Agree to Disagree?

Has Christianity gone wrong? Are Christians sharing their heart or what is on their mind? I just read an interesting commentary by Jay Bakker, minister of Revolution Church (and son of former Praise The Lord leaders Jim Bakker and Tammy Faye Messner) and Marc Brown, a Revolution staff member. Here’s a link to the article: "What the hell happened to Christianity?" Here are my thoughts on their commentary.
I do believe that the conservative movement can turn people away from Christ. Most people are not drawn to religion when it pushes rules or moral standards. We are free in Christ- not bound by rules. “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1
I also believe that people should not politicize Christianity. Christians are not democratic or republican. I have found a stereotype exists that if you are a Christian then you are a conservative. That isn’t always true, whether it be on moral grounds or government (state control vs. national control). It certainly isn’t so that if you are a conservative you are a Christian. Why would anyone presume that all Christians would take a conservative view?
I struggle to see the validity of the suggestion that Christians should agree to disagree on issues. I do believe that no one makes progress on issues by being hostile. There is a fundamental error with the suggestion to agree to disagree. Who determines which issues are ethically right or wrong? The authors assume that there are some issues that are morally debatable. This assumes there are no ultimate moral standards or that some we have defined as a society as absolute and some we haven’t. No one disagrees that rape and child molestation are abhorrent. Murder seems simple and most Murderers are punished but what about euthanasia? What about abortion?
Bakker and Brown suggest, “Christians should look past their differences and agree to disagree.” I’d suggest, Christians should look past their differences and agree to read their Bible. If they disagree on the Biblical principles or on how to apply them to daily life, then they should pray. Pray apart or pray together. We are called to love each other. We are called to be patient and kind. We are told to not be rude or proud. We can and should love people that do not believe what we believe. However, we are not called to accept opinions that contradict the Bible. As Christians we are called to pray. We should not choose complacency over hostility, we should choose prayer.

What am I looking forward to?

Have you ever thought, “I have nothing to look forward to?” I started thinking about it…a lot. Today, I asked myself, “What am I looking forward to today?” I found that there are quite an abundance of answers even on the most ordinary day. This morning when I asked myself that question, I came up with only 2 quick answers. I was looking forward to Seth coming home from work. I was also looking forward to my next kiss from Seth (yes, I know that is cheesy but it is the truth). Now it is mid-afternoon. This question has generated quite an appreciative attitude in my heart. I have found myself spending more time thinking about God and how many blessings he lays out before me each day. I am still looking forward to seeing my husband. I am also looking forward to so much more. I am looking forward to making my children giggle. I am looking forward to little things like seeing how my new crock-pot recipe turns out. Mostly, though, I am looking forward to the creative way God will show me knew truths because I am recognizing his presence. I am looking forward to time with the Creator. Just in this little exercise today I am reminded that nothing gives me more peace or more joy than drawing close to God.

Delightful Pie Recipe

I am cleaning out my recipe box. This recipe is absolutely delicious. I won't be making it again (due to David's allergy). When I brought the pie places, I was often asked for the recipe. I thought I would pass it on here before tossing it.

Reese's Peanut Butter Pie

1 3oz pkg cream cheese, softened
1 cup confectioner's sugar
1/2 cup peanut butter, smooth or crunchy
12 oz whipped topping
15 small Reese's cups, crushed
1 (9 in) graham cracker pie shell

Beat cream cheese and sugar together until smooth. Add peanut butter and whipped topping. Blend well. Fold in crushed peanut butter cups. Pour into pie shell. Refrigerate at least 3 hours.

Thankful

I am so blessed! I am thankful for my life and for all of the blessings in it. This list is made up of things for which I am thankful. The items are in random order and there are only 85 because that is all the time I had for this afternoon.

1. God’s Grace
2. My husband
3. My Kids
4. Friends
5. My House
6. My Car
7. My Dogs
8. Coffee
9. Candles
10. My Bed
11. Computers
12. Email
13. Pictures
14. Cameras
15. Laughter
16. Sunshine
17. Trees
18. Electricity
19. My Dad
20. My Mom
21. My sisters
22. My Church
23. MOPS (Mother’s of Preschoolers)
24. Good Education
25. Doctors
26. Jonathan’s K Teacher
27. Seth’s Job
28. Staying Home with my Kids
29. The US Postal Service
30. Good Books
31. The Bible
32. Prayer
33. Chocolate
34. Dates with my Husband
35. cell phones
36. pictures drawn by my kids
37. a clean kitchen
38. my husband home safe from Iraq
39. Ketchup
40. My coffee maker
41. My dishwasher
42. house plants
43. Mt Rainier
44. Love
45. Patience
46. Quietness
47. My mother-in-law
48. My father-in-law
49. My grandparents
50. My childhood
51. Safety belts
52. Recycling
53. “It’s a Wonderful Life”
54. Rainbows
55. Sippy Cups
56. Second Chances
57. The Holy Spirit
58. Intimacy
59. Sex
60. Chocolate Covered Strawberries
61. Pizza
62. Water
63. Sleeping in on Satrudays
64. Bubble Baths
65. Music
66. Naptime for my Kids
67. Exercise
68. Flowers
69. The Internet
70. SEC Football
71. Sweet Tea
72. Hugs
73. Blowing Bubbles with My Kids
74. Watching Seth wrestle with the boys
75. Hearing Thomas say “Daddy”
76. Christmas Cards
77. Blankets
78. Birkenstocks
79. Baby Gates
80. EpiPens (especially our unused ones)
81. Cup Holders
82. Ziploc bags
83. Toliet Paper
84. Traffic Lights
85. Creativity

Forecasting in Washington

One of my favorite things is Jay Leno's "Headlines." Since I have a journalistic background, the blunders literally make me laugh out loud. This week our newspaper cracked me up. Really, it wasn't even the News Tribune that was ridiculous, it was the meteorologist.

If you have been paying attention to the weather news, WA has been having record breaking rains. ("Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire declared an emergency for 18 counties, authorizing the National Guard and the Emergency Management Division to offer assistance." [Fox News] "The worst floding in Pierce County in 10 years chases more than 1,500 people from their homes." [Tacoma News Tribune]) Many areas close to us have been flooded and residents had to be evacuated. It rains here in the fall and winter quite a bit but this system came on fast and dumped a great deal of rain. I think the meteorologist was trying to be creative with his Tuesday forecast.

The forcast in the paper said: "Rain turning to showers."

Rain turning to showers! In most of the country that would be redundant. It made me chuckle. However, by Tusday, I realized that only in WA does the forcast make perfect sense. It was raining on Tuesday morning and by later in the day, we had our typical mist-like "showers". As Jonathan said when we got to school, "Momma! I don't need my raincoat, it is barely raining now!!"

Home

My husband is home from Iraq. It is amazing to be a family again and not to be separated by distance and time.
It is amazing how Thomas seems to know Daddy. He has been playing with him, laughing at him and giving him kisses. There was one humorous moment yesterday when I asked him to give Daddy a kiss and he walked right past Seth and kissed Daddy's picture on the refrigerator. That got a laugh out of all of us! Today he cannot stop giving him kisses. He stood at the gate at the bottom of the stairs fussing because Daddy was upstairs. It was very heartwarming. Jonathan is radiant right now. He is just constantly beaming. David is even more expressive than normal right now (he is a very expressive kid). His energy level- well, both his and Jonathan's - is up a couple of levels.
Seth is home but it feels like we are all home now. We are complete. We have some adjusting to do and some transitioning but we are complete. It is such a blessing.

Driving in Washington

In the south, for the most part, people travel at a slower speed. That is not to say that the speed limit is followed. People on I-5 in Washington drive much closer to the speed limit than anyone on I-40 has even dreamed of doing. (For the record, that is just because there are so many cops patrolling I-5.) The difference is in the style of driving when not on the interstate. The driving is more relaxed and friendlier. One example: My experience in the South is that many times a driver will allow another car to turn in front of them. If you are in a slow line of traffic, you might waive to another driver waiting to turn on the street and allow them to go ahead of you. Today I got honked at. I was going to turn right. The traffic light had just been red, so I was at a complete stop. When it turned green, a car on the opposite side of the road was waiting to turn right (going the same direction I was going). I allowed them to turn before I went and I was honked at. There wasn't much of a pause. There really wasn't much of a delay. The honk startled me. Then, I smiled and thought, “Ah, I love Washington.”

Conversation Piece #14

Conversation Piece #14:
Suppose we still lived in an age where kings and queens ruled the land. If you were crowned absolute monarch, what is the very first rule or law you would impose on your kingdom?

I had fun thinking about this question. Should I be serious and mandate something quite healthy or should I just have fun with it and do something that would be quite selfish for an absolute monarch? I decided it should be serious and selfish.
Imagine- I am the absolute monarch for our land in modern times. (Now, Washingtonian friends -this will seem totally absurd to you...but it will be easy enough to follow.)

The Rule: The third Friday in October is “Crimson Day.” Everyone that wears Crimson and says the Vols suck (or stink, depending on how polite you are), gets free gasoline.

Change - Tracy Chapman

Seth has been sharing (on his blog) the lyrics of some songs he enjoys.
I can't help but do the same.

Change - by Tracy Chapman
If you knew that you would die today,
Saw the face of God and love,
Would you change?
Would you change?

If you knew that love can break your heart
When you're down so low you cannot fall
Would you change?
Would you change?

How bad, how good does it need to get?
How many losses? How much regret?
What chain reaction would cause an effect?
Makes you turn around,
Makes you try to explain,
Makes you forgive and forget,
Makes you change?
Makes you change?

If you knew that you would be alone,
Knowing right, being wrong,
Would you change?
Would you change?

If you knew that you would find a truth
That brings up pain that can't be soothed
Would you change?
Would you change?

How bad, how good does it need to get?
How many losses? How much regret?
What chain reaction would cause an effect?
Makes you turn around,
Makes you try to explain,
Makes you forgive and forget,
Makes you change?
Makes you change?

Are you so upright you can't be bent?
If it comes to blows are you so sure you won't be crawling?
If not for the good, why risk falling?
Why risk falling?

If everything you think you know,
Makes your life unbearable,
Would you change?
Would you change?

If you'd broken every rule and vow,
And hard times come to bring you down,
Would you change?
Would you change?

If you knew that you would die today,
If you saw the face of God and love,
Would you change?
Would you change?
Would you change?
Would you change?

If you saw the face of God and love
If you saw the face of God and love
Would you change?
Would you change?

Family Photo - From May

This picture was taken in May when Seth was visiting home. I just got it developed a couple of weeks ago! I have a couple more rolls waiting to be picked up. I believe at least one of them is from his visit, too. I am so behind! (Maybe I should share the April birthday pictures of the kids, too!! I suppose I should get my website working again for all of that.) Anyway, this is best picture of us from when Seth was home. It was taken after Jonathan's preschool graduation.

Coversation Piece Question #13

Conversation Piece #13: You’ve no doubt heard the expression “Wake up and smell the coffee!” If you could wake up every morning to the distinct smell of any one thing except coffee, what would you choose?

My first thought was, “my husband”…I miss him so much. Immediately after thinking that, I decided that isn’t true (no offense, honey…if I wanted to be offensive, I could go on about my husband’s smells but –hee hee- I won’t do that). Every morning? Before living in Washington, I might have said the smell of rain but now that I enjoy that all fall and winter, the smell of rain isn’t all I thought it was. I thought maybe I would enjoy the smell of the ocean everyday.
I have just given this some thought as I have been doing some housework. I am back to thought one. Despite the potential for odor at times (hee hee), I do think I would prefer to wake up to my husband’s scent every day.
(Maybe I should take a second look at this question in about 3 or 4 months!)

Let's Say Thanks

This looks to be Great mission by Xerox!

Description from the website: "The mission of Let's Say Thanks is to provide a way for individuals across the country to recognize U.S. troops stationed overseas. By submitting a message through this site you will send a free personalized postcard greeting to deployed servicemen and women."

Check it out www.letssaythanks.com

Celebrating

Conversation Piece #11

Question #11: If you could change or add one detail to any famous painting or other work of art, which piece of art would you pick and what would the change be?

This question sounded fun to answer at first and then I couldn’t really think of any famous art that am thoroughly acquainted with. Then I decided it didn’t matter. My answer to the question almost isn’t an answer. I wouldn’t change a famous piece of artwork. Art is a product of someone’s individual creativity. I like art because it is unique to one person’s creative energy. In the process of thinking about this, I did find a website that has pictures of famous art, as well as some art history. Check out: http://www.ibiblio.org/wm/paint/

Favorite Recent Photo

This photo was taken at Safeco field in Seattle on June 3rd (the night before Seth left for Iraq).

Conversation Piece #10

#10 Of all the great success stories that you have heard or read about, which one do you find the most inspiring?

So much of this question depends on how you define success. After giving it some thought today, I decided that the most inspiring stories to me are personal ones. Reading about a story is one thing but when it is personal to you, it stays with you longer. I thought of 2 people.
1) My father-in-law, Steve, lost a leg in a motorcycle accident when he was in his 20’s. He has a prosthesis and he walks with a slight limp. I have never heard him complain. He is inspiring to me because of the way he has handled his disability. It isn’t something that controls him. Certainly, he doesn’t let it define him. Once before I was married a friend suggested to (my future husband) Seth that he buy his dad some shorts. The friend thought he was joking when he said his dad only had one leg. The friend knew Seth’s dad. It was quite a moment when the friend realized Seth was serious. His success is with how he handles his disability. He is himself in spite of his disability—he is not who he is because of it. That is inspiring.
2) My Dad, Charles, had a massive stroke 3 years ago. What he has gone through and what he struggles with can only be described as intense. He is inspiring to me because of his love and his desire for the best. He has not given up in the face of adversity, criticism or failure. He is pressing on. He spends time loving his family. He spends time loving his Creator. His success is that he is not bitter about life. He inspires me because of his continued faith. He does struggle but his struggles inspire me because he does not give up.

Conversation Piece #9

#9 If the decision were up to you, exactly how much taller or shorter than you actually are would you like to be?
My first thought- maybe I would like to be 5'8". On second thought, I think I am pretty happy with my height (or lack there of). After all, I cannot see all of the dust on the top of my refrigerator. Try as I may to keep it cleaned off, I don't get to that too often and being short makes it so that it doesn't irritate me! Ha! Really, I guess, I am content with my height. I can wear heels if I want to... but, of course, I prefer Birks.

Rest and Relaxation (R&R)

I don't know who is reading my blog. I DO know that I haven't been keeping up with it very well. I also haven't been keeping up with emails lately. That said, I just wanted to post that Seth is coming home for R&R this weekend. R&R is the 15 day vacation that soldiers get when deployed. We are so excited that the time is here. Please pray we can enjoy the time together and not focus on the fact he has to leave again (that last part is especially for me).

Of course, as I haven't been emailng or blogging, be assurred, I won't be doing much of either in the next 15-20 days!

The Conversation Piece #8

#8. What is one vacation destination that many people think is just fabulous, but which you personally have no desire to ever visit (or revisit)?
I have no desire to go on a vacation to Las Vegas. I know some people say that the shows are incredible. However, it doesn't appeal to me in the least. I do not get any satisfaction from gambling (would rather throw my money away at Starbucks!). My idea of a vacation would be some where more peaceful and serene.

New CD

I bought a new CD tonight. I think it is really good. It is Sonya Kitchell's debut. The album is acoustic and a combination of jazz, R&B, and folk. What's impressive is that she is only 17 years old. Anyways, I bought the CD tonight and then checked out her website. She is to be on David Lettermen tonight (which, of course, means you missed it). Check out her website: sonyakitchell.com. You can check out her music.

Not a Morning Person

I am not a morning person. I try to get up and get my shower before my boys wake up. It does not always happen. There are days that I just cannot get out of bed. Last week was a week of those kind of days. Jonathan and David are now old enough to play a bit if I have not gotten out of bed. (Thomas sleeps later than the rest of us.) One morning last week the boys were up and about before me. After each time they talked to me, I easily fell back asleep. I guess to tell the truth, I was hardly awake at all. I could have kept it up until Thomas woke up but Jonathan woke me up with a Momma love note. He had gotten his crayons and paper and made me a special drawing. It was probably the only thing that could have made me smile about pulling back the covers.

The Conversation Piece – Question #7

The Conversation Piece – Question #7
7. If you could have a grand, beautiful front porch with a relaxing porch swing overlooking any place or thing in the world what would it overlook?

It would overlook water. I would like it to be a natural body of water but beyond that it doesn’t matter. I could be happy with a lake or a river. The ocean could be nice provided that if I was in a hot environment, I had an air conditioned house. (Of course if you have always lived in the south east, you cannot imagine that anyone would not have air conditioning!) The porch would be the type porch that is the length of the house (what I call a “wrap around porch”). And, while I am dreaming maybe I will go ahead and have that yellow country home with the white shutters.

The Conversation Piece – Question #6

The Conversation Piece – Question #6
6. In your opinion, what is the single most significant event that has occurred in world history during the last thousand years. (Define “significant” however you wish.)
I decided to give up on coming up with my real answer. If I did that- at the rate I am going- I might never end up blogging on this blog again. So, today “significant” means significant to personal hygiene (but basically significant just because I found it interesting)
In 1498 – Toothbrushes appeared in China. (according to an interesting history website: http://www.fsmitha.com/)
The “toothbrushexpress.com” says that toothbrushes didn’t arrive in China until 1600. What’s more interesting to me is that toothbrushes didn’t arrive in the United States until closer to the 1800s.
Here’s some copied info:
“The first true bristled toothbrush also originated in China at around 1600 AD. At around 1780, the first toothbrush was made by William Addis of Clerkenald, England. Addis, and later, his descendants, manufactured the finest English brushes, where the handles were carved out of the bone of cattle and the heads of the natural bristles were placed in the bored holes made in the bone and kept in place by thin wire. The natural bristles were obtained from the necks and shoulders of swine, especially from pigs living in colder climates like Siberia and China.
By the early 1800s the bristled brushes were in general use in Europe and Japan. In 1857, H. N. Wadsworth was credited as the first American to receive a toothbrush patent as America entered the growing toothbrush market.
Hard to believe, but most Americans didn't brush their teeth until soldiers brought the Army's enforced habit back home from World War II.”
So, why is this of interest to me? Who knows? Maybe it is because my 4 year old just decided (after 3 years of constant struggle) that teeth brushing is important (because Ms. Sara and the visiting dentist at Preschool said so).

Great Bumper Sticker

I just saw the greatest bumper sticker. It made me laugh out loud.

"Discourage Inbreeding. Ban Country Music"

The Conversation Piece – Question #5

5. If you could have the voice of any famous person, living or deceased, whose voice would you want to claim as your own?

Well, this question seems silly to me. I cannot think of a voice I would rather have. I would, however, like to have a different singing voice. (As a teen in church choir a friend of mine asked me to sing quieter! It was a rude awakening for me.) I have often imagined how nice it would be to have this beautiful singing voice. For that, I’d choose Margaret Becker’s voice. I love her. Her music isn’t a style that I am necessarily drawn to but her voice grabs me. I cannot explain it (how it affects me) but I love it. She’s amazing. Maybe one day in heaven I will be able to sing like Maggie B!

The Conversation Piece - Question #4

#4: Which month of the year do you think would best describe your personality?

This was more challenging to me that I thought it would be when I first read it. I immediately tried to decide which month was my favorite. But, that is not the question. I had to give my personality some thought. It is hard to be self-reflective. It would be easier for me to ask someone else to honestly describe my personality and then pick a month. Anyway, after some thought I settled on two words to describe myself: reserved and outgoing. I am outgoing. I love to go places! I love to be around activity. I am reserved, too. I do not like to be the center of attention. I tend to become quiet in a new atmosphere or a new group setting. Based on those traits, I picked September. September is a beautiful fall month but it doesn't get as much show as October. That's why I picked it. The trees are full of color but October tends to get more of the presentation. It is also cooler than the summer but not cold.

Links

Another exciting Blog (will most likely be more entertaining than this one): www.owenhome.blogspot.com

A website that is a great waste of time:
www.amusingfacts.com

Weird News

What is news these days? I like to read “off-beat news” sometimes. Tonight I read a positive news story that was labeled “Weird News.” I guess something so great as a Pregnant Teen-age Waitress getting a 1,000 tip is just simply weird. Check it out: www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/weird_news/14124406.htm

The Honest Truth

Yesterday I was hit in the face with the Truth. It wasn’t pretty.
I was at Best Buy. I was checking out some software that I needed for my laptop. The trial version of the software had expired. Since I don’t get to stores like that too often (and especially kid-free), I decided to buy it and then opt to take it back if I didn’t need it. I had a few other items to buy also. As I was checking out I talked to the clerk about whether or not I could return the software. She seemed unsure of everything (probably new, I thought). Since the Microsoft software has key codes on the box she had to verify I could return it if I hadn’t opened it. Then, I paid for everything and walked out. I must have been daydreaming (oh how nice not to be quieting an argument from a 2 and 4 year old!) when I checked out because I got all the way to the car when it dawned on me that the total bill was incredibly low. I pulled out the receipt and the pricey Microsoft item was not on there. I went back in and I the greeter asked if had a return. I told them that they failed to charge me for an item. When I told him which item, he reacted with disbelief. He thanked me for coming back in. He wanted to know who the cashier was. He sent me to Customer Service. As I approached the customer service desk, I was greeted and asked if I had a return. I told the girl that I had not been charged for an item. When I told her which one, she went right behind the counter and helped me. No need for me to wait in the line. Suddenly I had 3 people helping me. There were three customer service reps (one of which was a manager) gushing over me and how they were so grateful to me. I said I didn’t think much about it. I didn’t want the cashier to get in trouble; I just wanted to pay for what I bought. They seemed so genuinely surprised. They went on and on about how many people would have walked away happy to have gotten such a great deal. I believe I said something about how if I hadn’t come back in, that would have been like stealing. I was surprised to have such a big reaction. Then they said that they wanted me to have a $25 gift card because they appreciated my honesty so much. Wow, I couldn’t help but think that it was crazy to be rewarded for telling the truth. I also was excited about having a free gift card. How Nice! After continued thanks from everyone (including the greeter on the way out), I made my way to my car feeling a little amazed at the world. Why was it that telling the truth was such a big deal. I was thinking that the world is in sad shape when honestly is regarded with pure amazement. I was driving along thinking about the deterioration of our society when I heard that still small voice. I had a few realizations. I took the gift card. I enjoyed the attention. Something that should have been no big deal to anyone, gave me a lot of satisfaction. I was hit with the hard truth that in that moment of recognition I was full of pride. I took the card when I could have refused it. It was sobering to realize that I enjoyed the attention. I was convicted of what I could have done. I could refused the card and said that I just wanted to be honest and I don’t want a reward for doing what I believe I should do. Further, I had ample opportunity to share why I do honest things. Even a comment or two about my faith would have been a testimony. I could have taken several different approaches to the situation. But, I was blind-sided and I definitely didn’t see my pride (though now I wonder if the other people did).
I have been working on memorizing a scripture through a study I am doing. I didn’t feel a connection to the scripture because it talks about boasting. Earlier in the week, I couldn’t imagine being proud enough to boast. Now, I understand the verse a little more. We boast through our pride—and we don’t have to use words to boast.
Jeremiah 9:23-24 “Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am Lord, who exercises kindness, justice, and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight.”

Oh you think that's bad

What is it with people who want to share bad stories? I mean, why is it that we decide to try to connect with someone through a terrible story? Ask any pregnant women or woman that has been pregnant if these questions make sense and you will hear a resounding Yes-- or see an enthusiastic nod of the head. Pregnant women always hear the terrible birth stories. I just don't get it.
My bad story example for today: I met a woman tonight at a friend's house. We ended up talking about my son's severe allergy to peanuts and how protecting him is scary. And, the woman said, 'Ohhh, that's bad. I knew someone that had a peanut allergy. She bit into a brownie that had nuts in it but she didn't know it. She died. It was so quick and she was only 14." All I could say was, "Wow." But, tonight as I ponder that conversation, I have to wonder WHY she wanted to share that with me. How did that help anything? It ended the conversation and it certainly didn't help me with my struggle. I wonder if she regretted sharing the story. But, I imagine that like most small talk gone astray she probably didn't give it another thought. And, here I am a mere 6 hours later thinking about it.

The Conversation Piece - Question #3

Question 3: Thinking back to all of the great TV series finales that you’ve seen over the years, which show do you believe had the best final episode?

I really am not much of a TV lover. I have thought about this question on and off all day and the only 2 final episodes I can really remember are for Seinfeld and Friends. I didn't think the Seinfeld one was all that good and the Friends one was fairly predictable. The only TV show that I ever really loved was Happy Days when I was a kid. (Oh, ok, I also really liked Remington Steele when I was little, too, but I had a crush on the main character! Man, that was a great show wasn't it, Becky?) Basically, I don’t like to get sucked in by the TV. I am behind on so much in my life and TV just seems to suck more of life away. Here’are a few lines from a song that I really like right now.

A few lines from “"Good People"” by Jack Johnson
Whatever you say
Turn on the boob tube, I'm in the mood to obey
So lead me astray
And by the way now...
Where’d all the good people go?
I’ve been changing channels and I don’t see them on the tv shows
Where'd all the good people go?
We've got heaps and heaps of what we sow”

The Conversation Piece - Question#2

Question #2: If like milk or the newspaper, you could have anything of your choice delivered to your doorstep every morning, what particular item would you want it to be?

The first thing I can think of is a Starbucks coffee. It would need to be in a nice thermal cup so it could stay warm until I open my door for it. I would alternate between a Grande Carmel Macchiato with non-fat milk and a Grande Vanilla Latte. This would be a wonderful service for me! I tried to think of something more creative and coffee is all that I could think of. I do love my coffee first thing in the morning.
OH! I just thought of something else. I would like to have a recent picture of my husband every morning. Surely, the army could provide something like that to Army spouses of deployed soliders, right? I will even give them a grace period-—that is, it can be as recent as sometime within the last two weeks. Coffee and a husband- what more could a woman want?

Celebration of Life

You give and take away You give and take away My heart will choose to say Lord, blessed be Your name I will bless Your name”

I was blessed by this chorus tonight. I was at a celebration of life service for a friend of mine. Jim lost his battle with cancer on March 2. He lost his life here on earth but he won a new life in Heaven. The service was amazing. I dreaded going. I have a fear of death. I am not afraid of dying. I am just afraid of losing someone that I love. This fear has been so real for me these last few months. My heart was in agony thinking about having to confront my fear of losing someone, while watching my dear friends’ morn their loss. I am sad that Jim is not here any more. I had just begun to get to know him a bit. But, many people I know were close to him. It is hard to grieve. I was expecting to feel just awful all day, especially after the service. I was caught off-guard by the memorial service. The service began with a praise team leading worship. The congregation was asked to sing along. I thought, ‘I cannot do that.” As I started to sing, my tears started to pour. After just moments, though, I was filled with love. I was filled with peace. It was amazing. I was able to praise God for life… for Jim’s life… and for the life he has given us all. Pastor Tanner shared about King David and how when his son was dying he fasted and prayed. He refused to eat or drink or do anything but plead for his son. When his son died, he went to the temple to worship God. As I listened, I found another chorus of that song echoing in my ears:
Every blessing You pour out I'll Turn back to praise And when the darkness closes in, Lord Still I will say Blessed be the name of the Lord Blessed be Your name Blessed be the name of the Lord Blessed be Your glorious name

I left the service with a little bit of a drive back to my house. As I drove, I reflected on what I gained from the celebration of Jim’s life. God has blessed us so much. Our life is a gift. Everything that happens can be turned back to praise. Even death cannot hold back God. God has already conquered death for us in Christ. I was reminded of the most precious blessing of all—God’s gift of eternal life. I came away from the memorial service much happier and more blessed than when I came. It was a blessing to me. So God was able to bless me and others through Jim’s life and death. What an amazing testimony from his life and from his friends and family!

First Blog - The Conversation Piece - #1

My creative energies are pretty much consumed by entertaining 3 preschoolers. That said, I have had a surprisingly hard time trying to figure out what to write about. I didn't or don't want the blog to be all about my kids. I love my kids, dearly, but I need an outlet for myself. I love to write and I thought this would be fun and easy. Well, I haven't figured out what to write about yet but I want to write. For lack of something better to do, I am going to start answering some questions in "The Conversation Piece 2." I am going to take each question as it comes and not skip around to the questions that please me.

Question #1: If your life was a weather vane, which direction would it be pointed right now?

This question is strangely appropriate for this blog. I named the blog "gravity of motion" because it seems I am always busy and hardly still. This can weigh me down a bit since I savor quiet, peaceful moments. There is so much motion both with my children running circles around me and the activities I have chosen to get involved in. It can get burdensome. It is a little ironic that this is the first question.
That said, I believe my answer is obvious. It's very windy in my life. The ornament is spinning constantly in all directions. No, I didn't know it was called an ornament before this blog. But, I found a website (with one quick search in Google, of course) that talks all about weathervanes. Who knew they were so interesting? Here's something a bit interesting. There are only two basic rules that must be followed when designing a weather vane. Those rules are: 1.) The ornament must have unequal area on either side of center.2.) The ornament must have equal mass on either side of center. You want a historical fact about weather vanes? The earliest recorded weather vane honored the Greek god Triton, and adorned the Tower of the Winds in Athens which was built by the astronomer Andronicus in 48 B.C. Okay, that's it on my weather vane trivia. But, if you are interested (and you know you are), you can check out www.denninger.com/history.htm