******
and in the spirit of all things American, I shall go pack my bag for an early morning flight to Philadelphia, The City of Brotherly Love and a place rich in our country's history. pray for safe travels!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
liberty!
I cast my ballot today... the turnout blew my mind a little. how cool that so many people are participating in this election?!
******
and in the spirit of all things American, I shall go pack my bag for an early morning flight to Philadelphia, The City of Brotherly Love and a place rich in our country's history. pray for safe travels!
******
and in the spirit of all things American, I shall go pack my bag for an early morning flight to Philadelphia, The City of Brotherly Love and a place rich in our country's history. pray for safe travels!
Monday, October 27, 2008
riches.
I write the following hoping write softly won't deck me with a boppy - I slept until 10 flipping 15 today! craziness! and so decadent! yesterday I woke up with a little cough and a weird heaviness in my chest, reminiscent of the bouts of bronchitis I used to have twice a year like clockwork when I was a smoker. it's been almost 5 years since I took a puff, though, and I have to say I haven't missed the bronchial-sickness-monster because he is a gross foul fiend of a jerk. after church, the hub went to Whole Foods to pick up something for my cough called Herbal Expec, which he has great faith in, and we went home to cook a roast (him) and fall asleep on the sofa (me). I woke up to lounge around, watch Jeepers Creepers, and eat the aforementioned roast... which, it has to be said, was mouthwateringly good. I married a keeper, ladies and gentlemen. the potatoes were sort of crispy on the outside and fall-apart soft, and the carrots were good and caramelized...
anyway, I finally hit the sheets after midnight, woke up to say goodbye to my hard-working husband, and promptly turned over and slept again. and woke at 10:15. I can't tell you the last time that happened... and to sound even more lazy, I think I could even go for another nap here in a bit. I'm glad, though - I've been yearning for a real break, and for rest. Work has been steady, and even when I've had a day off here and there it's so easy to fill it with tasks and 'need to's. we leave for vacation in Philly this week, and I want to be 100% healthy and ready to participate in our American History vay-cay. I think the extra sleep has made me a bit loopy or sleep-drunk or something, though... I missed a couple of turns earlier, and even had to run back into the grocery store because I got laundry detergent instead of dishwasher detergent. good thing I'm home now, where I'm safe. unless I forget to feed the animals or something - they'll let me have it. ;)
in preparation for our trip to Someplace Cold, we've done a bit of shopping for winter essentials. man, it's been so long since I've seriously been shopping that I found myself wigging out a little and second-guessing myself... do I really need that? do I need the $20 version of the undershirt, or will the $10 one be just fine? D.Ramsey has changed me, people! I did splurge on a super-soft green sweater from Marshalls... whatever, I love it. and the pink turtleneck I'm wearing right now makes me happy.
since I bought some new things, I'm going through the clothes I already have and working on our upcoming garage sale. there's already a pretty big pile of both clothes and houseware items... it's really startling the amount of stuff we have that we can easily part with and never miss.
I'm excited about our trip. it's our first real vacation as married people, without me being guest at a convention. I'm excited to feel the cold and see new things and hug my friend's neck. I spoke with her on the phone today, and am in awe of how she's taken tragedy and grief and chosen to frame it through the eyes of God. to hear her faith and reliance on Him is humbling, and so I praise You today, Father, because she does. be with my t-bird and j. and please, please bless them.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
other people's ideas...
I was surfing last night and was really provoked by the latest two entries at Godgrown... The Stock Market’s Recession; the Economy of God’s Advance and Advent Conspiracy. A few weeks ago, we discussed the Acts 2 text in bible class, and this part in particular makes me uncomfortable (beginning w/ verse 44): "And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved."
I struggle with the bolded section, because I don't know what that's supposed to look like. and how it relates to other teachings... like Luke Ch 12 for instance. and what do you do with 1 Thes. 3:10-11: "For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies." ... this rears it's head in judgement so often in my head toward others, and it definitely affects the graciousness of my giving and ties it to the actions/choices I perceive others making. the truth is, I want us to keep making money, to save it to buy a house, to be able to use it to give and travel, to plan for the education of any kids we may have, to hope to have the funds to make wise decisions for retirement so my family isn't burdened and my husband and I are cared for. are we intended to really try to let go of material ties and learn those sorts of lessons and reliance, or just not be ruled or motivated by the desire/need/worry about such things? though I don't believe in socialism as a way for a government to govern - government being an unreliable and fickle steward, IMO - the concept of sharing wealth and goods and being a giver is all over the Bible. but how does that look? the passage is confrontational to me. my husband knows why... as we sit down to do our budget each month, I am challenged in the area of giving. years of self-employment with no reliance on credit and a deep conviction to support and take responsibility for my adult self has made 'keeping enough back to feel safe' my default button. what 'enough' means is very discretionary. ;)
anyway, I was glad to read Godgrown's posts. again, I don't know them and I sincerely hope they wouldn't be freaked out by my lurkings. if you have a chance, check out the entries. the Christmas post is convicting as well... a few years ago, I realized that one of the enjoyments of giving great gifts at holidays was how it reflected on ME... if I could buy these awesome things, didn't that mean I was doing well??! I've really tried to move away from that sort of thing and operate from a different place... M and I have been putting back funds every month for Christmas spending, too, so that will determine how much we're allowing ourselves to spend. who knows, maybe we won't even spend all of it.
here is today's Daily Reflection, which I thought was appropriate:
THE CHRISTIAN LIFE is not about political ideology, or about condemnation, or about trumping someone else’s experience. It is about Jesus, about being his disciple, about falling in love with God, and about having the courage to let that kind of devotion actually change your life.
- Derek Maul
Get Real: A Spiritual Journey for Men
From p. 15 of Get Real by Derek Maul. Copyright © 2007 by the author. Published by Upper Room Books. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission.
*****
I am a tad annoyed by work today, actually. I need to turn my frown upside down, I think. one of the great things about what I do is that as frustrating as something can be, it's usually over very soon.
I struggle with the bolded section, because I don't know what that's supposed to look like. and how it relates to other teachings... like Luke Ch 12 for instance. and what do you do with 1 Thes. 3:10-11: "For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies." ... this rears it's head in judgement so often in my head toward others, and it definitely affects the graciousness of my giving and ties it to the actions/choices I perceive others making. the truth is, I want us to keep making money, to save it to buy a house, to be able to use it to give and travel, to plan for the education of any kids we may have, to hope to have the funds to make wise decisions for retirement so my family isn't burdened and my husband and I are cared for. are we intended to really try to let go of material ties and learn those sorts of lessons and reliance, or just not be ruled or motivated by the desire/need/worry about such things? though I don't believe in socialism as a way for a government to govern - government being an unreliable and fickle steward, IMO - the concept of sharing wealth and goods and being a giver is all over the Bible. but how does that look? the passage is confrontational to me. my husband knows why... as we sit down to do our budget each month, I am challenged in the area of giving. years of self-employment with no reliance on credit and a deep conviction to support and take responsibility for my adult self has made 'keeping enough back to feel safe' my default button. what 'enough' means is very discretionary. ;)
anyway, I was glad to read Godgrown's posts. again, I don't know them and I sincerely hope they wouldn't be freaked out by my lurkings. if you have a chance, check out the entries. the Christmas post is convicting as well... a few years ago, I realized that one of the enjoyments of giving great gifts at holidays was how it reflected on ME... if I could buy these awesome things, didn't that mean I was doing well??! I've really tried to move away from that sort of thing and operate from a different place... M and I have been putting back funds every month for Christmas spending, too, so that will determine how much we're allowing ourselves to spend. who knows, maybe we won't even spend all of it.
here is today's Daily Reflection, which I thought was appropriate:
THE CHRISTIAN LIFE is not about political ideology, or about condemnation, or about trumping someone else’s experience. It is about Jesus, about being his disciple, about falling in love with God, and about having the courage to let that kind of devotion actually change your life.
- Derek Maul
Get Real: A Spiritual Journey for Men
From p. 15 of Get Real by Derek Maul. Copyright © 2007 by the author. Published by Upper Room Books. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission.
*****
I am a tad annoyed by work today, actually. I need to turn my frown upside down, I think. one of the great things about what I do is that as frustrating as something can be, it's usually over very soon.
Monday, October 20, 2008
films and gatherings...
we saw two - count 'em - two movies last week! how 'with it' are we?! first was Body of Lies.. which was fine, I like Leo, but which was also pretty violent and I worried about the psyche of the kid sitting in front of us. then, Saturday night, we went to the River Oaks to see Rachel Getting Married. we both really liked this movie... here's the trailer:
the characterizations are good, it's fun to look at and listen to, and, considering the subject matter, I thought the writer, the director, the actors all did a good job of keeping the dialogue on the organic-feeling side and not so cliched and speechy. M and I also both noted how this movie more accurately portrayed a real 12 step meeting than most - it's not all smoke filled rooms and platitudes. anyway, we were still talking about it the next day and would recommend it.
*****
we had our small group over last night, and it was so fun! I think there were 18 (or 19) adults, 2 toddlers, and 2 babies, which was just wonderful! it was so great to be able to host this gathering - to allow us to become more familiar with people and catch up, to get to know new faces, to (hopefully) just relax and just have a good time with people who love Jesus. M made spaghetti sauce with tasty turkey meatballs, and we served it on top of a pile of wheat-blend spaghetti in Honey's huge cast iron dutch oven alongside salad, couscous/chick pea/ feta salad that C brought, and that awesome garlic bread the McD's brought. and dessert! pie and brownies and ice cream and homemade candy and pretzels.... man, it was good stuff. thanks to all who brought goodies, drinks, ice, etc. our 242 meetings have really become something I look forward to - with so much going on in people's lives, so much travel and work and competing obligations - it's good to hang out and talk movies, politics, church, babies, life with these peeps. and the singing at T's last month was awesome, too! it's my hope that God helps our group become more and more a source of strength, camaraderie, trust, and service.
here are a few pics... some of them are dark and sorta blurry, but I wasn't feeling the flash so whatever!
I have to go read into a microphone for a bit. I'm getting up obnoxiously early again in the morning to go work in Dallas for a couple of days, so I'm determined to squeeze every drop of enjoyment and peace out of this day in the fair city of Houston.
xoxo
the characterizations are good, it's fun to look at and listen to, and, considering the subject matter, I thought the writer, the director, the actors all did a good job of keeping the dialogue on the organic-feeling side and not so cliched and speechy. M and I also both noted how this movie more accurately portrayed a real 12 step meeting than most - it's not all smoke filled rooms and platitudes. anyway, we were still talking about it the next day and would recommend it.
*****
we had our small group over last night, and it was so fun! I think there were 18 (or 19) adults, 2 toddlers, and 2 babies, which was just wonderful! it was so great to be able to host this gathering - to allow us to become more familiar with people and catch up, to get to know new faces, to (hopefully) just relax and just have a good time with people who love Jesus. M made spaghetti sauce with tasty turkey meatballs, and we served it on top of a pile of wheat-blend spaghetti in Honey's huge cast iron dutch oven alongside salad, couscous/chick pea/ feta salad that C brought, and that awesome garlic bread the McD's brought. and dessert! pie and brownies and ice cream and homemade candy and pretzels.... man, it was good stuff. thanks to all who brought goodies, drinks, ice, etc. our 242 meetings have really become something I look forward to - with so much going on in people's lives, so much travel and work and competing obligations - it's good to hang out and talk movies, politics, church, babies, life with these peeps. and the singing at T's last month was awesome, too! it's my hope that God helps our group become more and more a source of strength, camaraderie, trust, and service.
here are a few pics... some of them are dark and sorta blurry, but I wasn't feeling the flash so whatever!
I have to go read into a microphone for a bit. I'm getting up obnoxiously early again in the morning to go work in Dallas for a couple of days, so I'm determined to squeeze every drop of enjoyment and peace out of this day in the fair city of Houston.
xoxo
Friday, October 17, 2008
chicago!
I printed some pictures to frame today, and was reminded of what a fun time M and I had in Chicago when we were still dating. We decided to invite our moms to join us on the trip, and we all bunked in the same room (which turned out to be gigantic) at Hotel 71, on the river on Wacker just south of Michigan Avenue. We saw a lot of the city and then went to the Pitchfork Music Festival... I think this trip is what sold me on the awesomeness of public transportation. Here's a little photo album of good times...
happy weekend!
happy weekend!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
going home...
when I headed for home last Friday, it was a huge relief. last week was semi-brutal; I was tired, and my voice was more tired. but as I headed across the metroplex and then away from the city... toward Granbury, then Glen Rose, then Hico - listening to wonderful back episodes of This American Life - the sky opened up and I felt my whole psyche breathe deeper and respond to the beauty of driving through rural Texas toward the setting sun hanging in a vast sky. that part of the country is so beautiful to me... it's nostalgic, and it's home. no matter how long I live in the city (and love it), I'll never deny that a part of my being needs the openness, wildness, and sense of freedom that can only be gained from getting the freak out of traffic and going where cell phone reception is very very spotty.
one of the best parts of this trip was my husband's surprise appearance. I thought I was going to be solo last weekend up there, but he took off and showed up at the house Friday night. after being out of town working all last week, it was SO GOOD to see him. I'm so honored and lucky to have someone who'll go to such lengths just for me! the last time he made that 4.5hr trip alone, it was to tell my parents he wanted to marry me. my mom got to try on my ring before I did...
we had such a good time up there. M and I are both so blessed, in that we actually 'like' our families. we watched football and talked politics - it's always colorful and people don't necessarily agree, but it's wonderful to be able to trot out ideas and opinions and hash things out a little with people who're still going to love you no matter how you feel about the war. :) my sister-in-law has started a new bible study, and her enthusiasm was inspiring. we saw all of the grandparents and celebrated mom and my brother's birthday, and watched M blow bubbles and laugh like crazy. speaking of her, here's a little sampling:
mo with uncle m:
out on the mule, wearing the mickey mouse shirt marmee gave her:
examining the contents of aunt lulu's cosmetic bag:
and this girl is CRAZY about animals. I mean it - she was concerned all weekend about the kitties and dogs eating, and would've stayed outside all day if someone were patient enough to take her:
we really wish we got to see these people more often. as I said before... we like 'em.
*****
speaking of birthdays, M's mom's birthday was last week. we celebrated with a lovely, tasty dinner at Backstreet Cafe, out on the patio. happiest of birthdays to both our momz!
*****
because I'm sure you're dying to know, this is what 30 chapters of an accounting course looks like:
it takes... oh... 11.5 hrs to read. water is a friend.
*****
thinking about driving to Hico and looking at my pictures from the weekend made me want to hear this song by Midlake, called Head Home:
and I'm out.
one of the best parts of this trip was my husband's surprise appearance. I thought I was going to be solo last weekend up there, but he took off and showed up at the house Friday night. after being out of town working all last week, it was SO GOOD to see him. I'm so honored and lucky to have someone who'll go to such lengths just for me! the last time he made that 4.5hr trip alone, it was to tell my parents he wanted to marry me. my mom got to try on my ring before I did...
we had such a good time up there. M and I are both so blessed, in that we actually 'like' our families. we watched football and talked politics - it's always colorful and people don't necessarily agree, but it's wonderful to be able to trot out ideas and opinions and hash things out a little with people who're still going to love you no matter how you feel about the war. :) my sister-in-law has started a new bible study, and her enthusiasm was inspiring. we saw all of the grandparents and celebrated mom and my brother's birthday, and watched M blow bubbles and laugh like crazy. speaking of her, here's a little sampling:
mo with uncle m:
out on the mule, wearing the mickey mouse shirt marmee gave her:
examining the contents of aunt lulu's cosmetic bag:
and this girl is CRAZY about animals. I mean it - she was concerned all weekend about the kitties and dogs eating, and would've stayed outside all day if someone were patient enough to take her:
we really wish we got to see these people more often. as I said before... we like 'em.
*****
speaking of birthdays, M's mom's birthday was last week. we celebrated with a lovely, tasty dinner at Backstreet Cafe, out on the patio. happiest of birthdays to both our momz!
*****
because I'm sure you're dying to know, this is what 30 chapters of an accounting course looks like:
it takes... oh... 11.5 hrs to read. water is a friend.
*****
thinking about driving to Hico and looking at my pictures from the weekend made me want to hear this song by Midlake, called Head Home:
and I'm out.
award time!
write softly (www.writesoftly.blogspot.com) made my morning by honoring me with a Smile Award:
It's a blog award created by a blogger to share with other writers who meet certain criteria. As an award recipient, I'm obligated to post that criteria:
The characteristics that the recipient of this award must have are: must display a cheerful disposition, must love one another, must make mistakes, must learn from others, must be a positive contributor to the blog world, must love life, and must love kids. I'm so thankful that this lovely lady considers me worthy of such sweet praise... I think she's the cat's meow, too, and would totally return the award if she didn't already have one. (but in my head, WS, I gave you one anyway. that's two Smile Awards to display on your mantle!) her writings are thoughtful, and lush, and gracious, and fun, and honest, and the way she adores her family is just gorgeous.
Since I've accepted this award, there are rules I must follow as well: must link back to the creator, must post these rules, must choose five new people to receive this award who fit the characteristics above, must post the characteristics needed to qualify for the award, must create a post sharing your win with others, and must thank the giver.
It's a blog award created by a blogger to share with other writers who meet certain criteria. As an award recipient, I'm obligated to post that criteria:
The characteristics that the recipient of this award must have are: must display a cheerful disposition, must love one another, must make mistakes, must learn from others, must be a positive contributor to the blog world, must love life, and must love kids. I'm so thankful that this lovely lady considers me worthy of such sweet praise... I think she's the cat's meow, too, and would totally return the award if she didn't already have one. (but in my head, WS, I gave you one anyway. that's two Smile Awards to display on your mantle!) her writings are thoughtful, and lush, and gracious, and fun, and honest, and the way she adores her family is just gorgeous.
Since I've accepted this award, there are rules I must follow as well: must link back to the creator, must post these rules, must choose five new people to receive this award who fit the characteristics above, must post the characteristics needed to qualify for the award, must create a post sharing your win with others, and must thank the giver.
And now I get to pass on the honor to five people of my own choosing! My Smile Awards today will go to:
Lilacs on the Grill... for good, strong, honest writing and sharing of herself and the things/people she loves. Having been a part of her life the past - what, 7 years? is it more, B? - I think this lady is very brave. She meets life head-on, and deals. This is also the girl I trust to speak truth, even when it's hard to hear... and that's the kind of person I need close to me, to keep me honest. She is always a Safe Place, and she encourages me to seek God.
Lovely Blue Skies... because she's not afraid to put her struggles and triumphs out there. And because her sense of humor is fantastic.
One Day at a Time... My admiration for C just grows by leaps and bounds as I'm getting to know her. I love how committed to her family and job she is, and how she and her husband seem to enjoy each other. And she makes a killer diaper cake. :P Plus, I share her fondness for vintage linens and the like.
The Pioneer Woman... I don't know the woman personally, but I got totally hooked reading the story of she and her husband's courtship as chronicled on the site, and it sustained me through some long recording sessions (don't even talk to me about how unprofessional it is to be surfing the iphone in the booth). There are some great recipes there, too, and if you're interested in photography there's a wealth of info. That's what I like the most, I guess... she has a lot of both entertaining and helpful stuff going on over there, and I feed on her fun attitude.
there are also a number of other blogs I stalk a little written by persons I don't actually know, and one of my favorites is Godgrown. The stories he writes of he and his wife and their mission in Chicago, their experiences and thoughts and art and all of it... it's just affirming and encouraging to me.
So there you have it... Smile On, everybody!
xo
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