As much fun as costuming up has been, we finally have a general concensus to exempt Halloween from future family celebrations. (It'd be great to incorporate dressing up into another holiday, though.) I grow more and more leary of Halloween's sinister meanings as the years pass. I'm sitting here watching History Channel's "Cities of the Underworld" now as Miranda taxis her brothers and sisters around tonight. Druids and their costums are nothing to laugh about. You say we've cleaned up the act, that it's all in fun. I say closing our eyes to history is naive. The Bible reprimands the calling of spirits from the dead and the crafting of witches. Does your hoaxing of these things not make your position treacherous? There are principalities with whom we are hardly able to reckon.
You see that I didn't condemn it all and demand that the children forego Halloween (known as Samhain in yesteryear). I asked them to consider it themselves. We watched another informative video. There was no evidence that a celebration of this kind holds any value. It's revealed to me just now that the only "death" holiday that should be reverenced is that of Christ, a true bloody sacrifice so that we don't have to suffer the same destiny.
Besides, is All Hallow's Eve not really one for adults anyway? ...in its originations and even today as I've characterized as "whore and gore". I'm hearing that this occasion's candy sales are topping Valentine's Day's and that decorations sales are topping Christmas's. Why? Ask yourself.
Don't think I've left the other holidays without inspection. The Easter Bunny tradition is a slap in the face to the crucifixion of our Saviour. It's foundations represent the goddess of fertility. Furthermore, lying to our children about the existence of pretend creatures and their abilities is setting up a doubtful mindset of what the real unseen is. When we tell them of the Holy Spirit, then why would they give it much gravity if the Tooth Fairy and Santa Claus have proved to be fallacies and WE parents have portrayed them as realities. What fun is there in tricking our children? There is no "magic" in cartoonish characters bringing presents. BUT, there IS "sweetness" in finding gifts from family members who gave much thought, and often much sacrifice, to show their love.
Lying to children is never okay. We're all given the discernment to know when to divulge details at what ages, but not telling them about our marriages, our finances, our pasts, our concerns, ...about sex, about politics, about sickness is doing their maturity and stability a disservice. They can handle it; what they can't handle is it being suddenly thrust on them ...and expected to absorb and deal with it, while carrying on a regular schedule nonetheless. Come on - WE couldn't even do that. The one thing I'll add is that you shouldn't go against your spouse on anything I've written here. Agreement is paramount. God will hear your concern and work on your behalf, maybe not on your timetable though. Years ago, Mike wouldn't hear of the ways I challenged tradition. Now, he insists we do ...but not from any amount of nagging. God alone has dealt with him.
Prayer covers a multitude of things we'll probably never understand. Before the children left, I thought of having a family prayer, which usually involves a request to the Holy Spirit to guide us in the will of God, but I found it very difficult to utter those words as the kids headed out to partake in this evening. DO NOT get me wrong; OF COURSE, I prayed and am praying for their safe return. You say your own prayer next time you or the kids are readying for this sort of activity and see what kind of taste you get in your mouth. That "taste" is not any better for me just because the little ones are "trunk or treating" at a church somewhere. If anything, my peace is further from me concerning the church's involvement. There is plenty of good to celebrate without deception and "repackaging" darkness.
I almost forgot! I have a postscript: Do you know anyone who practices WICCA, "good" witchcraft? I do. Do you really want to open up that can of worms for your children honoring nights like this one? If there is to be an occasion tonight, why do believers not congregate to explore its history so it doesn't repeat itself. What would happen if we prayed down evil from its pedestal?! Or do you not understand its real and powerful foothold? Look around; from where do you think the current distresses of this country arise?
If you still haven't bought in, tell me this: Where does the theory of covering rottenness with niceties hold together in this life we're living? An ill-tempered child dressed prettily is still rotten. A bad policy smothered with incentives is still rotten. An abuse patted down with make-up is still rotten. You finish the list and please, do tell where the repackaging of a nasty thing blossoms into something beautiful. You say, "Ahh, lighten up; I did it as a child and I'm all right." Open your eyes; it's not all about us and this is not our elementary world. You're raising your child well? Well, then teach them how to discern good from bad. Or would that ruin your fun? Maybe there's more "fun" in the fearless; ones who don't give stage to the frightfulness of demonic practices and prescences.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Ta Ta for Now
You know what my family looks like and I know what yours does. You know what we do and why we do it. For most of you, I can say the same. If I post, then I feel compelled to scan through all your posts, as well. That's just the right thing to do ...right? Micromanaging is not a temptation for some of you ...good for you. If I have you as a "friend" then it's for a reason. Honestly, I tire of reading lengthy writings and never receiving so much as a thumbs up from some you now and then. I get that you don't agree with my every whim or care to read about them. Be sure that if I don't care to read your negativity, cursings, or "sellings", then I've hidden you or deleted you. Is that the right thing to do if I care to be a positive influence? Not sure, but this is "my space" and I have limits, too.
I was on the cusp of retiring Facebook again. A clean break was easy for me last night when Mike put on something he thought funny and I thought sarcastic. I don't "do" sarcasm. I detest it. Whatever you've got to say to me, say straight up ...no grins, no dual meanings. Did I overreact? When everything I do boils down to accusations of hormone swings or suspicion, then I get agitated. I've said before that but my fervor needs to be legitimized without a shadow of question looming over it.
That said, married life has been pretty great the last weeks. I'm sure this is a litmus test. I actually plan to drop the subject but it sealed my fate with Facebook ...for a while anyway. A good friend of mine speaks of "seasons" of a person's life and I agree with her. I've been called to take a bare bones approach to the family over the winter ...in every way. I don't mean to strip us of any excitement, because I do believe life isn't worth living without passion; but patience, preparation, and timing are everything.
I love a challenge. Everyone should have one to feel alive. Right now mine is reinstating the basics. How many of us are running around lacking the fundamentals because we can't stop long enough to consider them? I've asked, technically laid down the law, that sports subside here for the winter season (with the potential exception for one child for good reason). We're well adapted to social and physical arenas, so I hold no regret of cherishing the idea of restoration through the winter, so as to ready for the busyness that warm weather inevitably brings.
Sometimes I fret over everyday things that the kids haven't covered at particular stages. It all usually rounds itself out in the midteens; nevertheless, I don't want to leave any "rock" unturned ...even though I know character trumps all knowledge. As a family we have another challenge to pay off 2 debts next year. Because we've had so many financial ups and downs, we're equipped to baton down the hatches on spending. I get almost "aroused" by the prospect. I love seeing where God provides an opportunity or deal that is so apparently His.
The thing we're missing the most is the very thing I missed in my own childhood - a family togetherness that entailed a living prayer life. I don't mean the kind that requires a kitchen table but does require the active participation of most of the members most of the time. I don't mean the repetitious kind; I mean the believing kind. I mean the kind that expects real workings of God himself ...but does not assume we deserve any such kindness. I mean the kind that changes the future by changing our hearts ...even the physical state of hearts. McKala is to see a cardiologist on Thursday for abnormal symptoms. Another child is to see a doctor that evening for something just as serious. I also believe sincere family prayer binds us together and defeats the attempts to separate our souls from each other ...and our sins from visiting our children, which is no light subject.
When will I be back? Good question. I've thought of trying the "stalker" version that some of you have, not letting anyone know you've been around; that would be just to check in on anyone I'm concerned about. Will I keep blogging? I'm gonna ask God about that one. I had a blog a couple of nights ago regarding the sex toy party I went to. It was light-hearted fun and I get the point; I just know after 22 years of marriage that technique, location, creativity, trust, and comrardy are the keys. I think it would've made an entertaining piece. I am a well of opinions and experience but even though these "blogs" are coming to me more quickly and with better precision, if I'm overriding what needs to be done at home to express them, then my words aren't worthy of the paper or screen space I'm using.
I want to come back reinvigorated. I want to report that the battle with my own dispicline has tilted toward success. I'm hoping my 2 pairs of jeans and 2 bras will be ready to be replaced with smaller sizes. Any of us who frequent social media cannot whine that we've made our best attempt at our best self if we're sitting inordinately on ever spreading rumps and leaning on our ever protruding bellies. Getting to know each other and supporting each other are lovely concepts, but without physically putting in the time on our own turf, getting the dirty work and drudgery done, we can't "put our money where our mouths are".
I was on the cusp of retiring Facebook again. A clean break was easy for me last night when Mike put on something he thought funny and I thought sarcastic. I don't "do" sarcasm. I detest it. Whatever you've got to say to me, say straight up ...no grins, no dual meanings. Did I overreact? When everything I do boils down to accusations of hormone swings or suspicion, then I get agitated. I've said before that but my fervor needs to be legitimized without a shadow of question looming over it.
That said, married life has been pretty great the last weeks. I'm sure this is a litmus test. I actually plan to drop the subject but it sealed my fate with Facebook ...for a while anyway. A good friend of mine speaks of "seasons" of a person's life and I agree with her. I've been called to take a bare bones approach to the family over the winter ...in every way. I don't mean to strip us of any excitement, because I do believe life isn't worth living without passion; but patience, preparation, and timing are everything.
I love a challenge. Everyone should have one to feel alive. Right now mine is reinstating the basics. How many of us are running around lacking the fundamentals because we can't stop long enough to consider them? I've asked, technically laid down the law, that sports subside here for the winter season (with the potential exception for one child for good reason). We're well adapted to social and physical arenas, so I hold no regret of cherishing the idea of restoration through the winter, so as to ready for the busyness that warm weather inevitably brings.
Sometimes I fret over everyday things that the kids haven't covered at particular stages. It all usually rounds itself out in the midteens; nevertheless, I don't want to leave any "rock" unturned ...even though I know character trumps all knowledge. As a family we have another challenge to pay off 2 debts next year. Because we've had so many financial ups and downs, we're equipped to baton down the hatches on spending. I get almost "aroused" by the prospect. I love seeing where God provides an opportunity or deal that is so apparently His.
The thing we're missing the most is the very thing I missed in my own childhood - a family togetherness that entailed a living prayer life. I don't mean the kind that requires a kitchen table but does require the active participation of most of the members most of the time. I don't mean the repetitious kind; I mean the believing kind. I mean the kind that expects real workings of God himself ...but does not assume we deserve any such kindness. I mean the kind that changes the future by changing our hearts ...even the physical state of hearts. McKala is to see a cardiologist on Thursday for abnormal symptoms. Another child is to see a doctor that evening for something just as serious. I also believe sincere family prayer binds us together and defeats the attempts to separate our souls from each other ...and our sins from visiting our children, which is no light subject.
When will I be back? Good question. I've thought of trying the "stalker" version that some of you have, not letting anyone know you've been around; that would be just to check in on anyone I'm concerned about. Will I keep blogging? I'm gonna ask God about that one. I had a blog a couple of nights ago regarding the sex toy party I went to. It was light-hearted fun and I get the point; I just know after 22 years of marriage that technique, location, creativity, trust, and comrardy are the keys. I think it would've made an entertaining piece. I am a well of opinions and experience but even though these "blogs" are coming to me more quickly and with better precision, if I'm overriding what needs to be done at home to express them, then my words aren't worthy of the paper or screen space I'm using.
I want to come back reinvigorated. I want to report that the battle with my own dispicline has tilted toward success. I'm hoping my 2 pairs of jeans and 2 bras will be ready to be replaced with smaller sizes. Any of us who frequent social media cannot whine that we've made our best attempt at our best self if we're sitting inordinately on ever spreading rumps and leaning on our ever protruding bellies. Getting to know each other and supporting each other are lovely concepts, but without physically putting in the time on our own turf, getting the dirty work and drudgery done, we can't "put our money where our mouths are".
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Finding Church
Right now, I'm sitting in a rocker on the front porch overlooking the shadows cast on the property by the late afternoon sun. I like the "stillness" of it all as much as anything. Only the "little ones" and I are here. Macklynn is playing the Wii feverishly and after buttoning my sweater for me (for the first time :), Madalynn is "toting" around a kitten.
"Finding church" has been on the backburner for a while. It always seems like at least one of us is under the weather, out of town (or otherwise engaged), or missing a crucial wardrobe piece. When a child or two requests church going, a parent shouldn't just make the effort, they (we) should make it happen, especially when it concerns serious inquiry into verses like Mark 3:29. This morning it didn't matter that we've fallen back into late bedtimes or that I have unease with "visitor" scrutiny (even having to remember to check my breath). 3 of us managed to form an expeditionary group this morning and went on our way to a church we've been invited to a number of times.
Reality is a good mindset to have before stepping foot into a place of worship. Corruption is the inevitable temptation with authority. Someone in leadership will fall to it, probably because they never should've been there. Ideally church shouldn't be viewed as "school" either. The Sabbath really is a day of WORSHIP, not just learning. There are 6 other days to accomplish that. So, don't "expect" to be served. The desire to be "fed" is commendable, but search your soul for the desire to give. There is always someone who needs to hear your truth. The honest details of your life make you authentic and usable for God's intervention into a life, yes, even if it's just one.
The other thing I thought of on the way down the highway was that I don't want a "feel good" prosperity based preacher, nor do I want a "hell fire" shame based preacher. Oh, and I don't want one who talks "over the heads" of ordinary people and children. I also prefer HE/not SHE use the King James Version Bible (the unadulterated, unbiased truth). Excuse me if I'm looking for the ultimate. I've seen so many teachings and have firmed up my opinions over the years. Whatever insight into life I've gained has suddenly risen to the surface this year in the form of writing and I hope to goodness means something to someone. It's hard for me to swallow my own truth sometimes, so don't think I take it lightly.
In service now, a high school auditorium ...music was loud (which works for me) and quite well played ...the words to praise music always seem watered down to me though. Then, a huge screen the size of the stage dropped down and there was the preacher ...kinda Star Trekish ...he and the backdrop were lifesize but they weren't "real". It took a good 10 or 15 minutes for that to settle in. I thought it was at the very least interesting that the word "church" was written behind him after I'd already decided on this title, "Finding CHURCH". He was preaching what church should be. He said a couple of things early on that I personally felt made his approach weak. It sounds like he's opted out of politics (for what he deems a higher purpose). He spoke of uniting as if in a small community, when I'm trying to step outside the secrecy of small town business and goings on. He went on to say that they have "peacemakers" in their congregation to specifically arbitrate personal differences (which seemed foreign). At that point, one of the children slipped me a note, "We aren't coming back here."
He had sounded too tolerant, too peacable, too feely ...BUT as he spoke with his sleeves rolled up, he made it clear how important cohesiveness is to believers and how important it is to step out of our comfort zone to find a place in a person's heart where we can be trusted. They have a program called "At My Place". It's having people into your home who are put off by the church "building" and what it often erroneously represents. The thing that deeply struck me was the offer of Baptism immediately following the alter call. I completely understand the philosophy of couseling a new salvation to ensure it is indeed "that". This thing was refreshing though. Is it not how John the Baptist operated? The entire audience moved outside and witnessed the "washing away", the outward demonstration of a newly cleaned life. I was so moved at the sincerity and the "in this very moment" happenings that tears fell from my face onto my chest. There is nothing more beautiful than the rebirth of a soul.
Will we go back? Will Mike like it? Will I like how the children are taught? Idk. Idk. Idk. What I do know is that I found something good. Our search for the depth of Christ and those who love him never ends. Our "schooling" is only maximized when we get out there and experience the constant evolutions of men, our surroundings, and our means of knowing God better ...and sharing them. People who don't "know" Him don't understand that we want to "share" Him for nothing else but the ecstasy we want them to "have" with Him.
"Finding church" has been on the backburner for a while. It always seems like at least one of us is under the weather, out of town (or otherwise engaged), or missing a crucial wardrobe piece. When a child or two requests church going, a parent shouldn't just make the effort, they (we) should make it happen, especially when it concerns serious inquiry into verses like Mark 3:29. This morning it didn't matter that we've fallen back into late bedtimes or that I have unease with "visitor" scrutiny (even having to remember to check my breath). 3 of us managed to form an expeditionary group this morning and went on our way to a church we've been invited to a number of times.
Reality is a good mindset to have before stepping foot into a place of worship. Corruption is the inevitable temptation with authority. Someone in leadership will fall to it, probably because they never should've been there. Ideally church shouldn't be viewed as "school" either. The Sabbath really is a day of WORSHIP, not just learning. There are 6 other days to accomplish that. So, don't "expect" to be served. The desire to be "fed" is commendable, but search your soul for the desire to give. There is always someone who needs to hear your truth. The honest details of your life make you authentic and usable for God's intervention into a life, yes, even if it's just one.
The other thing I thought of on the way down the highway was that I don't want a "feel good" prosperity based preacher, nor do I want a "hell fire" shame based preacher. Oh, and I don't want one who talks "over the heads" of ordinary people and children. I also prefer HE/not SHE use the King James Version Bible (the unadulterated, unbiased truth). Excuse me if I'm looking for the ultimate. I've seen so many teachings and have firmed up my opinions over the years. Whatever insight into life I've gained has suddenly risen to the surface this year in the form of writing and I hope to goodness means something to someone. It's hard for me to swallow my own truth sometimes, so don't think I take it lightly.
In service now, a high school auditorium ...music was loud (which works for me) and quite well played ...the words to praise music always seem watered down to me though. Then, a huge screen the size of the stage dropped down and there was the preacher ...kinda Star Trekish ...he and the backdrop were lifesize but they weren't "real". It took a good 10 or 15 minutes for that to settle in. I thought it was at the very least interesting that the word "church" was written behind him after I'd already decided on this title, "Finding CHURCH". He was preaching what church should be. He said a couple of things early on that I personally felt made his approach weak. It sounds like he's opted out of politics (for what he deems a higher purpose). He spoke of uniting as if in a small community, when I'm trying to step outside the secrecy of small town business and goings on. He went on to say that they have "peacemakers" in their congregation to specifically arbitrate personal differences (which seemed foreign). At that point, one of the children slipped me a note, "We aren't coming back here."
He had sounded too tolerant, too peacable, too feely ...BUT as he spoke with his sleeves rolled up, he made it clear how important cohesiveness is to believers and how important it is to step out of our comfort zone to find a place in a person's heart where we can be trusted. They have a program called "At My Place". It's having people into your home who are put off by the church "building" and what it often erroneously represents. The thing that deeply struck me was the offer of Baptism immediately following the alter call. I completely understand the philosophy of couseling a new salvation to ensure it is indeed "that". This thing was refreshing though. Is it not how John the Baptist operated? The entire audience moved outside and witnessed the "washing away", the outward demonstration of a newly cleaned life. I was so moved at the sincerity and the "in this very moment" happenings that tears fell from my face onto my chest. There is nothing more beautiful than the rebirth of a soul.
Will we go back? Will Mike like it? Will I like how the children are taught? Idk. Idk. Idk. What I do know is that I found something good. Our search for the depth of Christ and those who love him never ends. Our "schooling" is only maximized when we get out there and experience the constant evolutions of men, our surroundings, and our means of knowing God better ...and sharing them. People who don't "know" Him don't understand that we want to "share" Him for nothing else but the ecstasy we want them to "have" with Him.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
I Like What I'm Feeling
This past weekend got me to thinking. Although I didn't do much of it, I was reminded how much I love dancing. I love loud music, too. They both go way back for me. The problem is I've enjoyed them at times and in settings in my life when I shouldn't have, and that's left a stain on my impression of them. When I "got my act together", I threw parts of me away. Some of it was becoming a mother, I guess. But why should a husband lose his lover because she's become a mother? Why should strippers reign supreme in the art when it was given to the secrecy of one man and one woman committed eternally to each other?
I have a whole range of things to write about on another day regarding the way we drive ourselves into the ground with busyness, losing the passion that drives us, feeling like we're righteously sacrificing our desires. It may seem a good notion, until our partner disagrees. I see married men (three I can specifically think of right now) around, attractive men who aren't "womanizer" types and would hardly consider jeopardizing their families for a romp. BUT they look distracted, like they're lacking something, maybe lonely, feeling unneeded. If we assume that those guys should "man up", we're probably wrong. He's likely trying; men are vulnerable also. When we lose our physical connection with them, we sever part of the cord that binds us.
I've written before how I desensitized myself with the "just do it" attitude. I wouldn't ask another woman to do that, but I can ask her to be an opportunist. He may be rude, presumptuous, a gawker - deriving his pleasure from attributes of other women. For some men enough is never enough; I get that. I believe for the most part though that the things which drew us together have been cast down after various offenses have separated us. What did he tell you turned him on when he first knew you? Have you let it go or are you enjoying turning someone else on with it? Both are equally wrong.
Listen, I of all people know that our hormones fluctuate, sickness and sadness come and go, tiredness runs rampant. But when those "good" hormones are flowing, be ready to jump on the wagon (or "in the truck") and make a new experience that sets his world on fire. I'm giving "myself" advice right now ...because I'm finally in a place of comfort and passage after all that's happened.
The idea that the marriage bed has any perversion attached to it is quite a feat of the devil. Like anything in life, we can take it too far. In this case, anything that involves visualizing the involvement of a third party is pure destruction, leaving room for self doubt, jealousy, greed, and eventual actuality - involving other people is satan's playground.
All that said, what about YOU makes YOU feel sexy? For some women, it's lingerie. For others, it's long nails or high heels. I don't particularly rock any of that. I do like my hair. I like the way it feels on my body. Hygiene matters and the details of their personal manifestations make for interest. Some people think my bra size indicates others weapons in my cache, but something in my mind has disconnected that sexual appeal while nursing those 7 babies. That's all right though because I'm all about core, so much so that I feel way more sexy when I've worked out my trunk, even if my arms and legs are still "plump". Something about hips appeal to me which is one reason why I love him to approach me from behind at a store, even if its just to talk behind my back. Now ...I KNOW you didn't want to know that, but my question to you is, "What turns YOU on?" Give serious thought to it. We try to be good wives and turn him on, but he really isn't turned "up high" until we're turned on to the same degree. Do what makes you feel confident and bear a big ole smile while you're doing it, not a naughty smile, but a delighted smile ...afterall, he is yours.
Make it a challenge. I have other thoughts on the "challenge" idea, but today it means that we cease being a couple when we cease to please in the most basic, personal ways. I'm gonna go for it. I'm not sure where it'll lead. I'll guard it from filth, but I'm sure it will involve dancing and things I tried to push away (that were never bad on their own). I won't ever be a feast for the eyes naked; haven't been since I brought that first nearly 10 lb baby into existence. I have terrible stretch marks, severe vericose veins, recently occurring cellulite, skin breakouts worse than some teenagers, a scar from a C section, and the list goes on. I could hide under a veil of "conservatism" and just be done with anything but simple sex (which has its own good value, BTW). I actually have an opinion about conservative garb such as the Amish wear. Those women of child bearing age seem not to be fighting vanity but to be covering transgressions of lax health standards ...simply put, they're fat.
"My" fat isn't going to melt away quickly but I continue to help it along. While that transition is happening, I can come up with all kinds of "costumes", if you will, to play up my remaining "good qualities". "Camouflage" is probably a more appropriate word. Is that not what we do daily with make-up and good fitting clothes? Why not have fun with it and pass that fun onto the love of our lives, whether we "like" him all the time or not? There's a chance he would be more "likeable" if he had the release of perfect pleasure with the woman he vowed to mate with for the rest of his life.
Calling him a pervert because you have other priorities, or you have guilt, or you have an "image" in your mind to maintain, or you don't like it to begin with ...is, quite frankly, "your" problem (and mine). So ....we can do all things through Christ ...let's get to doing "them". :)
I have a whole range of things to write about on another day regarding the way we drive ourselves into the ground with busyness, losing the passion that drives us, feeling like we're righteously sacrificing our desires. It may seem a good notion, until our partner disagrees. I see married men (three I can specifically think of right now) around, attractive men who aren't "womanizer" types and would hardly consider jeopardizing their families for a romp. BUT they look distracted, like they're lacking something, maybe lonely, feeling unneeded. If we assume that those guys should "man up", we're probably wrong. He's likely trying; men are vulnerable also. When we lose our physical connection with them, we sever part of the cord that binds us.
I've written before how I desensitized myself with the "just do it" attitude. I wouldn't ask another woman to do that, but I can ask her to be an opportunist. He may be rude, presumptuous, a gawker - deriving his pleasure from attributes of other women. For some men enough is never enough; I get that. I believe for the most part though that the things which drew us together have been cast down after various offenses have separated us. What did he tell you turned him on when he first knew you? Have you let it go or are you enjoying turning someone else on with it? Both are equally wrong.
Listen, I of all people know that our hormones fluctuate, sickness and sadness come and go, tiredness runs rampant. But when those "good" hormones are flowing, be ready to jump on the wagon (or "in the truck") and make a new experience that sets his world on fire. I'm giving "myself" advice right now ...because I'm finally in a place of comfort and passage after all that's happened.
The idea that the marriage bed has any perversion attached to it is quite a feat of the devil. Like anything in life, we can take it too far. In this case, anything that involves visualizing the involvement of a third party is pure destruction, leaving room for self doubt, jealousy, greed, and eventual actuality - involving other people is satan's playground.
All that said, what about YOU makes YOU feel sexy? For some women, it's lingerie. For others, it's long nails or high heels. I don't particularly rock any of that. I do like my hair. I like the way it feels on my body. Hygiene matters and the details of their personal manifestations make for interest. Some people think my bra size indicates others weapons in my cache, but something in my mind has disconnected that sexual appeal while nursing those 7 babies. That's all right though because I'm all about core, so much so that I feel way more sexy when I've worked out my trunk, even if my arms and legs are still "plump". Something about hips appeal to me which is one reason why I love him to approach me from behind at a store, even if its just to talk behind my back. Now ...I KNOW you didn't want to know that, but my question to you is, "What turns YOU on?" Give serious thought to it. We try to be good wives and turn him on, but he really isn't turned "up high" until we're turned on to the same degree. Do what makes you feel confident and bear a big ole smile while you're doing it, not a naughty smile, but a delighted smile ...afterall, he is yours.
Make it a challenge. I have other thoughts on the "challenge" idea, but today it means that we cease being a couple when we cease to please in the most basic, personal ways. I'm gonna go for it. I'm not sure where it'll lead. I'll guard it from filth, but I'm sure it will involve dancing and things I tried to push away (that were never bad on their own). I won't ever be a feast for the eyes naked; haven't been since I brought that first nearly 10 lb baby into existence. I have terrible stretch marks, severe vericose veins, recently occurring cellulite, skin breakouts worse than some teenagers, a scar from a C section, and the list goes on. I could hide under a veil of "conservatism" and just be done with anything but simple sex (which has its own good value, BTW). I actually have an opinion about conservative garb such as the Amish wear. Those women of child bearing age seem not to be fighting vanity but to be covering transgressions of lax health standards ...simply put, they're fat.
"My" fat isn't going to melt away quickly but I continue to help it along. While that transition is happening, I can come up with all kinds of "costumes", if you will, to play up my remaining "good qualities". "Camouflage" is probably a more appropriate word. Is that not what we do daily with make-up and good fitting clothes? Why not have fun with it and pass that fun onto the love of our lives, whether we "like" him all the time or not? There's a chance he would be more "likeable" if he had the release of perfect pleasure with the woman he vowed to mate with for the rest of his life.
Calling him a pervert because you have other priorities, or you have guilt, or you have an "image" in your mind to maintain, or you don't like it to begin with ...is, quite frankly, "your" problem (and mine). So ....we can do all things through Christ ...let's get to doing "them". :)
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
A 21 Year Old, Her Mother, and Atlanta
Let me say first that I am honored that Megan would want her mother involved in the celebration of her 21st birthday. Her father was hurt that his participation wasn't highly sought after, but it really did turn into a girls' night out and I know she would've never let loose if he were within sight - even for the tamest of dance.
I got up Saturday and was driving south before long. Most of you should know by now that Megan lives near our families just south of Atlanta. Mike's sister, Aunt Mandy, and I go way back to middle school. She coordinated the event with the 27th birthday of a mutual friend of theirs. She also volunteered to be the DD. There were plans for almost 20 of us to meet up for dinner at some higher end place in the city, but it was to be of no avail, so the core group for Megan's party just sat it down at Longhorn. We made some great selections and getting to see Alabama put 2 scores up before we left got my night started out nicely.
Watching improv was to be the highlight of the evening. Indeed, it was. I'm hardly a pessimist, but I had reservations about just how entertaining it would be. Their couches and audience participation set up a cozy atmosphere of barrier removal. I burst out laughing, slapping my hands together ...even when I didn't want to. There was one girl in particular I have nothing less than anticipation for her stardom. Her name is Lauren ...(so I can say I told ya so). A perfect impersonation of Jimmy Stewart was done by "Mark", who also happens to be black, proving his exceptional abilities. I'll be looking for him, too.
When it was over, there was some cuttin' up and picture taking 'til everyone could decide where to gravitate to next. We set out following one of the guys (even though he wore those creepy white elf shoes which was Pied Piperish ;) to a hangout familiar to him. The guy carding took a close look at Megan's and overemphasized his "stamp" of approval, even though she lacked 2 hours being 21 - very cool of him. Like any place around 10 pm, it was low key to begin with. Megan was coerced to the floor early on, showing some of her "zumba" skills (chuckles) in her teal green dress and nice new boots and ...birthday bling.
I've yet to mention Aunt Jennifer, my brother's (ex) wife but my (forever) sister (not "in-law" but "in-love"). She was also a DD and had brought along her 21 year old friend. We worked the spectrum of ages very well. Jennifer and I spotted a good "viewing" corner quickly and set up camp with purses and coats. At The Improv, I'd hit on a good Oktoberfest, Fat Tire, (which a guy at the bar thought was funny to hear me say ...I should've told him a few more things :/ ). There were plenty of guys who didn't have a problem with "fat tires"; but I sat in the corner for nearly 3 hours, people watching with Jennifer. We saw things that we thought we should "learn to do" and ...some things that made us ...well ...flinch.
Apparently, corner sitters are magnetics for people who need a challenge. Thanks to my dear daughter, I got not 1 but 2 "lap" dances by young men who by all appearances "had some practice at it". On Megan's behalf, I'll say she had NO idea that's what would happen. On MY behalf , I'll say that they were nothing like the videos Mike found on the computer of male lap dancing. AND I did hold my purse like an old lady to keep some space and I think I even hit one of them with it. All 3 of us "old ladies" could've done well for ourselves but we kept it decent and accountable.
We didn't do any bar hopping because once the place was packed upstairs and down, I guess no one had any real reason to leave. Sometime before 2 am, we all decided the crowd was too aggressive and it was time to mosey on back. 4 of us stopped to eat, but I didn't have anything. They didn't let me live that down, since it's some kind of sin NOT to eat at Waffle House, but I felt so good and had such BAD hickups and ...was bent on not wasting the leftovers from Longhorn. Some time before 4 am, Megan and I crashed in my niece's bed. The "deed" was done: she'd gotten into a real bar - didn't get even close to drunk, danced her herself tired, and got to witness firsthand the indecency that comes in the wee hours of partying. Some people might have a problem with how we rang in her year but I know different. She learned something.
Sunday, first full day of 21, she slept 'til noon. We sat around in our PJs and talked with Aunt Mandy 'til 3 pm. (I said it while I was down there, but it bears repeating, "I like her (Mandy) more every time we get to talk," which is rarely.) We drove over to Mom and Dad's for an hour or so. Dad was building as usual and Mom was driving my cheerful little niece, Maggie, around on the 4 wheeler. Megan wanted to do the "mature 21", so some of us regrouped and went out for Mexican. I managed to squeeze in a prayer. I think it was a surprise to the crowd on the whole, but I thanked God (not flipantly, but with a smile) for the "survival" of the night before and asked for help that we live the week by that thanks.
Then there were two, Megan and me. She had begged earlier in the day that Mike approve my spending the night with her at her place, before returning home. So, we rode around a little looking for something else to do. I make no apology that I bought her her first "Irish Carbomb", although she was none too impressed and I had to finish it. She always defaults to the theater and the new "Footloose" was showing at 10 pm; so although it's not "family friendly" in my view, as 2 adults we enjoyed the dancing and music ...especially, since we were the only ones there. Yes, the Harpers shut another place down. And, yes, we danced all the way down the steps and out the door when it was over. Another yes, Megan is a well adjusted, reliable, fantastic adult with an angelic coutenance. One more yes, I like the woman we've helped fashion and whom God has abounded.
I got up Saturday and was driving south before long. Most of you should know by now that Megan lives near our families just south of Atlanta. Mike's sister, Aunt Mandy, and I go way back to middle school. She coordinated the event with the 27th birthday of a mutual friend of theirs. She also volunteered to be the DD. There were plans for almost 20 of us to meet up for dinner at some higher end place in the city, but it was to be of no avail, so the core group for Megan's party just sat it down at Longhorn. We made some great selections and getting to see Alabama put 2 scores up before we left got my night started out nicely.
Watching improv was to be the highlight of the evening. Indeed, it was. I'm hardly a pessimist, but I had reservations about just how entertaining it would be. Their couches and audience participation set up a cozy atmosphere of barrier removal. I burst out laughing, slapping my hands together ...even when I didn't want to. There was one girl in particular I have nothing less than anticipation for her stardom. Her name is Lauren ...(so I can say I told ya so). A perfect impersonation of Jimmy Stewart was done by "Mark", who also happens to be black, proving his exceptional abilities. I'll be looking for him, too.
When it was over, there was some cuttin' up and picture taking 'til everyone could decide where to gravitate to next. We set out following one of the guys (even though he wore those creepy white elf shoes which was Pied Piperish ;) to a hangout familiar to him. The guy carding took a close look at Megan's and overemphasized his "stamp" of approval, even though she lacked 2 hours being 21 - very cool of him. Like any place around 10 pm, it was low key to begin with. Megan was coerced to the floor early on, showing some of her "zumba" skills (chuckles) in her teal green dress and nice new boots and ...birthday bling.
I've yet to mention Aunt Jennifer, my brother's (ex) wife but my (forever) sister (not "in-law" but "in-love"). She was also a DD and had brought along her 21 year old friend. We worked the spectrum of ages very well. Jennifer and I spotted a good "viewing" corner quickly and set up camp with purses and coats. At The Improv, I'd hit on a good Oktoberfest, Fat Tire, (which a guy at the bar thought was funny to hear me say ...I should've told him a few more things :/ ). There were plenty of guys who didn't have a problem with "fat tires"; but I sat in the corner for nearly 3 hours, people watching with Jennifer. We saw things that we thought we should "learn to do" and ...some things that made us ...well ...flinch.
Apparently, corner sitters are magnetics for people who need a challenge. Thanks to my dear daughter, I got not 1 but 2 "lap" dances by young men who by all appearances "had some practice at it". On Megan's behalf, I'll say she had NO idea that's what would happen. On MY behalf , I'll say that they were nothing like the videos Mike found on the computer of male lap dancing. AND I did hold my purse like an old lady to keep some space and I think I even hit one of them with it. All 3 of us "old ladies" could've done well for ourselves but we kept it decent and accountable.
We didn't do any bar hopping because once the place was packed upstairs and down, I guess no one had any real reason to leave. Sometime before 2 am, we all decided the crowd was too aggressive and it was time to mosey on back. 4 of us stopped to eat, but I didn't have anything. They didn't let me live that down, since it's some kind of sin NOT to eat at Waffle House, but I felt so good and had such BAD hickups and ...was bent on not wasting the leftovers from Longhorn. Some time before 4 am, Megan and I crashed in my niece's bed. The "deed" was done: she'd gotten into a real bar - didn't get even close to drunk, danced her herself tired, and got to witness firsthand the indecency that comes in the wee hours of partying. Some people might have a problem with how we rang in her year but I know different. She learned something.
Sunday, first full day of 21, she slept 'til noon. We sat around in our PJs and talked with Aunt Mandy 'til 3 pm. (I said it while I was down there, but it bears repeating, "I like her (Mandy) more every time we get to talk," which is rarely.) We drove over to Mom and Dad's for an hour or so. Dad was building as usual and Mom was driving my cheerful little niece, Maggie, around on the 4 wheeler. Megan wanted to do the "mature 21", so some of us regrouped and went out for Mexican. I managed to squeeze in a prayer. I think it was a surprise to the crowd on the whole, but I thanked God (not flipantly, but with a smile) for the "survival" of the night before and asked for help that we live the week by that thanks.
Then there were two, Megan and me. She had begged earlier in the day that Mike approve my spending the night with her at her place, before returning home. So, we rode around a little looking for something else to do. I make no apology that I bought her her first "Irish Carbomb", although she was none too impressed and I had to finish it. She always defaults to the theater and the new "Footloose" was showing at 10 pm; so although it's not "family friendly" in my view, as 2 adults we enjoyed the dancing and music ...especially, since we were the only ones there. Yes, the Harpers shut another place down. And, yes, we danced all the way down the steps and out the door when it was over. Another yes, Megan is a well adjusted, reliable, fantastic adult with an angelic coutenance. One more yes, I like the woman we've helped fashion and whom God has abounded.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
What Could've Been
It's 2:30 am and Miranda was due home an hour and a half ago. She has become good friends with a guy who is 3 years older than she. When he asked her to go to a big fair to see a group they both like a lot, we said yes, but Mike and I told her we would go on our own and just "be" there. See, we aren't fans of sending our children out to test the waters in their own one on one "spaces". It turned out that night both our boys' teams scheduled ball games. Mike misses a lot of them on the road, so after he'd sent Miranda a thorough and sincere message, we let her go alone, but not before he told him to "bring his baby home safe".
It's 2:52 and she's here. They had such a good time at the fair that he asked her to go to another concert tonight. For the life of me why we felt okay to let her go just because there would be several of them, I don't know. Since Mike is in Maine, it was up to me to have the talk with him about drinking and purity accountability. Soon after I began, he took off his sunglasses to look me eye to eye, which I considered a high form of respect. As they were leaving, he said they were meeting up with someone with a bigger vehicle. An alarm should have gone off, but I was helping McKala find something that was lost before she headed off to camp with Megan (who'd just arrived from Georgia AND with a tremendous "mess" her German Shepherd mix had made when he'd became frantic earlier).
She just kissed me and went to bed. She called and said the woman who was driving had disappeared as soon as they got there and would not admit how much alcohol she'd had. When they confronted ...she sped off, leaving them in downtown Charlotte (1 1/2 hours from here). As I was getting all this information from Miranda, one of the guys got in touch with his aunt who was leaving to get them, but from more than an hour away. I should've just left and gone for them myself and that's what Mike is going to say when he reads this. I'd busied myself tonight exchanging seasons in Macklynn's closet and drawers. When I finally sat down, thoughts began to course through my mind of them "alone" together in a parking lot and being prime candidates for predators. I did the concert scene in Atlanta, so that's my perspective. Apparently, this is a nicer area.
She probably went to sleep with a smile on her face. So, there she was, 50 degrees outside, while McKala and Megan are at one of the best camps anywhere all snug in their Cabela's sleeping bags. As I looked over at Madalynn asleep on the couch beside me and Macklynn asleep on the loveseat, I suddenly felt a huge pang of guilt. I know she's almost grown, but she still depends on our protection and I flat out dropped the ball. Turns out the conversation in the cold of the parking lot and under brotherlike protection, she had a better time than at the concert - like some sort of adventure, I suppose. It wasn't for lack of my prayers of hedge around them.
I hope her dreams are sweet right now. When I got the call that they were on their way, my wall was taken with flood waters. It wasn't that I didn't believe that God would handle this. It was just that I was so utterly thankful. I have an iron stomach and am almost never nauseous (as shown by the thickness of my physique ;), but I really thought I would vomit. When they finally got here, she was laughing and trying to get out quickly. He was thinking of "getting out of dodge". First I asked him if he'd met my Pitbull who was trying to make her way in while Miranda was getting out. In all seriousness though, I told him I didn't care what time it was. He did what I asked him to do. Their plans had fallen apart but the most important one stayed in tact. How could I be mad? He got her here undamaged and I thanked him for it.
4:05 and it's time for me to sleep. I'm still wondering what all I'll learn from tonight, but I'm having a hard time getting past the idea of stomping the driver's rearend for selfishly indulging and belligerently refusing to allow another driver, then leaving our not even 17 (until next week) year old in the city on a cold night. I'm certain the young woman needs prayer ...so y'all do that for her ...just in case I ever come face to face with her and beat her senseless ...not really, but it sure sounds good right now.
It's 2:52 and she's here. They had such a good time at the fair that he asked her to go to another concert tonight. For the life of me why we felt okay to let her go just because there would be several of them, I don't know. Since Mike is in Maine, it was up to me to have the talk with him about drinking and purity accountability. Soon after I began, he took off his sunglasses to look me eye to eye, which I considered a high form of respect. As they were leaving, he said they were meeting up with someone with a bigger vehicle. An alarm should have gone off, but I was helping McKala find something that was lost before she headed off to camp with Megan (who'd just arrived from Georgia AND with a tremendous "mess" her German Shepherd mix had made when he'd became frantic earlier).
She just kissed me and went to bed. She called and said the woman who was driving had disappeared as soon as they got there and would not admit how much alcohol she'd had. When they confronted ...she sped off, leaving them in downtown Charlotte (1 1/2 hours from here). As I was getting all this information from Miranda, one of the guys got in touch with his aunt who was leaving to get them, but from more than an hour away. I should've just left and gone for them myself and that's what Mike is going to say when he reads this. I'd busied myself tonight exchanging seasons in Macklynn's closet and drawers. When I finally sat down, thoughts began to course through my mind of them "alone" together in a parking lot and being prime candidates for predators. I did the concert scene in Atlanta, so that's my perspective. Apparently, this is a nicer area.
She probably went to sleep with a smile on her face. So, there she was, 50 degrees outside, while McKala and Megan are at one of the best camps anywhere all snug in their Cabela's sleeping bags. As I looked over at Madalynn asleep on the couch beside me and Macklynn asleep on the loveseat, I suddenly felt a huge pang of guilt. I know she's almost grown, but she still depends on our protection and I flat out dropped the ball. Turns out the conversation in the cold of the parking lot and under brotherlike protection, she had a better time than at the concert - like some sort of adventure, I suppose. It wasn't for lack of my prayers of hedge around them.
I hope her dreams are sweet right now. When I got the call that they were on their way, my wall was taken with flood waters. It wasn't that I didn't believe that God would handle this. It was just that I was so utterly thankful. I have an iron stomach and am almost never nauseous (as shown by the thickness of my physique ;), but I really thought I would vomit. When they finally got here, she was laughing and trying to get out quickly. He was thinking of "getting out of dodge". First I asked him if he'd met my Pitbull who was trying to make her way in while Miranda was getting out. In all seriousness though, I told him I didn't care what time it was. He did what I asked him to do. Their plans had fallen apart but the most important one stayed in tact. How could I be mad? He got her here undamaged and I thanked him for it.
4:05 and it's time for me to sleep. I'm still wondering what all I'll learn from tonight, but I'm having a hard time getting past the idea of stomping the driver's rearend for selfishly indulging and belligerently refusing to allow another driver, then leaving our not even 17 (until next week) year old in the city on a cold night. I'm certain the young woman needs prayer ...so y'all do that for her ...just in case I ever come face to face with her and beat her senseless ...not really, but it sure sounds good right now.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Busted
We just got home from Michael's team's first victory and Macklynn's first Ultimate (no tackle) Football. Macklynn managed some bloodshed anyway ...figures. In trying to check my messages on Facebook, I'm flashed with "not accessable right now" ...hmmm ....that figures too after "someone" sent my private messages from the weekend to my husband while he was in New England. Since I know a lot of "smart" people, it could've been any number of engineering graduates, hackers, networkers, or maybe my dear old husband "keeping a clean house".
"What's to hide, Michelle?" you ask. Well, I didn't think that much, but reading the sincere and heated debate with a hardcore Atheist in retrospect doesn't look so good. I loosened up to appear more personable. He hinted at something more than the issue at hand several times. I ignored some of it or answered wisely that my husband works hard and has been quite the fighter lately. My pitfall was a comment (to a brazen statement) made in sarcasm. I really set myself up for it with my terminology, but my reply was "sex with an atheist ...wouldn't that be an ironic downfall". I meant that he was working on entrapment to use against me and my arguments. For all I know, he already has, since it's laid out nice and clear on my husband's computer.
The real problem is that Mike, knowing all the time thatI had given to the conversation, asked that I let him read it. I knew I hadn't stepped out of line but panicked when I realized I had "let" that guy talk to me in such a way. I panicked and deleted all the overfriendly comments he made ...while Mike was watching them disappear ...not good. I had been able to overlook the insinuations because, to be honest, most men when in conversation long enough, resort to some kind of flirting. I felt like he was really trying to throw me off my points (which were coming fast and furious). "Our" men can't possibly understand how hard it is for us women to have plutonic talk with other men. Getting "hit on" during serious conversation is aggravating and ...distracting at the same time and ...they know it. I suppose I've developed a kind of desensitization, or have I?
The other problem is that sometime over the years of marital woes, I began to appreciate the attention of men. (To be honest, I've been that way since I was old enough to understand the effect a woman can have on a man, so my unfortunate husband "inherited" this "me".) I don't just mean the "get down on it" attention, but the conversation (not from married men, mind you) that recognized my intellect, humor, and opinions. It's ever so easy to give yourself away a tidbit at a time. So, was I falling into that pit again even though my original intentions were nothing but pure? Satan knows me well and sends penetrating darts of his personalized poison for me when I sway from my own "policies". I'd determined not to have any "private" messages with men. I broke my own rule in the name of defending my Christian beliefs. I could've gotten lost on the way (and obviously someone else thought so, too). That's why the Bible talks about the narrow road ...which is getting more and more narrow as I get nearer to my own end.
I've mentioned this before but I need to draw it back from the "library" and recite that the ideal defense from the act of "accepting" flirtations is to not desire the "approval" to start with. To not "need" acceptance is to be walking in line with God's will day in and day out. We are our most beautiful selves when He is shining from every aspect of our humanity. The next defense is that of having a solid reassurance of love and respect from our own partners.
The last sentence of my last blog was about trust. It's profound that my own words have been leveled against me. Mike should be strikken with doubt and is, but somehow is also enjoying the level playing field. I said it this morning and will say it again: that perhaps I should thank my Atheist "ex-friend", who lasted all of 3 days, for contributing to the onset of the most excellent evening "experience" that Mike and I have had in a couple of years. I guess we're more strange than I thought ...no, not in some twisted way but in our way of conquering the world.
Point from all this is ...God's presence is all seeing but someone else's might be, too. Keep it real, right, and ready to reveal ...because you might just be asked to ...and if you've failed to be loyal, your life could change overnight. Mine is on the upswing, believe it or not, but is so busy with sports, season change, another rash of birthdays, and attention to mental astuteness (and boys to our girls) that I can't keep up the pace with my Facebook Friends, who truly, for the most part, are my real friends. I love the ideal of balance but I have to own the ebb and flow that my life takes. While I'm "busted", I might as well slink away for a while, but I plan on coming back bigger and better.
"What's to hide, Michelle?" you ask. Well, I didn't think that much, but reading the sincere and heated debate with a hardcore Atheist in retrospect doesn't look so good. I loosened up to appear more personable. He hinted at something more than the issue at hand several times. I ignored some of it or answered wisely that my husband works hard and has been quite the fighter lately. My pitfall was a comment (to a brazen statement) made in sarcasm. I really set myself up for it with my terminology, but my reply was "sex with an atheist ...wouldn't that be an ironic downfall". I meant that he was working on entrapment to use against me and my arguments. For all I know, he already has, since it's laid out nice and clear on my husband's computer.
The real problem is that Mike, knowing all the time thatI had given to the conversation, asked that I let him read it. I knew I hadn't stepped out of line but panicked when I realized I had "let" that guy talk to me in such a way. I panicked and deleted all the overfriendly comments he made ...while Mike was watching them disappear ...not good. I had been able to overlook the insinuations because, to be honest, most men when in conversation long enough, resort to some kind of flirting. I felt like he was really trying to throw me off my points (which were coming fast and furious). "Our" men can't possibly understand how hard it is for us women to have plutonic talk with other men. Getting "hit on" during serious conversation is aggravating and ...distracting at the same time and ...they know it. I suppose I've developed a kind of desensitization, or have I?
The other problem is that sometime over the years of marital woes, I began to appreciate the attention of men. (To be honest, I've been that way since I was old enough to understand the effect a woman can have on a man, so my unfortunate husband "inherited" this "me".) I don't just mean the "get down on it" attention, but the conversation (not from married men, mind you) that recognized my intellect, humor, and opinions. It's ever so easy to give yourself away a tidbit at a time. So, was I falling into that pit again even though my original intentions were nothing but pure? Satan knows me well and sends penetrating darts of his personalized poison for me when I sway from my own "policies". I'd determined not to have any "private" messages with men. I broke my own rule in the name of defending my Christian beliefs. I could've gotten lost on the way (and obviously someone else thought so, too). That's why the Bible talks about the narrow road ...which is getting more and more narrow as I get nearer to my own end.
I've mentioned this before but I need to draw it back from the "library" and recite that the ideal defense from the act of "accepting" flirtations is to not desire the "approval" to start with. To not "need" acceptance is to be walking in line with God's will day in and day out. We are our most beautiful selves when He is shining from every aspect of our humanity. The next defense is that of having a solid reassurance of love and respect from our own partners.
The last sentence of my last blog was about trust. It's profound that my own words have been leveled against me. Mike should be strikken with doubt and is, but somehow is also enjoying the level playing field. I said it this morning and will say it again: that perhaps I should thank my Atheist "ex-friend", who lasted all of 3 days, for contributing to the onset of the most excellent evening "experience" that Mike and I have had in a couple of years. I guess we're more strange than I thought ...no, not in some twisted way but in our way of conquering the world.
Point from all this is ...God's presence is all seeing but someone else's might be, too. Keep it real, right, and ready to reveal ...because you might just be asked to ...and if you've failed to be loyal, your life could change overnight. Mine is on the upswing, believe it or not, but is so busy with sports, season change, another rash of birthdays, and attention to mental astuteness (and boys to our girls) that I can't keep up the pace with my Facebook Friends, who truly, for the most part, are my real friends. I love the ideal of balance but I have to own the ebb and flow that my life takes. While I'm "busted", I might as well slink away for a while, but I plan on coming back bigger and better.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)