... but I am going to post someone else's words here today. Quite frankly, I am at a loss for words. Life is swirling around my head at a pace faster than I could ever imagine. And in the midst of it, these words have stilled my heart and mind today.
From Streams in the Desert by L.B. Cowman:
The Lord said to Moses,"...Tell the Israelites to move on. Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea." (Exodus 14:15-16)
Dear Child of God, just imagine that triumphal march! Picture the excited children being constantly hushed and restrained by their parents from their outbursts of wonder. Think how the women must have experienced an uncontrollable excitement as they found themselves suddenly saved from a fate worse than death. Imagine how the men who accompanied them must have felt ashamed and admonished for mistrusting God and for complaining against Moses. And as you envision the Red Sea's mighty walls of water, separated by the outstretched hand of the Eternal in response to the faith of a single man, learn what God will do for His own.
Never dread any consequence resulting from absolute obedience to His command. Never fear the rough waters ahead, which through their proud contempt impede your progress. God is greater than the roar of raging water and the mighty waves of the sea. "The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord is enthroned as King forever" (Ps. 29:10). A storm is simply the hem of His robe, the sign of His coming, and the evidence of His presence.
Dare to trust Him! Dare to follow Him! Then discover that the forces that blocked your progress and threatened your life become at His command the very materials he uses to build your street of freedom.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Saturday, June 21, 2008
And all is right with the world again...
Well, it's 12:03pm and the house is quiet. Chloe, having only been up for a few minutes, is playing with her new toys from South Korea. Hubby, having only 3 hours of sleep in the previous 24 hours, is sleeping away up the hall. I myself, having been up alone for three hours, and am attempting to enjoy some Korean red ginseng tea, which I now realize MUST be an acquired taste.
Hubby had a wonderful trip to South Korea. He will be calling the Pastor within the week with his answer.
Chloe and I had a fabulous Kids Camp. I will be posting on that later in the week.
Right now, I am about to go get the laundry started and continue "acquiring" with that tea.
Verse for the week:
Isaiah 30:21 (NIV)
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."
And, of course, from The Message:
Isaiah 30:21-22
Your teacher will be right there, local and on the job, urging you on whenever you wander left or right: "This is the right road. Walk down this road." You'll scrap your expensive and fashionable god-images. You'll throw them in the trash as so much garbage, saying, "Good riddance!"
Hubby had a wonderful trip to South Korea. He will be calling the Pastor within the week with his answer.
Chloe and I had a fabulous Kids Camp. I will be posting on that later in the week.
Right now, I am about to go get the laundry started and continue "acquiring" with that tea.
Verse for the week:
Isaiah 30:21 (NIV)
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."
And, of course, from The Message:
Isaiah 30:21-22
Your teacher will be right there, local and on the job, urging you on whenever you wander left or right: "This is the right road. Walk down this road." You'll scrap your expensive and fashionable god-images. You'll throw them in the trash as so much garbage, saying, "Good riddance!"
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Kids Camp!
Kid's camp starts today, and I am so excited!!! While this adventure requires a much longer description, I am in a hurry packing and being excited and all that.
Still, please be praying for us as we head down the road today.
I will be sure to update with a good'un when I return.
Peace out.
Still, please be praying for us as we head down the road today.
I will be sure to update with a good'un when I return.
Peace out.
Friday, June 13, 2008
MY mommy can beat up YOUR mommy!
I have been thinking recently about kids playing in the neighborhood. I saw this post over at Love Well which got my wheels a-grindin'.
I have also had similar discussions with some of my friends. Particularly, how much should a mom interfere when her kid(s) are in a skirmish with other neighborhood kids? Barring physical violence, at what point should we parents step in?
I think I fall into the "let them work it out themselves" category. As a kid, I would play outside with my brother and two cousins who lived next door. Honestly, I think there was a fight about something every single day.
I mean, we were rarely "physical" in our fights (though I can remember a few times we walked away with some bruises) but in most cases there was a lot of arguing, some yelling, and usually one tearful kid.
So, perhaps you would say that if some adult had stepped in somewhere, then there might not have been as many fights.
But here is my argument: There are only a handful of fights which I can remember as an adult. I mean, I remember "fighting" all the time, but I only remember the source of the fights in a few instances. And in each instant I remember, an adult stepped in. Sometimes it was my aunt coming to fuss at us for making her son cry. Sometimes it was my mom coming to fuss at the boys for making me cry. But the only time those fights became a "big deal" (and something we still talk about to this day) were times when some adult stepped in to "handle" it for us.
Now, I'm not saying they were wrong. And it could be that those are the only fights I remember because those were to only fights big enough to necessitate adult intervention.
Still, it makes me wonder? What are the ground rules for mediating your kid's relationship with the neighborhood folk'? When do you step in? When do you choose to wait and see what happens? What do you do when it's your kid who comes in crying? What if your kid is the one who caused another to cry?
Let me know what you think!...
I have also had similar discussions with some of my friends. Particularly, how much should a mom interfere when her kid(s) are in a skirmish with other neighborhood kids? Barring physical violence, at what point should we parents step in?
I think I fall into the "let them work it out themselves" category. As a kid, I would play outside with my brother and two cousins who lived next door. Honestly, I think there was a fight about something every single day.
I mean, we were rarely "physical" in our fights (though I can remember a few times we walked away with some bruises) but in most cases there was a lot of arguing, some yelling, and usually one tearful kid.
So, perhaps you would say that if some adult had stepped in somewhere, then there might not have been as many fights.
But here is my argument: There are only a handful of fights which I can remember as an adult. I mean, I remember "fighting" all the time, but I only remember the source of the fights in a few instances. And in each instant I remember, an adult stepped in. Sometimes it was my aunt coming to fuss at us for making her son cry. Sometimes it was my mom coming to fuss at the boys for making me cry. But the only time those fights became a "big deal" (and something we still talk about to this day) were times when some adult stepped in to "handle" it for us.
Now, I'm not saying they were wrong. And it could be that those are the only fights I remember because those were to only fights big enough to necessitate adult intervention.
Still, it makes me wonder? What are the ground rules for mediating your kid's relationship with the neighborhood folk'? When do you step in? When do you choose to wait and see what happens? What do you do when it's your kid who comes in crying? What if your kid is the one who caused another to cry?
Let me know what you think!...
Day #1
I have just completed my first full day without a husband. I mean, I have a While I REALLY miss my sweet hubby, I'm also a little bit comforted... and somehow, strengthened. husband... just not in this country.
I have to say, the day was rather uneventful. Got up, played with Chloe, cleaned house, completed the lease with the new tenant, watched TV, dropped Chloe off at the grandparent's for the night, had dinner with the other grandparents, and now I'm home... safe and sound.
It wasn't too much different than my normal days 'round these parts, except for the whole missing husband thing.
Still, it showed me that, maybe I can do this.
If the Lord calls Brandon to Korea for an extended period of time (without me and Chloe) maybe I am capable of surviving.
I realize it's only been a day. I also realize that I may be singing a different tune this time next week.
But, for today, I'm rejoicing in the fact that I have made it an entire 36 hours on my own and have not had one catastrophe.
Aren't you proud?
Thank you, Lord, for sustaining all three of us during this time. Continue to give us strength and help us to lean on you. I love you, Lord!
I have to say, the day was rather uneventful. Got up, played with Chloe, cleaned house, completed the lease with the new tenant, watched TV, dropped Chloe off at the grandparent's for the night, had dinner with the other grandparents, and now I'm home... safe and sound.
It wasn't too much different than my normal days 'round these parts, except for the whole missing husband thing.
Still, it showed me that, maybe I can do this.
If the Lord calls Brandon to Korea for an extended period of time (without me and Chloe) maybe I am capable of surviving.
I realize it's only been a day. I also realize that I may be singing a different tune this time next week.
But, for today, I'm rejoicing in the fact that I have made it an entire 36 hours on my own and have not had one catastrophe.
Aren't you proud?
Thank you, Lord, for sustaining all three of us during this time. Continue to give us strength and help us to lean on you. I love you, Lord!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Randomness worth announcing...
Normally, this is the kind of thing I would put in the "Today's Randomness" section to the left. But this seemed worthy of a post unto itself. Not sure why. Maybe 'cause it's late, and things just seem worthier. Yeah. It's a word. 'Cause I. said. so.
Chloe and I both went to the Doctor today for ear aches. Actually, one of mine was achy, one of them was just really stopped up. Since we have been swimming, like, every single day, I assumed we both had ear infections or swimmer's ear.
I'm happy to report that Chloe's ears were clear and healthy. She is, however, sprouting some molars in the back of her mouth, which can make her ears hurt. Nothing a little baby Tylenol can't handle.
I, on the other hand, have two problems. One of them, I will not discuss here 'cause it's just too embarrassing, ya'll. Let's just say the words "ear candling" were tossed around. I've never done it before, but I'm willing to try.
In my other, more achy ear, she looked inside and said, "Ouch! Your ear canal is inflamed!"
Lots of stuff flashed through my mind, "Serious infection? Spider crawled into my ear in my sleep and bit it? Amputation necessary?" (Yes, ya'll, those thoughts actually did flash through my mind.)
"Have you been using Q-tips recently?"
What flashed through my mind next was a memory movie reel, with me as the main character, cramming a q-tip down my ear trying to get the water out. It had been swishing there for 2 days, and I was tired of hearing the Spongebob Squarepants theme song every time I tilted my head.
Apparently, I attacked the ear too "vigorously" and now, I'm hurtin', ya'll.
A little embarrassing. A little painful. There are worse way to be humbled.
Have any of you ever tried ear candling? Where does one purchase an ear candle (if that's actually what one is supposed to purchase)? What does it do? Does it hurt? I'm a big baby about this stuff, ya'll, so humor me here.
**UPDATE*** I have officially purchased my first set of ear candles, and I am quite thrilled with their inexpensivity. I know it's not a word. But it should be, don't ya think? So now I'm just waiting for a volunteer to offer to come pull wax out of my ear with a hot flame. Any takers?
Chloe and I both went to the Doctor today for ear aches. Actually, one of mine was achy, one of them was just really stopped up. Since we have been swimming, like, every single day, I assumed we both had ear infections or swimmer's ear.
I'm happy to report that Chloe's ears were clear and healthy. She is, however, sprouting some molars in the back of her mouth, which can make her ears hurt. Nothing a little baby Tylenol can't handle.
I, on the other hand, have two problems. One of them, I will not discuss here 'cause it's just too embarrassing, ya'll. Let's just say the words "ear candling" were tossed around. I've never done it before, but I'm willing to try.
In my other, more achy ear, she looked inside and said, "Ouch! Your ear canal is inflamed!"
Lots of stuff flashed through my mind, "Serious infection? Spider crawled into my ear in my sleep and bit it? Amputation necessary?" (Yes, ya'll, those thoughts actually did flash through my mind.)
"Have you been using Q-tips recently?"
What flashed through my mind next was a memory movie reel, with me as the main character, cramming a q-tip down my ear trying to get the water out. It had been swishing there for 2 days, and I was tired of hearing the Spongebob Squarepants theme song every time I tilted my head.
Apparently, I attacked the ear too "vigorously" and now, I'm hurtin', ya'll.
A little embarrassing. A little painful. There are worse way to be humbled.
Have any of you ever tried ear candling? Where does one purchase an ear candle (if that's actually what one is supposed to purchase)? What does it do? Does it hurt? I'm a big baby about this stuff, ya'll, so humor me here.
**UPDATE*** I have officially purchased my first set of ear candles, and I am quite thrilled with their inexpensivity. I know it's not a word. But it should be, don't ya think? So now I'm just waiting for a volunteer to offer to come pull wax out of my ear with a hot flame. Any takers?
How to Do a Yard Sale...
Brandon is currently in a plane, flying somewhere over the western states. Everything went well with packing and driving to the airport, minus a few emotional breakdowns on my part yesterday.
However, today I am feel good and very excited about this opportunity he has.
In other news, Amy Beth asked for tips and advice on how to do a yard sale. And while I don't have all the answers, I do have some "tricks of the trade" passed down in my family from generation to generation. You know, some families have secret recipes... well, we have secret yard sale techniques.
But, since you all are such fabulous people, I will share our generational wisdom here, in none other than... the list format.
First, how to price items....
1. Items on tables sell better than items on tarps on the ground.
2. Clothing items that are hung up sell better (and for higher prices) than clothing items that are folded on the table or tarp.
3. However, clothing items are usually the last thing to go (or to be packed up for the next yard sale), so don't price them too high. If you have some really nice, name-brand clothing that you want $25 for, you might be better off taking it to a consignment shop.
4. Alway price items a little bit higher than what you will actually take for them. Brandon and I have a complex mathematical equation: we guesstimate (an official yard-saler's term) what an item is worth, price it a dollar higher, and will usually take a dollar less.
5. And don't be insulted when someone offers $0.25 for your grandmother's hand-crafted heirloom hair brush (complete with loose hairs). Things that you value for sentimental reasons probably shouldn't be sold at your yard sale because nobody will ever offer enough. It's better to donate that stuff "for a good cause" to ease your mind.
6. Price everything in increments of $.25. This makes change (and math) easier for you and the buyer. Got some items worth a nickel or dime? Bunch them together and write, "10 for a dollar" or "5 for a quarter."
7. Don't be afraid to haggle. You priced it at $5? They offer $2? How bout $3.50? A lot of amateurs... *ahem*... I mean, novices... don't do this because they're afraid it will make someone angry. But a "professional" yard-sale shopper feels that, if they purchased something that was haggled for, they probably got a good deal. If the seller just says, "Ok", then the shoppers always walk away kicking themselves for not asking less. C'mon! Make those shoppers feel good about their purchase and HAGGLE!
8. When pricing and haggling, consider what you want your end result to be. Do you mind having stuff leftover at the end of the day? Will you box up the leftovers for the next yard sale? Or will it all go to the dump or goodwill? If you don't plan on re-boxing and re-storing the items, then price items low enough (or be flexible enough in your haggling) so that you get something for them now, rather than nothing at the end of the day.
9. If you want to get rid of everything, advertise "Half off at 11:30am on Saturday." Most of the time, the shoppers will still purchase things now because they don't want to risk the items being purchased before they come back. But then they'll usually still come back at 11:30am to see what's left. We have had people come back to our yard sales three and four times because of our advertised incremental mark-downs.
10. Don't sell items that are: stained, broken, or missing pieces. That's just not nice, ya'll.
Second, how to attract customers...
1. Newspapers, Craigslist.com, and any other local advertising resource. You should include: Address, relative location ("near behind Jackson Elementary" or "Off First street"); this gives them a general side of town so that the "professionals" can map their course. You can also list 2-3 examples of what you're selling. Also, things like "multi-family" or "moving sale" really bring in the crowds. Just remember not to spend more than $25 or so because that's eating into your profits.
2a. Signs! Signs! and more Signs! And ya'll, don't use those itty bitty white or pale yellow signs with 12 point font that stick 2.5 inches out of the ground. Go the extra mile and get BIG pink and orange poster board with legible bubble letters which include: Arrows (the most important thing) and street name and number. Also optional: date and time (if you hang the signs the day before). Hang them on street signs and lamp posts at about eye level (barring any city ordinances that prohibit it).
2b. Location! Location! Location! In my personal opinion, you should put signs on every street corner within a mile radius of your yard sale. But, if you don't have the time, manpower, or desire to go to those extremes, at least... AT LEAST... put them on either end of your street and at the closest major intersection, with CLEAR arrows.
2c. If you live in a muggy area or if it is a rainy day, be sure to use poster board that won't wilt... or, if you're REALLY fired up about the sale... have them laminated. Don't laugh. I've seen it done. Of course, not by me... maybe.
2d. Nails work best. Tape doesn't work at all.
3. Move stuff around... all. day. long. Don't ever let there be blank spots on the tables or tarps. Empty spaces show the drive-by's that everything has been picked over. Also, if those drive-by's see people walking around the yard with stuff in their hands, they think, "Man! I'm missing all the good deals!" So they'll stop.
4. Don't sit too close to the tables. This may seem like common sense, but I can't TELL you how many tables I have NOT looked at a table because I felt like the people were staring me down. Give the shoppers some breathing room. Sit your chairs/pay table a few yards away from the sales tables.
5. Open early. If you say you'll be open at 8am... you should be setting stuff out at 7am. Some of your best buys of the day can happen when those "professional" yard-salers, who have been shopping since 6am, come by to pick through your still-unpacked boxes.
Third, random thoughts and comments...
1. Typical yard sales run 7am-6pm on Fridays (to catch the crowds going to and from work) and 8am-1pm on Saturdays.
2. The days will have lulls and mad rushes, and rarely anything in between, so make sure you have plenty of help.
3. I usually get about $50 in change. (1 roll of quarters = $10, plus 40 one-dollar bills. Don't worry about giving someone 13 one-dollar bills; yard-salers love small change.)
4. Establish one person to take the money at a check-out table and one person to bag the items. If it's too difficult for the shoppers to figure out who to pay, they'll just drop the stuff and leave. Trust me... I've done it.
Ok... now it's your turn... help Amy Beth out and tell her all of your yard saling secrets. Whether you're a seller or a shopper, let her know what you do and don't like about yard sales you've been to. Us yard-salers have to stick together, yo!
However, today I am feel good and very excited about this opportunity he has.
In other news, Amy Beth asked for tips and advice on how to do a yard sale. And while I don't have all the answers, I do have some "tricks of the trade" passed down in my family from generation to generation. You know, some families have secret recipes... well, we have secret yard sale techniques.
But, since you all are such fabulous people, I will share our generational wisdom here, in none other than... the list format.
First, how to price items....
1. Items on tables sell better than items on tarps on the ground.
2. Clothing items that are hung up sell better (and for higher prices) than clothing items that are folded on the table or tarp.
3. However, clothing items are usually the last thing to go (or to be packed up for the next yard sale), so don't price them too high. If you have some really nice, name-brand clothing that you want $25 for, you might be better off taking it to a consignment shop.
4. Alway price items a little bit higher than what you will actually take for them. Brandon and I have a complex mathematical equation: we guesstimate (an official yard-saler's term) what an item is worth, price it a dollar higher, and will usually take a dollar less.
5. And don't be insulted when someone offers $0.25 for your grandmother's hand-crafted heirloom hair brush (complete with loose hairs). Things that you value for sentimental reasons probably shouldn't be sold at your yard sale because nobody will ever offer enough. It's better to donate that stuff "for a good cause" to ease your mind.
6. Price everything in increments of $.25. This makes change (and math) easier for you and the buyer. Got some items worth a nickel or dime? Bunch them together and write, "10 for a dollar" or "5 for a quarter."
7. Don't be afraid to haggle. You priced it at $5? They offer $2? How bout $3.50? A lot of amateurs... *ahem*... I mean, novices... don't do this because they're afraid it will make someone angry. But a "professional" yard-sale shopper feels that, if they purchased something that was haggled for, they probably got a good deal. If the seller just says, "Ok", then the shoppers always walk away kicking themselves for not asking less. C'mon! Make those shoppers feel good about their purchase and HAGGLE!
8. When pricing and haggling, consider what you want your end result to be. Do you mind having stuff leftover at the end of the day? Will you box up the leftovers for the next yard sale? Or will it all go to the dump or goodwill? If you don't plan on re-boxing and re-storing the items, then price items low enough (or be flexible enough in your haggling) so that you get something for them now, rather than nothing at the end of the day.
9. If you want to get rid of everything, advertise "Half off at 11:30am on Saturday." Most of the time, the shoppers will still purchase things now because they don't want to risk the items being purchased before they come back. But then they'll usually still come back at 11:30am to see what's left. We have had people come back to our yard sales three and four times because of our advertised incremental mark-downs.
10. Don't sell items that are: stained, broken, or missing pieces. That's just not nice, ya'll.
Second, how to attract customers...
1. Newspapers, Craigslist.com, and any other local advertising resource. You should include: Address, relative location ("near behind Jackson Elementary" or "Off First street"); this gives them a general side of town so that the "professionals" can map their course. You can also list 2-3 examples of what you're selling. Also, things like "multi-family" or "moving sale" really bring in the crowds. Just remember not to spend more than $25 or so because that's eating into your profits.
2a. Signs! Signs! and more Signs! And ya'll, don't use those itty bitty white or pale yellow signs with 12 point font that stick 2.5 inches out of the ground. Go the extra mile and get BIG pink and orange poster board with legible bubble letters which include: Arrows (the most important thing) and street name and number. Also optional: date and time (if you hang the signs the day before). Hang them on street signs and lamp posts at about eye level (barring any city ordinances that prohibit it).
2b. Location! Location! Location! In my personal opinion, you should put signs on every street corner within a mile radius of your yard sale. But, if you don't have the time, manpower, or desire to go to those extremes, at least... AT LEAST... put them on either end of your street and at the closest major intersection, with CLEAR arrows.
2c. If you live in a muggy area or if it is a rainy day, be sure to use poster board that won't wilt... or, if you're REALLY fired up about the sale... have them laminated. Don't laugh. I've seen it done. Of course, not by me... maybe.
2d. Nails work best. Tape doesn't work at all.
3. Move stuff around... all. day. long. Don't ever let there be blank spots on the tables or tarps. Empty spaces show the drive-by's that everything has been picked over. Also, if those drive-by's see people walking around the yard with stuff in their hands, they think, "Man! I'm missing all the good deals!" So they'll stop.
4. Don't sit too close to the tables. This may seem like common sense, but I can't TELL you how many tables I have NOT looked at a table because I felt like the people were staring me down. Give the shoppers some breathing room. Sit your chairs/pay table a few yards away from the sales tables.
5. Open early. If you say you'll be open at 8am... you should be setting stuff out at 7am. Some of your best buys of the day can happen when those "professional" yard-salers, who have been shopping since 6am, come by to pick through your still-unpacked boxes.
Third, random thoughts and comments...
1. Typical yard sales run 7am-6pm on Fridays (to catch the crowds going to and from work) and 8am-1pm on Saturdays.
2. The days will have lulls and mad rushes, and rarely anything in between, so make sure you have plenty of help.
3. I usually get about $50 in change. (1 roll of quarters = $10, plus 40 one-dollar bills. Don't worry about giving someone 13 one-dollar bills; yard-salers love small change.)
4. Establish one person to take the money at a check-out table and one person to bag the items. If it's too difficult for the shoppers to figure out who to pay, they'll just drop the stuff and leave. Trust me... I've done it.
Ok... now it's your turn... help Amy Beth out and tell her all of your yard saling secrets. Whether you're a seller or a shopper, let her know what you do and don't like about yard sales you've been to. Us yard-salers have to stick together, yo!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
To Do ToDay...
Things I have accomplished today (with only one teeny tiny emotional breakdown):
1. Completed three loads of Brandon's clothes before 10:00am.
2. Got Chloe up, bathed, fed, dressed, packed, and out the door by 10:30am.
3. Purchased one life insurance policy and one health insurance policy by 12:30pm.
4. Dropped Chloe off at the grandparents' by 1:00pm.
5. Picked up Brandon's shirts from the cleaners.
6. Came home, had him try them on, only to realize that he didn't have a blazer/sports coat that fit.
7. Measured Brandon for a jacket and then purchased the jacket on my own (I know it's tempting here, but please hold your applause until the end).
8. Came home, cuddled a bit with sweet hubby before he headed off to get a haircut.
*applause here*
Things I have left to do (hopefully, without any more emotional breakdowns):
1. Fold and stack his clothes so he can pick out what he wants to pack when he gets back from the hair cut.
2. Clean up the living room, which is littered with ties, dress socks, and biscuit crumbs (don't ask).
3. Write a sweet note to hide in his suitcase somewhere.
4. Print off a picture of Chloe to hide in his suitcase somewhere.
5. Make about 6 PB&J's for the 18-hour flight he has tomorrow.
6. Work up the energy to be REALLY EXCITED about his trip. =)
Ok... I'm off to pack.
1. Completed three loads of Brandon's clothes before 10:00am.
2. Got Chloe up, bathed, fed, dressed, packed, and out the door by 10:30am.
3. Purchased one life insurance policy and one health insurance policy by 12:30pm.
4. Dropped Chloe off at the grandparents' by 1:00pm.
5. Picked up Brandon's shirts from the cleaners.
6. Came home, had him try them on, only to realize that he didn't have a blazer/sports coat that fit.
7. Measured Brandon for a jacket and then purchased the jacket on my own (I know it's tempting here, but please hold your applause until the end).
8. Came home, cuddled a bit with sweet hubby before he headed off to get a haircut.
*applause here*
Things I have left to do (hopefully, without any more emotional breakdowns):
1. Fold and stack his clothes so he can pick out what he wants to pack when he gets back from the hair cut.
2. Clean up the living room, which is littered with ties, dress socks, and biscuit crumbs (don't ask).
3. Write a sweet note to hide in his suitcase somewhere.
4. Print off a picture of Chloe to hide in his suitcase somewhere.
5. Make about 6 PB&J's for the 18-hour flight he has tomorrow.
6. Work up the energy to be REALLY EXCITED about his trip. =)
Ok... I'm off to pack.
29 hours and counting...
It's 1:45am, and the house is quiet and still. Why am I up at such an hour when school finished a week ago? Well, I'll tell you why. My sweet hubby had to stay up late to finish up some last-minute stuff on the computer before his trip Thursday morning. So, being the good wife that I am, I decided that, instead of going to bed, I would fall asleep on the couch in the room where he was working. Then, as he would head off to bed, he could wake me up, and we could fall asleep together, getting in a few last cuddles before he leaves. But, being the forgetful wife that I am, I forgot to tell him of my intentions, and so, being the considerate husband that he is, he decided not to wake me from my peaceful slumber. He turned off all the lights, adjusted the thermostat, and checked on our little one before tip-toeing off to bed.
So I woke up to a dark, cool, quiet living room about 15 minutes ago.
And though I'm sure his thoughts were for my benefit, I felt so hurt and angry that he had gone to bed without me. I mean, ya'll, I was gonna go wake that boy up and give him a piece of my... but then the Lord broke in.
"Why are you really hurt and angry?"
"Oh, hi Lord, it's been a few days."
Yes, my friends, a few days... because I didn't want to talk with Him about the changes that are coming up in our life. I would rather pretend they weren't there.
So I didn't do the laundry for Brandon's trip because, honestly, those undershirts and mismatched socks meant that the trip is really happening, and he is really going.
For the last two days, I have spent my time watching Montel Williams (and other bad day-time TV), eating ice cream, and going to the pool with my daughter. I'm ashamed to say that my apron hasn't left the hook since Saturday. And the whole time, I was asking myself, "Why am I doing this?" But as quickly as the question had popped into my mind, I would push it away because I was too busy gettin' my Judge Judy on.
So, at two o'clock this morning, sitting in my dimly-lit dining room, with only the sound of the A/C unit running, I am face to face with this reality. But rather than talk about all my fears and insecurities about the potential changes in our lives, I'm going to write about all the ways that the Lord has directed us to this very place. I'm going to tell you why we believe this is exactly where we are supposed to be, and I'm going to talk about the fact that God has our lives in His hands and that we can be confident there.
I'm warning ya'll now, this is going to be a loooong post. I was due for one, ya know.
I should start the story by saying that the Lord sometimes speaks to me through my dreams. This seems to occur most often when He is preparing me for a big change in my life.
So, here goes:
Once upon a time... not so many months ago... in Fall 2007... I started having dreams. They came about once a week or so, and they were always a similar theme. I was an army wife, and my husband had gone off to war. I was never afraid for his life or anything, but I was always in a situation where I needed his help. Changing a light bulb on the front porch. Reaching something on a really tall shelf. Getting the lawn mower cranked. And in each situation, I would call for him, remember he was gone, feel a renewed strength in myself, and say, "Ok, how am I going to do this when he's gone?" Then I would wake up.
I mentioned to a friend that I was having these dreams, but other than that, I didn't give them much thought.
Then, in late fall, Brandon came to me with an idea. What if he taught overseas for a year? When he finished his degree in December, what if he went elsewhere to teach, since American teachers make a pretty penny in some countries, and he could pay off some of our school debt in a short amount of time. We both prayed and agreed that we would at least look into it.
I mentioned our conversation to one person, and then felt impressed not to mention it again to anyone else.
He went down a few avenues through the university and through some independent organizations, but we could never get a peace about any of them. So in the spring of this year, we decided to leave it in God's hands. I prayed, "Lord, if you want Brandon to do this, then you will have to bring it to us. We have pursued what we knew to pursue, and you have not released us. So, the ball is in your court."
It was probably around that time, that our friend Kathryn sat in her living room with a group of people from a large church in Korea. As it was told to me, she had been working with the church interpreting Christian worship DVD's which were sold by the ministry to help Koreans learn English. The pastor, who had come to visit her, sat in her living room and told her of his heart to pay "handsomely" for Christian American teachers to come over to South Korea and help spread the gospel in their schools.
Kathryn told Starr (the one other person I told, months before, about Brandon's desire to go overseas).
A few nights later, sitting in my living room, she relayed the information she had received from Kathryn and asked if we would be interested. I told her that we wouldn't mind getting more information from Kathryn but that we were not going to pursue anything.
A few days after that, Starr showed up with a packet of pamphlets, videos, and what-not from Kathryn regarding the Korean ministry.
Brandon and I watched the videos, read the pamphlets, and prayed.
The next morning, we received an email from Kathryn asking if we were interested. Kathryn also asked some questions about Brandon's credentials: Where did he go to school? What is his degree in? When will he graduate?
Once again, we said we were interested in receiving more information. I also expressed to her Brandon's heart to go overseas. Still, we did not feel led to pursue it on our own. Honestly, we thought they wanted English teachers, and since Brandon's major is in Math, we really thought they wouldn't be interested.
It was at this point, that I had another dream that solidified in my heart that he would be going. This dream is quite intense and should probably have an entire entry unto itself. Suffice it to say, the Lord let me know that this was all in His plan and that we should just go with the flow.
Two days later, we received an email directly from the Korean ministry. "Can you send your resume? Can you start work right after graduation, in January 2009? Can you travel to Korea this summer when Kathryn and her family come?"
We sent the resume, and waited. We told the Lord, "We are willing to take the next step, if you are willing to pay for it. So either send us the $2,000 it would take to fly over there, or have the Korean church pay for it."
A week later, Brandon received another email. They had looked over his resume, and they wanted him to come. The trip would be paid for. They would send tickets soon.
A few weeks after that, he received his e-ticket at the same time Kathryn's family received theirs.
And that leads us to where we are today, 29 hours before take-off.
I am genuinely excited for him and excited about what the Lord is doing in his life. I have no desire to go, as I am happy right where I am. And I really believe this is exactly what we are supposed to be doing.
Still, this trip has the potential to define our future. If they offer him enough, we will be able to pay off all of our school debt (a debt we accrued when we were obedient to the Lord by going out-of-state, giving up a free ride at UGA, to attend a private Christian college for a year). If everything goes well, he will be moving to Korea in January, without me and Chloe - hence, all the dreams about being an army wife. I should say too, that those dreams coincide with a prophesy that was spoken over us at The Call Nashville where a lady saw Brandon in army fatigues, marching in rank, and me standing on the side telling the people around me, "That's my husband! That's my husband!"
Deep deeeeep in my spirit, I have a peace and even an excitement about what God is getting ready to do, whether or not Brandon decides to work there next year. I am so proud of him for taking this step, and I already feel myself saying, "That's my husband!"
But I also find myself saying, "How am I going to do this when he's gone?" My flesh and my mind, they don't want to let him go. They make me want to pack extra toilet paper as well as 25 different kinds of medicine for him. They make me set an appointment tomorrow to get some extra life insurance for him. They make me want to watch Montel and eat ice cream and pretend it's not happening. Those stupid ol' flesh and mind.
So, that's where we're at. I'm planning on doing a liquid fast while he's gone; so please be praying with me for him as he's doing his interviews and checking out the ministry there. And also please be praying for me... 'cause this is hard, ya'll.
And for all of you stalkers out there... I will not be home alone while my hubby is jet-setting across the globe. Oh no. My bodyguard (read: brother) who is a former UGA football player, will be staying with me. So don't come a-breakin' in up in here, 'cause ya'll 're liable to get a whoopin'!
Ok. I'm off to bed since it is now 2:55am. *yawn*
So I woke up to a dark, cool, quiet living room about 15 minutes ago.
And though I'm sure his thoughts were for my benefit, I felt so hurt and angry that he had gone to bed without me. I mean, ya'll, I was gonna go wake that boy up and give him a piece of my... but then the Lord broke in.
"Why are you really hurt and angry?"
"Oh, hi Lord, it's been a few days."
Yes, my friends, a few days... because I didn't want to talk with Him about the changes that are coming up in our life. I would rather pretend they weren't there.
So I didn't do the laundry for Brandon's trip because, honestly, those undershirts and mismatched socks meant that the trip is really happening, and he is really going.
For the last two days, I have spent my time watching Montel Williams (and other bad day-time TV), eating ice cream, and going to the pool with my daughter. I'm ashamed to say that my apron hasn't left the hook since Saturday. And the whole time, I was asking myself, "Why am I doing this?" But as quickly as the question had popped into my mind, I would push it away because I was too busy gettin' my Judge Judy on.
So, at two o'clock this morning, sitting in my dimly-lit dining room, with only the sound of the A/C unit running, I am face to face with this reality. But rather than talk about all my fears and insecurities about the potential changes in our lives, I'm going to write about all the ways that the Lord has directed us to this very place. I'm going to tell you why we believe this is exactly where we are supposed to be, and I'm going to talk about the fact that God has our lives in His hands and that we can be confident there.
I'm warning ya'll now, this is going to be a loooong post. I was due for one, ya know.
I should start the story by saying that the Lord sometimes speaks to me through my dreams. This seems to occur most often when He is preparing me for a big change in my life.
So, here goes:
Once upon a time... not so many months ago... in Fall 2007... I started having dreams. They came about once a week or so, and they were always a similar theme. I was an army wife, and my husband had gone off to war. I was never afraid for his life or anything, but I was always in a situation where I needed his help. Changing a light bulb on the front porch. Reaching something on a really tall shelf. Getting the lawn mower cranked. And in each situation, I would call for him, remember he was gone, feel a renewed strength in myself, and say, "Ok, how am I going to do this when he's gone?" Then I would wake up.
I mentioned to a friend that I was having these dreams, but other than that, I didn't give them much thought.
Then, in late fall, Brandon came to me with an idea. What if he taught overseas for a year? When he finished his degree in December, what if he went elsewhere to teach, since American teachers make a pretty penny in some countries, and he could pay off some of our school debt in a short amount of time. We both prayed and agreed that we would at least look into it.
I mentioned our conversation to one person, and then felt impressed not to mention it again to anyone else.
He went down a few avenues through the university and through some independent organizations, but we could never get a peace about any of them. So in the spring of this year, we decided to leave it in God's hands. I prayed, "Lord, if you want Brandon to do this, then you will have to bring it to us. We have pursued what we knew to pursue, and you have not released us. So, the ball is in your court."
It was probably around that time, that our friend Kathryn sat in her living room with a group of people from a large church in Korea. As it was told to me, she had been working with the church interpreting Christian worship DVD's which were sold by the ministry to help Koreans learn English. The pastor, who had come to visit her, sat in her living room and told her of his heart to pay "handsomely" for Christian American teachers to come over to South Korea and help spread the gospel in their schools.
Kathryn told Starr (the one other person I told, months before, about Brandon's desire to go overseas).
A few nights later, sitting in my living room, she relayed the information she had received from Kathryn and asked if we would be interested. I told her that we wouldn't mind getting more information from Kathryn but that we were not going to pursue anything.
A few days after that, Starr showed up with a packet of pamphlets, videos, and what-not from Kathryn regarding the Korean ministry.
Brandon and I watched the videos, read the pamphlets, and prayed.
The next morning, we received an email from Kathryn asking if we were interested. Kathryn also asked some questions about Brandon's credentials: Where did he go to school? What is his degree in? When will he graduate?
Once again, we said we were interested in receiving more information. I also expressed to her Brandon's heart to go overseas. Still, we did not feel led to pursue it on our own. Honestly, we thought they wanted English teachers, and since Brandon's major is in Math, we really thought they wouldn't be interested.
It was at this point, that I had another dream that solidified in my heart that he would be going. This dream is quite intense and should probably have an entire entry unto itself. Suffice it to say, the Lord let me know that this was all in His plan and that we should just go with the flow.
Two days later, we received an email directly from the Korean ministry. "Can you send your resume? Can you start work right after graduation, in January 2009? Can you travel to Korea this summer when Kathryn and her family come?"
We sent the resume, and waited. We told the Lord, "We are willing to take the next step, if you are willing to pay for it. So either send us the $2,000 it would take to fly over there, or have the Korean church pay for it."
A week later, Brandon received another email. They had looked over his resume, and they wanted him to come. The trip would be paid for. They would send tickets soon.
A few weeks after that, he received his e-ticket at the same time Kathryn's family received theirs.
And that leads us to where we are today, 29 hours before take-off.
I am genuinely excited for him and excited about what the Lord is doing in his life. I have no desire to go, as I am happy right where I am. And I really believe this is exactly what we are supposed to be doing.
Still, this trip has the potential to define our future. If they offer him enough, we will be able to pay off all of our school debt (a debt we accrued when we were obedient to the Lord by going out-of-state, giving up a free ride at UGA, to attend a private Christian college for a year). If everything goes well, he will be moving to Korea in January, without me and Chloe - hence, all the dreams about being an army wife. I should say too, that those dreams coincide with a prophesy that was spoken over us at The Call Nashville where a lady saw Brandon in army fatigues, marching in rank, and me standing on the side telling the people around me, "That's my husband! That's my husband!"
Deep deeeeep in my spirit, I have a peace and even an excitement about what God is getting ready to do, whether or not Brandon decides to work there next year. I am so proud of him for taking this step, and I already feel myself saying, "That's my husband!"
But I also find myself saying, "How am I going to do this when he's gone?" My flesh and my mind, they don't want to let him go. They make me want to pack extra toilet paper as well as 25 different kinds of medicine for him. They make me set an appointment tomorrow to get some extra life insurance for him. They make me want to watch Montel and eat ice cream and pretend it's not happening. Those stupid ol' flesh and mind.
So, that's where we're at. I'm planning on doing a liquid fast while he's gone; so please be praying with me for him as he's doing his interviews and checking out the ministry there. And also please be praying for me... 'cause this is hard, ya'll.
And for all of you stalkers out there... I will not be home alone while my hubby is jet-setting across the globe. Oh no. My bodyguard (read: brother) who is a former UGA football player, will be staying with me. So don't come a-breakin' in up in here, 'cause ya'll 're liable to get a whoopin'!
Ok. I'm off to bed since it is now 2:55am. *yawn*
Friday, June 6, 2008
Uh huh, uh huh, uh huh uh huh uh huh...
Yes, I realize there has been a shortage of posts recently.
Yes, I have a decent excuse.
No, I will not tell you my excuse except to say that having a toddler at the pool is more fun than I ever expected.
Yes, I will be back on Monday to post.
Yes, it will be as spectacular as ever.
No, I will not tell you what it is about.
Yes, I realize my lack of posts has ruined... RUINED, Itellyou... your weekend.
Yes, I apologize.
No, I still will not tell you what the next post is about.
Yes, I would love to know what you think would be the BEST POST EVER!!
Yes, I EXPECT you to leave a comment (insert "polite mom smile" here).
Yes, I have a decent excuse.
No, I will not tell you my excuse except to say that having a toddler at the pool is more fun than I ever expected.
Yes, I will be back on Monday to post.
Yes, it will be as spectacular as ever.
No, I will not tell you what it is about.
Yes, I realize my lack of posts has ruined... RUINED, Itellyou... your weekend.
Yes, I apologize.
No, I still will not tell you what the next post is about.
Yes, I would love to know what you think would be the BEST POST EVER!!
Yes, I EXPECT you to leave a comment (insert "polite mom smile" here).
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Are you ready to RRRRRummmmblllllle?!?!
My husband and I have a long tradition in our relationship, dating back to the early days of our courtship. I firmly believe that, were it not for this tradition, we would not be the couple we are today. Perhaps, we wouldn't even be married. It has helped us to show affection, to avert unnecessary arguments, to force laughter in difficult situations, and to remember to have fun, even as "grown ups." This tradition is a weekly, if not daily, occurrence in our home, and our lives would feel empty without it.
It is, in name: the tickle fight.
It usually begins rather innocently - a poke in the belly button as we pass in the hallway or a mischievous glance from across the room. But it doesn't take long for the chaos to emerge. Laughing, screaming, poking, running. The battle begins!
I win, every time.
Mainly because he lets me... because, ironically enough, I HATE to be tickled. He knows this, and so he ends up acting like he's going to tickle me but never actually doing it.
I'm very grateful for his mercy.
Yet I always hold it over his head that I have not suffered one defeat.
Still, as much as we love this laughter in our home, we have learned one rule that we refuse to break: never do it in front of Chloe.
Being less than two years old, she doesn't understand that it's all in fun. She doesn't get that we're just doing it to show affection. To her, it's loud and scary daddy beating up poor and pitiful mommy.
We learned this once, accidentally, and we decided we never want to scare her like that again. So we wait until she's in bed or at Grandma's house - at least, for now. Because eventually, she will come to love the game as much as we do. She will shoot a sneaky look at daddy, or poke mommy in the rib cage, and the tickling will commence! She will laugh, and scream, and poke, and run, and love every minute of it.
I know this because I remember doing it as a child. Merle, my stepdad, was the BEST at tickle fights. My brother and I would "pounce" on him while he was watching TV and the giggles and laughs would fill the house.
He too would let us win. Our goal, usually, was to roll him off the couch and into the floor so we could take his spot on the comfy furniture. He would put up a good long fight until FINALLY, he would roll off the couch, screaming and yelping the whole way. We were victorious! Again!
Those are some of my fondest memories from my childhood, and should Chloe choose to follow in my footsteps in this area, I'm sure it will be some of hers.
But for now, she's little, and she doesn't understand that it's fun. To her, it's scary and loud.
And as I think about her scared little eyes that day, watching mommy and daddy "fight," I am reminded of my first "fight" with the Lord. I remember the first time I began to trust the Lord for something something I knew He could do. I remember the fear in my heart and terror in my mind when He said "no" or "wait." And I remember being so hurt and angry - and scared - because it didn't happen in the timing that I wanted and in the way that I thought was best. All I could see was mean scary God beating up on poor pitiful me.
But now I'm older in my walk, and there have been several fights between me and the Lord. Like Israel, I too have "wrestled" with God in my prayer time for a blessing that HE has promised to me or to someone I love.
And as I have grown in His love and mercy, I have moved away from fearing those "wrestling matches," and I have even come to appreciate the intimacy and strength that comes from those "fights" with Him. Those times of intercession, of fervent prayer, and of gut-wrenching pleas have taught me more about the mercy and goodness of God than any sermon I've ever heard.
Because He lets me win, always. It's not always when I want or how I want, but it's always for my benefit. And in the process of teaching me how to win, the Lord is close to me, showing me affection, and helping me to laugh at the most difficult of circumstances.
These are the things I am reminded of today, when I am wrestling with God over so many areas in my life. And I am so grateful that we have a daddy-God who is willing to let me win, even when I am not strong enough.
He's so good to me. So good.
It is, in name: the tickle fight.
It usually begins rather innocently - a poke in the belly button as we pass in the hallway or a mischievous glance from across the room. But it doesn't take long for the chaos to emerge. Laughing, screaming, poking, running. The battle begins!
I win, every time.
Mainly because he lets me... because, ironically enough, I HATE to be tickled. He knows this, and so he ends up acting like he's going to tickle me but never actually doing it.
I'm very grateful for his mercy.
Yet I always hold it over his head that I have not suffered one defeat.
Still, as much as we love this laughter in our home, we have learned one rule that we refuse to break: never do it in front of Chloe.
Being less than two years old, she doesn't understand that it's all in fun. She doesn't get that we're just doing it to show affection. To her, it's loud and scary daddy beating up poor and pitiful mommy.
We learned this once, accidentally, and we decided we never want to scare her like that again. So we wait until she's in bed or at Grandma's house - at least, for now. Because eventually, she will come to love the game as much as we do. She will shoot a sneaky look at daddy, or poke mommy in the rib cage, and the tickling will commence! She will laugh, and scream, and poke, and run, and love every minute of it.
I know this because I remember doing it as a child. Merle, my stepdad, was the BEST at tickle fights. My brother and I would "pounce" on him while he was watching TV and the giggles and laughs would fill the house.
He too would let us win. Our goal, usually, was to roll him off the couch and into the floor so we could take his spot on the comfy furniture. He would put up a good long fight until FINALLY, he would roll off the couch, screaming and yelping the whole way. We were victorious! Again!
Those are some of my fondest memories from my childhood, and should Chloe choose to follow in my footsteps in this area, I'm sure it will be some of hers.
But for now, she's little, and she doesn't understand that it's fun. To her, it's scary and loud.
And as I think about her scared little eyes that day, watching mommy and daddy "fight," I am reminded of my first "fight" with the Lord. I remember the first time I began to trust the Lord for something something I knew He could do. I remember the fear in my heart and terror in my mind when He said "no" or "wait." And I remember being so hurt and angry - and scared - because it didn't happen in the timing that I wanted and in the way that I thought was best. All I could see was mean scary God beating up on poor pitiful me.
But now I'm older in my walk, and there have been several fights between me and the Lord. Like Israel, I too have "wrestled" with God in my prayer time for a blessing that HE has promised to me or to someone I love.
And as I have grown in His love and mercy, I have moved away from fearing those "wrestling matches," and I have even come to appreciate the intimacy and strength that comes from those "fights" with Him. Those times of intercession, of fervent prayer, and of gut-wrenching pleas have taught me more about the mercy and goodness of God than any sermon I've ever heard.
Because He lets me win, always. It's not always when I want or how I want, but it's always for my benefit. And in the process of teaching me how to win, the Lord is close to me, showing me affection, and helping me to laugh at the most difficult of circumstances.
These are the things I am reminded of today, when I am wrestling with God over so many areas in my life. And I am so grateful that we have a daddy-God who is willing to let me win, even when I am not strong enough.
He's so good to me. So good.
I promise, I'm not intentionally lacking in posts....
Well, the end of the semester came and went as of 10:32am today. Amazingly, I did not have a don my EOWP hat because I was actually prepared! Isn't it amazing?
I know I keep promising a post, but I'm still praying about the topic. It's a little... touchy, I suppose.
So, I'll hopefully be back later today.
Toodle Pip.
I know I keep promising a post, but I'm still praying about the topic. It's a little... touchy, I suppose.
So, I'll hopefully be back later today.
Toodle Pip.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
The Best Post EVER
In the middle of the night, I woke up thinking about a blog entry that would be (and I quote) "The best post EVER!!" So I went back to sleep, determined to get up a little early so that I could compile my thoughts on the post before heading to class.
But upon awakening, I realized that, during my sleep, the topic had completely run out of my brain, across the sheets, and into the wild blue yonder.
*sniffle*
So, if you find my poor little runaway post topic, would you please let me know?
But upon awakening, I realized that, during my sleep, the topic had completely run out of my brain, across the sheets, and into the wild blue yonder.
*sniffle*
So, if you find my poor little runaway post topic, would you please let me know?
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