Moments of Indignation

Good-bye Martin Creek

2009-01-11T22:25:00.001-05:00

Bitter-sweet, but it was good while it lasted!!

Thanks For 8 Great Years!!

We would like to say thanks to all of our customers. For the past 8 years we have made and sold our original kayak racks here at MartinCreek.com. We are sad to annouce that we have stopped productions of all of our products at this time due to major increases in production cost, influx of imports, and major decline in the US Kayak Industry. If and when things pick-up again in the kayak industry we will resume production. Thanks again to all who have purchased Martin Creek Kayak Storage Solutions over the years.

Marcus & Christy Williamson
Owners
www.MartinCreek.com

I HEART REVOLUTION....NOW!!!

2008-12-02T20:46:00.000-05:00

2008-11-12T09:07:00.003-05:00

"Eat more chicken"

His first hair cut - 6 1/2 months!!

Needless to say, he didn't like it!

Yep! He experienced the voting process and was happy about the

outcome.

Enough with cameras mom!!

New Pictures of the Little Man...

2008-09-24T14:37:00.003-04:00

First wave???

The "photo shoot" on the futon!

Seth without hair!:^)

Playing in the music room!

6 months already!?!? No kidding, blink and you'll miss it. I have been trying not to blink too often these days, even this week with the cutting of his first TWO teeth and his first cold...all at the same time!! There are so many things I am looking forward to...hearing him talk, watching him learn to crawl and walk, watching him try new foods, seeing him meet new people, seeing his first act of compassion, and chasing the pets! Then so much I want to protect him from and so many conversations I look forward and dread having with him. But we miss so much of right now when we look forward. He is teaching me all about being in the here and now. Even at 6 months he knows when my mind is preoccupied and when I'm not totally into him. So I'm learning everyday how to say "yes" to him and "no" to other things that 7 months ago would have been a must before going to bed. How I strive to prioritize my faith in that same way...some days I do okay, most I probably fail miserably. But God knows I am weak like that and I know all about His mercy that I don't deserve. I'll spend a lifetime readjusting priorities and learning new rhythms. And I guess that's what makes it makes it...interesting!

Offended by Palin's Comments

2008-09-07T14:24:00.005-04:00

I don't talk about Presidential politics much on my blogs for many reasons that I won't go into now. But I strongly felt Palin crossed a line during her speech at the NRC and I was thankful to find someone other than the media addressing the issue. And I was excited to see it was Jim Wallis at that. If you haven't heard of him, he founded Sojourners, http://www.sojo.net/ (a nationwide network of Christians working for justice and peace) and author of God's Politics. I hope you'll take a minute to read his article below. I have never held the title of "Community Organizer" but I do consider myself a Community Advocate and have held jobs that are essential to the making a healthy community. May you take your right to vote seriously and may your decision be one that is bathed in prayer and education of both candidates! - Christy

Palin Owes Some Good People An Apology (by Jim Wallis)

Wednesday morning I got an e-mail from a former member of our Sojourners community. Perry Perkins is now a community organizer in Louisiana with affiliates of the Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF). "Perk," as we used to call him, reported on the enormous consequences of 2 million people being evacuated because of Hurricane Gustav, much of the state now being without power, how hard cities like Baton Rouge were hit, the tens of thousands of people in shelters and churches, and the continuing problems caused by heavy rains and flooding. Then he talked about how their community organizers were responding to all of this -- responding to hundreds of service calls, assisting local officials in evacuation plans, aiding evacuees without transportation, coordinating shelters and opening new ones, providing food, essential services, and financial aid to those in most need. Since Katrina, Perry's Louisiana interfaith organizations have played a lead role in securing millions of dollars to help thousands of families return to New Orleans and rebuild their homes and their lives.Then Wednesday night I heard Republican vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin say that her experience as "a small-town mayor is sort of like a community organizer, except that you have actual responsibilities." The convention crowd in St. Paul thought that was very funny. But it wasn't. It was actually quite insulting to the army of community organizers who work in the most challenging places across the country and have such a tremendous impact on the everyday lives of millions of people. I guess Palin and her fellow Republican delegates don't know much about that. The "actual responsibilities" of community organizers literally provide the practical support, collective strength, and hope for a better future that low-income families need to survive.

Community organizers are now most focused in the faith community, working with tens of thousands of pastors and laypeople in thousands of congregations around the country. Faith-based organizing is the critical factor in many low-income communities in the country's poorest urban and rural areas, and church leaders are often the biggest supporters of community organizers. And many of them felt deeply offended by Palin's remarks. Here are a few of their responses:

"As a lifelong Republican, the comments I heard last night about community organizing crossed the line. It is one thing to question someone's experience, another to demean the work of millions of hardworking Americans who take time to get involved in their communities. When people come together in my church hall to improve our community, they're building the Kingdom of God in San Diego. We see the fruits of community organizing in safer streets, new parks, and new affordable housing. It's the spirit of democracy for people to have a say and we need more of it," said Bishop Roy Dixon, prelate of the Southern California 4th ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ, member of the San Diego Organizing Project and former board chair of PICO National Network.

They have also pointed out how the most important victories for social justice have come more from community organizers than elected officials.
"We can thank community organizing for the weekend, the eight-hour day, integrated swimming pools, public transportation, health care for children and safe neighborhoods. Community organizing is behind most of the family-oriented initiatives we benefit from every day. I am proud to work for change in my country, my state, and my city as a community organizer, following the great traditions of Dr. Martin Luther King," said Laura Barrett, national policy director of Gamaliel/Transportation Equity Network (TEN).

And when you put the accomplishments of politicians alongside those of community organizers for poor families, it isn't even close. Without the pressure from community organizers and the movements they lead, there would often be nobody to hold politicians accountable.
"Politicians should thank community organizers, not insult them. As a longtime organizer, I've seen time and time again that we are the ones who make government work for the poor, the powerless and the marginalized. Politicians' policies and promises would amount to nothing without grassroots activists to hold them accountable. We are leaders of faith and stewards of democracy. In a time when the face of faith in politics is often ugly, community organizing is a valuable example of faith's positive role in public life," said Pastor Mark Diemer, senior pastor of Grace of God Lutheran Church in Columbus, Ohio, and a DART community organizer.

Palin's effort to attack the experience of Barack Obama, a former community organizer in Chicago, turned into a bad joke and an insult. Palin owes a lot of good people an apology.

Engage-Reality

2008-08-09T22:00:00.003-04:00

Some of you know Marcus and I have been working on a ministry called Engage-Reality since last September. God has been giving us the vision piece by piece, so the website http://www.engage-reality.com/ has been our attempt in putting those pieces together. At the time God gave us this vision, we were working with groups of people that were often ignored, misunderstood, and oppressed (Marcus with the homeless and myself with survivors of sexual abuse.) We soon felt alone in our passion for these issues - we wanted people to understand the truth behind the stories and stereotypes of those struggling in these issues. Our hope with Engage-Reality is to spark an interest in others to find a group of people they can be passionate about, then educate themselves about the issues and motivate them to some type of action/service. We are in the process of redesigning the website, and possibly turning this into a non-profit, where we will focus on core issues, public awareness of the issues, and linking individuals with work already being done on the issue. Please check back with the site in a few weeks and keep us in your prayers as we seek the direction God has for us. Below is our latest post from Engage-Reality's Blog: http://www.engage-reality.blogspot.com/
And thanks to everyone for your prayers and sweet words about Seth and the adoption! We love you!!
__________________________________________________

Why Should Christians Care About Social Injustice?

Poverty. Orphans. Degradation of women. Abuse of children. Homelessness. Unequal access to health care. In the last hundred years our society has shifted, from the church caring for the oppressed to government programs overseeing issues. Many may see this as a positive shift, and it is not a bad thing. The government does have the resources, funds, and research to address these issues. But something is gotten lost in the shift…people. When we view rape as an issue or poverty as just an issue something’s wrong. Behind the scary words, like sexual violence, HIV/AIDS, homelessness, there are people; people that are hurting, scared, isolated, and often hopeless.

I know that issues can be overwhelming. I have heard many people say “I don’t watch the evening news or read the paper anymore. It is too depressing.” But ask the same person what’s their favorite TV show? Don’t be surprised when you hear Law and Order or CSI! Is it okay for issues to be entertainment but not reality? But it is reality, “ripped from the headlines”, you couldn’t make up most of those plots. Caring about “issues” doesn’t make you right or left, red or blue, or “in the world”. Caring about “issues” makes you compassionate, even (dramatic pause)… Christ-like.

There are over 2,000 verses in scripture that relate to caring for the oppressed and the poor. 2,000! Do you think the God of all creation was trying to tell us something? Yes, something like, don’t forget each other while you are doing life. Jesus is the perfect example of what God expects from us. (No surprise right?) Jesus loved people, I mean really loved people. He didn’t care about social norms. Remember the Samaritan woman? Jews talking to Samaritans wasn’t going to happen, but a man talking to a woman in public was a disgrace. Jesus never put a stereotype on anyone nor did he have one size fits all way of healing. Instead he looked at crowds with compassion, took time to listen to stories, and touched people. Jesus was revolutionary in person and in love. He made history of 600 plus laws and gave his followers just two – to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and the second love your neighbor as yourself.

The kingdom of God is right now. We are in it, we are it. It isn’t just something that awaits us, but it is Good News that must be shared today with those that need hope and a future. The Good Samaritan saw one person, with one need he could meet. Maybe he left his house that morning with his day’s agenda in his planner and heard story after story of issues that were beyond his control, but he did not let that stop him from doing one simple thing. He simply crossed the street. He saw a man with an immediate need who wanted help, and then he did something about it. The Samaritan cleaned his wounds and carried him to a place that could meet needs beyond his ability. We are not meant to meet needs on our own. I think that is why many Christians find themselves overwhelmed or afraid to reach out. We are afraid we won’t know what to do or what the answer is. Yet, we are surrounded with resources, we just have to know them and be willing to learn how to help with a specific need.

God has not called us to be passive or timid. But he’s called us to boldly reach out with compassion to others and to look beyond an issue or a stereotype, and see a person. Yes, we must make ourselves aware of the issues, their prevalence and consequences. We can’t be effective if we are ignorant and we can’t help someone if we aren’t aware. So may we not see issues, may we see our neighbors.

I Dare You,
Christy

It's Offical...

2008-08-04T11:53:00.002-04:00

I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him.
1 Samuel 1:27

A little over 4 months ago our lives changed forever. The word change seems too small for what really happened…transformed describes it better. One, seemingly normal, Thursday afternoon, 12 noon on March 20th to be exact, we received the phone call that all adopting parents wait not so patiently for. The voice of our case worker on the other end said, “Your son is ready for you.” I didn’t know if I should shout for joy or cry out of shock and happiness. I cried… and called Marcus, “Come home now…we have to go to Columbia…We have a boy.” It took several repeats of that statement and picking Seth up from the hospital for him to believe me. The transformation happened in 6 hours – notified at noon and held him in our arms by 6 pm! That is a day we will never forget.

Things are very different for parents who adopt verses those who can have biological children. For biological parents, you are never interviewed – questioned of everything in your past that could affect your ability to parent well or not, you home is never inspected, and once you hold your child in your arms, count all the fingers and toes, and look into their beautiful eyes, biological parents never have a lingering question of “What if something goes wrong? What if the biological father shows up?” So for us the next most important day after bringing Seth home from the hospital was his court date for finalization.

The day was full of anxiety, excitement and in the end, relief and peace. We didn’t expect any surprises. Our lawyer was as thorough as they come, prepared us for every question and possibility. But you can’t help but to question or think something will go wrong or be rescheduled, especially after our journey. But God knew what we needed and things absolutely could not have gone smoother. It was pretty special having family there to celebrate with afterwards too. And what an incredible anniversary present. Today we are official!

Guaranteed To Make You Laugh...

2008-06-27T12:42:00.002-04:00

I must show some indignation....

2008-06-24T14:28:00.004-04:00

Warning: IF you respect James Dobson please do not read this post, you will be offended. Consider yourself warned............

MSN is my homepage. And today the headline was “Evangelical Leader Rips Obama.” Of course it was James Dobson. I am sorry I may offend some, but I passionately dislike this man (notice I didn’t say Gentleman)! Let me break this to him and his followers gently; we are not a Christian nation (haven't been for years now), Mr. Dobson should not speak for the Christian community, and is he a Psychologist or a Tim Russert wanna be??

It pained me to even try to listen to his broadcast today. Every election is the same song and dance for Dobson, good ole Christian Bashing of brave men and women who dare to enter an election to run this country. (Though I don't approve of many who run, I wouldn't attempt or imagine trying to run a country.) The whole feel of the program was poor me, why did Obama jump on me in this speech, over 2 years ago may I add. Obama was simply comparing the
'Christian thinkers' (wow I use that description very loosely) of today, much like Paul did with Apollos and Cephas. It was a very smart speech by Obama, that Dobson and his fellow partners in crime totally took out of context by taking quotes here and there and cutting him off before the point is made. But Christians are very good at picking and choosing anyway, isn't that why we use highlighters in our bibles?

So I won't go on a complete rant here are my problems with this guy:
1. He makes conservative Christians appear ignorant, judgmental, and merciless to the rest of the world. (Check out Hosea 6:6)

2 It all goes back to Abortion. I am not denying the importance for us to stand against this injustice to innocent children - but where is his loud voice on all the other injustices that children face every day; sexual and physical abuse, neglect, lack of education, lack of respect even in our churches, children left in foster care, or those that are born into families that never intend to love or care for them. Just advocate for children's rights - advocating for an issue is about controlling what you don't like. My quote on the abortion issue: No uterus, no opinion!

3. Isn't it a contradiction to be against the killing of babies but support a president who sends us in to a war where innocence men and women kill and are being killed?

4. Pro-family. Notice this never has anything to do with upholding God's standards of a husband and wife of stay committed to each other (unless of course he is talking about how only the wife is to submit), but only that family is not for the homosexuals. Do we as Christians even have the right to say others are breaking the sanctity of marriage when the divorce rates of evangelicals equal that of non-believers?

I'll end there for now... my little boss calls.....
But I think I still have the outrage ability in me!!! :^)

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25343812?GT1=43001

A Change of Rhythm

2008-06-23T22:34:00.003-04:00

With a new baby brings a change in the rhythm of things, to say the least! Still not one complaint or anything I would change. But finding time to stay connected to God, my husband and myself has proved to be a challenge with our new "little boss"! I watch the news now more than ever, so there have been many things that have outraged me that I've been thinking and writing about. (By the way, if gas prices were "record breaking" yesterday, doesn't that mean they are "record breaking" today too. But without fail it is said everyday!) But I just don't feel that those outrages should take this post. These days time alone is precious. Instead I wanted to share some of the scriptures that have stopped me in my tracks in the last few weeks!

James 1:6-8 (TNIV)
6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 Those who doubt should not think they will receive anything from the Lord; 8 they are double-minded and unstable in all they do.
God wants us to be decisive. I struggle with that sometime - often I cheat and let time make a decision for me. But God wants us to make up our minds and not fear failures or mistakes.

Hebrews 10:10 and 14 (NLT)
10 For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time. 14 For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy.
In Christ we are complete right now - in Him we are whole. Jesus did everything we will ever need. There's nothing left to add or change. There is no sacrifice left for us to bring Him - He did it all. We can't add to what He has already done - not holding on to the past, not forgiving ourselves, not hanging on to our mistakes. Jesus has done all we need and we just have to grasp on to the truth that in Him we are complete!

Ephesians 1:4 (NLT)
4 Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.
Being made holy seems to be a ongoing theme for me. God's love must come first - it is through His love that we have the power and security that enables us to be holy and fulfill our God given purpose.

Galatians 5:22
The fruit of the spirit Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control; those things are resources from God. I rethink things now, to say "I have no patience" is to say "God really doesn't have enough power to give that to me." But these are God's resources that give us the power, that isn't naturally within us, to live differently.

Genesis 1:27 (TNIV)
So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
Imagine the possibilities when we put into practice being made in His image? How would you look at yourself differently? How would you look at others differently? I am stuck here in this verse - considering how different my life should be just because of that verse. So I'm doing lots of writing and study on that theme...I'll get back to you on that.

This is INSANE!!!

2008-06-04T21:46:00.002-04:00

I am so glad to live in America, to drive in my own car...with just my husband and baby, and yes after watching this to even pay ridiculous gas prices!! I guess the Japanese don't have personal space or a body-bubble!! I would freak out, no maybe just live on the streets if this was the only way to work!!!!

The Glory of It All

2008-05-23T14:14:00.003-04:00

For me there are worship songs, then there are Worship Songs! You know, the personal ones that dare you go deep down look at all your stuff - the good, the bad, the pain, the joys, and complete brokenness and failure - then realize it all pales in the awesomeness of who God is. You can't possibly experience God and remain who you are and where you were. Without God I am nothing - nothing works, nothing makes sense, and everything is chaos. And as messed up I am, it is amazing that he came to rescue and repair me once and for all.

Enjoy the video. It takes me to a new level every time I hear it!

More Pictures

2008-05-21T17:17:00.005-04:00

Motherhood isn't allowing much time for pastime activities, such as blogging. But NO Complaints here. We are getting a regular schedule now, so writing will come again soon. Right now I'm having fun hanging out with the little man!! Today I'm answering the requests for new pictures - so here you go.

HAPPY BABY!!

COOL DUDE!!

Good Stuff!!

2008-04-23T12:20:00.000-04:00

Tony Campolo on politics. I love this guy!

The Kingdom of God

2008-04-19T21:54:00.001-04:00

Here is a concept I’ve heard all my life. But it wasn’t until recently (from November to today, to be exact) that “the Kingdom of God” became more that just some religious jargon or just a concept – it was the central purpose of Jesus. Throughout the gospels we read Jesus speaking of the Kingdom of God over and over; “The Kingdom of God is at hand”, “Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done.” It wasn’t a warning of impending doom, it was His mission – and for too long I’ve missed it…I missed Jesus mission. I thought it was only to save, and yes it was that. But if I limit Jesus to that one moment I have missed His life!

Jesus came to create His Kingdom here…on earth. Recently I’ve asked, “What does that look like?” Check out Isaiah 65 starting at verse 17 – the sound of weeping and crying will be heard no more, never again will infants live but a few days or older people not live out their years, no labor in vain, no misfortune, before we even call God will answer. Surely little me couldn’t bring that here, that is the after-life reward for behaving so well on earth. If we live that way, we have missed the life Jesus came to give – abundant. Every Christ-follower is to bring the Kingdom of God here and now.

Over 2,000 verses in the bible dare us to respond to the poor and the oppressed. When we care and respect people just because of God’s love in us, - not because it is our job, or because of some church program or challenge, or because we have some agenda to bring them to church or get them saved – then we have brought the Kingdom of God to the here and now. The Kingdom of God happens when we see beyond ourselves, when we reach out to someone, when we partner with others who are doing what we can’t do alone, when we look at someone who doesn’t look like us and see a child of God not color, class, wealth or lack of. One day we will stand amazed at the simple things we’ve done, some we will remember others will be long forgotten, and we hear “Well done good and faithful servant”.

Check out the YouTube of Tony Campolo telling two great stories of ordinary people bring the Kingdom into their ordinary days.

Promises of Psalm 139 for Seth!

2008-04-04T20:27:00.003-04:00

The Lord has searched you and He knows you.

He knows when you sit and when you rise; even from a distance He knows what you are thinking.

He knows when you go out and when you lay down; and he is familiar with all your ways – you are not out of His sight for one moment.

Before a word even comes out your mouth, God knows it.

Look behind you - God is there, Look ahead of you and He is waiting for you. His hand will always comfort you, even when ours can’t.

All this is too wonderful and almost too much to take in!
Is there any where you can go from his Spirit or run from His presence? If you go up to the heavens, there He is. If you go to the depths of the earth, underground, God is there. If you ride on the mornings wings or settle on the other side of the sea – even there He waits for you; to guide you, to love you.

If you say, “I know, the darkness will hide me.” Even the dark isn’t dark to God – night and day, dark and light, they are all the same to God.

God created you from the inside out – He formed you in the womb – you are amazing. We praise God because you are fearfully and wonderfully made. God knew exactly how you were made, bit by bit, how you were sculpted from nothing into something. Like an open book, God watched you grow from conception to birth; all the stages of your life were spread out before Him. The days of your life all prepared before you even lived one day.

God’s thoughts about us are incredible. They are so many we can’t even count them – they absolutely out number the grains of sand.

Seth, May you wake up every morning knowing God is with you and be willing to walk with Him every day! -Mom and Dad

Surreal

2008-03-25T08:08:00.004-04:00

Surreal, that is the best way to describe the life since Thursday, March 20 from 12 noon until right now! (I had no idea the gift that would be born to us the very next day after my last posting.) Seth is awesome - well worth unexpected mid-day phone call to come to Columbia pick him up as he is discharged from the hospital, then the hour of complete chaos that followed, and of course the missed sleep here and there! (God is amazing, not only did he answer in a great way, but in ways we couldn't even imagine...another awesome gift at Easter...that is almost too much!) As we were signing the papers and even seeing him for the first time, I had an incredible since of calmness...and it hasn't left yet. (Which says a lot for the highly stressed woman I have always been!) This little guy is the only thing that has ever made me forget about completing the to-do list, inboxes, and a kept house! NO ONE ever told me being a parent was so much fun - even the late nights!! Marcus is an incredible dad - not that I was surprised! Seth, you were worth the wait!!

Adoption - a powerful message

2008-03-17T13:11:00.005-04:00

For those of you that missed the Carolina Hope / Caedmen's Call concert a couple of weeks ago - here is an amazing video that was shown. What an amazing take on adoption!!! (By the way...we are still waiting!!! No word yet...please keep praying. We know it is all in God's timing, but waiting to start a family is hard work!! ;0) Enjoy the video....

Give me normal and HOME!

2008-03-16T13:05:00.005-04:00

I am so glad this week is done and over!!! Nothing last week was normal or ordinary. I like variety, but make it somewhat ordered-variety please. Here was the total randomness of last week:

- So I realized the reason for the 4 am wake up from God about the vine and the branches. I'm so thick in the head sometimes! It was about intimacy, total dependence on Him! I need to be reminded of that often - I tend to handle things on my own too often and intimacy doesn't always come nature to me. But I still wonder why God felt the need to wake me up at 4 am for that one!! (Maybe that was His way of being intimate!)
- Monday afternoon I met up with some friends to catch Eve Ensler (author and activist of ending violence against women) to speak at Clemson. She was incredible. Her controversial play, The Vagina Monologues, have helped women all across the globe find their voice after being assaulted and has made a huge impact in raising awareness, funding, and changing laws. Another reminder that one person can make a difference with passion, determination, and compassion.
- Tuesday I spent the day at Fair Oak Elementary presenting the Safe Touch Program for 2nd graders. That's always a great experience. Kids want to know about keeping their bodies safe...I wish more adults would take prevention as serious. (I've contacted 8 to 10 churches now concerning the Stewards of Children training...So far there is no interest or immediate need to schedule Sexual Abuse awareness or prevention in our area. I WILL NOT BE DISCOURAGED OR FRUSTRATED...change takes time!)
- Wednesday I tagged along with Marcus to keep him company on a sales trip to Tennessee.
- Thursday we hit the road again, this time to Orangeburg to check on the family - mom's heart cath went well! Thanks for your prayers and thoughts. :^)
- We made it back in time for Home Group and practice Thursday night!!
- Friday was the usual helping out at the church office. And then the rest of the day....STRESS. Marcus and I played some original and covers songs at The Corner Bagel. We haven't done that in 10 years!!! (It probably showed!!) But life right now for us is about going beyond our comfort zone (I am definitely not comfortable singing!!) and living without regrets. It was a good experience! I learned a lot and have somethings I want to work on...so it is all good, I'm just really glad it is OVER!! Thanks TO EVERYONE that came out Friday night...Your support meant A LOT to us!!!
- Saturday we hung out again with our friends under the bridge - Always a blessing. Then we did NOTHING the rest of the day....We were exhausted!!

I've sat down several times this week to blog, but just too tired. With all the car time and new experiences this week, there have been new thoughts and lessons learned...maybe I'll blog on that later, but for now I'm looking forward to a normal week ahead and catching up with an old friend tonight.

Until next time - be blessed!

A True Hero and Survivor

2008-03-07T23:32:00.004-05:00

The story of teenager, Elizabeth Shoaf, was told on Dateline tonight. Her story speaks of the reality of pure evil in our world and the strength to overcome it. I am always moved to hear how others survive sexual assault. Each story in someway pushes me to advocate more. There is so much out there that often doesn't support them - our justice system, myths, stereotypes, even family and friends. I will blog more on this issue later, but for now I wanted to share with you a true survivor. Elizabeth proves the strength and resilience of kids - we adults can learn a lot from her.

This story happened in South Carolina. Elizabeth's story is not the norm. Statistics show that only 10% of abusers in child sexual abuse cases are strangers. 90% of children are sexually abused by people they know and trust.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23522127/ (Dateline Story- In to the Woods)

http://insidedateline.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/03/06/739278.aspx (Elizabeth's Blog)

"survivors are part turtle
we are part potato bug
we know enough to go fetal
'til it's still up above" - Ani Difranco

"and what if there are no damsels in distress
what if i knew that and i called your bluff
don't you think every kitten figures out how to get down
whether or not you ever show up" -Ani Difranco

Love Each Other

2008-03-04T08:55:00.003-05:00

I have had a "Godly-prodding" since very early Sunday morning to read John 15. I woke up thinking about these verses about the Vine and the Branches. For 3 days I have read this passage - but I don't think I have really gotten why God felt the need to wake me up at 4 am to tell me about it again. Still working on that one.

But in reading it today my "ADD" kicked in and I got a little side tracked on the chapters before John 15, mainly John 13. I love to highlight when I read...OK, I have to highlight!! I guess it is the way I learn; through using all my senses - some people can just read and it sticks. But I have to read, write it, touch it, and talk about it. Does that mean I am a slow leaner?!? Oh, who cares at this point in life...see there it is again...non-diagnosed ADD, so sorry.

Anyway John 13...I have verses 34 and 35 highlighted and even notes written beside it. So I have thought about this one before. But today it hit me in a brand new way. The beginning of the chapter is where Jesus washes the disciples feet. A most humbling, beautiful moment for the disciples. I think I would be much like Peter - "Jesus you really don't have to wash my feet." Peter is so awesome. Jesus said you don't get it, if I don't wash your feet you can't be a part of what I 'm doing. Then Peter says well in that case...wash my feet, hands and head!! He intentionally wanted to be about doing God's work. But later he denies Jesus not once, not twice, but 3 times! If I was around at the time, I immediately think about the labels I'd put on Peter, anger I'd have toward him. Then I read my highlighted verses later in the chapter.

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. - verse 34-35.

Jesus had spoke numerous times about how the disciples were to love their neighbors. But this verse was a little different, and revolutionary still today. Believers and followers of Christ must love each other (Christians love each other? Told you it was revolutionary)!!! But look again at Peter's comments, right after Jesus says this Peter is asking..."Lord, where are you going"??!!! Did he miss a key point because he was stuck? I can't help but to picture a child at camp the first day... the counselor is going over all the important stuff and you get to the most important rule for the cabin to remember for the week ahead and they ask in the middle of all that, "What's next?" You wonder...Did they just miss the key to living happily together with 11 other random people for a week, without mom and dad I might add?!?

Peter was stuck in a moment...Where was his Rabbi going? Jesus was leaving him physically yes, but first Jesus wanted him to get a key point in working with fellow followers, LOVE THEM. How often do we still get stuck today and we forget we are supposed to love other believers. All the time! A lot of times fellow believers are our worst enemies. Everyone is out doing what they think is the most important thing, then disagree someone else because their opinion is different. I honestly find it easier to love non-Christians more than Christians most days. This idea isn't new and wouldn't surprise Jesus. It was the religious that outraged Jesus most of the time! That is why he said love each other. Because how we love each other is judged by the world. Why would they want to join a group that doesn't love each other anyway?

I got a little out of sorts last Friday night at a Christian concert. There were many reasons, but this one I just can't seem to let go of and I've heard it a million times before. The concert was a fundraiser for a local adoption agency that was raising money for their new program that served orphan's in Ethiopia. I overheard the couples conversation behind me and then loudly the man protested, "Why can't they do something here in the US?" After years of hearing similar protest, I wanted to turn around and ask him what was he doing to make an impact in the US or have you considered domestic adoption? (Thanks to Marcus, I didn't!) We are a body!! How ridiculous would we look if we were all doing the same thing??

Jesus knew that there would be plenty that we would disagree on and he knew that we would judge each other, brutally sometimes. And yes many times Christians are way off base with the things of God. But the great theologian, Rich Mullins said it best, "It is not that some Christians are bad people. They are sometimes just wrong, very wrong."
And Jesus commands us to love them anyway!

To blog or not to blog...here?

2008-02-25T09:16:00.002-05:00

To all my readers...Yep all 4 of you!! ;^) I'm not sure if I will keep this site going?? I am/will be posting spiritual thoughts/stuggles (don't know why I just labeled that spiritual...everything is spiritual, right?!?), news worthy stuff, and devotional/study kinda of stuff on the Realities blog for Engage-Reality - so I'm not sure if I'll continue this one?!?

Who knows?

God is doing some mega overhaul in my life - so maybe this site needs to be where that stuggle plays out, maybe it needs to be where my very human-ness can be said (that is "saying" what needs to be "said" without filters...pretty much, what it has been all along!!), or maybe I'll change the title and this will be the New Adventures of Marcus and Christy with a Baby (and 6 animals...what were we thinking)??!!

So either way, stay tuned here and go visit http://www.engage-reality.blogspot.com/
Until next time...stay aware and be blessed!

And PS - Yes, rumor is true (if there were any?!?!) I AM writting a book! Marcus has encouraged and dared me enough. The outcome remains to be seen - apologizes ahead of time to the family...What am I saying, they don't read this...God knows they don't read BOOKS, so I'm safe!! Ha, Ha. :^) (Just joking if anyone of you are reading this!!!)

30-Day Sex Challenge

2008-02-19T19:25:00.003-05:00

PLEASE...You KNOW I had to blog about this one!!! First you have to read the article:

YBOR CITY, Fla. - Florida pastor Paul Wirth wants his parishioners to make love -- a whole lot of love. The pastor for Relevant Church in Ybor City is challenging the couples in his congregation to get busy in bed every night for a month.

Wirth said the supposed 50 percent divorce rate is the reason behind the 30-Day Sex Challenge.

He said too many couples let the stress of jobs and daily life get in the way of intimacy. But there's a catch to the pastor's every day sex challenge -- it's for married couples only.

Unmarried people -- even if they are in a long-term relationship or living with someone -- are asked to abstain from sex for 30 days.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is the MOST insensitive and ignorant thing I have heard the church come up with yet! Seriously, having more sex will decrease the divorce rate?!?! Humm. Yes the pastor is male. Don't get me wrong sex is great, we enjoy it as often as possible, but every day for 30 days. NO THANK YOU! Sex should NEVER be a challenge (again, male mindset here! - what do you win if you make it every day??) Sex is intiment, best when it is spontaneous, and sex is ONLY sex when it is mutual. (otherwise, we call that rape!)

Here is a list of why we find this insensitive:

- This has to set couples up for failure. Depending on sex to strengthen a relationship is empty. True sexuality is mind, soul, and body - it is spiritual. You have to have 3 “flames” to be completely satisfied. Let me explain with three Hebrew words:
Raya - Friendship. We have to enjoy each other, like each other's company, share things in common. Ahava – this is having a deep affection for someone (mind and heart) – this isn’t an emotion. It is a passionate commitment for this relationship. Dode – this is the sexual element of relationship. Notice it is the last flame. But it is not just the act of sex, it is knowing that sex with this one person is it, that it is for no one else and only this person can “turn you on” on that level. Biblically is not about having it all the time! To build a relationship on just one “Flame” is not going to lead to a healthy relationship. (Rob Bell explains this beautifully on Flame the Nooma.com series.)

- Men only need sex? That is insensitive and degrading to say men’s needs are obvious and women’s needs are complex. Guys think about that – don’t you need to be heard, to have your partner ask how your day went, don’t you want your wife to do something nice for you just because?? Men aren’t one dimensional.

- What about … that time? Women really don’t want to have sex everyday of the month if you know what I mean!!!

- Does consent go out the door for a challenge given by your pastor?? What if you are tired or just not in the mood? Are they advocating marital rape? (Remember if your partner says no and you keep saying yes; we’d call that date rape among our teens.)

- Check out the logo. Objectification, Objectification it is EVERYWHERE - high heels, short skirt, shinny smooth tan-fit legs all wrapped around a man - most men's fantasy. While the men are fully clothed – nothing special!! And the one’s having sex are professionally dress = successful. Need we go on….

Now for some reason I (Christy) am called opinionated. Now I do find that label offensive. Yep I have opinions, we all do. But I share mine when asked (unless you read my blog, then you chose to hear it!) and when I've thought through an issue. (But too often I have to hear other Christian’s random, thoughtless, disrespectful opinions - who think that just because I am a Christian too I share that thought. Don't be quick to paint me with the same brush!!) I am ALWAYS open to seeking first to understand. Now I have read this article several place watched a couple of videos and gone to the website. They do have a questionnaire that deals with more than sex for the couples to think about. But my question is do they have enough trained counselors on hand for all the issues that will come up just by having couples honestly answer these questions?? (This questionnaire almost ruined my relationship with Marcus early into our marriage!) So if you disagree with me or know more about the church I’d love to hear it. But if not, don’t call me opinionated call me passionate about healthy sexuality, sexuality the way God intended it not westernized thoughts. God bless Relevant Church for talking about sex and allowing their members to share their opinions (the church must talk openly about sex). In my opinion, this just wasn't the best way to reach stronger, healthier relationships - but we live in a world that wants to be entertained and shocked. But we are also to be in the world not of it!

So here is a bold "opinioned" statement:

Mega Churches Enough with your Shock Value Sermons - God doesn't need them or want them. Stop entertaining and try the Great "Suggestion" start making disciples of Christ, not yourselves!!

by Christy and Marcus

It's Been One Week...

2008-02-04T09:58:00.000-05:00

(That title would make a catchy little pop song!!)
It has been a week since I've left Foothills Alliance to Engage-Reality, and what a week it has been. We have about 70 or so books on our dinning room table ready to be posted on our site as soon as we have a store up and running. It is crazy how long it takes to write something totally "new" and "orginal" (there's really nothing new under the sun, but we try)! I guess my first book will be out in a couple of YEARS!! But the designing, writing, and creative process is always fun, though overwhelming at times. It can be a daunting task explaining your passion on a website! Marcus and I have been reading some fabulous books (most will be available on the web-site soon; I'm learning how to give shameless plugs). But they have really challenged us to question our faith, to put action to our beliefs, and all the studing has brought us closer together. Which has made me realize why I'm not a fan of men and women only bible studys...we need each other to make sense of this world and the kingdom. Men and women work best together, side by side! I need his prospective and he needs mine. OK that was a free random sidenote! But as excited my week has been, I've praying for friends and family that aren't going through exciting times right now. We know God works all things for good and one day it will be exciting to see how God worked, but going through the valley is never easy. So realities are all very different, but our God is the same.

Random Political Observations

2008-01-17T10:04:00.000-05:00

I am exhausted of campaign commercials. Do they realize NO ONE is saying anything new? But I have been aware of my surroundings lately. I just wanted to note some of the "bizarre" thoughts I've come across: (hope not to offend too many)

- a few weeks ago there was talk about capitol punishment - lethal injection is now "cruel and unusual punishment." So when is MURDER of any kind NOT CRUEL AND UNUSUAL???!!!

- all this talk of "pro-life" now with the presidential campaign, enough already, I am convinced that NOT ONE candidate is truly pro-life. As a matter of fact, I don't know too many people that are. How can we value one life over another, somehow I don't think that is biblical. So it doesn't make much sense to be antiabortion and pro-death penalty. (Just my opinion)

- and praise God that we finally live in a country that we have options - a black man and a woman running for President. That's change. You do realize that little Declaration of Independence saying, "All men are created equal" really meant all WHITE MEN. And while I'm on that, way to go Gov Mark Sanford for bringing out the inequality SC government was founded on.

- please stop using Jesus Christ to be your ticket into the oval office! Just stop it.

- And would someone PLEASE tell Cracker Barrel that brown rice is NOT a vegetable!

Here's what I think about the election: THERE'S NEVER BEEN A SAVIOR UP ON CAPITOL HILL -
I’m so tired of these mortal men
with their hands on their wallets and their hearts full of sin
scared of their enemies, scared of their friends
and always running for re-election
so come to DC if it be thy will
because we’ve never had a savior on Capitol Hill

you can always trust the devil or a politician
to be the devil or a politician
but beyond that friends you’d best beware
‘cause at the Pentagon bar they’re an inseparable pair
and as long as the lobbyists are paying their bills
we’ll never have a savior on Capitol Hill

[Bridge]
all of our problems gonna disappear
when we can whisper right in that President’s ear
he could walk right across the reflection pool
in his combat boots and ten thousand dollar suit

you can render unto Caesar everything that’s his
you can trust in his power to come to your defense
it’s the way of the world, the way of the gun
it’s the trading of an evil for a lesser one
so don’t hold your breath or your vote until
you think you’ve finally found a savior up on Capitol Hill

-Thank you again, by Mr. Derek Webb

A New Year

2008-01-03T07:47:00.000-05:00

A new year, time for a change. 2007 was the year for God to disturb life in our comfortable household. 2008 is the year for new things:
1. To put old ways of thinking aside
2. To bury parts of the past that had become so comfortable with, I didn't realize I was still holding on.
3. To separate Facts from Reality
4. To put Jesus' desires to action in our lives
5. A resignation!
6. And sooner or later...a baby!
God's doing a new thing!

A New Law

2007-12-22T14:57:00.000-05:00

There are several songs that I wished I had written in my lifetime. But at this point in my life, my thoughts and struggles (many being about the church); Derek Webb got to write them first!! (ha, not that I am in anyway comparing my pitiful rants to his writing!!) Society, and sadly the church, just takes whatever comes down the pike. We sit through a sermon and go "okay that's truth because the pastor said so." No one questions or studies for themselves anymore - it is too hard, so just let someone else have an opinion and we'll adopt it as our own without holding it to Scripture or our values and standards. All without any regard of how dangerous that can be. Here's a great video and one of those songs I wish I had written!

Reality

2007-12-15T22:19:00.000-05:00

I spent my 32nd birthday in an incredible way today. Believe it or not, I haven't truly celebrated my birthday in 16 years. However, I was determined that this year would be different. My not celebrating doesn't mean that good things didn't happen - I've bought a new car and closed on a house on December 15th. God has given me blessings and Marcus has worked really hard for 12 years to make sure I had good birthday's. But when your soul is wounded, blessings are sometimes hard to see. And when a soul bruised facts and reality can be distorted.

Marcus and I spent about 2 hours this morning with about 20 beautiful people feeding the down-and-out and homeless of our city. Most people I know would never spend a birthday serving others, especially those not in their socioeconomic background, and really not a birthday that they would consider a milestone. But that is exactly what made sense to me.

I met 65 year old, Mr. Brown. From Memphis, he' s moved a lot, but never goes anywhere without his harmonic and probably a Miller Light in his pocket. I spent a lot of time just sitting and listening to his stories (and did he have some stories?!). He played with Chuck Berry, Al Green and Marvin Gay "back in the day"- even had a few stories of their private lives. He is a bass player, says he has an upright bass, and is a soulful singer. If you look in his eyes, you'll know he has seen better days and been tough difficult years. There are moments he is still thankful and even gives the advice of "Keep your stuff, don't give it away! You never know when you'll need it again." But truth is all that he has is that old harmonic, a Miller Light, the food we just gave him and whatever is in his white trash bag that he carries over his shoulder.

Then Steven stopped by. Now Steven has always dropped in on cook out days; for a burger of course, but more so for the conversation. If you saw Steven walking down the street with his dog you'd probably cross over. He is probably not as old as he looks and doesn't see a razor often, but he loves his dog and will feed it before himself any day. You'd think he was homeless, but he has a modest job and a simple house. Steven has stories too. He earned a Master's degree and had a good paying job - but found drugs and lost it all. He told us about his wealthy brother who "writes a check for $500 to his church every week but he is the most mean-spirited man he knows." Today Steven did something I've never expected, he pulled me aside, handed me a bag and said, "You give these out to those you think need it. It's cold, people need gloves." With tears in my eyes I took the bag, shook his hand tightly, and told him thank you. I looked in the bag and there were probably a dozen yard gloves from the Feed and Seed store down the street. Then I looked around at the crowd of about 40 men and women, I was a little overwhelmed. I thought - "Who needs these the most?" "Where do I start?" The first pair a give out was to a grateful man, who said, "Thank you, but can get an extra pair for my friend over by the cars? He won't come over." I hesitated, thinking there aren't enough, but handed him a pair anyway. Then I gave some to a group of 4 or 5 guys, then a few women. When the food line started people the began asking for gloves. Remember in my glance in the small bag - 12 gloves. Most adults in the line got a pair of gloves!?! You do the math! I can't explain it, it was just GOD.

The fact is Steven doesn't have much. But the reality is he saw a need, gave what he could and God took care of the rest. We really confuse facts with reality. Fact is people look at Mr. Brown and see a nobody. But the reality is that he is royalty in God's eyes.

The fact is I wasted a whole lot of years not truly valuing a life that God gave me. I held on to the past - one birthday that was pretty horrible. An unfolding of a year's worth of abuses and manipulation in one day. The fact is by holding on to that moment, I was allowing someone else to define my reality. The fact is some bad things happened...and happen to all of us, but the reality is holding on, holds us back. Whether it is one day or a lifetime. God created us all in his image, we all have value and purpose. We just have move on, let go, believe, and trust.

SO I celebrated today - with some really great people, with really great stories. Probably not many people know that for 16 years I've hated my birthday, but that was my reality. We don't know other's reality. Sometime we know the facts, but that doesn't define reality. So dare to engage in the reality of others!

What's THIS??

2007-12-13T23:00:00.000-05:00

Well, I sat down to blog about politics and Christians, but another day.

Here is a much happier picture!!!! Raymond's just checking out the new nursery and not too sure about this new turtle!!

This will calm any outrage for a little while.

World Aids Day - 6,000 reason to care...

2007-12-01T10:32:00.000-05:00

Today, like every day, 6,000 children will lose a parent to AIDS. Yet there is hope. We have it as Christians, yet how many churches this Sunday will even mention the AIDS epidemic in Africa?? Just 5 minutes to bring awareness can change thought patterns and begin a movement to changes lives.

Hundreds of years ago the church served as the major social justice agency. What happened? Today, sadly, we leave that up to governments or some other charitable agency, that many times are not offering Christ's hope but just temporary relief.
"Learn to do right! Seek Justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow." Isaiah 1:17

So DO SOMETHING today. Make yourself aware of the problems and solutions, pray, or read.
Surely we can change...SOMETHING.

Just click below for information on World AIDS Day:

What I'm Reading ...

2007-11-26T21:47:00.001-05:00

By Christine Caine

I could have totally knocked the first half of this book out tonight! (The last half is a 30 day devotional.) It is incredible, a total God appointed book and time. Never heard of Christine before, I was just walking down the Christian Living isle at Books-A-Million and the title caught my eye (what a concept!!!). I have been highlighting like a mad woman, journaling, and studying - I don't want to miss anything!! Read it if you dare!!

Thankfulness

2007-11-25T18:57:00.000-05:00

Well, despite the clumsiness and mishaps of the weekend (falling down while walking the dog, dropping a plate and breaking a glass at the Thanksgiving meal, and getting bit while breaking up a dog fight) I still have a few things to be thankful for...(in no particular order!)

Marcus, the best husband and best friend anyone could ever ask for! He is the only person I can spend every waking moment with and not want to commit a felony. Most days I can't believe he choose me!
Our 4-legged, furry children - all 6 of them!
Knowing that God is in control of our future family plans and the one to come.
The gift of music. I say gift, because for me that's what it is, one of those extras from God.
The moment that guitars brought conversation back between my brothers and me.
Family... God given and those chosen (friends).
Peace of mind
Home
Did I mention my red-hot husband???
Waiting and being uncomfortable
Our church, and the REAL people it is made of.
GOD, for creation, sacrifice, breath, love, forgiveness, hope, strength, justice, counsel, peace, salvation, and purpose for living.

Waiting, anyone?

2007-11-19T23:52:00.000-05:00

I have sat down to post a couple of times in the last week or so, even had some decent ideas, but I said I'd wait for later. We have been to some great concerts, found some great new music, read some great articles and stories, there have been even a few great movies. There hasn't been a lack of things to write about. I think I've just been waiting on...something else.

God has been steadily putting things on the table for me to think about, and I have just been trying to listen and wait. What a painful word right now, but it IS my life at this season! I have never been good at it, I never even been decent at it. But that is where I am with everything right now: just waiting. How does that happen all at once??? I don't know. But waiting and grieving at the same time is just one thing...misery. But you have to get through grieving to move on. (And that is a very different blog!)

Waiting makes you ask stupid things like: What did I do, that they have this but I can't? Or what didn't I do? Why is this happening to me (or us)? Wow, it can really make you selfish if you let it!! But really, I am okay in the waiting this time, because I know it is all in God's timing. I know that sounds cliche' but the older I get I realize that I don't want that watch, I just screw things up.

So I don't have a lot of answers right now for anything in my life. That's okay, I don't think the world will stop and in 5 years all of this will seem like minutes. God has proven faithful throughout my life, even when I dared or cursed him. God will continue to be faithful, he has given me a new promise:
"Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!" -Isaiah 30:18

One day I will figure this all out and maybe have a great story to share, but for now I'll wait.

Lamentations 3: 22-23

2007-11-05T21:55:00.000-05:00

"The unfailing love of the Lord never ends! By his mercies we have been kept from complete destruction!! Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day. "

Thank God for new mercies everyday! That takes away some stress, because I know I do not have the ability in myself to get it right most days. I don't fully understand God's unfailing, steadfast love but I'm grateful for it and unworthy of it. It is only by the self-giving of Christ, that I am not eradicated at the very moment I breath his name!

So with all the world's chaos and sadness, and with all the do-over's of my life...I am glad God's love never ends!

ENOUGH.

2007-10-19T21:47:00.000-04:00

Thank GOD it is Friday! This week was enough to send me over the edge with outrages. I don't even have the energy to review them all. But I will say Americans get more outraged about the abuse of dogs than the sexual violence that women and child endure daily, every 2 and 1/2 minutes to be exact. Great, wonderful they finally caught the bastard (noun; something of irregular, inferior, or dubious origin) that taped himself raping a 3 year old. But that crap happens regularly, even here in our "Mayberry" county. Impress me when they put him away more than 5 years probation and time served!!! A month ago we saw images of angry protesters because of Micheal Vick fighting dogs, where are the protest now?? (It is pretty pathetic that I even know this guys name, seeing I've never watched a football game in my life!) I mean the media has given more awareness and education to the adoptive dog of Ellen, than to the education and awareness of sexual violence. By the end of the Vick media frenzy, we knew how to spot dog fight, what to do/who to report it to, and the effects on the dogs. Do we yet know warning signs of child abuse, or who to report it too, or the effects on the children???? Now I can't image hurting an animal of any kind. I don't want to think about a world without my best-dog & cat-friends. But I would love to live in a world where we respect each other enough that we don't have to advertise hamburgers with soft porn (check out any Hardee's commercial). Or live in a world where kids can be kids, not the sex toys of perverts.

The music of Brandi Carlile got me through the week as I drove and drove... So, to the happy moments, when you can get them. Enjoy the videos!

'til next time...
Respect someone, Respect yourself.
Listen and Pay Attention to the other life forms around you.

a Concept of GOD

2007-10-08T21:12:00.000-04:00

For I desire mercy, not sacrifice,
and acknowledgment of God rather
than burnt offerings. Hosea 6:6 TNIV

Jesus referred to this verse in the calling of Matthew in chapter 9 verse13. He was responding to the Pharisess when they questioned Jesus for eating with the "sinners." The first part of the verse caught my attention when Jesus said..."Go and learn what this means." I thought okay this is important... Jesus made it clear that this is a verse we should know something about. So I sat up straighter and turned the switch on my brain that would allow me to shut off all distractions and the days mistakes, then I focused.

I must have read this verse a dozen times, in 3 different translations, then a commentary! The NLT puts it "I want you to show love (mercy); not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me (God) more than I want burnt offerings." So I focused some more and like God does from time to time, he smacked me on the back of the head! Here was the conversation, God speaking:
"It is simple you small human...I, the God of the universe, a Holy one at that, wants to know YOU and I want YOU to know ME! Sure the commentaries will teach you some cool stuff, but just use what I gave you ... think!!"

God doesn't want ...
our stuff, our conjured up education, us to give up our car for global warming, to hear our prayers where we quote back the bible to him, us to "fix" ourselves before coming, or for us to fill up our calendars "serving him"

God wants ... us and all the crap that comes with us (I think he/she is big enough to handle it). God wants realness, a relationship - Not rituals.

So many people look at God like he/she is untouchable and far away. The creator of the universe, who controls the sun and moon...God is up there and we are down here. But it is the contrary...God is right here; God is in the box with us. And we are spending all of our time finding clever ways to break out of the box!!

Yes, I already knew all that. Maybe the verse shouldn't have amazed me so much, but it did. I guess I needed it - to be reminded of who God is, who I should be and who I am and that God wants it all. To be reminded that God values mercy and expects us to show it to all. And to be reminded that God wants small-minded-me, to know him.

Just Plain Random...

2007-10-04T04:18:00.000-04:00

Can't sleep!!! I got tried of staring into space, so for some reason, I challenged myself to name the best songs of all time. Why and where did this come from??? I'll probably laugh at the list in the morning, but here it goes...Hope you enjoy!
*Please note this list is in NO particular order!!!*

Best Songs of ALL Time ... according to ME!

Pride (in the name of Love) - U2
Message in a Bottle - The Police
It's a Hard Life Wherever You Go - Nancy Griffith
Country Road - James Taylor
Hunger Stays - Margaret Becker
Next Bold Move - Ani Difranco
My Heaven/Late for Your Life/Joe Doe #24 - Mary Chapin Carpenter (OK to many, she needs her own list!! - Best songwriter ever!!!)
Worlds Apart - Jars of Clay
Deeper Well - Emmylou Harris
I Don't Know Why - Shawn Colvin
Silent All These Years - Tori Amos
Smells Like Teen Spirit - Nirvana
What's the Matter Here - 10,000 Manics
Galileo - Indigo Girls
LOVE SHACK - B52's (Yep! I said it!!)
Let Him Fly - Patti Griffin
Damaged - Plumb
It's the End of the World - REM
Not Ready to Make Nice - Dixie Chicks
Fly From Heaven/I Will Not Take These Things for Granted - Toad the Wet Sprocket
Time after Time - Cyndi Lauper
Martyrs & Thieves/Refine Me - Jennifer Knapp (What happened to her anyway?? So sad!)
Glory of It All - David Crowder
My Glorious - ???? Passion?
Luka - Susan Vega
What I Am - Edie Brickell
In Your Eyes - Peter Gabriel
Times Like These - Foo Fighters
Jesus Freak - DC Talk
Always - Newsboys

Good Night and You Are Welcome!! I know you needed that to complete your day!! Now go listen to some music!!!

Here's to Weekends!

2007-09-23T22:28:00.000-04:00

It's been one of those weekends that you wish you just had one more day before going back to work!! One of those weekends when I walk around asking God why do I deserve this:

My week ended with a round table meeting of colleagues from around the state - it was great being with like-minded and purpose driven people. I was inspired!
Lunch with my mom, grandmother, nephew, and brother - good food and good to catch up.
Guitar shopping with my super-talented, big brother (I didn't play much because I really suck compared to him!!)
I love long drives alone - sometime you just need to go 75 mph, listening to Ani Difranco, and figure things out, or think about absolutely nothing.
Back home Friday for date night!! Out to eat, pick up my very long awaited 10 year anniversary ring.
Being reminded again, I am married to the most incredable man in the world and he just gets better with age!
Small outrage about work stuff (won't go there because I didn't think about work again...until now)!
Saturday...Marcus and I made a trip to Greenville - Atlanta Bread Co. (mmm...cheesecake!!) and to the Guitar Center!!! Hee, Hee...I bought a Taylor T5! :^)
Played music ALL DAY!! No house cleaning, no yard work, and forgot all adult responsibilities. Lots of dishes in the sink, and it was all good.
A great service at Capstone.
Good times spent with new friends and their awesome new baby!
Ended the day with more music, time with the pets, and cuddling while channel surfing!

What more could you ask for!...one more day off???

Looking out for each other!

2007-09-19T11:03:00.000-04:00

Meet George! We literally walked up on him this weekend in Nantahala. Walking back to our cabin Saturday morning Marcus pushes me over as the bottom of my foot rolls over on to this incredible little turtle. I almost crushed him; he totally blended in with the walkway! I would have be one miserable woman...turtles are one of my favorites of God's creation. But no harm was done to this little guy. So spending a little time with George was the highlight of my weekend.

But I could imagine for many people they would have kept on going about their vacation, missing the point. This is what taking a break is all about. Actually noticing the stuff around you...humm...that's an unique idea! Humans just don't do that kind of stuff anymore. We are so wrapped up in ourselves and our stuff- the fact some turtle is just looking for a place to warm up and dry out after inches of rain the night before doesn't matter to me as long as he doesn't get in my way. The sad thing is we do that kind of stuff to each other all the time. We don't really think about why someone is sitting alone, seems distracted, or is looking down all the time. We just say, "what's wrong with them today" or "they are a piece of work." I've done it and shame on me for not asking if everything is OK or not wanting to intrude on them. Sometimes we need to intrude, we need to ask, we need to actually send a card - the paper kind, or God forbid...pick up the phone.

Who knew that an encounter with such a little turtle could remind me that we need to look out for each other. Sometimes we need to look down to find where to go. People need to know we care, people need to know we respect them. So check out Philippians 2:3-4 and pay attention to others today.

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!

Noticing Changes.

2007-09-14T14:36:00.000-04:00

Marcus and I have had this long running outrage, that we've recently tested again. Anytime I have the itch to buy a new guitar, we go to this one particular store in Anderson (I'll refrain from using the store name here, but feel free to ask if you are interested!!) It started while we were dating and we have been married now for 10 wonderful years of complete bliss!! ;^) OK so the point is this hasn't changed for 12 years.

This is how it happens...we walk in look around sometime together, other times we go our separate ways. I am usually the one who picks up a guitar first and starts to play. And here comes the salesman...straight to Marcus!!! I am strumming, picking, examining, comparing and NOTHING, no one comes to ask if I need help or if I am interested. After this had happened a few times, I mention it to Marcus. Being the positive guy he is, he says no way and agrees to play along the next time we go in. So here we go again, together looking and now he is obviously showing me and handing me guitars. Enter Mr. Salesman...again NOTHING. All questions directed to Marcus and enters into conversation about how long Marcus has played guitar????

Sexism?!?! Well, walk into a music store and there are pictures of guitar legends past and present and maybe one women is represented, usually Bonnie Raitt or Heart. (Not to say those aren't great female guitarist, they definitely are...next time you are in a music store just look around.)

So we went in again last week just for fun. (This time I am looking for an electric - Fender or Gibson. Any sellers??) And yep, it happened again. But this time something different happened. I LAUGHED...all the way to the car. Though it still bothered me, it just didn't seem like a big deal. After all we have been through in the past few months, outrages seem different now. I am not saying that sexism in the community isn't important (0f course you know I will speak against it in every opportunity). We laugh harder at blatant ignorance's like that now. Before I would have seen that as an attack almost, now I walk out the store and think I still have a couple of hundred dollars in the bank and they don't.

Silence

2007-09-09T18:20:00.000-04:00

No real outrages since Friday. It's a good thing...because elevated blood pressure and increased heart rate daily could be a bad thing! But here's a great quote to think about...

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter."
- Martin Luther King

What matters? What's relevant?

God, spiritual matters
family
friends, acquaintances
co-workers
beliefs, values
respect
equality
self-worth
compassion
integrity
calling

I could go on and I am sure you have your own list. But don't become silent - don't let the opinions, the stares, or status of someone else stop you from being who you were created to be. Silence is an awful, lonely place. When we allow someone to take our voice, we allow them to take part of our soul with them. That's not grabbing the abundant life God has for us either. So stay strong, speak up for what matters to you, and defend those you love.

'till next time...

Tired!

2007-09-07T20:10:00.000-04:00

Ladies and Gentlemen...I am tired...

Tired of living in a society that cares more about how many kids Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have than the images we allow to invade our minds, souls, homes, and our children. Images like the one posted below. This sign was placed on Clemson Blvd. today (past the interstate and several other sights around town). Hundreds of people drove by but didn't pay attention. (If you did you should have been outraged!!) I wanted to scream, "Wake up people and start giving a damn!"

The sign shows an image of a woman being grabbed by a motorcycle (or a masculine image), in a bikini and heals (2 items I always wear together), and her underwear being pulled off. And most people just drove by...people with daughters, wives, girlfriends, sisters, mothers. OK so the point isn't that you may have missed this small sign on your way to wherever, but that we dismiss a lot more. Why do we accept women's butt to sell a car? Why do we need women's breast to sell alcohol? Or a woman's body to sell cologne?

objectify: to present something as an object

demean: to lower in character, status, or reputation

Get what I am saying?? So what's the problem? We have become too passive in our society. Do we even give a second glance to what things are really saying? We are accepting messages that aren't our own - Power and Dominance = Masculinity; Girls have to smile and act nice; only sissies cry; get it when you can get it. Sexual assault is too pervasive in our society to think our norms have nothing to do with it! Sex is NOT an entitlement!

I'm tired and fed up!

Who Knew??

2007-09-06T22:29:00.000-04:00

Ha, Ha! I am blogging. Pretty ironic...the girl who thinks "Oh God, when I die please don't let anyone find my first drafts or my post-its with random thoughts that I've tried to keep hidden away!" 8 months into the year, my new year's resolution is ... so I've backspaced 3 times, I guess I'm still working on it - I'll get back to you on that.

So here's to random thoughts! And oh yeah, my site is pink because those of you reading think that it should be something else....

There's enough wrong in the world to make me write!