Ever wonder..?

"Hey Mom, Dad, ever wonder why I started liking the show Teen Titans?" T.Michael asked as we all sat together in the hot tub. It was one of those relaxing family times, when he started this conversation out of the blue.

Startled, I looked over at Dave. I mean, had we ever wondered why T.Michael likes this show? Did we even know there was a show called Teen Titans? What kind of parents are we anyway?

Oblivious to our hesitation, T.Michael proceeded to explain:

"One day I was surfing the one - sevens, when all of a sudden I saw Robin. He caught my attention. And I thought, 'Hey, what is this show?' and I really liked it. I've been pretty much watching it ever since!"

First win & Last game of the season (Mom is giddy!)

Halloween 2009

Happy Birthdays!

tales of a 3rd Grade linebacker

After the game T.Michael ran up to me, pulled the helmet off his sweaty head, pointed to his nose and exclaimed,

"Mom! Did you see that kid?! He knocked the snot out of me! No, literally. He knocked the snot right out of me! See?!"

Another player's Mom standing nearby could not stop laughing.
Ah, such a proud moment!

The new sermon series at my church is about Jonah...but that's not why I'm writing about him.

Often when I need guidance I pray and ask God to please "shut the door" and keep me from the wrong decision. Then this morning I was thinking that just closing the door is kind of, well, boring. How 'bout something exciting like having a giant fish swallow me to set me back on course?!

There have been times in my life when I had to step out in faith. (like my friend Rachel who is in Mexico City right now -- love you Rachel!) It usually wasn't an issue of right or wrong, but more an issue of "Is that really You, God?" It's times like these I hope to hear Him whisper in my ear which way to go. But if I'm feeling especially stubborn or just don't get it, a big fish just might be the answer!

I realize Jonah's issue was very different from simply seeking guidance. But still I share with you this little rabbit-trail into my thoughts.

Cattle Ranch Wisdom

This past week President Cook (Warner Pacific College) shared many inspiring words during all the different events celebrating her inauguration. During chapel last week she shared about her wise & loving Dad with the students. Her Dad is a cattle rancher in Enterprise, Oregon. She told us how he would often say,

"The trouble with living sacrifices is their tendency to get off the the alter!"

That made me laugh, I mean isn't that the truth!?! Out of all the many important things President Cook shared in the past week, this is the one that God used to grab my attention. Zing! I was convicted, just like that!

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship.
Romans 12:1-3

Just right!

I was reading Proverbs 30:7+ this morning and I was struck by the part that says,

"...Two things I ask of you, O Lord; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the Lord?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God."

Not too much, not too little...just right! I love it! It can be the same way with timing too, have you noticed? God's timing and our timing seldom seems to match up. Never too soon, never too late...just right!

We are ever so dependant on Him!