I try to keep yall on the cutting edge of culture! This morning on the Today Show they noted that a top trend of 2007 was fingernails painted black or dark blue and Victoria Beckham's haircut was The Haircut. I know I certainly got sick of seeing it on lots of women!
So here's a list to keep us all up-to-date!
Check out the new button on my sidebar. If you can read this without difficulty, you must be a genius! Maybe it's the use of the word "kudos."
Well, just when you think Christmas is over - Santa Billy brings just one more gift. Uncle Billy spoils my children quite a bit. They assume when he comes to town that he will take them to Chucky Cheese (Mr. Gatti's is out due to a previous unfortunate incident,) the movies, and/or Target for toys.
This time it's a telescope. Apparently it broke his heart when Abbie questioned why she didn't get a telescope. She took him outside and said, "I've been good all year. Why didn't Santa bring me a telescope?" Now, I would have probably told her that we can't have everything we want. Or that Santa decided that she was just a little too young for a telescope. Or to look at that great Hannah Montana closet she got with all the clothes for her Hannah Montana doll.
But Uncle Billy just went and bought one for her. It took 4 different stores before he found one.
Don't you wish you had an Uncle Billy?
Yep, it's the day after Christmas. The day after all the fun and gift-giving. The day after eating all the goodies. The day after a too-late night. The day after beginning all those new books.
We've all made it. We all loved it. I was able to surprise Jim with a gift he didn't expect! That's always a big deal - he wants so little that isn't over $500. It would be very difficult to buy him a truck without him knowing it. Abbie didn't understand why Santa didn't bring her a telescope - she told Santa just 5 days ago she wanted one. Trust me, Santa had gotten all her gifts by then. Kenny was happy with his multitude of books - there are enough there to keep him happy for awhile. And, of course, his Wii. More about that later.....
One of the funniest things I can remember happened late last night..... Do I tell it? Someone wanted to upload the pictures from my camera onto their computer. After the memory card was taken out, they looked at it. Turned it this way and that. Tried to envision how it would work. Then asked, "Does it go in the CD spot?" Needless to say, someone else got off their hiney and showed them exactly where to put it!
Merry Christmas!
Does anybody else come home and revel in putting on their pajamas? It's my favorite part of the day.....
This is the song that makes the holidays for me. It needs to be Nat King Cole, too. One more week.....
It must be from God that Mariah didn't work. I had tried to post another silly Christmas song and I couldn't find it on YouTube. Maybe this year we will celebrate with beautiful music....
ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU! BY MARIAH CAREY
I had this last year but I still LOVE it! I'll be singing it all day....
My friend, Tiffani and her hubby are in a cool contest! Tiffani loves Bebo Norman! Read what she wrote:
Stephen and I entered an online video contest on Bebo Norman's website, bebonorman.com. (He's a Christian singer we really love--"O Great Light of the World", "I Will Lift My Eyes", ...) Our video is one of the top 3 finalists!The video that gets the most votes wins a trip for 2 to Nashville to watch a concert and hang out with Bebo. Which is where you come in! Please, if you have some spare time, go to http://www.brickmanmedia.com/bebo/vote/ and vote for our video, which is the fireplace video, #2. Vote as many times as you want. (You could even forward this email to your friends/family.)Thanks for your help
So go and spread a little Christmas cheer for my friend!
Yup, you guessed it, I went shopping the day after Thanksgiving. I have gone int he past - I've not gone int the past - it all depends on the Deal. The Deal has to be good enough and what I want. I do not shop on Black Friday - I buy. That being said......
Who is this good-looking fellow and why is the number 6 important to him (and me?)
When I asked for stories of kindness last week, I loved your answers! I especially loved that Stephanie told about a lady at her work that would bring her a calender page that she thought Stephanie would like. It just shows how little it takes to make an impression.
I got this one though email - again, nobody I thought read my blog. This is a simple thing that not any of her friends saw her do - it was done to God's glory.
Today I was working at one of the elementary schools with our PALS from Cooper High - what a sweet sight! Seeing those Bigs (high school students) and Littles (usually 4th graders) together will restore your faith in "today's youth." I know that they may not be making wise choices on Friday night, but on Wednesday they are reaching out to Little's that need a friend.
Anyhoo, their teacher is Shawna. I enjoyed visiting with her on two previous occasions and, Lord knows, we will be together on many a Wednesday this year. Today she told me that she had figured out how we knew each other....... Bear in mind, she didn't ring any bells for me - complete stranger.
She reads my blog.
Freaky feeling - we have now established that she knows alot more about me than I do about her! She is an English teacher so I'm sure she notices all my horrible grammar errors and it was a little weird for a moment (for me anyway.)
You just never know......
The Coffee Group went. The Coffee Group spoke. The Coffee Group was once again humbled that anybody would listen to us. Praise God that He directs our paths and gives us what He wants us to say.
It was a terrific weekend. My girlfriends make me laugh until I cry, regularly, and when I haven't had enough sleep, the tears are a'rolling! The group of ladies we spoke to were so wonderful. Their prayers told us alot about their hearts and I loved that they were open to studying all the material we gave them.
My kids missed me and I missed them but we are all back together now. Kenny's birthday came and went -we're having a party next week. He and Riley are actually one week apart and they plan to have a sleepover on Friday night (and stay up all night) and then we'll all go to see Bee Movie. I feel like that they will probably sleep through that!
If you didn't read it last year.....
Kenny's Birth - Part 1
Kenny's Birth - Part 2
A Teaser
The Rest of The Story
I'm working on my talk for next weekend and I need yall's help. The Coffee Group will be speaking somewhere in central Texas and the Proverbs 31 Woman is our topic. I'll be speaking on Proverbs 31:20 -
I just love this little car! I can see me driving it in a few years. I'm already yearning for a Mini-Cooper - this is right up my alley. Kenny and I both were amazed that all this stuff would fit into this little car.....
As I'm sure you've guessed, that's Charlie Brown. The paint job was done by professionals who were paid with chocolate. He also said "Good Grief" alot. That sweet girl is a princess - see? Pop mentioned something about Dolly Parton and I thought about some balloons but it just didn't seem right. She was happy until that wig started to itch. I was dressed as Tracy Turnblad but I don't have a shot of that......
Roxanne was recently doing a survey to see how much we all spend on food for a month. I saw this at another blog and thought it interesting enough to share with yall. It is a photo essay on what people eat in one week from around the world. It also puts the cost of that food in local currency and the US Dollar. Isn't it interesting how many pictures have soda, Kellogg's cereal, and bananas?
Check it out.
It's always funny what gets folks to my blog. There's always my name. There's usually links from my friends. There's often links from the Coffee Group. Then there's the search engine links - those can be funny or just plain weird. The ickiest one was someone in Manhattan (of course) using the words "men wearing pan*yhose." (Searcher didn't use * but I will) By using the * in some words, I can cut down on the freaks.
Oh, which post brought that weirdo to my little corner of blogsphere? The one about Abbie forgetting to wear something underneath her skort one day. To make matters worse, that searcher with a bank's address. Weren't you supposed to be working, dude?
Current searches:
what makes me a winner
make me a winner
wal-mart.rx/list
civil duty 2007
it's only a game
word for the day
and my favorite:
flying tomato personality
I have to say that having Hillary means we get to watch Darrell Hammond do Bill - and that's just plain funny!
Warning: Contains the word b*stard.......
I'm trying to walk my neighborhood in the mornings. I don't enjoy walking. I do it to sleep better and help with my squiggly lines. When I left it was cloudy and I saw some lightening off in the distance, but I live in West Texas. Just because there's something in the distance doesn't mean it's coming your way. It did. I was on the other end of my neighbor when the rain started - I was glad I was wearing a windbreaker.
Now your wondering what squiggly lines are, right? I have found them online under visual disturbances. They can be caused by many different things. I've had them for years but usually 2 to 3 a year - they come, they last about 30 minutes, and they're gone. Last week I had 2 to 3 a day! A day! They make seeing the TV, the computer, or the road difficult. In my attempt to diagnose myself online, I found that relaxation can help, stretching while working at the computer can help, and exercise can help. I'm diligent to stretch while working at the office and the walking is (of course) preceded by stretching.
I haven't had any this week. Maybe it's working? I'm hoping so.
Lastly, I wanted to give more info on Abbie. I think we have the real reason she didn't want to smile at the photo shoot. When asked to smile (for the camera,) she can't just smile her real smile. So her smiles turn out to be teeth-baring grimaces. Now, I knew this but, I didn't realize she did. She can't turn it on for the camera. She's one of those people that need someone behind the camera making funny faces. Bless her.
Tammy took pictures of us last night at ACU and, don't ya know, she's already gotten up a slideshow and gotten us our proofs! All of you can go here to see the slideshow she created - it's incredible. She is so talented - I'm lucky that she'll even take pictures of families anymore. I've watched the show a few times.....
If you notice, Abbie isn't showing her teeth is some of the shots. She told us after, through her tears, that she didn't have a pretty smile. What??!! I was trying hard not to bawl. The idea that this beautiful little girl didn't have a pretty smile! Abbie has said before that's she's shy. I don't know shy - I never been shy. I've been insecure but that was at 13 when all girls hate everything about themselves.
Love them both more than more my luggage.
I'm trying to write about my time travel book and it has me thinking.
If you could change anything in your past, would you? What would it be?
This past weekend our children were gone. It was just this side of glorious. Mimi and Pop took them to Dallas and Jim and I were by ourselves. Kenny asked me if we would miss them. I very nicely said that it would be quiet around here. I also told him that by Sunday we would be missing them.
Sure.
It was quiet. I read and watched football with Jim. We went out for dinner and saw a movie with Tammy and Rob. (3:10 to Yuma - it was good.) We rented 3 movies and watched them all. Jim grilled us steaks and we split one. Just one! We ate a pan of brownies. We knew we couldn't leave any evidence.
It was wonderful and quiet. It was a little weird at church but Jim was able to put his arm around me without pushing a child down the pew. One of Abbie's friends was a little put out with us that Abbie wasn't there. Like it was our fault. The living room stayed cleaned up.
Oh. They had fun, too.
Remember the good-ole-days when we all had gospel meetings? (Not Revivals) Our family went every night and we usually had to fix supper at least one night. That's the way it was - we went to church every time the doors were open. Amen.
We had ACU Lectureship this week here in Abilene. During Lectureship there are classes during the day and speakers every night. I usually want to hear everybody that talks. I'm interested in the topic or I know of the speaker and want to hear him or her. This week was no different. I wasn't able to go to any classes during the day because of work but I was determined to hear at least two of the evening lectures.
So we took our children to two evening lectures. I wanted to tell them that these men and their words made such an impact on me - their words would do the same for them. I didn't think it would matter.
Landon Saunders on Monday night - he was smokin! He spoke for 50 minutes. Fifty minutes that went into my heart and caused me to look at everybody the next day differently. Kenny read a book and Abbie colored. Toward the end Abbie said, "This guy is good!" She thought he was funny. I thought he was poignant.
Jeff Walling last night. Now, we had to work to get to hear him! Rush here, cook as quickly as possible, gobble it down and hurry to get a parking place. But I couldn't miss Jeff Walling! Those of us of a certain age remember those youth rallies he used to do. Do we even have youth rallies any more? Never the less, my kids loved him! He told some funny illustrations that both of them were quoting in the car this morning. I got to say, "Remember that was about God's grace?"
It was hard to be there. It was hard to be on time. My kids would have rather been at home watching TV. But it was worth it. For me and hopefully for them, too.
I wish there was more time. I'm so happy to have the wonderful friends I have but I wish I had more time for more people. This is a thought I have alot - there are so many wonderful people and I don't have time to know them better! It takes time to make a friend and time to maintain that friendship.
Who do you wish you could know better? First names only, please.
Whew! Going to work (almost) every day is putting a dent in my blogging hobby! I don't have time to put together coherent sentences and all my thoughts seem to fly from my head when the day is over. I'm doing good to make sure the trash is taken out!
I haven't had the opportunity to watch all this video but it's 7 minutes from Fox Network. It seems that my readers have an interest in Fred Thompson so I'm posting this from YouTube. If you have time to watch it, maybe there's something to you want to learn about.
He does give answers to questions that many of us want to ask - including abortion, Iraq, and gay marriage.
I'm putting a link here today. "Uncle Billy," who has a life outside of buying stuff for my kids, is trying to raise some money for the GOP (The Grand Old Party.) He fears that the Democrats will do something crazy if they are elected.
So how about another political question....
Would you vote for another actor for President?
| You Are an Orange Crayon |
 Your world is colored with offbeat, confident, and stimulating colors. You have a personality that's downright weird - and you wouldn't change it for anything. Loud and expressive, you voice your opinions fearlessly and strongly. And while you have a strong personality, you can be friends with almost anyone. Your color wheel opposite is blue. Your confidence is something blue people truly envy. |
As most of you know - I have no cell phone. You read that correctly - I live my life without a cell phone. You can call me - at home. You can reach me - at home. I have voice mail - at home. I have email - at home.
We had cell phones in Alabama. I had one when they were new and we needed antennas on our cars. I remember falling in love with a guy who drove a truck - his cell phone antenna didn't seem to go with his F-150. But I got used to it and even rode in that truck everywhere we went. They seem laughingly big now.
We had cell phones in Arkansas. Both Jim and I had our own and carried them around - we were long distance whenever he was at work so we used them to talk to each other. We hated paying the bill. It was that bill that got us - so much for so little. And it came every month. Bottom Line - We hated it.
When we moved to Texas, we decided we could live without a cell phone. That was 4 years ago. I started a blog (one guy thought anyone with a blog would have a cell,) people have quit their land lines, both sets of grandparents have cell phones. I'm constantly asked for my cell number - everyone assumes I have one. We don't intend to be a fanatics - maybe we're just cheap.
Monday night in the bed: "Now, Mommy will give you a kiss and a hug at your door tomorrow. You can just go on in and sit in your chair." (Happy, Mommy voice) "I don't want you to leave me. You can stay."
Tuesday after school: "You were sad for a little while and then you were ok, right?" (Just like Mommy told you voice) "Mommy, I wasn't sad for you at all this morning. (very matter-of- fact big girl voice)
We met our teachers last night. We went from one side of the school to the other. On the kindergarten hall, it was busy. There were lots of parents looking a little freaked out and children looking scared. On the fourth grade hall, there were big kids giving teachers hugs, girls ignoring boys, and cursive handwriting everywhere!
After being in Abbie's classroom (Mrs. Arnold, a friend,) where there were centers and lots of things to play with we went in to Kenny's room (Mrs. Biggs, who we've only heard good things about.) Jim's first comment, "Look at all those books." About 5 textbooks stacked in every cubby with a "Friday Folder" sticking out with the child's first and last name written in cursive. Everything was neat and orderly. It made me notice how big Kenny is and the difference in their ages (4 1/2 years.)
Kenny can't wait for Monday and Abbie is very apprehensive. She and I talked about making new friends in Kindergarten. She's so sweet - she asked me how I made friends in Kindergarten. I didn't tell her that could not remember - I went with it and tried to give her some ideas. I think she's so wonderful - why doesn't everybody want to be her friend?
It's already started at our house..... Check back later - I'm trying to write but I have to go to the pool!
Things I've learned lately:
In catching up on my blog reading this week, I saw a question on Mike Cope's blog I thought interesting. I need yall's answers!
What is/was the best TV comedy ever? What about the best Movie comedy?
No video this week but I read something funny. Yall know I love BooMama and her post on the Republican candidates made me laugh out loud.
Go get some fun!
Is it really 2007?! Because I'm boiling my water and that seems more 1907! I had never heard of anyone boiling their drinking water until I moved to West Texas. Occasionally on the news some outlying town has to boil their water and I usually think how archaic that is. But now it's the city of Abilene. It's me! With a pot on the stove and a pitcher of water in the frig that has been boiled.
I can't believe I just wrote that. Did I move to Central America or Africa and no one told me?
We always drink bottled water. I've never liked the taste of Abilene water so we buy a gallon at a time for 25 cents. I personally drink 64 oz (or more) a day add we use about 6 gallons a week. It usually isn't a big deal for our family - but I hate to pay for water for my coffeemaker. Or for brushing our teeth (I forgot last night and used tap water.) Or washing our veggies. It all feels very backward and pioneer.
I couldn't help thinking of all the students moving to town this week. They already think this is the most boring town ever. Now they are going to think we barely have shoes and all ride our horses to work. (I welcome the chance to de-bunk any of these myths.)
Hey yall! When I was a little girl, I just knew I'd be a mama! It's always been a given with me, ya know? I knew I wanted a career first but being a mama was always in the plan. So I worked hard (and partied hard, too) and made myself a success! I danced and sang until I late so it wasn't unusual for me to need a little something to fall asleep
When the time was right, I decided I was ready to be a mommy. I was dating this guy who was so cute. He already had a little girl and I loved being her mommy! We would go shopping together and go play at the theme park. She was so good she didn't mind having her picture made with me (I really hope she's doing good now - I haven't had much time with her lately.....) so when we got married it seemed naturally to have a baby really quick! Ya know? Then we has another - two boys - I was so done after that!
Well, after that birth of our second baby, we got kinda tired of each other, ya know? Things just didn't work out with us - that's just the way it, yall.
Now their daddy thinks he should have them all the time! I'm their mama, yall! I gave birth to them! Heaven knows, my body shows it! I know I've made mistakes, but I'm the mama!
Sad, isn't it? Somebody tell this woman (she isn't a girl anymore) to cowboy up! Take responsibility for her life and children! Oh, how many girls still look up to her? Please, Britney, grow up!
As some of you know by now, I have a new job. I'm working at Big Brothers/Big Sisters part-time and I started yesterday. After being there for 4 hours, I picked up the kids and we went to the pool! I have to get the last of those pool hours in!
Everyone has asked how that first day was..... It was your basic first day. Employee manual, where to park, where's the refrigerator, a new password, etc. I'm looking forward to interacting with the kids and learning the new computer program.
In the meantime:
Go over to Steve's blog to read some interesting stuff about baptism and our kids...
Lisa has a couple of interesting memes over there....
I love what Trina has written about her parent's 50th.....
This is our future, yall. My kids are already singing this song and I see the dance moves all around the house.
I always forget those cute things my daughter says. She's at that age when it could be anything - Jim and I usually look at each other and grin.
This morning she was watching TV when a commercial with 2 turtles were sitting on a hotel bed, talking. You know, turtles do that alot.....
"I like commercials with talking animals." That' why they make them, sweetie.
Well, I really wanted the jury experience and now I've had it. Yes, I could have easily gotten an exemption (children under 10 needing childcare) but I never thought they would choose me! I thought wrong.
I was chosen for a Family Violence case and spent the day in court yesterday. I have since been told that if you're in the front row - you're in. FYI: tell the lawyers you can't be impartial if you want to go home. I lucked out because they were empaneling for a murder trial. That would have been too hard to do.
I won't put any info on the case on the World Wide Web. I'm happy I got my chance to serve. Now how long until I get another green card in the mail?
Weird thing at our house.
Jim had Jury Duty on Monday. He had to be at the courthouse early and then sit for about 1 hour. Then they told him to go home and come back on Tuesday. Apparently the wheels of justice didn't need Jim on Monday. On Tuesday, he stood in the hallway for another hour, the bailiff then came out and told all the "jurors" that court was in a 20 minute recess. They hadn't realized court was in session. After another hour, they were sent home. Thank you for your public service.
Guess who has jury duty next Monday? Yep. Me.
Ever since I (quickly, I was reading Harry Potter) asked yall for your favorite blogs, I've been meaning to add some links. I've been meaning to update my links on the right.
I haven't. I may not. I can't decide.
But here's the links for some of your favorites.
Confessions of A Pioneer Woman - This lady is wonderful! Anne led me to her and I love to read her daily (she publishes almost daily.) She has great photography and funny writing. She has a huge readership so I don't generally comment but I enjoy her storytelling. She also has a cooking blog where she post recipes with pictures of her cooking - looks tasty!
BooMama - Melissa B put BooMama in my comments section and I have to admit I read her alot, too. She's very Southern and lives in Birmingham so I love it when she mentions anything to do with my hometown! She, too, publishes almost daily so I have to work to keep up.
BigMama - This one was listed by Melissa B, too. I don't read her but she seems to have a large following. I was reading her this morning and she's funny, too. Texan, too.
Quiet Life - This was listed by Melene. I'm pretty sure this is her blog (Melene let me know if it isn't.)
If you have another fav, put it in the comments. It may make it to the main page.....
I've signed up to win! I couldn't resist a Flat-Panel LCD HDTV! One of the "rules" is to link yall over so you, too, can win. Feel free to NOT link over and sign up - this would make a good Christmas present for my hubby. He is notoriously hard to buy for.
Sponsored by Best Buy.....
This one comes with an explanation. In Hairspray, the main character runs into her high school teacher's lounge and all the teachers are smoking. The air is thick with smoke and we can hardly see though it!
That was my first teacher's lounge. They had just started separating the smokers from the non-smokers and, trust me, I was one of 3 non-smokers. We had a small closet. The smoker's had a large room (with a window) and it was almost impossible to walk in there!
So....
Wow! This has been one of those weeks! It seems like I never have time to write and whenever I have a (minor) inspiration - one of the kids is playing on Webkinz.
To Update:
Thanks for:
Are you thinking about what will happen next to Harry? Have you pulled yourself away from the book long enough just to read what blather I may have written or asked? Me, too.
What blog do never miss going to other than this one? Why that blog?
I'm trying to read some lite, fluffy stuff while I await Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. (Have you heard there's a new book coming out?) I don't want anything that can't be finished by midnight Friday night so I'm choosing according.
I picked up the Nanny Diaries thinking that would fall into the "fluff" category - funny, not too deep. I was wrong. I'm recommending this to every young woman I come across (or her mama.) It's all about a young woman (21) who is completely taken advantage of by her employer. She's trying to make every happy. She wants everybody to get along. She wants her employer to step up and be honest. Sound familiar to anybody? Your first job, maybe?
Our main character, Nan, never gets up the nerve to confront her employer. Her mom and dad try to get her to be up-front with her employer about working conditions but she's afraid of making somebody mad. She's afraid of losing her job. So Nan worries about it constantly and obsesses with her family and friends.
A great read to discuss with a young girl. To talk with her about standing up to injustice. About knowing when to confront or even how to gently question a request/demand.
According to my counter we only have 3 more days!
We dropped off Kenny at ACU Leadership Camp yesterday. Yep, I left my baby in the care of someone I met in dorm hall. A guy's dorm, no less. And this, so called, caregiver was carrying a baseball bat. Was he intending to hit my child on the head to keep him in line?! It stank like mildew, the toilet seat had some black spots on it, and my sweet first-born was in boy heaven.
We hadn't gotten to the end of the street when it hit me that I had just left my son! This kid, that I hardly let go to the other side of the store without me, was free to wander the ACU campus for 2 hours without supervision! Who knows what kind of mischief he and his roommate would get into to?! But I'm sure it's okay - they both had watches! Because telling time makes them do everything they are supposed to do, right?
I thought about him all night. I kept looking at the clock and wondering what was going on with him at that moment. At 10:50 when I was ready for bed, Jim assured me that he was in the dorm, safe.
Check out over at Tammy's blog for her camper post....
After last week's deep question, (that even required it's own post!) I'm going easy on you this weekend.
What's your favorite candy bar? How often do you have one?
This may look like Texas but it's really in California. I would make some joke here but I'm pretty sure Texas has its own set of crazy activities (Rattlesnake Round-Up, maybe?)
I'm entering the Harry Potter Zone. It's brought on by the release of a Harry Potter movie or book. The Zone will last until I have, not only seen the movie and book, but dissected it with others that are in the Zone.
I went yesterday and bought tickets for the 3:00 showing of the Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - Kenny and I will be there with our friends. I have my frequent buyer card ready to get Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows on June 21 (at midnight, I'm sure.) I have finished the 6th book (Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince) again, so I'm ready for the final fight with Lord Voldemort.
It's a little hard to think of much else. Although I was awake last night until 1:30 watching Pride and Prejudice and I'm going to the library this morning to check out the last 3 tapes of the BBC version. I've heard over and over how wonderful Colin Firth is as Mr. Darcy - I'm not getting it yet. I wanted to smack him right up until his proposal last night - I'm looking forward to that story, too.
Yes, I'm also living in the real world. I'm cooking, cleaning, folding clothes, etc but my mind is in the Zone (or in 19th century England.)
My friend loves Bono! She loves his music and his activism. It's a little obsessive really. One day she was telling me that Bono has written in his book that he fights for the poor because of his Christianity. He believes what Jesus said that whatever we do for the "least of the these" (Matthew 25:40) means -for him-the poor. (Did I say that right, Tammy?)
I, too, was intrigued that helping the environment has become a political or religious statement. Is this because most Evangelicals are Republican and this issue has become something the Left love? Are we choosing to believe that the earth is being destroyed based on our political party?
I don't know if the rain forest will be gone in 100 or 10,000 years because we want cars and toilet paper. I have no idea if the polar ice caps will melt so I can fly on vacation. I not sure that if I leave my curling iron plugged in - my grandchildren will have no protection from the sun. I don't have a side in the huge global-warming issue.
But I do believe that God made humans to protect His creation. I believe that He gave us dominion over the earth. (Genesis 1:26) I think that the Father wants us to be good stewards over his creation. I think that means doing the recycling thing whenever possible. I think that means makes wise choices in purchases of appliances. I think that means applauding those who bike more and drive less. I think it means watering your lawn responsibly (1 time a week is enough.) I believe we are doing God's will when we are seeking new ways to provide a planet for our future generations.
There are too many smart-aleck things to say about this video. Like: "Why pay that much for a haircut and then have to mess with it so much?" Or "Is he preparing for lipstick there at the end?" Feel free to add your own.....
I so appreciate everyone asking about my dad - I'm feelin' the love. Daddy went home from the hospital yesterday at about 1:00. I talked with him at 5:30 and he still seemed pretty tired out. He told me that getting home "about wore him out." My parents house in on a hill and the only way to get in is to climb a flight of stairs or go up a hill and then 4 stairs - I was worried it might be a little much for him.
As I have said before, I'm so thankful that my brothers are close. My sweet sister-in-law, Kathy, actually brought him home. Please keep all of them in your prayers.
One of the days we were gone, I had to do without coffee. It was the day we left and it seemed silly to make a pot for just one cup. By the time I got coffee (about 2 hours later) I was headachey and (extremely) grouchy. Coffee - got have it! What about you?
What do you have to have to make it though the day?
I had a call from my brother at about 12:45 and my dad had just gotten out of surgery. He had 5 by-passes and in recovery. His surgeon felt like dad's heart muscle was good. Thanks for praying for him and my family.
Love Yall!
Enough of the rain already! We are all tired of each other and being in the house! I can't even send them in the back yard because there's a small lake out there!
Daddy's surgery is tomorrow morning. Thanks for praying....
I don't do this very often but I thought today it might be okay. I'm asking for prayers. For my dad. I had a call this evening and Daddy had been admitted to the hospital when he had chest pains and his blood pressure had shot up. His blood pressure is under control but tomorrow he'll have a arteriogram to check for blockages.
Remember he and my mom during the day - it's hard on all of us because I'm so far away.
Finally, home again. Yes, we were gone on vacation. Yes, we went with Mimi and Pop. Yes, that means there were 6 of us in a mini-van for 4 days. Yes, we are happy to report no one got hurt.
We went to lovely Branson, Missouri in the Ozark Mtns and had lots of fun! Mimi and Pop have a time-share and so we stayed in a 2 bedroom condo with lots of fun activities. The kids got to go swimming (with Jim) and we all saw lots of fun stuff. All of us went to the Shanghai Circus with the Chinese acrobats and they were wonderful. Abbie got the DVD so we can watch them over and over. We also all went on the Ducks. These are WW II vehicles designed to go on land or water - we did both. It was very cool. The kids really liked it, too. They were called up to the front to drive when we were on the lake and were both given the title of "Captain."
Mimi and Pop watched the kids one night so Jim and I could go to one of the shows by ourselves and we went to see Six. Six (out of 10!) brothers who sing tight acapella and really rocked the house! We loved it so much that we bought one of their CDs - that we promptly left in Mimi's van. One of the guys was so funny and said "whatever" several times. (It was part of the show and not as lame as it sounds.) At intermission, Jim encouraged me to show him the Sarah sign for "whatever" and then he did it on stage! I busted a gut but the rest of the audience wasn't as impressed. Sarah, you're semi-famous now.
We also went to an old-time church of Christ in another small town (not to be named) - they were trying to come into the 21st century. They had the Paperless Hymnal that didn't work too well - all churches have technology problems. Since we were the only people in the building that weren't holding our hymnals - we were the only people scrambling when the Power Point decided to quit. We were searching for the page for some obscure song we barely knew. The preacher also had Power Point for his sermon but he was controlling it himself from the pulpit. That would be one way to make sure the screen was on the page you wanted.
I'm sure there's more and I know there are some pictures (including one with all the family in duck bills) and I'll posting them soon!
My kids are all excited about starting VBS tonight! Except we're calling it SBA (Summer Bible Adventure) - but they're just as excited. I always loved VBS - what about you?
What's your favorite memory from or about VBS?
I've been thinking alot about the elitism-thing lately. I saw Dan Zanes in concert on Saturday (I'll write more) and I was sooooo put off by the "reserved seating." It was at the Historic Paramount and 5 rows in the center front were "reserved." I had waited with Abbie for 20 minutes in the 90* heat to get a good seat for this general admission concert - we had good seats on the side across from the "reserved seating." We were on the aisle - I did that purposefully, so Abbie that could see better and she was able to get up and dance. So I'm not complaining about my seats - they were good!
But what about the other folks that sat in the back, under the balcony - were theirs as good? What about up in the top of the balcony? Did anyone fall going up or down (inside joke for Sarah, I couldn't resist.) The reserved section was policed, if you will, by two ladies in their Junior League t-shirts. They stood next to the area (on either side) to keep out the great unwashed and allow those lucky people who had a special pass to sit there. About 2 minutes before the concert started, they were approached by the executive director of the Grace Museum and asked to open up the last 2 rows. By then everyone was seated and the rows remained empty throughout the concert.
It really bothered me. I checked and the Junior League weren't listed as sponsors (they frequently are and usually have good seats reserved at children's events.) I thought about Jesus and his response, I thought about how it would look for my home church, my kids - this is a small town, yall. Anything I say or write (this or a letter to the editor of the paper) will be there forever! And it will be remembered..... Some of these ladies go to my church, some of their kids go to our school - they aren't bad necessarily bad people.
Then I see an another news story about Paris Hilton - is she getting special treatment because of her name and wealth? Of course she is. Just by virtue of who she is - she has special treatment. She can call Barbara Walters, collect - is anybody else in the LA County jail doing that? Her parents go to the front of the line when they visit her - no waiting in line for them.
My conclusion (on Saturday anyway) was that I couldn't be prejudice against anyone based on their t-shirt. Or what club they are in. This is what it boils down to - prejudice. Some people earn their snob title - Paris or the Junior Leaguer who shows her stripes - but they can't all be lumped into One Big Snob because of their club membership. Or what school their children attend. Right?
