the anticipation of the weekend or day off more than the time off itself. Often I find myself already feeling doomed on Friday night because I know that the weekend will be over so quickly and it will be Monday morning again and I will have to wait 5 more days before the next day off. Mike just shakes his head and laughs at me when I tell him about this.
I have similar experiences when I anticipate buying a big item. I am so excited until I actually do it and then I find myself plagued with wondering if that was the right thing or wondering what comes next.
In conjunction with this one of my goals for the year is to enjoy the moment without always dreading what comes next or trying to find the next exciting thing. I think it is important that we find contentment or we are always searching for the next big event without finding the blessings that come in between.
This is the first full week of work in several weeks due to the holidays and being sick. I find that I love anticipating a short work week or an upcoming day off. I think I almost enjoy the anticipation of the weekend or day off more than the time off itself. Often I find myself already feeling doomed on Friday night because I know that the weekend will be over so quickly and it will be Monday morning again and I will have to wait 5 more days before the next day off. Mike just shakes his head and laughs at me when I tell him about this.
I have similar experiences when I anticipate buying a big item. I am so excited until I actually do it and then I find myself plagued with wondering if that was the right thing or wondering what comes next.
In conjunction with this one of my goals for the year is to enjoy the moment without always dreading what comes next or trying to find the next exciting thing. I think it is important that we find contentment or we are always searching for the next big event without finding the blessings that come in between.
Friday, January 04, 2008
A Misplaced Kitchen
Hmm.....everyone wants me to update but I find myself getting to this page and having nothing to say. When I tell this story everyone starts to give me ideas of what to write about but then I get here and nothing sounds important enough to write about!
So let's see what you might be interested in knowing.....
Right now my refrigerator is in my hallway, the stove is in the dining room, and the microwave is next to the front door.
I have no idea what else you might be interested in knowing but I will tell you the following anyway...
We have somehow avoided traveling for Christmas Day all 3 years we have lived in Paducah. Most people think this is awful, but we love it. It means that we get to enjoy Christmas breakfast with our "family" here. I am already scheming about how to stay home next year.
Mike is at a lock-in tonight that I avoided. I am not a lock-in kind of person, however staying up until 4am with friends scrapbooking and drinking coffee is another story.
I am being told this is a respectable blog and I can quit now, but not to expect it to hold until April.
We'll see how that goes.
So let's see what you might be interested in knowing.....
Right now my refrigerator is in my hallway, the stove is in the dining room, and the microwave is next to the front door.
I have no idea what else you might be interested in knowing but I will tell you the following anyway...
We have somehow avoided traveling for Christmas Day all 3 years we have lived in Paducah. Most people think this is awful, but we love it. It means that we get to enjoy Christmas breakfast with our "family" here. I am already scheming about how to stay home next year.
Mike is at a lock-in tonight that I avoided. I am not a lock-in kind of person, however staying up until 4am with friends scrapbooking and drinking coffee is another story.
I am being told this is a respectable blog and I can quit now, but not to expect it to hold until April.
We'll see how that goes.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Let's just say that the last few weeks are not some that I would like to relive anytime soon. A few bright spots included celebrating our anniversary and Mike's birthday but neither of those were done right because of the "other" stuff that has been going on.
In the last few years though I have found an outlet that allows me to be creative and help others make memories. Mike and I decided when we moved here that we needed to find something we enjoyed doing together. We ended up buying a camera and several lenses. Since that time we have had the priviledge to take some good friends out to capture special moments in their lives. With each photo shoot I learn something new and can't wait to go out again. Here are a few glimpses of what we have done recently.
In the last few years though I have found an outlet that allows me to be creative and help others make memories. Mike and I decided when we moved here that we needed to find something we enjoyed doing together. We ended up buying a camera and several lenses. Since that time we have had the priviledge to take some good friends out to capture special moments in their lives. With each photo shoot I learn something new and can't wait to go out again. Here are a few glimpses of what we have done recently.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Prayers
Since several other post never found their way to being published in the last few months, I thought I would share a few prayers that I read tonight.
God help us to live slowly;
To move simply:
To look softly:
To allow emptiness:
To let the heart create for us.
Amen
In order to be truthful
We must do more than speak the truth.
We must also hear the truth.
We must also receive the truth.
We must also act upon truth.
We must also seach for truth.
The difficult truth.
Within us and around us. We must devote ourselves to truth.
Otherwise we are dishonest
And our lives are mistaken.
God grant us the strength and the courage
To be truthful.
Amen
God help us to live slowly;
To move simply:
To look softly:
To allow emptiness:
To let the heart create for us.
Amen
In order to be truthful
We must do more than speak the truth.
We must also hear the truth.
We must also receive the truth.
We must also act upon truth.
We must also seach for truth.
The difficult truth.
Within us and around us. We must devote ourselves to truth.
Otherwise we are dishonest
And our lives are mistaken.
God grant us the strength and the courage
To be truthful.
Amen
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Birthday Week
A few years ago I decided that one day was not enough when celebrating birthdays. It just doesn't seem right that we should only have one special day a year. I decided we should celebrate birthday weeks. I love the idea of celebrating a person and what they mean to you. When I met Mike and introduced him to this concept, he didn't get it so a few years ago I had to give him a birthday week so that he could understand what I meant by birthday week. This year was his year to try to make up for the last several and he did an awesome job. Let me clarify a few things.....celebrating birthday week doesn't have to mean spending alot of money...it just means putting some thought into it to make it meaningful.
Sunday, May 6, started my birthday week. I got to open a few cards and a card from my husband. Mike has learned that when I say I want a card, that doesn't mean just signing his name but writing me a note or a letter. I know this means that he has taken time to sit down and think about what he wants to write. On Monday (my actual birthday) I was awoken with birthday greetings. I went to work and about 9:30 got a surprise visit from Mike bringing me flowers. A couple of my coworkers took me to lunch and made a big deal about my birthday all day. After work we went to eat at a fun restaurant. Tuesday's gift was a book that I have been waiting impatiently to be released and dinner with some dear friends at the park. It was perfect. Wednesday I was surprised with a gift certificate for a pedicure and massage, two things I have been longing for since the marathon. The rest of the office took me to lunch on Wednesday and gave me the princess survival bag. We laughed alot and enjoyed our time together. Thursday I volunteered to keep our friend's baby not knowing that Mike had invited some friends over to celebrate. Thankfully, it all worked out and I got my cookie cake too! :) Friday, we headed to a family retreat and it was a wonderful weekend of relaxing and enjoying the outdoors.
I was so proud of my husband because I knew he had put alot of thought into making the week special for me. He is the love of my life and I wouldn't want to enjoy birthday week with anyone else.
Sunday, May 6, started my birthday week. I got to open a few cards and a card from my husband. Mike has learned that when I say I want a card, that doesn't mean just signing his name but writing me a note or a letter. I know this means that he has taken time to sit down and think about what he wants to write. On Monday (my actual birthday) I was awoken with birthday greetings. I went to work and about 9:30 got a surprise visit from Mike bringing me flowers. A couple of my coworkers took me to lunch and made a big deal about my birthday all day. After work we went to eat at a fun restaurant. Tuesday's gift was a book that I have been waiting impatiently to be released and dinner with some dear friends at the park. It was perfect. Wednesday I was surprised with a gift certificate for a pedicure and massage, two things I have been longing for since the marathon. The rest of the office took me to lunch on Wednesday and gave me the princess survival bag. We laughed alot and enjoyed our time together. Thursday I volunteered to keep our friend's baby not knowing that Mike had invited some friends over to celebrate. Thankfully, it all worked out and I got my cookie cake too! :) Friday, we headed to a family retreat and it was a wonderful weekend of relaxing and enjoying the outdoors.
I was so proud of my husband because I knew he had put alot of thought into making the week special for me. He is the love of my life and I wouldn't want to enjoy birthday week with anyone else.
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Getting Healthy
After running the half marathon I thought I would have lost some weight but that didn't happen. I think part of the delusion is when you run that much you are hungry and it doesn't seem to be a big deal when you have that dessert or grab a burger with a friend. So I haven't gained alot but I have lost alot either. After losing quite a bit a weight back during my senior year of college it has gradually snuck back. So I want to start thinking again about my portion sizes, etc. Sandy talked yesterday about this blog that was creating a challenge and I decided to jump on the bandwagon. If you want to check it out click here.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
The road to the Half-Marathon
10 days ago now I conquered something I have wanted to do since 2003. The summer before my senior year in college I decided that I needed to take control of my life. I had just been through a rough semester and knew that this was possibly my last year of school before the real world. I was doing a summer internship at a church in Houston and decided I wanted to learn how to do ministry and take care of myself at the same time. One of the downfalls of ministry is that it can be totally consuming and you quickly find yourself sacrificing yourself for everything and everyone else. That summer, despite the busyness, I committed to getting healthy. That began by transforming my eating habits and getting exercise. I started walking/running about 35-40 minutes 5-6 times a week. My goal was to run 2 miles in 20 minutes with those that were going on Trek later that summer. By the end of the summer I had changed my habits....I was exercising and eating really well and it showed. I felt better - more energy, happier, and more confident. I hoped that I could maintain this change as I went back to school for my last year at Lipscomb. Amazingly, I started getting up at 6am several mornings a week to run and my fitness level grew. This was one of those first times I had put my mind to something and stuck with it. That winter I thought I would try to run a half marathon but school, work, and weather just didn't allow me to train like I needed to. Fast-forward several years and running sporadically during the last couple years through grad school. My sister and I were talking several months back and she encouraged me to train for a half. She told me she would run it with me. I knew it would be good for me to have a goal and I agreed. In the back of my mind, I sorta doubted I would follow through but then several people found out about it. It's still a little hazy to me how it all happened but 10 days ago I ran my first half-marathon. It was one of the toughest things I have done but it was so rewarding at the end. I know that through the encouragement of friends and running partners I achieved my goal. I couldn't have done it without several that were willing to meet me and run early in the morning or on Sunday afternoon.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Trying this again...
For whatever reason I have had the urge to blog now for several days. I am one of those people that love reading blogs but have a hard time posting myself.
On Sunday mornings, Mike has been teaching a class on the book A Pilgrim's Heart by Darryl Tippens. The premise of the book is thinking about spiritual disciplines that we tend to overlook or not practice very well. The conversation has been interesting and challenging. The first few weeks of topics have included Emptying, Welcoming, Resting, and Befriending. All of these things are challenging to me. I want to live an intentional life that strives to rest in the presence of God and befriend others.
In many ways these four topics are connected. Our culture today thrives on busyness. A result of this busyness seems to be surface relationships. We fear letting others know us too well for fear that they might judge us. But yet I think we keep ourselves busy because we are longing to find connections with people.
God designed us to live in community with other people. He did not call creation good until he created Eve for Adam. Jesus appointed 12 disciples to be his community and to be community for each other. I know that the community that surrounds me through faith, family, and work are indespensable. It would be even more difficult to exist without these communities. The relationships that are cultivated with these people continually challenge, encourage, and support me throughout each day, week, month, and year.
Yet it is so difficult to welcome and befriend. I have to allow these communities to do serve these roles. Others need community just as much as I do. My calling as a Christian convicts me to welcome and befriend, yet I struggle so much to do this. Where do we find a balance of reaching out but also needing to be surrounded by our own communities.
I pray that God will continue to cultivate in me that ability to reach out and befriend others especially those that are not like me.
What do you think? Where do you struggle with this?
On Sunday mornings, Mike has been teaching a class on the book A Pilgrim's Heart by Darryl Tippens. The premise of the book is thinking about spiritual disciplines that we tend to overlook or not practice very well. The conversation has been interesting and challenging. The first few weeks of topics have included Emptying, Welcoming, Resting, and Befriending. All of these things are challenging to me. I want to live an intentional life that strives to rest in the presence of God and befriend others.
In many ways these four topics are connected. Our culture today thrives on busyness. A result of this busyness seems to be surface relationships. We fear letting others know us too well for fear that they might judge us. But yet I think we keep ourselves busy because we are longing to find connections with people.
God designed us to live in community with other people. He did not call creation good until he created Eve for Adam. Jesus appointed 12 disciples to be his community and to be community for each other. I know that the community that surrounds me through faith, family, and work are indespensable. It would be even more difficult to exist without these communities. The relationships that are cultivated with these people continually challenge, encourage, and support me throughout each day, week, month, and year.
Yet it is so difficult to welcome and befriend. I have to allow these communities to do serve these roles. Others need community just as much as I do. My calling as a Christian convicts me to welcome and befriend, yet I struggle so much to do this. Where do we find a balance of reaching out but also needing to be surrounded by our own communities.
I pray that God will continue to cultivate in me that ability to reach out and befriend others especially those that are not like me.
What do you think? Where do you struggle with this?
Friday, July 28, 2006
Anniversary and Birthday
This week is a special week for me. Mike and I celebrated our anniversary on the 26th and just three days later we get to celebrate Mike's birthday! In honor of these events, I feel it only appropriate to write about my best friend and husband.
It is hard to believe that we have only been married for 3 years. I don't know that I can remember what it was like to not be married. The last three years have been some of the best in my life. I remember before Mike and I were even dating telling my mom that I wanted to marry someone just like Mike Darling. He always seemed to be different than all the other guys I knew. Something about him was really special. As I got to know him more I would have never imagined that he would have chosen me to spend his life with.
Here are a few things that I LOVE about Mike:
1. He encourages me to be a better person. He isn't afraid to call me out about a bad attitude, etc.
2. In that regard he has a way of making me laugh when I am in a bad mood. It isn't easy to be mad around him.
3. He always has a song in his soul and usually is spreading it to those around him.
4. Mike has a calming spirit on those around him.
5. If Mike is talking to someone he is giving them his full attention, regardless if it means he is not able to do other things he was supposed to do. People know that he is listening and he cares by the way he treats them.
6. I have been overwhelmed and blown away by the way he has taken on the responsibility of full-time ministry. It truly feels like his talents are being unleashed.
7. His gift for leading others in worship is incredible. I feel his enthusiasm while he is leading.
8. He works hard for our little family and always tries to go the extra mile.
9. Integrity is something embodied in Mike. He is one of the most honest, trustworthy people I know.
10. He always has a kind word and a blessing for those he encounters from the bank teller to the waitress at the restraunt.
11. Little kids LOVE him. When he is gone all the kids ask, Where's Mike? Where's Mike? I can't wait to parent with him someday.
12. He is willing to help around the house with whatever needs to be done.
13. He never lets his arthritis be an excuse for why he can't do something. He endures alot of pain most days.
14. He has a heart for faith formation. He is great at not berating someone when they do something wrong but using the moment to examine the kind of person God wants us to be.
15. He loves me unconditionally and puts up with all my baggage!
16. Mike can be really silly and light-hearted or really serious depending on what the situation calls for.
17. He continually reminds me that God will provide when I may be stressing about something!
I think this list could go on forever. I am so thankful for my husband who has chosen to live his life to the glory of God. I admire and respect who he is and waiting anxiously to see what this journey of life holds for us in the months and years to come.
Happy Anniversary and Birthday Mike! I love you!
It is hard to believe that we have only been married for 3 years. I don't know that I can remember what it was like to not be married. The last three years have been some of the best in my life. I remember before Mike and I were even dating telling my mom that I wanted to marry someone just like Mike Darling. He always seemed to be different than all the other guys I knew. Something about him was really special. As I got to know him more I would have never imagined that he would have chosen me to spend his life with.
Here are a few things that I LOVE about Mike:
1. He encourages me to be a better person. He isn't afraid to call me out about a bad attitude, etc.
2. In that regard he has a way of making me laugh when I am in a bad mood. It isn't easy to be mad around him.
3. He always has a song in his soul and usually is spreading it to those around him.
4. Mike has a calming spirit on those around him.
5. If Mike is talking to someone he is giving them his full attention, regardless if it means he is not able to do other things he was supposed to do. People know that he is listening and he cares by the way he treats them.
6. I have been overwhelmed and blown away by the way he has taken on the responsibility of full-time ministry. It truly feels like his talents are being unleashed.
7. His gift for leading others in worship is incredible. I feel his enthusiasm while he is leading.
8. He works hard for our little family and always tries to go the extra mile.
9. Integrity is something embodied in Mike. He is one of the most honest, trustworthy people I know.
10. He always has a kind word and a blessing for those he encounters from the bank teller to the waitress at the restraunt.
11. Little kids LOVE him. When he is gone all the kids ask, Where's Mike? Where's Mike? I can't wait to parent with him someday.
12. He is willing to help around the house with whatever needs to be done.
13. He never lets his arthritis be an excuse for why he can't do something. He endures alot of pain most days.
14. He has a heart for faith formation. He is great at not berating someone when they do something wrong but using the moment to examine the kind of person God wants us to be.
15. He loves me unconditionally and puts up with all my baggage!
16. Mike can be really silly and light-hearted or really serious depending on what the situation calls for.
17. He continually reminds me that God will provide when I may be stressing about something!
I think this list could go on forever. I am so thankful for my husband who has chosen to live his life to the glory of God. I admire and respect who he is and waiting anxiously to see what this journey of life holds for us in the months and years to come.
Happy Anniversary and Birthday Mike! I love you!
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Sunday Tables
About a month and a half ago my dad called and asked me if I would write some thoughts about the Lord's Supper. If you know my dad then you know that he likes to push boundaries. I asked what he wanted it for and he told me that he had started thinking during worship what one of his "sister" in the faith would say given the opportunity. After procrastinating several weeks, this is what I sat down and composed:
Sunday Tables
Fried Chicken, laughter, Roast, amazement, potatoes, joy, vegetables, togetherness, homemade rolls, relationships. These words evoke special memories of gathering around a common table after church on Sundays with family. In my own family it was my grandparents table. The table itself may not be anything special, but the memories that have occurred around it make it priceless. The nicks and scars in the wood give the table character. Tables have given us moments of triumph and seasons of sorrow and allowed for a common experience.
As a child we gathered at my grandparents table often on Sundays for lunch and time with family. It was a time that we caught up with one another and shared with one another. We excitedly told stories and recalled memories. Stories brought laughter and tears. We shared both a meal and our lives together.
I imagine the disciples had a lot of memories about the tables where they had dined throughout the years. I wonder when they realized that their most special memories would be of the meals they shared together. I can hear them reminiscing with one another, “Remember that time when we were on the hillside and Jesus turned that boy’s lunch into a feast for everyone. And what about the Pharisees unbelief when they found out where Jesus was having dinner ... they were outraged! And then there was that night in the upper room when we enjoyed dinner and fellowship with Jesus and he gave us parting words. What incredible experiences!Jesus demonstrated many times that the table he communed at had no regard for social status, economic prosperity, race or level of education. At His table there is neither Jew nor Greek, male nor female, slave nor free, for we are all one in Christ. He has prepared the table before us this morning full of mercy and grace.
Without even realizing it, the gospel was being shown to me at my grandparents table. We communed together, young and old, without any regard for who brought what food. Often others we were welcomed at the table with us. We worshipped the Risen savior as we broke bread together. We celebrated renewed life and lamented our sorrows. We shared as the body of Christ. These memories give me a glimpse of the meal that Jesus had with the disciples.
Jesus demonstrated that community is important and that it is difficult to journey these roads alone. Together as a family we gather around this table just as you will shortly gather around the lunch table. Some of us will be in a celebratory mood and some will be lamenting. Either way, at this table there is room for everyone. Welcome to the table of the Lord.
A few weeks later I was home for my sister's graduation and had the opportunity to go back to my home church with my parents. My dad had asked if he could give the table talk that Sunday. Mom and I were very nervous about how he would handle it, but I couldn't have been more proud. He got up and shared that he had been wondering what one of his sisters in the faith would share given the opportunity. He commented that he didn't wonder very long before he went and asked and he wanted to share what she wrote. He proceeded to read it.
I really hadn't expected to feel anything knowing he was reading my thoughts, but I was surprised. In those moments I felt honored that I could participate in worship that morning and give a word that was diffferent than we normally hear. I felt validated in my abilities to think and write in a way that could edify the church body. Suddenly, it was as if my gifts were being used in the corporate setting. It was a new experience and one that made me feel things that I can't quite put words too.
I grew from that experience and am so thankful for my dad and his wonderings. He gave me the gift of participating and experiencing alongside him.
Sunday Tables
Fried Chicken, laughter, Roast, amazement, potatoes, joy, vegetables, togetherness, homemade rolls, relationships. These words evoke special memories of gathering around a common table after church on Sundays with family. In my own family it was my grandparents table. The table itself may not be anything special, but the memories that have occurred around it make it priceless. The nicks and scars in the wood give the table character. Tables have given us moments of triumph and seasons of sorrow and allowed for a common experience.
As a child we gathered at my grandparents table often on Sundays for lunch and time with family. It was a time that we caught up with one another and shared with one another. We excitedly told stories and recalled memories. Stories brought laughter and tears. We shared both a meal and our lives together.
I imagine the disciples had a lot of memories about the tables where they had dined throughout the years. I wonder when they realized that their most special memories would be of the meals they shared together. I can hear them reminiscing with one another, “Remember that time when we were on the hillside and Jesus turned that boy’s lunch into a feast for everyone. And what about the Pharisees unbelief when they found out where Jesus was having dinner ... they were outraged! And then there was that night in the upper room when we enjoyed dinner and fellowship with Jesus and he gave us parting words. What incredible experiences!Jesus demonstrated many times that the table he communed at had no regard for social status, economic prosperity, race or level of education. At His table there is neither Jew nor Greek, male nor female, slave nor free, for we are all one in Christ. He has prepared the table before us this morning full of mercy and grace.
Without even realizing it, the gospel was being shown to me at my grandparents table. We communed together, young and old, without any regard for who brought what food. Often others we were welcomed at the table with us. We worshipped the Risen savior as we broke bread together. We celebrated renewed life and lamented our sorrows. We shared as the body of Christ. These memories give me a glimpse of the meal that Jesus had with the disciples.
Jesus demonstrated that community is important and that it is difficult to journey these roads alone. Together as a family we gather around this table just as you will shortly gather around the lunch table. Some of us will be in a celebratory mood and some will be lamenting. Either way, at this table there is room for everyone. Welcome to the table of the Lord.
A few weeks later I was home for my sister's graduation and had the opportunity to go back to my home church with my parents. My dad had asked if he could give the table talk that Sunday. Mom and I were very nervous about how he would handle it, but I couldn't have been more proud. He got up and shared that he had been wondering what one of his sisters in the faith would share given the opportunity. He commented that he didn't wonder very long before he went and asked and he wanted to share what she wrote. He proceeded to read it.
I really hadn't expected to feel anything knowing he was reading my thoughts, but I was surprised. In those moments I felt honored that I could participate in worship that morning and give a word that was diffferent than we normally hear. I felt validated in my abilities to think and write in a way that could edify the church body. Suddenly, it was as if my gifts were being used in the corporate setting. It was a new experience and one that made me feel things that I can't quite put words too.
I grew from that experience and am so thankful for my dad and his wonderings. He gave me the gift of participating and experiencing alongside him.
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