So Much to Say, So Little Time

Ok, so, well...there are quite a few things that I need/want to blog about, but I just haven't gotten around to doing it. This will be a random thoughts blog covering an array of items.

First, I'm glad I voted today. I waited until election day to vote because of my quandry over the candidates. I did not feel that either of the candidates were an adequate representation of any kind of change. I also was sick of all the political insanity that Christians were circulating. Kelvin Page at Westmore gave a great sermon on Sunday about Christians response after the election and the issue of authority. For some reason, this message inspired me and actually gave me a peace about voting. I have no expectations for how this election will wind up. Either way, I'm excited about the process and the way it has people dialoguing about our country and about the problems within the church. Isn't it funny how these two things keep coming up in conjunction with one another? I think it will be fun to watch it all play out, and I will be watching intently all night long.

Second, I have really been working on my thesis and my Apocalypse paper, as well as thinking about all the things we have talked about in Wholistic Mission. It is all rolling around in my head. I'm beginning to make some concrete formulations, which I hope to write about soon. I'm contemplating what the ENTIRE Bible has to say about the fatherless, orphan, widow, the poor and the immigrant. I'm also looking at what Revelation has to say about systems (economic, political, social constructs), and all of this in light of what the church is doing or hasn't done. I will throw you a bone though, I have said that Wesley had a system of radical discipleship, a call to social justice and life as an accountable and growing community. If we can't get following Wesley right, it might be a little much to think we can actually follow the mandates of Christ.

Third, I'm very excited to have been able to spend more time with my friend Angeline (and Mike too) at various points. I am thankful for their friendship and loving support during this time of transition in our lives. I would also like to say a big thank you to Emily Stone. Her efforts to include Belle and Ashton in activities have really helped my children to transition well.

Fourth, we have been enjoying various fall events. We painted pumpkins, we did pumpkin arts and crafts and enjoyed the night of tricks and treats. I will have pictures coming soon. We also have 2 pumpkins to carve, but considering that thanksgiving is upon us, we may just try to make a true from scratch pumpkin pie. Belle keeps asking to make one and the dried pumpkin seeds would make a great snack!

While this is not the exact maze, we also visited the corn maize in Anderson with Nana and Papi. As usual, it was a fun visit.

We have also been playing with chalk of late. I have some great photos of the kids that I hope to get up on the blog soon.

We have done so much work at my parent's new place. The transition has been amazing. I am so thankful that they are here.

Finally, I am really enjoying my internship. I'm actually starting to get attached to the people there. They have been extremely kind and gracious to me. I love the conversations we share and feeling like we are actually making a difference in the world. I could tell you stories of how things each one of them has said has impacted my life. Each of them have tremendous stories of God's grace and faithfulness in their life. I look forward to continuing to get to know them.

I guess that is all for now. I feel better that I've at written something here, even if it isn't as polished and perfected as I would like. I suppose blogging has now become important to me, and I don't want it to be as sporadic as in the past. I will do my best to get pictures up soon.

I look forward to the dialogue that future posts may bring. By the way, does anyone else feel hopeful about tonight's outcome no matter what it is? I just can't help thinking that no matter what happens, we are still His children, He still loves us and wants to see us all redeemed. Will the outcome of this election really change that? I think not. Que sera, sera.

No Creative Titles, Just Wanted to Say I'm Back

So, it's been a 9 month hiatus. We'll I'm back. At least I hope to be. I've got a Friday study day and lots of things rumbling in this head and heart of mine. Besides, I have two kids, a husband, lots of school work, house work...you get the picture. Anyway, I've got time on my hands. So look for me. I've got some things to say about motherhood, Christianity (mine in particular), school and this great family I call my own. Hopefully, I have been gone, but not forgotten. See you in the funny papers! My Dad used to say that...never thought it was funny before tonight.

My Body is a Masterpiece

A little over a week ago, I was working on support letters for the people at church who are taking missions trips this summer. I had put Belle down for her nap about 30 minutes earlier. Normally, she drifts off to sleep. It's like a picture perfect story from the tale "Night Before Christmas". I'm thinking that visions of sugar plums are dancing in her head (more like visions of Ariel, Aurora and Belle), when what to my wondering eyes should appear but a naked little girl full of great cheer. She was colored with marker from head to toe - mustache around her lips, dots on her nose. But that is not the end of this tale you see, she had colored her feet, her bum and her boobies. So much composure I tried to retain, but alas I could not - laughter and tears fell like rain. I put up the markers and chastised her well, put her back to bed and all was well. She drifted off to sleep, my laughter remained and one day she'll read this story with disdain. Why do you ask? I'll tell you why. These are great stories to tell all the guys!

PS - This photo is another one of her coloring days. It's obvious...she loves lipstick.

Logan's, Logan's, Logan's

How many Logan's rolls can I eat before it is sin? They are sooo yummy when they come out of the oven, not quite brown with all of that artery clogging gold on top.

Does anyone else have this problem? I mean really, do I have to stop eating them? I actually think that looking at them puts on the pounds. Of course, any one of us could have this problem with any number of things...other foods, tv, MySpace (come on...don't kid yourself, you know it's true!). Moderation in all things - that is the motto of the day.
So, do you have an answer yet? I do. I think I have sinned before I ever even start to eat them. I know that I can't eat just one, and the yeast that makes them rise, makes me rise as well (thank you Mom for that observation - see, I still listen to you!). It's not that the roll itself is so terribly bad to have every now and then. It's the fact that I lose all sense of self control when it comes to those stupid rolls.
So, enough of the nonsense. I hope that I'm not the only one loving Logan's rolls. Here's to self-control, moderation, and OH...just one more Logan's roll.