"...These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence.
They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat.
For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."
Revelation 7:14-17
I am amazed by the God who can wash garments in blood. I am amazed by the God who uses a Lamb to be our shepherd. He baffles me by His kindness in choosing to reveal Himself to a wretch like me.
I have been thoroughly blessed by the reading of His Word this year. I want to urge you, as the year approaches its end, to consider your life without His Word. The Creator of the Universe has chosen to reveal Himself to us. This fact by itself is incredible. The fact that many choose to pay so little attention to it--many "Christians"--is unfathomable. How else should we expect to know the God in whom we believe?
For many, many years, I was an extremely lazy Christian. I believed in Christ as my Savior. However, I am embarrassed to admit that I did not pursue Him as my Lord. I would give him this or that area of my life, but insisted on keeping lordship over other areas. How could I have known He was worthy to be Lord over my whole life when I did not spend time seeking Him through His Word?
He has been so merciful to me.
I am unspeakably thankful that God has given me a new love for His Word. In my understanding, this desire to read and study is not something you can muster up in your flesh. The desire is a gift, nothing else. If you do not have it, beg Him for it. He promises not to turn you away.
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." Matthew 7:7-8
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
Hope for Today
Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord;
O Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive
to my cry for mercy.
If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins,
O Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness;
therefore you are feared.
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
and in his word I put my hope.
My soul waits for the Lord
more than watchmen wait for the morning,
more than watchmen wait for the morning.
O Israel, put your hope in the Lord,
for with the Lord is unfailing love
and with him is full redemption.
He himself will redeem Israel
from all their sins.
Psalm 130
I'm not sure where one is to find strength for today if not in the Lord. All other attempts to satisfy myself come up empty, void of hope. He is the One who satisfies me with His unfailing love.
O Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive
to my cry for mercy.
If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins,
O Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness;
therefore you are feared.
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
and in his word I put my hope.
My soul waits for the Lord
more than watchmen wait for the morning,
more than watchmen wait for the morning.
O Israel, put your hope in the Lord,
for with the Lord is unfailing love
and with him is full redemption.
He himself will redeem Israel
from all their sins.
Psalm 130
I'm not sure where one is to find strength for today if not in the Lord. All other attempts to satisfy myself come up empty, void of hope. He is the One who satisfies me with His unfailing love.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Just brilliant
Gabe brought home this cute little painted pumpkin from our homeschool co-op yesterday:
He brought it to the breakfast table this morning to admire while eating his cereal.
Erin, showing off her vast knowledge of Halloween/Fall decorations, looks at it thoughtfully and says, "Mom, we oughta carve a jack-ass!"
"Um, I think you mean 'jack-o-lantern', dear."
He brought it to the breakfast table this morning to admire while eating his cereal.
Erin, showing off her vast knowledge of Halloween/Fall decorations, looks at it thoughtfully and says, "Mom, we oughta carve a jack-ass!"
"Um, I think you mean 'jack-o-lantern', dear."
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Dear, Sweet Innocence
Hanging clothes outside today resulted in some ladybugs making their way inside the house along with the dried clothes. The following conversation resulted:
Erin: Are all ladybugs girls? (a fair question, I thought)
Me: No. If they were all girls, how would there ever be any more ladybugs?
Erin: Huh?
Me: It's just like people. You need a mommy and a daddy to make a baby.
Erin: So you mean God takes a rib from the mommy and a rib from the daddy and makes a baby?
Me: (giggling...) Well, not exactly. (...and quickly changing the subject.)
Erin: Are all ladybugs girls? (a fair question, I thought)
Me: No. If they were all girls, how would there ever be any more ladybugs?
Erin: Huh?
Me: It's just like people. You need a mommy and a daddy to make a baby.
Erin: So you mean God takes a rib from the mommy and a rib from the daddy and makes a baby?
Me: (giggling...) Well, not exactly. (...and quickly changing the subject.)
Thursday, October 15, 2009
The Beauty of Homeschooling
No one cares if you do your schoolwork in maroon pants, a red shirt, and a pink hat.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Hope in the Valley
How I wish walking with the Lord meant a trouble-free life; a pain-free, easy walk through this world and into His arms!
Instead, He has arranged it that we journey through the valley, crawl through the valley, parched with thirst, and must continually, intentionally, keep holding out our empty cup and begging Him to fill it. This is not a romantic journey. It is a muddy trek through the valley of sweat and tears. The valley is deep and wide and wet and cold...and seems endless. We must rely on Him for the strength to go every inch. How often I beg Him to rescue me. Even though He already has.
You promise, O Lord, "blessed is the one who trusts in You".
Today, I choose again to believe You.
How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts!
My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God.
Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest
for herself where she may lay her young at your altars,
O Lord of hosts, my King and my God.
Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise!
Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
in whose heart are the highways to Zion.
As they go through the Valley of Baca
they make it a place of springs;
the early rain also covers it with pools.
They go from strength to strength;
each one appears before God in Zion.
O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob!
Behold our shield, O God; look on the face of your anointed!
For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
the Lord bestows favor and honor.
No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.
O Lord of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you!
Psalm 84
Instead, He has arranged it that we journey through the valley, crawl through the valley, parched with thirst, and must continually, intentionally, keep holding out our empty cup and begging Him to fill it. This is not a romantic journey. It is a muddy trek through the valley of sweat and tears. The valley is deep and wide and wet and cold...and seems endless. We must rely on Him for the strength to go every inch. How often I beg Him to rescue me. Even though He already has.
You promise, O Lord, "blessed is the one who trusts in You".
Today, I choose again to believe You.
How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts!
My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God.
Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest
for herself where she may lay her young at your altars,
O Lord of hosts, my King and my God.
Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise!
Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
in whose heart are the highways to Zion.
As they go through the Valley of Baca
they make it a place of springs;
the early rain also covers it with pools.
They go from strength to strength;
each one appears before God in Zion.
O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob!
Behold our shield, O God; look on the face of your anointed!
For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
the Lord bestows favor and honor.
No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.
O Lord of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you!
Psalm 84
Monday, October 5, 2009
Remember
Has his steadfast love forever ceased?
Are his promises at an end for all time?
Has God forgotten to be gracious?
Has he in anger shut up his compassion?
Then I said, "I will appeal to this,
to the years of the right hand of the Most High."
I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
Yes, I will remember your wonders of old.
I will ponder all your work,
and meditate on your mighty deeds.
You are the God who works wonders;
you have made known your might among the peoples.
Psalm 77:8-14
Are his promises at an end for all time?
Has God forgotten to be gracious?
Has he in anger shut up his compassion?
Then I said, "I will appeal to this,
to the years of the right hand of the Most High."
I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
Yes, I will remember your wonders of old.
I will ponder all your work,
and meditate on your mighty deeds.
You are the God who works wonders;
you have made known your might among the peoples.
Psalm 77:8-14
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Are you wondering why life is unfulfilling? If you are trying everything you can think of to satisfy the longings inside yourself, I urge you to step inside His Word, for there, only there, will you find what your soul is longing for. The Lord has given us His Word as a gift; the revelation of Himself to us. If you do not open it and look for Him, you can not find Him, and your soul will be left hopelessly wanting.
O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me. Psalm 63:1-8
O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me. Psalm 63:1-8
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Just pretend with me...
It's your 15th wedding anniversary and your husband comes home and tells you to come outside with him and look in the driveway. Oh, you're in suspense now, aren't you?
So you walk outside with him and he directs you to the back of his truck where there sits a very large box. It is a huge piece of exercise equipment.
Should you assume he's trying to tell you something?
Or should you assume he's the sweetest husband on earth?
I choose the latter. :)
It's your 15th wedding anniversary and your husband comes home and tells you to come outside with him and look in the driveway. Oh, you're in suspense now, aren't you?
So you walk outside with him and he directs you to the back of his truck where there sits a very large box. It is a huge piece of exercise equipment.
Should you assume he's trying to tell you something?
Or should you assume he's the sweetest husband on earth?
I choose the latter. :)
Thursday, August 6, 2009
My Provider
We've had countless discussions with friends over the years regarding the toughness of maintaining financial stability, especially in a one-income household. In these questionable economic times, while some of our lives are being affected more than others, it is a question we all must ask; do we really trust in God to provide?
I think sometimes I get confused as to what His provision looks like. I often think "provision" means God providing enough money to keep us "afloat" enough to maintain our current lifestyle. Could it be possible that He may call us to live a simpler lifestyle? What if sometime in the future my vehicle dies, there is no money to repair it, and I am forced to stay home all day every day, while my husband takes our only vehicle to work? This would be a MAJOR life change for me, as I enjoy having the freedom to go places during the day. If this freedom were lost, would I still consider God to be my Provider?
What if times became so tough that we were forced to give up certain things we have come to know as "needs", such as the Internet, cell-phone service, etc. Would God still be my Provider? What if we couldn't even pay the electric bill, or the mortgage? What if, in fact, Matt were to lose his job, was unable to find work, unemployment ran out, and we were forced to turn our home over to the bank and move in with family? Would God still be my Provider? What if family was unable to take us in and we had to move into a shelter? Would God still be my Provider?
What if my husband, children, and I were starving? Literally. I know this is extreme, and we are prone to think that would never happen to us, but does God promise to protect us from these things? What about the believing mother in Africa who prays to the Living God for food for her child and proceeds to watch him starve to death? It is REAL. It happens. If it were me, would I still call God my Provider? Would I still praise Him for his goodness? Would the promise alone of eternity in His presence be enough?
By wondering these things, let me make it clear that I'm not asking for a test. :) I just wonder how deep my faith really runs. Do I find it so easy to praise Him only because life is relatively easy right now? For I have never even begun to experience life without basic needs. Whatever happens, only through the grace of God will my prayer remain...
(If) the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
(If) the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
(If) there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.
Habakkuk 3:17-18
I think sometimes I get confused as to what His provision looks like. I often think "provision" means God providing enough money to keep us "afloat" enough to maintain our current lifestyle. Could it be possible that He may call us to live a simpler lifestyle? What if sometime in the future my vehicle dies, there is no money to repair it, and I am forced to stay home all day every day, while my husband takes our only vehicle to work? This would be a MAJOR life change for me, as I enjoy having the freedom to go places during the day. If this freedom were lost, would I still consider God to be my Provider?
What if times became so tough that we were forced to give up certain things we have come to know as "needs", such as the Internet, cell-phone service, etc. Would God still be my Provider? What if we couldn't even pay the electric bill, or the mortgage? What if, in fact, Matt were to lose his job, was unable to find work, unemployment ran out, and we were forced to turn our home over to the bank and move in with family? Would God still be my Provider? What if family was unable to take us in and we had to move into a shelter? Would God still be my Provider?
What if my husband, children, and I were starving? Literally. I know this is extreme, and we are prone to think that would never happen to us, but does God promise to protect us from these things? What about the believing mother in Africa who prays to the Living God for food for her child and proceeds to watch him starve to death? It is REAL. It happens. If it were me, would I still call God my Provider? Would I still praise Him for his goodness? Would the promise alone of eternity in His presence be enough?
By wondering these things, let me make it clear that I'm not asking for a test. :) I just wonder how deep my faith really runs. Do I find it so easy to praise Him only because life is relatively easy right now? For I have never even begun to experience life without basic needs. Whatever happens, only through the grace of God will my prayer remain...
(If) the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
(If) the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
(If) there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.
Habakkuk 3:17-18
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Letting go
As Isaac has been away at camp this week for the first time, I am working on a new level of letting go. I thought it was a big deal, about 3 years ago, when I let him get out of the van, walk up the stairs to the second story of a building, and go into his piano lesson all by himself. I thought letting him out of my sight was going to kill me, and I prayed like mad that the Lord would protect him. I think he was 7 at the time, and it seems ridiculous now, but it has all been part of the process. I went through the same thing the first time we let him ride his bike on the street by himself; the first time he went across town to the park by himself (we're talking Gordon, here, folks); and the first time he stayed home by himself. Being home schoolers, we haven't had a whole lot of practice being apart, so it seems extra-strange to let him out of my sight for any length of time.
And yet...
I know we MUST go through this. A week away at camp is probably necessary as much for me as it is for him. I am not raising him, after all, to be by my side the rest of his life. I am raising him to let go of him. (That was hard to write.) I am raising him to be independent of me. I am raising him with the knowledge that the Lord is his Protector, not me. If I have ever had the presumption that I can do anything to protect him, it has always been a false sense of control on my part. The Lord is the One in control whether I'm around or not.
This has been the first time EVER, I have gone three full days without seeing or speaking to my son, and I have two days to go. I can not help but think of the things possibly to come: longer trips away with youth group, missions trips, etc., dropping him off at college, watching him drive away with his new wife after the wedding...Okay I'm not ready for that yet! But I guess I don't have to be--He's only 10!!
Lord, I trust You. Help me to trust You completely with the life of my son.
Show him your ways, O Lord,
teach him your paths;
guide him in your truth and teach him,
for you are God his Savior,
and his hope is in you all day long. Ps 25:4,5
And yet...
I know we MUST go through this. A week away at camp is probably necessary as much for me as it is for him. I am not raising him, after all, to be by my side the rest of his life. I am raising him to let go of him. (That was hard to write.) I am raising him to be independent of me. I am raising him with the knowledge that the Lord is his Protector, not me. If I have ever had the presumption that I can do anything to protect him, it has always been a false sense of control on my part. The Lord is the One in control whether I'm around or not.
This has been the first time EVER, I have gone three full days without seeing or speaking to my son, and I have two days to go. I can not help but think of the things possibly to come: longer trips away with youth group, missions trips, etc., dropping him off at college, watching him drive away with his new wife after the wedding...Okay I'm not ready for that yet! But I guess I don't have to be--He's only 10!!
Lord, I trust You. Help me to trust You completely with the life of my son.
Show him your ways, O Lord,
teach him your paths;
guide him in your truth and teach him,
for you are God his Savior,
and his hope is in you all day long. Ps 25:4,5
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
I Give Up
To some of you the following prayer, first written by Betty Stam, will be familiar. Oh, how I want this to be the sincere prayer of my heart in every moment. To me, praying this prayer is like the singing of the old hymn, I Surrender All; even as the words come across my lips, though I want to, I know I'm not there yet. I must remind myself daily, minute by minute, Who I'm living for...because I keep forgetting. Right at this moment, this may be the prayer of my heart, and five minutes from now I will catch myself trying to take back control and will need to release it to Him again.
I'm so thankful the Lord is patient.
Lord, I give up all my own purposes and plans,
all my own desires and hopes and ambitions,
and accept Thy will for my life.
I give myself, my life, my all utterly to Thee,
to be Thine forever.
I hand over to Thy keeping all my friendships,
all the people whom I love are to take second place in my heart.
Fill me and seal me with Thy Holy Spirit.
Work out Thy whole will in my life,
at any cost, now and forever.
To me, to live is Christ.
I'm so thankful the Lord is patient.
Lord, I give up all my own purposes and plans,
all my own desires and hopes and ambitions,
and accept Thy will for my life.
I give myself, my life, my all utterly to Thee,
to be Thine forever.
I hand over to Thy keeping all my friendships,
all the people whom I love are to take second place in my heart.
Fill me and seal me with Thy Holy Spirit.
Work out Thy whole will in my life,
at any cost, now and forever.
To me, to live is Christ.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
He's got a point.
Me: "Put the tape measure away."
Gabe: (of course) "Why?"
Me: "Because it has sharp edges and you could get cut. It's dangerous."
Gabe: "But I wanna get to Heaven faster."
Gabe: (of course) "Why?"
Me: "Because it has sharp edges and you could get cut. It's dangerous."
Gabe: "But I wanna get to Heaven faster."
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Sanctification on the Bleachers
This weekend was Isaac's first All-Star baseball Tournament of the year. We're in for a long summer.
I'm not sure if there exists a place where parents get more passionate about their kids than on the bleachers. The woman sitting behind me during our last game was particularly spirited. Or just plain obnoxious. She made it a point to loudly announce every error to the whole crowd and yell and scream as to what the player should have done differently. And apparently the using of God's name in vain about a dozen different times was supposed to encourage our boys to make smarter plays. I was just a bit angry.
Then she crossed the line.
Isaac made a bad decision on a play from 3rd and this woman decided she needed to let him know she noticed (and anyone else within a mile or so radius). Have I told you about Mother Bear? Because Mother Bear was just about to make an appearance. This woman was within smacking distance, you know. And OH, how I wanted to. I felt myself begin to go into out-of-body-mother-bear-mode, when I looked down and felt my friend, who was quietly sitting down on the bench in front of me, gently stroking my ankle, as if to say, "I know, Kati. It's okay. Let it go. It's not worth it." And somehow, the peace of God shut my mouth, and prevented me from venting the way my flesh really wanted to. I can not even tell you how close I came to making a scene. We are talking about my boy here, after all.
We ended up losing the game, placing a trophy-less 4th in the tournament. My easy-going son went to bed this evening with smile on his face, not bothered at all by the outcome. I'm sure not all the boys on the team went to bed so peacefully, as some are being taught by their parents that winning a baseball game is right up there with life and death.
It is frustrating to be surrounded by this. Yet, how would the Christian be sanctified if we were surrounded by perfect people? God kept my mouth shut this time. And my hands firmly folded (clenched) in my lap.Perhaps next time it will even extend into my heart, where my thoughts toward such belligerence will be more Christ-honoring.
We have only just begun. Our next month is absolutely jam packed with more regular season games and at least three more weekend tournaments. Much more opportunity to practice self-control as I am surrounded by others who seem to have none.
Lord, help!
I'm not sure if there exists a place where parents get more passionate about their kids than on the bleachers. The woman sitting behind me during our last game was particularly spirited. Or just plain obnoxious. She made it a point to loudly announce every error to the whole crowd and yell and scream as to what the player should have done differently. And apparently the using of God's name in vain about a dozen different times was supposed to encourage our boys to make smarter plays. I was just a bit angry.
Then she crossed the line.
Isaac made a bad decision on a play from 3rd and this woman decided she needed to let him know she noticed (and anyone else within a mile or so radius). Have I told you about Mother Bear? Because Mother Bear was just about to make an appearance. This woman was within smacking distance, you know. And OH, how I wanted to. I felt myself begin to go into out-of-body-mother-bear-mode, when I looked down and felt my friend, who was quietly sitting down on the bench in front of me, gently stroking my ankle, as if to say, "I know, Kati. It's okay. Let it go. It's not worth it." And somehow, the peace of God shut my mouth, and prevented me from venting the way my flesh really wanted to. I can not even tell you how close I came to making a scene. We are talking about my boy here, after all.
We ended up losing the game, placing a trophy-less 4th in the tournament. My easy-going son went to bed this evening with smile on his face, not bothered at all by the outcome. I'm sure not all the boys on the team went to bed so peacefully, as some are being taught by their parents that winning a baseball game is right up there with life and death.
It is frustrating to be surrounded by this. Yet, how would the Christian be sanctified if we were surrounded by perfect people? God kept my mouth shut this time. And my hands firmly folded (clenched) in my lap.Perhaps next time it will even extend into my heart, where my thoughts toward such belligerence will be more Christ-honoring.
We have only just begun. Our next month is absolutely jam packed with more regular season games and at least three more weekend tournaments. Much more opportunity to practice self-control as I am surrounded by others who seem to have none.
Lord, help!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Up For Suggestions
In lieu of the traditional family vacation, this year Matt and I are opting to take the kids on a couple day-trips, or perhaps even an over-nighter depending on the decided destination(s). I thought this would be a good place to ask for suggestions--Where are some favorite places (not terribly expensive places) you all have taken your families?
Saturday, May 23, 2009
You've come a long way, baby!
Only a couple short years ago, this child would not let medical personnel of any kind come within 10 feet of him without screaming his head off. Now look at my brave boy, courageously enduring his first dental appointment. Is this not the face of utter fearlessness?
**Note of apology to anyone whom I've previously made fun of for taking their camera to the dentist's office. :)
**Note of apology to anyone whom I've previously made fun of for taking their camera to the dentist's office. :)
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Quote of the Day
Erin: "Mom, are people who don't like vegetables called meatatarians?"
long pause
"Mom, I'm a meatatarian."
long pause
"Mom, I'm a meatatarian."
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Perks
There are perks to this job after all.
After spending the last 72 hours "holding the bowl" for three children, cleaning up their messes when they missed the bowl, doing COUNTLESS loads of laundry, and going on little- to-no sleep while my husband, quarantined to the bedroom, suffered in his own misery, he came home today with a "thank-you-for-cleaning-up-puke-present".
I must say--I've got myself a good man.
After spending the last 72 hours "holding the bowl" for three children, cleaning up their messes when they missed the bowl, doing COUNTLESS loads of laundry, and going on little- to-no sleep while my husband, quarantined to the bedroom, suffered in his own misery, he came home today with a "thank-you-for-cleaning-up-puke-present".
I must say--I've got myself a good man.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Question of the Day
What do you do when you are in the middle of brushing child #2's teeth, and you realize you are using child #3's toothbrush?
A. Stop immediately. Throw away the tainted toothbrush and finish brushing with the correct toothbrush.
B. Stop immediately. Put aside the tainted toothbrush and plan to boil it later, and finish brushing with the correct toothbrush.
C. Finish brushing with the wrong toothbrush and throw it away afterwards.
D. Finish brushing with the wrong toothbrush, rinse it out, and let the rightful owner of the toothbrush brush with it a few seconds later.
E. Other?
A. Stop immediately. Throw away the tainted toothbrush and finish brushing with the correct toothbrush.
B. Stop immediately. Put aside the tainted toothbrush and plan to boil it later, and finish brushing with the correct toothbrush.
C. Finish brushing with the wrong toothbrush and throw it away afterwards.
D. Finish brushing with the wrong toothbrush, rinse it out, and let the rightful owner of the toothbrush brush with it a few seconds later.
E. Other?
"Two Hands"
You see, this is why I don't write songs; somebody else always finds a way to articulate my thoughts/feelings much better than I ever could. I heard this song for the first time over the weekend and ran home to look up the lyrics.
It's more than a little comforting to know I'm not the only one frustrated with the battle...
"Two Hands" by Jars of Clay
I've been living out of sanity
I've been splitting hairs and blurring lines
I am a house that is divided
In my heart and in my mind
I use one hand to pull you closer
The other to push you away
If I had two hands doing the same thing
Lifted high, lifted high
I have a broken disposition
I'm a liar who thirsts for the truth
And while I ache for faith to hold me
I need to feel the scars and see the proof
I use one hand to pull you closer
The other to push you away
If I had two hands doing the same thing
Lifted high, lifted high
If I had two hands doing the same thing
Lifted high, lifted high
And if we just keep digging we can reach the foundation
Of our souls
And if we just keep cutting all the chains from our hearts
We'll lose control
And it feels like giving in
It feels like starting over
It feels like waking up, and you know it's coming
It feels like a brand new day
Open your eyes
If I had two hands doing the same thing
Lifted high, lifted high
If I had two hands doing the same thing
Lifted high, lifted high
Lifted high
Lifted high
One Day, I will
unashamedly,
ever-so-confidently,
without restraint,
permanently,
have TWO HANDS lifted high.
It's more than a little comforting to know I'm not the only one frustrated with the battle...
"Two Hands" by Jars of Clay
I've been living out of sanity
I've been splitting hairs and blurring lines
I am a house that is divided
In my heart and in my mind
I use one hand to pull you closer
The other to push you away
If I had two hands doing the same thing
Lifted high, lifted high
I have a broken disposition
I'm a liar who thirsts for the truth
And while I ache for faith to hold me
I need to feel the scars and see the proof
I use one hand to pull you closer
The other to push you away
If I had two hands doing the same thing
Lifted high, lifted high
If I had two hands doing the same thing
Lifted high, lifted high
And if we just keep digging we can reach the foundation
Of our souls
And if we just keep cutting all the chains from our hearts
We'll lose control
And it feels like giving in
It feels like starting over
It feels like waking up, and you know it's coming
It feels like a brand new day
Open your eyes
If I had two hands doing the same thing
Lifted high, lifted high
If I had two hands doing the same thing
Lifted high, lifted high
Lifted high
Lifted high
One Day, I will
unashamedly,
ever-so-confidently,
without restraint,
permanently,
have TWO HANDS lifted high.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Crunchy Towels and Other Random Items
Welcome, April! Considering the fact that my mood often mirrors the weather, spring has never been more anticipated in this house. (When mama ain't happy...)
Along with spring comes the return of one of my favorite activities.
I've been accused of having some sort of sick love for hanging out clothes. In all honesty, I enjoy it more than I can explain, and certainly more than anyone should love a household "chore". It's not a chore to me, it is a delight. (It doesn't matter if you think I'm weird.) In His wisdom, God made provision for this by putting me with a husband who rarely complains about anything; he's never made even a peep about the crunchy towels which are stocked in the bathroom from April through October each year. Granted, they certainly don't feel as nice. In my opinion, however, the heavenly smell of laundry which has been dried outside more than makes up for its lack of softness. This goes for sheets too, and jeans (which are ultra-crunchy when line dried), and virtually everything else, except for whites. Even I draw the line at crunchy underwear.
When I explained my love for hanging out clothes to a friend awhile back, she gave it a try, even though she was less-than-excited about it. I soon received an urgent email. It was apparently a windy day; her unmentionables had ended up in the neighbor's yard, and she didn't know what to do. "Well, GO GET THEM!", I responded. My goodness! A good rule-of-thumb is that you don't hang out anything that would make you blush if your neighbor found it lying in his yard. We have dryers for a reason.
Onto other news:
I've been wondering how much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?
Since winter, Matt has found his own joy in cutting wood. LOTS of wood. The original plan was to supplement our income by selling the wood. First problem--we don't exactly start turning a profit until the super-manly-top-of-the-line, "more power" chainsaw is paid off. Second problem--he needs to actually part with the wood in order to receive any cash for it.
Right now, as it has for weeks, it decorates our driveway, neatly stacked. (If he could only be so diligent about his dresser drawers.) It's my suspicion that he just enjoys looking at his "accomplishment" so much that he has yet to even advertise the fact that he has wood for sale. As for me, I'm thinking the wood stacked in our drive just makes us really fit into our surroundings here in southern Darke County.
Did I mention we have wood for sale?
One other thing to bring up today: It is rather eerie that people I haven't seen in years, people who I've run into here or there, have informed me that they've been reading my blog. May I just say, hopefully without offending anyone, that this is a little creepy. Not that I've talked to anyone in particular who's given me the creeps, but rather just the fact that people are "out there" reading and I don't know it.
(Secret silent blog-readers, now that I know you're out there, I dare you to leave a comment!)
Because of this, I've concluded that this blog will, from here on out, be only for pretty generic stuff. While certainly I haven't exactly spilled my guts in the past, I'm definitely not going to now. I have pretty much come to the conclusion that I don't really have any new thoughts anyways; nothing profound; nothing somebody else hasn't already said somewhere before. So, for now, I guess all I have to contribute to the public blogosphere is crunchy clothes and a pile of wood.
Along with spring comes the return of one of my favorite activities.
I've been accused of having some sort of sick love for hanging out clothes. In all honesty, I enjoy it more than I can explain, and certainly more than anyone should love a household "chore". It's not a chore to me, it is a delight. (It doesn't matter if you think I'm weird.) In His wisdom, God made provision for this by putting me with a husband who rarely complains about anything; he's never made even a peep about the crunchy towels which are stocked in the bathroom from April through October each year. Granted, they certainly don't feel as nice. In my opinion, however, the heavenly smell of laundry which has been dried outside more than makes up for its lack of softness. This goes for sheets too, and jeans (which are ultra-crunchy when line dried), and virtually everything else, except for whites. Even I draw the line at crunchy underwear.
When I explained my love for hanging out clothes to a friend awhile back, she gave it a try, even though she was less-than-excited about it. I soon received an urgent email. It was apparently a windy day; her unmentionables had ended up in the neighbor's yard, and she didn't know what to do. "Well, GO GET THEM!", I responded. My goodness! A good rule-of-thumb is that you don't hang out anything that would make you blush if your neighbor found it lying in his yard. We have dryers for a reason.
Onto other news:
I've been wondering how much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?
Since winter, Matt has found his own joy in cutting wood. LOTS of wood. The original plan was to supplement our income by selling the wood. First problem--we don't exactly start turning a profit until the super-manly-top-of-the-line, "more power" chainsaw is paid off. Second problem--he needs to actually part with the wood in order to receive any cash for it.
Right now, as it has for weeks, it decorates our driveway, neatly stacked. (If he could only be so diligent about his dresser drawers.) It's my suspicion that he just enjoys looking at his "accomplishment" so much that he has yet to even advertise the fact that he has wood for sale. As for me, I'm thinking the wood stacked in our drive just makes us really fit into our surroundings here in southern Darke County.
Did I mention we have wood for sale?
One other thing to bring up today: It is rather eerie that people I haven't seen in years, people who I've run into here or there, have informed me that they've been reading my blog. May I just say, hopefully without offending anyone, that this is a little creepy. Not that I've talked to anyone in particular who's given me the creeps, but rather just the fact that people are "out there" reading and I don't know it.
(Secret silent blog-readers, now that I know you're out there, I dare you to leave a comment!)
Because of this, I've concluded that this blog will, from here on out, be only for pretty generic stuff. While certainly I haven't exactly spilled my guts in the past, I'm definitely not going to now. I have pretty much come to the conclusion that I don't really have any new thoughts anyways; nothing profound; nothing somebody else hasn't already said somewhere before. So, for now, I guess all I have to contribute to the public blogosphere is crunchy clothes and a pile of wood.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Their Words
Asking children questions about their mother is revealing, to be sure. I was curious as to how they perceive me.
The first responses in the exact words of Isaac, age 10; Erin, age 6; and Gabriel, age 4:
1. What is something mom always says to you?
I: do the trash
E: go make your bed
G: don't lie
2. What makes mom happy?
I: picking you flowers
E: doing what you should
G: when I hug you
3. What makes mom sad?
I: when we disobey
E: not doing what you should
G: if I hit you
4. What makes mom laugh?
I: when grown-ups tell jokes
E: (censored)
G: when I give you a raspberry
5. What was your mom like as a child?
I: how should I know?
E: silly
G: I don't know
6. How old is your mom?
I: 32
E: 32
G: that's a hard one...
7. How tall is your mom?
I: 6 foot 3 inches
E: tall!
G: 45 inches
8. What is her favorite thing to do?
I: go shopping with friends
E: take a nap after church
G: hug me
9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
I: goes on the computer
E: take a nap
G: walk
10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
I: having the world's greatest 10-yr-old
E: us!
G: hugging
11. What is your mom really good at?
I: typing on the computer
E: writing
G: I don't know....games
12. What is your mom not very good at?
I: playing with legos
E: painting
G: basketball
13. What does your mom do for her job?
I: cleans the house
E: take care of us
G: just job
14. What is her favorite food?
I: pasta salad
E: things with onions that I don't like
G: vegetables
15. What makes you proud of your mom?
I: that she loves me
E: feeding us good food
G: getting my paint (I recently repainted his room.)
16.If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
I: Squidward
E: Dora
G: I don't know...an angel?
17. What do you and your mom do together?
I: talk
E: read
G: play a game
18. How are you and your mom the same?
I: we both have the same color eyes
E: same eyes
G: God made us
19. How are you and your mom different?
I: you like chocolate, I like Skittles
E: hair
G: I just said, God made us!
20. How do you know your mom loves you?
I: she disciplines me
E: by obeying her (huh?)
G: because God loves me
21. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
I: I know it's not the grocery...Myrtle Beach!
E: shopping
G: restaurants
The first responses in the exact words of Isaac, age 10; Erin, age 6; and Gabriel, age 4:
1. What is something mom always says to you?
I: do the trash
E: go make your bed
G: don't lie
2. What makes mom happy?
I: picking you flowers
E: doing what you should
G: when I hug you
3. What makes mom sad?
I: when we disobey
E: not doing what you should
G: if I hit you
4. What makes mom laugh?
I: when grown-ups tell jokes
E: (censored)
G: when I give you a raspberry
5. What was your mom like as a child?
I: how should I know?
E: silly
G: I don't know
6. How old is your mom?
I: 32
E: 32
G: that's a hard one...
7. How tall is your mom?
I: 6 foot 3 inches
E: tall!
G: 45 inches
8. What is her favorite thing to do?
I: go shopping with friends
E: take a nap after church
G: hug me
9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
I: goes on the computer
E: take a nap
G: walk
10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
I: having the world's greatest 10-yr-old
E: us!
G: hugging
11. What is your mom really good at?
I: typing on the computer
E: writing
G: I don't know....games
12. What is your mom not very good at?
I: playing with legos
E: painting
G: basketball
13. What does your mom do for her job?
I: cleans the house
E: take care of us
G: just job
14. What is her favorite food?
I: pasta salad
E: things with onions that I don't like
G: vegetables
15. What makes you proud of your mom?
I: that she loves me
E: feeding us good food
G: getting my paint (I recently repainted his room.)
16.If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
I: Squidward
E: Dora
G: I don't know...an angel?
17. What do you and your mom do together?
I: talk
E: read
G: play a game
18. How are you and your mom the same?
I: we both have the same color eyes
E: same eyes
G: God made us
19. How are you and your mom different?
I: you like chocolate, I like Skittles
E: hair
G: I just said, God made us!
20. How do you know your mom loves you?
I: she disciplines me
E: by obeying her (huh?)
G: because God loves me
21. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
I: I know it's not the grocery...Myrtle Beach!
E: shopping
G: restaurants
Wonder what my children do all day?
Here's an example:
The really odd thing is how much he seems to be enjoying himself.
The really odd thing is how much he seems to be enjoying himself.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Funraisin'
Our neighbor kids came over selling peelers to help pay for church camp.
After handing over my ten dollars, I was extra-excited when I found out where I'll be getting a discount.
I'm sorry, but what happened to the good old-fashioned McDonald's peeler?
After handing over my ten dollars, I was extra-excited when I found out where I'll be getting a discount.
I'm sorry, but what happened to the good old-fashioned McDonald's peeler?
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Mother Bear Returns
I am LIVID.
Playboy is still after us with their postcards. Isaac was the one sent to fetch the mail this morning, thus introducing him to the world of porn. I am sick.
So, this time I made a phone call. My friendly operator seemed quite nonchalant regarding my concerns. I suppose they are well trained to handle such calls. I was disappointed, yet not surprised, that she was "unable" to tell me where Playboy secures the names for its mailing list. Well, at least she was able to wish me a "nice day" at the end of our conversation.
Am I insane to be this angry? I'm not unaware of the evils of the world we live in. I just don't want it in my house.
With all my ranting and raving this morning, I found myself wishing out loud that Jesus would come for us today. Happy to say, my son agreed with me.
Playboy is still after us with their postcards. Isaac was the one sent to fetch the mail this morning, thus introducing him to the world of porn. I am sick.
So, this time I made a phone call. My friendly operator seemed quite nonchalant regarding my concerns. I suppose they are well trained to handle such calls. I was disappointed, yet not surprised, that she was "unable" to tell me where Playboy secures the names for its mailing list. Well, at least she was able to wish me a "nice day" at the end of our conversation.
Am I insane to be this angry? I'm not unaware of the evils of the world we live in. I just don't want it in my house.
With all my ranting and raving this morning, I found myself wishing out loud that Jesus would come for us today. Happy to say, my son agreed with me.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
GRACE
As I laid in bed early this morning, unable to sleep, the Lord brought to my mind the reminder of what a privilege it is to be a recipient of His grace.
Last evening Matt and I attended "Vision Night" at our church. This was only our second year attending, and just as I was after our first time, I was so pleased to hear the heart of both the pastors and the people. What I love most about our church is what I believe to be an honest, humble, seeking after the TRUTH. I am so thankful to be part of a church where Christ is exalted! This is the first, the foremost, the ONLY purpose of our church! And I truly see that lived out in every ministry, in the lives and testimonies of our leadership, and in so many of the lives of the people!
I must make mention of something I noticed was missing from such a meeting which included open forum for comments, questions, and concerns regarding the ministry: discord. There simply wasn't any, PRAISE BE TO GOD! Only by an outpouring of God's grace could a group of wretched sinners lay themselves aside, come together as body of redeemed sinners and succeed in exalting Christ!
I can't think of a better name for a church: GRACE. (The one word really is all that's needed on the sign.) Nor could I think of a better name for the theme of my life: GRACE. I am humbly and even painfully aware of my unworthiness to be part of any church family, let alone one such as this. Even more so am I aware of my unworthiness to be called one of His own.
Last evening Matt and I attended "Vision Night" at our church. This was only our second year attending, and just as I was after our first time, I was so pleased to hear the heart of both the pastors and the people. What I love most about our church is what I believe to be an honest, humble, seeking after the TRUTH. I am so thankful to be part of a church where Christ is exalted! This is the first, the foremost, the ONLY purpose of our church! And I truly see that lived out in every ministry, in the lives and testimonies of our leadership, and in so many of the lives of the people!
I must make mention of something I noticed was missing from such a meeting which included open forum for comments, questions, and concerns regarding the ministry: discord. There simply wasn't any, PRAISE BE TO GOD! Only by an outpouring of God's grace could a group of wretched sinners lay themselves aside, come together as body of redeemed sinners and succeed in exalting Christ!
I can't think of a better name for a church: GRACE. (The one word really is all that's needed on the sign.) Nor could I think of a better name for the theme of my life: GRACE. I am humbly and even painfully aware of my unworthiness to be part of any church family, let alone one such as this. Even more so am I aware of my unworthiness to be called one of His own.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
True Friendship?
I am convicted yet again of sinful attitudes and wrong motives in a certain area. *sigh*
Throughout my entire adult life I have struggled with the question of where and how others are to fit into my life; mainly concerning friendships. Clearly God calls us to have friends. The friendship of David and Jonathan is a good example. ...Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. 1 Sam 18:1 Who doesn't want to have a friend like that? I will admit that I yearn for that kind of friendship. Though, my attitude in seeking friends has been the problem here; NOT the fact that God has not provided. Because, like everything else in life, my sinful nature has distorted God's original design for friendship as a way of glorifying Himself.
The world's conquest for friends is rooted in selfish desire; the desire to feel loved, wanted, included. We want to be adored by others; to be made much of. I have, being the sucker for sinful things that I am, bought into this.
God calls us to something much more noble than the world's definition of friendship. He calls us to live the "one-anothers":
Love~A new commandment I give to you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. Jn 13:34 (Now, this one can't happen without the rest...)
Service~Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. Jn 13:14
Encouragement and Accountability~Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
Col 3:16
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up... 1 Thess 5:11
But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. Heb 3:13
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Heb 10:24
Suffering~Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Gal 6:2
Forgiveness~Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Eph 4:32
Prayer~Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed...James 5:16
I have wept several times while preparing this post because I've become so aware of my failure in these things. I have sought friends for what I could get instead of what I can give through Christ. I should be continually seeking out friends for the purpose of serving them. Instead, I have wasted years seeking friendships for what they could do for me. Forgive me, Father. I have been SO selfish. Give me wisdom in seeking friendships for YOUR glory; seeking out friends for the purpose of serving them, not to be served by them.
You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. Gal 5:13
Throughout my entire adult life I have struggled with the question of where and how others are to fit into my life; mainly concerning friendships. Clearly God calls us to have friends. The friendship of David and Jonathan is a good example. ...Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. 1 Sam 18:1 Who doesn't want to have a friend like that? I will admit that I yearn for that kind of friendship. Though, my attitude in seeking friends has been the problem here; NOT the fact that God has not provided. Because, like everything else in life, my sinful nature has distorted God's original design for friendship as a way of glorifying Himself.
The world's conquest for friends is rooted in selfish desire; the desire to feel loved, wanted, included. We want to be adored by others; to be made much of. I have, being the sucker for sinful things that I am, bought into this.
God calls us to something much more noble than the world's definition of friendship. He calls us to live the "one-anothers":
Love~A new commandment I give to you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. Jn 13:34 (Now, this one can't happen without the rest...)
Service~Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. Jn 13:14
Encouragement and Accountability~Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
Col 3:16
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up... 1 Thess 5:11
But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. Heb 3:13
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Heb 10:24
Suffering~Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Gal 6:2
Forgiveness~Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Eph 4:32
Prayer~Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed...James 5:16
I have wept several times while preparing this post because I've become so aware of my failure in these things. I have sought friends for what I could get instead of what I can give through Christ. I should be continually seeking out friends for the purpose of serving them. Instead, I have wasted years seeking friendships for what they could do for me. Forgive me, Father. I have been SO selfish. Give me wisdom in seeking friendships for YOUR glory; seeking out friends for the purpose of serving them, not to be served by them.
You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. Gal 5:13
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
January 21, 1974
35 years ago today:
(Bonus points if you can tell which one's my husband.)
If I had known him in the first grade, I'm sure I'd have found him quite irresistable.
And...the 17-yr-old boy I fell in love with:
Happy birthday, Love.
(Bonus points if you can tell which one's my husband.)
If I had known him in the first grade, I'm sure I'd have found him quite irresistable.
And...the 17-yr-old boy I fell in love with:
Happy birthday, Love.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Mother Bear
Grrrrrr.
Lucky for you, readers, that mother bear gave herself a few hours to cool down before posting. It wouldn't have been pretty immediately following the initial shock. It's still not pretty.
Our gracious postal carrier delivered our mail to our door this morning. (There was a package too big to fit in the mailbox.) Among the rest of the mail was a pornographic postcard from Playboy. Apparently they think our family might be interested in ordering their publication for the rock-bottom low price of a dollar an issue. (Or something like that.) If I can tastefully describe the postcard to you--three different shots of three different ladies, all very obviously silicone-enhanced, in very provocative positions, and, um, leaving very little to the imagination. IN MY MAIL!!!!! In a (very understated) word, I was OUTRAGED!!!
My first two thoughts were in the direction of 1)my husband and 2)my children. (Although I can't remember the order.) As if its not already blasted all over the Internet, blasted on billboards, blasted all over the workplace, my husband has to fight the stuff while looking through his own mail?? (Which, thankfully he didn't have to this time since I found it first.)
And...my CHILDREN!!! Oh my goodness, I almost always send one of the two older out to the mailbox for me!! But thankfully, today, it was brought to our door for us. I can not even tell you my disgust at the thought of trying to explain something like this to my 10 year old son or my 6 year old daughter. I know its out there everywhere, but am I too naive thinking I ought to be able to protect their innocence within the confines of my own home? Heck, I try my hardest to protect them from the soft porn on the racks of the Walmart checkout lane; sometimes using my whole body, arms and legs, and even a loaf of bread or a frozen pizza to try to cover certain magazines. So do you think I oughta just stand by and allow them to put full-fledged porn in my mailbox without my permission?
So, I wrote a letter. I prayed as I was writing it, asking God to give me wisdom, but at the same time hoping He'd allow me to sound as angry as I really was. I sent their postcard back with it, asking them to respect my effort to try to shield my family from their filth, and to remove us from their mailing list immediately.
I'm still angry. Is this my only method of action available? I told Matt that IF one of the children had actually been the one to get the mail today, I know I would've been angry enough to actually make a phone call. Which would have been ENTIRELY at odds with my natural tendency to avoid confrontation. But hey, when you're talking about my children.......grrrrr. Isn't it my duty to protect them with everything I have?
I have felt this mother bear surface a few times in the last ten years. The most recent memory was at an Applebees restaurant, where our family sat to try to enjoy a meal, as a group of loud, belligerent folks sat at the table next to us. The profanity eventually became so loud and so obnoxious, that I stood up, leaned over to their table, and requested in a firm voice that they STOP USING THAT LANGUAGE IMMEDIATELY in respect of others around them, especially the children. (I'm telling you this was like an out of body experience. The sort of thing where I didn't even realize I did it until I'd sat back down.) I chalk it up to the mother bear inside me. She's always in there, but it takes certain extreme circumstances to bring her out. (And the group apologized and was much quieter the rest of the time we were there.)
I'm just at a loss as to what to do with my anger. I wonder if anybody can tell me if this sort of thing is legal? I mean, there was no attempt to disguise anything. Can I take any action here?
And, last but not least, I feel this pressing urge to explain myself to our mail lady...
Lucky for you, readers, that mother bear gave herself a few hours to cool down before posting. It wouldn't have been pretty immediately following the initial shock. It's still not pretty.
Our gracious postal carrier delivered our mail to our door this morning. (There was a package too big to fit in the mailbox.) Among the rest of the mail was a pornographic postcard from Playboy. Apparently they think our family might be interested in ordering their publication for the rock-bottom low price of a dollar an issue. (Or something like that.) If I can tastefully describe the postcard to you--three different shots of three different ladies, all very obviously silicone-enhanced, in very provocative positions, and, um, leaving very little to the imagination. IN MY MAIL!!!!! In a (very understated) word, I was OUTRAGED!!!
My first two thoughts were in the direction of 1)my husband and 2)my children. (Although I can't remember the order.) As if its not already blasted all over the Internet, blasted on billboards, blasted all over the workplace, my husband has to fight the stuff while looking through his own mail?? (Which, thankfully he didn't have to this time since I found it first.)
And...my CHILDREN!!! Oh my goodness, I almost always send one of the two older out to the mailbox for me!! But thankfully, today, it was brought to our door for us. I can not even tell you my disgust at the thought of trying to explain something like this to my 10 year old son or my 6 year old daughter. I know its out there everywhere, but am I too naive thinking I ought to be able to protect their innocence within the confines of my own home? Heck, I try my hardest to protect them from the soft porn on the racks of the Walmart checkout lane; sometimes using my whole body, arms and legs, and even a loaf of bread or a frozen pizza to try to cover certain magazines. So do you think I oughta just stand by and allow them to put full-fledged porn in my mailbox without my permission?
So, I wrote a letter. I prayed as I was writing it, asking God to give me wisdom, but at the same time hoping He'd allow me to sound as angry as I really was. I sent their postcard back with it, asking them to respect my effort to try to shield my family from their filth, and to remove us from their mailing list immediately.
I'm still angry. Is this my only method of action available? I told Matt that IF one of the children had actually been the one to get the mail today, I know I would've been angry enough to actually make a phone call. Which would have been ENTIRELY at odds with my natural tendency to avoid confrontation. But hey, when you're talking about my children.......grrrrr. Isn't it my duty to protect them with everything I have?
I have felt this mother bear surface a few times in the last ten years. The most recent memory was at an Applebees restaurant, where our family sat to try to enjoy a meal, as a group of loud, belligerent folks sat at the table next to us. The profanity eventually became so loud and so obnoxious, that I stood up, leaned over to their table, and requested in a firm voice that they STOP USING THAT LANGUAGE IMMEDIATELY in respect of others around them, especially the children. (I'm telling you this was like an out of body experience. The sort of thing where I didn't even realize I did it until I'd sat back down.) I chalk it up to the mother bear inside me. She's always in there, but it takes certain extreme circumstances to bring her out. (And the group apologized and was much quieter the rest of the time we were there.)
I'm just at a loss as to what to do with my anger. I wonder if anybody can tell me if this sort of thing is legal? I mean, there was no attempt to disguise anything. Can I take any action here?
And, last but not least, I feel this pressing urge to explain myself to our mail lady...
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Worthy Reading/Watching
Not really having anything noteworthy myself to blog about, I'll just pass on something today that touched me deeply. I know some of you have kept up on Angie Smith's blog (Bring the Rain). If you're at all aware of her story, make sure you check out her latest post, "The Mourning and the Dancing". The link is on my sidebar if you need it.
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