A Fun Time was Had By All...

FIRST of all...Rock You isn't working again. I have the slide show made and it's showing some other family here! I thought I had deleted it and saved this as draft, but apparently I published it and some of you are probably wondering if I've lost my mind. Soooo...I'm going to start over.

Our Halloween party is over and it WAS a success! We had 15 adults and 12 kids from the church in addition to many neighbors who dropped by. We gave out 75 children's treat bags and a BUNCH of candy! Many adults took chili, soda and candy bars. And they loved the cookies! We met some new neighbors that we didn't know in the past. It was fun connecting with both our neighbors and our church family a bit more. Here's a little glimpse of the preparations and our evening:

It all started with Reverse Trick or Treat last Sunday. Here are some of our church family getting ready to surprise neighbors with a bag of candy to use for Halloween. I have to tell you, if you try this, bring a cute little kid in costume...no one refused these darling little girls!!
DS 4 took care of pumpkin carving. As you can see, he had a little "help" from both cats!
The "set-up" was a table for goodies, chili, cider, soda, AND water in the driveway. Chairs and a firepit for visiting when it got dark.

One of our church members is a professional baker and she brought these darling cookies to share. They were a HUGE hit with all the kids and adults!!

DS 2, DS 3 and their friends played frisbee all night in front of the house. It was amazing how this also attracted kids! I think it's funny how frisbee comes and goes by way of popularity.

DS 4 couldn't decide WHAT he wanted to be for Halloween. I did not type up this story, but here he is being a "funny guy" and loving on one of our church members' new puppy. The puppy got LOTS of love throughout the night.

And here are the sweet little girls who won hearts during Reverse Trick or Treat....

And then the kids and their families started coming. It is always so fun to see the cute little costumes everyone is wearing.
Even the neighborhood pets came by for a little loving.
I found these cute little lanterns at JoAnn Fabrics the other day. They were only $2 each and I got 8 of them to add to our decor.
And here is a picture of the lanterns and the pumpkin lights we found as well. When the sun went down, the firepit went on and we enjoyed visiting with everyone who came by to visit. It was fun to see how people came back after they took their children around the neighborhood. They came back for chili or drinks or just to visit.
Here are DS 4's pumpkins after dark. Can you tell he got tired of carving by the time he got to the big one? It became an abstract work of sorts.
And you know I can never show pictures without sharing the food that was INSIDE too!

When You Need Time to STAND STILL...

Sometimes I get SO busy that I don't know if I am coming or going. This is a bad bad habit of mine that I am really trying to stop. I have occasionally pulled back from everything to regroup and get a grip. I don't consider myself over committed right now, but I need time to stand still today. And here's why...

As I mentioned last week, we are having a Halloween Party at my house tonight. It starts at 6:00pm. Last night, DS 4 asked, "Why is always at OUR house?" I came out of his room asking myself the SAME question! And last night I dreamt about it and tossed and turned as I thought about all that needs to be done...

We will have chili, apple cider, finger food and drinks/candy for both children and adults in the neighborhood. All is well, really. DH is cooking chili and apple cider. He is making sure the house is ready to go today. He is buying a new fire pit to put in the backyard for people to sit around. DS 4 carved two of three pumpkins last night. I have to finish some last minute decorating today when I get home and make sure the snacks are out to share.

So, you might wonder what my problem is exactly...here it is...I don't get off work until 3:30. I live 30 minutes away from my house. People are coming at 5:30 to help set up. But I want to be almost completely set up BEFORE they get there. I really like having the FULL day to get ready for this sort of thing.

It's my own fault, really. I've known it was coming. It is not like the time has changed or the date changed....It's just that I cannot do not get ready in baby steps. Instead it mulls in my mind. I pick up an item here and an item there that I know we'll need. Then the last minute, my head starts spinning on my shoulders and I am a maniac until I know that all is well and everyone is happily partying away. My boys don't like the hours just before entertaining. My husband is fabulous during these last minute preparations....OK STORMS! And I cannot think of a time when things did not go as planned or people didn't enjoy themselves.

Still, I WISH I could make time stand still for just a bit between 3:30 and 5:30 today. Cause there's a storm a brewing!!

Voting...It's time

We held a mock election at my school the other day. This was a program sponsored by our county that allowed students to cast a vote via the web. They were able to view the entire ballot and make their selections. Here are some of the responses we heard from students:

"I don't know any of these people! How can I possibly decide?"

"I liked (this candidates) signs the best, so I'm going to vote for (him/her)."

"If you don't vote for __________, you're not a good person."

"I can't vote because the government might find out my family is not supposed to be here."

And my personal favorite, from MY OWN DS 4:

"Some kids asked me who I voted for. I told them it was private and none of their business. They said, 'If you didn't vote for (insert candidate name), then you're a (candidate name) hater!' I think they should get a referral for that, because it takes away my rights. And, BOY do I feel a PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE coming on!"

Uh, can you tell we talk politics in OUR house????

Then, in other political news...I was talking with one of my colleagues yesterday who has two children ages 14 and 16. She told me, "My husband will not tell the kids anything about the election. He refuses to tell us who he is voting for and I don't know if I should tell the kids or not."

Here's my opinion: We don't TELL anyone WHO to vote for...but it is our responsibility, as parents, to talk to kids about how we reason out our own voting choices. As I explained to her, "How are your kids ever going to learn HOW to think about elections if you don't model it for them?"

I'll be glad when this whole thing is over, but for goodness sakes, let's all BE INFORMED and VOTE RESPONSIBLY!

Award and Meme

Just last week I discovered that my friend Sandy's two daughters and son-in-law have joined the blogging world. Lindsey sent me this award yesterday and I was quite touched. The rules are to pass the award along to seven more bloggers. Since I've passed along blog awards before, I am trying to send it out to bloggers that I haven't recognized in the past--and just so those of you who I've tagged know, I've not checked to see if you already have received this or not.

My awards go to:
1. Amy at Amy's Random Thoughts- Amy and her husband are both bloggers. They are waiting for a precious child from China and it's been fun to read and watch their journey!!

2. Kara at Calm and Chaos - Kara reminds me a lot of myself because she found herself pregnant with her sweet son when she didn't really expect it. She isn't able to blog as much since the birth of the baby, but when she does, it's a real nugget.

3. Kelly over at Chatty Kelly is a newer read for me. I've loved getting to know her through her sweet and clever posts. She is a thoughtful blogger who loves Jesus.

4. Katie over at My Life with My Loved Ones is also a new read for me. She lives in the listening area of our local CCM radio station and we met via the DJ's blog. I have loved reading her stories of her sweet children and getting to know Katie a bit better over the past few months.

5. Merrie over at Merrie Days is also a newer read for me. She's a fellow Preacher's Wife who is so very "real" on her blog. I feel like I've connected with Merrie in so many ways. And I love hearing about her wonderful children and sweet grands.

6. Guinevere over at Raindrops and Whiskers is not a new read for me, but I don't know if I've ever given her an award from me. She's a delightful Mommy and teacher. I've loved following her during her internship and hearing about all the adventures in her life.

7. KT over at The KTKronicles is also a long time read of mine. We met online at a website for
Christian wives. She is such a great Mom who has had her share of ups and downs over the years. This year, God surprised her with a "curve ball" as she found herself expecting again. It's been fun to hear about this new journey.

On another note, I saw this meme over at Danielle's blog today. I thought it was great fun, so in true blogger style: I took it!! Seriously, she invited us to do so.

Were you named after anyone? I have no idea if I was named after anyone.

When was the last time you cried? Hmm...I think I cried just a week or so ago over one of the boys. Nothing bad. They just make me cry when I'm proud of them...when I think of them growing so much...when I see them making good choices. I don't have to tell any Mom. You know exactly what I'm talking about.

Do you like your handwriting? For the most part, yes. Although I think it has gotten worse in the past couple of years.

What is your favorite lunch meat? Well...I don't eat it much, but I LOVE a good fried bologna sandwich with tomato and mayo. Most of the time if I eat lunch meat it's turkey.

Do you have kids? Uh yes, refer back to the "when was the last time you cried?" question.

If you were another person would you be friends with you? I kind of wondered this on my blog one day several years ago. Yes, I think I'd be friends with me.

Do you use sarcasm a lot? Unfortunately I use it more than I really wish I did. I try not to because I know it can hurt so much. But I slip.

Do you still have your tonsils? Sure do.

Would you bungee jump? Not unless it was the only way out of a very scary situation...and I mean VERY VERY scary cause my first inclination was to say, "not in one million years!"

What is your favorite cereal? I really like peanut butter Captain Crunch. We just talked about this at work today...I don't eat it anymore, but it DOES speak to me when I see it on the shelf. My favorite "healty" is special K.

Do you untie your shoes when you take them off? If I'm wearing tie shoes--and that's a big IF--I do not untie them.

Do you think you are strong? I'm definitely stronger than I used to be--thanks to that personal trainer.

What is your favorite ice cream? Chocolate peanut butter cup.

What is the first thing you notice about people? After I notice what they are wearing, I am inclined to look at their hands.

Red or pink? RED

What is the least favorite thing about yourself? That I get so driven that I forget to stop and enjoy people around me. I think my children sometimes suffer when I get in the "zone".

Who do you miss the most? My Grandfather who has been gone for 9 years this month.

What color shoes are you wearing? Shoes??? No shoes once I'm home. It's bare feet for me.

What was the most recent food you ate? A pork chop that DH cooked. YUM!

What are you listening to right now? The Biggest Loser TV show. I am mad at the blue team, but Bob's my favorite trainer!!

If you were a crayon what color would you be? GREEN.

Favorite smells? Vanilla. Mango and Peach candles. Italian food.

Who was the last person you talked to on the phone? Some woman who called to tell me how great a candidate is and that I should call him at (this number) and thank him. All in a very monotone voice. Weird!!

Do you like the person who sent this questionnaire to you? You mean the one I took it from??? Yes, she's delightful both in real life and on her blog!!

Favorite sports to watch? Football without question.

Hair color? Blonde....really.

Eye color? (I'm even taking Danielle's answer on this one cause we are the same here.) Hazel…unless of course I have a green shirt on then they are green, or if it’s a brown shirt then they are brown.

Do you wear contacts? Nope. Glasses.

Favorite food? Italian food and anything I don't have to cook.

Scary movies or happy endings? Definitely happy endings.

What color shirt are you wearing? Blue and white striped tank.

Summer or Winter? Definitely love winter!

Hugs or kisses? Both

Favorite dessert? Creme Brulee.

What book am I reading now? Twilight.

What is on your mouse pad? My finger.

What did you watch on TV last night? Chuck and the World Series.

Favorite sound? Children laughing...good giggling laughs.

Rolling Stones or Beatles? Depends on the day and the decade, but mostly the Beatles.

What is the farthest you have ever been from home? Alaska this summer. Although Panama might be further....I don't know.

Do you have a special talent? Not really anything out of the ordinary...I can write. I can lead groups. I do have a creative side when I need it.

Where were you born? Ohio

If you decide to play, let me know so I can come read your answers.

Weekend Update...

What a busy, but fun, weekend!!

Friday was supposed to be our Fall Fun Fair at school. It rained, so I was able to come home and CRASHED.

Saturday was spent getting ready for Reverse Trick or Treat on Sunday AND our work Halloween Party Saturday night. We always have so much fun at this party. It's amazing the different costumes that people come up with! I didn't get a full picture of my costume, but here is one of me with my friend, Brenda. I love this picture of all the people that I work with who are on FACEBOOK! There are more people from my school on FB that weren't at the party. But I'd say it's a pretty large group!On Sunday we hosted our church family at our house for Reverse Trick or Treat. This was an AWESOME activity! There were ten adults and 5 kids who gave out candy at 80 homes in our neighborhood. The stickers on the candy read: "No Tricks, Just Treats from your friends at (our church name)!" People were blown away that we were out to GIVE something with no strings attached.

Afterward, everyone came back to our house for supper. It was great fun!

Now, Friday, we are hosting a party to give away more treats to adults and children in our neighborhood. So far, there are 20 people signed up to come over then. I am looking forward to more time with our church family while reaching out to the community.

It's going to travel...

OK, everyone who commented on my last post....here's what I'm going to do....

I want each of you to read this book. SO I'm going to send it along to Susan, with five stamped and addressed envelopes. Susan, when you read it, will you send it to someone else from the envelope? Then the next person can send it to someone else...and so on and so on until the book has been passed around. The last person can pass it along to whoever you'd like.

I hope that sounds OK. I'll need each of you to send me your address....so I can make your envelope tomorrow.

You can email me at sooz8764@hotmail.com

Book Review: Why I Jumped

Several months ago, I was in the Christian bookstore and found several books in the bargain bin. This book, by Tina Zahn, caught my eye.

The book, Why I Jumped: My True Story of Postpartum Depression, Dramatic Rescue & Return to Hope, is the story of Tina's experience with Post Partum Depression and her attempted suicide. Tina jumped off a bridge in Green Bay, WI and was rescued by a police officer. You can see the video at her website.

Zahn grew up in a family that had the outward appearance of having it all together. But she tells a horrible tale of sexual abuse at the hands of her Stepfather beginning at age 5 that sent her into a spiral of self-doubt and, in her words, "self flogging". She had to carry this horrible secret for years. And, when it was revealed, the people in her life didn't really take any action to help her deal with it emotionally. Zahn wrestled with poor relationships and two abortions as a very young woman.

Her story, though, is so much more than the muck and mire that she found herself facing in her life. Zahn married a man, Daniel, who loved her despite the chains that bound her. She became heavily involved with her church and joined several women's Bible Studies in addition to MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers).

The thing that struck me is that despite having this network of support, Zahn still fought the battle with severe depression. She had quite a group of ladies---who she credits with praying specifically for her needs. It was in the MIDST of her Christian walk that she jumped off the bridge. She talks about the realities that so many victims of depression experience. I love these words she writes:

For too many years I tried to fix myself. When I had a problem, I took care of it. With anything and everything, I tried to do life on my own. Then came a day when all my efforts left me exhausted, broken, despondent, and empty. I looked out the window that day and asked God, "What next?"

When we reach the end of ourselves, God is there. Healing doesn't come in a day or an hour or a session. It doesn't come with one pill or one bottle of pills, with one doctor or one treatment. And it doesn't always come easily for those of us with decades of pain buried deep beneath the surface. But healing can come. You can't give up.

And THAT is the message that Zahn shares so well in her story: You CAN'T give up! When you think there is no one out there who loves you...you're wrong. Because no matter what your circumstances tell you...God is bigger than your circumstances. And HE LOVES YOU!

I have struggled with "the blues"...but never really experienced full blown depression. I believe I read this book to consider the "other players" in Zahn's world. Reading this book reminded me that no matter how "together" someone may seem, they may be hurting deeply inside. And while it may not be as deep or dramatic as what Tina experienced, they important thing is that we ALL have opportunities to be part of a support network for those in our lives. I believe we just have to look around us.

I'd like to pass this book along to a reader. If you think you'd like to read Tina Zahn's story, please leave me a comment and I'll draw a winner on Friday.

Four For Fun...

Saw this over at Jill's Place and decided that I wanted to play too...

The "rules"....which I find funny...only THREE steps here:
Copy/paste
Type in your answers and
Tag four people

A) Four places I go over and over
School (which is my work)
Nail salon
Target (DH says I have a Target habit)
Chick-fil-a (did I tell you that I am a Diet Cok-a-holic?)

B) Four people who e-mail me regularly
My Grandma
My friend Sandy
My friend Debra
Hmmm...I don't really have a fourth person..so I'm going to have to be like Jill (sort of) and say: Pottery Barn

C) Four of my favorite places to eat
Caragioulio's -- a quaint little Italian restaurant that DH and I like to visit
Bergamo's ---my FAVORITE Italian restaurant in Orlando (and my FAVORITE restaurant EVER since they sing show tunes and Opera while you eat)
Moe's (not very formal....but still a place I enjoy going)
Buffalo Wild Wings and Applebees tie for #4 as places to go with the kids


D) Four places you'd rather be
Mountains
A Cruise (anywhere is fine with me)
Back in Alaska
Somewhere in the Mediterranean


E) Four TV shows I could watch over and over
House
Law and Order
Apprentice
Cold Case


F) Four people I'm tagging
Whoever wants to play...I'm breaking this rule. Let me know if you do so I can come read your answers.

I've Cleaned my Cache, BUT...

OK, all you Internet experts...when I post to my blog, it doesn't update here at work. It still shows the same page that I posted LAST week...and IF I go into blogger to see my latest post and comments, it only shows the first few even though it says there are MORE. Anyone know how to make your computer update???

When Someone "Goes into the world"...

My DS 2 shared a story with us last night that simply blew me away. Then, this morning, my DH was telling the Pastor about it and he asked DS 2 to share it in church this morning. So, totally impromptu, DS 2 shared the following:

He is part of a local teen theater that goes into the schools sharing some very tough messages with kids. Last year's play was about AIDS. This year's is about the horrors of drug addiction. DH and I went to see it a couple of weeks ago and it is quite an emotional presentation. They pull no punches as they portray what many of their peers have experienced with the out-of-control spiral that often accompanies drug use.

Thursday they were in a local high school and presented their play to the Freshman class there. Six hundred kids. Of course there are almost always the kids in the audience who are looking for a laugh and were making fun of the group's message. DS 2 said they were not the best audience. At the end of each performance they conduct "talk back" time where audience members can give feedback and ask questions of the cast members.

When talk-back began there was a "heckler" in the back who said, "Yeah, there's nothing to do in this town. That's WHY we need to do drugs!" Of course that was followed up by snickers and laughter. DS 2 said he noticed a girl up front who seemed to want to say something. Finally, one of the cast members asked her if she had something she'd like to say.

This 14yo girl stood up and faced the boy in the back. She said, "I know addiction is hard. I know people who have fought and won. And I know people who struggle. But, I also know someone who can help anyone who is struggling with it. He is always there for you and He cares for you..." DS 2 said at this point, he was thinking, "Yeah, I know who she's talking about!" DS 2 said that the entire room stopped still while she spoke.

The girl continued, "He loves each and every one of you. His name is Jesus and He died on a cross because He loves us so much." When she finished, the entire room of freshman gave her a standing ovation. And suddenly she was surrounded by people who were hugging her and encouraging her for her words. In the words of DS 2: "It blew me away!"

As my DS 2 shared this in church, I was thinking..."Would I have done the same thing?" And I can honestly say, "I don't know." I think she took a bold step. She was unafraid and most importantly unashamed to stand up and speak her heart to others. And even more specifically, her peers...the people with whom she interacts each and every day. It was risky and vulnerable at best.

In my opinion, sometimes that group is the one with whom it's the most difficult to share. They are the people who see our everyday attitude and actions (warts and all) and can sometimes cause us to "clam up" about our faith. Let me be real for a minute:

This week I've been thinking about this very thing. Next Sunday we are going to "reverse trick-or-treat" here in my neighborhood. I have to say it'd be easier to be in "somebody else's backyard". I even thought about suggesting we change the location.

You see if anyone thinks it's "odd" or "strange" or "wrong"...I don't have to see them again when it's not my own neighbors. But because it WILL BE our neighbors, then we are becoming vulnerable. Now, I can't imagine who wouldn't take a free bag of candy with "no strings attached"...and it's not like we're planning to present the gospel on the doorstep. Nope. It's simply an act of kindness with a note that says so.

It requires nothing but a willing heart and a smile. And I believe that, though it's not quite as bold as this 14yo was. It still may, like she did in the midst of her peers, even "blow someone away." I hope so.

Servant Living...

Most of you know that when my DH took a different path from full time pulpit ministry, my own "ministry" changed a bit. Because I'd always been involved in so much, I really wanted to take some time and just "be" in church. That's pretty much what I did for the first year. Gradually, this year, we've become more involved as we have been led.

The Pastor talked to me this Summer about taking leadership in an area of ministry within the church. At first I gave a rather quick "no, that's not where I see me working". I truly wanted to do what God wanted me to do. I've spent way too much time doing jobs in the church simply because "no one else would step forward." After a little prayer and a HUGE nudge kick in the pants from God, I said "Yes".

The ministry I am working with centers around Servant Evangelism. This is the concept that simple acts of kindness can make a big difference in the world. At our church, we call this "interact". It is our opportunity to interact, in meaningful ways, in our community. This summer we gave cold water out on the beach. We also shared treat bags with kids who completed the mile beach run.

I think the church is in danger of defining "need" as weakness and limiting its outreach to the hurting, sick, poor, or lonely. And certainly there are multiple opportunities to reach out to these people. But, the fact is there are many hurting and lonely people that appear to have it all together. And there are many people who don't believe kindness even exists in our world. We want to reach all of them.

So, here are the wonderful SE projects that we have in the next few weeks:

The week before Halloween we are going to "Reverse Trick-or-Treat". We will be visiting homes in a neighborhood and giving out large bags of candy they can use for Halloween or anything else they choose.

On Halloween, we are hosting a block party at our house. We will pass out candy to kids, but we will also have cold soda, water and large candy bars to adults.

Two weeks later, we will be hosting a Harvest Party at one of our local Assisted Living Facilities. We are bringing in musical entertainment, gifts from our kids, and some pets to share with about 40 residents. We will also leave candy baskets for the 350 employees at this facility.

And, I am MOST excited about the day after Thanksgiving....On the biggest shopping day of the year, we are going to get up at 0'dark hundred and head out to the large electronics store and pass out coffee to the waiting bargain hunters. I think they are going to be absolutely shocked by this.

I think the thing I am learning as we continue to find ways to spread little acts of kindness in our community is that it isn't that hard. We all have so many individual opportunities each and every day to be kind to someone else. And isn't that what Christian Living is all about?

Now that I have MY laptop...

I still can't sit up for long, but I can LAY down and type with my laptop. Plus that, I'm just not tired anymore...I mean sheez! I slept 13 hours last night...and another three or four today already. But that's NOT what I wanted to talk about here.

I wanted to share my DS 3's haircut, which is just below this post. For those of you who are wondering WHY he did it. Here's the scoop. He lost a bet at the Homecoming football game last week. It had to do with the point spread of the game...and he "lost".

Saturday was a GREAT time at the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk. I am SO TOUCHED by all the gifts from my family and friends. It was a blessing to be able to take part in this event...and we had a BLAST! Here are two photos (one before we walked with "dry hair" and one at the finish line sporting the "wet look").

In other news, there are several little contests and giveaways that I've discovered by surfing in the past week or so.

The first one is the Siesta Ornament Give Away, If you'd like to participate, go to the link and leave a comment. Bloggers will be matched and be able to send an ornament to someone in the month of November. It'll be great fun to see what ornaments are passed around.

The second one is over at Kelly's place. Here's the button you can click to find out how to win a "blog makeover":

And finally, over at Jill's Place is a fun contest to win Faith Hill's new Christmas CD. Isn't the blogosphere so fun???

Happy Monday everyone!

Still Here...

I'm still here, but I've been a little "under the weather" this weekend. I was in bed all day yesterday and am home from school today. I can't remember the last time I was quite this "blah"! Anyway, exciting news from the weekend to share...first and foremost, look at my "NEW" DS 3: He got his hair cut after 3 years of growing it out. I don't think he looks like the same person. The good news is, he's happy and he likes it. I'd paste the "compare" picture, but I don't feel like digging it out of my layout right now. If you want to see the "before" click on "My Family" above and you'll see him over there....though that will change soon too.

The other pics I wanted to share are on my computer, I'm borrowing DS 3's cause DS 2 borrows mine during the day.

Am I the Only One Who's Noticed?

I don't want anyone of yesterday's initial commenters to think I took your comments as "fire". I only wanted to make sure I was not passing judgment in my post. Last night I had a FABULOUS conversation with DSs 2&3 at the dinner table. It was so neat to hear their perspectives. The conversation started with, "I cannot believe you took that post down!" So here it is with some VERY MINOR tweaks. I appreciate each person who takes the time to visit here and comment. I love hearing different perspectives and I love how they help me "work out my faith." Have a FANTASTIC FRIDAY! ~~Hugs, Susan

Time changes things. It does, doesn’t it? Sometimes the change is good. And sometimes it’s not. I’ve noticed changes recently that have me thinking.

Let me start by giving a bit of my background.

I was raised in the church; it is a mainline denomination that has had its moments of sheer liberalism. Yet, at its roots, the church was founded on John Wesley’s teachings which are heavily “laced with grace”. It was where I first told someone that I wanted to “give my heart to Jesus.” Ultimately, that same denomination is where DH ended up in ministry.

When I left for college, my home church was in a stage of “country club” type living. It was a “whatever you choose is OK for you” mentality. In fact, I remember the pastor telling us that the Bible was “just a piece of literature”. And, “you can’t take it literally.” I was disillusioned at best and wanted something more.

As a college freshman, I found myself surrounded by people who were really “sold out” for Jesus. They went to different churches, but they shared an amazing faith. I went a few times and soon found myself “recommitting my life” to the promise I’d made earlier. And I began soaking up the Bible, regular teachings about faith, and Christian music. Again, I see this time as such an important fiber of the tapestry that is my life.

But I also developed a large list of “do’s” and “don’ts” of Christian Living. I’m sure there is no need to repeat them. Because I know many of us have them memorized whether we agree with them or not.

Recently I’ve noticed that the lines in the sand that were drawn for me by those do’s and don’ts seem blurry. There are things that are “acceptable” in today’s culture and churches that simply wouldn’t have happened 20+ years ago (in some cases, even in the most liberal of places). And when I see such things, sometimes I wonder: “Hmmm..THAT’S OK? I thought I was supposed to feel guilty if I did ____________ or said ____________ or went __________________.”

Here are some of those things that have given me pause in recent years:

I would never have thought about having a glass of wine in those early years. And if I did, I’d be guilty for days. I don’t share that opinion anymore. Back then, I would never expect to hear a Christian cuss. And if I slipped…GUILT. Not that I’m saying it’s OK to be a total trash mouth…but I do know people that DO speak the occasional word, as have I (NOT God's name in vane), and none have been zapped by holy lightning bolts. I listen to a mix of music, back then many Christians who would only listen to Christian music. When I hear a Christian DJ or musician talk about mainstream and secular music, or they are watching some show on TV, it sometimes makes me stop and think, “Really HE listens to THAT? OR SHE watches THAT?” The other day, one of our radio DJs twittered about playing Texas Hold ‘Em with his son. He could have been shunned from Christian media not so long ago. And though some seem petty, the list goes on.

Over the years, I’ve learned to relax myself. I am not as quick to judge as I think I was in those early years. I have learned and experienced more about grace than I ever imagined. I know there were many times when I didn’t accept it or extend it early on in my walk.

I never want to be a “prude” and I don’t want to be such a hard line Christian that I cannot accept a different opinion or spin on something. I DO believe that what is acceptable for one person may not be for another. I also want to avoid being the “line in the sand” type that Melli discussed in her post yesterday.

I know the world is different. I know culture shifts things. I know things are not always black and white. And I'm glad. But, I'm curious, does anyone else sense these (or similar) changes? And, if you do, are they positive? Or not?

Cause I'm still making up my mind!

Removal and Editing...

It was not my intention to decide if the things I mentioned in my last (now removed) post are wrong or right. I am not trying to judge. I only wanted to make note that, in my opinion, the climate of the CHURCH (as a whole) has changed. What's acceptable seems to have changed. Many of the things I have noticed would NOT have been acceptable behavior twenty years ago for "conservative" Christians.

I did not mean to send a message of judgement. Therefore, I have removed the original post. I may rewrite and post later. In the meantime....

Am I the only person who is noticing this shift in the church at large? And do you think it is positive or negative?

Book Review: Pledged

This book was a little outside my norm. It caught my eye several months ago while browsing the "Best Sellers" aisle at the bookstore. Since I was a part of the "Greek Life" at my small college, I was curious. And I was not disappointed.


Here is a portion of the review from The New Republic:

"Robbins grapples with a terrific amount of research on Greek life, and the book that results is fascinating and, in the end, highly alarming. Pledged is amazing in the same way that reality TV is amazing: It's the car crash you can't take your eyes off of, it's the Jerry Springer episode where you have to find out if that midget chick is really a dude..."

Sacha Zimmerman, The New Republic


This sums it up pretty well. Robbins, a non-Greek 1998 Yale graduate, spent an entire year "inside" several sororities and specifically followed four young ladies who agreed to let her do so. She went undercover to really explore what was happening in the houses and among the young ladies after being told that Greeks "would not talk to the press." She is careful not to reveal their identities and handles their stories quite professionally.


I was Greek in the 80's. I know that many people would say "once Greek, always Greek". And I suppose that's true in some ways. Admittedly, many of the things she reports were totally foreign to me: date rape, hook-ups, hazing, and such. But I could totally identify with other things such as pledging, rituals, life with a bunch of 'sisters', etc....and I was also aware that horrible things often happened "in other houses" and with other groups; specifically hazing activities. Although at that time truly I thought that was more in the guys' fraternities than in the girls' sororities. And it included the horrible, degrading, physically dangerous, and mental fatigue that were part of the initiation process.

Today, hazing is also defined as "activities and situations include, but are not limited to...creation of excessive fatigue...treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, road trips...engaging in public stunts...and activities that call undue attention to a difference in status between initiated and non-initiated members." And, if you take it to the letter of the law, hazing is also having pledges wearing "pledge pins" and setting them apart from the initiated sisters.

I remember sisters who pledged my sorority as a "second choice" or "third choice" because the most popular one didn't want them. I remember one of my own pledge class sisters who was a legacy (by her Mother) to a HUGE sorority on campus and couldn't understand why as a legacy she wasn't receiving a bid. She was crushed. Her MOTHER was crushed. I remember (unfortunately) judging those girls who came through during Rush Week and deciding if we should invite them to join us or not. And I remember when the new pledges would make the run down the hill with bid cards in hand to join their new found "family".

For the most part, my collegiate experience was a positive one. But after reading Robbins' book, I realized that there were things that I never really considered about sorority life. Most important to me is why most of the 26 sororities represented by the National Panhellenic Council are "traditionally white". There are still schools in the south that will not "pledge a non-white" student. And, as Robbins notes, in some chapters there are a couple of non-white students who are sometimes seen as "tokens". This absolutely breaks my heart!

I also didn't realize how critical a role sorority life plays in some states. Most notably, Robbins reports that in Texas there are mothers who will send their daughters out of state to pledge at an "easier school" so they can return and join a "competitive sorority" house at a state university. Or, as was reported by one girl who didn't get a bid from the "family sorority", on bid day the Mother's reaction was, "NOW, how's she going to find a husband!"

Additionally, there are places where alcohol, drugs, sex, and eating disorders are rampant and absolutely the "norm" in the sorority house. I will not say that these things did not exist in my experience, but they were NOT the norm. I know some chapters on my campus had reputations. I know that this stuff existed in our house, but there was never a time when I felt like it defined who we were. And I never felt like I had to make the same choices that a few girls in my sorority did.

As I said, this is not my "normal read" or review. There are realities that some readers may find offensive. And I admit there were a couple of places where I would have rather just put my head in the sand and said, "No way, that can't be real!" But, I pushed through it because I wanted to see her picture. And I think that's exactly what Robbins gives the reader. It's a snapshot of potential experiences. It's a glimpse into the Greek world that tries so hard to remain secretive.

I also love the fact that she is not out to bash the entire Greek system. In fact, in the end, Robbins gives some suggestions for moving the entire Panhellenic system forward in a positive manner. Her suggestions are certainly ones that should be considered.

I recommend this book for a few reasons and really for a couple of specific audiences. If you are, or ever were, Greek, you may enjoy reading it as I did. If you know a girl who is thinking about rushing and joining, you may want to read it. If you are a Mom with a daughter, it's definitely written from an angle that you should know about.

Update...

I am SO EXCITED and thankful for my wonderful blogging friends and family who have supported the Making Strides walk that I'll be participating in on October 11th! There's no question that I'm blessed by all of you!!

I wanted to give an update and ask you, once again, to help out in one of three ways:

1. If you are not supporting this cause in any other way, perhaps you can make a contribution to our team. I am hoping to find ten more people to each give $10 so I can get to my original goal of $500. You can click on this link to go to my personal page. It's so easy to give right online.

2. If you cannot make a contribution at this time, or you are giving in other areas, GREAT! I know that many of you have many ways that you give back...BUT....PLEASE do not let October come and go without encouraging the women you know and love to make sure they are aware of , and practicing, good breast care.

3. Please pray for our team as we work to raise awareness at our school. I work with many young teachers who often think they are immune to this horrible disease. I am excited to be able to share this message on our campus.

Friday Fodder...

A few little school tidbits on this Friday morning:

• I just helped chase a "runner" (an angry child who was threatening to leave) around our campus and now my feet are soaking wet!
• He's twice my size, so I don't know what I would do if I caught him and he didn't listen!
• One little girl that I have watched grow from K - 3 here just told me that her "Mama moved last night" so it's her last day. That makes me SAD!
• Another little girl told me that she had "antelope" for breakfast. I said, "WHAT!?!? You don't eat antelope!" She said, "Yeah, it's sweet and juicy." It was then I realized that she meant CANTALOUPE!!
• I've had conversations with 7 adults on my campus this week about one little girl who is extremely low. I love it that I really do work in a "village"!
• Just by way of observation, I'm starting to think that our youngest teachers are less able to "think outside the box" than anyone else. They are afraid to be creative and run with their own ideas in the classroom.
• I hate it that educational bureaucrats may have created this climate by being so scripted!
• Even though I've had more moments of doubt about my job than ever recently. I still know I am doing the "right thing" for me!

And on the home front...

• DS 3 is ready for the Homecoming game tonight. He has worked feverishly on the Freshman Float.
• I never really expected him to get involved in that way. But I'm so glad he is.
• I've scarcely seen DS 1 this week. I guess this is a glimpse into our lives after he leaves for Basic Training on November 19th.
• DS 2 is busy as ever. I read another play with him last night. He's loving the acting thing.
• DS 4 is really improving at his goal keeping skills. The soccer club has been providing professional goalie training for the past several weeks. I cannot believe how he just gets right in there even with the "big guys".
• We had a terriffic small group meeting on Wednesday. I'm so excited for some upcoming events that we are going to be doing here in our community!

OK, that's all the time I have to do any catching up at all. Perhaps this weekend I'll actually get to float around the blogosphere a bit. Hugs to all!!

I know...I know...

I know that it's our differences that make the world go round. And most of the times I love that. But, I confess, some days I wish everyone would see things the way that I see them!

Redemption

Don't you just love that word? Redemption. I do.

I've been listening to Christian radio for a very long time. And because of that, I
am aware of some of the lives of popular artists. Over the years, I've come to realize that those who are often on the pedistals of publicity and entertainment are just as normal as you and I. They wrestle. They have pitfalls. They sin.

And, like us, they are candidates for the sweet gift of redemption that can be each of ours.

For me, Michael English is an example of this. He was at the "top of his game" in 1994 when he suddenly announced an affair with another CCM singer. He gave back all his Dove Awards to the GMA and made a public "confession". I was heartbroken when I heard this so many years ago. And, honestly, I don't believe that the "punishment fit the crime" in this case.

Anyway, he's struggled over the years. Occasionally, he made some reappearances in the music industry, and has taken quite a road to the place he is now. I'm not going into the whole story of his journey. In fact, I really don't know the whole story. I plan to read it in his new book: The Prodigal Comes Home. I love the title.

More than that, though, I LOVE LOVE LOVE his song that is currently playing on the radio: Feels Like Redemption. Here is a video that features the song:


And because It's really not about the video. It's about the words. And, I am so moved by the words to this powerful song, here they are:

I know how hopeless feels
When you're staring at the bottom of an empty hole
In my life I know how forgotten feels
Wondering if the world even knows who you are

But I've never known anything, felt anything
Like the love of Jesus
And it's hard to describe what's happening inside
But right now all I know is

It feels like redemption raining down on me
It feels like forgiveness is come to set me free
All my chains have been lifted
'Cause when the hands of love touch a broken life
It feels like redemption

Now I know how thankful feels
'Cause I am overwhelmed by this gift of grace
And I know how healing feels
'Cause all my pain and all my shame
And all my tears have been erased

It feels like redemption raining down on me
It feels like forgiveness is come to set me free
All my chains have been lifted
'Cause when the hands of love touch a broken life
It feels like

Say goodbye, the past is ending
Say hello to a new beginning
No more night
The sun is shining

Feels like redemption raining down on me
It feels like forgiveness is come to set me free
All my chains have been lifted
'Cause when the hands of love touch a broken life
And when the hands of love touch a broken life
It feels like redemption

I cried out to the Lord, He heard my cry
He healed my heart and He touched my life
It feels like redemption

So say goodbye, the past is ending
Say hello to a new beginning
Feels like
Feels like redemption!

Redemption. Don't you love that word? I do!

Hope Starts with Me US!

{Sticky Post...scroll down for most recent post.}
As you probably know, October is often focused on Breast Cancer Awareness. Each year I find myself supporting OTHER people and efforts for this worthy cause. This year, when a colleague at school sent out an email inviting us to participate as a team, I decided it was time I jump in and do something more than just make a single donation.

So, a team of us will be walking together on October 11th. I have never solicited support for anything via this blog, but I know that many of you are as passionate about this as I am. So, this post will remain here this week for three reasons:

1. If you are not supporting this cause in any other way, perhaps you can make a contribution to our team. You can click on this link to go to my personal page.

2. If you cannot make a contribution at this time, or you are giving in other areas...PLEASE do not let October come and go without encouraging the women you know and love to make sure they are aware of , and practicing, good breast care.

3. Please pray for our team as we work to raise awareness at our school. I work with many young teachers who often think they are immune to this horrible disease. I am excited to be able to share this message on our campus.

Overheard from the Pedicure Chair...

I've been working on a "very deep" post, but I can't finish it. So, I've decided to share with you a little episode I witnessed at the nail salon today.

This older woman was in the salon having her nails done by the nice Asian gentleman who runs it. When it was time to scrub, she grabbed her walker and began scooting over to the sink while singing: "You take the high road...and I'll take the low road...and I'll be in Scotland afore ye...for me and my true love will never meet again...on the bonnie bonnie banks O'Loch Lomond." Then she turned around to announce to the salon: "My Mother used to sing to me all the time when I was younger. Mostly hymns." And she scooted over to have her nails painted.

I'm quite sure this is not a popular song among young Asian nail techs. In fact, I'm not so sure my own children even know the tune. But I did. My tech rolled her eyes at me, but I was mesmerized by this woman.

Once she got to the new chair, I could hear her conversation with the new girl that was going to finish the job. The girl commented about this woman's age (88 years). She said, "My you look younger than 88!" {And she did.} The woman replied, "I looked much younger until a few weeks ago when I went in the hospital and they had to do surgery. They made me lose fifteen pounds." Then she proceeded to announce to the entire salon that she'd had diarrhea for several days...and at this point her conversation toned down to just include her and the nail tech.

I commented to my nail tech, "I hope I'm half that spunky when I'm 88!" She calmly said, "She obviously led a very boring younger life." I thought that was a strange come back and I asked why. The young girl told me, "You're supposed to get all that out of your system in your 20's, 30's and 40's. When I'm that age, I'm going to be sipping tea on my back porch and watching my roses grow!"

It was an interesting perspective...and I'll confess to you that my one thought was:

"Well, I still hope I'm more like HER at 88 than you will be! And I've had a blast in my 20's 30's AND here in my 40's!!"

But I've learned that some thoughts are better left unsaid.

And the rest of the day, I've found myself humming, "You take the high road and I'll take the low road and I'll be in Scotland afore ye..."

I Saw the Sign...

Note to Self: If you get stopped by every red light on your way somewhere, and find yourself highly annoyed, perhaps it's a sign that you need to settle down a bit!!

One Precious Moment

When I arrived at my Grandmother's birthday party last Saturday, my Dad immediately told me he had something for me. He and my stepmother had come up earlier in the week for my Great Uncle Al's funeral. He was 92.

Dad pulled out a grocery bag and said, "Nancy sent this up for you and said you had to have it. I don't know why. I hope you do." Nancy is Uncle Al's daughter. And before my Dad got the words out of his mouth, I said, "Is it a little black and white dog?" I think he was stunned that I knew what was inside that bag. For him, it had no meaning. In fact, I'm pretty sure everyone in the room was wondering what the heck it was and asking "WHY?" But for me it was a reminder of a sweet time long long ago. I was flooded with emotion and memories!

When I was a little girl, and still living in Ohio, we used to go visit Great Aunt Rachel and Uncle Al. He worked in a Napa Auto Store. One time, when I was probably 3 years old, we visited him at his store. He had this little dog for me to play with during the visit. I am pretty sure he let me take it to their house later that day. I also remember playing with it a few more times at their house. I don't know why, but I thought it was so neat.

Uncle Al remembered. And so did Nancy. In fact, I remember several times when I saw Uncle Al as an adult that he would ask, "Do you remember coming to our house and playing with that little dog from the auto parts store?" And I would assured him that I did. When her Dad died on Sept. 7th, Nancy found the dog and made sure that it was sent to me.

In the picture to the right, Aunt Rachel and Uncle Al are seated with my Grandparents behind them. Aunt Rachel and my Grandpa were siblings. My Grandma is the only one left here on Earth.

These four people enjoyed spending time together and with their extended families. They have passed on their deep love for family to those of us who are blessed to be part of it. They taught us that treasures are often not expensive meaningless things. They taught us that treasures are in the memories that we make with one another. They taught us love. And laughter. And savoring time with one another. They taught us that simple things can make a difference in someone's life. From them, we saw how to create and make long-lasting memories from the simple things.

And in one little grocery bag last Saturday afternoon, I could once again feel that familial love that makes up so many precious memories in my mind today. When I gaze at that little dog on my shelf, I know it will be a constant reminder of the love that binds our family together. And I hope it, along with so many other treasures from my Grandparents and Aunts and Uncles, will serve as a tangible reminder that it is our job to pass along those life lessons to our Children and someday, our Grandchildren.

I don't know why Uncle Al and I shared this precious little toy together. I know it touched me deeply to receive it. And I promise to love it and care for it! :-)

Thank you, Uncle Al! And, thank you, Nancy for such a sweet gift! I will treasure it always!

Happy Birthday Surprises!

It's hard to believe that it was just a week ago that we headed into Ohio for my Grandmother's birthday surprise. I made a great little slide show on Rock You and when I hit publish, it was filled with photos from a Hispanic family not to mention Spanish captions! They were nice photos, but they weren't mine. I can't figure out what the problem is! So I'm going to post all the pics here. {Forgive the text alignment issues. I've republished this post nearly ten times...and I've just had a "let-it-go-and-hit-publish-for-the-last-time" moment!}

I love both of these photos and think I may put them in frames. One is my Grandma and Me. The other is DS 1 and Me.


The picture of me holding the little dog will be a blog post in the very near future. In many ways, I think I got one of the best presents of the day. I was touched beyond words and will share the whole story of this sweet little dog soon.



In this photo, Grandma is directing the "birthday singers" with her flower! I love it that she made sure we added that tag that says, "...and many more!" at the end of the traditional song! May it be so!


Below is a photo of DS 1 with my cousins two young children. They had a great visit with each other. I remember talking with my older cousins as a child and just looking up to them in great adoration. Maybe one day these sweet young things will think the same about this moment.



The other photo is Grandma with her children and their spouses who were able to be there that day.


This photo shows Grandma with several of her Grands and "Greatgrands". She has 13 Grandchildren. There are eight of us in the photo. There are 28 total Great Grandchildren and even a few "Great Greats" now. This photo has 7 "Great Grandchildren" in it.

It was definitely a weekend to remember!

Let's start at the...END???

I'm a chronological blogger for the most part. When I blog, it's usually a "thinking post" or an "informational family post". Pretty much when my posts are bringing bloggers up to date with the happenings in my life, I start at the beginning. Not today. I want to start at the end.

Most of you know that DS 1, my brother Dan, and I went to Ohio to surprise my Grandma for her 88th birthday this weekend. We had a great time. I DO intend to go back and fill in the missing events from the weekend, but I am limited on time to blog right now. So before I go back and fill in with pictures (which is easy to do), I want to tell you the part I don't want to forget.

It's all about coming home.

We flew out on Monday afternoon from Louisville, KY. There was a better deal if we left from there, so we made the four hour drive between the airport and Columbus both at arrival and departure. On the way, I think I mentioned to DS 1, "I hope we can remember where the car is parked at the airport in Tampa." He had the ticket, so we didn't talk too much more about it.

My brother in the meantime, tells us about losing his car in the airport once and walking from floor to floor looking for it. He mentioned that he "knew" he was "higher" than the first floor, so he never went down. [Side note: Keep this detail in mind. It's going to be important in a moment. And suffice it to say, I DIDN'T keep his little story in mind until later.]

DS 1 and I arrived in Tampa at 10:15PM. We had our bags by 10:30 and headed out to the parking garage. DS 1 looked in the pocket of his shorts that he wore on departure day...but he couldn't find that little ticket that told us where our car was located. Both of us were sure we had an idea. And we could at least use the key to "beep the lock".

Down we went to floor 1. We peered out the elevator doors and didn't see the car, but we KNEW we'd parked right in front of the doors and low in the lot. So, DS 1 beeped the horn from the remote key. We could hear it "calling to us"...but it didn't sound like it was on floor one. It was a distant honk.

Up we went to floor two. We could still hear it...but it wasn't in front of the elevators. Now there ARE several elevators. So we walked and beeped until the beeping stopped. Then we'd turn around and walk in another direction until we couldn't hear the beep anymore. We repeated these steps SEVERAL times. In fact, we even found a young couple who were in the "We-search-for-our-car-for-an-hour" club.

DS 1 looked at the assistance phone and it said to "dial 3 for help". Turns out the other club members DID that exact thing and found out that if you know your plate number they can tell you exactly where it is.

Now, picture what I'm picturing. It's almost the middle of the night. We are SCHLEPPING our stuff around several floors of a very large hot parking garage. We find a phone to use for "help"...and all I can think is there has to be a guy sitting in a room somewhere watching the whole thing on security cameras with sadistic glee! I didn't want him to tell me verbally where my car was...I wanted him to get in a cute little golf cart and TAKE me to my car!

DS 1 determined that he knew my tag number. Almost. It is one off from my DH's (who knew?). So we called DS 2 who really wasn't too happy about being asked to go outside at that hour to look at his Dad's car plate number. I am pretty sure he picked up on the fact that his Mother wasn't happy either! In fact, by that time I was quite CRANKY!

He gave us the number and we called the "help line" in that parking garage. I barely got three numbers of my plate out when the parking lot guy tells me that my car is ONE FLOOR BELOW US. And he was quite amused because "another couple just called and their car was almost in the exact same spot"! I won't even go into the fact that I really wanted to know how they KNOW that! It's not like we stop and give our numbers on the way in! Weird!

Perhaps our trouble was because the floor is labeled on the elevator as "Floor BC". What the heck does "BC" mean? We were on FLOOR 1. Sure enough...we went down ONE little story and there she was beeping away when we called (Ok pushed the button) for us to come find her!

Now, on this end, it's a funny story. DS 1 reminded me in the midst of it all that we just needed ONE MORE STORY to make the weekend even MORE memorable than it was. And it was good for a laugh. Whatever!

As always, there are lessons to be learned. Like...

* get the card and put it somewhere SAFE so you don't lose it
* sometimes answers are closer than we think
* usually there's a signal that can guide us in the right direction...we just have to look (or listen)
* looking on the bright side is more fun
* you might arrive at the solution differently than you expect to do so

And, as usual, there's that "kicker" of a lesson...

* you never know when you might be some parking lot attendant's middle of the night entertainment!

Hey, it's all for the cause, you know?