Good-bye 2009

It has been a while since my last entry...call it writers block, call it "not one spare waking second to be alone with my thoughts", whatever you call it, my mind has still been spinning. I must confess that my list of things to accomplish has not really been dwindling down and my "read my bible in a year" daily reading log has also fallen behind. This leaves my spiritual position in a place I would prefer it not be left. Don't get me wrong, I rejoice in the Lord and the true celebration of the birth of Christ for Christmas, I feel from my depth that is what this time of year is all about, but as I said, the busyness of the school parties, the work parties, the family visiting, (though all was wonderful and very special, the preparation can sometimes be exhausting - leaving little time to be quiet in my own thoughts).

The boys received a daily devotion for Christmas, and we have enjoyed piling up together and doing the devotion, and taking turns praying together...something that we used to do, but again, got out of the "habit" of doing thanks to life taking over. I have asked the older boys to pray about a way for us to serve the Lord this year... we have been out of service for too long and I ask myself, "What are we doing for the Him?" I truly feel like we are missing so many opportunities and quite frankly, blessings, by our idleness. We think that by teaching our children about serving the Lord and following Him that our job is over, but actually, it is just beginning. "Do as I say, not as I do!" NO MORE! SO we are prayerfully seeking a way to DO as a family. For many years, Russ and I served in the Married Couples Ministry, but our boys never "experienced" that service. They are getting to the age where at least the older ones would understand. Now the only question, is "What does that look like for our family?"

Moving to South Carolina has been a blessing in many ways. One way is that we are closer to family. It has been so wonderful to see my mom and Tim once a month or so, after only about 2 times a year seeing my mom and not seeing Tim for 2 years. Russ' mom and dad are about 6 1/2 hours away and Amy and Chris and our nephew Micah are about 7, though it takes them about 12 because they stop A LOT on the way. I have complained about one thing here though...here's the thing...in Florida, it was very much a "northern culture" meaning, people were NOT generally very "friendly". However, you pretty much knew where you stood with everyone. If people were friendly, they were authentic and really cared. In the "south", it is very much "southern culture". One thing you will almost always hear, is that everyone is sooooo friendly. Yep! That is absolutely true! The only problem with that, is that many times that friendliness ends with superficial greetings and how do you do's. The authenticity and "care" is many times not present. It is the polite thing to do to ask how you are, but at the end of the day, many people do not really care. Many are concerned with being "proper" and "friendly", but that does not minister to one another or the needs of people in any way. SO, I find myself, yet again, in a pity party, wishing someone would come along side of me and "care enough about me" to pull me toward a closer spiritual relationship with Christ. HOWEVER, I have also realized that I am at fault for expecting anyone to help me to be a more spiritual person, or to help me have a closer relationship with Christ. It is no one else's responsiblity but MINE! At the end of the day, it is me and God...and not the responsibilty of an "outsider" to nudge my spiritual walk.

So, as a couple and a family, it is time, to step up...step out of chaos of the "world" and seek HIM in all that we do... Good-bye to idle minds, idle hands and idle words... Use me Lord to make a difference for You. I know that my life on this earth is temporary... what do I want people to think of me when I am gone? More imporantly, I know that when I am rejoicing with my Creator in Heaven, I want HIM to say, "Well done, My good and faithful servant!" I want to lead my children by example, not words of instruction. Goodbye 2009, hello new beginnings!

Kwanzaa...say what?

Landon noticed that the word Kwanzaa was a spelling word this week for school. He was disgusted immediately. He proclaimed that he does not even celebrate Kwanzaa, why should he have to spell it. I calmly explained that just because HE does not celebrate Kwanzaa, that he could understand what it is about since other people DO celebrate it.

He said, "Well, what is it anyway?" So, I told him, to the best of my knowledge, that they celebrated their African heritage.

Landon quickly became even more irritated with the whole concept and proclaimed, "That is NOT honoring to God! What do they honor? Goo? Hair Goo?"

Now at this time, I was a little taken aback and confused. "Huh?" I said.

"I just don't understand why anyone would celebrate their hair!" (Hair-itage)

Oh my word! So, we will be studying and coming to an understanding about what Kwanzaa is tonight. To my understanding, it is a celebration of African Heritage...? Anyone...anyone...

I didn't know that...!

Gavin: Do you know how to tell if a frog is a boy or a girl?
Me: No. (Thinking to myself, "WOW, this kid has been doing some awesome educational learning...from SOMEWHERE!"
Gavin: Boy frogs don't have eyebrows!
Me: Riiiight!

That kid cracks me up!