Family Fun
I am not a spontaneous person at all, but when I learned around noon that it was Chick-Fil-A'a annual Cow Appreciation Day, I rushed to make costumes before picking up my daughter from drama camp at 12:30. She changed clothes at the school and taped spots to our outfit on the way to CFA while singing Tim Hawkin's Chick-Fil-A song all the way there. For the rest of the day, we all kept singing "[We're] in love with Chick-fil-A" as we could not get the song out of our heads. And to ensure that the song stays in your head as well, here is a video with an extra verse added to the end just for Mr. Cathy.I took the kids back again that evening, while my husband, who has dressed up as cows, ducks, and the Fruit-of-the-Loom grapes enough for his mom's shenanigans, enjoyed a quiet evening at home.
Cow Appreciation Day is a family tradition my kids enjoy, so I'm thankful for their willingness to serve free food and challenge families to make memories being silly together. (Gift #649)
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My son loves to feel grown up when his older cousins are here spending time with him. Yet, during every brief moment when he was alone with me during their visit, he could sneak over to grab a big hug or crawl up into my lap like a baby for quick snuggles. Oh that he would never outgrow his desire for affection from me. I'll take it whenever I can get it, even if it's only allowed when no one else is looking. (Gift #650)
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You know you are married to singer when every reply to everything you say all evening long is a lyric to a different song. My husband always has a lyrical response for everything I say it seems. I guess as an introvert married to a talkative extrovert, he finds the lyrical responses easier.
Parenting
I would like to welcome our newest employee to the "family business". Our golf ball inventory has never been so clean! His official title is Quality Assurance Director and Initial Sort Line Supervisor.
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The kids tend to misbehave more when their daddy is away on business. My daughter never officially apologized for her latest act of disobedience, but she did make me this rose bookmark out of duct tape as a peace offering. (Gift #651)
To those with young daughters, this particular presentation makes some really good points and is worth sharing & discussing with your girl(s) if you haven't already. After seeing all the slides, my daughter said, "Wow, beauty really is in the eye of the beholder." Then we talked about how every image would still be very different even if Esther had only sent the image to American photo editors living in the same town. I asked her which edited pic she liked best, and she chose Israel which had fewer edits and still looked much like the original untouched photo. She also asked about the really pale skin reflected in some of the photos, and I told her how certain cultures judge a person's value by the fairness of their skin, and she was quick to point out the injustice of such prejudice.
Disasters and Mishaps
Between my own series of disasters with an entertainment center refinishing project, my son's decision to dump MANY buckets of water out of the bathtub upstairs onto the tile floor with the result of flooding our master bedroom downstairs (flashback to the daily flooding episodes in our apartment last summer which had us waking up each morning to new crops of mold and soggy carpets), and misc other mishaps, the total damage / repair list resulting from just one weekend's disasters included:
- Replace a ceiling
- Caulk a new bathroom
- Paint the garage floor to cover the current tie dye effect we have now as a result of various paint spills
- Clean kilz off back steps or paint over it
- Replace damaged clothes and shoes
- Refinish a newly damaged bookcase
- Administer first aid to wounds on elbows, arms, knees, and side
- Schedule a hair appointment to cut all the Kilz cut out. (Note to self: There is a big difference between a $15 haircut and a $50 haircut. Next time, spring for the $50 haircut!)
While we were trying to stop, sop, and dry out a water leak from the 2nd floor into our master bedroom, our bunny decided to play hide and seek. Usually, she comes when I call, but after we spent several hours tearing up the house trying to find her and imagining every worst possible scenario, she finally appeared out of nowhere around 12:30 am. Why do I feel like we are always in some sort of emergency response training?
Kids' Ponderings
So my younger child has been begging for a male cat as our next pet. His reason this time? So the cat can mate with the female bunny and reproduce..who knows what. I understand the biological limitations here, but the potential object lessons to be taught through such an experiment, both biologically and Biblically are tempting. But he's only 7, and the cat might eat the bunny, so sorry, Bud.
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Thinking he had it rough around here, my son asked me the following questions:
Boy: Did you get an allowance at my age?
Me: Yes, but it was 8 times less than you get now! (ha ha - he doesn't understand inflation yet)
Boy: Did you have to do all these chores I have to do?
Me: Yes, but without the aid of a miracle eraser, Roomba vacuum, and electric sweeper
Boy: Okay, but I bet Nana and Pops did not limit your computer/digital device time like you and Dad do to me.
Me: I DIDN'T HAVE ANY DIGITAL DEVICES!!!!
The comparison game never works!
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First-born: "What is that lovely scent that smells a bit like peppermint?"
Me: "Ben-Gay"
Unfortunately, she did not like the scent of the tea tree oil in the Neuragen Gel I was wearing when I picked her up this afternoon, for Neuragen is much more effective. And the fact that I know the difference through experience is a tad depressing. At least she likes the smell of Ben-Gay!
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Lots of swimming and too little brushing will damage extra long, fine/stringy hair. But our daughter, like most other tweens, thinks her hair needs to be really long like Rapunzel's. So, I booked her an appointment at one of the most popular salons in town with the hope that the hip young stylists there could convince her to get some of the damaged ends cut. The stylist only took off a few inches, but my girl burst into tears when she saw the finished cut.
I think (and pray) she is realizing now that just as Rapunzel is a fictional character with hair that is stronger, longer, thicker, and healthier looking than anything close to reality (Rapunzel also never got to swim, dance, run, do back-handsprings, play on the beach, spend time with friends, attend parties, visit grandparents, ride horses, or laugh with loved ones while growing out all that hair!), every other photoshopped, cosmetically/surgically altered image she sees in the media or advertising is just as distorted, deceptive, and destructive.
What marvelous beauty God has uniquely designed into every sacred human life both on the outside and on the inside where true beauty begins. (Gift #652)
"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight." (1 Peter 3:3-4)
New Job
I recently opened a new door to exciting, challenging unknowns in a very new ministry area for me. But now I must force myself to close other doors, and that is never easy for me. I have cut back my freelance writing and tutoring work for now, but more cuts will have to come as well. Maybe I should hire a maid? :-)
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| I haven't seen one of these in over 10 years! |
"Every line of true knowledge must find its completeness in its convergency to God, even as every beam of daylight leads the eye to the sun." - R.L. Dabney
Recent Thoughts on Current Events, Trials, Faith, & Fitness
This month has been very hard. I have stooped lower into the pit of depression than I can ever remember. Praise God for His truth which enabled me to crawl back out! (Gift #653) Of course, taking bike rides to my favorite respite always helps too. I don't get to go bike riding alone very often with the kids here with me all the time or the weather not cooperating, but when I do, it's so refreshing to come to my favorite nearby spot where my perspective always seems to get rebalanced. All those frustrations seem so trivial when I look up to the infinitely great, big, loving, powerful, and good Creator of all things. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)
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The world is in chaos right now. Our borders are being overrun by illegal teens on drugs, with criminal records, and/or carrying diseases. They are coming here because our borders are not protected and our president wants to give them amnesty. Our unemployment rate is soaring, and the poor working class who voted for our POTUS are getting smacked in the face as the jobs and resources they need will be scooped by the throngs of young illegals pouring into our country. I watched videos last week of poor residents in Chicago complaining of all the murders, drugs, theft, and vandalism destroying their communities, but the gangs are growing in numbers now with all the illegals added to their groups, so if they think it's bad now, watch out because government trucks are bringing these kids to your neighborhoods!
As wars rage overseas with radical Shiite Islamist seeking to conquer the world with the very weapons our own government supplied, our allies are left abandoned because our government will not help them. To Israel, the Ukraine, and far too many of our fellow countrymen, despite all the recent betrayals and/or neglect, more Americans love you, respect you, weep for you, and pray for you than the actions of those with the power may suggest. The ramifications (past, present, and future) are not pretty when one abandons her closest friends.
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America is more polarized politically today than she has been since possibly the Civil War. There are lots of theories explaining why, but I'm convinced much of it relates to the shift in our culture from being ruled by our minds to being ruled by our emotions. Instead of having meaningful discussions with well thought out explanations, we shut down all dialogue with emotional attacks. We all come from different backgrounds with unique experiences which shape our views on policy, and when different ideas are exchanged in a logical, respectful way, everyone benefits, especially when the best ideas grounded on truth on both sides become the focus instead of assaulting the other party. As responsible, educated citizens, let us engage in meaningful, respectful, loving dialogue with a heart that puts others before ourselves while removing all emotional attack words (which tend to be used in error and out of context anyway) from our vocabulary. Can we attempt a conversation without using words like "racist", "feminist", "intolerant", "hypocrite", "victim", "entitled", "privileged", "hater", "extremist", "Communist", "rich", "lazy", "kool-aid", "left-wing", "right-wing", "heartless", or "baby killer". With so many crises all around the world and along our borders, we need to unite under our shared values and under what is true (since feelings often lie), for united we stand, divided we fall.
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If
the mind, body, and soul are all connected, then physical exercise
preferences at any given time may be indicative of internal issues.
Choosing specific types of exercise at different times may in fact be a
remedy.
As a carefree young child, I preferred fun games and sports of any type. During the tween to teen years, friendships were my priority, so I most enjoyed taking really long walks (and talks) with friends. The late high school and college years felt like a series of races to the top of each new challenge, though I knew God's truth prioritized that which was sacred and eternal over all degrees, titles or accolades. That was my season of running 5K to 12K races at top speeds, trying to finish first in each new race. I also did a little rock climbing during those years. By my mid twenties, I was done with the rat race and wanted nothing more than to finish the race of life strong and faithful. I needed endurance to win the race that matters for eternity, so marathon running became my new passion, and those long runs were usually spent alone with God in prayer as He increased my spiritual, physical, and mental endurance.
Then I got married and stopped running races. I had been caught and liked it! I exercised on stationery equipment and ran for pleasure and for time alone with My Lord and Maker, not speed or distance.
The addition of children to our family brought sleepless nights, scar tissue, joint problems, and debilitating back and neck pain. I desperately needed strength and power! Weight training became my solace. With each pull-up, push-up, press, or curl, I found myself becoming mentally, physically, and emotionally stronger. The pains began to subside with occasional flare ups here and there to remind me that I will never be strong enough in my own might, so I must always wholly rely on Him.
Now I have reached an age where I am witnessing far too much injustice, loss, suffering, and corruption. On this earth, the rain falls on both the righteous and the unrighteous, but when I see the righteous suffering from diseases, abuse, oppression, or other vile injustice, it makes me ANGRY. I know I am powerless to change circumstances, so I pray to the One who can. These days, my exercise of choice is super high intensity martial arts training. To all who have asked me to pray for them recently over whatever cruel circumstance have befallen you, know that I am praying. I am also kicking, punching, and sprawling with a vengeance as an affirmation and as a way of metaphorically claiming our heavenly Father's promises to fight for you, restore you, and renew you. He will reward the faithful and right all wrongs! (Gift #654)
Thoughts on the Pro-Life Movement
The pro-life vs. pro-choice debate will eventually implode. The more science reveals the facts...that a separate human life with a beating heart, pulsing brain waves, and every physical human component resides in the life of an expectant woman's body, the harder it becomes to call it a just a "fetus" or "blob of tissue". Advances in ultrasound technology make it harder for a woman in a crisis pregnancy situation to agree to pull off the the cute little arm whose hand is waving at her through the ultrasound screen. And as horrific tales of gross abuses against children and women in abortion clinics continue to be exposed, abortion will not seem like such a loving solution after all. Yet the media, government, and schools (ask me for specific examples!) continue all efforts to harden human hearts.
However, if we are to the win this war that has dismembered the bodies of well over 50 million innocent children since I was born in a world of emotional feminism gone insane, then we must take a different approach. Images like the one below, while completely accurate in illustrating how horrific the abortion procedure really is, will change the minds of some abortion minded women, they will not address the root problem.
Most sane women do not wish abortion on anyone and certainly would not choose it unless they felt completely overwhelmed, helpless, and unsupported. Based on testimonies from those who have had abortions and secret video footage by actors inside Planned Parenthood facilities, abortion providers prey on these emotions making clients feel like they have no other alternative while downplaying the life long negative impacts of that abortion on the hurting mom-to-be.
As a carefree young child, I preferred fun games and sports of any type. During the tween to teen years, friendships were my priority, so I most enjoyed taking really long walks (and talks) with friends. The late high school and college years felt like a series of races to the top of each new challenge, though I knew God's truth prioritized that which was sacred and eternal over all degrees, titles or accolades. That was my season of running 5K to 12K races at top speeds, trying to finish first in each new race. I also did a little rock climbing during those years. By my mid twenties, I was done with the rat race and wanted nothing more than to finish the race of life strong and faithful. I needed endurance to win the race that matters for eternity, so marathon running became my new passion, and those long runs were usually spent alone with God in prayer as He increased my spiritual, physical, and mental endurance.
Then I got married and stopped running races. I had been caught and liked it! I exercised on stationery equipment and ran for pleasure and for time alone with My Lord and Maker, not speed or distance.
The addition of children to our family brought sleepless nights, scar tissue, joint problems, and debilitating back and neck pain. I desperately needed strength and power! Weight training became my solace. With each pull-up, push-up, press, or curl, I found myself becoming mentally, physically, and emotionally stronger. The pains began to subside with occasional flare ups here and there to remind me that I will never be strong enough in my own might, so I must always wholly rely on Him.
Now I have reached an age where I am witnessing far too much injustice, loss, suffering, and corruption. On this earth, the rain falls on both the righteous and the unrighteous, but when I see the righteous suffering from diseases, abuse, oppression, or other vile injustice, it makes me ANGRY. I know I am powerless to change circumstances, so I pray to the One who can. These days, my exercise of choice is super high intensity martial arts training. To all who have asked me to pray for them recently over whatever cruel circumstance have befallen you, know that I am praying. I am also kicking, punching, and sprawling with a vengeance as an affirmation and as a way of metaphorically claiming our heavenly Father's promises to fight for you, restore you, and renew you. He will reward the faithful and right all wrongs! (Gift #654)
Thoughts on the Pro-Life Movement
The pro-life vs. pro-choice debate will eventually implode. The more science reveals the facts...that a separate human life with a beating heart, pulsing brain waves, and every physical human component resides in the life of an expectant woman's body, the harder it becomes to call it a just a "fetus" or "blob of tissue". Advances in ultrasound technology make it harder for a woman in a crisis pregnancy situation to agree to pull off the the cute little arm whose hand is waving at her through the ultrasound screen. And as horrific tales of gross abuses against children and women in abortion clinics continue to be exposed, abortion will not seem like such a loving solution after all. Yet the media, government, and schools (ask me for specific examples!) continue all efforts to harden human hearts.
However, if we are to the win this war that has dismembered the bodies of well over 50 million innocent children since I was born in a world of emotional feminism gone insane, then we must take a different approach. Images like the one below, while completely accurate in illustrating how horrific the abortion procedure really is, will change the minds of some abortion minded women, they will not address the root problem.
Pro-life advocates should choose instead respond to the debate by extending loving support to hurting women in crisis. When I volunteered at a crisis pregnancy
ministry (which was ironically located next door to an abortion clinic),
our focus was always on the needs of each woman at her point of need.
Oh, we were certainly concerned about the precious life
she was carrying, but she was our first priority. Many women came to
us by mistake, thinking we were the abortion clinic, but found what they
needed most at our center.... hope, support, and love. For those who
chose not to stay and immediately turned around and went next door for
the abortion, many of them came back later for loving support and
healing through our post abortion syndrome recovery programs. I'm happy
to report that the abortion clinic next door eventually shut down. Abortion is only a deadly
band-aid when the real crisis is in the heart and soul of that woman.
Let us love and support unconditionally, with respect and without
judgment! Deep emotional needs from gaping wounds in the heart are often at the source of crisis pregnancy. Misinformation and poor role modeling combined with confusion over sound moral foundations in a world that has turned true morality upside down are also underlying factors. Let us seek to help, not hurt these suffering women.
"Beyond the Samaritan woman's veil..[Jesus] saw the emptiness in her life that grew bigger with each divorce. Beyond the power and wealth of Zacchaeus, He saw a small man with a big hole in his heart that all the power and wealth in the world couldn't fill. Beyond the sores of Lazarus, He saw a soul of eternal worth. Beyond the clothes of the rich man, He saw a soul in rags." - Ken Gire
When we look at others, do we look beyond the surface through the windows of the soul?
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