Monday, March 5, 2012
Happy Fun Girl: Learning my ABC's and Loving 3G's
Happy Fun Girl: Learning my ABC's and Loving 3G's: For the last several months, the local cell phone company, West Central Wireless, has had a billboard in town that said, "3G coming soon" or...
Learning my ABC's and Loving 3G's
For the last several months, the local cell phone company, West Central Wireless, has had a billboard in town that said, "3G coming soon" or something like that.
I drove by yesterday and noticed that they have changed the sign and it now says, "We double dog dare you!"
First of all, NEVER double dog dare me to do anything....'cause I probably will.
But, that's not the point...that's just what got my attention.
You see, I live in a tiny town in the middle of nowhere...Mason, Texas.
"Home of Old Yeller," as I proudly tell everyone who will listen.
Seriously, if you go back and read it, Fred Gipson wrote about his dog and him roaming the hills of Mason County. How cool is that?
But seriously. It is kind of like the middle of nowhere...
This is the Texas Hill Country...beautiful with sprawling ranches, the Llano River, the only place in Texas where you can find blue topaz, the land where bluebonnets abound and the deer and antelope play.
(The antelope are behind high fences, but I'm pretty sure I've seen them playing.)
Actually, now that I think about it...there are a few buffalo that roam, much like your cell service will, because really, we're kind of in a dead spot here.
Getting good service can be pretty iffy.
Depending on your provider.
Can you hear me now?
I don't care that my Iphone is a 3G, and I don't care if I get an Iphone 4, because it won't work right anyway.
This all got me thinking about the G's in my life, and I'm not talking about my G-string.
Though, I do need to restring my guitar desperately.
Sheesh! Renew your mind!!
That would just be inappropriate!
Which makes me think about my first G. He's hilarious. In fact, he owns a shirt that says, "Relax, I'm hilarious." and he is.
In every completely inappropriate way you can imagine. 1G is probably one of the best friends I have ever had in my life. He made me laugh. A lot.
But then I married him.
I chose someone funny over someone gainfully employed, and believe me, that's only funny for a little while. 1G is a good time guy.
I say this respectfully and with no bitterness in my heart whatsoever, but he was the kind of guy that when the going got tough, he'd get going.
Then, when things were put back together, he'd resurface and we'd start the cycle of insanity all over again. We were two completely dysfunctional people that somehow found each other and connected in a very deep way. I was an absolute crazy person. And so was he.
We met when I was in my early 20's and he was seven years older. I was also a single mom with two kids and at a horrible place in my life. We met on "Ladies Drink Free" night at my favorite bar.
And we danced to "Dream Weaver."
And then he slept through our first date.
Seriously.
Literally slept through it.
He "didn't hear his alarm" and never showed up.
I love old houses and I think a lot about restoration. After our divorce 12 years ago, I wanted God to restore the relationship. I never wanted a divorce to begin with.
I wanted him to grow up.
I've been thinking about it a lot lately, and when you restore something, you take it back to its' original beauty.
Trust me. There wasn't a lot of original beauty to it.
He showed up at my house with a 6 pack of beer, a bag of weed and Monte Python videos.
I tolerated the Monte Python, because, well...he had good weed.
And he was a good kisser.
I'm just sayin'. (Sorry to offend, I'm just tellin' the truth.)
He moved in a few months later and it was non-stop chaos from there.
There are endless stories, that we now find humorous, though absolutely heartbreaking and horrendous at the time.
We went through hell together. And we put our children through hell.
Guests on Jerry Springer have nothing on us. Absolutely nothing.
I actully tried to run him over once with our car.
He wouldn't take us out for Chinese food on Mother's Day after church got out.
I just kept yelling at him. "All of the the other husbands are taking their wives!"
He responded I think with, "All of the other wives are not psychotic!"
And then it was on like Donkey Kong.
I've got your "take out" baby!! "I will "take you out with the front bumper of this Volvo you *&^ (* ^^%$!"
I can still see that picture of him running and looking back in my head and it is hilarious.
In a really, really disturbing way of course.
Just a few weeks ago, I went to see 1G on a whim in Wisconsin.
And I left there feeling very saddened by it all.
Although a lot of time has passed, the hands haven't seemed to move at all.
Things were different. And still so much the same.
He will always be the Eyore, to my Tigger.
I bounce.
And he will always be annoyed by my bouncing.
Then there is the other G.
I can't even call him my G, because he is not.
Years ago, I knew him as a happily married man with 3 wonderful kids. I thought he was the epitome of Ward Cleaver.
2G always appeared to be so reliable, responsible, kind, honest and super squared away.
He was the kind of guy you could depend on.
"That's the kind of guy you want." I would think to myself.
"Not that kind of guy I get, but the kind I want."
Not in an ogling, inappropriate way, just nice.
He was a brother in Christ and nothing more.
A year after my divorce from 1G, he came back from Philly to San Antonio and took us all out to eat at Pizza Hut.
I think he even paid!
I was particularly broke at that moment, and the roller coaster of living on commission sales had me once again, living in fear of having my utilities shut off.
When we got back home, I noticed an envelope on my stove that said, "Jesus Loves You."
Inside, there was $250.00!
It's a great story about the faith of a child, but that's not the point right now, so I'll save that for another time.
Days later I found out that the money was from 2G.
Almost a decade later, I was talking to a friend on the phone and asked about past friends...and him.
"How's G doing?"
"Oh, I saw him. He looks good. It's sad though. He's divorced, or going through a divorce, or something like that...I'm not sure."
Now I'm not really proud of my immediate reaction, but it went kind of like this,"OMGosh!! Okay...I have two things to say.."Hallelujah!! And I've got dibbs!!"
Sidebar: Never call "dibbs" on something until you know exactly what you're even calling "dibbs" on.
I proceeded to immediately send him a friend request on Facebook and the rest is more heartbreaking history.
I adored that man. Literally. I worshiped the ground he walked on. He became everything to me. I couldn't believe that God would actually give me exactly the kind of man that I had wanted my whole life.
In reality, He didn't...I just thought so.
We functioned together, it felt equal, give and take. He treated me like a princess and I felt like one when I was with him. We loved craftsman bungalows, and food and the outdoors. We loved getting up and having coffee and planning whatever time we could spend together.
He opened doors for me, played amazing guitar, held my hand in church and prayed with me.
The incredible chemistry caught me off guard from the beginning and I caved big time. He was a great kisser, and then some.
My conscience ate at me day in and day out. For many reasons.
I was living a double life.
Certainly, I didn't feel like I deserved to be with him and I knew I was in a situation that was disappointing to Jesus. I clearly left no room for him.
A mustard seed certainly couldn't squeeze into that tight of a space!
Insecurity inched it's way into my soul, or maybe it had been there all along.
I've never had a good relationship with a man before and avoided them fervently for a decade....until him.
All my previously feigned, "I don't like PDA's" went out the window. I am in fact, the queen of PDA's it turns out.
I think I truly fell in love with 2G the day we were to attend a life group event and I was running late getting into town. When I got to his place, he was ready to go. Not only was he ready, but he had snacks prepared because he knew I wouldn't have had time to cook that day. That did me in.
It seems silly maybe to get so excited about something so simple, but it brought tears to my eyes that someone could be so thoughtful and considerate and amazing.
But daily, I was terrified that I would lose him to someone closer, more successful, prettier, more mature, more squared away, someone more like him and admittedly, I stalked his Facebook until I made myself crazy.
Ironically, psychotic.
I even came up with a back up plan, just in case it all crashed and burned.
That was H.
Yes, the letter in the alphabet that comes after G. But that's another story and also ironically, H is with I.
2G was everything that 1G was not.
And I loved every minute of it.
Except for all of those minutes that I felt unsettled for some reason.
All of those minutes that I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop.
I drove home that last weekend crying and calling out to God and my steering wheel.
"If this is not your will for my life, then remove it. Please. Even if it hurts like hell. Take it from me. Above all, I want your will, and not my own."
And then came the other shoe.
Just a few days later I received an email that it was over.
I have great doubts that it was ever even really real. I was the transition girl. It's what I do.
I just wanted it so much to be the happy ending that I had always hoped for, I guess I didn't really see it.
I wanted to believe it was for real and that beauty would really come from my ashes. And it will.
Reading back over this, I know it reads like a big fat buzz kill...And it kind of is.
But really, I'm good.
Seriously, I am.
Happy even! In spite of all the things that have spun out of my control, I really, really do believe that he will work ALL things out for good.
Nearly one year later, and my whole world turned totally upside down, this is what I have learned about love and the communication industry:
I only need one G.
The G above all other G's.
God.
He is the only one who has never, and I mean never left me...His love has been unconditional, even when I didn't deserve it. He has been patient and kind. He has shown me true mercy and grace.
He considers me precious, the apple of his eye, his beloved, his bride.
I saw a bridal magazine yesterday at HEB, and never, and I mean never being the kind of girl that would ever buy such a thing, I actually glanced at the cover and smiled inwardly.
Someday, maybe.
Maybe someday, that kind of love will find me. The right kind of love.
Until then, I will wait for his perfect provision.
I'm a God girl. I want a God guy.
Maybe even one that's a great kisser and, well, you know...
I've been told all of my life that I am a go-getter and I've taken great pride in my independence.
Now I see myself for what I really am...so, so, so, truly dependent on God for every breathe I take, every move I make, every hurt that's needed healed, every inspiration to create and especially, every chance to love...again.
Thank you God for always being my most reliable, service provider!!!
Can you hear me now?
I drove by yesterday and noticed that they have changed the sign and it now says, "We double dog dare you!"
First of all, NEVER double dog dare me to do anything....'cause I probably will.
But, that's not the point...that's just what got my attention.
You see, I live in a tiny town in the middle of nowhere...Mason, Texas.
"Home of Old Yeller," as I proudly tell everyone who will listen.
Seriously, if you go back and read it, Fred Gipson wrote about his dog and him roaming the hills of Mason County. How cool is that?
But seriously. It is kind of like the middle of nowhere...
This is the Texas Hill Country...beautiful with sprawling ranches, the Llano River, the only place in Texas where you can find blue topaz, the land where bluebonnets abound and the deer and antelope play.
(The antelope are behind high fences, but I'm pretty sure I've seen them playing.)
Actually, now that I think about it...there are a few buffalo that roam, much like your cell service will, because really, we're kind of in a dead spot here.
Getting good service can be pretty iffy.
Depending on your provider.
Can you hear me now?
I don't care that my Iphone is a 3G, and I don't care if I get an Iphone 4, because it won't work right anyway.
This all got me thinking about the G's in my life, and I'm not talking about my G-string.
Though, I do need to restring my guitar desperately.
Sheesh! Renew your mind!!
That would just be inappropriate!
Which makes me think about my first G. He's hilarious. In fact, he owns a shirt that says, "Relax, I'm hilarious." and he is.
In every completely inappropriate way you can imagine. 1G is probably one of the best friends I have ever had in my life. He made me laugh. A lot.
But then I married him.
I chose someone funny over someone gainfully employed, and believe me, that's only funny for a little while. 1G is a good time guy.
I say this respectfully and with no bitterness in my heart whatsoever, but he was the kind of guy that when the going got tough, he'd get going.
Then, when things were put back together, he'd resurface and we'd start the cycle of insanity all over again. We were two completely dysfunctional people that somehow found each other and connected in a very deep way. I was an absolute crazy person. And so was he.
We met when I was in my early 20's and he was seven years older. I was also a single mom with two kids and at a horrible place in my life. We met on "Ladies Drink Free" night at my favorite bar.
And we danced to "Dream Weaver."
And then he slept through our first date.
Seriously.
Literally slept through it.
He "didn't hear his alarm" and never showed up.
I love old houses and I think a lot about restoration. After our divorce 12 years ago, I wanted God to restore the relationship. I never wanted a divorce to begin with.
I wanted him to grow up.
I've been thinking about it a lot lately, and when you restore something, you take it back to its' original beauty.
Trust me. There wasn't a lot of original beauty to it.
He showed up at my house with a 6 pack of beer, a bag of weed and Monte Python videos.
I tolerated the Monte Python, because, well...he had good weed.
And he was a good kisser.
I'm just sayin'. (Sorry to offend, I'm just tellin' the truth.)
He moved in a few months later and it was non-stop chaos from there.
There are endless stories, that we now find humorous, though absolutely heartbreaking and horrendous at the time.
We went through hell together. And we put our children through hell.
Guests on Jerry Springer have nothing on us. Absolutely nothing.
I actully tried to run him over once with our car.
He wouldn't take us out for Chinese food on Mother's Day after church got out.
I just kept yelling at him. "All of the the other husbands are taking their wives!"
He responded I think with, "All of the other wives are not psychotic!"
And then it was on like Donkey Kong.
I've got your "take out" baby!! "I will "take you out with the front bumper of this Volvo you *&^ (* ^^%$!"
I can still see that picture of him running and looking back in my head and it is hilarious.
In a really, really disturbing way of course.
Just a few weeks ago, I went to see 1G on a whim in Wisconsin.
And I left there feeling very saddened by it all.
Although a lot of time has passed, the hands haven't seemed to move at all.
Things were different. And still so much the same.
He will always be the Eyore, to my Tigger.
I bounce.
And he will always be annoyed by my bouncing.
Then there is the other G.
I can't even call him my G, because he is not.
Years ago, I knew him as a happily married man with 3 wonderful kids. I thought he was the epitome of Ward Cleaver.
2G always appeared to be so reliable, responsible, kind, honest and super squared away.
He was the kind of guy you could depend on.
"That's the kind of guy you want." I would think to myself.
"Not that kind of guy I get, but the kind I want."
Not in an ogling, inappropriate way, just nice.
He was a brother in Christ and nothing more.
A year after my divorce from 1G, he came back from Philly to San Antonio and took us all out to eat at Pizza Hut.
I think he even paid!
I was particularly broke at that moment, and the roller coaster of living on commission sales had me once again, living in fear of having my utilities shut off.
When we got back home, I noticed an envelope on my stove that said, "Jesus Loves You."
Inside, there was $250.00!
It's a great story about the faith of a child, but that's not the point right now, so I'll save that for another time.
Days later I found out that the money was from 2G.
Almost a decade later, I was talking to a friend on the phone and asked about past friends...and him.
"How's G doing?"
"Oh, I saw him. He looks good. It's sad though. He's divorced, or going through a divorce, or something like that...I'm not sure."
Now I'm not really proud of my immediate reaction, but it went kind of like this,"OMGosh!! Okay...I have two things to say.."Hallelujah!! And I've got dibbs!!"
Sidebar: Never call "dibbs" on something until you know exactly what you're even calling "dibbs" on.
I proceeded to immediately send him a friend request on Facebook and the rest is more heartbreaking history.
I adored that man. Literally. I worshiped the ground he walked on. He became everything to me. I couldn't believe that God would actually give me exactly the kind of man that I had wanted my whole life.
In reality, He didn't...I just thought so.
We functioned together, it felt equal, give and take. He treated me like a princess and I felt like one when I was with him. We loved craftsman bungalows, and food and the outdoors. We loved getting up and having coffee and planning whatever time we could spend together.
He opened doors for me, played amazing guitar, held my hand in church and prayed with me.
The incredible chemistry caught me off guard from the beginning and I caved big time. He was a great kisser, and then some.
My conscience ate at me day in and day out. For many reasons.
I was living a double life.
Certainly, I didn't feel like I deserved to be with him and I knew I was in a situation that was disappointing to Jesus. I clearly left no room for him.
A mustard seed certainly couldn't squeeze into that tight of a space!
Insecurity inched it's way into my soul, or maybe it had been there all along.
I've never had a good relationship with a man before and avoided them fervently for a decade....until him.
All my previously feigned, "I don't like PDA's" went out the window. I am in fact, the queen of PDA's it turns out.
I think I truly fell in love with 2G the day we were to attend a life group event and I was running late getting into town. When I got to his place, he was ready to go. Not only was he ready, but he had snacks prepared because he knew I wouldn't have had time to cook that day. That did me in.
It seems silly maybe to get so excited about something so simple, but it brought tears to my eyes that someone could be so thoughtful and considerate and amazing.
But daily, I was terrified that I would lose him to someone closer, more successful, prettier, more mature, more squared away, someone more like him and admittedly, I stalked his Facebook until I made myself crazy.
Ironically, psychotic.
I even came up with a back up plan, just in case it all crashed and burned.
That was H.
Yes, the letter in the alphabet that comes after G. But that's another story and also ironically, H is with I.
2G was everything that 1G was not.
And I loved every minute of it.
Except for all of those minutes that I felt unsettled for some reason.
All of those minutes that I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop.
I drove home that last weekend crying and calling out to God and my steering wheel.
"If this is not your will for my life, then remove it. Please. Even if it hurts like hell. Take it from me. Above all, I want your will, and not my own."
And then came the other shoe.
Just a few days later I received an email that it was over.
I have great doubts that it was ever even really real. I was the transition girl. It's what I do.
I just wanted it so much to be the happy ending that I had always hoped for, I guess I didn't really see it.
I wanted to believe it was for real and that beauty would really come from my ashes. And it will.
Reading back over this, I know it reads like a big fat buzz kill...And it kind of is.
But really, I'm good.
Seriously, I am.
Happy even! In spite of all the things that have spun out of my control, I really, really do believe that he will work ALL things out for good.
Nearly one year later, and my whole world turned totally upside down, this is what I have learned about love and the communication industry:
I only need one G.
The G above all other G's.
God.
He is the only one who has never, and I mean never left me...His love has been unconditional, even when I didn't deserve it. He has been patient and kind. He has shown me true mercy and grace.
He considers me precious, the apple of his eye, his beloved, his bride.
I saw a bridal magazine yesterday at HEB, and never, and I mean never being the kind of girl that would ever buy such a thing, I actually glanced at the cover and smiled inwardly.
Someday, maybe.
Maybe someday, that kind of love will find me. The right kind of love.
Until then, I will wait for his perfect provision.
I'm a God girl. I want a God guy.
Maybe even one that's a great kisser and, well, you know...
I've been told all of my life that I am a go-getter and I've taken great pride in my independence.
Now I see myself for what I really am...so, so, so, truly dependent on God for every breathe I take, every move I make, every hurt that's needed healed, every inspiration to create and especially, every chance to love...again.
Thank you God for always being my most reliable, service provider!!!
Can you hear me now?
Friday, March 2, 2012
You Really do Learn Something New every Day!
I love to learn new things. Sometimes they're important and provide me with actual knowledge, but many times they are just fun facts that don't necessarily improve my quality of life, but I still find them interesting.
In the last week or so, I've learned a little of both.
Just the other day, a life long mystery to me was finally solved and although there is no great significance in it, I simply enjoy the now knowing.
I have always loved the ELO song, "Don't Bring Me Down."
Of course, like the rest of us who are lyric freaks, I always wondered who Bruce was?
You know, "don't bring me doooown.....Bruce...don't bring me dooooown, Bruce..."
Well, as it turns out, the word they are actually singing is the German word "grroosss."
Jeff Lynne just made up the word while recording in the studio. But apparently, it surprised the German producer who informed him that it really was a word. In German, grroosss means, a type of greeting.
I find this amusing considering its' context and placement in the song.
"Don't bring me dooown...hello?"
You'd think it would be better to end that line with an exit word like, "don't bring me doooown.....bye!"
But, I guess "don't bring me dooown...Auf Wiedersehen," wouldn't really sound right either.
So, there ya have it.
Mystery solved.
Wikipedia and Facebook are awesome resources when there's an immediate need to know. :)
My interesting and useful nugget of knowledge this week was learning how Joshua made it into the promised land.
You know, the one we are always hearing about.....That land flowing with milk and honey.
I have yet to find it with my lame mapping skills, but I believe it really does exist.
Most of us have seen, "The 10 Commandments" the one with Charlton Heston.
I think it's pretty much required viewing around Christmas time, right up there with The Christmas Story, It's a Wonderful Life and Elf.
Most of us also remember the dramatic point where Moses parts the Red Sea with his giant staff in hand.
(and yes, I know God did it, not Moses, but you know what I mean.)
Well guess what I found out?
That was not the ONLY wall of water incident in the bible!
Joshua did the same thing at the Jordan River!
Huh! Who knew?
Okay, probably lots of people. But I did not.
Somewhere, somehow between the "thou shall not eat" and the "blowing of the trumpets" dramatic ending, I missed that part.
Now, I have never claimed to be a bible scholar, teacher, preacher or anything remotely like that, but I do love reading the word and hearing other interesting tales outside of Noah, Jonah and The Story of Baby Jesus.
I get super jazzed when it leaps out in a 3D kind of way and really grabs my attention and actually feels relevant to my life here and now.
Daily, I am learning how to live and it's in those pages that I usually get the best advice. Admittedly, I don't always listen, but it's there for the taking. Just like God said the Promise Land would be.
Moses and the previously enslaved Israelites left Egypt and set out to find this abundant and blessed land only to end up wandering in the desert for 40 years!
It was supposed to be about a seven day journey (correction..11 days), but their considerable amount of disobedience and jacking around made the process take a whole lot longer than a week.
Talk about a miscalculated ETA!! (estimated time of arrival)
I get that.
I would have been right there with them, cursing God instead of looking at my part in my misdirection and singing loudly, "You've got me running going out of my mind...you've got me thinking that I'm wasting my time...." :)
Well, Moses never made it and died in the process so Joshua, his assistant, became the task master of bringing God's people to cross the Jordan River in order to inherit the wonderful lands that God had promised them so many years before.
God gave Joshua the pep talk of all pep talks that went something like this, "Give it everything you have, heart and soul. Be of good strength and courage! Don't get off track, don't veer to the right or the left, and don't get discouraged!! I am with you every step of the way!"
He also gave them a few days to camp out and rest before the big crossing over, take over.
Cause that's what it was going to be. Yes, he said they would have it...but they were going to have to fight for it. Hence the saying perhaps, anything worth having, is worth fighting for.
But lets get back to the resting part....God's good like that, he'll let you hang out by the campfire, sing some songs and refresh your spirit before getting into the real battle.
Sadly, they had manna....not s'mores.
On the final day, the leaders started shouting specific orders for exactly how they were going to get to the other side. Do this, do that, do this, do that. Pretty specific instructions.
Two important things that jumped out at me were this; Joshua and the leaders told the people to prepare themselves...they said, "you've never been down this road before...sanctify yourselves for so much more!"
In other words, this is a new thing! This is a way that you have not known.
Cut away the old way of doing things and prepare yourselves for something better.
Not better, but, God's miraculous best!
They obeyed, stood at the flood waters of the Jordan River...and God caused a great wall of water to rise up so they could cross and finally enter into their Promise Land.
I would like to think that after witnessing something as unbelievable as that, I could then march confidently straight towards my enemies with great boldness!
If I were Joshua, I think I maybe would have instructed the people like this,"Now..we are about to be where we were intended to go forever ago...Here's what I want you to do...As we are announcing our arrival to our enemies...I want us to have this big massive sing-along...and very loudly, at the top of your lungs I want you to sing...."
"Don't be bring me doooown......grroosss!"
Hello!!!
We're here and we're taking what's ours!
In the last week or so, I've learned a little of both.
Just the other day, a life long mystery to me was finally solved and although there is no great significance in it, I simply enjoy the now knowing.
I have always loved the ELO song, "Don't Bring Me Down."
Of course, like the rest of us who are lyric freaks, I always wondered who Bruce was?
You know, "don't bring me doooown.....Bruce...don't bring me dooooown, Bruce..."
Well, as it turns out, the word they are actually singing is the German word "grroosss."
Jeff Lynne just made up the word while recording in the studio. But apparently, it surprised the German producer who informed him that it really was a word. In German, grroosss means, a type of greeting.
I find this amusing considering its' context and placement in the song.
"Don't bring me dooown...hello?"
You'd think it would be better to end that line with an exit word like, "don't bring me doooown.....bye!"
But, I guess "don't bring me dooown...Auf Wiedersehen," wouldn't really sound right either.
So, there ya have it.
Mystery solved.
Wikipedia and Facebook are awesome resources when there's an immediate need to know. :)
My interesting and useful nugget of knowledge this week was learning how Joshua made it into the promised land.
You know, the one we are always hearing about.....That land flowing with milk and honey.
I have yet to find it with my lame mapping skills, but I believe it really does exist.
Most of us have seen, "The 10 Commandments" the one with Charlton Heston.
I think it's pretty much required viewing around Christmas time, right up there with The Christmas Story, It's a Wonderful Life and Elf.
Most of us also remember the dramatic point where Moses parts the Red Sea with his giant staff in hand.
(and yes, I know God did it, not Moses, but you know what I mean.)
Well guess what I found out?
That was not the ONLY wall of water incident in the bible!
Joshua did the same thing at the Jordan River!
Huh! Who knew?
Okay, probably lots of people. But I did not.
Somewhere, somehow between the "thou shall not eat" and the "blowing of the trumpets" dramatic ending, I missed that part.
Now, I have never claimed to be a bible scholar, teacher, preacher or anything remotely like that, but I do love reading the word and hearing other interesting tales outside of Noah, Jonah and The Story of Baby Jesus.
I get super jazzed when it leaps out in a 3D kind of way and really grabs my attention and actually feels relevant to my life here and now.
Daily, I am learning how to live and it's in those pages that I usually get the best advice. Admittedly, I don't always listen, but it's there for the taking. Just like God said the Promise Land would be.
Moses and the previously enslaved Israelites left Egypt and set out to find this abundant and blessed land only to end up wandering in the desert for 40 years!
It was supposed to be about a seven day journey (correction..11 days), but their considerable amount of disobedience and jacking around made the process take a whole lot longer than a week.
Talk about a miscalculated ETA!! (estimated time of arrival)
I get that.
I would have been right there with them, cursing God instead of looking at my part in my misdirection and singing loudly, "You've got me running going out of my mind...you've got me thinking that I'm wasting my time...." :)
Well, Moses never made it and died in the process so Joshua, his assistant, became the task master of bringing God's people to cross the Jordan River in order to inherit the wonderful lands that God had promised them so many years before.
God gave Joshua the pep talk of all pep talks that went something like this, "Give it everything you have, heart and soul. Be of good strength and courage! Don't get off track, don't veer to the right or the left, and don't get discouraged!! I am with you every step of the way!"
He also gave them a few days to camp out and rest before the big crossing over, take over.
Cause that's what it was going to be. Yes, he said they would have it...but they were going to have to fight for it. Hence the saying perhaps, anything worth having, is worth fighting for.
But lets get back to the resting part....God's good like that, he'll let you hang out by the campfire, sing some songs and refresh your spirit before getting into the real battle.
Sadly, they had manna....not s'mores.
On the final day, the leaders started shouting specific orders for exactly how they were going to get to the other side. Do this, do that, do this, do that. Pretty specific instructions.
Two important things that jumped out at me were this; Joshua and the leaders told the people to prepare themselves...they said, "you've never been down this road before...sanctify yourselves for so much more!"
In other words, this is a new thing! This is a way that you have not known.
Cut away the old way of doing things and prepare yourselves for something better.
Not better, but, God's miraculous best!
They obeyed, stood at the flood waters of the Jordan River...and God caused a great wall of water to rise up so they could cross and finally enter into their Promise Land.
I would like to think that after witnessing something as unbelievable as that, I could then march confidently straight towards my enemies with great boldness!
If I were Joshua, I think I maybe would have instructed the people like this,"Now..we are about to be where we were intended to go forever ago...Here's what I want you to do...As we are announcing our arrival to our enemies...I want us to have this big massive sing-along...and very loudly, at the top of your lungs I want you to sing...."
"Don't be bring me doooown......grroosss!"
Hello!!!
We're here and we're taking what's ours!
Monday, February 27, 2012
Are you Dyslexic?
(courtesy of dyslexia2z.com)
It seems that I'm in a transition period lately and every time I question what in the world is going on with my life, I remember this story that happened several years ago.
Also, I know that God is unchanging and I know that this word is just as relevant to my life today as it was when it happened.
God knew I didn’t really want to go to church that Wednesday night.
I'd had enough of the whole trying to walk the walk thing and never feeling like I measured up and like I was doing the Christian thing all wrong.
I had an attitude with a capital "A".
But, I went anyway.
I had an attitude with a capital "A".
But, I went anyway.
Newcomers, visitors and tenured believers alike had all come together that evening to hear the guest pastor bring a word of encouragement.
With a loud and strong southern twang he began, “It is not by chance that you are here tonight. The Lord has asked me to deliver to you a very special message."
"He wants you to know that despite what it looks like, the promises he’s given you, will come to pass!”
With a loud and strong southern twang he began, “It is not by chance that you are here tonight. The Lord has asked me to deliver to you a very special message."
"He wants you to know that despite what it looks like, the promises he’s given you, will come to pass!”
"I say, they will come to pass!"
Shouting now with over exaggerated vowels, “They will come to pass!”
I think I rolled my eyes.
My sometimes minute by minute attention span wandered from the message and into my own doubting and often defiant mind. “How Lord?”
“How are the promises you’ve given me really going to come to pass? I'm going to be a world changer? Really? Have you seen me lately? Have you seen my family? My finances?
I can’t even change my own life, let alone try and be a light in the world!"
"How am I ever going to be able to make a difference to anyone when I can't even get victory over my own stupid self? How? I mean it...tell me how!!”
My attitude was accusatory and unbelieving.
My life was a walking contradiction and I often ignored the prodding and convictions, convinced I could do things my way.
I pleaded once with him, "I just want some direction!"
He replied back with, "What you need girl, is a whole lotta correction."
Gulp.
Forget I asked. :)
The pastor continued with his sermon, but I wasn't really listening.
I was still caught up in trying to figure out 'how'.
I can’t even change my own life, let alone try and be a light in the world!"
"How am I ever going to be able to make a difference to anyone when I can't even get victory over my own stupid self? How? I mean it...tell me how!!”
My attitude was accusatory and unbelieving.
My life was a walking contradiction and I often ignored the prodding and convictions, convinced I could do things my way.
I pleaded once with him, "I just want some direction!"
He replied back with, "What you need girl, is a whole lotta correction."
Gulp.
Forget I asked. :)
The pastor continued with his sermon, but I wasn't really listening.
I was still caught up in trying to figure out 'how'.
And then I heard it.
That still small voice.
“Are you dyslexic?”
It's totally true that you reap what you sow.
There was an unmistakable undertone of sass behind the question.
There was an unmistakable undertone of sass behind the question.
My eyes grew wide, brows raised and I looked up at the sky and thought, “Are you talking to me?”
Again, “Are you dyslexic?”
Seriously?
“Um, no Lord, I’m not dyslexic.”
"In fact, I'm a very good speller."
"Good, then get this."
“It’s not H-O-W.”
“Um, no Lord, I’m not dyslexic.”
"In fact, I'm a very good speller."
"Good, then get this."
“It’s not H-O-W.”
“It’s W-H-O.”
He spelled it out. Just like that. One letter at a time.
He spelled it out. Just like that. One letter at a time.
It took me a minute to make sense of what I’d heard, so I spelled it out in my head
"H-O-W, W-H-O."
Five seconds later, I got the revelation.
Wow. I don’t often hear him quite so clearly.
But that I heard. And that, I understood.
But that I heard. And that, I understood.
It was one of those lightening bolt, jolting moments when something all of a sudden makes so much sense!
I don’t have to worry about how God is going to turn my ashes into beauty. I don’t have to be concerned with how he is going to restore the years that the locusts have eaten, or how he is going to bring forth the promises he's given me over the years.
He said that he would and that settles it.
What I do have to do is believe that he is who he says he is and will do what he says he is going to do!
Period.
Period.
Just as importantly, I have to know down deep inside who he says that I am and I have to believe it!
I don't know about you, but that part is sometimes soooo much harder.
I don’t have to worry about the HOW!
I just have to know the WHO!
Friday, December 2, 2011
I'm not cursing...I'm calling on ya!
I have a bad habit of saying things like, "Oh Jesus!" and "Jesus, take me now."
Churchy, legalistic people would surely take offense to such statements.
But my God loves me, has a great sense of humor, knows my heart and understands where I'm coming from.
He's not offended by my sass. He's seen and heard it all.
In fact, I had to smile at church a few weeks ago as we were singing one of the old hymns.
I don't know any of them by heart....that's fine.
It's called a sacrifice of praise. :)
And though it's true that I have a preference to contemporary worship music, I can and do participate in true worship even with old songs that don't have a driving rock beat behind them.
I have to purposely check my heart and my attitude at times if I'm really being truthful, but I do come around.
I'm sure hymn lovers wish they would pass out ear plugs!
It's okay that we are all different. It keeps it interesting.
And we really are all one body, made up of many, many parts.
One of the lines in the song was, "Take me now, Jesus," or something like that.
Like I said, I'd never heard it before.
I laughed, inwardly of course and a smirk came across my face.
I'm always amazed at how God speaks to me in even simple moments like that.
'Cause really, that's exactly what I was thinking just before the next lyric slide came up with that same phrase!
"Jesus, take me now." :) or was it, "Take me now, Jesus" ?
He won't of course.
Billy Joel was right all along. Only the good die young.
Or so it seems.
And it looks like I'm gonna be here a while.
I am very aware that one of the first commandments is "Do not take the Lord's name in vain."
It's not the first but I'm pretty sure it made it to God's Top Five list.
Personally, I can't stand hearing kids say, "Oh my God!" I usually even OMGosh when texting.
Truly.
But sometimes I have to ask to be excused for my outbursts.
Just in case his heart reading radar is not on when I might yell an, "Oh, Jesus!"
I quickly add, "I'm not cussing. I'm calling on ya!!" And I mean it.
"For the love of God, people please!" is another Fave.
Used usually in times when I am trying to evoke some sort of peace into a situation.
Blessed are the peacemakers ya know. They shall inherit the earth.
Then there is one of my all time favorite go-to line/verses.
The one I use when I have had enough and need him to move mightily on my behalf.
I've been using it a lot lately.
Before I share it I will say that I use it only on days when I can fully comprehend and understand what the word GRACE means.
Those times when I know that I really am the righteousness of Christ...
Days when I know that I know, despite the enemy's tries and lies of convincing me God's not going to move on my behalf, because I'm not "good" enough.....
In those moments when I have a firm & deep understanding of who I am in Christ, I pull out this one.....
"God, you see this situation...you know all that I've gone through...you know all of my faults and failures...but I know that you love me and YOUR word says that it is not because of my deeds, or because I am good or right, but for YOUR holy names sake (getting louder on this part) again, not because of me or anything I've done, but for YOUR HOLY NAME'S SAKE....please! Come to my rescue!"
yada, yada.
Specifically, I shared this recent prayer tonight with my friend Pat. I told her exactly what I've been telling God.
"People are looking! Everyone is watching to see how this is all gonna play out, ya know. My life has been a roller coaster of ups and downs. And we both know that I have a big mouth, and well, honestly, right now, it's not looking so good...so, again, not for me, but for you, Lord! 'Cause otherwise, I'm just looking like an idiot! And you wouldn't want that would you? "
Then Pat says to me, in her very straightforward, no nonsense tone, "Well, it'd just be embarrassing for him really."
I love this woman!!!
Bahahaha! Can I get a witness?
“Therefore say to the Israelites, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: It is not for your sake, people of Israel, that I am going to do these things, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you have gone." Ez. 36:22
By Ez. 37:11 it says, "Then he said to me: “Son of man, these bones are the people of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.’ 12 Therefore prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: My people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel. 13 Then you, my people, will know that I am the LORD, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. 14 I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the LORD have spoken, and I have done it, declares the LORD."
Can I get an Amen???
Churchy, legalistic people would surely take offense to such statements.
But my God loves me, has a great sense of humor, knows my heart and understands where I'm coming from.
He's not offended by my sass. He's seen and heard it all.
In fact, I had to smile at church a few weeks ago as we were singing one of the old hymns.
I don't know any of them by heart....that's fine.
It's called a sacrifice of praise. :)
And though it's true that I have a preference to contemporary worship music, I can and do participate in true worship even with old songs that don't have a driving rock beat behind them.
I have to purposely check my heart and my attitude at times if I'm really being truthful, but I do come around.
I'm sure hymn lovers wish they would pass out ear plugs!
It's okay that we are all different. It keeps it interesting.
And we really are all one body, made up of many, many parts.
One of the lines in the song was, "Take me now, Jesus," or something like that.
Like I said, I'd never heard it before.
I laughed, inwardly of course and a smirk came across my face.
I'm always amazed at how God speaks to me in even simple moments like that.
'Cause really, that's exactly what I was thinking just before the next lyric slide came up with that same phrase!
"Jesus, take me now." :) or was it, "Take me now, Jesus" ?
He won't of course.
Billy Joel was right all along. Only the good die young.
Or so it seems.
And it looks like I'm gonna be here a while.
I am very aware that one of the first commandments is "Do not take the Lord's name in vain."
It's not the first but I'm pretty sure it made it to God's Top Five list.
Personally, I can't stand hearing kids say, "Oh my God!" I usually even OMGosh when texting.
Truly.
But sometimes I have to ask to be excused for my outbursts.
Just in case his heart reading radar is not on when I might yell an, "Oh, Jesus!"
I quickly add, "I'm not cussing. I'm calling on ya!!" And I mean it.
"For the love of God, people please!" is another Fave.
Used usually in times when I am trying to evoke some sort of peace into a situation.
Blessed are the peacemakers ya know. They shall inherit the earth.
Then there is one of my all time favorite go-to line/verses.
The one I use when I have had enough and need him to move mightily on my behalf.
I've been using it a lot lately.
Before I share it I will say that I use it only on days when I can fully comprehend and understand what the word GRACE means.
Those times when I know that I really am the righteousness of Christ...
Days when I know that I know, despite the enemy's tries and lies of convincing me God's not going to move on my behalf, because I'm not "good" enough.....
In those moments when I have a firm & deep understanding of who I am in Christ, I pull out this one.....
"God, you see this situation...you know all that I've gone through...you know all of my faults and failures...but I know that you love me and YOUR word says that it is not because of my deeds, or because I am good or right, but for YOUR holy names sake (getting louder on this part) again, not because of me or anything I've done, but for YOUR HOLY NAME'S SAKE....please! Come to my rescue!"
yada, yada.
Specifically, I shared this recent prayer tonight with my friend Pat. I told her exactly what I've been telling God.
"People are looking! Everyone is watching to see how this is all gonna play out, ya know. My life has been a roller coaster of ups and downs. And we both know that I have a big mouth, and well, honestly, right now, it's not looking so good...so, again, not for me, but for you, Lord! 'Cause otherwise, I'm just looking like an idiot! And you wouldn't want that would you? "
Then Pat says to me, in her very straightforward, no nonsense tone, "Well, it'd just be embarrassing for him really."
I love this woman!!!
Bahahaha! Can I get a witness?
“Therefore say to the Israelites, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: It is not for your sake, people of Israel, that I am going to do these things, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you have gone." Ez. 36:22
By Ez. 37:11 it says, "Then he said to me: “Son of man, these bones are the people of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.’ 12 Therefore prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: My people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel. 13 Then you, my people, will know that I am the LORD, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. 14 I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the LORD have spoken, and I have done it, declares the LORD."
Can I get an Amen???
Happy Fun Girl: Inspection Report says: Cracked Foundation
Happy Fun Girl: Inspection Report says: Cracked Foundation: Being in real estate for several years, I have seen and read many, many inspections reports. Agents and sellers fear them, buyers freak out ...
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Inspection Report says: Cracked Foundation
Being in real estate for several years, I have seen and read many, many inspection reports. Agents and sellers fear them, buyers freak out when they read them and overbearing underwriters will screw up a deal over them. (That just happened a few weeks ago) Ugh!
When a buyer pays for a home inspection, the licensed inspector will look at all of the operating systems. They will check out the plumbing, central heat & air, electric, roof, among other things and of course, most importantly, the foundation.
I live in an area where there are primarily, old, historic homes. Read: They need work!
Typically, homes here have lots of charm and character, but they need cosmetic work and updating to meet current code regulations and modern living "requirements". :)
I say this with a smile because it is amazing what people "require".
"I want a wonderful, large historic home with lots of character, central heat and air, 2 or more bathrooms, lots of great storage and walk-in closets!"
Okay Rocky! Watch me pull a rabbit out of the hat!
It doesn't exist.
Old homes were small.
Those people only had like three outfits a piece when their homes were built.
Walk-in closets were not necessary.
Inside plumbing was a luxury back then. So, probably not going to find 2+ bathrooms.
Most educated buyers are aware of this and fine with that fact and they will often make a purchase after first finding out that the "bones are good."
Inevitably, I hear this too, "Oh! There are cracks in the plaster on the wall!"
Knowingly, I nod, "The house has been here since 1863...yep, there are some cracks."
But is the foundation solid?
Is it? Is your foundation solid?
Ironically, I've noticed recently that mine is cracked. :)
Seriously.
Most of these homes are on pier and beam which tend to move around a little depending on weather conditions.
Many have settled.
Settling is not fun.
There is a crack in the southeast cornerstone of my house and I know that it needs to be fixed.
To begin making repairs, the foundation must be set solid and firm.
Luke 6:49 says, "But anyone who listens and doesn't obey is like a person who builds a house without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will crumble into a heap of ruins."
I need a foundation expert.
I also wonder if that's the real, hidden meaning behind the story of The Three Little Pigs?
The first house was made of straw.
The second was made of sticks.
And finally, the third little pig built a solid home that couldn't be huffed and puffed and blown away.
He built a home out of bricks.
Bricks are solid and they must be set on a firm foundation.
In 1 Cor. 3:10, Paul says, "Because of God's special favor to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. For no one can lay any other foundation than the one we already have—Jesus Christ. Now anyone who builds on that foundation may use gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw."
Huh.
Maybe James Orchard Halliwell-Phillipps was aware of this verse also.
He's the wig wearing guy that wrote the Three Little Pigs and had it published in the mid 1800's.
Apparently he attended Jesus College in Cambridge.
According to Wikipedia of course.
I assume he probably learned at his Jesus College the importance of building on a strong foundation in Christ.
I love to build sandcastles, but as pretty as they are and as much fun as they are to make, when the tide comes...they always wash away. As does everything else I've ever tried to build on my own.
As I am rebuilding, I pray.
Lord, help me to build (or rebuild) on that which cannot be shaken so that when the Big Bad Wolf shows up again, I shall not fear, but know that the skilled and trustworthy builder of my life has built this house with His very own hands.
Huff and Puff all you want fur face.
I'm still standing strong.
When a buyer pays for a home inspection, the licensed inspector will look at all of the operating systems. They will check out the plumbing, central heat & air, electric, roof, among other things and of course, most importantly, the foundation.
I live in an area where there are primarily, old, historic homes. Read: They need work!
Typically, homes here have lots of charm and character, but they need cosmetic work and updating to meet current code regulations and modern living "requirements". :)
I say this with a smile because it is amazing what people "require".
"I want a wonderful, large historic home with lots of character, central heat and air, 2 or more bathrooms, lots of great storage and walk-in closets!"
Okay Rocky! Watch me pull a rabbit out of the hat!
It doesn't exist.
Old homes were small.
Those people only had like three outfits a piece when their homes were built.
Walk-in closets were not necessary.
Inside plumbing was a luxury back then. So, probably not going to find 2+ bathrooms.
Most educated buyers are aware of this and fine with that fact and they will often make a purchase after first finding out that the "bones are good."
Inevitably, I hear this too, "Oh! There are cracks in the plaster on the wall!"
Knowingly, I nod, "The house has been here since 1863...yep, there are some cracks."
But is the foundation solid?
Is it? Is your foundation solid?
Ironically, I've noticed recently that mine is cracked. :)
Seriously.
Most of these homes are on pier and beam which tend to move around a little depending on weather conditions.
Many have settled.
Settling is not fun.
There is a crack in the southeast cornerstone of my house and I know that it needs to be fixed.
To begin making repairs, the foundation must be set solid and firm.
Luke 6:49 says, "But anyone who listens and doesn't obey is like a person who builds a house without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will crumble into a heap of ruins."
I need a foundation expert.
I also wonder if that's the real, hidden meaning behind the story of The Three Little Pigs?
The first house was made of straw.
The second was made of sticks.
And finally, the third little pig built a solid home that couldn't be huffed and puffed and blown away.
He built a home out of bricks.
Bricks are solid and they must be set on a firm foundation.
In 1 Cor. 3:10, Paul says, "Because of God's special favor to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. For no one can lay any other foundation than the one we already have—Jesus Christ. Now anyone who builds on that foundation may use gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw."
Huh.
Maybe James Orchard Halliwell-Phillipps was aware of this verse also.
He's the wig wearing guy that wrote the Three Little Pigs and had it published in the mid 1800's.
Apparently he attended Jesus College in Cambridge.
According to Wikipedia of course.
I assume he probably learned at his Jesus College the importance of building on a strong foundation in Christ.
I love to build sandcastles, but as pretty as they are and as much fun as they are to make, when the tide comes...they always wash away. As does everything else I've ever tried to build on my own.
As I am rebuilding, I pray.
Lord, help me to build (or rebuild) on that which cannot be shaken so that when the Big Bad Wolf shows up again, I shall not fear, but know that the skilled and trustworthy builder of my life has built this house with His very own hands.
Huff and Puff all you want fur face.
I'm still standing strong.
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