Just a Glimpse

If you've read my blog for any time at all, then you know that my guys have a bent toward music. Until he left full time ministry, DH played in the worship band at our church. DSs 1 and 2 played in the Youth bands there as well. The picture above shows DS 1 and another music leader at our former church playing for DH on his last Sunday there.

The boys also have played in neighborhood bands. Times have changed and now none of them are playing at church regularly, and any neighborhood jamming happens sporadically at best, thus I don't get to hear them too often.

That changed today.

DS 2 was asked earlier this week to fill in on drums at church since the regular drummer was going to be out of town. DH received a call yesterday from the Pastor (who also plays piano) and found out that the worship leader was very ill and his wife was in the hospital. He (the Pastor) wanted to know if DH could help with worship.

Now, remember that DH has not really done much "music" since we left our last church more than a year ago. When I came home from running errands yesterday, every guitar in our house was in the middle of our living room. DH was sitting with his music and DS 3 was kind of supervising things as they discussed possible songs that would "work" last minute. They went for a mini-rehearsal and planning session yesterday afternoon.

DS 1 spent the week away on a National Guard drill weekend. I mentioned to DH that it was a shame that DS 1 wasn't home since I know he'd love to come play with them. DH said he talked to our son midday and was told, "Dad, I'll come play if you can OK it with the Sergeant."

Call me a pessimist, but I wasn't looking for the ARMY to let our son leave their planned drill weekend so he could go help bail out a church with a limited praise band. Once again, though, I was amazed to find out that the Sergeant did, indeed, agree to let DS 1 leave drill for the service. He was going to have the Specialist drive him to church in the morning and we would return him to the armory after the service.

Fast forward to this morning's service. I only wish I had a camera to show you the gift I was given today. Once again, I got to hear and see "my guys" help lead worship! I love listening to my DS 1 and my DH sing and worship. And I love watching DS 2 play those drums. AND they did one of my favorite songs, "Heart of Worship" by Matt Redman. DS 3 even helped with the song and service slides.

I'm so proud of each of my guys. They are a joy to me. I love watching them use the talent that God has given them, for Him. It was bittersweet, though. DS 1 will leave in less than a month for the Army. DS 2 will leave in August for college. So, when the pastor spoke about trying to "force God's hand" rather than "walking in God's perfect plan" and letting him "direct our paths", I knew I needed to hear it. I am, afterall, a control-freak who would love to continue to direct each of their paths. I know, though, that is not my role at this juncture of their lives.

Instead, as I watched them play the final notes of today's service, I whispered a prayer, "They're yours, Lord...thank you, again, for the blessing that they are to me." And then I thought: "I don't know what their futures hold, but I KNOW WHO holds each of their futures."

And, THAT makes all the difference!

Thirteen G words that describe Susan:

1. Girl - Well...duh! But you know what? I must tell you that while I like all things "girl", I don't like "girl drama". Yesterday I was talking to someone who has friends that are in their late 40's acting like they are teens again with all the drama. I can't stand it.

2. Give - I LOVE to give things to other people. If I could "be" anything, and had the right resources, I'd love to be a Philanthropist. It blesses me to be able to give to those in need especially.

3. Graduate - I have a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Education. I'm toying with the idea of going for the EdD or PhD. We'll see.

4. Getaway - I love to get away from the norm once in a while. I'm so excited because I just found out that I'm going to get away with my cousin and some friends this summer for a Caribbean Cruise! It's going to be great fun!

5. Goals - I would not have called myself "goal-oriented" in the first 20 or so years of my life. Now, however, I have some goals and dreams and I find myself working a bit more with my goals in mind.

6. Goalies - While we're hovering around the word "goal", I cannot help but think how many times my boys have played this position on the soccer field. As a mother, and a spectator, it can make you VERY nervous! (I'm sure DH would tell you that this is because of my #1 G-word, I am a girl.)

7. Grateful - I have so much to be grateful for! God has given to me richly and abundantly and I am 120% (Yes, FIL, I know that's not possible) BLESSED!

8. Glare - I am pretty certain that those who know me best would tell you that I have a glare when I am frustrated, mad or angry. In fact, my boss once told me that he'd love to play poker with me because of it. I wear it on my face, no doubt.

9. Glow - I love the glow of a fire or a candle. It makes me warm inside and out. And it makes me peaceful.

10. Going - I love to go places and be on the go. It's fun to find new and exciting places to visit and learn about.

11. Grace - I am 100% saved by Grace. When I think about God's grace, it leaves me speechless. It's so mindblowing to me!

12. Grammar - I hate finding grammatical errors in written work. When I published my first book, the word "rhythm" was spelled "thythm" in like 20 pt. font. I was absolutely MORTIFIED! I had to learn that it happens to authors all the time.

13. Grandma - I am so blessed to still have one Grandma! She's a blessing to me. I love hearing from her via computer and when I get to visit with her. And someday, I hope to follow my "Grandparents" footsteps when I have my own grandchildren to love.

It's time for a Biblical Litmus Stick...

I started a long reflective post in my head based on Carmen's Blog and Bill's Blog and a conversation that they began on the radio in the mornings. Then, this morning, I went to Linda's Blog and thought, "NOW I really have to speak out!"

The truth is, I can't. Not now. I'm speechless. I'm sad. I'm sorry that there are so many people out there who are falling hook, line, and sinker into this type of "create your own spirituality" thinking. It absolutely BREAKS my HEART!

I have loved Oprah and am thankful for all the contributions that she has made to the world at large. She is extremely compassionate and willingly gives to others regularly. I think the world would be a much better place if we'd all learn to give the way she gives. Of course, not at the level she gives...but with the willingness of spirit to do what John Wesley suggests in this most powerful quote:

Do all the good you can. In all the ways you can. In all
the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the
people you can. As long as ever you can.
-John Wesley

Over the past few years with Oprah, however, I've sensed the shift to the New Age spirituality in some of her book selections. As Carmen points out in her blog, there are "half truths" all over Oprah's website. That, my friends, is a danger to any person who is listening and buying into the type of thinking espoused there: be your own God, you are your own Savior, and so on and so on... And the reality is there are tens of thousands of women and men following Oprah and buying into her belief system.

I'm not here to bash Oprah. I think she is an amazing woman who does amazing things. I am here to say that we all have to remember to give the spiritual litmus test to the things that we read and watch. We need to make sure that we "set our minds on Christ" so that we are not deceived by false teaching. But we need to do so in a way that builds a bridge for those who are searching with all their hearts in these areas of deception. Because, in my opinion, the very worst thing any of us could do is harden ourselves to the point where we cannot extend grace and mercy to those we love. And the second very worst thing we could do is turn our heads and refuse to be informed.

I'm sad today. Very. Very. Sad. Now pass that "litmus stick" over here.

What do YOU think?

Our local radio station was discussing this Communion on the Go type cup this morning. Apparently, one of the DJs was given it since he was sick and unable to go to Easter services. His wife brought it home for him. The wafer is on the first "peel" and the juice is in the second peel.

At first I thought..."clever" for shut-ins and homebound. Then I thought, "tacky" to serve the entire communion in them...but then someone said they were originally created for military personnel working overseas.

Finally, I concluded that I don't know exactly what I think without saying, "well in THIS situation, yes...but in THIS situation, not so much..."

Actually, truth be told, it'd be GREAT for Mother's like mine who had to endure the day I got my tongue stuck in the glass cup during our very traditional church's communion service. I was just trying to lick out the last drop. Trust me, those things are NOT silent when you break the suction!! And for that matter, neither are the giggling children nearby who see and hear their friend making a such a raucous! So, yes, it would save the Mothers that painful, "You wait till we get home, missy, cause you're going to be sorry" look!

And, even today, it would have saved my own children from those times they sent their fingers diving into a shared cup to find their piece of bread that they lost when they drowned dipped it ever so reverently in the cup.

So I am asking, "What do you think?"

McThinking

Do you like these? I confess. I do. Recently, I bought some for my DS 1 and as I snagged one from his box, the question came to me.

How many people LOVE McDonald's fries? I am fairly certain if we were in a large auditorium and posed the question, a majority of hands would go up.


What if we changed the question, however, to the following:

How many people like McDonald's fries 20 minutes after they are cooked? I am pretty sure the number of hands would be significantly less than those raised after the first question. They lose "something" as they sit longer, don't they? Even when they sit directly under the warmer lights of the restaurant too long, they can get "stale" tasting and cold. It happens pretty fast when you really think about it. I've thrown away entire boxes because they were just a bit cooler than their best.

This made me, again, reflect on the conversations my DH and I have been having about churches lately. I think we are a "McThinking Generation". We want our churches to keep the same flavor they had the day we walked in the door. We expect they are going to cater to our needs and fulfill our hunger each and everytime we are gathered. And we do not expect those moments of "cooling" to happen.

Something draws each person to his or her place of worship. I think we need to ask ourselves, "What was it that drew me to this place?" It may have been the people, the music, the pastor, the preaching, the ambience, the creativity. It may have been just about anything. It's our responsibility to know that we are in the place where God would have us be.

Whatever it is, or was, though, there is a potential danger. The danger is that after a short time, we forget the "attractor" and focus on the current condition or state. We forget that God placed us there. And sometimes, just like the fries, after a few visits or a few months, people throw their hands in the air and suddenly walk away. They think it's stale or has lost its flavor.

And when I really think about it, this has been human nature since groups of "God's followers" began being recorded in the Bible.

• Adam and Eve thought there was something "better tasting" than what God had already given them.


• Esau thought there was something better so he sold his birthright to his brother!


• Moses' followers begged him to take them back to Egypt after walking across the Red Sea on DRY LAND. They wanted to go BACK to captivity and slavery rather than follow God's direction.


• Samson lost his focus and let Delilah trick him.


• Peter denied knowing Jesus on the same night he'd partaken of the Last Supper with his friend.

These were "McThinkers"...they wanted something faster, better, bigger, more tasty than what their current circumstance was presenting to them. And in going after it, they threw their hands up and traded God's best for something less. I think they missed out on huge blessings.

Over and over again in our ministry, I've seen people walk out the church doors in a huff. When you get right down to it, usually something didn't go the way someone wanted and they "packed up their toys and went home." Certainly, there are situations where I think a change is good and positive and the right thing for all involved....I suspect, however, that most times when people exit otherwise healthy churches (and healthy is the key word here) with little or no explanation, it's due to "McThinking".

When I see this I want to ask, "Would you like fries with that?" Does God REALLY change His mind that quickly?



{Note: I do NOT think staying in an unhealthy church setting is necessary. I DO think that people often run too fast, and that is what I am talkinga bout here.}

One thing I know for certain is that God is NOT a "McThinker". He is not wishy washy. He doesn't take us somewhere to leave us there without direction. Nope. He's steady. He's a rock. He's more about a long feast with the ebb and flow of conversation vs. the fast food restaurant.

So, my questions change a bit in the context of the church:

• Do we LOVE our church? Is it where God wants us to be? Will we love it in 2 months? 2 years?


• And, when our enthusiasm seems to wane just a bit, will we try and be part of the solution before just throwing up our hands and walking away?


• Will we pray and seek God's direction and avoid putting answers in our minds that we want to hear and are not from Him?

Or, will we be "McThinkers"? I sincerely hope not.

He Is RISEN!!

Happy Easter to all of you! I considered not posting this picture because it's been on my Easter blog for two years in a row, but it really DOES sum up this entire day in history.



This year, I thought I'd add a video of one of my favorite Easter memories from the past few years. Each year, in our previous church, our Youth Group would perform this "stick ministry" to the song, "Arise My Love" by Newsong. Even though this video is not our youth group, it gives me goosebumps each time I watch it and consider the words. Enjoy!

Book Review: Sisters, Ink

Last month I won a copy of Sisters, Ink by Rebeca Seitz, over at my friend, Stacy's blog. Stacy reviewed this book and I immediately thought it'd be a perfect read for me. It is a book about scrapbooking, sisters, and takes place in Tennessee (one of my favorite places).

I was so excited to win my own copy. I loved this book!

It is the story of Tandy Sinclair, an Orlando attorney who is forced to revisit her past as she takes a two week "break" from the firm. While in her home of Stars Hill, TN, she spends time with her three sisters and her Dad, Jack Sinclair (a pastor and farm owner). She and her sisters were all adopted by the Sinclairs and, in many ways, are as different as night and day. They have different relationship status, skin color, likes and dislikes. But they are "forever friends" who truly do love one another. Their mother, Marilyn died ten years earlier after a bout with breast cancer. The girls love to go to their Mother's scrapbooking studio and visit while they exercise their favorite hobby.

During this visit, Tandy finds herself reconnecting with her past love, Clay Kelner. As their paths cross again, they deal with the confusion, question, and desire that often fills such a juncture.

This book definitely has a faith "thread" but is not overly "heavy" on it. I like that. I found these to be real women with whom I could relate. It was a refreshing get away type of book. And, I'm looking forward to my next chance to glimpse the sister's lives this summer.

What Would You DO for Jesus?

{Note: Scroll down for Thursday Thirteen.}

Before she traveled with Women of Faith, and before she looked like this: Sheila Walsh was a major player in 1980's Contemporary Christian music. In fact, the Sheila Walsh that I first "knew," and listened to, on my stereo looked like this:

She was "edgy" and really had quite a unique "rock" sound. I had the opportunity to hear Sheila in concert on more than one occasion during my college years. In fact, here are DH and I at a music festival (in 1985 or 86) where Sheila played:

Dontcha' LOVE the hair???

Anyway, she ministered to me in a big way. I loved her songs. I loved her humble attitude. I loved her Scottish accent. I loved her stories.

Today, something she said in one of those concerts back then came back to me.

DH and I have been talking about some current criticism in Christian circles about how different churches reach out to those who aren't connected with a church. This would include things like having coffee available at the service, perhaps meeting in a space that is not "churchy", using large screens for projection, or any other thing that someone considers "out of the ordinary". Some Christians have decided that some of these things are "wrong".

In my personal opinion, just about anything we can do (within moral reason) to make church positive, relevant and meaningful for those who are disconnected, is a good thing. So, I tend to dismiss this thinking as harsh and filled with judgment. I mean, who cares if a church serves gourmet coffee? If it helps someone be able to relax as they listen to a sermon, is that a bad thing? And so what if the church encourages people to come in their shorts vs. getting dressed to the nines?

Back to Sheila...

One of the last times I saw her in concert, she was talking about facing criticism for the way she dressed for her concerts back then. And she replied in her sweet Scottish voice: "I'd paint my hair green and stand on my head if it'd help people to love Jesus."

I guess we all have to ask ourselves just how "far we are we are willing to go" to reach out to others.

Sheila's message that day was so much more than green hair or headstands. It was her personal conviction to reach people in a way they understood. She knew then that, for some people, it required becoming more "like them" in order to point the way to a different path. And she knew that nothing else was going to help them connect than what they "knew" and "understood".

So, I am pondering the question again more than 20 years later....because I still think it's worth reflection: "What would I be willing to DO to help someone love Jesus?" AND "What should the church be willing to do?"

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen F words that describe Susan:

1. Fun - I love to have FUN...I'm fortunate because my job is fun for me most days. I also live in a fun family and have some very fun friends.

2. Family - Speaking of family, this is so important to me. I love visiting with my family. I'm proud of them and feel so blessed by each of them.

3. Friends - I'd be remiss if I didn't give my amazing friends their own "F Line". I love making new friends and nurturing those that are long time treasures.

4. Florida - It's where I've lived the majority of my life. I wouldn't necessarily "choose" to live here because I really love the mountains and the seasons...but my FAMILY is here and that's important to me.

5. Fish - Seafood is one of my favorite food choices. I mostly like shellfish, but I truly have never eaten any fish that I didn't like.

6. Fulfilled - I have had so many dreams fulfilled. When I consider my life, I think this is the perfect word for it. Of course there's much MORE TO DO...but I can honestly say that I've been fulfilled beyond my wildest dreams.

7. Faith - You already know that my faith is so important to me. I'd be remiss to not list it on my list this week as it is part of the very fabric of my life that defines me.

8. Fair - I really do try to be fair. I think that I have a strong sense of this and sometimes it means that I find myself very frustrated on behalf of others.

9. Facilitator - I get to do quite a bit of professional development in my job. It requires that I am able to facilitate training for our teachers. I prefer facilitating to actually "standing and delivering".

10. Flying - This is something that my DH and DS 3 love to do. DH just got his private pilot license. I am NOT a good flyer. I don't know if I could go on a small plane with him. I can barely get on the big planes. BUT I would not miss the trips I've taken for anything.

11. Finances - I am NOT good at handling the finances! I am SO glad that my DH IS good at this.
12. Fragrance - I love sweet smells...especially of my Yankee Candles! I also love it when I can walk outside at this time of the year and smell the orange blossoms.

13. Flags - I twirled "flags" in our high school marching band and loved it. I have to say that this is one of the things that made high school so fun for me.

Our Somewhat Annual Trek...

Some of you have been around here long enough to remember, this post recounting my trip to the fair with DS 4 just shy of one year ago. In that post, I confessed my sin of being a "goldfish killer" when I was a much younger mother. In an effort to put away my past, DS 4 and I bought the tank that is shown at the bottom of last year's post and began our quest to be good goldfish owners.

I'd say we succeeded. The first fish, Swimmy, died just after Christmas of this year. For those of you non-Math people, that's nine months after he came to live in our house. The second fish, Swimmy Joe, died just one week ago! That's almost exactly 12 months! A goldfish record for us.

DH recently purchased a "sucker fish" to add to the tank. Unfortunately, we lost that one this weekend.

Anyone who knows my DS 4 knows that he is an animal lover to the utmost. It doesn't matter what the animal is...he has a HUGE place in his heart for it. His fish were so important to him. When each one died, he cried big crocodile tears. And, trust me, there was no porcelain grave for our fish. No sirree!

Instead, his Dad (who is also an animal lover at heart) helped him bury each one ceremoniously at the side of our house. They even used a shovel to dig the holes...even though I'm pretty certain a garden trowel or a spoon would do.

Today, we went to the fair and DS 4 was laser focused on playing the ping pong game to get two new fish. It didn't matter that he was wearing a wrist band that allowed him to ride any ride all day. It didn't matter that they "might" die within a short time. It didn't matter that our fish from last year had longer than expected lives. Nope. None of that mattered to him.

I gave in. He played. We spent a whopping $2 and won two fish. DS 4 announced on the way home that he was going to name one "Swimmy the Second". I don't know what fish 2 is going to be called.

Regardless of their names, they are happily swimming in the tank tonight. And we are ready to be responsible goldfish owners once again. On our way home, DS 4 announced, "I just sleep better when I have a pet in my room with me." Well, alright then. At least we'll all sleep peacefully tonight.

Come Visit Me...

I'm posting over at The Internet Cafe today. Come join me!!




Happy Friday to all!

Thirteen E words that describe Susan:

1. Eagle - One of my favorite Bible verses deals with this majestic animal: "but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:31)

2. Educator - I LOVE being in education! I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I am doing exactly what I am called to do. I don't think that's something that many people can say about their life's profession.

3. Enthusiastic - I try to stay enthusiastic. I find that enthusiasm gives energy.

4. Economy - I know my DH might disagree, but I DO love a good bargain. I am aware of economic issues, and try to stay economical in my choices.

5. Edelweiss - I LOVE this song, from Sound of Music! When I was young, I was Gretel in the Sound of Music in our community theater. I've watched the movie dozens of times. DS 3 was also in the show here at our local dinner theater.

6. Editorial - I occasionally get "worked up" over issues. I have written editorials to the paper. I'll be honest though, most of my "editorials" are oral and for whoever will listen when I am worked up over an issue.

7. Eldest - I am the eldest sibling in my family. I LOVE my brothers so much!

8. Entertainment - Great entertainment is something that I enjoy. I love good music and theater. I admit that I am a fan of Idol, Apprentice, Home Makeover and Survivor...so I guess I like reality shows as entertainment too!

9. Elementary - I've spent more time in "Elementary School" than any other school...since that is where I teach. I believe with all my heart that a strong foundation is so important. It begins in Elementary. (I know that it really begins at home....this does not minimize the job of the Elementary experience in my opinion.)

10. Emotional - I am a highly emotional person. This was hard for my DH when we first got married. I've learned that I can't make every decision based on my emotions. That doesn't mean I'm less emotional, just more aware of them.

11. Exercise - If you've been reading my blog for any time, then you know that I am working out with a personal trainer twice a week. Lately it's been kicking my rear...I think it's because we've gone from training for a rep then resting while my friend D does her rep. Now, he has us on a circuit, so we are doing high intensity weights and cardio for an entire hour. I do love it...even though it's HARD sometimes.

12. Envision - I can picture things and ideas in my mind. I find that this happens to me a lot, so my colleagues often brace themselves when I say, "I have an idea..."

13. Eager - When I envision new ideas, I am eager to see them come to fruition. Sometimes this eagerness means I miss other things due to focusing on one thing very hard. I have also learned that just because I have a vision, others won't necessarily be as eager as I to make it a reality.

Wordless Wednesday: Spring and Mothering

Book Review: The Penny

I just finished reading The Penny by Joyce Meyer and Deborah Bedford. This is Joyce's first fiction work. It is one that I picked up this summer and finally got around to reading!

The book is about Jenny Blake, a young teen who learns that small decisions sometimes change everything. She is a girl who lives in a world that is at times extremely unpleasant, yet her spirit is quite beautiful. She discovers her faith and forges a wonderful relationship with the mysterious Miss Opal Shaw who allows Jenny to work in her jewelry store.

Jenny also develops a special friendship with Aurelia, who is an African American from "across the tracks" but attends school with Jenny. Aurelia and her family also play a unique role in helping Jenny find and develop her faith.

It's through these relationships that she learns to see the beauty that's inside her. She learns about love and forgiveness.

In the context of this book, Meyer relays some of the events of her own life. The story includes glimpses of repeated physical and sexual abuse, broken families, prejudice, poverty, and racial tension. But more important are the threads of grace and forgiveness that is offered through Jesus.

Although for me at times the story was slow, I am glad I pushed through this one. It was well worth considering what life must be like in some homes where one or more of these horrific conditions exist.

I was also reminded just how blessed I am...but also of the great responsibility we all have to reach out to those who are rejected, abused or scorned by their own family and/or the world around them. For we truly might be the only Jesus some people ever see.

My Weekend Window...

Once again, I have not been out to visit blogs. I'm missing you all terribly!! This is the busiest season of the year for me. When testing time rolls around, there is just so much to do and prepare. Fortunately, I was able to squeeze in a moment to give an update on our weekend.

Friday - My friend, D and I worked out with the trainer. It was a great upper body workout. I tweaked my thumb of all things. This little "pinch" reminded me what a great workout I had all weekend. Thankfully, it seems to be better today.

Saturday - I taught Saturday School. We had a great time making "test strategy quilts" with the kids. We read one of my favorite books, Hooray for Diffendoofer Day!. This is an "unearthed manuscript" from Dr. Seuss that was published posthumously. We talked about the theme of the book that they know everything they need to know...now they just need to "rest in what they know".

We encouraged the students to put their "quilts" under their pillows and sleep on it. I know Saturday School sounds like it could be a bore, but it really is fun. Next Saturday the kids get to spend all the "money" they have earned for attendance, behavior and spirit activities at our Saturday School auction. It's so much fun to watch them wheel and deal!

After a much needed manicure, D and I walked 2 miles at the Y. Then we met our friend B for dinner and went to a concert at her church. We got to see a "blast from the past", Don Francisco. It was a great night with some old favorites. One of my very favorites is I Don't Care Where You've Been Sleepin. You can click on the link and hear it, but here's a sampling of the words that are just so very powerful:

I don't care where you've been sleeping, I don't care who's made your bed
I already gave My life to set you free;
There's no sin you could imagine that is stronger than my love,
And it's all yours if you'll come home again to Me.

When you come back to your senses and you see who's been to blame,
Remember all the good things that were yours with just My name;
Then don't waste another thought before you change the way you're
bound
I'll be running out to meet you if you'll only turn around

Sunday - We went to church. The sermon was extremely touching and thought-provoking. I am probably going to blog about it later this week. I went to a funeral for a friend's Mother later that afternoon after a quick run through the mall. She was 103!


Last night, DS 4 and I went out to the beach to walk before sunset. It was a little cool, but still refreshing. I got to read some while he played with his friend.

Speaking of reading, I FINALLY finished a new book and will be reviewing it later on.

That's about all for my weekend. I hope yours was blessed!

Here are the FCAT Singers...

I'm hoping this works.

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen D words that describe Susan:

1. Determined - I sometimes get my mind set on something and I cannot be sidetracked. This can be both positive and negative. I can recall many times when family and colleagues have had to tell me to "Let it go!"

2. Dreamer - I dream a lot! I dream in my sleep. But I also dream of things to come and things I hope for. And I'm blessed that many of my dreams have come true!

3. Drama - I love drama! Not the teenage girlie kind (to be sure) but the real stage kind. I participated in community theater as a child and did some as a teen and young adult. This is something I haven't done for a very long time...but I DO love it!

4. Dancing - I love to dance. It's a great stress reducer.

5. DS 1 - my oldest son, DS 1 has a "D" name. He has grown into such a fine young man. I love watching him and knowing that he's seeking out his passions. Of course, I'm going to be sad when he leaves us in April, but I know it's how he must continue his own journey.

6. DH - my husband also has a "D" name. His support for his family. His passion for his job. His drive and ambition are amazing to me.

7. Diet Coke - my favorite all time thing to drink...from a fountain, not a can, please.

8. Deals and Discounts - I love a good bargain when I see one! It's fun to look for things that are reduced in price significantly.

9. Daytime - I am not a "night person"...I'm not a "morning person"...really my best time is when the sun is out and it's daylight.

10. Driver - I love to drive places. My dream is to drive America by backroads via an RV. It won't happen unless I do it alone because really no one else in my family likes to travel this way.

11. Driven - I'll bet you thought I put "drive" twice. I am driven for some things. I have one of those A-type personalities. Again, this CAN be both positive and negative.

12. Domestic - OK this is something I am NOT. I love being at home. But staying at home all the time makes me crazy.

13. Decorate - Even though I am not domestic, I love to decorate. I like decorating for everyday and for the holidays. It brings me joy.

Wordless Wednesday--Sort Of...

My colleagues and I wrote a song to High School Musical's "What Time Is It?" to help motivate our kids for their upcoming state test. It mushroomed into quite a production complete with video. I'm hoping to get it up on You Tube to share. You can see that I was able to recruit DS 2 and his friend K to help. I love it when people work together to make school a bit more exciting for kids! I work in a great place with great people.

Time to Lighten Up...

Geez, this place has been a bit "deep" lately! I think it's time to lighten up a bit. Since I really have no "funny" things to change the mood, I thought I'd send a little bulleted list about what's happening in our neck of the woods:

• DH came home Saturday...YEAH! This was one of his "longer" stints away, so it's always nice to have him back home again.
• We went Sunday with DS 2 and his GF, E, to meet her parents. It was a great evening just visiting with her family. They are both planning to attend the same college next year, and she has a sister there already. This meant I got to hear some "Mom scoop" on the place.
• DS 1 and DS 3 went running together the other day. Both are wanting to condition a little better. I say "more power to 'em"! I simply CANNOT run! I think it's neat that they went together.
• Speaking of DS 1, he took DS 4 to the Y with him the other day. DS 4 was so excited and has talked about it several times since. (Have I told you how much this young man looks up to his older brothers?)
• DH and I start attending a small group from church tonight. I am planning to blog about meeting those we will spend the next four months with very soon. It's a neat story so far.
• State testing starts next week...this is the time of year when checking blogs regularly can be a little "iffy" for me. If I'm not out to comment at your place, know that I am still reading via Google Reader.

There, that's a little lighter, isn't it?

A Letter to my Brother...

Dear "Youngest Redneck Brother",

I am responding to your comment on this post. I know that we sometimes see the world through different eyes and I'm 100% OK with that. You are right, that we all have choices about what to watch, listen to, read, etc. And that DOES mean that I have the freedom to change the radio channel when that song comes on...which I'll do from now on when I hear it.

You say that music is "just entertainment". I disagree. If that were true, then there would be no need for words. Music like this is poetry set to a melody. Someone wrote those words and that means that someone believes those words or wants to send a message. I DO believe there ARE songs out there with no real deep message...they are meant to make you tap your feet and have fun. But to say that the words of all types of music have no meaning is wrong. I think the lyricists in the music business would strongly disagree with you.

Here are some examples, to use more country music...

Do you think that Alan Jackson wanted us just to sit back and simply enjoy the music when he sings, "Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?" Or, do you think Toby Keith wants us to simply sing along and not really think about the words to his song, American Soldier? When I hear him sing these words:

I'm an American soldier
An American
Beside my brothers and my sisters
I will proudly take a stand
When liberty's in jeopardy
I'll always do what's right
I'm out here on the front line
So sleep in peace tonight
American soldier
I'm an American soldier

I am moved...deeply. And I'm moved even more so now that I am going to have a son who is an "American Soldier". And, knowing you, I suspect that you are moved too. These are the kinds of songs that have deep meaning and are meant to appeal to our emotions. Just like the song by Brooks and Dunn.

Entertainment is not just for "pleasure" or "fun". It is designed to make you laugh, make you cry, or to make you think. And this song, that Brooks and Dunn just produced, is one that made me think. I don't think it was just written to be a sing-along-song. It is right up there with Alabama's Angels Among Us or even the "lighter sounding" My Front Porch Looking In by Lonestar. All of these songs have deep messages.

Since I cannot believe that God Must Be Busy was written with no intended message, then I have to stand by my original opinion. God's NOT BUSY.

Actually, I was quite surprised that it came from Brooks and Dunn, who performed the beautiful song, Believe which sings about the kind of faith that does NOT believe that God is busy:

...Says he was in the war when in the navy
Lost his wife, lost his baby
Broke down and asked him one time
How ya keep from going crazy
He said I'll see my wife and son in just a little while
I asked him what he meant
He looked at me and smiled, said

(Chorus)
I raise my hands, bow my head
I'm finding more and more truth in the words written in red
They tell me that there's more to life than just what i can see
Oh I believe

I am in no way suggesting that we "boycott Brooks and Dunn". Please hear that message clearly. I like them. I hope that no one thinks I am writing them, or their music, completely off. I would not do that. That is a problem I have with people who make sweeping generalizations about music genres.

I still stand by my original assertion that this song, and its lyrics, missed the faith boat, though. Because, as you say, "God is not small stuff."

Thank you for making me think more about this. It's OK to disagree and I love it that we CAN disagree and be OK with that. And yes, you've always been pretty good at "stirring up the apple cart"!

Love you,

Susan

Saturday Photo Hunt: Party

When I think of the theme, "Party", I cannot help but picture all the times my extended family has "partied" at the VFW. This was my Grandmother's 85th birthday party--it was a surprise in 2005. And trust me, it was FUN!