Want to exercise your creative wings and do a little writing? How about read others' short stories? Go to : http://shortyarns.wordpress.com/ and follow the blog today! Two writers and some crafty friends joining together to provide motivation, inspiration, accountability and some good ol' fashion fun. Today's prompt is listed below!
Pick a bad habit you have, write about a character that has the same bad habit but only worse. Write about how that bad habit gets your character into some serious trouble.
Prissy the Procrastinator
Why do today what can be put off to tomorrow was the motto she lived by. Living in a house built by her great-grandparents over 100 years ago, Prissy the procrastinator was never one to let her motto get her down. Her yard stayed overgrown with weeds so tall you couldn't see the front door. Every six months or so the city would come and mow it and leave a bill on her door, adding to the collection of bills already piled up. Her mailbox was so full the post mistress had put a hold on Prissy's mail years ago. The utilities had not been on since her parents added them to her responsibilities. The roof on the house leaked every time it rained, dripping down walls and helping the mold growth. Prissy knew the roof needed to be replaced, the house cleaned, the mold killed, and probably a total renovation needed to happen. That would all wait for another day. Every morning Prissy woke up to a beautiful sunrise and thought about all the things she needed to do. Then she rolled over knowing those things will be there tomorrow.
Go to http://shortyarns.wordpress.com/ to share your responses or to see others' responses!
Monday, October 24, 2011
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Reaching Out: What does it mean to you?
Our church often speaks of reaching out to others and sharing Christ's love. We have a variety of missions to other countries. We have opportunities to serve as groups to the Rescue Mission. We even have a team in the making to help greet newcomers and assist them in joining our church. But what does this mean to us personally?
Jesus shared to gospel everywhere He walked. Everywhere. Where do we go that we can share the gospel? Is it really hard to share? I know I have heard arguments against sharing because of concerns such as offending the people, unsure of what to say, and just being plain scared. I have had all those feelings and I'm sure more. I have stood right in front of someone, felt the urge to share, and walked away instead. How lousy I felt for days.
It is really hard to put your faith on the line. I read people's accounts from other countries where there lives are at stake if they admit they are Christians. I remember having a speaker come and tell us about how they have underground churches. In Roman times, Christians were thrown in as gladiators to fight others or animals such as lions. Yet here I stand, shaking in my shoes afraid of what? Being yelled at? Looked down upon? Making someone mad?
Right now, we have rights in this country. We can be Christian and not lose our lives because of it. Jesus told us to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19) How can I do a better job of following His last command? How can you? We don't have to travel to other countries to share the Good News. There are people who we run across everyday who don't know about Jesus.
Jesus shared to gospel everywhere He walked. Everywhere. Where do we go that we can share the gospel? Is it really hard to share? I know I have heard arguments against sharing because of concerns such as offending the people, unsure of what to say, and just being plain scared. I have had all those feelings and I'm sure more. I have stood right in front of someone, felt the urge to share, and walked away instead. How lousy I felt for days.
It is really hard to put your faith on the line. I read people's accounts from other countries where there lives are at stake if they admit they are Christians. I remember having a speaker come and tell us about how they have underground churches. In Roman times, Christians were thrown in as gladiators to fight others or animals such as lions. Yet here I stand, shaking in my shoes afraid of what? Being yelled at? Looked down upon? Making someone mad?
Right now, we have rights in this country. We can be Christian and not lose our lives because of it. Jesus told us to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19) How can I do a better job of following His last command? How can you? We don't have to travel to other countries to share the Good News. There are people who we run across everyday who don't know about Jesus.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Friends
The Lord has blessed me with such awesome friends. They're all wise Christian women who have helped guide me. I want to write a little about each of them, but only a few per blog entry.
This particular lady has watched Alex for me numerous times. She cracks me up with her sense of humor and puts me in awe with her creativity. Her little.. oops.. almost slipped... child is adorable and brilliant and I love watching this child and Alex play together. This lady's heart is full of love and soft. She takes the problems of her friends on as though she could possibly solve them. This is a new budding friendship, not long planted and I look forward to seeing it as it grows throughout the years.
The next lady on my list has also watched Alex for me numerous times. Even with her overwhelming schedule she makes time to watch him for hours on end. She and I can talk about anything, including Chinese food, bidets and cannibalism. She gives Godly wisdom to me and speaks God's Word so there's never any doubt. She makes me think before I act and is teaching me how to have a softer, more loving heart. She's honest with her words and does not ease into controversial conversations yet is always reminding me that I'm not the only one she's speaking to.
I have a lady who has been a friend of mine for about 10 years. We don't always get to talk but when we do we always understand one another and can help each other look at things from a different perspective. She's so young at heart (and looks.. I think she looks younger than me!), she makes me forget her age. She makes me laugh and is great for any trip. Even soaking our feet in a hot tub in the middle of a cold night is fun with her. Her capacity to love and devotion to try to help others inspires me.
Another lady I bring up is my favorite shopping buddy. Whether it's midnight, 5 a.m., or 1 p.m., we always have fun. I don't get to see her half as often as I'd like, but when I do it's as though not much time has slipped by. She is wise beyond her years. She works hard and shows a dedication to the people she serves that images Christ's love.
To talk to this lady is a miracle indeed. Though time passes so quickly and we're more likely to get a 5 minute conversation in only if the sun, the kids, and the houses are just right, it's as if we talk all the time. She is the one I know I can confide anything to and she can always relate. She's been there, done that, or is doing that. She shares her Godly wisdom in love but also with such a sense of humor one can't help but laugh. She epitomized a minister's wife long before it was a concept. Even through her hectic schedule she always manages to serve and minister to others.
These are just a few of my closest friends. There are ones not listed that I eat lunch with every blue moon, that I go shopping with when they're not overwhelmed working a million details out, or that I just exchange messages with via phone, email, and Facebook. They're all important to me and I love them all dearly. And one day soon, I'll write more about them.
This particular lady has watched Alex for me numerous times. She cracks me up with her sense of humor and puts me in awe with her creativity. Her little.. oops.. almost slipped... child is adorable and brilliant and I love watching this child and Alex play together. This lady's heart is full of love and soft. She takes the problems of her friends on as though she could possibly solve them. This is a new budding friendship, not long planted and I look forward to seeing it as it grows throughout the years.
The next lady on my list has also watched Alex for me numerous times. Even with her overwhelming schedule she makes time to watch him for hours on end. She and I can talk about anything, including Chinese food, bidets and cannibalism. She gives Godly wisdom to me and speaks God's Word so there's never any doubt. She makes me think before I act and is teaching me how to have a softer, more loving heart. She's honest with her words and does not ease into controversial conversations yet is always reminding me that I'm not the only one she's speaking to.
I have a lady who has been a friend of mine for about 10 years. We don't always get to talk but when we do we always understand one another and can help each other look at things from a different perspective. She's so young at heart (and looks.. I think she looks younger than me!), she makes me forget her age. She makes me laugh and is great for any trip. Even soaking our feet in a hot tub in the middle of a cold night is fun with her. Her capacity to love and devotion to try to help others inspires me.
Another lady I bring up is my favorite shopping buddy. Whether it's midnight, 5 a.m., or 1 p.m., we always have fun. I don't get to see her half as often as I'd like, but when I do it's as though not much time has slipped by. She is wise beyond her years. She works hard and shows a dedication to the people she serves that images Christ's love.
To talk to this lady is a miracle indeed. Though time passes so quickly and we're more likely to get a 5 minute conversation in only if the sun, the kids, and the houses are just right, it's as if we talk all the time. She is the one I know I can confide anything to and she can always relate. She's been there, done that, or is doing that. She shares her Godly wisdom in love but also with such a sense of humor one can't help but laugh. She epitomized a minister's wife long before it was a concept. Even through her hectic schedule she always manages to serve and minister to others.
These are just a few of my closest friends. There are ones not listed that I eat lunch with every blue moon, that I go shopping with when they're not overwhelmed working a million details out, or that I just exchange messages with via phone, email, and Facebook. They're all important to me and I love them all dearly. And one day soon, I'll write more about them.
Friday, May 20, 2011
A Roller Coaster of a Week
This week has been so up and down. Morning are great starting off with time with God, but after that it's a free for all. Monday was the least dramatic with it mainly being emotional as I tried to list our dogs all over the internet and anywhere in town so that we could find new homes for them. Tuesday was a visit to the doctor's for my bi-weekly check up. An appointment that would've only taken about an hour took three due to the electronic medical records transition and the ultrasound lab tech being backed up. Side note: still having a little girl!
Next was Wednesday. It was such a day, it deserves it's own paragraph! Started off with taking the smaller of our dogs to the vet to get her vaccines up to date. First I couldn't find her collar so I improvised by using a slip leash. Minute I get her to the truck, she somehow gets out of the leash and runs. I chased her down, put her in the truck and then headed to the vet. At the vet, I was tugged in one direction by a 33 pound dog on a leash and in another by a 26-27 pound toddler holding my hand. Ended up having to pick up Alex to get us inside the vet's office. Then with my hands obviously overloaded as is, the lady asks me to fill out paperwork on the dog. So I put Alex down and the diaper bag down to start filling it out. Next thing I know, the dog has pooped on the floor and my dear son is just about in the midst of it to investigate. I barely grab him up in time and then had to wait for them to come and clean it up before I could fill out the paperwork. After that, the only thing that occurred was Alex having a HUGE tantrum when the dog was pulled back for her shots and he couldn't go. An uneventful 20 minutes back home and I was ready to chill for an hour or so. Not. Happening. I glance at my email and notice one from Alex's music teacher. That's when it hits me: Music class has been moved up a day this week, and it starts in 20 minutes! I had just enough time to scrub my hands gather Alex and back out the door we went. Arrived at music class and Alex manages to run 5 feet, trip and smack his face/head on the hardwood floors. Poor baby was more upset over the fall than physically hurt. The rest of the class Alex was determined not to participate. On the way to the truck after class, one of my flip flops broke. We didn't have time to run back to the house so I decided to just buy a pair at Target since I needed to pick up my prescription anyway. Target was not too bad. I didn't get out of there until 11:15 due to a customer asking random questions about every product she bought. For instance, my favorite question, she asked if a botanical shampoo she was purchasing was organic. I just had to shake my head. Finally out of there and on our way to Shreveport where we're supposed to meet a friend for lunch at 11:30 (yep, I was running late at this point). 11:40 find us sitting in the parking lot of Posados off Bert Kouns waiting for a response from the texts and calls made to her. At this point, I'm starting to get really worried because I know it's not like her to not respond. I call her mom (yep, her mom) to see if she's heard from her. She hasn't so she starts getting ready to head over there and check on her, also notifying the boyfriend so we can really bombard the poor lady! The boyfriend manages to get her attention. Poor girl has been working so many crazy shifts in the ER, she overslept. Glad that she's okay, I wait it out in the truck with Alex napping in the back for her and her mom to come eat at Posados. I love these two ladies so much. It was definitely the highlight of the day, followed by fun shopping. Alex and I arrived home about 3:30ish. He was of course cranky due to not having as long of a nap as usual, so I had lots of fun managing whiny, temper tantrum boy. That pretty much sums up Wednesday!
On to Thursday, which wasn't a bad day per say. Started off nice and quiet. Then I was chewed out via e-mail for even thinking of placing my dogs in the pound and slammed by a public ad on Craigslist for the same thing. After two hours of emails back and forth to the lady who chewed me out, we finally got to a point where she understood where I was coming from and is helping me find a home for the dogs and also find cheaper options for their vaccines and such. I love when I get to see God's Word proven: "A kind word turns away wrath." Prov. 15:1 Even though I wanted to jump right back at her, I purposely stayed calm and prayed before, during, and after reading and writing each e-mail. As always, He was faithful and the situation was resolved with just a little drama. Emotionally exhausted after that (I don't handle drama well), Alex and I just curled up and chilled for the rest of the afternoon. Rob came home about 5:30ish and had to get the mail for me since wasps had taken over our mailbox. He comes in bearing a letter from my mom. She (and my brother) had been arrested earlier this week and she wanted me to come bond her out. Even worse, in this letter she writes that she knows I don't want to have anything to do with her and if I do this for her she promises to never bother me again. What????? My protective and loving husband is mad because she's the one who has ignored our phone calls and texts, yet the minute she's in trouble she immediately calls me to help get her out. I'm upset thinking where does she come up with this paranoia mess?!? Of course, I'm sure being an alcoholic helps this along. I call the prison she's being held in just to discover my brother and she have both already made bond. Now I'm trying to pray and think about how I should respond to her letter.
Today is going well. I need to go to Walmart - time to overspend. Right now if you'll excuse me I need to go deal with a toddler having a tantrum because he doesn't want me to change his dirty diaper. Praying for an awesome day to end this roller coaster week!
Next was Wednesday. It was such a day, it deserves it's own paragraph! Started off with taking the smaller of our dogs to the vet to get her vaccines up to date. First I couldn't find her collar so I improvised by using a slip leash. Minute I get her to the truck, she somehow gets out of the leash and runs. I chased her down, put her in the truck and then headed to the vet. At the vet, I was tugged in one direction by a 33 pound dog on a leash and in another by a 26-27 pound toddler holding my hand. Ended up having to pick up Alex to get us inside the vet's office. Then with my hands obviously overloaded as is, the lady asks me to fill out paperwork on the dog. So I put Alex down and the diaper bag down to start filling it out. Next thing I know, the dog has pooped on the floor and my dear son is just about in the midst of it to investigate. I barely grab him up in time and then had to wait for them to come and clean it up before I could fill out the paperwork. After that, the only thing that occurred was Alex having a HUGE tantrum when the dog was pulled back for her shots and he couldn't go. An uneventful 20 minutes back home and I was ready to chill for an hour or so. Not. Happening. I glance at my email and notice one from Alex's music teacher. That's when it hits me: Music class has been moved up a day this week, and it starts in 20 minutes! I had just enough time to scrub my hands gather Alex and back out the door we went. Arrived at music class and Alex manages to run 5 feet, trip and smack his face/head on the hardwood floors. Poor baby was more upset over the fall than physically hurt. The rest of the class Alex was determined not to participate. On the way to the truck after class, one of my flip flops broke. We didn't have time to run back to the house so I decided to just buy a pair at Target since I needed to pick up my prescription anyway. Target was not too bad. I didn't get out of there until 11:15 due to a customer asking random questions about every product she bought. For instance, my favorite question, she asked if a botanical shampoo she was purchasing was organic. I just had to shake my head. Finally out of there and on our way to Shreveport where we're supposed to meet a friend for lunch at 11:30 (yep, I was running late at this point). 11:40 find us sitting in the parking lot of Posados off Bert Kouns waiting for a response from the texts and calls made to her. At this point, I'm starting to get really worried because I know it's not like her to not respond. I call her mom (yep, her mom) to see if she's heard from her. She hasn't so she starts getting ready to head over there and check on her, also notifying the boyfriend so we can really bombard the poor lady! The boyfriend manages to get her attention. Poor girl has been working so many crazy shifts in the ER, she overslept. Glad that she's okay, I wait it out in the truck with Alex napping in the back for her and her mom to come eat at Posados. I love these two ladies so much. It was definitely the highlight of the day, followed by fun shopping. Alex and I arrived home about 3:30ish. He was of course cranky due to not having as long of a nap as usual, so I had lots of fun managing whiny, temper tantrum boy. That pretty much sums up Wednesday!
On to Thursday, which wasn't a bad day per say. Started off nice and quiet. Then I was chewed out via e-mail for even thinking of placing my dogs in the pound and slammed by a public ad on Craigslist for the same thing. After two hours of emails back and forth to the lady who chewed me out, we finally got to a point where she understood where I was coming from and is helping me find a home for the dogs and also find cheaper options for their vaccines and such. I love when I get to see God's Word proven: "A kind word turns away wrath." Prov. 15:1 Even though I wanted to jump right back at her, I purposely stayed calm and prayed before, during, and after reading and writing each e-mail. As always, He was faithful and the situation was resolved with just a little drama. Emotionally exhausted after that (I don't handle drama well), Alex and I just curled up and chilled for the rest of the afternoon. Rob came home about 5:30ish and had to get the mail for me since wasps had taken over our mailbox. He comes in bearing a letter from my mom. She (and my brother) had been arrested earlier this week and she wanted me to come bond her out. Even worse, in this letter she writes that she knows I don't want to have anything to do with her and if I do this for her she promises to never bother me again. What????? My protective and loving husband is mad because she's the one who has ignored our phone calls and texts, yet the minute she's in trouble she immediately calls me to help get her out. I'm upset thinking where does she come up with this paranoia mess?!? Of course, I'm sure being an alcoholic helps this along. I call the prison she's being held in just to discover my brother and she have both already made bond. Now I'm trying to pray and think about how I should respond to her letter.
Today is going well. I need to go to Walmart - time to overspend. Right now if you'll excuse me I need to go deal with a toddler having a tantrum because he doesn't want me to change his dirty diaper. Praying for an awesome day to end this roller coaster week!
Friday, March 11, 2011
Oh My Aching Feet...and Head!
Today I spent a few hours shopping with two good friends. I am learning there is so much stuff for little girls! I have always enjoyed buying things here and there for a little girl, but to plan on a one in my house?!? Whole other story! There are so many times when I'm looking and trying to decide on what to get, which size and how much to spend that I just want to run out the door screaming. I remember being overwhelmed when Alex was due. I remember having to start from scratch in deciding all baby stuff. Quite frankly, I think that was less stressful than just trying to decide one little girl's wardrobe. Tights. Headbands. Barrettes. Dresses. Gowns. Light pink. Dark pink. Hot pink. Orange pink. It's enough to drive anyone crazy.
I am so grateful to my friends who are helping me through this. With their advice, support, and just calming presence they bless me and help keep me sane. I'm sure I'm driving them crazy with my topic jumping, over-doing, and just plain hysteria but they come across as bearing it well.
While part of me can't wait to see my little girl, Katherine Grace aka Katie, another part of me is very thankful that I have a few months before that happens. Hopefully, by the time Katie arrives I'll have everything straight and ready..at least for the first few months!
I am so grateful to my friends who are helping me through this. With their advice, support, and just calming presence they bless me and help keep me sane. I'm sure I'm driving them crazy with my topic jumping, over-doing, and just plain hysteria but they come across as bearing it well.
While part of me can't wait to see my little girl, Katherine Grace aka Katie, another part of me is very thankful that I have a few months before that happens. Hopefully, by the time Katie arrives I'll have everything straight and ready..at least for the first few months!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
A Sacrifice Worth Making
I am not Catholic, and up until the last few years, I always thought Lent was for Catholics only. Each year I learn of more and more people making sacrifices in remembrance of the greatest sacrifice of all. This year, I am feeling compelled to make a sacrifice myself. What will it be? The few hours of TV I watch each week? Facebook? Emails? Reading? Each takes precious time away from something else I could spend time doing. They each have too much control in my life, control I allow them to have.
Walking a Christian life is not easy. It's full of temptations that come in many forms. It's hard to walk in the path of Christ when you feel you are the only one. That is why it is always good to have prayer partners, Bible studies, and a wonderful church family. Accountability to your fellow Christian brother or sister is very important. It can make the difference of someone doing just enough to get by, and someone who is experiencing all God has to offer in full force.
My dear brothers and sisters, I ask you to hold me accountable for this time. I pray for the next six weeks I'll use the time that I would normally take on Facebook and spend it on something honoring Christ and/or my family. Praying my relationship with Jesus is much stronger at the end of this.
Walking a Christian life is not easy. It's full of temptations that come in many forms. It's hard to walk in the path of Christ when you feel you are the only one. That is why it is always good to have prayer partners, Bible studies, and a wonderful church family. Accountability to your fellow Christian brother or sister is very important. It can make the difference of someone doing just enough to get by, and someone who is experiencing all God has to offer in full force.
My dear brothers and sisters, I ask you to hold me accountable for this time. I pray for the next six weeks I'll use the time that I would normally take on Facebook and spend it on something honoring Christ and/or my family. Praying my relationship with Jesus is much stronger at the end of this.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Love in a Bundle
A sudden impact of a small body
Hits me on the side
Hands scrambling for purchase
As feet aid the climb
Finally laying tummy to tummy
Curled up close and tight
He curls his arms underneath him
And my heart fills with joy inside.
Hits me on the side
Hands scrambling for purchase
As feet aid the climb
Finally laying tummy to tummy
Curled up close and tight
He curls his arms underneath him
And my heart fills with joy inside.
Friday, January 28, 2011
The Potters' Hands
Ever felt crushed by the world around you? I know I have. There have been times I have felt completely annihilated to the point it hurt to breathe. I know we have all been there at one time or another, whether its through the loss of loved ones, loss of jobs and financial struggles, or just the battle of making it through the day without drama, depression, or sometimes even a substance crutch. In one way or another, we have felt crushed.
Today, my heart was lead to read Jeremiah 18:4
"But the jar he was making did not turn out as he had hoped,
so he crushed it into a lump of clay again and started over." NLT
God is the potter. He is the only one who can allow the world around us to crush us. When He allows such things, it's to make us a better vessel. On March 2, 1998, after my grandmother's passing, I felt as though my heart was crushed entirely, my lungs unable to take full breaths, and my mind unable to even process a single thought. For a little over a year, I made bad decisions one after another. I threw away values and morals I had upheld for years as if they no longer mattered. Worse of all, I turned away from God in my time of pain, refusing to allow Him to help me and spurning those who would dare suggest I do otherwise.
When I finally started to turn my life back around, I still continued to be apathetic towards God. I was not purposely turning my back against Him, I just was not running towards Him either. Still, He continued to be with me. I have always known that. I knew that the entire time I lived in my crushed state. When I finally started praying again, and asking for His hand to be in my life, my entire world changed. I no longer felt crushed. I no longer struggled with my shame over the mistakes I made after my grandmother's passing. I began to take shape into a new vessel. A better vessel.
I am not by any means perfect. I know God is continually working on me to become an better vessel tomorrow than I am today. He will always be working on me. I know I will be crushed at times. I also know He knows what is best for me, and will always have His hands around me to help keep me malleable, stable, and protected.
"But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed
say to the one who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’” Does not the
potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for
special purposes and some for common use?"
Romans 9:20-21 NLT
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