What's Bono got to do with it?

o how I need some life coaching...

Ok so I'm slightly bothered...(don't read this part boys) yes I have PMS.
Last night at work a dear partner (we'll call her partner A) announced in front of me that "Christianity is a cult."
She was responding to another partner's question (we'll call him partner B) about if we have seen the documentary "Jesus camp"
(I have not but I'm sure it's wacky or they wouldn't make a documentary about it) and he said that they're making Christianity seem like a cult...to which partner A answered
"Christianity is a cult."

That really upset me...she knows I'm a Christian.

*disclaimer*

People have seen the works of radicals and crazies and I know that these unappointed representatives impact people's thoughts, also people have taken religion to extremes and started cults while still calling it Christianity.

But I felt like partner A insulted me...I know she never would on purpose but sadly the "pms offense clause" doesn't give a provision for things done "not on purpose."
Honestly I'm sad she feels that way about Christianity...I'm sad that so many are hurt by the mishandling of the gospel.

Bottom line...I have to realize she was insulting a RELIGION as she knows it and I'm sure some of it is probably warranted. And in my attempts to be Christ-like I forgive her.

“I don’t see Jesus Christ as being part of any religion,”
“Religion to me is almost like when God leaves – and then people devise a set of rules to fill the space.”
-BONO

no words

to express how hilarious it can be when an outside force disturbs our world as we know it. As many of you know (whomever you may be who actually reads my blog) I work at Starbucks. Our store is really not very trendy or cool...we are in an upscale part of town in front of a hospital and offices where we serve mostly engineers and doctors and high society socialites with handbags the size of my minivan. It's been brought up in conversations with district managers and others high up in the Co. that our store is "robotic" and "not warm" but I say we do a good job of matching the mood/personality of our customers. Did that sound mean? I'm not trying to be, it's just somewhat serious in our store...and that's the way it's always been. So just imagine with me if you will...it's about an hour into our morning rush, there is a line to the door when all the sudden a gypsy-like family of carolers with medieval instruments walk in the door mid song. At first I thought it was a siren of some kind...and then maybe a mariachi band...it was loud and twangy and really very cool but totally unexpected. They walked straight in like they owned the place and continued playing their song seeming totally unaffected by the blank stare that our customers offered them. It was as if time was in slow motion...PAINFULLY awkward to continue ringing customers whilst the unabashed expression of holiday cheer droned on completely unacknowledged. I found myself blushing and almost embarrassed by the situation. I was disappointed and yet not surprised that no one was clapping, or smiling and no longer making eye contact with the cheerful strangers...being a compulsive talker I muttered out something like "shouldn't we be dancing?" and then I resorted to humor by saying "security" when a particularly unamused co-worker walked over to me. I wish my kids could have been there...Abraham would have cut a rug. They finished the song and yes people did clap thank goodness. Oh and I think they had business fliers or some kind of literature but sadly nobody took one. It really was funny...and it broke up the monotony for about 5 minutes. Just as quickly as they came in they were gone and life went back to normal. I don't think I'll forget them for a while though...the cheerful strangers who showed me just how strange it can be when life as we know it is interrupted.

*thanks Carlos for telling me how to spell medieval

it's time...

I'm baking this weekend!

simplicity...

is the word that keeps going around and around in my mind. I am ready to simplify my life! Especially during Christmas...when did I decide that I would be stressed out during my favorite time of the year?

nano, nano...

yeah that's right folks my 10 yr old is officially cooler than me!

silly girl!

this one goes out to Brightwell.

happy birthday to me and a photo shoot with Matt...

me: hey buddy sit here while I get the webcam started.
matt: mommy...I don't want to.

me: ok... look at the camera and smile
matt: this is boring...

matt: if i do it, can I have some cake?
Me: ok...

Matt: (bouncing) YAY!!!

taking rest in Hope...

It's Monday morning, I've gotten the kids off to school and Carlos off to work coffee in tow. It's a beautiful and chilly outside I'm under my down comforter propped up on 4 or 5 pillows, reading scriptures, talking to God, and writing (a few of my favorite things to do.) I have been lately feeling an overwhelming sence of gratitude. It's like something just finally clicked with me and I'm realizing how unbelievably blessed I am. I have always been thankful for all I have in my life, and I thought I was hopeful but when I really started to study what hope is I realized that I was wishful. The difference? It seems the first way is circumstantial, the second is virtue of the heart. True hope becomes a part of your character, it's there in the good times and bad times.
A few definitions of hope:

hope (hp)

v. hoped, hop·ing, hopes

v.intr.

1. To wish for something with expectation of its fulfillment.

2. Archaic To have confidence; trust.

v.tr.

1. To look forward to with confidence or expectation: We hope that our children will be successful.

2. To expect and desire.

n.

1. A wish or desire accompanied by confident expectation of its fulfillment.

2. Something that is hoped for or desired: Success is our hope.

3. One that is a source of or reason for hope: the team's only hope for victory.

4. often Hope Christianity The theological virtue defined as the desire and search for a future good, difficult but not impossible to attain with God's help.

5. Archaic Trust; confidence.

God has given me hope as a gift, it wasn't something I could give myself believe me I tried. This scripture I found kinda says it all...

Fair are the places marked out for me; I have a noble heritage. I will give praise to the Lord who has been my guide; knowledge comes to me from my thoughts in the night.
I have put the Lord before me at all times; because he is at my right hand, I will not be moved.
Because of this my heart is glad, and my glory is full of joy: while my flesh takes its rest in hope.

Psalms 16:6-9

matthew being bored...

where's the love?

I once had a goldfish that lived for 13 years his name was fish...he had a friend who died at a much younger age...his name was chips.
Fish moved with me to 3 different homes the third is where he met his demise when my apt was fumigated and I didn't cover the tank to keep out the fumes. I didn't really LOVE fish but I'm a loyal person so I fed him and kept his tank clean...I loved the idea that I could keep a goldfish alive for so long. It always made for an interesting conversations when people saw him...his age showed towards the end when he appeared to have cataracts and he went almost colorless.
I find myself in a similar situation with my turtle "Yertle" She is about 10 years old...maybe 9. My mother had gone through a "turtle faze" after her "finch faze" and she gave us Yertle as a gift. She's been hanging out in her tank all this time with occasional outings. And now I'm starting to wonder if we should set her free.
I think my kids may be sad if we do but I can't help thinking that Yertle is bored and sad. But could she survive in the wild? I'm just not sure. This is the burden of pet loyalty...

a moral decree

I have always been out-spoken...my theory as to why I am this way is because while growing up I had a daddy who always cared about everything I had to say. He always listened attentively and showed genuine appreciation of my thoughts. Imagine my surprise when not everyone else in the world was quite as appreciative, and so began my real world experience. I have sequestered most of my thoughts for many years...I grew so tiered of peoples reactions to my honesty. Until lately I've realized that I'm doing myself and others an injustice by remaining silent...this world needs more honesty. I'm not afraid of people's reactions to me anymore...If I see an issue that needs to be addressed guess what I'm going to address it. With respect, kindness, and honesty...just like my dad taught me.

thankfulness

When I was a little girl my favorite times were holidays at my grandmother's house. The smells, lights, voices...all together equaled a magical harmony. It was perfect.
The times we couldn't be with her didn't seem like holidays at all...they were dull and ordinary. My fascination with these days continued into my adulthood, many conversations pursued between my husband and me about starting our own traditions but I was not open to changing the way things have always been...glistening holidays at MeMaw's house. Carlos would have to adjust, and he did. I loved everything about MeMaw...she was a women with culture with a larger than life personality, she was fabulous in every sence of the word. So imagine when we lost her right before Christmas one year. We've moved on and had some wonderful family holidays...almost all the conversations begin with "remember the time..."

This Thanksgiving was the best in years...my mom came to visit and we cooked and cooked...I broke my toe on Tuesday and it put a slight damper on things but overall it was wonderful. My mom helped me spruce up my house with flowers, and candles...and some other very special touches. My house was glistening! I loved every minute of it. Pictures coming soon.

It wouldn't be Thanksgiving if I didn't mention some things I'm thankful for...in random order of course.

1. holidays
2. my parents
3. good music
4. My MeMaw and Stella too
5. Carlos
6. my kids
7. friendship
8. dancing with the stars
9. burt's bees lip balm
10. hope