Steps for a Beginner (like me--I've been "lenting" for about five years, but my version of lent is still pretty simplistic):
1. Recognize the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness being tempted by Satan before the start of his ministry.
2. Give up something of value for the 40-day period.
3. Every time that "something" is thought of, spend time with God in prayer.
4. Try to spend time in the Word every day.
5. Grow closer to God and be solemnly prepared for the celebration of Christ's death and resurrection.
6. Be aware of the price of our salvation.
7. Begins tomorrow (Feb. 17th) and ends on Easter. This time frame actually = 46 days. Sundays don't count.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Valentine's Day + Birthday = ♥
13 years ago, Garon and I went on a Valentine's date. G picked me up, we drove into Fort Smith, and we experienced the worst traffic and restaurant lines known to traffic and restaurant-line history. That Valentine's Day happened to land on a Saturday, and EVERYONE in the entire Fort Smith metro within a 60-mile radius sat together on Rogers Avenue waiting to wait in line.
And on that night, Garon was going to propose. As the night progressed and the traffic got worse and we'd abandoned two restaurants and tension was high, we began to fight....Needless to say, the night did not end in a proposal. So now, to this day, we don't really give Saint Valentine very much attention. Every other year or so, one of us gets inspired and does something friendly, but overall, it's a dead holiday for us.
BUT, 2 years ago, Valentine's Day was somewhat redeemed as it became the due date for our second child. Though he didn't wait for THE day, Adrion definitely nullified that botched proposal meaning-of-the-day to replace it with the celebration of his new life. I love that he is our "love bug", and oh my goodness are we in love with him. (As is his big sister when he's not doing his little brother job of annoying her...) So here he is....our great big 2-year-old! Happy Birthday, my beautiful baby boy!
And on that night, Garon was going to propose. As the night progressed and the traffic got worse and we'd abandoned two restaurants and tension was high, we began to fight....Needless to say, the night did not end in a proposal. So now, to this day, we don't really give Saint Valentine very much attention. Every other year or so, one of us gets inspired and does something friendly, but overall, it's a dead holiday for us.
BUT, 2 years ago, Valentine's Day was somewhat redeemed as it became the due date for our second child. Though he didn't wait for THE day, Adrion definitely nullified that botched proposal meaning-of-the-day to replace it with the celebration of his new life. I love that he is our "love bug", and oh my goodness are we in love with him. (As is his big sister when he's not doing his little brother job of annoying her...) So here he is....our great big 2-year-old! Happy Birthday, my beautiful baby boy!
Monday, February 8, 2010
Saturday, February 6, 2010
A Little Bit Psycho
Yep. That's me sometimes. I get hot and bothered about something, and I react. I live very emotionally. Not so much ever logically. I definitely tend to jump before I think. This lovely characteristic of mine has had some repercussions, but I think it's just part of my story. Each time I have reacted too rashly, I've had to wait for time to slowly heal the gouges I've caused in relationships, finances, life's purpose...I own it, and I'm working on it.
In C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia series, when the characters don't understand the attitudes/actions/injustices of another's life, Aslan (the lion) often counsels them in saying, "That's his (or her) story." In other words, don't try to understand or judge. Everyone has their individual journey of faith, and God deals with each person differently. That idea has been very liberating for me. When I consider my circumstances at any particular moment or the circumstances of others around me, it is such a load off my shoulders to realize that I don't have to worry about it. That's God's job. All I have to do is stay focused on Him, and he'll carry that load. When we own the fact that each of our stories is unique, our judgments have to turn inward. We can no longer point at someone else's flaws. That's God's story with that person, so we in turn have to look inward and question our own stories.
I do believe I digressed. So back on point, my greatest regrets are the hurtful words I've spent toward people I love. In my heated reactivity, I have carelessly wounded beloved friends and family. If you are reading this and you are one of these people, I'm sorry. I've had my ugly moments, and those make me sad.
BUT, life is so good, so beautiful, so abundant, so sweet, and I am so thankful. I love my God with all my heart, and I try every day to give my everything to Him. What's your story?
In C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia series, when the characters don't understand the attitudes/actions/injustices of another's life, Aslan (the lion) often counsels them in saying, "That's his (or her) story." In other words, don't try to understand or judge. Everyone has their individual journey of faith, and God deals with each person differently. That idea has been very liberating for me. When I consider my circumstances at any particular moment or the circumstances of others around me, it is such a load off my shoulders to realize that I don't have to worry about it. That's God's job. All I have to do is stay focused on Him, and he'll carry that load. When we own the fact that each of our stories is unique, our judgments have to turn inward. We can no longer point at someone else's flaws. That's God's story with that person, so we in turn have to look inward and question our own stories.
I do believe I digressed. So back on point, my greatest regrets are the hurtful words I've spent toward people I love. In my heated reactivity, I have carelessly wounded beloved friends and family. If you are reading this and you are one of these people, I'm sorry. I've had my ugly moments, and those make me sad.
BUT, life is so good, so beautiful, so abundant, so sweet, and I am so thankful. I love my God with all my heart, and I try every day to give my everything to Him. What's your story?
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Amber
I reconnected with my bestest friend today. She is such a piece of me in such a profound way. Most people in life are just passing faces as we move from season to season, but a few take a piece of you if they go. My friend is like that. There is a piece of me that is only complete when I have her. I love you, Amber!!! You are my strong, funny, smart, resilient, beautiful friend.
Monday, February 1, 2010
M.A.S.H.
Organizing life makes me tired. Right now I need to be doing oh so many purposeful daily things, but I am avoiding them. So, I blog. I blog with no reason for blogging. Nothing to say really. Just sitting here considering the minor details in my corner of the universe...
Actually, truth be told, I am stuck in a fever of anticipation. But it's not hyper anticipation. It's very lethargic. Like my mind could be so busy and occupied in so many different directions that it's easier just to be still and think nothing. Do nothing. Yep. Nothing feels good. I like it.
But nothing won't last. Soon I will drag my booty up and clean the kitchen, do some laundry, pick up the living room, bathe my children, read to my children, put my children to bed, grade papers, write out birthday invitations, read some books...and hopefully all before about 10:30. That gives me 3 hours and 25 minutes.
But my lazy anticipation, I'm afraid, is here to stay for awhile. It's like hovering over the edge of a cliff with a parachute ready to jump. I know I'm going to do it, but I'm nervous. I'm hesitant. I think I'd prefer rappelling. I know. That metaphor doesn't really make sense, but it does.
So what's all the convoluted writing about? We. Are. Building. A. House.
Actually, truth be told, I am stuck in a fever of anticipation. But it's not hyper anticipation. It's very lethargic. Like my mind could be so busy and occupied in so many different directions that it's easier just to be still and think nothing. Do nothing. Yep. Nothing feels good. I like it.
But nothing won't last. Soon I will drag my booty up and clean the kitchen, do some laundry, pick up the living room, bathe my children, read to my children, put my children to bed, grade papers, write out birthday invitations, read some books...and hopefully all before about 10:30. That gives me 3 hours and 25 minutes.
But my lazy anticipation, I'm afraid, is here to stay for awhile. It's like hovering over the edge of a cliff with a parachute ready to jump. I know I'm going to do it, but I'm nervous. I'm hesitant. I think I'd prefer rappelling. I know. That metaphor doesn't really make sense, but it does.
So what's all the convoluted writing about? We. Are. Building. A. House.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
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