...For my cookies and milk! :)
Friday, December 24, 2010
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
'Tis the Season for...
Tis the season for greediness giving. I really am happy for retailers that they make good money during this time of year, but I despise how wrapped up in STUFF we get and how "I gotta have ____!" I've been guilty of it, too. But, it doesn't have to be that way. Some kids/people get nothing, not even a meal, not even a warm place to sleep. But, it doesn't have to be that way. We can help! We can make this a time of true giving and not just for the people we are closest to.
This Christmas, join me in giving something to those who otherwise might not get anything at all. If you're in Abbeville: call the schools and find out if any of their students need clothes, shoes, jackets and donate your hand-me-downs. Call local churches to find out if they're serving meals or having a clothing drive. Ask around - it won't be hard to find someone who's been laid off and needs help giving their family gifts. Call DSS and donate old toys kids who aren't in their parents custody.
If you're in Greenwood: Grace Community Church has an Angel Tree with families you can sponsor (due Wednesday), work with the Salvation Army, or help with the soup kitchen at the First Presbyterian Church.
In Columbia: help the Nehemiah Project deliver hot meals to families next Saturday (comment below for details on this); donate food/money/clothes to the homeless shelter on Two Notch or to the womens' shelter on North Main St; find a boys and girls home nearest you and make their Christmas brighter!
No matter where you live, there IS something you can do to help others. If you're like me and have way more than you need, tell someone to donate something in your honor instead of giving you a present this year! If you can't spare much in the way of money this year, you can still invest in others simply by giving them time - volunteer at a shelter/soup kitchen, or even volunteer for Big Brother/Big Sister! Wouldn't you want someone to do that for you, if you needed it?
Maybe you're like me and have this strong desire to help those who need it most? And if you're like me, it's easy to get discouraged just thinking about all the millions of people out there who need so much. It's overwhelming - like using a medicine dropper to empty the ocean! But, helping them one by one is better than not at all! So this year, if you can...give back (the more medicine droppers we use, the faster that ocean empties)! And remember that prayer is not the 'least' we can do, it's better than any sweater or hot meal! So, if you want to give to those who need it most this year, pick someone or a family and pray for that person/people in 2011. Let's make this the season of giving to others!
This Christmas, join me in giving something to those who otherwise might not get anything at all. If you're in Abbeville: call the schools and find out if any of their students need clothes, shoes, jackets and donate your hand-me-downs. Call local churches to find out if they're serving meals or having a clothing drive. Ask around - it won't be hard to find someone who's been laid off and needs help giving their family gifts. Call DSS and donate old toys kids who aren't in their parents custody.
If you're in Greenwood: Grace Community Church has an Angel Tree with families you can sponsor (due Wednesday), work with the Salvation Army, or help with the soup kitchen at the First Presbyterian Church.
In Columbia: help the Nehemiah Project deliver hot meals to families next Saturday (comment below for details on this); donate food/money/clothes to the homeless shelter on Two Notch or to the womens' shelter on North Main St; find a boys and girls home nearest you and make their Christmas brighter!
No matter where you live, there IS something you can do to help others. If you're like me and have way more than you need, tell someone to donate something in your honor instead of giving you a present this year! If you can't spare much in the way of money this year, you can still invest in others simply by giving them time - volunteer at a shelter/soup kitchen, or even volunteer for Big Brother/Big Sister! Wouldn't you want someone to do that for you, if you needed it?
Maybe you're like me and have this strong desire to help those who need it most? And if you're like me, it's easy to get discouraged just thinking about all the millions of people out there who need so much. It's overwhelming - like using a medicine dropper to empty the ocean! But, helping them one by one is better than not at all! So this year, if you can...give back (the more medicine droppers we use, the faster that ocean empties)! And remember that prayer is not the 'least' we can do, it's better than any sweater or hot meal! So, if you want to give to those who need it most this year, pick someone or a family and pray for that person/people in 2011. Let's make this the season of giving to others!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Thoughtful on a Tuesday
"Lindsay, I know it's your day off, but can you come in today and meet with me?" said my boss.
"Ummm, sure," I said very reluctantly, because it was my day off, but more so because I knew this couldn't be good. I racked my brain and knew I had done nothing wrong, but still I had a sinking feeling in my stomach. It was January and our news station had already had three rounds of lay-offs, some workers who were much more tenured than I.
That sinking feeling was confirmed when I sat down at a conference table with my news director and our station manager. "Lindsay, you know how the economy is really affecting TV stations right now, and..."
"Just spit it out," I interrupted (yes, can't believe I did that, but curiousity was killing me), "am I being laid off?" Then, with tears in her eyes, my news director told me they could no longer afford my position. She said some really kind words and I knew it was through no fault of my own, but still, it stung.
My immediate thought was, "I'm supposed to go home." I had no idea why, but it was immediate and I felt a peace about it. I've always been close to my parents and liked being around them, but home was somewhere I really hadn't lived since I was 18. In college, during the summers, I worked in different places and never lived at home. After graduation, I lived in the Dominican Republic, then in Charleston before moving to Florence. But, somehow, the very minute I was laid off I knew I was supposed to go home.
Convincing my father that I was supposed to be home was a different story. "You can get a part-time job until something permanent comes a long and I'll help you with your rent," he said.
"Dad, I'm coming home, I really feel like it's what I'm supposed to do...oh, and I'm bringing my dog." Boy, how he did not want a puppy in his house!
I've been home over a year and a half now and it's been hard. I've had work most of the time, but nothing yet that I feel like is my 'career.' For a long time I allowed myself to feel shame or even failure because I was living at home with my parents after having graduated from college and been out on my own. But, I just knew I was where I'm supposed to be.
And recently, God has changed my perspective. Now I'm thankful for this time I've had at home. I'm thankful for this time with my family, for the time to try out all kinds of different careers I'd never considered, for the opportunity to invest my life in different ministries, and mostly, I've realized God wanted this time with me so I would seek Him.
I've learned a lot about what's important in life and about pleasing God instead of people. I've still got a lot to learn and I'm still not sure what's next, but at least now I'm thankful for each day of the journey.
When I leave and take Louie with me...Thom Tyner will not be a happy camper. He LOVES his grandpup now!
Oh, and Louie is thankful for this time at home, too. He is SPOILED rotten!
"Ummm, sure," I said very reluctantly, because it was my day off, but more so because I knew this couldn't be good. I racked my brain and knew I had done nothing wrong, but still I had a sinking feeling in my stomach. It was January and our news station had already had three rounds of lay-offs, some workers who were much more tenured than I.
That sinking feeling was confirmed when I sat down at a conference table with my news director and our station manager. "Lindsay, you know how the economy is really affecting TV stations right now, and..."
"Just spit it out," I interrupted (yes, can't believe I did that, but curiousity was killing me), "am I being laid off?" Then, with tears in her eyes, my news director told me they could no longer afford my position. She said some really kind words and I knew it was through no fault of my own, but still, it stung.
My immediate thought was, "I'm supposed to go home." I had no idea why, but it was immediate and I felt a peace about it. I've always been close to my parents and liked being around them, but home was somewhere I really hadn't lived since I was 18. In college, during the summers, I worked in different places and never lived at home. After graduation, I lived in the Dominican Republic, then in Charleston before moving to Florence. But, somehow, the very minute I was laid off I knew I was supposed to go home.
Convincing my father that I was supposed to be home was a different story. "You can get a part-time job until something permanent comes a long and I'll help you with your rent," he said.
"Dad, I'm coming home, I really feel like it's what I'm supposed to do...oh, and I'm bringing my dog." Boy, how he did not want a puppy in his house!
I've been home over a year and a half now and it's been hard. I've had work most of the time, but nothing yet that I feel like is my 'career.' For a long time I allowed myself to feel shame or even failure because I was living at home with my parents after having graduated from college and been out on my own. But, I just knew I was where I'm supposed to be.
And recently, God has changed my perspective. Now I'm thankful for this time I've had at home. I'm thankful for this time with my family, for the time to try out all kinds of different careers I'd never considered, for the opportunity to invest my life in different ministries, and mostly, I've realized God wanted this time with me so I would seek Him.
I've learned a lot about what's important in life and about pleasing God instead of people. I've still got a lot to learn and I'm still not sure what's next, but at least now I'm thankful for each day of the journey.
When I leave and take Louie with me...Thom Tyner will not be a happy camper. He LOVES his grandpup now!
Oh, and Louie is thankful for this time at home, too. He is SPOILED rotten!
Monday, November 22, 2010
Weak Sauce
Have you ever felt like pure 'weak sauce?' Like you're going against something that is too big, too much, too scary to even think about? Something 'impossible for little ole me?' I have! The Bible says we are to rejoice in ALL things, especially trials, because when we are weak in our own strength, God's strength in us is stronger. I picture it like a thermometer stick...the lower our levels are, the more room God has to insert his strength in us! And, of course I complained rejoiced in every trial I faced. :)
If I'm being honest, I actually called my bestie today to complain about a situation that was intimidating. Ha, and this after I prayed for an opportunity, God gave it to me, and because it wasn't easy, I whined about it!
The Old Testament is hard for me to read sometimes. I feel like I need a history lesson to understand what everything means. But, reading my Bible tonight, I stumbled upon a little treasure named Gideon. You see Gideon was pure weak sauce. His people (Israelites) were being dominated by the Midianites in a major way. When the Israelites planted their crops, the Midianites came through and stole EVERY SINGLE PIECE. And they took all of the Israelites animals (their meat and transportation) and things with them. Gideon's people had NOTHING left.
What do you think they did then? What we all do. After worshiping idols and ignoring God, they finally cried out to Him for help.
Judges 6 says that the angel of the Lord came down to that place in the form of a man and appeared to Gideon. (Umm, WOW! How awesome/scary would that be?!) He told Gideon that he, Gideon, was going to lead his people in victory over the Midianites. And in verse 15, "But Lord," Gideon asked, "how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family." Told ya, Gid was weak sauce. Even in a poor country, he was a poor 'nobody.' But, God chose Gideon to lead his people to a victory.
So, after asking for several signs from God just to make sure God knew he had chosen the weakest man around for the job, Gideon gathered together an army. In Judges, the Midianites are described as a swarm of locusts in the land. It says their camels were numerous like the sands of the seas. So, basically, they were like China and Russia put together against the state of South Carolina or something. Now we see why lil ole G was so scared. But, God had spoken so Gideon knew he better act.
He gathered together as many men as he could and prepared for battle. But, on the way, God stopped him and said, "You have too many men for me to deliver Midian into their hands." Ummm...what? God, maybe you didn't notice, but there's like a million of them and 30,000 of us! Around this time, Gideon is probably thinking, "Am I sure this God is real? Are these voices in my head? This is IMPOSSIBLE. This is INSANE." But, he told anyone who was scared they could turn back. So, 22,000 left and 10,000 remained. But, again, God said too many. He narrowed it down to 300 men!! Three hundred men were going with Gideon to fight hundreds of thousands of trained warriors! Ya'll, this is a true story, not a fairy tale. This happened.
Can you imagine the faith it must've taken for these men to go into battle?! AND, they didn't even carry weapons in their hands. As they crept in the middle of the night to where the Midianites were camping, these soldiers carried a trumpet in one hand and a glass jar in the other. (To the world they must've looked crazy. Sound familiar?) When they got to the edge of the camp, they all blew their trumpets and smashed their jars. The Midianites got scared and the Bible says they ran, CRYING, as far as they could!!!
Gideon didn't know what the outcome of his march would look like. After God spoke to him, he tried everything in his power to get his people ready to win. But, God didn't need Gideon's human strength. God made almost the entire Israelite army turn back, "In order that Israel may not boast against me that her own strength has saved her..." Judges 7:2. God doesn't need us. Sometimes when we are in the middle of that impossible situation it's so hard to imagine anything good coming from it, but from now on, I will try to remember to rejoice in my weaknesses because I know that God's strength is magnified in me and His strength is infinitely enough.
If I'm being honest, I actually called my bestie today to complain about a situation that was intimidating. Ha, and this after I prayed for an opportunity, God gave it to me, and because it wasn't easy, I whined about it!
The Old Testament is hard for me to read sometimes. I feel like I need a history lesson to understand what everything means. But, reading my Bible tonight, I stumbled upon a little treasure named Gideon. You see Gideon was pure weak sauce. His people (Israelites) were being dominated by the Midianites in a major way. When the Israelites planted their crops, the Midianites came through and stole EVERY SINGLE PIECE. And they took all of the Israelites animals (their meat and transportation) and things with them. Gideon's people had NOTHING left.
What do you think they did then? What we all do. After worshiping idols and ignoring God, they finally cried out to Him for help.
Judges 6 says that the angel of the Lord came down to that place in the form of a man and appeared to Gideon. (Umm, WOW! How awesome/scary would that be?!) He told Gideon that he, Gideon, was going to lead his people in victory over the Midianites. And in verse 15, "But Lord," Gideon asked, "how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family." Told ya, Gid was weak sauce. Even in a poor country, he was a poor 'nobody.' But, God chose Gideon to lead his people to a victory.
So, after asking for several signs from God just to make sure God knew he had chosen the weakest man around for the job, Gideon gathered together an army. In Judges, the Midianites are described as a swarm of locusts in the land. It says their camels were numerous like the sands of the seas. So, basically, they were like China and Russia put together against the state of South Carolina or something. Now we see why lil ole G was so scared. But, God had spoken so Gideon knew he better act.
He gathered together as many men as he could and prepared for battle. But, on the way, God stopped him and said, "You have too many men for me to deliver Midian into their hands." Ummm...what? God, maybe you didn't notice, but there's like a million of them and 30,000 of us! Around this time, Gideon is probably thinking, "Am I sure this God is real? Are these voices in my head? This is IMPOSSIBLE. This is INSANE." But, he told anyone who was scared they could turn back. So, 22,000 left and 10,000 remained. But, again, God said too many. He narrowed it down to 300 men!! Three hundred men were going with Gideon to fight hundreds of thousands of trained warriors! Ya'll, this is a true story, not a fairy tale. This happened.
Can you imagine the faith it must've taken for these men to go into battle?! AND, they didn't even carry weapons in their hands. As they crept in the middle of the night to where the Midianites were camping, these soldiers carried a trumpet in one hand and a glass jar in the other. (To the world they must've looked crazy. Sound familiar?) When they got to the edge of the camp, they all blew their trumpets and smashed their jars. The Midianites got scared and the Bible says they ran, CRYING, as far as they could!!!
Gideon didn't know what the outcome of his march would look like. After God spoke to him, he tried everything in his power to get his people ready to win. But, God didn't need Gideon's human strength. God made almost the entire Israelite army turn back, "In order that Israel may not boast against me that her own strength has saved her..." Judges 7:2. God doesn't need us. Sometimes when we are in the middle of that impossible situation it's so hard to imagine anything good coming from it, but from now on, I will try to remember to rejoice in my weaknesses because I know that God's strength is magnified in me and His strength is infinitely enough.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Deal of a...Lifetime!
My blog is random. This I know. I'm not a Mom. Not a health-nut. Never been accused of being an exercise fanatic. In the 'about me' section of the blog I've warned that my posts will be about my life and all the different facets of it. Some are serious. Some are funny (you know you laugh when someone falls). Some are about the South (no worries, more to come soon on FRIED goodness). Some are about good deals (I'm a 'deal' girl, what can I say?). But, there's something I've never written on here. I've thought about it, but (for reasons which will be obvious) have not broached this particular subject outright. However, recently I've become increasingly aware of just how little people really KNOW of the TRUTH.
This past year I volunteered to be the chaplain (through FCA) for the JV/Varsity cheerleaders at Abbeville High. Once a week, after practice, I lead them in a devotion from the Bible. This being the South, I assumed that everyone already knew the basics of Christianity and that I would probably just teach from the Bible on different life issues each week. But, when I was praying on what to teach on the first week, God led me back to what I thought was obvious. "What exactly does it mean to be a Christian?" And again the second week. "How do you come to know God? How do you know you're a Christian?" Even this past week, "What does it mean to truly repent?"
America is supposed to be 'the Christian country,' but I've been shocked and saddened by how much we truly take for granted here in our 'freedom.' We're so 'free' that it doesn't mean as much to us anymore. Maybe all of the persecution and threats to Christianity in politics lately should be a big wake up call to us! If not, then maybe the fact that our teenagers, many who think they are Christians and who know parables and Bible stories, don't really know what it all means. My time with these precious girls at AHS has taught me a lot, and in particular, that we shouldn't assume everyone around us knows the truth; we need to be bold in our faith and not afraid to speak up for what we believe in.
"Christian" is literally translated to "follower of the way." In the Bible (John 14:6), Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." As followers of Christ, we are called to live like he did. No, we will not be perfect, but yes, we are to set our standard there. Yes, it's hard. And thank God that we do not have to sacrifice animals, or pray a certain number of times daily, or travel to a mecca to make up for all the times we fail. When we repent (not just acknowledging our sin to a God who already knows about it!) God forgives us. When you truly repent from something you are agreeing with God that it's wrong and Matthew 3 says you will "produce fruit" in keeping with repentance,which means you will take ACTION! (To stop doing something or to start doing what you were avoiding.) It can be super hard (but God will give you his strength) and you might fall right back into it and have to repent again, but forgiveness is a well that never runs dry. We don't do anything to deserve it. It's a gift. Called grace.
Accepting that Jesus Christ, who was fully man (and perfect) and fully God, was an actual person who walked the earth and was severely beaten and tortured to death on a cross because he loves us is not logical. Our earthly minds and human reason rebel against faith. Ironically, deep down inside we all know there's a Creator, a God; we know right and wrong (at least in some ways) intrinsically. We all yearn for the love and companionship of a Lord. And sometimes we try to fill our desires with relationships, money, or power...and we fail. Peace cannot be found until we accept the truth, and then, peace cannot be taken from us even amidst chaos.
Going to church, simply saying a prayer, being good and kind, trying to do the right thing...this does not make you a Christian. Many people are scared to become Christians because they think of 'what I'll have to give up,' but don't realize all that they're missing out on. It's not just about going to Heaven - it's about having the fullest life on earth! It is accepting Jesus as Lord over your life (as Paul says, becoming a slave to Christ, surrendering your everything!) and living for Him. It is a relationship. It is the deal of a lifetime! We deserve Hell; we get Heaven. Christians are not always good and kind, do not always do the right thing and are hypocrites much of the time. But to judge Christ by Christians, unfortunately, does not give the world a true picture of Him. If you are a Christian, watch how you walk, because others are. If you aren't, then don't miss out on this deal of a lifetime! :)
This past year I volunteered to be the chaplain (through FCA) for the JV/Varsity cheerleaders at Abbeville High. Once a week, after practice, I lead them in a devotion from the Bible. This being the South, I assumed that everyone already knew the basics of Christianity and that I would probably just teach from the Bible on different life issues each week. But, when I was praying on what to teach on the first week, God led me back to what I thought was obvious. "What exactly does it mean to be a Christian?" And again the second week. "How do you come to know God? How do you know you're a Christian?" Even this past week, "What does it mean to truly repent?"
America is supposed to be 'the Christian country,' but I've been shocked and saddened by how much we truly take for granted here in our 'freedom.' We're so 'free' that it doesn't mean as much to us anymore. Maybe all of the persecution and threats to Christianity in politics lately should be a big wake up call to us! If not, then maybe the fact that our teenagers, many who think they are Christians and who know parables and Bible stories, don't really know what it all means. My time with these precious girls at AHS has taught me a lot, and in particular, that we shouldn't assume everyone around us knows the truth; we need to be bold in our faith and not afraid to speak up for what we believe in.
"Christian" is literally translated to "follower of the way." In the Bible (John 14:6), Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." As followers of Christ, we are called to live like he did. No, we will not be perfect, but yes, we are to set our standard there. Yes, it's hard. And thank God that we do not have to sacrifice animals, or pray a certain number of times daily, or travel to a mecca to make up for all the times we fail. When we repent (not just acknowledging our sin to a God who already knows about it!) God forgives us. When you truly repent from something you are agreeing with God that it's wrong and Matthew 3 says you will "produce fruit" in keeping with repentance,which means you will take ACTION! (To stop doing something or to start doing what you were avoiding.) It can be super hard (but God will give you his strength) and you might fall right back into it and have to repent again, but forgiveness is a well that never runs dry. We don't do anything to deserve it. It's a gift. Called grace.
Accepting that Jesus Christ, who was fully man (and perfect) and fully God, was an actual person who walked the earth and was severely beaten and tortured to death on a cross because he loves us is not logical. Our earthly minds and human reason rebel against faith. Ironically, deep down inside we all know there's a Creator, a God; we know right and wrong (at least in some ways) intrinsically. We all yearn for the love and companionship of a Lord. And sometimes we try to fill our desires with relationships, money, or power...and we fail. Peace cannot be found until we accept the truth, and then, peace cannot be taken from us even amidst chaos.
Going to church, simply saying a prayer, being good and kind, trying to do the right thing...this does not make you a Christian. Many people are scared to become Christians because they think of 'what I'll have to give up,' but don't realize all that they're missing out on. It's not just about going to Heaven - it's about having the fullest life on earth! It is accepting Jesus as Lord over your life (as Paul says, becoming a slave to Christ, surrendering your everything!) and living for Him. It is a relationship. It is the deal of a lifetime! We deserve Hell; we get Heaven. Christians are not always good and kind, do not always do the right thing and are hypocrites much of the time. But to judge Christ by Christians, unfortunately, does not give the world a true picture of Him. If you are a Christian, watch how you walk, because others are. If you aren't, then don't miss out on this deal of a lifetime! :)
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
I Promise I Don't Work for Target!
Ha, I promise ya'll I don't work for Target (but I am up for grabs, Mr. Target. Cough, cough.) However, every time I'm looking online for good deals and find something I like, there always seems to be a cheaper version of it at the 'red dot' store!
I love Loft. All you teachers (esp Miss A.L. Williams) know Loft. I can't even walk past the store without losing myself-control money. When they have a sale, they have a SALE. When they don't, they DON'T. It can be a little on the expen$ive side!
So, this is sort-of a 'two-fer' blog, if you will. A 'two for one' special! Loft has a 25% off entire purchase and free shipping deal that ends today. But, even with the discount, this adorable sweater dress (can't get the pic any bigger)
is more expensive ($90) than its twin at Target ($25 and in more colors).
I have this dress in the green (from Target) and haven't worn it yet, but plan to wear with leggings and boots, or tights and ballet flats. Cute with a long necklace or a belt!
SN: The Loft dress is made with wool, so it's probably a little nicer quality. But, the Target dress is more A-line (less clingy on the child-bearing hips), which will probably flatter more body types. And the Target dress is a Junior size, so you may need to size up.
I love Loft. All you teachers (esp Miss A.L. Williams) know Loft. I can't even walk past the store without losing my
So, this is sort-of a 'two-fer' blog, if you will. A 'two for one' special! Loft has a 25% off entire purchase and free shipping deal that ends today. But, even with the discount, this adorable sweater dress (can't get the pic any bigger)
is more expensive ($90) than its twin at Target ($25 and in more colors).
I have this dress in the green (from Target) and haven't worn it yet, but plan to wear with leggings and boots, or tights and ballet flats. Cute with a long necklace or a belt!
SN: The Loft dress is made with wool, so it's probably a little nicer quality. But, the Target dress is more A-line (less clingy on the child-bearing hips), which will probably flatter more body types. And the Target dress is a Junior size, so you may need to size up.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Deal of the Week
Brrrr...yesterday was the first day it really felt like Fall to me. The rain was falling, the sky was dark, and the air was chilly! It was a perfect day to sit out on our back porch and reminisce and laugh for hours with some old friends - which is exactly what I did. To top it all of we had home-made french toast and bacon for breakfast. Annnd I got to cuddle with not one, but TWO little babies. I mean, seriously, if that doesn't sound good to you...well, then, you need to come over and see how fun it is!
There's only one thing that would've made it better...getting in bed to flannel sheets! I love the moment when I fold back my sheets and nestle in at night. In the winter, few blends feel as good as thick, warm flannel sheets! Annnd, they're ON SALE right now at Target. Twin, double, and queen size...all only $19.99!!! And guess how much King size cost? Ummm, duh, $19.99!! That's really cheap, people!
Now, I can't attest to the quality or durability of these sheets, as I don't work for Target (umm, HELLOOOO, Target, don't you want to hire me to blog about your deals? I'm totally sure Mr. Target reads this). But, hey, even if you only use them for a year or two and then sell them for $5 at a yard sale, you've gotten your money's worth!
PS There are more colors and sizes in the store than I've found online.
There's only one thing that would've made it better...getting in bed to flannel sheets! I love the moment when I fold back my sheets and nestle in at night. In the winter, few blends feel as good as thick, warm flannel sheets! Annnd, they're ON SALE right now at Target. Twin, double, and queen size...all only $19.99!!! And guess how much King size cost? Ummm, duh, $19.99!! That's really cheap, people!
Now, I can't attest to the quality or durability of these sheets, as I don't work for Target (umm, HELLOOOO, Target, don't you want to hire me to blog about your deals? I'm totally sure Mr. Target reads this). But, hey, even if you only use them for a year or two and then sell them for $5 at a yard sale, you've gotten your money's worth!
PS There are more colors and sizes in the store than I've found online.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Great Deal!
So...I have a teensy lil problem. It's nothing, really. I'm just a tiny bit addicted to shopping. Retail therapy. Online shopping. In-store shopping. Shopping for others. Finding a deal. Bargaining. SHOPPING. I only go for good deals, though, unless it's just a 'got-have-it-totally-worth-the-money" purchase. (IE: My favorite summer Anthropologie dress.) I trace this back to Saturday mornings at the Jockey Lot growing up...you only get $5 so you better make it stretch!
But, really, one of my favorite things to do is shop for others. I loooove when my friends get me to take them shopping to pick out new clothes! Or when someone gives me money to get clothes for a certain occasion. And buying gifts is fun to me, too. One of my 'dream' jobs is to be a personal shopper...sadly, I don't even know how this would work. ?? And, sadly, I think I shop better for others than for myself!
However, I thought maybe you (sorry to any guys who read this blog) could benefit from my hobby! So, introducing the Deal of the Week:
Anthropologie (one of my favorite stores) has this cutie-pie sweater/shrug for $68.00
And...Target has the same thing (and in more colors) for only $25!
Same exact sweater - believe me, I have this Target version hanging in my closet! Due to my shoppingaddiction hobby, I find lots of these, so if ya'll are interested, I can blog more of them! Enjoy this 'Deal of the Week!'
But, really, one of my favorite things to do is shop for others. I loooove when my friends get me to take them shopping to pick out new clothes! Or when someone gives me money to get clothes for a certain occasion. And buying gifts is fun to me, too. One of my 'dream' jobs is to be a personal shopper...sadly, I don't even know how this would work. ?? And, sadly, I think I shop better for others than for myself!
However, I thought maybe you (sorry to any guys who read this blog) could benefit from my hobby! So, introducing the Deal of the Week:
Anthropologie (one of my favorite stores) has this cutie-pie sweater/shrug for $68.00
And...Target has the same thing (and in more colors) for only $25!
Same exact sweater - believe me, I have this Target version hanging in my closet! Due to my shopping
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Following His Footsteps
Raise your hand if you get up two hours before work every morning to exercise. Raise your hand if your children or spouse do. Keep hands raised if both apply. Seeing no hands...
So this morning my lovely dog, Louie, woke me up at 6:20a to go outside and use the bathroom. Being the chirpy morning person I am, I jumped out of bed, brushed my teeth, fixed my hair, put on my contacts, and skipped him down the Main Street sidewalk in front of our house. Okay, okay, it didn't happen exactly like that. So maybe I grumbled at him, put on my (two-inch thick) glasses and stumbled down the stairs barefoot to walk him. It was still pretty dark outside (a clue to him that it was still sleepy time), and I'm pretty blind (glasses are old) so it shocked me to hear footfalls behind me on the sidewalk as we were turning back to my house. Paranoia, partly due to my reporting days, and partly because of my previously-blogged-about overactive imagination, immediately overtook me. I turned to see who was running fast at me and was surprised by the sweetness of what I saw.
My neighbor, father of two, out jogging, while his middle school aged son rode his bike behind him. When I used to host the morning radio show on the square I would see them, too, but this morning it really hit me as to how sweet that is. We all know how hard it is to get up in the mornings, and especially for middle schoolers! But, here they were, out bonding over the early-morning exercise.
Said Dad works hard, then I see him doing yard work, or playing with the kids in the yard, or grilling...pretty sure it's tempting for him to hit the snooze. But, maybe his motivation isn't just staying fit, it's spending that time with his baby boy. It may sound silly, but I bet this boosts his son's sense of self and will help him succeed in life. So, fellas, listen up, women look for men who will be good Dads. It's so important!
I remember when my Dad used to ask me to play catch with him in the front yard. I secretly dreaded that question because I just knew the ball would knock out one of my perfectly braced teeth or shatter one of my four eyes. I knew I would miss the ball or not have the strength to throw it far enough. He knew that, too. But, since he wasn't a cheerleader (picture that!), it was the only way he knew to bond with me. It was that time together that was important.
This all hit me this morning when I saw my neighbor (whose yard is Louie's favorite for pottying...shhh!) exercising, with his son literally following in his footsteps. What a great example!
So this morning my lovely dog, Louie, woke me up at 6:20a to go outside and use the bathroom. Being the chirpy morning person I am, I jumped out of bed, brushed my teeth, fixed my hair, put on my contacts, and skipped him down the Main Street sidewalk in front of our house. Okay, okay, it didn't happen exactly like that. So maybe I grumbled at him, put on my (two-inch thick) glasses and stumbled down the stairs barefoot to walk him. It was still pretty dark outside (a clue to him that it was still sleepy time), and I'm pretty blind (glasses are old) so it shocked me to hear footfalls behind me on the sidewalk as we were turning back to my house. Paranoia, partly due to my reporting days, and partly because of my previously-blogged-about overactive imagination, immediately overtook me. I turned to see who was running fast at me and was surprised by the sweetness of what I saw.
My neighbor, father of two, out jogging, while his middle school aged son rode his bike behind him. When I used to host the morning radio show on the square I would see them, too, but this morning it really hit me as to how sweet that is. We all know how hard it is to get up in the mornings, and especially for middle schoolers! But, here they were, out bonding over the early-morning exercise.
Said Dad works hard, then I see him doing yard work, or playing with the kids in the yard, or grilling...pretty sure it's tempting for him to hit the snooze. But, maybe his motivation isn't just staying fit, it's spending that time with his baby boy. It may sound silly, but I bet this boosts his son's sense of self and will help him succeed in life. So, fellas, listen up, women look for men who will be good Dads. It's so important!
I remember when my Dad used to ask me to play catch with him in the front yard. I secretly dreaded that question because I just knew the ball would knock out one of my perfectly braced teeth or shatter one of my four eyes. I knew I would miss the ball or not have the strength to throw it far enough. He knew that, too. But, since he wasn't a cheerleader (picture that!), it was the only way he knew to bond with me. It was that time together that was important.
This all hit me this morning when I saw my neighbor (whose yard is Louie's favorite for pottying...shhh!) exercising, with his son literally following in his footsteps. What a great example!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Truth
My Bible study ladies and I frequently talk about Israel and what the Word predicts about Israel and the 'end times.' I subscribe to OneNewsNow, a Christian news organization, and get emails about political goings ons in the world. I love this one particular reporter, an African American man by the name of Ben Kinchlow. He speaks TRUTH in a way that everyone can understand. What he has to say about the Obama administration and the US/Israel is scary:
"Washington has stepped up pressure on Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to move forward with the resumption of direct talks after 18 months of stalemate. Observers say President Obama is in a full-court press for purely political reasons and desperately needs some kind of foreign policy success before the mid-term elections in November, where the Democrats could take a sound thrashing.
Kinchlow says one only need look at countries throughout history that have either divided the land of Israel or persecuted the Jewish people.
"And you will find all the way from Egypt to Rome and all the way down to the last great empire, which was the British Empire which divided the land of Israel -- every one of those empires have fallen on the ash heap of history," he states.
"And I am deeply concerned that if America pursues this anti-Israel policy demonstrated by a current president we might find ourselves equally on the ash heap of history."
It is imperative, says Kinchlow, that the Christian community get out and vote en mass for someone who understands the real significance of Israel in God's plan."
"Washington has stepped up pressure on Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to move forward with the resumption of direct talks after 18 months of stalemate. Observers say President Obama is in a full-court press for purely political reasons and desperately needs some kind of foreign policy success before the mid-term elections in November, where the Democrats could take a sound thrashing.
Kinchlow says one only need look at countries throughout history that have either divided the land of Israel or persecuted the Jewish people.
"And you will find all the way from Egypt to Rome and all the way down to the last great empire, which was the British Empire which divided the land of Israel -- every one of those empires have fallen on the ash heap of history," he states.
"And I am deeply concerned that if America pursues this anti-Israel policy demonstrated by a current president we might find ourselves equally on the ash heap of history."
It is imperative, says Kinchlow, that the Christian community get out and vote en mass for someone who understands the real significance of Israel in God's plan."
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
This Kind of Love
"Mommy, do you love me more than anybody in the whole wide world?" My young mind fully expected the answer to be something like, 'Of course! You know you and your sister are the center of my universe!' Instead, I experienced a revelation so shocking that I still remember it today. "Actually no, I love your Daddy more," she said. Upon seeing my bottom lip poke out, she continued, "I love you and Tiff a lot in a different way, but God says I'm supposed to love Daddy more than anyone else. One day you'll get married and you'll love your husband more than you love me." To which I sulkily replied, "I will NOT!" "Yes, you will, and I'll be okay with that. That's how God says it should be."
I can still picture that-little-me sitting by myself in our den, thinking about this. My Mom had always been my go-to source for everything, so this was quite a big idea to take in. One day I would love a boy more?! No way. But then, amazingly, the light bulb turned on. I realized I actually felt more secure knowing that Momma loved Daddy more. And this is my first memory of thinking about my future husband, and being excited about loving him more than anybody in the whole world! (Yeah, I don't think I ever went through a 'boys are gross!' stage.)
Now that I'm older and know that a marriage symbolizes Jesus' (man) love for the church (and wife) I can't imagine a greater love than that. Last night in Bible study, my girls and I talked about how often nowadays this kind of love is distorted. We get it wrong all the time. We aren't supposed to love our kids more than our spouses. We aren't supposed to love our families more than God. And for goodness sakes we aren't supposed to love ourselves more than anything at all.
True security only comes from one love. This kind of love is humble, giving, unconditional...it's the love that God first gave to us, while we were yet sinners. It's an undeserved love. It's a love that cannot be rivaled by any earthly relationship, yet we try to replace it frequently with 'cheaper' loves. It's a love that is supposed to be symbolized in marriage. This kind of love is what my Mom was talking about (they've been married 40 years!!) and what I hope to share in a marriage. This kind of love is what saved me.
*Because ya'll know I love music...and this song is perfect for this. Love it!
I can still picture that-little-me sitting by myself in our den, thinking about this. My Mom had always been my go-to source for everything, so this was quite a big idea to take in. One day I would love a boy more?! No way. But then, amazingly, the light bulb turned on. I realized I actually felt more secure knowing that Momma loved Daddy more. And this is my first memory of thinking about my future husband, and being excited about loving him more than anybody in the whole world! (Yeah, I don't think I ever went through a 'boys are gross!' stage.)
Now that I'm older and know that a marriage symbolizes Jesus' (man) love for the church (and wife) I can't imagine a greater love than that. Last night in Bible study, my girls and I talked about how often nowadays this kind of love is distorted. We get it wrong all the time. We aren't supposed to love our kids more than our spouses. We aren't supposed to love our families more than God. And for goodness sakes we aren't supposed to love ourselves more than anything at all.
True security only comes from one love. This kind of love is humble, giving, unconditional...it's the love that God first gave to us, while we were yet sinners. It's an undeserved love. It's a love that cannot be rivaled by any earthly relationship, yet we try to replace it frequently with 'cheaper' loves. It's a love that is supposed to be symbolized in marriage. This kind of love is what my Mom was talking about (they've been married 40 years!!) and what I hope to share in a marriage. This kind of love is what saved me.
*Because ya'll know I love music...and this song is perfect for this. Love it!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
It's all fun and games 'til someone gets hurt....
I have a vivid, crazy imagination. There are all kinds of funny stories from when I was little. This can be a great thing...I have all kinds of inventions floating around in my head! But, it can also be very annoying. Because of this imagination, I often have the most clear, seemingly real NIGHTMARES. Sometimes I wake up scared, or angry, and sometimes it takes me a few seconds to realize that I was only dreaming. I'm not sure if they're caused by sub-conscious worries or fears, but I frequently have these vividly cruel dreams. Not being a morning person by nature (as in do not talk to me, and for goodness sake please DO NOT ever sing 'rise and shine' or any of the like, to me until I've had a good 20 minutes to wake up) these nightmares frequently leave me feeling drained and grouchy in the mornings.
So, last week, after a few consecutive nights of tossing and turning and fighting off the bad guys in my head, I prayed that God would give me 'sweet sleep.' Ya'll, I didn't wake up once during the night, and when I woke up in the morning I was LAUGHING. It was the weirdest thing. (And no, I'm not insane. Well, maybe sometimes. A little.) I was dreaming that I was laughing and thoroughly enjoying it, and then woke up because I WAS laughing! Talk about waking up on the RIGHT side of the bed! It was so refreshing.
I LOVE to laugh. I LOVE to hear other people laugh. In middle school my friends ribbed me because when I laughed I would do so with my mouth wide open and suck in air. The only sound was when I breathed in and it sounded like a grating hiccup. You know the kind. Hard to describe in words, but it was AWFUL. Every once in awhile a snort would sneak out. People would stop and just stare at me. I literally had to retrain myself to laugh silently.
In college, one of my favorite sounds was when a friend, Margaret Harritt, laughed. It was like a machine gun firing out giggles. It sounded like peals of laughter in fast forward - they came out so fast that it was just HILARIOUS. If you ever meet this girl, you must tickle her (just don't tell her Lindsay Tyner said so)or tell her a joke so you can hear this.
Most of my friends know that my favorite thing to fall asleep to is America's Funniest Home Videos. I know some of those things hurt those folks, but I just can't help myself. My Dad and I will watch and afterwards my stomach will just ache from the laughing.
I'm going to go ahead and apologize.
I could seriously hurt your feelings here.
If you fall down...I WILL LAUGH.
Ya'll, I CANNOT HELP MYSELF. Hopefully, shortly thereafter I will ask if you're okay and help you up, but my first reflex is to giggle. It happened when my grandma fell! I felt awful, but it just slips out. When Robyn came to visit me in Florence once, she was literally running into my apartment as fast as she could when she tripped over her feet and face-planted into my apartment. It was GREAT! One of the greatest stumbles in recent history was when my friend Brandon Greene (who was home on a short vacation from his AirForce job in Germany) was walking backwards and fell into a planter. Legs akimbo, butt in the dirt, arms flailing in the air...I snicker just picturing it again. His pride was obviously wounded, but I could not stop laughing! If I ever fall, I will probably laugh at myself, so you can, too, and don't feel bad.
The Bible says, "He will fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy!" Job 8:21 What an awesome God! He loves it when we laugh and are filled with joy! I don't know about you, but to me, laughter can be like medicine. It's as good as any anti-depressant. So, if you have nightmares, pray for 'sweet sleep,' and maybe the Lord will wake you up with laughter like He did me. If you're having a bad day...these are some things that always make me laugh:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMHaiMzgCNA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aemXgP-2xyg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IytNBm8WA1c
It's all fun and games 'til someone gets hurt...then it's hilarious! :)
So, last week, after a few consecutive nights of tossing and turning and fighting off the bad guys in my head, I prayed that God would give me 'sweet sleep.' Ya'll, I didn't wake up once during the night, and when I woke up in the morning I was LAUGHING. It was the weirdest thing. (And no, I'm not insane. Well, maybe sometimes. A little.) I was dreaming that I was laughing and thoroughly enjoying it, and then woke up because I WAS laughing! Talk about waking up on the RIGHT side of the bed! It was so refreshing.
I LOVE to laugh. I LOVE to hear other people laugh. In middle school my friends ribbed me because when I laughed I would do so with my mouth wide open and suck in air. The only sound was when I breathed in and it sounded like a grating hiccup. You know the kind. Hard to describe in words, but it was AWFUL. Every once in awhile a snort would sneak out. People would stop and just stare at me. I literally had to retrain myself to laugh silently.
In college, one of my favorite sounds was when a friend, Margaret Harritt, laughed. It was like a machine gun firing out giggles. It sounded like peals of laughter in fast forward - they came out so fast that it was just HILARIOUS. If you ever meet this girl, you must tickle her (just don't tell her Lindsay Tyner said so)or tell her a joke so you can hear this.
Most of my friends know that my favorite thing to fall asleep to is America's Funniest Home Videos. I know some of those things hurt those folks, but I just can't help myself. My Dad and I will watch and afterwards my stomach will just ache from the laughing.
I'm going to go ahead and apologize.
I could seriously hurt your feelings here.
If you fall down...I WILL LAUGH.
Ya'll, I CANNOT HELP MYSELF. Hopefully, shortly thereafter I will ask if you're okay and help you up, but my first reflex is to giggle. It happened when my grandma fell! I felt awful, but it just slips out. When Robyn came to visit me in Florence once, she was literally running into my apartment as fast as she could when she tripped over her feet and face-planted into my apartment. It was GREAT! One of the greatest stumbles in recent history was when my friend Brandon Greene (who was home on a short vacation from his AirForce job in Germany) was walking backwards and fell into a planter. Legs akimbo, butt in the dirt, arms flailing in the air...I snicker just picturing it again. His pride was obviously wounded, but I could not stop laughing! If I ever fall, I will probably laugh at myself, so you can, too, and don't feel bad.
The Bible says, "He will fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy!" Job 8:21 What an awesome God! He loves it when we laugh and are filled with joy! I don't know about you, but to me, laughter can be like medicine. It's as good as any anti-depressant. So, if you have nightmares, pray for 'sweet sleep,' and maybe the Lord will wake you up with laughter like He did me. If you're having a bad day...these are some things that always make me laugh:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMHaiMzgCNA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aemXgP-2xyg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IytNBm8WA1c
It's all fun and games 'til someone gets hurt...then it's hilarious! :)
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
It'll bite ya in the butt...
So I got this daily devotion (will share at bottom) in my email this morning and think I could probably read it every single day...I definitely need the reminder. Obviously, as God brought the issue to mind last night and then I got an email about it this morning. (He knows I'm thick-headed.)
Just last night in bed (side note: anyone else's brain kick into high gear around midnight when you should be sleeping?!) I was thinking about how our hearts are evil. Now before you get all defensive...yours is, too. :) Not always. But, our hearts are fickle and often led by pure emotions. The battle for that is in our minds, our thoughts, our spirit.
I've often had the not-so-fun experience of my heart leading me in one direction while my brain is screaming at me to run the other way. Which to listen to? Unless it is a Holy Spirit conviction of the heart (Romans 14; and we cannot judge others if their convictions are different from ours) then your 'feelings' can be a dangerous lead to follow. Proverbs 15:28 says 'The heart of the righteous weighs its answers.' But, oh how much more fun is it to give in to your desires and taste the deliciousness of all you crave?! That can seriously come back to bite you in the butt...hello, Eve and the apple, anyone? And doesn't Satan just looove to bite us in the butts later!
So back to the question: what should we listen to then, when our heads and hearts are warring? THE TRUTH. (A good example of why memorizing scripture is so important!) OUR FAITH. Even when feelings aren't there, or when they are and they're up to no good, we can TRUST and BELIEVE. Even when we don't want to. Don't feel like it. Are sick of feeling disappointed when we don't get answers we want, or any at all. And this leads me to what I read this morning:
"Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised." Job 1:20-21 (NIV)
"God is always present, even when you are unaware of him, and his presence is too profound to be measured by mere emotion." Rick Warren
When you are a baby Christian, God gives you a lot of confirming emotions and often answers the most immature, self-centered prayers—so you'll know he exists. But as you grow in faith, he will wean you of these dependencies.
God's omnipresence and the manifestation of his presence are two different things. One is a fact; the other is often a feeling. God is always present, even when you are unaware of him, and his presence is too profound to be measured by mere emotion.
Yes, he wants you to sense his presence, but he's more concerned that you trust him than that you feel him. Faith, not feelings, pleases God.
The situations that will stretch your faith most will be those times when life falls apart and God is nowhere to be found. This happened to Job. On a single day he lost everything—his family, his business, his health, and everything he owned. Most discouraging—for thirty-seven chapters, God said nothing!
How do you praise God when you don't understand what's happening in your life and God is silent? How do you stay connected in a crisis without communication? How do you keep your eyes on Jesus when they're full of tears? You do what Job did: "Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: 'Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.'" (Job 1:20-21, NIV)
Tell God exactly how you feel. Pour out your heart to God. Unload every emotion that you're feeling. Job did this when he said, "I can't be quiet! I'm angry and bitter. I have to speak!" (Job 7:11, TEV)
He cried out when God seemed distant: "Oh, for the days when I was in my prime, when God's intimate friendship blessed my house." (Job 29:4, NIV)
God can handle your doubt, anger, fear, grief, confusion, and questions. Just have FAITH.
Just last night in bed (side note: anyone else's brain kick into high gear around midnight when you should be sleeping?!) I was thinking about how our hearts are evil. Now before you get all defensive...yours is, too. :) Not always. But, our hearts are fickle and often led by pure emotions. The battle for that is in our minds, our thoughts, our spirit.
I've often had the not-so-fun experience of my heart leading me in one direction while my brain is screaming at me to run the other way. Which to listen to? Unless it is a Holy Spirit conviction of the heart (Romans 14; and we cannot judge others if their convictions are different from ours) then your 'feelings' can be a dangerous lead to follow. Proverbs 15:28 says 'The heart of the righteous weighs its answers.' But, oh how much more fun is it to give in to your desires and taste the deliciousness of all you crave?! That can seriously come back to bite you in the butt...hello, Eve and the apple, anyone? And doesn't Satan just looove to bite us in the butts later!
So back to the question: what should we listen to then, when our heads and hearts are warring? THE TRUTH. (A good example of why memorizing scripture is so important!) OUR FAITH. Even when feelings aren't there, or when they are and they're up to no good, we can TRUST and BELIEVE. Even when we don't want to. Don't feel like it. Are sick of feeling disappointed when we don't get answers we want, or any at all. And this leads me to what I read this morning:
"Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised." Job 1:20-21 (NIV)
"God is always present, even when you are unaware of him, and his presence is too profound to be measured by mere emotion." Rick Warren
When you are a baby Christian, God gives you a lot of confirming emotions and often answers the most immature, self-centered prayers—so you'll know he exists. But as you grow in faith, he will wean you of these dependencies.
God's omnipresence and the manifestation of his presence are two different things. One is a fact; the other is often a feeling. God is always present, even when you are unaware of him, and his presence is too profound to be measured by mere emotion.
Yes, he wants you to sense his presence, but he's more concerned that you trust him than that you feel him. Faith, not feelings, pleases God.
The situations that will stretch your faith most will be those times when life falls apart and God is nowhere to be found. This happened to Job. On a single day he lost everything—his family, his business, his health, and everything he owned. Most discouraging—for thirty-seven chapters, God said nothing!
How do you praise God when you don't understand what's happening in your life and God is silent? How do you stay connected in a crisis without communication? How do you keep your eyes on Jesus when they're full of tears? You do what Job did: "Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: 'Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.'" (Job 1:20-21, NIV)
Tell God exactly how you feel. Pour out your heart to God. Unload every emotion that you're feeling. Job did this when he said, "I can't be quiet! I'm angry and bitter. I have to speak!" (Job 7:11, TEV)
He cried out when God seemed distant: "Oh, for the days when I was in my prime, when God's intimate friendship blessed my house." (Job 29:4, NIV)
God can handle your doubt, anger, fear, grief, confusion, and questions. Just have FAITH.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
SUPER FREAKY
"You're a freak!" That's like every middle schooler's worst nightmare in a sentence. Even as you get older, I don't think it'd feel too good to be looked at like you're a weirdo, because we all want to fit in somewhere. Yes, even if someone dresses in all black, with off-putting makeup and piercings, that person wants to fit in, too.
I think our desires to fit in with a group, especially when we're younger and more impressionable, come from a deeper need to be loved. Like Beth Moore says, under the desires of our hearts is really the heart of our desires. It's proven everyday. It's usually the ones who aren't loved or encouraged at home who most seek that attention elsewhere. I saw a clip on the news today about the Columbine High School killings. I wonder how different things might have been if the killers' classmates wouldn't have labeled them, 'freaks.' Or if even one of their peers would've reached out to them, despite their differences, and shown love and acceptance.
All too often we, especially as Americans, place importance on looks, economic status, job status, and forfeit getting to know good-hearted people because they don't look like us. I am ashamed to admit that I recently did this myself. I was out to eat at a restaurant when a homeless man came in to ask the server for a glass of water. I felt the strongest urge to invite this man to sit and have a meal with me and just let him know that someone cared for him. I knew this urging was from God, but immediately, my pride stepped in and I thought, 'I can't do that. People will wonder what I'm doing, sitting with this dirty man who is probably on drugs.' And so I let the moment pass. I have no idea how God could've used me to make a difference in that man's life, and for fear of what others might think, I will never know.
I've never been in his exact place, but I've been a 'freak' before. Middle school was a rough time for me, when I was made fun of a lot and didn't always have a true friend to turn to. In college, the choices I made and things I choose not to do set me apart. It's hard when people leave you out or poke fun at you, even good-naturedly. Thank God my confidence and self-worth don't come from what others think of me!
You see, I don't think being a freak is all that much of a bad thing. In fact, Jesus tells us people won't like us because we're different. And you know what? That's okay! Paul writes in Galatians 1:10 "Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." That hit me like a ton of bricks. It's so much easier to think that if we make everyone else happy, then we will be happy because they'll like us. But, sometimes it's better to be a 'freak.'
So, I try to live my life devoted to my beliefs. Along the way some will probably think I'm crazy, but what is 'normal' anyway? If you can show me a 'normal' person or a 'normal' family, well, then I'd say there are some skeletons that just haven't come out yet! But, more importantly, who wants to be 'normal?!' To me, normalcy screams of a cookie cutter, average life. No one wants on his tombstone, 'Here lies Mediocre Joe. 1970 - 2020. We don't remember anything else about him because he just blended with the crowd.' Now, that, that would hurt more than not being in the 'in crowd.' So, the next time you're feeling like a 'super-freak,' or judging someone who you think is a 'freak,' just remember...we all are!
I think our desires to fit in with a group, especially when we're younger and more impressionable, come from a deeper need to be loved. Like Beth Moore says, under the desires of our hearts is really the heart of our desires. It's proven everyday. It's usually the ones who aren't loved or encouraged at home who most seek that attention elsewhere. I saw a clip on the news today about the Columbine High School killings. I wonder how different things might have been if the killers' classmates wouldn't have labeled them, 'freaks.' Or if even one of their peers would've reached out to them, despite their differences, and shown love and acceptance.
All too often we, especially as Americans, place importance on looks, economic status, job status, and forfeit getting to know good-hearted people because they don't look like us. I am ashamed to admit that I recently did this myself. I was out to eat at a restaurant when a homeless man came in to ask the server for a glass of water. I felt the strongest urge to invite this man to sit and have a meal with me and just let him know that someone cared for him. I knew this urging was from God, but immediately, my pride stepped in and I thought, 'I can't do that. People will wonder what I'm doing, sitting with this dirty man who is probably on drugs.' And so I let the moment pass. I have no idea how God could've used me to make a difference in that man's life, and for fear of what others might think, I will never know.
I've never been in his exact place, but I've been a 'freak' before. Middle school was a rough time for me, when I was made fun of a lot and didn't always have a true friend to turn to. In college, the choices I made and things I choose not to do set me apart. It's hard when people leave you out or poke fun at you, even good-naturedly. Thank God my confidence and self-worth don't come from what others think of me!
You see, I don't think being a freak is all that much of a bad thing. In fact, Jesus tells us people won't like us because we're different. And you know what? That's okay! Paul writes in Galatians 1:10 "Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." That hit me like a ton of bricks. It's so much easier to think that if we make everyone else happy, then we will be happy because they'll like us. But, sometimes it's better to be a 'freak.'
So, I try to live my life devoted to my beliefs. Along the way some will probably think I'm crazy, but what is 'normal' anyway? If you can show me a 'normal' person or a 'normal' family, well, then I'd say there are some skeletons that just haven't come out yet! But, more importantly, who wants to be 'normal?!' To me, normalcy screams of a cookie cutter, average life. No one wants on his tombstone, 'Here lies Mediocre Joe. 1970 - 2020. We don't remember anything else about him because he just blended with the crowd.' Now, that, that would hurt more than not being in the 'in crowd.' So, the next time you're feeling like a 'super-freak,' or judging someone who you think is a 'freak,' just remember...we all are!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Anything but that...
We've all heard Miley Cyrus sing about 'The Climb' (unless your head has been in the sand for a year). You've heard it, but have you thought about it? Life is a long hike...lots of climbing the mountains, just to get to the top, enjoy the view ever so briefly, and then realize your peak is overshadowed by an even bigger mountain waiting to be scaled.
Though I am a girly-girl, I love to hike. I relish the feel, the smell, almost (not the bugs) everything about being outside. However, I have never, never wanted to be a mountain climber. Hanging on a rope, trying to get these short arms and legs up into the high crevices, clinging to loose rocks for dear life...maybe I don't know what I'm missing, but it doesn't appeal to me in the least. You spend all that time sweating it out, wanting to give up, scratching your knees, breaking nails, just to see a view you could way more easily see from an airplane.
But, unfortunately for our 'I want it now' human nature, that's a lot like life. We spend the majority of our years waiting. Waiting to get our driver's license, waiting to graduate high school, waiting to get a career, waiting to meet 'the one,' waiting to have kids, waiting to retire. Whew! That's a lot of waiting. Every time you get to the top of your mountain, there's something else to 'wait' for. It dawned on me as I was thinking about this, that the LIFE is in the waiting. The view that we crave so much is brief, and then we start sweating and climbing again.
My life lately has been all about waiting. I called one of my confidantes earlier this week and cried to her, 'how long do I have to wait?!' 'When have I waited enough?!' I pray every day for God to show me where to go, what to do, to give me a yes, or even a no - just a sign or direction. Just no more waiting, anything but that!
But we know that when we are the weakest that's when He's the strongest. In this time of waiting in my life, He's been showing me some things. If we're not happy in the waiting, we will not be happy when we get whatever it is that we've been waiting for. No job or significant other or goal reached will do more for us than has already been done. We are to be content in all circumstances because Jesus has already given us all we could ever need. Even in the waiting. Especially in the waiting.
God uses these waiting periods to develop our perseverance, which leads to character, that blossoms into hope. It's only when we are in the fire, the hottest, most uncomfortable part, that we are soft enough to be molded into what we were made to be. The Bible says He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver (Mal. 3:3). He may hold us in that uncomfortable position, but He will never take His eyes off of his, will never drop us in the flames to be devoured. It's in that waiting that He will teach and grow us.
For me, this waiting has been the hardest thing I've ever gone through. But, I've never been closer with God. I would give up anything not to have wait anymore. Anything but that. This new level of intimacy with God is worth the wait.
A friend told me about this poem and I love it. Maybe you will too! :)
Wait
by Russell Kelfer
Desperately, helplessly, longingly, I cried;
Quietly, patiently, lovingly, God replied.
I pled and I wept for a clue to my fate . . .
And the Master so gently said, "Wait."
"Wait? you say wait?" my indignant reply.
"Lord, I need answers, I need to know why!
Is your hand shortened? Or have you not heard?
By faith I have asked, and I'm claiming your Word.
"My future and all to which I relate
Hangs in the balance, and you tell me to wait?
I'm needing a 'yes', a go-ahead sign,
Or even a 'no' to which I can resign.
"You promised, dear Lord, that if we believe,
We need but to ask, and we shall receive.
And Lord I've been asking, and this is my cry:
I'm weary of asking! I need a reply."
Then quietly, softly, I learned of my fate,
As my Master replied again, "Wait."
So I slumped in my chair, defeated and taut,
And grumbled to God, "So, I'm waiting for what?"
He seemed then to kneel, and His eyes met with mine . . .
and He tenderly said, "I could give you a sign.
I could shake the heavens and darken the sun.
I could raise the dead and cause mountains to run.
"I could give all you seek and pleased you would be.
You'd have what you want, but you wouldn't know Me.
You'd not know the depth of my love for each saint.
You'd not know the power that I give to the faint.
"You'd not learn to see through clouds of despair;
You'd not learn to trust just by knowing I'm there.
You'd not know the joy of resting in Me
When darkness and silence are all you can see.
"You'd never experience the fullness of love
When the peace of My spirit descends like a dove.
You would know that I give, and I save, for a start,
But you'd not know the depth of the beat of My heart.
"The glow of my comfort late into the night,
The faith that I give when you walk without sight.
The depth that's beyond getting just what you ask
From an infinite God who makes what you have last.
"You'd never know, should your pain quickly flee,
What it means that My grace is sufficient for thee.
Yes, your dearest dreams overnight would come true,
But, oh, the loss, if you missed what I'm doing in you.
"So, be silent, my child, and in time you will see
That the greatest of gifts is to truly know me.
And though oft My answers seem terribly late,
My most precious answer of all is still . . . Wait."
Though I am a girly-girl, I love to hike. I relish the feel, the smell, almost (not the bugs) everything about being outside. However, I have never, never wanted to be a mountain climber. Hanging on a rope, trying to get these short arms and legs up into the high crevices, clinging to loose rocks for dear life...maybe I don't know what I'm missing, but it doesn't appeal to me in the least. You spend all that time sweating it out, wanting to give up, scratching your knees, breaking nails, just to see a view you could way more easily see from an airplane.
But, unfortunately for our 'I want it now' human nature, that's a lot like life. We spend the majority of our years waiting. Waiting to get our driver's license, waiting to graduate high school, waiting to get a career, waiting to meet 'the one,' waiting to have kids, waiting to retire. Whew! That's a lot of waiting. Every time you get to the top of your mountain, there's something else to 'wait' for. It dawned on me as I was thinking about this, that the LIFE is in the waiting. The view that we crave so much is brief, and then we start sweating and climbing again.
My life lately has been all about waiting. I called one of my confidantes earlier this week and cried to her, 'how long do I have to wait?!' 'When have I waited enough?!' I pray every day for God to show me where to go, what to do, to give me a yes, or even a no - just a sign or direction. Just no more waiting, anything but that!
But we know that when we are the weakest that's when He's the strongest. In this time of waiting in my life, He's been showing me some things. If we're not happy in the waiting, we will not be happy when we get whatever it is that we've been waiting for. No job or significant other or goal reached will do more for us than has already been done. We are to be content in all circumstances because Jesus has already given us all we could ever need. Even in the waiting. Especially in the waiting.
God uses these waiting periods to develop our perseverance, which leads to character, that blossoms into hope. It's only when we are in the fire, the hottest, most uncomfortable part, that we are soft enough to be molded into what we were made to be. The Bible says He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver (Mal. 3:3). He may hold us in that uncomfortable position, but He will never take His eyes off of his, will never drop us in the flames to be devoured. It's in that waiting that He will teach and grow us.
For me, this waiting has been the hardest thing I've ever gone through. But, I've never been closer with God. I would give up anything not to have wait anymore. Anything but that. This new level of intimacy with God is worth the wait.
A friend told me about this poem and I love it. Maybe you will too! :)
Wait
by Russell Kelfer
Desperately, helplessly, longingly, I cried;
Quietly, patiently, lovingly, God replied.
I pled and I wept for a clue to my fate . . .
And the Master so gently said, "Wait."
"Wait? you say wait?" my indignant reply.
"Lord, I need answers, I need to know why!
Is your hand shortened? Or have you not heard?
By faith I have asked, and I'm claiming your Word.
"My future and all to which I relate
Hangs in the balance, and you tell me to wait?
I'm needing a 'yes', a go-ahead sign,
Or even a 'no' to which I can resign.
"You promised, dear Lord, that if we believe,
We need but to ask, and we shall receive.
And Lord I've been asking, and this is my cry:
I'm weary of asking! I need a reply."
Then quietly, softly, I learned of my fate,
As my Master replied again, "Wait."
So I slumped in my chair, defeated and taut,
And grumbled to God, "So, I'm waiting for what?"
He seemed then to kneel, and His eyes met with mine . . .
and He tenderly said, "I could give you a sign.
I could shake the heavens and darken the sun.
I could raise the dead and cause mountains to run.
"I could give all you seek and pleased you would be.
You'd have what you want, but you wouldn't know Me.
You'd not know the depth of my love for each saint.
You'd not know the power that I give to the faint.
"You'd not learn to see through clouds of despair;
You'd not learn to trust just by knowing I'm there.
You'd not know the joy of resting in Me
When darkness and silence are all you can see.
"You'd never experience the fullness of love
When the peace of My spirit descends like a dove.
You would know that I give, and I save, for a start,
But you'd not know the depth of the beat of My heart.
"The glow of my comfort late into the night,
The faith that I give when you walk without sight.
The depth that's beyond getting just what you ask
From an infinite God who makes what you have last.
"You'd never know, should your pain quickly flee,
What it means that My grace is sufficient for thee.
Yes, your dearest dreams overnight would come true,
But, oh, the loss, if you missed what I'm doing in you.
"So, be silent, my child, and in time you will see
That the greatest of gifts is to truly know me.
And though oft My answers seem terribly late,
My most precious answer of all is still . . . Wait."
Sunday, April 18, 2010
The Heart of the Matter
Do you ever find that you've become cynical about people? That, instead of expecting the best in others, you expect them to let you down? I didn't realize how jaded my thinking had become until I met someone who surprised me - in a good way. This weekend my cousin, who I haven't seen in at least 15 years, stayed at our house. When we first picked him up from the military base, Ft. Gordon, he seemed like the average 21-year-old guy. Or, at least, the average s-l-o-w talllkkkkiiinnn Alabama country boy.
Of course, I asked him a million questions about life on the military base. And as I would cringe thinking being under the 24/7 control he and his bunk-mates are under, he only had a good attitude. He had joy no matter that he was painting barracks, running in the rain, or doing his yard duties. He kept saying that He felt like he was called to be an army chaplain and that if God wanted him there, he knew God would take care of him every minute. Still, this wasn't what got to me...
He wasn't preachy. He wasn't in your face. He was humble, he was straight up. He would answer questions by saying, 'God says...' but it wasn't pretentious or judgmental, it was real. Still, this wasn't what got to me...
If you know me well at all, you know that I ask lots of questions. My curiosity combined with the fact that I hadn't seen this cousin in more than a decade and the poor kid was probably wondering if I was going to ask how he brushes his teeth or something. Even though I know guys aren't always big on gushing about their love lives, I had to ask about his girlfriend.
Me: "So how'd you meet?"
Cousin: "I met her in school. She was friends with my ex-girlfriend."
Me: "Hmmm...interesting. Does your Mom like her?"
Cuz: "She doesn't really know her, but she worries a little about how I would take care of her in the future."
Me: "Oh...is she high maintenance or something?"
Cousin: "No. She's in a wheel chair for life. She has spinal bifida."
Me: "Oh...wow...is that hard for you?"
Cousin: "Well, people wonder how we could have a future together, but I think I could take care of her, especially through the Army. And I don't really care about how she looks, the physical part. I care more about what kind of character she has, and if she's really living for God."
Me: That shut me up.
We were in the car on the way home from dinner, so I was quiet for awhile as I let that sink in. That God looks at the heart (Gal. 2:6,7)of a person was something I'd studied just this past week in my quiet times. I had been in prayer already this week, asking God to help me value hearts more than anything else. I'd been thinking that I was doing a good job of it...until this. Conviction hit me like a hammer. Would I be willing to overlook the physical that much? Would I follow God if that's where He led me? And that's what got to me. This sweet Alabama boy was simply being a disciple to the core. Valuing what God values.
In two weeks, my cousin (Derek McReynolds) is being deployed to Korea for a year. He's going with a great attitude, a willingness to serve, and a readiness to respond to God. I know he's appreciate it if you sent your prayers with him, too.
Of course, I asked him a million questions about life on the military base. And as I would cringe thinking being under the 24/7 control he and his bunk-mates are under, he only had a good attitude. He had joy no matter that he was painting barracks, running in the rain, or doing his yard duties. He kept saying that He felt like he was called to be an army chaplain and that if God wanted him there, he knew God would take care of him every minute. Still, this wasn't what got to me...
He wasn't preachy. He wasn't in your face. He was humble, he was straight up. He would answer questions by saying, 'God says...' but it wasn't pretentious or judgmental, it was real. Still, this wasn't what got to me...
If you know me well at all, you know that I ask lots of questions. My curiosity combined with the fact that I hadn't seen this cousin in more than a decade and the poor kid was probably wondering if I was going to ask how he brushes his teeth or something. Even though I know guys aren't always big on gushing about their love lives, I had to ask about his girlfriend.
Me: "So how'd you meet?"
Cousin: "I met her in school. She was friends with my ex-girlfriend."
Me: "Hmmm...interesting. Does your Mom like her?"
Cuz: "She doesn't really know her, but she worries a little about how I would take care of her in the future."
Me: "Oh...is she high maintenance or something?"
Cousin: "No. She's in a wheel chair for life. She has spinal bifida."
Me: "Oh...wow...is that hard for you?"
Cousin: "Well, people wonder how we could have a future together, but I think I could take care of her, especially through the Army. And I don't really care about how she looks, the physical part. I care more about what kind of character she has, and if she's really living for God."
Me: That shut me up.
We were in the car on the way home from dinner, so I was quiet for awhile as I let that sink in. That God looks at the heart (Gal. 2:6,7)of a person was something I'd studied just this past week in my quiet times. I had been in prayer already this week, asking God to help me value hearts more than anything else. I'd been thinking that I was doing a good job of it...until this. Conviction hit me like a hammer. Would I be willing to overlook the physical that much? Would I follow God if that's where He led me? And that's what got to me. This sweet Alabama boy was simply being a disciple to the core. Valuing what God values.
In two weeks, my cousin (Derek McReynolds) is being deployed to Korea for a year. He's going with a great attitude, a willingness to serve, and a readiness to respond to God. I know he's appreciate it if you sent your prayers with him, too.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Mean What You Say
Jason DeRulo got it right with his popular song 'Whatcha Say.' It speaks to the power of words. Whoever came up with the 'sticks and stones' phrase was wayyy off track. Words do hurt. We've all experienced that. But they also unleash power.
Late last year I did the Beth Moore 'Believing God' Bible study. I had always heard that our words have power, but don't think I quite knew the extent of it. It seems silly, doesn't it, that just by opening our mouths we can change things? But that's exactly what the Word says! Proverbs 18:21 "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit." It doesn't say only if you speak right, will you reap what you sow, but when you speak defeat you reap that, too!
Ephesians 5:1 tells us to be imitators of God. What does that mean? Look at how we, as children, imitate our parents. Words and deeds. Babies start trying to make sounds like their parents from a very young age. Likewise, we are to imitate God. Our words should be His words! This means we are to KNOW the scriptures and their contexts, we are to speak things that are not as though they were!
That doesn't mean it won't be scary. When you're stepping out in faith, you're being vulnerable, opening yourself up to attacks from the world. But Jesus tells his disciples in Mark 11: 22-24 to have FAITH. He says when we live by faith, we can SAY to the mountain 'MOVE!' and it has to listen! But how often do we see that happening in our modern world? I don't know about you, but from where I'm sitting, the mountains ain't movin. Does that mean the time for miracles has passed? Some would like to think so because it scares them and because hoping for them would mean to leap out of one's comfort zone. But Jesus said we are capable of not only miracles, but even more than He did! John 14:12 "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these because I am going to the father." So why don't we see them? Jesus says we cannot have doubt in our hearts. And we ask for all things in His name - which means not just simply saying 'In Jesus' name,' at the end of prayers. When we say things in Jesus' name, it means it lines up with His word and His purposes. Miracles aren't simply for our comfort or our gain, but must glorify His kingdom.
So how do we unleash that power? Our words! There is power in the tongue! Jesus SPOKE to the wind and the sea, the fig tree, the demons and even to dead men. Sure, he could've just pointed at them, but he SPOKE. God SPOKE the earth into existence. The Bible says faith is HEARING the word. Jesus says Christians are given the keys to the kingdom - whatever we loose on earth will be loosed in Heaven and whatever we bind on earth will be bound in Heaven. (Matt 16:19)
Charles Capps said, "Words are containers, they carry faith or fear, and they produce after their kind." Don't take my word for it, try it for yourself! When worry tries to take over my mind, I speak scripture to it. Confess victory in the face of apparent defeat! Confess abundance in the face of apparent lack! Jesus tells us that we can have what we say (Mark 11:23), but we are saying what we have. Circumstances should not dictate our theology, but our theology should dictate our circumstances! Mean what you say and make it happen.
Late last year I did the Beth Moore 'Believing God' Bible study. I had always heard that our words have power, but don't think I quite knew the extent of it. It seems silly, doesn't it, that just by opening our mouths we can change things? But that's exactly what the Word says! Proverbs 18:21 "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit." It doesn't say only if you speak right, will you reap what you sow, but when you speak defeat you reap that, too!
Ephesians 5:1 tells us to be imitators of God. What does that mean? Look at how we, as children, imitate our parents. Words and deeds. Babies start trying to make sounds like their parents from a very young age. Likewise, we are to imitate God. Our words should be His words! This means we are to KNOW the scriptures and their contexts, we are to speak things that are not as though they were!
That doesn't mean it won't be scary. When you're stepping out in faith, you're being vulnerable, opening yourself up to attacks from the world. But Jesus tells his disciples in Mark 11: 22-24 to have FAITH. He says when we live by faith, we can SAY to the mountain 'MOVE!' and it has to listen! But how often do we see that happening in our modern world? I don't know about you, but from where I'm sitting, the mountains ain't movin. Does that mean the time for miracles has passed? Some would like to think so because it scares them and because hoping for them would mean to leap out of one's comfort zone. But Jesus said we are capable of not only miracles, but even more than He did! John 14:12 "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these because I am going to the father." So why don't we see them? Jesus says we cannot have doubt in our hearts. And we ask for all things in His name - which means not just simply saying 'In Jesus' name,' at the end of prayers. When we say things in Jesus' name, it means it lines up with His word and His purposes. Miracles aren't simply for our comfort or our gain, but must glorify His kingdom.
So how do we unleash that power? Our words! There is power in the tongue! Jesus SPOKE to the wind and the sea, the fig tree, the demons and even to dead men. Sure, he could've just pointed at them, but he SPOKE. God SPOKE the earth into existence. The Bible says faith is HEARING the word. Jesus says Christians are given the keys to the kingdom - whatever we loose on earth will be loosed in Heaven and whatever we bind on earth will be bound in Heaven. (Matt 16:19)
Charles Capps said, "Words are containers, they carry faith or fear, and they produce after their kind." Don't take my word for it, try it for yourself! When worry tries to take over my mind, I speak scripture to it. Confess victory in the face of apparent defeat! Confess abundance in the face of apparent lack! Jesus tells us that we can have what we say (Mark 11:23), but we are saying what we have. Circumstances should not dictate our theology, but our theology should dictate our circumstances! Mean what you say and make it happen.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Over Tomato Pie...
Been awhile since I've blogged. I love to write, just not usually about myself. I love to read mothers' blogs...ha, what an unfair advantage they have in blogging about cute kids! Ya'll just wait, my Mom says one day I'll have a 'payback-kid' who will embarass me in public and say anything she thinks to whoever is listening, just like I did to her. Frequently. (Just ask my friends. They just looove to mortify me in front of new people by telling stories of when I was little.) But, until I have kids to write about, thanks for reading about plain ole me. :)
I haven't been blogging as much because I've been waiting on something exciting or big to tell ya'll about. But, the 'little things' in life are far more frequent and can make the best memories anyways. Kinda like last night.
I'm staying in Columbia at my friend Mallori's house for a few days, as I'm in town to do some FCA work and go to Bible study Tuesday night. So yesterday, after finishing my work, I made a tomato pie for us for supper.
Though I could probably eat an entire pie by myself (sadly, this is not an attempt at being funny), we decided we had enough food to invite Stacey over to join us (home girl can throw back some grub, as well).
So Stacey and baby Ella Kate came...and her poor husband, Josh. (Who ate cheerios and listened to us talk about boobs and boys. We cured him of girl-time.)
It was just a regular, hum-drum night - except it wasn't. I 'made' them watch THREE HOURS of the bachelor with me (they gagged and made snarky comments at all the right places, of course, and Josh kept saying it was the worst night of his life), and they had to sneak and eat M&M's so I wouldn't tackle them for a bite of chocolate (which I quit, thank you very much). Baby Ella (who normally loves fun time with her 'aunts' Lindsay and MalMal) wasn't happy with anyone but her Momma and kept spewing out the food she needed to eat. Just a boring night in - except it wasn't.
It was a 'little' night. But, to me, it was much more fun that a 'big' night out somewhere. Because we laughed the whole time, made fun of each other, and had some good 'girl-talk.' (Again, poor Josh.) And it helps, of course, that it was all over a plate of tomato pie. Try some...no way you'll dislike it! It's easy to make and maybe you can invite some friends over and make it a 'tomato pie' night like we did!
TOMATO PIE RECIPE:
Ingredients:
-4 BIG tomatoes
-1 frozen pie crust
-1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
-1 cup sharp mozzarella cheese
-1 cup mayo (yes, I know, but even if you don't like it, it's good in this!)
Preparations:
Peel all the tomatoes, cut into big chunks and drain. Then mix the cheeses and the mayo together in a bowl. (I usually add herbs and spices...basil, oregano, garlic, onion salt, chives, salt and pepper, etc.) Use a fork to poke holes in the pie crust. Put the tomatoes in the pie crust. Lather the cheese mix on top, covering all signs of tomatoes. Bake at 350 for 30 mins or until cheese is brownish on edges. Enjoy!
I haven't been blogging as much because I've been waiting on something exciting or big to tell ya'll about. But, the 'little things' in life are far more frequent and can make the best memories anyways. Kinda like last night.
I'm staying in Columbia at my friend Mallori's house for a few days, as I'm in town to do some FCA work and go to Bible study Tuesday night. So yesterday, after finishing my work, I made a tomato pie for us for supper.
Though I could probably eat an entire pie by myself (sadly, this is not an attempt at being funny), we decided we had enough food to invite Stacey over to join us (home girl can throw back some grub, as well).
So Stacey and baby Ella Kate came...and her poor husband, Josh. (Who ate cheerios and listened to us talk about boobs and boys. We cured him of girl-time.)
It was just a regular, hum-drum night - except it wasn't. I 'made' them watch THREE HOURS of the bachelor with me (they gagged and made snarky comments at all the right places, of course, and Josh kept saying it was the worst night of his life), and they had to sneak and eat M&M's so I wouldn't tackle them for a bite of chocolate (which I quit, thank you very much). Baby Ella (who normally loves fun time with her 'aunts' Lindsay and MalMal) wasn't happy with anyone but her Momma and kept spewing out the food she needed to eat. Just a boring night in - except it wasn't.
It was a 'little' night. But, to me, it was much more fun that a 'big' night out somewhere. Because we laughed the whole time, made fun of each other, and had some good 'girl-talk.' (Again, poor Josh.) And it helps, of course, that it was all over a plate of tomato pie. Try some...no way you'll dislike it! It's easy to make and maybe you can invite some friends over and make it a 'tomato pie' night like we did!
TOMATO PIE RECIPE:
Ingredients:
-4 BIG tomatoes
-1 frozen pie crust
-1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
-1 cup sharp mozzarella cheese
-1 cup mayo (yes, I know, but even if you don't like it, it's good in this!)
Preparations:
Peel all the tomatoes, cut into big chunks and drain. Then mix the cheeses and the mayo together in a bowl. (I usually add herbs and spices...basil, oregano, garlic, onion salt, chives, salt and pepper, etc.) Use a fork to poke holes in the pie crust. Put the tomatoes in the pie crust. Lather the cheese mix on top, covering all signs of tomatoes. Bake at 350 for 30 mins or until cheese is brownish on edges. Enjoy!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Better than Chocolate...
As I've been on this topsy-turvy journey of 'what in the world should I do with this life?' I've realized a few things about happiness.
I've always heard that money doesn't make a person happy. But, I always thought that was just something parents told their children so they wouldn't be disappointed if they weren't rich one day. 'Ah, you don't wanna be rich like them. Money doesn't make you happy anyways.' Riiiight. But, I honestly now believe it. And not just because I don't have much money. Or I think that's why anyways. :) All you gotta do is just take a look at the lives of many celebrities...chaos. Or all those people who win the lottery...divorce, family feuds, murder! Now don't get me wrong, money can help solve many problems and make life easier, but it alone doesn't make people happy.
And you and I both know those people who are 'married to' their jobs. Workin 100 hours a week to be the best, or to get rich (come on folks, did you not read the above paragraph?!), and to move up the corporate power ladder. It's actually kinda sad the way work can consume one's life and become one's all in all. I was headed in that direction myself and know that it doesn't make one happy.
So what is it? What's the key to happiness? Obviously, if you've read my blog before you know I'm going to say that salvation, and thus knowing that God has already won the battles we face, is the only way to true joy. That even in the darkest of times, where it seems there's no hope, that you can know that there IS hope, indeed. And that can lend happiness to the bleakest of days.
But, I've also discovered something else this year. Being surrounded by those who you love and who love you back is important to happiness. We were put on this earth to fellowship. With God ultimately. And with those around us.
I think we are the happiest when we are with people who are like-minded. I even read (msn.com) that spending quality time with people you love can strengthen your immune system! I don't doubt it for a second. who has time to be sick when you can't stop laughing and smiling?
My happiest times are easy to create. Hanging out at a friend's house just talking with my best girl friends, road trips with Robyn, laughing with my sister, visiting family on holidays, or eating dinner with my parents. They're happy times because these people love me and make me smile. These are people I know I can count on, trust, and share secrets with.
Loneliness is one of the worst feelings in the world. So if you don't have someone who loves you, who makes you smile...then be that person to someone around you who is lonely. I guarantee you, you will make a fast friend. I'm not trying to offer 'Lessons On Life by Lindsay' or anything, but I am excited to share about something that could help with your happiness! You all know how much I LOVE CHOCOLATE. Creme-filled. Fruit-filled. Nougat-filled. Peanutbutter-filled. Cakes, cookies, brownies, pies...but being around people who love you, well, that's even better than chocolate.
I've always heard that money doesn't make a person happy. But, I always thought that was just something parents told their children so they wouldn't be disappointed if they weren't rich one day. 'Ah, you don't wanna be rich like them. Money doesn't make you happy anyways.' Riiiight. But, I honestly now believe it. And not just because I don't have much money. Or I think that's why anyways. :) All you gotta do is just take a look at the lives of many celebrities...chaos. Or all those people who win the lottery...divorce, family feuds, murder! Now don't get me wrong, money can help solve many problems and make life easier, but it alone doesn't make people happy.
And you and I both know those people who are 'married to' their jobs. Workin 100 hours a week to be the best, or to get rich (come on folks, did you not read the above paragraph?!), and to move up the corporate power ladder. It's actually kinda sad the way work can consume one's life and become one's all in all. I was headed in that direction myself and know that it doesn't make one happy.
So what is it? What's the key to happiness? Obviously, if you've read my blog before you know I'm going to say that salvation, and thus knowing that God has already won the battles we face, is the only way to true joy. That even in the darkest of times, where it seems there's no hope, that you can know that there IS hope, indeed. And that can lend happiness to the bleakest of days.
But, I've also discovered something else this year. Being surrounded by those who you love and who love you back is important to happiness. We were put on this earth to fellowship. With God ultimately. And with those around us.
I think we are the happiest when we are with people who are like-minded. I even read (msn.com) that spending quality time with people you love can strengthen your immune system! I don't doubt it for a second. who has time to be sick when you can't stop laughing and smiling?
My happiest times are easy to create. Hanging out at a friend's house just talking with my best girl friends, road trips with Robyn, laughing with my sister, visiting family on holidays, or eating dinner with my parents. They're happy times because these people love me and make me smile. These are people I know I can count on, trust, and share secrets with.
Loneliness is one of the worst feelings in the world. So if you don't have someone who loves you, who makes you smile...then be that person to someone around you who is lonely. I guarantee you, you will make a fast friend. I'm not trying to offer 'Lessons On Life by Lindsay' or anything, but I am excited to share about something that could help with your happiness! You all know how much I LOVE CHOCOLATE. Creme-filled. Fruit-filled. Nougat-filled. Peanutbutter-filled. Cakes, cookies, brownies, pies...but being around people who love you, well, that's even better than chocolate.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
when the WAITING is the hardest...
Does your mood ever echo the weather? Like yesterday when it was B-E-A-UTIFUL outside, it was easy to feel weightless and carefree. Ready to laugh and have fun. Then today...ick. Gray skies. Brown grass. Trees with no leaves. Colllddd. It's easy to want to mope and be lazy. Weather really does affect how we feel a lot.
It's the same way when everything seems to be going wrong in your life. It can feel like gray skies all the time. Many of you know I was laid off from my job as a news reporter. So, at the age of 25 (it really does feel old!) I had to move home with my parents. Away from most of my friends and all the 'action.' I've sort-of been having a 'career-crisis,' as I'm not sure where God would have me go next.
Don't get me wrong, I've had a job pretty much constantly since then, but as far as a 'career,' I'm still trying to decide what to do. It has been really hard. There are so many things I've never considered before, and lots of jobs that I think I could do well and enjoy. How to choose which direction to take your life in, when there are so many that could be right?
By praying. Tilling the soil (aka doing the work: applying for jobs, trying new things) and trying the doors God opens. Sounds so simple. Unless there are no open doors. You've heard it said,'the waiting is the hardest part.'
Geesh! It's true. In a society where we all want it NOW, or where you're only as good as the job you hold...it's hard to slow down and take a look around. It's tough to say no to the quick and easy, while waiting on the best.
A couple of years ago, before I got my job at WPDE, NewsChannel 15 I was offered a good job at a bank. I had no other job offers at the time. Everything in the world said I should've taken the job. But, as soon as the man offered it to me, I had a feeling (Holy Spirit) that it wasn't right for me. That was it, a feeling.
BUT, I had been praying about it a lot. That 'feeling' was my answer. I knew God's will was for me to be a reporter. More waiting. Trusting. Hoping. I felt like an idiot when I told my Dad I turned the job down. I knew people thought I was crazy. But I KNEW God had something else for me.
Not too long afterwards, I sent my tape in to NewsChannel 15. The rest is history. If I had taken that job at the bank, I probably wouldn't have even applied at the TV station. And I would've gone to work every day knowing I wasn't in God's will.
At almost the very second my boss told me they couldn't afford to pay me anymore, I knew I was supposed to come home. It wasn't easy going from working a great job, being totally independent to coming home with nothing. It's still not fun to tell people I live at home right now.
It's easy to get discouraged about my future and see only gray skies ahead. But, since I've been here I've had several confirmations that this is where I'm supposed to be right now. This 'waiting' has been longer and harder than the last one, but God was faithful then and He never changes.
Some verses that help me:
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord. 'Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a futre.'
Romans 8:28
'And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, for those who have been called according to His purpose.'
Deuteronomy 4:31
'For the Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your forefathers, which he confirmed to them by oath.'
2 Timothy 2:13
'if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.'
It's the same way when everything seems to be going wrong in your life. It can feel like gray skies all the time. Many of you know I was laid off from my job as a news reporter. So, at the age of 25 (it really does feel old!) I had to move home with my parents. Away from most of my friends and all the 'action.' I've sort-of been having a 'career-crisis,' as I'm not sure where God would have me go next.
Don't get me wrong, I've had a job pretty much constantly since then, but as far as a 'career,' I'm still trying to decide what to do. It has been really hard. There are so many things I've never considered before, and lots of jobs that I think I could do well and enjoy. How to choose which direction to take your life in, when there are so many that could be right?
By praying. Tilling the soil (aka doing the work: applying for jobs, trying new things) and trying the doors God opens. Sounds so simple. Unless there are no open doors. You've heard it said,'the waiting is the hardest part.'
Geesh! It's true. In a society where we all want it NOW, or where you're only as good as the job you hold...it's hard to slow down and take a look around. It's tough to say no to the quick and easy, while waiting on the best.
A couple of years ago, before I got my job at WPDE, NewsChannel 15 I was offered a good job at a bank. I had no other job offers at the time. Everything in the world said I should've taken the job. But, as soon as the man offered it to me, I had a feeling (Holy Spirit) that it wasn't right for me. That was it, a feeling.
BUT, I had been praying about it a lot. That 'feeling' was my answer. I knew God's will was for me to be a reporter. More waiting. Trusting. Hoping. I felt like an idiot when I told my Dad I turned the job down. I knew people thought I was crazy. But I KNEW God had something else for me.
Not too long afterwards, I sent my tape in to NewsChannel 15. The rest is history. If I had taken that job at the bank, I probably wouldn't have even applied at the TV station. And I would've gone to work every day knowing I wasn't in God's will.
At almost the very second my boss told me they couldn't afford to pay me anymore, I knew I was supposed to come home. It wasn't easy going from working a great job, being totally independent to coming home with nothing. It's still not fun to tell people I live at home right now.
It's easy to get discouraged about my future and see only gray skies ahead. But, since I've been here I've had several confirmations that this is where I'm supposed to be right now. This 'waiting' has been longer and harder than the last one, but God was faithful then and He never changes.
Some verses that help me:
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord. 'Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a futre.'
Romans 8:28
'And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, for those who have been called according to His purpose.'
Deuteronomy 4:31
'For the Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your forefathers, which he confirmed to them by oath.'
2 Timothy 2:13
'if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.'
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
God loves sinners!
It's true. We tend to have the mindset that God loves us more when we are more righteous, when we don't make mistakes, and always walk in His will. Especially in the South, legalism and 'religion' can play a big part in our beliefs. We surely please God more when we walk in His will and the benefits to our lives are much greater,but we can't earn our way into Heaven by not sinning. God knew us before we were born and decided He loved us enough to let His son, Jesus, die a horrible death for us. We've heard about it and read it so many times that it's easy to be like, 'yeah, yeah, I know, He was crucified for my sins,' and go on with our lives.
But think about it from our 'modern' perspective. So let's say your boyfriend cheated on you with your best friend. Ouch. And she told everyone bad things about you and turned people against you. Then she was held at gunpoint and the only way to save her was if you took her place. Would you do it?
We are like that girl. We tell God we are His, then we cheat on Him and break His heart constantly. We ignore Him or put Him on our 'to do' list after Wal-Mart. Yet every single time we repent (ask for forgiveness and truly mean to flee from that sin) He takes us back and washes us clean with His son's blood.
At NewSpring's Christmas Eve service, Pastor Perry Noble reminded me of the story of the prodigal son. This kid had everything. A loving family, a big house, servants, tons of food, a job. But he didn't like his job. His family was getting on his nerves. We've all been there before. So Mr. Prodigal asks His father for his inheritance (before his Dad has even passed away! selfish much?), takes his money and goes to Europe to party. Surprise, surprise, he squanders it all. Then the economy in his new hometown takes a dive. The Bible says the former rich kid was so poor he had to get a job as a servant feeding pigs, when before he had servants who had servants to do that!
Why did he do all of this? Because his focus was on the wrong thing. He never realized what was important, what he had. I know I can identify with being stubborn and prideful and selfish. It took Mr. Prodigal reaching the very bottom before he realized it.
In Luke 15: 17 - 20 the Bible says, "When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.' So he got up and went to his father." Mr. Prodigal wasn't just sorry he ran out of money, he understood how he needed to change and how he had broken his father's heart.
So Mr. Prodigal starts his long trek home. When I was younger I was mad that his Dad didn't punish him more. It wasn't fair that the other son had to stay at home and work while Mr. Prodigal got to party and have all that time to realize he needed to go home. And he was welcomed back just like that with open arms.
But now I realize that this is a picture of God's heart for us. Back in the old days when this story would've happened, what Mr. Prodigal did to his family was punishable by death. So his journey back to his family was a dangerous one for him, and anyone who welcomed him back. Not only did his father welcome him back, he ran to meet him where he was!!!
Coming back home required Mr. Prodigal to realize his wrongs, truly change his ways (he left the country!), give up his selfish living, and ask his father to forgive him. God wants to forgive us, to welcome us back with open arms, no matter how far we've strayed, what we've done, or how long we've been gone. Just like Mr. Prodigal was separated by countries,sin separates us from God. But, He knew what we would do before we were born. He still chose to love us and create each of us. Because you see, God has a heart for sinners. He's willing to meet us where we are, but he loves us too much to let us stay in that sin.
But think about it from our 'modern' perspective. So let's say your boyfriend cheated on you with your best friend. Ouch. And she told everyone bad things about you and turned people against you. Then she was held at gunpoint and the only way to save her was if you took her place. Would you do it?
We are like that girl. We tell God we are His, then we cheat on Him and break His heart constantly. We ignore Him or put Him on our 'to do' list after Wal-Mart. Yet every single time we repent (ask for forgiveness and truly mean to flee from that sin) He takes us back and washes us clean with His son's blood.
At NewSpring's Christmas Eve service, Pastor Perry Noble reminded me of the story of the prodigal son. This kid had everything. A loving family, a big house, servants, tons of food, a job. But he didn't like his job. His family was getting on his nerves. We've all been there before. So Mr. Prodigal asks His father for his inheritance (before his Dad has even passed away! selfish much?), takes his money and goes to Europe to party. Surprise, surprise, he squanders it all. Then the economy in his new hometown takes a dive. The Bible says the former rich kid was so poor he had to get a job as a servant feeding pigs, when before he had servants who had servants to do that!
Why did he do all of this? Because his focus was on the wrong thing. He never realized what was important, what he had. I know I can identify with being stubborn and prideful and selfish. It took Mr. Prodigal reaching the very bottom before he realized it.
In Luke 15: 17 - 20 the Bible says, "When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.' So he got up and went to his father." Mr. Prodigal wasn't just sorry he ran out of money, he understood how he needed to change and how he had broken his father's heart.
So Mr. Prodigal starts his long trek home. When I was younger I was mad that his Dad didn't punish him more. It wasn't fair that the other son had to stay at home and work while Mr. Prodigal got to party and have all that time to realize he needed to go home. And he was welcomed back just like that with open arms.
But now I realize that this is a picture of God's heart for us. Back in the old days when this story would've happened, what Mr. Prodigal did to his family was punishable by death. So his journey back to his family was a dangerous one for him, and anyone who welcomed him back. Not only did his father welcome him back, he ran to meet him where he was!!!
Coming back home required Mr. Prodigal to realize his wrongs, truly change his ways (he left the country!), give up his selfish living, and ask his father to forgive him. God wants to forgive us, to welcome us back with open arms, no matter how far we've strayed, what we've done, or how long we've been gone. Just like Mr. Prodigal was separated by countries,sin separates us from God. But, He knew what we would do before we were born. He still chose to love us and create each of us. Because you see, God has a heart for sinners. He's willing to meet us where we are, but he loves us too much to let us stay in that sin.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
A Haitian gives us updates:
I've been so burdened for the people of Haiti. I can't imagine the devastation and chaos there. The orphans who now may have no one to watch over them. The babies and kids with nobody to turn to and nowhere to go. The adults who have no way to provide or protect themselves and their families. The innocent who are vulnerable to looters and violence. The people who have no way to get food or clean drinking water in to their land. Please pray for them. Here is a note from my friend, Emmanuel, who lives in Haiti. He became one of my dear friends when I lived in the Dominican Republic.
"Every 30 minutes to an hour the house rumbled and shook from the after shocks of the earthquake that has divested the capital, Port-au-Prince. It was hard to sleep wondering if you should run, wait or ignore it. All I could think about was the thousands that had no where to sleep in Port-au-Prince 60 miles from our city, St. Marc. We were up early to see the video footage and pictures of the Presidential Palace destroyed and so many other buildings we once knew. We feel in some ways as helpless as the victims in Port-au-Prince in the since of shock and not knowing what to do or where to start. Communications are still down, airport is closed for today so we have decided to send in a observation team to see what connections they could make. Haiti has no infrastructure much less a crisis management team. I suspect that PAP is crying even louder this morning as the reality of their situation tumbles on them.
We are thinking through how this impact will affect St. Marc and the population here. Fuel, electric communications, food and construction supplies all route through PAP. Today we are ok, but what about in a few days or week. Where are the refugees going to be going since there is little living space in PAP? Pray for us and our observation team!"
"Every 30 minutes to an hour the house rumbled and shook from the after shocks of the earthquake that has divested the capital, Port-au-Prince. It was hard to sleep wondering if you should run, wait or ignore it. All I could think about was the thousands that had no where to sleep in Port-au-Prince 60 miles from our city, St. Marc. We were up early to see the video footage and pictures of the Presidential Palace destroyed and so many other buildings we once knew. We feel in some ways as helpless as the victims in Port-au-Prince in the since of shock and not knowing what to do or where to start. Communications are still down, airport is closed for today so we have decided to send in a observation team to see what connections they could make. Haiti has no infrastructure much less a crisis management team. I suspect that PAP is crying even louder this morning as the reality of their situation tumbles on them.
We are thinking through how this impact will affect St. Marc and the population here. Fuel, electric communications, food and construction supplies all route through PAP. Today we are ok, but what about in a few days or week. Where are the refugees going to be going since there is little living space in PAP? Pray for us and our observation team!"
Monday, January 11, 2010
10 Little Surprises You May Not Want to Know...
I've been putting this off for a few weeks because I can't think of ten interesting things you don't know, but would enjoy knowing, about me. My cousin (whose blog http://bowlingfamilymoments.blogspot.com/ is always so fun to read!) posted ten fun-facts about herself on her blog, then challenged me to do the same. I feel like my blog is always so serious - I just have to blog about things that 'get my goat,' I can't help myself - so maybe this will be fun. Here we go:
1. Music. I can't sing, I don't do instruments, but I can play the radio! I LOVE to dance. Hip-hop. Shagging. Line dancing. You name it, I like it (not sure about my crumping abilities though). I've discovered more and more that I LOVE music. Music with a good beat sets my foot to tappin' every time. But, the thing I love most about music is the effect it has on our emotions. Take country music, for example. My sis hates it. She, along with a lot of others, thinks it's too twangy and always about your dog dying, boyfriend cheatin', etc. Sometimes it is kinda stupid. (Aaron Tippin's 'Kiss This' anyone?) But, sometimes it can brighten your day (Sugarland's 'I ain't Settlin,' and David Lee Murphy's 'Dust On the Bottle.') If you're ever riding down the highway, pull up beside me and see me crying, know that I've just listened to 'Texas Tornado,' or 'Stars Over Texas' by Tracy Lawrence...or Third Day's 'Just to be with You.' Non-cheesy Christian music can make me cry at the drop of a hat. Classical music can calm me down. Oldies/beach music makes me want to be shaggin' on the beach somewhere or hanging out with my parents. So, even though I was definitely not blessed with singing talents, I truly appreciate those who have been and love a good beat. I've fallen in love with music.
2. My toenails are either red or pink. Always. For some reason I don't like any other colors on my feet.
3. One of my favorite memories is my high school graduation day. Not because I walked across the stage or got that piece of paper but because of what happened afterwards. My extended family and close friends gathered at my house, ate lunch, and then...played a long, intense game of pick-up baseball in our backyard. The weather was perfect, everyone was there, and I just remember thinking it was the perfect afternoon. I love the competition of sports, I love that people really pull together, I love when people give their all to something, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE being outside. Though I'm terrified of balls flying at me in the outfield, I wish it happened every Sunday afternoon.
4. I hate flossing. (Good thing I know a GREAT dentist!)
5. I LOVE to bargain. Thanks to early Saturday morning trips to the jockey lot with my Dad growing up, I learned how to 'wheel and deal.'
6. Confession: I still watch Matlock when I can. (I'll blame that on my Dad, too.) And, with any other mystery book or movie, I just have to solve it before the narrator does.
Numero Siete: My friends say I'm an awful bed buddy. Apparently, I toss and turn, kick, talk, and grind my teeth. Oh, and I dream in Spanish a lot.
8. Lofty dreams: When I was little all I wanted to do with my life was bag groceries at Ingles. Mom used to drop me off at the check-out counter and I'd bag (and talk the clerk to death, for sure) groceries for hours. Then I told her I wanted to be a secretary so I could talk on the phone all day (been there, done that, don't wanna go back). One of my child-hood dreams was to grow up and wash dishes at a restaurant...when my family would go out to eat at Dendy's Corner in Abbeville, I would go back in the kitchen and be fascinated by the big sinks, filled with pretty blue liquid. I would wash to my (and the bus boy's) little heart's content. Again, been there, done that, no thank you. Then, in high school, I told my teacher (he loves to remind me of this) that I was going to be the next Katie Couric. His response, 'What about that strong Southern accent?' Me: 'That'll be my calling card.' Ha, what blind confidence and optimism. Little did I know they 'beat' that Southern accent out of you in college and at the tv stations. I'm proud that I worked hard and got my dream job. Turns out though, as you mature, sometimes your dreams evolve. Because I had my mind made up that I would be a reporter, I didn't allow consideration for anything else. Now, I'm searching for what God's 'dream' job is for this life.
9. I love to try new things. Especially new foods. Unless it's spicy. This may be how I got parasites in the Dominican Republic. (Never eat from a street vendor in a third world country.) This is also how I wind up with a lot of meals that I don't like. I'll go to a restaurant where I've found something on the menu that I've had and love, and order something else, just to try something new. A lot of times I kick myself for it afterward.
10. I read my first novel, Little Women by Louisa May Alcott,in 6th grade. I've been hooked on books ever since. Seriously, I can sit down with a good book for hours and not know anyone else is in the world (reading on the beach is my fav). (If I don't like the first 15 pages of a book, I'll read the last couple of pages and be done with it.) My parents used to pay me $1 for every 100 pages I read in elementary school, to encourage my love for reading. They eventually stopped paying me b/c I was reading so much. I think reading is where my love for writing, grammar, and spelling come from. Yes, I've just sealed my dorkiness for good, but I have to admit I used to get SO EXCITED about spelling bees. And while we're on that subject...your/you're and their/there/they're mistakes drive me crazy. Did you know I was such a dork? :)
1. Music. I can't sing, I don't do instruments, but I can play the radio! I LOVE to dance. Hip-hop. Shagging. Line dancing. You name it, I like it (not sure about my crumping abilities though). I've discovered more and more that I LOVE music. Music with a good beat sets my foot to tappin' every time. But, the thing I love most about music is the effect it has on our emotions. Take country music, for example. My sis hates it. She, along with a lot of others, thinks it's too twangy and always about your dog dying, boyfriend cheatin', etc. Sometimes it is kinda stupid. (Aaron Tippin's 'Kiss This' anyone?) But, sometimes it can brighten your day (Sugarland's 'I ain't Settlin,' and David Lee Murphy's 'Dust On the Bottle.') If you're ever riding down the highway, pull up beside me and see me crying, know that I've just listened to 'Texas Tornado,' or 'Stars Over Texas' by Tracy Lawrence...or Third Day's 'Just to be with You.' Non-cheesy Christian music can make me cry at the drop of a hat. Classical music can calm me down. Oldies/beach music makes me want to be shaggin' on the beach somewhere or hanging out with my parents. So, even though I was definitely not blessed with singing talents, I truly appreciate those who have been and love a good beat. I've fallen in love with music.
2. My toenails are either red or pink. Always. For some reason I don't like any other colors on my feet.
3. One of my favorite memories is my high school graduation day. Not because I walked across the stage or got that piece of paper but because of what happened afterwards. My extended family and close friends gathered at my house, ate lunch, and then...played a long, intense game of pick-up baseball in our backyard. The weather was perfect, everyone was there, and I just remember thinking it was the perfect afternoon. I love the competition of sports, I love that people really pull together, I love when people give their all to something, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE being outside. Though I'm terrified of balls flying at me in the outfield, I wish it happened every Sunday afternoon.
4. I hate flossing. (Good thing I know a GREAT dentist!)
5. I LOVE to bargain. Thanks to early Saturday morning trips to the jockey lot with my Dad growing up, I learned how to 'wheel and deal.'
6. Confession: I still watch Matlock when I can. (I'll blame that on my Dad, too.) And, with any other mystery book or movie, I just have to solve it before the narrator does.
Numero Siete: My friends say I'm an awful bed buddy. Apparently, I toss and turn, kick, talk, and grind my teeth. Oh, and I dream in Spanish a lot.
8. Lofty dreams: When I was little all I wanted to do with my life was bag groceries at Ingles. Mom used to drop me off at the check-out counter and I'd bag (and talk the clerk to death, for sure) groceries for hours. Then I told her I wanted to be a secretary so I could talk on the phone all day (been there, done that, don't wanna go back). One of my child-hood dreams was to grow up and wash dishes at a restaurant...when my family would go out to eat at Dendy's Corner in Abbeville, I would go back in the kitchen and be fascinated by the big sinks, filled with pretty blue liquid. I would wash to my (and the bus boy's) little heart's content. Again, been there, done that, no thank you. Then, in high school, I told my teacher (he loves to remind me of this) that I was going to be the next Katie Couric. His response, 'What about that strong Southern accent?' Me: 'That'll be my calling card.' Ha, what blind confidence and optimism. Little did I know they 'beat' that Southern accent out of you in college and at the tv stations. I'm proud that I worked hard and got my dream job. Turns out though, as you mature, sometimes your dreams evolve. Because I had my mind made up that I would be a reporter, I didn't allow consideration for anything else. Now, I'm searching for what God's 'dream' job is for this life.
9. I love to try new things. Especially new foods. Unless it's spicy. This may be how I got parasites in the Dominican Republic. (Never eat from a street vendor in a third world country.) This is also how I wind up with a lot of meals that I don't like. I'll go to a restaurant where I've found something on the menu that I've had and love, and order something else, just to try something new. A lot of times I kick myself for it afterward.
10. I read my first novel, Little Women by Louisa May Alcott,in 6th grade. I've been hooked on books ever since. Seriously, I can sit down with a good book for hours and not know anyone else is in the world (reading on the beach is my fav). (If I don't like the first 15 pages of a book, I'll read the last couple of pages and be done with it.) My parents used to pay me $1 for every 100 pages I read in elementary school, to encourage my love for reading. They eventually stopped paying me b/c I was reading so much. I think reading is where my love for writing, grammar, and spelling come from. Yes, I've just sealed my dorkiness for good, but I have to admit I used to get SO EXCITED about spelling bees. And while we're on that subject...your/you're and their/there/they're mistakes drive me crazy. Did you know I was such a dork? :)
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Everywhere
I learned an important lesson yesterday. One I should've gotten a long time ago.
So I went to get my hair cut yesterday and well, was just expecting to get my hair cut and leave, per usual. God had other plans. Did you know he's everywhere? I knew, but yesterday it smacked me in the face.
I sit in the seat, all tucked into my protective shaw-thingy they always wrap around you, feet evenly spaced, looking straight ahead so as not to get a crooked cut, and my stylist (who has known me since college) says, 'tell me what's new with you.' I'm filling her in on my ups and downs of late and telling her that I'm not sure what career is right for me. I tell her I feel I've sorta been put in a holding place where intimacy with God is my number one priority. She stops cutting. Looks me straight in the eyes and says,' Are you totally sold out for Him?'
Okay, so let's stop right there. We're at her hair salon, this is supposed to be business. I remember a time in high school when a friend witnessed to someone on the job and other friends criticized him for that, saying that the professional setting is no place to talk about faith. Ashamedly, I agreed with them. Work is work. You shouldn't talk about things that may (heaven forbid) make someone uncomfortable or offend anyone. I mean, they might actually have to think on something you said! That's just unprofessional. Right?
So I'm sitting in my 'hair chair,' the nappy mess atop my head at this woman's mercy, thinking, 'is this the time and place for her to ask me this?' And then it hit me. He's everywhere. Anywhere and anytime is the right place to talk about the whole reason we're here. What kind of faith does it show if we box him in? If we can't talk about him from 8a-5p, can we talk about him at dinner with friends after? What about dinner with new people? Sporting events? Or should we just leave the God talk at church? If so, we're neglecting the entire basis of Christianity. To know Him and make Him known. Everywhere.
Turns out my stylist had some wise and encouraging advice that I desperately needed to hear. I could've politely stopped her and been out the door with my new hair cut. But I would've missed out on something precious that my Savior wanted to tell me! If He is truly Lord of my life, then He takes precedence over all else.
If we don't hear his voice audibly, how does he speak to us? The Bible, obviously. And the Bible says he uses dreams...and other people! Now I'm not saying we should go around spouting out Bible verses constantly and smacking people over the heads with our 'religion,' but I'm not boxing Him into Sunday mornings. We should 'walk the walk,' and not be afraid to 'talk the talk.'
In a world filled with politically correct rules there's little room for God to move. And we miss out on who knows what! So you can call me 'uncool,' or label me a Jesus 'freak' (there's no greater compliment, by the way), or tell everyone 'that Lindsay Tyner has turned into one of those crazy Christians. I mean, no one can relate to those types anyway.' It doesn't matter, cause I ain't missin out on anything He wants to share with me! Anytime. Everywhere.
So I went to get my hair cut yesterday and well, was just expecting to get my hair cut and leave, per usual. God had other plans. Did you know he's everywhere? I knew, but yesterday it smacked me in the face.
I sit in the seat, all tucked into my protective shaw-thingy they always wrap around you, feet evenly spaced, looking straight ahead so as not to get a crooked cut, and my stylist (who has known me since college) says, 'tell me what's new with you.' I'm filling her in on my ups and downs of late and telling her that I'm not sure what career is right for me. I tell her I feel I've sorta been put in a holding place where intimacy with God is my number one priority. She stops cutting. Looks me straight in the eyes and says,' Are you totally sold out for Him?'
Okay, so let's stop right there. We're at her hair salon, this is supposed to be business. I remember a time in high school when a friend witnessed to someone on the job and other friends criticized him for that, saying that the professional setting is no place to talk about faith. Ashamedly, I agreed with them. Work is work. You shouldn't talk about things that may (heaven forbid) make someone uncomfortable or offend anyone. I mean, they might actually have to think on something you said! That's just unprofessional. Right?
So I'm sitting in my 'hair chair,' the nappy mess atop my head at this woman's mercy, thinking, 'is this the time and place for her to ask me this?' And then it hit me. He's everywhere. Anywhere and anytime is the right place to talk about the whole reason we're here. What kind of faith does it show if we box him in? If we can't talk about him from 8a-5p, can we talk about him at dinner with friends after? What about dinner with new people? Sporting events? Or should we just leave the God talk at church? If so, we're neglecting the entire basis of Christianity. To know Him and make Him known. Everywhere.
Turns out my stylist had some wise and encouraging advice that I desperately needed to hear. I could've politely stopped her and been out the door with my new hair cut. But I would've missed out on something precious that my Savior wanted to tell me! If He is truly Lord of my life, then He takes precedence over all else.
If we don't hear his voice audibly, how does he speak to us? The Bible, obviously. And the Bible says he uses dreams...and other people! Now I'm not saying we should go around spouting out Bible verses constantly and smacking people over the heads with our 'religion,' but I'm not boxing Him into Sunday mornings. We should 'walk the walk,' and not be afraid to 'talk the talk.'
In a world filled with politically correct rules there's little room for God to move. And we miss out on who knows what! So you can call me 'uncool,' or label me a Jesus 'freak' (there's no greater compliment, by the way), or tell everyone 'that Lindsay Tyner has turned into one of those crazy Christians. I mean, no one can relate to those types anyway.' It doesn't matter, cause I ain't missin out on anything He wants to share with me! Anytime. Everywhere.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Seriously, fellas, pay attention...
Okay so I just witnessed a man making a carnal mistake. I'm no sage, but every man needs this wise advice. And don't men just love taking advice from women? I thought so. :)
So the scene was as follows...
Woman was rantin and ravin (you know, talking with the hands, eyes narrowed, voice a little higher pitched than normal) and very upset about something. Not sure if it was something Mr. Man did, or just something she was upset about. And poor ole Mr. Man says, 'Honey, just RELAX.' Ohhhh boy.
W: 'RELAX?! You want me to RELAX?! I'll show you RELAXED!' Etc, etc.
When our blood pressure is boiling, we're not going to cool down because you wisely told us to 'relax.' More than likely, our tantrum will just rear its ugly head in your direction. When women rant it's because they want to be heard and understood. My advice to you is to listen (or at least nod and 'uh huh' every few seconds while you're computing your fantasy baseball stats) and then say, 'I want to help you make this better.' I guarantee you you will then be told how you can help. And she will be bragging to her friends the next day what a great problem-solver you are!
So, guys, when a woman around you (and I don't care how old or young she is) is going crazy about something, please, for your own sakes, do NOT tell her to relax. Don't even say it sweetly. Just avoid that word unless it's accompanied by a gift card for a day at the spa.
So the scene was as follows...
Woman was rantin and ravin (you know, talking with the hands, eyes narrowed, voice a little higher pitched than normal) and very upset about something. Not sure if it was something Mr. Man did, or just something she was upset about. And poor ole Mr. Man says, 'Honey, just RELAX.' Ohhhh boy.
W: 'RELAX?! You want me to RELAX?! I'll show you RELAXED!' Etc, etc.
When our blood pressure is boiling, we're not going to cool down because you wisely told us to 'relax.' More than likely, our tantrum will just rear its ugly head in your direction. When women rant it's because they want to be heard and understood. My advice to you is to listen (or at least nod and 'uh huh' every few seconds while you're computing your fantasy baseball stats) and then say, 'I want to help you make this better.' I guarantee you you will then be told how you can help. And she will be bragging to her friends the next day what a great problem-solver you are!
So, guys, when a woman around you (and I don't care how old or young she is) is going crazy about something, please, for your own sakes, do NOT tell her to relax. Don't even say it sweetly. Just avoid that word unless it's accompanied by a gift card for a day at the spa.
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