Oh, oh oh on the radio...

I love music. All kinds of music. Well, maybe rap and screamo is an exception...but even those I can appreciate sometimes. I mostly listen to the Christian radio, but I occasionally channel surf to listen to other genres. This morning, I was surfing and this new song came on by Brooks and Dunn. It caught my ear right away:

That anchor man says the fight began somewhere in the Middle East.
The world prays for peace.
There's a single mom just got laid off when she lost a job
to some foreign hands in some faraway land.
Last night in Oklahoma some twister took thirteen
and they're praying that they findthe missing three.
God must be busy.

I almost did a double take when I first heard these words. I found myself talking to the radio, "WHAT did you just say?" The song continued...

That highway sign went from slow ahead to traffic's dead.
Thought it couldn't get worse than that Amber Alert. They say she's 4,
Colorado plates, headed out-of-state in a Chevy van.
It's hard to understand.
You can see it in the faces of all those highway strangers,
they're praying that Godkeeps that girl from danger.
God must be busy.

My comment, as Brooks and Dunn continued singing, was "Surely they are going to bring this around and tell the listener the REAL lesson, that GOD'S NOT BUSY!" If you'd have been inside my car, you'd have been shocked to hear me hollering at the medal knobs and lighted display like it was going to change something. The song continued...

And I know in the big picture I'm just a speck of sand
and God's got better things to do than look out for one man.
I know he's heard my prayers cause he hears everything,
he just ain't answered back or he'd bring you back to me.
God must be busy.

There's no need sharing the rest of the lyrics with you. The message doesn't change. What happened to me in my car, though, was the sudden realization that there are mixed messages all around us. I felt the urge to roll the windows down and shout...GOD'S NOT TOO BUSY!

I'm sorry. God has no answering machine. The Bible says, "He hears me when I call." It doesn't say "Leave a message and I'll get back to you." It says, "He knows the number of hairs on my head...and yours...and yours...and his...and hers." If He has time to care about the number of hairs on my head, He's NOT TOO BUSY. It says to "Be anxious in NOTHING because HE cares." It says, "He will not leave us or forsake us." It says that He is LOVE. He's the giver of peace. I could go on and on and on...

I believe He's there in the Middle East. He's present when the single Mother loses her job to the global economy. He cares deeply for the little girl who is taken from her family in a senseless crime. He walks through every storm of life with us...calming the waves both figuratively and literally. He helps us when we are lost. And He never ever ever has better things to do than to "look out for one man" (or woman). Nope. THIS time, this duo's got it wrong. Dead wrong.

I could not go another blogging minute without doing the very thing I was wishing the lyricist would magically do on my radio today...bring the message around...because when we, in our human eyes, THINK God's too busy (and admittedly I have before), we have to think again.

For the truth is that GOD'S NOT TOO BUSY for anything or anyone. And that's a promise you can hang your hat on!

In keeping with the ABC theme, I'm writing C words that I like or that describe me this week:



1. Christian - First and foremost, I am a Christian. I am so grateful that my Mother raised my Brother and I in church. This has been such an important part of my life. When I think about my faith journey, I must say I am overwhelmed at the amazing GRACE of God as He's watched me twist and turn my way through this thing called my life.

2. Children - You already know how important my boys are to me. I have always loved children. It started when I was very young when I babysat regularly. It continued for me into my life's profession (and calling) of teaching. They bless me each and every day and I consider it a privilege to work with kids.

3. Control-Freak - I like to tell people I am a "recovering control-freak". Those who know me best know that I'm still a control-freak down deep. I am trying to be better about this...some days I win and others...not so much! (Refer back to #1)

4. Chorus - I sang in choir from the time I was young. It started with church choirs and I was part of the school choir from 7th grade on. I enjoy all sorts of music and I think this is one of the reasons. We did classical, madrigal, show tunes, sacred and other music. I even directed the choir in our little country church when DH first started pastoring. I loved that.

5. Conventional - I am a believer that conventional is sometimes the "way to go". Things don't always have to be newfangled and different, do they?

6. Christmas - My FAVORITE holiday...bar none! I love love love everything about it.

7. Collections - I collected rocking horses while I was in college and early into our marriage. I no longer have that collection although I have remnants of it. My kitchen is currently done in a collection of apples. I don't see the apples as a permanent collection, though. If you've read my blog for any time at all then you know that I also collect nativity scenes. This is one that I think I will always keep.

8. Chick-Fil-A - This is my favorite fast food restaurant.

9. Conservative - In most things, I am rather conservative. There are moments, though, when I'm sure you'd think I was a flaming liberal. I think it's OK to keep 'em guessing sometimes!

10. Creative - I love to be creative. Sometimes I forget that creativity is expressed in many ways besides visual arts. While I totally consider myself a dabbler, I DO enjoy creating things like my scrapbooks. I also find that I like creative outlets like writing and working creatively at work.

11. Compassion - I am glad that I am able to consider others and their situations most of the time. I especially get broken for children who are underprivileged and/or from poverty. It tugs my heartstrings beyond what I can bear sometimes. I am thankful that God has allowed me to work with kids in these settings for several years now.

12. Cruising - I LOVE crusing and I am 100% excited about going to ALASKA in June with my DH. I could live on a cruise ship...they are just floating cities and it is just way too cool!

13. Calendar - Although I forget to look at mine some days, I DO live by my calendar. I also love saving my old ones as "history" of sorts.

Life's Journey...

I have used this quote many many times in professional development for teachers. In the past 24 hours, it's taken on new meaning for me.

The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes. Marcel Proust

As I've said before, I occasionally get weepy. Some of it is directly related to being a Mom who is watching her boys grow right before her eyes...and perhaps before she's ready. Some of it is general life frustrations. Some of it is probably because I'm a mid-forty-something female.

This weekend, I've had a couple of weepy moments. My DS 1 was out on "drill weekend" with his National Guard unit. He leaves in a few short weeks for Basic Training and AIT. I have come to grips with the whole decision and am quite proud, but it doesn't mean that it doesn't make me emotional.

DS 2 is getting closer to heading off to college in the Fall. He'll be moving to Michigan. That's a long way away!

I love watching all four of them grow! Really I do. I'll admit there are times when I get frustrated....what parent doesn't? I find myself wanting them to fit MY mold, do things in MY time, and even in MY way. Perhaps it's like Proust says, I want them to "seek different landscapes". I've learned, though, that this simply isn't what's best. They must make decisions and move along their journey with my (and DH's) guidance...and they must fall sometimes to learn....

Yesterday, I found myself talking with God about some of my "would've", "could've" and "should've"s with regard to being their Mom. I asked forgiveness for those moments when we miss the mark. I asked Him to help me be the Mother they need. And I asked Him to help me see them through His eyes as they each take the next steps in their journeys. I asked Him to help me, as my sweet blogging friend, Lazy Daisy has taught me, to "Say little, PRAY much!" I asked Him to give me "new eyes" through which to view my young men.

And today, quite by surprise, I have seen each one of them in a new way---through NEW EYES!

DS 3 and DS 2 made me downright proud yesterday when they joined our church's "Roadie" team. This is the group of dedicated members who go up to the school on Saturday to prepare it for Sunday's service. When I watched them go, I realized they have become young men who care about others and are willing to serve when and where they can.

DS 4, along with DSs 2 and 3, pitched in to help me "greet" at church today. I know there are many young people out there who would go have a root canal before they helped out in such a way!

After church, I watched the three of them help clean up and never complain about lifting or pushing or packing all the "stuff". We enjoyed a lovely lunch together with DS 2's GF during which we shared wonderful conversation.

This afternoon, DS 1 came home from his drill and although he's tired, he was so proud to tell us that he got promoted to the next rank. He now has some leadership responsibility in his unit. This is quite exciting for him as it confirms that he is doing his job well.

When I gave birth to my second son, for a brief blink-of-an-eye moment, I wondered if we'd ever have a girl. I felt guilty and found myself speaking with God about it for I truly was so thankful to be a Mom with a beautiful new baby. God made it so clear to me at that time that DH and I needed to raise Godly young men who would one day become responsible husbands and fathers and citizens. I knew with each subsequent pregnancy when people would speculate if this was "my girl" that it was, instead, another one of God's young men.

Yes, they are growing. Yes, they will each reach that moment when they "leave the nest". Yes, all of our landscapes will change in the coming months. Yes, there are plenty of "would've, could've, should've"s BUT...when I look at them through the eyes of God, I see them differently. I see the fruit that is in each of their lives....I see their awesome potential as they get ready to face the world.

And I'm excited to watch the next step in each of their journeys no matter where it takes them!

It was all he wanted...

Most of you remember my peanut butter & jelly soapbox, so I shall not try and beat a dead horse here, but yesterday something happened that caused my ire to resurface over this same issue.

I was in our school cafeteria to grab lunch. They make some pretty good turkey tetrazzini, so I was debating whether to have that or the chef salad (which I also like). As I pondered my choices, Vincent walked in. He is a child that I have adored for years. He truly is like "Pigpen" from Charlie Brown. And it's so easy to just fall in love with him because as disheveled and random as he is, he always is so honest, kind, and gentle.


Vincent said, "Hey, Mrs. N! What are you going to have for lunch?" I said, I'm getting the turkey, what are you having?" He replied, "I have to have PB&J. My Mom hasn't paid for my lunch for a while." He hesitated a moment and said, "I sure hope they let me have some of that spinach!"


Now, although as a child, I wouldn't touch it, I do like spinach today...when it's cooked the way I like it. But school cafeterias notoriously cook the life out of it and it's just plain unappetizing in its appearance. I've not done the true research, but I suspect Vincent was one of a handful of students who was anticipating spinach for lunch.


He told the manager that he had to have PB&J and was told, "Well, if that's the case, you need to put the chocolate milk back and get white." Um, they ARE the SAME price! Then, as if to add insult to injury, he meekly asked, "May I please have some spinach?" What I heard next could have knocked me over..."No, you cannot have spinach or fruit, you only get PB&J!" This is America, people! It's supposed to be a FEDERAL program. I work with kids who may or may not get a meal at home in the evening. This may be their only meal in the day.


All he really wanted was the SPINACH! It wasn't ICE CREAM he was asking for...or the cookies that were available. It was SPINACH! What is wrong with this picture??


I know you're probably asking why I didn't pay for Vincent's lunch. TRUST ME, I would have if I had had a penny in my own account or the money in my pocket. I didn't though. I had to borrow from my DS 4's account to pay for my turkey...I mean I was one meal away from PB&J and white milk myself!!!


Honestly, today I have extra money AND my checkbook so I can fill my account in case I run into any more Vincents in the lunch line. But I know it's a short solution to a huge problem. I know I need to pursue it more. Once again, I'll be contacting the person in charge of food and nutrition services here in our county.


My Mother used to tell me to eat my spinach for the poor starving children in Africa...maybe we need to look at the poor starving children in our own backyard!

Thursday Thirteen:

In keeping with the ABC theme, I'm writing B words that I like or that describe me this week:

1. Believer - I am so thankful that I've had my faith to sustain me for most of my life.

2. Blonde - My hair is really blonde and I never added highlights to it until a couple of years ago. Now, I go with highlights like once a year.

3. BOYS - My life is filled with boys! I LOVE LOVE LOVE being a boy-Mom! God knew exactly what He was doing when He gave us our guys. They are wonderful and bring me such joy each and everyday!

4. Bananas - I love bananas. We almost always have them at our house. The boys like making smoothies with them.

5. Blessed - I am blessed beyond measure. We used to sing a song in church that said, "We're blessed, we're blessed, we are blessed....we don't deserve it, but yes, we are blessed!" I think this pretty much sums up.

6. Books - I LOVE reading and I LOVE books! I'm quite addicted to children's books. I have almost 3200 at school.

7. Boats - I don't get out on boats as often as I like, but I DO love being out on the water. It's very peaceful for me.

8. Bossy - I'm sure that both of my brothers, and perhaps my boys, would say that at times I can be bossy. I was always the kid who made the rules when we were growing up. I think I even remember many many times when I'd say, "Pretend you said ______ now...." I think I put words into kids mouths!

9. Brothers - I have two of the best brothers in the world. They are both successful, kind, and a whole heap of FUN!!

10. Bubbles - I love to blow bubbles! I admit that each year I buy bubble solution whether anyone in my house will use it or not. I think they are fun.

11. Bake - I don't do it if I don't have to. I'm so thankful for a husband who is willing to do this in our home.

12. Beach - I live close to the beach. It's not my favorite place to go and spend a day, but everytime I walk the beach at sunset, I find myself thankful for such a great place to live.

13. Broadway - I LOVE LOVE LOVE Broadway shows---especially musicals! I finally got to go to the "real" Broadway last year and I LOVED it! I could spend a long time there going from theater to theater and just basking in it all.

Inquiring Minds Want to Know....And a Request

Some of you asked what kinds of birds were in my photos from Wordless Wednesday below. They are White Ibis. This link described them as:

...highly sociable at all seasons, roosting and feeding in flocks, and nesting in large colonies.

Gee, you think????

And since I know bloggers are a lot like White Ibis, PLEASE head on over to Flip Flop Floozie's and wish her a GREAT BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY! She is absolutely one of the sweetest bloggers in the south.

Wordless Wednesday....Nesting

I left these "clickable" so you could see just how amazing it was...

A Glimpse of our Weekend...

We had a very busy weekend. DS 4 and I spent the weekend in Tampa with my Mom. He had a soccer tournament up there with two games on Saturday and one on Sunday.

Sunday's game was early in the morning, so we spent the rest of our day at Busch Gardens. Here's DS 4 having probably the most fun he had all day:

In the photo above, he's standing on the bridge waiting for the boat to come down the giant hill and splash everyone. Here comes the water......

And MORE WATER...

And a little more spray for good measure....
This was definitely DS 4's favorite ride....that he DIDN'T ride!

Busy Busy Bloggers....

This week's been busy here in "Blogland"! Not that the blogging has been overly heavy, it just seems that many bloggers have had a lot of stuff happening!

I am so excited because my blogging friend (and neighbor), Danielle had a successful Art Show. If you haven't seen her work, please head over to her blog and click on this link cause she has some awesome photos that capture Florida and nature just beautifully! In fact, she's one of the reasons I've started viewing my little corner of the world a bit differently.

Two of the sweetest Blogging Babes had surgeries over the past few days. We are rejoicing because Sweet Lazy Daisy had her lapband surgery yesterday. This is something for which we've all been praying for months and it's just SO COOL how it all came together for her!!

And Magnificent Melli has survived her dental surgery! She's going to have a new smile in no time. In the meantime, she's happy to share her smile with all who visit her place.

God is good and it's so so special for me to be able to watch these journeys via blogging. I'm so happy for all of you!

Thursday Thirteen: The ABC's of Me (A)

Many of you have done the ABCs on your Thursday Thirteens. I liked it and kept saying I was going to start it. Today I decided to make good on my word despite the fact that most of the blogging world will be doing 13's centered around blogging.

Here's 13 A words that describe or tell something about me....

1. Astute: I notice things and people and events. This can be good or bad as sometimes it makes me jump to conclusions about things or people or events!

2. Arts: I dropped out of "Great Works of Art" TWICE in college, but I DO love art. I know this is an area of my life that I need to improve.

3. Adore: I adore my DH and my four boys.

4. Amiable: I usually make friends easily. I like talking to people and getting to know them.

5. Answers: I like to find answers to people's questions--most of the time. I get to do this a lot in my job. I will confess that there are times when I think the questions are "dumb" and I don't give the BEST answer that I could. I'm learning.

6. Autumn: Although I grew up in Florida, I LOVE this season the best. I really love it the first time the weather gets crisp after being sunny and warm for so long. I also LOVE the colors that most the rest of the world gets to see.

7. Assign: I've done my share of "assigning" jobs and tasks as a teacher.

8. Author: I've written and published three books for teachers and hundreds of teachers guides for reading books. I really would like to write something for the "non-teacher" world. Who knows? Maybe someday I will.

9. Aim: Something I forget to do sometimes. I am quite random and I sometimes "jump in and fire" before I told myself to "ready and AIM". This can cause problems. I've learned the hard way.

10. Activities: I love to participate in many activities---scrapbooking, visiting with friends, crafting, etc. Mostly I love visiting with the people that the activities bring about.

11. Appreciation: There are so many people I've met and opportunities that I've had that I appreciate beyond what I could have imagined for myself.

12. Adventures: I like to go on adventures when anxiety doesn't get in my way. (Hey, that's TWO "A" words...adventure, that's not the extreme kind, is fun for me.

13. Assurance: I am so grateful for the assurance of my eternal life. I am constantly amazed at the grace that God extends to me regularly.

(That's another "A" word...AMAZED! This is getting easier each step I take. Only 25 more letters to go!)

Wordless Wednesday: Peaceful

When did Valentines get so tough?

As I've stated before, I am no contender for Mother of the Year. Usually I am in the store with DS 4 on February 13th when we frantically search for cards to take to school the next day. Then we fuss and whine while we fill out the cards for everyone. Let's just say there's not much LOVE when we do it this way.

This weekend, I decided it was going to be different. While DH took the kids flying yesterday, I went to the store and got a box of soccer cards for DS 4. Think about it, I am giving him a whopping FOUR day head start on our "normal" Valentine routine. When he arrived home, he approved of my choice...especially since these cards fold into a soccer field and had a punch out soccer ball to actually "play". Last night, I was the "best Mom ever".

Today he opened the box, and decided to try and fold the field to test it out before he gives it to his friends. Let's just say that I almost had to call my Engineer BIL in for back-up! And oh my goodness...the little "ball" has to be put together so it will roll! Not one to back down from a good challenge, I DID get the field and the ball together. The ball is four flat round pieces that are each smaller than a dime and have to be "notched" together to make it 3-D. Anything for "love"...you know?

Probably the fact that I cannot even find a picture of these cards on the manufacturer's website to share with you, should clue me in that these are no ordinary Valentines cards! The beauty of it all quickly wore off for DS 4 and he left his cards to go watch American Gladiator. Not too bad, right? We still have three more days to go!

And because I'm a "lesson looker"...here's what I thought:

Isn't that how love is sometimes? We make it so complicated and hard to figure out. Perhaps we need to "get back" to those moments we simply use those three powerful words, "I love you." And we look for simple ways to share it with others.

I believe it would change the world more than any intricate folded soccer field Valentine ever will! And, trust me, it will be MUCH LESS FRUSTRATING!

What's in your __________.?

We are currently learning about the life of Moses at church. The "title" of this series is called __________. Yep, you read that right, it's kind of a "fill in the blank" series as we look at the many ways that God fills in the blank that was Moses' life and ministry as well as so many around him.

Today, the pastor mentioned Pharaoh in a way that I never really considered before. Rather than a totally villainous character, he kind of put him in the role of a victim. Consider some of these things. The Pharaoh was about 22 years old. He was considered a deity by the people he served. He thought he had it all figured out. Then God, through Moses and Aaron, rocked his world.

The pastor talked about how this began through Aaron's staff turning into a serpent in front of the Pharaoh. He (the pastor) noted that the Pharaoh had a crown with a serpent on it symbolizing his own power and authority. He went on to note that God usually uses things we know and understand to get our attention. Pharaoh would have understood the serpent. Unfortunately, Pharaoh had too much "stuff" in his ________. and he refused to listen to God even as God brought plagues on Egypt. Because, as scripture notes, "his heart became hard".

He went on to discuss Pharaoh's crown and noted that we all have a crown of sorts. When I think about it, I am reminded of just the number of times that I try to "rule" and "control" my own life. Yet, God really wants to replace MY crown with HIS crown. HE wants to be the King of my life. You'd think we'd learn that this is the way it's supposed to be.

The pastor noted that for each of us there may be a different symbol on our crown (like the Pharaoh's serpent) that represents the thing that separates us from God. It could be unforgiveness, anger, money, a person, or anything else for that matter. And God wants to erase it and fill in the blank with His mercy and His grace---His Spirit---if (and when) WE let Him!

As I considered this, I thought not only about my own "blank" that I need God to fill in, but also the number of times that I've tried to fill in other people's blanks (whether it's my family or friends). Too numerous are the times when I thought "I know what they need" when my thoughts SHOULD be "God fill my blank and use me and my life to help reveal your love, mercy and grace to others so they can get their blank filled in at the right time." We cannot fill in the spiritual blanks of those around us. Only God can do that.

Reflecting on my own ___________., I once again found myself so moved that God, the lover of my soul, wants to continue to sift through the junk that I fill my own blank with and replace it yet again with His love and friendship...His mercy and amazing grace.

And I am humbled beyond words at that kind of love.

What's in your _______________.?

Photo Hunt: Heavy

It's been a couple of weeks (I think) since I participated in the Photo Hunt. I really didn't think I HAD a picture for "heavy". Then I came across this picture from our trip to Sea World a few months ago. And I decided, "SHAMU IS heavy!!" So here he is...

Reposting: What's It All About Alfie?

{Note: This post was originally posted in March of last year and I have decided to share it again as it weighs heavily on my heart and mind today. The reason it came to mind again is because I learned that a Kindergarten student at my school lost his Mother to murder this week, one former student is now incarcerated until she's 21, and another was taken away by the Department of Children and Families. It reminds me of many stories of struggle and tragedy that our students face. And It reminds me that we ALL need to be working to make a difference in our world.}

When I was little, I took piano lessons. I hated practicing songs that I didn't know. I remember when my Mom bought me a book that was simple versions of "songs from the 70's". I learned to play this song titled, "What's It All About, Alfie?"

This morning I found myself humming it...as moment by moment at school revealed more and more horrible things. We were informed that a student would have to be tested one on one today. It seems this 12-year-old youngster was arrested last week on sexual battery charges on another student at my school!! Then another person came in and told us there was a second student being investigated on ANOTHER sexual battery charge in a totally unrelated incident. And if that wasn't enough, the Department of Children and Families is investigating two different families on horrific charges of child abuse.

THEY ARE KIDS!! Or are they?

This boy is 12 years old. His mug shot is on the police website for his arrest. Anyone can see it. The girl may attend our school as well. And I ask myself HOW does this happen?

I live in a relatively affluent city. Most of our schools are filled with upper middle class to the rich and wealthy kids. There are pockets, however, of total poverty here. My school represents one of those pockets. Many of our kids go home and don't always know where their next meal is coming from, where their parents are, and where they will sleep at night. Some learn crime from their older siblings, parents, and neighbors. Many have at least one parent who is incarcerated. Some have parents who speak little or no English. They simply came here looking for something better than they had in their country and they are doing the best they can to make their way in this place.

Regardless, the state testing continues. I get angry when I contrast the many children at my school who are sitting hungry, lonely, afraid and angry, in front of test booklets they cannot read today with those students in other schools across the city whose major concern is that they didn't get BOTH $180 pair of jeans this past weekend. It's true. Yet, those are the stories that no paper and pencil test results reveal.

They never have and they never will.

So, today, I find myself humming...."What's it all about?????" I don't know WHO Alfie is...or was...but when I looked at the lyrics this morning to see why this song was coming to my mind...I was a bit stunned:

What's it all about, Alfie?
Is it just for the moment we live?
What's it all about when you sort it out, Alfie?
Are we meant to take more than we give
or are we meant to be kind?
And if only fools are kind, Alfie,
then I guess it's wise to be cruel.
And if life belongs only to the strong, Alfie,
what will you lend on an old golden rule?
As sure as I believe there's a heaven above, Alfie,
I know there's something much more,
something even non-believers can believe in.
I believe in love, Alfie.
Without true love we just exist, Alfie.
Until you find the love you've missed you're nothing, Alfie.
When you walk let your heart lead the way
and you'll find love any day, Alfie, Alfie.

May we all find a way to reach out and extend love to someone less fortunate than us this week. May we learn to reach across racial and ethnic boundaries. May we find a way to bring light into darkness; love where there's hatred; hope where there's despair. After all, "without true love we just exist, Alfie...Until you find the love you've missed you're nothing, Alfie!"

And, THAT'S what it's all about!!

Thursday Thirteen--Random Edition

Thirteen Things SUSAN'S Thinking Today 1. I am sore sore sore, which tells me I need to work out more more more! Actually,I asked the trainer last night to make it harder because I know it's time to "kick it up a notch". 2. I've got four books started and none near done. It's time to finish one so I can say I've accomplished SOMETHING in my reading life! 3. We are drowning in DATA at my school. It seems like people are asking from numbers on kids all the time....no one really ever asks about KIDS anymore. This makes me SAD! 4. For those of you who read my post about Student Repellent...the can shall be removed this week. And I'm glad. 5. DS 1 is getting closer to leaving for Basic Training and I'm getting WEEPY over it! 6. Third grade homework is making me CRAZY...OR maybe it's the third grader! 7. I'm excited about a new venture with four of my colleagues. We have two new books to be published. 8. Whining makes me CRAZY...especially when it's from grown-ups. 9. I bought the New Passion CD last night. It has the song God of This City that Chris Tomlin sang in concert last week. It's AMAZING! 10. Valentines is this next week and I want to do something special with my DH. 11. I haven't been able to visit as many blogs as regularly as I like lately. In my mind that means I'm too busy. 12. My laptop is still DEAD and I miss having it. I need to get some files off of it... I'm praying this will not be a problem. 13. DH took his pilot test last Sunday and now he's "official". He can take people on little planes.. For the record, it won't be ME at this time...I can't stand those little planes. I'm so glad that DS 3 likes it and can share it with him. For that matter, all my boys can share it with him. There, is that random enough????

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Melancholy...

Do you ever just wake up feeling melancholy? I do. When I looked the word up in the dictionary, it said:

A gloomy state of mind. OR Sober thoughtfulness. Pensiveness.

For me, melancholy is not "gloomy" most of the time...it's simply the "sober thoughtfulness" that sometimes fills my mind. It's like sifting through all the events, people, worries, concerns, to-do's, didn't do's, and should do's all at once. Sometimes I get lost in these thoughts.

Is it because I am tired? Is it because I bite off more than I can chew on a regular basis? Is it because I am hard on myself? Or, is it simply because I am human?

Regardless of the "why", today, for me, is a melancholy day.

Because some days I'm a lazy blogger...

I am not sure I could put together one coherent thought today, so I decided to copy Lauren at Baseballs and Bows and do some game recommendations. (I know that she and Heidi both added widgets, but I'm going to forgo that.) We have recently discovered a couple of new fun games in our house:
I purchased this first one, Toss Up, at Target or Walmart a few weeks back. It is also available here. It is a PERFECT on-the-go type game because it literally is stored in a box that is smaller than a tin of Altoids.

The gist of the game is this, you are trying to roll the dice and work your way to 100 points. You get one point every time you roll a green. You have to be careful though because when you roll a red and no greens, you lose all your points in that roll.

It's a game of probability with chance thrown in for fun. Although it says 8 and up on the box, I really think younger kids might be able to play with adult help.

The second game is one that I like, but I haven't quite sold all my kids on yet. It's called, Bananagrams and is a little like Scrabble without the board. This game is also portable and can be played by kids from 7 and up.

The game is played simultaneously rather than by taking turns, so it makes it a bit of a race against other players. Players have to use all their tiles to connect words in crossword format. When they use their tiles, they call "peel" and everyone takes another tile. Play continues until there are no more tiles. The first player to use all their tiles to make words, calls "Bananas" and other players can check, to see if they agree that the words are legitimate.

These are BOTH fun and easy games to play. They require little set up and are portable.

What's your favorite game?

Unending Love....Amazing Grace!

I told you that I would follow up on the concert of last night...it was....well....

AMAZING!

Tomlin has such a heart for worship for today. The crowd was totally on their feet the whole night.

I had to laugh because we got in early and DS 4 kept saying, "I don't WANT to go up front." "Not too close, Mom". We sat in row nine and HE spent the evening totally UP FRONT standing in front of the stage with DS 2 and his GF!

Chris closed his concert with this new song called, God of this City. It will be out on the new Passion CD (pictured above) along with Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone). The song was written literally in a bar by a Christian band who composed it while ON STAGE. The story is incredible. I have searched high and low for lyrics this morning and can't find them. But the gist is this....

Wherever you and I are, is "our city". And God wants to be the God of it. He wants to make changes in it. He wants to reign over it.

The CD will be out February 5th, so I'm sure we'll have lyrics soon.

As I head off to church today, I'm going with this beautiful picture of grace in my heart. I hope that you, too, have that knowledge of chains that are gone and being set free.

Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, Amazing grace!

It's a GRAND night for singing...

The boys (DSs 2, 3, 4) and I are headed out to an evening with Chris Tomlin. It should be great fun!

I'll report back later....

Not of this world...

I know that scripture says we are "not of this world." The other night, two teenagers reminded me that I'm REALLY NOT of this world...

While attending the Mr. R. High School contest, I had to leave for a moment. Two teenage boys came out right after me. They said, "Are we going to be able to get back in?" I tried the door and told them that if we shut it gently, we'd be fine.

Right after they headed off to the bathroom, two teen girls came out. They let the door go harder, but I thought, "Surely they would not lock you out when you have no choice but to go OUTSIDE the auditorium to the bathroom." So, off I went.

When I returned, the two girls were just ahead of me. They tried the door and sure enough, it was locked.

My first thought: "We'll wait until we hear clapping then knock to get someone to let us in...." I figured at the most it'd be five minutes.

Their first thought: "Don't worry, we'll text our friend who is inside and she'll come open it for us."

And we were in that door in 45 seconds flat!

Nope. I am NOT OF THIS WORLD! Or at least THEIR world!