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.

What I Know...Or, in Most Cases Maybe What I Don't

Tomorrow I will be taking my first mid-term "test" in almost 7 years. I'm not quite sure what to do with myself. I am beyond the cramming of the early years of college, because I respect myself and where my money is going more. But, at the same time the details of my life have gotten in the way of studying as if I would have wanted. (For instance, this morning I played in the floor with Ashton and his Diego toys for over an hour!)
So, for this mid-term, there may be a lot that I don't know (at least where the brain is concerned). I do know this though - as I have grown in my career as a student, I realize that if a person has enough determination, they can cram an enormous number of facts into their wee little brains. That is a testament to the pitfalls of the learning process. I have come to conclusion that learning is not about the facts I have stuffed away in my brain. It is an issue integration into the whole of my life and my world view. While making a "A" is probably still pretty high on my priority list, I am far more concerned with how the text is interpreting and changing me. (That is a definitive Rick Moore statement that cannot be said without proper credit being given.) There is an ebb and flow to the learning process and when you find your passion, it will all begin to converge. This is the place I am thankful to say that I have now reached. I am hesistant to say that what I have found is passion. More so, I believe I have had an awakening. Maybe I would not feel so inclined if my degree were another subject, but would venture to say that the people who are the best in their field have also reached the same conclusions.
Rather than being scared of my test tomorrow and the grade I may or may not receive, I am excited to see what I have really learned...to see what is inside of me.
So, here's to knowing the right things.

Owens Family Update

We did it. We finally made the move to Cleveland at the end of July. We arrived in time to move in on August 1st. Things have been a whirlwind since then. Belle started school at Westwood Baptist on the 11th of August. She loved it! Even though she already knew all of her colors and shapes, she learned how to spell all of her colors. She made some great new friends and had two great teachers Mrs. Miller and Mrs. Morris. I say this all in past tense because Belle was offered the wonderful opportunity to go to school at "The Village". So, at the beginning of September Belle started school there. Once again, she loved it and still does! She has made new friends, but misses her other friends at Westwood and in Tallahassee. At night, Belle and I always talk about her day. I just listen. Every night I find out something new that I would not have known if we didn't just lie there and talk. Sometimes, I wish I could just freeze time.
On the 20th of August, I started school. Whew...to say that I am in over my head is probably the understatement of the year. I also started my internship early in September. So, between school and work at my internship, I am full time Monday through Thursday. The most difficult part has been being without the kids. When I was home full time, I always wanted to work. Now that am I gone from them, I just want to be with them. I have realized through this that there is a happy medium for me. I just keep reminding myself that I will have breaks soon and this is only for a year. I have the best kids ever! I have also been reading and writing a lot. I am just in the beginning stages of my thesis, but God is already shaking me to the core. At the beginning of the semester, our professors told us that our thesis wouldn't be great if it wasn't something that we were passionate about. Well, there is no lack of passion, and God keeps turning up the heat! I will talk more about my thesis and details of this in a later post.
As for Ashton...well, he is a champ! He is talking like a commentator. He is rarely ever at a loss for words. I am fascinated by the conversations that he and his sister have started to have together. For the month of August, I stayed with Ashton when I wasn't in school so that Brian could work on the job search and go to interviews. When I was in class, Ashton got to hang out with Dad. When I started my internship, Brian kept both kids full time Monday through Friday. What a champ. Needless to say, Brian and Ashton have built quite a bond. Ashton now asks for Dad when he needs comforting. I say that is awesome! In the middle of September, Ashton started school at Broad street Methodist. He has never complained about school, but we're not sure if he likes it as much as Belle. He does talk about the playground a lot. He has also started to name some of his friends. I wish you could hear him call their names. It's a hoot. His greeting when he is picked up is always, "I had a great day today!". He also loves to sing. He is singing his alphabet, twinkle, twinkle little star and itsy, bitsy spider. His favorite books are currently Barnyard Dance and The Lady With the Alligator Purse (he calls it "Miss Lucy had a Baby"). So for the most part, we are never at a loss for smiles and joy when it comes to Ashton.
Brian has been working hard with the kids and around the house. He suckered me into getting a dog. We now also have a rat terrier in our home. We call him Huck, but his official name is Huckleberry Sebastian Gaston Owens. What a mouth full. He is a good dog, but Brian and the kids take care of him. I really keep my hands off. After a long job search and some lengthy interviews, Brian officially started his new job. We are thankful, and Brian is very happy. Congratulations!
We have had some wonderful times in the mountains since we have been here. The weather has been terrific. We have taken the kids a couple of times to watch the rafters on the Ocoee River. We have been blessed to be able to spend time with very old and dear friends, who are now our new friends again. And, my parents moved to Cleveland just last week. They are now the official daytime caretakers for the Owens' kids. As you can guess, Belle and Ashton are not complaining.
We are all finally starting to settle in to our new routines, our new home and our new life here in Tennessee. A big thank you to the McMullin family, Skip Jenkins and "Aunt Gladys" for helping to make the transition as smooth as it could be. We love you all very much. Well, this has been a pretty long update. Hopefully, it won't be 4 months before my next post! ;)

Good-Bye Tallahassee

For those of you who know (and now those of you who didn't know) we are about 1 month into our transition into a new life. At the end of May, we moved from Tallahassee. We have now been in Orlando for about 1 month. I thought the month would move slowly, but it has gone incredibly fast. July is almost here and I'm not quite sure where the time has gone. These are the last photos we took the day we left. The kids just had to run back and look in the bedroom windows.
The transition has been a little bit more difficult on Belle than I had imagined. She has missed her friends and wanted the stability of her own home, room and toys. So, we talk a lot about storage and our new house and dream of the new friends that we might get to live by. Ashton has been a ball of laughter. His laugh has been a saving grace. And, playing with my kids has taken on brand new joy.
Times like these inevitably make me realize and cherish what is truly important in life, and also help me to let go of those that I know are only temporary. I have once again come to a place of understanding that helping to carry someone else's burden eases your own.
I think overall I underestimated how difficult it would be to leave Tallahassee. But, I am thankful, hopeful and excited for all the wonderful things that are in store. I know it sounds like a cliche, but I believe that God's timing is perfect and that He knows exactly what He is doing. So, good-bye Tallahassee. Hello new life.

How Far We've Come...

Tomorrow is our 5th anniversary. In some ways, it seems so short and in others, it seems like an eternity. I always explain our courtship (if you can call it that) and marriage like a roller coaster ride. For 30 years (give or take a few months for both of us), we were on the ride up the first hill. Our marriage was the peak of the first hill, and so far the rest has been a fast ride. We moved from Cleveland to Tallahassee when I was pregnant with our first child, Belle. Since then, Ashton came along, and aside from children, life has posed all sorts of trials and joys. If you are married with children, I'm sure that you understand what I'm talking about.
I could come up with a few profound things to say and maybe wow you with some words or poetic statements. But, instead, I just want to say Happy Anniversary to us! I am thankful for my husband. He is a hard-working man who loves Jesus and his family. Belle and Ashton adore him, and though he can frustrate me like no one else, I adore him too! Whether times are good or bad, it is comforting to know that someone is there with you and there to hold your hand. Thank God for good husbands who aren't totally self-consumed and think about others as much as they do themselves. They do exist, and I caught one. Wahooie!
Happy Anniversary, Brian. I love you. I am with you. I believe in you, even when you don't believe in yourself (and this works vice versa too!). Here is to the beginning. We are still in the beginning, and I look forward to the years to come with a hopeful and grateful heart.

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.

Simply Amazing

Tonight I was lucky enough to be able to go on a date with my husband. As usual, I was left with the decision of what movie to see. I chose "Amazing Grace", the story of William Wilberforce and the abolition of the slave trade. I really wanted to see this movie on the big screen, and let me just say that I am so very glad that I did! I don't remember the last time that I have seen a movie that was so moving and inspiring. So, before I continue, let me just say that if you haven't seen it, you need to see it. If you have no plans to see it, rearrange your plans...NOW.
I must admit that my own current life situation has greatly affected how I saw the movie and now how I am responding to this movie. The writers, directors and actors did an amazing job of showing how Wilberforce's destiny was never completely in his own hands. It was an awesome thing to see how God used others to propel him towards his destiny from the time he was boy, through college, through his early years in government and ultimately to his marriage and the passing of the bill to abolish the slave trade. In light of this, I must say that while I left this movie personally inspired about the destiny that God has for me, I was also deeply moved by Wilberforce's wife.

I consider myself to still be quite new at this wifey thing. That's probably because I am. But, when you add children into the mix, there is a whole different set of things to be concerned with and about. Lately though, my heart's cry has been to learn how to be a better wife, to learn how to support, uplift, pray for and truly partner with my husband. I know that the movie shows a shallow portrait of what their life was together, but she was truly one of the inspiring forces that moved Wilberforce along towards the destiny that God had designed for him. In this new age of women's liberation and equality, it sometimes feels to me to be such a fine line that I walk between this strength and this "submission" that God's word speaks about. My prayers have centered so much around understanding the balance that Wilberforce's wife seemed to possess. Granted, I do realize that this was only a movie. But, it seems to me that there was so much more there.

On another note, it led me to the thoughts of how intertwined our destinies are. Wilberforce was the voice for nation, but was his wife's voice any less just because it was not the vocal piece that was seen. It was obvious to me that without Newton, Pitt, Barbara (his wife), he would not have succeeded. But, oh how hard it can be to be the one in the background (and is it truly the background or is that just how our views have evolved ~ or become warped might be a better use of terms). Some people don't have a problem with this. In fact, it seems to be natural for them, almost to the point of seeming like oppression. Needless to say, I think every day things are happening in my life that are leading me to ask some not so easy questions with not so easy or comfortable answers.
But, I recently read someone who said this, "one aspect about growth is that it is often painful. That pain can also lead to many questions such as, "Lord, is this really You?", "What did I do wrong?", "What are You trying to tell me?", and "What will happen if I stop?" Sometimes, the thing to do is to press past the questions (as opposed to insisting that they be answered prior to taking another step), do the thing at hand, and trust that every question will be answered in the right time." This phrase has helped me more than anything else I've heard/read in a long time. Sometimes I think we spend so much time looking for the answers that we forget what we are supposed to be doing. In turn, we stunt our growth and become haunted by the things we didn't do. My point, I think it is just this that differentiates those who fulfill their detiny from those lie dormant. Wilberforce is the perfect example of one who pushed past the questions to achieve that God-given destiny. I too want to be that person, and I want to accept that destiny in the form that it comes, whether it be the mouth piece or the inspiration behind it. If the movie is true to his memoir, then Wilberforce is also proof that great people don't sleep. There is something to be said for making the most of the time we are given.
Amazing Grace is full of terrific one liners and sermon topics. With all the good stuff inside, I could possibly take up preaching. I wouldn't run out of material for a while. The movie was also proof that an annointed song crosses the boundaries of time, music genres, etc. Hearing that song throughout the movie was so powerful. Every time it played I got chills. Of course, maybe there is still just enough tradition in me to appreciate it so much. I tend to believe the former to be more true. It was a statement of what true greatness is about. And, of course, the underlying themes that I have expounded on above. I'm no movie critic, but I think this is one of those timeless movies that is somehow able to speak to each person where they are currently and will continue to speak to generations to come.
So, if you're on the Dave Ramsey plan, pull out your entertainment money, break open the piggy bank...heck, bust open the emergency fund if you must...this is one movie you just don't need to miss!

Frame Not Broken, Cover ~ It's Destroyed

If you have been to our house, you know how much we love our deck and gazebo. Today, the cover to the gazebo is no more. I'm going to try and call the company to see if we can get a new one. The frame and mosquito netting seem to be no worse for the wear. I know that we are very lucky. 13 people in Alabama are dead. We are alive. Besides, we can always get another gazebo.

It's amazing what the gazebo has withstood. It is over two years old. We have had bad thunderstorms, high winds, tornadoes and even hurricanes before. I guess this time, it had just had enough. It needed to show that though it is tough on the inside, the outside couldn't hide what it's been through any more. I know it's just a gazebo. But, haven't we all felt that way ourselves sometimes. The awesome thing is that the frame is strong and is still standing ~ good as new.

I tried to convince myself not to make any comparisons and just tell the story for what it is, but I have already failed. So for those of you whose minds don't work this way, just stop reading or bear with me. This is just me. It's the way my mind works. It doesn't mean I'm too serious or don't have a fun side. It just means that while I accept things for what they are, it is always neat to see how they relate to other things in life. Whew...glad I got that off my chest!

Anyway, if you are feeling tattered and torn (basically shredded to pieces), maybe it's time for you to get a new cover. The framework is still strong and the same. You just need to take on something new so that people appreciate your strength and don't think that you are falling apart just because your cover is worn.
That said, I'm very sad for the people in other places who are mourning their losses this morning. I'm thankful that all I lost was the cover to my gazebo. The worst case scenario ~ I lose my gazebo, and we have to play in the sun. Hopefully, I'll be able to get a new cover. If not, maybe we can save up for a new one. If your cover is destroyed, let's hope your framework is not!

Defining Success

So, I have been thinking a lot about this idea lately. I'm 33, and I'm not sure that I have ever defined this for myself. I think this was brought on by two things. At Christmas, someone told me that they thought that I didn't know what I wanted. Second, a couple of weeks ago, I heard a man say that when he was asked to give his definition of success, his response was simply "peace". Also, I've had this strange revelation of late regarding people who are "strange" or any word you could use to describe someone who walks to a different beat so to speak. What I find is that these people have a tendency to be happy. I think that they are at peace with themselves. That is saying more than I can for a lot of people that I know.

WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF SUCCESS? HAVE YOU SUCCEEDED IN REACHING YOUR SUCCESS?

I'm still working this out. I will get back to you with an answer, but I'd like to know what you think. I do know this. I don't buy into all this mumbo jumbo about planning your life to death. I do realize that without a vision the people perish, but I think there is more to it than just planning your life out on paper. I think that takes something away from the other scripture about walking by faith. More often than not, our plans just fail or we spend our time working toward a goal, yet always falling short (though not failing) and always feeling like we just don't cut it (and coming up unhappy in the end).

All of these thoughts have been brought on by a statement that has captured me - "Are you working toward what God has for you to do or are you striving?" Are the things that we are doing really what we are called to work at or is it just a good idea that will leave us striving? Right now I don't have an answer. I just know that I need some change in my life and some answers.

So, you can help me in this process. Answer my questions, dialouge with me, be the body of Christ with me, challenge me (yes, I really did ask for it!). A friend of mine gave up being negative for lent. I think I want to give it up forever. For more details read my previous blog "My Knee is Broken" if you need to get caught up. Ok, well it's off to the routine. For once though, I had to write. There was no excuse good enough to put this off. I look forward to your responses.

My Knee is Broken (A.K.A. - Anonymous Confessions of My Lunatic Friend)

So, what is a woman to do when she is supposed to sleeping, but she just can't. I'm supposed to be sharing a room with my daughter tonight so that I won't be awakened by my "still not sleeping through the night at 8 months" son. At this point, I'm really hoping that I don't get scolded for being up so late when I'm supposed to be "resting". But you see, this is the problem...

I'm in Orlando. It's the holiday. I had pumpkin pie and Starbucks for dinner. My son has been asleep since 8pm (barring a few waking incidents due to noisy neighbors shooting off 250 ft. rolls of lady fingers and God himself only knows how many bottle rockets). My brother, being the gentleman that he is, brought me popcorn and a Dr.Pepper. I couldn't bring myself to eat the popcorn, but I couldn't refuse the Dr. Pepper. His thoughtfulness was too sweet, and since Brian isn't here, I thought it best to drink one in his honor this New Years eve.

As if the caffeine were not enough to keep me awake, shortly after midnight my daughter is somehow awake and screaming at the top of her lungs. When I finally get to the room, she is standing in the pack'n'play. I asked her what was wrong. She replies through her sobbing and tears, "Mommy, my knee is broken." I quickly reply, "Do you want me to get you a hot towel?" "Yes Mommy." "Grandma is the best at making hot towels. I will have her to get you one." The screaming continues, despite all my efforts to console her, until the hot towel arrives. Two seconds later, all is well, and she is practically asleep before I can even ask if she feels better. And suddenly, my mind is somewhere 25 years ago reminiscing about all the hot towels I had to have to ease the growing pains in my own legs.

Of course, then I have to recall the years that follow ~ along with all their joys, triumphs, sorrows, pains...you get the point. I suppose that a New Year is the perfect time to look back at what was, remember the good and do our best to forget the bad.

Seeing that I'm starting to get older (notice I did not say "old"!), I realize that I forget a lot of the details of life, and the intensity of some of the things I felt isn't so strong anymore. In light of that, I must admit that it seems to me that 2006 was one of the hardest years I ever remember having (if not the hardest). As I continue to try to work through it all in my mind, I find myself mostly wanting to just forget - forgive and forget.

In my awake state, I thought tonight would be a great time to update my profile song on MySpace. In looking, I came across the song "Love Takes Time". I can't get it off of my mind. It goes something like this...(please, just humor me and read it!)

Have you ever been lied to, maybe mistreated.
Taken for granted till you just can't stand it.
Were you ever mistaken, thought to be someone
That you just can't be, with the love you need
Love takes time, please be kind, see every part of me
Love's not blind, ties that bind, take on eternity
Would you like to be trusted, for once in your life.
Carry that fire, without burnin' each other
Are you easily angry, can you bury your pride
Could you ever forgive me, and not keep it inside
Make a sacrifice sometimes, maybe more than you planned
I know we don't like the pain it takes to make a stand
A hard heart or a heartache, to admit that you're wrong
Though it's hard, it hardly matters if that love is strong
Make a sacrifice sometimes...
I think this song might possibly encompass all the emotion I have felt this year. So, for now, it is my theme song for the New Year. I think it truly encompasses so much more than a New Years resolution. It is a reckoning to be the Christ follower that He has called me to be.

So, follow the lyrics along with me...

I will forgive and do my darndest to forget.

I will no longer mistake myself for someone I am not, even if others do. (If you find my lunatic friend, please be nice!)

I will do my best to be kind, and try to do the same justice for others that I am doing for myself...I will do my best not to mistake them for someone that they are not.

I consider myself (and I know others that do as well) to be very trustworthy. I want to take that to the next level.

The fire part...I'll come back to that!

I don't want to be angry anymore.

I want to bury my pride (for a lot of reasons).

I want to give and receive true forgiveness.

I want to rid myself of the hard heart and heartache I feel I have had in 2006.

Mark this one down! I can willingly admit that in 2006 I have been wrong. When I am wrong, I'll try to keep this admitting thing going this year.

He gave the ultimate sacrifice, it's time I gave mine completely as well. It is so easy to just give bits and pieces, especially in our American pop culture...but that is another blog all together.

(Now, back to the fire part) More than anything this year, I want to carry the fire without burning someone else. And, in selfishness, I'd kind of like a break on being burned.

I guess this is a pretty tall order. There are no guarantees, just a promise that I hear ringing in my head in Belle's sweet voice..."With God, all things are possible". Hearing a two year old quote scripture ought to be enough to bring anyone to tears!

Again, these aren't New Years Resolutions. They are things I have pondered in my heart for quite some time now. Those closest to me know just how much.

This phrase has often gotten on my nerves, but somehow tonight it seems appropriate - Daddy God, my knee is broken...(a.k.a. - I still have growing pains and need a hot towel to make it better).

I should be sleeping. Can you see why I'm not?

Wrestling With God

That is what I feel my life has been consumed with of late. From what I can see, there are two kinds of wrestling with God. The first is the kind of wrestling we do when we don't want to give in to the direction or plan that God has for our life. The second is the kind of wrestling that Jacob did in Genesis 32. The second is what I want to talk about tonight.
For those of you who don't know the story or need a refresher course, Jacob was preparing to meet his brother Esau (whom he had robbed of his rights as firstborn). He was afraid and had sent his servants ahead with offerings to try and soften him up. Night had come. Jacob sent his wives, maids and children on ahead of him. Jacob was alone. He wrestled with God all night. As dawn came near, God dislocated Jacob's thigh. He told Jacob to let him go, but he said that he would not let go until God blessed him. It was this night that Jacob was given the name Israel (meaning "he struggles with God") and became the father of the great nation into which Christ was born.
The outward wrestling was a sign of the inward struggle within Jacob. How I have wished of late for my wrestling to have some type of physical mode, instead of being trapped inside. Come on, haven't you ever wanted to punch a wall or throw something or even hit someone because you thought it would make you feel better. I have. Of course, Jacob limped away with a permanent physical reminder of his great wrestling match. But, he also walked away with his blessing. God found Jacob out, and in our wrestlings (whether physical or internal), he finds us out too!
This wrestling is a sort of divine discontent that is pulling us, drawing us to give up certain things, to change certains ways that we are and operate even though it may cost us everything, even our lives. God wrestles in us to accomplish His will and purpose.
What we must be sure of is that we are wrestling for the right purpose. Right now, I'm not certain if I'm wrestling for the right reasons. But, I do know this...God is working on me none the less because I'm recognizing so many things about myself that I'm not sure I would have been ready to face before. Part of this relates to my previous blog about friends who wound us. In being reminded of who I am, I have also realized the parts of me that I have lost that I should not have lost. So, now I am left to find them.
If you are wrestling tonight, I challenge you to ask yourself why. Are you wrestling with God because you are bucking against His will for your life? Or, are you wrestling because God is moving you to a new place in Him? And, perhaps in the midst of wrestling for the wrong reasons, you can change your course and wrestle for the right ones.
Matthew 5:8 says, "Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God". Jacob said that he had seen God, and his life was preserved. May we be pure in heart. May we see God. May we wrestle for all the right reasons. And in the end, may we be changed to be more like Him. After all, isn't that the goal?!

Some People Just Don't Get It

Or me either for that matter. Have you ever felt that way? Sometimes, I feel that way more often than not. But, I thank God for the people that do get "it" and me! If you are a Christian, you might have heard it termed "kindred spirit" or something to that effect. Regardless, these are people that somehow we are just able to connect with and share life with (and the harsh realities that often come with it!).
That is why the community of faith is so important. When we go through hard times (or even easy times), it can become easy or comfortable to isolate ourselves, tell half truths or only reveal part of ourselves because we don't want to disclose the reality of our lives. The older I get, the more I realize how difficult it is to make true friends. That is why I am so thankful for my old standbys. These are the friends who have gone throught "the fire" with me, if you know what I mean. And, I am doubly thankful for the people I have met in recent years who are becoming my friends. I am closer to some than others, but know that there is plenty of fire around to help strengthen the new ones.
Friendship is not a passing fad. True friendship is hard to come by. It takes work and vulnerability on both sides of the fence. True friendship can never occur if only one person is willing. So, work hard at the things that are important. For instance, MySpace has been a great place to reconnect with a lot of acquaintances. But, the truth is, I never needed MySpace to keep up with those people who were truly my friends. (I must admit that I love being able to see my friends day to day lives on a more regular basis, instead of just thumbing through photos when we are together or using my imagination in long phone conversations.)
The nice thing about true friends is that they see beyond the surface. They hear past words to hear what you are really saying. They read what you write, but know the intent of your heart. They sense even when we are silent. And, true friends hold you accountable. They share their sorrows and their joys.
I have had two precious conversations with two of my best friends recently. During one conversation, I cried. I didn't cry out of sadness, but because someone "got me". They knew what made me tick, made me angry, made me smile and were able to listen and know my heart. The second was quick. We simply shared in the joy of God's blessing in her life. You see, that's the thing. With true friends, you share the junk and joy. And, if you share the junk, you must share the joy!
Sometimes in the hustle of life, it becomes easy to lose who you are. I am convinced that most discontent in our lives does not come out of our life situation, but in that we have allowed our life situations to alter who we are at the core. We trade grace for judgement. We trade joy for anger. We trade the true love of Christ for bitterness. We lose who we are and that is where the frustration with life comes from. True friends remind us of who we are and challenge us not to bargain with who we are. Proverbs 27:6 says, "Faithful are the wounds of a friend." Sounds funny, right?. If you read verse 5, it tells us that an open rebuke is better than love concealed. So, it goes to say that sometimes it hurts when friends are honest, but in the end it is for the best.
In our society, we tend to expect/want the quick and easy. Nothing worth having is ever quick or easy or free. True friendship has a price. True friendship requires an infinite amount of work. And, when you grow up and move away, it can get expensive (long distance phone calls, packages, visits across country). True friendship is worth every dime, every sacrifice and more.
To my dear friends (and you know who you are), thank you. I know that you know how much I love you. Thank you for holding me accountable. Thank you for reminding me what is important in life. Thank you for reminding me who I am at my core. Thank you for reminding of dreams that sometimes seem long gone. Thank you for telling me not to eat that second roll. Thank you for "getting it" and me.
To my new and up-and-coming friends, thank you for taking a chance. I truly hope that one day we will have all that I have mentioned above. I hope one day we have stories to reminisce over. I hope we will have journey, chicken salad and dr. thunder to make us smile (if you even remotely understood that, you are well on your way to getting to know me!).
Some people just don't get it...Do you?

Mushy Mommy Stuff

Today I took my daughter to Hollywood and Vine's Play'N'Dine with some of the characters from Playhouse Disney. We were there to eat breakfast. In fact, we were paying to eat breakfast. But, who cares about breakfast when June, Leo, JoJo and Goliath are around, right? Certainly not Belle, and certainly not her Mommy. She was entranced. I was enamored with her fascination. Even Ashton was giggling and smiling after he woke up. He knew something fun was happening.
So, my question today is this. How many times do we let the sweetest moments of life pass us by? What is really important? Even as little as she is, Belle knew that eating was irrelevant. We were there to hang out with June, and hang out with June we did (check out my new slide show for all the fun!). We followed her around the restaurant ~ dancing with her, hugging her, just touching her dress every chance we could. We must have blown her a hundred kisses. And the dancing...we danced to all the Playhouse Disney songs.
I'm not trying to be super spiritual here or pull something out of the air. But, I want Belle to love God this way. For that matter, I want to love God that way. Don't you? My friend says on her page, "I love God, poorly, but I do". I feel that way so many times.
We would all do well to watch the intriguing ways of a child. Belle took it all in. I couldn't take enough pictures or video. I thought I couldn't care less about the characters, but I did because Belle did. I was happy because she was happy. In that moment I couldn't have cared less about any want or desire of my own. People are always watching. I can't count how many waiters, waitresses and other actors in the show came to talk to her and check her out. It was contagious!
So now, you can take this as you want. You can enjoy the fun and the story. You can be spiritual and make some application if you dare. All I know is that I learn more from my daughter sometimes than she is learning from me.
Don't be jaded. Don't be so set in your ways. Don't lose the wonder of childhood. Don't eat so much. Don't starve. Smell the roses. Don't be so worried about housework and spend time cherishing moments with those you love (this is not an excuse to not clean the toilet ~ just remember there is a time and place for everything!). Don't spend your days pining away for what is not or ever will be.
Call an old friend. Be nice to the cashier at Wal-Mart. Take a chance and actually enjoy living for once. Be you. Love God, poorly if you have to, but love Him. And, if you ever need a lesson in any of the above, you can come hang out with Belle!

Coming Up for Air

Tonight as I stood along the back wall listening to PB talking about contending for the faith, I kept thinking about people feeling overwhelmed with life (even the good parts), those overwhelmed with fighting the good fight (2 Tim. 4:7). The thought of coming up for air, the "just breathe" concept kept churning inside me. Even wonderful things (like moving to a new building) can seem almost too much sometimes.
The ability to breathe under water is not natural. Eventually, we all have to come up for air unless we have some type of device helping us to breathe. When life gets busy and overwhelming or there is some crisis affecting us, we tend to tell ourselves "Just Breathe". Anna Nalick has written an entire song about it (Just Breathe - 2am). All kinds of doctors and counselors tell people to just breathe or to take a deep breath to calm them down. But, maybe, just maybe, to "just breathe" is only the world's solution. In fact, in my recollection and reading of God's word I can't remember a time that the solution was for us to take a breath.
As we were preparing for water baptism and actually baptizing I was taken back to a moment in my past. Have you ever heard someone breathe their last breath? I have. It is a paralyzing moment to say the least. It is like the deep inhale you make when the doctor checks your lungs, except there is never an exhale. While watching a friend of mine (who happened to be former drug addict and achoholic) be baptized, the most amazing thing occured. As he was dunked into the water, the death rattle rang clearly from his lungs. When he came up out of the water, he breathed as if God himself had just piped air into his lungs. It was an amazing and terrifying moment. The presence of the Lord was obvious, and it seemed if almost everyone in the congregation began to weep. It was as if the person he was literally died as went under the water. And, the person who rose up out of the water was a brand new creature. In Christ that is how it should be.
Water baptism is an outward sign of an inward commitment made to Christ. It a symbol of the death of the old and a rising up of the new. Therefore, PB's message was all the more fitting. Part of contending for the faith is dying. When the situation (whether good or bad) seems too much, rather than breathing, we should probably ask ourselves how good of a job we have been doing at dying. Just read Romans 6 (there are a lot more NT references to this, but this particular chapter is very comprehensive). The writer of Corinthians tells us that he dies daily (1 Cor. 15.31).
So, my point -
maybe we shouldn't be coming up for air, but constantly remembering our baptism day. We should be taking that daily dunk where we breathe our last and come up having our lungs filled with the breath of Christ Himself who died that we might live.

Oh Praise the One who Payed my Debt and Raised This Life up From the Dead.
Jesus Paid it All.

So This is Love...

I was going to begin blogging with something grand and theological, but the events of the day have brought me to a different place. If you don't recognize the title, it is from Disney's Cinderella. Cinderella sings the song as she dances with the prince. My daughter is completely enchanted with the princesses right now, especially Ariel and Cinderella. So, if you don't know me very well, I'll let you in on a secret - this blog is about my dear children.
This afternoon my daughter says that she wants to snuggle with Mommy (what a pleasant surprise) and watch Little Einsteins (no surprise there!). So, with one child nursing and a little cutie tucked in the other arm, we watch Little Einsteins. It was a delirious moment filled with joy that only another parent could really ever understand, and one that I never want to forget. For those of you who aren't parents, please indulge me a little.
As I relish in the joy that my daughter is actually sitting still long enough to let me love on her and be loved back, the moment ends as quickly as it began. I move Ashton to the swing and try to convince her to sit to no avail. She is up and down crawling all over me, smashing parts of my body that were not intended to touched much less mauled by little feet.
The kid in me decides to play back. I begin to tickle her. We have fun at first. Then, it happens. My daughters precious little feet take it too far. Her heel meets the bridge of my nose. No big deal, right. WRONG!!!! I hear a crack, push her away and fight back the tears. In my emotion, I shout, "I think she just broke my nose". I fall to the floor, and despite my best efforts to fight back tears, I begin to cry. The snot comes, only it's not snot at all. Beautiful, adorable Belle has given me a bloody nose!
Brian is poking at it, making sure it's not broken. I'm trying to remember how to hold my head to make the bleeding stop. And, Belle, though she knows something isn't exactly right, is oblivious for the most part. Are you laughing yet?
I thought about stopping here to make some deep theological comparison between the events of the evening and our relationship with God, but I'll leave that for you to explore on your own blog spot. What is deep and theological about this evening is the great love that I still have for both my children. Eventually my tears and bleeding stopped, but the headache and slight swelling still remain as I write.
I thought that being pooped on, peed on and thrown up on numerous times was true initiation into motherhood, until tonight. The initiation to parenthood just comes in stages.
As I put my children to bed, we said our prayers, and I told them that I loved them. I said my own quick prayer, as I always do, that they would be safe through the night so I could hear their sweet voices and see their little faces again in the morning. In my mind, I couldn't help but think how precious every moment with them is - even the ones that are painful. I want to somehow tuck this day away in a treasure box of memories that I can recall when I am 90 and walking down the aisle at my granddaughter's wedding.

(Now just imagine Cinderella's tune playing in the background)

So, THIS is love...

So I Had a Bad Day

We all have bad days. I had one on Friday. I made it through though. In the midst of it, I wanted to wallow in self pity and the woes of my life. Of course, it didn't last for long because God ever so gently reminded me that most people would give almost anything to have my woes, and I certainly did not want anyone elses woes. I suppose the grass is always greener on the other side. Life just wasn't feeling as adventurous as I thought it would be (or at least in the areas I wanted it to be ~ HA!HA!) Then, I was reminded of this great quote from one of the Peter Pan movies. Wendy Lady says to Pan, "So, your adventures are over?" Pan replies, " No, Wendy Lady. To live, to live would be a grand adventure". So, I will live. And, don't fret. I'm sure you will hear all about in some blog I write in the wee small hours of the morning.
Why am I writing about having a bad day? I'm not really sure. I suppose because I wanted to explain my wonderful headline, or because I wanted to have the opportunity to say how thankful I am for my husband, my children, my family and friends. I am thankful for life. It may not always be perfect. It may not always be the way I enivisioned it my mind. But, in the end, I am where God intended me to be for the moment. That one thing I can say with confidence.
Mostly though, I think just wanted the chance to say...

SO, I HAD A BAD DAY!

It happens to the best of us.

Speaking of Faithfulness

Sunday mornings are always busy at my house. I awake to a hungry infant, followed by a hungrier toddler. My husband is already at work, and I am left to get everyone fed, dressed and ready. And, personally, I think we've have mastered the routine.
This morning though, when I entered my bathroom to put in my contacts, I notice a yellow piece of paper on the bathroom counter. It was a request for prayer. It was 8:30 and 1st service at GenesisChurch.tv was starting. I immediately began to pray. God's faithfulness kept coming to mind.
When I got to church, my initial goal was to make sure that everyone was OK. But, as I entered the sanctuary for worship, I found myself captivated by the presence of the Lord. I stood in the back for worship. In the midst of singing, the presence of the Lord broke through in such a powerful way. For those who don't understand that terminology, it was a moment when we could all catch a glimpse of what it will be like to be in His presence in heaven forever (for you theology geeks like me, we would call that "the already, but not yet" phenomenon). As we sang the words "you are holy", my spirit kept saying and faithful (and faithful and faithful). At this point, I had no clue that the Lord had impressed on my husband to talk about his recent journey in rediscovering God's faithfulness.
We continued to sing, but 2 Timothy 2:13 kept playing in my mind, "If we are faithless, He remains faithful; for He must be true to who he is". When Brian began to speak, my eyes began to fill with tears. It was amazing that God had directed my heart to the same place as my husband's heart. And, it was moving to see members of our congregation being touched as well.
These last few weeks have been heart wrenching at times. As a spouse of someone on the pastoral staff, I know that each and every member of the staff yearn to know Christ and make Him known. I watch them strive for the vision God has placed in their hearts. I have seen them glory in victory and wrestle with agony of defeat. And, even though I'm not the one doing the work, I have still asked where God was at times. And, the bottom line is still this...
God is faithful. And we do what we do to make Christ known. I think if you will just read 2 Timothy 2:8-13 with me, you will understand what I am trying to say.

REMEMBER JESUS CHRIST, RISEN FROM THE DEAD, DESCENDANT OF DAVID, ACCORDING TO MY GOSPEL, FOR WHICH I SUFFER HARDSHIP EVEN TO IMPRISONMENT AS A CRIMINAL; BUT THE WORD OF GOD IS NOT IMPRISONED.
FOR THIS REASON I ENDURE ALL THINGS FOR THE SAKE OF THOSE WHO ARE CHOSEN, THAT THEY ALSO MAY OBTAIN THE SALVATION WHICH IS IN CHRIST JESUS AND WITH IT ETERNAL GLORY.
IT IS A TRUSTWORTHY STATEMENT:
For if we died with Him, we shall also live with Him;
If we endure, we shall also reign with Him;
If we deny Him, He also will deny us; (ouch! I didn't write this folks...)
If we are faithless, He remains faithful; for He must be true to who He is.

I cannot tell you the countless number of times I have quoted this scripture, and it has set me at rest. For instance, when I was 28, still single and feeling as if I was going out of my mind...or when my Down Syndrome brother prayed for Jesus to take him to meet Him so people would stop making fun of him...or when my Mamaw passed away...or when my husband felt as if all his hard work was crumbling in his hands...or, I could recount a thousand memories when these verses have helped me hold steadfast when all I wanted to do was give up or give in or blame God for being absent or just because I wanted to ask Him "why?". These verses have reminded me of who He is and why I do what I do.
Now, I am sure that many of you have experienced things in your lifetime that are so much worse, but this scripture still holds true. So, how and when has he been faithful to you? And, what scriptures hold the same kind of strength for you? I'd like to know.