I had a great conversation with my best friend from high school last night. She is doing great and might be getting engaged shortly. Then - the super genius that I am - got to thinking that her last name is going to change. How weird will it be to call her Miller?
Anyway, all of this got me thinking about high school. Don't worry, I'm not one of those poor souls hanging on, and living vicariously through the memories of days now past. To me, HS seems like a life time ago. I guess in some ways it is. So much has changed - not only in the world, but in me as well. I wonder about what changes life has brought to my classmates, and where they are/ what they are doing now. Since I live literally half way across the US from my home town, and haven't been back in quite some time now, and tend to lose touch with the grand happenings of Eden. If Kim gets married, that will mean I'll have a reason to go back and see some people. That just gets me worked up. What do you say to people that you haven't seen in years? It's so WEIRD! Yet, in a way, I would be as happy as a lark to catch up. This, I believe, is spawned by my curiosity of how people are now. Have they changed? Are they married? Do they have kids? I guess I'll find out some day.
The old 10 year reunion is a mere 4 years away! Now that's a scary thought!
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Friday, March 24, 2006
Something to "chew" on, and listen to.....
If we discover a desire within us that nothing in this world will satisfy, we should begin to wonder if perhaps we were created for another world.
~~~C.S. Lewis
Don't you love being a Christian? Where else can you be fully satisfied and, on the flip side, never be fully satisfied? I have recently purchased my first CD in years (literally). Who, you ask, brought my fruglness to its knees? Well, it's Barlow Girl's latest - Another Journal Entry. I'm not one to promote music, as everyone has their own tastes, but this one is definitely worth doting on. There's something on there for every mood you happen to find yourself in.
Feeling rebellious and wild? Listen to Track #1 ~~~So give me the fire, yeah God give me your fire~~
Boyfriend just dumped you, or someone hurt you? Track #5 ~~~Broken Heart one more time Pick yourself up, why even cry Broken pieces in your hand Wonder how you'll make it whole~~~~
Going crazy at work? Track #6 titled Take me Away
Just want to rock out to the love and awesomeness of Jesus? Track #10
My favorite has to be Track #3 because it optimizes my relationship with my Lord:
Why, why are You still here with me
Didn't You see what I've done?
In my shame I want to run and hide myself, but it's here I see the truth
I don't deserve You.
But I need You to love me, and I
I won't keep my heart from You this time
And I'll stop this pretending that I can
Somehow deserve what I have
I, I have wasted so much time pushing You away from me
I just never saw how You could cherish me
'Cause You're a God who has all things And still You want me.
For a "preview" visit www.barlowgirl.com
Have a great weekend everyone!
~~~C.S. Lewis
Don't you love being a Christian? Where else can you be fully satisfied and, on the flip side, never be fully satisfied? I have recently purchased my first CD in years (literally). Who, you ask, brought my fruglness to its knees? Well, it's Barlow Girl's latest - Another Journal Entry. I'm not one to promote music, as everyone has their own tastes, but this one is definitely worth doting on. There's something on there for every mood you happen to find yourself in.
Feeling rebellious and wild? Listen to Track #1 ~~~So give me the fire, yeah God give me your fire~~
Boyfriend just dumped you, or someone hurt you? Track #5 ~~~Broken Heart one more time Pick yourself up, why even cry Broken pieces in your hand Wonder how you'll make it whole~~~~
Going crazy at work? Track #6 titled Take me Away
Just want to rock out to the love and awesomeness of Jesus? Track #10
My favorite has to be Track #3 because it optimizes my relationship with my Lord:
Why, why are You still here with me
Didn't You see what I've done?
In my shame I want to run and hide myself, but it's here I see the truth
I don't deserve You.
But I need You to love me, and I
I won't keep my heart from You this time
And I'll stop this pretending that I can
Somehow deserve what I have
I, I have wasted so much time pushing You away from me
I just never saw how You could cherish me
'Cause You're a God who has all things And still You want me.
For a "preview" visit www.barlowgirl.com
Have a great weekend everyone!
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Where do pets come from?
A newly discovered chapter in the Book of Genesis has provided the answer to "Where do pets come from?"
Adam and Eve said, "Lord, when we were in the garden, you walked with us every day. Now we do not see you any more. We are lonesome here, and it is difficult for us to remember how much you love us."
And God said, I will create a companion for you that will be with you and who will be a reflection of my love for you, so that you will love me even when you cannot see me. Regardless of how selfish or childish or unlovable you may be, this new companion will accept you as you are and will love you as I do, in spite of yourselves."
And God created a new animal to be a companion for Adam and Eve.
And it was a good animal.
And God was pleased.
And the new animal was pleased to be with Adam and Eve and he wagged his tail.
And Adam said, "Lord, I have already named all the animals in the Kingdom and I cannot think of a name for this new animal."
And God said, " I have created this new animal to be a reflection of my love for you, his name will be a reflection of my own name, and you will call him
DOG."
And Dog lived with Adam and Eve and was a companion to them and loved them.
And they were comforted.
And God was pleased.
And Dog was content and wagged his tail.
After a while, it came to pass that an angel came to the Lord and said, "Lord, Adam and Eve have become filled with pride. They strut and preen like peacocks and they believe they are worthy of adoration. Dog has indeed taught them that they are loved, but perhaps too well."
And God said, I will create for them a companion who will be with them and who will see them as they are. The companion will remind them of their limitations, so they will know that they are not always worthy of adoration."
And God created CAT to be a companion to Adam and Eve.
And Cat would not obey them. And when Adam and Eve gazed into Cat's eyes, they were reminded that they were not the supreme beings.
And Adam and Eve learned humility.
And they were greatly improved.
And God was pleased.
And Dog was happy.
And Cat didn't give a crap one way or the other.
Adam and Eve said, "Lord, when we were in the garden, you walked with us every day. Now we do not see you any more. We are lonesome here, and it is difficult for us to remember how much you love us."
And God said, I will create a companion for you that will be with you and who will be a reflection of my love for you, so that you will love me even when you cannot see me. Regardless of how selfish or childish or unlovable you may be, this new companion will accept you as you are and will love you as I do, in spite of yourselves."
And God created a new animal to be a companion for Adam and Eve.
And it was a good animal.
And God was pleased.
And the new animal was pleased to be with Adam and Eve and he wagged his tail.
And Adam said, "Lord, I have already named all the animals in the Kingdom and I cannot think of a name for this new animal."
And God said, " I have created this new animal to be a reflection of my love for you, his name will be a reflection of my own name, and you will call him
DOG."
And Dog lived with Adam and Eve and was a companion to them and loved them.
And they were comforted.
And God was pleased.
And Dog was content and wagged his tail.
After a while, it came to pass that an angel came to the Lord and said, "Lord, Adam and Eve have become filled with pride. They strut and preen like peacocks and they believe they are worthy of adoration. Dog has indeed taught them that they are loved, but perhaps too well."
And God said, I will create for them a companion who will be with them and who will see them as they are. The companion will remind them of their limitations, so they will know that they are not always worthy of adoration."
And God created CAT to be a companion to Adam and Eve.
And Cat would not obey them. And when Adam and Eve gazed into Cat's eyes, they were reminded that they were not the supreme beings.
And Adam and Eve learned humility.
And they were greatly improved.
And God was pleased.
And Dog was happy.
And Cat didn't give a crap one way or the other.
Friday, March 10, 2006
Honesty
It's such a funny thing. We always say we want it, but is that always the "honest truth"? I love my husband, I really do, but his honesty comes at sometimes unwanted times. Two specific instances come to mind:
Instance #1-I had just spent two hours making homemade lasagna (any of you who have attempted this culinary challenge know how involved this dish is)and I asked him if he liked it, as he hadn't said anything inbetween bites. He said, "Yeah, it's good. Did you use a recipe?" Mind you there are only two of us, so instead of making a huge 9X13 pan, I cut the recipe in half. Otherwise we would have been eating it for a month. I replied, "Well, sort of. I made it smaller for us." He says, "Oh...", to which I respond, "What?" -
N:"Well, it could use more sauce."
C:"MORE SAUCE?! Wait, let me make the amendment in my cookbook!"
N: "I don't see why you are getting all mad. Don't you want me to be honest?"
C:pause.....Ouch.......How do I respond to that? "No, husband, I don't want you to be honest with me? I don't think so." So I told him that I did want his honesty.
Instance # 2 - I'm getting ready for church, and decide on this black velvet dress I haven't worn in a while. Nick comes around the corner, looks at me, and says "Are you going to wear that?" No, I just put it on for fun. It's my "getting ready for church wear". Of course I'm going to wear it.
C:"What's wrong with the dress?"
N:"It looks like something a pregnant woman would wear." (Nice not only a put down to the dress, but a subtle innuendo regarding my size as well, even if not intentionally.)
C:"Alright master, what would you like me to wear?" (He hates it when I call him master)
N:"Anything but that dress."
What can I say, I have an honest husband. Even though my feelings have been hurt before, I know he really does mean well, and looking back - he was right. The lasagna did need more sauce, and the dress is certainly capable of accommodating a pregnant woman. In the end, I thank God for a husband who is honest, as brutal as it may be at times, and who can communicate with me. I can only wish that for others.
***Disclaimer. Let's get one thing straight. In no way do I mean that Nick is ALWAYS right. I'm was just trying to convey my appreciation for his honesty.
Instance #1-I had just spent two hours making homemade lasagna (any of you who have attempted this culinary challenge know how involved this dish is)and I asked him if he liked it, as he hadn't said anything inbetween bites. He said, "Yeah, it's good. Did you use a recipe?" Mind you there are only two of us, so instead of making a huge 9X13 pan, I cut the recipe in half. Otherwise we would have been eating it for a month. I replied, "Well, sort of. I made it smaller for us." He says, "Oh...", to which I respond, "What?" -
N:"Well, it could use more sauce."
C:"MORE SAUCE?! Wait, let me make the amendment in my cookbook!"
N: "I don't see why you are getting all mad. Don't you want me to be honest?"
C:pause.....Ouch.......How do I respond to that? "No, husband, I don't want you to be honest with me? I don't think so." So I told him that I did want his honesty.
Instance # 2 - I'm getting ready for church, and decide on this black velvet dress I haven't worn in a while. Nick comes around the corner, looks at me, and says "Are you going to wear that?" No, I just put it on for fun. It's my "getting ready for church wear". Of course I'm going to wear it.
C:"What's wrong with the dress?"
N:"It looks like something a pregnant woman would wear." (Nice not only a put down to the dress, but a subtle innuendo regarding my size as well, even if not intentionally.)
C:"Alright master, what would you like me to wear?" (He hates it when I call him master)
N:"Anything but that dress."
What can I say, I have an honest husband. Even though my feelings have been hurt before, I know he really does mean well, and looking back - he was right. The lasagna did need more sauce, and the dress is certainly capable of accommodating a pregnant woman. In the end, I thank God for a husband who is honest, as brutal as it may be at times, and who can communicate with me. I can only wish that for others.
***Disclaimer. Let's get one thing straight. In no way do I mean that Nick is ALWAYS right. I'm was just trying to convey my appreciation for his honesty.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
A Thought on forgiveness
It's always amazing to me what forgiveness brings - whether you are asking for it or giving it to another. It seems to always bring out what is right in the world. The forgiveness between a husband and a wife is something I can't fully describe. I screw up all the time, and Nick forgives me time and time again. In turn, when he happens to do something that is less than desirable, and then comes to me asking forgiveness, I feel loved. I appreciate that we can come to each other truly sorry for our actions and ask the other for forgiveness.
This also makes me contemplate God's forgiveness. I just can't fully comprehend that 1) I can even go before The Almighty and ask for forgiveness time and time again. I'm like the monkey that reaches for the banana and gets shocked every time he does, but yet keeps reaching for it anyway. It truly is a humbling experience. and 2) That God grants forgiveness to dumb monkeys like me even when he knows we will inevitably screw up again.
Forgive others just as He forgives us. What a great pearl.
This also makes me contemplate God's forgiveness. I just can't fully comprehend that 1) I can even go before The Almighty and ask for forgiveness time and time again. I'm like the monkey that reaches for the banana and gets shocked every time he does, but yet keeps reaching for it anyway. It truly is a humbling experience. and 2) That God grants forgiveness to dumb monkeys like me even when he knows we will inevitably screw up again.
Forgive others just as He forgives us. What a great pearl.
Monday, March 06, 2006
Babysitter/ Update
Well, they aren't really babies, but you know what I mean. Nick and I have agreed to watch 3 kids for the weekend while their parents go out of town. This is going to be WEIRD! The oldest is a freshman in HS, the middle child is a 6th grader, and the baby is a 5th grader. I'll be cooking for them and making sure they get to bed on time, and Nick will be making sure they get to school on time. Will this be a momentary "flash forward" about 20 years? Pretty strange to think about, huh? Anyway, I don't anticipate it being bad at all. The kids are great and very well behaved.
In other news, Nick and I are prepping for Quote "The social event of the year" according to our middle-schoolers. I didn't know it had so much clout! The middle school lock-in is this weekend as well. Boy oh boy. The kids love it, but it takes the adults the entire year to recover from it! I made it until 3 am last year, but then I hit the door.
Well, I finished my first two 8 week classes for school. An A and a B. I'm satisfied. I know I'm no prodigy or super genius, so as long as I make it through the program with above a 3.4, I will be satisfied. So far, I have done that. My next two professors will be interesting. I've heard mixed reviews, so I am ready to find out how they will be.
Nick made it back from the HS district youth gathering, and had a great time in Jacksonville. He said the kids really enjoyed it, and were able to have plenty of fellowship and service opportunities. They had the largest food distribution in Jacksonville's history, so that's pretty awesome.
I guess that's about all that has been going on with me. I'm another year older - 24 - woo hoo. That's another thing that pretty much stinks about getting older. Birthdays just aren't what they used to be. Anyway, I better be getting back to work. My lunch break is over. Until next time......
In other news, Nick and I are prepping for Quote "The social event of the year" according to our middle-schoolers. I didn't know it had so much clout! The middle school lock-in is this weekend as well. Boy oh boy. The kids love it, but it takes the adults the entire year to recover from it! I made it until 3 am last year, but then I hit the door.
Well, I finished my first two 8 week classes for school. An A and a B. I'm satisfied. I know I'm no prodigy or super genius, so as long as I make it through the program with above a 3.4, I will be satisfied. So far, I have done that. My next two professors will be interesting. I've heard mixed reviews, so I am ready to find out how they will be.
Nick made it back from the HS district youth gathering, and had a great time in Jacksonville. He said the kids really enjoyed it, and were able to have plenty of fellowship and service opportunities. They had the largest food distribution in Jacksonville's history, so that's pretty awesome.
I guess that's about all that has been going on with me. I'm another year older - 24 - woo hoo. That's another thing that pretty much stinks about getting older. Birthdays just aren't what they used to be. Anyway, I better be getting back to work. My lunch break is over. Until next time......
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