I have started another book (actually, 2 or 3 others, but who's counting?!), and, after only a few short chapters, I'm hooked. It's non-fiction (well, mostly) by Max Lucado, and it's called Fearless.
It's his newest book (he's written eleventy billion), and it asks hard questions. By what things do we measure our self worth? How has fear eroded our ability to be productive? Who are you, really?
Though I haven't gotten even halfway through the book yet, I have been thinking a lot about this question: What would I do if I weren't afraid? I mean, truly, if I could eliminate fear (or, whittle it away until it's only the healthy amount that keeps me from just being plain stupid), how would my life be different? What decisions would I make--or make differently--if I could just let go of my misgivings?
This is sort of dangerous water to navigate, both because I don't like to make a habit to dwell on the past, and because I certainly don't to allow myself the opportunity to regret the past. I need to be sure that, in asking such questions, that they can be understood in how I will move forward, and not ultimately foster more fear as a way to respond to the poor choices that I've made up to this point.
I think, though, that asking these questions has helped to identify a larger question (for me, anyway): what, exactly, do I fear? I want to rule things out, but I think that, if I'm being honest, there are a lot of things that scare the sheboygans out of me (yup, sheboygans): being a disappointment, going through financial duress, losing family, failing, the unknown, making the wrong choice, etc. So, like, in naming my fears, it's almost as if I've discovered that fear, in one way or another, plays a much bigger role in my life than I would like.
Here's the thing, though: I've been told that I need not worry, since even sparrows are taken care of, and they're way less important than I am. I've been told that I'm so important, and so well-loved, that even my (now shorter) hairs are individually numbered. I've been told, countless times, to Fear Not.
So, now I just have to get better at implementing that, which means letting go of a lot(!) of stuff. And, some of the things that I need to abandon--some of these fears--are things that have also acted as safety nets. It's comfortable to be settled in fear because then the risks can remain small. But, alas, so then do the rewards.
Here's to a brand new, fearless day.
7.30.2010
7.29.2010
Sing Out Loud, Sing Out Strong
So, a few weeks ago, Joe and I got a new car, and so far, we are loving it! I have to admit, though, that one of my very favorite things about it is that it came with a free six month trial of Sirius satellite radio. Ummmm, yeahhhh, we're both hooked. My favorite stations thus far are 9 and 23. Channel 9 plays all 90s music, while channel 23 plays hair band music (I love me some monster ballads).
Last night, as I was driving home from work, jamming to "We're Not Gonna Take It" by Twisted Sister (and let me tell you, it was some serious jamming, so I'm glad it was dark out), I began to mentally categorize all of the songs that are apt to come on the radio. Here are my lists (but, do keep in mind that this is a work in progress--a very early draft, I'm sure):
LIST ONE: SONGS THAT WILL ALWAYS CAUSE ME TO CHANGE THE STATION:
1. "I'll Always Love You" by Taylor Dayne.
2. "Cherry Bomb" by John Mellencamp
3. "Alejandro" by Lady Gaga
4. "Better Than a Hallelujah" by Amy Grant
LIST TWO: SONGS THAT I'LL ONLY LEAVE ON IF THERE'S ABSOLUTELY NOTHING ELSE ON:
1. "Love Shack" by The B-52s
2. "Life is a Highway" by Tom Cochrane
3. "Baby Got Back" by Sir Mix-A-Lot
LIST THREE: SONGS THAT I WILL LEAVE ON, NO MATTER WHAT:
1. "We Are The World" by USA For Africa
2. "One Moment In Time" by Whitney Houston
3. "Proud to be an American" by Lee Greenwood
4. "The Stroke" by Billy Squier
5. "Shout at the Devil" by Motley Crue
6. "We're Not Gonna Take It" by Twisted Sister
7. "November Rain" by Guns N Roses
8. "Have You Ever Needed Someone So Bad?" by Def Leppard
9. "The Glory of Love" by Peter Cetera
10. "Uprising" by Muse
11. "Icky Thump" by The White Stripes
12. "Baba O'Riley" by The Who
13. "In A Gadda Da Vida" by Iron Butterfly
14. "Make Me Lose Control" by Eric Carmen
15. "Pressure" by Billy Joel
Go ahead, judge me. :0) Or, feel free to contribute. My goal, by the way, is to take List Three and make it into a collection of The Best Songs Ever.
It's a good thing that my days are SO FULL of spare time so I can do all of this hard work...
Last night, as I was driving home from work, jamming to "We're Not Gonna Take It" by Twisted Sister (and let me tell you, it was some serious jamming, so I'm glad it was dark out), I began to mentally categorize all of the songs that are apt to come on the radio. Here are my lists (but, do keep in mind that this is a work in progress--a very early draft, I'm sure):
LIST ONE: SONGS THAT WILL ALWAYS CAUSE ME TO CHANGE THE STATION:
1. "I'll Always Love You" by Taylor Dayne.
2. "Cherry Bomb" by John Mellencamp
3. "Alejandro" by Lady Gaga
4. "Better Than a Hallelujah" by Amy Grant
LIST TWO: SONGS THAT I'LL ONLY LEAVE ON IF THERE'S ABSOLUTELY NOTHING ELSE ON:
1. "Love Shack" by The B-52s
2. "Life is a Highway" by Tom Cochrane
3. "Baby Got Back" by Sir Mix-A-Lot
LIST THREE: SONGS THAT I WILL LEAVE ON, NO MATTER WHAT:
1. "We Are The World" by USA For Africa
2. "One Moment In Time" by Whitney Houston
3. "Proud to be an American" by Lee Greenwood
4. "The Stroke" by Billy Squier
5. "Shout at the Devil" by Motley Crue
6. "We're Not Gonna Take It" by Twisted Sister
7. "November Rain" by Guns N Roses
8. "Have You Ever Needed Someone So Bad?" by Def Leppard
9. "The Glory of Love" by Peter Cetera
10. "Uprising" by Muse
11. "Icky Thump" by The White Stripes
12. "Baba O'Riley" by The Who
13. "In A Gadda Da Vida" by Iron Butterfly
14. "Make Me Lose Control" by Eric Carmen
15. "Pressure" by Billy Joel
Go ahead, judge me. :0) Or, feel free to contribute. My goal, by the way, is to take List Three and make it into a collection of The Best Songs Ever.
It's a good thing that my days are SO FULL of spare time so I can do all of this hard work...
7.23.2010
Mirror, Mirror, On the Wall...
They said it would happen, and they weren't kidding. My child is a Mini-Me.
He talks (and talks and talks), and it has been quite clear, for some time, that his vocabulary is largely comprised of words that he hears on a regular basis. That's how it's supposed to work, after all. But, now, a new phase has approached: my sweet child is now imitating actions. And, frankly, he's quite good.
For example, at regular intervals throughout the day, my little boy toddles over to his toy box, collects several small items, and puts them into a schoolhouse-shaped box of his. Then, he picks up his wares, and hustles over to the gate at the top of our steps and announces, "It's time to go to work." (Often, he then yells "see you...bye bye" repeatedly as he runs down the hallway, out of sight.) (And by "often", I mean, "approximately 209890 times a day).
Also, he has lately been repeating the following phrase "What time IS it? Let me check my phone." And then, as he has done for some time, my boy eagerly hunts for the nearest phone.
And, of course, he has taken quite a liking to imitating me when I yawn and stretch. I have to admit, sometimes I do this a bit more than necessary, just because I delight in watching his reenactment at least as much as he enjoys doing it.
Sometimes, as I consider the great joys that my experience as a parent has provided, I think, with great sorrow, about the parents of children who grow up to be notorious criminals. I think of the people who have children that are born with some sort of incurable disease or inoperable deficiency. I think about parents who are perpetually plagued with the guilt of having brought another mouth into the world without the means of feeding it. I think about the children whose parents don't want them. My heart is so heavy for the plight of these people. What profound anguish must eat away at their hearts as they watch their beautiful child, the love of their lives, turn into less than they should be because they lack the ability to become all that they can. And, what despair those parents must feel to be without the resources that they would surely lavish on their children if they only had the chance. It is devastating.
This job of being a parent is a tough one. There are surely ups and downs, and great sacrifices must inevitably be made, even under the best circumstances. But, I treasure every moment that I have with my son. It is truly miraculous to see this little child, with all the curiosity and imagination he can muster, living out his days (at rapid-fire pace, I might add...where has the time gone?). He engages the world around him in a way that is inspiring and exciting. He teaches me so much each and every day, and has discovered a way to hold me accountable just by merely desiring to be like me. I learn so much, too, about how God must view me as His child. I can understand much more clearly how it is possible to love someone no matter how infuriating they are. I can see more fully how miraculous the gift of God's patience is as He continues gently lead us in a particular direction and as we continue to go another way, not having the vision or knowledge to understand the perils that will cross our path. I ache now to think of Abraham committing to sacrifice Isaac, and how much more for God to sacrifice His only son, Jesus Christ.
What an emotionally-charged experience this is...and I'm not even two years in.
He talks (and talks and talks), and it has been quite clear, for some time, that his vocabulary is largely comprised of words that he hears on a regular basis. That's how it's supposed to work, after all. But, now, a new phase has approached: my sweet child is now imitating actions. And, frankly, he's quite good.
For example, at regular intervals throughout the day, my little boy toddles over to his toy box, collects several small items, and puts them into a schoolhouse-shaped box of his. Then, he picks up his wares, and hustles over to the gate at the top of our steps and announces, "It's time to go to work." (Often, he then yells "see you...bye bye" repeatedly as he runs down the hallway, out of sight.) (And by "often", I mean, "approximately 209890 times a day).
Also, he has lately been repeating the following phrase "What time IS it? Let me check my phone." And then, as he has done for some time, my boy eagerly hunts for the nearest phone.
And, of course, he has taken quite a liking to imitating me when I yawn and stretch. I have to admit, sometimes I do this a bit more than necessary, just because I delight in watching his reenactment at least as much as he enjoys doing it.
Sometimes, as I consider the great joys that my experience as a parent has provided, I think, with great sorrow, about the parents of children who grow up to be notorious criminals. I think of the people who have children that are born with some sort of incurable disease or inoperable deficiency. I think about parents who are perpetually plagued with the guilt of having brought another mouth into the world without the means of feeding it. I think about the children whose parents don't want them. My heart is so heavy for the plight of these people. What profound anguish must eat away at their hearts as they watch their beautiful child, the love of their lives, turn into less than they should be because they lack the ability to become all that they can. And, what despair those parents must feel to be without the resources that they would surely lavish on their children if they only had the chance. It is devastating.
This job of being a parent is a tough one. There are surely ups and downs, and great sacrifices must inevitably be made, even under the best circumstances. But, I treasure every moment that I have with my son. It is truly miraculous to see this little child, with all the curiosity and imagination he can muster, living out his days (at rapid-fire pace, I might add...where has the time gone?). He engages the world around him in a way that is inspiring and exciting. He teaches me so much each and every day, and has discovered a way to hold me accountable just by merely desiring to be like me. I learn so much, too, about how God must view me as His child. I can understand much more clearly how it is possible to love someone no matter how infuriating they are. I can see more fully how miraculous the gift of God's patience is as He continues gently lead us in a particular direction and as we continue to go another way, not having the vision or knowledge to understand the perils that will cross our path. I ache now to think of Abraham committing to sacrifice Isaac, and how much more for God to sacrifice His only son, Jesus Christ.
What an emotionally-charged experience this is...and I'm not even two years in.
7.21.2010
Lots of Tashards...
Haha...you know, like Tashard Choice, the football player? So, like, Choices?!?
Ahem...anyway.
My life has been pretty busy lately. For a little over two months, I've been juggling the task of being a stay-at-home mom by day (read: CFO and COO of our home) and a barista by night. I am an Elder at the church, and the Financial Secretary and a Connector and co-chair for the All-Church Retreat in October. Also, I have this group of people in my life I like to call "family," who I just love to spend time with, and who I think it's really important to continue to grow in relationship with.
Yeah, I know, I just ended that sentence with a preposition. It bugs me, too, but the "with whom..." nonsense would've made that sentence even longer, so I elected to be grammatically sketchy. The shock! The horror!
Moving on.
I think it's really important to evaluate the decisions that I make in my life to ensure that they're proper and best for me. I think that it's good to know where I am, and to understand how saying "yes" or "no" to one thing or another can lead to a considerable shifting of everything else that I already juggle. I think it's healthy to realize that things may not be headed in the direction that I'd imagined, and even healthier to accept that it's okay.
Here's my problem: I do this all of the time. And, in so doing, I constantly change my mind. I am a dreamer, to say the least, and I am really, really exceptional at mapping out a plan toward achieving a goal. I am less exceptional, however, at the follow through. I get wishy-washy. I get nervous. I worry that I'd be serving better in a different way. I feel incompetent. I feel unmotivated. I just feel overwhelmed.
This confession gets to the heart of why (most of) my career goals have been squandered. I have had brilliant ideas and brilliant plans for accomplishing them, but when it gets to the actual doing of things, I have pulled back on countless occasions. This wasn't the case with the PhD, but life had its way with that dream, too (for now, at least).
I could let this get me down, which it has done before, but I have learned that that is never productive. Instead, I'm trying to take a step back and figure out what things really make me thrive. What are my gifts, and where would I really be able to use them in a way that can be a blessing to others? And, what are the things that I'm undertaking that don't really seem to best reflect my gifts? What can I do to honor my commitments, but also honor the gifts that God has given me now? What am I doing well at this time?
Here are some of my conclusions:
1. I am not a perfect mom, but I'm a good one. Andy is happy, healthy and learning new things each day. He prays with us, attends church with us, and hears lots of stories from the Bible and/or using biblical concepts. He understands demonstrating love, and does so well, which I can only attribute to his being the recipient of such love. Frankly, his sweet spirit and zest for life have made motherhood an easy task for me.
2. I am also not a perfect wife, but I'm a good one. I genuinely want my marriage to grow and thrive. I am terrible at holding up my end of the bargain when it comes to keeping this house spotless (or even close), but I am working on it. I am constantly trying to find ways to get through my own issues so that I can honor and serve Joe in the way that I believe I'm called to do. The laundry gets done, the bills are paid on time, dinner is made (almost) every night. I get the joy of worshiping with my husband every week, praying with him every night, and discussing all sorts of things that have to do with our faith, and how we understand what we're called to do. I have had to work hard at opening up, especially in moments of confrontation and weakness, but Joe and I both are deeply committed to our marriage, and have come to learn that self-sacrifice and shared vision make all the difference in the world.
3. I'm a pretty great barista. I don't just make coffee, and I don't just clean the ice machine (though that's a favorite task at the end of the night). I also genuinely care about the customers that I serve. When they tell me their stories (and you'd be surprised at how many of them will just spill the beans while they're waiting in line), I am truly invested in what they have to say. I think that this job, to which I keep returning, and which I always enjoy, says a lot about who I am. For example:
a. I am a relational person. I really need my private time, but I am also really passionate about knowing people in a deeper way. I love to hear people's stories and I think that I am good at finding a way to relate to just about anyone that I encounter. I think that I make people feel comfortable.
b. I like instant gratification. The speed of this job allows me to see things through at a pace that meets my need for accomplishment. I frequently don't follow things through (see above) because I am impatient and because I divert my attention to other things. In this job, however, I can easily start and finish something and mentally check it off of my list of things. Knowing that about myself, I have taken all of my household (and other) tasks, and divided them into 15 minute segments. I'm convinced I can do anything for 15 minutes, and then I can check something off of the list.
c. I like to be needed and I like to be liked. On multiple occasions, people have literally cheered for me when I've arrived at work for the evening. Like, seriously, they yell, "Hurray!!! Kristen!!!" Do you know how good that feels? Do you know how nice it is for people to tell you on a regular basis how happy they are to be working with you, and how awesome you are, and that you're the "Queen of Customer Service"? It feels really good. I like to be that person. I think we all do, in one way or another. What's really great, though, and especially encouraging to me, is that I have been accepted by this group of people while being myself. I mean, I'm just kind of a crazy person at work (and everywhere else, really). I sing and dance and tell ridiculous jokes (though I think they're hilarious, of course). It's just nice to have the kind of a comfort with this random group of people who, I guarantee, would never all find themselves in the same place under any other circumstances than the ones that presently exist.
d. I just need to work on being patient. I'm not impatient in the sense that I lose my temper quickly. In that regard, actually, I'm pretty easy going, I think. But I just like things to be moving. I don't like stagnation. I don't like waiting in this lane when that lane is moving so much more quickly. I think that, were I to try yoga, it would be a painful experience for me at first, though it might be just the thing to help me start thinking in this new way. That, and if I could just learn to be content with where I am, and with what I have, then I wouldn't always be waiting around for something else!
Oy vey. I think it's good that I have an outlet for getting all of this stuff out. And if you've continued to read to this point, then thanks. You're probably a great friend, and I appreciate the encouragement. :0)
Ahem...anyway.
My life has been pretty busy lately. For a little over two months, I've been juggling the task of being a stay-at-home mom by day (read: CFO and COO of our home) and a barista by night. I am an Elder at the church, and the Financial Secretary and a Connector and co-chair for the All-Church Retreat in October. Also, I have this group of people in my life I like to call "family," who I just love to spend time with, and who I think it's really important to continue to grow in relationship with.
Yeah, I know, I just ended that sentence with a preposition. It bugs me, too, but the "with whom..." nonsense would've made that sentence even longer, so I elected to be grammatically sketchy. The shock! The horror!
Moving on.
I think it's really important to evaluate the decisions that I make in my life to ensure that they're proper and best for me. I think that it's good to know where I am, and to understand how saying "yes" or "no" to one thing or another can lead to a considerable shifting of everything else that I already juggle. I think it's healthy to realize that things may not be headed in the direction that I'd imagined, and even healthier to accept that it's okay.
Here's my problem: I do this all of the time. And, in so doing, I constantly change my mind. I am a dreamer, to say the least, and I am really, really exceptional at mapping out a plan toward achieving a goal. I am less exceptional, however, at the follow through. I get wishy-washy. I get nervous. I worry that I'd be serving better in a different way. I feel incompetent. I feel unmotivated. I just feel overwhelmed.
This confession gets to the heart of why (most of) my career goals have been squandered. I have had brilliant ideas and brilliant plans for accomplishing them, but when it gets to the actual doing of things, I have pulled back on countless occasions. This wasn't the case with the PhD, but life had its way with that dream, too (for now, at least).
I could let this get me down, which it has done before, but I have learned that that is never productive. Instead, I'm trying to take a step back and figure out what things really make me thrive. What are my gifts, and where would I really be able to use them in a way that can be a blessing to others? And, what are the things that I'm undertaking that don't really seem to best reflect my gifts? What can I do to honor my commitments, but also honor the gifts that God has given me now? What am I doing well at this time?
Here are some of my conclusions:
1. I am not a perfect mom, but I'm a good one. Andy is happy, healthy and learning new things each day. He prays with us, attends church with us, and hears lots of stories from the Bible and/or using biblical concepts. He understands demonstrating love, and does so well, which I can only attribute to his being the recipient of such love. Frankly, his sweet spirit and zest for life have made motherhood an easy task for me.
2. I am also not a perfect wife, but I'm a good one. I genuinely want my marriage to grow and thrive. I am terrible at holding up my end of the bargain when it comes to keeping this house spotless (or even close), but I am working on it. I am constantly trying to find ways to get through my own issues so that I can honor and serve Joe in the way that I believe I'm called to do. The laundry gets done, the bills are paid on time, dinner is made (almost) every night. I get the joy of worshiping with my husband every week, praying with him every night, and discussing all sorts of things that have to do with our faith, and how we understand what we're called to do. I have had to work hard at opening up, especially in moments of confrontation and weakness, but Joe and I both are deeply committed to our marriage, and have come to learn that self-sacrifice and shared vision make all the difference in the world.
3. I'm a pretty great barista. I don't just make coffee, and I don't just clean the ice machine (though that's a favorite task at the end of the night). I also genuinely care about the customers that I serve. When they tell me their stories (and you'd be surprised at how many of them will just spill the beans while they're waiting in line), I am truly invested in what they have to say. I think that this job, to which I keep returning, and which I always enjoy, says a lot about who I am. For example:
a. I am a relational person. I really need my private time, but I am also really passionate about knowing people in a deeper way. I love to hear people's stories and I think that I am good at finding a way to relate to just about anyone that I encounter. I think that I make people feel comfortable.
b. I like instant gratification. The speed of this job allows me to see things through at a pace that meets my need for accomplishment. I frequently don't follow things through (see above) because I am impatient and because I divert my attention to other things. In this job, however, I can easily start and finish something and mentally check it off of my list of things. Knowing that about myself, I have taken all of my household (and other) tasks, and divided them into 15 minute segments. I'm convinced I can do anything for 15 minutes, and then I can check something off of the list.
c. I like to be needed and I like to be liked. On multiple occasions, people have literally cheered for me when I've arrived at work for the evening. Like, seriously, they yell, "Hurray!!! Kristen!!!" Do you know how good that feels? Do you know how nice it is for people to tell you on a regular basis how happy they are to be working with you, and how awesome you are, and that you're the "Queen of Customer Service"? It feels really good. I like to be that person. I think we all do, in one way or another. What's really great, though, and especially encouraging to me, is that I have been accepted by this group of people while being myself. I mean, I'm just kind of a crazy person at work (and everywhere else, really). I sing and dance and tell ridiculous jokes (though I think they're hilarious, of course). It's just nice to have the kind of a comfort with this random group of people who, I guarantee, would never all find themselves in the same place under any other circumstances than the ones that presently exist.
d. I just need to work on being patient. I'm not impatient in the sense that I lose my temper quickly. In that regard, actually, I'm pretty easy going, I think. But I just like things to be moving. I don't like stagnation. I don't like waiting in this lane when that lane is moving so much more quickly. I think that, were I to try yoga, it would be a painful experience for me at first, though it might be just the thing to help me start thinking in this new way. That, and if I could just learn to be content with where I am, and with what I have, then I wouldn't always be waiting around for something else!
Oy vey. I think it's good that I have an outlet for getting all of this stuff out. And if you've continued to read to this point, then thanks. You're probably a great friend, and I appreciate the encouragement. :0)
7.02.2010
Like Living Stones
So, somewhere around 1:30 a.m. last night (or, this morning), I was lying in bed, wide awake, when I decided that, if I wasn't going to be sleeping, I might as well do something productive. So, I pulled out my Bible and elected to open to 1 Peter. What a great choice!
Basically, Peter wrote this letter to a whole bunch of people who were going through major crises in their lives (like dealing with Roman Emperor, Nero, who was not a nice guy), to offer them some encouragement. It's so great, even for someone who has got it pretty good, like me. In fact, I've got it really good. Life isn't perfect, and there are daily challenges that I must face, but my life is not perpetually under threat, food is easily attainable, and my home is safe and happy, so that puts me several legs above anyone to whom Peter initially wrote (and lots of my contemporaries, too, by the way).
Still, even with my life of ease, I feel like Peter offers so many helpful nuggets of wisdom in his letter. And, he speaks much more directly than Paul, which I always appreciate. Here are a few things that stood out to me:
"Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (1 Pet. 1:8-9)"
"You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish." (1 Pet. 1:18-19)
"like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house" (1 Pet. 2:5a)
"Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse; but, on the contrary, repay with a blessing. It is for this that you were called—that you might inherit a blessing." (1 Pet. 3:8-9)
I literally could've put the entire letter here--it's that great! I just think it's really helpful to read these sort of things. In the same way that most teenagers don't think their parents ever went through the same problems that they now face, I think that there's a tendency for Christians to believe that the troubles that we face today are so different and/or so much worse than the problems that Christians have faced through the ages. But, if that were true, then it would be much harder to find relevance in Scriptures, wouldn't it? And yet, here I am, in today's culture and with today's issues, finding a world of encouragement and hope and relevance in something that was written nearly 2000 years ago. I am not alone--I am never alone.
Basically, Peter wrote this letter to a whole bunch of people who were going through major crises in their lives (like dealing with Roman Emperor, Nero, who was not a nice guy), to offer them some encouragement. It's so great, even for someone who has got it pretty good, like me. In fact, I've got it really good. Life isn't perfect, and there are daily challenges that I must face, but my life is not perpetually under threat, food is easily attainable, and my home is safe and happy, so that puts me several legs above anyone to whom Peter initially wrote (and lots of my contemporaries, too, by the way).
Still, even with my life of ease, I feel like Peter offers so many helpful nuggets of wisdom in his letter. And, he speaks much more directly than Paul, which I always appreciate. Here are a few things that stood out to me:
"Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (1 Pet. 1:8-9)"
"You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish." (1 Pet. 1:18-19)
"like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house" (1 Pet. 2:5a)
"Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse; but, on the contrary, repay with a blessing. It is for this that you were called—that you might inherit a blessing." (1 Pet. 3:8-9)
I literally could've put the entire letter here--it's that great! I just think it's really helpful to read these sort of things. In the same way that most teenagers don't think their parents ever went through the same problems that they now face, I think that there's a tendency for Christians to believe that the troubles that we face today are so different and/or so much worse than the problems that Christians have faced through the ages. But, if that were true, then it would be much harder to find relevance in Scriptures, wouldn't it? And yet, here I am, in today's culture and with today's issues, finding a world of encouragement and hope and relevance in something that was written nearly 2000 years ago. I am not alone--I am never alone.
7.01.2010
My son has entered this stage of life with considerable gusto. He seems to do everything with large amounts of enthusiasm, which, for the most part, is utterly delightful. For instance, I had the opportunity to take him swimming two times last week, and he loved it. He was only too willing to put his face in the water and practice blowing bubbles. He kicked. He splashed. He is demonstrating an affinity for the water not unlike me and my mom, both of whom might as well be fish. Similarly, he repeats everything he hears, but, often, at a considerably higher decibel. He's just a happy little guy, and it's such fun!
But, then, there are those moments. You know the kind. They're the ones that come from nowhere and serve as strict reminders that these small humans are still not entirely capable of rational thought. They are alarming and annoying and, sometimes, even amusing. They are the Temper Tantrums (dun dun duuuuuuuuun). My boy has infrequent tantrums, but when he does, they're a delight for the eyes and the ears.
Typically, he operates in phases:
Step One: Let lower lip quiver with hummingbird-esque speed. Let a single tear drop so that Mom knows the utter horror of her refusal to let me do something.
Step Two: Run to wall and pound fists and/or forehead no less than three and no more than five times.
Step Three: Lay on floor (facing upward), provide the neighborhood with a sampling of ear-piercing screams, thrash legs violently.
Step Four: Stand up, stomp around, and throw a few things over the gate and down the stairs.
Step Five: Sneak a peak at Mom to see how she's responding. Repeat as needed.
What's especially impressive about this ordeal is that steps 1-5 can happen in as little as 8 seconds when my boy is really on his game.
Last night, however, Andy had cries that melted the heart of his big-hearted momma. Somewhere around 1:30 a.m., the poor little guy started screaming and crying from his bed and, when I ran in to check on him, he was standing up (still asleep) and screaming "Where did Mommy go?" and shaking considerably. I scooped him up, and tried to wake him up and calm him down so that he could see that I was there and be comforted. It took a few minutes to get him to stop shaking, but there was no putting him back into his bed--he started trembling the second I went near it to grab his blanket to take into bed with us. Nightmares are no fun. Happily, once he saw that both Joe and I were okay and in bed, he was able to snuggle up and go back to sleep. But it took me a few extra minutes to settle--I was just so sad for him.
Only three months from his 2nd birthday. Sheesh...time flies when you're having fun/temper tantrums/nightmares!
But, then, there are those moments. You know the kind. They're the ones that come from nowhere and serve as strict reminders that these small humans are still not entirely capable of rational thought. They are alarming and annoying and, sometimes, even amusing. They are the Temper Tantrums (dun dun duuuuuuuuun). My boy has infrequent tantrums, but when he does, they're a delight for the eyes and the ears.
Typically, he operates in phases:
Step One: Let lower lip quiver with hummingbird-esque speed. Let a single tear drop so that Mom knows the utter horror of her refusal to let me do something.
Step Two: Run to wall and pound fists and/or forehead no less than three and no more than five times.
Step Three: Lay on floor (facing upward), provide the neighborhood with a sampling of ear-piercing screams, thrash legs violently.
Step Four: Stand up, stomp around, and throw a few things over the gate and down the stairs.
Step Five: Sneak a peak at Mom to see how she's responding. Repeat as needed.
What's especially impressive about this ordeal is that steps 1-5 can happen in as little as 8 seconds when my boy is really on his game.
Last night, however, Andy had cries that melted the heart of his big-hearted momma. Somewhere around 1:30 a.m., the poor little guy started screaming and crying from his bed and, when I ran in to check on him, he was standing up (still asleep) and screaming "Where did Mommy go?" and shaking considerably. I scooped him up, and tried to wake him up and calm him down so that he could see that I was there and be comforted. It took a few minutes to get him to stop shaking, but there was no putting him back into his bed--he started trembling the second I went near it to grab his blanket to take into bed with us. Nightmares are no fun. Happily, once he saw that both Joe and I were okay and in bed, he was able to snuggle up and go back to sleep. But it took me a few extra minutes to settle--I was just so sad for him.
Only three months from his 2nd birthday. Sheesh...time flies when you're having fun/temper tantrums/nightmares!
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