Looking at the Positive

When I edited my "Archives" while giving this blog a new look, I realized I've been doing this blogging thing for two years. Some posts are thought provoking, some quirky, some painful, some opinionated, some fun and some just plain out there. But they are my posts and I'm sticking to them.

The new look also brought back all the reasons why I started this blog in the first place. I pray you find a reason to wake up and conquer the day. Even if the kids spill orange juice on the kitchen floor, you can clean it up and pour a another glass. Even if the bed isn't made, you can strive to make it the next morning. And those dishes piled in the sink can wait. It's not like they'll explode or morph into some flesh-eating beast. And even if your children whine and moan about petty things, know that bedtime is coming and a new day is ahead.

Find something to thank God for today. Maybe it's a child's kiss. A friend's hug. A spouse's love. A roof over your head. The clothes on your back. Food in the pantry. Your backyard. The sunshine. Or even the rain that nourishes the earth. All of us can find one thing to be grateful for and hold on to.

Too Much of a Good Thing

Saturday was Matt's first baseball game. It was a chilly 55 degrees and very windy. Mark and I cuddled underneath a warm fleece blanket while snacking on yogurt covered raisins -- his favorite.

Matt made great hits every time at the plate. A couple shot above the shortstop's head and Matt announced over and over again that he "got a double". His efforts didn't stop there...

On the field he snatched up ball after ball throwing quickly to first. When he played pitcher he even caught a couple behind the back and again, hustled together to aim at first base. He was amazing!

After the game I had parents coming up to me asking his age, how long he's been playing and why we didn't advance him to instructional ball. (And if you must know, we felt Matt needed to be with players his own age. I don't want to push him. He may have talent, but he's still only in first grade. It was a maturity thing.)

One came up calling Matt "the stud player". More approached him saying he's a "true ball player". Steve and I always knew Matt can grasp athletic concepts easily, so this came as no surprise and you can imagine our delight. I mean there was a time when we thought his life would be altered in so many ways because of celiac disease. To see him excel swelled my heart. On the way home we were telling Matt what a great job he did and he was aware of the compliments he received. All of us were beaming.

Then this morning on our way to church Matt says, "I can't wait to play again today. You know, I'm the stud-player."

It hit. Hard. That awful word: PRIDE (with a little arrogance on the side)

I collected my thoughts about Saturday's game. Did I want my son to have this kind of ego? No. Not my son. Most of all Steve and I want our boys to know that God is the giver of life and talents and He should receive the glory, not ourselves. As I started sharing, we all were convicted and allowed humility back in.

Pride can be like a cancer. It starts out small and then grows to deform your mind and spirit. It allows man to think he is above the Lord even when you have the best intentions. Do we want Matt to play well? Sure. But I wasn't about to let the seed of pride be planted in his heart. No one will enjoy being around a bragging boy who only thinks of himself. We are the Body of Christ. No one is better than the other. Each has a position called to by God and each person is an important function; kinda like a team. We need to work together.

At the game today, he hi-fived his teammates. He shouted, "Great job," to all the guys. It wasn't about him, but the team. He wasn't boasting about his double yesterday. He just knew to play his best for the team; not himself. And again, I heard the comments from others. "Thanks," I said and left them at the doorstep.

"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." James 4:6

Amen.

Limiting Rice Purchases

READ ABOUT IT HERE What's next? An immunity challenge and the winner gets a bag of rice to take home? I sure hope not. I am not an expert on running an obstacle course or holding my breath 'til I pass out. And you'll never see me lasting more than a minute standing on a wooden post the size of my big toe.

I've decided to do most of my summer clothes shopping online thanks to several free shipping promos. I just don't feel like driving anywhere anymore. Gas is too precious and down right expensive.

The signs of the times are a bit scary, but God will give me peace.

Soaring

I worked out yesterday. Yes, I sure did! My muscles are a bit sore this morning and it feels so good! And it did replace that hour I used to spend watching Oprah. Refreshing.

But what is not so refreshing is our local gas price average: $3.75

I am so frustrated by this. Soon we'll have to decide whether to put gas in our van or eat! Not that it has really come to that yet, but seriously....

Right now there are some households that can't afford to put $80 of gas in their vehicle that they rely on to take them to work or the kids to school. What is America going to do? Will there be an end to all the madness?

Out With the Old, In With the New

It's Monday. A fresh start to the unseen week. Baseball practice with a group photo. Flag football practice. Friends to have coffee with. Library storytime. Endless possibilities and at the same time, possible let downs.

Another week. Possibly the week I finally remove Oprah from my Tivo schedule. Her grey-colored Christianity isn't working for me anymore. Some may disagree, but in my opinion she is causing lots of confusion in the Body of Christ. I don't think I can stand her "God accepts all ways to salvation" any longer.

A new week. Maybe I'll replace that hour of Oprah with some sort of workout show? Oh how I need to stop being a slug and get moving. Or maybe the root is from cabin fever and dealing with 40-degree temperatures again? I just love taking walks with my boys and chatting with neighbors. Whatever the reason, I need to get off my butt!

A week of trying something new. I just got word that Rice Chex cereal is gluten free. Its on my grocery list. Here's to hoping more companies jump on the bandwagon and cater to those with dietary needs.

This week I anticipate Thursday when we attend our school's art show and see two pieces Matt created. I thought he was the logical-type and less creative. Boy, was I wrong!

An overall week of change. My parents gave our family a children's devotional book (shown here), which we started this morning. It's easy to read and the concepts are on a child's level. I pray with each day my boys desire to know Jesus and walk like Him. (And maybe us parents will learn a thing or two as well!)

Little Things That Make a BIG Difference

• Clear nail polish. Chipping color is hidden and it really does make my nails appear healthier.
  
  
• Flaxseed meal. I add it to practically everything without the boys detecting it. Very healthy!
  
  
• Speed dial.



• Morning cup of coffee -- or "Mommy's happy juice" as Steve calls it.



• Foaming hand soap



• Wipes (wet wipes, Clorox wipes, glass wipes, furniture wipes....just all wipes in general)



• Hair clips for non-washed hair days -- like today!



• Mascara for weary eyes -- again, like today!



• And most of all, a quieted voice to hear GOD more and me less. What a difference that would make, but why is it so hard to do?

Am I (or you) a Republicrat?

This week the Democrat primary hopefuls are in my state campaigning away. (And let me also say that Johnny Depp was in our area filming a movie about Dillinger. The town went crazy....or so I was told since we were in Hawaii at the time. Honestly, I found it a little obnoxious. Isn't there more to be concerned about than wondering what Depp looks like in real life?) ANYWAY....

I've done little to review every nook and cranny about Obama, Clinton and McCain, but I get an overall sense of their political views, so-called strategies and beliefs. Obviously McCain doesn't need to do much since he won his party's ticket already.

One wants "change". The other wants complete health care reform. "I'm qualified." "No, I'm more qualified!" "I have experience and this one doesn't" Then there's Iraq. Oh, Iraq. I won't start a firestorm on this blog about that subject. Period. It's not even close to November and already we are experiencing heated debates and down right nastiness.

The other day I ran across this post from a family that runs our church's multi-site planting. He expressed my feelings exactly.

The Miracle Worker

Today is a new day. Steve slept all night and woke up refreshed. The thought of not being confined to a bulky cast is a relief (to him and me), especially with Hawaii a little over a week away. Our flight, however long, will go much smoother than we expected. Can you imagine sitting in coach with a rock hard stone-like sleeve around your arm? Ugh. Talk about uncomfortable.

Before Steve was wheeled into surgery we knew that either the tendon was partially intact or torn to the point of needing total reconstruction. The doctor at NMH couldn't tell unless he went in and saw everything with his own eyes. Either way, he needed to do something inside the elbow to help it heal.

Up to that point we were told there was a 8mm tear. We were told surgery was needed. We were also told that his recuperation would be grueling and long. Needless to say, we anticipated our lives altering. Every doctor before the specialist was saying this, so we had no reason to feel otherwise. We just prayed.

After pondering about our day yesterday we were left with two thoughts: either all the reports before the specialist were false and the MRI lied or God possibly took His hand and touched those muscles and bones. Even the specialist was baffled that the tendon felt intact before surgery, but the MRI showed damage, blood and trauma. Either way, we'll accept it! I also failed to mention yesterday that nothing was done within the elbow -- only the tapes over the initial incisions. And his sling can be removed Monday and then used as needed.

I believe our God performs miracles today. I believe He is the same yesterday, today and forever. And why yesterday worked out the way it did we'll never know in the natural, but God did something. I know that for sure!

Couch Potato

If The Backyardigans attempt to teach my toddler the fun of playing outside and using his imagination, then why does he choose to sit on the couch and still watch TV?

Something isn't working.

Which Is Worse?

Steve threw out a question that stopped my thoughts dead in their tracks. We were in the middle of dicussing Senator Grassley (Iowa) and his investigation of several televangelists' finances. Now do I have a problem if a Pastor drives a German-made car? I guess not. But how that comes across to others needs to be considered. I'm not saying small luxuaries here and there are in a sense bad. I mean, it's ok to have some things - it's all about balance, people! But private jets, Rolls Royces, boats, expensive vacations, multiple homes, high-end hotel stays and then they expect a church to pay a pretty penny for them to visit seems kinda strange to me. Like they are celebrities instead of servants of the Lord. No accountablity along with withholding the full list of funds from the givers who work hard for that money, which really isn't their money anyway, but God's, is a church that is asking to be probed and looked in to. I can't blame this Senator, really. I can go on and on about how I feel these leaders are knee deep in pride doo-doo, but I am not God, He is, and I'll leave the judging to Him.

So in the midst of this conversation Steve makes a profound statement: If we are going to put these church leaders under the microscope and slap their hands for living lavish lifestyles, then what about celebrities like Britney Spears, Amy Winehouse, Snoop Dog, Paris Hilton and sooooo many more that get an enormous amount of money, get in major trouble, but society feeds into their addictions and problems by giving them more. Isn't it better to think that these church leaders are preaching the gospel of Christ in the midst of lavish living, then these out-of-control celebrities that are billboards for godlessness and worldly behavior? Where's the accountablity there? (May I remind you that Winehouse won a Grammy last night. Interesting, but no surprise.)

Steve wasn't excusing these televangelists, but making a valid point. So I throw his question out to you. Comment away!

Before You Eat That Paczki....THINK!

WARNING: This post is opinionated. The words expressed are from my thoughts and my thoughts alone. But I just had to say something!

As I was driving down our main highway this morning I saw a sign in front of a bar blinking: "FAT TUESDAY! COME AND CELEBRATE!"

What is it about today that gives people the right to indulge in gluttony, which is sin? It screams, "Let's live it up because soon we have to live upright and start lent, so let's have a big drunken fest with the world while we can!" This attitude sickens me, not to mention how it makes God feel. To allow such behavior every year prior to lent is a slap to our Savior's face. So hypocritical. So abusive of his grace, which Jesus freely gave to all. I was stewing in my minivan as I read and then reread the sign's message in my mind. I guess I will let The Gospel According to Matthew have the last word:

"You're hopeless, you religion scholars and Pharisees! Frauds! You burnish the surface of your cups and bowls so they sparkle in the sun, while the insides are maggoty with your greed and gluttony. Stupid Pharisee! Scour the insides, and then the gleaming surface will mean something." Matthew 23:25-26 (The Message)

A Daily New Year

Are you a New Year's resolution maker? Every December do you make a list of areas that need tweaking? Fixing? Or possibly need a complete overhaul?

I am not that person. One day I seem to be on top of things and in one moment all can change. Maybe that's why I never make resolution commitments because eventually I won't live up to most of them. All that pressure hanging over my head to be more organized, eat healthier, manage my time better or becoming closer connected with friends makes my head spin. I guess that's what life is all about: FLEXIBILITY!! I know my life is known for curve balls and circumstances, isn't it?

Every day I strive to be the best wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend, which I hate to admit I fall short of from time to time. But what about my character? Do I ooze Christ in my daily life? Do I aim to please others or God? Do I put gain in earthly idols or the fruits of the Spirit? This shouldn't be a yearly reflection when December 31st rolls around, but a daily conviction and renewal. If my goal was to become more like Christ wouldn't other areas naturally do a 180 and improve?

What about you? Have you made any resolution plans? Need to refine an area in your life? (And just because it's typed with black/white in my comments section doesn't mean I'll beat you up if you don't live up to your promise -- we're human!)

Here's to a New Year in my journey with the Lord!

Oprah, You Let Us Down!

At this very moment I am chatting with my gal pal about Oprah's "Favorite Things" special. Bottom line: we need to refocus, people!

Are things nice to have? Sure. I enjoy having my DVR and HD TV. The internet is a wonderful tool as well as an iPod. But these are temporal. You can't die and take them with you. To witness an audience going all gangbusters over so much stuff was almost sickening. Haven't we said over and over again that Christmas isn't about things, but rejoicing about Jesus being born and being with families? What message are we sending out here? I guess we are getting off to a rough start this holiday season, huh?

What did you think? Sound off!

Oh, and I almost forgot, today I am thankful that I can choose life over stuff and I hope my boys are getting that message too.

Friday's Challenge

To iron the enormous pile of clothes I've put off for two weeks.....

.....in the process of doing that avoiding the countless amount of Duplo Legos on the floor.....

.....while Matt quizzing me on who will win the next NASCAR race with his Matchbox cars.....

.....making frequent stops in the kitchen to snack on some corn salsa w. chips and sip some iced tea.....

.....humming a Wiggles tune on the TV as Mark dances around me.....

.....and smiling the entire time!!!

You can address me as......

So how do you teach your children to address adults? Mr. or Mrs. so-and-so?

Do you go by a first name basis? Do you practice both?

How about Mr. or Miss "insert adult's first name here"?

Confused

At Burger King the other day I ordered Kid's Meals for Matt and a friend. If Spiderman is rated PG-13, then why is Burger King promoting the movie to children under the appropriate age? I mean who else purchases kid's meals but children preschool thru 2nd grade, right?

So the boys pull out their Spiderman toys and on the way home I hear, "Mommy, can I see Spiderman 3? PAAALEAZE!!!!" Interesting. What do you think?

(We said a firm "no" by the way!)

The Breakfast Nazi

One morning when I asked Matt what he wanted for breakfast he answered, “Peanut butter and jelly.” At first I wanted to respond, “Matt that is for lunch. What do you want for breakfast?” But I stopped myself and thought again. PB&J is probably healthier than most of your cereals or microwave breakfast items like pancakes/waffles with syrup or for heaven's sake......a donut!! Not as much sugar and tons of protein in the peanut butter. So off I went to make him a PB&J sandwich (on gluten free bread of course). No big deal. Another morning he asked for eggs, sausage links and Lays Stax chips. Again I thought, “Lays Stax in the morning? Come on!” But what is the difference between that and eating hash browns. There I am plating scrambled eggs and Jimmie Dean links with potato chips on the side. Seems like breakfast is taking on a new spin.

This got me thinking. What do you think of your child eating a bowl of macaroni and cheese at 8am? What about you? In the morning do you prefer a bagel with cream cheese or a ham sandwich? A bowl of oatmeal v. a bowl of ravioli?

MATT'S STITCHES UPDATE: He had a friend over yesterday and they managed to knock heads together while goofing off in a tent. Yes, right on the area where Matt's stitches are! He snapped two of them, but it didn't cause much damage. The wound slightly opened but it was only on the surface (bled for a bit). Problem is he'll probably have a more pronounced scar. NICE!

A New Low???

While Matthew is eating breakfast this morning he says, “Mom, this cereal has a 110 calories. Wow. That means it is over 100% good for me. That means it is higher than fruit and vegetables!”

I wasn’t about to explain the concept of calories to a 6-year old.

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Onto other news........

How many of you are American Idol fans? I admit not getting into this competitive show until last season when Taylor Hicks won. Simon Cowell’s honesty is harsh, but he usually sums up exactly what I am thinking.

I anticipated this season, but something isn’t the same. Is it me or are the celebrity panel of judges not only criticizing but ridiculing those that obviously appear to have mental challenges? I recall laughing at some, but feeling bad because these contestants obviously do not know better. I would never poke fun at an individual with special needs on the street, so why am I considering this entertainment?

A few teachers at Steve’s high school already decided to ban this season because they felt the judges crossed the line. Being educators, I take their opinions seriously.

Steve and I know one that "made it to Hollywood" and a couple that didn’t. They all said there is a first audition where they pool the “really awful” and “really good” together before they stand in front of Simon, Randy and Paula. All the mediocre go home. So it’s not like these auditions are surprises, but planned.

Feeling a little convicted over here. I am wondering if I should pull the plug on this season too. Has American Idol hit a new low? Are these harsh comments and laughing to humilation going too far?