The Short Story

Practicing Contentment

2010-09-15T07:31:00.000-07:00

Living overseas in quite an interesting endeavor. Can I get an amen from all my fellow ex-pats living all over the world. I feel like I have so much to journal, so much I want to have written down about my experience here, but where do I begin? I decided to just start with what is on my heart.

Paul says in Philippians that he has learned to be content in whatever the circumstances. I was thinking about this... as a very young married mother of two precious little girls, I had to practice being content. We had to budget every penny. If I wanted to buy a Diet Coke, I had to work it into the budget. I also remember thinking to myself, "If I could just have a maid, even if just once a month, life would be so much easier." I was easy to fall into to thinking that those things would make life easy and then I would be content. I knew the truth, that those things would not make me content, that my contentment lay in Christ alone. Putting all my trust and hope in Him is where contentment was found. I knew this, but I had to practice it.

Now I find myself with no real expenses, because as an expat, the company pays those. So I buy lots and lots of Diet Coke. Actually, these days I buy Coke Zero. Guess what I also have a maid. Still, I have to practice contentment. Things are hard. They are a different kind of hard than things were as a young bride and mother, but still hard.

This is what I know, true contentment comes from God alone. I must continue to practice contentment. I must take each thought captive and make it obedient to Christ(2 Cor. 10:5).

I'd like to write a list of all the things I think are hard about living over seas. I would love to have a log. Some of my list would include lack of language, loneliness, garbage just dumped on the streets, and poverty that is so heart breaking, you don't even know where to begin to help, so you become numb. On a lighter note, there is not any prewashed bagged lettuce, no drive-thrus, small rolls of toilet paper (at least there is toilet paper, right?), cats, cats and more cats. These things are certainly challenges, but I know I am blessed. I am like one of my children when they complain, but really should be thinking about what they are thankful for.

I think looking back on that young mother, learning to budget and learning to clean, or not to clean and just letting some things go so I could spend time with my kids, was good for me. Mostly learning contentment was good for me. I haven't learned it completely though. I have to practice it. I don't practice everyday. I often give into thinking on the hard. However, I know that as I look back on this hard I will see all that I have learned and gained.

It will be rich.
Phl 4:19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

The lyrics to this song are great for me to dwell on as I take every thought captive. O and next time, perhaps I should write my list of all I have to be thankful for. (Practicing Contentment)

In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm

What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless Babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save

Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live, I live

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again

And as He stands in victory
Sin?s curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From a life?s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny

No power of hell, no scheme of man
Could ever pluck me from His hand
?Til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I stand

I will stand, I will stand
All other ground is sinking sand
All other ground, all other ground
Is sinking sand, is sinking sand
So I stand

That's Just the Way He Rolls

2010-01-28T02:50:00.000-08:00

No blogging for so long and I have so much to tell. I must write about giving birth in a foreign country and so much more, but I will save that for another day. Since this blog is for me so I can have a record of all that is going on I must announce. He did it. Today my precious baby rolled all the way over from back to tummy. Right now he is stuck on his tummy and not too happy about it. I guess he has forgotten he already knows how to roll from his tummy to his back. I just rescued him from tummy torture expecting a smile and a laugh, or at least a coo. You know what I got, spit up on. That's just the way he rolls. Smiles and giggles for another time.
In other news...Hubby left the country for work, and the water heater went out. Since I don't know how to say, "water heater broken" in arabic, I felt a bit like we would be taking cold showers through Saturday. Hubby to the rescue. He got someone to come out and the driver served as my translator. All is well. When I want to complain I should just remember that we got it fixed for only about $30.00. Not too shabby.

A Warm Shower and a Clean Bed

2009-07-05T07:10:00.001-07:00

Do you remember how you felt after a day spent at the State Fair? I always felt hot, tired, and more than ready for a shower. The things I saw were neat and the food was something I wasn't used to eating on a regular basis,but I liked it. I always enjoyed going, and was glad I went, but nothing was better than getting home and hopping into a shower and into my clean bed. This is sort of how I feel when we leave our house, here in Tunisia. One thing I have realized, America is very clean...or at least Flower Mound, TX.

We have been here for two weeks. So far so good. The girls' are enjoying swimming everyday. I am thankful that Mr. P got the satellite TV and Internet set up before we got here. We are spending lots of time at home, and these luxuries are proving to be very welcome sources of ways to spend our time.

Right now I am getting my dish washer and washer/dryer delivered. I mean at this very moment. I am very excited for this. Hand washing dishes is no big deal, but this will be very nice. I also don't mind hanging the clothes out to dry, but this will be a nice luxury. Funny thing, I never thought of drying my clothes in the dryer as a luxury. Yeah!!! I was worried that they would not be able to find our house as we have no house number, but they did and I am one happy girl. I guess you don't really need a house number. Who knew?

Friday night Mr. P ordered the Mediterrean Medley. Apparently even though we were sitting right on the Mediterrean, it still somehow managed to go bad before it hit his system. Much of Friday night and Saturday he was very sick with food poisioning.

Last night some of the American friends we have made at church had us over for a 4th of July party. It was truly a blessing. They probably had no idea how much we were looking forward to going. We cooked out of the roof and enjoyed homemade ice cream. As I was helping bring a tray of the dirty dishes and ice cream down the stairs, I somehow lost my footing and fell down the staircase. A hard marble tile staircase. Can you picture it...almost eight months pregnant, ice cream flying everywhere? It was quite a sight, and I have quite a bruise to show for it. There were 13 kids at the party. They even lit up some Tunisian fireworks. Did you know that SOS pads, or brillo pads can actually double as sparklers? Me either. The girls' really enjoyed it. We took a taxi home. Us three girls' piled in the back seat of a car that is about the size of a ford festiva. Windows down, cruisin the streets of Tunisia with the radio blaring some real American music, and some Aarabic music. The only problem, we could understand the lyrics to that real American music, and were hoping that our children were not really listening. Apparently in a country where they don't understand the lyrics, they are not required to play the clean version of any song. Anyways it was a great 4th of July, and I was so happy to get home, hop into the shower and into my clean bed.

It's the Final Countdown

2009-05-31T02:13:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been since Thanksgiving that I posted. I guess facebook has taken over. It's much easier to post on. Just one sentence that's all you need.

A lot has taken place since my last post. We are expecting a baby boy September
8th. If that wasn't enough big events for one year, we also found out we are moving to Africa. Tunisia. And that is what the final countdown is all about. We leave June 18th. I have no idea what to expect. I am certain it will be a neat experience. I am anxious to see what God has in store. I know there must be something, because I can look back at the last nine or so years of my life and see how He has been preparing me for this. I can tell you there is no way I would have this kind of peace regarding this move without knowing that He has orchestrated this. I don't know what lies ahead, but hopefully my blog can serve as a sort of journal for me of what this preparation has been all about. I'd love for you to read along if you like, but really writing will be a way for me to journal this great adventure that I know God is taking our family on.

My prayer is this, that our family would grow closer to the Lord and closer as a family as a result of this move. I am excited for what is in store.

Isa. 52:12 But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the Lord will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard.

Thanksgiving in ABQ

2008-12-07T20:13:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for the boys who did the dishes this Thanksgiving

Choir Practice...must see

2008-11-22T21:21:00.000-08:00

"This was the opening video for our Student Fall Retreat called "You've Got Talent." Everyone is asking what inspired this. Here is goes... 1) We needed a great opening video that caught everyone off guard, and set the the tone for the weekend. 2) With this idea in mind, we thought we could use this video as a great object lesson about media choices (kinda creepy hearing your grandparents sing some of this), and 3) this has been a GREAT transgenerational culture experiment. It has totally bridged a gap with our Senior adults and our students. Hope you enjoy!"
(This is what the More Info said)

Red Raider Football

2008-11-07T16:26:00.001-08:00

We headed to Lubbock for the Texas Game. What more can I say.

2008-10-29T07:20:00.000-07:00

Thanks Laughterthoughts for the link.

Texas Tech vs. Texas A&M

2008-10-25T12:45:00.000-07:00

We went to College Station to see those Red Raiders and more importantly see some long time friends. What a great weekend!

Family Reunion

2008-10-07T14:40:00.000-07:00

Cookie Cake

2008-08-25T14:43:00.000-07:00

My mom always made cookies on the first day of school. The tradition carries on and my kids look forward to their "first day" cookies every year. This year they wanted cookie cake. Don't laugh at my decorating attempt...and yes that is basket weave on the right hand side. I was testing out all the frosting tips.

First Day of School

2008-08-25T14:37:00.000-07:00

Tatuh Tots

2008-08-15T18:56:00.000-07:00

If you love Flo Mo and Crispy fried potatoes, I can almost guarantee a good laugh.

Family Vacation

2008-08-13T17:02:00.000-07:00

Yeah! I did a slideshow. I'll get better. The picture of a house belongs to Hannah Montana (or so we've been told). There are pictures at the beach, Disneyland, and on a boat trip we took.

Blondestar

2008-08-13T16:41:00.000-07:00

This is an oldie, but it always makes me laugh.

I'm Really Not That Flaky

2008-07-28T20:28:00.000-07:00

If the words, "I'm really not that flaky" come out of your mouth more than three times in one week you really do have some things that you need to address. My mom always said it was that I was absent minded. She was not saying this in a mean way, just a "this is the fourth time this week I have had to drive up to the school to either pick up or drop off forgotten homework" kind of way. I am a natural blond. I also have an older brother who actually is a rocket scientist, and an older sister who is very wise. Sometimes I wonder if all the brain power got used up in the family gene pool before I came along. Don't worry that this is some sort of self-deprecation, feel sorry for me story. Actually I am totally fine with being two espresso shots short of a latte. Sometimes it actually brings joy to others to be able to laugh at my blondness. I love to get a laugh with my friends. However, to those of you that have heard the words, "I'm really not that flaky" out of my mouth I realize that at some point it ceases to be cute. I guess the realization has come that maybe I am that flaky and something needs to change. So I can't change the fact that I lost, not one, but two Mom's In Touch Booklets, I forgot I was supposed to help out at church, and I double booked myself two Friday's in a row when I was going to help hand out lunch at a summer lunch program. I can however start fresh. No excuses, and no reasons to say, "I'm really not that flaky". (O yeah, and as for your slide show from my vacation pics promised on the last post, I spent at least an hour on it. Apparently I don't know how to post a slide show.)

It's Been Too Long

2008-07-24T19:49:00.000-07:00

Wow. It's been a while. I have been busy. Kids went to camp. We went on our family vacation. I am going to figure out how to do a slide show, and post pics this week.

Quality Time???

2008-06-07T19:37:00.000-07:00

Right now my husband is really wanting to spend some "quality time" with me. I would love to join in, only he wants to watch Man vs. Wild. I finally had to step away from the T.V. due to dry heaving. Bear Grylls (man vs. wild's name) was drinking blood from the juggular vein of a Yak. Even now as I sit here and write (I mean type...hello 21st century.) he is eating the eyeball. I am gagging and seeing stars, and my husband can't understand why this form of "quality time" is not working out for me. I think it imperitive we plan a date night soon.

Praying for the Chapman Family

2008-05-22T19:04:00.000-07:00

As you read these words, lift up the Chapman family in prayer.

My Quest for Low Carb Pizza

2008-05-05T21:34:00.000-07:00

Ran across these girls'. You have to see their video on low carb pizza.

Laughed my head off. Also check this out: Tabalicious

But now I have an insatiable desire for low carb pizza and a Tab Energy drink. I am guessing the pizza has 4 points.

***Update***This just in...I found the pizza,:) but I think I have to live in So. Cal. to get it:( Click here to see for yourself.

Laughterthoughts: I guess I will also need help with adding links to my blog. I got the link there, but I just want it to say a description, not the whole address. I will e-mail you my picture posting issues. You know, since you have nothing else to do. (She is prego with baby numero 6)****Thank you Laughterthoughts. Now I will be inserting links everywhere.*****
Update on Tab Energy Drink...It no longer exists.

Heels and Hills Half Marathon

2008-05-04T12:34:00.000-07:00

This is my official race day shirt. Thanks to our friend's, the Perkins. They had them made for us when we ran the WhiteRock Marathon. I love it!

The first picture is my sprint for the finish. YEA!!

I'm glad it's over. Heels and HILLS says it all.

P.S. If anyone ever wants to do a tutorial for me on how to post photos, I think I could use it.

Grand Prize Winner

2008-05-01T18:45:00.000-07:00

I am not sure if the funny in this story will get "lost in translation", but here it goes. It's dinner time. Everyone is minding their manners and having a fairly mature conversation. I help daughter pour bacon bits on baked potato. Out of the bag comes bacon bits and the little packet of moisture absorption, or whatever that thing is. As if she had just won a million dollars, she shouts over and over again "GRAND PRIZE WINNER!!!" Her shouting was accompanied by dancing. I guess you had to be there, but I guarantee if you were you'd be laughing. I guess it doesn't take much to get the P girls' all excited. The other day I was at Starbucks and the guy (barista) told me he had to give me a silver dollar for change. My reply was an excited "right on, that will be awesome". His reply was, "Wow you are really enthusiastic", however his tone was not at all enthusiastic.

God of Encouragement

2008-04-18T19:34:00.000-07:00

Mothering. It is a joyous endeavor. I can tell you, I've read many parenting books. Let's name a few...Childwise, Creative Correction, Shepherding a Child's Heart, Make Your Children Mind without Losing Yours, Have a New Kid by Friday. Some of these I have dove into on more than one occasion. Pretty impressive considering I'm not big on "reading for fun". They are all great books. I can also tell you that as a mom I don't always quite measure up. I am terribly inconsistent. I throw out a bunch of empty threats. I really try to follow through but I am just so good at talking myself out of it. However, the deepest desire of my heart is that my children love Jesus with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. This is my Goal so to speak. The other morning as I was praying over my children, I was just crying out to God..."O Lord, I fall so short. If there is anything I am doing that is pleasing to you in my mothering will you show me?" I just needed some encouragement. Last week a seperate event occurred with each of my children that showed me the work that God is doing in their hearts. Specific things that my husband and I have been praying for them. God is so good. He is a God who spurs you on with just the encouragement you need.

Don't Judge

2008-04-02T06:49:00.000-07:00

I AM the lady that people probably roll their eyes and talk about later with their friends. I realize this as I roll in to the school parking lot a few minutes late today. After all it was the only day they have specifically asked that we be on time, because my child has a field trip. Well not only that, but I must escort the girls' into school to sign them in as tardy. Guess what I have on...PJ pants with pictures of polar bears and log cabins scattered in a random pattern, light blue fuzzy slippers, and thankfully today I threw on a 1994 Delta Delta Delta sweat shirt over my tank top. Hair... not brushed. Make-up...are you kidding me? In my defense, I thought we would be on time. I got stuck at this one stop light for two light cycles. Don't judge.

If Diet Coke is Wrong, Then I Don't Want to be Right

2008-03-05T16:39:00.000-08:00

I haven't blogged for a while, because I've had nothing to blog about. So here is some randomness for today. I was discussing Diet Coke and my consumption of it with a friend. I keep getting informed of how I am putting my health in jeopardy. I say it's a whole lot better than filling my body with sugar drinks. Who really knows? I've been drinking Diet Coke for the last 20 years and I seem to be okay. I know that my attitude is greatly improved when I combine the bliss of Diet Coke and coffee throughout my day. So I've boiled it down, if Diet Coke is wrong, then I don't want to be right. (I'm actually not that passionate about Diet Coke, it just cracks me up to say that.) I know, easily amused. Until next time...

Valentine's Day

2008-02-14T17:57:00.000-08:00

Filet Mignon $31.00
Asparagas $5.99
Rosemary Olive Oil Bread $3.99
Dozen Roses $14.99

Burning both the asparagas and the filet mignon, but everyone sits at the table smiling and says, "Mommy this is good" however only eats one bite. Priceless.

More Fun With Friends

2008-02-13T16:16:00.000-08:00

There are so many things that are way more fun (and successful) with friends. Losing weight, exercising, drinking coffee, going to lunch. You name it, it's usually better with friends. So, I had a thought. I would guess that cleaning my house would be way more fun with my friends. Don't worry, I'm not asking you guys to come over to clean. This week I started a new cleaning schedule. Each day I am focusing on two areas. So far I have not spent more than 45 min. in one area (sometimes no more than 15 min.). What I am thinking is each day I will post what I did, and you guys can post comments about what you did, your success, or any tips. For example, today I vaccuumed my bedroom, cleaned off my flat surfaces. In the master bath, I cleaned the bathtub, counters, mirrors and toliet. Yea me!!! Next week I will probably focus more on decluttering. If you want to join me, here is the schedule:
Monday- Kithchen/ Breakfast Nook
Tuesday- Living Room/ Computer Area
Wednesday- Master Bedroom/ Master Bathroom
Thursday- Girls' bedrooms
Friday- Girls' bathroom/ Laundry Room
Saturday- Guest Room/ Guest Bath
Sunday- Dining Room/ Entry

I know you may not have the exact same rooms as me. Just do what works with your house. My weekend days are easy rooms because we don't spend a lot of time in these rooms.

Words That Bring LIFE

2008-01-31T06:27:00.000-08:00

I have been praying that God would reveal to me any words or actions that are not building my children up. Yesterday at MOPS the speaker talked about having a positive birth story for your children, among many other nuggets of wisdom. Immediately my mind went to the day before. My second grader's teacher is about to have a baby. We were talking about baby stuff when second grader says, "I had black hair." I then proceeded to tell the story I always tell, how my other daughter and I were both so fair and had light hair and everyone would talk about it and so on. Nothing inately bad in the story, but my eyes were beginning to see that my youngest just heard, "I was different." I would remember little comments she would make, "I don't like to get tan. Mommy what is olive skin?" The truth of the matter was, when the doctor laid this child in my arms I was in awe of her beauty. Her hair was so thick and soft. I remember rubbing my cheek on it because I just loved to touch it. Her skin was the most beautiful color. She was absolutely gorgeous. God was revealing to me that my story telling was not speaking words of life into this child. They don't get the joking that adults do. My heart was absolutely broken. So yesterday afternoon I got out her baby pictures, and I said come here I want to tell you the story about the day you were born. I got to tell her the real story of the day she was born. I am praying that God will cover the places in her mind that say she was different, not that different is bad, and would fill them with the story of the day a beautiful child was placed in my arms and stole my heart. Her beauty on the inside and out to this day fill every room she enters will joy and laughter. I am so thankful that God brought this to my attention. So all that to say, save your stories of 12 hour labors, and 2 hour pushing for another time. Let your children know the day they were born was ONLY blesssing.

Lighten Up

2008-01-23T19:33:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking that my Blog Posts have been a little too serious lately. I am so ready to lighten things up. Problem...nothing funny has happened lately. I was reading http://www.sandiwalker.blogspot.com/ (a.k.a. Confessions of a Suburban Diva) for some inspiration. She always makes me laugh. After reading I was thinking I could learn the Napoleon Dynamite dance, and take it one step further, post video. Maybe Suburban Diva and I could do it together. She also mentions that she not only uses the family karaoke machine to sing on, but also to inform her family what is expected of them. I was thinking that would really get my kids attention tomorrow, and may speed up the getting ready for school process. Okay, these are all Suburban Diva's funnies... Ahh I have one of my own...
I have mentioned before that I am a Weight Watcher leader. My first meeting I was very nervous. I worked really hard on my lesson and had everything just right. I agonized over what to wear and finally settled on nice walking shorts and a cute top. My legs were white but no problemo, I'd just use some of my self-tanner. I did the whole nine yards, exfoliation and everything. Tan applied, all it needed was to settle over night. The next morning I got ready to leave for my meeting. I checked myself out in the mirror before I left. "Perfectly Sunkissed." I was out the door and off to my meeting. The meeting went great, people were really nice. Someone even said I looked cute. After the meeting I decided to head to Lowe's. As I am walking through the parking lot I dropped something. I looked back and caught a glimpse of the back of my legs. Both legs had a huge white stripe down the back. There is no way the 40-45 people in the meeting missed my tanning mishap. You would think I would learn, but I have two more self-tanner stories, and one of them includes Mystic Tan and my husband's company Christmas Party.
Here's to lightening up!!!!(No pun intended)

The Red Candle

2008-01-21T12:37:00.000-08:00

I remember it so clearly, like it was yesterday. I was sitting in my fourth grade class, and my heart ached. Just the thought that some of these kids did not know Jesus broke my heart. My little mind could not imagine not having him to go to. It was mind boggling to me that they did not cast their cares on him, and that they did not know that he cared for them. My parents were married, but I knew kids whose parents were divorced. I wondered how they could go through something like that with out Jesus. Someone had to tell them.

Let's fast forward. Even today, my heart aches for those going through so much in this world, yet they don't know that Jesus cares for them. At our church we light candles. White candles signify that God is currently doing something special in your life. Red candles signify that you know of someone who has come to faith this week. This week I was so excited to light a red candle. My dad was in Vietnam and a man began asking him about Jesus. My dad was privileged to share with this man. That day this man decided he would be a Christ follower.

It just so happens that the sermon Sunday was also on sharing your faith. Pastor Andy called it being a pointer-outer. Just pointing out who Jesus is to you. I know some of you reading may not believe, you may think it's weird or crazy, or it just doesn't make sense. That's fine. You can read my blog...you don't have to support Mike Huckabee, or be on board with any of my views. You can look at that as an interesting look into someone else's life. As you read my thoughts on Jesus, I am just a pointer-outer. I know that everything that is good in my life comes from God, so I'm just pointing that out.

A Load Too Heavy

2008-01-12T19:29:00.000-08:00

I am reading The Hiding Place. It is about the life of the precious lady I am actually named after. I had heard this before, but I wish I had read it last week so it would have been fresh on my mind when my young daughter asked a question that I really did not feel she was ready for the answer. I struggled with this because I also always want to leave room for open conversation and hopefully lead them back to what the Bible has to say on the subject. I opted to explain and answer her question, but afterward I just felt it was too heavy a load. Here is what I read, and I will have it ready for next time.

Corrie Ten Boom was talking about a poem from school that contained the word sexsin.
"So the line had stuck in my head. 'Sex.' I was pretty sure, meant whether you were a boy or a girl, and 'sin' made Tante Jans very angry, but what the two together meant I could not imagine. And so, seated next to Father in the train compartment, I suddenly asked, 'Father, what is sexsin?'
He turned to look at me, as he always did when answering a question but to my surprise he said nothing. At last he stood up, lifted his traveling case from the rack over our heads, and set it on the floor.
'Will you carry it off the train, Corrie?' he said.
I stood up and tugged at it. It was crammed with the watches and spare parts he had purchased that morning.
'It's too heavy,' I said.
'Yes,' he said. 'And it would be a pretty poor father who would ask his little girl to carry such a load. It's the same way, Corrie, with knowledge. Some knowledge is too heavy for children. When you are older and stronger you can bear it. For now you must trust me to carry it for you.'"

Pure genius. Perhaps this will help you, not to avoid difficult questions from our little ones, just help with the answers they aren't ready for yet. By the way, I don't know what "sexsin" means either.

A Case of the I Don't Wannas

2008-01-10T16:34:00.000-08:00

I'm afraid I've come down with a terrible case of the I don't wannas. I don't wanna do the laundry. I don't wanna shave my legs. I don't wanna clean my house. I don't wanna get up early to pray and do my Bible Study. I don't wanna run again today. I don't wanna bypass that delicious piece of cake. I don't wanna cook dinner tonight...

Every time I start complaining my sweet husband asks, "Do you have a case of the I don't wannas?" So I asked my self, "What is it that you want?" "Oh, well that is easy. I want to look nice and come home to a clean house. I want children who are prayed over, love Jesus, and live their lives depending on Him. I want my husband and I to grow in our relationship with the Lord. I want to have a great body. I want to spend time in open conversation with my family."

Looks like I'm gonna have to get over the I don't wannas so I can get what I wanna.

Inappropriate Tears

2008-01-04T07:57:00.000-08:00

Okay, I think something is truly wrong with me. I tend to shed tears at the strangest things and strangest times. Prime example, I just struggled to hold back tears throughout the whole Live with Regis and Kelly 20th Anniversary Show. Oh, let's face it, I didn't actually hold back the tears, I cried...and more than once. The strangest thing is that I only really seldom get to watch this show. Holla back now with a comment if you cry at completely inappropriate times.

10 Financial Commandments

2008-01-02T16:14:00.000-08:00

I heard on the news the other day that weight loss is not the top 2008 New Year's resolution. As a Weight Watcher leader, I find this disappointing. (Since I have lots of expert advice in that area. JK) The top resolution this year is getting your finances in order. I guess I'll have to to turn to someone else for expert advice. Several weeks ago in our Sunday School Class, Jay Utley was teaching on money. He gave us the Ten Financial Commandments. I thought they were great, so I am posting them for your enjoyment.

1. Thou shalt work hard

2. Thou shalt establish a plan

3. Thou shalt avoid debt like the plague

4. Thou shalt distinguish the difference between wants and needs

5. Thou shalt determine when enough is enough

6. Thou shalt develop a generous heart

7. Thou shalt not get involved in get rich quick schemes (Proverbs 28:22)

8. Thou shalt not compete with the Jones'

9. Thou shalt not make a major financial decision without seeking wise counsel

10. Thou shalt not orient thy whole life around money

The Mother Lion

2007-12-28T13:50:00.000-08:00

Generally speaking, my style is non-confrontational, however today I could not contain my confrontation. I also try to be fully aware and non-defensive of my children's behavior. If you notice a problem I would rather you let me know,even if it's hard to hear, so we can work on it. Well today we went to have the oil changed (it is also a car wash). While sitting in the waiting room the girls' were entertaining themselves by watching the cars go through the wash. At some point this must have gotten old because they moved over to the area where the TV was on. I walked outside to check on my car and came back inside the waiting room to find the girls' sitting in a chair watching the TV. Child #2 came to talk to me then made her way back to the chair. On her way her leg made contact with the foot of a lady in other chair. She didn't step on it; the lady's legs were crossed and her foot was sticking out. I think this was the second time child #2's leg brushed up against said lady's foot. I am somewhat oblivious to the situation, but then I hear the meanest, crossest, ugliest voice say "Are you going to hit me one more time little girl?" Astonished I look up only to see my little girls' face lose all color and eyes fill with tears. She barely gets an apology out and comes over to me. I say, "Ma'am I think it was an accident" in a very polite voice I might add. As we continue to wait for the car I am burning with anger. My battle was this, what is the Christlike thing to do? Is it stand up for my daughter when someone needlessly took out their anger and broke her sweet spirt? Or is it to just keep my mouth shut and let this grumpy old lady off the hook? (I kid you not, I have never heard anyone speak this mean to anyone much less a child.) I don't think I actually prayed, so I'm not sure if my reaction really is what God would have wanted from me, but I opted for standing up for my heartbroken child. I said, again in a polite tone, "Ma'am you could just ask her, 'please be more careful' ". She looked at me and with all the anger I have ever seen on the face of any person I can think of she very harshly stated, "Maybe you should have better control over your children". Now both kids are crying and I am holding tears back. (I cry when I get angry, just ask me about the time this girl tried to fight me in high school.) It was a great lesson, we got to come home and pray for a lady that I frankly would rather have punched in the face. We even prayed that some how she could be filled with joy. I want to reinterate, I know that my kids sometimes misbehave, but this really was not one of those times. I can't explain the anger that was burning inside me toward this poor woman; only that it is the anger of a mother lion when someone attacks their sweet little cubs (or children). I also can't explain how the anger lifted from both my girls', and my spirit the moment we lifted this poor angry woman up in prayer. Thank you Lord.

Merry Christmas

2007-12-25T11:15:00.000-08:00

Running Schedule

2007-12-21T06:48:00.000-08:00

So many people have mentioned to me that they would love to start running. We all have to start somewhere, and I have a great running schedule. If you are a beginner runner, or have not been running for some time, this schedule is great for you. It will ease you in and allow your joints and muscles build up resistance. It takes 30 minutes. Do it four days a week and in no time you can confidently proclaim, "I am a runner".

Week 1-
Run 2 min./ Walk 4 min./ 5 sets

Week 2 -
Run 3 min./ Walk 3 min./ 5 sets

Week 3-
Run 5 min./ Walk 2.5 min./ 4 sets

Week 4-
Run 7 min./ Walk 3 min./ 3 sets

Week 5-
Run 8 min./Walk 2 min./ 3 sets

Week 6-
Run 9 min./Walk 2 min./ 2 sets/ add 8 min. run to end

Week 7-
Run 9 min./ Walk 1 min./ 3 sets

Week 8-
Run 13 min./ Walk 2 min./ 2 sets

Week 9-
Run 14 min./ Walk 1 min./ 2 sets/ Do this set for 2 weeks

Week 10-
Run 30 min.

It's Gettin' Hot in Here

2007-12-14T07:26:00.001-08:00

Okay. I am trying to get out of the house to get some shopping done when I lift my arms only to find sweat marks. I know, I know "that's hot", (literally). I don't know what to do. A couple of weeks ago I had to borrow a friends jacket at church so I could lead worship for the K, 1st, and 2nd graders. You know we have to lift our arms to do the moves and stuff and I was afraid my daughter would be mortified at the sight of her mother on stage with sweat rings at her pits. What to do? It's not something you can really talk about with others. Or is it, I think I just posted it on my blog.

Christmas Wish Fulfilled

2007-12-14T06:17:00.000-08:00

I have been listening to the radio all week. I have been so moved, even to tears by the stories I hear of Christmas wishes fulfilled. What a blessing to be able to help others. It is so neat to hear God provide. Then something came to me. It was a story of a young man. This young man was being raised by a single mom. She loved him so much, but the living arrangements were certainly not ideal. They lived out on some land with little money, no hot water, no heater, no a/c, no toilet, none of the things that most of us take for granted. They would lock up their bread in hopes that the roaches or mice would not be able to get into it. He had hurts, you know the kind, like getting made fun of when he had to wear girl tennis shoes (keds) to school because they didn't have the money for any other shoes. Or the time he had to wear camouflage because it was the only thing dry to wear. (I think at this time only hunters wore camo.) Their home was so far from his school; he spent hours on the school bus each day.

Fast forward to high school he met a boy ,and they became friends and would eat lunch together. This friend loved this young man. He invited him to come home with him and meet his family. This family embraced this young man. In the midst of their own family tragedy, they took in this young man and showered him with the love of Christ. God had blessed this young man with athletic talent but his mom could not afford the gas to get him back and forth to football practice. This loving family would let this young man sleep on their floor. They fed his extremely healthy appetite. Most importantly they invited him into their life and showed him the Jesus that could be the Only One who had gotten this family through the pain of losing a sister and daughter. They showed him the Jesus that filled them with enough love to extend out to someone else in need. They showed this young man what a family looks like. A family with a committed father who loves his wife and children, and reached out to so many other children with the love of Christ.

Psalm 68:5-6 "A father to the fatherless...is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families...

The hand of God provided a college football scholarship so this young man would have the opportunity to attend college. The coaches at his high school provided a bicycle so this young man would be able to get around the big college campus.

Psalm 68:10 "...from your bounty, O God you provided for the poor."

This young man worked hard, got married, had children. He loves the Lord and lives his life to honor Him. He became a loving husband and father. The thing about this story that caught my attention is that is wasn't necessarily the material things that changed this young man's life. Don't get me wrong, that was there too. The Christmas wishes fulfilled that keep bringing me to tears are very special. We even got to participate in the Angel Tree. I think these things are great, but sometimes buying a gift is the easy thing to do. We feel good because we gave something, but did it "really" cost us anything? This young man's life was changed because through the hand of God, people gave of themselves to this young man. As God brought this story to my mind, I am challenged. Who am I giving of myself to? And most importantly who am I sharing Jesus with? After all, Jesus IS the Christmas wish fulfilled.

By the way this young man in the story is my husband. I am so grateful to the many people that loved him and invested in his life. You helped to shape him into the wonderful man he is today.

The Story behind The Short Story

2007-12-13T13:56:00.000-08:00

I was trying to think of a name for my blog page when The Short Story came to mind. I was thinking it fit because I am always telling stories. My dad even used to ask if I was just talking to hear my head rattle. Well my husband thought the name fit because of my height challenge. You know being five feet tall and all. Anyways, it fits. Unfortunately for today I have no good short stories to tell.

Embarassing, Embracing Moments

2007-12-12T07:53:00.000-08:00

I love to laugh out loud. Everytime I replay this incident in my mind, even while alone, I laugh out loud. I thought you might find my misfortune humorous.

We are visiting my family in Albuquerque. For some reason this morning I am the only one home. The doorbell rings. I proceed to answer door.

Me-"hello."

Andy the Painter-"Hi I'm Andy, is Mr. Byrd home?"

background-My dad is a builder. Andy is the painter. Andy is also a friend of my brother-in-law. I have never met Andy, but do know who he is.

Me-"No I'm sorry they are not home right now."

Andy the Painter-"Well I just wanted to bring this by..." Conversation is unimportant. I see Andy's arm begin to raise and come toward me. I think to myself, is he hugging me? Without time to tap into my logic I reach out my arm and hug him back, only to realize he was actually reaching up to hold the door open. I cut the converstion short, slam the door and cry in a pillow. Wow! I am not even a hugger. Andy informed my brother-in-law that I was very friendly. I just want to know why...even if he was hugging me...I thought it appropriate to hug him back.

Marathon

2007-12-12T06:30:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd write in purple today. To mark the day I am going to begin writing in my blog... This is our family picture, our first family portrait.

Well guess what, I finished my Marathon on Sunday. Four hours and ten minutes. I have to say, I am so proud of myself. There was a time when I would have said it's not possible...but Matthew 19:26 says with God all things are possible. I truly desire to give God the glory for the training and the finishing of the race. Our friend had shirts made for us. On the back it says, "those that hope in the Lord...will run and not grow weary...Isa. 40:30-31." It was so cool I kept saying it over and over the whole race. Running a marathon is really a metaphor for our life, and our walk with the Lord. You prepare and prepare. Some of my training runs were great; some were so difficult I wasn't sure I'd ever do this race. Once I did a half marathon without really preparing. It was HARD! This time I put the work in. I can't say it was easy, but I was prepared for what lied ahead. Probably my biggest blessing was my husband. He runs lots of marathons, and he runs pretty darn fast, but he chose to run with me this marathon. He helped me keep my pace so I didn't start off too fast and could conserve my energy for later. He gave me fuel (in the form of Gatorade, water, gels, and doughnuts) along the way. He was my coach. Had I fallen down he would have picked me up. He stayed by my side every step. My relationship with Jesus is similar. This walk thing is a whole lot easier when I am prepared. When I am in His word and prayer I am ready for what lies ahead. In the midst of what lies ahead, He is there with me, every step, fueling me as I go, picking me up as I go. There are so many more parallels, but I will stop now. I just have to say, THANK YOU LORD FOR ALLOWING ME TO RUN. LET IT BE FOR YOUR GLORY AND NOT MINE.

Easter

2007-04-08T18:28:00.000-07:00

Easter was really fun at the P household. It was really nice being back at IBC for Easter services. Also, Daddy Z's mom was able to make it up to Dallas. We had a great time. Here is a picture of the girls in their Easter dresses.

Dallas Bloom

2007-03-26T18:15:00.000-07:00

We went to Dallas Bloom this past weekend. It was so pretty outside! Here are some pictures of the family.

Norway

2007-03-05T18:03:00.000-08:00

I got to tag along with Z during a recent business trip. We went to Norway of all places! It was really cool because some of my ancestors came over from Norway long ago. We had a great time. Here are some pictures of the Stavanger, Norway.

Christmas in Albuquerque

2007-01-28T19:31:00.000-08:00

We had a fantastic time in Albuquerque for Christmas. Z made snowman and almost froze his hands off in the process. The snowman lasted for less than 24 hours before some neighbor kids smashed it in broad daylight! There is always next year...