Thursday, July 31, 2008

Famousness...

Something has been rolling around in my mind for quite awhile now. And yesterdays post just fueled the fire for me :)



I've been thinking about the idea of celebrity. What is it that really makes someone a celebrity? It really just boils down to a celebrity being someone (with a little Charisma) that many, many people see or hear from or about all the time. Once someone becomes well known, it lifts them into this other realm of "famousness" :)

It even happens in the blogging world. When I started blogging I had no idea that within this community were sub-divisions...and among the Christian Mommy Neighborhood, there are some big-dogs...that everyone knows/reads/has on their blogroll. Who knew?!?


For the record: I'm not intending to talk Hollywood here. They of course have plenty of them...good and bad...and truthfully, it's the world, how else should they act?

What I've been thinking of lately is Christian Celebrities. Granted, generally we Christians don't like to call them that...sounds worldly ya know...but really...we treat our Christian Celebrities very similar to the way the world treats regular celebrities. And the more I think about that...the odder it seems to me.




When I start to think about it...as Christians we've probably got as many (or more) celebrities than the world does...hmmmm.



I should clarify: I am not blaming the Christian Celebrity. Whatever they have accomplished to bring them to that next level was undoubtedly great. They may have hit albums, huge blogs, write really inspiring books, Bible studies, or be an inspirational speaker, all using gifts God has given them. What I am questioning is our reaction to them.



It's one thing to admire and respect...but does it go further? Do we treat them differently than we treat regular people?



What is it in me that seeks to exalt one person over another based on celebrity or what they've accomplished? That's the heart of my thoughts, and the more I examine it the more I don't like what I see.



This past December Ben and I went to a Casting Crowns concert (they're one of my fav's.) Mark Hall, the lead singer, did a fantastic job of just being a regular person. No Hype. Just there to use the gift God had given and it was an incredible time of worship.



I left that night pondering how he did that. Because when he walked on stage that night, he had an arena full of people who would probably crawl over the person in front of them if it meant having a chance to chat with him.



Pride is a constant battle for me...in many areas. Pride can happen in the "little bitty" for sure. I have trouble even imagining what it must be like for the Christians that we have made into our own celebrities...with those of us always telling them how wonderful they are...paying money to go see them.



My own personal realm of influence is fairly small...which as I examine my heart today, is for obvious reasons :) and if I'm struggling with pride, I no-doubt believe those with much bigger areas of influence struggle with it too.

Your thoughts? (if you can understand my ramblings, that is ;)

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

My Look-Alike?!?

MyHeritage - free family trees, genealogy and face recognition">



I got this idea from Mama Belle...I t-o-t-a-l-l-y copied her.

I did the look alike thingy several different times with different pictures. This was the first one and had the highest percentage of "match." It totally cracks me up!!! On the other pictures I tried, Sarah Jessica Parker was a match several times and Tori Spelling.


Utterly amusing to me...so if you do it (and you know you want to) please please please tell me so I can see!!!



...I really do have some meaningful thoughts going on in my head/heart...they're just more complicated to get in my post :)

It's Like Hunting...

Where I live there are four seasons. During the long, LONG frigid winter, if you asked me my fav season, I would tell you spring. By the end of the hot, humid, mosquito infested summer, if you ask me, I will tell you fall. I think my love for the two is because they are both so fleeting. Once you realized they're finally here, they're gone.

I have never lived anywhere that does not have distinct season changes. I can't imagine life without the weather changing...drastically. My frame of reference revolves around the seasons. Which is part of the reason fall fashion is just so much fun! I enjoy it like a hobby...much like a man enjoys golf or fishing or hunting...it's kinda like hunting...except when I find the perfect shoe, I do not kill it.

Can I call myself an expert after reading just one magazine?!? Ummm...on my own blog...I think I can. Plus, my sharing of the in-depth knowledge I now posses from the study of this one magazine may save you $3.99...which could instead be used at Starbucks or something. Excellent.

Apparently the key to trends is to only pick the ones that work for you. And, there are certain things (like dark denim and patent leather ;) that are just classic and do not go in or out. The words in orange are just my humble *cough* opinion.

Here goes. In Bullet list form, naturally.

What's In for this fall: (according to my magazine)
  • Ruffled and fitted jackets love
  • Puffy sleeves cute
  • A-line skirts cute
  • Wide-leg trousers so cute with heels
  • Dark prints undecided
  • Lady-like trend of fitted (or belted) dresses, pencil skirts and ruffles YAY!
  • Layered looks perfect
  • Pleated cropped pants no thanks
  • Skinny belt (over shirts) maybe
  • Funnel-neck tops sure
  • Dark plaids sure
  • menswear flat-front trousers sure
  • High-waisted skirts and pants this ones still new to me...adjusting
  • Short shift dresses I do think these are cute with leggings
  • Spectator heels (both in peep toe and with mary-jane straps) LOVE
  • Drawstring bags (leather) not bad
  • Peep-toe ankle booties ankle booties are growing on me...but the peep toe with them?
  • In denim: distressed and hardware ok...still like the dark best
  • Fringe (leather) I can't do this one...I'm not a fringe girl.
  • Flat shoulder bags LOVE
  • Purple one of my new favorites!

Well ladies, that's all I know for now. What I like about most of these trends is that they're not so "out-there." Much of that stuff I already have from past years ...woo hoo!

Now that I've bombarded you with my opinion, let me have yours!! What do you LOVE?

For more info you can visit www.peoplestylewatch.com

Monday, July 28, 2008

Conflicted...

To all my non-blogging (and blogging) readers out there...I apologize...this post is going to be oh-so boring to you. But come back tomorrow because I'm putting all my fall fashion wisdom (from one magazine read) into a bullet point list...not to be missed ;)

I am having some major issues regarding my blogroll! Now that I've been blogging awhile (5 months) I read a lot of blogs...my google reader says 86 to be exact. I decided it was time to update my blogroll, but HOW?!?

Here's my questions:
  • How many is too many for my blogroll?
  • Is it rude to read someone's blog regularly and never add them?
  • Is it ok to have my blogroll as a link rather than all alongside my sidebar?

Help. What criteria do you use to decide what makes the cut?!?

Tell me...what does your blogroll represent?!?

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Just Doing My Job...

When I got my very first blogging award I was amazed. Amazed that anyone would find my writing award worthy, and even more amazed that people would feel like they knew me just through reading my blog! Amazing! And so much fun.




Each subsequent award has been just as special. Although I decided if I went on and on about each one...ya'll might get a LITTLE tired of it ;)




There's a fine line between being thankful and showing off. *smile* Where that line is, I'm not quite sure...so I decided to make a link for them...and whenever I feel the need to validate my blogging, I'll go look at my award love...and perform my acceptance speech.


Down to business: I have some love to pass on...


MeMe Lorie and Muddlin' Thru Motherhood (go say hi...they're lovely!) both kindly passed this one on to me:



I just love that it says BRILLIANT, don't you?!? Morning by Morning, whose blog I absolutely ADORE also passed this one along to me:





I'd like to pass it on to two, new-to-me blogs that I am really enjoying: Cup of Jesus and Lisa Writes...Both do an amazing job and sucking me right in each time I visit!





Tracy @ My Cup Runneth Over gave me this sweet, sweet award:



SHE is the one who is oh-so kind! If you don't know her...stop by and say hello...plus, she is one of the sweetest commenters EVER. I'm passing the award back to her. I'm not sure if this is legal...but we all know I bend the rules a little anyways ;)


There are rules...but I think ya'll know the rules...accept the award, pass it along...simple enough :)




Is it just me, or does linking wear you out?!? I need a nap...

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Not Gonna Do It....

I woke up this morning and told myself (and my husband) that I would not be doing a post today....taking the day off.

And here I sit...writing a post.

I have been cleaning (like a mad-woman) all day. My adorable little niece, Maddy, is coming tomorrow and staying till Thursday.
Here she is:

OK, back to the story. I've been crawling around on my floors trying to pick up all the legos/marbles/junk. If ya'll could start praying now, that she doesn't find something to choke on at my house, it would be much appreciated.


On another note: We had a super fun time yesterday...pics for you below. After fishing in the morning we headed into the nearest town to eat, and low and behold I found THE cutest little shop (where I purchased an adorable dress and shirt for cheap!) If I had the money/time I'd open up one identical to it! I took pictures, because I just knew I'd need to share it with you. I did not take pics in the inside...I didn't want the owner to think I was a total wacko...just a little wacko ;)




First: The cute clothes from the cute shop...









And the other fun stuff...



Happy Saturday!


oh...one more thing...I have lots of fall fashion wisdom now...I fill you in this week :)






Friday, July 25, 2008

I'm an Expert Now...

I can't come up with anything interesting to post about today!

Which means you get my schedule for the day...I know, I know...so exciting.
  • Hubby has the day off so were heading out fishing with the boys. What?!?! You didn't know I fish? Well, I don't really...but I watch....sort of.
  • I got myself some easy reading material to take along.

By this evening, I should be an expert on the fall trends...you know, what's coming in and going out...which ones I agree with and which ones I'll chalk up to "are you kidding me?!?"

Feel free to ask me your burning fall fashion questions...because after all, I am an expert...I read the magazine. ;)

Happy Friday Bloggy Friends!!

Thursday, July 24, 2008

It Has Begun...

The back to school shopping has begun.

I totally love back to school shopping...well, I love shopping anyways.

We started with shoes. Which may have been a bad place to start. Because ya'll know I have a certain weakness in regards to shoes...even boys shoes (even when the little rascals REFUSE pick the ones I like.) I had (sweet) dreams of my 3 little guys all with matching Converse Chucks (each a different color of course.) They'd be so cute...

They had other things in mind. Skechers. With Airators...which apparently blow air between your toes?!? Anyways, I suppose that's what I get for begging them to watch cartoons so I can have a "second" *cough* to blog. Dang marketing with all their commercials.

The store we went to was having the Buy one get one 1/2 off. Phew.


The Run-down. (Our school requires) The Kindergartner and First Grader each need 2 pairs of shoes. One to wear to school and out to recess (i.e. gets totally trashed) and one pair to wear inside that stays at the school.

The pair in the middle was for the 3 year old...because he still believes me when I say those are the ones he should get (well, sort of, he rejected my first choice.) By Golly, that counts for something.

You should note, that none of them have actual shoe strings...we are

"tie-ing challenged" in our home...do not judge...lest ye be judged. ;)

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

One of THOSE Days...

I have resorted to just letting my children act like animals for right now. I am tired...so tired of having to intervene ALL the time. Literally, someone is always crying about the injustice one of the other brothers has caused. Mommy cannot take it anymore. Today, it's survival of the fittest,boys...good luck with that.

With all the screaming, fighting and general rough-housing amongst them, I cannot concentrate...I am (blaming) dedicating this boring post to my children.


It begins with this:


I have lost all control. Obviously. I did have a couple hour break though, to get my hair cut...Thank you, Jesus...and my friend Shanon for watching them.


Before: (Ignore the junk on the counter)





After:

The hair-cut did make me feel better...but eventually I had to go home.

I am normally a total home-body. I love being at home. But the past few weeks, my children seem to turn into crazies here at home...and without a break, the house is a disaster. I've made the best possible choice ;) We're now going to avoid being home as much as possible, until August 18th comes around...which means...school. Hallelujah.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Taking Captive...

Life is about waiting. I know, it sounds simple and obvious, but for me it's sort of a relatively new concept.



I used to obsess over how impatient I was...how much I hated waiting...for anything. And then, sometime after my 30th birthday, when all my vast knowledge kicked in *cough* I realized that life is about w-a-i-t-i-n-g. No matter what my circumstance, I am literally always waiting for something.



Maybe the waiting is not really the problem...the problem is how I'm waiting.



I have a few things going on in my life right now that I am either waiting on God for answers, or desiring to see what the outcome is going to look like. On the outside I can look calm...but on the inside, in my head, I'm playing the waiting game. You know the game, it's that endless chatter in your head about whatever it may be that you're waiting on. It goes something like this, "If such and such happens then I will do this, or if this happens, I will of course do this...oh and I have no idea what to do if this happens...that just cannot happen...I couldn't handle...will that happen?...AAHHHH!!!" It never ends. No matter what I may be doing, the thoughts run wild...which actually brings me to my point.



I want to learn to CONSISTENTLY bring my thoughts captive, rather than letting them run loose in my head all the time. I know how to do it. It involves purposing to STOP the chatter, and replace it with the truth of God's Word. Just as I choose the words that come out of my mouth, or come out through my fingers on this blog, I also choose my thoughts. They do not control me. I control them. It's time I start living out what I know to be true. Today. I'm also pulling this book off my bookshelf...again.



Now...I may need some Excedrin, because its going to be a loooong day ;)




Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

John 8:32

Monday, July 21, 2008

Oh Yes We Did...

I'm not gonna lie. I love Batman movies. A lot.


I wonder if I'm the only Pastor's wife to blog about The Dark Knight...likely...anyways...


A couple weeks ago I finally saw Batman Begins, in anticipation of seeing the latest The Dark Knight (for those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about, I apologize, you are obviously not as big of a dork as me.)


Around here, we do not get to the movie theatre very often. But my little bro saved the day and volunteered to come over and watch (play video games with) his nephews last night so we could go.


We ended up having to go to the 9:30 PM show...I KNOW, NINE THIRTY!


Here's what I learned:
  • Apparently the late show is when ALL the college kids go to the movies. We were the oldest people there.
  • I am not a college kid.
  • Most of them were seeing the movie for the 2nd or 3rd time (yes, it is in fact THAT good!)
  • I couldn't stop thinking about how MUCH getting into the movie cost!! And in my head, I sounded like my grandma when I was little, she would always go on and on about how much my GUESS T-shirts cost and how absurd it was to pay that much to wear their logo across my chest...
  • The movie was 2 1/2 hours of sheer entertainment, I wish I could go see it again...today...except this time, I would not drink the $5 gallon-size Diet Pepsi and need to pee the whole movie but couldn't go because I would MISS something...seriously, it's that good.
  • I didn't notice any naughty words in the movie. Violence: of course, but really an excellent depiction of the depravity of man in its natural state. It's obviously not for everyone. It's PG-13...however my kids will not be seeing this one until they're 18...ok, maybe 16 :)
  • When we came out of the movie, the parking lot was still full...guess who was the owner of the ONLY mini-van in the parking lot?!? Yep. We are THAT cool.
  • Rumor has it there will be more Batman movies...can't see how they could top this one...but it makes me giddy none the less *smiles*
  • Who knew?!?! ...that's what you're thinking...I know.

Sunday, July 20, 2008

5 Things...

Jen at Reflections in the Window has tagged me for a 5 things I love (excluding family) meme.

I've tried to think of five things that I haven't already told you I love...which, I might add, was STINKIN' hard because apparently I talk about things I love... excessively.

Here goes...

ONE...
I love big families. LOVE THEM. My husband comes from a family of 7 kids, and I love the dynamics of it. In high-school, I wanted 6 kids. After I got married...I wanted 4. Then, after Jake my third...I decided three was...how should I say it.... enough? Yes. Plenty :) But I still love big families. I'm in awe of the mom's...because most days, I'm at my wits end with just three.

Two...
I love politics. I became really interested in it my senior year of high school. I would have loved to work on a campaign at the grass roots level etc...but I also wanted more than anything to be a stay-at-home wife and mom, and the two do not mix. Also turns out, God had some different plans for my life :)

Three...
I love being home ALONE! Love my fam...but cleaning my house and having it STAY clean...*sigh* it's a beautiful thing.

Four...
Fashion. Not so much in a materialistic, "gotta have it" kinda way, but I love putting outfits together. I will sit and look at the JCrew magazine for hours, to see how they layered stuff and put colors together. This doesn't mean I always look "put together" ...it just means that I waste a lot of time thinking about it :)

Five...
I love passionate people. I think that's why I could watch infomercials all.day.long. Those people are just SO EXCITED about that product...I don't even care if it works or not, I just like that they're so excited about it! Passionate people for Jesus is what changed my life. God used them to reveal Himself to me in a new and fresh way.


OK, so you know I cheat on this EVERY TIME and tag you all...guess who's it?!?



Oh, one more thing...I have some more awards to pass along...I haven't forgotten, I'll get to it!

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Jesus Is Still Alright...

Yesterday I mentioned that my dc Talk dance moves frightened my children :)

It's Saturday, and I think my bloggy friends deserve a visual. No, I do not have a video of me. But trust me, this video is worth watching. I learned some of my (fabulous) moves from watching it over and over back in the day.

I also know every. single. word. I can dance, and rap on the treadmill...I am that talented.

I promise you a laugh...just watch...and visualize me "....kickin' it Jesus style..."







HA! Seriously, you owe me for this one. And I'll try not to talk about dc Talk again for awhile *wink*

Friday, July 18, 2008

15 Again...

Yesterday I actually got on the treadmill. It had been awhile. My friend Billie and I have been running outside, but missed a day this week so I decided to try the dreaded treadmill again.

Every time I run, my body hates the first 5 minutes. It just does. After that, it gets in a groove and it's not quite as bad.
On the treadmill...it's the first TEN minutes. Bad...very bad. Good thing for Toby Mac...I listened to the same 2 songs over and over for 3.5 miles. The boys kept coming in to see what I was doing because it had been so long since they'd heard the treadmill running.

I don't particularly enjoy them hanging around the treadmill when I am on it, but no one was listening to me to get out (surprise) so I decided I would need to scare them away.

So, I slowed down the pace so I could perform my dance routine while on the treadmill. While singing. It worked. Noah was the first to bolt...and the other two followed. It was lovely. I knew my awesome dance moves would come in handy.

OK, fast forward to last night...I was in the store and bought THIS!

DC Talk defined my life from the years 1992-1996. I've mentioned here that I have a slight compulsion when it comes to music...and this one lasted at least 4 years...and then some.

I put that CD in and it was as if I'd gone back in time! Some of those songs I hadn't heard in 10 years...but you should have seen how cool I looked...as a 30 year old woman (in her mini van) rapping to DC Talk *wink* I OF COURSE still knew all the words :)

Back in the day, I knew the music had a good message, and I also knew I had a slight crush on Kevin Max, but now, looking back, I can see how God used the Biblical truths in their music to shape and guard a young teenagers heart for God. Their music reinforced truth, and I listened to it over and over and OVER. I know God used to shape who I am today.

And now, as a mom of three, I'm praying that God would do the same for my boys.

Happy Friday Bloggy Friends!

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Rebuked...

This week has been busy. I talked about how I feel about busy in this post.



In our little family, Ben and I have an order to life.



God - First

Family - Second

Ministry - Third



The rest of the list varies for each of us, but the first three are the same, and have to be in that order. Within that order, life works. It doesn't mean it's always smooth and easy, it just means that it works, because for us, that is the order God has given. We know that without a doubt.



This week, we (mostly me) have jumbled the order sometimes...and that does not work. At all.



In the wrong order, I begin to get irritated with all three. Seems silly, but it's true. It took me a few days to figure out what the problem was. At first, I was pretty sure the problem was just my kids being naughty and my husband not paying enough attention to me...so I informed them of this.



My husband, of course, listened and apologized while my children stared at me with blank expressions, wondering who this crazy lady was standing before them. I was sure it would be better now that I informed them of their wrong-doing.



But the next day...I still felt the same. Irritated with them.



Puzzling. And then God gave me that list...that order, and the vast knowledge that it was not my husband and children that were the problem...it was me. Ouch. I was the one shuffling the order of things. And once again, I am thankful that I can go before a gracious God, repent, and start fresh.



This morning I opened to Luke 6, and read this verse...(41&41)



"And why quibble about the speck in someone else's eye - his little fault - when a board is in your own? How can you think of saying to him 'Brother, let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,' when you can't see past the board in yours? Hypocrite!"



Just His gentle, loving reminder for me as I begin a new day :)

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Almost Makes is Worth It...

Companies have been donating a bunch of stuff to tiny town to help with disaster relief. I have avoided getting anything because the water in our basement was nothing compared to much of what the rest of the people in town have endured. It turns out though, that there is more than enough for everyone in town to get stuff from the loot.

I did not intend to take 17 bottles...but my neighbor (who's helping organize the donations) forced me. FORCED me. (love you Marlas :)

If you've read for any period of time, you know that one of my FAVORITE things is to get my hair cut at the Aveda salon...I love the smell, and my stylist...anyways... the conditioner is called deep penetrating hair revitalizer to reconstruct and hydrate fine, dry or treated hair. My hair is none of those. I think it means its time to start treating my hair so I can use my free conditioner to its fullest potential.

Try not to be jealous. Someday, you too, might get to experience a EF5 tornado and major flood within 2 weeks of each other...I'm sure Aveda will come through for you too. You'll just have to wait your turn.

Citizens of tiny-town may not have the homes they used to...but they are going to have some fabulous hair during the rebuilding process...and really, isn't that what really matters in life? *wink*



(I also got other good stuff like vitamins and beans and corn...but they're just not quite as bloggable, ya know what I mean...oh, and there's plenty of boxes of Aveda conditioner left for the entire town...I promise.)

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Googled...

It's fairly obvious that I am very easily amused.


This is why Sitemeter provides endless hours of amusement for me. See, told you.


The most entertaining for me is Referrals. Referrals tells me where people came from and how they got to my blog. Generally, it's from one of your sweet blogs that has me on their blogroll (thanks for that, by the way.) But sometimes...it's from what strangers have Googled. Emphasis on strangers.


This is where it gets interesting and a tad bit disturbing.


OK, So here's a few...


People Googled:


"Who wears loafers" and got this.

"God humoring His people" and got this.

"Ceiling fan life-span" and got this.

"Good enough wallpapers" and got this.

"Selling Rocks" and got this.

"Sexy pastors wife" YEAH. Is that not a tad bit disturbing?!? Who Googles that?!? It ended up taking them to my profile pic on Google images along with several other pastor's wives who I'm sure had NO CLUE their faces would pop up after being googled for that. Turns out that it picked up "pastors wife" from my profile bio. HA! Thanks Google for putting me on page 1 of THAT search...Google it's a crazy little thing.


And the kicker "Google" has to do with this post I did when I first started blogging. The title was a mistake. BIG mistake. I was a new blogger...I didn't know that it would cause people with some serious problems to Google and get taken to this post of my cute little guy. Lesson learned. I have since just saved it as a draft so that it cannot be googled anymore...but brought it up just for you today...don't you feel special.


What the FUNNIEST part of it is, is that people googled that stuff, and then actually clicked on my blog thinking they would get information that they were looking for...HA! I just picture them staring at the computer saying, "What the heck?!?"


Oh Google...it's a terribly amusing thing.

Monday, July 14, 2008

Confession and Rant

It's Monday and I have a confession. I have a very, very serious case of laziness this summer. It's bad. I am completely unmotivated to accomplish much of anything that requires much effort. I have three to-do lists going.
  1. To-Do this summer (before school starts on Aug. 17)
  2. To-Do this week
  3. To-Do today

Guess what keeps happening...nothing. So the lists just keep getting longer, and I move the to-do today, to the to-do this week list. Clever, aren't I?

...maybe I'll just cram everything into the last week before school starts...I do work well under pressure :)

Now for the rant. I try to not rant(whine) too much (on my blog)...but this is driving. me .nuts!

I happened to pick of a People magazine last night while at Wal-Mart. I wanted to read about Nicole Kidman's baby girl, whom she named Sunday, which I think is kinda cute...anyways, on the front page is also a pic with the headline: Pregnant Man Gives Birth to a Girl. Yeah. I've been stewing over this one since I saw the ads for it on Oprah. I cannot contain it any longer.

Here is my rant: He is not a man giving birth to a baby. He is still a woman, with all the equipment God gave in order to grow a baby. No big miracle on this guy (woman's) part. You can take male hormones and remove your breasts, but inside...still a GIRL. IT'S A GIRL HAVING A BABY. NO MEDICAL MARVEL. SHEEEESH!!

OK, no more rants tomorrow, I promise :)

Sunday, July 13, 2008

On Tour



The time has come. Blog mission statement time. Remember this? Your sweet comments may keep me blogging forever.

A mission statement has proved to be very difficult for me, and I couldn't quite pin point why...until now. You see, I've wanted to wrap up my purpose for writing in 3-4 well written sentences. Clear and concise. Pretty little package. And therein lies the problem.

My purpose in writing varies, from day to day. I rarely plan ahead what a post will be. Usually, it involves me sitting down with a huge mug of coffee, asking God to show me what, in my daily life, is usable. Each day in my life is different. And each day at this blog is different. Mama Belle commented that it's kinda like what Forrest Gump said about life and a box of chocolates, "ya never know what you're gonna get" ...oh how right she is.

No matter what the content for the day may be, there are a few things that I do want present in every post....

Mission: Life in the Parsonage is about candidly walking through my daily life, in all the various roles I play, and finding significance in the insignificant. I want it to be refreshing, and real. I want to be transparent because I want those who read to say, "yep, I relate to that." I want people to leave with a smile, because no matter what may be going on in my day...God always, always gives me something to smile about. And although shoes and haircuts are mentioned profusely...the most important theme I hope sticks is an unmistakable desire to grow closer to my Jesus.
You can go to Becoming Me for more blog mission statements...what better way to find great blogs?!?

Saturday, July 12, 2008

A Tad Embarrassing...

Something has happened at my home (the parsonage.)
I thought about taking pictures of it, but in my head, I could hear your gasps of horror...and it was just too much.
The weeds have taken over.
It is so bad, that I am having to ask other people if certain things are a weed or a plant. Generally, the weeds are small, and the plants are larger...but not here.
They are the same size here.
Frightening.
Also embarrassing...but let's not discuss that.
I may go out and pull weeds/flowers today.
Unless is rains.
Please God, make it rain.

Happy Saturday Bloggy Friends!

Friday, July 11, 2008

Smartness...

Just thought you should know what a fantastic writer I am...and how deeply I challenge your reading skills ...

blog readability test

Try not to be too impressed by my large vocabulary (of made up words) and complex (run-on) sentence structure. I can't help it...it is a gift. Beautiful writing giftedness...of a 13 to 14 year old.

Kudos to us and our smartness :)

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Another List...

Trying something new today. I'm joining in Thankful Thursday at Sting My Heart...in bullet-point form (of course!)


Today I am thankful:
  • That last night at VBS we had somewhere between 40-50 kids...which considering all tiny town has endured recently is frankly, AMAZING!

  • For a great week at VBS and still thankful it's coming to a close ;)

  • That I do not have to work outside my home...because I could not do it without losing my mind...obviously, God knew that :)

  • for Sponge Bob entertaining my kids long enough for me to enjoy a sweet reprise from the bickering! Oh the bickering...

  • For the wonderful stuff you all come up with that totally encourages and makes me smile.
  • And that ya'll actually come back to read my ramblings...and COMMENTS! I so love comments...I do, I do, I do.


  • My coffee...Heavens sweet nectar...which I need to go to Starbucks and get some more of...brewed my last pot today.


  • that although there are weeds all over my "flowers" and my house is a mess...I do not care. For now...
  • Bullet points. Need I say more?
  • For God's patience with me. That His love for me is not based on how I do...but just the fact that I am His.


Happy Thursday Friends!

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

The Look...

Notice Jake's shirt before...

And a few hours later...

So goes life in the parsonage. My children are always dirty. I gave up trying to keep them clean a long, long time ago. In fact, I'm just so used to them being dirty, I hardly even notice it anymore.

Until the other day that is...I happened to take all of them to run some errands (very bad idea.) Our last stop was the grocery store. They were bugging each other and fighting over who got to ride in the "school bus cart"...I was trying to maintain my composure, and then I met her in the frozen food aisle.

She was cute, young and pregnant, probably with her first baby. She was strolling the aisles in peace and quiet (alone)...well, until she came upon us.

She gave me the look. I know this look...I too, once gave it to mothers with rowdy, dirty kids. It was the look of idealism. The look that says, "honestly, is it so hard to clean your kids up before you leave the house!?!"

I smiled and her...and I smiled all the way home...because someday, that cute little thing may have three little boys, that 5 minutes after a bath are somehow dirty again...because I know first hand, that's what happens to young ladies who give the look. *smiles*

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Realizations...

VBS went really, really well last night. In my 3&4 year old class we had 8 boys and 1 little girl...and they were so much fun! Thanks so much for your empathy and encouragement yesterday :)



Last night (after VBS) I had the opportunity to discover something about myself...stuff I've known (I think) but just never really thought about all that much. It has to deal with how I react/cope with life when busyness sets in.



I hate busyness. I do. I am constantly trying to keep life quieted. I like peace. I like routine. I like to have my family just hanging out together at home.



Our daily life is fairly full. I don't mention it much, but my husband also has a full-time job besides being full-time Pastor of our small church. (This is a whole other post in and of itself.) He is a "tent-making pastor" as they call it, and I can't explain it, because when I look at our life from the outside, I think "How on earth does that work? Impossible!" But, it does work...it works really, really well. It works, because it is what God has ordained for now and He supplies in all the areas we are lacking (and they are many, my friends.) Will it change? Hopefully...but if it doesn't, we're content with that too. God has created peacefulness in our home, even with the full schedule.



Anything extra on top of this full life of ours makes it start to feel busy to me. As I mentioned yesterday, with VBS this week, I find myself re-adjusting to the extra demands, and discovered two things about myself in the process.



1 - When life starts to feel like I can't keep up, I go quiet. Weird, I know. I am generally a friendly, outgoing person. I will talk your ear off...with hand gestures to boot. But when it starts to feel busy, I feel the need to quiet myself. To withdraw some...to hide-out for a little bit...just me and my Jesus. He "fills my cup" back up, just like the old hymn says, and then I can face life again.



2 - When the busyness seems like too much...I begin cleaning. I mean deep cleaning...organizing...and when my family doesn't cooperate with my cleaning agenda...not good, not good at all. It's a weird phenomena. Something very sad, tragic, life changing can happen, and you will most likely find me cleaning out closets and rearranging furniture. I've done this for as long back as I can remember...I've just never thought about WHY I do this...until last night.



Here's what God showed me: When life feels like it's out of my control (which it always is whether I feel it or not) I clean because I can fix it. I can work and see tangible results from my efforts. Control. I am a control freak, my friends. Last night, it's as if God was giving me a "heads up" on this issue. For my own good, He requires a change of heart on my part...the cleaning in and of itself, fine. The cleaning as a knee-jerk reaction for control...not fine. He wants my first reaction to be my knees in prayer, running to Him. Sounds easy...but for a control freak, it's not. Thankfully, I have Him to help me :)



Just some realizations. What about you? How do you deal with the busyness? Are you a freak too!?!? :)



Monday, July 7, 2008

Realness...

Oh friends...a bloggy make-over is coming my way...FINALLY! I can't tell you the details, except that Shauna is working on it and I know I am gonna L-O-V-E it. I will try to stop talking/thinking about it now, but it. is. hard.


On a completely different subject: I do have a little secret that I need to share with you. I hope it won't cause you to look down on this little lowly Pastor's wife (*wink, wink*) but you deserve the truth....straight from the horse's mouth (we say things like that around here.)



It is VBS week, here at our church in tiny town.


The secret: VBS is not my first love. *Gasp* I know. I KNOW! JUST what you want your Pastor's wife to tell you...(now would be a good time to hit your knees and thank Him that I am not your PW...unless I actually am...then you should REALLY hit your knees ;)


VBS is exhausting. And I'm not even the one that organizes it. (God bless our sweet church friends that do...I can't thank them enough...but there is an excessive amount of pleading, on my part, that they never stop doing it. EVER.)


I am teaching the 3 & 4 year olds this year. By the way, I almost just heard you laugh. Since my arrival in tiny-town, I have been avoiding this age group like the plague. Mostly because this was the age group my own children were in...and frankly, I was already worn out from my own, why would I want to teach MORE?!? Last year I even volunteered for crafts, just to avoid them. I am not crafty my friends.


This is where the miracle comes in. This year, I wanted to teach them. Granted, my oldest two are now not in that class anymore...but still! I am actually really looking forward to it. God is seriously amazing! Because that did not happen all by itself!


Because of the flooding, we're not quite sure how many kids will be able to come, but the numbers do not matter...the hearts of the children do. I'm praying that each child that comes through our doors will leave knowing who God is, how much He loves them, and why that matters. Because it SO matters.

*UPDATE* Shauna finished my layout (super fast by the way) and I couldn't love it more!!! YAY! If you're in need of a new do, go check her out (little square on my side-bar.) With just a little info she totally figured out what I wanted...I think she may be a mind reader :) Thank-you Shauna!!!!



Happy Monday Friends!

Saturday, July 5, 2008

The Fun Never Ends...


This is the lazy-bloggers version of a slide show...where none of the pics are labeled and you are supposed to just make up the captions...it's good for your imagination...I think.

Here was our weekends order of events:

  1. Parade: in nearby small town, it's a big deal...lots of tractors and firetrucks.
  2. Pedal Pull: Little pedal tractors that are weighted down and kids see who can pull the farthest. Noah got 2nd in his age group and qualified for state (HA!) it's his 2nd time doing that and, no, we do not go to state to pedal a little tractor :)
  3. Some family pictures and Ben's grandparents house
  4. Supper and Smores with friends from church and of course Fireworks!
  5. Saturday, got to see my beautiful friend Shell at her baby shower...isn't she adorable!?!

Side note: Please insert *eat more mini-doughnuts* in between each number.

Now I need to go find my elastic waist-band pants...

Friday, July 4, 2008

Reunited and it Feels So Good...



Dear Mini-Doughnuts Kiosk,

It has been a long time since our last visit. You have do idea how I've missed you and longed for warm weather to bring you back to me. I wouldn't want to share the celebration of the birth of our nation with anyone else but you. (well, ok, there are others, but you're very very close to the top)


If by chance, over the next 24 hours, we end up spending too much time together, I may say things that I do not really mean. Things like "I can't eat any more or I will barf." Do not worry, it will pass. I will always have room for you...eventually.

All my love,

Sarah


*Jamie over at Purposeful Pursuit interviewed me and it's posted TODAY. I know, what you're all thinking ...WHY?!? I thought that too...because I am certainly not famous, and my blog is...what shall we say....tiny? Yep, tiny. Jamie is fantastic...that's why she interviewed me. Her sweetness overpowers my boringness...so go give this wonderful gal some huge blog love...(and I will pay you in mini doughnuts later :)

Happy 4th of July!
images from google images

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Linkage

I am feeling the blog love this week, my friends. Seriously...A LOT of love!!! Three awards in one week kind of love. I know, I didn't believe it either.

The awards themselves are not the big deal...it's the people behind the awards. Each blogger that was gracious enough to pass it on to me, encouraged me beyond measure. Each of the (many) blogs I read daily make me smile, laugh, cry, think, and relate. That's what I seek to do here...exactly what you're doing for me.


Angela at Becoming Me has given me the "Blog of Distinction" award for those that "bless others." Angela is a very gifted writer, go to her blog and check out the links of different places her stories are featured. For her to see past my mediocre writing abilities and hear my heart, is truly a blessing to me!

I'd like to pass this award onto two wonderful bloggers:

Wendi, whose opening her heart to all of us at Every Day Miracles.

Lindsay, whose pictures are seriously breath-taking! at Bales & Tales






Jackie at Our Moments Our Memories bestowed this lovely award to me. It's the Arte y Pico (which I have no idea what that means...because although I took 2 years of Spanish in high-school, I really wasn't paying attention... but I'm to pass it on to "any I consider deserve this award for their creativity, design, interesting material, and also contributing to the blogging community, no matter what language") I always look forward to reading Jackie's blog, we "get" each other. Before I pass this one along, I thought I should let you know that I think this is just a pretty lady, dressed up in a fab dress, who happens to be wearing wings...and not an actual angel, because according to the Bible she would need to be a big masculine he to indeed be a real angel...I'm a stickler for theology...who knew!?! OK, back to business, I'd like to pass this one along to:

Jodie at The Sky is Only Dark Between the Stars, a super witty, word-crazy new blog friend. She cracks me up...and maybe she can figure out what this awards name is :)







And lastly, Jill at Simply My Thoughts blessed me with this cute little number. Jill is also a Pastor's wife, and she's one of the many I've met through blogging that I wish I could hang out with in real life! I'd love to pass this one along to three bloggy friends:

Beth at Playin with the Paulsens. Beth is a real life friend that introduced me to the blogging world, and she's been my biggest supporter/encourager since I started. To know her, is to love her...go give her a visit, it won't take long to feel the love :)

Michelle at Raising Little Women...who is raising the opposite gender as I am, and yet...everyday life is very similar! I always look forward to checking in with her!

Tracie at Coffee with the Crain's...Tracie and I are newer bloggy friends, and have a ton in common. Her husband will also be starting seminary, and soon she'll outrank me as the coolest pastor's wife...(which by the way I am, in tiny-town...because I'm the only one :)

Now ladies, it's your turn to pass the love along...I forgot to copy each of the rules, but you know the drill...

If ya'll knew how long it just took me to link to everyone...you'd laugh your little tushies off...for real. Receiving and giving awards is tough stuff. *smiles*

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Barfing & Updates....

Since returning from vacation, I have thought about changing the name of my blog to: Barfing in the Parsonage. I'll be kind and spare you the lovely details, let's just say that when it comes to sickness, we all share around here.

Today, I am using a lot of this...and not just in the kitchen.

I realized today, that I have left ya'll hanging on some stuff, which I'm sure you've been eagerly *cough* awaiting...

  1. Twitter: Still confused...especially on how to add people, but whatever...

  2. This here: No progress... except that he does go get the diaper now. I bought Diego undies, thinking he wouldn't want to pee on Diego...wrong. I have the one kid who thinks it feels FUN to wear wet underwear. Good grief.
  3. Sierra is out of the hospital and doing well. She did not have a broken back, but broken collar bone and shoulder, and had her spleen removed. Her mom emailed and said that life in general is beginning to look up, and that Sierra is planning on being at our VBS next week! Please keep the prayers coming, it's still a long road for this family.
  4. Tiny-town update: The FEMA bus has left...I don't know if that's good or bad. Post office is still closed. People are cleaning up and beginning the repairing/rebuilding process. Some are still in a holding pattern. The biggest blow has been that the Kwik Star has decided to not re-open. In tiny-town, Kwik Star is badly needed. Remember this and this? Shame on them for bailing. Now we're praying for something even better to come in!!
  5. I happened to get another award. And I'm gonna pass it on...but you'll just have to come back tomorrow for more on that...

Can you believe it's Wednesday already?!? Craziness.

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