Without even understanding the concept of a favorite color, Jadyn has chosen hers. Maybe that's not accurate. Jadyn has discovered hers.
I very clearly remember the day I decided what my favorite color was. I was somewhere in the neighborhood of 6-8 years old, and I was sitting in the red Japanese room at my grandparents' house, and I had noticed that everyone had a favorite color but that I did not. So I picked one. I don't remember the criteria I used to decide (except I knew it wouldn't be pink because it was Azina's favorite and it was such a yucky, girly color), but I chose purple. It seems to fit. (Because I am royalty, of course.)
So this whole thing with Jadyn started last Saturday, as we're getting ready for soccer. Joe put her socks on her, which she correctly labeled "pink." Then she wouldn't leave the house until she had a barrette in her hair, which she has never wanted before. She chose "pink." Yesterday, when asked what color popsicle she wanted, she chose "pink." Last night, she couldn't go to bed until she had the "pink" blanket. (She started crying when I tried to put her in bed. I asked her what she wanted, and she said "pink." Thinking she wanted some pink doll or something from Alaina's room, we headed that direction but stopped when she pointed at the linen closet. I opened it, and she pointed at the pink blanket.) Today, she opened her sock drawer herself and pulled out the pink socks, and when she brought them to me, said, "pink."
Granted, I only have a smattering of knowledge when it comes to child psychology, but I think it is a little odd for pink to be the first color a child can readily identify. I could be wrong.
All that aside, however, I am amazed at the differences that are inherent in each of us. Jadyn was born knowing what she wants and what she likes. I am not like that at all.
I wish I wouldn't have been so self-absorbed growing up, that I could have started to see the wonderful quirks God created in each of us. I am thankful that God is still trying to teach me to see and appreciate the uniqueness of each person, starting with the children he blessed us with.
(Of course, that doesn't mean that I'm not always right still...)
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Thursday, October 19, 2006
more Studio 60
Head over here to discuss the show (or see what you're missing!) - guest commentary is welcome.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Studio 60
Okay, there is really not enough talk going on about this show. If you missed last night's episode go to nbc.com and watch it right now. I'm not kidding.
If you did see it, you can join me in trying to get people to talk about the show on the Relevant message boards. The Studio 60 thread is here. (You have to register if you want to post.)
If all else fails, I may be forced to start a blog about the show. I even have a whole list of quotes from last night's episode to get me started. And lest you think this is just another TV show, last night's quotes include a lesson on community, on unity, and practically a line straight out of Roaring Lambs.
Seriously, go watch it.
If you did see it, you can join me in trying to get people to talk about the show on the Relevant message boards. The Studio 60 thread is here. (You have to register if you want to post.)
If all else fails, I may be forced to start a blog about the show. I even have a whole list of quotes from last night's episode to get me started. And lest you think this is just another TV show, last night's quotes include a lesson on community, on unity, and practically a line straight out of Roaring Lambs.
Seriously, go watch it.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
nothing cuter
I was talking to Ravi (the anti-blogging brother) on the phone on Sunday. Jadyn, being Jadyn, is fascinated with phones. I told her Uncle Ravi was on the phone, which amused her, and a few minutes and attempts at pushing the buttons later, her first phone conversation went something like this:
"Please talk to Ravi?" (I'm not making this up.)
"Hi!...Yes...Yes...Bye!"
Apparently, she was responding to whatever Ravi was saying to her.
It's always something with that child...
"Please talk to Ravi?" (I'm not making this up.)
"Hi!...Yes...Yes...Bye!"
Apparently, she was responding to whatever Ravi was saying to her.
It's always something with that child...
Monday, October 02, 2006
something new
I did something today that I've never done before and I will probably never do again. It's probably not a big deal to anyone else in the world, but that's why this is my blog.
I had a doctor's appointment today, which is not unusual, but the unusual part was that it was in a doctor's office building that opened today. As in, this was the very first day there were any patients whatsoever in the building. I'm pretty sure there is absolutely no significance in the fact that I was there on the first day that the building was open, except that not everything was working exactly right yet. (For example, there were no directional signs - I got off the elevator and had to wander around the floor to find the right office.)
That's all...nothing profound.
I had a doctor's appointment today, which is not unusual, but the unusual part was that it was in a doctor's office building that opened today. As in, this was the very first day there were any patients whatsoever in the building. I'm pretty sure there is absolutely no significance in the fact that I was there on the first day that the building was open, except that not everything was working exactly right yet. (For example, there were no directional signs - I got off the elevator and had to wander around the floor to find the right office.)
That's all...nothing profound.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
small enough for the weather?
I opened the windows in the house today.
Yes, that sounds like I don't have anything to blog about. But to me that means that God is small enough to care about the weather in my life. (I realize I sound absurd.)
Last year, we literally ran the air conditioner in our house until the middle of December. Everyone I know has heard me complain about the summer here this year, and to be fair, everyone has complained about the summer here this year. So imagine my surprise a couple of weeks ago when there began to be hints of cooler weather - like cool breezes.
Two Christmases ago, there was nothing I wanted more than to be in Omaha for Christmas. That couldn't happen because Jadyn was born 9 days before Christmas that year. But my family came down, which was fabulous. I just really really wanted to see snow that particular Christmas. (For those who may not know, it snows here about once a decade. The last snow had been some 12 years earlier.) Understanding that I sound like a nut, I honestly believe God made it snow overnight that Christmas Eve for me.
So do I think that God made the weather change this year for me? I don't know, maybe. Maybe He's showing me that He is small enough to care about those completely unimportant things in my life. Part of me wonders why God would care about such things. The other part of me wonders why not? And then I wonder if this has anything to do with God teaching me that I do need things from people, that I can't take care of myself by myself, even when I know most people are utterly unreliable. Could God be saying, "Trust me to take care of you - I'm your backup when other people let you down. See, I even changed the weather for you."
(Am I obsessed with the weather? There's a good possibility. But my theory is that people from the Midwest are all obsessed with the weather out of necessity - it is actually that unpredictable.)
Yes, that sounds like I don't have anything to blog about. But to me that means that God is small enough to care about the weather in my life. (I realize I sound absurd.)
Last year, we literally ran the air conditioner in our house until the middle of December. Everyone I know has heard me complain about the summer here this year, and to be fair, everyone has complained about the summer here this year. So imagine my surprise a couple of weeks ago when there began to be hints of cooler weather - like cool breezes.
Two Christmases ago, there was nothing I wanted more than to be in Omaha for Christmas. That couldn't happen because Jadyn was born 9 days before Christmas that year. But my family came down, which was fabulous. I just really really wanted to see snow that particular Christmas. (For those who may not know, it snows here about once a decade. The last snow had been some 12 years earlier.) Understanding that I sound like a nut, I honestly believe God made it snow overnight that Christmas Eve for me.
So do I think that God made the weather change this year for me? I don't know, maybe. Maybe He's showing me that He is small enough to care about those completely unimportant things in my life. Part of me wonders why God would care about such things. The other part of me wonders why not? And then I wonder if this has anything to do with God teaching me that I do need things from people, that I can't take care of myself by myself, even when I know most people are utterly unreliable. Could God be saying, "Trust me to take care of you - I'm your backup when other people let you down. See, I even changed the weather for you."
(Am I obsessed with the weather? There's a good possibility. But my theory is that people from the Midwest are all obsessed with the weather out of necessity - it is actually that unpredictable.)
Thursday, September 14, 2006
my head says it's fall
There comes a point every year when green leaves are offensive to me.
I don't know how the entire world became programmed this way, but everyone and everything starts to move into an autumn/back to school/get ready for winter kind of mode. My personal theory is that God created us to need a change every once in a while, and weather, as minor as it (usually) is, provides an external change that helps my mood.
I will blame it on my midwestern upbringing. This year, however, Starbucks must shoulder some of the blame for the audacity to bring back Pumpkin Spice Lattes when it is still mid-90s with high humidity here. Those things are simply incompatible.
So all of you in normal climates, appreciate pulling out the jeans and sweatshirts for the morning and evening coolness. Drink a Pumpkin Spice Latte and have it actually mean something. Meanwhile, Alaina, Jadyn and I will still be pulling on our swimsuits and heading for the pool.
I don't know how the entire world became programmed this way, but everyone and everything starts to move into an autumn/back to school/get ready for winter kind of mode. My personal theory is that God created us to need a change every once in a while, and weather, as minor as it (usually) is, provides an external change that helps my mood.
I will blame it on my midwestern upbringing. This year, however, Starbucks must shoulder some of the blame for the audacity to bring back Pumpkin Spice Lattes when it is still mid-90s with high humidity here. Those things are simply incompatible.
So all of you in normal climates, appreciate pulling out the jeans and sweatshirts for the morning and evening coolness. Drink a Pumpkin Spice Latte and have it actually mean something. Meanwhile, Alaina, Jadyn and I will still be pulling on our swimsuits and heading for the pool.
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
a math problem?
What is the intersection of truth and love? Are they equally important, or does one take precedence over the other in certain situations? Are any of us qualified to try and live out either one or both?
Sometimes, even with the help of God, it's hard to see how to love everyone. Truth comes easier to me.
Sometimes, even with the help of God, it's hard to see how to love everyone. Truth comes easier to me.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
all the news...
So we found out yesterday that we're going to have a boy. I'm not sure I've ever seen Joe this excited about anything before, it's kinda funny. I'm very glad that he's so happy, though. I'm still a little uneasy about the whole thing, just because I am so used to dealing with girls.
In other news, I'm finally getting around to reading Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell. It is a fabulous book, and everyone should read it. I'm still trying to digest and comprehend everything he says, but I'm so amazed by how much more the Bible makes sense when you understand the history and the Jewish culture and context in which it was written. It's interesting, too, because that kind of understanding of the Bible puts a lot more responsibility on Christians to be active about what is in the Bible, rather than just passive hearers. It also makes me wonder why none of this stuff is ever taught in churches...
In other news, I'm finally getting around to reading Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell. It is a fabulous book, and everyone should read it. I'm still trying to digest and comprehend everything he says, but I'm so amazed by how much more the Bible makes sense when you understand the history and the Jewish culture and context in which it was written. It's interesting, too, because that kind of understanding of the Bible puts a lot more responsibility on Christians to be active about what is in the Bible, rather than just passive hearers. It also makes me wonder why none of this stuff is ever taught in churches...
Monday, June 12, 2006
has the world gone mad?
Just an informal, completely unscientific survey here - I'm trying to find out if the entire world has gone mad, or if it's more of a local phenomenon, or if it's just a personal phenomenon. Maybe it's just a madness I don't understand. Perhaps a special form of Texas madness. I'm not above believing there's madness everywhere...but I understand the madness in the midwest.
Have you ever felt like God is breaking things on purpose? Even the things you believe were put in place by Him? I sometimes think my biggest problem is my need to understand why - that's my biggest faith obstacle. Not that it precludes faith, but that much greater things could happen in my life if I wasn't hung up on trying to understand all the time.
(As evidence of the madness, I would refer you to the College World Series bracket. So far, no fewer than 3 of the national top eight seeds have been eliminated and aren't even going to the CWS. And UNC is going. A world gone mad, I tell you.)
Have you ever felt like God is breaking things on purpose? Even the things you believe were put in place by Him? I sometimes think my biggest problem is my need to understand why - that's my biggest faith obstacle. Not that it precludes faith, but that much greater things could happen in my life if I wasn't hung up on trying to understand all the time.
(As evidence of the madness, I would refer you to the College World Series bracket. So far, no fewer than 3 of the national top eight seeds have been eliminated and aren't even going to the CWS. And UNC is going. A world gone mad, I tell you.)
Sunday, June 04, 2006
conspiracy
I'm sure it's a conspiracy; I'm not sure by whom, but somehow we've become completely dependent upon cars. Okay, at least in the places I've lived, you simply cannot be a functioning member of society without a car.
The trouble is, cars are nothing but trouble.
I've had my share of cars that stop working in the middle of the road. It is, however, a completely different experience when you have two small children in the car... Things did work out as smoothly as they possibly could have, at least until we get the estimate of the repairs.
It's not as if I'm a Ludite or anything (you are reading my blog, after all), it's just frustrating to be so dependent on something so undependable.
Sidebar: I'm not Jewish, but if I were, I would warn you, gentle readers, to beware of car trouble. Bad things occur in threes, after all. Lisa's accident would be 1, we would be 2, so that leaves 3, unless you count Azina's ongoing trouble with her car, in which case everyone else is safe!
The trouble is, cars are nothing but trouble.
I've had my share of cars that stop working in the middle of the road. It is, however, a completely different experience when you have two small children in the car... Things did work out as smoothly as they possibly could have, at least until we get the estimate of the repairs.
It's not as if I'm a Ludite or anything (you are reading my blog, after all), it's just frustrating to be so dependent on something so undependable.
Sidebar: I'm not Jewish, but if I were, I would warn you, gentle readers, to beware of car trouble. Bad things occur in threes, after all. Lisa's accident would be 1, we would be 2, so that leaves 3, unless you count Azina's ongoing trouble with her car, in which case everyone else is safe!
Thursday, June 01, 2006
argh (again...different topic)
You know those days when there are things that just hack you off and you really need to tell somebody about it, but are afraid that you'll sound like you're being petty or just completely ridiculous? That's how I feel right now.
Admittedly, I'm sure it's largely hormone-induced. I have discovered that I am extremely short-tempered when I'm pregnant, which is strange for me, because I am usually a very calm and collected person.
So I've decided I'm going to blog whenever I feel like this, and I run less risk of hurting someone's feelings or just sounding like a crazy hormonal woman.
I'm really annoyed at people who try to help do things and just end up creating more work for me because dishes DO NOT get clean by virtue of simply being IN the dishwasher!!
(And it wasn't Joe, just for the record.) :)
Admittedly, I'm sure it's largely hormone-induced. I have discovered that I am extremely short-tempered when I'm pregnant, which is strange for me, because I am usually a very calm and collected person.
So I've decided I'm going to blog whenever I feel like this, and I run less risk of hurting someone's feelings or just sounding like a crazy hormonal woman.
I'm really annoyed at people who try to help do things and just end up creating more work for me because dishes DO NOT get clean by virtue of simply being IN the dishwasher!!
(And it wasn't Joe, just for the record.) :)
Monday, May 22, 2006
arrrrrrrrrrrrrgh....
The reason why there are reruns during the summer is because people are so hacked off by season finales that they swear off tv for a few months.
Okay, so maybe not really. But between the Gilmore Girls finale and the 24 finale that I just watched (how are they going to find Jack in China?!?!), not to mention the not-so-stellar Related finale, there's a good chance I won't be in the mood to watch anything but baseball for the entire summer. (Which is really unfortunate because it's too stinkin' hot down here to do anything but stay inside in the summer anyway.)
But, I have to be happy with the way Logan was taken down, especially because he never saw it coming. Of course the real jerks behind it all are getting away, which figures - they look way too much like the Triumvirate from The Pretender. Who's up for a little tv on DVD this summer?
Okay, so maybe not really. But between the Gilmore Girls finale and the 24 finale that I just watched (how are they going to find Jack in China?!?!), not to mention the not-so-stellar Related finale, there's a good chance I won't be in the mood to watch anything but baseball for the entire summer. (Which is really unfortunate because it's too stinkin' hot down here to do anything but stay inside in the summer anyway.)
But, I have to be happy with the way Logan was taken down, especially because he never saw it coming. Of course the real jerks behind it all are getting away, which figures - they look way too much like the Triumvirate from The Pretender. Who's up for a little tv on DVD this summer?
Thursday, May 18, 2006
a post by Alaina
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Wednesday, April 12, 2006
benefits
As much as I know that I am supposed to be a stay-at-home mom, there are some days when you wonder if there really are benefits to staying home. But on other days, you know that it is the best job in the world because you get to be a kid with your kids.
Yesterday, we went strawberry picking, which was all kinds of fun and yielded some really great pictures as well as strawberries. It took Jadyn about 30 seconds to figure out how the system worked and start pulling berries off the plants and popping them in her mouth, leaves and all. Then we hung out for a few hours in the afternoon, at which point we decided to go to Chick-fil-A for dinner, which is Alaina's favorite place to eat. When we pulled up, we discovered that Bob and Larry were there! So we ate there (rather than going to a park or something) and Alaina got to dance around with and in general hang out with Bob and Larry.
I think I sometimes forget how simple life is when you're a child...it's nice to remember every once in a while.
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
somedays it's harder than others...
to be an Astros fan. I know, I know, it's only the third day of the season today, but I'm a serious fan. I love the seasonal longevity of baseball.
Anyway, so Ashlee was the beneficiary of some very good, very free (for us!) tickets for the game last night. Things started off on a good note - we got the replica national league champions rings they gave out to the fans... and that's where the goodness ended. It was nothing tragic, just a series of signs that pointed to a bad ending of that game (11-2, Marlins, and the Astros didn't score those 2 runs until the bottom of the ninth, which we didn't even see because we left in the middle of the ninth).
The real point of this post is to recount yet another terrible display of a public proposal. Yes, some poor fellow proposed to his (I assume it's still the case this morning) fiancee via the KISS CAM. That's right, probably the most inane ballpark entertainment ever devised (except when they pick on the opposing team's dugout) was utilized for a public proposal. Now, to be fair, they were both wearing Astros jerseys and are probably big fans (and if they aren't, he's really a moron), and I'm sure he went to a lot of trouble to organize it all. But let me tell you, that was not the face of a happy woman. We're not entirely sure that she actually said yes - it looked more like she just stuck her hand out for him to put the ring on. She didn't initiate a hug or anything afterwards, either, he did. As much as it sounds like it, I'm not trying to judge the guy or what he did, it was just very uncomfortable to watch. So there's one more piece of evidence to pile up on the "no public proposals" mountain.
Anyway, so Ashlee was the beneficiary of some very good, very free (for us!) tickets for the game last night. Things started off on a good note - we got the replica national league champions rings they gave out to the fans... and that's where the goodness ended. It was nothing tragic, just a series of signs that pointed to a bad ending of that game (11-2, Marlins, and the Astros didn't score those 2 runs until the bottom of the ninth, which we didn't even see because we left in the middle of the ninth).
The real point of this post is to recount yet another terrible display of a public proposal. Yes, some poor fellow proposed to his (I assume it's still the case this morning) fiancee via the KISS CAM. That's right, probably the most inane ballpark entertainment ever devised (except when they pick on the opposing team's dugout) was utilized for a public proposal. Now, to be fair, they were both wearing Astros jerseys and are probably big fans (and if they aren't, he's really a moron), and I'm sure he went to a lot of trouble to organize it all. But let me tell you, that was not the face of a happy woman. We're not entirely sure that she actually said yes - it looked more like she just stuck her hand out for him to put the ring on. She didn't initiate a hug or anything afterwards, either, he did. As much as it sounds like it, I'm not trying to judge the guy or what he did, it was just very uncomfortable to watch. So there's one more piece of evidence to pile up on the "no public proposals" mountain.
Friday, March 03, 2006
in case you're feeling complacent...
...or if you just like Don Miller (Blue Like Jazz), go check out Relevant's podcast from last Friday. The first part of Relevant's interview with him is in it, and the second half is in the podcast that will be out today. I think it's a great interview, with a lot of challenging things in it...I'm not sure if I agree with all of it, but it is definitely all about things worth thinking about and discussing.
And yes, I understand that I'm about a week slow, given that it came out last Friday, but I didn't even listen to it until Wednesday night.
And yes, I understand that I'm about a week slow, given that it came out last Friday, but I didn't even listen to it until Wednesday night.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
a question...
When I was growing up, all the way through high school and into college, I secretly never wanted to pray (as so many adults in church always did) that Jesus would come back soon. I liked my life and I wanted to live. I was happy to live as a Christian and that sort of thing, I just wasn't ready to go to heaven yet. I'm pretty sure that I had an inaccurate view (and still do) of heaven, but it was not something I was interested in yet.
All of that changed...but I'm not sure when. I think maybe when I started being less selfish and more aware of people around me and the pain and suffering we inflict on each other. There are so many beautiful and fun things in this world, but there is so much more pain. It just makes me sad to think of the pain we cause other people and ourselves, especially intentionally. And then to contrast that with the picture of the world the way God created it...that has been enough to change my mind and ask the question of so many before me - how long?
All of that changed...but I'm not sure when. I think maybe when I started being less selfish and more aware of people around me and the pain and suffering we inflict on each other. There are so many beautiful and fun things in this world, but there is so much more pain. It just makes me sad to think of the pain we cause other people and ourselves, especially intentionally. And then to contrast that with the picture of the world the way God created it...that has been enough to change my mind and ask the question of so many before me - how long?
Friday, February 17, 2006
You're invited!
This is a special invitation to everyone who visits this blog...
Our jewelry website is up, and our business is open!
We are inviting all of our family and friends (and if you read this blog, that means you) to visit our site, a l a designs, and let us know what you think. We're also taking orders during our special Friends and Family sale - tax free, free shipping, and buy one pair of earrings get the second half off.
We're not accepting payment through the website yet, but send us an email with your order, and we'll get your jewelry to you post haste. You'll find all of the details on the site.
Thank you for your help and support in getting our business up and running!
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
apparently I don't run fast enough :)
I'd better get this done so I still have someone left to tag...
4 Jobs I've had...
(I'm not entirely sure I've had 4 legal, tax-paying jobs, but we'll see...)
personal assistant
Univ. of Houston Orientation Team Leader
Children's Ministry Director
small business owner! (we're almost up and running!)
4ish movies I would watch on repeat...
You've Got Mail
The Muppet Christmas Carol ("You throw the fish away, and it comes back to you!")
That Thing You Do!
Newsies
The Jungle Book (live action version - if you've never seen it, go see it now!)
The Matrix (and then I'll write a book with the real ending to the movie...)
4 TV shows I love...
(This is easy - but I have to divide it into currently airing and sadly cancelled, and I know there are more.)
Gilmore Girls
24
Related
Love Monkey
(and the cancelled shows:)
Lois & Clark
Star Trek: The Next Generation (come on, you knew I was a nerd)
The Pretender
Square 1 TV (nerd, we've already been over this)
4 Vacation Spots I'd love to frequent...
India
Boston
London
the beach (a good one, far from Galveston)
4 websites I visit daily...
(as daily as I manage with anything...)
Relevant Magazine
cool blogs
a l a designs (we have big news - stay tuned!)
Kraft Foods (well, I'm working on honesty here...)
Four foods I lust for...
dark chocolate
Cinnamon Dolce Lattes
spicy food (Chinese especially, House of Hunan particularly)
raspberries
Four things I "love" most about Texas (just for Ashlee!)
humidity (good friends)
heat (good food, especially Mexican)
horrible traffic (the Astros!)
driving forever to get anywhere (access to lots of stuff - great concerts and good shopping)
Four people I am "tagging"
Azina
Raj
Lisa (though I'm not sure she even knows I have a blog...)
Joser (who doesn't have a blog but can respond in the comments)
4 Jobs I've had...
(I'm not entirely sure I've had 4 legal, tax-paying jobs, but we'll see...)
personal assistant
Univ. of Houston Orientation Team Leader
Children's Ministry Director
small business owner! (we're almost up and running!)
4ish movies I would watch on repeat...
You've Got Mail
The Muppet Christmas Carol ("You throw the fish away, and it comes back to you!")
That Thing You Do!
Newsies
The Jungle Book (live action version - if you've never seen it, go see it now!)
The Matrix (and then I'll write a book with the real ending to the movie...)
4 TV shows I love...
(This is easy - but I have to divide it into currently airing and sadly cancelled, and I know there are more.)
Gilmore Girls
24
Related
Love Monkey
(and the cancelled shows:)
Lois & Clark
Star Trek: The Next Generation (come on, you knew I was a nerd)
The Pretender
Square 1 TV (nerd, we've already been over this)
4 Vacation Spots I'd love to frequent...
India
Boston
London
the beach (a good one, far from Galveston)
4 websites I visit daily...
(as daily as I manage with anything...)
Relevant Magazine
cool blogs
a l a designs (we have big news - stay tuned!)
Kraft Foods (well, I'm working on honesty here...)
Four foods I lust for...
dark chocolate
Cinnamon Dolce Lattes
spicy food (Chinese especially, House of Hunan particularly)
raspberries
Four things I "love" most about Texas (just for Ashlee!)
humidity (good friends)
heat (good food, especially Mexican)
horrible traffic (the Astros!)
driving forever to get anywhere (access to lots of stuff - great concerts and good shopping)
Four people I am "tagging"
Azina
Raj
Lisa (though I'm not sure she even knows I have a blog...)
Joser (who doesn't have a blog but can respond in the comments)
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
the post to end the griping...
See, the thing is not that I don't have something to say, the thing is finding the time to say it! Which brings up an interesting question - how does one person's life get so full of things that "need to be done?" And why do they never go away, even when one is constantly busy?
Anyway, please do email ala_designs@hotmail.com and let us know that you want to be added to our email list and be informed when our jewelry business website is up. It's coming soon, I promise...just another one of those things on the list...
Anyway, please do email ala_designs@hotmail.com and let us know that you want to be added to our email list and be informed when our jewelry business website is up. It's coming soon, I promise...just another one of those things on the list...
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
good gifts
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17
In reflecting on the 10 days we spent in Omaha with my family, I kept thinking "good and perfect gifts" are from God. That is not to say that my family is perfect by any means, but being able to spend that much time at Christmas with my family, at the house we grew up in, in Omaha, is definitely a good gift to me. Part of me wants to say that our vacation had nothing to do with being a gift from God - it was just our turn to spend Christmas with my family this year. But I don't believe that. We did so many more things and had different attitudes toward each other than we've ever had before. I think that is a result of God working in each of our lives. It was a good gift to me to spend so much time with my family because I'm coming to the realization that God has work for each of us to do that requires us to be in different parts of the country. (If I had my way, we'd all be able to do what we're supposed to do and live in the same neighborhood, which is strange because I was always the one who wanted to go out and be on my own and do my own thing when we were growing up.)
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Besides our trip to Omaha being a good gift from God, I'm starting to realize that my home in Texas is a good gift from God, too. I have no reason to not be joyful or give thanks for the gifts God has given me - it may not be the way I want things, but life on this earth is not perfect, and it never will be. On the contrary, while life may not be the "perfect" I could hope for, my life is full of two great gifts - two unique places I can call home.
So while I don't believe in New Year's resolutions, I do believe that a new year can be a sort of new beginning, and I believe that God is showing me these things that I need to work on. However, I do reserve the right to complain about the weather occassionally!
(I feel like this is coming out disjointed and random...I'm still thinking through all of these things, but I needed to get out what was in my head.)
In reflecting on the 10 days we spent in Omaha with my family, I kept thinking "good and perfect gifts" are from God. That is not to say that my family is perfect by any means, but being able to spend that much time at Christmas with my family, at the house we grew up in, in Omaha, is definitely a good gift to me. Part of me wants to say that our vacation had nothing to do with being a gift from God - it was just our turn to spend Christmas with my family this year. But I don't believe that. We did so many more things and had different attitudes toward each other than we've ever had before. I think that is a result of God working in each of our lives. It was a good gift to me to spend so much time with my family because I'm coming to the realization that God has work for each of us to do that requires us to be in different parts of the country. (If I had my way, we'd all be able to do what we're supposed to do and live in the same neighborhood, which is strange because I was always the one who wanted to go out and be on my own and do my own thing when we were growing up.)
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Besides our trip to Omaha being a good gift from God, I'm starting to realize that my home in Texas is a good gift from God, too. I have no reason to not be joyful or give thanks for the gifts God has given me - it may not be the way I want things, but life on this earth is not perfect, and it never will be. On the contrary, while life may not be the "perfect" I could hope for, my life is full of two great gifts - two unique places I can call home.
So while I don't believe in New Year's resolutions, I do believe that a new year can be a sort of new beginning, and I believe that God is showing me these things that I need to work on. However, I do reserve the right to complain about the weather occassionally!
(I feel like this is coming out disjointed and random...I'm still thinking through all of these things, but I needed to get out what was in my head.)
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