One of the best ways for my hubby and I to communicate is through text messaging. He doesn't have the luxury to answer calls at work, and can be very busy when he's there. So sending him a text message means he can check and reply at his best convenience. It's a trustworthy form of communication for us.
But Neal and I had a communication breakdown this week.
When I texted him to get a 2nd box of medication when he went to the store for me, he came home with one just like written the list had said.
When I griped to him about a loved one I was frustrated with, he seemingly ignored me.
When I asked him where the sore throat spray he'd been using was for Victoria, he never came back with an answer.
When I asked him to stop for groceries on his way home, he didn't get my message.
And when I told him I needed chocolate, I ended up having to go without.
We had a serious communication breakdown. It was out of character and extremely frustrating.
When I didn't get my chocolate, it meant it was time to take the bull by the horns and address the problem. I asked Neal why he hadn't been answering my messages and he assured me he hadn't gotten any. I showed him my screen that they had been sent, and he showed me his screen and that they'd never arrived.
That was when Neal remembered he had gotten a notification on the screen of his Android phone earlier that week that said it was low on memory, and neither of us realized what that meant. What it meant was that for a couple of days there, every time I sent him a text message it got lost up in cyber space and I got caught in a little frustration when he didn't answer me back.
It was a simple fix, he deleted a long back log of messages and before I could even type in a test message to send him, his phone chimed, and all my missing messages arrived, the edited grocery list, the family member complaint, the location inquiry, even my request for chocolate. Problem solved.
It's not the first time I've felt that kind of frustration, it's just the first time I felt it with my husband. He's never been one to reply to my requests with silence. God on the other hand...
Have you ever had the sense that your prayers have somehow just seemed to melt somewhere between your heart and heaven?
If only that challenge were as easily rectified as my communication breakdown with my husband. "God, I sent you a message, did you get it?" Turning my "prayer screen toward Him."
What would the Lord reply?
"No, I didn't get it." Turning His "screen" toward me.
What would the error message on His phone be?
"Unrepented sin"?
"Asking amiss"?
"Outside of God's will"?
These are the questions that have run through my head. Along with "Is He mad at me?" or "Does He care?"
Silence is hard to weather.
It's a great temptation in those times and seasons to get really focused on the prayer and it's answer, or lack thereof. It's easy to get tempted to transition from questioning God to accusing Him.
And that my friends, is a dangerous place to be.
I have heard people preach the mini-sermon, and I am sure you have too, "God always answers our prayers, but sometimes the answer is 'no' or 'wait.'" Well, I don't know about you, but I have found that to be cold comfort in those days of wondering and waiting. It's a really tough place to be. "Hope deferred makes the heart sick," says the book of Proverbs. Unanswered prayer, surely is a deference of hope.
It's in those times when our hope feels put off that we have to take our eyes off of the hope, and put them on the One we have placed our hope in.
It's in those times when we have to remember it isn't about the opportunity to ask, but in the relationship that offers the privilege of asking.
It isn't about the need, it's about the One who has promised to meet us in all our needs.
It isn't about the desire, it's about the One who longs to be the Greatest Desire of our hearts.
It's about look past circumstance and focusing fully on the character of the One we have asked.
It's about remembering we were told, to ask, seek, knock... keep on asking, keep on seeking, keep on knocking. Not because God gets some great joy out of keeping us in limbo, but I think rather He takes great pleasure in receiving more of us, and is blessed by the faith that doesn't give up on Him, even when we don't see Him move.
Because the fact is, if we belong to the Lord, we know He hears us. There's nothing wrong with His reception, there's no malfunction between our heart and heaven, but God is all about the process, and far less concerned with the end result. Whereas we see only point A and point B, the Father is found in the process between them.
So perhaps we should consider those quiet wandering days differently. Have you ever sat comfortably in silence with someone you love? Have you felt the intimacy of sitting beside someone that you know loves and cares for you, and not felt the need to speak? A relationship like that is a special one, the comfort of an intimate silence.
We must realize God is with us sitting in the silence as we wait. He is not afar off, He is near. He longs for us to rest in His presence, trusting in Who He is, more than just what He does. He longs for us to wait confidently, knowing His love, even in the silence.
Showing posts with label other. Show all posts
Showing posts with label other. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Word Fun
I love words. I am a woman of many, many, many words. If you don't believe me, just ask my Facebook friends. I like to speak words, I like to write words, I even like to think on words. I am definitely a mean what you say, say what you mean kind of gal.
Sometimes I will find a word I just really like, because it sounds good, or I like the way the letters look even, and sometimes I really like a misspoken word, or even a play on words because it speaks volumes to me. A picture may be worth a thousand words, but sometimes the right word in the right moment is absolutely priceless.
Right now I have two wonderful words that are speaking to my heart, and describing perfectly where I find myself at. They are the "play on words" genre, but they're just so good, I have to share.
The first word I heard today was "Followship." What a great word, and exactly what I want the friendships in my life to be, a perfect blend of "fellowship" with other believers, all of us "following" Christ. I want to live in a community of "Followship," and it is what am currently aspiring to do in my life, and encouraging others to do as well. I want to be a builder of friendship and community, where all feel welcome, and encouraged, because I believe that is the heart of Christ.
We've had some great girlfriend days recently that I have gotten to be a part of, and it's something I aspire to continue to do. Friendships among women are tough, often even few and far behind. Our potential for cattiness and strife is no secret, but I believe firmly when it is a faith in Christ we share we can rise right above it and enjoy one another's fellowship, following Jesus together. Followship
The second word I have been contemplating and chewing on for a few weeks, and that word is "Realationship." It also is about the person I aspire to be. I am extremely forthright, which can be a challenge for some. I know at times, perhaps, my delivery could use some work, but I want to be a "what you see is what you get" kind of person. For many it may work to play a game or present a facade, but it doesn't work for me, I tried for a lot of years, and I just don't want to try anymore.
I just want to be real, in all my struggles and victories, faults and strengths, in every step, stop and fall I want to be real, the girl who loves Jesus and often finds herself muddling through the process of working out her salvation. It's the girl Jesus dies for, the girl he came to save, and the girl He continues to work on and perfect. It's life, it's the walk, the struggle - it's REAL and it's what I want to be in every relationship in my life.
They're good words, and words I encourage you to contemplate for yourselves. It's pretty amazing when you find those moments of Realationship and amazing Followship. May you find those blessings in every season of your life.
Sometimes I will find a word I just really like, because it sounds good, or I like the way the letters look even, and sometimes I really like a misspoken word, or even a play on words because it speaks volumes to me. A picture may be worth a thousand words, but sometimes the right word in the right moment is absolutely priceless.
Right now I have two wonderful words that are speaking to my heart, and describing perfectly where I find myself at. They are the "play on words" genre, but they're just so good, I have to share.
The first word I heard today was "Followship." What a great word, and exactly what I want the friendships in my life to be, a perfect blend of "fellowship" with other believers, all of us "following" Christ. I want to live in a community of "Followship," and it is what am currently aspiring to do in my life, and encouraging others to do as well. I want to be a builder of friendship and community, where all feel welcome, and encouraged, because I believe that is the heart of Christ.
We've had some great girlfriend days recently that I have gotten to be a part of, and it's something I aspire to continue to do. Friendships among women are tough, often even few and far behind. Our potential for cattiness and strife is no secret, but I believe firmly when it is a faith in Christ we share we can rise right above it and enjoy one another's fellowship, following Jesus together. Followship
The second word I have been contemplating and chewing on for a few weeks, and that word is "Realationship." It also is about the person I aspire to be. I am extremely forthright, which can be a challenge for some. I know at times, perhaps, my delivery could use some work, but I want to be a "what you see is what you get" kind of person. For many it may work to play a game or present a facade, but it doesn't work for me, I tried for a lot of years, and I just don't want to try anymore.
I just want to be real, in all my struggles and victories, faults and strengths, in every step, stop and fall I want to be real, the girl who loves Jesus and often finds herself muddling through the process of working out her salvation. It's the girl Jesus dies for, the girl he came to save, and the girl He continues to work on and perfect. It's life, it's the walk, the struggle - it's REAL and it's what I want to be in every relationship in my life.
They're good words, and words I encourage you to contemplate for yourselves. It's pretty amazing when you find those moments of Realationship and amazing Followship. May you find those blessings in every season of your life.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Emotional Ramblings
Emotions are a formidable adversary. I've been battling mine.
They don't have to be based on anything real. They are at the mercy of outside influences, everything from hormones to the attitude of a store clerk have a power to impact them... in a good way or a bad.
Have you ever experienced a random act of kindness from a stranger on a bad day, and suddenly, the day seems better. An emotional response to a compliment or someone taking the time to smile purposefully at you, and you feel better.
Likewise emotions can be brutally affected by a terse word, or a rude or inconsiderate act. One act, and emotions can hit a seemingly unbearable low.
As a rule, I am more a thinker than a feeler, and typically the "emotion" I battle most often is anger rather than sadness, but I have had struggles with depression in the past. Even when I struggled with it though, anger tended to be a more frequent manifestation than the blues.
The thing about my experience with depression is that it can come on suddenly, relentlessly even, when it does I wonder it's source. It's frustrating when it comes upon you suddenly - I wonder is it spiritual? Physiological? Do I have a hormonal imbalance? I am at that age, after all. Is it an attack? There is an enemy to our souls, and he does work in that way. Is it both? Honestly I don't know.
I do know I'm battling. I think it's been sneaking up on me for weeks. It's like standing on the coast, watching the waves come up and lap at the feet just to recede again. It slips back away, each time it returns, it pulls you a little deeper, rises a little higher. Then before you know it, you get slammed by a wave and knocked on your behind.
The waves haven't knocked me down, but they do feel about knee high at times, enough to make me feel a little off balance, but not enough to knock me down.
There is no giant wave to speak of in sight, more like lots of little things - work stress, financial struggles, looming questions without answers for the future, struggles... temptations... they lap at my foundation. Sigh.
I have never been sucked so deep into depression I couldn't get out of bed. I have had days where I didn't want to, days like today where I just wanted to pull under the covers and stay in bed all day long. But I don't. I want to, but I don't.
It makes me sad for people who do sink all the way into the ocean of depression. It makes me especially sad for people who sink, and don't know the Lord.
I can't imagine how someone could deal with something as heavy as depression without the Lord. Honestly, I don't know how anyone does anything without the Lord, much less something hard, like overwhelming emotions, or grief. How do they do it?
I guess that's why people call Christianity a crutch. Have you heard that joke about it actually being more like an iron lung? I get it. He's not my crutch, not something I lean on in tough times, He's my breath of life, the reason I get up in the morning.
So the waves lap at my feet, but I don't worry about drowning in them, because I know God won't give me up to them.
But there is still a battle. They still rise and fall and they can still be relentless. So I try to remember that my emotions are not what is real. And I try to focus on Who and what is. It's like reaching out for an anchor that will keep me on the shore. Not on sand, but on a solid rock, the Solid Rock. It's not an easy grip to hold, but thankfully, I don't have to hold it on my own.
"Finally, brothers, 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
"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
John 14:27
They don't have to be based on anything real. They are at the mercy of outside influences, everything from hormones to the attitude of a store clerk have a power to impact them... in a good way or a bad.
Have you ever experienced a random act of kindness from a stranger on a bad day, and suddenly, the day seems better. An emotional response to a compliment or someone taking the time to smile purposefully at you, and you feel better.
Likewise emotions can be brutally affected by a terse word, or a rude or inconsiderate act. One act, and emotions can hit a seemingly unbearable low.
As a rule, I am more a thinker than a feeler, and typically the "emotion" I battle most often is anger rather than sadness, but I have had struggles with depression in the past. Even when I struggled with it though, anger tended to be a more frequent manifestation than the blues.
The thing about my experience with depression is that it can come on suddenly, relentlessly even, when it does I wonder it's source. It's frustrating when it comes upon you suddenly - I wonder is it spiritual? Physiological? Do I have a hormonal imbalance? I am at that age, after all. Is it an attack? There is an enemy to our souls, and he does work in that way. Is it both? Honestly I don't know.
I do know I'm battling. I think it's been sneaking up on me for weeks. It's like standing on the coast, watching the waves come up and lap at the feet just to recede again. It slips back away, each time it returns, it pulls you a little deeper, rises a little higher. Then before you know it, you get slammed by a wave and knocked on your behind.
The waves haven't knocked me down, but they do feel about knee high at times, enough to make me feel a little off balance, but not enough to knock me down.
There is no giant wave to speak of in sight, more like lots of little things - work stress, financial struggles, looming questions without answers for the future, struggles... temptations... they lap at my foundation. Sigh.
I have never been sucked so deep into depression I couldn't get out of bed. I have had days where I didn't want to, days like today where I just wanted to pull under the covers and stay in bed all day long. But I don't. I want to, but I don't.
It makes me sad for people who do sink all the way into the ocean of depression. It makes me especially sad for people who sink, and don't know the Lord.
I can't imagine how someone could deal with something as heavy as depression without the Lord. Honestly, I don't know how anyone does anything without the Lord, much less something hard, like overwhelming emotions, or grief. How do they do it?
I guess that's why people call Christianity a crutch. Have you heard that joke about it actually being more like an iron lung? I get it. He's not my crutch, not something I lean on in tough times, He's my breath of life, the reason I get up in the morning.
So the waves lap at my feet, but I don't worry about drowning in them, because I know God won't give me up to them.
But there is still a battle. They still rise and fall and they can still be relentless. So I try to remember that my emotions are not what is real. And I try to focus on Who and what is. It's like reaching out for an anchor that will keep me on the shore. Not on sand, but on a solid rock, the Solid Rock. It's not an easy grip to hold, but thankfully, I don't have to hold it on my own.
Philippians 4:8
"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
John 14:27
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Monday, November 30, 2009
'Tis the Season...
...for Christmas themed blogging. Last year it was the 25 days of CHRISTmas, with the goal of establishing CHRIST firmly in the DePriest Christmas holiday. The goal for 2009 of course remains the same, I want to make sure the "reason for the season" is clear here in our home, but the plan for the process this year that's on my heart is different.
I have to be honest, I haven't been very excited about the holidays. Money is tight and as most people are, we are struggling and juggling. My husband and son thought they had busted me on a false "bah-humbug" attitude yesterday because they hear me singing "Jingle Bells" in the shower, but honestly I think I picked it up somewhere like a virus. It was not an overflow of Christmas cheer.
Then I headed off to church yesterday. As I was driving down the street alone I was rooting around behind myself trying to find my bible and keep my eye on the road at the same time. As I grabbed hold of it and plopped it into the front seat, I noticed my relatively new bible is starting to show signs of wear. Immediately I realized the wear is truthfully from lack of use and too much time sliding around in the back of my van. It's a stark contrast to another bible I own, that is severely tattered and worn. The big difference is that its battle scars came from use, extreme use. It literally is coming right out of it's binding. As I the thought came to me, I knew it was the Holy Spirit pricking my heart.
It was also a preparing of my heart for the message I was to hear at church yesterday morning. My pastor was exhorting us to be in the word. It was actually a great sermon that both challenged and encouraged me, but it's not the point behind this post, so if you want to hear it for yourself, just click here and listen for yourself to the 11/30 message called True Revival. Go, have a listen, I'm sure you will be blessed.
Bottom line for this blog's purpose though, was I walked away inspired, not only to be better about getting in the word, but also about getting my kids deeper into the word too.
So, tomorrow we will have daily devotional times. Different than before, we used to all sit together and read out of a family devotional and pray together. But all my kids are readers now, and so what's going to happen is every day for 30 minutes, all the TVs and computers and iPods, etc., will be shutting down, and we'll divide and each have our own personal devotional time. Then we will gather back together for a Christmas themed family devotional.
As I was driving to work this morning I got an inspiration. I'm not really sure how it's going to all come together, and it may even turn out to be a bigger bite than I can chew, but I'm going to give it a shot.
So here's my goal: every day I want to pick a different Christ-centered Christmas carol (seems like that should be redundant, but it isn't) and explore the deeper meaning, talk about the Truth that lines up with it. And if time and inspiration permit, I think also I will post here about it too. I'm not making the same "25 days" commitment I made last year, because let's face it, it could be a big bomb, but if I hit something insightful or a tad bit inspirational, I will be sure to blog about it here. I hope there are 25 carols worth digging into.
Tomorrow I'm kicking it off with one of my faves, Joy to the World, come by and check to see if it makes the blog!
Merry Christmas!
I have to be honest, I haven't been very excited about the holidays. Money is tight and as most people are, we are struggling and juggling. My husband and son thought they had busted me on a false "bah-humbug" attitude yesterday because they hear me singing "Jingle Bells" in the shower, but honestly I think I picked it up somewhere like a virus. It was not an overflow of Christmas cheer.
Then I headed off to church yesterday. As I was driving down the street alone I was rooting around behind myself trying to find my bible and keep my eye on the road at the same time. As I grabbed hold of it and plopped it into the front seat, I noticed my relatively new bible is starting to show signs of wear. Immediately I realized the wear is truthfully from lack of use and too much time sliding around in the back of my van. It's a stark contrast to another bible I own, that is severely tattered and worn. The big difference is that its battle scars came from use, extreme use. It literally is coming right out of it's binding. As I the thought came to me, I knew it was the Holy Spirit pricking my heart.
It was also a preparing of my heart for the message I was to hear at church yesterday morning. My pastor was exhorting us to be in the word. It was actually a great sermon that both challenged and encouraged me, but it's not the point behind this post, so if you want to hear it for yourself, just click here and listen for yourself to the 11/30 message called True Revival. Go, have a listen, I'm sure you will be blessed.
Bottom line for this blog's purpose though, was I walked away inspired, not only to be better about getting in the word, but also about getting my kids deeper into the word too.
So, tomorrow we will have daily devotional times. Different than before, we used to all sit together and read out of a family devotional and pray together. But all my kids are readers now, and so what's going to happen is every day for 30 minutes, all the TVs and computers and iPods, etc., will be shutting down, and we'll divide and each have our own personal devotional time. Then we will gather back together for a Christmas themed family devotional.
As I was driving to work this morning I got an inspiration. I'm not really sure how it's going to all come together, and it may even turn out to be a bigger bite than I can chew, but I'm going to give it a shot.
So here's my goal: every day I want to pick a different Christ-centered Christmas carol (seems like that should be redundant, but it isn't) and explore the deeper meaning, talk about the Truth that lines up with it. And if time and inspiration permit, I think also I will post here about it too. I'm not making the same "25 days" commitment I made last year, because let's face it, it could be a big bomb, but if I hit something insightful or a tad bit inspirational, I will be sure to blog about it here. I hope there are 25 carols worth digging into.
Tomorrow I'm kicking it off with one of my faves, Joy to the World, come by and check to see if it makes the blog!
Merry Christmas!
Friday, October 16, 2009
Support Ethan - Living Out Loud
La la la live out loud... .have you ever heard the Steven Curtis Chapman song? It's about putting words of faith into action, and it's a school project for my 3rd grader Ethan. The assignment is pretty wide open, spend the month of October working and sacrificing to serve others.
Ethan's project? He has decided to raise money to sponsor a child in the Angel Tree ministry at our church. The Angel Tree Ministry is a ministry to support the children of single moms at Christmas time. Kids names are put on on Angel ornaments and put on a tree, taken off to be sponsired to help make their Christmas a little brighter.
E's planning on a bake sale, a lemonade stand and serving at our single mom's auto day. He's also designing some handmade holiday cards for Christmas and Thanksgiving. He's going to draw the pictures and we will print them onto cards to be purchased with all the proceeds going toward the Angel Tree gifts. We hope you'll help but purchasing the cards, I will display them here and you can place your order with us. It's donation based, but we'll ask for a $2 minimum donation, but it's for a good cause so if you're inclined to bid more, you know it will be worth it.
Be watching, E's working on his designs already, I'll be posting them here. And if you see him selling lemonade or brownies, be sure to make a purchase! And please... PASS IT ON!
Ethan's project? He has decided to raise money to sponsor a child in the Angel Tree ministry at our church. The Angel Tree Ministry is a ministry to support the children of single moms at Christmas time. Kids names are put on on Angel ornaments and put on a tree, taken off to be sponsired to help make their Christmas a little brighter.
E's planning on a bake sale, a lemonade stand and serving at our single mom's auto day. He's also designing some handmade holiday cards for Christmas and Thanksgiving. He's going to draw the pictures and we will print them onto cards to be purchased with all the proceeds going toward the Angel Tree gifts. We hope you'll help but purchasing the cards, I will display them here and you can place your order with us. It's donation based, but we'll ask for a $2 minimum donation, but it's for a good cause so if you're inclined to bid more, you know it will be worth it.
Be watching, E's working on his designs already, I'll be posting them here. And if you see him selling lemonade or brownies, be sure to make a purchase! And please... PASS IT ON!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Just One More
Although it isn't actually reflected on the blog at all, I got a decent response and positive feedback on my Facebook page with curiosity about continuing the story. I actually need to go back and read all eight chapters that I've written to stir the creative juices, I'm just not there yet. On the other hand a friend of mine sent me a link today about a writing challenge for the month of November. You write a novel in the month of November, from the 1st to 30th at midnight. But it has to be a whole new project. The goal is 50,000 words in 30 days. Not sure if I'm up for the challenge, but the concept is intriguing.But I digress, for now I am offering one more chapter of the "Story in Progress," as it's already been written. This chapter introduces more of the main characters, the "other side of the story," if you will. I'm still interested in feedback, be specific if you're so inclined. Tell me what you like, tell me what you don't like, but again be gentle, it's still my baby.
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Chapter 2
“Mama…” Chelsea was vaguely aware of Joshua’s little hand was reaching up and tapping her back. “Mama, breffast peeze.”
Groggily, Chelsea rolled over to greet her son. “Good morning doodle bug.”
She looked up that clock, it said 6:14. She reached down and pulling him up into bed, said, “You’re up early,” she said, pulling him under the covers. “The sun’s not even awake yet, buddy.”
“I hungry mama,” he said wiggling out from underneath the blankets. Clearly, he wasn’t going to be put off.
“Don’t you want to cuddle with Mommy?” she said hoping to entice him into a few more moments of rest before having to face the day. Joshua hopped back off the bed and ran out the bedroom door. Chelsea just laid there a little longer. The laundry basket was still on Jared’s side of the bed. It’s bad enough he’s hardly here and now he isn’t even coming to bed at night.
“Come on Mama! Breffast!” Joshua announced as his head suddenly popped back through the doorway.
Chelsea stood up and grabbed her robe. “OK buddy, come on, let’s get breakfast.”
As she walked down the hallway she noticed the blanket bunched up on the couch. Obviously Jared had woken up at some point during the night. He didn’t even try to come to bed. The least he could have done was fold the blanket back up. He’s so inconsiderate.
Making her way into the kitchen she reached for a box of dry cereal and a bowl. “Pancakes, Mama!” Joshua said.
“Pancakes? Aww, not this morning buddy. How about some Cheerios?”
“No, pancakes! Peeeze.” Joshua begged.
“Did I hear somebody say pancakes?” Erica said as she came into the room. “Yum!”
Chelsea shook her head, “No, nobody said anything about pancakes. Cheerios are on the menu for this morning. What are you doing up so early? It’s only 6:30, you don’t have to be up for school for another half hour.”
“Joshua came in and woke me up. He said ‘Mama pancakes and breffast,” she said imitating her little brothers toddler drawl. “Pancakes sounded better than sleeping in.”
“Well, I’m sorry he misled you. It’s Cheerios, I can add a banana if you’d like, but that’s about as fancy as it’s going to get today.”
“Aww Mom,” Erica whined, “you never make us pancakes anymore.”
“Honey, you know it’s a school day, pancakes are too complicated on a school day. Those are for Saturdays or Sundays before church for a big family breakfast, they’re a treat.”
Erica could tell there wasn’t any point in arguing about it. “OK, I’ll take the banana on my Cheerios, but Mom it’s been like a bazillion years since we had a family breakfast. You don’t even get up on Sundays and go to church with us anymore.”
Chelsea turned and picked Joshua up and put him in his high chair. “Mommy’s tired on Sunday mornings honey, it’s my only day to sleep in.” She set bowls down in front of each of the kids, poured the cereal and started slicing up a banana.
“We never do anything together as a family any more Mom,” Erica said as Chelsea dropped the banana slices in her cereal and poured the milk on top of it. “I wish you would go to church with us, my teacher has been asking where you’ve been.”
Chelsea thought it about it. It had been about six weeks since she had been to church. She had picked up a part time job working at Dillie’s, a local coffee shop, a few shifts a week and usually worked Saturday evenings. After the her shifts she usually found herself hanging out and socializing till late night hours in the Promenade. Nothing worth rushing home for anyway. She decided to make Sunday mornings her time for herself. Let Jared deal with the hassles of getting everyone up, dressed, fed and out the door. She’d stay in bed till she heard them leave and then get up and enjoy her coffee and a little time on the computer chatting or catching up on email. There’s nothing wrong with taking a little time for myself she thought.
“Will you come Mama?” she heard Erica ask taking Chelsea back out of her own thoughts.
“What honey?”
“I said my Sunday School class is going to sing in big church next Sunday, will you come?”
“Sure honey, I’ll come,” Chelsea smiled, though in her heart she was disappointed she’d have to give up her time.
Chelsea walked down the hall and knocked on Angie’s door, opening it slowly. “It’s almost 7 Ang, time to get up for school.”
Angie didn’t stir, Chelsea walked into her room. She saw a note on Angie’s desk. It read, “Marriage is unreasonable. 1. Old-fashioned 2. Stifling 3. Unfulfilling.” Hmmm, it’s like she’s reading my mind.
She sat on the edge of Angie’s bed. “Wake up sleepy head.” Angie shifted a little. “Come on girl, you’ve got school,” Chelsea said, tapping her backside.
Angie rolled over to face her mom. Peeking through one sleepily opened eye she asked, “What time is it?”
“Five after seven honey, come on.”
“Mom,” Angie groaned rolling back over, “I told you I have late start today, I don’t have to be at school till 10:30. I was up really late working on my speech project, didn’t Dad tell you?”
“I haven’t seen Dad honey, how would he know you were up late? He was crashed on the couch before ten o’clock last night.” He didn‘t even make it all the way through his football game.
“He came in and checked on me at like 1 something… Mom, please can I just get a little more sleep?” Angie pulled a pillow over her head.
Chelsea pulled the door shut and headed back out into the kitchen. That’s when she noticed she’d left her cell phone out on the coffee table the night before.
She picked it up and saw across the front screen that it said “Six text messages.” She flipped open the phone.
The most recent message was from Jared, she’d just missed it. It read, “Working late this afternoon, don’t hold dinner.” Sigh. It’s not even 8 am and already he’s making excuses about why he can’t be here for dinner. Figures.
The message before that was from Karen, her girlfriend. It said, “Hoping to get a little exercise, let me know if you want to meet me at the park to walk.” She laughed to herself, that Karen, she always has a plan, always on the go. It might be fun to get out of the house with Josh. The sun was up and you could already see it was going to be a nice day. Maybe she’d be willing to walk at the Promenade instead. She texted her back quickly, “I’ll call you after I get Erica off to kindergarten.
The other four messages didn’t have a name, just a number, but she recognized it instantly. The first one was time stamped at 12:45, it read “Hello.” The second four minutes later just said, “You there?” Stamped twenty minutes later the third just said, “Why aren’t you there?” And the fourth said it came through at 1:36, it read simply, “Missing you.”
A wave of guilt wafted over Chelsea. Had Jared seen this? I can’t believe I left my phone out here! She panicked for just a moment, then realized if Jared had read the messages it wouldn’t have still listed them as unread. Phew. The panic subsided a little and she just dismissed the tinge of guilt that remained.
Walking into the kitchen she told Erica, “Hurry up honey, you’ve got to get ready for school.” She grabbed Josh, who now had banana all over his face and in his little blonde tufts of hair; she lifted him up out of his high chair and headed into get him changed and dressed. Exasperated she thought, another day in Mommy world.
By Diana DePriest © 2009
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Feedback Please - Be Gentle
Years ago I started writing a story. I wrote four chapters and then life got busy. I let a friend read it and she was unhappy with me at the time, so she kind of annihilated me with criticism. It was unfortunate, because if you're a writer, you know sharing your work is like putting your baby on display. It's hard to take criticism, and if it's given harshly, it can be down right painful. The book got put aside never to be picked up again.
Becoming a published writer would be a fulfillment of a dream for me. I really love to write and feel it's actually a gift from the Lord more than a talent. Back in April I felt inspired to start a new story. I'll be honest, it's been since August since I've done more than look at it, but I did get 8 chapters written this time, albeit short ones. I don't know, how do you write a book?
Anyway, I've been contemplating getting back to the task and have had mostly positive feedback from the few friends I have had read it, but for some reason today I am feeling really bold and ready to throw it out there for a larger consumption, but I'd like to actually hear back your thoughts. So, check it out, read chapter 1 and let me know what you think. But be gentle... it's my baby and all.
-------------------------------------------
Chapter 1
Jared was in a deep sleep on the couch as he heard the vibration on the coffee table. Rubbing his eyes he reached across and tried to make out the caller I.D. on Chelsea’s cell phone. Who in the world could be calling at this hour?
He flipped open the cell phone, “Hello?” He could hear noises in the background but no one answered. “Hello?” he said again the phone went dead on the other end.
He set the phone back down on the coffee table and uprighted himself on the couch. The clock on the VCR said 12:38. He’d dozed off a couple hours before while watching TV. Now the lights and TV were off. Chelsea must have headed to bed, he thought. Why does she just leave me out here?
He wandered into the kitchen for a glass of water. Who in the world could be calling her phone at this hour? he wondered. Maybe it was just a wrong number. Although he hoped it was the case, something in his gut told him it wasn’t.
Chelsea had seemed more and more distant lately. He knew she was probably angry with him for falling asleep on the couch in front of the
TV again. He was just so exhausted. The new project at work was requiring so many late hours. It wasn’t just physically exhausting, his brain was tired. He actually hadn’t been sleeping very well at night. When he tried to go to bed his mind would just start reeling. The thoughts would keep him up till all hours of the night, falling asleep in front of the TV seemed to be his only reprieve from the constant battle with insomnia.
Now the brief benefit of the nap was spoiled by the sudden late night disruption. Now he was wide awake and it was a good five hours before he should be up to start his day.
Sigh.
He walked quietly down the hall and looked into the bedroom where Chelsea was sleeping. She had left the basket of clean, folded laundry just sitting on his side of the bed. He wondered if there wasn’t a message she was trying to send that even if he did manage to find his way back to their bed, maybe he wasn’t really wanted there anyway.
No sense in getting into bed, he’d probably just toss and turn, then neither of them would get any sleep. He pulled the door quietly shut behind him as he headed back into the hall.
He decided to peek in on the kids. First he looked into Erica’s room. His 5-year-old was sprawled out, all her covers kicked down into a pile at the foot of the bed. She looked pretty adorable. He pulled her blankets back up over her and quietly moved into Joshua’s room.
Josh was two and a half. He’d just moved into his “big boy bed” a couple weeks before. Unlike his big sister he was curled up tight into a ball with his blankets pulled all the way up under his chin. He thought to himself how much their sleeping positions mirrored their personalities. Erica was open and outgoing, free and relaxed, Josh was shy and quiet, often keeping to himself. Funny how you could see it even when they were sound asleep.
Jared continued down the hall when he noticed the light shining out from underneath Angie’s door. Quietly he tapped on the door, not sure if she was awake or had fallen asleep doing her homework.
“Yeah?” her voice whispered out, sounding a little surprised by the disruption.
As he opened the door he could see her sitting at her desk, working at the computer. “It’s really late kiddo, don’t you think you ought to get to bed?”
“I know Dad, I’m just finishing up with this assignment. Then I’ll get to bed.’
Angie, such a bright young girl, Jared couldn’t believe she was almost 17. She wasn’t his daughter biologically, she was Chelsea’s daughter from a relationship before they met. It didn’t matter though, he loved her as much as he did the two children he and Chelsea had together. Really, Jared was the only father Angie had ever known. In the 14 years Chelsea and Jared had been together Angie’s dad had breezed through their lives maybe six or seven times. Jared couldn’t understand how any father could be so casual in his relationship with his child. Actually, casual was too generous a word, irresponsible was more accurate. It was Tom’s loss though, Jared was honored to fill the void he left, and that’s why when he and Chelsea got married ten years ago, he made the promise to love and care for both his wife and her daughter, their daughter now.
“Whatcha workin’ on?” Jared asked, peeking over her shoulder at the computer screen.
Angie turned her chair toward him with a smile, “It’s a presentation for my speech class. We’re doing a series of debates in class on different topics in the news.”
“And your topic…?”
“I’m debating marriage.”
Jared chuckled, “Really? I didn’t even know there was any special guy in your life.”
“Oh Dad!” Angie laughed, “I’m not debating the prospect personally! I’m debating the ‘logic’ of marriage. A lot of people consider it to be an antiquated concept. A lot of people don’t consider it to be feasible these days. They say it’s too much to ask of a person to make a lifetime commitment to just one person. So one of us is debating against the institution of marriage and the other one of us is debating that marriage does still work and is still important.”
“Sounds interesting, and which opinion do you find yourself holding?”
Angie smiled, “Well actually the assignment requires us to both prepare for both sides of the debate. We have to be prepared to persuade either viewpoint, you know, all in the name of having an open mind. I won’t know which side I have to argue until moments before the actual debate, which isn’t until the end of the semester. It’s going to count as 40% of our final grade.”
“Really? I’m fascinated. So is everyone preparing for this same debate?”
“No, there are 26 of us in the class and there are four different topics. There’s my topic, a debate on keeping abortion ‘safe and legal’; a debate on euthanasia and the fourth topic is prayer in schools.”
“Wow, those are some pretty heavy subjects. Did you get to choose or were you assigned the topics?” Jared asked.
“No, it was all by drawing, we actually pulled our topics out of a coffee can. There are six of us for each topic, except euthanasia, there are eight people on that topic. We don’t even know who we’ll be debating yet, we may not even know until the actual day of the debate in like late May or June.”
Jared stood up, “Well honey, it’s only January and the semester has just started, your debate is a long way off, I think you can afford to put the topic aside for the night and get a good night’s rest.” He leaned over and kissed the top of her head. “You need to get to bed.”
“OK Daddy, five more minutes, I promise. Tomorrow is ‘late start’ because the teachers have a meeting, so I’ll be OK.” She turned back towards her computer monitor as Jared slipped out of the room.
As he came back into the living room Jared saw Chelsea’s phone face light up in the dimly lit room. He picked it up and saw it said “Four text messages.” He looked over at the clock that now read 1:36. What in the world? He resisted temptation to read the messages and set the phone back down. Finally feeling tired enough to doze back off he grabbed a blanket out of the cupboard and made himself comfortable back on the couch. He grabbed his own cell phone setting its alarm clock for 5:30am. He laid back trying hard to dismiss the uneasy feeling he felt beginning deep down inside himelf. A few minutes later he was back to sleep.
By Diana DePriest © 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Why I Am Pro-Life Part 2
I have shared here before why I personally hold a pro-life/anti-abortion viewpoint. No, viewpoint is not strong enough a word, belief system. If you'd like to read my personal reasons you can click here.
However, whatever you might think about my stance on the matter, no one can better make the argument against abortion than this young woman who survived an abortion. Yes, I said survived an abortion, and I don't mean as one who had an abortion, but rather as someone who was aborted. Interestingly enough I discovered when I read the book about her life more than a decade ago that the doctor she speaks of who aborted her is the very same doctor who performed my abortion 20 years ago this July.
I encourage you to take a few minutes and watch both portions of her testimony as she shared it in Australia in September of last year. Be encouraged. God is greater.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
You Can Help
In the wake of natural disaster, there is a simple way you can help make a difference. To find out more information click here to read about it on our family blog. Blessings!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Pro-Life Campaign
I have expressed before my reasons for being pro-life, and why I feel so strongly about it. You can read more on that here. You can also click on "testimony" on the Topics list at right.
Today I got this email, actually, I got it twice, and for others who consider themselves pro-life, it might be something you'd like to consider.
Here is the content of the email:
Dear Family and Friends,
I am passing this along, because I thought perhaps you would like to participate in Red Envelope Day, on March 31, 2009.
Get a red envelope. You can buy them at Kinkos, or at party supply stores. On the front, address it to
President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington , D.C. 20500
On the back, write the following message.
This envelope represents one child who died because of an abortion.
It is empty because the life that was taken is now unable to be a part of our world.
We will mail the envelopes out March 31st, 2009.
Put it in the mail, and send it. Don't forget to put your name and address on it or they will just pitch them out!
Forward this event to every one of your friends who you think would send one too. I wish we could send 50 million red envelopes, one for every child who died [in the U.S.] before having a chance to live.
It may seem that those who believe abortion is wrong are in a minority. It may seem like we have no voice and it's shameful to even bring it up. Let us show our President and the world that the voices of those of us who do not believe abortion is acceptable are not silent and must be heard.
Barack Obama spoke at a Planned Parenthood Action Fund event, uttering the now infamous line, "Well, the first thing I'd do as president is, is sign the Freedom of Choice Act. [Applause.] That's the first thing that I'd do."
An empty red envelope will send a message to President Barack Obama that there is moral outrage in this country over this issue [The Freedom of Choice Act, which will essentially “undo” every law currently in place to limit abortion in the U.S. (i.e., parental consent laws, parental notification, waiting periods, prohibition of transporting a minor girl across state lines to obtain an abortion, etc.)]. It is a quiet, but clear message of protest.
I'm getting my red envelopes ready. How about you?
If you are not familiar, you can read more about The Freedom of Choice Act here:
http://www.lifenews .com/nat4359. html
http://www.barackob ama.com/2008/ 01/22/obama_ statement_ on_35th_annive. php
http://www.jillstan ek.com/archives/ 2008/07/one_ year_annive. html
Today I got this email, actually, I got it twice, and for others who consider themselves pro-life, it might be something you'd like to consider.
Here is the content of the email:
Dear Family and Friends,
I am passing this along, because I thought perhaps you would like to participate in Red Envelope Day, on March 31, 2009.
Get a red envelope. You can buy them at Kinkos, or at party supply stores. On the front, address it to
President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington , D.C. 20500
On the back, write the following message.
This envelope represents one child who died because of an abortion.
It is empty because the life that was taken is now unable to be a part of our world.
We will mail the envelopes out March 31st, 2009.
Put it in the mail, and send it. Don't forget to put your name and address on it or they will just pitch them out!
Forward this event to every one of your friends who you think would send one too. I wish we could send 50 million red envelopes, one for every child who died [in the U.S.] before having a chance to live.
It may seem that those who believe abortion is wrong are in a minority. It may seem like we have no voice and it's shameful to even bring it up. Let us show our President and the world that the voices of those of us who do not believe abortion is acceptable are not silent and must be heard.
Barack Obama spoke at a Planned Parenthood Action Fund event, uttering the now infamous line, "Well, the first thing I'd do as president is, is sign the Freedom of Choice Act. [Applause.] That's the first thing that I'd do."
An empty red envelope will send a message to President Barack Obama that there is moral outrage in this country over this issue [The Freedom of Choice Act, which will essentially “undo” every law currently in place to limit abortion in the U.S. (i.e., parental consent laws, parental notification, waiting periods, prohibition of transporting a minor girl across state lines to obtain an abortion, etc.)]. It is a quiet, but clear message of protest.
I'm getting my red envelopes ready. How about you?
If you are not familiar, you can read more about The Freedom of Choice Act here:
http://www.lifenews .com/nat4359. html
http://www.barackob ama.com/2008/ 01/22/obama_ statement_ on_35th_annive. php
http://www.jillstan ek.com/archives/ 2008/07/one_ year_annive. html
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Current Events
I read this meme on another blog, and because it's been a few days since I posted anything (have to keep up with my BlogHer commitment) and I'm not feeling particularly inspired, or my inspiration may be too revealing, I decided to go with this.
Putting off...
Going through all of Victoria's drawers, she's living out of a laundry basket though, so it needs to be done.
Looking forward to...
Teaching at our church's women's conference in May.
Eating...
Carefully, my new temporary crown feels tender, and my dentist friend gave me a pretty direct warning about its fragility.
Recently read...
A couple of Nicholas Sparks novels. They were OK, out of character for my reading choices, but an easy read, though a little racy in places.
Want to read...
My Bible more consistently, but need direction.
Studying...
Nothing specific as of late.
Dreading...
The tax increases that the California legislature approved today.
Wishing...
We were financially solvent.
Watching...
Amazing Race, it's back; Survivor, it's like a date night; the last season of ER.
Hoping...
We are able to come up with a positive solution to our financial woes.
Deciding...
Whether or not I need to try to let go of certain relationships.
Cooking...
BBQ Beef in the crockpot today, needed something soft to chew and easy. I need more crockpot recipes.
Listening to...
The TV playing in the other room, Family Feud just came on.
Whining about...
Finances, haven't you been listening? ;)
Getting ready to...
Head to the store, we are out of toilet paper and cat food.
How about you?
Putting off...
Going through all of Victoria's drawers, she's living out of a laundry basket though, so it needs to be done.
Looking forward to...
Teaching at our church's women's conference in May.
Eating...
Carefully, my new temporary crown feels tender, and my dentist friend gave me a pretty direct warning about its fragility.
Recently read...
A couple of Nicholas Sparks novels. They were OK, out of character for my reading choices, but an easy read, though a little racy in places.
Want to read...
My Bible more consistently, but need direction.
Studying...
Nothing specific as of late.
Dreading...
The tax increases that the California legislature approved today.
Wishing...
We were financially solvent.
Watching...
Amazing Race, it's back; Survivor, it's like a date night; the last season of ER.
Hoping...
We are able to come up with a positive solution to our financial woes.
Deciding...
Whether or not I need to try to let go of certain relationships.
Cooking...
BBQ Beef in the crockpot today, needed something soft to chew and easy. I need more crockpot recipes.
Listening to...
The TV playing in the other room, Family Feud just came on.
Whining about...
Finances, haven't you been listening? ;)
Getting ready to...
Head to the store, we are out of toilet paper and cat food.
How about you?
Thursday, January 1, 2009
The Long and Short Versions
Ahhh, a new year is here. January 1st - the day of resolutions. Even if you resolve not to make any, you've sort of defeated the process. It's a dawning of a new year, which always holds new hope, new promise, new potential. Unfortunately it's also a definitive launching pad for new failure or disappointment, but it's not much of way to start the year to focus on that.
2008 was not a great year, but my propensity for dismissing the negatives as quickly as possible make it hard to list all my reasons why right off, but there are a few that quickly come to mind - sort of the low points of the past year, good reasons to look forward to the year ahead and hope for something better. For starters, Neal had 2 surgeries, and although the first was supposed to be simple (and was elective) it was completely soured by the severe complications that landed him in the hospital for 4 days to the tune of $17,000. It was also very sad when the kids school closed, and for the little ones (Ethan especially) the transition has been laborious at best. (Though before Christmas break we seemed to be on an upswing - so there is the first root of hope that 2009 will be an improvement.) The sudden loss of my grandfather definitely was a very low point, and one that will take longer to overcome, but for no one more so than my Nanny. Sigh. We saw a lot of good people pass in the past couple of years... of course, for them that means 2009 will not only be "fine" but grand. It's those of left behind to muddle through that have more to overcome.
There was great division in my family in 2009, it remains, but for me I have found peace in it. Ecclesiastes 3:5-6 says "A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to gain, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away..." there is a time for all of these things, and sometimes boundaries serve a good purpose. But who knows, perhaps 2009 will bring change to that situation too, I'm open.
On the smaller scale, or rather the literal one, I do belive I weigh a few more pounds than I did a year ago, which is rather disappointing, but I chose to do a lot of stress eating in response to the trials of the past year. No, it didn't accomplish anything positive, but I did it anyway.
My how I do go on... I titled this post "The Long and Short Versions" but clearly there is only a long version of introduction to what the title is about, resolutions.
Resolutions for 2009 (Ok, perhaps goals... or even hopes would be a better description, but why fight the flow.)
#1 Long Version - I would like to lose 80 pounds. I would be thrilled to no end to accomplish this goal, get back into the jeans I have hidden in the bottom of my closet that have not fit since the days that Phen Fen (or was it Fen Phen?) was legal. I'd like to get healthier and stronger and have more self discipline in both eating and exercise. (The attempt to reach this goal starts Monday, which is fully evidenced by the fact I spent all of today on the couch feeding my face.)
#1 Short Version - I'd like to get a little more active, eat better and lose some weight.
#2 Long Version - I'd like to make some heavy hits in getting our finances in better order, I'd like to get on a consistent budget, stick to it; get back to clipping coupons and cook at home most of the time, eating out only on rare occasions (this could probably go with Resolution #1 as well) I'd like to go so long without using a credit card I could forget what they look like (much less no longer have the numbers memorized) and pay off all our medical bills and credit debt.
#2 Short Version - I'd like to make positive strides in our finances, and be in less debt a year from now than we are now without any damage to our credit in the interim.
#3 Long Version - I would really like to have a solid and consistent devotional time, that includes faithful and dedicated prayer for the entire list of people I intend (sometimes promise) to pray for, remembering to check in and follow up and just being solid and consistent. I would like to read through the entire bible this year and not do it like I am reading a periodical, but rather with commitment and intention, and most of all expectation to hear from the Lord personally. I'd like to spend more time praying with my husband and kids and teaching and sharing the word together. I'd like to be abiding, and constantly swimming in the Lord and His presence instead of drying out and running back, jumping in to Him only to climb out and get dry and thirsty all over again. And I would like to consistently journal through the process.
#3 Short Version - I would like to have a daily consistent devotional time, even if it's not everything I'd like it to be, I'd like it to be every day.
I think I'm going to stop at the three, I mean why overshoot, I'll just defeat myself before I ever get out of the gate. Though I will say, I would just really like to grow, as a wife, mother, friend, woman of God. I'd like to look back over 2009 a year from now and see change, in me, through me, that's my hope. I plan to blog abot these resolutions as the year progresses, keep you updated and myself accountable. We'll see what happens.
Well, I'm going to cut this... well, short would be a misspeaking (miswriting?), anyway, I've got less than 20 minutes to get started on that reading the bible through in a year thing, so gotta run. Happy New Year! May your 2009 not be only fine, but blessed, in Jesus' name!
2008 was not a great year, but my propensity for dismissing the negatives as quickly as possible make it hard to list all my reasons why right off, but there are a few that quickly come to mind - sort of the low points of the past year, good reasons to look forward to the year ahead and hope for something better. For starters, Neal had 2 surgeries, and although the first was supposed to be simple (and was elective) it was completely soured by the severe complications that landed him in the hospital for 4 days to the tune of $17,000. It was also very sad when the kids school closed, and for the little ones (Ethan especially) the transition has been laborious at best. (Though before Christmas break we seemed to be on an upswing - so there is the first root of hope that 2009 will be an improvement.) The sudden loss of my grandfather definitely was a very low point, and one that will take longer to overcome, but for no one more so than my Nanny. Sigh. We saw a lot of good people pass in the past couple of years... of course, for them that means 2009 will not only be "fine" but grand. It's those of left behind to muddle through that have more to overcome.
There was great division in my family in 2009, it remains, but for me I have found peace in it. Ecclesiastes 3:5-6 says "A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to gain, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away..." there is a time for all of these things, and sometimes boundaries serve a good purpose. But who knows, perhaps 2009 will bring change to that situation too, I'm open.
On the smaller scale, or rather the literal one, I do belive I weigh a few more pounds than I did a year ago, which is rather disappointing, but I chose to do a lot of stress eating in response to the trials of the past year. No, it didn't accomplish anything positive, but I did it anyway.
My how I do go on... I titled this post "The Long and Short Versions" but clearly there is only a long version of introduction to what the title is about, resolutions.
Resolutions for 2009 (Ok, perhaps goals... or even hopes would be a better description, but why fight the flow.)
#1 Long Version - I would like to lose 80 pounds. I would be thrilled to no end to accomplish this goal, get back into the jeans I have hidden in the bottom of my closet that have not fit since the days that Phen Fen (or was it Fen Phen?) was legal. I'd like to get healthier and stronger and have more self discipline in both eating and exercise. (The attempt to reach this goal starts Monday, which is fully evidenced by the fact I spent all of today on the couch feeding my face.)
#1 Short Version - I'd like to get a little more active, eat better and lose some weight.
#2 Long Version - I'd like to make some heavy hits in getting our finances in better order, I'd like to get on a consistent budget, stick to it; get back to clipping coupons and cook at home most of the time, eating out only on rare occasions (this could probably go with Resolution #1 as well) I'd like to go so long without using a credit card I could forget what they look like (much less no longer have the numbers memorized) and pay off all our medical bills and credit debt.
#2 Short Version - I'd like to make positive strides in our finances, and be in less debt a year from now than we are now without any damage to our credit in the interim.
#3 Long Version - I would really like to have a solid and consistent devotional time, that includes faithful and dedicated prayer for the entire list of people I intend (sometimes promise) to pray for, remembering to check in and follow up and just being solid and consistent. I would like to read through the entire bible this year and not do it like I am reading a periodical, but rather with commitment and intention, and most of all expectation to hear from the Lord personally. I'd like to spend more time praying with my husband and kids and teaching and sharing the word together. I'd like to be abiding, and constantly swimming in the Lord and His presence instead of drying out and running back, jumping in to Him only to climb out and get dry and thirsty all over again. And I would like to consistently journal through the process.
#3 Short Version - I would like to have a daily consistent devotional time, even if it's not everything I'd like it to be, I'd like it to be every day.
I think I'm going to stop at the three, I mean why overshoot, I'll just defeat myself before I ever get out of the gate. Though I will say, I would just really like to grow, as a wife, mother, friend, woman of God. I'd like to look back over 2009 a year from now and see change, in me, through me, that's my hope. I plan to blog abot these resolutions as the year progresses, keep you updated and myself accountable. We'll see what happens.
Well, I'm going to cut this... well, short would be a misspeaking (miswriting?), anyway, I've got less than 20 minutes to get started on that reading the bible through in a year thing, so gotta run. Happy New Year! May your 2009 not be only fine, but blessed, in Jesus' name!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
In Search Of
If you're old enough, you might remember the the TV series back from the late 70s/ early 80's. If I try really hard I can close my eyes and hear the voice of Mr. Spock, aka Leonard Nimoy giving the description of that week's episode, they would search for a variety of different things. The intro went through the list, "extraterrestrials, magic & witchcraft, missing persons, myths & monster, lost civilizations, strange phenomena." Then the voice claim over explaining how they were just exploring a possible explanation based on "theory and conjecture," that it was by no means "the only one." They definitely hedged their bets. Ah, but I once again digress.
My whole rabbit trail of thought began with the sense that I find myself "in search of" the Christmas spirit. November has been a long month, working toward the end of what has been a long year. I am finding myself somewhat disheartened by the pressures of Christmas that lie ahead. Yesterday morning I started my Christmas shopping. I found myself suddenly longing for the days of old when I used to be so organized and prepared, having every gift bought and wrapped by Halloween. It may have actually only been one Christmas that I managed that, but I did so enjoy it, and do remember it fondly. Every year I swear I will achieve it again, and every year the Christmas season sneaks up on me. This year though it seems like it snuck up so much more swiftly and so much father into it, a disadvantage of the late Thanksgiving holiday, I suppose.
So anyway, yesterday I did do most of the big item shopping for my children online. I got pretty purposeful in the whole thing, and Neal mistook my determination to get it done, and done properly for a touch of the Christmas spirit. It wasn't. I spent all of today addressing Christmas cards. After several years of failing to send them I was determined we would manage to get them out on time this year. I spent a lot of the day barking at my children as they kept interrupting me as I addressed some 93 cards at last count. Still no bite of the Christmas bug.
I look to the event of the coming days not at all excited, but rather burdened by three performances of the children's program, a 4 night commitment to our women's event. I even forgot to invite people as I got lost in death, funerals, fires and medical issues over the last few weeks. I'm exhausted.
Today Neal got to decorating the outside of our house for the holiday. It's a big thing for him and the kids, he really tries to be the brightest home on the block, and we have actually had neighbors complain if we didn't come home and turn on our lights at night. As he was working outside Victoria wandered in a couple times with a few indoor decorations she found. I let her put them up, but I wasn't in to it at all. The thought of getting and decorating a Christmas tree? Fuggetaboutit. Not looking forward to it, at all.
So I find myself In Search Of the elusive and mysterious Christmas spirit. I need to find the "magical" feelings of childhood and joy. I want to be excited about the celebrating of the birth of my Savior. I want to truly share in the joy of my children and husband instead of just worrying about whether or not I can fake it well enough not to rip them off of it instead. I wish Christmas spirit could be found in a pretty package, and not one that says "Do Not Open til December 25th."
I'm sorry if this post is depressing, it's not my intention, but this blog is my place of transparency. I envy all the poeple I have heard say, or read their words stating that they "love this time of year." This year, I just don't find myself there... yet, I pray in Jesus' name.
Lord, let me find You in the holiday season. Help me not to focus on the lists or events, help me not to be overwhelmed by the tasks. I pray You would help me to remember the true meaning of CHRISTmas. I don't want to celebrate a holiday, I want to celebrate YOU.
For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
Hmmm... what was that? I think I just felt a little Christmas Spirit....
My whole rabbit trail of thought began with the sense that I find myself "in search of" the Christmas spirit. November has been a long month, working toward the end of what has been a long year. I am finding myself somewhat disheartened by the pressures of Christmas that lie ahead. Yesterday morning I started my Christmas shopping. I found myself suddenly longing for the days of old when I used to be so organized and prepared, having every gift bought and wrapped by Halloween. It may have actually only been one Christmas that I managed that, but I did so enjoy it, and do remember it fondly. Every year I swear I will achieve it again, and every year the Christmas season sneaks up on me. This year though it seems like it snuck up so much more swiftly and so much father into it, a disadvantage of the late Thanksgiving holiday, I suppose.
So anyway, yesterday I did do most of the big item shopping for my children online. I got pretty purposeful in the whole thing, and Neal mistook my determination to get it done, and done properly for a touch of the Christmas spirit. It wasn't. I spent all of today addressing Christmas cards. After several years of failing to send them I was determined we would manage to get them out on time this year. I spent a lot of the day barking at my children as they kept interrupting me as I addressed some 93 cards at last count. Still no bite of the Christmas bug.
I look to the event of the coming days not at all excited, but rather burdened by three performances of the children's program, a 4 night commitment to our women's event. I even forgot to invite people as I got lost in death, funerals, fires and medical issues over the last few weeks. I'm exhausted.
Today Neal got to decorating the outside of our house for the holiday. It's a big thing for him and the kids, he really tries to be the brightest home on the block, and we have actually had neighbors complain if we didn't come home and turn on our lights at night. As he was working outside Victoria wandered in a couple times with a few indoor decorations she found. I let her put them up, but I wasn't in to it at all. The thought of getting and decorating a Christmas tree? Fuggetaboutit. Not looking forward to it, at all.
So I find myself In Search Of the elusive and mysterious Christmas spirit. I need to find the "magical" feelings of childhood and joy. I want to be excited about the celebrating of the birth of my Savior. I want to truly share in the joy of my children and husband instead of just worrying about whether or not I can fake it well enough not to rip them off of it instead. I wish Christmas spirit could be found in a pretty package, and not one that says "Do Not Open til December 25th."
I'm sorry if this post is depressing, it's not my intention, but this blog is my place of transparency. I envy all the poeple I have heard say, or read their words stating that they "love this time of year." This year, I just don't find myself there... yet, I pray in Jesus' name.
Lord, let me find You in the holiday season. Help me not to focus on the lists or events, help me not to be overwhelmed by the tasks. I pray You would help me to remember the true meaning of CHRISTmas. I don't want to celebrate a holiday, I want to celebrate YOU.
For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
Hmmm... what was that? I think I just felt a little Christmas Spirit....
Monday, November 24, 2008
Jason
This is my friend Jason. He is a soldier, currently serving our great country in Iraq; he's a specialist, fighting on the front lines.
To my knowledge, Jason isn't a believer in Jesus Christ. But he's there fighting in this war because of the things he does believe in, he reinlisted for the sole purpose of going to help in this war. He has given me permission to pray for him, and to ask you to pray for him too, and his buddies. I've known Jason since I was just 14 years old, even dated him for a very short time way back in the 80's. He's been my and Neal's friend for a long time.
Please pray for him, and his fellow soldiers in the 185th. Pray for his protection, pray for his safety and his salvation. When I asked him if I could pray, and ask you all to pray too, here is a little of what he had to say...
"YESSSS! that would be great and thank you for the prayer. Not to sound greedy and I'm sure the guys would agree. We would take all the Prayers we can get. Invincible, NO WAY! But we do try to stay focused and alert and have confidence in each others abilities. reality is a big punch in the face here. Its not training any more. This is the real deal.... It's nice to know that when I climb into the turret and load my weapons. That I have Angels looking over me. This is a crazy job but somebody has to do it."
If you want to commit to keeping Jason in prayer, leave me a comment to do so, if you can't make the commitment then just stop right now as you read this and pray for him and his fellow soldiers. You can also send notes or letters to me at GodKptHisPromise@aol.com, and I will gladly forward them on.
To my knowledge, Jason isn't a believer in Jesus Christ. But he's there fighting in this war because of the things he does believe in, he reinlisted for the sole purpose of going to help in this war. He has given me permission to pray for him, and to ask you to pray for him too, and his buddies. I've known Jason since I was just 14 years old, even dated him for a very short time way back in the 80's. He's been my and Neal's friend for a long time.
Please pray for him, and his fellow soldiers in the 185th. Pray for his protection, pray for his safety and his salvation. When I asked him if I could pray, and ask you all to pray too, here is a little of what he had to say...
"YESSSS! that would be great and thank you for the prayer. Not to sound greedy and I'm sure the guys would agree. We would take all the Prayers we can get. Invincible, NO WAY! But we do try to stay focused and alert and have confidence in each others abilities. reality is a big punch in the face here. Its not training any more. This is the real deal.... It's nice to know that when I climb into the turret and load my weapons. That I have Angels looking over me. This is a crazy job but somebody has to do it."
If you want to commit to keeping Jason in prayer, leave me a comment to do so, if you can't make the commitment then just stop right now as you read this and pray for him and his fellow soldiers. You can also send notes or letters to me at GodKptHisPromise@aol.com, and I will gladly forward them on.
Friday, November 21, 2008
If You Are A Mom
Then you have to check out this post on another blog I recently discovered. And I encourage you wholeheartedly, GO FOR IT! GET INVOLVED! GIVE IT A SHOT! This blogger reviewed the concept so beautifully, I want you to tour through her neighborhood on your way to the big event!
CLICK TO GO
Or go directly to the source. The Mother Letter Project
CLICK TO GO
Or go directly to the source. The Mother Letter Project
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
15 Random Things About Me
Random or embarrassing? You be the judge.
1. I had my first kiss at 15 years old in the middle of my high school campus, his name was Andrew Ruiz.
2. I'm a pretty good cook, especially (Americanized) Italian and Mexican cooking - though I have neither nationality in my background (that I know of.)
3. I have a nervous habit of pulling locks of my hair and covering my mouth with it and my hand.
4. When I was in high school, my 2 best subjects were math and chemistry.
5. Before I was a Christian, I used to be an avid Stephen King reader.
6. If I am concentrating really hard, I will chew on my hair absentmindedly. (Gross, I know, at least I don't bite my nails.)
7. When I am in a crowded restaurant, it makes me uncomfortable to be seated where there are more people behind me than in front of me.
8. I used to want to be either an interpreter or a Spanish teacher.
9. I have a goal (sort of, since I'm not actively pursuing it) to memorize the entire Book of James in the Bible.
10. I have 4 chapters of a novel written that's been stuck up on shelf somewhere for more than a decade.
11. I have a callous on the middle part of my middle finger on my left hand from chewing on it when I'm really anxious of extremely focused.
12. When I was in 5th grade the principal wanted me to skip ahead a year in school, but I begged my mom not to make me and spent the year in an advanced program that I hated.
13. I have mental rules about the proper distribution of condiments on the sandwiches I make.
14. I like to sing in the shower.
15. Writing poetry comes really easy to me. (So I know it's a gift and not a talent.)
OK, now I'm wondering how many people who read this are just going to think I'm a little nuts. And I am, but it has nothing to do with these 15 things! Ha!
How about you, fellow bloggers, tell me 15 things about you.
1. I had my first kiss at 15 years old in the middle of my high school campus, his name was Andrew Ruiz.
2. I'm a pretty good cook, especially (Americanized) Italian and Mexican cooking - though I have neither nationality in my background (that I know of.)
3. I have a nervous habit of pulling locks of my hair and covering my mouth with it and my hand.
4. When I was in high school, my 2 best subjects were math and chemistry.
5. Before I was a Christian, I used to be an avid Stephen King reader.
6. If I am concentrating really hard, I will chew on my hair absentmindedly. (Gross, I know, at least I don't bite my nails.)
7. When I am in a crowded restaurant, it makes me uncomfortable to be seated where there are more people behind me than in front of me.
8. I used to want to be either an interpreter or a Spanish teacher.
9. I have a goal (sort of, since I'm not actively pursuing it) to memorize the entire Book of James in the Bible.
10. I have 4 chapters of a novel written that's been stuck up on shelf somewhere for more than a decade.
11. I have a callous on the middle part of my middle finger on my left hand from chewing on it when I'm really anxious of extremely focused.
12. When I was in 5th grade the principal wanted me to skip ahead a year in school, but I begged my mom not to make me and spent the year in an advanced program that I hated.
13. I have mental rules about the proper distribution of condiments on the sandwiches I make.
14. I like to sing in the shower.
15. Writing poetry comes really easy to me. (So I know it's a gift and not a talent.)
OK, now I'm wondering how many people who read this are just going to think I'm a little nuts. And I am, but it has nothing to do with these 15 things! Ha!
How about you, fellow bloggers, tell me 15 things about you.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
God of the Little Things
Today was a big day, our nation making choices about the leadership of this country for the next four years. Here in California there were important moral issues being voted on. But here in our home and our family, we're still in a "state" of our own, a state of shock, a state of sadness, a state of grief.
I took the time out of today to go and participate in my civic duty, and to exercise my rights and freedoms, but it was really a small part of my day, and certainly not the focus of it.
My grandpa died Sunday morning. I was sitting here at this computer listening to my littler kids watching TV in the kitchen when the telephone rang. My heart sank when I saw it was my parents' number. They don't call at 9 am on a Sunday, and I knew my Pop was in the hospital. When I answered the phone my grandfather had passed away. He'd been having an OK morning had his breakfast, and then his heart exploded and he was gone.
My dad had to drive to Yucca Valley to tell his mother that her husband of 66 years was gone. I told my little ones the news and held Victoria as she hugged me and cried a little into my shoulder. Ethan said, "Mommy, it's a little bit good that Papa is with Jesus' now, right?" I told him it was good for Papa, but sad for us. I talked to Jake on the phone, he and Neal had gone to church early because Neal was playing worship. I asked Jake to let me tell his dad. When we got to church I walked over to Neal and that's when I fell apart. And then I pulled myself together again.
I went through this just 13 1/2 months ago with Neal's mom. I call it "grief - once removed." When Neal's mom passed my primary focus was about being there for Neal, he had lost his mom. I loved my mother-in-law dearly, but she wasn't my mom. It was weeks later before I let it really hit me. I sat in the car listening to Third Day singing "Cry Out to Jesus," and I did. I balled my eyes out.
Now my grandpa is gone, and it's "grief - once removed," again. This time my focus is being there for my dad, who is trying to be there for his mom. He's really the only one she can lean on, and I'm my dad's only kid. My mom is completely there for him too, but I know the role she has to take right now, I just went through it with Neal, and I'm just trying to supplement that.
Grief is this surreal world, especially when you are in the removed position. You cannot let it consume you, you have to function in the midst of it, but then suddenly sometimes you're walking along and it's like someone punches you so hard in the gut it just knocks the wind out of you. You can't catch your breath. I walked into the grocery store yesterday and nearly bent over in two, "my grandpa is gone," and people I love dearly are devastated by it.
I know my mom is hurting, and I know how it feels as she grieves her loss of her father-in-law as well as she hurts for my dad and his loss, not to mention my grandmother's.
Today though, I wanted to help. I am a doer. My mom and I talked this morning, things they needed - a guest book; a Dodger's jacket to bury him in, a CD to play at the funeral, pictures for the mortuary and for the ceremony, things to be done.
I made three phone calls on the way to work this morning to three Christian bookstores, the first one offered to order what I needed, and it would be available in 2 to 3 weeks...? I don't know, can you plan that far ahead for your funeral needs? The 2nd store was just kind of rude. Then I called Lifeway (I will mention them by name because they blessed me so.) A wonderful young man helped me, he put me on hold and went and grabbed choices for me and put them aside for my mom to come and check out. When she went, he had SIX different options sitting aside for her to look at. He made a potentially time consuming process, simple.
When I got to work I pulled up Napster and sifted through tons of different hymns, and when my mom got to work we talked about what Pop would have liked, and what would bless my Nanny (grandma.) When I called my dad later and told him I was trying to put together the CD we were completely in sync. When I got home to pick the songs and make the CD it just came together beautifully.
I also got to print pictures of my pop. My dad had sent his camera to me and I brought it home and looked at pictures and edited them. It was kind of hard, to look at my Pop knowing he's gone, but it was the good kind of hard. I was happy to do it. My dad and I talked throughout the afternoon. It was decided that because Pop only wore his one suit to funerals, he shouldn't wear one to his own. My Pop would have bled Dodger Blue, he was a tried and true fan, and so we wanted to bury him in a Dodger jacket. My Dad drove over to the MLB store in Santa Ana, but they didn't have anything. I looked on the internet, and everything was going to take at least 3 to 4 days. The best lead we found was a store in Universal City (an hour and a half drive or so through potentially lots of traffic)and all they had was a medium. We really need a large.
When I printed out pictures here at home the 8x10's got kind of obscured, so I sent them to Walgreens via the internet to be developed, and they were ready in an hour. On my way over to pick them up I called a friend that I hadn't talked to recently. I had something I wanted to tell him, but he knew about my Pop's passing so he wanted to know what was going on. His mom passed a couple years ago now, and he was a blessing to us when Neal's mom passed, because once you've gone through it, you "get it." I mentioned my hopes to find the classing Dodger jacket. and the plan to drive to Universal the next day. He told me, "No, Diana, go to Chick's, I just saw them there." SO we got off the phone and I called them, please did they have any Dodger Blue satin jackets. I explained why I needed it. The guy asked me to hold on while he took a look. He was gone for a while, but it was 8:45 and I figured they closed at 9, so in faith, I was headed there. Finally he came on. "We only have one," he said, sounding apologetic, "and it's a large."
I felt so blessed in that moment. I couldn't wait to get my hands on that jacket and give it to my dad. I drove like a mad woman, and yes, faster than I should have, but I got there with 2 minutes to spare. I paid for it quickly, the people there all obviously knew what I wanted it for and they were very kind to me. As I got in my car and headed to my parents' I was suddenly really humbled. God knew this was important to me, because it was important to my dad, because it would have touched my Pop, and He orchestrated my afternoon, and my phone calls all so He could meet a need that might not seem very important anyone else, but meant the world to me, and my family. I was listening to a copy of the CD I had made as I was driving and the song "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" came on. Chris Rice sang the lyrics, "Great is Thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see. All I have needed Thy hand hath provided; Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!" I was experiencing the reality of those words.
My dad was really surprised. He thought maybe I had driven to Universal without him. (That would have been a real pedal to the metal ride.) I showed them the pictures from Walgreens, which turned out really well, we may want more - but that's OK, they only take an hour. And I gave them the CDs I had made. My mom put the Cd in the stereo, and for the next hour I sat with my parents and played with their cat, and watched as my dad sang the words to all the songs I had recorded. He and my mom talked about when they were growing up in church and those songs being sung. My dad knew so many of the words, even more than my mom, and I cannot tell you how special those moments were to me. I don't really ever remember being in church with my folks, but tonight I got to see a glimpse into the faith of my dad. That really blessed me.
I am just really humbled that my heavenly Father, on a day I know his "phone" was ringing off the hook, took the time to be with me and my family in the littlest details. He is God of those details, and He is God of our nation, acknowledged as such or no, God is still on the throne, and I have my security in Him.
Dedicated in loving memory
A.L. Tipton
July 10, 1923 - November 2, 2008
My "Pop"
I took the time out of today to go and participate in my civic duty, and to exercise my rights and freedoms, but it was really a small part of my day, and certainly not the focus of it.
My grandpa died Sunday morning. I was sitting here at this computer listening to my littler kids watching TV in the kitchen when the telephone rang. My heart sank when I saw it was my parents' number. They don't call at 9 am on a Sunday, and I knew my Pop was in the hospital. When I answered the phone my grandfather had passed away. He'd been having an OK morning had his breakfast, and then his heart exploded and he was gone.
My dad had to drive to Yucca Valley to tell his mother that her husband of 66 years was gone. I told my little ones the news and held Victoria as she hugged me and cried a little into my shoulder. Ethan said, "Mommy, it's a little bit good that Papa is with Jesus' now, right?" I told him it was good for Papa, but sad for us. I talked to Jake on the phone, he and Neal had gone to church early because Neal was playing worship. I asked Jake to let me tell his dad. When we got to church I walked over to Neal and that's when I fell apart. And then I pulled myself together again.
I went through this just 13 1/2 months ago with Neal's mom. I call it "grief - once removed." When Neal's mom passed my primary focus was about being there for Neal, he had lost his mom. I loved my mother-in-law dearly, but she wasn't my mom. It was weeks later before I let it really hit me. I sat in the car listening to Third Day singing "Cry Out to Jesus," and I did. I balled my eyes out.
Now my grandpa is gone, and it's "grief - once removed," again. This time my focus is being there for my dad, who is trying to be there for his mom. He's really the only one she can lean on, and I'm my dad's only kid. My mom is completely there for him too, but I know the role she has to take right now, I just went through it with Neal, and I'm just trying to supplement that.
Grief is this surreal world, especially when you are in the removed position. You cannot let it consume you, you have to function in the midst of it, but then suddenly sometimes you're walking along and it's like someone punches you so hard in the gut it just knocks the wind out of you. You can't catch your breath. I walked into the grocery store yesterday and nearly bent over in two, "my grandpa is gone," and people I love dearly are devastated by it.
I know my mom is hurting, and I know how it feels as she grieves her loss of her father-in-law as well as she hurts for my dad and his loss, not to mention my grandmother's.
Today though, I wanted to help. I am a doer. My mom and I talked this morning, things they needed - a guest book; a Dodger's jacket to bury him in, a CD to play at the funeral, pictures for the mortuary and for the ceremony, things to be done.
I made three phone calls on the way to work this morning to three Christian bookstores, the first one offered to order what I needed, and it would be available in 2 to 3 weeks...? I don't know, can you plan that far ahead for your funeral needs? The 2nd store was just kind of rude. Then I called Lifeway (I will mention them by name because they blessed me so.) A wonderful young man helped me, he put me on hold and went and grabbed choices for me and put them aside for my mom to come and check out. When she went, he had SIX different options sitting aside for her to look at. He made a potentially time consuming process, simple.
When I got to work I pulled up Napster and sifted through tons of different hymns, and when my mom got to work we talked about what Pop would have liked, and what would bless my Nanny (grandma.) When I called my dad later and told him I was trying to put together the CD we were completely in sync. When I got home to pick the songs and make the CD it just came together beautifully.
I also got to print pictures of my pop. My dad had sent his camera to me and I brought it home and looked at pictures and edited them. It was kind of hard, to look at my Pop knowing he's gone, but it was the good kind of hard. I was happy to do it. My dad and I talked throughout the afternoon. It was decided that because Pop only wore his one suit to funerals, he shouldn't wear one to his own. My Pop would have bled Dodger Blue, he was a tried and true fan, and so we wanted to bury him in a Dodger jacket. My Dad drove over to the MLB store in Santa Ana, but they didn't have anything. I looked on the internet, and everything was going to take at least 3 to 4 days. The best lead we found was a store in Universal City (an hour and a half drive or so through potentially lots of traffic)and all they had was a medium. We really need a large.
When I printed out pictures here at home the 8x10's got kind of obscured, so I sent them to Walgreens via the internet to be developed, and they were ready in an hour. On my way over to pick them up I called a friend that I hadn't talked to recently. I had something I wanted to tell him, but he knew about my Pop's passing so he wanted to know what was going on. His mom passed a couple years ago now, and he was a blessing to us when Neal's mom passed, because once you've gone through it, you "get it." I mentioned my hopes to find the classing Dodger jacket. and the plan to drive to Universal the next day. He told me, "No, Diana, go to Chick's, I just saw them there." SO we got off the phone and I called them, please did they have any Dodger Blue satin jackets. I explained why I needed it. The guy asked me to hold on while he took a look. He was gone for a while, but it was 8:45 and I figured they closed at 9, so in faith, I was headed there. Finally he came on. "We only have one," he said, sounding apologetic, "and it's a large."
I felt so blessed in that moment. I couldn't wait to get my hands on that jacket and give it to my dad. I drove like a mad woman, and yes, faster than I should have, but I got there with 2 minutes to spare. I paid for it quickly, the people there all obviously knew what I wanted it for and they were very kind to me. As I got in my car and headed to my parents' I was suddenly really humbled. God knew this was important to me, because it was important to my dad, because it would have touched my Pop, and He orchestrated my afternoon, and my phone calls all so He could meet a need that might not seem very important anyone else, but meant the world to me, and my family. I was listening to a copy of the CD I had made as I was driving and the song "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" came on. Chris Rice sang the lyrics, "Great is Thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see. All I have needed Thy hand hath provided; Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!" I was experiencing the reality of those words.
My dad was really surprised. He thought maybe I had driven to Universal without him. (That would have been a real pedal to the metal ride.) I showed them the pictures from Walgreens, which turned out really well, we may want more - but that's OK, they only take an hour. And I gave them the CDs I had made. My mom put the Cd in the stereo, and for the next hour I sat with my parents and played with their cat, and watched as my dad sang the words to all the songs I had recorded. He and my mom talked about when they were growing up in church and those songs being sung. My dad knew so many of the words, even more than my mom, and I cannot tell you how special those moments were to me. I don't really ever remember being in church with my folks, but tonight I got to see a glimpse into the faith of my dad. That really blessed me.
I am just really humbled that my heavenly Father, on a day I know his "phone" was ringing off the hook, took the time to be with me and my family in the littlest details. He is God of those details, and He is God of our nation, acknowledged as such or no, God is still on the throne, and I have my security in Him.
Dedicated in loving memoryA.L. Tipton
July 10, 1923 - November 2, 2008
My "Pop"
Thursday, October 2, 2008
You Could Have Heard a Pin Drop
My dad sent this to me via email today, and I thought it was worthy of posting. I'm not positive it's fact for fact truth, but the sentiment surely is.
You Could Have Heard a Pin Drop
When in England , at a fairly large conference, Colin Powell was asked by the Archbishop of Canterbury if our plans for Iraq were just an example of empire building' by George Bush.
He answered by saying, 'Over the years, the United States has sent many of its fine young men and women into great peril to fight for freedom beyond our borders. The only amount of land we have ever asked for in return is enough to bury those that did not return.'
You could have heard a pin drop.
There was a conference in France where a number of international engineers were taking part, including French and American. During a break, one of the French engineers came back into the room saying 'Have you heard the latest dumb stunt Bush has done? He has sent an aircraft carrier to Indonesia to help the tsunami victims. What does he intended to do, bomb them?'
A Boeing engineer stood up and replied quietly: 'Our carriers have three hospitals on board that can treat several hundred people; they are nuclear powered and can supply emergency electrical power to shore facilities; they have three cafeterias with the capacity to feed 3,000 people three meals a day, they can produce several thousand gallons of fresh water from sea water each day, and they carry half a dozen helicopters for use in transporting victims and injured to and from! their flight deck. We have eleven such ships; how many does France have?'
You could have heard a pin drop.
A U.S. Navy Admiral was attending a naval conference that included Admirals from the U.S. , English , Canadian, Australian and French Navies. At a cocktail reception, he found himself standing with a large group of officers that included personnel from most of those countries.
Everyone was chatting away in English as they sipped their drinks but a French admiral suddenly complained that, whereas Europeans learn many languages, Americans learn only English.' He then asked, 'Why is it that we always have to speak English in these conferences rather than speaking French?'
Without hesitating, the American Admiral replied
'Maybe it's because the Brits, Canadians, Aussies and Americans arranged it so you wouldn't have to speak German.'
You could have heard a pin drop.
AND THIS STORY FITS RIGHT IN WITH THE ABOVE...
Robert Whiting, an elderly gentleman of 83, arrived in Paris by plane. At French Customs, he took a few minutes to locate his passport in his carry on.
'You have been to France before, monsieur?' the customs officer asked sarcastically.
Mr. Whiting admitted that he had been to France previously. Then you should know enough to have your passport ready.'
The American said, ''The last time I was here, I didn't have to show it.
'Impossible. Americans always have to show your passports on arrival in France !'
The American senior gave the Frenchman a long hard look. Then he quietly explained, ''Well, when I came ashore at Omaha Beach on D-Day in 1944 to help liberate this country, I couldn't find a single Frenchmen to show a passport to.'
You could have heard a pin drop.
You Could Have Heard a Pin Drop
When in England , at a fairly large conference, Colin Powell was asked by the Archbishop of Canterbury if our plans for Iraq were just an example of empire building' by George Bush.
He answered by saying, 'Over the years, the United States has sent many of its fine young men and women into great peril to fight for freedom beyond our borders. The only amount of land we have ever asked for in return is enough to bury those that did not return.'
You could have heard a pin drop.
There was a conference in France where a number of international engineers were taking part, including French and American. During a break, one of the French engineers came back into the room saying 'Have you heard the latest dumb stunt Bush has done? He has sent an aircraft carrier to Indonesia to help the tsunami victims. What does he intended to do, bomb them?'
A Boeing engineer stood up and replied quietly: 'Our carriers have three hospitals on board that can treat several hundred people; they are nuclear powered and can supply emergency electrical power to shore facilities; they have three cafeterias with the capacity to feed 3,000 people three meals a day, they can produce several thousand gallons of fresh water from sea water each day, and they carry half a dozen helicopters for use in transporting victims and injured to and from! their flight deck. We have eleven such ships; how many does France have?'
You could have heard a pin drop.
A U.S. Navy Admiral was attending a naval conference that included Admirals from the U.S. , English , Canadian, Australian and French Navies. At a cocktail reception, he found himself standing with a large group of officers that included personnel from most of those countries.
Everyone was chatting away in English as they sipped their drinks but a French admiral suddenly complained that, whereas Europeans learn many languages, Americans learn only English.' He then asked, 'Why is it that we always have to speak English in these conferences rather than speaking French?'
Without hesitating, the American Admiral replied
'Maybe it's because the Brits, Canadians, Aussies and Americans arranged it so you wouldn't have to speak German.'
You could have heard a pin drop.
AND THIS STORY FITS RIGHT IN WITH THE ABOVE...
Robert Whiting, an elderly gentleman of 83, arrived in Paris by plane. At French Customs, he took a few minutes to locate his passport in his carry on.
'You have been to France before, monsieur?' the customs officer asked sarcastically.
Mr. Whiting admitted that he had been to France previously. Then you should know enough to have your passport ready.'
The American said, ''The last time I was here, I didn't have to show it.
'Impossible. Americans always have to show your passports on arrival in France !'
The American senior gave the Frenchman a long hard look. Then he quietly explained, ''Well, when I came ashore at Omaha Beach on D-Day in 1944 to help liberate this country, I couldn't find a single Frenchmen to show a passport to.'
You could have heard a pin drop.
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