I've only had to write one retraction blog before in several years of blogging. It was in response to a blog I wrote about Biblical reasons to support Obama. The retraction pretty much said "never mind, I was wrong".
But this time, the retraction is much more personal. I am very embarrassed and sorry to say that my #52 in the previous blog stated I had no friends when I moved to Texas.
Let me tell you a story about one of my very best friends, Victoria.
When I met Victoria, I called her Vickie, even though I think she hated being called that (she told me it rhymed with things like Icky, and Sticky). She had just started working at Sonic right after I had. We were both carhops and remember "the way we use to do it back then". School afternoons were spent sectioning cheese squares out onto trays (so they could be easily grabbed by the cooks) and stuffing greasy bags full of 7 tater tots each (so the cooks could also just grab them and dump quickly). They don't do that anymore. We also remember what it was like to carry a change counter on our hip. They don't do that anymore either.
Victoria was my partner in crime. We spent many nights together at Sonic Drive in playing "Truth or Dare" and you could see us shoving ice down each other's shirts, or walking around the store OINKING. We drove our manager crazy!
She also drove a hot little red sports car with T-Tops, which was incredibly fun to ride in, and we made several trips down to Santa Fe to eat Red Lobster. (We have an inside joke about the crab crackers and Pretty Woman.)
Even her family called me their second daughter, and during my Senior year of highschool when I was too smart to live at home with my own mom, Victoria's family let me live with them. Many summer nights were traded laughing hillariously with each other. One of our favorite passtimes was hanging out in greeting card stores laughing at funny greeting cards. I swear, no one laughs with me the way she does. She gets my humor, and I get hers.
When I went away to college, we had great plans of rooming together the following year. (Vic was a year behind me), alas this did not work out for me and we were separated when I moved to North Carolina. Josh got out of the military and we decided to move to Dallas. About a year later, I got a phone call from Vic (who now went by Victoria) saying she was thinking of moving to Dallas! I was SO EXCITED!!
We spent many weekends together, and danced a blue streak through several local bars. (Dancing on the speakers together was ours specialty!)
I was super excited when she got married, and became a stepmom and had her baby boy Trevor. I was amazed and wowed at her ambition to create her own custom bedding for Trevor, and volunteered to help show her how to use the sewing machine. (I'm still not sure if I showed you correctly or not! ha!) With the help of her friend Cecilie we through her a baby shower and enjoyed watching her go through all the mothering pains of laying on the bathroom floors, and first steps, and second steps.
Vic has been one of my dearest friends for so long, and I'm embarrassed and ashamed that I totally flubbed that in my last blog!
Love you, Vickie! Please forgive my insensitivity...you truly are the friend I have shared the longest, and I am so grateful for your friendship.
We Trees are God's most glorious creation. Enduring through changes in seasons, we shift colors, renew, persevere. Weathering the harsh winds of the storm, our roots hold fast to our Source. Withstanding the marching of time, our branches reach towards heaven in praise. In all our created splendor, We Trees are Beloved.
Showing posts with label Share. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Share. Show all posts
Friday, May 21, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
115 Things About Me
I'm totally stealing this idea from Shelly.
1. I grew up in Oklahoma and moved to New Mexico when I was 13.
2. We moved because my mom was tired of the rat race pace of life that followed her graphic art business she ran from our house.
3. I loved living in NM more than OK b/c OK girls wore heels to school and carried a purse.
4. NM girls wear sandals or hiking boots and carry a backpack.
5. I still have my favorite Teva sandals and hiking boots in my closet.
6. I am married to my highschool sweetheart, Josh.
7. When I met him my favorite number was 15.
8. His was 51.
9. I swore I would never be the wife of a military man.
10. Josh was enlisted in the army for 6 years.
11. I was excited to travel abroad with my new army husband.
12. We stayed at Ft. Bragg, NC all 6 years.
13. I have two daughters.
14. Both were surprises.
15. I love surprises.
16. Jada was born in NM while Josh was away at army boot camp.
17. Josh was gone for 6 months.
18. This was the longest time I have ever been away from Josh for 19 years.
19. He is my best friend.
20. But I hate it when he calls me that.
21. I spend a lot of time thinking about things.
22. Clouds.
23. Birds.
24. The reason why I try to be a people pleaser.
25. (Let me know if this post is boring you)
26. I can make a Halloween costume out of anything in the house.
27. Halloween use to be my favorite holiday.
28. Making two costumes every year is really time consuming.
29. I am pretty judgemental about other people.
30. Josh has told me this.
31. He’s also told me I am condescending.
32. He has regretted telling me this. I bring it up often.
33. I love shellfish.
34. And butter.
35. My kids think it’s gross that I sometimes eat pats of butter when I bake.
36. I’m not overly concerned.
37. I was voted “Best Eyes” in my highschool yearbook.
38. I also organized the “Best of the Best” contest. :: wink ::
39. I hate doing laundry.
40. But I hate throwing old clothes away.
41. I have mounds of clothes throughout my bedroom floor in various stages of clean, slightly clean, dirty, and give away.
42. Josh does a lot of laundry at our house, but he hates putting it away.
43. See #41.
44. I am consistantly amazed at what a lovely young lady my daughter Jada is turning out to be.
45. I give full credit to God for her. She is nothing like I was as a teenager.
46. I pray every day that she doesn’t get bored of being “a good kid”.
47. I’m slightly scared about this, in fact.
48. Jyllian is completely different than Jada was at her age.
49. I’m also slightly scared about this.
50. I can roll my tongue into a clover shape.
51. I use to be able to whistle, but cannot anymore.
52. I had zero friends for the first 7 years I lived in Texas.
53. I met my closest friend at work.
54. When I met her, I immediately gained another close friend.
55. We call each other “Pals”.
56. One of my favorite movies is Young Guns about Billy the Kid.
57. Billy the Kid’s headstone has the word “Pals” written on it.
58. When one of us says something that another one does not like, we call each other ‘dead’.
59. But we’ve never really killed anyone.
60. Yet.
61. I love to write.
62. But I lose focus because I have so much that I want to write about.
63. I have 4 half-finished journals.
64. I always buy a new one before I’m done with one.
65. I have a hard time finishing a lot of things.
66. (I’m considering shortening this list.)
67. I love to travel.
68. I’ve never been outside the US, and have only visted 6 states.
69. I'd love to travel more.
70. My first plane ride was at 7 years old.
71. I was alone.
72. They use to give you airplane wings, and let you visit the cockpit when you were 7.
73. Two years ago I sent my two girls to see grandma on their fist plane ride together.
74. Alone.
75. I've never flow with another person I knew. I've always flown alone.
76. This July Josh and I will get to fly together for the first time ever.
77. Josh jumped out of airplanes in the army.
78. Josh and I have figured out that we probably met each other before I ever moved to NM.
79. He had a friend that was friends with my cousin.
80. I seem to recall meeting a “Josh” at this friend’s house.
81. My mom almost bought a chicken farm in Arkansas instead of moving to NM.
82. I toured 3 different ones with her, and still cringe at the thought of spending my highschool years as a chicken farmer's daughter.
83. I sometimes think about the circumstances that led me to where I am now.
84. Sometimes these thoughts bring me great joy.
85. Sometimes they bring me some sadness.
86. I am an only child to my mother and father.
87. I have 3 half brothers, 1 half sisters, and 1 step brother and two step sisters.
88. I am close to my half-siblings.
89. I have never met my step siblings.
90. My mother has been married 4 times.
91. My father has been married twice.
92. I will be married 16 years this year.
93. I have no desire to be divorced.
94. Ever.
95. I sometimes want to write a book called “Yesterday’s Child”.
96. Remembering that my sister would never have been part of my life, changes that desire.
97. I love her.
98. She and I have had many differences.
99. I was pretty mean to her when we were little.
100. At least she thinks I was.
101. I really just wanted to be “adult”.
102. I was also kind of jealous.
103. I tell her things I would never tell another soul in 100 years.
104. She sometimes uses that against me.
105. I don’t mind.
106. She has a son.
107. His name is Jack.
108. Jack is my most FAVORITE little boy in the world.
109. I have two nephews.
110. Jack is totally smarter than a 4th grader.
111. Jack is half black.
112. This is a sensative subject for some people.
113. It’s a non-issue for me.
114. I really just want to pretend that people are people no matter what color their skin is.
115. That’s pretty hard to do in this world.
1. I grew up in Oklahoma and moved to New Mexico when I was 13.
2. We moved because my mom was tired of the rat race pace of life that followed her graphic art business she ran from our house.
3. I loved living in NM more than OK b/c OK girls wore heels to school and carried a purse.
4. NM girls wear sandals or hiking boots and carry a backpack.
5. I still have my favorite Teva sandals and hiking boots in my closet.
6. I am married to my highschool sweetheart, Josh.
7. When I met him my favorite number was 15.
8. His was 51.
9. I swore I would never be the wife of a military man.
10. Josh was enlisted in the army for 6 years.
11. I was excited to travel abroad with my new army husband.
12. We stayed at Ft. Bragg, NC all 6 years.
13. I have two daughters.
14. Both were surprises.
15. I love surprises.
16. Jada was born in NM while Josh was away at army boot camp.
17. Josh was gone for 6 months.
18. This was the longest time I have ever been away from Josh for 19 years.
19. He is my best friend.
20. But I hate it when he calls me that.
21. I spend a lot of time thinking about things.
22. Clouds.
23. Birds.
24. The reason why I try to be a people pleaser.
25. (Let me know if this post is boring you)
26. I can make a Halloween costume out of anything in the house.
27. Halloween use to be my favorite holiday.
28. Making two costumes every year is really time consuming.
29. I am pretty judgemental about other people.
30. Josh has told me this.
31. He’s also told me I am condescending.
32. He has regretted telling me this. I bring it up often.
33. I love shellfish.
34. And butter.
35. My kids think it’s gross that I sometimes eat pats of butter when I bake.
36. I’m not overly concerned.
37. I was voted “Best Eyes” in my highschool yearbook.
38. I also organized the “Best of the Best” contest. :: wink ::
39. I hate doing laundry.
40. But I hate throwing old clothes away.
41. I have mounds of clothes throughout my bedroom floor in various stages of clean, slightly clean, dirty, and give away.
42. Josh does a lot of laundry at our house, but he hates putting it away.
43. See #41.
44. I am consistantly amazed at what a lovely young lady my daughter Jada is turning out to be.
45. I give full credit to God for her. She is nothing like I was as a teenager.
46. I pray every day that she doesn’t get bored of being “a good kid”.
47. I’m slightly scared about this, in fact.
48. Jyllian is completely different than Jada was at her age.
49. I’m also slightly scared about this.
50. I can roll my tongue into a clover shape.
51. I use to be able to whistle, but cannot anymore.
52. I had zero friends for the first 7 years I lived in Texas.
53. I met my closest friend at work.
54. When I met her, I immediately gained another close friend.
55. We call each other “Pals”.
56. One of my favorite movies is Young Guns about Billy the Kid.
57. Billy the Kid’s headstone has the word “Pals” written on it.
58. When one of us says something that another one does not like, we call each other ‘dead’.
59. But we’ve never really killed anyone.
60. Yet.
61. I love to write.
62. But I lose focus because I have so much that I want to write about.
63. I have 4 half-finished journals.
64. I always buy a new one before I’m done with one.
65. I have a hard time finishing a lot of things.
66. (I’m considering shortening this list.)
67. I love to travel.
68. I’ve never been outside the US, and have only visted 6 states.
69. I'd love to travel more.
70. My first plane ride was at 7 years old.
71. I was alone.
72. They use to give you airplane wings, and let you visit the cockpit when you were 7.
73. Two years ago I sent my two girls to see grandma on their fist plane ride together.
74. Alone.
75. I've never flow with another person I knew. I've always flown alone.
76. This July Josh and I will get to fly together for the first time ever.
77. Josh jumped out of airplanes in the army.
78. Josh and I have figured out that we probably met each other before I ever moved to NM.
79. He had a friend that was friends with my cousin.
80. I seem to recall meeting a “Josh” at this friend’s house.
81. My mom almost bought a chicken farm in Arkansas instead of moving to NM.
82. I toured 3 different ones with her, and still cringe at the thought of spending my highschool years as a chicken farmer's daughter.
83. I sometimes think about the circumstances that led me to where I am now.
84. Sometimes these thoughts bring me great joy.
85. Sometimes they bring me some sadness.
86. I am an only child to my mother and father.
87. I have 3 half brothers, 1 half sisters, and 1 step brother and two step sisters.
88. I am close to my half-siblings.
89. I have never met my step siblings.
90. My mother has been married 4 times.
91. My father has been married twice.
92. I will be married 16 years this year.
93. I have no desire to be divorced.
94. Ever.
95. I sometimes want to write a book called “Yesterday’s Child”.
96. Remembering that my sister would never have been part of my life, changes that desire.
97. I love her.
98. She and I have had many differences.
99. I was pretty mean to her when we were little.
100. At least she thinks I was.
101. I really just wanted to be “adult”.
102. I was also kind of jealous.
103. I tell her things I would never tell another soul in 100 years.
104. She sometimes uses that against me.
105. I don’t mind.
106. She has a son.
107. His name is Jack.
108. Jack is my most FAVORITE little boy in the world.
109. I have two nephews.
110. Jack is totally smarter than a 4th grader.
111. Jack is half black.
112. This is a sensative subject for some people.
113. It’s a non-issue for me.
114. I really just want to pretend that people are people no matter what color their skin is.
115. That’s pretty hard to do in this world.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Disco
We had a kind of rough weekend, capped off with a totally sad morning today.
Poor doggie, I took her this morning to the vet to be put to sleep.
She had not eaten for the last week and has lost almost half her body weight. The last three days, she has barely been able to get up off the floor, and has thrown up almost every time she gets up. She was unable to even keep water down anymore the last two nights. So last night we put up some baracades to the kitchen to keep her in there because even though she is weak she still tries to come upstairs to lie by our bed at night. This time, she didn’t even lift her head up off the floor. Her poor bony ribs are sticking out, and you can see them, and she wont hardly look us in the face. So sad how quickly she progressed from pretty good, to downright debilitated.
So this morning, I got up and went downstairs (knowing we were going to take her) and I laid beside her on the floor and talked with her. (I know…like Marley and Me. ) I thought it was kind of silly, but I wanted to give her some love. Then I woke the girls up to talk with her before I took her at 8:30. They came down, sat with her. Jyllie made her a card and asked me to put it in her grave with her (at the dr. office, which I didnt have the heart to explain to her)
The card said.
Dear Disco, you are my favorite dog. I hope you are my only dog. You are #1 and there is no other dog like you. I hope you have a good time in heaven. Jesus is nice. I love you forever and ever. Love Jyllian.
And she drew a picture of her and Disco together.
I read it to the dog while the girls pet her, both of them crying.
Then Jada helped me carry her on a ‘stretcher’ to the car. They stayed home while I drove up there.
I’m not typically a gushy person. I love dogs, but I feel like they are …dogs and when the time comes, it’s time. I've even been a vet tech and helped put many dogs to sleep before. I'm very no nonsense about it, so I didnt think this would be so bad. I even kind of felt sad that I couldn’t muster up a tear on the way there.
But I did talk to her, and sang Jesus loves the Little Doggies (seriously) to her on the way. When we got there, I went inside and asked if one of the nurses would come help me.
When I went to open the tailgate to the car…and saw her, I BURST into tears sobbing away, and I didn’t stop until I left the office. I cried bringing her in, setting her on the floor of the office, holding her head as she slipped to sleep.
And I cried and cried all the way home.
I couldnt believe how sad I was about the whole thing. She had been our family pet for almost 15 years though. I picked her up at the airport, the first day she came to live with us, all cute and 6 months old. She sat on my lap for the 2 hour car ride home in North Carolina. We stayed up all night together eating, drinking and bounding around the living room. And here I was at the end with her, holding her head and rubbing her paw. It was difficult. I didnt want to leave her there.
When I finally got up to leave, I walked still sobbing into the lobby where God
did a really awesome thing for me. There was a friend of mine from BSF in the standing at the check in desk. When she saw me, she walked over and gave me a big hug. It felt good to have a fried hug me, and I cried even more. After I hugged her, I started to walk away, then came back and hugged her again and said “I’m so glad you were here” which made her cry I think.
She was a good dog.
Best dog I ever had.
Disco Dog.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Campy
This past weekend I took Jyllian on a campout with her Girl Scout troop. In case you don't know me, I am a lazy mom who occassionally likes to don a rather tight fitting Super Mom outfit.
I love doing the artsy-crafty stuff, but I'm not as good at the leading part, b/c I think I'm just plain bossy.
Before we left I created an entire schedule, hour to hour of what activities we would do while we're there. From arrival and check in, game time, nature hiking and meals I had planned it all out, made copies and given them to the moms.
But my moms were not so keen on sticking to the plans. They did, but I could tell they didnt want to. O well, I made them. Because I feel like, if I didnt lead...well then it's just a weekend vacation, and you could have come up with your own stuff to do.
THe highlights of the weekend were: a great time in the lake with incredible blow up inflatable lake-toys. Bonding with the girls in a new way (I can still hear "MISS KASEY" in my sleep) Great camp food and fun!
On Saturday evening, I was given the great privledge of "LIGHTING THE FIRE!!" which is a privledge given only to those leaders willing to be "camp certified" by Girl Scouts. Which really means your willing to give up two entire days to rough it with some other leaders, and eventually learn to light a fire...among other things.
If you go through this training...YOU TOO can have 3-4 adults standing around you telling you how to light a fire too! It wasn't too bad, but I hate when people do that. GO AWAY!!! Kind of like when someone stands at your desk and tells you how to operate your computer, but I digress...I did get the fire lit, and had two moms standing next to me actually take the credit for it, b/c they had given me such great advice. (put more paper in it! dont' blow out the flames. Great, thanks)
What was even more annoying is that at the end of the night, my other duty as "Fire certified leader" is to put the fire out in a safe manner. No one standing around to tell me how to do this- imagine that. This includes moving the logs out of the center, crunching up the coals, and dousing it all with water. You also have to throw several shovel fulls of dirt on it. While I was getting a shovel of dirt, one mom threw a package of marshmellows in the middle of the logs.
"who put this here?" our camp guide asked. "Oh, I did, it had ants in it" said a mom. I looked at the melting sticky goo, over at the trashcan just feet away, and back at the fire pit of mess again. Um, okay. Not sure why you thought it would be a better idea to burn a bag of marshmellows right in the middle of a fire that someone is putting out with a shovel, but whatever.
The night was spent sleeping on the top bunk with Jyllie. I shared with her to make room for another little girl to have her own bunk. Apparently my body is old and fat, because I was completely aching after a long day of swimming, hiking, and running. I didnt get to sleep until about 4 am. And I had to hold "it" all night b/c I couldnt get down from my bunk bed. Also, I got really sweaty because I couldnt find the AC. At some point, I also stepped in an ant pile and was stung approximately 3,051 times. But no worries, I and am still taking great pleasure in scratching the heck out of my feet each chance I get.
But seriously, I really had a great time. I am so fortunate to be able to camp with both girls at least once in Girl Scouts. It really is a fun experience for sure! I also get to hear great camp songs...like "Little Black Things" I'll have to sing it for you next time you see me.
I love doing the artsy-crafty stuff, but I'm not as good at the leading part, b/c I think I'm just plain bossy.
Before we left I created an entire schedule, hour to hour of what activities we would do while we're there. From arrival and check in, game time, nature hiking and meals I had planned it all out, made copies and given them to the moms.
But my moms were not so keen on sticking to the plans. They did, but I could tell they didnt want to. O well, I made them. Because I feel like, if I didnt lead...well then it's just a weekend vacation, and you could have come up with your own stuff to do.
THe highlights of the weekend were: a great time in the lake with incredible blow up inflatable lake-toys. Bonding with the girls in a new way (I can still hear "MISS KASEY" in my sleep) Great camp food and fun!
On Saturday evening, I was given the great privledge of "LIGHTING THE FIRE!!" which is a privledge given only to those leaders willing to be "camp certified" by Girl Scouts. Which really means your willing to give up two entire days to rough it with some other leaders, and eventually learn to light a fire...among other things.
If you go through this training...YOU TOO can have 3-4 adults standing around you telling you how to light a fire too! It wasn't too bad, but I hate when people do that. GO AWAY!!! Kind of like when someone stands at your desk and tells you how to operate your computer, but I digress...I did get the fire lit, and had two moms standing next to me actually take the credit for it, b/c they had given me such great advice. (put more paper in it! dont' blow out the flames. Great, thanks)
What was even more annoying is that at the end of the night, my other duty as "Fire certified leader" is to put the fire out in a safe manner. No one standing around to tell me how to do this- imagine that. This includes moving the logs out of the center, crunching up the coals, and dousing it all with water. You also have to throw several shovel fulls of dirt on it. While I was getting a shovel of dirt, one mom threw a package of marshmellows in the middle of the logs.
"who put this here?" our camp guide asked. "Oh, I did, it had ants in it" said a mom. I looked at the melting sticky goo, over at the trashcan just feet away, and back at the fire pit of mess again. Um, okay. Not sure why you thought it would be a better idea to burn a bag of marshmellows right in the middle of a fire that someone is putting out with a shovel, but whatever.
The night was spent sleeping on the top bunk with Jyllie. I shared with her to make room for another little girl to have her own bunk. Apparently my body is old and fat, because I was completely aching after a long day of swimming, hiking, and running. I didnt get to sleep until about 4 am. And I had to hold "it" all night b/c I couldnt get down from my bunk bed. Also, I got really sweaty because I couldnt find the AC. At some point, I also stepped in an ant pile and was stung approximately 3,051 times. But no worries, I and am still taking great pleasure in scratching the heck out of my feet each chance I get.
But seriously, I really had a great time. I am so fortunate to be able to camp with both girls at least once in Girl Scouts. It really is a fun experience for sure! I also get to hear great camp songs...like "Little Black Things" I'll have to sing it for you next time you see me.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Me and Dubbya
I stopped into the Mardel's book store a few weeks ago and low and behold, look who I ran into! I was pretty surprised to see him shopping, really. But he was a very nice man, even agreeing to take a quick picture with me. (what luck that we also found a backdrop of the White House to stand in front of!)
www.georgebushimpersonator.com
Check out his book,
My Life as Bush: And My Heart for Imitating Jesus
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
You're Invited!!
I spoke with a good friend by email today. And in response to some of her comments, I was moved to suggest this metaphor for why it's important that we actively seek God's counsel (be it from the Bible, fellowship, Church or any of the ways God has set forth for us to commune with Him.) I thought it was really neat to hear from God this way, so I thought I would share it with you too.
________________________________________________________
Let’s say someone sends you an invitation to a party that you’ve been dying to go to. It's a legendary party thrown every year, everyone always talks about and now you've been invited to go! You are so excited. All the expenses are paid and it's going to the most carefree and wonderful time of your life. There's no limit to how enjoyable this party will be!
You pull the invite from the mail box, (it's a gorgeous envelope even!) you bring it inside... but for some reason you decide that you don't need to open the invite to read it.
Why?
"Ehhh....there's no need to read it." You tell yourself.
"I know the person who sent it to me, and I'm certain I can figure out how to get there!"
There are directions right inside the envelope, but because you know the person who sent it, you decide that you already know the details and how to get to the party.
"There's no need to read the invite, because I've heard other people who are going, and they'll give me a ride there!" (Even though you feel some apprehension about riding with some of these people who tend to get lost on their way to grocery store..that doesn't bother you.)
"I know the invite is probably pretty and all but it's really not neccessary for me to read it because I've already "Googled" the map on how to get there, and we all know that Google is never wrong." You reassure yourself.
So because you're relying on information about the party from other sources such as yourself, your friends, and Google- you decide that seeing the actual invitation isn't too important. Confident with your decision you leave the unopened invitation on the table by the door, and you go on with life until the day of the party.
What IF
What IF this year the host has decided not to throw the party at their house as they have done in past.
What IF instead they’ve rented the most amazing room at the most elegant hotel in Hawaii to throw the party this year.
And what IF this year the host has decided that because you give so much of your time and effort to help others in need, YOU are going to be the most celebrated guest.
You're a good person because you give up your money to help others in need, you donate money to many charitable institutions. You also spend a lot of your time working to help others who are less off than you. This year the committee wants to show their appreciation for all this hard work by celebrating you at the most exciting party of your life!! The host even knows you so well, that he remembered how much you hate surprises, so he wrote it all down in the invitation, just so you would be sure to attend.
However, you didn’t open the invite.
The details of all the grandeure were not revealed to you, because WHY?
You already knew how to get there, and you left the beautiful envelope sitting on the table.
Sadly, the day of the party arrives. Banners are hung with your name on them, guests are awaiting the excitement to begin, and yet...you never arrive.
You miss the party and all the appreciation that was planned for you, because you thought you knew all the details already.
What a bummer.
See....what IF, you don't know everything about how life will end? What if you go through life assuming that you know about heaven, and God, and how you should act to be recognized in the afterlife? What if God sent you His instructions for how to get to heaven, but you never read it? Wouldn't that be a bummer too?
What if you had a really good friend, who knew this was all planned for you, and she didn’t tell you to open the invite? That's what makes me want to speak to you about this.
I encourage all my friends to seek Christ in all times, to take a second look at what they're believing to be true, because... What if they’re wrong? It’s a huge gamble.
I don’t have any clue how long eternity is….but it feels like it's taken me a long time just to get to 33 years of age…so I imagine eternity is way more of a problem if I’m going to have to live with the consequences of my choices for that long.
________________________________________________________
Let’s say someone sends you an invitation to a party that you’ve been dying to go to. It's a legendary party thrown every year, everyone always talks about and now you've been invited to go! You are so excited. All the expenses are paid and it's going to the most carefree and wonderful time of your life. There's no limit to how enjoyable this party will be!
You pull the invite from the mail box, (it's a gorgeous envelope even!) you bring it inside... but for some reason you decide that you don't need to open the invite to read it.
Why?
"Ehhh....there's no need to read it." You tell yourself.
"I know the person who sent it to me, and I'm certain I can figure out how to get there!"
There are directions right inside the envelope, but because you know the person who sent it, you decide that you already know the details and how to get to the party.
"There's no need to read the invite, because I've heard other people who are going, and they'll give me a ride there!" (Even though you feel some apprehension about riding with some of these people who tend to get lost on their way to grocery store..that doesn't bother you.)
"I know the invite is probably pretty and all but it's really not neccessary for me to read it because I've already "Googled" the map on how to get there, and we all know that Google is never wrong." You reassure yourself.
So because you're relying on information about the party from other sources such as yourself, your friends, and Google- you decide that seeing the actual invitation isn't too important. Confident with your decision you leave the unopened invitation on the table by the door, and you go on with life until the day of the party.
What IF
What IF this year the host has decided not to throw the party at their house as they have done in past.
What IF instead they’ve rented the most amazing room at the most elegant hotel in Hawaii to throw the party this year.
And what IF this year the host has decided that because you give so much of your time and effort to help others in need, YOU are going to be the most celebrated guest.
You're a good person because you give up your money to help others in need, you donate money to many charitable institutions. You also spend a lot of your time working to help others who are less off than you. This year the committee wants to show their appreciation for all this hard work by celebrating you at the most exciting party of your life!! The host even knows you so well, that he remembered how much you hate surprises, so he wrote it all down in the invitation, just so you would be sure to attend.
However, you didn’t open the invite.
The details of all the grandeure were not revealed to you, because WHY?
You already knew how to get there, and you left the beautiful envelope sitting on the table.
Sadly, the day of the party arrives. Banners are hung with your name on them, guests are awaiting the excitement to begin, and yet...you never arrive.
You miss the party and all the appreciation that was planned for you, because you thought you knew all the details already.
What a bummer.
See....what IF, you don't know everything about how life will end? What if you go through life assuming that you know about heaven, and God, and how you should act to be recognized in the afterlife? What if God sent you His instructions for how to get to heaven, but you never read it? Wouldn't that be a bummer too?
What if you had a really good friend, who knew this was all planned for you, and she didn’t tell you to open the invite? That's what makes me want to speak to you about this.
I encourage all my friends to seek Christ in all times, to take a second look at what they're believing to be true, because... What if they’re wrong? It’s a huge gamble.
I don’t have any clue how long eternity is….but it feels like it's taken me a long time just to get to 33 years of age…so I imagine eternity is way more of a problem if I’m going to have to live with the consequences of my choices for that long.
Friday, July 11, 2008
I Am
Okay, I know it. My blogs tend to be long-winded stories and it's possible that most people just don't care to read that much about me. I've noticed that many more people are brief, concise, and to the point (is that redundant?) I'll try to adopt this practice, not all the time, but a little more often at least.
The other day I listed out all the things I am currently, just to see it all in front of me in black and white. It was a good exercise, I recommend it to everyone.
I am a:
Mom, Best Friend, Girl Scout Leader, Sister, Church Group Media Coordinator, JCPenney Administrative Assistant, Daughter, Aunt, Cousin, Amateur Photographer, Nursery Volunteer, Christian, Student, Grandchild, and a Wife.
Your list may be longer or shorter than mine, the comparison is not the point.
I think the exercise is just a good indicator to ourselves to either say
"Wow, I'm doing way too much!" or "Is my life making any difference for anyone else?"
One thing I've noticed as an indicator in the Christian life is best summed up by a quote I heard; "Are other people better or worse because their lives bumped into yours?"
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Share Truth
I am hesitant to post this post, for fear of giving too much attention to the one who deserves no attention, but I think it's an important reminder that we must share the gospel with those right here around us, because the bible states "...many will be deceived" I witnessed it last night...and it was shocking.
Last night, my husband and I caught the tail end of Primetime: Outsiders on TV.
The show followed a man claiming to be the second coming of Christ, and called himself the antichrist. He had influenced his members to all sorts of vile things, and you guessed it..tattoo the number 666 on themselves. And he lives right here in Texas, Houston.
The most torterous thing to watch was the children he is misleading, by making them march in Hitler fashion while saluting, even calling them the "Super Race".
I just cannot fathom how people will willing follow someone so blatently outlined as the enemy of God by the bible. Why?
Guard your hearts, followers of Christ, and be ready to constantly share the word of God with everyone you know. We are called to this and must arm ourselves with the truth. For it is our only defense, especially for the young and the unknowing who will fall victim to these lies most easily. Let us pray, as Habakkuk did.
Last night, my husband and I caught the tail end of Primetime: Outsiders on TV.
The show followed a man claiming to be the second coming of Christ, and called himself the antichrist. He had influenced his members to all sorts of vile things, and you guessed it..tattoo the number 666 on themselves. And he lives right here in Texas, Houston.
The most torterous thing to watch was the children he is misleading, by making them march in Hitler fashion while saluting, even calling them the "Super Race".
I just cannot fathom how people will willing follow someone so blatently outlined as the enemy of God by the bible. Why?
Guard your hearts, followers of Christ, and be ready to constantly share the word of God with everyone you know. We are called to this and must arm ourselves with the truth. For it is our only defense, especially for the young and the unknowing who will fall victim to these lies most easily. Let us pray, as Habakkuk did.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Come Away My Beloved - Frances J. Roberts
My dad gave me this book this week.
His words
“Besides the bible, this is the most comforting book you’ll ever read” still echo in my head when I think about it. I actually got teary as he handed it to me.
He scrawled his wisdom for me, on the first page and I took the book home in my arms.
He was right. I love and cherish this book. After the bible, it is the most encouraging, uplifting, and peace restoring words I have ever read. I highly recommend picking up a copy. I’ll also pass along to you, the instructions given to me.
Read it in small doses.
Don’t try to read more than you feel is necessary.
Meditate deeply on what is being said. The words are written in a way that make you feel as if Jesus Christ is speaking face to face with you, his loving arms around you.
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Do Unto Others
Have you seen these commericals? (second edition) They're a Liberty Mutal Ads that demonstrates the Pay It Forward effect. I love them.
Yesterday, in my car, I witnessed a man in front of me at the stoplight throw a paper cup out of his window into one of those trash cans parked in the median. He missed and did kind of a double take at it. But rather than just leave it there in the road, he put his car in park, unbuckled his seatbelt and jumped out to pick it up and throw it away.
I noticed Mister, I noticed.
Yesterday, in my car, I witnessed a man in front of me at the stoplight throw a paper cup out of his window into one of those trash cans parked in the median. He missed and did kind of a double take at it. But rather than just leave it there in the road, he put his car in park, unbuckled his seatbelt and jumped out to pick it up and throw it away.
I noticed Mister, I noticed.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)