acu & soulforce

Please say a prayer today for ACU's meeting with the Soulforce organization. Mike Cope explains here.

ash bath

Last night we were guests in the home of an older couple with whom we attend church. Rowan was the only child present among a group of about twelve adults. We were talking and eating dinner while Rowan played quietly in the adjacent room.

So here he comes a-sauntering into the dining room wearing his gray pants and gray shoes. Hold on. He was wearing blue pants and black shoes when we arrived. Why does it look like someone just dipped him in a tub full of dust? A trip to the adjoining room reveals my offspring’s apparent discovery of the fireplace; it now appears that Mt. St. Helen’s has rained down volcanic ash over the entire area, coating the floor, coffeetable, sofa and toys. Fortunately, our hosts thought it was hilarious. (And honestly...we did too!)

I should know by now that QUIET equals TROUBLE.

generosity pays

What an uplifting story to read amidst all the other unhappy news the media offers on an hourly basis.

sore loser

Sounds like someone's a little bitter about not winning Best Picture.

24

Did anybody watch it last night? If so, then you understand me when I say "24" is STRESSING ME OUT. I usually watch and forget about it by Tuesday morning. But these last two weeks...first Edgar, then Lynn and the security guard, then Tony. There's a reason I don't work at CTU. Dangerous levels of blood pressure. Oh, and my husband does things like leave his keys in the door overnight.

If you're a "24" fan -- and either you are or your aren't -- you might get a laugh out of these Jack Bauer facts.

A shout-out...

...to my friends and family who sent me birthday wishes. Some folks are just flat-out skilled at remembering and honoring birthdays. (Wish I could say the same for myself!) In a time where busyness permeates our society to a nauseating level, the fact that people would take time to send a birthday greeting means the world to me. To Brandon, Rowan, Mom & Dad, Mayito, Kristen, Darren & Julia (that was a brilliant rendition of "Happy Bday" on the answering machine; y'all should audition for American Idol Duets), Jake, Mama Young, Aunt Jo, Ethan & Lisa J, Lisa W, Jodi, Paige, Shelly, and Alice...thank you, you special people!

dana reeve

I am in shock. Dana Reeve, the widow of Christopher Reeve, has died from lung cancer. I don't know why this has sent me reeling. Maybe because she was only 44. Maybe because her family has already gone through so much tragedy. Maybe because her 13-year-old son is now an orphan. Maybe it just saddens me when people who obviously place so much value on their families are taken from this earth.

Dana Reeve came across as a strong and steady woman. She seemed to have an unwavering, rock-solid love for her husband. And I was always impressed how committed she was to her marriage. This world could certainly use more folks like Dana Reeve. Rest in peace, good woman.

God's approval

The other day my minister was discussing with me my insane desire for man's approval. He said...and I've heard it many times before...it doesn't matter what people think of you...all that matters is if God approves of what you're doing with your life. Great question, Mr. Preacher Man. My question for him was: HOW DO YOU KNOW IF GOD APPROVES OF WHAT YOU'RE DOING WITH YOUR LIFE? 'Cause this gal is clueless.

academy awards

I was planning on forgoing watching the Oscars this year. Having to sit there and observe entertainment moguls abuse their fame by making political statements really gets under my skin. But then I remembered that I know someone who's been nominated! Okay, so I've never actually met her, but I've been friends and kept in touch with her boyfriend since college. I will absolutely have to watch the first hour or so to see if she wins (she's been nominated for Best Supporting Actress). And more importantly, I'll have to try and spot her date, my friend! I was lamenting having to sit and listen to all the jabs at the Bush administration when Brandon reminded me of one tiny but significant fact: we have a mute button.

I love film. But I do not appreciate how some people in the film industry violate their platform. The mute button will be on. Unless I see my friend. ;)

argh

I just tried to post a comment to Phil, Erin and Byron's blogs...with no such luck. Word verification isn't letting me through. Is this happening to anyone else today?

let's party

Even though I'm still recovering from driving to and from Texas last week, and even though the kid's been down with a horrid stomach bug since Sunday, and even though I'm starting to wonder if my toe is broken after I stubbed it on the bathroom door, and even though...even though...it is a glorious first day of March here in Tennessee! Feels like spring. Smells like spring. GLORIOUS!!!

"Spring is nature's way of saying, 'Let's party!'" - Robin Williams

“Expect to have hope rekindled. Expect your prayers to be answered in wondrous ways. The dry seasons in life do not last. The spring rains will come again.” - Sarah Ban Breathnach

"All through the long winter, I dream of my garden. On the first day of spring, I dig my fingers deep into the soft earth. I can feel its energy, and my spirits soar." - Helen Hayes