Something to Think About

I recently finished reading The Liberating Truth by Danielle Strickland. The sub-title is "How Jesus Empowers Women" and as a Jesus loving woman, I was excited to dig in.

Throughout the book, she attempts to prove, through scripture, quotes from other authors and personal musings, that women are equal to men in the calling to serve. She says on page 73 . . . "It's obvious that biological differences exist. And much work has been done on possible emotional and spiritual differences between the genders. The real point is not that there is no difference, but that there is no equality distinction and there are no limitations in using our gifts in and for God's kingdom." And that's where my appreciation with her ideas stopped. If you know me at all, you know my favorite bible study teacher is Beth Moore - a strong, blessed, called, passionate woman of God. And I am passionate about MOPS. A ministry run entirely by strong, blessed, gifted called women. And pastor's wives? I think pastor's wives are called just as strongly as the pastor themselves to the job they will have in the church they are called to serve. My problem is not in the fact that Jesus empowers women.

As the book continued, I felt she portrayed Jesus and the bible as a liberal women's rights advocate manual (even naming one chapter "Jesus the Feminist"). Now please don't misunderstand me . . . Jesus was an advocate for many people and shook things up by honoring and calling "the least of these" including women during his time on earth. And I agree that God has an amazing plan for women in His kingdom and gives us the same Holy Spirit and the same distribution of gifts . . . it's just that I don't personally view the scriptures to lay out a clear agenda to put women on a pedestal demanding their equality.

I understand what she was trying to describe or debate and agree that there are many cultures who think it is okay to demean women and treat them as second class citizens . . . this is wrong. In no way am I trying to excuse that behavior or even began to say I understand what these women must go through each day just to  be treated as a human being.To our amazing creator, all people are His children - man and woman, young and old, strong or weak. In our culture however, I think there is a common misconception of the word "submissive" and for a lot of people it is a bad thing representing weakness or lack of input in a relationship. I disagree. God clearly lays out His plan for women in the bible . . . and we are called to be a "help mate." There are a million ideas and philosophies out there and I don't want to engage anyone in a heated debate over a "non-salvation" issue . . . if you acknowledge that you are a sinner, ask for forgiveness, believe that Jesus died for your sins and rose again for your eternal salvation, if you ask Him into your heart, you are saved. Those are salvation issues. Whether or not you'd agree with Danielle Strickland that Jesus is a feminist or not is up to your own research and thought.

If you'd like to win a free copy  of this book to read and decide for yourself, just put your name in the comments section or send me an email and I will notify the winner. The book was given to me free through Kregal Publishing to read and review on my blog. Honestly, if I would have read this book on my own from the library, I would not have chosen to review and recommend. You are welcome to disagree with me . . . no controversy or pushing my personal views intended . . . just something to think about.

Sometimes You Just Gotta . . .

Hannah came home from school yesterday with a bit of frustration. She said there were some boys in her class being noisy causing them all to miss 5 minutes of recess. As an adult, this sounds like an over reaction on my part. . . then I remembered what it was like to be in 3rd grade and miss 5 minutes of recess . . . the world might have well ended. I said, "Hannah, what do you think would help you get over this frustration?" She said, "I just want to crumple something up and throw it." . . . sometimes you just gotta . . .

After our impromptu anger management therapy session, we were all giggling. She especially liked the part when I decided to take pictures and she got to throw them at me. I should take more advice from my 8 year old . . . when the day gets rough or the moment is frustrating, sometimes you just gotta crumple something up and throw it.

Haley's First Day

Today was the big day . . . the moment she has been waiting for since Hannah started four years ago . . . Haley's first day of Kindergarten!!! We started a chain link countdown a week and a half ago and this morning she was filled with excitement to cut the final chain. (Mommy felt a bit of a heart ache as she did . . . )

Daddy took the morning off so he could celebrate the big day with us. She put on her first day outfit (the one she's worn and I've washed at least five times in anticipation) and couldn't wait to put on her backpack. She is very proud of the Hello Kitty design she chose.

We all walked out to the door and headed to the bus (it took all our parental power to hold her in the house a second longer . . . she was happy to wait outside up to a half an hour . . .)

As the bus pulled up, we walked her across the street. She walked up the steps and never looked back.

The bus pulled away and the tears came for Momma. I was not expecting to be so emotional . . . she has been so excited for this moment and I figured, I've already done this once before, I was ready for the good bye. At that moment however, it struck me as a big good bye . . . it was the end of an age . . . my little buddy, who has come with me on every little errand and appointment and adventure has left the nest (at least for two or three days a week) . . . and I now have a few days a week of quiet and ability to make my own schedule (which I'm sure will be lovely in the future . . . now it feels a bit lonely). I am ready to grow with my girls and am filled with excitement for this next page in our adventure . . . but can't fight back a few tears on this big day.

She climbed off the bus with a huge smile on her face and said, "It was so exciting!! I can't wait to call grandma!" I couldn't hug her tight enough or listen to her prattle on about the new friends she's made or be more impressed by the red colored apple she made today. It's the little things . . . the little moments . . . the years are so short . . . and the big times of transition remind you of just how incredible the little ones are.

Big Girl Bike Ride

Haley woke up yesterday and decided that she no longer wanted training wheels now that she is going to school. Daddy helped take off the trainers . . .

She was thrilled with the entire process. When she found the stud finder in the tool bag and asked what it was, I told her it was a meter to be able to find her Daddy!!

With great anticipation, the big moment began . . .

Hannah rode along beside as the cheerleader and encourager. In spite of many attempts and lots of effort, today was not the day to let go. She was thrilled with the experience and can't wait to try it again. . . Daddy on the other hand may need a break for his back bent down for 20 minutes straight. Thanks for being such a stud Daddy!!

First Day of School Part 1

Today Hannah and Travis had their first day of school. Although I did not get up early enough to get Travis' picture in his new first day outfit (sorry honey), I did capture Hannah in all her excitement. She chose to wear a skirt that she made with Grandma . . . incredible really . . . and absolutely adorable. She was so proud to show her new teacher and classmates what she did over the summer.

It was her idea to wear the shockingly bright blue socks. She said, "It's my new style mom." Can't argue with style!!

Although I truly enjoyed driving her back and forth to school last year, she was really excited to start the school year on the bus so we've decided to enjoy it for a few weeks and see how it goes. She stood with her neighbor friend in smiles and giggles and excitement. She waved and hopped right aboard.

Upon arriving back home this afternoon, she was full of stories of her new teacher, her new classroom, and the new friends she's already made. (Including one she can't remember her name . . . "but mom she's really nice and maybe I'll learn it in a few days!!")


Welcome to 3rd grade little miss . . . looking forward to watching you learn and grow this year!

Laura Story - Blessings

My sister sent me a link to this video this morning and it couldn't have come at a more perfect time. I was just having a conversation yesterday (as we dealt with more decisions and life coming our way) about how it feels like God has been teaching me over the last few years that everything can be turned upside down. Just when you think you know how it's going to go . . . or just when things are starting to crest over that valley you've been stuck in . . . something big happens or you have to deal with a whole new cluster of issues you didn't see coming.

During my morning bible reading, I came across a few verses from Ecclesiastes that said, "To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life - this is indeed a gift from God. Enjoy what you have rather that desiring what you don't have." Then to open my email and receive this video?! I think the beautiful lesson I got this morning was not a discouraging 'buckle your belt for the next thing coming' but 'change your view on what a blessing is.' Maybe this craziness is what it is about. Life is short and what we have is a gift. Enjoy the song and maybe have a tissue or two ready . . .

September 1st Daybook

Outside my window...
It's dark . . . the sky is asleep and so are my crazy kiddos. We went to the school's open house tonight. We got to meet new teachers, see classrooms and I think the excitement and anticipation of the coming year turned my children in to wild monkeys . . . bedtime couldn't come soon enough tonight.

I am thankful...
for a good friend who I can be real with and laugh with and be inspired by and be accountable to and who makes this life a little sweeter . . . and Mac and Cheese just tastes better at a table full of kids and a friend.

I am thinking about...
what the fall will look like. I printed the school calendars for the kids and Travis, printed sports schedules, wrote in piano lessons and gymnastics and church and life and realized fall is upon us. Gone are the days of no routine and no time limit and no plan. Part of me is looking forward to it as I am a planner (say it isn't so - I can literally hear the laughter of my friends who know this fact oh to well) and part of me is wistful and already mourning the days we've had all together as a family . . .

Learning all the time...
how well this healthy eating plan has changed my life. I had a weigh/measure yesterday and discovered I've lost ten more pounds. That's a total of 40 pounds in 4 months!! WOW! And even more amazing still is the fact that I am down to 15mg of steroids (from 60 4 months ago) and have the energy to play with my kids and be an active part of life again. My asthma is really under control right now and I am sooo thankful.

From the kitchen...
nothing . . . not much in the pantry or the fridge or the freezer. A monthly grocery shopping trip is approaching . . . when you say? Who knows . . . just not today. My kids ate peanut butter on rice cakes for dinner . . . could be worse I suppose.

I am creating...

a good organizing system for the new year. I bought a cute planner for my purse and a magnetic weekly calendar for the fridge for $4 at Target today (see picture below). One of my biggest goals for the year is to keep the house as organized and tidy and as stress-free as possible. I want my family to come home from work and school knowing what to expect and having a place of sanctuary to be themselves. This won't happen in chaos. I know I'm not going to be perfect at it but I'm going to try and put some systems in place now that will help us all keep our lives a bit more manageable so we can spend our time being together - not looking for lost shoes and trying to remember who is going where when.

I am working on...
not getting to the boiling point with my girls. They are frustrating sometimes . . . shocking I know. . . but I tend to "over talk" things. I explain to much or give to many chances or warnings or suggestions which only lead to my frustration when they are not complying. I want to raise girls that are respectful and obedient and I don't want to lose my ever-loving mind doing it. I realized today (as again I got so frustrated when saying the same thing for the 14th time) that I need to do less talking and more action. When you disobey, you sit on the stairs for 5 mins to chill out. Or when you choose not to listen to my directions, you earned yourself a chore. Or if you are driving me crazy by singing the same song over and over and over and over . . . I'm going to hide in the closet - please don't find me for a while.

I am going...
grocery shopping. Haven't you read anything I've said? My kitchen is empty and my family is hungry . . . ok - nobody's dying but I think peanut butter and rice cakes might get old if I try to serve it all weekend.

I am hoping...
that the transition into school is smooth for all of us. Hannah doesn't like change and this year brings a lot of changes - new school, new teacher, new kids. Haley is starting kindergarten and is excited but doesn't know quite what to expect. Travis is going into another year of teaching and coaching Jr. High which is always an adventure. And I am sending both my kids off to school . . . what does a school day empty nest look like? I am not crying (yet . . . or at least not all day . . .) but I am praying for a smooth transition.

I am reading...
Three Weeks with my Brother by Nicolas Sparks (true story of a trip around the world he takes . . . with his brother . . . for three weeks . . . hence the name)

I am praying...
for MOPS leadership as they are preparing for another year of encouraging and equipping moms. I have to be honest and say it feels good to be on the outside cheering for and encouraging the ladies working so hard . . . but I know just how hard they work . . . keep up the good work ladies. It might not feel like it every day but you are changing family's lives!!

I am hearing...
absolutely, blissfully, nothing . . . ahhh

Around the house...
I think Target threw up in here. There are piles of school supplies on the table, piles of school clothes on the desk, a bag full of med refills on the stairs, and don't even get me started on the upstairs. We've begun the process of emptying out drawers to donate the clothes that no longer fit the girls (except of course the clothes we're saving for Haley . . . Hannah told her yesterday, "I bet you're going to be excited to grow into this shirt!!" . . . pretty cute) but in order to do this, it means everything has to come out of every drawer and it becomes a ginormous mess . . .

One of my favorite things...
Target. Where can you buy the last minute school supplies (including spiral binders for only 20 cents?!), refill your meds, fill in gaps for school clothes, get a new calendar/organizer for only $4 and get a Starbucks coffee to boot? Oh Target, how I love you.

A few plans for the rest of the week...
The highlights will be a wedding on Saturday for a dear friend from high school and an afternoon bbq with family on Monday. The rest of the weekend? Laundry and grocery shopping, putting away the school clothes and finishing the drawer clean out, tidy the house and pack some lunches cause Tuesday it's off to school for Hannah and Daddy . . . (kindergarteners start a week later) . . . buckle your seat belts kids - here we go.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

Did I mention it sticks on my fridge with a magnet, has a dry erase pen and cost me only $4? Target . . . what did I ever do without you?