Help Me!

At the end of January, I surgery on my knee. Nothing major, but it put me out of commission for a bit. My amazing mom came down to help me get back on my feet (literally), drive me around, cook and clean for me, and just be another person here so I wasn't healing at home alone.

It amazed me, however, how much GUILT I felt when I asked for help! I felt bad asking her to get me a glass of water, bring me dinner, cook me breakfast, wash the dishes. I KNEW that if I tried hard enough, I could do all of those things on my own! Except... I couldn't.

And when you can't do something you normally do, it's humbling. To have to depend on another person for some very basic things. It's harder than it seems like it will be.

I can't tell you how many times I would make a request like, "I'm sorry, but... I ran out of water... could you get me some more?... I... I'm sorry. Thank you..."

Can anyone relate?

I'm the careGIVER, not the care RECEIVER.

I think it's important, though, to be a care receiver sometimes. For me, it made me so much more grateful for my health. I'm still recovering, and I'm frustrated by how I get tired quickly, and that my knee isn't feeling PERFECT yet (even though the doctor TOLD me it would take a month or so). 

I'm grateful for the ability to walk. I'm grateful for a family that cares about me and goes out of the way to make sure I'm taken care of.  I'm grateful for a team of leaders at church who won't LET me overdo it, even when I want to--because I am thinking of what I want to see happen now, but they are thinking of what happens long term. It makes me feel loved. And even being told, "No, don't do that," makes me feel appreciated because I know that people care.

I'm not saying that everyone should go get knee surgery. But maybe everyone should be a care receiver every now and then.

And while my Christmas Tree wasn't attacking me, this is what it felt like when I asked for help (see ESPECIALLY at 1:20):

21 Days

21 days. That's three weeks.

21 days. It's not much time, really, in the grand scheme of things. Or it's an eternity. Either way...

Several of us in Sought Church are doing a 21 day fast beginning tomorrow, February 8th. Some of us are fasting food, some are fasting TV, or something else specific in our lives. Now... I want to be really honest with you about this. When I first was presented with the idea, I wasn't happy.

"Crap," I thought. "I'm a leader. That means I have to do this, too." Because leaders are willing to be
uncomfortable to help other people grow, and let me tell you, fasting is uncomfortable.

Think about it... people won't be EATING. They won't be doing all these other things that we find pleasure in, or stress relief, or sustenance!

Instead, we'll all be looking to God. Seeking Him. Wanting more of Him. Trying our best to listen to what He's saying for our lives, for our church, for our community.

It's hard. It's kinda sucky at times.

But you know what? During that time when FB is down, or there's a deep craving for chocolate (or just food in general!), guess where we get to focus our time and energy?

On Jesus.

And that? That's the greatest pleasure of all.

Want to join our fast? Want to ask questions, or start a conversation about this? Let me know in the comments.

#RedLipNation

Some women that I hang out with online have started a new trend.  Our roles are typically seen as conservative, so our trend is... refreshing. Scary. And downright gorgeous.

These women--pastors, leaders, mothers, executives, peace-keepers, movers and shakers--keep stepping up, one by one, to reach out of their comfort zone.

Many of us have uttered the words, "I've never done this before..." Often, those words are preceded by one amazing feat--red lipstick.

I know.  You're thinking, "Emily. This post is about MAKEUP?"

Seriously, keep reading.

I wear chapstick every day. That's mostly the extent of my lip color (i.e. there IS no color).  When this discussion about wearing red lipstick started, my first thought was, "Um, I could NEVER get away with that."  But I kept seeing pictures of the most beautiful, brave women. Red lips out there, speaking words with confidence and grace.

Finally, I thought I needed to try it. I wanted to be brave. Because wearing my chapstick is NOT brave.  Wearing my chapstick hides me, helps me blend in. Having red lips makes me stand out--or at least feel like I'm standing out. And while I want to stand out in many ways (I love the spotlight!), my lips were never a way I wanted to do that!

Monday night, I went to Ulta.  (That's a makeup store. I live 5 minutes from it, it's HUGE, and I'd seriously never heard of it before.) I got some help from a girl there and went home with 3 lip colors and a lip liner. The next morning, I wore red lipstick to a minister's breakfast.

I.
Was.
Terrified.

But no one kicked me out. No one took away my credentials. No one called me a hooker.

I sat there, singing and praying, and listening to what God was doing, and I felt grateful. Strangely enough, in that bravery, fighting back the fear of what others would think of me, I felt like I was more the woman that God had created me to be. Bold. Fearless (or at least able to conquer fear). Brave.

Joshua 1:9 tells us to "be strong and courageous." No, Joshua was not talking about wearing red lipstick. But... I felt that way when I put it on. I know that red lipstick doesn't cause the Lord to go with me wherever I go, but my insecurity meant that I had to put 100% of my worth, value, everything on HIM, not on me. And that's a LOT scarier than smearing a little NYX Butter Lipstick in Licorice on my mouth.

If you don't normally wear red lipstick (and you're a woman!), go find a shade that fits you and try it. If you do, or you're a guy, try something else that brings you out of your comfort zone. You'll quickly realize just how much you need to depend on Jesus to breathe calmly when you wonder if other people are judging you, concerned about you, or... don't even care about the change.  Join the #redlipnation!

Extroverts Unite!

All the extroverts in the house say, “HOLLA!”

I learned something this week about myself.  There are a ton of things out there in internet-world about self care for introverts, or how to interact with an introvert, or why introverts are queens of the world.  But really… Extroverts need to figure out how to care for ourselves, too.

That means… you get a story.

Wednesday night was the night before Thanksgiving.  I ended up at my friend’s house for an early turkey dinner.  Yum.  Seriously.  Delish.  We spent time talking about what’s going on in our lives, laughing a bit, eating a lot, and just having a nice dinner. When I left I was exhausted (thank you full day of work plus tryptophan!), had a very full belly, and was ready to take a nap!

I decided to try something different, however.

I didn’t sit down.  I just put the turkey I’d been given in the fridge, grabbed the couple of bags of trash I’d had sitting by the door, and walked to the dumpster.  It was good, moving after such a full dinner.  Being outside and breathing the cold air.  I went back inside and turned on some Christmas music… and unloaded the dishwasher.  Reloaded it.  Started cleaning off counters and floors.

I was puzzled.  I was STUFFED, almost as much as Fred the Turkey.  Where did all this energy come from?

Suddenly it dawned on me.  I was full.  Not just my stomach (though that certainly was!), but I’d just spent a few hours talking about me and about people that I care about.  My extrovert tank was full.  Because of that, I had an excessive amount of energy to spend cleaning my home!

I started thinking over the last week of my life.  My day job entails me talking about the lives of people that I have ZERO investment in.  Chances are, I’ll never see them again.  I’m paid not to care, I’m paid to be neutral and just share information from one person to another.

On Saturday, I was surrounded by 9,000 other people at a Convoy of Hope event.  I worked in the prayer tent all day, which meant that there was a never ending line of people that I was talking with.  All day, I heard story after story, and prayed for provision and healing and for people to seek Jesus.  When I left, I was exhausted.  Wiped out.  Glad I’d served, happy to get to know a few friends a little more, but beat.  When I got home, I didn’t have much energy to do anything.

The difference between Saturday and Wednesday?  It was about me.  Not selfishly, but I had the opportunity to share MY story on Wednesday.  To hear stories about those people in whom I’m personally invested.  

So here’s the lesson for all of my extrovert friends, especially those of us who find ourselves in situations where we don’t have long histories of friendships or families surrounding us.  

Make relationships.

Invest in those relationships.

And when we don’t feel like cleaning the house… maybe it’s time to go hang out with some friends for an hour or two.

In Honor of International Women's Day

My friend Vicki announced on Facebook tonight that tomorrow (Friday) is International Women's Day.  Her challenge?  To write a tribute to women who have inspired, pushed, or encouraged you.

Vicki?  Game on.

First of all I want to comment on the day itself.  Sometimes, I think we forget how amazing women are.  Women have, historically, been treated as less than.  Unequal.  But oh, how women are so much more.  From the very beginning, Eve was not created as a secondary citizen, but an equal partner, sharing in God's love.  Women throughout history have been rejected, abandoned, abused, trafficked... and yet they rise above.  In freedom they tell their story--a story of grace and redemption.  Of love.  Of LIFE.

My tribute today will not encompass everyone.  I wish I had pages I could write on each of you, but my time (and yours) is limited.  Today, I can only select two groups of women.

The first women I must thank today are my Mothers...  My mom, step-mom, and grandmothers.  The ones who knew me from the beginning (well, or since second grade!).  Strong women.  Capable women.  Women who allowed me to be me and celebrated who I was and who I have become.  My grandmothers proved that there is nothing more comforting than grandma's arms.  My mothers proved their strength and mettle as single moms--fighting for what was right for their children.  These women will never know the depth of my gratitude and admiration for them.  Mom and G - here's to many, many more years.

The second women are the female pastors in my life.  I didn't realize how unusual it was for me to have the kind of impact you all have had on my life.  Women I've churched under--like JoAnn, Hedy, Dawn, Anna.  The ministry "greats" in my life--showing how much God loves His daughters to serve as much as His sons.  Women I've churched with, or even from afar--like Korista, Chantel, Vicki, Angela... and every single SHWAG and U40 sister.  God is using you, my friends.  Thank you for your service to Him.

There is my heart tonight.  Who are the women YOU tribute this week?

In Which I Thank Everyone Who Has Been Praying...

Every so often in life, someone will mention, "I've been praying for you."  It gives you a little lift in your spirit.  A gratefulness that someone cares enough to spend their time on YOU--not anything else... Just carrying you to the arms of Jesus.

For me, it happened a lot when my sister was sick.  People in church or at work would stop me and tell me that they were praying for my family.

Lately, however, I have been awed by the people who have given of their hearts and minds and time to lift me up in prayer.  I've had people approaching me with words from God, specific Scripture that came to mind while they were praying for me... a friend just mentioned last night that she found a little trinket for me and though she hasn't given it to me yet, she keeps it in sight so that she prays for me every time she sees it.  People who should be focused on their own issues or families or lives are giving me a gift that surpasses all material gifts...

You, my friends, are investing in my life in ways you may never know.  You are encouraging me.  You are propelling me forward.  You are believing in me when I may not believe in myself.

Pastor Peter talked about giving this weekend... about how we should all be generous givers--because as we aim to be more like God in action and heart and love, we become more generous givers.  You all are sharing the love of God in a way that makes me so grateful, I cannot even express it.  And no one is asking it of you.

Thank you for the Christmas blessing, friends.  For the surprise words and love.  Each one of you is cherished and appreciated.  You know who you are, even better than I know.  Much love to you.


(By the way...  I'm going through some changes here...  As I'm bumbling along in life, God is changing my heart--which is why my blog is changing a bit.  Don't worry... it's still me.)

The Memories...

Last week, one of my friends was diagnosed with Leukemia.

Cancer.

I found out by reading a post by her husband on Facebook.  It almost felt like a prank--a cruel, horrible prank.  "Haha, everyone, we don't have cancer - gotcha!"  As I read the words, though, I felt memories flooding back... From the night my sister called me to tell me she had cancer, almost 4 years ago to the day.  It felt surreal then.  It STILL feels surreal sometimes.

As I've prayed for my friend and her family, those memories keep coming back... I've tried to think of what my sister needed from her friends--what WE needed, as well--and figure out practical ways to provide those things for her, for them.

Here are some things I remember....

1) AVOID CLICHE'S
Oh my word.  I heard the phrase "God won't give you more than you can handle" more times than I can count.  The HORRIBLE thing about this statement is that it's NOT TRUE!!!!  NOWHERE in Scripture does it say this.  And knowing that God doesn't say it made it far more OK for me to run to Papa God and crumble in His arms.  HE handles it, not me.  (See my rant on this here.)

2) KEEP COMMUNICATING
 I remember how my sister would read blog comments from her phone in the hospital bed.  She LOVED hearing from her friends and family... even people she didn't know--OUR friends who still cared about her.  She drew so much strength from them, and because of that, so did we!  Those who routinely commented were such a blessing!

3) BE SPECIFIC WHEN YOU OFFER SOMETHING
I actually remember this from when my grandfather passed away while I was still in MN.  I had a friend who's mother had just passed away a year before who was with me when I got the news.  I was a mess.  She stood with me and said, "This is how I'm going to help you.  I can bring you to your teachers and we can talk to them and get assignments, etc."  She was so practical.  She learned that from HER experiences... those who said, "If there's any way I can help, let me know," didn't end up being too helpful.  Their hearts were ABSOLUTELY in the right place, but when you're experiencing something tragic or traumatic, it's hard to "assign" someone something to do.  That's why I try to avoid this statement - because I felt it when we experienced Serry's cancer.  I had some friends who were VERY specific in what they could do to support me.  My small group, for instance, changed - we became something that was less of a stress on me, and more a group teaching/discussion.  They were very practical and such a support.  If there's something you can do for someone, do it - or at least offer to.  If you can watch the kids, offer to watch the kids.  If you want to give some money to the family, give some money.  In the case of my friend, if you want to shave your head to show solidarity - shave that head! (Several people, men and women, in our church have done this!)

4)  LOVE AND PRAY
Seriously.  We know that prayer is a powerful weapon.  Why don't we use it?  This weekend, we prayed in church.  Some of the kids in children's church prayed.  We prayed at a party we went to.  We've been praying alone and with others.  God ALREADY has the title of Healer--it's not like we're asking Him to step out of His identity.  He has established Himself as a Healer WAY before you and I got here!



There's more that's rumbling around, but... this is what's on my heart.  So, now that you've read this, will you pray for my friend, S, and her husband, A, and their daughter, L?  They would really appreciate it.  In the meantime, here's my small showing of solidarity for my friend... orange for Leukemia:

Are YOU wet?

So apparently I suck at blogging, which is funny because in real life you can't shut me up. Serious. Life has been insane this year, though, which causes a bit of stress, a lot of laughter, and some pretty funny moments.

This is the first Memorial Day Saturday that I'm not at the ocean. Even when I bailed on camping with my friends (talk about freezing and rain galore), I still went and stayed with my parents. Probably the only time in the last 20 years or so that I HAVEN'T been there is when I was in MN.

I'm not there this year because of some health issues, but I also want to be at church tonight. Yes, I truly do love my church. I've enjoyed church before, but never have I just loved to BE there, hanging out with friends, meeting new people, worshiping and loving Jesus. It's good stuff.

Anyway, celebrate with me that it's Memorial Day and I'm not wet... well, my hair IS wet right now, but... the shower caused that--not the rain.

And for the record - YES, I know it's not raining at the ocean right now. But I DID see the picture of Lake de Hume. :)

Reflections...

2010 is now officially over. I said goodbye with some good friends from my Central days... and all their children (with noisemakers!). We laughed a lot, talked a lot, and did a lot of running (hurdles!), boxing, ping pong... all on the Kinect. :) I'm home now, in bed with a throat sore from outtalking all those kids, and am reflective... (who gave me the computer at 2 am??)

Tonight marked day 1,095 of reading my Bible straight. 3 years ago, I made a commitment to read a little bit each day for the month of January. I had no idea that I would be challenged (by myself) to continue in February, then challenged by Pastor Dan to increase it in March, and then just stick with it to see how long I could do it. That was the year I turned 30. That was the year I went to the ACM's for free. That was the year my sister got cancer. That time in the Bible, every day, after three years is not a duty. It's not one of those things I have to get done every night before I go to bed. It is an integral part of me. I'm afraid I would stop breathing without it. Thank you, Lord, for turning what I thought was a gift to You into a blessing for me. How honored am I?

This year I had to big opportunities (OK, big to me!) to speak in church. In May, three of us got to do 5 minutes on the topic of forgiveness. It was so much fun to get in front of a congregation and speak again, and to try to be as concise and clear as possible--in just five minutes. In December, I was able to tell my My Story to all three services (1 Saturday, 2 Sunday). Again 5 minutes, but this time it was my story with Jesus. I was reminded that I WANT to be up there, on that platform, speaking into people's lives. It's been so long since I've had opportunities like that, and I definitely feel rusty, but... I LOVE sharing/teaching about Jesus in front of people.

This week I rang the year out right by cleaning my office--no big deal to some, but to me, it was a room that has weighed heavily on me since I moved in 5 years ago. This, combined with one or two other things that I have put off for YEARS have truly freed me, mentally and emotionally from a lot of baggage... baggage I didn't even know was there.

This year I also received a little more clarity about some things in my future--missions I want to go on, and people/ministries I want to be involved in. I don't really know when... but I know that as soon as there is an opportunity, I want to be there.

This marked my second year of living in financial peace, as well. I can't say that I'm debt free yet, but I have cut my debt almost in half so far--and am praying for the second half to leave my life as quickly as possible.

This year I began writing my sponsored child, Ezra, more than regularly. I joined a second Friday of the month writing group, and have written the second Friday of the month--plus MORE for several months now. I am more excited to pray for her, to develop relationship with her, and just to know that I am able to contribute to a little girl becoming a young woman--following God.

2010 has been filled with so much more. It's been a year of growth--in areas where I am surprised to see change. I'm thankful. And I'm anticipatory for 2011... I think there will be more change, more growth... I'm doing my absolute best to follow my Jesus... And I'm excited to see where our journey will lead this year.

Happy New Year!

Of Life and Death...

I have sometimes thought of the final cause of dogs having such short lives and I am quite satisfied it is in compassion to the human race; for if we suffer so much in losing a dog after an acquaintance of ten or twelve years, what would it be if they were to live double that time?
~Sir Walter Scott

Tonight's post is dedicated to my Gus. See... Mom, Bob, and I were adopted by a whiny, wriggly lump of puppyness about 12 or 13 years ago. We wanted a dog, and Bob and I were insistent that we get a big breed. The puppy we found was a Shepherd/Rottweiler mix--sure to be a big boy, and with good breeding... at least on his mother's side. She had loose morals, though, and fraternized once to often with the Rottweiler down the street.

I remember 2 specific things about Gus being a puppy. He whined. A lot. And he knew, at his tender, baby age, that he was certain to become an escape artist. Bob and I worked tirelessly to build him a classy kennel. He had a dog house, plenty of room to stretch out, shelter... it was perfect. Our only flaw was that we let him watch us build it. When he saw any weakness in the structure, he stored it away, knowing it would be good for future use.

That smart-dumb dog eventually put his knowledge to use. When put in his kennel, he would take a flying leap and crawl up the 8 foot walls--free to hop down to freedom. When we blocked off that escape route, our Houdini popped the lid off his dog house. Of course that got reattached. He then managed to rip through the chain link fence and squeeze through a hole just big enough. After that was enforced by rebar... Yes... he BENT the rebar. The final attempt at the kennel (to keep him out of doggy jail!) was an electric fence all around the kennel. Sure enough, moments after put inside, one would hear a yip, Yip, YIP! coming from the electrocuted canine, and then a WOOF! of freedom. Needless to say, the kennel has remained empty for several years.

Gus was my helper-dog. I'd work on something outside and shout, "Where's my helper-dog?!" He'd come running! We washed cars, clipped rhodies, weeded, planted, and even ran from the attacking Bald Faced Hornets together. We went for walks on the beach whenever we went to the ocean. We would start with him on his leash (he scared small-dog people) and he'd run out in front of me, every bit my pet dog. As soon as that leash was unclicked, though, he'd fall in line, just behind and to the right of me. I was alpha in our pack of two, and he was sublimely happy to have it that way.

Gus licked all the time. I'm serious... ALL. THE. TIME. He used to have the nickname of Mr. Licky. Then he became Captian Licky... and moved up the ranks. I think that tonight... tonight, the silence will be eerie.

My Gus let us know last night that it was time for him to move on. He was tired of his arthritis. His hair loss. His sore, old body. Today we said goodbye... we shared our last, "I love you's" and "Thank you for being my friend." He got his last belly rub and ear scratch. Tonight he's running and playing again, finding the perfect stick. Meeting up with old friends who've gone on before him. To them and to God, I say... please give my Gusser an extra hug tonight. He couldn't make it here any more, but I'll see him again, every bit the crazy puppy he used to be.

Gus-Gus... I love you. I miss you. I'm so thankful that you're not hurting anymore, but now it's my turn for my heart to hurt for awhile. Despite the insanity that you sometimes brought, you were my good dog, and I'm so thankful and honored to be called your Emmy. Sleep well, Puppy. I'll see you when I get there. Save a walk on the beach for me.

Cat Story and a Winner

...how's that for a blog title. ;)

The Winner first... Mandy won last night's question! My new favorite TV show is the Dick Van Dyke show - SOOO funny! :) As a prize, she is featured in today's blog! If you click on her name, you can see HER blog... Mandy and I met in college - she was my very first roommate, back in the 96-97 school year at Central. She's married and has a cute 4 year old who loves to laugh - at least to laugh at me. Mandy's daughter makes me think I'm the funniest person in the world (finally someone who agrees with me!!). Mandy's actually one of the people who first got me to go to Salt (a campus ministry at Central) where I committed my life to Jesus. I think I still have an email from her from 1996 (yes, we had email way back then - barely... it was my first email address, I think!) that said that Bruce was passed out in the hall... (4 years later, Bruce became student body president. Hmmm...) Anyway, Mandy's a kool kat that I'm really grateful to have as a friend, and I'm thankful that she's moved back so she can be close to ME! (no, that's not why they moved back. ;) LOL)

And now for the cat story. Well, I'm not really sure which one to tell. I'll just let you know... my two boys, Cosmo and Lockwood, are quite characters. Tonight I accidentally left my closet door open (a no no with two curious kitties around) and Cosmo wandered in to get lost among the clothes, shoes, and bags. Lucky snuck in after him, but leapt out when I hollered his name. I got up to go shut the door and started looking for my Cosmo... the only thing I could see was a little bit of a fuzzy tail sticking out. He'd burrowed up against the back wall behind and on top of a box, almost covered by a bag. As I reached down to pull him out, I swear I could hear him say, "Aw Mom... You ruin all my fun."

Don't worry. He's happily stretched out on the window sill right now, enjoying the cold night air... and plotting his next escapade.

For now... it's off to bed. G'Night!

Catch Up

I miss blogging. It seems like facebook has taken over life with the 2 second status update... but without any real concern of what life is about. It will be interesting to see where technology takes us over the next few years. I'm sure most of my readers have jumped ship, but that's OK.

I've got a lot of friends who are totally changing their lives by getting healthy, losing weight, exercising, etc. I've even added Kelly's blog on my blogroll... Hers is Starting my 45th Year - check it out. She's been doing great and just ran a 5K today!

Tomorrow we have a small group leader's meeting at church. I'm supposed to know what my small group will be studying this fall. Is it horrible that I'm completely clueless? I had one idea, but wasn't super sure about it and didn't develop all the stuff I'd need this summer anyway. I could always just do a book of the bible, but I don't even know where to go with that. I'm asking God, but seriously, there's no answer yet. At least... *I* haven't been able to decipher one yet. ;) Sometimes He speaks loud and clear and I still miss it.

Time to go read my Bible anyway... I'm reading 2 Kings. For most of the other books I've been engaged and retaining information, but for both Kings books, I've had a hard time. I think I'm slacking off a little and pushing my bible reading time to too late at night... so that I'm half asleep when I get there (like right now). I probably should have read my bible and THEN blogged. Sigh. ;)

Been Awhile...

So I used to post all the time... I haven't for awhile - sorry about that. I'm probably down to zero readers, but that's OK. At least *I* read my own stuff. ;)

We just had a walk-through at church tonight... very fun. We're in the middle of a building project right now... TONS of new space, mostly for kids. It's amazing. we got to write all over the floors and walls... lots of scripture. :)

Yesterday Jann and I got together and had lunch at the Cheesecake Factory - I love it there! Tonight a group of us went out to Applebee's after church. Tons of fun all around. :)

I'm not really sure what to blog about any more... So... pardon me as I try to get back into this. Oh, please give to our Relay for Life team, the Brainiacs. :) Supporting Serry as best as I can. Here's my web page: http://main.acsevents.org/goto/emilyshill Please give.

I miss blogging...

... but all my time is spent blogging for my sister. She's in the hospital right now... but I think that's a good thing. Read today's blog if you're interested.

So... what's new with Emily? Ummm... a lot.

Jenni came out. That was cool. Seriously. (Sorry, Britt.) We had a TON of fun... even if (especially if?) it was a pretty mellow weekend. Got to see Kristy, so that was extra fun, too. We saw the funniest play ever... The Drowsy Chaperone. I loved it so much that I encouraged a co-worker to bring her daughter to it... and even today we randomly exclaimed, "WHAAAAT??" and then busted up laughing. :) VERY funny. Highly recommend it. :)

Ummm....

I'm reading Romans right now. With small group. But we're almost done with that. Don't know what's next.

Oh, my garage flooded. Twice. That pretty much sucked, but the city and my homeowner's association are making it right now. They're replacing the drywall, installing better locks on doors (not really related to the flooding, but a result of it, so I'm OK with that!), and I may be able to get my carpet replaced. I broke down the first time it happened... I just couldn't handle it. But.... we are like trees in the wind... it made me stronger for the next blow, I guess. I DID get my garage cleaned, though... so that's good. I have shelves up now, and much of my stuff is on them. I've bought storage bins (and plan to be buying more) and am excited to use more and more of them... (two are red and green for Christmas decorations... I have lights and stuff in boxes and I'd like to get everything possible in bins. Water pouring into my garage taught me some things. :-/ lol

OK, I'm going to head to bed now. To read Romans... and then to read the book about the guy who followed the Bible literally for a year... it's really funny. :)

Good night.

Jenni's coming to the PNW!! :)

The concert

So Saturday night was the Steven Curtis Chapman/Michael W. Smith concert at the Puyallup Fair. I went with my friend BJ, and even got to see an old friend, Anita, there.Steven opened... it was SO good to see him again. It just warmed my heart, especially since after Maria's death, he wasn't sure he could do this again. He started with Blessed Be Your Name, including an explanation about Maria. When he got to the "You give and take away" part... his voice broke, and it just about broke my heart. Throughout the night, he referenced Maria's death a lot... but in a hopeful, loving way--the pain was obvious, but so, too, was the amazing strength he and his family have grown in.



He performed for an hour and a half--a lot of his popular songs, including several slow ones. It was hard for me because I'm used to standing up and singing and dancing during his concerts... but I sat most of this one. Caleb was playing with The Following, so he wasn't there... and there were no fancy screens or gameboy graphics (lol) projected behind him. Just him and the band, and some fun lights. It was a great show, however... I'd have to say it was probably my least favorite of all of his concerts I've been to over the last 12 years. Remember, though - least favorite still means it was fabulous! :)

DIVE

Then we had intermission, and soon Michael W. Smith came on the stage. This is BJ's reaction...Smitty has reached so many people with his music... I just wasn't feeling it at the concert. He sang a couple of his songs... 2 new ones and 2 old ones, that I can remember. The rest of them were just worship songs. I say "just," but mean... worship songs that he didn't write, and have no idea if they're on his albums or anything. It was nice, and I DID worship, I had just been hoping for a bit more of HIS music.
My favorite part of MWS on stage? When he introduced the band I moved from polite golf clap to excited screaming for the drummer and guitarist, Michael Olson and Ben Gowell (respectively). I went to NCU with them!! I was SO excited to see them up there, rocking out with Smitty.

Michael Olson

Ben GowellIn all, it was an enjoyable concert. No merch for Steven, so I didn't get to buy a shirt or anything... not that I don't have any SCC stuff. lol I know some of you get to see The United Tour, so I hope you really enjoy it!

I'm ignoring Brittany

She's posting a million times on her blog and I think *I* need to post.

I am sore. and tired. but it feels good. :)

And... I think I might make cookies for small group tomorrow night. But that means that I have to clean the kitchen first... what I should be doing now.

OK - britt asked for updates... Here's what the boys do while Mommy's on the computer.

Lockwood is sewing. (See the velcro and the measuring tape, and a little bit of burgundy thread?) He won't tell me what he's making, but I'm sure it's going to be fabulous.
Cosmo is into moon watching. He's got a really good view from his window. I think he talks to it, but I have yet to hear it talk back...


And this was them this weekend... Wrestling, enjoying the end of their teenage years and some of the last bit of summer we get.

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Jenni just shook her finger at me that I haven't posted in awhile. :) I guess I haven't because I have a bunch of stuff going on... but not sure I can blog about it all, you know? Like... some things that are really important to me, but I'm not sure cyberspace is ready for them yet.

SO... that being said, I'll tell you three other important things.

1 - I would recommend reading Scripture today. Here... in case you don't know what to read, I'll be reading this one tonight: Psalm 144. Hey - I'm almost done with the Psalms! Ooooh, where to go next. Maybe a major prophet? We'll see.

2 - It's 60 degrees and raining. Today proved that I truly AM a Washingtonian. It's been gray for a couple days... threatening rain, but not doing it. Right now is a nice, gray, cool summer rain. I LOVE IT. and my PLANTS love it, too. (I kinda suck at watering them.)

3 - JURY DUTY. I'm really glad I remembered to add it to my list... because I have jury duty this week. I just called - day 3 of not being called. I really don't want to go in on Thursday, and I really, REALLY don't want to go in on Friday--I have meetings those days that I don't want to miss! :) (Besides the simple fact that Friday is my day off!! :))

Welcome...

To Mandy and family! :)

And the winner is...

KATHY!!!!!!!!

Kathy, you win simply the COOLNESS of being the winner. :) I mean seriously. AND you win this cool blog about YOU.

For those of you who DON'T know her... Kathy is from down south (LOL - OK, south of ME). She's a groovy chick. She loves Jesus. And is a good encourager. She loves the Downtown Women's Center (did I get the name right?) where she lives and helps out a lot there. I think that's fantastic... she's developing some really important relationships (at least in my opinion) and totally investing in the Kingdom of God simply by LOVING on people. She likes shoes, really expensive ones. She had a sweet old dog that she gave the best of a life that a sweet old dog could get. Now she has another adorable dogger. Kathy makes me smile. Oh yeah, and I think she's really pretty. I'm so glad I know her... and one day will actually know her in person!! :)

I hope that's a good win for you!!! :) Ahoy!