The 4th of July is my favorite holiday. There are a lot of different reasons I like it. I love that it's summer and so it's usually a warm day. I love that even the biggest cities try to become "small town". I have found that the home town celebrations are always the best. I love the hamburgers and hot dogs that come along with the day. I love getting together with friends to eat, laugh and celebrate. I LOVE the fireworks! I anticipate the evening, the whole day I wait for the big fireworks display. I cry when I hear "The Star Spangled Banner", "God Bless America", "This is My Country"...but most of all I cry when I hear Lee Greenwood sing, "I'm Proud to Be An American". (If I'm in the car when I hear it, Zack gets totally embarrassed because I turn up the volume as loud as I can, sing even louder, all the while waving my arms.)
We have a lot to be thankful for. We live in a country where we have the freedom to complain about the government (and don't we take advantage of that freedom?). We have the freedom to get an education, have a job that we want, live where we want to live, and worship the way we want to worship.
This past Wednesday, I sat on my blanket people watching. To my left was a family from the Middle East, to my right were two Vietnamese women, behind them was another Asian family. Directly behind me were some teenagers listening to very loud rap music (which I don't believe was patriotic in nature). At first I was a little annoyed when they turned on their music...but again was reminded that it's a free country. However, I was later impressed by those boys. As darkness started to fall, they turned off their radio so that we could hear the piped in patriotic music. I watched as they took off their hats during the national anthem and they watched the fireworks with as much enthusiasm as those around me.
This country is by no means perfect. But having lived in another country for a period of time, I know firsthand how lucky we are to live in such a wonderful place. It is my duty to pray for those who serve this nation, whether in the military or in a governmental position. I thank God for the freedoms we have.
God Bless America!
Friday, July 6, 2007
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
All Stars
Zack had the distinct pleasure of being invited to try out for the Junior All Stars baseball team. I wish I could say that the whole experience has been a pleasure...but as they say, "there's no such thing as free lunch". (Who are "they"?) I really have to write a blog on that subject someday.
After two days of try outs, Zack got the call that he had made the team. There was a huge hassle with Zack's Dad. I won't expound on that either...I will say that even when I thought the whole thing was settled, it has still caused moments of uproar and turmoil...but again, subject for another time. The team has practiced every day. We had to buy pictures, shirts, etc. etc. This week the competition finally began. The first tournament is a double elimination. Sunday morning we lost our first game. (I still think it's because we were playing on a Sunday when the boys should be going to church...yet another topic for another day.) Last night was their 2nd game. Win and we keep playing...lose and all that practice and all that effort is done for another year.
Bottom of the third inning...we are losing 5-0. The boys looked defeated and were playing as if they were already defeated. Finally they got a lucky break and scored 2 runs. By the bottom of the 6th it still wasn't looking good...still 5-2. We (in the stands) started talking about how the boys lacked energy, etc. We aren't allowed to talk to them while they are in the dugout...so we began cheering and yelling and whistling...the coach caught on and did a little dance in front of the dugout. The boys begin cheering with us, smiling, getting energized. They held the other team to 5...it was the bottom of the 7th (little league only goes 7 innings) and suddenly the ball started flying, runs were made...the score is now tied 5-5 and we are going into extra innings. We were the home team, so got last "ups"...in the top of the 8th our pitcher struck out the three batters. Our team got up to bat...again, the energy was high, cheers, whistles, smiles, etc...needless to say...we WON!!!!
A couple life lessons from this experience...#1 Even when it looks dismal, you can't quit and #2 A support system is priceless. I think of my support systems...my church, my home group, my family. Without them on the sidelines cheering me on, praying for me, loving me, constantly supporting me, I would easily give up.
I'm glad I have fans.
After two days of try outs, Zack got the call that he had made the team. There was a huge hassle with Zack's Dad. I won't expound on that either...I will say that even when I thought the whole thing was settled, it has still caused moments of uproar and turmoil...but again, subject for another time. The team has practiced every day. We had to buy pictures, shirts, etc. etc. This week the competition finally began. The first tournament is a double elimination. Sunday morning we lost our first game. (I still think it's because we were playing on a Sunday when the boys should be going to church...yet another topic for another day.) Last night was their 2nd game. Win and we keep playing...lose and all that practice and all that effort is done for another year.
Bottom of the third inning...we are losing 5-0. The boys looked defeated and were playing as if they were already defeated. Finally they got a lucky break and scored 2 runs. By the bottom of the 6th it still wasn't looking good...still 5-2. We (in the stands) started talking about how the boys lacked energy, etc. We aren't allowed to talk to them while they are in the dugout...so we began cheering and yelling and whistling...the coach caught on and did a little dance in front of the dugout. The boys begin cheering with us, smiling, getting energized. They held the other team to 5...it was the bottom of the 7th (little league only goes 7 innings) and suddenly the ball started flying, runs were made...the score is now tied 5-5 and we are going into extra innings. We were the home team, so got last "ups"...in the top of the 8th our pitcher struck out the three batters. Our team got up to bat...again, the energy was high, cheers, whistles, smiles, etc...needless to say...we WON!!!!
A couple life lessons from this experience...#1 Even when it looks dismal, you can't quit and #2 A support system is priceless. I think of my support systems...my church, my home group, my family. Without them on the sidelines cheering me on, praying for me, loving me, constantly supporting me, I would easily give up.
I'm glad I have fans.
Monday, July 2, 2007
Keep on keepin' on
About 10 years ago, I was working 2 jobs, going to school full time and raising a son. Thank God for my Mom and Dad who helped out with babysitting so that I didn't have to worry about that expense. At the time, I got involved in a single parents support group at my church. I made some very good friends in that group. We played together, but even more importantly we prayed together. We were all at different points of frustration and stress, yet we all had a strong foundation in Christ and knew that our lives were in His hands.
At one particular prayer time, one of the guys came to me afterwards and said, "I got a word (from God) for you." Now, I have to admit...I had never had anything like that come my way before...but immediately my heart jumped and I thought "here it is...the answers to all my questions". So, I held my breath expectantly and waited to hear the heavenly choir sing and a light drop down from the sky as he shared with me what God had told him to tell me. "Keep on keepin' on." he said. No heavenly choir...no light from the sky...no 'thee or thou'...instead I get a 70's bumper sticker slogan.
I was seriously disappointed, but guess what? I know now that he gave me a serious message from God. There are days I just want to crawl into bed, throw the covers over my head, and not come out for a few weeks. I don't have that option, and those are the days I hear those words in my head. "Keep on keepin' on." Put one foot in front of the other. Do what you have to do. Keep praying. Keep being faithful and believing that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Keep sharing His word with others. Keep smiling.
Keep on keepin' on.
At one particular prayer time, one of the guys came to me afterwards and said, "I got a word (from God) for you." Now, I have to admit...I had never had anything like that come my way before...but immediately my heart jumped and I thought "here it is...the answers to all my questions". So, I held my breath expectantly and waited to hear the heavenly choir sing and a light drop down from the sky as he shared with me what God had told him to tell me. "Keep on keepin' on." he said. No heavenly choir...no light from the sky...no 'thee or thou'...instead I get a 70's bumper sticker slogan.
I was seriously disappointed, but guess what? I know now that he gave me a serious message from God. There are days I just want to crawl into bed, throw the covers over my head, and not come out for a few weeks. I don't have that option, and those are the days I hear those words in my head. "Keep on keepin' on." Put one foot in front of the other. Do what you have to do. Keep praying. Keep being faithful and believing that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Keep sharing His word with others. Keep smiling.
Keep on keepin' on.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Perseverance
"Persevere: to persist in a state or undertaking in spite of counterinfluences, opposition, or discouragement"
I was reading something about perseverance the other day and what I read has been on my mind since then. First of all, I never really consider myself "persevere-ing". The reason I say that is because I guess in my mind persevering sounds like you are struggling through something really awful and maybe more permanent. I am definitely struggling and sometimes feel like I'm barely keeping my head above water. But my struggles are temporary. (If you call 5 years temporary.)
In the reading, the question was asked how we persevere. Do we stand before God screaming "why me?" or do we stand before God humbly and with open hands submittings ourselves to His will?
Please pray for my friend Torrey and his family.
I was reading something about perseverance the other day and what I read has been on my mind since then. First of all, I never really consider myself "persevere-ing". The reason I say that is because I guess in my mind persevering sounds like you are struggling through something really awful and maybe more permanent. I am definitely struggling and sometimes feel like I'm barely keeping my head above water. But my struggles are temporary. (If you call 5 years temporary.)
In the reading, the question was asked how we persevere. Do we stand before God screaming "why me?" or do we stand before God humbly and with open hands submittings ourselves to His will?
Please pray for my friend Torrey and his family.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Summer
Since I haven't been teaching there are 2 particular days that are extremely hard for me...the first day of school and the first day of summer.
I extremely enjoyed the summers when I was teaching. How nice to still get a regular paycheck and not have to go to work everyday. Instead, I got to sleep in, get caught up on General Hospital and most importantly, be there with my kid.
Those first two years we spent the first part of our summer driving from South Carolina to Washington, and at the end of the summer making the drive back. That first summer we discovered KOA and Zack started his shot glass collection (at 7)...he just thought they were cute little glasses. We saw the Painted Desert, The Grand Canyon, cacti (like the ones in the cartoons with actual "arms") , Las Vegas, prairie dogs, Elvis' tiny little house (not Graceland)...and so much more. We played silly games, we ate junk food, we talked...I learned all the latest 'Nsync and Backstreet Boys songs (Zack will NEVER admit that he actually loved them) and Zack can still sing along with Barry Manilow (and I am NOT ashamed to admit that I still love Barry!) Those are memories that will last forever.
So now, when the first day of summer comes, I feel sad. I'm stuck in an office. I keep tabs on Zack...but am not there with him. This is an important time in life to make sure I know where he is and what he's doing. I don't necessarily love doing it by constant back and forth phone calls.
Don't get me wrong...I'm thankful that I have a job...but I miss summer.
I extremely enjoyed the summers when I was teaching. How nice to still get a regular paycheck and not have to go to work everyday. Instead, I got to sleep in, get caught up on General Hospital and most importantly, be there with my kid.
Those first two years we spent the first part of our summer driving from South Carolina to Washington, and at the end of the summer making the drive back. That first summer we discovered KOA and Zack started his shot glass collection (at 7)...he just thought they were cute little glasses. We saw the Painted Desert, The Grand Canyon, cacti (like the ones in the cartoons with actual "arms") , Las Vegas, prairie dogs, Elvis' tiny little house (not Graceland)...and so much more. We played silly games, we ate junk food, we talked...I learned all the latest 'Nsync and Backstreet Boys songs (Zack will NEVER admit that he actually loved them) and Zack can still sing along with Barry Manilow (and I am NOT ashamed to admit that I still love Barry!) Those are memories that will last forever.
So now, when the first day of summer comes, I feel sad. I'm stuck in an office. I keep tabs on Zack...but am not there with him. This is an important time in life to make sure I know where he is and what he's doing. I don't necessarily love doing it by constant back and forth phone calls.
Don't get me wrong...I'm thankful that I have a job...but I miss summer.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Choices
I probably already mentioned that I was hoping to be the "great testimony" at the end of Scott's series on "prayer". (Scott, by the way, is my pastor.) Well, he followed up the "prayer" series with a series on "disappointment"...turns out I am more in line for the "testimony" to that series.
For the past three weeks, Scott has talked about the story of Joseph. Here's a guy who had dreams...literally and figuratively. He was his dad's "favorite", which annoyed his brothers...so, long story short, he was sold into slavery, became a servant, falsely accused of rape, imprisoned, and all this happened over a period of 13 years. Of course, eventually God used him in a mighty way...which was His plan from the very beginning.
Now, the first thing I kept hearing over and over in my mind was "13 years? You've got to be kidding me!" But then the heart of the message made it to my mind. During those times of trials, Joseph kept a good attitude. He didn't focus on what he didn't have, but what he was going to have. His character stayed true to his belief in God and the plan that God had for him. I'm sure he had plenty of opportunity to feel sorry for himself, but that's not what people saw. They saw his faithfulness and willingness to make the best of a "not perfect" situation.
It's all about choices. I give myself the excuse that I'm human and because of that God allows for periods of depression and disappointment and frustration. And He does allow me to be human...but above all, He wants us to CHOOSE to keep trusting Him for direction. He wants us to CHOOSE to be thankful for what we do have and not focus on what we don't have. He wants us to CHOOSE to remember the times He has taken care of us and done great things in our life. He wants us to CHOOSE to look ahead to what HE HAS PLANNED.
His plans are far greater than anything I can even imagine.
For the past three weeks, Scott has talked about the story of Joseph. Here's a guy who had dreams...literally and figuratively. He was his dad's "favorite", which annoyed his brothers...so, long story short, he was sold into slavery, became a servant, falsely accused of rape, imprisoned, and all this happened over a period of 13 years. Of course, eventually God used him in a mighty way...which was His plan from the very beginning.
Now, the first thing I kept hearing over and over in my mind was "13 years? You've got to be kidding me!" But then the heart of the message made it to my mind. During those times of trials, Joseph kept a good attitude. He didn't focus on what he didn't have, but what he was going to have. His character stayed true to his belief in God and the plan that God had for him. I'm sure he had plenty of opportunity to feel sorry for himself, but that's not what people saw. They saw his faithfulness and willingness to make the best of a "not perfect" situation.
It's all about choices. I give myself the excuse that I'm human and because of that God allows for periods of depression and disappointment and frustration. And He does allow me to be human...but above all, He wants us to CHOOSE to keep trusting Him for direction. He wants us to CHOOSE to be thankful for what we do have and not focus on what we don't have. He wants us to CHOOSE to remember the times He has taken care of us and done great things in our life. He wants us to CHOOSE to look ahead to what HE HAS PLANNED.
His plans are far greater than anything I can even imagine.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Middle School
If you turn off the noise and listen, I believe you can hear the angelic choir singing the Halelujah chorus. Today was Zack's last "official" day of 8th grade.
I have to be honest, I'm a little numb about the whole thing. On the one hand, I'm soooo relieved that this year is over. What a struggle it has been trying to just get him to pass his classes. (I would like to strangle whoever it was that told him that middle school 'doesn't count'. He took them very seriously.) On the other hand, my son is now going into high school.
It really wasn't that long ago that we were shopping for his first backpack. I think it had Pikachu (from Pokemon) on it. I still have boxes of his first papers and drawings and other nonsense that, as a Mom, you just can't throw away. (Now I just move it from place to place.)
He's growing up. When he hugs me, he rests his chin on my head. He shaves (don't tell him I told). He has "Peter Brady" syndrome. (Anyone who watched The Brady Bunch probably knows what I'm talking about...voice is down low and suddenly something squeaks in the middle of a conversation. ) Girls call him all the time. He's got TWO really good long-time friends who actually have their drivers' permits. OH, I'm SO NOT READY FOR THIS.
I want this summer to last a long time. I want to hold on just a little longer.
I have to be honest, I'm a little numb about the whole thing. On the one hand, I'm soooo relieved that this year is over. What a struggle it has been trying to just get him to pass his classes. (I would like to strangle whoever it was that told him that middle school 'doesn't count'. He took them very seriously.) On the other hand, my son is now going into high school.
It really wasn't that long ago that we were shopping for his first backpack. I think it had Pikachu (from Pokemon) on it. I still have boxes of his first papers and drawings and other nonsense that, as a Mom, you just can't throw away. (Now I just move it from place to place.)
He's growing up. When he hugs me, he rests his chin on my head. He shaves (don't tell him I told). He has "Peter Brady" syndrome. (Anyone who watched The Brady Bunch probably knows what I'm talking about...voice is down low and suddenly something squeaks in the middle of a conversation. ) Girls call him all the time. He's got TWO really good long-time friends who actually have their drivers' permits. OH, I'm SO NOT READY FOR THIS.
I want this summer to last a long time. I want to hold on just a little longer.
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