On Friday I found out that my friend Lorrie's husband, Dane, was in the hospital. He had a stroke and is experiencing some problems with one side of his face, with swallowing, and most recently with pneumonia trying to set it. Immediately I started praying for this precious family, for Dane's health, for Lorrie and the kids, and trying to find a way to help them out. You see, I realize that sometimes we are called to pray, especially when there is nothing else we can do, but other times we are called to act when there is a way for us to help. When I questioned Lorrie a little bit to find out what I could do to help, I found out what they needed that I could provide and did so immediately.
Saturday, I took Lizard over to Fort Worth to eat at Esperanza's cafe. We had THE BEST gorditas on the face of the planet for lunch. They are delicious. If you haven't had them, you have to go try them. Even my picky eater said they were the best she had ever eaten. We had a yummy lunch, listened to the mariachi band play, talked, and laughed. After lunch, we headed over to where Lorrie works. We stopped by to give her a big hug and to take her something that might help during this time. I hugged her long and hard, prayed for her while I was doing it, and let her get back to work so that she could leave and go see her wonderful husband.
After we left, Lizard and I finished up the last of the back to school shopping and stopped for an iced green tea at St. Arbucks. Then we came home and crashed. We left the house before lunch and returned after dinner. What a long day, but it was so fun to spend it with my daughter and to help a friend who truly needed it. Showing my little one that not only do we pray for Lorrie and her family, but we do what we can to help, is something that I am happy I was able to do and hope that she remembers as she grows up.
Today was a good day. I took the kiddo grocery shopping so we could get healthy lunch-box stuff for her to go back to school tomorrow. She bought apples, grapes, bananas, strawberries, and watermelon. She also bought Doritos (you can't win 'em all). Overall, i was happy with her choices. She never once asked for a Little Debbie snack, so I'm calling it a win. After grocery shopping, we made orange chicken for lunch and hung out at the house all afternoon before our big evening out.
Tonight we went to Mom's house to celebrate my baby brother's 28th birthday. Happy birthday, little brother! Mom made a great dinner and we had a wonderful time hanging out with the family. I always love seeing my neice and nephew, not to mention my mom, brothers, and their girls. It was a wonderful evening. We had to cut it short, though, since school starts again tomorrow.
It was a good weekend for the weekend right before back to school. When we finally got home and got the kiddo to bed, I had an email from Lorrie. She was so grateful for our visit the day before. She was on her way to see her hubby, who seems to be doing a little better. I should be getting updates from her daily on his condition and progress. I will continue to pray for Dane and Lorrie as he recovers. Will you join me? I'll provide updates as I receive them. Thank you.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Friday, July 09, 2010
Definitions
A very talented photographer that I follow recently tweeted, “When I don’t understand someone, I am careful to file them in the ‘to-be-discovered’ section instead of the trash bin.” He really got me to thinking about how if we aren’t careful about really getting to know a person without an agenda, we might miss something of value.
I try to never define people or things. I don’t always succeed, but I try. For instance, you could look at this and see a box of Kleenex. You’ve now defined it as a box of Kleenex and have made it much more difficult to see any other potential in it. If you don’t define it like that from the first moment you see it, you could have a box of Kleenex, or a room decoration, or a paperweight, or a projectile weapon, or a toy for a bored child, or a distraction for the cat, or “x”, or “y”, or “z.” Do you see where I’m going with this?
Once we put a label on somebody we make it so much more difficult on ourselves to see the potential that lies within them. We make it difficult for them, too, if they believe the label we give them. If I were to say that Joey is “just an average C student with little initiative or drive to better himself,” I have just defined him in a way that means I don’t have to help him grow. After all, in my definition, he is the problem, not me. I have also given Joey a reason to never try harder than he is trying right now. However, if I decide to not place any judgment or definition on Joey when I meet him, the world is his oyster and I can encourage him to achieve his dreams. By virtue of doing this, I’ve also helped Joey to not put any restrictive label on himself that will keep him from discovering his full potential. Now Joey can be just a C-student or he can be a compassionate child that helps others, or he can be a great helper in the classroom, or he can be a wonderful friend that everybody likes, or he can be a trouble maker, or he can be a genius that is bored so he doesn’t do his work which is why he gets Cs. See the difference that not pigeon-holing somebody can make?
Similarly, if I define myself by my perceived problems or by my occupation or by my family or by anything other than “child of God” I am doing myself a disservice. I am denying myself the ability to discover the God-given potential within when I place those restrictions on what I believe I am capable of achieving, being, or doing.
We have to learn that just because we may see something or someone in a certain way today, that is not all they are capable of being, doing, or becoming. There is so much potential in everything and every person that we encounter – from the person in the mirror, to the person in the check-out line, to the guy who cut you off on the freeway, to the prisoner, to the child that you tuck into bed each night. Remember to help each person reach their potential by not putting restrictive definitions on them so that you can be allowed to discover what and who they truly are.
I try to never define people or things. I don’t always succeed, but I try. For instance, you could look at this and see a box of Kleenex. You’ve now defined it as a box of Kleenex and have made it much more difficult to see any other potential in it. If you don’t define it like that from the first moment you see it, you could have a box of Kleenex, or a room decoration, or a paperweight, or a projectile weapon, or a toy for a bored child, or a distraction for the cat, or “x”, or “y”, or “z.” Do you see where I’m going with this?
Once we put a label on somebody we make it so much more difficult on ourselves to see the potential that lies within them. We make it difficult for them, too, if they believe the label we give them. If I were to say that Joey is “just an average C student with little initiative or drive to better himself,” I have just defined him in a way that means I don’t have to help him grow. After all, in my definition, he is the problem, not me. I have also given Joey a reason to never try harder than he is trying right now. However, if I decide to not place any judgment or definition on Joey when I meet him, the world is his oyster and I can encourage him to achieve his dreams. By virtue of doing this, I’ve also helped Joey to not put any restrictive label on himself that will keep him from discovering his full potential. Now Joey can be just a C-student or he can be a compassionate child that helps others, or he can be a great helper in the classroom, or he can be a wonderful friend that everybody likes, or he can be a trouble maker, or he can be a genius that is bored so he doesn’t do his work which is why he gets Cs. See the difference that not pigeon-holing somebody can make?
Similarly, if I define myself by my perceived problems or by my occupation or by my family or by anything other than “child of God” I am doing myself a disservice. I am denying myself the ability to discover the God-given potential within when I place those restrictions on what I believe I am capable of achieving, being, or doing.
We have to learn that just because we may see something or someone in a certain way today, that is not all they are capable of being, doing, or becoming. There is so much potential in everything and every person that we encounter – from the person in the mirror, to the person in the check-out line, to the guy who cut you off on the freeway, to the prisoner, to the child that you tuck into bed each night. Remember to help each person reach their potential by not putting restrictive definitions on them so that you can be allowed to discover what and who they truly are.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Him
I'm thinking about this man tonight. About how much I love him. And admire him. And respect him. About how proud I am of him. About how I should really tell him these things more often. I adore him. I love the way he tackles a project and sticks with it until its done. I love the way he takes care of me and sticks with me through the rough times. I love how he allows me to indulge in Irish Nachos with him and how he drinks protein shakes and works out to make up for it afterward. I love his beautiful eyes - not quite gray and not quite blue, just breathtakingly beautiful. I love the way his palm fits into the small of my back when he hugs me. The touch of his hand. His five o'clock shadow caressing my cheek when he kisses my neck. I love the certainty of knowing that he loves me when I look in his eyes. The strength and integrity he shows. His desire to be a good man that people will respect. I adore him and how he adores my daughter. I love the sound of the back door opening when he comes to visit. I love being his. I love him.
Saturday, April 03, 2010
William's 1st Birthday
William turned 1 yesterday! His first birthday party was today. Here are a few snapshots I got while I was at the party. Enjoy!
Mommy showing Will the books he will love to eat one day soon!
Isn't he adorable?
Isn't he adorable?
There's something about a boy and his dog...
Daddy and William. They look more and more alike each time I see them.
Concentrating....How does this thing work?
Look at that tongue. So cute! I think I'm in love.
Okay, a rare thing... A picture of me on my blog. But who could resist getting a picture with the Birthday Boy! Thanks to Lizard for taking this one.
Will's very on personal cake.
Mommy, did you seriously have to put this on my head?
Making a wish!
Hhhhmmmm... I wonder if I can make a mess with this....
Daddy and William. They look more and more alike each time I see them.
Concentrating....How does this thing work?
Look at that tongue. So cute! I think I'm in love.
Okay, a rare thing... A picture of me on my blog. But who could resist getting a picture with the Birthday Boy! Thanks to Lizard for taking this one.
Will's very on personal cake.
Mommy, did you seriously have to put this on my head?
Making a wish!
Hhhhmmmm... I wonder if I can make a mess with this....
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
A Dream Come True
Elizabeth had an assignment at school the other day to write a creative and suspenseful story. I loved what she wrote so much that I wanted to share it with you. She wrote about our friend Josh who passed away 4 years ago. She wrote about what might happen if he came back to visit her. Enjoy.
A Dream Come True
By Elizabeth
My best friend Josh passed away four years ago. I didn't know him for very long, but we were very close. One of our favorite things to do was to listen to my mom read "I Love You Stinky Face" by Lisa McCourt. The other night I was really missing Josh. I decided to go find our book and read it. I was laying across my pink, glamorous, zebra comforter reading our story when something amazing happened.
Instantly the radio started to change stations. I looked around but nothing was there. I squeeze my teddy bear as hard as I could. All of a sudden I heard rustling papers. I looked around and still didn't see anything. I went under the covers with my teddy bear. Suddenly, I heard a noise I recognized. I turned around and there was my friend Josh.
Just then I got into my jammies. My eyes brightened when he suggested that we read our story. It was such a great idea that my heart filled with joy. I had to give him a great big hug because I was crying the happy kind of cry. We read the book, played with his little instruments, and took turns wearing Homer Simpson slippers.
Instantly I gasped. I couldn't believe it. He was gone again. My lips quivered as I tried not to cry. I prayed that God would let Josh come back again. I was so thankful that we got to play together that night. When he didn't return, I put our book up and went back to sleep.
That night was the best night of my life. I hope that can happen again. It was a blessing to see Josh for a short period of time.
Elizabeth really does miss Josh so much. She talks about him frequently and wonders what he might be doing with Jesus. I know this little story wasn't just a school assignment. It was a way for her to re-connect with somebody that she loves very much, but who left us much too soon. We both miss you, Joshy.
**The picture above is actually Josh's dad reading "I Love You Stinky Face" to Elizabeth and Josh.
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Nudges
When do you know you are being nudged by God rather than by indigestion? I know that it sounds like an attempt at humor, but the question is totally serious. How do you know that when you feel His prompting that it is really Him? If it doesn't conflict with Scripture, you feel it has been confirmed multiple times, and you still are unable to achieve what you feel you are being led to do, is it possible that you're wrong? That it's not God nudging you, but your own desires?
I want your input. I want to know what you think. Please share.
I want your input. I want to know what you think. Please share.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Science and ethics
Just because we CAN do something, does that mean we SHOULD do it? I mean, think about the repercussions if we did everything we are actually able to do. Not pretty.
I was reading an article today about how a group is petitioning for the right to dig up Leonardo DaVinci's body so that they can make a 3d model of his skull to determine if the Mona Lisa is a self-portrait in disguise. I've long believed that it is. It is a mystery that doesn't need to be solved. We have the ability to solve it. Won't that ruin the legend for some, though? And what good and useful purpose would it serve? Why disturb the man's remains after all these years just to satisfy somebody's morbid curiosity.
If we allow them to do this, where will be stop next time? There is no good reason to dig him up. If that is allowed, next time the envelope will get pushed a little further. Science has brought us a long way. It has also raised new ethical questions that we never had to ponder before. Just because we CAN do something, doesn't mean we SHOULD.
Let Mr. DaVinci rest in peace. Look at the real question here in their petition to disturb him - the question of whether or not we will allow science to blur the lines of ethics - and answer with a resounding NO.
Stepping off my soap box now.
I was reading an article today about how a group is petitioning for the right to dig up Leonardo DaVinci's body so that they can make a 3d model of his skull to determine if the Mona Lisa is a self-portrait in disguise. I've long believed that it is. It is a mystery that doesn't need to be solved. We have the ability to solve it. Won't that ruin the legend for some, though? And what good and useful purpose would it serve? Why disturb the man's remains after all these years just to satisfy somebody's morbid curiosity.
If we allow them to do this, where will be stop next time? There is no good reason to dig him up. If that is allowed, next time the envelope will get pushed a little further. Science has brought us a long way. It has also raised new ethical questions that we never had to ponder before. Just because we CAN do something, doesn't mean we SHOULD.
Let Mr. DaVinci rest in peace. Look at the real question here in their petition to disturb him - the question of whether or not we will allow science to blur the lines of ethics - and answer with a resounding NO.
Stepping off my soap box now.