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Showing posts with label scott. Show all posts
Showing posts with label scott. Show all posts
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Friday, January 15, 2010
Waiting
I lead a little Bible Study on Thursday mornings at my church, and by lead I mean that I welcome the ladies, try to encourage them a bit in their homework, and push play on the dvd. We're about halfway through a study on Esther. It would seem that I can't get through a session without a major revelation from God. I love it, but at the same time some of these revelations have been uncomfortable to say the least, and yesterday was no different.
But first a bit of backstory. You know I love to give a backstory!
You see, my man is currently on the great continent of Africa in the small country of Malawi. I am beyond thrilled that he is there! I KNOW that this is God's plan for our lives. I just know that God is going to interrupt his life and change the course of his destiny. I know beyond any shadow of doubt that this trip is going to forever change him. He will never be the same and what God is birthing in him while he's gone will affect our family's life forever. How could I not be giddy with excitement at that!?!
I am also well aware of the fact that I stayed here for as specific of a purpose as he went to Africa. God is birthing things in me that could never have happened had he not gone. I am fully cognizant that while my heart beats for the poor and oppressed of this world, there are deeper places of intimacy with God that He wants to take me too. When Scott is home, my life is him and the kids. Most wives could say the same of their hubbys, but we can't forget that our Maker is our first husband and needs to be the center of our affections...ALWAYS!
Isaiah 54:5
For your Maker is your husband,
On Wednesday morning at 4am I said goodbye to the Music Man. I cried for the next hour and then we texted while he traveled to JFK. We continued to txt, email, and call until the flight attendant literally said "Turn it off NOW!" The next 15 hours he was in the air and my thoughts were consumed with him. Every breath I took was a prayer for his safety and health and renewal, but I was desperately waiting for that moment he would land and find wifi so he could let me know he was ok. Once I knew his plane landed I began to even more impatiently wait for a message of any kind saying. I waited and waited. A message came and then I waited for the next leg of his trip to be over so I could hear from him again. Then I heard from him again. And then I waited till the next time I'd hear from him.
I headed to Bible study still just waiting till the next precious moment when I would get a text, email, or phone call. I waited and waited all the while going about my business, but by this point I was exhausted. I had suffered from a massive headache all day Wednesday and it carried over into Thursday morning. I was physically and emotionally spent by the time I got to Bible study.
We're studying chapter 5 of Esther where she fasts and waits 3 days before coming before the king to beg for deliverance. She invites him and Haman to a banquet and waits to make her request known. She again waits when she invites them to a second banquet the following day.
Beth's whole message yesterday was that waiting, when done right, is good. Sometimes waiting in the "meantime" is waiting in God-time. Isaiah 40:31 says "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
This is the revelation God showed me....
We will always lose our strength when we wait on an event, a person, a thing, but when we WAIT ON THE LORD, our strength will be RENEWED!
I realized that I had spent the entire day before waiting on a message, phone call, and while I prayed constantly, I was not waiting on God. I have spent far too long waiting on others, on events, on things, when all that matters is waiting on my God. I'm so tired in my waiting and worrying. It's brought me nothing but stress and discomfort and exhaustion. That's how I know I have not been waiting on the Lord as I should be. If I had, I would be renewed, not only in my faith, but also in body, soul, mind, and strength. I could soar like the eagles in the sky. I would run the race with perseverance, and my walk would not make me faint.
With the revelation newly planted in my heart I was shocked to be able to spend my afternoon yesterday with my man via Tokbox, Skype, and iChat.
Technology: You are a beautiful thing and I do love you so.
He walked me through filing our taxes. I helped him find things in his luggage as he unpacked. He got to see Natalie and blow her kisses. I was able to tell him about the massive devastation of Haiti and how much it had devastated my heart. We cried together. We encouraged one another. We said all those things that we've always felt and thought but took for granted and forgot to say.
I was very much renewed in every way. I chose yesterday morning in Bible not to wait on my man anymore but instead throw all my energy into waiting on the One who can renew me day after day, moment by moment.
No one on earth can do that for you.
NOTHING will satisfy like Jesus Christ alive in your heart!
NOTHING!
But first a bit of backstory. You know I love to give a backstory!
You see, my man is currently on the great continent of Africa in the small country of Malawi. I am beyond thrilled that he is there! I KNOW that this is God's plan for our lives. I just know that God is going to interrupt his life and change the course of his destiny. I know beyond any shadow of doubt that this trip is going to forever change him. He will never be the same and what God is birthing in him while he's gone will affect our family's life forever. How could I not be giddy with excitement at that!?!
I am also well aware of the fact that I stayed here for as specific of a purpose as he went to Africa. God is birthing things in me that could never have happened had he not gone. I am fully cognizant that while my heart beats for the poor and oppressed of this world, there are deeper places of intimacy with God that He wants to take me too. When Scott is home, my life is him and the kids. Most wives could say the same of their hubbys, but we can't forget that our Maker is our first husband and needs to be the center of our affections...ALWAYS!
Isaiah 54:5
For your Maker is your husband,
The Lord of hosts is His name;
And your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel;
He is called the God of the whole earth.
And your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel;
He is called the God of the whole earth.
And that is what God is wanting to show me while my man is gone. He's wanting me all to himself. No distractions of the heart. No one to comfort me when I miss my man, so that I will turn to Him for comfort and to meet my every need. He wants me to remember and come back to my first Love.
On Wednesday morning at 4am I said goodbye to the Music Man. I cried for the next hour and then we texted while he traveled to JFK. We continued to txt, email, and call until the flight attendant literally said "Turn it off NOW!" The next 15 hours he was in the air and my thoughts were consumed with him. Every breath I took was a prayer for his safety and health and renewal, but I was desperately waiting for that moment he would land and find wifi so he could let me know he was ok. Once I knew his plane landed I began to even more impatiently wait for a message of any kind saying. I waited and waited. A message came and then I waited for the next leg of his trip to be over so I could hear from him again. Then I heard from him again. And then I waited till the next time I'd hear from him.
I headed to Bible study still just waiting till the next precious moment when I would get a text, email, or phone call. I waited and waited all the while going about my business, but by this point I was exhausted. I had suffered from a massive headache all day Wednesday and it carried over into Thursday morning. I was physically and emotionally spent by the time I got to Bible study.
We're studying chapter 5 of Esther where she fasts and waits 3 days before coming before the king to beg for deliverance. She invites him and Haman to a banquet and waits to make her request known. She again waits when she invites them to a second banquet the following day.
Beth's whole message yesterday was that waiting, when done right, is good. Sometimes waiting in the "meantime" is waiting in God-time. Isaiah 40:31 says "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
This is the revelation God showed me....
We will always lose our strength when we wait on an event, a person, a thing, but when we WAIT ON THE LORD, our strength will be RENEWED!
I realized that I had spent the entire day before waiting on a message, phone call, and while I prayed constantly, I was not waiting on God. I have spent far too long waiting on others, on events, on things, when all that matters is waiting on my God. I'm so tired in my waiting and worrying. It's brought me nothing but stress and discomfort and exhaustion. That's how I know I have not been waiting on the Lord as I should be. If I had, I would be renewed, not only in my faith, but also in body, soul, mind, and strength. I could soar like the eagles in the sky. I would run the race with perseverance, and my walk would not make me faint.
With the revelation newly planted in my heart I was shocked to be able to spend my afternoon yesterday with my man via Tokbox, Skype, and iChat.
Technology: You are a beautiful thing and I do love you so.
He walked me through filing our taxes. I helped him find things in his luggage as he unpacked. He got to see Natalie and blow her kisses. I was able to tell him about the massive devastation of Haiti and how much it had devastated my heart. We cried together. We encouraged one another. We said all those things that we've always felt and thought but took for granted and forgot to say.
I was very much renewed in every way. I chose yesterday morning in Bible not to wait on my man anymore but instead throw all my energy into waiting on the One who can renew me day after day, moment by moment.
No one on earth can do that for you.
NOTHING will satisfy like Jesus Christ alive in your heart!
NOTHING!
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Another Priceless Gem
From time to time, the Music Man will send me links to things that he finds on the internet. I've talked about it before. Sometimes it's a really thought provoking article or a funny anecdote on life. Other times it's pictures that make him laugh, like this one that he sent me this morning....
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Afrcka-bound...
In the Music Man's words...
I gave him a new journal for Christmas. He asked The Girl to write a note to him in it for when he's gone. What she wrote is beyond precious!
Dear Friends and Family:::
I sit here this morning completely overwhelmed. Its been 2 weeks since I made the appeal for funds for our two missions trips in the new year. I have been on the receiving end of God's blessing in the past, but never quite like this. Our need was GREAT! Our God IS GREATER!
I had spoken personally with some of you, and when asked how the Africa trip was coming, I said, "well I don't have the funds, but I was willing to God, and God sees my heart." I had pretty much counted out the Africa opportunity. Well, yesterday at 4:30 PM was my deadline to raise 2700.00 before the plane tickets HAD to be purchased. I had in my account 1950.00 at 3:59PM.
The short story is, at 4PM yesterday afternoon, $750.00 came in to cover my trip. Yes, you read correctly, with 30 minutes to spare. So, thanks to you I will be able to GO and minister to a people that in my wildest dreams I would have never thought I would have the opportunity to minister to, lead worship in nations I NEVER thought I would be going to, and take the NAME OF JESUS to the uttermost parts of the earth!
You guys are awesome! Thank you for your faith-filled support. We still need your help raising another 3000.00 for our Spain trip in April, but thats for another email!
So this means, I have 13 days to: get immunizations; learn music from a band that I have never played with, much less EVEN MET; get the music department of First Assembly ready for my 2 week absence (I have 1000% confidence you guys will handle it! You wont even know I was gone); and pack!
The whirlwind has only just begun, but as it begins I wanted to say a humble THANK YOU for your overwhelming support of Melissa and I. In tears this morning know I am overwhelmed at your love for us and your support for our ministry.
Thank you!
PS and Melissa Ball
I gave him a new journal for Christmas. He asked The Girl to write a note to him in it for when he's gone. What she wrote is beyond precious!
If you can't read it here's the translation:
To: Daddy
From: Natalie
I heart you.
I hop that you
have a varvr Good
tom at Afrcka
I wat you to
say her bee kus
I heart you.
:::
What else could I possible say after that?
Monday, December 14, 2009
Two Kosher Pickles....*
The Music Man has been working on a surprise for me since August. If you know him you understand the magnitude of that statement. For him to plan and KEEP a secret this long goes against every fiber of his fine being! From time to time he'll ask me if I want to know and I always say no. He's worked so hard on this secret and has been so proud of himself or keeping it that I just can't take that from him.
So Saturday night we were headed to his work Christmas party and he once again asked me about the secret and if I really had no idea what it was. I really didn't. I could not think of anything that I would be so excited about that he would be willing to keep a secret for 4 months just to see my face when I saw it. What could it possibly be?!?!
So we're sitting at dinner chit-chatting with some friends and one of them says, "so are you excited for Cirque du Soleil on Friday?" I was all "whaaaaaat???" And my man was all "months and months of trying to keep this a secret down the drain." Needless to say there was much disbelief and sputtering as everyone tried to salvage the botched secret.
I. Was. Thunderstruck. You see I have a special place in my heart for the beauty that is Cirque. I have wanted to go for YEARS, but living in central Wisconsin doesn't afford one many opportunities to see such an elaborate display of acroatics, dance, and plain and dimple awesomeness. When we moved to the East Coast there were chances here and there but by then we had kids and a mortgage and more important places to spend our money. To be honest I had kinda forgotten about going at all. Don't get me wrong, I still get the newsletter every month and know what the new shows are all about.
So when this sweet, well-intentioned woman spilled the beans of my man's hard-fought-for secret he was devastated! SIX days to go after months and months of building up the BEST, LONGEST KEPT secret of all time and it was gone in an instant. I felt terrible. For him. For me. For the months of anticipation.
BUT I was beyond thrilled! I gave him the most honest an heart-felt reaction of my life. There were shrieks and squeals and laughter and tears and hugs and screams and woo-hoos. I think it was all he had hoped for and then some. So even though the method of revealing his secret was not at all what he'd been planning months for, he was still pleased. I didn't get off the train at Penn Station, see the signs, and beg him to bring me back ASAP, but I can hardly sleep for the excitement I feel for Friday.
My man is amazing. I'm so tickled that he has kept this secret for so long AND that he made everyone who knew about it keep it as long as he did. He is simply the best.
Four more days....
:::
*For the Music Man...
So Saturday night we were headed to his work Christmas party and he once again asked me about the secret and if I really had no idea what it was. I really didn't. I could not think of anything that I would be so excited about that he would be willing to keep a secret for 4 months just to see my face when I saw it. What could it possibly be?!?!
So we're sitting at dinner chit-chatting with some friends and one of them says, "so are you excited for Cirque du Soleil on Friday?" I was all "whaaaaaat???" And my man was all "months and months of trying to keep this a secret down the drain." Needless to say there was much disbelief and sputtering as everyone tried to salvage the botched secret.
I. Was. Thunderstruck. You see I have a special place in my heart for the beauty that is Cirque. I have wanted to go for YEARS, but living in central Wisconsin doesn't afford one many opportunities to see such an elaborate display of acroatics, dance, and plain and dimple awesomeness. When we moved to the East Coast there were chances here and there but by then we had kids and a mortgage and more important places to spend our money. To be honest I had kinda forgotten about going at all. Don't get me wrong, I still get the newsletter every month and know what the new shows are all about.
So when this sweet, well-intentioned woman spilled the beans of my man's hard-fought-for secret he was devastated! SIX days to go after months and months of building up the BEST, LONGEST KEPT secret of all time and it was gone in an instant. I felt terrible. For him. For me. For the months of anticipation.
BUT I was beyond thrilled! I gave him the most honest an heart-felt reaction of my life. There were shrieks and squeals and laughter and tears and hugs and screams and woo-hoos. I think it was all he had hoped for and then some. So even though the method of revealing his secret was not at all what he'd been planning months for, he was still pleased. I didn't get off the train at Penn Station, see the signs, and beg him to bring me back ASAP, but I can hardly sleep for the excitement I feel for Friday.
My man is amazing. I'm so tickled that he has kept this secret for so long AND that he made everyone who knew about it keep it as long as he did. He is simply the best.
Four more days....
:::
*For the Music Man...
Thursday, January 01, 2009
2008 in Review
1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?Became the mother of two children.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I didn't really make any. I was pregnant so I couldn't really use lose weight as a resolution.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes, my neighbor, Jen had a baby girl, Anna, as did my friend Stephanie, who had Brynlee.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
The only person that I knew personally that died was Mrs. Allen.
5. What countries did you visit?
No over-seas travel for me this year.
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
A flat stomach. Okay, I'll even settle for a semi-flat stomach.
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
May 14, the day my not-so-little-anymore man-child was born.
April 10, the day I left my 20's forever and joined the "adults" in the 30's.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Having and nursing my son.
9. What was your biggest failure?
My personal blog and LazyMom
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I will forever remember The Great Plague of 2008. It wiped out my entire family for 3 straight weeks.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
New Living Room furniture!!!!
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My dad! He retired after 30 years! Congratulations to him!!!!
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Politicians!!!!
14. Where did most of your money go?
Bills, bills, and more bills.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
The ease of delivery with Jackson and the simplicity of nursing him for the past 7 months. AND!!!! How quickly I fit into my skinny jeans after having a baby!
16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
Found, Travis Cotrell (actually the whole cd)
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? Happier
b) thinner or fatter? Thinner
c) richer or poorer? The same
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Blogging
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Mindless surfing of the internet
20. How did you spend Christmas?
At home, which is where I hope we spend the holiday next year.
21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
Absolutely!!! How could I not?!?!
22. What was your favorite TV program?
Heroes, Eli Stone, Pushing Daisies
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No.
24. What was the best book you read?
Just one???
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Agustana, Amos Lee
26. What did you want and get?
A perfectly healthy, beautiful baby and new living room furniture
27. What did you want and not get?
Pre-baby skinny
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
Juno (not sure if it came out this year, but I saw it this year) The Music Man and I watched it the night Jackson was born. We cuddled together on my hospital bed with the tiny, squishy, bundle of pure bliss slept in our arms. It was by far the BEST night of 2008 and certainly the BEST movie to watch while laying in a hospital after giving birth.
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 30. I wanted to go to DC for the Cherry Blossom Festival, but it would have been too much walking/waddling for my 9 month pregnant body. So instead we went to Lancaster. It was great. I shopped for the kids (of course! what else does a mom shop for on her birthday?!) We had dinner at the Red Lobster. A F150 truck fell off a tow truck and smashed my van. Happy Birthday to me!
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
One more day of preschool each week. Working on that for 2009.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Same, pregnant or not.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Will Smith. He's my best friend, you know.
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
The terrifying bias of the media regarding the November elections. They voted in our new president.
35. Who did you miss?
My brother and his family
36. Who was the best new person you met?
Jackson Warner Ball
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
"Look cute" when you go out in public. Your family will thank you, even the little ones.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I didn't really make any. I was pregnant so I couldn't really use lose weight as a resolution.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes, my neighbor, Jen had a baby girl, Anna, as did my friend Stephanie, who had Brynlee.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
The only person that I knew personally that died was Mrs. Allen.
5. What countries did you visit?
No over-seas travel for me this year.
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
A flat stomach. Okay, I'll even settle for a semi-flat stomach.
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
May 14, the day my not-so-little-anymore man-child was born.
April 10, the day I left my 20's forever and joined the "adults" in the 30's.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Having and nursing my son.
9. What was your biggest failure?
My personal blog and LazyMom
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I will forever remember The Great Plague of 2008. It wiped out my entire family for 3 straight weeks.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
New Living Room furniture!!!!
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My dad! He retired after 30 years! Congratulations to him!!!!
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Politicians!!!!
14. Where did most of your money go?
Bills, bills, and more bills.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
The ease of delivery with Jackson and the simplicity of nursing him for the past 7 months. AND!!!! How quickly I fit into my skinny jeans after having a baby!
16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
Found, Travis Cotrell (actually the whole cd)
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? Happier
b) thinner or fatter? Thinner
c) richer or poorer? The same
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Blogging
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Mindless surfing of the internet
20. How did you spend Christmas?
At home, which is where I hope we spend the holiday next year.
21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
Absolutely!!! How could I not?!?!
22. What was your favorite TV program?
Heroes, Eli Stone, Pushing Daisies
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No.
24. What was the best book you read?
Just one???
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Agustana, Amos Lee
26. What did you want and get?
A perfectly healthy, beautiful baby and new living room furniture
27. What did you want and not get?
Pre-baby skinny
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
Juno (not sure if it came out this year, but I saw it this year) The Music Man and I watched it the night Jackson was born. We cuddled together on my hospital bed with the tiny, squishy, bundle of pure bliss slept in our arms. It was by far the BEST night of 2008 and certainly the BEST movie to watch while laying in a hospital after giving birth.
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 30. I wanted to go to DC for the Cherry Blossom Festival, but it would have been too much walking/waddling for my 9 month pregnant body. So instead we went to Lancaster. It was great. I shopped for the kids (of course! what else does a mom shop for on her birthday?!) We had dinner at the Red Lobster. A F150 truck fell off a tow truck and smashed my van. Happy Birthday to me!
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
One more day of preschool each week. Working on that for 2009.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Same, pregnant or not.
32. What kept you sane?
Jesus, my husband, and my mom.
Jesus, my husband, and my mom.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Will Smith. He's my best friend, you know.
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
The terrifying bias of the media regarding the November elections. They voted in our new president.
35. Who did you miss?
My brother and his family
36. Who was the best new person you met?
Jackson Warner Ball
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
"Look cute" when you go out in public. Your family will thank you, even the little ones.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
"I lived so long in darkness.
Fighting all I believe.
I've questioned everything you are.
But faithful as the morning star you never leave.
Oh, I'm over living life in fear and doubt.
Oh, I'm over. I won't resist the One I can't live without.
I'm over.
I don't know why you chose me,
Knowing I would be weak.
Just as I am torn apart,
You run to me with open arms and hold me.
Oh, I'm over living life in fear and doubt.
Oh, I'm over. I won't resist the One I can't live without.
And I know You love me even when it's hard to see.
I'll follow and chose to say I'm over.
You never said it would be easy,
But you promised that you'd stay.
You give me rest.
You will be here with me.
You'll never walk away.
I'm over.
Fighting.
Doubting.
Losing.
Drowning.
Running.
Fearing.
Oh, I'm over living life in fear and doubt.
Oh, I'm over. I won't resist the One I can't live without.
And I know You love me even when it's hard to see.
I'll follow and chose to say I'm over.
39. 2008 in one word.
Jackson
40. Hope for 2009.
To enjoy each day as it comes. To live life to its very fullest. To please my husband. To embrace the pure bliss that is being a mother. To be a better person.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
What surprise awaits me today?
So The Music Man sent a link to me this morning. Bless his heart! I love when he does that. I know when he does that whatever is on the other end of the link is important for me to look at. I mean my man would never send me anything that wasn't edifying and meant to encourage and build me up. I mean he's my husband. His sole goal in life is to see to my needs.
Isn't he the best? EVER?!
{{snort. snort.}}
This is where the link took me this morning. Be sure to click on the picture to enlarge it so you get the whole picture.
Isn't he the best? EVER?!
:::
Yeah, the other day this is where the link took me.
:::
No one can ever make me believe that he doesn't have my VERY BEST in mind with all these links.
Monday, October 06, 2008
Stories From the Archives
We're heading out of town for a couple days. I thought that while I was gone I would post a few of my very early posts. This old gem was originally posted on October 5 of 2005, just missed the three-year mark. So here you go...
So last night we were at the mall and Scott decided he was sick of his long hair. (I personally like his hair longer.) So we went to Penny's and Scott asked how long the wait was. The lady said it would be about 5 minutes. So I headed off to Williams-Sonoma (a virtual heaven on earth as far as I am concerned!). I was standing at the checkout just getting ready to pay and Scott called. He didn't say anything, all I heard was background noise. Finally he says, "Oh my gosh, I think I just did a really bad thing! Oh my gosh!" He met up with me a few minutes later and was breathless. So I finished paying and as we were walking out he began to tell me what happened.
It went something like this...
Scott was sitting there waiting his turn for a haircut and saw a "guy" came out from the back salon. He went behind the counter and talked with the receptionist. "He" was dressed from head to toe as a women. He had a skin tight v-neck sweater and a short skirt on. His hair was fashioned in a short bob. He carried himself very femininely in spite of his five-o-clock shadow. Sooo...Scott, being the discerning person that he is, knew the moment he saw this "guy" that he would be the one to cut his hair. Without thinking he stood up and took off. As he walked away, the guy called out "Scott?" "Scott Ball?" But Scott Ball was all ready halfway out the door of Penny's and wasn't looking back. That was when he called me.
The way a person dresses and carries themselves says alot about who they are (or at least who they want people to think they are). Scott felt horrible and relieved at the same time. He was ashamed that he just walked out on the guy, but relieved that he didn't get his hair cut by him either. I couldn't believe it! How could you do that? How could you be so judgmental and prejudice? But then he asked me what I would have done if it had been me waiting for a haircut. Whoa...That's a good question! I honestly don't know what I would have done. I don't think that I would have had the quick reflexes or courage to just walk away like Scott did, but yet, I would have had a hard time letting the guy cut my hair too.
Pastor Alan has been speaking from the 23rd Psalm lately and just last week spoke on leaving behind goodness and mercy wherever you go. So I asked him, "did you leave behind goodness and mercy?" It's a hard call. The guy never met Scott. He didn't know if Scott had to leave for an emergency or maybe just didn't hear him call his name. But it doesn't really matter what the guy thought. Isn't it a heart matter for the believer?
So I ask you, what would you have done? Was Scott totally out of line? Did he leave behind goodness and mercy?
So last night we were at the mall and Scott decided he was sick of his long hair. (I personally like his hair longer.) So we went to Penny's and Scott asked how long the wait was. The lady said it would be about 5 minutes. So I headed off to Williams-Sonoma (a virtual heaven on earth as far as I am concerned!). I was standing at the checkout just getting ready to pay and Scott called. He didn't say anything, all I heard was background noise. Finally he says, "Oh my gosh, I think I just did a really bad thing! Oh my gosh!" He met up with me a few minutes later and was breathless. So I finished paying and as we were walking out he began to tell me what happened.
It went something like this...
Scott was sitting there waiting his turn for a haircut and saw a "guy" came out from the back salon. He went behind the counter and talked with the receptionist. "He" was dressed from head to toe as a women. He had a skin tight v-neck sweater and a short skirt on. His hair was fashioned in a short bob. He carried himself very femininely in spite of his five-o-clock shadow. Sooo...Scott, being the discerning person that he is, knew the moment he saw this "guy" that he would be the one to cut his hair. Without thinking he stood up and took off. As he walked away, the guy called out "Scott?" "Scott Ball?" But Scott Ball was all ready halfway out the door of Penny's and wasn't looking back. That was when he called me.
The way a person dresses and carries themselves says alot about who they are (or at least who they want people to think they are). Scott felt horrible and relieved at the same time. He was ashamed that he just walked out on the guy, but relieved that he didn't get his hair cut by him either. I couldn't believe it! How could you do that? How could you be so judgmental and prejudice? But then he asked me what I would have done if it had been me waiting for a haircut. Whoa...That's a good question! I honestly don't know what I would have done. I don't think that I would have had the quick reflexes or courage to just walk away like Scott did, but yet, I would have had a hard time letting the guy cut my hair too.
Pastor Alan has been speaking from the 23rd Psalm lately and just last week spoke on leaving behind goodness and mercy wherever you go. So I asked him, "did you leave behind goodness and mercy?" It's a hard call. The guy never met Scott. He didn't know if Scott had to leave for an emergency or maybe just didn't hear him call his name. But it doesn't really matter what the guy thought. Isn't it a heart matter for the believer?
So I ask you, what would you have done? Was Scott totally out of line? Did he leave behind goodness and mercy?
Friday, September 12, 2008
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Unity
Yesterday The Music Man My and a few other people from our church, went to a local post office and handed out free stamps to people bringing their tax returns in to be mailed. He later told me enthusiastically how much fun he had doing it. He enjoyed watching people's reactions. Some couldn't believe that they would do something like that, others were just quietly grateful, while there were even some who ignored their offer of something "Free" all together.
May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. John 17:23
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus. Romans 15:5
Then there was this guy in particular that I just had to tell you about, because it made me so sad. He is an local police officer and was surprised to hear what my husband and the others were doing. He said he thought it was a great idea. He then told my husband that he was of a different denomination than ours (I've chosen not to say which one, because it doesn't really matter, but I will tell you it is a large, Bible-based, gospel-preaching denomination with some of the most amazing teachers and preachers I've ever heard). He said that because he was this other-denomination, he couldn't accept a free stamp from our church. That absolutely floored my husband.
It just made me sad. To think that there are people in this world that would call themselves believers and Christ-followers, yet allow something as petty as denominational differences keep them from supporting other believers is mind-boggling. You would think that no matter his religious affiliations, the fact that we serve the same almighty God would be enough to garner their support. It just broke my heart to see so blatantly how denominations have fractured the greater Body of Christ in this world.
I have grown up in the Assemblies of God most of my life. I went to North Central University, the premiere AG university in the nation (as far as I'm concerned--trust me--I've seen what else is out there), and graduated with some of the most amazing young leaders of my generation. But even though we all graduated from an AG school, many of those amazing people are no longer affiliated with the Assemblies of God. They're in churches of all denominations; Lutheran, Baptist, Church of God, and a whole slew of non-denominational churches. I won't try to tell you that the Assemblies of God is the be all and end all of what God is doing, because I don' believe that for one second. They have been good to me and to my husband and I fully support them 100%, but that doesn't mean it's a fit for everyone. God has led my friends elsewhere and I love that!!! He can move anywhere and in any denomination! All He wants is willing servants.
I think that's why this other-denomination cop's reaction to a simple random act of kindness so saddened me. What if it had been him and his Fraternity of Police Officers that had decided to do a random act of kindness such as we did and a fireman responded to him the way he responded to Scott? He would be shocked, possibly hurt, and certainly confused because there is a sort of brotherhood between police officers and firemen. How much greater is our brotherhood in the Lord? It needs to surpass denominations and affiliations.
How good and how pleasent it is for brothers to dwell together in unity. Psalm 133:1
May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. John 17:23
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus. Romans 15:5
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:3
And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:14
Monday, March 10, 2008
Random Pictures
I finally downloaded the pictures from my camera of the last month. We haven't been especially busy, but I've been documenting our lives moment by moment. Sooo... Here are some of the more random shots...
(I'm not mad. I promise.... Just exhausted!)
Random Scott and Natalie:
First golf lesson at Golf Galaxy...
Look at that grip!
Father/Daughter Baking...
Random self shots:
Ask my husband why this. He took it, along with one of my ch**t, my b*tt, and my eye. (Sorry... I had to edit per The Music Man.)
I will soon show you all the shots taken this day, but I'm giving you a sneak peak of how incredibly tired I was on this day... (Ugh! Look at those roots! I'm so ashamed!)
(I'm not mad. I promise.... Just exhausted!)Random Closet Shots:
A few of my favorite outfits for the man-child, who is still nameless, I might add.
This is just too adorable!
I wore this when I was a baby, but I remember it most on a baby doll I had named Mary Lou or was it Amy?
I bought this the day we found out we were having a boy.
Round on the ends and high in the middle... Oh - Hi - Oh. (Really this isn't on my list of favorites, but I know it's at the top of my husband's, so it made this list of random shots.)
And because we live in Maryland, I just had to have this!
Here are a couple random belly-ish shots:
Cool, right?
I have tried my hardest to NOT wear maternity shirts if at all possible this pregnancy. They're just too mammoth. I feel so fat in them rather than pregnant. This shirt was on the clearance rounder in the Junior's section at Target. God bless the designers who decided long, full shirts are the latest style!
More to pictures and posts to come soon...
Thursday, June 14, 2007
The Great Marshmallow War of 2002
Scott and I are soon to celebrate our 6th wedding anniversary. I can't believe it's been that long already! We have been through so much. It still amazes me that I am more in love with him than I was when I married him, in spite of the fact that I actually know him now. Ha!
Anyway, some of our favorite memories of our early years together took place in our first apartment. We lived on 56th Ave in Stettin (a part of Wausau). We had an upstairs corner unit that over looked a horse farm across the street. All of our windows either faced this horse farm or looked out over wooded areas. It was wonderful.
We had so much fun those two years that we lived there! Just last night we were talking and reminiscing about those good times. When I think about it, there are about 4 or 5 memories that always come back first.
One day I was making rice krispies treats to take for my treat day at the afore mentioned bank when the urge to throw a marshmallow at Scott totally overcame me. Who doesn't feel that when they look at Scott?! But, I opened up a can of worms with that idea. Scott used to be more playful too before he got all dedicated to his job and serious about life, so he whipped it right back at me. Thus started The Great Marshmallow War of 2002. (This may have been when he slapped my belly [#1]).
We proceeded to throw marshmallows at each other for a while. Scott eventually got bored and went back to watching TechTV, which at the time was pretty cool. I wasn't done yet, so I took a marshmallow and put it in his favorite pair of shoes. (I never knew when to stop with him. I have learned over the years.) I figured he would feel it as soon as he put it on in the morning and get a good laugh out of it.
Yeah, he didn't feel it. He walked around the whole day with that silly marshmallow in his shoe! When he got home later that night, he complained about how uncomfortable his shoes were that day and he couldn't figure out why. It took everything that I had in me to keep a straight face. (I had had the best day ever knowing that he was walking around with that marshmallow in his shoes. I kept picturing him at his desk, taking off his shoes to see what was in his shoe and finding the big marshmallow I had left for him.)
But he never took of his shoes until he was home. And when he did, he pulled out his foot and the toes of his socks were covered in this milky, sticky, stinking goo. (Oh my gosh! This was so perfect!) He reached his hand in the shoe (Yes! Yes! Yes!) and felt around. He pulled out his hand and it too was covered in a milky, sticky, stinky goo. (I couldn't have planned this any better!) He was completely bewildered! He just sat there on the bed baffled and asking me what in the world I thought it was. (It was about this time that I realized, that in spite of my pure delight in the turn of events, my dear husband was not that playful and would most likely be furious with me. Uh oh!)
I started to laugh--not really because I thought it was funny anymore, but because I knew he was going to kill me, but I couldn't stop now--this was still too much fun. I said, "You know, Honey, it kind of smells like a marshmallow." It was then, that I watched his handsome face change from that cute baffled expression to denial that his dear new bride would do such a thing to understanding and acceptance to pure revenge. That was my cue to start running! And run I did... all over that little house, screaming the whole way. My dear sweet hubby was indeed furious with me and after my cute bum. (I think the handprint from above could have easily happened at this time too.)
I don't remember how the whole thing was resolved, but every time I make rice krispies treats, Scott check his shoes for any lost marshmallows.
I do believe that I won that war, hands down!
(This morning I told him that I was going to write about "the marshmallow" today. He just looked at me and shook his head. Some wounds take a looooooonnnnnggggg time to heal!)
Anyway, some of our favorite memories of our early years together took place in our first apartment. We lived on 56th Ave in Stettin (a part of Wausau). We had an upstairs corner unit that over looked a horse farm across the street. All of our windows either faced this horse farm or looked out over wooded areas. It was wonderful.
We had so much fun those two years that we lived there! Just last night we were talking and reminiscing about those good times. When I think about it, there are about 4 or 5 memories that always come back first.
- The time Scott slapped me across my belly, through my shirt, and left a red handprint that lasted for 5 hours. (No he's not a wife-beater and never was... we were rough-housing in the kitchen--Funny thing about newlyweds.)
- The time that a bunch of Scott's friends came over to play Xbox and our heat went crazy. It was like 200 degrees in our tiny apartment and the living room was filled with boys in various states of undress. They were loud, stinky, and demanding--but I loved every minute of it.
- The time the storm came into our bedroom and the fan fell out of the window onto Scott and the lightening blinded us and I couldn't stop screaming.... good times.
- The time Scott ripped the tv cord out of the wall and put it in the other room in the middle of the night and then we rearranged the pictures on the wall until 4am.
- The time I put a marshmallow in Scott's shoe. That's the one I'm going to tell you today...
One day I was making rice krispies treats to take for my treat day at the afore mentioned bank when the urge to throw a marshmallow at Scott totally overcame me. Who doesn't feel that when they look at Scott?! But, I opened up a can of worms with that idea. Scott used to be more playful too before he got all dedicated to his job and serious about life, so he whipped it right back at me. Thus started The Great Marshmallow War of 2002. (This may have been when he slapped my belly [#1]).
We proceeded to throw marshmallows at each other for a while. Scott eventually got bored and went back to watching TechTV, which at the time was pretty cool. I wasn't done yet, so I took a marshmallow and put it in his favorite pair of shoes. (I never knew when to stop with him. I have learned over the years.) I figured he would feel it as soon as he put it on in the morning and get a good laugh out of it.
Yeah, he didn't feel it. He walked around the whole day with that silly marshmallow in his shoe! When he got home later that night, he complained about how uncomfortable his shoes were that day and he couldn't figure out why. It took everything that I had in me to keep a straight face. (I had had the best day ever knowing that he was walking around with that marshmallow in his shoes. I kept picturing him at his desk, taking off his shoes to see what was in his shoe and finding the big marshmallow I had left for him.)
But he never took of his shoes until he was home. And when he did, he pulled out his foot and the toes of his socks were covered in this milky, sticky, stinking goo. (Oh my gosh! This was so perfect!) He reached his hand in the shoe (Yes! Yes! Yes!) and felt around. He pulled out his hand and it too was covered in a milky, sticky, stinky goo. (I couldn't have planned this any better!) He was completely bewildered! He just sat there on the bed baffled and asking me what in the world I thought it was. (It was about this time that I realized, that in spite of my pure delight in the turn of events, my dear husband was not that playful and would most likely be furious with me. Uh oh!)
I started to laugh--not really because I thought it was funny anymore, but because I knew he was going to kill me, but I couldn't stop now--this was still too much fun. I said, "You know, Honey, it kind of smells like a marshmallow." It was then, that I watched his handsome face change from that cute baffled expression to denial that his dear new bride would do such a thing to understanding and acceptance to pure revenge. That was my cue to start running! And run I did... all over that little house, screaming the whole way. My dear sweet hubby was indeed furious with me and after my cute bum. (I think the handprint from above could have easily happened at this time too.)
I don't remember how the whole thing was resolved, but every time I make rice krispies treats, Scott check his shoes for any lost marshmallows.
I do believe that I won that war, hands down!
(This morning I told him that I was going to write about "the marshmallow" today. He just looked at me and shook his head. Some wounds take a looooooonnnnnggggg time to heal!)
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