You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch by Julie Stiles Mills - Enjoy! More of my studio recordings can be found by clicking HERE.don’t allow the process to supplant the goal - In a problem solving discussion, I always want to start at the beginning. It’s not uncommon for me to ask WHY something is being done a certain way in the first place. Everyone else wants to focus on the malfunction of step 138 and I want to go back to step one and make sure…
thinking of self-confidence as understanding of yourself - “Thinking of confidence not as a character trait but as a clear-eyed understanding of yourself puts you on the road to developing it.” from 101 Job Interview Questions You’ll Never Fear Again by James Reed Two thoughts came to mind when I read this quote: 1. We devalue what we are good at. When self-confidence…
demonstrate your competence instead of announcing your credentials - I used to begin every training session or class I led by saying something like: “So, who is Julie Stiles Mills and why should you listen to anything she has to say?” Then I would give a brief intro to establish my credibility, sharing my education, experience, and sometimes a little bit about my teaching/learning…
doubt your assumptions. what’s the worst thing that could happen? - For as long as I can remember, I ask why. And the asking drives me to investigate. If I’m not intentional, I can subconsciously alleviate the discomfort of cognitive dissonance by ignoring, dismissing or even rejecting conflicting information and viewpoints. It takes courage to challenge my assumptions, but when I do it, one of two…Invite those who will be impacted by change to participate in creating it. - When you need to initiate change, I encourage you to strongly consider involving the people who will be impacted by the change. Invite their participation and genuinely incorporate their ideas and assistance in the process of: (1) creating the plan for change and (2) actually doing the work to carry it out. Could the work…
replying to a comment? forfeit the smackdown and choose influence - A few months ago, I read a LinkedIn post by an HR professional who was conducting a video interview with a mom who said she had expected her baby to be asleep at the time of the interview, but it didn’t work out that way. The HR professional told the mom to hold the baby…
discouraged in your job search? rest. but don’t give up. - Every once in a while, I spend a few hours reviewing all the current job postings listed by a growing collection of organizations I have bookmarked. Although I’m usually prompted to do this research because I happen to be working with someone in particular and am looking specifically for them, I NEVER fail to stumble…
peace in uncertainty. faith in doubt. trust in fear. - The Holy Spirit nudged me awake before the crack of dawn yesterday and as usual when that happens, I tried to ignore Him and go back to sleep. It was 4:12am, fercryinoutloud. But keeping my eyes closed doesn’t prevent me from hearing the persistent invitation of the Holy Spirit and in the silence of a…
you inspire me. no matter what. - you inspire me. no matter what. whether you recognize your actions on this list or whether I've missed noting them. you inspire me. because everyone is #justadifferentkindofbroken and even when... We have more in common than not. - I believe we have more in common than not. It doesn't always seem that way at first or at the surface, but in my experience, when I get to know someone more deeply, we find
You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch by Julie Stiles Mills - Enjoy! More of my studio recordings can be found by clicking HERE.don’t allow the process to supplant the goal - In a problem solving discussion, I always want to start at the beginning. It’s not uncommon for me to ask WHY something is being done a certain way in the first place. Everyone else wants to focus on the malfunction of step 138 and I want to go back to step one and make sure…
thinking of self-confidence as understanding of yourself - “Thinking of confidence not as a character trait but as a clear-eyed understanding of yourself puts you on the road to developing it.” from 101 Job Interview Questions You’ll Never Fear Again by James Reed Two thoughts came to mind when I read this quote: 1. We devalue what we are good at. When self-confidence…
demonstrate your competence instead of announcing your credentials - I used to begin every training session or class I led by saying something like: “So, who is Julie Stiles Mills and why should you listen to anything she has to say?” Then I would give a brief intro to establish my credibility, sharing my education, experience, and sometimes a little bit about my teaching/learning…
doubt your assumptions. what’s the worst thing that could happen? - For as long as I can remember, I ask why. And the asking drives me to investigate. If I’m not intentional, I can subconsciously alleviate the discomfort of cognitive dissonance by ignoring, dismissing or even rejecting conflicting information and viewpoints. It takes courage to challenge my assumptions, but when I do it, one of two…Invite those who will be impacted by change to participate in creating it. - When you need to initiate change, I encourage you to strongly consider involving the people who will be impacted by the change. Invite their participation and genuinely incorporate their ideas and assistance in the process of: (1) creating the plan for change and (2) actually doing the work to carry it out. Could the work…
replying to a comment? forfeit the smackdown and choose influence - A few months ago, I read a LinkedIn post by an HR professional who was conducting a video interview with a mom who said she had expected her baby to be asleep at the time of the interview, but it didn’t work out that way. The HR professional told the mom to hold the baby…
discouraged in your job search? rest. but don’t give up. - Every once in a while, I spend a few hours reviewing all the current job postings listed by a growing collection of organizations I have bookmarked. Although I’m usually prompted to do this research because I happen to be working with someone in particular and am looking specifically for them, I NEVER fail to stumble…
peace in uncertainty. faith in doubt. trust in fear. - The Holy Spirit nudged me awake before the crack of dawn yesterday and as usual when that happens, I tried to ignore Him and go back to sleep. It was 4:12am, fercryinoutloud. But keeping my eyes closed doesn’t prevent me from hearing the persistent invitation of the Holy Spirit and in the silence of a… you inspire me. no matter what. - you inspire me. no matter what. whether you recognize your actions on this list or whether I've missed noting them. you inspire me. because everyone is #justadifferentkindofbroken and even when... We have more in common than not. - I believe we have more in common than not. It doesn't always seem that way at first or at the surface, but in my experience, when I get to know someone more deeply, we find
looking for a facebook alternative? My first impressions of mewe.com, parler.com and locals.com - Tired of facebook selling your time and attention as a product to their customers (advertisers)? Been censored, warned or suspended by facebook and/or twitter because your content “violated” their terms because you posted or shared anything from a bible verse to a youtube video to a newspaper article? Have you and/or your posts been shadow…
inflammatory language and echo chambers - #foodforthought (what my brain has been chewing on for a few days) I read a post written by an experienced journalist who has a formal education in the use and impact of communication. (meaning, they understand how to use language effectively) Here are 98 words from the 346 word post: “Tumult, Chaos, Lies, Corruption, Autocracy,…
#ShareaResource: chirpbooks.com discounted audiobooks - Monday through Friday, I get a daily email from Chirp (chirpbooks.com) with the subject line: “Today’s audiobook deals” and in the email are links to limited time discounted audiobooks. If you click a link in the email to view a particular book on the chirp website, you can view all of the limited time deals.…
no one can do everything but everyone can do something. - You may have seen the following letter written by “This is Us” actor, Lonnie Chavis. These images are from his original facebook post: I haven’t watched “This is Us” yet. But I did see the 4 minute clip he talks about here and it was a punch in the gut. “The director and writers told…
tension and paradox. recognizing valid points on both sides of a complex issue. - When I agree with someone about a point they make, it does NOT follow that I agree with EVERYthing they say or believe. When I DISagree with someone about a point they make, it does NOT follow that I disagree with EVERYthing they say or believe. If you know me, you know I read and…
Don’t forfeit your opportunities to influence others. part 2: doxing and terminating are easy. - Saw a comment by an HR professional in which they condemned someone for posting a link to a story and then strongly disagreed with people commenting on the post, calling them “disgraceful and dishonorable.” They ended by saying: “I hope the people you work with have access to some of the hateful comments some of…
Don’t forfeit your opportunities to influence others. part 1: Dismissing alternative viewpoints doesn't strengthen your argument or your credibility. - Over and over, I see facebook posts by seemingly kind people instructing friends who [they perceive] believe differently than they do to “unfriend” them. This week, I saw a post from an HR consultant on LinkedIn, declaring they would not work with anyone who [they perceive] believe differently than they believe. I have more than…Permission Marketing vs. Push Marketing build a more effective email list. - Some unsolicited advice to anyone trying to reach potential clients or customers: INVITE ME to Join Your Mailing List, DON’T ADD ME Without Permission. It just alienates us and fills your email list with people who aren’t your target audience. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten an email from an acquaintance who,…
Our words and actions, whether online or IRL, reveal something of our true beliefs and character. - As often as I see it, I will never be desensitized to adult bullying. It surprises me every time. Especially when it comes from someone who knows the pain of being on the receiving end. And the duplicity genuinely confuses me. IRL kindness and then, BAM. Dehumanizing and cruel mocking. SO. MANY. posts and comments…
To the marginalized and silent 99%: You have something of value to contribute. - I recently snatched up a $1 offer for access to a huge amount of content within an online writers group for 30 days and I’ve been DEVOURING it. The first day, I listened to a podcast interview with Albert Y. Hsu (pronounced “shee”), a senior editor with InterVarsity Press. Based on the description of the…
Fauci, the Surgeon General and the “lady” doctor who didn’t smile. - I saw something in a facebook comment yesterday that immediately and instinctively evoked what I’ll conservatively refer to as a negative reaction. It was about members of the coronavirus Task Force and the comment was posted during the live briefing. I tried to let it die in the cluttered recesses of my mind, but it…
Stop Talking About What’s Wrong. TAKE ACTION to Help Make it Right. - Working toward positive change is a much more productive use of time and energy than complaining and/or trying to thwart a negative. One of the best and long-lasting ways to get rid of something negative is to REPLACE that negative with a positive, making the negative obsolete. invalid. obliterated by the positive. Fair Warning: Count…
Fine is a Four Letter Word. - Don’t listen to condescending voices of marginalization and mediocrity. Voices that say you don’t have to work as hard as you do, because less is “just fine.” Those voices don’t recognize that the unnecessary extra time you take and the unneeded effort you expend lead to a result they describe as “fine.” It doesn’t occur…maybe they’re not GIVING you a hard time. maybe they’re HAVING a hard time. - The next time someone gives you a hard time, consider the possibility that it has NOTHING to do with you. Consider the possibility that they are dealing with something you know nothing about. Think of something you’ve struggled with and lived through that not many people know about. (The “What doesn’t kill you makes you…
Sometimes, even when it’s not your fault, it’s still your problem. - Some will step up, take ownership and work toward a solution. Some will complain and search for someone to blame. And when they’re done complaining about it and/or trying to find out who’s to blame, it will STILL be their problem. But then they’ll have less time to solve it. #ItIsWhatItIs so #NowWhat There will…
If You Want to Recognize Opportunity, Pay Attention. - Notice What Others Overlook and You’ll See Opportunities They Don’t. Seems simple. but you know as well as I do that people are oblivious most of the time. We walk around in a vacuum, navigating the smallest encounters on autopilot, looking at our phones instead of looking people in the eye and missing the sunset…
Hard Work Beats Talent When Talent Doesn’t Work Hard - When you are talented in some area and doing a job that you are overqualified for, it may seem like you don't need to work as hard to be half as good as everyone else involved in the job.put another way,When you are really good at something and you are working with people whose skills are average or less, it may be tempting to coast.but what if you didn't?
Repentance vs. Guilt reACT or reSPOND? - Repentance leads to positive change, but guilt is self-destructive, counter-productive and and a waste of time. Guilt: feelings of deserving blame especially for imagined offenses or from a sense of inadequacy Repentance: sad and humble realization of – and regret for – something you’ve done… with a resolve to change There are times when we…
When Words and Actions Conflict, Actions Carry the Stronger Message are you duplicitous? - Do you have a friend who you KNOW differs from you with regard to faith, politics, relationships, social issues, etc? Is there a difference in how you relate to them one-on-one and how you express your opinion of the cultural sub-groups they fit into? Do you have a Christian friend and mock Christians as uneducated…
the unintentional message behind accepting the status quo. - Check it out. Such a cute video. Encouraging. A great example of optimism. But another thought nags at me. Scroll below the video if you care to explore that thought with me. Sure. He’s the “GREATEST CATCHER in the WORLD!” But that’s not what he wanted. He wanted to be the “GREATEST HITTER in the…
problem solving and benchmarking. facing a problem? search for what's been done before. - I’m not that special. I feel like I’ve written about this before, but when I’m facing a problem, I tend to believe that someone, somewhere, sometime has faced either my exact same problem or one very similar to it. And that at least one person who has faced and solved this problem – or at…Looking for a Qualified Teacher or Credible Mentor? 4 Things to Consider: - Recently, in a post entitled “Want to improve? Give people permission to tell you the truth.” I wrote: “As scary as it is, if you REALLY want to improve, seek developmental feedback. But NOT from just anyone. Ask people you trust. Ask people who have experience in your industry or craft – either firsthand or…
Memo to Me: Listen more than you talk. - Remember: You can learn a lot about and from others. What they think… How they feel… Something they’ve learned… maybe even what they worry about or struggle with… when you listen more than you talk. when you ask questions. when you let them get a word in edgewise. If your goal is to #LoveGodLoveOthers, the…
Want to improve? Give people permission to tell you the truth. (And don’t punish them for it) - Do you want to improve? To get better at what you do? If the only feedback you are receiving about the work you are doing… the risks you are taking… the things you are creating… is positive, consider that for a minute. Is that what you want? Is that what you need? How do you…09/2018 baseline fitness measurement. indo board, forearm plank and wall squat. - I turned 54 three days ago – another birthday without consistent daily fitness, so I thought I’d find out how far I’ve regressed by taking an indo board lunch break and videotaping it (below). It had been a few months since I’d been on it. Pretty easy up. Then I needed to find out how…
satan hates potential. if you've got it, he's going to try and sabotage you. - Memo to me: Satan hates potential. If you find yourself under spiritual attack or facing problems that derail or discourage you from following God’s will and direction for your life, remember two things: (1) Satan has no need to attack someone who’s not following God. They’re already where he wants them. Comfortably ineffective and stagnant…
my wish for you. - 54. today. Little introspective, gotta admit. With all the birthday wishes, combined with the fact that today is the closing show of my daughter’s most professional role to date, I told her, “I wish so many good things for every person in the cast. SO many good things.” and I realized, I wish that for…It Doesn’t Matter if You CAN. It matters if you DO. - Lots of people CAN do something. Not everyone does. There’s opportunity in that. If you have a talent, be a good steward of it. Find a teacher. or teachers. Work consistently. Be humble. Be brave. Seek developmental feedback and accept wise instruction. Remind yourself that talent alone isn’t enough. Pray for opportunities to share your…
Who Sent the Stronger Message at the 2018 Tony Awards? De Niro? Orin Wolf? or the Audience? - Some might say De Niro sent the strongest message. From the looks of the internet on June 11th, he got more attention than ANYTHING else that happened at the 2018 Tony Awards the night before. If you searched “Tonys” on Monday morning, google auto suggested “Tonys De Niro” and if you clicked on google images…Cheesy Sausage Pasta (with an Optional Kick) - This has become one of my son’s favorite dishes and I’ve taught him how to make it so I thought I’d document the process with photos for when he wants to make it again on his own. I’m thinking he might actually do it because besides the fact it’s one of his favorite meals, it…
duplicity. duplicity everywhere. whenever words and actions conflict, the actions carry the stronger – truer – message. - The following excerpt came to me via private message a few weeks before the 2016 presidential election: "I enjoy a political discussion with someone who actually thinks, explores, and discusses - regardless of where we may agree or not. Although I couldn't be more against Trump, I've invested in listening to him, tried to understand his positions, and tried to understand why his supporters can be so passionate." Mind you, this is just an excerpt - from which I gathered that the underlying assumption of this person was that I both supported Trump and that I was passionate about it. As I continued reading the rest of the message, I remembered something I saw in my facebook feed just a few days before I received this message. A quick click to their facebook wall. A few taps of the PgDn button on my keyboard and I found it . . .
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People talking without speaking. People hearing without listening. Why would anyone want to engage in conversation with someone who thinks they are stupid? - I should NOT have gone on facebook. So. much. hate. contemptuous mocking. sarcasm. ridicule. Not just for DT, but for everyone who doesn't overtly hate him. My facebook feed was toxic, repelling me away.
Post after meme after video after tweet after comment, reiterating again and again and again and again and again how stupid and intolerable anyone is if they don't hate DT - AND everyone who "supports" him. I think I've actually been grieving . . . because I can't un-know what I've learned about so many people I genuinely liked and respected . . .
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“But there ain’t no point in talking when there’s nobody listening so we just ran away.” - It was facebook's "On This Day" feature that prompted me. Browsing through all my facebook posts on January 16th from 2010 through 2017 got me thinking. What had I posted on my blog on that date over the past few years? One click on the drop down arrow of the archive list on my blog led me to the image above. At first glance, it appeared I had only published posts during April, May and September of 2017. When I looked the listing of all my posts in chronological order, I realized I actually only published THREE POSTS in total last year. But then I noticed . . .
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Chain Breaker (unmixed cover by Julie Stiles Mills) - It’s the day after a 12 hour/3 song recording session and I realize I haven’t posted any of the covers I’ve recorded in a while. Here’s one recorded June 30, 2017 “If you’ve got pain, He’s a pain taker. If you feel lost, He’s a way maker. If you need freedom or saving, He’s a…
12 Normal and Not-So-Normal Lighting Decor Ideas. Unique Lighting Ideas - I’m not a big decorator. I don’t have a knack for putting together a cohesive design and I can’t tablescape to save my life. Put me on a committee to cater a meal and I know how to feed people, but unless there’s someone else on the committee who is blessed with the gift of…
step outside your comfort zone. - Some of you know I serve as a career coach. Just last week I found myself in a Panera Bread working with one of my current students on their resume. This particular location is extremely thin on power outlets, so while working on battery power, we pretty much stalked every person at every table near…Bill Nye. Regular Guy. - Confession. Every time I read or hear something Bill Nye says, I have an instant flashback to this 1990s video of him wearing jogging shorts and a cape, hands on hips, valiantly announcing: “This looks like a job for SPEED WALKER!!!” (You’ll have to click over to youtube to watch. Embedding is disabled.) And then…
I suppose this means I’m officially a “recording artist.” - Merry Christmas! Here’s a link to the Christmas song I just released – available on Amazon and itunes for 99 cents: “Bells of Christmas Medley” It’s a medley of: I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, Ring the Bells and Carol of the Bells and every vocal you hear is mine. The distributor also posted…
the 1% rule. a minority with too much free time? or representative of the 99%? - Something has bothered me for a while. When someone says that a certain group of people “thinks” this or “says” that, where does the opinion of that group come from? If it’s true that only 1% of people are “vocal” on the internet, (via posts, tweets, comments or blogs) does that really tell us what…
the most divisive word of all: “THEY” - After the events of the last few days, my resilience is worn-down. I can’t read another post or comment by an armchair pundit containing divisive broadcasted attacks against the nameless, faceless “THEY.” Arrogant sarcastic rants that begin with: “I love it when…” or “Don’t you just love it when…” or “Isn’t it funny, how…” when…
Ratatouille and Vegit Lasagna - [This post was an experiment. First post using only phone photos and my android WordPress app.] I made ratatouille for the first time today. Actually, I assembled it. The oven is preheating now. I have yet to see how it turns out or if my family will like it. This was not a fast and…“Bells of Christmas” Cover - When I was a young girl, I LOVED Karen Carpenter’s music. LOVED. IT. When I found out she sang her own harmonies and backgrounds, a dream was born. I wanted to do that. Fast forward decades. My very first “single” is now available and every vocal harmony and background on it is mine. (Click HERE…
#GoodNews – the Christian faith isn’t about being “good.” - The Christian faith isn’t about being “good” and trying not to do anything “wrong.” #Jesus wasn’t just a good man Christians should strive to emulate. If I believe the eye witnesses, He was God himself, in the flesh. He came to restore my relationship with Him – a relationship severed by my rejection and…
a lesson in humility. and a reminder. - Dr. Doofenshmirtz might call the first part of this post my “backstory.” ~ I’m a firstborn and an ISTP (67%) / ISTJ (33%) who’s worked with IT personnel (mostly guys) for decades. My instinctive approach is always content over context. Logic over feelings. I’d say that about 90% of the time, I have a male…Christmas Bell Medley (unmixed cover by Julie Stiles Mills) - UPDATE: I had this recording mixed and mastered and the final version is available for download HERE I hesitate to put these unmixed recordings up because every vocal you hear is mine and I hear every. single. problem. BUT I’m letting go of my ego at the moment. MERRY CHRISTMAS! Recorded November 30, 2015 “I…
“Are you saying Christians and Jehovah’s Witnesses agree about who Jesus actually is?” - I only opened the door because I thought it was a delivery. I’ve been doing a bunch of online Christmas shopping. There was no smiling Amazon box on my porch. It was a smiling guy wearing a tie, holding a zippered book and what appeared to be a Bible tucked in his armpit. Thought Bubble:…It is Well (unmixed cover by Julie Stiles Mills) - Recorded October 30, 2015 “Far be it from me to not believe, even when my eyes can’t see…”
and I know things now, many valuable things, that I hadn’t known before. - It was Sunday afternoon. I was in “my” room. The living room. Looking out the window that spans nearly an entire wall, hypnotically watching a baby squirrel chowing down on the suet in the birdfeeder. I call it “my” room because it’s lined with a 12 foot wide by 7 foot high wall of 12×12…
say what you mean. don’t be mean when you say it. - I cut waaay back on facebook over the last few months. Derisive sarcasm and hate were saturating my news feed, weighing and wearing me down. As I tentatively become more active again, one of my new facebook practices is to select “I don’t want to see this” whenever I read a post declaring that something…#edify: profanity - The first curse word each of my children heard came out of my mother’s mouth. Let’s just say it wasn’t one of the curse words you might find in the Bible. She wasn’t angry. or frustrated. or hurt in any way. She wasn’t speaking passionately about anything of significance. It was just a passing thoughtless…
#IreadthereforeIquote: Jason Boyett ~ faith isn’t the absence of doubt. - the quote: “…faith isn’t the absence of doubt. It’s believing and acting alongside your doubts… …faith wouldn’t even exist if doubt were not also present, because the essence of faith was the leap taken in the face of uncertainty. Faith wasn’t a set of beliefs, or an ability to hold onto those beliefs without wavering.…
#memoryverse: Esther 4:14 ~ you were created for such a time as this - #memoryverse “And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14b (NIV) thoughts: I posted only the second part of this verse because these are the words that resonated and stuck with me the instant I read them. I didn’t even try to memorize…#IreadthereforeIquote: Steve Fry ~ the desire to act independent of God - the quote: “I don’t know that Lucifer’s sin was rebellion in the full sense of the word. He did not seek to replace God or overthrow God. He simply sought to act independent of God… the root sin of all sins is this desire to act independent of God.” (emphasis added) from True Freedom: What…
it is what it is. - It is what it is. Pray about it. Change what you can change. Fix what you can fix. But if you can’t change it – if you can’t fix it – deal with it and move on. Getting upset about it will just be time you’ll never get back because when you’re finished being upset,…
#memoryverse: John 3:27 ~ I have nothing unless it is given from Heaven - #memoryverse “John answered, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. John 3:27 (ESV) thoughts: I have nothing unless it is given to me from Heaven. First and foremost, that means grace. John 6:44 tells me: “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws…
#IreadthereforeIquote: Brother Lawrence ~ on forgetting God - the quote: “That when he had failed in his duty, he only confessed his fault, saying to GOD, I shall never do otherwise, if You leave me to myself; it is You who must hinder my falling, and mend what is amiss. That after this, he gave himself no further uneasiness about it. from The…
#memoryverse: Colossians 3:23 ~ as working for the Lord, not for men - #memoryverse “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” Colossians 3:23 (NIV) thoughts: The first word that jumps into my head when I read this verse is: competence. I’m not sure when I first figured out that – as someone who professes faith in Christ…
#IreadthereforeIquote: Philip Yancey ~ We can say anything to God. - the quote: “One bold message in the Book of Job is that you can say anything to God. Throw at him your grief, your anger, your doubt, your bitterness, your betrayal, your disappointment He can absorb them all. As often as not, spiritual giants of the Bible are shown contending with God. They prefer to…
negativity. flip it or zip it. - Note to Self: Every time you began to say something negative, stop. and consider two other options: flip it or zip it. #edify Complaining and constructive criticism are two different things. and one of them is a counter-productive waste of time.
Richard Dawkins acknowledges the possibility of Intelligent Design… - How did I not know this? Anti-theist, Richard Dawkins believes in the possibility of intelligent design: “It could come about in the following way. It could be that at some earlier time, somewhere in the universe, a civilization evolved, by probably some kind of Darwinian means, to a very, very high level of technology and…
Richard Dawkins on Christians: “mock them. ridicule them. in public. with contempt.” - Been thinking about something Richard Dawkins said when he spoke about meeting someone who claims to be religious: “Mock them. Ridicule them. In public.” Religion “needs to be ridiculed. With contempt.” And the crowd he addressed laughed and cheered and applauded. I don’t agree. I can’t fathom a single situation in which contemptuous ridicule is…
We can’t trust the Bible. It’s been “re-written” too many times. - Re-written is one way to say it. But the word “re-written” tends to imply the Bible has been edited and re-interpreted multiple times over hundreds of years, resulting in an irretrievable loss of the original content. The implication of the word “re-written” is widespread error and intentional manipulation by the fallible humans who did the…
#memoryverse Psalm 139:23-24 ~ search me, oh God. - #memoryverse “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” Psalm 139:23-24 (NLT) One of my go-to questions when I meet with someone as a communication/life coach is: “How do you receive…
#memoryverse John 15:5 ~ WithOUT God. “nothing” is possible. - #memoryverse “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.“ John 15:5 (ESV) “With God, all things are possible.” When I read, hear or say this, I usually emphasize the “all things are…
#memoryverse John 15:5 ~ I say “nothing” without you. - #memoryverse “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (ESV) “When a worship leader reads the Bible you can tell.” Carlos Whittaker is a worship leader, author and speaker. So…
#memoryverse John 15:5 ~ Lord, please remind me to remember. - #memoryverse “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (ESV) Heavenly Father, please remind me to remember you, over and over and over again, because I forget You, over and…
my life verse? - I literally laughed out loud when I read this. How have I never seen it before? 24 At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning is driving you insane.” of course, the pragmatic in me compels me to follow up with the next verse… 25…
#memoryverse 1 John 4:13 ~ “abiding” in Christ. part 1 of…howevermany. - #memoryverse “By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit.” 1 John 4:13 (ESV) I used to think the word “abide” referred to that part of prayer where I was supposed to shut up and listen. Like God and I were taking turns…
#memoryverse Jeremiah 32:17 ~ NOTHING is too hard for God. - #memoryverse “Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” Jeremiah 32:17 (NIV) Heavenly Father, please remind me again and again, that nothing is too hard for You. Please use anything and everything I see and experience to remind me…
#memoryverse Jeremiah 32:17 ~ nothing (nobody) is too hard (headed) for God. - #memoryverse “Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” Jeremiah 32:17 (NIV) I’m a fixer. When I see something that needs fixed I want to fix it, whether it be a crooked picture on the wall or a broken…
#memoryverse Psalms 121:2 ~ decisions and steps. - #memoryverse “My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:2 (NIV) Are you at the door to an opportunity but haven’t taken the step through because you don’t have confidence in your ability to succeed? Pray. Make sure the opportunity is within the moral will of God as revealed to…
#memoryverse Psalms 121:2 ~ muse. shmoose. I need the Holy Spirit. - #memoryverse “My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:2 (NIV) In the fall of last year, I began leading two Bible/Discipleship studies and after taking a break over the holidays, I’m seeing more people sign up to join us as we start back next week. My first thought was…
#memoryverse Psalms 121:2 ~ knowledge and wisdom. - #memoryverse “My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:2 (NIV) For as long as I remember, I’ve believed that knowledge can help me solve problems and overcome obstacles. It’s one of the reasons I read so much non-fiction. Authors are teachers. Witnesses. Mentors. You may have heard me say…
#memoryverse Psalms 121:2 ~ providence, provision & protection - #memoryverse “My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:2 (NIV) My husband and I can work as hard as we can to make a life and a home for our family, but in the end, we know that GOD is our provider. Every time my husband arrives home from…
#memoryverse Proverbs 16:9 ~ when things go “wrong.” - #memoryverse “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 (ESV) One of the most difficult things I’ve experienced in my striving to follow God’s guidance in my life is when I pray, persistently, I seek wisdom from His word and from faith-filled brothers and sisters in Christ, I…
#memoryverse Proverbs 16:9 ~ give people permission to tell you the truth. - #memoryverse “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 (ESV) It’s January, time for new year’s resolutions and fresh starts. New goals. New plans. I feel a metaphor coming on. When I use my GPS to help me get somewhere, I not only have to set a destination,…
#memoryverse Proverbs 16:9 ~ Plan B - #memoryverse “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 (ESV) I had such a great plan. I had prayed and I thought God had answered with a big ol’ “YES!” and then things started to fall apart. What do you do when a plan begins to fall apart?…
#memoryverse Proverbs 16:9 ~ send me. - #memoryverse “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 (ESV) When I ask Him to allow me to serve Him more, when I ask Him to “send me” I have to trust that sometimes, He sends me and doesn’t let me in on the reason why. sometimes, I…
#memoryverse Proverbs 16:9 ~ trust or do not trust. - #memoryverse “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 (ESV) I can pray and ask God for what I want and/or think I need to achieve my goals, but in the end, He is all-knowing and all-powerful. I either trust His sovereignty in EVERY situation or I don’t.…
#memoryverse Proverbs 16:9 ~ plan, prepare, trust, follow & wait. - #memoryverse “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 (ESV) I can do everything I know to plan and prepare, but in the end, the result is not up to me. I need to pray and seek wisdom and be a diligent steward of the gifts and talents…
#memoryverse Proverbs 16:9 ~ God is Sovereign. - #memoryverse “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 (ESV) Don’t stress the could haves, because if it should have, it would have. God is sovereign. and He doesn’t make mistakes.
#memoryverse Zechariah 4:6 ~ the source of inner strength - #memoryverse “[…this is the Word of the Lord…] ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty” Zechariah 4:6b The other day, I listened as someone told my daughter that she needed to find and rely on her “inner strength.” Inner strength. What exactly does that mean? Determination? Confidence? A…
#memoryverse Zechariah 4:6 ~ seek, listen, be a witness, plant seeds, pray, trust and wait. - #memoryverse “[…this is the Word of the Lord…] ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty” Zechariah 4:6b Have you ever been in a situation where the harder you try, the farther away from your goal you seem to get? No matter how focused and determined you are, no…
#memoryverse Zechariah 4:6b: pushing a rock. - I’ve been posting memory verses on facebook for a few weeks now, a new verse starting every Sunday. Every day, I post an new image from pinterest and sometimes write a short commentary on the verse. We’ll find out how consistent I am, both on facebook and now here on my blog. Here’s the first…
Christmas shoes. seriously. - Buying some Rockports for FavoriteHusband on ebay so I had to sing: “I’m gonna buy these shoes…” (pause) Me: “It’s like that song was intentionally written to make people cry. Just wanna find the guy who wrote it and smack him. It doesn’t make sense. What little kid’s gonna tell a cashier ‘Mister, I wanna…
speak life. - When PinkGirl and I go to Disney, we often pray and look for opportunities to “speak life” to the people God places in our path. I wish I could say “always” instead of “often” but I can’t. Sometimes we forget. Sometimes we are obliviously self-involved. But not today. I posted this on facebook last night:…
“Not by Might. Not by Power. But by My Spirit” says the Lord - In my previous blog post, practice God’s presence. forget. remember. repent. (repeat, ad infinitum), I talked about practicing the presence of God by pretending Jesus was physically present with me everywhere I went. I confessed that, despite my sincere intentions to be aware of God’s presence with me throughout my days and my moments, I…
practice God’s presence. forget. remember. repent. (repeat, ad infinitum) - In The Risk of Discipleship Practices, the second post in this blog series on the difference Between “a Good Christian Life” and Abundant Life in Christ, I talked about Brother Lawrence, a 17th century monk, and how he practiced the presence of God, no matter where he went or what he was doing. I decided…
doubt assumptions, ask questions, search for answers. - When I work as a computer trainer and consultant, I offer potential or new clients a free “needs analysis.” It didn’t take me long to realize that most of these clients fall into one of three categories: 1. They know exactly what they need, and they are right. They understand their situation and possibilities. 2.…
The Risk of Discipleship Practices. - In The Fallacy of a ‘Good Christian Life’ (the previous post in this series) I concluded with the statement: “All in all, I spent over 40 years striving to live a good Christian life. Some of that time was before I became a Christian. Sadly, some of that time was after I became a Christian.”…
The Fallacy of a “Good Christian Life” - A few years ago, I was writing a book. The working title was “Pragmatic Practices of an Intentional Christian.” I say “was writing” because about halfway through the first draft, I had a conversation with Charlie, a long time client and friend, about my concept and my title. His immediate response? “That’s a terrible title.…
Happy atheists don’t care if Christians pray. They just don’t. - This morning, I followed a link in my facebook news feed to an article about a family who was praying for a loved one fighting cancer. It wasn’t the article that hit me. It was the comments. Comment. After comment. After comment. After comment. Strongly, condescendingly and sarcastically deriding prayer. And people who pray. The…facebook fragments: 5/24/14 – 5/30/14 (Memorial Day & Disney Days) - Monday, May 26, 2014 “I woke up in America for the love of God. I woke up in America for something bigger than myself. More than fireworks and fanfare. More than a star-spangled banner. You’re still beautiful America”
facebook fragments: 5/17/14 – 5/23/14 (a circle of life kind of thing) - (Looking back, these facebook posts just don’t seem like the should have been in the same week.) Sunday, May 17, 2014 PinkGirl and Merida _______________ Wednesday, May 21, 2014 _______________ 9:04pm: Prayer warrior friends, please pray for my mother-in-law. She’s been suffering from severe gastroparesis (inability to digest food) for weeks. Every treatment so far…
facebook fragments: 5/10/14 – 5/16/14 (friends who avoid conflict & evil teachers who assign food projects) - Sunday, May 11, 2014 I was tagged in a facebook post my my daughter: “So, I’m watching The Little Mermaid and I caught my mommy quoting some of it. #succes #ilovemymother Happy Mother’s Day Mommy!” _______________ Tuesday, May 13, 2014 If you have a conflict with someone, consider attempting to resolve it, even if it…
never underestimate the influence of little things. - I had a horrible, horrible dream a few weeks ago. horrible. In this dream, my daughter was being stalked. And NOTHING we did could stop the stalker. If you’ve read my blog before or follow me on facebook, you already know my daughter LOVES people. Genuinely, empathetically, compassionately, passionately loves people. She gets a high…
seasoned with salt. - If you profess Christianity, please be careful in your discussions about controversial issues today. Please don’t be arrogant. You’re never going to change someone’s mind when you’re words are laced with arrogance or contempt. What’s your goal? You don’t have to try and get someone to agree with your point, but you can introduce doubt…say what you mean, but don’t be mean when you say it. - I’ve been saying that for years. To my kids, to students and to myself, whenever the situation calls for it. It’s one of my idioms. This afternoon, I read an article about a controversial subject in which the writer gave the distinct impression that anyone who doesn’t agree with them is ignorant. Not ignorant in…
lament. - Thinking about praise and worship music this morning. In my personal experience and observation, more people seek God when they are hurting than when they are happy. We should sing praise and we should sing worship, but we can’t forget lament. It draws people to Christ. Lament is not depressing, it reminds us we are…
facebook fragments: 5/3/14 – 5/9/14 (stronger than yesterday, annoying prophets & philanthropy) - Saturday, May 3, 2014 Came downstairs to see PinkGirl working on a poster board sized map for a geography project due Monday. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast playing DVD. Me: “Why are you watching that?” PinkGirl: “I needed something to watch and not pay complete attention to.” #ilovemydaughter
where philanthropy falls short. - I was recently part of a discussion about a church supported service project. A number of different ideas were on the table, none of them mine. The project itself wasn't my priority. They were all good ideas. All needed. All would "do good."
My concern, what I had been thinking and praying about for over a week prior to this meeting was that whatever service project we decided upon, it would track back to Jesus Christ . . . serving those in need without tracking back to Christ is just philanthropy, not Christian mission. I feel a metaphor coming on.
facebook fragments: 04/26/14 – 05/2/14 (bringing home the mahi, strength training milestones & a new Indo board record) - Saturday, April 26, 2014 Just got a “Fish On” text from my men via the SPOT satellite GPS with latitude and longitude: 28.51040,-80.01917 Wonder how many miles off shore that is… _______________ If I’m plugging in their latitude/longitude into the distance calculator correctly, my guys are 32 miles offshore. This is why my only criteria…
facebook fragments: 04/19/14 – 04/25/14 (Easter, epiphany blogging & getting stronger) - Saturday, April 19, 2014 I love my daughter. No hashtag. Just saying. _______________ It would appear my workout yesterday was extremely effective. ibuprofen. stretching. water. protein. maybe epsom salt bath later. Anything I’m missing? _______________ Little Known Fact #30 on my blog: “I would rather eat a Brussel sprout than a Peep. bleh. It’s like…
facebook fragments: 04/12/14 – 04/18/14 (a sea turtle, strength training & Good Friday - Saturday, April 12, 2014 My men are fishing today. There are two text messages hubs sends me from his GPS satellite messenger when they’re on the ocean. One is “All is Well” and the other is “Fish On” I’m very thankful for the four “All is Well” messages I’ve gotten so far this morning, but…
giving grace. - Both my daughter and my son are having a full and stress filled week. A VERY full and stress filled week. Sleep is going to come at a premium. It’s “tech week” for a show PinkGirl is teching. She’s not performing in this show. She’s one of the people wearing all black who works behind…
whatever may pass and whatever lies before me. - Sunday evening. Easter Sunday. I was sitting at the kitchen table, focused on my laptop. PinkGirl came over and turned my chair sideways so she could curl up on my lap and lay her head on my shoulder. “Mom? How can I find joy in God?” wow. 13 years old. Immediately, I prayed. “Lord, is…
“churched” - The other day, someone asked me if my kids grew up “churched.” The pause before my reply was noticeably long. I was thinking. What does that mean? I realize my personal background and filters contribute to my way of thinking, but no definition I could come up with made it seem like growing up “churched”…
facebook fragments: 04/05/14 – 04/11/14 (Relay for Life, game room makeover & ignoring the haters) - Saturday, April 5, 2014 My FavoriteHusband and my FavoriteSon are building me a custom bookcase. I explained what I wanted, FH designed it and together they are building. I’ll be painting it. It’s got the potential to be seriously cool. Photos to come. #bibliophile _______________ Was honored to deliver the invocation at the Oviedo/Winter Springs…
facebook fragments: 03/29/14 – 04/04/14 (dining chairs & #ihateshopping) - Saturday, March 29, 2014 Loveseat hogs. #lazycats _______________ Sunday, March 30, 2014 It’s been a couple of weeks since we got tired of shopping for dining chairs. If we ever wanted to eat dinner together at the table again, we had to buy SOMEthing. Sam’s Club. $129 a pair. On sale. Done. _______________ Tuesday, April…
facebook fragments: 03/22/14 – 03/28/14 (Pentatonix & a lesson from Job) - Monday, March 24, 2014 Tomorrow night PinkGirl FINALLY gets her last Christmas present. We’ve got VIP tickets to see Pentatonix at Hard Rock. Bought the tix the morning they went on sale and they’ve been sold out for months. She’s a little excited. _______________ Thursday, March 27, 2014 I tend to bleed words. And I’m…
facebook fragments: 03/15/14 – 03/21/14 (spring break) - Saturday, March 15, 2014 shared Judah Smith’s status: “If we’re not careful, we’re going to take the greatest message on the planet and turn it into a horrible form of humanism.” #JesusIs #Passion2014 http://goo.gl/SDO77w _______________ Sunday, March 16, 2014 Me, as we were leaving IKEA today: “You’re welcome.” Hubs: “You ain’t kiddin.” That’s Mills code…
toxic concoction. - After arguing with God for months, I had finally taken the terrifying step of obedience by sharing something I believe God was revealing to me. Something I tried to ignore. Something I didn't want to see: That I was part of a church which marginalized grace, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, prayer and relationship with Christ . . . I had argued with God, finally doing what I believed He was prompting me to do and I was faced with closed hearts, closed minds and slammed doors. So I did what anyone "mature" in their faith would do. I ran into a cave and hid.
the home project that never ends: the gameroom. - If you missed the living room makeover, CLICK HERE to see part one photos and CLICK HERE to see part two photos. After the living room floor was down, we continued through the opening into – what would be for normal people, the formal dining room – but for us is the game room, (or…
facebook fragments: 03/08/14 – 03/14/14 (Tom Sawyer, hate & big red X’s) - Didn’t post much between March 8th and 14th. Blindsided by passive-aggressive actions. It was a painful, praying, processing, healing, closure-filled week. Now, in hindsight, I’m thankful for the lesson. _______________ Monday, March 10, 2014 “The enemy is NOT creative. He uses the SAME lies over and OVER again in your life.” How God Handles Our…
facebook fragments: 03/01/14 – 03/07/14 (chairs, crowns and sarcasm) - Monday, March 3, 2014 1:03am. photos later, but it’s FINALLY down. Not done, but down. Tomorrow we rent the 100 lb. roller for the third and last time. Tuesday, I clean and “polish” the new flooring in the kitchen and eat in kitchen area. And at this moment, we have zero kitchen chairs around our…
lessons from the book of Job: you can say anything to God - “One bold message in the Book of Job is that you can say anything to God. Throw at him your grief, your anger, your doubt, your bitterness, your betrayal, your disappointment— he can absorb them all. As often as not, spiritual giants of the Bible are shown contending with God. They prefer to go away…
four minutes with God: break my heart for what breaks Yours. - a Quote: (Ellen and Genie were best friends when they were kids, but grew apart over the years. Until this reconnection in their early twenties, as written by Genie.) “For the next hour I stormed the conversation with highly exaggerated accounts of my great successes… She [Ellen] listened quietly and at one point when my…
sarcasm: religious and political poison. - Reading too much on the internet today and keep thinking one thing: Sarcasm is an ineffective persuasive technique. It’s condescending, arrogant, divisive and shuts down dialog. It’s too often used by people in a manner to indicate that an issue is simple and anyone who doesn’t see the simplicity and logic of their side of…
facebook fragments: 02/22/14 – 02/28/14 (the kitchen, a loveseat & lessons from my daughter) - Saturday, February 22, 2014 We are loving our new microwave! Last one didn’t have the express cook feature and this one has it from 30 seconds to 6 minutes. and it is so. quiet. Best of all, it doesn’t continue to beep nag us when the cook time is complete. _______________ You know what I…
interpretations welcome. - Last night was a lazy family night. The boys were doing calculus at the kitchen table, PinkGirl was watching Disney’s Cinderella on DVD and I was reading in the recliner. I must have dozed off. But it was obviously a REM nap. I was driving PinkGirl to school, but we had to stop somewhere because…
facebook fragments: 02/15/14 – 02/21/14 (EPCOT, fb hacks & a dead microwave) - Saturday, February 15, 2014 Here’s our latest home project progress report, complete with photos: the living room makeover. during and after _______________ “At the end of the day, direction, not intention, determines destination.” from The Principle of the Path: How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be by Andy Stanley…
facebook fragments: 02/8/14 – 02/14/14 (one floor done, dependent tasks & Scooba) - This is only a partial compilation. I waited 3 weeks after posting to create this facebook fragments and some of my facebook posts are already MIA. Which is why I do these posts. _____________ Saturday, February 8, 2014 If the Holy Spirit prompts you to step into a stranger’s life and offer to help them,…
The lying tempter would persuade. - Maybe it’s the chaos in my house. or the chaos of the last year and a half. or the abundance of time I’ve had to think about the chaos of the last year and a half while I’m attending to the mindless task of shoveling the chaos in my house… maybe I’m just tired. or…the living room makeover. the library. - If you missed Part I and Part II of this living room makeover, CLICK HERE and HERE to see those photos. This weekend, we’re installing baseboard in the game room, and hopefully we’ll reload all the furniture in that room and finish laying the new flooring in the kitchen. But this is what we did…
the living room makeover. during and after - If you missed Part I of this living room makeover, CLICK HERE to see those photos. Here’s the last photo from the first post: (the grey is the moisture barrier) While I waited for the flooring to ship (delayed due to the snow and ice), I did some painting and we made few small changes:…
facebook fragments: 02/01/14 – 02/07/14 (superbowl & chaperone duty) - Posting this a week late, as usual… Saturday, February 1, 2014 Who else would have to eat these one line at a time? _______________ Shopping for a new blender because we smoothied ours to DEATH. This is my favorite amazon.com review so far: Pros: It blends. I can make protein shakes with this blender. Cheap.…
facebook fragments: 01/25/14 – 01/31/14 - Saturday, January 25, 2014 Me, to PinkGirl, who was head down in her iPad: “Whatcha up to?” PinkGirl: “Talking to people.” Me: “Who ya talking to?” PinkGirl: “What difference does it make?” Me: “When I’m on the phone, what do you always ask me? PinkGirl, grinning: “Who ya talking to?” Me: “When I’m texting someone,…
facebook fragments: 01/18/14 – 01/24/14 - Tuesday, January 21, 2014 I have a harmony stuck in my head. _______________ PinkGirl. Please STOP doing the Chocolate Dance and get ready for bed. #ilovemydaughter ______________ Wednesday, January 22, 2014 PinkGirl. Please STOP doing the Chocolate Dance and get ready for school. #ilovemydaughter _______________ A huge THANK YOU to Kristen from BodyInUnity Inc.! After…
facebook fragments: 01/10/14 – 01/17/14 (listened to a lot of music this week) - For those of you who don’t follow me on facebook… Friday, 01/10/14 “that’s precious.” #stuffIdontsay _______________ Sunday, 01/12/14 My son just used the word “solace” in everyday conversation. And he didn’t remember using it when I asked if I could post this. I’m so proud. _______________ The 2014 Living Room makeover: before and during (click…
one man’s trash, another man’s recycling. - FirstHusband told me to throw these 2×4 scraps away a few months ago. I put them in the garage instead. This is FavoriteHusband’s Pinterest project today: Here’s the inspiration Pin:
the living room makeover. before and during. - [First things first. FirstHusband’s name has been officially changed to “FAVORITEHusband” for the next few weeks. probably longer. This post would not exist if it weren’t for his tireless and good natured hard work. and his math skills and his freakishly (and sometimes frustrating) attention to detail.] I forgot to take a picture of the…
facebook fragments: 12/28/13 – 01/10/14 - For those of you who don’t follow me on facebook… Wednesday, 12/25/13 What time did you wake up? PinkGirl came in our room at 8:52am. I told her the time was too weird to get up and I had to snooze for 8 minutes. __________ Saturday, 12/28/13 Toto, I don’t think we’re in Orlando anymore.…
brokenhearted. and another lost opportunity. - Reading my prayer journal. A few weeks ago, I prayed this: “Father, please help me to know You MORE…Please reveal to me ANYTHING about You that I need to know…Of all the things I’ve asked You for – all the silly prayers and broken prayers, I’m asking You for ONE THING – Please, Lord, more…
it only hurts temporarily. - Friend: “You overthink things.” Me: “You say that like it’s a bad thing.”
therefore I quote: “violently face to face” - “C.S. Lewis (on reading another author): “He brought me violently face to face with…” from Yours, Jack by C.S. Lewis YES! I LOVE it when that happens! It’s why I read dead guys and footnotes when I don’t have to. I love it when a writer makes me think. I love it when my beliefs…
therefore I quote: overcome? or on the wrong tract? - I read, therefore I quote: “It is hard, when difficulties arise to know whether one is meant to overcome them or whether they are signs that one is on the wrong tract. I suppose the deeper one’s own life of prayer and sacraments the more trustworthy one’s judgment will be.” Yours, Jack by C.S. Lewis…
What’s in Your God Pocket? - Ran across an old video camera and lost a few hours watching old recordings. I have absolutely no memory of this one, but it’s an excellent reminder to pray for an awareness of God’s prompting in my life. You got an extra six minutes and 16 seconds? I’m praying this encourages you!
“inappropriate” music. - PinkGirl: “Mom, Is it okay to like to sing songs from Chicago?” (the musical, not the city) Me: “yes. why?” PinkGirl: “Because it has inappropriate things in it. Some of my teachers (from UnnamedChristianSchool) say it’s a sin to watch and listen to things that are inappropriate.” Me: “hmmm. Does listening to and singing the…
four minutes with God: in the dark, surrounded by trees. - a Quote: “A friend of mine is a singer. From time to time she goes to record vocal tracks at a studio here in town. One evening she went and she was in a different room than she had ever been in before. In a studio, there is always some form of sound absorbing material,…
#riveting - These are the search strings that have led people to my blog since my last post. I should probably write something.
the positive impact of negative feedback. - Ironically, the thing that triggered the paralyzing self-doubt was the exact same thing that knocked me free from it. feedback . . . And most frustrating and challenging of all, there were widespread tangential comments from, and conversations with, multiple people about both my Christ-centered church and my search for joy blog posts which didn't seem to be related to the content of what I had actually written. family book banter - PinkGirl: “Mom, did you pre-order that book for me?” Me: “no. is there some incentive for PRE-ordering? PinkGirl: “no, I’m just DYING to find out what happened.” Me: “I have no sympathy. You have broken the family fiction series rule.” PinkGirl: “What rule? (as if she didn’t know) FavoriteDad: “You don’t start reading a fiction…
the donkey is busy. - For months after I published my "Christ-centered church" series, I was convinced I couldn’t put words together in comprehensible sentences. I couldn’t write. I stopped the “conversations with a born-again atheist” series. If what I said about my faith caused CHRISTIANS such confusion and anger, I had NO business talking to an atheist. seriously. I was paralyzed by a complete and total lack of confidence in my ability to discern ANYthing. God’s will, God’s prompting, God’s movement. Wisdom? fuggetaboutit.
idences. - specifically, providence and coincidence. providence: capitalized : God conceived as the power sustaining and guiding human destiny coincidence: the occurrence of events that happen at the same time by accident but seem to have some connection I can’t ever remember believing in coincidences. My husband on the other hand, is a big believer in them.…the dark night. - and no. I’m not talking about Holy DARK KNIGHT, Batman. I had never even heard about the dark night until I started reading about finding joy and delight in God, spiritual dryness, spiritual darkness and the silence of God. I first stumbled upon the term while reading “Prayer” by Philip Yancey. He said: “I take…
two steps forward. one step back. - If you read my last post, “growing pains” you know I’ve been having trouble seeing God’s hand in my life over the last few months. God has been silent. When I first became aware of the silence, I immediately assumed sin was separating me from God. I confessed all the sin I could identify. I…
growing pains. - I’m totally confident I needed to give up leading worship when when I did. (If you need to catch up, this is probably the post to read: “obedience and blessings. passion and delight.“) The last six weeks have been some of the most honest, wrenching, unsettling, peaceful, secure and unstable moments of my life. I’ve…
parallel lessons. - PinkGirl is at call backs for The Little Mermaid. Ya know she dreams of being cast as Ariel. This was her instagram graphic and request yesterday: “Hey guys tomorrow is the first rehearsal for Little Mermaid and it’s when I find out what part I get. Please Pray for me not to get the role…
four minutes with God: 2 Chronicles 5:13-14 - a Quote: “…what I testify to is the power of visual art, and especially music…They have the potential to awaken the mind and heart to aspects of God’s glory that were not perceived before. Paintings or photographs of mountains and streams can call forth a sense of wonder and peace. If we are willing to…
ordering my environment. - I wrote a few weeks ago that when my head is a mess, I am compelled to order my environment. In practical application, this means three things: cleaning. purging. painting. and I guess decorating. If you count framing stuff I’ve been meaning to frame for…ever. and putting new flooring in downstairs. and getting rid of…
obedience and blessings. passion and delight. - If you’ve been following along, you know I’ve discovered that I desperately want to delight in God more than I delight in the things I’m passionate about. and I’ve come face to ugly face with the fact that I don’t. Some of my Christian friends are very uncomfortable with this admission. Some get exactly what…
I want me to want You. - yes. I did just sing that to the tune of a Cheap Trick song. But I’m talking to God: Lord, I want to wake up every morning aware of an innate desire for intimacy with YOU. I want to delight in YOU. but I don’t. I call myself a Christian. but I can’t remember ever,…
four minutes with God: Hebrews 4:15-16 - a Quote: “…how did the early Christians pray for joy? First, we may assume that they prayed the prayers of the only Bible that they had, namely, the Old Testament. Thus they would have prayed: “Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days” (Ps.…
my flesh may fail. - “…how is it possible for a creature to desire and enjoy the creation without committing idolatry? This may seem like an irrelevant question to some. But for people who long to sing like the psalmists, it is very relevant. They sing like this: Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on…
how you doin? - it’s not infrequent that my husband asks me that question in Joey’s voice. I can even hear the voice in text messages. But this time the question came from someone else. And it was definitely NOT asked in Joey’s voice. It was all weepy. and concerned. Because I’ve been doing . . . (click the…
color. - I’ve been given some serious what-for. PinkGirl became aware that I said “dammit” in my blog the other day. multiple times. “MOM!” hhhhhhhhhh. I have a 12 year old censor. and she. is. bossy. meanwhile, she thinks it is hilarious to tell me she “shipped her pants.” the fact is, I grew up with a…
Holy Veruca Salt, Batman. - If you’ve been following along for the last week, you’re probably wondering what the heck is wrong with me. yeah. me too. My husband and a friend have both referred to it as me being “refined by fire.” I should probably be happy about this. I’m sure one day I will be. Meanwhile. You may…
reading. thinking. cleaning. painting. purging. - When my head is a mess, I am compelled to order my environment. My husband is scared right now. happy. but scared. Happy because of all the stuff I’m getting rid of. And I’m getting rid of a LOT of stuff. a LOT of stuff. Scared because of the honey-do list that goes along with…
letting go. - God. Four years ago, I was content to sing by myself. in the seclusion of my mini-van. Leading worship never crossed my mind. Four years ago, I was content to write a blog. about recipes and how to use a neti pot. Writing a book never crossed my mind. Four years ago, I was content…
with white knuckled fists. - Clinging to some things. with white knuckled fists. things I love too much. things I want…more than I want what God wants for me. because the thought that the things I want and the things God wants for me aren’t the the same things? Wrecks me. I want to believe that the desires of my…
the efficacy of prayer. - “Can we believe that God ever really modifies His action in response to the suggestions of men? For infinite wisdom does not need telling what is best, and infinite goodness needs no urging to do it. But neither does God need any of those things that are done by finite agents, whether living or inanimate.…
comfort zone? or rut? - There is a tendency to hold on to what we have because it’s what we have. It’s only in hindsight that we realize we were stuck in a rut, closed off to the new or different because, well, it’s new and different. When we have the courage and objectivity to step back and look, really…
conversations with a born-again atheist: some behind the scenes banter - This is some in-between/behind the scenes conversation between AtypicalAtheist and myself. I'm including it in the blog series because I want to remind readers that he and are actually friends in real life - even though we hold very, very different beliefs about God.
conversations with a born-again atheist: the Santa comparison - Santa tangent ahead. Before I could reply to the "Shotgun" email, AtypicalAtheist asked me for my thoughts on his "Santa Comparison." [snip] “Also, do you have a suggestion of better language or terms that I could use, knowing how I feel about the topic, and how you feel about having your beliefs seemingly trivialized?”
that’s just sad, that’s what it is. - My treadmill has needed a new belt for a while but I’ve been putting it off (click to zoom in and see the peeling). Now the motor needs a new belt, forcing me to actually DO something about it. Two belts ordered. But….3 to 5 days shipping? Insert whining HERE. 🙁
conversations with a born-again atheist: comparing belief in God to belief in Santa. and faires. and WibbleFoo. - This started as my brief reply to AtypicalAtheist's "shotgun email" (because it hit so many points at once). Before I could reply to the rest of the shotgun email, he asked me for my thoughts on his "Santa Comparison." So. Santa tangent ahead.
conversations with a born-again atheist: the “shotgun” email (more reasons why faith is unreasonable, illogical and irrational.) - Note: Below is AtypicalAtheist's response to "conversations with a born-again atheist: Christianity buried so deep in religion, it’s almost impossible to find." I fondly refer to this as "the shotgun email" because it spread out and hit so many points at once, I couldn't possibly address everything in one email response. wowza.
conversations with a born-again atheist: why faith is unreasonable, illogical and irrational. - Below is AtypicalAtheist's response to my second question: "Why do you view faith in God as unreasonable, illogical and irrational?"
sanctimonious. - My favorite college professor, Dr. Grasty, taught me a lesson that has stuck with me for decades: When we are criticized, our tendency is to be defensive. Our knee-jerk reaction is to deny. His sage advice? Don't be a deluded wimp. Have the courage to look for any truth in the criticism. Strip away any acrimonious language, any selfish motivation or defensiveness of the criticizer and diligently search for even a nugget of truth in the accusation . . . am I sanctimonious?
conversations with a born-again atheist: Christianity buried so deep in religion, it’s almost impossible to find. - This post is my response to AtypicalAthiest's two part answer to my question: "How did you – a self-professed born again Christian – become an atheist?"
Vertical Church: a clarification. and a survey. - If you understand and agree with anything in this list, then PLEASE PRAY WITH ME? That the HOLY SPIRIT WILL BRING REVIVAL to our church. Because we are doers and fixers, the question that usually follows that is: "But what else can I do?" NOTHING else. You can't bring revival. Only the Holy Spirit can do that. So PRAY. Prayer is more powerful than ANYthing we can do on our own.
church: THERE. IS. MORE. - I'm going to say hard things. I've spent a week writing this particular post and I've prayed about it for hours. and hours. and hours. and HOURS. Hard. Things. I promise you I'm saying them in a spirit of edification.
four minutes with God: Joshua 24:15 - a Quote: “Your choice must be a deliberate determination—it is not something into which you will automatically drift. And everything else in your life will be held in temporary suspension until you make a decision. The proposal is between you and God—do not “confer with flesh and blood” about it (Galatians 1:16). With every new…
post hoc, ergo propter hoc. - I've been paralyzed. For a week. Four previous drafts of the post I was trying to write sit abandoned. Because of this warped logic: "post hoc ergo proptor hoc."
I know what you're saying. "hhhhhhh. What is she talking about now?"
I know what you're saying. "hhhhhhh. What is she talking about now?"
Hide and Seek Champion - This little guy jumped in my van yesterday afternoon. This is his second taunting appearance since then. He bolts and hides as soon as I get too close. Cheeky little creep. If I can’t catch him, there’s only one thing left to do. Name him. So far, the facebook suggestions are: Randall (from Monster’s Inc.)…
The “Visitors” - I've learned the hard way that the word "evangelism" does not have a one size fits all definition and that my personal working definition of evangelism is: "Being a witness to what Christ has done and is doing in my life – because I’m so passionate about it I can’t keep it to myself." Within the framework of that definition, evangelism doesn't take place at a certain time or place. For me, evangelism takes place in my everyday interpersonal interactions.
evangelism is like halloween. - oh, that's bound to get me in trouble. I can hear it: "sacrilege!" "blasphemy!" "heathen!" or maybe you're thinking I've completely lost it. evangelism. is like Halloween? For those of you who will click away because you don't have time to read a crazy woman's blog, see ya later. But for those of you who are saying "okay. I'll bite. WHY is evangelism like Halloween?" Here's a little glimpse into the crazy that is me.
I made a mistake. - I didn't anticipate that assumptions would be made about what God had revealed to me before I could get to that part of the story. I didn't anticipate that those assumptions would be so far off the mark. I didn't anticipate that the preconceived ideas of some of the people reading would so completely envelope and suffocate my true message. I didn't anticipate that people would disagree so strongly with me without understanding what they were disagreeing with.
F5. How many people like me? F5. How many people like me? - Yesterday I gave something up. I realized it was Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. But I didn’t give up this “something” for Lent. I haven’t observed Lent for decades, for reasons I won’t go into right now. When I decided to give up this “something,” I knew I wanted to give it up forever.…
favorite child. - FirstHusband is out of town, so finding a fresh pot of coffee when I came downstairs this morning was a nice surprise. Me: “Someone made coffee?” PinkGirl: “Me.” Me: “awww. You’re my favorite daughter!” PinkGirl: “I would have preferred ‘favorite child.'” FavoriteSon: “What do you want?” PinkGirl: “nothing!” FavroiteSon: “umm. hmm.”
“Christ-centered Church.” I do not think it means what you think it means. - Lemme 'splain. No, there is too much. Lemme sum up. When I talk about "preaching Christ" I am NOT talking about preaching "everybody is a sinner and they need Jesus or they're going Hell." This is something we need to get out of the way before I continue. Purge this assumption from your mind. It is an obstacle to the actual message I'm trying to convey. A misleading tangent. A stumbling block. A wrong assumption.
#smartaleckid - Me: “Hey, FavoriteSon. I know that Jesus is the common thread through the entire Bible but is there an actual Bible verse stating that? FavoriteSon:“I dunno.” Me: “You’re slacking on your ‘walking concordance’ duties. How much have we paid for your Christian education anyway?” FavoriteSon: “I got it. Ecclesiastes 10:19” Me: “uh huh. I can…
the gospel is more than evangelism. - Today, my pastor preached an evangelical sermon . . . Not one person left my church today without hearing how their lives could be changed by placing their faith in Jesus. not. ONE. AMEN. I sought him out. I had to tell him
a metaphor for awakening. - In the middle of everything that was happening, I was struck with a memory that cut through 25 years. Buried in my mind, probably nestled somewhere between the lyrics of Gilligan’s Island and The Brady Bunch, was a scene from the movie Labyrinth. Seems straightforward. Just a story. A fairy tale. But even the filmmakers intended it to be a metaphor.
going through the motions. - Consider this analogy. In a way, churches are like families. And when our family culture is all we know, we think our family is normal. Until we're exposed to another family culture. It may be through a book, a movie, TV show, or a visit to someone else's house. And as we notice the differences, we realize. What we thought was normal? Isn't.
the wisdom of the wise. - "Because these people draw near with their mouths and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their worship of me is a human commandment learned by rote" Isaiah 29:13 I turned to Matthew 15:8-9, the verse I had read on Wednesday. It was a pew Bible. There were no cross references. But I knew the footnotes of a reference Bible would link them.
desperate prayers. “mean” prayers. - So I prayed. I prayed desperate prayers. Some might call them “mean” prayers . . . And as I prayed all of this, I doubted. Not that God could, but that God would.
conversations with a born-again atheist: an atheist’s testimony (part 2) - Below is part 2 of AtypicalAtheist's response to my question: "How did you – a self-professed born again Christian – become an atheist?"
desperate. - Corporate prayer is safe and appropriate to the occasion...Conversations are about the logistics and scheduling of programs and service...I couldn’t remember ever being convicted or personally challenged by a sermon message or class discussion. I had been asleep. Numb. On autopilot. I had forgotten.
conversations with a born-again atheist: an atheist’s testimony (part 1) - Below is PART ONE of AtypicalAtheist's response to one of two questions I posed to him in my previous email. "How did you – a self-professed born again Christian – become an atheist?"
the assumption of Christ. - My church is firmly grounded in the assumption of Christ. That is not a typo. I am not a victim of autocorrect. I intentionally typed “assumption” not “ascension.” My church is firmly grounded in the assumption of Christ. And I am wrecked over it.
irreconcilable differences. - I opened the pew Bible and searched for folded pages to smooth, a practice stemming from both my compulsion to line things up in parallel rows and my need to fix things. To make things right. And things were not right.
there’s more to the gospel than evangelism. - "We must diligently and consistently cast the gospel in larger terms than only evangelism"
i’ll stay where you send me. - Lord, please give me courage.
Bless me with wisdom and words of grace and unflinching honesty.
Please Lord, place your hand at the small of my back and guide me. Please place your hand of restraint on my shoulder when I am overcome by pride or anger so I won't say things that are unedifying. Please please empty my mind of distractions and open my heart to your presence. Help me to focus not only my eyes on you, but my hope also. You alone can redeem this seemingly hopeless circumstance.
the assumption of Christ - Much too often, the people of Christian churches talk about God in such a generic way that we are left with only an assumption of Christ. We assume people make the necessary connection between God and Jesus, and assumption is a dangerous practice. Because for those who don’t know Jesus personally, it gives them a…
conversations with a born-again atheist: gods, God and clarifying the purpose of these talks - ...Your statements in our initial conversation sparked my interest in two ways: 1. How did you - a self-professed born again Christian - become an atheist? 2. Why do you view faith in God as unreasonable, illogical and irrational?
conversations with a born-again atheist: a few definitions - So far, I've been including the back and forth of these conversations in one post, but I think I'm going to shift and begin posting most of these emails one at a time. The fact that you don't see my response to AtypicalAtheist's email below is ZERO indication that I agree with the statements he's made. Just means I haven't responded...YET.
conversations with a born-again atheist: the ground rules - I'm having an ongoing conversation with a born-again atheist. When I say "born-again atheist" I mean he was a born again Christian, but is now an atheist. Below is the email exchange in which we set the ground rules for blog posting. One thing I want to emphasize is the pseudonym. I'm going to respect the pseudonym.
conversations with a born-again atheist: the first emails - A few days back I posted that I had an opportunity to have a conversation with a born-again atheist. When I say "born-again atheist" I mean he was a born again Christian, but is now an atheist. Below is the first email exchange to follow that verbal conversation.
conversations with a born-again atheist: the beginning - I have to admit. I prayed for this.
I think.
I asked God to provide an opportunity for a conversation about faith and that He would equip me for it.
Be careful what you pray for. Because I am in WAY over my head.
look who survived Thanksgiving - I happened to look out my window a few minutes ago and discovered NINE turkeys in my front yard, including a male who was displaying his feathers. This is why I LOVE living where I live. Smack in the middle of a middle class suburb, but backing up to a pond and river. And none…
Volcanoooooo (a sixth grade science project) - Here’s how PinkGirl’s volcano science project turned out yesterday: If you’ve been around for a while, you might remember FavoriteSon’s volcano project. Here’s an excerpt from that blog post: We end up at Michael’s craft store with four packages of quick drying clay, a terra cotta pot and . . . a rocket engine. Yes.…
a good Christian life. - Honored to have had the privilege of delivering this message to a group of women at a Brunch this past Saturday morning. This video will give you a preview of the book I’m writing. If you’ve got 8 minutes and 27 seconds, check it out.
answers. - [the following is an excerpt from the book I’m writing] Answers to prayer come in all different shapes and sizes – and times. God has definitely answered my prayers in ways I didn’t expect. Some answers I would quickly and easily describe as blessings, some answers I would say were blessings disguised as trials. Sometimes,…
not more from God, more of God. - [the following is an excerpt from the book I’m writing] Intimate communication with Christ through prayer can be the foundation of everything in your life: every thought you think, every idea that opens your mind, every choice you make. But when we relegate prayer to certain times and places in our lives, we limit that…
four minutes with God: Luke 1:37 - the Word: “God can do anything.” Luke 1:37 (NIV) my Prayer: Lord, I pray for revival, filled with doubt that You will stir it. Not because You can’t, but because You won’t. I believe You can do anything. But I also know You don’t force yourself on anyone. And the people I’m praying for are…
grace is FREE. - “If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9 “God does not ask us to work to achieve salvation. All he asks us to do is believe. There is not one verse in the Bible that says…four minutes with God: Luke 24:27, 30-32 - the Word: “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself…When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he…
four minutes with God: Exodus 33:15-16 - the Word: Then Moses said to Him “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on…
Lessons from a Whale - The Church Is Full of Hypocrites I have two responses to that: 1. Of course it is and 2. Of Which I am the Greatest For nearly a decade, I’ve volunteered to work my church’s annual Whale of a Sale, a gymnasium sized garage sale. The last two years, I served as its co-chair. Every…
Kidnapped by a Whale - I’ve been MIA for the last two weeks because I’ve been serving as the co-chair of my church’s annual gymnasium-sized rummage sale called the WHALE of Sale. It’s been mostly 12+ hour days for two weeks and I’m on my way back to normal life, albeit covered with multiple bruises from moving furniture and hefting…
I knocked over a domino: the game room makeover. - All I wanted to do was donate a piece of furniture to our church’s annual rummage sale, the WHALE of a Sale. Here’s my facebook version of the last few days: If you empty an entertainment center to donate it to the FUMCO Whale of a Sale, you’ll be able to see the wall behind…
48. - Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom. Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NIV) another year, over. No do-overs. No take-backs. Only lessons to be learned and new choices to be made. Lord,…
ithinkicanithinkicanithinkican - facebook fragments: Friday, 9:30pm: Voices in My Head – Me: “yo. treadmill. I am SO not in the mood to even come near you right now. It’s Friday night, for cryin out loud.” Treadmill: “no problem. I knew you were a wimp.” Me: “Shut up.” Treadmill: “hey, you were the one who said you were…
one man’s trash. - Every year, on the first weekend of October, my church hosts a huge rummage sale, called the Whale of a Sale. All year long, we collect pre-owned items, storing them in PODs on church campus. Then, two Saturdays before the sale, we empty the PODs and fill a gymnasium. For two weeks, we continue to…
the “right” questions. - My friend had asked me to meet her for coffee because she was smack in the middle of unsettling change and feeling lost. She was seeking direction, feeling powerless, overwhelmed and discouraged by her circumstances. She began our conversation by explaining that over the last few months, every time something would happen, she would think,…
collateral learning. - I’ve said before that I’m the friend who prefers coffee and conversation over a couple of hours sitting silently in a dark movie theater together. I’m the friend you can talk to about the stuff that keeps you up at night – and I’m not going to judge you or tell you what to do…
an ego smackdown. straight from God. - In Kari Jobe’s album version of Revelation Song, the fourth verse builds and the word “mystery” is held for about 18 seconds. (It starts at the 4 minute mark) I couldn’t do it. And I really, really wanted to do it. For over a year, the worship leader didn’t even go near it. Then, one…
four minutes with God: Ephesians 4:29-32 - the Word: Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of…
I need Mr. Miyagi. - Back to yoga class this morning. I’m paying for taking the summer off. PinkGirl: “WHAT is that SMELL?” FavoriteHusband, working on my shoulder: “your mom calls it ‘stinky hot’ but it’s really called BENGAY.” PinkGirl: “it’s GROSS!” A few minutes later: FavoriteSon: “Why do I smell Pepto-Bismol?” Me: “It’s stinky hot.” FavoriteSon: “Smells like Pepto.”…
t-minus 12 hours. - Me: “PinkGirl, you know what time it is?” PinkGirl: “what?” Me: “Time to lay out your clothes for school tomorrow.” faux fainting. extreme, dramatic faux fainting Me: “And pack your lunch.” PinkGirl: “Noooooooooo!!!!!” and just like that. Summer is over.
pretend I said words out loud. - Took FavoriteSon to Walgreens for a rapid strep test yesterday afternoon. NursePractitioner: “So, what’s going on?” FavoriteSon: “I think I have strep. I woke up around 3:00 this morning and my throat was killing me.” NP: A sore throat doesn’t necessarily mean strep.” Me: He’s correctly diagnosed himself the last two times he got strep.”…
the hard is what makes it great. - “If it was easy, everyone would do it” is one of my mantras. I say it to my kids when they struggle with ANYthing and I see discouragement or frustration start to set in. I say it to my husband, friends, clients and sometimes, even strangers. I say it to myself. A lot. When I’m…
“Fair” is not when everybody gets a turn. - Fair is when hard won preparation and relentless dedication to excellence earns opportunity. When I was in college, one of my friends, a member of the same singing group I was in, angrily told me it wasn’t fair that I got so many solos “just because I sang better than her.” She said she “couldn’t…
Ab workout AND entertainment. - 10:33pm. Shoulder Devil: “It’s late. You did the HIIT training. Skip the rest.” Shoulder Angel: “There’s still an hour and a half left in the day. Don’t listen to him. If it wasn’t for me, your body fat percentage would still be 51%” Shoulder Devil:: “hhhhhh. okay, fine. then just do the plank. Skip the…
I. Want. More. - I’ve described my mother as a “defiant non-compliant diabetic.” She ate what she wanted, when she wanted, blood sugar be damned. After decades of neglect, her body began to deteriorate and finally shut down completely. I found a receipt in her wallet dated just days before her death. She had driven through Burger King on…
It’s Not the Least We Can Do, It’s the Best We Can Do. - (a short excerpt from the book I’m writing – and WILL eventually finish) Why is it that when faced with a problem, my first inclination is to do something? To take action? Why is it that my knee jerk reaction is to throw myself into problem solving mode? Then, when I’ve expended every effort, when…
why I’m not your “fun” friend. issue #3: Death. - In a previous post, entitled “I’m not your ‘fun’ friend.” I said I didn’t have a lot of patience for “surface” conversation because I have issues and that you either get used to me or you avoid me. (CLICK HERE to read that post.) It set me thinking about why I’m so intense about life…
tell me your “God story” - Think back over your life. What was something you prayed about that you believed at the time turned out very badly but now, in retrospect, you see was the best thing that could have happened? Can you see situations in your life where God saved you from a negative consequence or used a bad situation…
that fleeting moment . . . - . . . when you realize you have nothing to contribute. When you realize everything that can be said has already been said, that there are literally countless people who can do what you’re trying to learn to do – and they are already phenomenally better at it, and that you should give up this…
yo, Horton. Can you hear me? - Termite Guy: “I added 8 new bait stations and put these little flags at each one. That’s a total of 31 stations all the way around the house.” Me: “I’m not a big fan of the orange plastic flags on wire sticks. I can put something more subtle and decorative at each station if you…
no further uneasiness. - (this is a re-post from March 2010. writing about seasons of prayerlessness and forgetting God and started thinking about it.) “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For…claimed or counterclaimed. - “There is no neutral ground in the universe; every square inch, every split second is claimed by God and counterclaimed by Satan.” C.S. Lewis Either I’m on track and Satan is ticked and trying to derail me, or I’m off track and God is relentlessly trying to get me to see that He’s answering my…
everything matters. - When we intentionally strive to view life through God’s eyes, everything we see looks different. Every situation is infused with the possibility of greater meaning. Every interaction is saturated with the potential for life changing pivot points. Choices we previously made without a second thought take on greater significance. We realize that everything is bigger…
facebook fragments of a Mother’s Day weekend. - In case you don’t follow me on facebook or twitter, here’s a little compilation of my weekend updates: Friday, May 11, 2012 – Trying to learn this: “The difference between being 95% prepared & 100% prepared (whatever that is) is infinitesimal. It is not perceived. But the energy expended in moving from 95% to 100%…
the foundation of my work ethic. “Would you like fries with that?” - My daughter was lounging around the house in a circa 1970s McDonalds uniform last night. The neon green version. Attractive, I know. She’s got a decade project due this week, so we’ve been in the attic. And now she wants to wear this to school. Her brother wore the SAME uniform to school for 70’s…
I don’t want to sing a solo. - This post was originally published on March 9, 2011. I was reminded of it yesterday. Went to bed thinking about the elements of an atmosphere conducive to worship. Woke up thinking about what I can do to help a congregation experience deep worship and praise. Something’s been on my mind. While rehearsing a song for…
“Discovery Day” is right. - FirstHusband and FavoriteSon went to a college “Discovery Day” on Saturday, inspecting a potential choice for FavoriteSon. I think it just hit me that, if he goes away to college as a freshman, his sister will only be in 7th grade when he goes. That hadn’t even crossed my mind. We would miss him like…
Jesus said turn the other cheek. He didn’t say I had to stand within smack radius. - “so, have you spoken to them about their behavior?” That was the question I was asked after publishing my post entitled “you see the big hat too . . . right?” (For those who don’t have time to read that post, here’s the twitter version: “passive-aggressive narcissist. boundaries, distance & prayer. attempted normal relationship. failed.…
Mythbusters question: Who packs a car better, a man or a woman? - Watching Mythbusters on DVR tonight and that was one of the questions. FirstHusband: “Oh, DEFINITELY a man.” Me: “You know why?” FirstHusband: “Spacial relationships.” Me: “nope. it’s because we don’t care.” Once I get the suitcase closed, my job is done.
you see the big hat too . . . right? - Ever try to describe the behavior of a passive-aggressive person to someone else? Inevitably, you come off sounding petty. And a little crazy. There’s disbelief: “No way. That doesn’t seem like them.” There’s doubt: “Are you sure? Maybe you misunderstood.” There’s advice: “You should talk to them about it. They probably have no idea you…
I’m going to stop being discouraged and be awesome instead. True Story. - I haven’t exactly been sad. But I’ll admit. For the last few weeks, I’ve been discouraged. I found myself in the middle of a new work group dynamic and the results have been . . . discouraging. Actually, it’s an old dynamic that I allowed to resurface. I should have known better. I can’t be…
five minutes of crazy. - Me, to FirstHusband at Home Depot: “I know that guy. How do I know that guy?” One minute later, staring at the guy: “WHERE do I know him from?” And again, this time staring blankly at nothing, watching a clouded memory play back in my head: “He’s a doctor. Whoever he is, he wears a…
step away from the puppy. - Warning: Sometimes, emotional bullies wear puppy suits. wounded puppy suits. And when you pay attention to them, the whimpering doesn’t get softer, it gets louder. and louder and louder… They require more and more of your time and attention. You can’t make them happy. You aren’t the reason they’re UNhappy. But if you don’t give…
do the right thing because it’s the right thing. - Last night I was repeating: “God loves my kids more than I do. God loves my kids more than I do. God loves my kids more than I do.” FavoriteSon went out. On a Friday night. First time driving in heavy traffic IN THE DARK. “God loves my kids more than I do. God loves…
the power of words. - This is why I struggle when I write. The words I use will make all the difference. This book I’m writing can’t be cathartic purging or just a transfer of information. My goal is to inspire CHANGE – and not the kind people threw at this man’s feet. As I write and re-write, I’m praying…
Goal #1: tear muscles. Goal #2: Build them back up. - After spending Sunday in pain, I had to face the fact that I’ve been slacking on the strength training. I have arthritis in my neck and if I keep my shoulders – specifically my trapezius muscle – strong, I’m usually symptom free. But Sunday, the nerves in my shoulder were “buzzing,” if that makes sense,…
why I’m not your “fun” friend. issue #1: Saturday mornings - In my previous post, entitled “I’m not your “fun” friend.” I said the reason I prefer “real” conversation over “surface” conversation is because I have “issues” and that you either get used to me or you avoid me. (CLICK HERE to read that post – it’s short.) I’ve been thinking about why I’m so intense…
a perfectly good cup of coffee, wasted. - When I told PinkGirl it was okay to put peanut butter on the snooze button of her dad’s alarm clock as an April Fool’s prank, WHY did it not occur to me that she would prank me too? I was leaving the house with my coffee this morning when my FAVORITEHusband asked, “umm honey, have…
little known facts: I am a Peep Hater - I haven’t added to my “little known fact” list since January of 2011. It’s way overdue for some attention. Here’s #30: I would rather eat a Brussel sprout than a Peep. bleh. It’s like goo with glitter on it. and again. bleh. and #31: I have absolutely no problem, however, purchasing Peeps for the sole…
I’m not your “fun” friend. - I know I’m not your “fun” friend. I wouldn’t make a good Bunco buddy. I prefer conversation over television. And without exception, I will choose talking about your goals and ideas and struggles over spending two hours in a dark movie theater not talking at all. I know I’m not the first person you think…
everyone needs a Shoulder Coach. - treadmill. 5% incline. 3.5mph. Shoulder Coach: “really? that’s all you got?” Me: “6% incline. are you happy?” Shoulder Coach: “for now.” Me: “you’re gonna give me shin splints.” Shoulder Coach: “your shins hurt?” Me: “no. not yet.” Shoulder Coach: “Then quitcherbellyachin”
I need to clear my head. - When I was in my twenties, that would mean a night drive. Driving on a long straight road, more than a few miles faster than the highest posted speed limit. All the windows had to be down, the sunroof open. I would consciously make the decision NOT to tie up my hair even though I…
writing is hard. - After starting over on a new book, I thought I was finished with the introduction. I told FirstHusband I wasn’t ready for him to read it because I wasn’t ready for negative feedback. Took two days to build up the courage. He had some excellent constructive criticism. Nothing to edit or delete. But he did…
I feel like I’m starting over. - I met with my writing mentor a just a few months after I began writing my book. She took a few minutes to go over my outline and her first comment was: “I see more than one book here.” what?! She said I was trying to stuff everything I wanted to say in one book…
praying for a powerful turnaround on this. - Just pinned this on my pinterest.com board entitled “wrong” with the caption “There may very well be more than a million better ways to combat childhood obesity than these ads.” (this photo is embedded – I did not upload it to this page) Source: 5minutesformom.com via Julie on Pinterest I became aware of the ads…
I’m on a “reverse” diet. - That’s what FavoriteSon is calling it. I’m trying to consume more calories on a daily basis. Sounds crazy. I know. But the truth is, left on my own, I forget to eat. (CLICK HERE to read why.) Case in point? I downloaded the “myfitnesspal” app and have been tracking my calorie intake since Wednesday, February…
I know it when I see it. - Sports Illustrated 2012 Swimsuit Edition arrived in the mail today, which we always toss before FavoriteSon even sees it. PinkGirl spotted it on the counter and opened it up: “WHOA! WHERE’S HER BATHING SUIT?!!” Me: “yeah.” PinkGirl: “Hey, here’s one that’s not so bad.” Me: “Is it the green M&M?” no. It was just a…
shhhhh. I’m listening for the voice of truth. - My pastor asked a question yesterday morning: “Are you standing at the boundary between what you can accomplish on your own naturally and what God can accomplish THROUGH you supernaturally?” yes. yes, I am. Logic says, avoid risk. Fear says, avoid change. Above the voices of logic and fear, I can still hear God’s small,…
I didn’t shave my legs for nothin. - Yesterday, I went back to yoga for the first time since tearing my MCL on December 2nd. My knee has been feeling pretty good, so I intentionally put on yoga shorts that morning. As the time to leave the house got closer, I debated. I was on a writing roll. If I stopped, I would…
stumbling blocks? or stepping stones? - When I published part of my testimony in my last blog post, “I never knew that what I was missing even existed.” I was concerned that some might take it to be a negative “review” of church. I feel like I need to clarify a little bit. Although it may sound like my experiences in…
I never knew that what I was missing even existed. - When people asked me if I went to church, I said yes. As a child, I believed all the Bible stories and I knew where to put every single felt Bible character on the flannel board. I knew all the words to “Now I lay me down to sleep” and “God is great, God is…
I’ve decided I’m tenacious. and I’m not budging on that. - Two days ago, I asked if I was tenacious or just stubborn. You decide. I got my miles in yesterday. Treadmill readout showed: 6.01 miles, 4% incline, 1023 calories burned in 115 minutes and 34 seconds. In case you are new or catching up and are wondering why anyone in their right mind would do…
arguing with God before I even get out of bed. - Some of you know I record once a month. The deadline to submit my accompaniment track and lyrics is usually the week before the recording session. The problem is, I’ve been recording for nearly two years, and I’m running out of “good” tracks. Lately, it’s been a real struggle to get my track in on…
Am I tenacious or just stubborn? (FirstHusband – don’t answer that) - (If you’re new to Compendium, he’s my FirstHusband, my LastHusband, my OnlyHusband. It’s a joke. He gets it.) If anyone is wondering whether I got my miles in today, that would be YES. Treadmill readout showed: 7.02 miles, 4% incline, 1213 calories burned, in a total of 131 minutes and 28 seconds. The knee is…
It’s Monday. Did you tell yourself you would start eating right and exercising today? - I always did. Monday was the mother of all starting lines. THE day to begin. again. Everybody knows it’s better to start a new fitness plan on a Monday. Even experts agree: “We think of Monday as the January of the week. It’s a call to action built into every calendar, giving you 52 chances…
sometimes, tired is a state of mind. - I’m sure I walked more than a mile during the first few weeks of January, but since I didn’t log any fitness, it wasn’t fair to count more than I could be sure of. Then, despite my goal to log 30 miles by walking 5 miles a day in the last 6 days of the…
I think I’ve decided to walk my 5 miles today. - What does this little guy inspire YOU to do? Be a good steward of the body God has blessed you with today!! Source: Uploaded by user via Julie on Pinterest
desensitized. - I’m not one to avoid conflict. I’ve found that, much too often, constant unanimous agreement results in substandard ideas and dispassionate forward motion. Confrontation doesn’t scare me. I don’t avoid conflict because I’m afraid of the person I need to confront or the possible repercussions of the confrontation. That said, there are some situations in…
long overdue fitness update: 1/26/12 - It’s been a while since I updated my fitness log. Tomorrow marks EIGHT weeks since my partial MCL tear and ACL strain! Recommended healing for my injury was 6 to 8 weeks! YEAH! I’m HEALED! (yes. this is how I think) First day back to the incline treadmill walking (at an incline of 4 and…
identity crisis. part 1. - Eleven year old PinkGirl auditioned for Beauty and the Beast this month. Of course she wanted the part of Belle. At the four hour cast call backs the week after her first audition, she sang and read for Belle. The only other character she was asked to try was Babbette, the feather duster. She couldn’t…
Dear PinkGirl: don’t copy me. - There’s a certain person in my daughter’s life, who if she allows it, erodes her joy. I’ll call her TheBully. Without getting into detail, I’ll just say that her behavior toward PinkGirl is often passive-aggressive. Every day after school, PinkGirl tells me what TheBully did that day. And every day, PinkGirl and I talk about…
taut [tawt] adjective: emotionally or mentally strained or tense - I’ve mentioned before that my husband and I have a marriage counselor. We spent about two years seeing her regularly, but now we only go occasionally. After my mother passed away in December, we made a few appointments. We didn’t know how my mother’s death would impact me, but we figured it would. We were…
don’t eat the marshmallow. yet. - Writing about “Don’t Eat The Marshmallow” today. LOVE these kids. (the premise is that children who are capable of delayed gratification are more “successful” than children who can’t delay gratification. The test? Give a kid a marshmallow and tell them they can eat it – BUT if they can wait 10-15 minutes, they can have…
what’s YOUR “wall?” - I know mine. “…I am doing a great work and I cannot come down…” Nehemiah 6:3 Everything I’ve learned about Nehemiah, I learned from Andy Stanley. I’ve written before about his book “Visioneering” and the story of Nehemiah. How did I miss this? (CLICK HERE to listen to the entire message)
renewable source. - My last post was a smack-down for satan. This post is about the “renewable source of strength from an all powerful, all knowing, ever present God” I was talking about. Lord, please use all these circumstances for your ultimate good. Please use me. Please calm my temperament. Please fill my mind and mouth with wise…
a little smack talk for satan. yeah. I’m talking to YOU. loser. - Just took another – this time underhanded – hit from satan, so I’m thinking he deserves a little reality grounded in smack talk: “yo. satan. What’s the matter? Am I doing something you don’t like? Get used to it. I may be tired. and I may be stressed, but I have a renewable source of…
My mother. 1942-2011. Rest in Peace. - My mother’s suffering ended on December 27, 2011. I’m so thankful that I’m confident she is with our Father in Heaven. “We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering All the while, You hear each spoken need Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things” Blessings by Laura Story
the knee chronicles. - Today, an hour ago: FirstHusband went to our doc for his annual check-up this morning. Me: “Did you ask him about my knee?” FirstHubs: “uh, YEAH. I said, ‘Julie wants to go back to yoga and I said she had to wait until you cleared her.'” Doc: “no. No. (pause) NO!” well. that’s irritating. Now…
blend until purple. - My daily addiction: 1 cup skim milk (90 calories) 1 cup fat free yogurt (any berry flavor) (100 calories) 2 fistfuls of frozen blueberries (1 cup = less than 85 calories) 6 frozen strawberries (about 5 calories each) blend until purple. An antioxidant, vitamin C loaded snack that tastes like dessert for around 300 calories!…
facebook fragments: fighting the frump, a subliminal message, a free transmission and Chester. - Here’s a peek at my day… 11:00am Done: 1 HIIT mile and 1 yoga class. But I’m still in my workout clothes…still wearing shoes. If I can just stop myself from taking off my shoes, there’s the possibility of another mile or two. So…what are YOU doing to be a good steward of the body…
healthy doesn’t just happen. - What I wanted to do: “Sit here curled up on the couch in front of the Christmas tree with a blanket, coffee and a book, listening to my December rehearsal CD.” What I did instead: “Walked/Jog one HITT mile before going to BodyInUnity yoga.” Because healthy doesn’t just happen. I want to be a good…
twang /twaNG/ (noun) a sharp vibrating sound (as of a plucked string) - So, last night, at praise team rehearsal, the sound guy asked me if I remembered the complaints about my voice being “piercing.” Me, laughing: “no….I hadn’t heard that. It seems that information was filtered from me.” SoundGuy: “Well, when you hit a certain frequency – 3.5 kHz – your voice gets really loud and piercing.…
conversations with myself. - (Some of you know I’m writing a book. Most recently I’ve been focused on accountability. Don’t know how much will make it through final edits, but today, this is what came out of my memory and my fingertips. Note: (1) This was many YEARS ago. (2) I do NOT really talk to myself like this.…
time’s a wastin. - A family in my church lost their mom to cancer last night. Warning: Death always makes me even more freakishly intentional about living out my faith and if you are someone in my life, I will be relentlessly encouraging you to do the same. If you don’t want to hear it, avoid me until my…
God gave her to me on purpose. - PinkGirl spent nearly an HOUR crying last night. About E.V.E.R.Y.thing. She went from one problem to the next, never stopping, sometimes overlapping. When, between tragedies, I suggested that she might be exhausted, she said, “Mom, sometimes I just need to exhale all my emotions.” God gave her to me on purpose. I’m so thankful she’s…
make the hard choices. - Most of the time, when we say we have no choice, we are wrong. It’s just that the choices may be really, really hard. Radical. Beyond what we can imagine. Doesn’t mean we don’t have a choice, just that we don’t want to make it.
bible study. clarified. - I hate that I’m guilty of doing this: “If we study [the Bible] with the assumption that we as readers use our individual contexts and experiences to shape our own meanings from the words, then Bible study will consist mainly of a series of personal reactions and opinions. The dance will be chaotic and, in…
#thankful: faith and health - I’m a day late on this, so I’ll have to do two: I’m thankful: 1. that everyone in my immediate family knows God, loves God, desires an active relationship with God and strives to serve God in their every day lives. 2. that no one in my family is battling a life-threatening illness.
poor jack. - I’ve murdered jack. cut him up into small chunks. Now, I’m boiling jack. pureeing jack. and freezing liquified jack. soon I’m going to bake him in a few loaves of bread. later this month, we might even turn him into soup. poor jack. (and his friend, Harry Potter.) Check out the recipes – both with…
Halloween 2011 - 6:45am: Me, trying to wake PinkGirl this morning: “Good morning Ida.” (her character in the play she’s in rehearsals for) nothing. “Good morning, Luna” (the character she’s dressing up as tonight) nothing. “Good morning, PinkGirl” nothing. “HAPPY HALLOWEEN!” PinkGirl: “JUST A MINUTE. I’m almost finished with my dream.” 1pm: I know some Christians have a…
anti-candy strategies. - How to make sure you actually still HAVE Halloween candy by the time Halloween rolls around: 1. Buy candy you hate. 2. Have your spouse take the candy to work until Halloween. 3. Have your spouse HIDE the candy somewhere in the house. 4. Buy replacement candy after you’ve vandalized your house looking for hidden…
the things I cling to. - Lord, I submit to you my heart, my soul, my mind, my time, my service and my voice, whether written, spoke or sung. But I also submit to you the things I cling to: my pride and arrogance, my righteous indignation, my indifference and my unforgiving nature. They don’t serve you well. And they don’t…
logic says: memory tricks should not have dependant tasks. - Me, to FavoriteSon: “It’s the World Series. You and your dad are supposed to keep me up to date on sports so I don’t look like a rube. I know about March Madness, I know the Superbowl is in February, I know the NBA playoffs are… FavoriteSon, Interrupting: “Not happening this year.” Later . .…
contemporary [kuhn-tem-puh-rer-ee] -adjective: of the present time; modern - Proof that song selection is NOT the only defining characteristic of “contemporary Christian music.” I couldn’t make it through the first time – and this is the SHORT version. Just the highlights. FavoriteSon watched the entire thing, cracking up and he sucked me in. beyond horrible. WHY would anyone do this? why? Why? WHY?
Dear Panera: it’s your own fault. - I figure if Panera didn’t want me to monopolize booth #1, they shouldn’t have put a power outlet under my feet. 10:39am – At Panera Bread, trying to write instead of at home trying not to fall asleep or clean something. I’m supposed to be working on my book, but it seems that lyrics are…
I’d REALLY like to say I don’t know where he gets it. - The weather is beautiful! I made FavoriteSon go out into the backyard tonight and do NOTHING. No electronics. No distractions. I told him he could talk to God or just listen, I didn’t care, but for FIVE minutes, I wanted him to sit outside with the wind in his face and look out over the…
no such thing as too many books. - October 5th – Trying to put away all the books I bought at the WHALE of a Sale (78 paperbacks/kids books and 23 hardbacks). It appears I need a new bookshelf. But I don’t have a place to put another one. So it appears I need a stud-finder and a drywall saw. But if I…
does God “send” trials or just “allow” them? - In my post entitled “an unextraordinary life” I wrote: “When I’ve experienced trials in my life, sure God might have sent them, but it’s just as likely He allowed them. Either way, He’s promised that He will work it all for good. Even when, from my own perspective, it didn’t seem like it was for…an unextraordinary life. - “Here’s what you do,” said Elisha. “Go up and down the street and borrow jugs and bowls from all your neighbors. And not just a few—all you can get. Then come home and lock the door behind you, you and your sons. Pour oil into each container; when each is full, set it aside.” She…
If it’s not about the elements, could we use oreos and milk? - As I watched someone pour Welches grape juice into a goblet, it occurred to me – not for the first time – that I don’t get it. What am I missing? When the sacrament of Holy Communion begins during a church service, I begin praying. I intentionally focus my heart and mind completely on God…
I have a song stuck in my heart… - I need to sing this in church. Especially the part at the 3:24 minute mark. Soon.
because she can’t. - I’m blessed. Today, I’m specifically reminded that I’m blessed because God has revealed to me – not through my OWN trials – but through my empathy for others experiencing trials – how blessed I am to be alive, to be able to get out of bed every morning on my own, without assistance. How often…
recycling words. - 12:45pm – There are days when I’m writing that I think I might be on to something. And then there are days like today when I think “there’s nothing new under the sun” and I’m just recycling words. I think I need an endorphin. and a mentor. 2:45pm – I abandoned the writing and had…
i need a swift kick in the (badonka donk) butt. - I’ve been seriously slacking on the exercise. If you care about me at all, the next time you see me you will graciously tell me that . . . my butt looks bigger and my arms would knock out a small child if I were to wave. thankyouverymuch.
fragments: F250, toxic levels of NO!, lunchbox, photo that never dies, business distraction, thinking chair, strep, grilled cheese & the learning curve of a cat. - August 29, 2011 (FirstHusband was out of town and my car needed to go into the shop.) “I’ll be driving the Ford F250 this week, but in addition to the water it needs to be fed every day, FirstHubs says it needs oil. I’ll be dragging a step ladder out to do that because there…
I’m NOT 9 weeks and I am NOT craving peanut butter cups. - Once again this year, I’m NOT playing the facebook breast cancer awareness game. I’m a buzz kill, a fun sucker, a stick in the mud… The games have NOTHING to do with breast cancer. they are silly. non-sensical. seussical in nature. and for those who are struggling with infertility, this year’s game seems just plain…
what if I DON’T have plenty of time? - The other day, I heard something that I can’t stop thinking about: “I’m only 24. I have plenty of time.” maybe. But who can know the mind of God? Who can predict the future? I don’t know what will happen in the next half hour, much less the next year. How much time have I…
I believe. - When PinkGirl was 2 1/2, we moved her from daycare to Montessori school. She loved it. One of her favorite things to do at recess was to climb to the top of the monkey bars and SING at the top of her lungs. She sang songs from Disney movies, Dragon Tales, the Wiggles, Doodlebops and…
facebook fragments: can’t. lazy bum. oil. p. muscle cars. tornadic activity. good times. intentional choices. - Here’s a few fragments of my week: FavoriteSon vs. AP Lit. FavSon: “I can’t.” Me: “can’t is a four letter word.” FavSon with a formal tone of voice and his signature grin: “I cannot.” I have no idea where he gets it. __________ Headed back to BodyInUnity yoga Monday morning (M-W-F at 9:15 am at…
test of faith. - Faced a test of faith today. I often say that God loves my kids more than I do. Today, I had a choice: prove I believe it or hold on to my facade of control with a white knuckled grip. I was working downtown and as it got later and later I knew I wouldn’t…
fight the frump: August fitness goals - In my continuing quest to be a good steward of this body God has blessed me with, I’ve set my August fitness goals. How did I do in July? shhhhhh. Let’s not talk about it. July was pitiful. pit. i. ful. no excuses. wasn’t sick, not overwhelmingly busy, just easily found other things to do.…
song? or seed? - I recorded my version of “Waiting Here for You” last month. Here’s what I wrote on my facebook page earlier that same day: “Praying that God would use the music & the lyrics to draw the “sound guys” closer to Him. That the Lord would bless my voice & the session. That the people who…
I hope I can shut up. - 10:00 a.m. – I have until tomorrow to submit lyrics & track for the two songs I will be recording on Friday night. As I listen to song after song after song, I’m praying that God would lead me to the two songs HE wants me to sing – to the lyrics & melody that…
even a princess tapestry needs dark threads. - A few months ago, 10 year old PinkGirl and a friend were talking about the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. PinkGirl: “Mom, why does God make bad things happen?” (Lord, I’m gonna need your help with this one.) Me: “I don’t necessarily believe God makes bad things happen. I believe God allows bad things to…
what would YOU do? - Book 4 – Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. It’s 11:20pm – WAY past her bedtime already. What do you think? Do I let her stay up and finish it? It’s Friday night. Look again at the face I’m dealing with.
Cheddar Jack Cheez-its, you have no power over me. today. - Problem: I want a fistful of Cheddar Jack Cheez-its. (Regular Cheez-its pose no threat to me. But . . . these are CHEDDAR JACK Cheez-its. They have Cheez-it SUPERPOWERS.) Strategy: I’m going to get a nectarine. and if I still have room for Cheez-its, I’m getting a fistful of cherries. (I may still want Cheez-its…
decision time. a loving mother’s straight-arm? or trust in God? - Then Esau looked up and saw the women and children. “Who are these with you?” he asked. Jacob answered, “They are the children God has graciously given your servant.” Genesis 33:5 Every night, when my kids were infants, I would slip quietly into their room and lay my hand on their backs to make sure…
June Fitness: progress, not perfection. - If you’ve been around Compendium before, you know my goal: To be a good steward of this body God has blessed me with. Because my personal fitness history shows I can’t be trusted and that I desperately need the motivation of accountability, I put my June fitness goals out here on the internet and have…
eek! only two days left… - to meet my June fitness goals! If you’ve been around Compendium before, you know my goal: To be a good steward of this body God has blessed me with. Here’s (1) where I am and (2) what I need to do within the next two days if I have ANY hope of meeting my goals:…
fitness update: 6/24/11 - If you’ve been around Compendium before, you know my goal: To be a good steward of this body God has blessed me with. I fell behind on my fitness goals this past week and woke up determined to devote much of my day to catching up a little. It wore me down, but with God’s…
exercise make-up day: 4:11pm - Check out this morning’s “exercise make-up day: 10:47am” post to see how the morning went… 2:41pm arrrgg. I got on the treadmill too late to complete my next 2 miles. I’m only at 1.39 miles (in 24 minutes). Have to leave the house to pick up PinkGirl from play rehearsal and finish up when I…
exercise make-up day: 10:47am - 8:30am – Declaration! I’ve slacked all week on being a good steward of this body God has blessed me with. Didn’t want to, but got dressed in workout clothes first thing. Today must be a catch up day. MUST. The plan is to nick away at it all day. at least 6 miles, two at…
PinkGirl’s conundrum: curiosity vs. aversion to learning - Nothing like a new washing machine to make me feel compelled to clean my laundry room… Last night: I’m currently observing the “no helping, no complaining” rule of our household. Round One: Two guys vs. an outgoing dead washing machine. Round Two: Two guys vs. an incoming craigslist washing machine. I just have two questions:…
if I can’t work, I might as well sing. - yesterday: trying to code merge forms for a client. clearly, I need diet coke and gum. yo, cat: get your face OFF of my keyboard. bum. this morning: PinkGirl and FavoriteSon out of the house: check. quiet, with “no interruption” potential: check. Diet Coke: check. gum: check. client server access: sigh. their gateway is down.…
“a jacket is like wearing a hug.” - One of my yoga buddies said that. Thank you Kathy for that gem. This week, it’s been in the 90s with a heat index pushing into the 100s. So is it weird that I’m so tired I want to turn the air conditioning down to 60 and curl up in my old navy fleece jacket…
three clues. - I admit it. I am tired. The hubs has been out of town since Sunday and I haven’t slept well. Combine that with the fact that I was the only on-duty go-to parent 24-7 all week and my children have worn me as thin as a 10 year old flip flop. I. am. tired. Here’s…
fitness update: 6/16/11 - If you’ve been around Compendium before, you know my goal: To be a good steward of this body God has blessed me with. Picking Up FirstHusband from the airport at 4:30pm. THANK YOU GOD. He’s been gone since Sunday and my children have worn me as thin as a 10 year old flip flop. I…
fitness update: 6/15/11 - If you’ve been around Compendium before, you know my goal: To be a good steward of this body God has blessed me with. I fell behind on my June fitness goals on the very first day of the month and I’ve been struggling to catch up every day since then. I REFUSE TO GIVE UP!!!…
#smartaleckkids - I couldn’t believe it, but PinkGirl voluntarily took a nap this afternoon! Either “I WIN!” the “whoever wears out first, LOSES” game or she’s getting sick. Either way, THANK YOU GOD, she really needed the rest – and I needed a tiny little bit of solitude. I let PinkGirl get in a full 90 minute…
swel·ter·ing (swltr-ng) adj. - swel·ter·ing (swltr-ng) adj. 1. Oppressively hot and humid; sultry. 2. Suffering from oppressive heat.
I’m bored with driving. I want to learn to drift. - It seems it takes 20 minutes to get everywhere. And my “free” pockets of time today are logistically non-functional. 8:40am – drive PinkGirl to dance camp 9:20 – home 10:00 – drive FavSon to work 10:20 – home 11:40 – go pick up PinkGirl from dance camp 12:20 – home 2:00 – go pick up…
5 minutes for petrified croutons & other science experiments. - This post proves that I will do anything to distract myself while trying to get through the last half mile of a 5 mile catch-up walk on the treadmill at a 6.5 incline… As usual, I don’t have time to devote a full day (or 7) to concentrated cleaning, so I’m once again applying my…
fitness update: 6/14/11 - If you’ve been around Compendium before, you know my goal: To be a good steward of this body God has blessed me with. Even with the best of intentions, I’ve (once again) fallen behind this month. After a kick in the badonka donk butt from a few friends, I’m slowly closing the gap between my…
fitness update: 6/12/11 - If you’ve been around Compendium before, you know my goal: To be a good steward of this body God has blessed me with. Even with the best of intentions, I still slack – for days at a time. But I’m DETERMINED to catch up! I pray my stupidity and lack of consistency, combined with my…
worms & dirt. and I’m not talkin gummy & oreo. - Leftover worms and dirt in my fridge. REAL worms. alive and wiggling. in black, muddy, crumbly dirt that is pushing itself up and out through the air holes on the lid as the worms wiggle around, presumably trying to escape. gross. When I was growing up, it never occurred to me that worms might live…
well, that experiment was a dismal failure… - For a few years, I’ve been logging my fitness progress on the internet. In March of this year, I decided to try setting specific fitness goals at the beginning of the month and logging them on the internet, hoping to make myself even more accountable. I’ve got a fitness log, a side bar widget for…
summertime. according to MOM. - I had a little extra time at the end of my recording session last night, so I had a little fun with this. For more beautiful music, check out Then Sings My Soul Saturday every Saturday hosted by Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders.
God works ALL things for His good. - I haven’t watched an Oprah show in years. Not because I have some opinion about her, because I really don’t. The truth is, I don’t think much about her one way or another. So yesterday was strange. First of all, I turned on the TV in the middle of the afternoon. Ask my kids, I…
word-filled Wednesday: Philippians 4:8 - “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 (NIV) (CLICK HERE to read a short devotion/prayer that goes with this verse and photo) (Christian brain image from wallpaper4god.com) Join in Word-Filled…
four minutes with God: Philippians 4:8 - a Quote: “An intellectual is one who loves ideas, is dedicated to clarifying them, developing them, criticizing them, turning them over and over, seeing their implications, stacking them atop one another, arranging them, sitting silent while new ideas pop up and old ones seem to rearrange themselves, playing with them, punning with their terminology, laughing…
there’s no coming back from this. - NOOOOO! FirstHusband taught FavoriteSon how to make Ramen Noodles!!! 800mg of sodium a serving! It’s WRONG. wrong, I tell you! It’s like a drug dealer – giving an unsuspecting innocent child a “free sample.” It’s like Microsoft in the 80s – giving schools free copies of MS Office. It’s like giving someone a single Lays…
fine dining. - Made Cheater’s Chicken Parmesan tonight. Calls for chicken nuggets. We used DINOSAUR shaped nuggets. Because we’re classy like that. (and because they were BOGO) I may have thrown a little too much at our debt this pay period. We’ll be eating VERY frugally for the next week and a half. SUPER cheap recipes are hereby…
word-filled Wednesday: 1st Thessalonians 5:17 - “pray continually” 1st Thessalonians 5:17 (NAS) (CLICK HERE to read a short devotion/prayer that goes with this verse and photo) Join in Word-Filled Wednesdays hosted by Internet Cafe Devotions!
four minutes with God: 1st Thessalonians 5:17 - a Quote: “O my God, since Thou art with me, and I must now, in obedience to Thy commands, apply my mind to these outward things, I beseech Thee to grant me the grace to continue in Thy presence; and to this end do Thou prosper me with thy assistance, receive all my works and…
Friday Funnies: hand sanitizer at church and Christianeze. - Need a few more chuckles today? Check out Friday Funnies hosted by Homesteaders Heart! If you’ve got time to hang out for a few minutes, check out what else makes me laugh: Pragmatic Compendium’s “laugh!” category.
I’m having a major childhood flashback. - PinkGirl. That nut doesn’t fall far from the tree. I just caught her reading in bed. 10 years old. 10:43pm on a school night. She’s just started reading The Last Olympian (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 5) and she BEGGED me not to make her stop till she gets past “the good part.” Oh,…
5 minutes. one counter with magical magnetic properties. - oh, you get to see the ugly now. My last few 5 minute posts have been in line with my goal to spring/deep clean my kitchen, but today’s post is about a DAILY struggle. I have to believe that my kitchen counter is not the only one with magical magnetic properties. Magical in that it…
5 minutes. 1 drawer. and a kapoosh. - Still applying my long time practice of microactions to tackle deep cleaning my kitchen. Today, I had 5 minutes, so I completely emptied and cleaned out the knife drawer. “BEFORE” photos: If THAT photo doesn’t show how bad it really was, THIS one surely does: I followed the same steps as yesterday’s 5 minute drawer…
how to be the best mom EVER! (for a few minutes anyway) - Her children rise up and call her blessed… Proverbs 31:28 …because she threw frozen chicken wings in a crock pot, smothered them with a bottle of barbecue sauce and cooked them on high for four hours selflessly dedicated four hours to cooking perfect, fall off the bone tender chicken wings dripping in finger-licking good sauce.…
5 minutes. 1 drawer: would you like chocolate sprinkles with that? - As usual, I don’t have time to devote a full day (or 7) to concentrated spring cleaning, so I’m applying my long time practice of microactions to tackle deep cleaning my kitchen. Today, I had 5 minutes, so I completely emptied and cleaned out the flatware drawer. I forgot to include a clock in the…
baking is not my forte. - it’s a BOXED cake mix, for cryin out loud. Attempt #1, which tasted like oil. I was supposed to be baking a cake shaped like THIS for a children’s home: My cake was so flat it would have looked like the bunny was roadkill. (sorry kids) It was past midnight. I was leaning toward bailing…
note to self: STOP IT. - For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 I have a love/hate relationship with a certain praise team song I lead. I actually love the song. I just hate the very first note of the first verse. Or maybe it just hates…
chops, props and Gilligan’s Island - Conversations of 4 people crammed in a truck: (while my van was getting a new transmission) Me: PinkGirl! We’re early today! Good job getting ready! FavoriteSon: Still later than I wanted to leave. Me: hey. Give your sister some chops. FavoriteSon: Props. Me: Really? Thought it was chops, what does props mean? FavoriteSon: I don’t…
need some “sniffling, sneezing, coughing, aching, spending too much time on the internet” medicine. - PinkGirl did the writing on the sign in sheet at her school for me so I wouldn’t spread germs: Date: 4/18 Time: 9:01 (school started at 8am) Reason: “Mom is sick” Disapproving look from temp worker at the front desk. Me: “Be nice or I’ll hug you.” (to myself) Doc: “When did this start?” Me:…
Hey JC, JC won’t you smile at me die for me? - I have musical traditions. Our family has to listen to Nat King Cole sing “the chestnut song” (The Christmas Song) while we decorate the Christmas tree. Satchmo has to sing What A Wonderful World in my house on Thanksgiving. Multiple times. and on Palm Sunday, I have to listen to Hosanna (“Hosanna, Heysanna”) from Jesus…
sick pants. - FirstHusband came home & I went to the top of the stairs to talk to him. Me: “I’m up here. (pause) Doing nothing. (pause) Just started.” FirstHusband: “What just started?” Me: “Me. Doing nothing.” FirstHusband: “Go for it.” Me: “It’s not the same.” FirstHusband, sympathetically: “Did you throw away your sick pants?” Me: “no. (sigh)…
Word-Filled Wednesday: Psalms 42:5 - “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” Psalms 42:4-5 (CLICK HERE to read a short devotion/prayer that goes with this verse and photo) Join in Word-Filled Wednesdays hosted by Amydeanne over at The 160 Acre…
tracking the drift. - “These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go to the house of God under the protection of the Mighty One with shouts of joy and praise among the festive throng. Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I…
she’ll be here all week. - PinkGirl: “Mom, ya know why it’s really good to have a dog?” Me: “no, why?” PinkGirl: “cause they can tell when you’re gonna have a seizure.” Me: “Are you going to have a seizure?” PinkGirl: “I don’t know. I don’t have a dog.” Me, laughing: “you crack me UP, girl.” PinkGirl: “I’ll be here all…
do they make church appropriate stretchy pants? - One thing I do when I sense distance between me and God is to beg Him for opportunities to serve him. It never fails to draw me into a more intimate awareness of His presence in my life. The last few weeks, I’ve been begging. Then, at Tuesday’s yoga class, I was asked to join…
in the dark. surrounded by trees. - an analogy. no. an allegory. When I first began recording, the studio I sang in was separated from its control booth. The doors to each room were around a corner from each other and there was no window between the sound studio and the control booth, like you often see on TV. I was completely…
so I failed. NOW what? - One of my favorite movies scenes is from Elizabethtown. After Orlando Bloom’s character tells Kirsten Dunst’s character about his colossal career mistake, she replies: “So you failed. Alright you really failed. You failed, you failed, you failed, you failed, you failed, you failed, you failed, you failed, you failed, you failed, you failed. You failed.”…
four minutes with God: 1 Kings 19:10-15 - a Quote: “Sometimes we experience a terrible dryness in our spiritual lives. We feel no desire to pray, don’t experience God’s presence, get bored with worship services, and even think that everything we ever believed about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit is little more than a childhood fairy tale. Then it is important to…
a smack on the back of the head. - FirstHusband to me on the phone: “Your day has changed.” Me: “How?” FirstHusband: “You’re going to buy a book. The abridged ‘Count of Monte Cristo'” Me: “Smack FavoriteSon on the back of the head for me.” background noise: “HEY!” FirstHusband, to FavoriteSon: “Just doing what your mom told me to.” FavoriteSon: “oh.” I HATE paying…
please let this be a shared blessing. - I had another mountaintop recording experience last night. So profoundly thankful to the Lord for equipping me to do what I did, from leading me in my song selection to providing me with physical stamina to blessing my voice. I actually struggled with my song selection, originally deciding to sing “Sweetly Broken.” But I just…
“HOLY here we go again, batman.” - I’ve been known to emulate Robin’s plethora of “HOLY” outbursts. The most recent one one? A status update on Wednesday: “At Appliance Direct. Holy rows of broken and ugly, Batman. Is this a scratch n dent store?” Here’s a few more… Need a few more chuckles today? Check out Friday Funnies hosted by Homesteaders Heart!…
the learning curve of a cat. - Bob the cat has an entire house – with multiple surfaces in multiple rooms – to stretch out on. WHY does he feel compelled to stretch out on my desk at my elbow while I’m working? He’s been taking up WAY too much space on this desk ALL. DAY. LONG. I’m seriously tired of pushing…
PinkGirl’s cartwheel God story. - PinkGirl has a God story – a story of how God weaved together a bunch of things in her life to bring her to a particular place. Here’s how it went: 1. Bye Bye Birdie – and we mean that literally. The performing arts studio that PinkGirl regularly participates in was supposed to be doing…
friday funnies: plasectomy - “Would you like to save 10% on your purchase today?” NO THANK YOU!!!! Need a few more chuckles today? Check out Friday Funnies hosted by Homesteaders Heart! If you’ve got time to hang out for a few minutes, check out what else makes me laugh: Pragmatic Compendium’s “laugh!” category.
ya know what else I didn’t do? I didn’t QUIT. - I didn’t do my 2 minute forearm plank, my 1 minute superman or my 20 BOSU push-ups on Tuesday. (see my March fitness goals HERE) It wasn’t because I was too busy, because I’m always too busy. We all have the same 24 hours every day and we all choose to fill them with different…
four minutes with God: Deuteronomy 16:17 - a Quote: “…understanding ownership was half of my lesson. If God was the owner, I was the manager. I needed to adopt a steward’s mentality toward the assets He had entrusted – not given – to me. A steward manages assets for the owner’s benefit. The steward carries no sense of entitlement to the assets…
Heffalump the Hamster is in da house. - Hamster: $4.99 Hamster paraphernalia: $42.00 Providing my daughter with the learning experience of being solely responsible for taking care of a living thing smaller than herself: priceless
fitness accountability: Wednesday 3/9/11 - I’ve made a commitment to the Lord to strive to be a good steward of this body he’s blessed me with and by the grace of God, I’m stronger today than I was yesterday! Here’s what I did so far today: 1. An hour of strength training. 2. Walked 4.3 miles (updated) 3. 30 BOSU…
I don’t want to sing a solo. - Something’s been on my mind. While rehearsing a song for praise team, someone referred to it as a “solo.” solo. Oxford defines “solo” as: noun – a piece of music, song, or dance for one performer adjective – for or done by one person solo. It’s been nagging at me. From the depth of everything…
penalties or rewards, pleasure or pain. - “Everything you and I do, we do either out of our need to avoid pain or our desire to gain pleasure… Why don’t you do some of the things you know you should do? After all, what is procrastination? It’s when you know you should do something, but you still don’t do it. Why not?…
hamster dreams. - PinkGirl, snuggling with me this morning: “I had a really good sleep, did you?” Me: “mmm hhmm. What did you dream about?” PinkGirl: “Hamsters.” Of course she did. Two weeks ago, she was nagging asking us for a dog. I take full credit for the shift to hamsters. I am the master of distraction. Me,…
and that’s all I have to say about that: Charlie Sheen - So far, I haven’t seen or heard any Charlie Sheen interviews. I haven’t read any of his quotes. I’ve only seen FB comments about him. I haven’t sought out any info on the internet about what’s happening in his life these days. Since I don’t watch much TV, it’s been easy to avoid/miss. I’ve decided…
one minute a day: join me for fitness accountability! - Come on, you can do it! I’m going to post my fitness updates on my facebook PAGE. It’s a page, not a personal profile, so you don’t have to “friend” me and I won’t see your wall posts, you can just comment your progress for accountability and prayer support! If you click “Like” at the…
fitness goals: March 2011 - I’ve decided on my fitness goals for March: 1. Yoga/Strength Training: 3 hours per week. 2. Walking: 15% increase from February’s goal, average 2.3 miles per day, 71.3 miles total for the month. 3. BOSU pushups: average 10 per day, total 310. 4. 2 Minute Plank: 31 times – if I miss a day, I…
sometimes, this is what my job feels like… - Thankfully, I find this kind of thing just as entertaining in real life. It keeps me on my toes. (If you happen to be one of my clients, wondering if I’m thinking of you, let me assure you: of course not! You’re my favorite! My smartest client EVAH!)
God’s perfect timing? or my sad, sorry time management? - OH FOR CRYING OUT LOUD! Two weeks ago, my client sent me an updated training packet from their software vendor. I just opened it today…and found the client’s check for my January invoice inside too! That’ll teach me to procrastinate on work! If I had started today’s project for them two weeks ago, I would…
57 miles in 28 days. - February 28th. Finally! I reached my goal of walking an average of 2 miles a day for the month of February. I actually managed to walk one whole mile over my goal for a total of 57 miles! But you know what that means. My freakish self-competitive streak is compelling me to set a higher…
you say tomato, I say tomahto. - PinkGirl, slumping down beside me on the love seat: (huge sigh) Me: “What’s the matter?” PinkGirl: “It appears my optimism is annoying.” (so her brother says) Me: “Tell him it’s not annoying, it’s exasperating.” PinkGirl: “No. I don’t want it to be anything except helpful.”
as Ernest would say: “ewwwww.” - I’ve been trying to write. I don’t mean blog, I mean write. Why is there such a significant difference? Blogging is easy. Writing is paralyzing. I’ve written and re-written a book outline no less than 10 times in the last two weeks and yesterday, with a rare day to myself, I took my husband’s advice…
550 Reps? Can I really do this? - My niece did this workout in 17.08 minutes today. Let me just say: ouch. and tomorrow, DOUBLE ouch. Zuzana, the girl in this video, did it in 32.46. If I attempt this workout, I will NOT be posting my time. no, no, no, no. That last exercise, one leg wall squat, will leave me crying…
therefore I quote: John Grisham - (It’s been a loooong time since I’ve published a “therefore I quote” post, I almost forgot the format…) I read, therefore I quote: John Grisham. I don’t read much fiction, but one fiction writer I usually try to keep up with is Grisham. (It must be all these years working with attorneys.) Somehow, I missed…
return to the doghouse. - There’s a sequel to the doghouse commercial! You’ve really got to watch the first one to get the full effect of the second one. I especially love the subliminal “suggestions” that constantly drone in the background of the first one.
it’s the little things. - PinkGirl dropped our binoculars a few months ago while jumping on the trampoline. I know, I have no idea how she can look through binoculars and jump at the same time, but… Anyway, it was a real bummer because we back up to a pond and the woods and a river, so there’s great wildlife…
yo. cat. WAKE UP. - Background Info: 1. We crate our two cats at night because they usually get into so much mischief when given free rein of the house in the dark. 2. I foolishly forgot this fact and had pity on them last night and let them roam the house because FirstHusband was on travel. Memo to Me:…
die germs. die. - Symptoms: cloudy head, sore throat, mild headache, tender neck/glands, spaghetti arms, fatigue. this morning’s stuffy nose seems to be taking a mid-day break. Treatment: A quadruple preemptive attack: Zicam, Airborne, a germ burnin dry sauna and PRAYER. die baby germs, die. a swift, horrible death. any other ideas? homeopathic remedies? alternative medicines? unproven theories? old…
crazy woman singing in the van singing what? “All To Us” - Beautiful praise song I’m learning this week… For more beautiful music, check out Then Sings My Soul Saturday every Saturday hosted by Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders.
friday funnies: what women really want - A little tutorial for men, in preparation for Valentine’s Day… Need a few more chuckles today? Check out Friday Funnies hosted by Homesteaders Heart! If you’ve got time to hang out for a few minutes, check out what else makes me laugh: Pragmatic Compendium’s “laugh!” category.
19something. - PinkGirl, reading historical fiction: “Mom? Were you alive in 1904?” Me: “baby, either you’re just being mean or you seriously need a math tutor.” PinkGirl: “math tutor.” (pause) PinkGirl: “But you were alive in 19something, right?” (sigh) Me: “yeh, I was.” (she was born in 2000)
If you want to know what ferocious love sounds like, pick on my daughter. - PinkGirl has had a very tough week. To make a 6 month story short, she was bullied to a breaking point. Two weeping meltdowns of resigned hopelessness in two days, and I’m not exaggerating. This afternoon, she brought a friend home with her and they were lounging on a blanket, on the banks of the…
ode to a passive aggressive friend - “My Passive Aggressive Friend’s Thinly Veiled Hostility Makes Me Nervous” I dedicate this song to my beautiful daughter, PinkGirl as I pray for her relationship with a relentless passive aggressive 4th grader. (in the words of Larry the cable guy, “Lord, I apologize for that, and be with the starving pygmies down in New Guinea.)…
four minutes with God: Proverbs 27:17 - a Quote: “We all need someone in our lives at times to coach us to greater and greater levels of excellence in our chosen areas of pursuit.” “Come to the edge, He said. They said, We are afraid. Come to the edge, He said. They came. He pushed them . . . and they flew.”…
crazy woman singing in the van singing what? “Salvation is HERE” - This is what I’ll be singing in the van this week . . . For more beautiful music, check out Then Sings My Soul Saturday every Saturday hosted by Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders.
crazy woman singing in the van singing what? “mighty to save” - Love this version of Mighty to Save. . . For more beautiful music, check out Then Sings My Soul Saturday every Saturday hosted by Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders.
“the man is the head, but the woman is the neck, and she can turn the head any way she wants.” - I love this scene from My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Isn’t is cute how men think they’re in charge? Now ladies, wield this power responsibly. Don’t take advantage. Need a few more chuckles today? Check out Friday Funnies hosted by Homesteaders Heart! If you’ve got time to hang out for a few minutes, check out…
this is new. part 1. - Last week, as FavoriteSon and I were preparing to go to to a rehearsal before an evening church service, he said: “Mom. Get something to eat. I know you’re not hungry, but you don’t get hungry, so you need to eat something before you get a headache.” He knows me. I don’t get hungry these…
Lord, fill me with your Holy Spirt. or the spirit of a large black woman. - YESTERDAY, I agreed to sing this song with someone TONIGHT at a Bethune-Cookman Gospel Choir concert at First United Methodist Church of Oviedo. My first attempt at singing black gospel, with less than 24 hours to prepare. What was I THINKING? I’m asking myself, “Do I have enough soul to pull this off?” Lord, as…
I can walk miles taking baby steps. - “We kept at it, repairing and rebuilding the wall. The whole wall was soon joined together and halfway to its intended height because the people had a heart for the work.” Nehemiah 4:6 I’m going to put a stone on the wall God is asking me to help build today. He hasn’t told me where…
overwhelmed. humbled. thankful. satisfied. - I’ve sung 4 times in the last 4 days. Twice live, twice in a recording studio. I’m completely overwhelmed and humbled as I contemplate these experiences. I am very aware that these opportunities are blessings and I don’t for a moment take them for granted. And I’m in a very, very strange and unfamiliar place.…
let go of your darlings, John Piper - I watched a replay of John Piper’s message at Passion 2011 last week and he began by saying that he wanted to clarify a question he frequently asks: “Do you feel more loved by God because he makes much of you? Or because He, through Christ, enables you to enjoy making much of Him forever?”…
best. recording. session. EVAH! - I had a recording session tonight to record my interpretation of Jesus Messiah. I sang it twice through and stopped to ask a question: “How much reverb’s in the headphones? I need to turn it down a little because I really need to hear the truth so I can tell what I need to work…
four minutes with God: 2nd Corinthians 3:4-5 - a Quote: “God can be our source of confidence because our adequacy is from Him.” (from Thriving as an Artist in the Church by Rory Noland) “As I go into the concert I have a pretty good feel for my ability – that is, I know the truth of who I am in the whole…
Compendium “Health” (2010 blog stat summary) - WordPress sent me an email summarizing my blog’s annual stats. So, let me take this opportunity say THANK YOU to everyone who represents one of these views! Please accept my formal invitation to DE-lurk and let me know you’ve been here by commenting on this post! (if you want to keep lurking, go right ahead.…
read the Bible ALL BY MYSELF? - I don’t really read the Bible all by myself very often. I read the Bible, most definitely, but I almost always bring another author (or two. or three. or four.) along with me. Last night, I was discussing this fact with my husband. Me: “I just don’t get it by myself.” FirstHusband: “I find that…
if you can’t change your circumstances, change your expectations. - “If you could tell people just ONE THING. What would it be?” After a purely faith-based post, the next thought that came to mind was this: “If you can’t change your circumstance, change your expectations.” Don’t get me wrong, when presented with a problem, I’ve been called “tenacious” in my efforts to find a solution.…
the evolution of my WORD. - I wrote a few days ago that I was pondering my “Word” for 2011. The last few years, instead of creating a list of things I will fail to accomplish in the upcoming year, I’ve been selecting a WORD of the year and applying it (or attempting to apply it) to multiple aspects of my…
smack. - I wonder if John Ortberg has a permanent indentation on the side of his head from where his wife smacks him. I’m reading his book, “When the Game Is Over, It All Goes Back in the Box” and as usual, he wrote something that produced an eye roll and a sigh: “A small girl, probably…
what’s your word? - For the last few years, I’ve been selecting a “Word of the Year” – kind of a “theme of the year” instead of compiling a typical list of resolutions. With just a few more days until January 1st, I’ve been pondering. I might have it, but I want to think about it a few more…
Wassail. revised. - (I originally posted this back in December of 2008, but I’ve made a revision since then. I used to float cloves in a coffee filter, sealed with a twist tie. Not very Martha of me, I know. But I’m reformed. Check out the photo below.) When I was in high school and college, I sang…
crazy woman singing in the van singing what? “Glory in the Highest” - LOVE the new praise song this week! Glory in the Highest by Shane and Shane. That’s some freakishly high singing for a guy. Really love the harmony on the second verse, but it’s definitely a commitment. I either need to go for it or stay quiet – no middle ground. (the song begins at the…
I Heart Florida. - (Thanks to Tina at MultipleMom for sharing this with me today.) Need a few more chuckles today? Check out Friday Funnies hosted by Homesteaders Heart! If you’ve got time to hang out for a few minutes, check out what else makes me laugh: Pragmatic Compendium’s “laugh!” category.
well, you see officer . . . - So, the festive Christmas lights FirstHusband zip tied to the entire length of the luggage rack of my van work GREAT. The low beams on the headlights, however, do not work at all. If I can’t get them fixed tomorrow, I either don’t drive at night or annoy everyone by driving with the high beams…
seat warmer solidarity? nope. - PinkGirl: “It’s not FAIR!” Me: “I know honey, I’m sorry.” PinkGirl: “Well?” Me: “What?” FavoriteSon: “She wants you to turn off your seat warmer because she doesn’t have one.” Me: “oh, honey, I’m sorry. That’s really not gonna happen.” PinkGirl: “MO – OM!” Me: “nope.”
fighting twitter spam. - I got hit by 15 spam followers today, so after reporting each and every one of them, I’ve protected my tweets for a few days in an effort to fall off the “spam radar.” When I make my tweets public again, I’ll blog it. UPDATE: After 3 days of protected tweets, I opened my twitter…
St. Augustine, you did not make a good impression on me today. - PinkGirl’s 4th grade class went on a field trip to St. Augustine today and I had to drive because she was in a charity performance for Toys for Tots tonight and she had to be at the theater earlier than the bus was returning. I think I’m all set and then, last night around 6pm,…
12 days of mayhem. - Need a few more chuckles today? Check out Friday Funnies hosted by Homesteaders Heart! If you’ve got time to hang out for a few minutes, check out what else makes me laugh: Pragmatic Compendium’s “laugh!” category.
four minutes with God: 1 Samuel 14:8-10 - a Quote: “Is it possible you have been fleecing your divine moments rather than seizing them? That you’ve said to God, “I’m not doing anything, risking anything, or going anywhere until You give me a sign? Have you chosen to live in safety, comfort and convenience, justifying this lifestyle because God hasn’t called you to…
handlebar or Groucho? - Background: One of FavoriteSon’s most enjoyable pastimes is making jokes about my age. One of my most enjoyable pastimes is making fun of the bare patches in his wannabe beard. Me, talking about a new prescription cream for my face: “Supposedly, it will make me look more youthful.” FavoriteSon: “Good luck with that.” Me: “Handlebar…
seemed self-explanatory to me. - Somebody Googled this today and landed on my blog: “meaning of winston churchill it’s not enough that we do our best; sometimes we have to do what’s required.” Really? “MEANING OF?” It means “wishin don’t make it so, sometimes you have to get it DONE.” Anybody else have an interpretation? This is one thing that…
We know it’s Christmastime…when the Mickey wreath goes up. - We’re long time Disney freaks and I adopted this idea YEARS ago after seeing it at Walt Disney World. I LOVE me a Disney Christmas and I’m REALLY missing Candlelight this year! But it wouldn’t be frugal. Best time EVER? Front row, smack in line with the sign language interpreter. My FAVORITE narrator is Marlee…
we know it’s Christmastime…when I put all my coffee mugs in the attic. - AFTER getting all my Christmas mugs DOWN from the attic. I do NOT stop drinking coffee in December! We just don’t have room in the cabinet for all of them at the same time, so I switch them out. (I know I have two Cupids in the picture, Vixen was already in use.)
If I was a mechanic, I’d look. But I’m not, so I won’t. - For over a week, we left the key in the ignition in our van. Intentionally. It had been touchy to insert it for a few weeks, but FavoriteSon and I had finessed the process. Then, on our trip to Georgia last week, FirstHusband, having no idea about the problem (oops), was a little more forceful…
bah, gumbug. - PinkGirl: “Mom, I don’t think I’m going to want any more gum.” Me: “Why not?” PinkGirl: “Look.” ewwwwww. a roach. Was it death by bubble gum? Or did he just get trapped in the container and starve to death? And does PinkGirl throw it out? of course not. Once again the lyrics of “I’m a…
We know it’s Christmastime…when we hear the sound of crashing jingle bells. - We hang jinglebells along the stairwell for easy whacking as we go up and down. Not surprisingly, PinkGirl does the most whacking. Sounds of the season. We had some for the front door knob, but they broke. This post may have prompted their replacement this year.
mistake? or unprepared? distant? or vulnerable? - Something happened a few weeks ago that I’ve been thinking and praying about. If you know me or have visited Compendium before, you may know how I feel about “good enough” (I HATE those words) and my personal commitment to strive for excellence (I believe a job worth doing is worth doing well). I don’t…
We know it’s Christmastime…when the Veggie Tales sing about Polish MEAT. - “What’s a pierogi?” “It’s a dough. Wrapped around meat.” “oh.” “What’s a gwumpkey?” “It’s a cabbage. Wrapped around meat.” “oh.” “Now, what is a paprika?” “It’s a bell pepper. Stuffed with meat.” “I see.” “What’s a kielbasa?” “It’s pretty much just meat.” “oh” “The seventh Polish Christmas dish I bring to the party,Seven pitted prunes…”…
that’s not the view I expected. - Here’s what I’ve been looking at for years: (click the photos to zoom in) A few months ago, while having some quiet time on the back porch, I prayed, “God, I know this is selfish, but if there’s anyway you could clear the pond so the view is prettier, I would really appreciate it.” Then,…
I’m the ringmaster of the 3 ring circus that I fondly call my home. - The exercise log isn’t looking too good this month. I’m waaaay down on the mileage. As of yesterday, I had only walked 25.5 miles, compared to 34 in October and 62 in September! This won’t do. So today, I got on the treadmill with my laptop tray determined to get some work done and log…
four minutes with God: Romans 8:37-39 - a Quote: “. . . somehow he [Paul] had the faith to believe that these “things” – surely not good in themselves – could nevertheless be used by God to accomplish good. Confidence like that can go a long way towards solving discouragement over a ministry that never quite works out in the way we…
freezerburn soup. - So, what do you do with meat that’s gotten a little freezer burn because it’s been left in the freezer longer than it should have been? Don’t throw it away! “Freezerburn Soup” is a favorite in this house. Here’s how it works: Around the holidays, FirstHusband smokes an abundance of meat in the smoker because…
four minutes with God: Psalm 103:7-12 - a Quote: “Over the years Moses has learned something so sweet and strange and mysterious that only one word can begin to capture it: grace, God’s free, undeserved gift. He has learned that God loves him despite his failures, with a pure, stubborn, everlasting love. After more than a century of life, Moses has given…
four minutes with God: Proverbs 25:11 - a Quote: “You are a guardian of the human spirit. You have the power to manipulate and coerce if you want to. You can avoid and ignore if you choose. But can also ennoble and inspire. You can lift up and appeal to all that is good and honorable and holy. You can remind fallible…
courage to be obedient. - Today, I’m praying for the courage to be this obedient to Christ. To step outside my comfort zone and follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit, no matter what anyone thinks. Would I have done this? If I’m honest with myself . . .
crazy woman singing in the van singing what? “No Sweeter Name” - For such a simple song, this has been wiping the floor with me all week. Then I watched Kari Jobe sing it. She’s amazing. But I figured out why this song is so challenging for me. She breathes much more often than I do. I’m trying to get through the first two lines on one…
handle it differently, please. - “handle it differently, please.” This is one of my go-to phrases with my children, most often my daughter when she’s reacting to something that doesn’t go her way, whether it be a math problem, her brother’s advice on a video game, or a sock with an irritating toe seam. But more and more, I’m finding…
Then Sings My Soul Saturday: You’re Beautiful - Stumbled across this on youtube and now it’s stuck in my head. I don’t mind it there at all. For more beautiful music, check out Then Sings My Soul Saturday every Saturday hosted by Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders.
my tracking device still works. - FirstHusband called me from work today: “Honey, I REALLY need you to engage your vaginal tracking device.” (Rosanne Barr used to say the uterus was a tracking device, but since I no longer have one of those…) Me: “I don’t know where your stripper boots are. Or your keys.” FirstHusband: “I’m desperate. I’ve looked EVERYwhere…
no more wax, just a little thread - Until about two years ago, I didn’t think too much about my eyebrows. I plucked an obvious stray every once in a while, but for the most part, ehh. Until September 6, 2008, when my manicurist abruptly told me I needed a brow wax. kinda harsh, but true. So I gave myself an early birthday…
Mike Rowe: experience and epiphany. - Me, to FirstHusband: “You should watch this video of Mike Rowe. It’s hilarious and amazingly insightful. He’s a comedian and a philosopher at the same time. He starts by talking about one of his experiences on Dirty Jobs. It involves the removal of lamb testicles. In a very unexpected way.” FirstHusband: “I know. He bit…
my husband does not wear stripper boots. just ask him. - Me, to FirstHusband: “Why are you wearing “hooker” boots?” FirstHusband: “They aren’t “hooker” boots, they’re work boots.” Me: “So you say.” FirstHusband: “They’re work boots.” Me: “What, with built in shin guards? They go all the way up your legs. You guys really playing soccer and not telling anyone?” Seriously. The box actually reads “professional…
grace in a tire. - Thank you Lord for the tiny little screw that embedded itself in my tire. Without that impetus, I wouldn’t have gone to AutoMech to have my tire replaced and discovered that I needed four new tires before a family road trip this fall. Your grace, in the form of a tiny screw, has protected my…
four minutes with God: 1 Corinthians 2:1-4 - a Quote: “. . . joining the church is supposed to make us automatically god-centered and not self-centered people. Consequently, our modern church is filled with many people who look pure, sound pure, and are inwardly sick of themselves, their weaknesses, their frustration, and the lack of reality around them in church. Our non-Christian friends…
crazy woman singing in the van singing WHAT? “Stronger” - Absolutely LOVE the bridge on this new praise song this week: Stronger “You are stronger, You are stronger, Sin is broken, You have saved me, It is written Christ is risen, Jesus you are Lord of all. Let your name be lifted higher, be lifted higher, be lifted higher.” For more beautiful music, check out…
four minutes with God: Proverbs 2:2-3,8-9 - a Quote: “And just like Abraham, we may not know where we are going or what the journey may bring, but we do know that God is with us. He is permitting our self-determining actions, guiding the events and circumstances around us in order to woo us in choosing His ways. God is also active…
four minutes with God: Psalm 63:1-4 - a Quote: “Christian Hedonism is aware that self-consciousness kills joy and therefore kills worship. As soon as you turn your eyes in on yourself and become conscious of experiencing joy, it is gone . . . the secret of joy is self-forgetfulness. Yes, we go to the art museum for the joy of seeing the…
are you eating dinner with us tonight? - 9/11 FirstHusband was in D.C. on September 11, 2001, but he wasn’t in the Pentagon. He had been there before, but by the grace of God, he wasn’t there THAT day. My husband works in the defense industry. There are times when he travels extensively. There are times when he works . . . we’ll…
four minutes with God: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 - a Quote: “My Life is but a weaving between my Lord and me; I cannot choose the colours, He worketh steadily. Ofttimes He weaveth sorrow and I in foolish pride, Forget that He seeth the upper, and I the underside. Not till the loom is silent and the shuttles cease to fly, shall God unroll…
four minutes with God: Psalm 86:1-12 - a Quote: “I can’t tell you how much energy and determination and prayer it takes for me to keep making the deliberate choice to appropriate faith and trust in the power of God . . . How do I do it? I fill my mind with the truth of the identity of God. I keep…
four minutes with God: Matthew 25:21 - a Quote: “The basic issue for the Christian, it seems to me, is whether we believe we are stewards or owners of what we possess. A good steward receives gratefully anything his Lord gives to him. But he must account for it and use it wisely . . . If material blessings come to us,…
four minutes with God: James 1:19 - a Quote: “It is ironic that we try to impress people by saying clever or funny things, yet nothing binds one human being to another more than the sense that they have been deeply, carefully listened to. It is no accident that we speak of paying attention to people; attention is the most valuable currency…
Friday Funnies: “Atheists don’t have no songs.” - “Poor atheists, there’s no good news, they’ll never sing a song of faith. In their songs, they have a rule. The ‘He’ is always lowercase.” Need a few more chuckles today? Check out Friday Funnies hosted by Homesteaders Heart! If you’ve got time to hang out for a few minutes, check out what else makes…
status updates: August 2010 - Here’s a little of what I’ve been up to during the month of August: August 5 – don’t like working out first thing in the morning but LOVE starting the day with my workout behind me. I’m just sayin. August 7 – PinkGirl is auditioning for a production of Seussical the Musical today and parts…
dear pineapple: you do not intimidate me. anymore. - For my entire life – until this week, pineapples either came in a can, on a buffet or on a plate a restaurant server placed in front of me. “Real” pineapples were impenetrable. I mean, look at it. In my mind, in might as well have been a coconut. Or a big rock. Then, I…
four minutes with God: Jude 1:20-21 - a Quote: “. . . daily prayer and religious readings and churchgoing are necessary parts of the Christian life. We have to be continually reminded of what we believe. Neither this belief nor any other will automatically remain alive in the mind. It must be fed. And as a matter of fact, if you examined…
to highlight or not to highlight, that is the question. - For nearly two years now, I’ve really wanted this book: It’s The Complete C.S. Lewis Signature Classics. One giant book containing Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters, The Great Divorce, The Problem of Pain, Miracles, A Grief Observed, plus The Abolition of Man. The collection features a detailed index covering all 7 works, as well as…
crazy woman singing in the van singing WHAT? “Like Incense” - Beautiful new praise song this week: Like Incense “May my prayer like incense rise before You, the lifting of my hands as sacrifice Oh Lord Jesus turn Your eyes upon me, for I know there is mercy in Your sight Your statutes are my heritage forever, my heart is set on keeping Your decrees Please…
four minutes with God: 1 Corinthians 1:10 - a Quote: “Instead, make it your goal to love those who disagree with you. Go for the love, not the win.” “We don’t always have to agree to get along. Our verse today says, “Let there be real harmony.” In an orchestra, there’s a big difference between unison and harmony. If all the musicians played…
Friday Funnies: Jamie Kennedy should never be a lifeguard. - Wait for it. At the 50 second mark. Need a few more chuckles today? Check out Friday Funnies hosted by Homesteaders Heart! If you’ve got time to hang out for a few minutes, check out what else makes me laugh: Pragmatic Compendium’s “laugh!” category.
four minutes with God: Proverbs 31:15 - a Quote: “People who think big picture recognize that there are a thousand different efforts to which thy might make a contribution. But they also know that there are only a few of those efforts in which they can make a maximized contribution on the basis of their giftedness.” “One can drive a car from…
four minutes with God: 1 Corinthians 14:22 - a Quote: We want to know what extraordinary deed we can perform for God sometime in the future – the ephemeral “will of God” that we seek to discover. But it is not the big things we want to do with such bravura but the little things we do every day that constitute His true…
four minutes with God: Ephesians 3:17-19 - a Quote: “One of the most important life-changing prayers we can pray for other people is that they will really know God’s love in a powerful, personal way. Paul did not pray that people would love God; he prayed that people would know and have Revelation of God’s awesome love.” “When someone tells you about…
four minutes with God: Philippians 2:15 - a Quote: “Moral authority is the credibility you earn by walking your talk. It is the relationship other people see between what you say and what you do, between what you claim to be and what you are . . . There is an alignment between conviction and action, belief and behavior . . .…
crazy woman singing in the van singing WHAT? “Glory to God Forever” - Loving the new praise song this week: “Glory to God, Glory to God, Glory to God Forever. Take my life and let it be all for you and for your glory. Take my life and let it be yours.” For more Saturday music, check out Then Sings My Soul Saturday every Saturday hosted by Amy…
four minutes with God: 1 Peter 4:10-11 - a Quote: “Where is God leading today? What are the priorities that need to be addressed? Who needs my attention? What do I have to learn? Where might be the landmines in the day’s journey? What needs to change? In asking these questions, I hope to tune my soul to the voice of God so…
four minutes with God: Ephesians 4:12 - a Quote: “What if power comes from empowering others rather than dominating them?” The Friends We Keep: A Woman’s Quest for the Soul of Friendship by Sarah Zacharias Davis my Prayer: Lord, please bless me with the motivation and wisdom to recognize opportunities to encourage those I interact with today. In those opportunities, help me…
four minutes with God: Colossians 3:12 - a Quote: “Jesus understood that the deadliest sins – resentment, arrogance, judgmentalism, lovelessness – are ones we can commit without lifting a finger.” Everybody’s Normal Till You Get to Know Them by John Ortberg my Prayer: Lord, please bless me with patience and kindness today. Please bless me with empathy and compassion for others. Please…
consistent intentional solitude. - There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1 Summer is over. The loss of solitude at the beginning was nearly instantaneous. A shocker and familiar at the same time. A living flashback to before PinkGirl started school. Kid duty every waking moment and sometimes more. Most of…
peel me a grape. again. - I posted this as an audio clip and wrote a dedication to FirstHusband on our 20th wedding anniversary, August 11th, but here’s a youtube version. Peel Me a Grape is one of “our” songs (really, after 20 years, how can we have only ONE song?). The lyrics are so completely opposite of the mini-van driving,…
peel me a grape. - 20 years today. One of the best decisions I ever made! FirstHusband gave me a cruise for an anniversary present. I gave him this: (the vocals are all me) Cause anyone who knows me, knows how much I need mink coats, cashmere and bon bons. umm. hmm. I must admit. I do love the line…
crazy woman singing in the van singing WHAT? “You Are Good.” - New praise song this week. “Lord You are good and Your mercy endureth forever!!” For more Saturday music, check out Then Sings My Soul Saturday every Saturday hosted by Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders.
7 Quick Takes 08.06.10 - 1. Whoever told PinkGirl about Steve Urkel – that was totally uncalled for. Very uncool. oh. it must have been a Full House ratings crossover week. We watch DVR’d Full House (but fast forward through the DeGrassi promo commercials). 2. It seems that my freakish, overachiever, perfectionism has worked against me once again. I tried…
Objection #4: God isn’t Worthy of Worship if He Kills Innocent Children. - I don’t understand suffering. It’s going to be the first thing I ask the Lord about when I finally see him face to face. But whenever I hear about it, observe it, experience it . . . it sends me searching for reasons I can make sense of. “‘What makes you think children go to…
1/8 cup of chocolate syrup helps the vitamin c and potassium go down. - It’s sometimes a daily challenge to get my kids to eat fruit. In my house, when a kid stands in front of the fridge with the door open, this is my “go to” snack. If I offer this up before they head over to the pantry, they don’t have time to choose carbs over fruit.…
this life lesson brought to you for the bargain price of $6.61. - “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. Luke 16:10 (NIV) FavoriteSon wants to buy a song, but it’s designated as “album only” meaning he can’t purchase the single, he would have to purchase the entire album…
Dorothy was right. - There’s no place like home. Our entire family was ready to be home. Last week, FirstHusband and I went on a 2nd honeymoon to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary and the kids stayed with friends while we were gone. Saturday, we were all back together and we celebrated it by not leaving the house. we…
crazy woman singing in the van singing WHAT? “Soon.” - New praise song this week. “Soon and very soon, my King is coming. Robed in righteousness and crowned with love. When I see Him, I shall be made like Him. Soon and very soon.” For more Saturday music, check out Then Sings My Soul Saturday every Saturday hosted by Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders.
family expense audit: termite bond - Total Annual Savings as a Result of my Family Expense Audit: $878.84 Annual Savings on our Termite Bond: $39.56 Service Changes: Bond increased from $250,000 to 1 Million We’ve had our termite bond with Hometeam Pest Control for as long as I can remember, maybe even since the purchase of our house. I called to…
hot pocket relationships. - “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing . . . And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 & 14 “If you want a deep relationship, you can’t always be the…
I have the attention span of a tweet. - These kids are throwing off my blogging groove! It occurred to me that during this time (summer with kids at home), I have had the attention span of a Facebooker and/or a Tweeter. I’m thinking in pieces parts. I have proof. Here are some of my updates over the last month: Julie Mills was snuggling…
crazy woman singing in the van singing WHAT? “Our God.” - “And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us? And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?” For more Saturday music, check out Then Sings My Soul Saturday every Saturday hosted by Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders.
Friday Funnies: hello scholars. - Need a few more chuckles today? Check out Friday Funnies hosted by Homesteaders Heart! If you’ve got time to hang out for a few minutes, check out what else makes me laugh: Pragmatic Compendium’s “laugh!” category.
Friday Funnies: wait for it…at the 21 second mark. - Need a few more chuckles today? Check out Friday Funnies hosted by Homesteaders Heart! If you’ve got time to hang out for a few minutes, check out what else makes me laugh: Pragmatic Compendium’s “laugh!” category.
crazy woman singing in the van singing WHAT? “Everything is Different” - “This revelation makes me wanna shout! That Jesus has been sent, Everything is Different.” For more great music, check out Then Sings My Soul Saturday every Saturday hosted by Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders.
Fostering a good work ethic every chance I get. - I watched this video with my kids. And not for the last time.
crazy woman singing in the van singing what? “Mighty Fortress” - “Songs then, become tiny little devotions that point us to the Lord, remind us of Him and His Word, and maybe shake us a little bit.” from “Lifestories: Finding God’s Voice of Truth Through Everyday Life” by Mark Hall Recording my version of this song tonight. Asking for prayers that His will be done and…
the point of it all. - “And don’t just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you’ll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you’re serving is Christ.” Colossians 3:23 (The Message) I read…
family expense audit: cable/internet/phone service. - Total Annual Savings for Cable/Internet/Phone Services resulting from my Family Expense Audit: $839.28 Vendor Choice: Brighthouse Service Changes: 1. Switched from voice mail to an answering machine on our main line. 2. Dropped our second phone number and got a free Google Voice phone number with free voice mail instead. 3. Eliminated the Showtime premium…
we collect black bananas. really. - We go through bananas pretty quick in this house, but occasionally, we find a few black, soft bananas on our little banana hanger. Before they start to grow hair and drip, we pop them in the freezer, skin and all. We collect bananas for a few months until we have enough to bake our favorite…
first fruit. - “. . . music is supposed to be only a tool, a platter upon which the message is served. It’s not the point. If it becomes the point, you are left with only noise.” . . . I confess that I have been in the middle of worship, paused, looked at the words on the…
crazy woman singing in the van singing what? Whatever You’re Doing. - Recording my version of this song tonight. Whatever You’re Doing (youtube video) Praying that my voice won’t give out and that God would work during the 4 hour recording session. There will be five to six students and an instructor, all who have needs I know nothing about. The students will spend weeks listening to…
Prayer is INTEGRATION not SEPARATION. - Summer equals FRAGMENTATION. Fragmented tasks evidenced by piles of stuff in multiple locations waiting for returned attention. Fragmented thoughts evidenced by the blank stare on my face and the inability to stay on topic in any conversation lasting longer than . . . oh! I forgot to mention, our house took a little jolt of…
to infinity. and beyond! - This somewhat lazy summer morning, a sleepy PinkGirl and I are snuggling before our day gets rolling. Me: “I love you.” PinkGirl: “I love you more.” Me, going straight for the win: “I love you to infinity.” PinkGirl: “Well, I love you to Buzz Lightyear.” Me: “Huh?” PinkGirl: “Lightyears are bigger than infinity.” I’m not…
it’s easy to cook dinner. what’s difficult is to cook dinner EVERY DAY. - I’ve been cooking dinner. Every day. And I’m not talking frozen, microwavable meals. this is a big deal people. Yesterday, I made Pork Tenderloin Diane for the first time since I originally posted the recipe back in January. It’s a fast, easy, cheap recipe with a light sauce made from deglazing a pan with lemon…
expense audit. - Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise… Ephesians 5:15 I’m on a freakish quest to lower and/or eliminate our expenses in an effort to become debt free. First thing on my list? Significantly reduce the number of times I have to apply the category “restaurant/dining” to an item in our…
that’s fine vs. another day - New(ish) songs by Pomlamoose. I can’t decide which one I like more, but I think it may be the second one. It’s the one stuck in my head.
best Father’s Day present? a nap. - I remember when the best Father’s Day present was a nap. oh. wait. that was TODAY’s present!
Then Sings My Soul Saturday: We are Yours - For more Saturday music, check out Then Sings My Soul Saturday every Saturday hosted by Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders.
oil and water. anxiety and faith. - “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24 I’m anxious. Yet at the same time at peace. Trying to figure out what I have to do. Waiting on answers from…
crazy woman singing in the van singing what? Your Name. - Blessed to be leading this song tomorrow at our 9:30 Praise and Worship Service. Written by our Worship Leader, Curtis Froisland. Lead in the video is sung by Kristina Allard. For more Saturday music, check out Then Sings My Soul Saturday every Saturday hosted by Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders.
friday funnies: sometimes kids make me laugh. - I love the last line in this one. What a no nonsense kid. This one was a little difficult to follow until about 15 seconds in. First a question, then a statement of fact and finally, a serious diagnosis. Need a few more chuckles today? Check out Friday Funnies hosted by Homesteaders Heart! If you’ve…
authentic vs. hurtful. - Thank you to Heather at God in the City for prompting this post. It’s been a long time coming. For me, one of the most difficult things about being authentic is that it’s not possible to be authentic in a vacuum. Exposing my weaknesses inevitably walks the line of exposing the weakness of another person.…
who of you by worrying . . . - Who of you by worrying can add a single day to his life? Luke 12:25 There’s something I pray about on a near daily basis. Something I want to change. Something I’m not in a position to change myself. Something I want God to change. I’m not picky. I’m not asking for a specific thing…
empathy. compassion. kindess. - Lord, please bless me with empathy and compassion and kindness. “Mahatma Gandhi said, “I like their Christ, I don’t like their Christians.” Friedrich Nietzshe said, “I will believe in the Redeemer when the Christian looks a little more redeemed.” Their points need to be taken.” The Case for Faith by Lee Strobel This was dual…
crazy woman singing in the van singing what? Healing is in Your Hands - So thankful for the opportunity to lead this song this morning. Such a beautiful message of faith and hope. For more Saturday music, check out Then Sings My Soul Saturday every Saturday hosted by Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders.
ahi and mahi - Loving our boat – and my husband and son – they caught a black fin tuna and 3 mahi-mahi on Saturday! That translated to pan-seared Ahi on Saturday night, and baked mahi-mahi for lunch on Sunday, dinner on Sunday and dinner Tuesday – so far. Yum! More mahi in the freezer – and we’re hoping…
Then Sings My Soul Saturday: Fireflies Accapella - love, Love, LOVE the fact that every single sound in this video was made by one person – NO instruments? LOVE it! Harmonizing with yourself. Very fun. For more Saturday music, check out Then Sings My Soul Saturday every Saturday hosted by Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders.
Friday Funnies: Sunday’s Coming. - This might just hit a little too close to home . . . Need a few more chuckles today? Check out Friday Funnies hosted by Homesteaders Heart! If you’ve got time to hang out for a few minutes, check out what else makes me laugh: Pragmatic Compendium’s “laugh!” category.
Word-Filled Wednesday: Ephesians 4:29 - “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.” Ephesians 4:29 Join in Word-Filled Wednesdays hosted by Amydeanne over at The 160 Acre Woods!
we don’t send our daughter to bed - We don’t send our daughter to bed. We put our daughter to bed. We spend a few minutes at the end of the day tucking her in, saying prayers and listening to her – really listening to her – and we are absolutely amazed at what she shares with us. The things she thinks about,…
trusting God with my kids. - It’s not hard to trust God to take care of my kids – if I can just remember that He loves them more than I do. I frequently forget this. Any feedback/suggestions on the editing is VERY much appreciated! Over time, I’ll be pulling down my current youtube videos and replacing them with shorter clips.…
Then Sings My Soul Saturday: God of Second Chances - We’re in a series on Jonah right now. I’m feeling a little soul music is in order. For more Saturday music, check out Then Sings My Soul Saturday every Saturday hosted by Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders.
a swagger wagon doesn’t have to be a Toyota. - I own an Honda Odyssey swagger wagon myself. Happy (late) Mother’s Day!!
I can’t do it alone. - I read, therefore I quote: “When you start to feel stressed, let those feelings alert you to your need for me. Thus, your needs become doorways to deep dependence on Me and increasing intimacy between us.” Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence by Sarah Young “Can we do it if God helps us? Yes,…
crazy woman singing in the van singing what? Mission’s Flame - Just introduced to this song this week: For more Saturday music, check out Then Sings My Soul Saturday every Saturday hosted by Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders.
Friday Funnies: Tim Hawkins - I think PinkGirl has this guy’s entire monologue memorized. Tim Hawkins on Parenting: Tim Hawkins: “These are the things you don’t say to your wife” Need a few more chuckles today? Check out Friday Funnies hosted by Homesteaders Heart! If you’ve got time to hang out for a few minutes, check out what else makes…
Word-Filled Wednesday: John 15:1-8 - “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me,…
pruning produces “much fruit” - “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me,…
WFMW Backwards Edition: What’s your best/favorite/unique effective PARENTING TIP? - This week, the Works for Me Wednesday blog carnival is reversed. Instead of posting a great idea that works for me, I’m supposed to ask for tips. So here’s the deal. I’ve been outlining a book about pragmatic parenting and I’m looking for ideas outside my own resources and experience. What is your best/favorite/unique/effective PARENTING…
share your stories. - “We all have potentially powerful stories deep within us, just waiting to be called forth . . . [they flow] from your many years of life experience, your unique perspective and way of seeing the world; and your ability to access a wide range of feelings . . . our stories may help inspire someone…
crazy woman singing in the van singing what? Glorious Day - This is the song I’m working on this week. Recording on Friday night. For more Saturday music, check out Then Sings My Soul Saturday every Saturday hosted by Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders.
dear uterus, I don’t miss you. - Exactly one year TODAY, I had a looonnnng overdue hysterectomy after struggling with two decades of fibroid tumors and about 18 months of chronic anemia. Without a doubt, the recovery was the biggest deterrent, but my husband made a comment that finally moved me to take action: “If it was over you’d have done it…
Prayer Request: in my weakness, He will be glorified. - I’ve taken on a task that is too big for me. Unable to ignore the relentless pull toward a particular song, I selected it to record. It’s too big for me. A melody line with a range that stretches the limits of my own, two possible harmonies and double harmony echos at the end. And…
my daughter. my mentor. - Tuesday, I wrote about the motivation behind my practice of seeking out ideas and perspective from others instead of making decisions based on my own limited perspective: “I will NOT be blind to the possible damage I can do by neglecting to pay attention and to act intentionally when I come face to face with…
who are your advisors? - I read, therefore I quote: “Relationships protect us from myopia, selfishness and stupidity. They provide a mirror by which we can see ourselves, and they can help us to gain perspective when problems and immediate concerns turn us inward and threaten to dominate our lives. Spiritual advisers and Christian friends in particular are well suited…
what’s your frog? - “We can always find all kinds of small, dead-end projects to work on, but getting a lot done is not the same as getting the most important things done. If you start work by jumping right into the hardest task for the day, you’ll get bigger and better results and feel better, too. Often things…
a riddle. - What do you get when a kid puts her Bible in the same school cubby as a forgotten banana? Come on parents, you know this one . . . Answer: a new Bible. (On the bright side, she’s ready to recite James 1:1-12 for her Bible quiz today.)
shoe shopping with God. - If you know me, you know I HATE shopping. When I need something, I just want to go to the store and pick it up, hopefully on sale with a printable coupon. Better still if I can just order it on the internet, with an online coupon. Unfortunately, I have been very unsuccessful with buying…
Friday Funnies: All the Wrinkled Ladies - Anita Renfroe: “I like it but I shoulda put some cream on it . . .” Need a few more chuckles today? Check out Friday Funnies hosted by Homesteaders Heart! If you’ve got time to hang out for a few minutes, check out what else makes me laugh: Pragmatic Compendium’s “laugh!” category.
wordless wednesday: squirrels do not fear me. - And no. I did not use the zoom lens. sigh. Got to go fill the squirrel feeder in the backyard. It’s the same for them, but it makes me feel better when they eat out of the SQUIRREL feeder instead of the BIRD feeder. Besides, they never break the squirrel feeder. The lard-butt little thieves.…
blogging, tweeting & facebooking. on the treadmill. - Since September of 2007, I’ve been working with a personal trainer, focusing on strength training. I had some physical challenges, but since my hysterectomy last year, I’ve been much more consistent and I’m up to three days per week. And I’ve finally gotten to a place where the arthritis in my neck hardly ever necessitates…
preparing to meet opportunity. - When I first incorporated my business in 1996, I said YES!!! to every bit of work that came my way. FavoriteSon was 6 months old when I started. I neglected to set limits and ended up exhausted by the time PinkGirl was born. I cut back on work for about 5 years and when PinkGirl…
own it. - I’m not much for excuses. If you don’t have one minute and two seconds, skip to the 52 second mark. I’m teaching my kids to own it. By example. Two years ago, I blew it. BIG time. I said “yes” to too many things. Three of my responsibilities were non-negotiable: 1. Taking care of my…
we don’t laugh because we’re happy, we’re happy because we laugh. - PinkGirl, on the phone with a friend, struggling with homework: “Oh! My dad’s home! He’s a really big nerd! He’ll be able to help us!” Message translated? I am not a nerd. Unfortunately, it also appears I am not smarter than a third grader. Me (to FavoriteSon): “You’re taking chemistry next year? I think you’ll…
She Speaks - Proverbs 31:26, “She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue.” The 2010 Conference, will be held July 30th through August 1st in Concord, North Carolina. Click the She Speaks logo above for complete details!
I just don’t listen. - Just last month, I wrote a “therefore I quote” blog post about foregoing what’s “good” to make room for what’s “best.” I never listen to me. And do I listen to God? Thankfully he’s patient. But He got my attention yesterday. With an iron. ouch. For years, I’ve tinkered with ebay and consignment. Gathering up…
revisit: a loving God. evil and suffering. - Revisiting an old post today, prompted by a conversation with my sister after a co-worker took his own life: a loving God. evil and suffering.” originally posted on my devotional blog, Pragmatic Communion, in April of last year.
2010 Works for Me Wednesday Greatest Tips - Works for Me Wednesday is hosting a Greatest Tips edition this week, so here a few top viewed “Tip” posts from Pragmatic Compendium: 1. Easter Bunny Cake. (with decorating photos) I HAD to include this post. It’s been inflating my blog stats like CRAZY over the last month! On the Saturday before Easter, it got…
I know I’m on dry land, but my body doesn’t. - I’m swaying. Rocking. Like I’m still on the boat. But I’m not. I KNOW I’m not. I just feel like I am. I only notice it when I’m still. And I don’t dare close my eyes without holding onto something. PinkGirl and FavoriteSon both fell over in the shower last night. Poor kids. Their mother…
some people never learn (that would be US) - Me: “So, what should the post title be? ‘Here we go again.’ or ‘Third time’s a charm.'” FirstHusband: “Some People Never Learn.” Me: “And we have a winner!” We bought a BOAT! Again. We bought our first boat when we were newly married but when life got busy and we stopped using it, we sold…
pragmatic communion: God has a desire for my affirmation of His love? - Below is an excerpt from a devotion I posted over at Pragmatic Communion. Read the entire devotion HERE. When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”…
pragmatic communion: no further uneasiness. - Below is an excerpt from a devotion I posted over at Pragmatic Communion. Read the entire devotion HERE. “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the…
visioncasting. - “If God is developing in you a picture of what could and should be, you will be called upon to verbalize that picture. Painting a verbal picture is the essence of visioncasting.” Visioneering Andy Stanley I’d been reading Visioneering by Andy Stanley and thinking about this statement when my pastor spoke about the unfruitful fig…
The DadLabs – Poop in the Tub - I am CRYING from laughter right now. These guys are hilarious!!! If you don’t think so, forward to the 4:50 minute mark. Pragmatic advice too! I’m a FAN! Need a few more chuckles today? Check out Friday Funnies hosted by Homesteaders Heart! If you’ve got time to hang out for a few minutes, check out…
blog stats are meaningless. - Me: I’m looking at my blog differently these days. I’m looking at it like writing instead of blogging. FirstHusband: I thought that’s why you started to blog in the first place. Me: Maybe. But then I got caught up with stats and comments and wanting people to like me. pause. Me: You know, this whole…
therefore I quote: Andy Stanley - I read, therefore I quote: “Vision gives significance to the otherwise meaningless details of our lives . . . It’s the difference between filling bags with dirt and building a dike in order to save a town. There’s nothing glamorous or fulfilling about filling bags with dirt. But saving a city is another thing altogether.…I’m gonna miss these inflated, ego building stats. - Me: “Over 1300 hits on my blog this month just for the Easter Bunny Cake post alone. I’m gonna miss these inflated, ego building stats, because the day after Easter, they are going to seriously tank. FirstHusband: “Don’t worry honey, people will always want to know how to freeze onions.” I couldn’t help but crack…
EASY Easter Bunny Cake - I originally blogged about this Easter Bunny Cake back in April 2009, but every year around Easter, it’s my most popular post. If you make it, post a link to a photo or comment and let me know how it turned out! Growing up, my mom often made an Easter Bunny cake like the one…
barn owlets live feed - We’ve been watching this owl box for a few days now and it appears one of the eggs has hatched. Watch with us! http://www.sportsmansparadiseonline.com/Live_Owl_Nest_Box_Cam.html
something Irish-y. - Animal will always be my favorite. But that Beaker has some serious pipes! Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Check out JanMary over at Welcome to My World for an authentic Irish post and find out what a real Irish family does (and doesn’t do) to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! She’s hosting a St. Patrick’s Day Blog…
pragmatic tips? - Perusing the book 1,628 Country Shortcuts. I have so many mixed feelings: 1. yeah . . . I don’t think so. 2. hmmm. I might just try that. 3. Hey, I already do that! 4. City girl say WHAT? 5. uh huh. I’ll get right on that. and finally, 6. What the heck is rhubarb?…
conversations with the kids. - I’ve got two new posts up over at Commotion, but I thought I’d save readers the click. Here they are: 3rd grade cooties. PinkGirl: Me and BFFN like the same boy. Mom and Dad together: ehhhh . . . Dad: That’s not good. PinkGirl: No, it’s okay, me and BFFN are best friends so we’re…
just a little motivation. - I’ve been on track with the workouts and the sensible eating but a little motivation never hurts: The funny part is that within moments of posting this, FirstHusband called and asked me what I wanted from . . . SUBWAY. Need a few more chuckles today? Check out Friday Funnies hosted by Homesteaders Heart! If…
therefore I quote: MacDonald & Lewis - I read, therefore I quote Gordon MacDonald and C.S. Lewis: “Years ago, my father wisely shared with me that one of the great tests of human character is found in making critical choices of selection and rejection amidst all of the opportunities that lurk in life’s path. ‘Your challenge,’ he told me, ‘will not be…
Easter Bunny Cake Revisited. - According to my WordPress Stats, I should highlight a post I wrote last year about how to create an Easter bunny shaped cake. In the month of February, that post shows 310 views and in just the first 8 days of March, it has had 149 views! So, if you want to make a bunny…
Then Sings My Soul Saturday: Before the Throne of Grace - I love me some good harmony. The Point of Grace ladies. For more Saturday music, check out Then Sings My Soul Saturday every Saturday hosted by Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders.
facebook. - I’m on facebook. I joined for one reason. Because my 14 year old son wanted to open a facebook account. I said “yes, if you friend me.” He did. From the frequency of my blog posts since November, you can probably tell I don’t spend a lot of discretionary time on the computer these days.…
therefore I quote: Mark Atteberry - I read, therefore I quote: “Every time Christians are talking and the subject of excellence comes up, you can bet somebody will say, ‘It doesn’t really matter if things are done perfectly, as long as our hearts are right. After all, we’re not professionals.’ And there is truth in that statement. However, it’s a very…
communication and communion - Not many who visit Compendium realize I have other blogs – probably because I don’t post on them as often. If you’re interested, I’ve got two new posts up this week. One at Pragmatic Communication entitled “therefore I quote: Steve Chander” about knowledge and imagination and one at Pragmatic Communion, entitled “I’d like to think…
the manmercials . . . - that make me laugh: PinkGirl’s laughing at this one: Need a few more chuckles today? Check out Friday Funnies hosted by Homesteaders Heart! If you’ve got time to hang out for a few minutes, check out what else makes me laugh: Pragmatic Compendium’s “laugh!” category.
therefore I quote: Steve Chandler - I read, therefore I quote: “People who habitually access their imaginations are often hailed by their colleagues as “geniuses” – as if “genius” was a genetic characteristic. They would be better understood as people who are practiced at accessing their genius.” “Einstein used to say, “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” When I first heard…
Word-Filled Wednesday: Treasure - “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.” Matthew 13:44 A a devotional on this verse, entitled “I’d like to think I would.” can be found on my…
cupid is bossy. - Our Cupid is a nine year old girl with long blond hair. She was all about serving dinner to her dad and I tonight. He and I went out for a few hours this afternoon and she spent the time preparing a romantic “restaurant” in our dining room. She also prepared a salad. With dressing…
a little more pragmatic romance. - A few days ago, I highlighted (and heckled) the worst 10 romance ideas from the book “Random Acts of Romance: surprise and delight the one you love.” To be fair, I also highlighted 10 “pragmatic” romance ideas I actually liked, promising to post more later. It’s later. Here are some more romance ideas I really…
Disney World in February. part 1. - In my opinion, the BEST time to go. Living in Central Florida, and premium annual passholders for years, we’ve been to Disney too many times to count. FirstHusband and FavoriteSon aren’t feeling the magic so much anymore, but PinkGirl and I are still Disney Freaks. She and I spent the day at Magic Kingdom on…
critique. - I critique myself. A LOT. When I speak, teach or sing, I want a DVD recording. I watch my “game film.” And then I immediately focus on the weaknesses. The things I could have done better or differently and should do better or differently next time. This consistent self-evaluation and subsequent dissatisfaction with myself frustrates…
random acts of pragmatic romance. - A few months ago, in the spirit of romance, I picked up a book (pre-owned, of course) entitled “Random Acts of Romance: surprise and delight the one you love.” With Valentine’s Day just a few short days away, I looked through it for some Valentine ideas. It seems I have a little problem with romance.…
balance. - Having a little trouble with that right now. It seems blogging fell off the teeter-totter. I’m keeping up with most things. I think. I wonder what I’m forgetting. Kids. Check. Everyone is currently home. I didn’t forget to pick anyone up from all the places I’ve driven them over the last few weeks. Husband. Check.…
get your banana slicer HERE! - Ever since I posted about and shared photos of my banana slicer, I’ve gotten comments and emails asking where they can be purchased. Long story short? Discontinued. BUT, they are available on ebay from time to time. Like TODAY. And the seller sent me an email telling me she actually has FOUR MORE available. Click…
now that’s romantic. - I read, therefore I quote. I’ve always admired Abigail Adams, wife of John Adams. She had moxy. She was spunky. And smart. So it was no surprise when I snapped up her biography when I saw it in a bargain stack for just a few dollars. I wasn’t sure if the period language would befuddle…
that white thing you stand on. - I’m back to consistent strength training after 6 weeks of fitting in a little here and a little there while I was on a short lived, intense work schedule. I’d been doing push ups, crunches, supermans and planks, BUT. I neglected the legs and triceps. Monday, I did 15 lunges each leg and almost didn’t…
Menu Planning Monday 01.04.09 - I have high hopes. Menu Planning. mmm hmmm. It’s easy to write a menu plan. What’s difficult is to write a menu plan EVERY WEEK. Here goes: Monday – White Chicken Chili, Salad Tuesday – Grilled Pork Chops, Cous Cous, Steamed Broccoli w/Cheese Wednesday – Wet Enchilladas, Corn, Campbells Select Harvest Southwestern Style Soup Thursday…
pork tenderloin diane - This recipe is surprisingly fast and easy for how seemingly sophisticated it is. It’s one of those recipes that fool people into thinking I can actually cook. Ingredients: 1 pound pork tenderloin, cut into 8 crosswise pieces 2 teaspoons lemon pepper 2 tablespoons butter (we use smart balance) 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 tablespoon Worcestershire…
2010 Word of the Year - For the last few years, I’ve been selecting a “Word of the Year” – kind of a theme of the year instead of compiling a typical list of resolutions. Last year, my word was “Action.” I took lots of Action, the biggest act being my “long time coming” decision to rid myself of two decades…
2009 Pragmatic Recap - Jo-Lynne at Musings of a Housewife is hosting a 2009 Blog Recap Carnival and, having fallen off the blog wagon over the last month, I figured it would be a fairly painless way to ease back into my blog. I even remembered my WordPress password! For each month of 2009, I’ve posted the title (and…
Christmas from Straight No Chaser - These guys are GOOD! Need a few more chuckles today? Check out Friday Funnies hosted by Homesteaders Heart! If you’ve got time to hang out for a few minutes, check out what else makes me laugh: Pragmatic Compendium’s “laugh!” category.
what is it you do exactly? - When someone asks me what I do, I know they’re talking about work. Outside my home. Other than being a mom. I usually answer, “I’m a trainer and consultant.” Often, that’s the end of it. Sometimes, if they’re interested, they’ll wrinkle their eyebrows and ask something like: What is it you do exactly? Even my…
thankful. 11.27-30.09 - 11.27.09 I’m thankful for soup. I know that sounds strange, but FirstHusband can make some seriously good soup. This past week, he ended up smoking three turkeys (two for a charity dinner), a lamb shank and a ham. That’s THREE huge crockpots of turkey soup and one of ham/lamb soup. Very, very GOOD soup. 11.28.09…
Then Sings My Soul Saturday: You’ll Come - This week’s new praise song for our 9:30 a.m. praise and worship service! For more Saturday music, check out Then Sings My Soul Saturday every Saturday hosted by Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders.
thankful. 11.26.09 - I’m thankful that so many people observe the conscious, intentional focus on giving thanks to God for our blessings. I read, therefore I quote. “I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and also those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to…
thankful. 11.25.09 - I’m so thankful . . . Working full+ days recently has reminded me that I am SO thankful that I don’t (normally) have to work full-time. My daughter is really missing me and while I feel guilty about that, I’m also thankful for the experience because she too is realizing what a blessing it is…
mom’s pumpkin soup - In honor of Thanksgiving and my mother-in-law, I’m highlighting a past post for Tempt My Tummy Tuesday: Mom’s Pumpkin Soup Although we used “real” pumpkin for our jack-o-bread recipe, we use canned pumpkin for this. It’s much smoother – not so . . . grainy, if you know what I mean. And click on over…
thankful. 11.23.09 - I’m so thankful . . . I’m thankful that FirstHusband is off this week and is picking up my slack BIG time as I work on a client project. We had a slumber party for 9 year old girls last night that lasted until after midnight. I got up and went to client site while…
turkeyisms. - Need a few more chuckles today? Check out Friday Funnies hosted by Homesteaders Heart! If you’ve got time to hang out for a few minutes, check out what else makes me laugh: Pragmatic Compendium’s “laugh!” category.
7 quick takes. 11.20.09 - 1. American Girl doll, Kirsten backordered until May 25? Seriously? 2. I have stuffed so much information into my brain in the last two weeks I’m mentally exhausted. I read computer manuals much like novels when I’m in the learning curve mode and somehow I remember freakish amounts of computer capabilities but forget to do…
thankful. 11.20.09 Happy Birthday PinkGirl!!!! - I’m so thankful . . . For my daughter today on her 9th birthday! Today, I’m revisiting a Pragmatic Communion post I wrote about her because I’m SO VERY THANKFUL she is still has the sweet spirit and vivacious enthusiasm for life I described two years ago. Her enthusiasm for everything in life comes from…
thankful. 11.19.09 - I’m so thankful . . . FavoriteSon made the JV basketball team! I’m DOUBLY thankful that football season is OVER and the man stank is GONE from my house and minivan. I’m thankful that basketball season does not smell anywhere near as bad as football season. I’m VERY thankful that FavoriteSon’s track coach from last…
thankful. 11.18.09 - I’m so thankful . . . For compensated work and a great client! My favorite client is upgrading their computers and software, requiring both consulting and training. It’s a lot of work during what is usually a planned slow time of year for me, but it is a blessing and a direct answer to prayer!…
thankful. 11.16.09 - I’m so thankful . . . I’m thankful for the technology that makes my life easier, more efficient and just . . . more FUN! We sometimes take things for granted, but today, I’m really noticing how many appliances, gadgets and technological capabilities and services we are blessed with – our computers, a stable internet…
thankful. 11.13.09 - I’m so thankful . . . I’m thankful that I don’t have to work full-time and that I have a flexible schedule. Even though it took years of planning, hard work and determination to get to this point, I know that it is only by the grace of God that my husband has a stable…
thankful. 11.12.09 - I’m so thankful . . . For the fact that everyone in my immediate family professes faith in Christ and expresses that faith openly through prayer and service. I’m so thankful that my children look to God for help as they face challenges in their day. I’m thankful that my daughter feels sadness at the…
thankful. 11.11.09 - I’m so thankful . . . For BOOKS. I read so many books at the “same time.” Authors are like friends. I just pick who I want to have a conversation with and/or what I want to “converse” about at that time and open up a book that fits. Today I read some from Philip…
thankful. 11.10.09 - I’m so thankful . . . For my ability to write without pain or numbness in my hand. I’m thankful the arthritis in my neck is not causing me pain or limited movement right now. I’m thankful for the days I forget I even have arthritis in my neck. THANK YOU, LORD!!! I’m participating in…
thankful. 11.09.09 - I’m so thankful . . . For music. The music we’ve been leading at church has been beautiful. This week, my favorite was None But Jesus by Brooke Fraser. THANK YOU, LORD! I’m participating in a month of Thanksgiving hosted by Rebecca Writes. If you want to join in, post something you are thankful for…
thankful. 11.06.09 - I’m so thankful . . . So very, Very, VERY thankful that FirstHusband helps FavoriteSon with his math homework. Here’s some of the conversation from last night: (this was a pretty laid back conversation – there was no “tone” or irritation) FirstHusband: Please stop whining about Pythagorean theorem, I’m not even sure it’s the way…
I couldn’t stop myself. - I tried. I tried to look away. I just couldn’t. I tried to look at the magazines. The candy. The cookbooklets. Even the National Enquirer. It was no use. It was compelling. Like a bad toupee. I know I was staring. The girl in front of me in the line at the grocery store was…
thankful. 11.05.09 - I’m so thankful . . . No one in my immediate family has ever suffered from a life-threatening illness. I’m thankful for my acute awareness that my family’s health is due to the grace and mercy of God, whose reasoning I don’t pretend to comprehend, and not because of anything we have done or haven’t…
thankful. 11.04.09 - I’m so thankful . . . Last year, we found an allergist who prescribed a season allergy treatment for my son which left him nearly symptom free for the first time in his entire LIFE. We just got back from his annual check-up with new prescriptions already called into the pharmacy. This is life changing…
search: “hypertrophic scar” - Back in June, in a 7 Quick Takes post, I mentioned (in take #6) that I was developing keloid scarring after my surgery. In my case (thankfully), I should use the term “hypertrophic” scarring. I get a lot of hits on that post and I see the search string nearly EVERY day in my stats,…
Stop holding me a-counter-able! - So says FavoriteSon. Three days after I declared myself the “counter tyrant.” Every time I see one tiny little thing on the counter, I start asking, “Who left this here?” “Who used this?” “What is this?” “Where does this go?” “Can I get rid of this?” Then I start calling children: “PinkGirl? FavoriteSon? Come put…
excessive tedium exposed. - I’ve been reading a little C. S. Lewis lately. Today I read the November 1st and 2nd entries from “A Year with C. S. Lewis: Daily Readings from His Classic Works.” He’s a tough read. I may have mentioned before that I respond to his writing in a number of different ways. Sometimes, I think…
I can’t believe I’m one of “those” people. - You know, one of those people who sets off their car alarm and then can’t figure out how to turn it OFF. And I was SITTING in it at the time. Talking on the cell phone to FirstHusband – shouting over the incessant horn: “Did you know this van had an alarm?” “No.” (pause) “Do…
do they make Garanimals for women? - Seriously. Somebody teach me how to dress. Oh, who am I kidding? I don’t want to LEARN how to dress, I just want someone to pick out my clothes for me. Jewelry too, please. And I already have a haircut scheduled for Thursday. Okay. Got that out of the way. (I’m a woman, of course…
pray-ers wanted. - This Sunday is a very specific answer to a very specific prayer. Here’s what I’ve been praying for months: “Lord, please allow me to use my voice – speaking and singing – for your glory.” Here’s the answer: I’m leading praise and worship for three services at my church this Sunday. AND I’m delivering the…
this is why . . . - I don’t know who is lost. Or who survived. I don’t know the name of the biggest loser. I can’t tell you the name of one “real” housewife, whether they are from Hotlanta or PoDunk, Alabama. (Is there really a PoDunk, Alabama?) I have no idea why Kim Kardashian is famous. I don’t know who…
skunks are actually beautiful animals. - So says FirstHusband. AFTER we spent nearly two hours coaxing one out of our FAMILY ROOM!! OUR. FAMILY. ROOM. That’s just wrong. Remember the “squirrel in the chimney” story? All about how we dealt with extracting squirrels from our family room? Four times? Now I understand. God was just providing us with ample practice before…
the “funnest math show EVER.” - So says PinkGirl. This used to be her brother’s favorite show: Cyberchase on PBS. Hacker, the villain is voiced by Christopher Lloyd and Didg is voiced by Gilbert Gottfried. I didn’t realize it was still on the air. IMDB shows it still in production through 2008! I have no idea why I remembered this and…
fits like a glove. - So, just to remind you – here’s a photo of my “old” van, a 2000 Honda Odyssey (which is now functionally repaired and dependably serving its new, growing family): And here’s a picture of my “new” 2003 Honda Odyssey: After the accident, I actually said that because I hate change so much, I felt like…
windows of opportunity. - Stephanie commented on my last post, “I’m telling the story wrong.” “Julie, I know you don’t want any praise for this. I understand you are telling us this to show us what can be done when we open ourselves up to opportunities that God may be placing in front of us all the time and…
I’m telling the story wrong. - There are too many people telling me that I did a great thing. No, I didn’t. GOD did this. The facts are these: 1. I know from driving undependable cars. In my younger days, I was very skilled at driving the lead tow car, pulling my dad as he rode in the dead vehicle being…
a custom fit. - My husband, long overdue for new suits, just bought 3 at a buy one get two free sale at JoS A. Bank. The first suit he picked up was priced at over $700. He put it back. I found another priced at $550 and after mentally dividing by three, he selected a black/gray blend, a…
selling point. - I’m completely open to whatever vehicle comes my way and I’m really appreciating all the suggestions and taking them into account as they relate to our budget. (I would LOVE the Honda Pilot, but eek. The price.) So I’m perusing Craigslist today and I got my laugh of the day! Here’s the description and the…
blessings require change. part 2. - In my post, “blessings require change.” on September 30th, I shared how God gave me an opportunity to give my minivan to a family who needed it. This is a follow-up, so the details aren’t complete here. If you have a few minutes to get caught up, click on over to the original post and…
Random: 09.30.09 - I’m joining in at Random Dozen over at 2nd Cup of Coffee because I LOVED the first question!!! Serious flashback. And the weather here tonight was cool and breezy. I love autumn. 1. Tell me the absolute best way to watch a movie. At a DRIVE-IN! In the back of a pick-up truck, in the…
what I learned this week. 09-30-09 - I need to listen to that still, small voice I hear. Even when it makes no sense. God can bless me by asking me to give away my van. He can bless me beyond my wildest imagination. I can be happy – really HAPPY – even when I have no vehicle and no plan for…
blessings require change. - Oh, that You would bless me indeed . . . I Chronicles 4:10a NKJV I don’t like change. I don’t like flux. Flux is that place between what was and what will be. I hate flux. It’s yet another lesson in faith and patience. You’d think I would have learned faith and patience by now.…
I blinked. - And then it was September 22nd. Holy WHIRLWIND, Batman! There’s so much going on right now. Here’s one thing: No one was hurt!!! It could have been so much worse. We’re looking at it as a blessing! FirstHusband was on the Florida Turnpike in my van, on his way to FavoriteSon’s “away” football game on…
7 Quick Takes: 09.12.09 - 1. I can’t think of anyone sweeter to spend my birthday with than PinkGirl. Notice her calendar entry for Wednesday: I had a plan for Wednesday, but when PinkGirl woke up with a swollen face (abscessed tooth), my schedule for the day changed completely. By 8:30 a.m., we were at the pediatric dentist, by 9:00…
carve my name into some cheddar cheese. - Anita Renfroe singing “Before I Eat.” Ya know, since my hysterectomy, I have NO idea where I am in my cycle. So there’s no disproving that snacking and irritability aren’t hormonally driven. Food for thought. Need a few more chuckles today? Check out Friday Funnies hosted by Homesteaders Heart! If you’ve got time to hang…
Then Sings My Soul Saturday: Desert Song - This week’s new praise song for our 9:30 a.m. praise and worship service! I can’t stop thanking God for letting me sing it!!! So beautiful. For more Saturday music, check out Then Sings My Soul Saturday every Saturday hosted by Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders.
Then Sings My Soul Saturday: Father, Spirit, Jesus - Another new song for our church’s 9:30 praise team this week: For more Saturday music, check out Then Sings My Soul Saturday every Saturday hosted by Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders.
this cracks me up every time. - I will even rewind it to watch the entire thing if I miss part of it. When the dad chuckles at the end, I laugh out loud. My son rolls his eyes. And yesterday, when my son was taking too long in the shower, I threatened to log into his Facebook account and post something…
the relentless pursuit of a “good day.” - I wonder if I’ve always seen seasons in my life. Looking back, I don’t remember ever feeling anxious for certain times in my life to be over. I’ve hated a job or two and couldn’t wait for them to be over, I’ve hated a class or two and couldn’t wait for them to be over,…
Sings My Soul Saturday: Lead Me to the Cross. - Our church’s 9:30 service praise team is introducing two new songs to the congregation this week. I’ve been singing it all week in my car, walking around the house with my mp3 player, freaking out the cats, I even woke up to it in my head this morning. I can’t wait for the congregation to…
weird al: white and nerdy. and funny. - I’m adding to my “little known facts” today. Here’s the latest: “Weird Al is on my mp3 player.” I think he’s flippin hilarious, and brilliantly creative! I love his fast paced wit. The final youtube video for “White and Nerdy” has embedding disabled, but this pre-production video allowed it. Can you tell who that is…
WFMW: office chairs at the kitchen table. - We’ve made a big change here at Casa Aqua (the name Casa Aqua is a long story. Suffice it to say we are no strangers to dehumidifiers and industrial carpet fans). We ditched our straight backed wooden slat chairs (as comfy as they were) and have purchased four office desk chairs for our kitchen table.…
sometimes free just isn’t worth it. - My newspaper subscription ran out. I know this because last week someone called to ask if I would like to renew it. Considering the labor intensive household task of carrying the newspaper from the driveway directly to the recycling bin has lost its appeal, I said “No thank you.” The nice lady told me I…
the friendship algorithm. - We love Sheldon. He makes us feel like we’re normal. And of course, since we’ve learned this simple formula, making friends has never been easier. Need a few more chuckles today? Check out Friday Funnies hosted by Homesteaders Heart! If you’ve got time to hang out for a few minutes, check out what else makes…
a matter of perspective. - At the library yesterday, I happened upon this book just laying flat on one of the shelves: Extraordinary Women: Fantasies Revealed: 58 Women of Accomplishment Portray Hidden Dreams and Real Hopes 58 prominent, accomplished women were asked what they dreamed about becoming when they were children. Surfers, ballerinas, opera singers, Olympians, doctors . . .…
miles, planks and rambling. - 1.5 Miles in 24 minutes and a 2 Minute Plank. Just updated my exercise log. No more (insert whiny voice here) “but, but, but, I had s u r g e r y . . . ” excuses. If I don’t post an update tomorrow night, somebody kick my butt back into play! I’m surprised…
hi ho, hi ho. - I’m still here – just working a LOT. And climbing a learning curve for the work projects. Trying to steal hours in the fragmented chaos to actually focus on the learning and the work. The kind of work that requires complete and total quiet, lots of gum and Diet Coke. Wore pantyhose for the first…
no more stinky scrubbies - I buy Scotch Brite scouring pads in in a big block from Sam’s Club. We call them “scrubbies.” They work great and last for weeks! But they can get kinda stanky. So, I throw them into the top rack of the dishwasher every once in a while! I don’t use sponges, but this should work…
Then Sings My Soul Saturday: Trading My Sorrows - I get to sing this tomorrow! I am SO happy we are doing this arrangement instead of the original. So much better! Who IS this woman anyway? She makes it look so easy. This song is not easy. For more Saturday music, check out Then Sings My Soul Saturday every Saturday hosted by Amy at…
7 quick takes: 07.24.09 - 1. Chimney Update. That noise I heard in the chimney on Monday? I said I was going up on the roof and (routinely) dropping a rope down the chimney (again) so the squirrel (so we think) could climb out? Well . . . FirstHusband had the rope in his truck. Which was parked at the…
a wooden leg named smith. - PinkGirl watched Mary Poppins tonight. She’s been a fan for years – even BEFORE she met Miss Practically Perfect herself. She’s We’ve watched it enough to have memorized large chunks of dialog. These days, PinkGirl is actually able to watch it without pausing the DVD for multiple costume changes. One of my favorite parts is…
banana slicer for kids. and grown-ups. - PinkGirl: “Mom. I’m hungry. Can I have a snack?” Me: “What fruit have you had today?” My kids are getting tired of this question. I always ask this question when they say they’re hungry. Yesterday, after I asked, I listed all the fresh fruit currently in the house and when I got to banana, PinkGirl…
Be careful what you pray for . . . - God’s a comedian today. So. I’m writing in my prayer journal. My mind shoots to this post by Elle and I write: “I want to tell stories about how you work in my life, Lord.“ And then. I hear. A strange noise. Probably just the cat. But. No. That doesn’t sound like the cat. So…
shopping and waiting. with kids. - A few weeks ago, I was in the dressing room at Target. Across the way, in the “family” dressing room was a mom with two small children. She was doing her best, but those kids were seriously high maintenance – not misbehaved, just high maintenance. She was having difficult time trying on clothes with “mom.…
Rachel Barkey is Home. - Rachel Barkey went home to her Lord on July 2, 2009 at 37 years of age. I wrote about her before, in a posted entitled “55 minutes.” I linked to her testimony. I challenge you, I encourage you, I beg you – to take 55 minutes out of the busyness and redundancy of daily life…
sunburn? vinegar. - My biggest use of vinegar is when I dye Easter eggs and make Good Season’s Italian dressing. But I almost always seem to have it in my pantry. A few summers ago, a friend of mine called me while on vacation at the beach. Her young son had a painful sunburn on his back and…
waking kids. - I’m curled up on the loveseat in 14 year old FavoriteSon’s room, talking to him after his alarm has gone off this morning. I’ve prompted him to move from sleeping position to stretching, to sitting on the side of his bed, still stretching to get the blood moving. Me: Come on bud. It’s 8:10. Are…
Daybook: Monday, 07.06.09 - Peggy at The Simple Woman’s Daybook is taking the summer off, but I decided to go ahead and post a Daybook entry anyway. Outside my window . . . the mailbox flag is still up. The mail man carrier is two hours late. Probably due to extra deliveries because of the July 4th holiday on…
Then Sings My Soul Saturday: National Anthem - For more Saturday music, check out Then Sings My Soul Saturday every Saturday hosted by Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders.
7 Quick Takes: 07.03.09 - 1. Conversations with PinkGirl. PinkGirl: “Mom, when I’m on Broadway, I bet I can get you in to see my show for FREE!” Me: “I’m sure you can get free tickets (because I am SURE you will be on Broadway!) but I think we would have to pay for our airplane tickets and hotel.” PinkGirl:…
Pragmatic Summer Recipes - Kristin over at We are THAT Family is is hosting a themed edition of Works for Me Wednesday this week! Here are some of my favorite summer recipes! Click on the links for the original post and the ingredients/recipe. Chicken Grape Salad 5 Minute Panera Wanna Be Salad 5 Minute MorningStar Burrito Lunch Mom’s Pasta…
PinkGirl: Part of Your World - This is one of the songs PinkGirl has been rehearsing for the last two weeks as part of “American Idol” day camp. PinkGirl posted about it on HER blog too. And she LOVES comments! I’m slightly proud.
7 Quick Takes: 06.27.09 - 1. Burning Gas, Burning Time. Two kids in two day camps in two different areas of town. I HATE it when I can’t go an entire week on one tank of gas. I filled up last Saturday and only made it to Thursday night. arrgg. 2. A BIG THANK YOU to Mary the Macy’s Bra…
7 Quick Takes: 06.19.09 - 1. Let’s play a little game. I’ll give you an answer and you guess the question. Ready? Answer: A rock, a piece of glass, a shell, a 2 inch sliver of a dinner plate, a screw, a piece a straw from a kid sippy cup, a plastic straw wrapper from a juice box, a LOT…
7 Quick Takes: 06/12/09 - 1. “crud.” That’s what our dishwasher is leaving behind. It is also what I am saying about the fact that our dishwasher is not washing our dishes. Crud is NOT the word I used when I Googled my Kenmore model and found a forum with over 750 entries by owners who have problems with this…
I miss SPF2 Coppertone suntan OIL. - We’re trying to work out a week at Daytona Beach Ocean Walk Resort again in the next few weeks. Last summer, we stayed there for 5 nights. SO much fun! I posted photos and a kind of review last year. We loved the fact that everything we wanted to do was within walking distance. We…
bah-donk-a-donk butt. - note to self: choose on purpose. Summer can be a little busy. We can find ourselves out and about. And hungry. Yesterday, I had a Quarter Pounder with Cheese for lunch. No fries, and with a Diet Coke, but still. Today, I had my FAVORITE salad, a Grilled Southwest WITH the southwest dressing even. So…
15 Books, 15 Minutes, A Lifetime - Lisa Writes linked up to a book meme that looked very interesting. List 15 Books in 15 Minutes – Books I’ve read that will always “stick with me.” The Bible (that’s easy) My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers Decisionmaking and the Will of God by Garry Friesen The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis…
55 minutes. - In the last few weeks, I’ve spent hours reading much on the paradox of evil and suffering vs. a loving and all powerful God. Hours. I’ve been thinking. learning. praying. blogging. I began with the personal belief that God is loving, all-knowing and all-powerful – in spite of the evil and suffering in the world.…
dog and cat theology? or retarded cats? - Elle at A Complete Thought recently noted that her top post was entitled “Dog and Cat Theology.” Deep stuff. Today one of my search strings was “how do you tell if your cat is retarded.” I’m assuming they ended up HERE. Not so deep stuff. FirstHusband, FavoriteSon and I all cracked up. Then FavoriteSon said,…
huh? what? rewind. - I’ve been reading C.S. Lewis, so that’s what I’ve been saying to myself the last few days. He’s no easy read, at least for me, anyway. I find myself looking around for a nearby dictionary. Sometimes, if a laptop is within reach, I’ll Google a word, sometimes, I’ll decide to look it up later and…
crispy eddie haskell. - So FavoriteSon was invited to go to the beach with a bunch of friends. This is a big deal. Going to the beach without us. Not even with an organized, supervised school or church group, but rather two vehicles full of kids and two parents/drivers. That would be some new freedom. His dad was fine…
little critters, a clear porch and zip ties. - The Saturday before last, we learned we had critters invading our back porch. Little critters. And not cute critters like squirrels or chipmunks or hamsters. Bigger than hamsters. We had foolishly left birdseed on the porch in their original bags. First, we vacuumed up LOTS of sunflower seed shells. Then, after blocking up all the…
A Day Book Entry: 06.01.09 - Outside my window . . . During the day? Birds. LOTS of birds. Red Wing Black Birds, Cardinals, Tufted Titmouse (my favorite), even a Woodpecker. And yes, squirrels. The sounds, the sights. Peaceful. At night? A deer. A possum. A raccoon. I am thinking . . . I really need a few hours of complete…
7 Quick Takes: 06.01.09 - Kristen emailed me to make sure I was okay and I realized I hadn’t blogged in over a week! Over a week! What have I been doing? I missed 7 Quick Takes Friday last week, but it just seems like a good way to catch up on a few things . . . 1. Still…
7 Quick Takes: 05.22.09 - 1. We go from flames to flood here in Central Florida. For weeks, we’ve had brush fires. Now? It’s been raining for DAYS. Thankfully, we aren’t at risk for any flooding, but so many people have been driven from their homes. And in this humidity it is VERY difficult to dry out and prevent mold…
use your OUTSIDE voice! - I was reading one of the blogs I follow and this memory came flooding back. We were at a track meet. Outside. Under a clear blue sky. The sound system blaring every time the announcer listed the race winners. Track meets last HOURS. We wait and wait and wait to watch FavoriteSon run for less…
ibuprofen, eye contact & a retarded cat. - 1. I’ve learned that 400 mg of ibuprofen pales in comparison to ANY mg of Percoset. Baby aspirin might be more effective at getting rid of pain. Or a chanting witch doctor. 2. I’ve learned that, with water, I can EASILY take four ibuprofen tablets at the same time. (A BIG thanks to the table-full…
summer already? - Yep. One more full day of school (Tuesday) and two more half days (Wednesday and Thursday). That’s it. Then “Mayhem” is officially OVER for us! Early! So here, at the BEGINNING of summer are the: GOOD THINGS: No more crack of dawn alarm clocks! No more struggle from bed to shower to breakfast to car…
the fine line between rest and lazy. - On Tuesday, I wrote this in my prayer journal: “Lord, please help me to find the line between rest and lazy.” The next day, I received a card from one of the ladies in my circle. In it she wrote: “I pray you continue to feel stronger and better every day! Be extra gentle with…
Dude, where’s my car? - FirstHusband took my car. Because he knows I can’t physically climb into his truck, a Ford F250. Or drive it in my condition. Not that I was going anywhere. But, without a car, I CAN’T go anywhere. He’s so bossy. I’m trapped. I’m bored. I did work yesterday for a couple of hours. Client training…
I feel like I’ve been to a theme park. - But no, just a little field trip. My first post-op appointment with the plastic surgeon was today. Percoset aside, I am going to sleep GREAT tonight. My post-op with the GYN doc is supposed to be next week. Hopefully, a field trip won’t take so much out of me by then. After hearing the news…
at FirstHusband’s request. - It has been suggested to me (more than 50 a few times) that I should confess the “real” reason I was not discharged from the hospital until late Sunday afternoon. I, of course, choose to believe that had I NOT spiked a fever on Friday night, all would have gone much more . . .…
all benign on the homefront. - That polyp the doctor mentioned? The one she described by saying: “I’ve never seen a cyst like that before. I don’t think that was cancer, it didn’t look like it.” She was right. It wasn’t cancer! For some blessed reason, I never worried it was, but after FirstHusband posted the doctor’s comment, I wanted to…
I’m HOME! - Surgery was Thursday at 9am. I was in recovery from about 3pm to 9pm because there weren’t any beds available, but I think it was the best thing. My recovery nurse, Kay was SO wonderful. I got so much of her time and attention because I was the last one to leave recovery that day.…
Good Thing the Hospital is Nice - We thought Julie would be home after one night. The doctor actually wanted two and that was before she had a fever of 102 last night maybe tomorrow… Turns out passing on the jokes is on hold. She doesn’t want to laugh until she’s had a little more time to heal. I’ll pass them on…
I don’t do funny on demand – posted by FirstHusband - “Make it funny… but don’t’ make fun of me… but they like funny… you can tell them funny things about me… don’t make fun of me…” Machine beeps. GoodNurse says “Julie, you need to breathe deeply.” “I just did the breathing thing” Says Julie talking her about exhaling into the small device intended to have…
Julie’s Fine… - Surgery successful with no complications! Details at 11 (which is about how long it will take me to get the kids to bed)
jello ain’t cuttin it. - I’m. HUNGRY. I learned that a pre-op clear liquid diet is . . . challenging. It’s only 4 pm and I swear, if I pass anyone eating anything, anywhere, I am not responsible for my actions. If you have food, BACK. AWAY. I’m going to have to leave the house just so my children can…
just replace the last word . . . - . . . in this video with HYSTERECTOMY. This just makes me feel better.
distraction #1: Doofenshmirtz & “enator” - I’ve decided to focus on other things besides surgery. These other things do not need to be meaningful in any way. I might even read a fiction book. I know. FICTION. Recommendations? It needs to be very, very engaging so my mind doesn’t wander back to H-Day. PinkGirl and I hit a moving sale on…
i hate surgery. - I’ll be whining today. This is the I hate surgery list. Feel free to add to it. My surgeries are probably wimpy compared to most. 1. I hate IV’s. I REALLY hate them. I dread them going in. The first thing I want to know when I wake up is WHEN I can take it…
t minus 5 days. - It’s starting to get real. There’s a lot going on between now and Thursday. Regional Track meet. Softball. FirstHusband travel. Stuff. I need a little checklist for myself. Two Days Ago: GYN pre-op appointment. Check. This Morning: Hospital pre-op appointment. Check. No more supplements, no more prescription iron. Only Nexium for the reflux. And I…
I only eat chocolate when . . . - . . . I’m a little stressed out. Need a few more chuckles today? Check out Friday Funnies hosted by Homesteaders Heart! If you’ve got time to hang out for a few minutes, check out what else makes me laugh: Pragmatic Compendium’s “laugh!” category. Check out Would You Like Chocolate With That? hosted by Lisa…
faith in a vacuum is easy. (a loving God. evil and suffering. part 2.) - I’m not worthy. How can I reply to you? I’m putting my hand over my mouth. I’ll stop talking. Job 40:4 I know that you can do anything. No one can keep you from doing what you plan to do. You asked me, Who do you think you are to disagree with my plans? You…
easy garlic toast - I used to make this garlic toast when I was a kid, using the oven broiler and I can fairly say I burned more than a few pieces of bread. Now we use the toaster oven. It’s VERY easy. Butter a piece of bread and sprinkle garlic salt to taste. Toast in the toaster oven…
academically challenging and domestically unproductive. - That would be our weekend. I came out of it understanding how and why some parents do their children’s homework FOR them. It would have been so. much. easier. These children are SO ready for summer. Homework is actually painful. For all of us. In addition to regular homework, this weekend FavoriteSon was working on…
Then Sings My Soul Saturday: How Deep The Father’s Love For Us. - I’ve been singing this all week, rehearsing. The Praise Team will be singing it for the first time on Sunday. (I am SO happy we are singing a song with WORDS! and they’re not all the SAME! And they MEAN something!) I love this version by Phillips, Craig and Dean. The bongos are such a…
a loving God. evil and suffering. - I’ll be thinking via my fingertips today. Given the extent of the topic, I’m sure I’ll rinse and repeat so additional thoughts and insights are very much sought after. I’m reading The Case for Faith by Lee Strobel. (Click HERE for his youtube testimony.) In this book, Strobel attempts to “investigate” the most common obstacles…
you GO girl! - Need a little inspiration today? Need to see something really, truly great? It’s only a few minutes of your life. Wait for it. At 3 minutes and 11 seconds in. Amazing! Susan Boyle on Britain’s Got Talent
Traditions: We Shall Behold Him on Easter - There are certain songs . . . The great Satchmo, singing “What a Wonderful World” on Thanksgiving Day. The Walt Disney Candlelight Processional Choir singing the “Hallelujah Chorus” at Christmastime. And Sandi Patty, singing “We Shall Behold Him” at Easter.
Easter Bunny Cake - CLICK HERE FOR THE UPDATED VERSION OF THIS POST! Growing up, my mom often made an Easter Bunny cake like this one for Easter. (page down for more photos) Easy, not too crafty (thank goodness), I think I’m making one this year. Judging from the number of available photos on Google Images, I’m not the…
that’s going to hurt later. - I held a TWO MINUTE plank yesterday!!! My trainer tricked me into it by LYING about the time. Today, I had no excuse. I was determined to do another one. And yes, my trainer tried to lie to me again and get me to hold it longer than two minutes, but I was not falling…
my voice is a cat aphrodisiac. - Seriously. When I rehearse – and I mean really rehearse, not just sing along with the radio while I’m doing the dishes – when I really rehearse, both my cats weird out by stalking me. If I continue, the male cat tries to get busy with his sister. WHAT is that all about?! It happens…
kid jokes. - From FavoriteSon’s “yo mama” itouch app: Yo mama is so stupid that she tried to put M&M’s in alphabetical order! PinkGirl: What do you get when you mix orange and black? Me: Brown? PinkGirl: More black. One of my favorites? Why did Tigger get dirty? Because he played with Pooh. Need a few more chuckles…
chocolate strawberry bunnies - You may recognize the pink fingernails. I’ve posted videos from this lady before. She made chocolate Gobble Berries (turkeys) for Thanksgiving and spiders and ghosts for Halloween. Her level of patience is astounding. Let me just state. My children will never eat bunnies such as these. This is way too close to crafting for me.…
tone, pace and accessibility. - Rehearsal last night wasn’t as bad as I expected. The music is definitely repetitive, and the lyrics sometimes mean abso-flippin-lutely NOTHING, but thankfully, this group didn’t repeat stuff more than 3 or 4 times. That said, there’s a new unexpected problem I have with the music now. Tone and pace. The tone is LOUD and…
I’m giving a gift. I’m giving a gift. I’m giving a gift. - I have to keep telling myself that. Over and over and over again. The repetition is important. I’ve been singing with our church’s praise team. This Sunday, Palm Sunday, will by my fourth week. This is a big deal. I have a big HUGE problem with much of today’s worship team music. Often – VERY…
voila! - Busy, Busy, Busy. The only thing I like better than eating Cream Cheese Chicken is MAKING it. Soooooo easy! Dump everything in a crockpot and come back later. That’s what I’m doing today. But earlier this week I needed something ready in 10 or 15 minutes start to finish. That’s where these come in: We…
Chi? - I had a massage Thursday. Picture it. A dimly lit room. The sound of water. Soft instrumental music. Candles flickering. The soft smell of eucalyptus floating in the air. The massage therapist discovers the steel cord in my shoulder and begins to transform it back to human muscle. Then, she says: “Did you hear about…
H-Day: April 30th. - That would be the date for what I’m hoping is the final “ectomy” in my life. I’ve had a myomectomy and a polypectomy to remove my pesky fibroid tumors in the past but they always come back. I’m finally taking away their home forever. I’m impressed with how fast this is happening. I made the…
uncool mom. cool mom. - What I learned this week: 1. I am not a cool mom. 2. I am a cool mom. FavoriteSon was asked to move up to Varsity Track now that his middle school track season is complete. He was invited to a “track party” the night before the meet. First high school party. We knew the…
Chicken Grape Salad - A track meet lasts for hours. HOURS. I suppose I understand. If FavoriteSon doesn’t rest between races, he tends to ralph. But what to feed a runner between races? Too much and again, ralph. Too little and they don’t perform as well. Then there’s getting him to eat something at all. Here’s the scene: He…
conversations with my mother. 2nd edition. - This past week, Grace came straight from God, through me, directly to my mother. It was a fairly constant flow. My mother is visiting from Arkansas. I have been filling her days and evenings with activities (with me) to distract her from my dad and sisters. FirstHusband says they owe me big time. She leaves…
Word-Filled Wednesday: Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV I hate flux. Here’s an excerpt of a devotional I wrote on this verse, back in October of 2005, entitled nosebleed: “Last month I shared…
nosebleed. - This post, entitled nosebleed, was originally posted on Pragmatic Communion on October 14, 2005. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV Last month I shared my prayer as I seek God’s direction…
i hate flux. - I’m in transition. again. I think. I’ve got a decision to make about God’s will, service, direction, music, time, commitment, family . . . I’m flashing back. deja vu. This post was my first on my Pragmatic Communion Blog. It was originally published in September of 2005. this is what you get when you combine:…
egg cube. - I mentioned before that my kids love boiled eggs, but I forgot to mention this little gadget I found at a rummage sale for 25 cents. UPDATE: This post has been featured on another site under the title “15 Weird Kitchen And Cooking Appliances Are Pretty Much Useless.” Of course it’s useless. It’s a novelty…
it don’t get no easier than that! - About 10:15 this morning, I drove into the parking lot of my favorite mechanic, opened the back of my van and one of the guys immediately came out of the shop, got my tire out of the back and asked me if I wanted to wait for it or come back. I said I could…
bummer. x2 - This week, I learned where the spare tire is stored on a 2000 Honda Odyssey. Could have lived my whole life without learning that. What I DIDN’T learn? How to extract the tire from its storage location. Once I saw the diagram in the owner’s manual, I thanked God that my husband was not out…
Word-Filled Wednesday: Romans 8:1-4 - Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending…
never going to stop trying - This post, entitled never going to stop trying, was originally published on Pragmatic Commotion on February 19, 2009. The comment exchange remains with the original post. Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the…
can I change my answer? - Earlier today, I posted my response to the questions posted by Jules in her weekly Devout Devotions post. After a conversation with FirstHusband, I realized I didn’t answer the question: “Do you think people should have to live with the consequences of their sins?” In my post, entitled, “reputations and consequences” I said: “Yes, and…
reputations and consequences - Jules over at Everyday Mommy has begun Devout Devotions, a weekly exchange where “women encourage one another to: 1. Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ 2. Devote themselves to observation, interpretation and application of God’s Word in their lives 3. Encourage God-centered behavior and thought” She posted this week’s questions…
539 out of 200 - This post, entitled 539 out of 200, was originally published on Pragmatic Commotion on February 19, 2009. yep. I said that right. That would be 539 text messages on a plan that allows for 200 per month. And the month wasn’t even half over. FavoriteSon and FirstHusband went on a field trip to Washington DC…
freedom to be different. - Fathers, do not provoke or irritate or fret your children [do not be hard on them or harass them], lest they become discouraged and sullen and morose and feel inferior and frustrated. [Do not break their spirit.] Colossians 3:21 The Amplified Bible My daughter is a free spirit. She sings. Loud. She sings Disney princess…
ch ch ch changes. - I’ve decided to make some changes here at Pragmatic Compendium. I’m going to make it more of a compendium. Here are the changes: 1. I’m going to be republishing existing content from my other blogs into Compendium, so that this will be a one stop shop for all my posts. I’m doing this for a…
Then Sings My Soul Saturday: Susan Ashton - I’ve been flashing back to the 80’s with my TSMSS posts recently, but this week, I’m not going back quite that far. Actually, “So Far: The Best Of Susan Ashton, happens to be in my van’s CD player right now. This song is set on repeat because I’m learning it for performance. LOVE this message.…
cool word: bifurcate. - So, I’m reading Women, Faith, And Work How Ten Successful Professionals Blend Belief. Specifically, I’m reading the chapter on Goldie Rotenberg: Real-Estate Attorney. The author, in describing Goldie’s life as a Hebrew Christian, mentions her involvement with “a mission devoted to evangelism among Jewish people” and how it “has helped maintain her sanity in her…
chocolate is a serious thing. - Yes. We used to watch this show. And no. I have never been to a Trekkie convention. Nor do I own a Star Trek uniform. But in my quest to live intentionally, I have to admire Deanna’s viewpoint. It’s one of the main ideas in the book, French Women Don’t Get Fat. “Enjoy what you…
a moss-covered, three-handled, family gredunza - In memory of Theodor Seuss Geisel (March 2, 1904 – September 24, 1991). The multiple bloopers from this scene are shown in nearly every other clip on this blooper reel. Poor guy. Need a few more chuckles today? Check out Friday Funnies hosted by Homesteaders Heart! If you’ve got time to hang out for a…
“. . . therefore I quote” Sandra Felton - I read, therefore I quote. The chaos has gotten pretty unorganized around here lately and I needed a little something to remind me of the how and why. To that end, I’ve been reading Sandra Felton’s Organizing Your Home & Family. She also wrote the “messie” books, like Messie No More: Understanding and Overcoming the…
Greatest Tip: 5 minute onions in a flash (freeze). - There’s a “Greatest Hits” theme going on over at Works for Me Wednesday today so I thought I’d revisit the post that consistently stays near the top of the “Top 10” list here at Pragmatic Compendium. 5 minute onions in a flash (freeze). Find more ideas over at Works for Me Wednesday, hosted by Kristen…
this is what happy looks like. - Obviously taken BEFORE the “hiccupy tears” post. Check out more Wordless Wednesday posts over at 5 Minutes for Mom.
Word-Filled Wednesday: Joshua 1:9 - Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NIV) A a devotional on this verse, entitled “be strong and courageous.” can be found on my Pragmatic Communion blog. Here’s an excerpt: “.…
walking outside the lines. - What I’ve Learned this Week: Twice now, I’ve walked the track during FavoriteSon’s track practice. Since they actually USE the track during track practice, I’ve been walking outside the outside lane (lane #8). I was able to get in 12 laps in an hour. Supposedly, 4 laps equal one mile. This confused me. I had…
Then Sings My Soul Saturday: Leslie Philips - Continuing in my trip down musical memory lane, here’s another artist I listened to. I tried to find “Strength of My Life” which is the song I used to perform way back in the day, but I only found a live concert performance (the second youtube clip below). I loved this song because I would…
Please don’t think less of me . . . - . . . because I laugh out loud during episodes of “Scrubs.” In this, it’s the guy’s response that gets me every time. Carla is his wife. If you have anything chocolaty to share, post and link to Would You Like Chocolate With That? hosted by Lisa at Stop and Smell the Chocolate! Need a…
let’s heckle the FBI, shall we? - I received this official email last month. I’m so relieved. And wealthy, it seems. It’s so comforting to be assured by our government that they are looking out for me. Tax dollars well spent. “From: FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION [mailto:fbiofficelivemail02@earthlink.net] (earthlink.net? good cover. very sneaky.) Sent: Friday, January 23, 2009 9:31 AM Subject: FEDERAL BUREAU…
“. . . therefore I quote” Susie Case - The book I’ve been carrying around in my purse is Women, Faith, And Work: How Ten Successful Professionals Blend Belief. I’m reading along, highlighting with my yellow (non-neon) Sharpie Accent marker and then I got to Susie Case, Professional Volunteer: “Whatever her role is, she’s sure it will relate to the passion she’s had since…
door to door magazine sales fraud. - The poor guy who just knocked on my door selling magazines didn’t even get to say TWO words before I asked: “magazine sales, right?” he smiled. I pointed at the folded vinyl packet in his hand and said, “I’ve seen that packet before. The magazines never come.” Shock. Surprise. Opening of the folder to show…
neti pot 101 - In one of my “What I Learned This Week” post, I mentioned that I learned to use a neti pot. It was weird, but very effective. I love that it is all natural. And it’s so FAST – less than 5 minutes! It just doesn’t seem like you should be able to breathe through your…
Driving, Sinuses & Giant Pink Bows. - What I Learned This Week . . . 1. I learned that it is possible for me to make 4 round trips to school in one day. Drop off. Take FavoriteSon to the athletic trainer to get a rehab plan for a strained quad and hip flexor he RE-strained after running at yesterday’s track meet…
mom coping strategy #1: sleep. - Tina has inspired me again. A few weeks ago, she wrote a post on a Bible study she was doing and what she gleaned from it. “Being kind is definitely something I struggle with. Not with the rest of the world, but with my own children. I get impatient, frustrated, short-tempered and unkind. And I…
Then Sings My Soul Saturday – Larry Norman - Larry Norman (April 8, 1947 – February 24, 2008) A few weeks ago, when I posted a Petra song for Then Sings My Soul Saturday, I got a hankerin to search youtube for other Christian groups and songs I listened to “back in the day.” Eventually, I got around to Larry Norman, who some call…
“. . . therefore I quote” Anna Quinland - I read, therefore I quote. And eventually being perfect became like carrying a backpack filled with bricks every single day. And oh, how I wanted to lay my burden down. So if any of this sounds in any way familiar to you, if you have been trying to be perfect too, then perhaps today is…
this and that - fighting a little something. kinda have that “pre” sick feeling. sore throat, chest congestion, sinus headache. but not bad. just enough to make me want to type in all lower case. heating up the dry sauna in the garage so I can fake a fever and burn some germs, sweat out some toxins, clear my…
This post brought to you by the letter “H” - Lisa at Lisa Writes, asked for participant’s in this particular meme and, always looking for a reason to beef up my “little known facts” page, I volunteered! So, ten things I love that start with (the letter she assigned me) the letter “H” are: I love my HUSBAND. He’s my best friend. The bonus? He…
a little commotion - I’ve been lax over at Pragmatic Commotion, but I’ve put up a few posts in the last few days: 549 out of 200 hiccupy tears & Despereaux It’s funny but each post very clearly represents where we are in our parenting stages with each child. I like my kids. They make me smile. p.s. 1.…
PDA Cookbook - Check out my recent purchase! $29.99 for both the desktop and mobile platform! And the license allows me to load the desktop software on both my laptop and desktop computer. I’m a LONG time Palm girl, so the mobile version, on my Centro, looks like this: There’s also a Windows mobile version. It even has…
Our “Best Practices” for Disney in the Summer. - Walt Disney World in the summer is HOT. And I mean REALLY Hot. If you can go ANY other time of the year, do it. You will not miss the melting, the heat rash or the dehydration. And I am not exaggerating. Expect the lines to be long. And I mean REALLY long. 120 minutes…
Then Sings My Soul Saturday. still be lovin you. - This song was sung at my wedding. Surprisingly, the clips shown during this particular youtube video are from a show that FirstHusband and I both very much enjoy. It’s called Farscape and we own the entire series on DVD. For more Saturday music, check out Then Sings My Soul Saturday every Saturday hosted by Amy…
that’s just wrong. - So FirstHusband and FavoriteSon are in Washington DC for FavoriteSon’s 8th Grade Washington trip. Some of you already know I don’t post about travel until it’s over, but in this case, it’s almost over. They are traveling home tomorrow. Anyway. I took PinkGirl to Disney’s Magic Kingdom today because her dad was on a field…
action: clean inbox, refund, exercise log, extra battery. - Not a very creative post title, but this “action” thing is seriously working for me. Clearing the Inbox. 510 emails in my email inbox down to 32 and still going. There are 13 email accounts coming into that thing. Mine, hubs, kids, business, etc. Subscriptions, confirmations, devotions, discount offers . . . not to mention…
men: avoid the doghouse - Now, in all fairness, I have to admit that I bought FirstHusband a tape backup drive one year for Valentine’s Day. And he bought me printer memory one year. But we were newly married. And broke. And we couldn’t print anything but text. But the ONLY vacuum cleaner allowed as a gift? The iRobot Roomba…
sometimes, we feed ALL the birds. - Check out more Wordless Wednesday posts over at 5 Minutes for Mom.
Then Sings My Soul – All Over Me. - I listened to Christian music before it was cool. I listened to Christian music in high school. And in college. In 1986, a group called Petra came out with an “album” (long play record, cassette) entitled “More Power To Ya” I remember BLASTING this song in my car. Singing at the top of my lungs.…
warning: I failed submission school. - I showed FirstHusband and he said: “That’s totally sexist and wrong. Even in satire.” good answer, honey. But I remember THIS. He’s better at work. (I hope.) I once taught a cultural competence seminar at his place of business. The main gist of it, in layman’s terms, is this: It doesn’t matter what you think…
singing in a shower. kinda. - Wednesday was a total surprise. My entire schedule changed on Tuesday around 5:30 p.m. when Full Sail called me and asked if I could fill in for a recording session because the scheduled artists canceled. The session was 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 on Wednesday. I almost said no because I’m still on cold medicine and…
waiting is an action too. - “wait: the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something);” Taking more “action” this week. Besides working, working out and shipping off some free paperbackswap books, I got some more health related actions out of the way on Monday and Tuesday: Monday – FavoriteSon’s appointment with the allergist. Two levels of skin…
Winter in Florida. - FirstHusband just went outside to get more firewood. He was wearing a t-shirt, jacket, shorts, socks . . . and flip flops. I need to go open the sliding door. It’s getting hot in here.
free books! - I’ve taken action again! I’ve listed some books on http://www.paperbackswap.com See something you want? Request it, it’s free! I’ll send it right out. Not familiar with Paperback Swap? Here’s the short scoop. Free membership. You list 10 books and you become eligible to receive FREE books. The sender/lister is responsible for shipping costs. Supposedly, the…
Then Sings My Soul Saturday – One Life to Love - I was speaking to another mom the other night. She has four kids and lives 30 minutes from school. She was telling me about her day and I said: “I don’t know how you manage everybody’s schedule – 4 kids, you, your husband . . .” “He lives his life. We live ours.” She said…
PinkGirl’s Friday Funny - Not to be outdone by her mom with the laughing babies, PinkGirl is participating in Friday Funnies this week. Check out her entry, it’s contagious! I can’t decide which entry I like more – hers or mine. Need a few more chuckles today? Check out Friday Funnies hosted by Homesteaders Heart!
my coffee is boring now. - If you have anything chocolaty to share, post and link to Would You Like Chocolate With That? hosted by Lisa at Stop and Smell the Chocolate!
kitchen bouquet roast. - Way back in August of last year, I recommended Kitchen Bouquet. It’s made from “caramel, vegetable base (water, carrots, onions, celery, parsnips, turnips, salt, parsley, spices) sodium benzoate, (less than 0.1 of 1% to preserve freshness).” It has 10mg sodium per teaspoon. This weekend, I found myself making our standard roast with carrots and potatoes,…
laughing babies x 4 - I dare you not to smile. FavoriteSon: How are they totally in sync like that? Need a few more chuckles today? Check out Friday Funnies hosted by Homesteaders Heart!
an mp3 mom meme. - I’ve been tagged for a fun music meme by Elle at A Complete Thought. Here are the instructions: 1. Put your iPod (or MP3 player) on shuffle. 2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer. 3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS! 4. Tag…
i’m ten years YOUNGER! - I’ve mentioned a few times that I do strength training with a personal trainer. It continues to be one of my “ACTION” items this year. I started a little over a year ago. The day after my 43rd birthday (I’m 44 now), I called a nearby gym to arrange personal training sessions. Why at 43?…
let the testing begin. - In my quest to triumph over the fibroid tumors: Action: Annual appointment today wherein I told the doc of my desire to rid myself of the pesky fibroid tumors. Action: Ultrasounds tomorrow (and yes, that would be more than one.) Action: Biopsy scheduled in two weeks. (I’m trying to move that up.) Other “Action” items?…
I’ve got my word. - Last year, instead of resolutions or goals, I picked a “word” for the year. For 2008, the word was “closure.” Looking back, 2008 was a year of closure, in many of the areas I listed. This year? My word is “action.” I’m taking action in a number of areas. Health, spiritual growth, career, home, finances…
Don’t File Paper. Revisited & Modified. - It’s January, time to shred 2001. At the advice of my accountant, I keep documents 7 years. As I rotate 2008 into storage, I’m reminded of a three part series I wrote entitled “Don’t File Paper at Home Anymore.” If you are SICK of managing the paper in your house, check it out. Don’t File…
Word-Filled Wednesday: Romans & 1st Timothy - 1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 5…
feed the birds, tuppence a bag. - Two of my favorites visited at the same time this morning – a tufted titmouse and a woodpecker. A red bellied woodpecker from what I could see. The titmouse is my true favorite, but he is so much cuter when he’s fatter. I’ll have to work on that. This is why I filled the squirrel…
it’s a little “chili” - White chicken chili, that is. I think it may be cold every where in the U.S. right now, and I don’t pretend to be whining. I actually like it. But of course, I have heat and snow doesn’t blanket Florida. I grouse about hurricanes and humidity, not cold weather. The freeze warning last night? You…
I’m a sucker for a baby. - I don’t mind him raiding the squirrel feeder as long as he leaves the bird feeders up. Cute Little Creep, isn’t he? PinkGirl thinks so too.
tax time tip - Tina is doing her taxes and she reminded me of an old post I wrote back in July of last year. I highlighted a FREE online tool to help value the items you donate to charity. Check out the post and the screen shots! It’s Deductible. I used to seriously undervalue the items we gave…
s’mores and smears. - We will probably break in our new fire pit this weekend. And there will be s’mores. I personally prefer what I call “smears.” Take a single “brick” of Hershey’s chocolate (I prefer special dark) and stuff it inside a marshmallow. Toast it to your preferred gooeyness and pop it in your mouth. If you handle…
um. what is he doing? - ewwwww. PinkGirl’s facial expressions say it all. Apparently, potty humor is still something they both enjoy despite the gender and age difference. Need a few more chuckles today? Check out Friday Funnies hosted by Homesteaders Heart!
“. . . therefore I quote” Pausch & Hartman - I read, therefore I quote. “Luck is where preparation meets opportunity. ” — Randy Pausch (The Last Lecture) There’s a similar quote by Henry Hartman: “Success always comes when preparation meets opportunity” My fear is that I’ll get what I’m asking for. That would be singing and speaking work. And I’m not sure I want…
knife kapoosh - About three years ago, I mentioned to a few people that I needed some good kitchen knives. The next Christmas was . . . very sharp. I got knives from my dad, my in-laws and FirstHusband. Great knives – every one. Especially my favorite – the ceramic knife FirstHusband got me. (second from the left).…
little known facts & a youtube debut - I’ve been tagged for a “little known facts about me” meme by Debbie over at Midnight Musings. I haven’t added to my “little known facts page” (upper right corner) in quite a while, so this is good prompting. I’ve been doing a little recipe research/menu planning lately, so I’ll get some food facts out of…
little creep. - That would be the raccoon who took down all my bird feeders last night. And the night before. Here’s the backyard scene on Thursday night: We call this the “Love Tree” because the boy squirrels like to relentlessly chase the (seemingly) ONE girl squirrel in this tree during mating season. From left to right, we…
it’s not like I’m having a baby. - So why am I NESTING? I’ve had this massive surge of momentum and have been clearing out and re-organizing for weeks. I’ve even been . . . decorating. I don’t decorate so much. Not in the traditional sense of the word. My method of decorating is seriously pragmatic and often involves shelving and containers (square,…
kids today . . . - You’ve heard it. Older people (older than ME, of course), talking about how undisciplined kids are today. umm hmm. In case you don’t feel like zooming in on the first photo, the 1953 library book plate reads: “PUPILS MUST NOT WRITE ON OR MARK ANY PAGE OF THIS TEXTBOOK.” And THIS is why it takes…
Aunt Margie’s Cranberry Salad, with a pragmatic twist. - For years decades, we’ve made something special for my dad for Thanksgiving and Christmas. It’s his sister’s recipe for Cranberry Salad. I remember making it as a kid, as do my sisters, but since we grew up and moved out, my mother – who fondly calls this dish “cranberry crap” – took over the job…
Then Sings My Soul Saturday – Hay Baby & The Greatest Gift - One of my favorite Christmas CDs is It Feels Like Christmas Again by Jeff and Sheri Easter. You can hear some clips here at http://www.christanbooks.com, but it’s less expensive to purchase pre-owned at http://www.amazon.com. One of the coolest songs is: Hay Baby – you may need to register with imeem.com (free) to hear it. Another…
wassail - CLICK HERE for an UPDATE to this recipe. When I was in high school and college, I sang at a few madrigal dinners. If you’re unfamiliar with madrigal dinners, here’s a sampling. (and no, I’m not in this video). Wassail Song One thing was a constant in every madrigal dinner – wassail. It’s a kind…
pragmatic cookies - I’ve mentioned before that we make a boatload of cookies at Christmas time? Let me clarify. FirstHusband makes a boatload of cookies. Last year, he was busy and it was up to me to make the cookies. So, I made a boatload of . . . cookie bars. Cookie bars, while tasting the same as…
Would You Like Chocolate With That? Disney Chocolate Carousel - We haven’t gone to see any of the Disney resorts this year, I’m not sure if we will, but this is always amazing. Supposedly, this ENTIRE thing is edible. The video doesn’t even come CLOSE to showing the detail. It truly is an amazing work of art. If you have anything chocolaty to share, post…
a christmas story. - My favorite Christmas movie was on the other night, and I had an epiphany. It’s the department store window. That’s it. It marks the beginning of the materialistic Christmas. Evidenced first by all the little faces pressed “before a golden, tinkling display of mechanized, electronic . . . joy” and then in little Ralphie’s face…
“. . . therefore I quote” Marjorie Holmes - I read, therefore I quote. This week’s quote comes from a classic fictional account of the Christmas story. I know! Fiction! I’m quoting Fiction! With the shower repair and the subsequent unexpected “spring” cleaning to recover, I’m a little late into the Christmas season. Rather than lament that fact, I’ve decided to “reset my watch.”…
it’s never a good idea . . . - . . . to be in a house alone with four little girls under 8 . . . for three hours . . . . . . and completely run out of toilet paper. Thankfully, I found a half-filled box of these:
can anybody teach me . . . - . . . to French braid? oh, never mind. It’s probably faster to just shave my legs anyway.
Have yourself a geeky little Christmas - FirstHusband is the head chef in this house on Christmas Day. He genuinely enjoys it! And he has a plan. It’s a serious plan. We all follow it. Wanna see last year’s plan? Click the link. Christmas Prep Steps 2007 Did I mention he’s an engineer? We all just follow directions and the meal is…
excuse me, you have glitter on your . . . - Although Tina has inspired this post, she has not inspired me to craft. Crafts make me break out in clutter. And hives. Last Wednesday, I took PinkGirl to the kid’s activities at church. They were making “Chrismons” and she took one look at the craft table and shot a wide-eyed, drop-jawed look at me. I…
Osborne Family Light Show - We went to Disney’s Hollywood Studios to see the Osborne Family Light show Saturday night. These 2007 videos are good, and they give you some idea of the number of lights and the work that goes into the light “choreography” alone, but there’s just NOTHING like standing in the middle of all those lights, surrounded…
“. . . therefore I quote.” Robinson & Staeheli - I read, therefore I quote. Today’s quotes come from Unplug the Christmas Machine: A Complete Guide to Putting Love and Joy Back into the Season (I’m quoting the 1982 edition.) “At first, some people have a hard time explaining exactly what’s wrong with Christmas because on the surface everything looks fine. But when they take…
A Honda Odyssey meme - I’m inventing a Honda Odyssey meme for personal research and camaraderie. If you own (or have owned) a Honda Odyssey, you are tagged! And if you DON’T own an Odyssey, but you have experience in these areas, please, join in! What year is your Odyssey? 2000 (old and paid for) What’s your mileage? Approximately 147,500.…
recipes and mini-vans and a shower, oh my. - I’m back! And I’m ramping up to meet the holiday scheduling “challenges” in our lives. It’s December 3rd!!!! There are currently only two advent calendars taunting me as they count down the days till Christmas in my house – with at least one more to be unpacked as we decorate for Christmas. I mentioned a…
“. . . therefore I quote” Abraham Lincoln - I read, therefore I quote. “I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and also those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our…
mom’s pumpkins soup, revisited. - In honor of Thanksgiving and my mother-in-law, I’m highlighting a past post for Kitchen Tip Tuesday and Tempt My Tummy Tuesday: Mom’s Pumpkin Soup Although we used “real” pumpkin for our jack-o-bread recipe, we use canned pumpkin for this. It’s much smoother – not so . . . grainy, if you know what I mean.…
sorry ladies, he’s taken. - Perusing Craigslist today and ran across the “Outback “Porta Privy” Me: “Outback Porta-Privy. It’s a pop up tent so you can have some privacy when you are camping.” FirstHusband: “What? Do you just go on the ground?” Me: “No. I’m thinking you put a porta-potty in there.” (pause) FirstHusband: “See, now that’s why women will…
a little Satchmo. - It’s just not Thanksgiving without this song. It’s tradition for me. And it HAS to be Louie Armstrong.
turkey thawing innovation. - Kim over at Friday Funnies made me LAUGH OUT LOUD today. (“LOL” was just not enough.) I did a little you tube search and found these. I didn’t laugh out loud, but they are funny, nonetheless. In an “ewwww” kind of way.
Would You Like Chocolate With That? a little joke. - This is one of my favorites: A preacher visits an elderly woman from his congregation. As he sits on the couch he notices a large bowl of peanuts on the coffee table. “Mind if I have a few?” he asks. “Not at all.” They chat for an hour and as the preacher stands to leave,…
little of this. little of that. - Random Thought #1: Both my children have fallen off the chore band wagon. I’m not sure what happened, but we are all flippin’ exhausted, so I’m thinking we need a major schedule review. Our color coded calendar is starting to look like a rainbow for November and December. I must stop the madness. Random Thoughts…
“. . . therefore I quote” Gail Godwin - I read, therefore I quote. Today’s quote is from The Wit and Wisdom of Women “At times . . . one is downright thankful for the self-absorption of other people.” I love it when self-absorbed people ignore me. Such a relief. Yesterday I got a cranky stranger to ignore me. He had started talking to…
Healthy, Stealthy Paella - (Ghostwritten – and “ghostphotographed” – by FirstHusband, finalized by the freakish perfectionist. This recipe is another of FirstHusband’s inventions.) FavoriteSon isn’t a big fan of veggies. When he orders food it goes something like this . . . “I’ll have a Baconator but no lettuce, tomato or any other vegetables.” “I’ll have a super burrito…
If you ask a Pappy for some foam core . . . - PinkGirl wrote a Thanksgiving play. She typed it all by herself. (With her fingers on the “home” keys, of course.) She took it to school and showed her teacher, who suggested it be performed at “Colonial Day” on Wednesday. PinkGirl, the director, promptly gave out lines and directed rehersal at the end of the day,…
no thank you. you can have it. - That would be half of a tomato, filled with cottage cheese. And topped with chocolate sprinkles. And yes. She did eat it. CLICK HERE to see her reaction. If you have anything chocolaty to share, post and link to Would You Like Chocolate With That? hosted by Lisa at Stop and Smell the Chocolate!
“. . . therefore I quote” Dr. Phil - The hostesses of my women’s circle served a pre-Thanksgiving meal for lunch today. And I didn’t have dessert. Let me clarify. Dessert was a cranberry, pecan, white chocolate pie with a crumble topping. I can think about it now, because, now, here at home, I have no opportunity to slam a slab down on a…
a little sidetracked. - No wonder it takes longer to dust a piano when you’re a kid. Check out more Wordless Wednesday posts over at 5 Minutes for Mom.
jack-o-bread - FavoriteSon has been begging/nagging for days and Sunday night, FirstHusband finally made the long awaited jack-o-bread. It’s pumpkin bread made from our jack-o-lanterns. First, PinkGirl scooped pumpkin guts on Halloween. (If you carve your jack-o-lanterns too early, you may want to use canned pumpkin.) Then, the pumpkin gut fairy cleaned up. FirstHusband/BestDaddy cut up the…
the “silent agreement” incident. - I took a second look at my hair after Stephanie’s comment about the red and I’ve got to say – I think it’s the flash. FirstHusband says he sees a little red when I’m in the sun, so it has to be the lighting. It’s really more of a light brown. I do color my…
don’t zoom in. seriously. - In honor of my one year blogging anniversary, I decided to use a photo of myself as an avatar. I admit, being invisible has it’s own comfort level, but after a year, I figure it’s time to get a little more personal. So, PinkGirl and I were having some fun with the camera, trying to…
Would You Like Chocolate With That? Chocolate Turkeys - FavoriteSon: How long did that take? Me: Too long. FavoriteSon: How long did she hold that there? Me: Longer than I would. But they’re cute. And they probably taste good. I’ll never know. But I figure I’ll post this now, so if anyone DOES want to make these little cuties for Thanksgiving, they will have…
it’s a pragmatic anniversary! - One year ago today, I posted on Compendium for the very first time – two posts, actually. In honor of that day, I offer the inaugural posts for your perusal: just journal, even if it’s just one sentence. (What journaling does for me.) and be consistent. (One of my first lessons as a parent.) My…
“. . . therefore I quote” Hansel, Swindoll, James & Ford - I read, therefore I quote. I’m going to “set up” today’s quote with a little video. My sister-in-law sent me this back in July of 2007. You may have seen it already. But what a powerful reminder that we CAN. I don’t know about you, but I won’t be whining about ANYTHING today. Or tomorrow.…
he is my density. part II. - Here’s another example of how well FirstHusband “gets” me. He truly is my density. So, today was Homecoming for our church and I was asked to sing “I’m Building this House On the Rock.” Now, I can get my twang on, but this wasn’t just a little bit southern gospel, it was a LOT southern…
mine. - It’s Super Bubble Bubble Gum Season. It falls between Halloween and Thanksgiving every year. What? You don’t observe it? Then . . . can I have your Super Bubble? I can stop any time I want.
my new BFF. - That would be Jody at Infinite Health. I feel SO. MUCH. BETTER. Earlier today, the right side of my trapezius muscle felt like someone was holding a match to it. Burning pain. Not a happy day. The numbness and tingling in my arm were gone, but this was obviously some kind of sick side effect…
Would You Like Chocolate With That? Spiders and Ghosts - The Ghosts are adorable! If you have anything chocolaty to share, post and link to Would You Like Chocolate With That? hosted by Lisa at Stop and Smell the Chocolate
“. . . therefore I quote” Dianna Booher - I read, therefore I quote. Today’s quotes come from Well Connected, Power Your Own Soul by Plugging Into Others by Dianna Booher. “. . . in times of tragedy, even total strangers come to others’ rescue. but what about the tragedies that aren’t apparent to an onlooker – internal, emotional upheavals in our lives? And…
he is my density. - FirstHustband “gets” me. His job requires some travel. Some weeks more than others. Last week, he went up to Ft. Walton on Monday and was supposed to come home Tuesday evening. This in and of itself is annoying because there USED to be a direct flight from Orlando to Ft. Walton on USAir. He USED…
I feel like a bat. - I spent some time hanging upside down tonight and let me just say . . . ahhhh. My friend Heidi let me borrow her Teeter Hang Ups F5000 Inversion Table and after a few minutes of watching FavoriteSon finagle it into the back of my van, we got it home, adjusted it for my height…
Would You Like Chocolate With That? Chocolate Speed Painting. With a spoon. - I like charcoal drawings, but if this is real, this is AMAZING. The finished image is unbelievable! If you have anything chocolaty to share, post and link to Would You Like Chocolate With That? hosted by Lisa at Stop and Smell the Chocolate
“. . . therefore I quote” Kubler-Ross, Cloud & Townsend - I read, therefore I quote. Today’s quotes are taken from The Mom Factor by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend, and On Death and Dying by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross. I’ve been writing about my relationship with my mom and her current health issues and I want to explain where I am with all this. Stage…
conversations with my mother . . . pie and gum - My mom didn’t go into the rehab center. She’s in the hospital instead. She’s taking diuretics intravenously (80 mg Lasix) and has a catheter. Trying to get that 20 plus pounds of water off. They are trying to figure out the pulmonary hypertension and the heart rate of 120. I just spoke with her and…
welcome to my world, MrJAK - My mom didn’t go into the rehab facility yesterday, something about being evaluated and the doctor needing to order it . . . anyway, my mom’s friend, MrJAK called to update me today. He took her to the emergency room to force the issue. Currently she is in the ER, waiting for someone to authorize…
a response to Ms. CornRefiner’s comment - Last week, I wrote a Works for Me Wednesday post on my family’s reduction of high fructose corn syrup in our diet, entitled “high fructose corn syrup “in moderation.” My focus was on learning about nutrition and the dietary changes which are working for our family. However, the linked videos contained some references to the…
defining “honor thy mother” - My blogging has been light in substance the last few weeks. I’ve had some stuff happening. On Monday, October 13th, my mother had two stents and a balloon angioplasty placed in her heart. She was released from the hospital two days later and was staying with friends (in Arkansas). She didn’t get better. She got…
i hate picking out tile. - This floor is was 8 years old. What were we thinking? Wood floors? Our house’s nickname is Casa Aqua, for cryin out loud. This is all from a pinhole leak in the line coming into the ice maker. How long was it leaking? Too long, I’m thinking. This photo doesn’t show it, but the water…
Would You Like Chocolate With That? Calculate Your Age with Chocolate - (Compliments of http://www.wikihow.com) 1. Determine how many times a week you eat or want to eat chocolate. It must be a number between 1 and 10, including 1 or 10. Let’s say you eat chocolate 8 times a week. (what? is that a lot?) 2. Multiply that number by 2. 8 x 2 = 16…
“. . . therefore I quote.” Memarie Lane and Kathy Peel - I read, therefore I quote. It’s what I do. I’ve been quoting books, but this gem from Memarie Lane was just too good to pass over just because it didn’t come bound or with an ISBN number: “A day for me is like a Rubix Cube. Several patterns in several dimensions that have to be…
high fructose corn syrup “in moderation” - Have you seen this commercial promoting high fructose corn syrup? What about this one? The gist? High fructose corn syrup is “fine in moderation.” Considering that high fructose corn syrup is in so many products, consuming it “in moderation” requires some serious learning and consistent effort. I’m not sure if it’s even possible for me…
trading a hug for a link - PinkGirl’s BACK! She disappeared from the blogosphere there for a few weeks, but she just posted today. I’ve been sweetly asked, with a hug, to post something on MY blog pointing to her new post, entitled “WHICH ONE?” I know. I’ve been bribed. But it was a really sweet hug.
the chop wizard dices again! - I’ve already posted my contribution for Kitchen Tip Tuesdays for this week, but Tammy asked for other ways to dice carrots, so . . . or I did need to cut the carrot in half to fit on the grate and the smaller grate needed extra pressure, but it worked great – as usual! I’ve…
bake ahead egg patties - Back in March, I posted a recipe for Bake Ahead Egg Muffins (with a print friendly PDF version). The Sunday before last, I took about 20 to 30 minutes to whip up a batch of egg/cheese/spinach/sausage goo – but I didn’t bake muffins. I baked two 9×12 pans and then cut squares. The squares fit…
toe walking advantage - FavoriteSon is FAST. I mean REALLY fast. Check out the photos on Pragmatic Commotion in the post “that’s what I’m TALKIN’ about!“. (I take better photos when I’m not screaming “GO! RUN!! RUN!! RUN!!! THAT’S WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT!!!!” I should probably also look through the lens instead of directly at the field.) While I…
my official guess is . . . - byran sausage. If you’re just catching up, we’ve been on a quest to decipher the missing ingredient from FirstHusband’s handwritten one pot hit recipe. To see the entire recipe, check out “guess (or suggest) the missing ingredients, win a cookbook.” To read about our clues and continued thought process, check out “It’s a Cook-Off!” We’ve…
Would You Like Chocolate With That? Measuring the Speed of Light with Chocolate - If you have anything chocolaty to share, post and link to Would You Like Chocolate With That? hosted by Lisa at Stop and Smell the Chocolate!
It’s a Cook-Off! - We’ve spent days trying to identify the missing ingredient from FirstHusband’s hit one pot meal invention. Almost every time I sit down to a computer after FavoriteSon, the zoomed in photo of his dad’s handwritten recipe has been on screen. (In case you’re catching up, the unknown ingredient(s) would be the word(s) following “3 cups”…
a fool and his books are soon parted. - I read, therefore I quote. I can’t help it. It’s what I do. I checked out “Speaking of Books: The Best Things Ever Said About Books and Book Collecting” from my local library and it’s been a really GREAT read! I’ll be spending part of my Barnes and Noble birthday gift certificate from FirstHusband’s parents…
i’ll get right on that, Mr. Sunday. - It’s confirmed. I got an email notice today. I’m RICH! I’m RICH, I’m RICH, I’m RICH!!!!! Woo Hoo! And I’m willing to share in the wealth! Who wants some money? It looks as though I will have PLENTY. I can’t wait to tell FirstHusband. Check it out! “Mr. Sunday OFILI Remittance Department Intercontinental Bank Plc.…
pretty links - I’m fine with readers leaving links in their comments on any of my blogs. WordPress catches most spam and I delete the spam that sneaks through. However, some links are prettier than others. Some links look like code threw up on the screen and don’t even work, like this: <a href=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFLs9RI8mSA”>Small is Tall</a> and some…
guess (or suggest) the missing ingredients, win a cookbook. - I noted in number 5 of my “21 things about me” that I can only cook with a recipe. In contrast, FirstHusband cooks like a mad scientist – he invents. Sometimes the results are . . . disappointing. Like Fish Grits. (He wouldn’t even eat them.) Many times, the invention turns out to be very,…
Would You Like Chocolate With That? Lucy, the Big Dip(per). - I stumbled upon this a few weeks ago when I posted Lucy and Ethel trying to keep up with the conveyor belt of chocolate. If you have anything chocolaty to share, post and link to Would You Like Chocolate With That? hosted by Lisa at Stop and Smell the Chocolate! Need a few more chuckles…
“. . . therefore I quote” Po Bronson - I read, therefore I quote. I can’t help it. It’s what I do. “What do people in your life need to do to be forgiven by you? what must happen, if anything, before you are willing to see them for who they are today, rather than for what they did to you long ago? How…
freakish kitchen organization - Shannon, over at Rocks in My Dryer is hosting a themed edition of Works for Me Wednesday. Today is all about kitchen organization! Since it’s Whale of a Sale time and I’m sorting hundreds of books and alphabetizing by author until I literally can’t remember how to spell, I’m maximizing my time (cheating) and highlighting…
frozen chicken, cream cheese chicken II - Back in April, I posted one of our family’s favorite recipes, “Cream Cheese Chicken..” (The original post has a printable version of the recipe in PDF.) Yesterday, we made a little change and it turned out pretty good, so I thought I’d share. First, I doubled the recipe except for the chicken and the cream…
Would You Like Chocolate With That? Disturbing M&M’s - Patrick Warburton (aka Krunk) is a favorite in this house. We like M&M’s too. If you have anything chocolaty to share, post and link to Would You Like Chocolate With That? hosted by Lisa at Stop and Smell the Chocolate!
“…therefore I quote” Ibarra, Pasteur, Hybels and Mode - I read, therefore I quote. I can’t help it. It’s what I do. I was reading Working Identity: Unconventional Strategies for Reinventing Your Career by Herminia Ibarra and she quoted Louis Pasteur: “Fortune favors the prepared mind.“ I immediately thought of Edna Mode’s version: “Luck favors the prepared.” (Anyone want to guess the movie? Hint:…
teenager school lunch - What is FavoriteSon’s favorite school lunch these days? Cold pizza. The “take and bake” Walmart pizzas for $8.00 are an easy way to go on this one. We bake the pizza on Sunday, cut it up into 10 pieces and FavoriteSon packs 2 slices in his lunch every day. Of course, since he’s 13, that’s…
Would You Like Chocoloate With That? Lucy and Ethel. - It was only a matter of time until I included this in a “Would You Like Chocolate With That?” post. If you have anything chocolaty to share, post and link to Would You Like Chocolate With That? hosted by Lisa at Stop and Smell the Chocolate! At Kim’s request, we’ve joined Friday Funnies today too!…
Word-Filled Wednesday: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 12 - Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly…
veggie box - I’m going to be a bum and combine my Kitchen Tip Tuesday post and my Works for Me Wednesday post into one. Way back in May, in a post entitled “5 minute Panera Wannabe Salad,” I mentioned that I stored veggies pre-prepped and that I would post more on it someday. It is someday. This…
who buys this stuff? $450 sheet set - We’re down to two sets of sheets for our bed – one set is flannel (which I CANNOT deal with in Florida until December at the EARLIEST) and the other set is . . . very old. So, I’m perusing Overstock.com for king size sheets and something caught my eye. I could save $750!!!! I…
happy birthday to me . . . - happy birthday to me. happy birthday, happy birthday. happy birthday to me! I just LOVE a husband who will not only BUY me this – BUT (the REAL present) actually RESEARCH the lens I need based on what I want to photograph. (Mainly, FavoriteSon running into the end zone with the ball and PinkGirl on…
chocolate cake conniption - Tomorrow is International Chocolate Day! Let’s celebrate with a little blast from the past . . . [vodpod id=Groupvideo.1536353&w=425&h=350&fv=m%3D1540390449%26type%3Dvideo%26a%3D0] If you have anything chocolaty to share, post and link to Would You Like Chocolate With That? hosted by Lisa at Stop and Smell the Chocolate!
Wordless Wednesday: Who is this guy . . . - and what did he do with this cute little boy? Check out more Wordless Wednesday posts over at is hosted by 5 Minutes for Mom
what is it with watermelons this week? - Sometimes my blog stats spike. Usually due to a Mr. Linky post from another site or a kind “shout out” from another blog. But this week just confuses me. Take a look: My September 8th Google search strings included: watermelon (31), square watermelon (8), square watermelons (5) resulting in 60 VIEWS of the “my kind…
pragmatic idioms - I find myself saying certain things that, in the future, when they are adults, I’m sure my kids will remember and make fun of. My own personal idioms. Keep in mind that these phrases are spoken in a lighthearted, casual tone. I’m not angry or snippy when I say this stuff (okay – MOST of…
Reverse WFMW: Breastfeeding Tips for Sis - What a perfect week for a BACKWARDS Works For Me Wednesday! In my last post, “free baby holding“, I shared my previous experiences as nursing mom and a little about my sister’s current experiences as she learns how to nurse her new baby. I remembered quite a bit and was able to give her some…
free baby holding. - I had a GREAT day Friday. I spent the day with my sister, Wendy and LittleHoudini while her hubs was at work. I arrived a little before 9:00 a.m. and left a little before 9:00 p.m. What an amazing day: She got: To take a shower and wash her hair – and blow it dry!…
Would You Like Chocolate With That? The Icing Man Cometh - Alton Brown is a favorite in this house. He’s funny, down to earth and he sneaks in little science lessons in an entertaining way. We bought his DVDs just to get “The Santa Clause.” (I’ll highlight that clip in November or December.) This is a GREAT clip – so many cool tips on icing cakes!…
shredding meat 101 - In a recent post, “have camera, will swaddle” I asked for “easy, healthy, not too expensive and nursing mom/baby friendly meals” to take to my sister and her hubs over the next few weeks. Memarie Lane‘s idea to “throw some boneless pork or chicken in the crockpot with a bottle of barbecue sauce, shred it,…
“Houdini” it is! - Well my sister and her husband have already found a nickname for their little bundle! I wrote in my last post that I was trying to decide upon a pseudonym I could use until he developed a personality trait that warranted a more personal nickname. At less than a day old, he had already “made…
have camera, will swaddle. - PinkGirl is no longer the youngest cousin she knows! My sister had her baby at 2:20 a.m.! (If I’ve gotten that wrong, I’ll change it later.) 7 1bs, 14 oz. and 20 inches of perfection! All my nephews and nieces are on FirstHusband’s side of the family, so this is kind of a big deal…
Walkin’ Songs: You Can Call Me Al - It’s NOT RAINING!!!! So I can get back to walking. I’ve been pretty sporadic with the walking but the week before TS Fay, I had logged 20 miles! Then last week – only 3 miles before getting rained out. I have an iRiver mp3 player, but it was too big to take walking, so a…
who buys this stuff? $179 soap dispenser - I love the little icon at the bottom that reads: “Good Value.” I’m getting ready to decorate my master bath. I’ve lived in this house since 1996 and have NEVER painted the flat white walls. I’ve hung a few things on the wall over the years, but there’s nothing there now. The shower and window…
Would You Like Chocolate With That? Chili’s Molten Chocolate Cake - I can’t believe how easy this is! What a GREAT idea for a dinner party. Easy, inexpensive, can be prepared ahead, and it looks decadently good. Watch what happens to the extra cake. Check out more chocolate posts at “Would You Like Chocolate With That?” hosted by Lisa at Stop and Smell the Chocolates. Lisa’s…
Can I get out and push? - Cause Fay is NOT moving!!!! Trivia question: What’s the most over used adjective in the State of Florida? (see answer below) This email came in tonight at 6:29 p.m. “KidAcademy will be CLOSED on Friday, August 22nd. We follow the closing schedule of Seminole County Public Schools. There are concerns of inland and flash flooding…
Fay, Fay. Go AWAY! - Well. The pool is full. It’s been raining for THREE days! Alright already! We are fine. Just annoyed. Much better off than others. We don’t have any flooding. Our backyard slopes and there’s a huge retention pond at the bottom of the hill. Then there’s a slight embankment, some woods and a river. After Hurricane…
Word-Filled Wednesday: Matthew 7:24-27 - “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But…
Wordless Wednesday: a look back at Charley. - Thankfully, we were safe. We got a new roof, our ceilings were repaired, and our vehicles got new paint jobs. But I still miss this huge tree. This is my favorite “Charley” picture. The fence is gone, but the gate is still standing. and locked. Check out more Wordless Wednesday posts over at is hosted…
cookies and fries. - We don’t have snow days. We have hurricane days. Well, in this case, tropical storm days. The kids started school last week on Wednesday and I started catching up! Making some serious progress. I was in the zone! Then. School is canceled. So far, Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. The kids are VERY happy:…
Word Filled Wednesday: Genesis 1:31-2:3 - God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day. Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array. By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested…
18 – Posted by FirstHusband - Warning! Julie did not write this entry. She may even be a little embarrassed to see this published on her blog. I’m good with that. (by JSM – I’ve been “blogjacked”) Eighteen. Julie and I just celebrated our eighteenth anniversary. The kids and I made dinner, we broke out that special bottle of wine we’ve…
“We’d like to get a sample of your brain tissue.” “okay.” - First – the title of this post – what movie is it from and who said it? (The answer is at the bottom of the post.) Now. This is weird. Linda, at Mocha with Linda did the left brain/right brain test she saw over at The Preacher’s Wife. I decided to try it out. It…
kitchen bouquet - Before I met FirstHusband, I had never heard of this product. Now, it’s the key ingredient to a standard recipe in our house. And the key component in the phenomenon of the disappearing carrots. Here’s what we do: 1. Brown a roast (usually a chuck roast), put it in the bottom of the crock pot.…
tv “inventory” - Sandy at Jesus and Dark Chocolate posted a question: “How much is too much TV? I also realize it’s also important to monitor what they watch, so what do you think about The Disney Channel and other networks geared towards kids? All thoughts are good thoughts, so bring it on ladies. 🙂 I really want…
milk chaser. - I’ve mentioned before that we love watching MythBusters. And by “we” I mean FirstHusband, FavoriteSon, PinkGirl and myself. All of us. I even think the cats watch. I think they watch our MythBuster DVDs when we’re not home. Somebody is leaving them out of the case. Bob (a cat) looks guilty to me. Or maybe…
sunrise. midnight. - You’re looking at our view from the 5th floor of the Ocean Walk Resort at Daytona Beach this past week. FirstHusband called me from the road (actually, from the airport) on Monday to tell me he had unexpectedly gotten some time off this week – could I book a hotel somewhere for Wednesday night through…
peace. love. used books. - I own a few books. Okay. More than a few. Okay. I own a lot of books. But . . . I buy them cheap! Really! I hardly EVER pay retail! Here are my favorite (searchable) online sources: http://www.half.com I always check here first. half.com is a subsidiary of ebay, so I earn (so far)…
“No Pudge” brownies! - Busy, busy week! But I didn’t want to miss out on Kitchen Tip Tuesdays! My tip this week? Pick up a container of fat free vanilla yogurt at the grocery store! Then look for No Pudge Brownie mix! At my grocery store, it’s located in the health food section. The mix and the yogurt is…
ebay or give away - I haven’t listed anything on eBay for MONTHS. But yesterday the storms were TERRIBLE and I had the computers unplugged. With no internet access and with the momentum from cleaning out PinkGirl’s room still going strong, I decided to tackle a few piles in my office. I boxed up a LOT of stuff to give…
from pink to pinkalicous - FavoriteSon was camping with friends last weekend, so it was just me, PinkGirl and her dad. What to do? What to do? We ended up in PinkGirl’s room. We were pretty sure it was her room. It was pink. After three play dates, one followed by a sleepover – each with a different pair of…
does anyone EVER reply to these? - I know Elle doesn’t. But somebody must be falling for these emails or they would stop, right? “My name is Adams Ofori Esq. (really. not just “adam” but “adams.” with an “s.” okay. ) My client is the family of late Mobutu Sese Seko the former ruler of the Republic of Congo who was ousted…
fruit stuffed pork roast - This is one of my favorite recipes. It takes a little more prep time than I usually like and about an hour to bake, but it is SO worth it! I saw Paul James (aka “The Gardener Guy” on HGTV) prepare this on his cooking show (Home Grown Cooking) a few years ago and just…Breakfast Jelly Topping - I found a cute little pink apron with PinkGirl’s name embroidered yesterday at a local thrift store for a dollar! She put in on and has transformed in to a server, a chef and an inventor. She hasn’t left the kitchen all day except to serve us lunch. This is her latest invention. I was…
it’s deductible! - Garage Sales don’t work for me. While I myself shop garage sales, I just do not have the patience to have one myself. Shannon over at Rocks in My Dryer is of the same opinion. Besides, where I live, city workers routinely drive around on Friday and Saturday mornings confiscating all the garage sale signs.…
5 minute diced mango - We had a hankering for mangos a few weeks back and, after trying to cut up the first one, I quickly googled the instructions. (There are no photos of the first attempt, it was a mess.) First, I cut off the bottom of the mango so it would stand up all by itself. A mango…
will campbell on “community” - Reading Lisa’s post immediately brought this to my mind. “I guess what I really believe is that neighborhoods get reissued. You know, the community.” . . . . . . “You know what ‘community’ is,” Doops said, his voice rising with impatience. “It’s a bunch of folks getting along for some reason. Something holds them…
my kind of watermelon - If you’ve stopped by before, you may already know that I HATE round containers because they waste space. I’ve got to say – I LOVE these! Where do I get one? Although these are pretty cool too. We took this photo in August of 2006 when we went on the “Behind the Seeds” tour of…
mom’s pasta salad - This dish is a staple in our fridge during the spring and summer. Ingredients: Cooked Rotini Pasta (I usually use tri-color) Boiled Eggs (chopped, diced, sliced – whatever you prefer) Manzanilla Green Olives with or without pimentos (whole, cut in half, chopped – whatever you prefer) Good Seasons Zesty Italian Dressing (it’s a mix packet,…
“Mary Poppins” boiled eggs - For some reason, both my kids LOVE boiled eggs. Unfortunately, until a few years ago, my egg boiling skills were right in line with my sewing and skateboarding skills – non-existent. Besides the fact that they often had a gooey center, I – more often than not – ended up with the saddest, most pitiful…
Happy Birthday America! - (the Cactus Cuties singing the National Anthem) And lest anyone think this performance was so great because of the acoustics, this next video was a few years later and OUTSIDE! I still get goosebumps.
last minute wet burritos - I saw this recipe on another blog and I could NOT find it again! I looked through a bunch of Kitchen Tip Tuesday links, Works for Me Wednesday links, and a few recipe carnival links – no luck. Then, I walked away from the computer and actually made these WITHOUT a recipe! That is HUGE…
needed: goat or machete - This is what we get for slacking on the grass for two weeks: With clouds forming overhead, we frantically began mowing and string trimming Friday evening, but we had to take a break when the rain and lightning started. Thankfully, we squeezed in 20 more minutes between a break in the rain and darkness. It…
i’m going to be there. - Today, I cared for my friend, PrincessG’s two daughters while she was debilitatingly ill from her Monday chemo treatment. She knew on Monday, as the chemicals were entering her body that she would be very, very sick today. She knew, weeks ago that she would be this sick today. That’s when she asked if her…
the good, the bad and the ugly. - I have three cabinets over the bar in my kitchen. The middle cabinet stays pretty straight. FavoriteSon unloads the dishwasher in this house, so if he’s putting items in this cabinet away in the same place every time, its organized in a way that he finds to be easy to maintain. Which means, according to…
i hate this game. - You know, “The Home Repair Game.” I’m no good at it. I never win. At first, only one tile was missing. The plastic and the duck tape were our attempt to postpone the repair for a few weeks. It’s been a few weeks. I’ve been trying to select tile. FirstHusband and I agree it should…
frog house - For months, the bird house on our front porch as been occupied. By a frog. He always seemed kind of lonely. Till today.
lunchbox flatware - I have a double set of Oneida flatware. It’s still a double set for one reason only – not ONE piece of it EVER leaves the house. Back when PinkGirl was in preschool, I sent plasticware in her lunchbox. Mostly spoons. PLASTIC spoons. Then I got green and started sending (washable, reusable) flatware. I don’t…
and so it begins - nearly every afternoon the digital doppler is going to look a lot like this: and half the time, I’ll be crawling under my desk to unplug the cable modem because I don’t want to deal with the annoyance of having it replaced after it gets struck by lightning. again. ya gotta mow the grass in…
DisneyQuest. pros and cons. - June 2008. PinkGirl is 50. INCHES, that is. And that is a GOOD thing. It is a VERY good thing. We’ve been WAITING for this for a VERY long time. Thank. You. GOD!!!!! We went to DisneyQuest this weekend and for the first time EVER, PinkGirl didn’t go home angry or in tears. DisneyQuest is…
my tribute to steve. - I have a confession to make. I love the original Blues Clues. With Steve. I love Mr. Salt and Mrs. Pepper, little Paprika and even baby brother, Cinnamon. I still know the mail song, and am still kinda ticked that I can’t skidoo. When Steve sang with Ray Charles? very cool. When Julia Louis Dryfeus…
sometimes, we have to do what’s required. - “Not every kid made the team when they tried. We got disappointed and that was all right. We turned out all right. It was a different life, when we were boys and girls. Not just a different time, it was a different world.” A Different World, by Bucky Covington PinkGirl is 7 years old and…
mom. Mom. MOM! - My son wears headphones around the house sometimes, listening to his mp3 player. They completely block all external sound (or so he says). When I need to talk to him, call him, ask him a question – whatever – I can’t get his attention. So I flash the lights on and off. After an entire…
sometimes, I buy what I hate. - I just can’t diet anymore. Can’t do it. All my life, I’ve been conscious of my weight. Whenever I’ve gone on a diet, it’s always been with a temporary mindset: “I’ll diet till I lose weight and then I won’t have to diet anymore.” I need a more permanent solution. I need to change the…
split ends and blue lips. - Maybe you can relate to the quick little story about PinkGirl and her hair, over at Pragmatic Commotion today, entitled, “split ends.” I’ll never make that mistake again. There’s also a little story about PinkGirl’s latest problem solving experience.
The 90’s called . . . - and wanted their shower curtain back. Amazingly, it was the same day “someone” threw this in my basket at Walmart! ($15.00) Anyone? Should I go “vintage” (or is it “retro?”) or “Walmart?” I can’t seem to hang the new curtain, but I can’t seem to return it either. FavoriteSon says I’m right. The 90’s did…
reading from the outside in - It’s a little chaotic this week, so I’m “re-purposing” a previous post for my “Works for Me Wednesday” contribution. A while back I wrote about what I learned when “auditing” my son’s summer speed reading course. It was $300, so by “waiting for him” in the back of the classroom, I felt like it was…
freakish coffee station. - Being “freakishly organized,” I followed the Underwear Principle and created a coffee “station” with all the supplies needed for coffee located in one spot. It’s a tiny bit of counter space next to the stove and it’s where we keep EVERYthing coffee related. (Thanks for the coffee pot recommendation, Lisa Writes!) The three cannisters hold…
pragmatic love, a wife’s choice - I’m joining in with Leslie at Lux Venit for the book study on The Excellent Wife. I’m a little late. I just posted my response to Chapter 8 yesterday (also late). This is my response to Chapter Nine, Love, the Wife’s Choice. Here’s what is highlighted in yellow on the first few pages of Chapter…
researching the wife’s domain. - Chapter 8 of the Excellent Wife by author Martha Peace is entitled, “Home, The Wife’s Domain.” I’m really trying to read this with an open mind, but I honestly admit, I have what, in communication theory is called a “latitude of rejection.” There are three “latitudes” when it comes to persuasion and the acceptance of…
am I thinner when I’m invisible? - I believe my kids will really “see” me when they are parents themselves. For now, I’m going for the highest form of flattery. Imitation. For now, invisible is just fine.
to work or not to work, that is the question. - (Disclaimer: This is written primarily for married couples with children. I realize single parents have far fewer options – BUT some ideas might work for a single parent home as well.) Okay, before I even get started – let me clarify. Throughout this post, when I say “work” I really mean “work outside the home.”…
5 minute MorningStar burrito lunch - This is one of my favorite quick lunches. Ingredients: 1 or 2 MorningStar Veggie Patties (depending on how hungry you are) 2 flour tortillas 1 t0 2 tbsp Hummus (my favorite is Sabra Supremely Spicy) 1 oz shredded cheese (my favorite is Cracker Barrel 2% Sharp White Cheddar) a handful of shredded lettuce (or fresh…
okay. I’m back. I think. - wow. this will be stream of consciousness, so . . . good luck following it. and you know how, when I post, I usually have a point? Yeh. Not today. I also have decided to play a little game with this post. How many bloggers can I link to in one post? Let’s see, shall…
ouch. - SisterInLaw#1 sent me some photos of the latest in footwear. These are my favorite: I found photos of this entire shoe line on this website. Which of these “gotta have” styles is YOUR favorite? I am so going to PayLess RIGHT NOW before they run out!
5 minute Panera Wannabe Salad - I LOVE Panera Bread Salads! I was quite distraught when the Orchard Harvest Salad (photo) disappeared from the menu. I’m hoping it will be back next winter. These days I’m ordering the Fuji Apple Salad or the Fandango with chicken, neither one being my favorite. My FAVORITE summer salad is the Strawberry Poppyseed & Chicken…
a little krunk - I need a little dose of “Krunk” (Patrick Warburton). I need a little comic relief. This is one of my top favorite Disney movies. In our house, it’s not uncommon for us to reference or quote this movie. For instance the phrase “Why do we even HAVE that ___(insert something here)____?” is often uttered when…
i’m allergic to scrapbooking. - I tried. I really tried. I just can’t do it. I cannot find any joy, satisfaction, relaxation or anything else from trimming photos, cutting paper with various scissor patterns, gluing with non-acidic adhesive, creating pithy quotations, and perfecting my handwriting with non-acidic gel pens. I understand that some people scrapbook as a hobby. It appears…
favorite banana bread - My kids LOVE this! (and have been nagging me to bake some for two days.) Ingredients: 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large) 1/2 cup sugar (I use half brown sugar) 1/3 cup liquid vegetable oil margarine (I use Smart Balance margarine) 2 egg whites 1/3 cup skim milk 1 1/4 cups all purpose…
researching the wife’s role - Warning: This is L O N G. You may need a nap in the middle. Or at least a snack. Here’s two things I read this past week. The first, in an email sent to me from FirstHusband: A woman died and was sent to heaven. One day while she was walking around on the…
bedtime. - “Dear God, please help Mamaw understand that real freedom is about caring and sharing with your family and who you love. Please help Pappy not be sad and help him be okay that Mamaw is going away . . . Then the sweet talking that only happens at bedtime. She is snuggled up under the…
during. and after. - We told PinkGirl today. My parents were coming over to borrow FirstHusband’s truck. My dad was helping my mom by picking up a bed given to her by a friend and they needed the truck. So we knew PinkGirl would be seeing her grandmother. We knew that my mom would be leaving in 8 days…
be a champion! - I am a champion. I took the kids to the dentist yesterday. A pediatric dentist. Let me give you a little background. When we first took PinkGirl to the dentist, it didn’t go well. I couldn’t fit into the tiny room to be with her and, while SHE was perfectly silent, the hygienist repeatedly said,…
FavoriteNerds + Boo & Bob - FirstHusband is an engineer and FavoriteSon has probably seen every “Mythbuster” episode ever made. They both do what I call “scary math” while listening to music in headphones, they heckle the Mythbuster experiments, while secretly envying Jamie and Adam and they sometimes explain things to me in such a way that my only possible response…
before. and after. - We’re going to have to tell her. Soon. We’re going to have to tell my sweet 7 year old something that will cause her to grieve. It will prompt a sadness in her that I won’t be able drive away with hugs or snuggles. I won’t be able to distract her, to make it better…
freakish junk drawer - This is my freakish “junk drawer.” You know the drawer. At my house, it’s in the kitchen. It used to be a mess. The place you put something when you don’t know where it goes. So full of stuff it sometimes gets jammed because something is sticking up inside. Today it looks like this: (click…
Miley’s embarrassed. - I’m disappointed. She’s embarrassed. But at least she apologized. I still had to talk to my 7 year old about it. I began the conversation by telling PinkGirl that “Miley let a photographer take a picture of her holding a blanket in front of her – but she wasn’t wearing a shirt.” PinkGirl’s response? “Why?”…
EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival - We went to EPCOT yesterday for the 2008 Flower and Garden Festival. It was BEAUTIFUL, but, I must admit, a little disappointing. There just wasn’t as much diversity of color as in past years. We went in June of 2006 and (although I didn’t take lots of pictures), I remember it being much more elaborate.…
many hands make light work. - or in this case, “many legs make light work” or “many tails make light work.” Either way, I need some friends like these today.
frozen chicken? cream cheese chicken. - I stumbled upon a recipe that turned out to be a REAL hit! So far, EVERYBODY I’ve shared this with has reported it a hit with even the pickiest eaters in their family. The fact that it took 5 minutes to prepare made it even better! Seriously. 5 minutes. (Click HERE for a modification we…
banana. sweet! - This goes out to the next mom whose child says: “Oh! Mom! I forgot to tell you. I need to take in some food to school tomorrow.” “Food? What kind of food?” “Laos food.” “Laos food? As in ‘food often eaten by the people of Laos?’ (I pay attention. I saw the PowerPoint show he…
5 minute onions in a flash (freeze) - Life’s a little busy this week, so I’m going to combine my posts for Kitchen Tip Tuesdays and Works for Me Wednesdays . I mentioned before – I LOVE my Vidalia Chop Wizard! Last time I showcased this wonderful little gadget, someone commented that they were surprised that it could handle tougher veggies, like onions…
@randbetween(1,100) - what? That would be the Microsoft Excel cell formula to generate a random number between 1 and 100. You know, like when you have a drawing and need to pick a random number for a winner? Like I do here at Pragmatic Compendium every week? (it doesn’t have to be between 1 and 100. the…
5 minute sink - I used to be all cranky about doing housework, until I started doing two things: 1. Timing myself. (I was pleasantly surprised to discover so many tasks took less than five minutes.) and 2. Practicing a concept I’ve used with my kids for years – breaking big jobs into smaller jobs. For instance, instead of…
the underwear principle & ADD? - When I wrote the post entitled The Underwear Principle and now, underwear. step by step., I mentioned that I had applied this principle in other situations in my life. One of those situations involved my son. FavoriteSon attended a Montessori pre-school from age three to five. The Montessori philosophy encourages independent work and allows the…
underwear. step by step. - I explained the origin of my foundational organization philosophy in the The Underwear Principle. I’m going to “strip it down” into steps which can be applied in many situations, so it can be used as more than just an organizational tool. The Underwear Principle, Step by Step: Step 1: Let it go. I have to…
responding to a comment within a comment - I frequently respond to a commentor within their comment. In WordPress, it’s super easy. There are other ways, but my favorite is the laziest way: I view the comments on a post while logged into WordPress. In many templates, the word “edit” will appear next to each comment, along with the commentor’s name and the…
it i$ what it i$ - UPDATE: After the steering column repair, we hooked up the boat trailer. At our first stop (the gas station) the truck wouldn’t come out of park. Long story short? It was the fuse for the brake lights. It blew when we hooked up the lights for the trailer. Unhooked the lights, changed the fuse. Back…
it is what it is - okay. We WAITED to buy a boat until we could pay for it, so we didn’t have to go into debt. We bought a boat on Saturday. We really like the boat. On Monday, FirstHusband hooked up the trailer lights, got the boat registered and insured and towed it over to the coast for dry…
5 minute veggie chop - I LOVE my Vidalia Chop Wizard! I love any gadget that makes my life easier and speeds up a job! I got a beautiful ceramic knife for Christmas two years ago and I used to dice red, yellow and orange peppers by hand. Not anymore! Check out the time on the little red clock. I…
clean sweep(stakes) April 7-13 - This week’s giveaway is for the book Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy, by Sarah Ban Breathnach. So how do you enter to win this book? Make a suggestion in a comment! Don’t have a suggestion? Just leave any comment and you’ll be entered to win! Don’t want this week’s book(s) but still…
a jar & 2 cups of coffee - Thanks to my longtime friend, Renee for the following reminder. This is what I was feeling and talking about when I wrote the devotions “i want no regrets” and “what’s next?” on Pragmatic Communion. “A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly…
“…therefore I quote” Mary LoVerde - I read, therefore I quote. I can’t help it. It’s what I do. “Microactions have become the cornerstone of my own attempts at balance. “Steps” did not always work for me. They seemed too big because they required that I give up control, make a commitment, and risk failure. (These are not my three favorite…
underwear. revisited. - Shannon over at Rocks In My Dryer has a “greatest hits” theme going at Works for Me Wednesday this week, so I’ve decided to pull out the underwear. The Underwear Principle, that is. This post gets more hits on my blog than any other, largely due to my long time friend, Charlene Davis over at…
love coffee? - I didn’t drink coffee until I was 30. Now, I drink at least 2 cups every morning. Sometimes I make a pot of decaf hazelnut in the middle of the afternoon, just for me! When I was pregnant, I drank decaf in the morning too and . . . it just didn’t work for me,…
i can see clearly now - When you read text on your computer monitor, do the fonts seem . . . grainy? Do the edges of the letters appear ragged? Especially italicized text? On my Pragmatic Computing blog, I posted a “Pragmatic Tip” explaining how to make fonts appear clear and sharp. I LOVE the way text looks on my computer…
Bake Ahead Egg Muffins - When I make these, it’s usually on a Sunday afternoon. Then I store them in quart size Ziplock bags or Rubbermaid containers in the fridge. Weekday mornings, we just pop a few into the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds. Prep Time: About a half an hour. Bake Time: 20 to 30 minutes Ingredients: (makes…
clean sweep(stakes) March 24-30 - And the Winner is: infinitygoods! Congrats! This week’s book giveaway is for the hardback edition of the book: Mothers Who Think edited by Camille Peri and Kate Moses of Salon.com The link should take you to the “Look Inside” page (for the paperback edition) on amazon.com so check it out! I’ve read it and found…
need a comment do-over? - Ever leave a comment on a blog and REALLY want to remove it later? Maybe you have an embarrassing typo, maybe you shared just a little too much and have “commenter’s remorse” or maybe you accidentally posted a comment on the wrong blog post. I’m sure there are other reasons. The good news? You may…
273 views - On Monday, March 17th! What a nice surprise! That’s a personal high here at Pragmatic Compendium! That’s not 273 visitors. Rather, all the visitors combined viewed a total of 273 pages. There were over 100 visitors, though! Where did everybody come from? WordPress says some of you came from: Proverbs 31 Ministries Mocha with Linda…
spoiled bumblebee - A while back, I posted a youtube video of a dad, named David Crawford singing Pachelbel Bedtime, about bedtime at his house with his two daughters. I discovered the link was broken and fixed it, but in the process, I found out he is making a CD! When I find out more about it, I…
hosanna heysanna - It’s Palm Sunday and find myself singing – as I do every year on this day – the song “Hosanna” from Jesus Christ Superstar. The CD recordings are much better, but here’s the youtube link to the 1973 movie clip of the song: Hosanna. I know some people may not be comfortable with the movie,…
pk baptism - My sister-in-law sent me this the other day. The second kid is the preacher’s kid. Gotta love him. Especially in church. Yes. That was a cannonball.
spaghetti florentine - This is one of my “aak! It’s 5:30! What am I going to make for dinner!?!” recipes. FAST and EASY! And because I chop onions in bulk with my Chop Wizard and then freeze them in zip lock bags, it doesn’t require any fresh ingredients. (Feel free to use fresh ingredients if you want.) I’ve…
Hope Anyway - Lysa at Proverbs 31 Ministries pointed me to a Hope Contest Amy is hosting at her blog, God’s Work in Progress. It’s easy to enter: Just leave a comment with your favorite quote or verse having to do with hope. Tell her why it’s your favorite and where it comes from. The prize will be…
lotsa helping hands - Sometimes you find something so wonderful, you HAVE to share it. So here it is: http://www.lotsahelpinghands.com Are you in a crisis situation? Do you know someone who is? Someone who is fighting cancer? Suffering from a chronic condition? Recovering from an accident or injury? Someone who’s just had a baby? Do you want to help,…
ella, aqua & ralph - PinkGirl caught my germ. And she was NOT happy about it. She caught it on Wednesday. Wednesday is play rehearsal day. Wednesday is the day she and two of her friends (sisters) play and sing in the car all the way to rehearsal – and back. Wednesday is usually a REALLY fun day. Except this…
102.6 – 103.4 - That would be my temperature for the previous three days. It hit on Friday night along with chills that didn’t stop. I slept in a tshirt, sweatshirt, long pants and with 4 blankets. Chills all night and the fever never broke. FirstHusband was my knight in shining armor (if knights do laundry, work on the…
freedom to be different - I’ve been reading Grace Based Parenting by Dr. Tim Kimmel. Chapter 7, The Freedom to Be Different really resonated with me. Check out my latest post over at Pragmatic Communion. It’s about giving my daughter the “freedom to be different.” Here’s a bit of Dr. Kimmel to ponder: “The primary way to give our children…
peace. love. mickey. - I love Disney. I am a Disney freak. My dad worked at Disney World before it opened in 1971. I walked through the Haunted Mansion when there was still plastic on the doom buggies. My dad was part of the team responsible for painting the original underwater fantasy in the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea…
“breaking” point - Jenn, over at Mommy Needs Coffee and Mommy Bloggers, has motivated me to tell the truth. I do not have it all together. When I don’t get my solitude (or any help), I reach my breaking point. So, in the spirit of honesty and solidarity, here are the events which led to my literal “breaking”…
meme – page 123 - I’ve been tagged for two memes within 24 hours! The first was a trip down memory lane and a peek into the future all in one post. Very fun. Relaxing. More than a few minutes viewing you tube videos of old McDonald’s commercials. This meme is pretty cool. Michelle (the artist) tagged me with this…
meme – 4 things about me - Lisa over at Lisa Write’s tagged me for this meme. Funny thing is that I had already drafted my responses after seeing Mel’s post on January 25th. I just had forgotten about it. So THANKS Lisa, for reminding me! Beware, nostalgia makes me reminisce. And ramble. I won’t be offended if you fall asleep. Or…
now THIS is marriage - The Story of Us. Michelle Pfeiffer. Bruce Willis. Their kids have been away at summer camp. They spent the time “separated.” They pick up the kids, the kids get in the car and they are supposed to go to a nice, quiet restaurant to tell the kids. You know. TELL the kids. But then. They…
whining woman say what? - Anemia? What? Are you sure? Iron supplement for two months? TWO months? I don’t wanna. (in a big baby whining voice.) I’m just going to sit down for a minute. I’m wiped out. I’m going to bed. (at 9:00 p.m. on Friday night) Wait, what’s that on my leg? And another one on my arm?…
don’t file paper at home anymore. part 3. - In “don’t file paper at home anymore. part 1.” we learned about the Perfectly Organized Woman (POW), her perfect filing system and its inevitable deterioration. Then, in The Underwear Principle we learned about the power of flexibility, acceptance and riding momentum. In “don’t file paper at home anymore. part 2.” we read about POW’s transformation.…
don’t file paper at home anymore. part 2. - In “don’t file paper at home anymore. part 1.” POWR had just remembered the Underwear Principle. There had to be a way to apply the Underwear Principle to her filing situation. The filing system needed to be a two part system. First, what to do with “Current” paperwork? Secondly, she needed an easy but efficient…
The Underwear Principle - What exactly is The Underwear Principle? I discovered it as a newlywed: Expecting marital bliss, I was dismayed to discover my new husband would toss his underwear in the same spot on the floor every. single. day. After months of pleading, begging and withholding stimulating intellectual conversation (this is a family friendly blog), he still…
don’t file paper at home anymore. part 1. - “crazy woman say what?” (yes. we watch Hannah Montana.) Really. Don’t file paper any more. Let me tell you a little story. Once up a time, the perfectly organized woman (POW) would meticulously label color coded folders. Then she would sort papers, first by vendor (to go with the folders of course) and then she…
how many kids . . . - . . . just need a snack? How many kids are disciplined for poor behavior when they really just need a complex carb? We spent a few years giving time outs and taking away privileges before we figured it out. Recently, our 1st grader’s teacher was diagnosed with “really bad germs in her chest.” She’ll…
okay. i’m strong willed. - A few days ago, I posted a link to a poll over at Lux Venit. Leslie is reading and reviewing a book entitled Redefining the Strong-Willed Woman by Cynthia Tobias. The first question in Leslie’s poll is “Would you call yourself a strong-willed woman?” I immediately commented and asked Leslie if Cynthia had defined a…
are you a strong willed woman? - Leslie, over at Lux Venit has inspired a post I’m working on. She’s reviewing a book for Discerning Reader entitled Redefining the Strong Willed Woman by Cynthia Tobias and she’s posted a poll asking the following questions: 1. Would you call yourself a strong-willed woman? 2. Do you view the possession of a strong-will as…
Mom Overture - Thanks to Tamara for reminding me of the Mom Overture by Anita Renfroe (I think this is the one she was talking about. If there’s another “mom” song, PLEASE let me know!) I have GOT got to sing this one!
Pachelbel Bedtime - I saw this over at yoga gumbo and laughed till I cried. We have the same reaction when we hear the cat. LOVED it. Watch till the end for tear jerking sweetness.
what’s your word? - Jenn over at “Mommy Needs Coffee” posted a unique challenge. Instead of a list of resolutions (or as I like to call it, a premature list of failures), just summarize all your resolutions in one word. one. (like bloggers can ever type just one word. Pass me that bag of Lays potato chips.) It’s like…
Christmas meme - I found this meme over at Lisa Writes and Lux Venit: The Christmas Meme and decided to give it a shot in an effort to jumpstart some Christmas spirit. 1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both: Wrapping paper for kids! There’s nothing like watching a kid tear into a present. For grownups, I save a…
latte insight - I found this quiz over at Lux Venit. never moody? hmmmm. What does the word “moody” really mean, anyway? Want to play? Click the link at the bottom! What Your Latte Says About You You don’t treat yourself very often. You find that indulging doesn’t jibe with your very disciplined life.You can be quite silly…
i’m paralyzed. - I have so many things happening right now that I have written about and have not posted. Do I post? Do I censor? Do I risk? Do I create an anonymous blog and post whatever I want on that? Do I be true to myself, all else be damned or do I find a place…
(hey Son! what happened to the) sausage balls? - 1 lb. hot sausage 2 c. grated sharp Cheddar cheese 3 c. Bisquick (biscuit mix) allow cheese to come to room temperature. combine all ingredients (just get your hands dirty, it’s easier). roll into 1 inch balls and place on ungreased cookie sheet. bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes. serve immediately (or keep them…
mom’s pumpkin soup - FirstHusband makes his momma’s soup every Thanksgiving (except when we go visit for Thanksgiving and she makes it!) 1 cup butter (we use Smart Balance) 1 cup onion (chopped) 1 clove garlic (minced) 1 scant tsp curry powder ½ tsp salt 1/8 tsp coriander ½ tsp red pepper 3 cups chicken broth 1 16 oz…
Stealth Birthday Streamers - This simple tradition is so easy (and inexpensive) and it makes my kids feel very special. In our house, when a kid has a birthday, they wake up to a room which has been lovingly “T.P.’d” in colored paper streamers. The night before, after the kiddo falls asleep, my husband and I sneak in and…
Pink Girl’s Six Year Old Soup - This was invented by my daughter one lazy Sunday afternoon : Saute chopped mushrooms and minced garlic in olive oil Add some diced ham Season with Mrs. Dash Basil, Tomato and Oregano Add 1 can of tomatoes and juice Cook for a while, stirring occasionally Add three cups chicken broth Add two cups water Add…
put the book down. it’s okay. really. - I started a book recently. And decided not to finish it. And I’m okay with that. really. It was “Running with Scissors.” Great reviews. “So funny!” I hated it. HATED IT. (it’s VERY different from the movie) H A T E D I T! (did I mention I hated it?) And I don’t have to…
an sill air ee - Why have I never used this word? ancillary The definition at http://dict.die.net adj reads: “relating to something that is added but is not essential” Encarta even has a button to click if you need to hear the proper pronunciation. (sounds like “an sill air ee” with the emphasis on the “an”) The encarta.msm.com definitions are:…
be consistent - When my son was a baby, I still worked full-time. I found a wonderful care-giver, who we called “Miss Pat.” After my 3 month maternity leave was over, I took him to her house where she watched 4 other babies – all under 18 months old. After 18 months, they “graduated” and were cared for…
just journal, even if it’s just one sentence. - Life goes by FAST. I’m so busy living it, I forget how fast. If I’m not careful, I can spend so much time trying to check things off my computerized (and nagging internal) to do list that I can arrive at the end of the day without having even one non-task related thought. For me,…
voice mail is a tool. - Last quarter I posted (ranted) about my biggest cell phone pet peeve. I have another one. Why do people have to answer the phone EVERY time it rings? Is it not your phone? Your life? Do you not have voice mail? Why? Why? Why? I have a cell phone. It’s not like I don’t get…
We can hear you. - Why? Why do people talk so loudly on cell phones? Why do they think that it’s okay to talk on a cell phone anywhere? There is a place and a time. My biggest cell phone pet peeve? People who talk on their cell phone at a restaurant table. My husband and I disagree on this…
read from the outside in. - I used to read all books chronologically. Start on page one and move forward from there. It worked. It was . . . fine. But last summer, I enrolled my son in a $300 speed reading course and the instructor was kind enough to let me sit in the back of the room and “wait”…
intention is irrelevant - I wanted to reach through the television, take her hand, look her in the eye and sincerely apologize for this unfair truth. She didn’t want to have to “choose her words” or be judged by them. She wanted her intentions to be recognized. She wanted her heart to be seen. She felt victimized by those…
“Irregardless” is too a real word. The spell checker didn't pick it up! - Regardless, Irregardless, Regardless, Irregardless, Regardless, Irregardless Is it a real word or isn’t it? Well . . . I don’t use it. You decide for yourself. “Irregardless” appears the heaviest and oldest dictionary I own, a 1967 Random House Dictionary of the English Language, The Unabridged Edition: “Usage. IRREGARDLESS is considered nonstandard because it is…a little about yourself - “Tell me a little about yourself.” It’s a standard interview request. An open invitation to dominate the conversation for at least one minute – give or take 15 seconds. You’ve got a potential employer’s undivided attention. A chance to call attention to the greatness that is YOU. Do yourself a favor. Take the time to…
could of have - Not again. I’ve seen something. Again. It was in a paper turned in by a college student. “You could of . . .” Translated, that would be “You could have . . .” How does this happen? It’s actually common. Very common. I see it multiple times each a semester. Points are lost. So what…
Its It’s confusing! - When you provide computer training to attorneys people, you can't help but see things. I recently saw something and am compelled to provide the following information. I'm not saying an attorney could be grammatically challenged – I'm just providing the information – just as a reminder: It's is a contraction for it is or it…
Why bother? - “Subscribers to the Harvard Business Review rated “the ability to communicate” the most important factor in making an executive “promotable,” more important than ambition, education and capacity for hard work.” “What Helps or Harms Promotability?” Harvard Business Review 42 (January-February 1964), p 14 1964? 1964? That was nearly 40 years ago. Now it’s all about…