Communion, Cats, and Coconuts

Bum bum BUUUMMMM!!!! I'm baaaackkk!

Yes, I've been away for, well, a little while. Some Many of you have noticed that it's been almost three months since my last entry. Several reasons for that:

1) As mentioned in the previous entry, I've been concentrating time back in the gym. I realized that the holiday pounds were sticking around, and I was already back from my spring break trip with the kids -- in March. I've kept up my committment to pilates and stepped up my cardio to three days/week. I ended up scrapping the CrossFit because it was really bulking me up. I looked like a ghetto girl sans ghetto, bootily speaking. Wasn't pretty. Had to drop weightlifting altogether, and my joints were happy to hear the news.

2) My former pastor officially left at the end of February, leaving me to stand in the gap for a crucial area of ministry that had been neglected -- fellowshipping with and taking communion to our shut-ins. For those of you unfamiliar with the term, a "shut-in" is someone in ill health or has any sundry other reason(s) why they are unable to come and worship with us at Sunday services. Many times these people are in nursing homes or assisted living facilities; other times, they are simply home-bound and it isn't safe for them to venture out of the house or be around crowds of germ-toting people. This item right here is an entire series of blogs that have been simmering in my heart like rich, hearty gumbo -- it's worth blogging about, but I will have to be careful to be confidential. So so so many things I want to share that I have learned while serving in this capacity. Needless to say, since we have not had a full time pastor, I'm the one making hospital visits and making sure these people are not forgotten during times of transition.

3) Spring break came in March, and we braved the wet and cold to spend time with R. These trips are so much fun. The kids are old pros now at navigating airports, long lines at security, and moving walkways. Flying through Denver feels like stopping at an old friend's house at this point.

4) We had to find a new home for the cats. This was a significant emotional event at my house. I spent many a sleepless night in prayer, which may seem silly considering what a burden and source of annoyance Newman in particular has been (the white one), but they have always been family nonetheless. Blog forthcoming on this topic for sure.

5) The month of April is a nightmare some years. This year really wasn't too bad, church-wise. The lenten season brings with it extra fellowship opportunities during the week, as well as contemplative worship time. Unfortunately, extra rehearsals for church musicians can wear out small children and their already-worn-out parents. My nephews also have birthdays two weeks apart in April, so we are always pulled in many directions this month. Went by in a flash.

6) We just went to Hawai'i for eight days and partied our coconuts off! We came home feeling like solar panels for the lush, tropical sun. We made sure R. wasn't lonely over there as he worked, and we also made sure that the beaches and pools were well-supervised. I was repeatedly hit on by a homeless diabetic man who wore a wool beanie to the pool and claimed to be Sean Connery and wanted to spread the Good News of the gospel. Apparently, God had only called him to spread said Good News to women in two piece bathing suits, so poor R. missed out on the fun.

The bummer of this trip is two-fold. Readjusting to the time change, which for us is five hours this time of year. The kids, as per usual, did fine. I was dragging for a couple of days. But I came back to a calendar with nothing on it, and I was so bored not having R. around. Also, switching from having someone with whom to share your time, even the mundane everyday sort of stuff, to being a single parent who sits in a quiet house alone every night is nothing short of bizarre. And even though there's always conversation over the phone, nothing beats having a shoulder to curl up next to as you laugh hysterically at "King of the Hill."

Am I sorry for the lag time here? No, not really. I have missed all the people that read my blog and leave comments. I will confess: I haven't actually been keeping up with my bloglines. I'm sure the post count is well into four digits at the rate most of you guys blog. But to be quite honest, I love working out. I love the smell of fresh-cut grass and something cooking on the grill. I love hanging out with 90 year-olds who are raging against the dying of the light or have served proudly in WWII and Korea. I love chaperoning field trips (sometimes). I love ripping weeds out of my yard and re-discovering my flower bed. I love watching the sun set as I drink a frozen sangria-swirled margarita while the kids chase bugs and watch the boats go by at one of my new favorite restaurants. I love spending time, even if we don't speak with words, with my sweetie. I love rescuing garden snakes from being run over in traffic. I'd trade real life for a computer screen any day of the week.

Samplings From My Mental Smorgasbord

I have had six or seven different blogs percolating in my mind over the last week or two and have yet to blog about any of them. In fact, I should be loading my sleeping toddler into the car right now this minute to go pick up my daughter from school, but if I don't jot down a couple of ideas before I leave, I'm afraid I may never find them again! Rather than taking the time to blog about each item in full length, I'll give you all the Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF) about each topic over which I've been mulling:

Politics: Christine over at Red Lipstick Diaries has been waiting anxiously for me to post something meaty post-election. And while I have strong opinions and could do just that, I have kept true to my word and not blogged about something for which I had no edifying language to publish. Now that the dust has settled and the Obamas have had their first meeting with the Bushes, here's what I have to say:

Just as Christine herself said on Facebook, it's time to be the united states and time to cease being either the red or blue states. An administration can only be successful if every single person is doing their part. So we deal with the next four years shoulder to shoulder with every other American, regardless of their voting preference. If we want to be perceived as a strong, vital nation, we have to actually be one. That will be harder for some (read: me) than others, but I truly believe that's what has to happen.

Religion: See posted picture above. Really, my religion and politics opinions could all go in one big section. In both areas, it's impractical to be a purist in whichever school of thought you fall under. Contrary to popular belief, extremism is a frightening concept to me. I think there are ways in both these areas to focus on the things that we have in common and emphasize on those, rather than spend our time having conversations where no one is truly being heard. There are certain areas where people are going to disagree, and it doesn't necessarily mean that either side is not truly Christian. Just means they're different. For example, what I'm reading right now for Lay Ministry about leading worship really brings this into light for planning worship services. I'd love to explain all of the amazing things I'm learning, but I'm afraid there would be an explosion of grey matter all over the computer screen. Just too much to boil it all down.

Role of Women in the Church: I'm writing a paper about this and must admit I approached this topic with an anti-Paul sway based on what I, at the time, believed to be godly teaching. I think, if I could boil this one down to a statement, is that Jesus personally commanded each one of us to love one another. I believe that where we started having "issues" or "problems" is where our sinful human element took over and started trying to figure things out or get things organized. Do we as humans need structure and organization? Basically, yes. Do groups get priority in the pecking order? Eventually. Did God intend this? Well, dear Readers, I believe my answer to that is now no. (Ducks for cover before the tomatoes pop me upside the head...) Honestly, I really don't know that we can say for sure. I can already hear arguments on both sides and see validity to them both. I don't see this question ever being answered to anyone's satisfaction this side of Paradise, guys.

Obama's Pre-Presidential Activities: Barack and Michelle met with George and Laura this morning at Quarters 1 to kinda "get the inside scoop." Apparently the women went off to do things like talk about how irritating it is when the guys drink beer, scratch themselves, fart, and watch football or something, whilst the menfolk had a history-making hoedown in the Oval Office. Seriously, folks, do you KNOW how many eggs I would've sold to have been a fly on THAT wall! No media were allowed to follow into the OO, and no aides were on hand, either. The words that were exchanged in that room are known only to them and to God. I can't even know whether to faint from terror or to faint from excitement.

One last point before I leave the topic of politics but under the "Obama" tag. I read an AP story and heard repeated on the news that the "Obama team" is reviewing the record of Bush's executive orders. According to the AP, one of the first things our President-Elect wants to do is reverse every one of Bush's EOs to try and undo all of the legislative marks GW has left on America. All I can say is: America, hold onto yer butts. It's gonna be an interesting ride...

Parenting: Having some significant issues these days with Bud. Not end-of-the-world, kicking-him-out-of-school issues, but ones that I just don't know how to handle. I feel completely inept to handle this, and I realize that parenting is mainly learn as you go kind of stuff and trusting God to give you guidance along the way. The BLUF here is that I see in Bud many of my characteristics. Many of my not-s0-good characteristics. I know which road they led me down at one point, and it grieves my spirit to think of that being in his future. I'm fervently praying that God will help his teachers and me to flip a switch in that little round head of his before he grows up to be an out of control teenager in a mean, viscious world. Or at least let me be dead before he ruins his life. (Just a joke, guys.) :)

Grief/Loss/That Whole Drama: Things have really been piling up here. I think, in particular, needing T. around to help me parent a son has been weighing heavily on me. To make it worse, I have had dreams so vivid I can still feel the softness of his lips or hear his mellow voice as I wake in the morning, and my reality comes crashing back down on me like an Acme anvil. With R. being there for me emotionally but not around physically to spend time with me or just take care of me, let me curl up in the crook of his strong shoulder and just weep, I have felt as though I would burst. 11/30 is just under three weeks away, and I'm already dreading it. Funny, it affects me differently every year. While the happiness and love in my relationship with R. is proof-positive that things in my life are moving on in a promising direction, the struggles of being a single parent, and how I became a single parent, really rain on that parade. I've read and re-read scripture about this, and it's not that I don't take comfort in that. It's just that scripture and God don't replace my loss. Plain and simple. Some days I just need to be sad without religion and salvation getting mixed in. While memories bring joy somedays, they feel like Chinese water torture on other days. November's just a hard month.

Looking for something positive? Well, that depends on your description of that. I've been accused of being a chronically negative person. OK. What's yer point?!? No really, I just have a very different way of seeing things. I see beauty in suffering, growth in change and painful times, and realize I must give my children up each day to God. I can't swing from the rafters with a smile on my face like some people. My way of being positive is to continue walking in the soupy fog, knowing that God will always provide a path for me to go down. And that's really enough for me.

"Stadium Pal" and Sedaris

Most of you know a couple of things about me by now if you've ever read one of my rants-n-raves or have read more than one post here on the blog: a) my political leanings, and b) I heart David Sedaris. I've been plotting to go with my friend, JO, to go hear him on 20 April next year, and I've read and listened to several of his books.

Much to my glee and delight, upon pulling up my Bloglines today, when I should've been writing a history paper, I saw were I had some blogs to catch up on over at Dooce's place. She was sharing about a performance Sedaris gave recently in Salt Lake City. He was commenting on the election, and I think this just about hits the nail on the head, no matter which side you end up voting for:

"I look at these people and can’t quite believe that they exist. Are they professional actors? I wonder. Or are they simply laymen who want a lot of attention?

To put them in perspective, I think of being on an airplane. The flight attendant comes down the aisle with her food cart and, eventually, parks it beside my seat. “Can I interest you in the chicken?” she asks. “Or would you prefer the platter of shit with bits of broken glass in it?”

To be undecided in this election is to pause for a moment and then ask how the chicken is cooked."

I'll admit, he does use a foul word here or there, but, in the eyes of someone who aspires to write, he seems to use them judiciously and with a reason, not just to be a cussing dope.

Here is a recent clip of him on David Letterman. I might need one of these items he's talking about since I seem to live in the car these days! You might want to put down your hot coffee so you don't burn yourself as you laugh!

"Stepping Into The Ring" With Nicole Johnson

Oh.my.word.

Speechless. Awestruck. You must watch this.



My beautiful friend, Jenster, writes and speaks for the cause of breast cancer and those who have had to parent children through the ordeal. You can find her postings here and here. Also, for more support and insights, click on the "Mothers With Cancer" icon on my right sidebar to take you straight to that amazing blog.

Meet The Chicas

I, like S4J, am having trouble knowing where to start and what all to say. What makes it worse is that, the longer it is since I've gotten home, I'm losing the freshness of all the memories and the high of being in Pennsylvania this time of year. It's taken me several days of working a paragraph at a time to even get this much out! I'd better crank out a couple of these while my brain is still functioning...

I thought I'd take some time to introduce you to the Chicas. Not all are bloggers, although some are. And let me state right off the bat, as to avoid any unforeseen "issues," that I'm not trying to be clique-ish here. I just want you all to find out what I enjoy about each of the '08 girls. With no further adieu, I give you the Chicas of 2008!

As many of you know, this is HisGirl, mommy and blogger extraordinare. She is the fearless leader in the group, our virtual cruise director. I may be the first one to charge into a burning building, for example, because someone said there is a child trapped inside, but His Girl will stop everything and discern a proper and efficient plan of action that is usually a hundred times more effective than bursting through the door. To say she is zany and hilarious is to really not do her justice, and to say that she thirsts for more knowledge of the Lord is the understatement of the year. I'm the cranky Martha trying to make everything just-so and be a good hostess, while she is the focused Mary, sitting at the feet of the King, soaking up wisdom and love that she doles out in generous measures to everyone in her path. And just when you think she's going to tell you to settle down, she does something completely hysterical like get verklempt over homemade fried chicken at an Amish restaurant. She is the Devoted Disciple of the group.

Next comes S4J, my musical partner in crime. I have known her the longest out of all the girls, and is actually the person who introduced me into the group. S4J is also the co-cruise director. She accuses me of being multi-talented just because I have musical ability. This heffer can take photographs that make Annie Leibowitz look like she's using a Dora the Explorer disposable camera, not to mention sing like a profession and even learned how to play guitar on a 12-string! Her sense of humor is just skewed enough for us to be lots of trouble together yet somehow keep her out of hot water. If you were to be stranded on a desert island with the two of us, I'd be the one trying to make a fire. She would be figuring out how to clean the water and sterilize things, after washing her hands, of course. I'd be kvechting about mosquito bites while she'd be singing some silly song about mosquitos being minions of the devil in the most pleasant voice you've ever heard. She would also let you cry tears of frustration until you were completely exhausted. She is our Loving, Looney Listener.

Our next chica is not a blogger, so she doesn't have an online handle. Let's call her... Rebecca Yoder. Or the Weaverton Schoolmarm. Your choice. Mrs. Yoder here is apparently the one we've got to keep our eyes on. She is quiet, gentle, funny, but has started coming out of her shell. She's like a geode: she may appear like your average, everyday stone you might find on a naturewalk, but once you have cracked this stone in half, there are brilliant, spectacular crystalline formations that you would never know was there if you only looked at the outside of the stone. What an unexpected surprise! When I first met RY she was quiet and reserved but always sweet as shoo-fly pie. Then last year in Seattle she surprised me by playing percussion (read: homemade shaker) during praise and worship. This year she pulled the rug out from under us! Not only was it her idea to put a certain someone's chonies on the line for "Jacob Yoder" next door to see, she hornswoggled us into a one room schoolhouse for an encounter with the living dead! (Think the Amish version of "Children of the Corn" and you'd be on the right track...) That sneaky Rebecca Yoder. It's always those quiet ones that you never suspect. That's why she's our Blossoming Blessing.

Here is one of our newest chicas, fresh off the farm. I really think this picture speaks more volumes that you could ever know. Also not a blogger, this new chikkie -- let's call her Bambi Stoltzenfus -- is my SOUL MATE! (OK, like, in a friend-to-friend way, you dirty birds!) It's a rare thing when I meet someone who shares so many qualities of mine. There is another chica who falls into this category, but she was not able to be here for this year's excursion. At any rate, I worried that we I would run her off and make her think we were complete weirdos. Yeah, right! Not only did she fit right in, she helped us take our ridiculous silliness to unheard-of levels. I don't think I've laughed so hard in my life about teaching kids why they need to use handsoap! If you were at a New Kids On The Block concert with her and asked her, in a moment of adolescent stupidity temporary weakness, if you should throw your panties on stage, she'd be two steps ahead of you: she'd unsnap the sides and give hers a toss and look at you like, "Hurry up!" However, I think my favorite thing about Mrs. Stoltzenfus is, in addition to her hijinks and hilarity, she is incredibly grounded and unwavering in her faith. She is the High-Octane, High-Quality Chica.

Meet yet another new chica, Jenster. (She's the one on the left.) Jenster graciously opened her home and hospitality to S4J and myself the night before the other chicas arrived on the scene, and I wonder if she had any way of knowing just what she was getting herself into! Mwaa ahh ahhh!! At any rate, she's funny, sneaky, and can crack the funniest joke you've ever heard while keeping a completely straight face. Two seconds after she's said the most hilarious, snarky thing you've heard in your life, she's overflowing with a wisdom and perception of how real life intersects with scripture and holy relationship that just blows your mind. On top of being a wife, a mother, a breast cancer survivor, and new chica, she is also gifted at speaking and integrating how faith should look in our lives, not how we should talk about what we believe. She is definitely the Deep Waters Chica.


This is our Chikkie. She makes each and every trip with us, in full garb depending on where the Chicas are headed that year. This year she is sporting her plain clothes, reminding us to focus on simplicity and keeping it simple. She may be the quietest member of the group, but her presence is always required in group pictures and ridiculous antics. Part of the fun of going on this trip each year, besides the big "reveal" of where we're headed to next, is to find out what Chikkie will be wearing to coordinate with the new location or theme. Not seen here in this picture is her evil twin, the Dirty Birdie. DB hasn't actually made an official appearance yet on these trips, but her presence is well-known and represented! We try to keep this under wraps, but once you get a gaggle of women together, well, you can imagine how it goes from there!

Lastly, here I am, giving you my best Jacob Yoder impression, trying desperately not to wet my pants with stifled laughter. If you could only know how hard we laughed on this trip, you'd think we would all have ripped abs by now! As for what I bring to the group, that depends on who you ask. Despite what actually ends up transpiring, I attempt to bring music and laughter to the group. I can usually be counted on to say something off-color to get someone to laugh or purposefully get the group charged up and their energy flowing. Which chica would I be, then? I'm just good ol' GGG.

Where Do I Even Start?!?

Jenster. S4J. HisGirl. The Liberty Bell. Independence Hall. Cheesecake Factory! Amish buggies. The aroma of horses, "etc." Homemade rootbeer. Adorable Amish children with no shoes. Scary, waxy animatronic people in a one-room schoolhouse. Delicious homemade shoo-fly pie. Praise and worship. Devotions. Laughing so hard you hope you don't pee your pants. Bags so big under your eyes from lack of sleep that you're certain you'll be charged at the airport for carrying extra luggage. Special treats planned by precious friends. Did I mention scary, waxy animatronic people?!?

I would love to give you the play-by-play for each day of the trip, but that would take more time and attention than my kids are allowing me to give my computer today, and rightly so. As usual, this Chicas of Faith trip was a blast, and it was such an unexpected adventure. The theme this year was, "Simply Following Him," and we had a very free-flowing approach to how this trip would play out. We welcomed another couple of Chicas to the fold, and dearly missed those who were unable to be there in body but were absolutely there in spirit. And even in the midst of the churning turmoil that I was going through personally, I was able to walk away with a new understanding of people and situations, along with this gem that the Lord gave me today:

"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you." -- II Peter 3:9 (NIV)

OK, God -- lesson learned.

P.S. -- IS IT 2009 YET?!?

New Orleanian Blogger

I've referred you guys to Father Hollywood's blog before, so he will likely be a familiar "face/voice" to you. He and his family have evacuated, as they live in the NOLA/Gretna area. I am hoping he will find a way to blog his experiences from the viewpoint of someone hoping beyond all hope to have something to which he can come home. If nothing else, it will be interesting to hear from the front lines after Gustav has passed through. Also keep your eyes peeled to S4J, as she will undoubtedly have some exciting weather to endure in the coming days.

Check up on Father Hollywood here and S4J here.

Contest Alert: GGG's Upcoming 100th Blog

OK, so it's not really all that fabulous a contest, but I figured I might have to bribe a couple of you to participate, LOL! And may I just send out a huge HOOTY HOO to HisGirl for the ROCKIN', SMOKIN' HOT GGG Contest Button!!

Today's post is No. 98, and in preparation for my 100th blog, I would like to toss out a challenge to you, the Readership. My 100th blog will be a compilation of your input and my reflections. Please help me out by leaving a comment on this entry!!! These are the kinds of things I'm interested to know and share:

1) What you have learned about me in the last 100 blogs?
2) What was your favorite entry? Funniest? Saddest? Most controversial? etc...
3) What have you learned about yourself through reading this blog?
4) Anything else about which you'd like to put in your two cents-worth...

If you happen to remember which post it came from, tell me the date or title. I will work studiously to link everything up and compile the list for my Big Bloggy Blowout!!! (Maybe my superhero name should be Alliteration Girl...)

And for those of you that leave comments to participate, I have decided to sweeten the pot with an iTunes gift card. I'll be all random and stuff so it's not rigged. Although kissing up is completely encouraged at this point to boost ye olde ego... :)

Thanks in advance! Big bloggy smooches, pooches!!!

Featured Blogger: Father Hollywood

I had to cackle out loud when I saw the pic on his blog today. I tell ya, I was certainly no angel in college, but there was still plenty of activity going on that made even me blush. Even though I didn't live in the same town as my parents and I was old enough to vote, I still knew they'd kick my butt if I was doing things I knew better than to do, i.e., drive drunk, make an ass of myself, or kiss another girl for Girls Gone Wild. Apparently I must be one of a dying breed...

**Just a little background on this guy: he's an LCMS Lutheran pastor in NOLA. He's called Father Hollywood because he used to work at Hollywood Video (coincidentally that was my first job, too, but before it was called by that name; it used to be Video Central, but I digress...). At any rate, he always posts his sermons online and is bold enough to put his opinions out there. Seems to be an interesting read so far!

MeMe: Let's Play Favorites!

FAVORITE PERSON OUTSIDE OF FAMILY...

OK, my obvious answer would be R., but I'm trying to think of someone that I'm not even romantically linked to here. How do I even begin to narrow it down to one name?!? Out of my top 100, I will randomly pick two who hold equal sway with me. Pastor Phil and Pastor Kurt, two of my "professors" at PLMA. Pastor Phil is the words "grace" and "love" come to life. He plays guitar to open and close his lectures, cries almost every time he prays, and is just a great mentor. Pastor Kurt has challenged what I claim I believe and opened many doors to thinking for me. As a result, I can't just sit down and read my Bible for a simple devotion. So many think come flying off the page at me that it just makes my brain hurt, and I'm so thankful for that!

FAVORITE FOOD...

Again, so hard to narrow it down to just one. I love ethnic foods of all kinds. Then again, down home cookin' and comfort food can't be beat, either. I think the best food is that which satisfies as many of your senses at one time as possible. Anything involving gravy rates top-notch, as does garlic and cheese. Oooh, oooh, Gordon-Biersch garlic fries rock!

QUIRKS ABOUT ME...

Holy Schnikes, this could get long! Mmmm, I prefer even numbers to the extent that I only put my thermostats on even numbers. I also can't sleep in a bed that doesn't have the sheets tightly tucked in at the foot of the bed. I can't stand a wrag or sponge to be left sitting sopping wet in the bottom of a sink. You know, little things...

HOW WOULD THE PERSON WHO LOVES ME DESCRIBE ME IN TEN OR LESS WORDS...

From R.'s perspective, I think he might say passionate, emotional, motivated, goofy, and he'd better say deeply sensitive. Actually, this afternoon he called me bipolar because I went from being self-confident and excited about something to wishy-washy and self-doubting in about 20 seconds.


From Lil' G and Bud's perspective, I think they would say silly, loving, strict, fun, safe/protective, whatever fits whether or not they're watching cartoons or sitting in Time Out.

ANY REGRETS IN LIFE...

I have more of these than I do quirks, but only because I'm so hard on myself. Maybe that should be Regret #1, because it can really steal my joy. Many days I regret not going in the military. I regret not stopping Tom on the stairs for one last kiss that last morning, or taking him some lunch. I regret so many things, but I always know I can come to my Father and cry it out. It's time to quit regretting and starting getting down that road.

FAVORITE CHARITY/CAUSE...

Definitely NOT the Department of Public Safety Officer's Association because they stalk me and guilt-trip me about donating money to them. I love World Vision and anything that helps children and families. I also love anything that supports soldiers, single or married, and their families.

FAVORITE BLOG RECENTLY...

See my last post...

SOMETHING I DON'T GET ENOUGH OF...

R.'s kisses on top of my head as we're just standing or sitting around, hearing the kids running around or having them crawl all over us... My children's smiles... Feeling like things are going to be OK on a long-term basis...

WORST JOB I'VE EVER HAD...

I would say at a vet's office were I was the kennel worker, a.k.a. human pooper scooper, but that was actually a step up from the insurance office I worked at for about nine months in college.

WHAT JOB WOULD YOU PAY NOT TO HAVE...

Anything that would qualify me to be on the cast for "Verminators."

FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE...

More of these than regrets, thankfully!!! Really, it all comes down to John 17:20-26. Jesus was praying for all those, in the days of world history to come from that point forward, who would believe in Him. He was praying for ME!! He had my name on His mind, interceded for me, just before He was to be crucified. If that's not love, I don't know what is.

GUILTY PLEASURE...

The grande-sized Cold Buster w/ energy booster from Jamba Juice.

FAVORITE THING ABOUT MY HOUSE...

My kitchen and my bathroom. Really nice w/ marble in the bath and granite and great appliances in the kitchen. Which is good b/c I live in the kitchen.

LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT MY HOUSE...

That it's in the hottest state in the union. :)

IF I COULD CHANGE MY CIRCUMSTANCES, WHAT WOULD I CHANGE...

that I would have the patience to allow God to let things unfold at His timing and that I would not worry about the future. I can trust R. and God, and I don't have to be in the driver's seat.

WHO WOULD I LIKE TO MEET SOMEDAY...

Other than getting to meet my Savior, it's all downhill from there.

WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL SEXY...

The fact that R. loves me with no make-up on and the fact that I am healthier than I've been in a good 10-15 years.

WHO IS MY REAL LIFE HERO?

My children, hands down. They've gone through more in their lives than most adults I know, and they still love, trust, laugh, and are happy.

WHAT IS THE HARDEST PART OF MY JOB?

Having to do it by myself.

WHEN AM I MOST RELAXED?

When I'm with R. and the kids.

WHAT STRESSES ME OUT THE MOST?

My inability to have patience and trust. I allow people and/or circumstances to get me all wound up.

WHAT CAN I NOT LIVE WITHOUT?

Besides the obvious answer (kids), hands down my iPhone, which I learned the hard way this week... Sounds like a blog waiting to happen...

WHY DO I BLOG?

Lotsa reasons. I started blogging on MySpace two years ago because I felt like I wanted to be a positive portal on that smut hole. I wanted to put myself in a position to reach people with my story and show them the Gospel through my friendship and my experiences. I don't care a thing about bringing people to the Lord through "leading them through the sinner's prayer" or throwing theology or scripture at them. If they are going to respond to the Holy Spirit, that's great. I simply wanted to be used by God as an instrument as He calls people to Himself. To be transparent and let people dissect my life and examine their own. Truly, I'd love to be another Dooce and make my living off of my blogging and/or publish books like David Sedaris.

WHO AM I TAGGING?

If you've read this, you're tagged! Just post a comment with a link to your site and we'll throw some traffic your way!!

Featured Blogger: Playgroupie Jennifer

I know I've referenced this site before, but after reading this entry, I nearly fell off the chair laughing. I'm needing some humor in my life these days to take the edge off, and that's why I hit sites like hers.

Besides her and Mama P, these two women keep me in stitches. I have a sneaky feeling that, were Mama P and I to be in the same room, we'd be a force of nature to be reckoned with!!

Who do you guys read for a good, hard gut laugh? (And no, laughing at me to remind yourself of how normal you are doesn't count!! j/k)

Pit Stop: Home

Well, we have arrived home again from our time in Washington to the disgusting, oppressive heat in the grand ole state of Texas. Can you tell I'm thrilled to be home? There is something to be said for sleeping in one's own bed after a lengthy travel, but it's a bittersweet thing for me this time around. Once again, I'm having to reacclimate to being alone, and I don't like it one bit. My heart is with R. but my mind has got to be plugged in here, and I'm stressed out and distracted. You can imagine how much fun I am to be around right now!

It was a good, memorable experience. Can't really call it a vacation, because that's not what it was intended to be. I've been working on uploading pictures for almost an hour now, going through them and wondering just where the time went and how fast it went by. The kids really handled travelling well, and actually handled the time change better than me, truth be told. I look forward to schlepping them up there again sometime in the not-too-distant future, but with R.'s schedule being full of travel and unpredictability, and kids starting school soon, I'm not sure when that will be. However, we do have a family vacation planned with aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents next week, and I'm trying to talk S4J into a mini-chicas this weekend.



Yes, yes, Gretchen and I did have our "MIRL," and it was just the coolest. Picture my personality but putting a "relaxed and groovy," laid-back, wise, funny spin on it, and you've got the Bloggy Queen of the PNW, as I've decided to dub her. Her kids are the coolest, and Big seems like a big sweetie to boot. She was uber-cool about my puky Lil' G and energized Bud, and we even got to enjoy a glass of local wine to top off the afternoon. It was an amazing treat and blessing to get to meet her and experience her heartfelt hospitality. Can someone say Chicas '09?!? haha!!!

I'll get to posting some of the cool pics and giving everyone the run-down in a bit. Got to sort out household/essential things that were deliciously neglected whilst I retreated to the arms of my sweetie, and start preparing for another trip. I have some interesting excerpts from some journaling and just "wow" pics to put up. BTW, keep your eyes open: there is a special event coming up here at GGG's place. I'm even getting my own cool button from HisGirl to kick it off!!! Be sure to check back...

Much love to Gretchen and everyone who prayed for and over this trip, my children, my relationship, my nerves, etc. Please keep those prayers coming. We still have a long way to go, but I know that God is faithful and present and sovereign. Check back soon for the latest updates!!!

Cascade Mountain High

"I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; from where shall my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber." --Psalm 121:1-3 (NASB)

R. and I took the kids up to Mt. Rainier yesterday and had such a great time. Everywhere you go around here, Rainier stands patiently, majestically, always seeming just out of reach but always nearby. Bud and Lil' G affectionately call it, "Snowy Mountain." By the first five minutes out of the car, Lil' G was completely frustrated by slipping on the snow, but Bud wanted to ski. It's a weird feeling touching the snow and being insanely cold, yet baking in the sun because it's 85 degrees outside...







Despite the kids simply acting their ages, all four of us are having a wonderful time, enjoying being together and in one anothers' presence. I would love to report that we were enjoying cooler temperatures, but that would be a bold-faced lie. I can report that we are not having the same kind of intense, melt-your-brain-to-your-skull heat up here, but in a part of the country where homes are built with no air conditioning, even the slightest amount of unseasonable heat can seem ridiculous.

To top it all off with a heapin' helpin' of gravy, the sixth and best food group, I get to have a "MIRL" (read: Meet In Real Life) with the one and only, the bloggy queen of the Pacific Northwest, none other than Gretchen herself!!! She has most graciously opened up the hospitality of her home at the beach, complete with sand dollars and bald eagles, and we are anxious to take her up on it. Photos and details upcoming...

I leave you with what R. and I like to call a "Pookie Pic." We have collected these from all around the world. Now we have one on top of a dormant North American volcano, a.k.a., Mt. Rainier...

"Fingerpost"

This is one of my faaaaavorite blogs to drop in on. I happened upon this guy quite accidentally and love his quirky take on things. Proof positive you can be Christian AND think out of the box. He always matches up really interesting quotations with great pictures. It's something you can check out every couple of days or so and won't take much time. Totally worth putting on your Bloglines!

Welcome to Damien's Fingerpost...

Technical Difficulties... Please Stand By...

OK, I nearly had a heart attack. Thank God that Blogger has the autosave function that works most of the time. I was working on my "Today's Verse" post yesterday, got on the phone with R. late last night, and literally passed out from sheer exhaustion. This morning, as I ventured into the office to finish my thoughts and post, I discovered that my computer had shut down and rebooted overnight. Egads!!!!

Thankfully, it has been saved. I'll finish it up later. This is the second post that ended up being worked on but not posted on the right day -- hope no one's keeping track! Ha ha!!

But here's a verse to just get the day kick-started:

"How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?" -- I Thessalonians 3:9

Reading all of your comments on these blogs is literally the highlight of my day here lately. You have all been so sweet to be encouraging and complimentary, which you don't have to be, but you are all natural encouragers. I also feel like I learn a lot from you all as well. For those of you not doing the challenge, I hereby challenge YOU to post a verse a day for the rest of June. If you're not so much into the scripture thing, then just post an amazing quote every day for the month of June. Anything!!

Take care, and smooches to my bloggy peeps!

CrazySexyCancer

Oh MAN, this is worth a look... If we could all have the passion for life that this girl has, not just in hard times, but just in life in general, what power we would all have to change the world...

Click on the title of the blog to link to the site. Be sure to watch the trailer...

A La Louisiane...

This is a posting from a Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod pastor in New Orleans, LA, musing on his fellow Louisianans... The sad thing is that it's about right!

Wow. All I Can Say Is "Wow."

So I went over to Shortybear's page since she left me a sweet comment. This is what I read. All I have to say is, that's what love is all about. Wow...

A Response To Gretchen's Verse

I was over at Jewels In My Crown...Someday and had a real epiphany. She was mulling over Isaiah 64:8 and considering how we are clay fresh from the hands of Potter. She is so good to bring up a concept that gets to me like a poppy seed under your dentures (just guessing here; don't have them yet...) Specifically Gretchen mentioned narcissism. She said something once that really hit me in the gut: "Perfection is just another form of narcissism." EWWW!! I hate that because it's so true. I love to justify my perfectionism away by saying that I'm trying to offer my best to God, but that's a slippery slope to walk, I know. I hate admitting to being guilty of narcissism and not happy with the work God has created in me, but I am. How rotten!

All this reminds me of one of my favorite Amy Grant songs, "All I Ever Have To Be." There are more times than I care to admit where I'm trying to mastermind some silly plan for my life or self-improvement. What I really need to do is trust God with this stuff. How the song relates to everything is like this: there are many times when we just don't feel like things are going the way we want them to or thought they should. Our friends and family do what they can to encourage us, but there's always 3 more pounds we could lose, or one more thing we could improve around the house, something we could do to get a promotion at work, or the perfect thing we could say to improve a relationship. But how rewarding is it, really, to force a square peg in a round hole?? Why do we fight against letting God help us out, when He's standing right there just waiting for us to give Him the green light to bless our socks off? When we go through the ups and downs of life, when do we cross that gossamer-thin line between struggling with God and struggling against God?? If we could only realize the true blessing of just being exactly who we were created to be, and rest in that... That's what the song is about...

You Know You've Been Blogging Too Much When...

...you get up from your seat at Subway's in the Wal-Mart and immediately feel the veins in the back of your legs do some sort of weird spasm as you straighten out your leg, and you pray, "Dear sweet Lord, please don't let there be a massive blood clot travelling straight from my tree stump legs to my brain, killing me instantly and leaving my poor children all alone in Wal-Mart!"