If you haven't read the book, don't try to read the post or the comments. I don't want to spoil it for you.
If you have, let's chat! Hilight the text, so you can read what I wrote.
My first thoughts were that the book was overall great. I really enjoyed it. Having had time to analyze my likes and dislikes with my fellow Hogwartians She-DaWagna, She-OckersOcean, my funk-Sohl brotha, my Hollen-rockin' sista, and my Sohl-mate, I've decided that it could never have met my expectations. It's the last of the series, the last she intended to write (or so she says), and there was bound to be a let down regardless of what she penned.
Notable differences, you ask?? Well, I didn't get that "old, warm coat" feeling when I read the first few hundred pages. Having read these articles (yes, all 16), since she didn't follow the Dursely-Hogwarts Express-Quidditch-Christmas-etc., timelines as the last six books did, that might have contributed to the unfamiliarity; however, it was more than that. It felt like another person wrote the first section - no, I don't recall the point where it felt "normal." While she has grown most obviously as a writer (who couldn't after 7 enormous books), it didn't seem "J.K." Nonetheless, I liked the break from tradition, and thought moments of appreciation from Dudley were perfect.
Another difference - much more crass language in this book, particularly from Mrs. Weasley. HOLY COW! I didn't see that one coming. I was disappointed that the important DA characters (Neville, Luna, Ginny) didn't get more facetime. I can see, though, how six teenagers running amok might draw a bit of attention to themselves.
Last, I loved the more dominant role faith played in this book. She quotes Matthew 6:21 and 1 Corinthians 15:26, though not as plainly as I have, and thanks God twice by name. Lots of references to the King's Cross, the after-life, and while veiled, references to where Voldemort would end up.
I would like to have read less running-around-like-chickens-with-their-heads-cut-off sequences, and had a bit more detail in the whole wand description. I also could have used a bit more clarity about the thing making noise at King's Cross, and why Harry wasn't killed, but Voldemort was.
I'm not sure it will end up being my favorite book, but I really enjoyed the resolutions of various plotlines from previous books in this one. Most importantly, I enjoyed this book immensely. While I'm not sure I'm ready for it to end, I appreciate the season of life J.K. Rowling is in. I'm hoping that when she said that she might write an encyclopedia, she meant she would. Oh, and now I await the release of the Half-Blood Prince in November 2008 (even though I said I wouldn't see it after I saw, and was somewhat disappointed by, Order of the Phoenix).
Monday, July 30, 2007
Friday, July 27, 2007
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Summer rains *sigh...* or maybe not.
I've made a commitment to myself and to God that I'll try to find the positives in any situation, a reason to praise and thank Him, regardless of strife.
So summers here have been stretching me to find reasons to praise. They start early, finish late, and in between, it's blazing hot, humid, and mosquitoes apparently love my sweet nature just as my Sohl-mate does. Right now, there's plenty of rain, but no heat lighting shows, and the indoor activities I don't personally plan about which I know are extremely limited.
But I'll find a reason to thank, a reason to praise for each of my complaints because I've made that commitment to Him and to myself. Thank you God that the length of the summer allows me plenty of time to test out the waterparks, the beach, the amusement parks, and still enjoy a nice time in my own backyard. Thank you that the heat and humidity help me appreciate the cooler months all the more. And, thank you that the mosquitoes give me a great excuse to put off that weeding project one more day. Thank you for the rain that saves me from having to artificially water my lawn, and for the lack of lightning that means that my Sohl son can rest peacefully at night without an encore or two. Last, but not least, thank you for the need for me to create my own special activities which they themselves create special memories that I'm sure I'll treasure forever.
So, when it rains on my hot summer day, or any other day, I'm looking for reasons to thank God.
So summers here have been stretching me to find reasons to praise. They start early, finish late, and in between, it's blazing hot, humid, and mosquitoes apparently love my sweet nature just as my Sohl-mate does. Right now, there's plenty of rain, but no heat lighting shows, and the indoor activities I don't personally plan about which I know are extremely limited.
But I'll find a reason to thank, a reason to praise for each of my complaints because I've made that commitment to Him and to myself. Thank you God that the length of the summer allows me plenty of time to test out the waterparks, the beach, the amusement parks, and still enjoy a nice time in my own backyard. Thank you that the heat and humidity help me appreciate the cooler months all the more. And, thank you that the mosquitoes give me a great excuse to put off that weeding project one more day. Thank you for the rain that saves me from having to artificially water my lawn, and for the lack of lightning that means that my Sohl son can rest peacefully at night without an encore or two. Last, but not least, thank you for the need for me to create my own special activities which they themselves create special memories that I'm sure I'll treasure forever.
So, when it rains on my hot summer day, or any other day, I'm looking for reasons to thank God.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Strong or Strength...
If you read the previous post and this one consecutively, you'll be confused. But it makes sense in my head.
A couple of weeks ago, I attended a women's conference hosted by another fellowship church here in town. At some point I'll share more about other gifts I received from the night, but today I'm feeling called to share one specific story.
One of the fabulous female speakers, the name of which I'm sad to say I can't remember, talked about the difference between a strong woman and a woman of strength. I'm not sure I'd have ever counted myself in either category. But I know which I'm heading.
A strong woman is she whom society's created, who looks "just so," who speaks her mind to all who'll listen and shout her points to those who won't. She is one who is in control, on her way, achieving her dreams, getting her way of life.
But a woman of strength is the woman who spends her time in prayer, seeking His will for her. She is quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. She knows her dreams are inspired beyond her and she seeks His will for her days. She recognizes that life will have struggles, and she praises Him in both struggles and joys. She affirms that those mistakes she makes are her lessons, and as she continues on His path for her, He'll hold her hand and care for her. The woman of strength knows that His ways are hers, and that her joys are His.
When I started writing this entry, I didn't have much to go on. Hoping to find the speaker or her presentation online, I was unsuccessful. I did find this poem, and it helped me to further define who I'm striving to become. So, now that you know, are you a woman of strength?
A couple of weeks ago, I attended a women's conference hosted by another fellowship church here in town. At some point I'll share more about other gifts I received from the night, but today I'm feeling called to share one specific story.
One of the fabulous female speakers, the name of which I'm sad to say I can't remember, talked about the difference between a strong woman and a woman of strength. I'm not sure I'd have ever counted myself in either category. But I know which I'm heading.
A strong woman is she whom society's created, who looks "just so," who speaks her mind to all who'll listen and shout her points to those who won't. She is one who is in control, on her way, achieving her dreams, getting her way of life.
But a woman of strength is the woman who spends her time in prayer, seeking His will for her. She is quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. She knows her dreams are inspired beyond her and she seeks His will for her days. She recognizes that life will have struggles, and she praises Him in both struggles and joys. She affirms that those mistakes she makes are her lessons, and as she continues on His path for her, He'll hold her hand and care for her. The woman of strength knows that His ways are hers, and that her joys are His.
When I started writing this entry, I didn't have much to go on. Hoping to find the speaker or her presentation online, I was unsuccessful. I did find this poem, and it helped me to further define who I'm striving to become. So, now that you know, are you a woman of strength?
Humility...
For a long time, I think I've misunderstood the word humility. I think I was confused about humility and humiliation.
I've always thought that being a good friend, a good person, meant that you were a "'Yes' girl." Not just tolerant, understanding, "a good listener." It was more than that. Regardless of the situation, someone else's ideas were better, smarter, wiser. To be a good friend, a loyal friend, I should keep my purple ideas out of the pink conversation. Otherwise, I might inadvertently point out that she's wrong, that there are factors she hadn't considered, hadn't realized yet, and she'd be humiliated. And deep down, I now realize, too, if I kept my ideas to myself, I'd never have to say I was sorry for offending my friend. I'd never have to show humility; she couldn't humiliate me.
Thinking that humility was the same as humiliation, in the end I was the one humiliated . I helped myself into situations I really wanted no part in, allowed my self-concept to be contorted, rearranged, and for a long time, shattered. I let my standards down, didn't show my knowledge, my God-given talents and strengths.
But a friend recently showed me what a true, loyal friend really is. She helped me truly understand the difference between humility and humiliation. With a simple act that has not been a frequent occurrence for me, she demonstrated strength as a friend and woman, her character, and above all her humility. Thanks Alisa for clearing up so much for me.
I've always thought that being a good friend, a good person, meant that you were a "'Yes' girl." Not just tolerant, understanding, "a good listener." It was more than that. Regardless of the situation, someone else's ideas were better, smarter, wiser. To be a good friend, a loyal friend, I should keep my purple ideas out of the pink conversation. Otherwise, I might inadvertently point out that she's wrong, that there are factors she hadn't considered, hadn't realized yet, and she'd be humiliated. And deep down, I now realize, too, if I kept my ideas to myself, I'd never have to say I was sorry for offending my friend. I'd never have to show humility; she couldn't humiliate me.
Thinking that humility was the same as humiliation, in the end I was the one humiliated . I helped myself into situations I really wanted no part in, allowed my self-concept to be contorted, rearranged, and for a long time, shattered. I let my standards down, didn't show my knowledge, my God-given talents and strengths.
But a friend recently showed me what a true, loyal friend really is. She helped me truly understand the difference between humility and humiliation. With a simple act that has not been a frequent occurrence for me, she demonstrated strength as a friend and woman, her character, and above all her humility. Thanks Alisa for clearing up so much for me.
Friday, July 20, 2007
All for Arnold...
A couple of days ago, my funk-Sohl-brotha told my Sohl-mate about a drink he'd found by AriZona, called Arnold Palmer. It's mix of lemonade and tea, and is made with either green tea or iced tea. The iced form comes in a black can; the green, in a green can (I know, you can barely contain your amazement, right?).
It's important to note that my Sohl-mate takes his brother's recommendations to heart. So when my Sohl-bro said he really enjoyed this drink, my Sohl-mate was intent on finding this. A co-worker at his moon-lit job seconded the product's recommendation, and the hunt began. After working his 2nd job, he stopped by a few convenience stores to check for the beverage. He came home empty handed.
The next day I volunteered to check the SUPERmarket down the street, and was still unable to find the product. On the back of another tea product I did, however, find the number for the company. I excitedly called the number and was greeted warmly - by the voice recording telling me that since the company is privately owned, and small, they work from 9am to 4pm and would be happy to help during normal business hours.
Dejected, I left the store and decided I'd I try a gas station - no luck. Next I tried Walgreen's, which had at least seven different flavors of AriZona teas; none of which were the one I was looking for. I tried another convenience store, a CVS, and Family Dollar, but to no avail.
In this age of the immediate information, I was sure the Internet would give me the results I'd prayed for. Finding the ingredient list, though, wasn't what I'd had in mind. Frustrated, but hopeful I emailed the company last night, requesting information on the locations I could find this unicorn-esque drink. The product is distributed through wholesalers, I read, and this meant that I'd need to call the distributors directly. Armed with the phone number, I felt a renewed sense of hope: maybe I'd complete this task yet.
The man at the distributor's office took my name and number, telling me he couldn't find anyone to answer my question. About twenty minutes later, a supervisor called me, thinking I was a store looking to carry the product. He said that the best places to look for the drink are small Mom 'n Pop stores, but that he didn't have any names or locations to suggest.
And so my quest for Arnold continues.
But, if I can't find a Mom 'n Pop who carries it, I did track down an Internet retailer or two who will ship me some, just in case. ;)
It's important to note that my Sohl-mate takes his brother's recommendations to heart. So when my Sohl-bro said he really enjoyed this drink, my Sohl-mate was intent on finding this. A co-worker at his moon-lit job seconded the product's recommendation, and the hunt began. After working his 2nd job, he stopped by a few convenience stores to check for the beverage. He came home empty handed.
The next day I volunteered to check the SUPERmarket down the street, and was still unable to find the product. On the back of another tea product I did, however, find the number for the company. I excitedly called the number and was greeted warmly - by the voice recording telling me that since the company is privately owned, and small, they work from 9am to 4pm and would be happy to help during normal business hours.
Dejected, I left the store and decided I'd I try a gas station - no luck. Next I tried Walgreen's, which had at least seven different flavors of AriZona teas; none of which were the one I was looking for. I tried another convenience store, a CVS, and Family Dollar, but to no avail.
In this age of the immediate information, I was sure the Internet would give me the results I'd prayed for. Finding the ingredient list, though, wasn't what I'd had in mind. Frustrated, but hopeful I emailed the company last night, requesting information on the locations I could find this unicorn-esque drink. The product is distributed through wholesalers, I read, and this meant that I'd need to call the distributors directly. Armed with the phone number, I felt a renewed sense of hope: maybe I'd complete this task yet.
The man at the distributor's office took my name and number, telling me he couldn't find anyone to answer my question. About twenty minutes later, a supervisor called me, thinking I was a store looking to carry the product. He said that the best places to look for the drink are small Mom 'n Pop stores, but that he didn't have any names or locations to suggest.
And so my quest for Arnold continues.
But, if I can't find a Mom 'n Pop who carries it, I did track down an Internet retailer or two who will ship me some, just in case. ;)
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
My corner of Heaven...
My grandpa, Dean Henry Nerdig, passed away July 8th after living 6 months without his beloved bride of 62 years. I wanted to share a few sweet stories about dealing with his passing.
I called Granpda the Friday he decided to move from the hospital to Hospice. We started our conversation as usual, with him asking what was going on here, how the kids were, how David was, and lastly, how I was. Finally getting to ask him how he was, he simply said, "Well kid, this is it." I asked if he was ready, and he said he was. He asked if I was ready, and I sadly told him that I didn't think I'd ever really be ready for him to go, but that if it was what he wanted then, yes, I was ready. He quieted me, saying that I'd always been loyal, a good granddaughter. He said we'd been honest with each other and that we both knew how the other felt. And, while he was right, I could feel my heart screaming at my head, "TELL HIM AGAIN! Say it now. There's still time." That desperation of sharing my real emotions with him well up as strongly today, and from what I'm told, I expect they always will. I know that I could have told him I loved him until the end of my time, and it still wouldn't have been enough.
Later, after hanging up the phone with him, not knowing how many more times I'd have to tell him how much I love him, tears streaming down my face, my sweet Sohl son asked what was wrong. I said I was sad, and he asked why. "Grandpa Dean's going to heaven soon." "Don't be sad, Mom. He gets to be with Jesus. Mom, how will Grandpa Dean get there? Will he drive there?"
"No, you can't drive there, Sweetheart."
"Will he fly in an airplane?"
"No, you can't fly there in an airplane."
"Why Mom?"
"'Cause that's not how it works, Peanut."
"I know Mom! Grandpa Dean will open his arms and fly the whole way there."
A friend of mine would call this a God wink. Whatever it's called, it was the comfort I needed at just that moment. I pulled that sweet boy into my lap and cuddled him until his little 3 and 1/2-year-old self demanded I stop "stucking" him.
During the next week, Grandpa slowly faded away. I felt I was running out of time, but too out of ways to say goodbye to him. Though I talked with him each day, I felt I had to make the most of the two mintues I had of his time, and wasting them continually saying a tearful goodbye wasn't worth the emotional strain it caused both of us. I called a friend who lost her father a little over a year ago. She said that at the end of her father's time on earth, she started to tell him specifically why she loved him. Taking her advice the next time I called Grandpa, I told him that I admired his devotion to family, the strength of his marriage to Grandma, and wanted to have a life that reflected his.
Had I known, had I realized when Grandma died what a relief it would be to share with her my specific reasons for love, what I'd really miss... and then my mind stops in response to her sharp reprimand in my head. She says to me that I couldn't know then. She knew, and knows now, what I feel.
And now that I've seen them in a vision together, reunited, smiling with glorious happiness, my tears of sadness for my loss are mixed with tears of joy for their celebration in Heaven. Someday I'll join them. And if Heaven works the way I hope it does, there'll be the softest red shag carpet, wood paneling, fresh-picked strawberries, the scent of feed store, double lollies, and two comfortable blue chairs so they can visit in my little corner of Heaven.
I called Granpda the Friday he decided to move from the hospital to Hospice. We started our conversation as usual, with him asking what was going on here, how the kids were, how David was, and lastly, how I was. Finally getting to ask him how he was, he simply said, "Well kid, this is it." I asked if he was ready, and he said he was. He asked if I was ready, and I sadly told him that I didn't think I'd ever really be ready for him to go, but that if it was what he wanted then, yes, I was ready. He quieted me, saying that I'd always been loyal, a good granddaughter. He said we'd been honest with each other and that we both knew how the other felt. And, while he was right, I could feel my heart screaming at my head, "TELL HIM AGAIN! Say it now. There's still time." That desperation of sharing my real emotions with him well up as strongly today, and from what I'm told, I expect they always will. I know that I could have told him I loved him until the end of my time, and it still wouldn't have been enough.
Later, after hanging up the phone with him, not knowing how many more times I'd have to tell him how much I love him, tears streaming down my face, my sweet Sohl son asked what was wrong. I said I was sad, and he asked why. "Grandpa Dean's going to heaven soon." "Don't be sad, Mom. He gets to be with Jesus. Mom, how will Grandpa Dean get there? Will he drive there?"
"No, you can't drive there, Sweetheart."
"Will he fly in an airplane?"
"No, you can't fly there in an airplane."
"Why Mom?"
"'Cause that's not how it works, Peanut."
"I know Mom! Grandpa Dean will open his arms and fly the whole way there."
A friend of mine would call this a God wink. Whatever it's called, it was the comfort I needed at just that moment. I pulled that sweet boy into my lap and cuddled him until his little 3 and 1/2-year-old self demanded I stop "stucking" him.
During the next week, Grandpa slowly faded away. I felt I was running out of time, but too out of ways to say goodbye to him. Though I talked with him each day, I felt I had to make the most of the two mintues I had of his time, and wasting them continually saying a tearful goodbye wasn't worth the emotional strain it caused both of us. I called a friend who lost her father a little over a year ago. She said that at the end of her father's time on earth, she started to tell him specifically why she loved him. Taking her advice the next time I called Grandpa, I told him that I admired his devotion to family, the strength of his marriage to Grandma, and wanted to have a life that reflected his.
Had I known, had I realized when Grandma died what a relief it would be to share with her my specific reasons for love, what I'd really miss... and then my mind stops in response to her sharp reprimand in my head. She says to me that I couldn't know then. She knew, and knows now, what I feel.
And now that I've seen them in a vision together, reunited, smiling with glorious happiness, my tears of sadness for my loss are mixed with tears of joy for their celebration in Heaven. Someday I'll join them. And if Heaven works the way I hope it does, there'll be the softest red shag carpet, wood paneling, fresh-picked strawberries, the scent of feed store, double lollies, and two comfortable blue chairs so they can visit in my little corner of Heaven.
Ropes Course
I'm shamelessly plugging our upcoming JANES event. If you're not familiar with JANES, it's the Women's Ministry of Bay Area Fellowship. Since the church's website is undergoing some renovation by our talented multi-media staff, we're praying for our own link on the church page during the updates.
We're so excited about this course, and I plan to post lots of pictures once we get back! If you have questions or want to attend let me know!!
Ropes Course 2007
Date: Saturday, July 28th
Time: 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Meeting Place: Bay Area Fellowship @ 8:30 a.m. or Hobby Lobby in Calallen @ 9:00 a.m.
Cost: $25
Food: Eat a good breakfast and bring a snack. Don't forget sunscreen and water.
Please join us, and if you're too far away to be there in person, pray for a safe and well attended event that will help kickoff our renewed JANES.
We're so excited about this course, and I plan to post lots of pictures once we get back! If you have questions or want to attend let me know!!
Ropes Course 2007
Date: Saturday, July 28th
Time: 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Meeting Place: Bay Area Fellowship @ 8:30 a.m. or Hobby Lobby in Calallen @ 9:00 a.m.
Cost: $25
Food: Eat a good breakfast and bring a snack. Don't forget sunscreen and water.
Please join us, and if you're too far away to be there in person, pray for a safe and well attended event that will help kickoff our renewed JANES.
Saturday, July 7, 2007
A service heart...
After the verse I posted the other day, I've been dwelling on the idea that I'm not doing enough to serve others, to love others. I think I've found my way.
Today I came across http://www.anysoldier.com/. I was completely hooked.
Now, to be fair, they also have the anysailor.com, anymarine.com, anyairman.com, etc., domains; however, anysoldier.com is the original, and comes with a sad but moving story.
But to be brief, here's how it works. This non-profit site lists the contact information for different service members who volunteer to represent units or groups of service members. The individual posts a "wish list," and the site users here in the States (or around the world, really) can preview the information and send packages to these individuals. So where does the "any soldier" part come into play? Items sent are for any soldier in that area. For example, I selected a sailor, and this particular group requested the green SOFFEE t-shirts in XL, beef jerky, and a few other things. Simple, everyday things that they just can't access there for one reason or another.
Most of what these individuals are looking for is letters. Just addressed to "Dear Sailor," or "Dear Soldier," or "Dear Airman." What a simple, easy thing to do! The site even gives ideas on what to write about, making it even easier to get started.
I plan to research the whole site over the next week, just to be sure I understand the process. For understandable reasons, there are many rules and regulations to sending packages to our service members. (Just mailing a package in the US scares the tar out of me, so I'm even more anxious about sending something out of the country!) Nevertheless, I plan to have a package mailed to "Any Sailor" by the end of the month. Wanna join me?
PS -- The soliders addresses are APO/FPOs, so they're not just releasing information. All the DOD regulations apply to this cause, and the site is run by parents of a Iraqi Freedom veteran.
Today I came across http://www.anysoldier.com/. I was completely hooked.
Now, to be fair, they also have the anysailor.com, anymarine.com, anyairman.com, etc., domains; however, anysoldier.com is the original, and comes with a sad but moving story.
But to be brief, here's how it works. This non-profit site lists the contact information for different service members who volunteer to represent units or groups of service members. The individual posts a "wish list," and the site users here in the States (or around the world, really) can preview the information and send packages to these individuals. So where does the "any soldier" part come into play? Items sent are for any soldier in that area. For example, I selected a sailor, and this particular group requested the green SOFFEE t-shirts in XL, beef jerky, and a few other things. Simple, everyday things that they just can't access there for one reason or another.
Most of what these individuals are looking for is letters. Just addressed to "Dear Sailor," or "Dear Soldier," or "Dear Airman." What a simple, easy thing to do! The site even gives ideas on what to write about, making it even easier to get started.
I plan to research the whole site over the next week, just to be sure I understand the process. For understandable reasons, there are many rules and regulations to sending packages to our service members. (Just mailing a package in the US scares the tar out of me, so I'm even more anxious about sending something out of the country!) Nevertheless, I plan to have a package mailed to "Any Sailor" by the end of the month. Wanna join me?
PS -- The soliders addresses are APO/FPOs, so they're not just releasing information. All the DOD regulations apply to this cause, and the site is run by parents of a Iraqi Freedom veteran.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
A great read...
I have a list of blogs I read, all for a variety of reasons. Today I stumbled across this entry from Beth Moore, who discusses seven questions she posed to men about their marriages. Please check it out here!
Freedom...
"For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love." Galatians 5:13 NLT.
I heard this yesterday on my favorite radio station, and then received it in an email from a new Christian friend. Taking this as a hint, I'm making this my life verse. Thought I'd share it with you today, on the day we celebrate our independence and freedoms provided by our forefathers and our military.
I heard this yesterday on my favorite radio station, and then received it in an email from a new Christian friend. Taking this as a hint, I'm making this my life verse. Thought I'd share it with you today, on the day we celebrate our independence and freedoms provided by our forefathers and our military.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Transparency
Today Marva, a woman from our meeting, talked about being transparent in our women's ministry. She said that it was important to let people see who you are from the get go, rather than allowing them to find out later on who you really are.
It's kind of like that first stage of dating, when I'd pretend that you really loved that one band or that one kind of food, or that one car, or that one whatever. I pretended that I never had a bad day, never got frustrated, never felt sick, or tired, or just plain didn't want to do something he did. I made myself "perfect," just so my potential new life-mate would think I was just amazing. Then, later on when I had that life-mate "hooked," I started to be more transparent, more real. I started to not like the things he thought I did, started not to always be happy, bubbly, excited girl.
It's felt like that as a Christian as well: expected to be happy, smiling, always "on." Shouldn't I be? Today another woman, whose name I am at a loss for, said that this was always the picture of the women's ministry she remembered. I imagine that June Cleaver appearance, where you cook, clean, discipline, with a pair of heels and a dress, smile ever present. But she was excited about a new chapter in this journey. We can be transparent, showing that we struggle with the same issues, that we are not alone.
Our struggles are common, are related, are relevant. When we share, we allow others to see that they too can overcome guilt, anxiety, frustration, fear, anger, sadness, and the host of other emotions that the world would have us take on. They can overcome these things become people, women just like them have overcome.
So transparency.
My favorite quote today was, "Ordinary girls, extraordinary God." I love it. A constant theme, and it seems like God's giving me some homework. Click here to see why.
It's kind of like that first stage of dating, when I'd pretend that you really loved that one band or that one kind of food, or that one car, or that one whatever. I pretended that I never had a bad day, never got frustrated, never felt sick, or tired, or just plain didn't want to do something he did. I made myself "perfect," just so my potential new life-mate would think I was just amazing. Then, later on when I had that life-mate "hooked," I started to be more transparent, more real. I started to not like the things he thought I did, started not to always be happy, bubbly, excited girl.
It's felt like that as a Christian as well: expected to be happy, smiling, always "on." Shouldn't I be? Today another woman, whose name I am at a loss for, said that this was always the picture of the women's ministry she remembered. I imagine that June Cleaver appearance, where you cook, clean, discipline, with a pair of heels and a dress, smile ever present. But she was excited about a new chapter in this journey. We can be transparent, showing that we struggle with the same issues, that we are not alone.
Our struggles are common, are related, are relevant. When we share, we allow others to see that they too can overcome guilt, anxiety, frustration, fear, anger, sadness, and the host of other emotions that the world would have us take on. They can overcome these things become people, women just like them have overcome.
So transparency.
My favorite quote today was, "Ordinary girls, extraordinary God." I love it. A constant theme, and it seems like God's giving me some homework. Click here to see why.
Monday, July 2, 2007
Super Friends...
No, not the ones you'd find on the cartoon network.
These are the ones who warm my heart, hold my kids, lift my spirits. They're the ones who remind me what true beauty is. Today some of my super friends helped me in amazing ways. One watched my angels and her own. Thanks SunJane for your willingness to step in to allow me that time with a group of strong Christian women.
Another friend and I attended a women's ministry meeting which included women's leaders from several churches here in our town. It was a humbling and inspiring meeting, where I was completely impressed by their drive, knowledge, and heart for reaching women for God. Knowing that my confidence and strength will grow from a stronger relationship with God, I am praying for the discipline it takes to schedule a regular quiet time with Him. Thanks DaWagna for the encouragement and support... and the ride, too!
Thank you to my friends for helping me to attend this event, and for helping me grow in my walk with Him.
These are the ones who warm my heart, hold my kids, lift my spirits. They're the ones who remind me what true beauty is. Today some of my super friends helped me in amazing ways. One watched my angels and her own. Thanks SunJane for your willingness to step in to allow me that time with a group of strong Christian women.
Another friend and I attended a women's ministry meeting which included women's leaders from several churches here in our town. It was a humbling and inspiring meeting, where I was completely impressed by their drive, knowledge, and heart for reaching women for God. Knowing that my confidence and strength will grow from a stronger relationship with God, I am praying for the discipline it takes to schedule a regular quiet time with Him. Thanks DaWagna for the encouragement and support... and the ride, too!
Thank you to my friends for helping me to attend this event, and for helping me grow in my walk with Him.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
