Positively Painful

Still not doing so hot at the blogging thing but I didn't get any backlash from my last rant, so I guess it's safe enough to come back and do it again. I'm also not doing so hot at being positive but I'm trying. 

Shut up, Yoda...I know there is only do or do not. I don't care. Hahah. 

We got a new dog...just one. She's not Obi and Ahsoka but she's sweet. She's an adult rescue named Rosie and she sheds more than our last two put together! Sheesh. LOL Lucky for me (and her) that KC didn't know she was going to shed that much when we rescued her or he would have never said yes to getting her! Hahaha! Now we're all attached, so she's staying, fur and all. LOL. We also got a black cat...it was supposed to be KC's cat, but it loves the dog, who is glued to me, therefore it has kinda ended up as my cat even though it missed the memo where I'm not the cat person in this house! I've nearly choked him several times...he really likes to climb all over us and meow and wake up the dog at 4am....and I'm pretty fond of sleeping at 4am...which is not the greatest combo. But other than that, he's not too bad. Haha! 

In other news, we got the Rona for my birthday...worst gift ever. Still dragging from that, although the worst part of it was just fatigue...kind of felt like having Mono again. It caused a hiccup in my cleaning job because that job requires a ton of energy and at this point (4 weeks later) I still barely have enough energy to clean my own house! But I've been able to go back to my other part time job that isn't as energy draining as the cleaning. 

The TDQ is driving now. She finally got enough saved to get a little older model car. Hopefully it will not get wrecked but I've rode with her a couple of times so far, and it will be a miracle if it looks as good as it does now by the time she gets done with it. I can't relate to her struggle...she can barely maneuver the car into an angled parking space...I was backing my parent's minivan out of the carport and pulling it up the driveway to the house for them when I was 11....kids these days. *insert eye roll* At least she has worked her butt off and put effort toward getting it. I'm trying to be patient and not freak out or get too annoyed with her latest obsession. LOL 

It is so hard sometimes. Patience is tough. Drat it. Teenagers will suck all the patience and goodness right out of you! I don't know how people do it. Two lousy teenagers and it's killing me...these people with a gazillion kids absolutely amaze me. How do they have that many teenagers and cheerfully survive? I must be doing something wrong. 

Anywho...then I got volun-told into doing the youth activities at one of the campmeetings I'm planning to attend this summer in NC...and then I volunteered to take like 13 of our youth girls from church here to the camp there in NC....evidently I'm just a glutton for punishment. Hah! On that high note, I'm out. 

Might make it back sometime. LOL

The End of an Era

e·ra

ˈirə,ˈerə/

noun

a long and distinct period of history with a particular feature or characteristic.

"his death marked the end of an era"
synonyms: epoch, age, period, phase, time, span, eon;

Ends are never very fun, goodbyes are some of the hardest things to handle…even ones who’s effects are lessened by geographical distance.

This place is nowhere near me now, but today marks the last service in this little NC church. This church in which I have spent countless hours in worship, in service, in VBS, in weddings (one of which was my own), in choir practices, in choir recordings, in workdays (like the one where we got into paint mischief), and like that post on paint mischief, this church also became the topic of more than one blog post (although, occasionally the references were vague to avoid causing trouble—I know…me? trouble? Never! LOL).

No, I don’t attend there anymore, haven’t in years, for a variety of reasons…one of which is the reason today was the last service there. They moved to a new location closer to the communities where most of their regular attendees live, and that makes total sense. When you build relationships with people, it’s usually people in your community. And when you get to the point of inviting them to church, not only are you asking them to give up precious weekend time (let’s get real, we all love the weekend), but you’re also asking for an extra hour (or more) of their time just to drive. That makes it tough.

So I get it.

And I also get that not everything in that building’s history was sunshine and flowers. Lord knows, I get that. I weathered a few of the storms myself. But I also know that when I remember that place now, I remember the good times…the glory of God…the love…the imperfect people like me.

And I hope that these imperfect people like me will carry it on in their local community so that it will be the beginning of a new and even better era. 

Imperfect: by that I mean, capable of making mistakes and human error, not intentionally choosing wrongdoing….that term without clarification makes me cringe…but that’s a topic for another day. LOL

Do You Have Joy, REAL Joy?

So, I’ve been contemplating this topic as of a few days ago but haven’t really felt like putting it into words. I still don’t, actually, but I know if I don’t, I’ll forget.

Maybe it’s better if I forget, but I’m gonna go with not forgetting and let it fly. LOL. Fair warning, hopefully this blog won’t offend anyone but if it does, it’s not intentional, just me and my opinions.

First, when I’m referring to joy, I’m thinking of the kind of joy David talks about in Psalm 16:11 (NIV)

¹¹ You make known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

There’s good people in lots of different churches. And when I say good, I mean: sweet, kind, fruit-of-the-spirit-exhibiting, Christ-followers. However, after going to many different places of worship, noting what seemed to me to be a collective spirit of heaviness and lack of real joy in one place of worship and seeing the contrast of the general feeling of joyful praise and worship in another, I totally don’t get how good people could stay stuck in the former. I’m not sure if I admire or pity their gumption for sticking out such misery. Churches are so much alike in many ways, in most cases, it’s not the style of worship or the message that is so different, it’s just the overall atmosphere. And as one who grew up in the system of beliefs (not calling out any specific church, just the general way of thinking) of the former, and now gratefully experience the freedom and joyful spirit of the latter, I feel like I see much more clearly BOTH sides. There’s good and bad, right and wrong on both sides, and there are good Christians, bad Christians, and sinners on both sides. But the one thing I love is being happy serving Jesus (and working to be more like Him…yes, I’m still working…I’m totally not there yet), and being around others who feel the same way. I think there’s people who are happy, and they love and serve Jesus, but they don’t seem happy serving Jesus. Obviously, many people DON’T fall in that category, but I think when the general population of a body of people falls into that, maybe that’s a little part of what creates that lack of joy in service (worship service or general serving).

That’s just my take on it. And everyone experiences gloomy days from time to time but if you’re a constant Eeyore, well…

And something else that seems to have a direct correlation to joy: I’ve found His yoke is easy and His burden is light. And when I took up HIS yoke instead of MAN’S yoke….

Well, I found joy, real joy, wonderful joy.

Now I just have to get the rest of the fruit of the spirit growing up in my life.

Love ya, mean it. =)

Persevering

I don’t even know when I last posted. But I think I’ve been swamped ever since the last post. No joke.

I mentioned that my suitcase is getting a workout, I just got back from a week in Oklahoma (just outside OKC) on a mission trip with a team from church to help in the rebuilding effort after the tornado. It was an incredible trip. Parts of it I wouldn’t want to repeat, but overall, it was wonderful! Our team rebuilt several fences (or parts of fences), laid tile, installed lighting/fans, did some yard work, and other things I can’t recall right at the moment. I got to know a few people just a little bit better, we got stranded on the way out when our van’s transmission died, some of us played a few card games in the evenings, there were some sunburns and lots of sweat, and overall, just an interesting trip.

June has been insane just like I thought it was going to be though. So far, I’ve spent a week preparing for our yard sale, then had a yard sale, then went on a mission trip, then took some senior pictures, and it’s only half over. Whew. I’m exhausted. Exhausted isn’t such a good thing either. The other day I was so tired, it was like I was drunk and I lost all the filters on my brain and said something I totally shouldn’t have said. Nothing exactly bad, just repeated in the wrong company. I’m still praying that no one heard me or caught that. That’s the last thing I need right now.

One of the good things about not posting very frequently is that a lot of people don’t drop by to read me anymore, so I can feel free to say more of what I’m thinking. LOL. Obviously, I’ll still keep most of my mental filters on since it is still a public blog, but it might take just a bit more of a turn toward being a personal journal. LOL.

So on a personal note, I’ve been a bit down for the last couple of days…just events and junk that’s really bothered me and got me down, but today was really nice. I’ve stayed busy so I wouldn’t think too much, and it seemed like every song on the radio was so appropriately encouraging. That’s just awesome. I don’t know yet if all the situations have worked themselves out completely, but at least for the moment, I’ve got a little more peace about it. 

Well, I think the kid is back home from science camp, so I’ll chat more later I guess. =)

Alrighty Then

So far I’ve unsuccessfully tried to use my old passwords to get into all the things I changed to new passwords after my phone was stolen at least 10 times already. 

Open a webpage, whiz out the numbers and letters on the keyboard, hit enter----username or password is incorrect, please try again.

Oh yeah.

SOOOO anyway.

I went to class today and was talking to another girl in class and we were comparing our woes and that same morning my phone was stolen, she was wrecking her car, which is definitely more disastrous than a stolen phone, so that put things a little more in perspective for me. LOL. Even though, WITH insurance, I still had to pay $90 to get a replacement phone, which really stinks but beats having to pay off the balance on the old phone and buying another one…and I’m still sad about losing all the pictures and stuff on my old phone, but all that is better than wrecking the car or having the car stolen. (And the husband says “Amen” lol)

Yeah. So there’s that. And the waitress at Olive Garden refused to let me taste the wine because I was “under 21” and fell all over herself apologizing when I told her that, “no, actually I’m thirty TODAY, but really, it’s okay…I LOVE that you thought I was under 21.” 

Then KC threw a small party for me on Saturday with a few friends and even one Ohio friend brought her hubby and kids down and surprised me. It was great. The pizza dough we made the previous Saturday turned out beautifully on the grill. Sheesh, I was SICK of pizza dough by the time we finished making it, and I wasn’t even sure if it would taste good, because every batch seemed to act differently between the time it took to mix it, let it rise, punch it down, stretch it out, and then bake it. WHEW.

I didn’t take any pictures because I was so busy trying to be a good hostess, but one of my buds brought her camera and passed on a few of her pics (love you, J) so I can show you a few shots. =)

Before I forget, credit where credit is due:
All photos by Jules Photography. Thanks again, girl! =). 
The awesome cake and cupcakes (the ones with icing) were made by one of KC’s coworkers.
The other awesome cake: Dr Pepper/Reeses cake was made by Jules of Jules Photography. 
And the grilled personal pizzas idea came from another amazing friend, Leah. 

 

I look good for 90, huh? =)

I’m sure you couldn’t tell, but I pink puffy heart Dr. Pepper. LOL. Anyway, it was a lot of fun…

I’d say I don’t feel any older, but then the time change happened on the weekend of my birthday, something that I don’t remember happening before, and it is REALLY throwing me for a loop. 

Plus we’re in revival at church this week (which has been awesome so far) so between that and the time change….well, I’m sort of feeling older than thirty. LOL

Right now, I have more I could talk about but I am extremely tired and feel like I have sand under my eyes, so it’s off to bed I go.

Hi ho, hi ho, hi ho, hi hooooo. =)

Bits And Pieces

Goodness.  It’s been a crazy sort of week, but in the midst of all the crazy, it’s hard not to see just how very blessed I am. 

Had class this morning and then left from there to go to a funeral (but more of a going away party) for a very loved and special sixteen year old.  It was beautiful and sad at the same time.  My heart is sad for the family but so happy for “Brother” because I know where he is now and that he has the complete healing that he didn’t have on earth.  I can just imagine him running and talking up there, two things that he was never able to do here, and I’m sure that his smile is more radiant now than ever. 

So I’m not one for tears very often, but today was very touching and I’m pretty sure I used up my annual allotment of eye raindrops. 

The instructor in class this morning said our homework tonight is to start on our first draft for the first essay….and we should start by just free-writing all our ideas. 

Mental vomit, he called it.  ROFL!  I almost laughed out loud in class.  I think I did actually snicker.  I should be really good at this….after all, it’s what I do in EVERY blog post. 

It’s what I’m doing now…(only about all the floating particles of happenings that are in my brain at the moment, NOT about the topic of my first essay). 

Speaking of happenings, KC is almost home from work, so I better go get changed.  We’ll probably have to go get some food since I, for sure, am not in the mood to cook at the moment.  Is there such a thing as mental ADD? 

Brain-Mush

Looks like I’ve gone to bed too many nights as a pumpkin…because this morning I woke up feeling like a vegetable. 

One that is well on its way to the rotten point. 

Must go to bed earlier.  I am blogging earlier today, but obviously, blogging wasn’t what was keeping me up late the last few nights.  Hahahaha. 

I’ve been working on a Shutterfly photo book of the Haiti trip and they were having a two-day sale that would have made the book totally affordable (since it’s stretching into like 47 pages and I haven’t been able to shrink it anymore and still be able to see the pictures well…lol).  SOOO…I was trying to finish it before the sale ended.  And…I failed.  But there will other sales…I’ll just finish working on the album in daylight hours and then hold the finished album until they have another (and hopefully even better) sale.  =) 

While we’re on the topic of Haiti, a recent message compared the trip we took down there to our pilgrimage on earth as Christians from another kingdom (heaven).  Something that stuck out to me was the way our actions reflect on our home country.  Going to Haiti, our behavior/lifestyles/attitudes determined what those we came in contact with thought about Americans.  Living in our communities (and also on mission trips), our behavior and lifestyles and attitudes will determine what people think about the Kingdom of God.

¹¹Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, ¹²Having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation. (1 Peter 2:11-12 NKJV)

There was a whole lot more to that comparison, but that’s just one of the things that stuck with me.  It seems like one of those things you kind of already know but sometimes it’s thought provoking when you come at it from a new angle. 

And that’s what’s been in my brain this week. That, along with a few weird dreams that I’ve since forgotten, and sheet-rock mud.  My parents bought a cute brick fixer-upper and are…er…fixing-upping it.  Starting with ripping out the entire 70’s brown and yellow, oddly-arranged kitchen all the way down to the studs, then adding more electrical outlets and putting up sheetrock.  New kitchen cabinets are supposed to be put in on Saturday, so they’ve been burning the midnight oil, too.  I’ve been over there helping dad a couple days while the kids were in school.  Yesterday we were slinging mud.  Neither of us are particularly good at it, except dad is good at slinging it, and I’m particular about leaving glopped amounts on the floor because it seems a little wasteful. So I kept digging in the tops of his dropped piles instead of getting more putty out of the bucket.  (Yeah, mom, this explanation is for you…it’s why there were piles of mud on the floor that had been half cleaned up…I would have used the whole piles, but the floor was dusty and I didn’t want to put that crud on the walls.  LOL)

Totally unrelated to the previous paragraph, I must make my weekly confession and say that I have consumed way too many delectable desserts, a couple of extra helpings when I really didn’t need them, and two 44oz. Dr. Peppers this week.  I walked once and burned 69 fat calories, but I’m pretty sure that’s at least 3000 calories short of what really needs burning right now.  =/  Oops.  If anyone happens to run across my self-control, please return it as soon as possible because I really, REALLY need it back.  LOL. 

In a very large nutshell, that is everything you probably didn’t need to know about my week. 

And now, I need to get back to work on my Shutterfly book before bedtime.  =) 

Ahhh

Yeah, I went awol there for a few days I guess.  Didn’t even realize it…I’ve just been staying busy and haven’t spent much time on my computer. 

KC had a business trip and was gone a couple of days, so it was just me keeping up with everything here…and that’s enough to keep a person hopping, for sure. 

And then cleaning and having friends over…well…time sure does fly when you’re having fun. Although, the time doesn’t seem to fly on the cleaning part of that.  Haha. 

I almost posted Wednesday night…Bible study topic was on peace (as in, part of the fruit of the Spirit)…kicked up a whole batch of thoughts to chew over, but I guess I got sidetracked and forgot.  I’m pretty sure absent-minded-ness ISN’T one of the Spiritual fruits…if it was, I’d be all set.  Unfortunately, in spiritual school, I really need to bring my grade up in the Peace Class.  LOL.  But I’m working on it…some days are better than others. 

Since I’m already confessing, let me just fess up and say that I had a Dr. Pepper today.  First one in like a week…maybe a little over a week. I’m giving up on the part where I quit because I keep caving…so I’m just going to say I’m cutting back…and an occasional splurge is allowed.  ;-) 

Anyway, that’s what’s popping around here.  Next week looks to be more of the same…not a lot of laidback summer going on around these parts, but that’s alright. 

*Huge Sigh*

Drah-ma, drah-ma, DRAH-MA!  Not my thing.  I can deal with your Basic, Everyday, Low-key drama…(I mean, really…I’m a girl…I have my own fair share of BEL-K d) but then when it turns in to drahhhhh-maaaa….and so on…wellll…..

I hate that.

Today was not a “BEL-K d” day.  Consequently, I keep hearing myself suck in and heave huge sighs every few minutes. 

I have friends and family who are facing serious, life threatening or life altering health issues…and really I should just stop with that because that totally makes all my other current brain fodder seem super trivial. 

Yeah, I need to figure out my best option for cell phone service, I’m thinking about switching from verizon because I am so frustrated with them lately, but in light of what other people are facing, the great cell phone service provider debate seems like a totally shallow thing to be pondering.  (Although if you’d like to weigh in on the best plan with the best phone for the best price, of course I’d be interested in hearing it…lol)

Yes, I got frustrated by stupid things today.  Yes, I went to Sonic and ordered a Rt 44 Dr. Pepper because I needed a fix.  No, I didn’t get my house totally clean today and I’m never 100% on top of the laundry.  My cell phone is still as dumb as I am.  And sometimes I don’t think I’ll ever get all my ducks in a row or figure it all out.

But none of that is really important.   

¹ The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. ² He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. ³ He restoreth my soul:  (Psalm 23:1-3)

The important thing is that God is always there offering wisdom and peace and grace and mercy and bringing me back to hope.

Your grace and mercy, brought me through
I'm living this moment because of You
I want to thank You, and praise You too
Your grace and mercy, brought me through…

I’m so undeserving.  But thankful with all my heart. 

Wow.

Today’s devotion over at Proverbs 31 was perfect…

⁶Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. ⁷And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. ⁸Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. ⁹Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
                                                   -Philippians 4:6-9

Sweet. 

Pray About Everything

And Once Again

I am rendered speechless.  This becoming more and more common.  YIKES!  LOL. 

And as usual when I’m feeling speechless, I’m thinking perhaps I should not say anything at all.  But I want to…oh I want to. 

I will say this though, if you haven’t read the book, unChristian, you should read it.  I know I mentioned it before and I said I might come back and talk about it, but it’s really hard to discuss it in a little blog post because it is such a big topic.  And it was the topic of Sunday School this morning, which reminded me that I never did get back to talking about it here. 

The perception of “Christianity” is not very positive and from personal experience and knowing the experiences of others, I can understand why.  Reading this book made me cringe…for all the things I’m NOT responsible for, but also for the ways (however unintentional) that I may have participated in some of the actions that would give an outsider reasons to have a negative impression of Christianity. 

It’s tough.  I know after reading this book, there are a lot of ways that I am doing positive things, but there are also still ways that I can do better.  I don’t want to be known for what I don’t do.  I want to be known for loving Jesus and caring about others.  And not just a shallow “caring” only to get another “check mark on my soul-winning list” where, if they’re not interested in becoming a check mark, or if they’re already on the “soul-WON” list, I simply move on to my next victim (I know, I’ve met some of those), but a genuine, non-judgmental, non-hypocritical, loving, care and concern for people.  Even the ones I don’t like.  *sigh*  Like I said, I’ve got some areas that need work.  =)

Anyway, that doesn’t even begin to get into the good stuff, but I challenge you, if you call yourself a Christian, go read it.  And especially, if you are a Christian that wants to reach others in the most effective way possible.  Sometimes, to be more effective, one must be more informed (and open to change if necessary).  Wow…that was a deep thought right there…for being speechless anyway.  HAHA. 

Oh yeah, and mom, our library doesn’t have it because it’s still at my house, but I know you said you wanted to read it, so put it on hold so they can call you with it as soon as I return it….teeehehe.  Would probably not be a very good Christian thing to do to not return it, don’t ya think?  LOL! 

He’s still workin on me, to make me what I ought to be,
It took Him just a week to make the moon and stars,
The sun and earth and Jupiter and Mars,
How loving and patient He must be, cuz He’s still workin on me.

=) 

Bless the Lord

Oh my soul….and all that is within me….

Now I just WISH I had nothing to say. 

Dear heavenly Father! 

I can’t talk about most of it, but what I can say….

I didn’t get on here Friday because I really didn’t want to complain.  I still don’t want to complain, so I’ll just gloss over the facts of Friday:

I wanted to do a good deed and weed-eat the yard for my hubby to make his life a little easier this week. 

I weed-ate.  YES.  ME.  Aren’t you so proud?  I cranked up that booger all by myself (okay, so I read the instructions on the handle) and took care of business. 

Right as I was finishing, I found a fun bunch of buddies in the back yard who wore yellow jackets and lived in a hole in the ground and were not happy about me eating weeds there. 

I don’t know how many stings/bites I got, but it was more than 5, and I’m pretty sure the dude that wouldn’t get off my finger no matter how much I flung my hand around got in at least 6 stings/bites because that one was the worst. 

Lucky for me, it was the backyard and no one was around to see me drop the weed-whacker and run into the house discarding clothing as I ran…lol. 

I’m thankful it wasn’t worse, but three days later, my left ring finger is still swollen, throbbing, and stiff.  I’m not complaining, really.  I’m just ready for all these stings/bites to disappear already.  I think I’ve paid enough penance for my good deed.   

Anyway. 

Yesterday, I spent the morning with a friend who is taking over the VBS Crafts spot that I vacated this year…lol.  Vacation Bible School you know….not that I quit entirely, just doing a different task because my patience ran out with kids who don’t/won’t listen.  But I’m not a completely horrible friend, because I did tell her I would totally help her shop and get all the stuff ready for it and all…she just gets to be the patient one and deal with the kids.   Teehehe. 

And last night I spent the night with some old gal pals (old as in long time, not old as in age…because they are the same age as me and I refuse to truly get old).  Anyway, I came home this morning (at 12:45…lol).  It was a fun night.  And I have no further comment.  ROFL! 

Today the choir went to sing for Nanny (a seasoned sister at our church who has been unable to get out to church in quite a few weeks now).  I didn’t take pictures while we were there, but as we were leaving, I snapped a couple from my van.  Not great ones because it was totally spur of the moment and candid, but pictures.  Bless her heart.  She is one of the sweetest people I know!  She was so glad to see us.  I almost cried and that’s saying a lot.  (And no, it wasn’t cuz my finger was hurting either.  lol)  Her knees are pretty much give out and she said her doctor said he can’t do anything else for her except surgery and even that is not likely to help at her age.  She stays in a lot of pain with them, so if you can, remember her when you pray.  I’m sure she’d appreciate it! 

And my mom was awesome and came to my house and walked my dogs since we couldn’t get back home today because of the booked afternoon.  My parents are great.  (Love you guys! =)

And then some other stuff, no further comment there.

And then little guy lost his first tooth tonight!  *boohoo*  He’s growing up on me, too.  First Munchkin and now K-man….*sigh* 

He prayed at bedtime, the usual prayer with a ps.  “oh and please help my tooth to grow back.  Amen.” 

LOL. 

And then I got on facebook…and that’s all I’ll say about THAT. 

My weekend in a nutshell.  =)

And my finger is on fire, so I’m off to find something to cool it down again.  Not complaining…stating facts. 

Good Night

I just posted…how is it that it’s been like five days already?  And it’s not like I’ve been that busy for the last few days either…for a change.  Haha. 

I have actually had some kinda lazy days for the last couple days…haven’t done much besides hang around the house and do laundry (hello, time to save some gas) and would you believe I’m still tired?  I take vitamins (half the time).  KC says maybe I should start exercising…I probably could go down and walk on the treadmill for awhile…but I’m never ever ever ever ever…did I say EVER? in the mood….lol.  Perhaps that’s my problem.  Anyway. 

I have lots of problems.  Most of them human.  And when it’s not the human in ME, it’s the human in the people around me.  Sometimes both. 

Something that has been on my mind lately is that people get offended way too easily.  Offense can mean several different things but the definition I’m thinking of means the state of being insulted or morally outraged.  And to offend, by definition, to cause to feel vexation or resentment usually by violation of what is proper or fitting. 

I think the issue falls in that people are insulted or morally outraged by their definition of a violation of what is proper or fitting.  In some senses, I get offended easily.  If I know someone is flat out lying to me, with the intent to mislead, that’s rather offensive.  But I think the difference is, in most cases, the things people are getting insulted over are just THEIR OPINION of what is a violation of morals. 

Oooh, person X was in place Y the other day and I’m SO OFFENDED by that…that couldn’t possibly be something a TRUE Christian would do…I’m going to tell them how much their actions offended me.  Or…person Z wore a shirt that was SO low I could see her collarbone….I am SOO offended.  Or…person A said such and such and I think he REALLY meant this and this and we need to have a meeting so we can work this out.  Or even, person B does this activity that I totally disagree with so I’m not going to say anything but I’m not going to be friends with them anymore…. 

I wish I were exaggerating but people really do get their knickers in a knot over their own convictions of moral truth. 

So you don’t do X, Y, or Z…that’s perfectly fine.

I just don’t see the point in taking everyone to task over every little thing that you don’t agree with that you decide offends you.  All that does is make people feel like they have to walk on eggshells around you or face (yet another) meeting or discussion.  Garruhmph.  THAT bothers me.  I hate feeling like I have to walk on eggshells…consequently I have some people that I avoid like the plague.  KC calls them EGRs (extra grace required)…I try not to call them anything at all because I like to stay out of calling range.  That probably offends them, too.  LOL.  It’s kind of funny, but I guess you could say that I get offended by people who get over-offended.  Teeehehe.  LOL.  I love everybody, it’s just that some of those bodies, I have to love from a distance.  For the safety and well-being of everyone involved…lol  =)  Is that bad?  If it is, just pray for me, okay?

Here, let’s change the subject before I offend someone…lol…look at these cute kids….can’t get offended over that, right? 

This is that kit I mentioned in my last post…the one that goes along with my new theme.  Raspberry Limeade…mmmm…makes me thirsty!  Such a yummy kit! 

And cute kids…did I mention they were cute?  Even when they’re being difficult on camera.  LOL!  Munchkin has this thing anymore where she puts on this weird pouty/grouchy face like she’s trying to be a grownup or something…ugh…see what I mean?!

And K-man…well, he likes to smile with his eyes shut.  And then as soon as you snap the picture, his eyes fly open, “lemme see the picture, momma!”  “SURE, buddy, but how bout you keep your eyes open so you can SEE the picture from that side of the lens?!”  LOL! 

ANYWAY….that was how the page got its title: the elusive…Perfect Picture.  LOL! 

And I think I’m going to call it a night now.  PS for anyone who wonders, NO, nothing happened, I’ve not been called into any meetings lately, I haven’t offended anyone lately (that I know of)….just been thinking about it.  LOL. 

Tired Eyes

Another Sunday with no nap.  *sigh*  I got up way early this morning, too.  *wincing* 

Not complaining, mind you….just stating facts. 

Fact: I need a couple dozen aspirin and a pillow and I will be one happy camper.

Of course, I won’t take the couple dozen aspirin all at one time or I would be one DEAD camper. 

That’s a fact, too. 

Oh my….or as TB says at church…My Lord!  rofl…

Today was a little rough.  BK preached on longsuffering.  I could use a little work on my longsuffering…then again, I didn’t choke anyone today, so evidently I must possess at least a portion.  I did momentarily envision my hands around someone’s neck at one point, so it may be a SMALL portion, but I’m working on it.  LOL.  And don’t even tell me you have never had any of those little moments where you can just imagine someone as a bug that you could flick away because they’re making you batty.  Next time you’re behind a car going 20 in a 45, you just tell me you don’t wish you could flick your fingers and zap them out of your way.  Now of course, you can’t do that…it’s a bad idea for many reasons, logistically, for one, AND because it obviously wouldn’t be very Christ-like, for another…but don’t TELL me you’ve never thought it (or something similar…lol)!

I don’t feel very coherent right now.  Probably because I’m tired.   Lucky for me, I hear that blogging is a thing of the past, and no one reads these things anymore, so for all five of you that are left, just ignore everything I said tonight and perhaps tomorrow I will make more sense. 

….or not. 

Okay….my suffering self is going to bed.  That’s fact, not complaint. 

  Goodnight.

Day 23-24–March 2011

Kit: Focus Collab by Sweet Tomato Designs, Heather Hess, & Pagefrocks

Font: My own handwriting

Day 13–March 2011

Kit: Focus Collab by Sweet Tomato Designs, Heather Hess, & Pagefrocks

Font: My own handwriting

Who Needs Ladders?

Sunday afternoon, K & I painted our Sunday School room.  It’s a happy color.  Kinda like the boiler room.  LOL.  People will know exactly which paint jobs Faith had a hand in at the church…

Not such a happy color when it’s in a puddle on the carpet though.  They don’t call me “Grace” for nothin’! Heh.  And in case you’re wondering, I was FINE on the redneck ladder.  When we upgraded to a real ladder for the second half of the ceiling trim, I decided to skip the last step--while holding paint in one hand and a brush in the other. Thank God for friends who catch us when we fall.  Even if their husband suggests that perhaps she should have let me fall and catch the paint instead.  LOL. 

And when little guy here said, “That looks kinda dangerous—but FUN!” and proceeded to make his own redneck ladder, I DID say…”Kid, this IS extremely dangerous and you should NEVER try this at home!”   

Now we just have to go back and paint the trim white.  Thankfully the trim is all on my level…no ladders, real or rigged, required.  =)

Good Night

I’m not sure what it is, but it doesn’t matter how hard I try to get done with my list of things to do after I put the kids in bed, it never seems to happen and before I know it, there I am again at 11:02 and the hubby has given up and is snoring in the chair. 

Tonight--it was Sunday School.  I am usually the assistant for my amazing friend, but she put together the fall fest this week (which was where we were tonight and why I didn’t get this done sooner) and needed me to take over the SS lesson for Sunday. 

So I thunk and thunk and finally settled on a fruit of the spirit game…and then I had to come up with the rules and print out the game pieces and….well, you get the idea.  It’s fairly simple and I’m using Moral Scenario cards from another game and just sorting them into characteristics that lean toward specific fruits of the spirit.  We’ll see how it goes tomorrow.  Our class has been talking about fruits of the spirit for several weeks now, so it kinda flows…lol.  Teaching isn’t my gift…I’d much rather assist, but for my friend, I’ll step out of my comfort zone.  ;-)  

I was hoping I could figure this out faster and still have time to go through my pictures to see what I still need to work on for the photo hunt, but now I’m tired and I’ll have to get up early for church tomorrow, so I guess I’ll try to get it done after church. 

I think I have most of the pictures for the hunt, but I’m not positive until I go through and edit some of them to see if they will work.  I’m not doing it tonight though.  Tonight I’m getting OFF the computer.  ;-) 

Goodnight! 

Adversity

I don’t typically talk about church stuff on this blog…for various reasons…but I’m gonna break my own rules for a moment and say how awesome Bro Mike’s lesson was tonight on adversity.  I guess that was the official topic, but if it wasn’t, that was what I got out of it… 

Anyway.  He brought some points about Paul and Silas in prison that I’d never really seen before.  Yeah, we always talk about how they were facing serious persecution and they sang and prayed in prison and the jailer was saved, but he talked about how God opened the prison and the earthquake released them.  Most of us would see that as a sign from God and a door to the exit and leave.  BUT THEY STAYED.  Because God wanted to save the jailer and his family.  The jailer was ready to commit suicide because the adversity he was facing by failing to keep the prisoners contained was too much for him.  But Paul and Silas, by staying and showing Christ in the middle of ADVERSITY instead of just walking away when the opportunity presented itself, were able to lead the jailer to Christ (giving hope instead of despair).  And not only that, they must have had some kind of impression on the other prisoners from that ONE NIGHT in jail together, that THEY didn’t leave either. 

Shoo…all I can say is, Lord, help me. 

I don’t like adversity.  I like the earthquake to open the door for me to exit.  And I don’t always have the right attitude when I’m in the middle of it either…that is TOUGH.  Lord, help me!

This song came to mind…one of my favorites:

There is hope, so hold on, there is hope
God has sent me here to tell you, there is hope
And He knows just what you’re going through and what the future holds
As long as Jesus lives, there is Hope!

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PS in regards to yesterday’s post on revenge, i really don’t have a bad attitude about that…i’m seriously trying not to do anything to provoke mr grouchy neighbor…but you know that part about what would probably happen this morning when i went to the bus stop?  well, I let my mother-in-law walk munchkin to the bus this morning (me and the dogs stayed home)….lol…i wasn’t trying to exit adversity though…HONEST!  =)

Day 2

Wow, what an original title.  ;-)  I’m sorry…I am so tired.  I couldn’t have picked a busier weekend to start this whole posting everyday thing.  LOL. 

Today was All Day Meeting at church, so we were gone all day.  It went pretty well…all things considered.  =)  I could say lots of things, but I won’t.  =)  Unfortunately, that makes for a terrible blog post, so either way I’m in trouble.  That’s my life story.  =) 

Here’s a picture for ya though…snapped it on our way to the church this morning…thought the fog coming off the water looked pretty cool. 

This is one of the few good pictures off my camera lately.  I kinda dropped my camera a couple weeks ago and I’m pretty sure the lens that was on it is messed up.  Well, I’m not pretty sure…it is.  *sigh*  You know that sick feeling you get inside you when you do something really stupid like forget to zip the bag that your camera is in and then carry it over your shoulder and then next thing you know, you feel something slipping out of your bag and you hear this crash on the floor and you know exactly what it was?  Well, I had that feeling.  I’m just glad my camera still works.  I am bummed about the lens, since it was my only good one, but at least my camera is still functioning. 

Anyway…anyone have a nice lens they’d like to donate?  LOL.  I know I’m not the only person in the world who ever does “stupid” but sometimes it gets annoying to have it be me so often.  LOL! 

I might post a few more pictures later after I go through my camera and see if anything else turned out.  That’s the thing about my other lenses…I am never quite sure.  *sigh*  Ah well.  Life goes on.