Blog Title

I have been thinking about the title of this blog lately.  I have also been thinking about a lot of things I would like to say out loud, but have refrained from doing so.  Well, I just can’t keep some of these things to myself anymore, so here it goes …

• You should not tell a pregnant woman she is getting fat.  She might fire back with a question about when your baby is due and that would be very awkward since you are indeed fat, not pregnant.
• You should not ask a pregnant woman personal questions that are absolutely none of your business!  Examples of these types of questions would be “do you plan to breastfeed?” and “how was your trip to the doctor?  anything going on down there?”  Seriously folks – none of your business!
• Women who have never been pregnant should not comment daily about how pregnant someone looks from day to day.  An example “I can tell you are starting to look pregnant now.  Before I wasn’t even sure you were pregnant.”  Trust me, you do not have to “look” pregnant to be pregnant.  Is there a universal pregnancy “look”?
• When you ask me how I feel or how I am doing, please don’t look so disappointed when you hear I am fine.  I really am fine.  I’m not going to launch into long stories and give you details for you to share with people I don’t know about a pregnant woman you know.
• Was it a mistake?  Was this a surprise? 

This is not to say I have not had some awesome love and support from people – but that is another topic.

Finally, (well finally for this entry anyway) I have heard a couple of things that I did not find offensive.  One man – a brand new Father – said “You look great.  Your baby is really growing, I know that’s exciting”.   Another man – (a man in his 70s) asked about my other children.  When I told him I had a 13 year old, he said “Long time between martinis”.  Cracked me up!

John and Maggy Dobbs

It’s amazing how you can get to know someone through a blog without really knowing them.  I have corresponded with John Dobbs a few times through email and blog comments and count him as a friend.  I have listened to his pod-casts and read his blog about 4-5 times per week  I am amazed by his service and love. 

My heart was broken last week when I read his post about losing John Robert.  My heart goes out to John and Maggy and I find myself profoundly sad even though I have never met any of them in person.  There are no words.  I know many people have said that over and over, but I am at a loss for words.  I have tried to send a message conveying my sympathy in an email several times, but have absolutely no idea what to say.

Praying for you and your family John. 

Birthday Surprises

Well, it finally happened.  I turned forty this past Sunday.  My sister gave me a surprise birthday party last Saturday night.  It was good to spend time with friends and family and I was overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity.  My sister went above and beyond to give me a very special evening and I enjoyed every minute of it. 

A week before my birthday, I received a surprise gift from my family.  A digital camera!  I have had my eye on one for about three years and I am so excited to have it. 

Considering the fact that we are expecting a baby boy in September, I guess you might say that my 40th year is the year of surprises!

All of my friends who are already forty, or forty-something tell me that they are having way more fun in their 40s than they ever had in their 20s or 30s.  I’m not too sure about that.  I just think maybe misery loves company  

We are busy during this time of the year.  School is almost out, soccer try outs are right around the corner and camp registrations  are already coming in.  The youth banquet is in a couple of weeks and so is the soccer end of the year party.  I have to take two business trips before the week of camp and I have already attended two of the three conferences that I have scheduled.  WHEW!  I think 41 will be here before I know it …

Well, it’s about time

I think it’s about time for me to post something new.  Since my last post, my beautiful daughter turned 13, experienced her first winter formal, got a little more aggressive on the soccer field and scored a game winning goal.  Scotty started a new job on February 4th and we celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary on February 27th.  My Dad came for a visit (we love that his visits are more frequent now).  March was full of traveling to different parts of MS for soccer tournaments. 

When I sat down to write this post, I had a lot more to say.  I just had not decided how I wanted to say it.  So, in a nutshell, Chelsea is 13, soccer still keeps us busy,  I have been happily married for 20 years … oh, and we’re expecting a baby boy on September 2nd.

What’s going on with you?

I exercised …

my right to vote today. 

Broken

Even if you don’t know me well, you probably know I love music from the 80s.  I know some of you may think that is crazy and some may think I’m old.  It doesn’t really matter.  I like it and I’m good with that.  One of my favorite groups is Bon Jovi (no surprise if you know me).  On Bon Jovi’s recent release, there is a song that made me think of church (no, it’s not a remake of Livin’ On A Prayer).  It’s called “Everybody’s Broken”.  I have included the words below.  Read them and tell me if you think we should welcome people into our body of Christ with this attitude.  Churches are not for perfect people and people who are hurting should know that they are not alone.  (I know this may be a stretch for some and I’m not suggesting we add this to worship on Sunday morning. )

 Everybody’s Broken – Bon Jovi

Welcome to the party,
Come on in and disappear,
You’re feeling like stranger,
But all your friends are here,
Little lines and cracks,
Around your eyes and mouth,
Something’s trying to get in,
Something’s trying to get out,

It’s ok, to be a little broken,
Everybody’s broken, in this life,
It’s ok, to feel a little broken,
Everybody’s broken, you’re alright,
It’s just life,

Step into the deep end,
Make yourself at home,
When you wonder why you’re breathing,
Know you’re not alone,
Its so hard to believe,
Its easier to doubt,
You’re trying to hold in,
But your dying to scream out,

It’s ok to be a little broken,
Everybody’s broken,
In this life,
It’s ok to feel a little broken,
Everybody’s broken, you’re alright,
It’s alright, its just life

Take a look around,
Tell me what you see,
Is who you think you are,
Who you want to be,

It’s ok, to be a little broken,
Everybody’s broken, in this life,
It’s ok, to feel a little broken,
Everybody’s broken, you’re alright,
Just keep on going,
Eyes wide open,
Everybody’s broken

Church on Sunday

I like to visit other congregations and  I do not have a lot of opportunities to do that.  Recently, I mentioned that I am enjoying being able to listen to some sermons on my iPod.  I call those my traveling preachers.  Listening on an iPod is not the same as visiting though.  This past Sunday, I was blessed to be able to attend Grace Crossing in Collierville, TN.  It’s always neat to get some fresh ideas.  Now, I would not consider a praise team a “fresh idea”, but we don’t have one and I did enjoy theirs.  It was different for us, but different is not bad.  The sermon was part of a series but I was not left feeling like I missed anything on the front end.  The church honored their graduating seniors on Sunday morning and it was obvious that the youth minister loved those kids. 

One of the things I learned this Sunday was that I should warmly greet visitors.  I admit this is a challenge for me, but I have been convicted in my heart and I need to step out and do something that is outside of my comfort zone.  The other thing that sticks out the most in my mind – **disclaimer: I like unique and simple ideas** – their prayer list was printed on a bookmark size part of their bulletin and it was perforated!  (I know, it doesn’t take much does it?)  I mean you can tear it off and put it in your Bible!  I thought it was cool.  I know I can stick my whole bulletin in my Bible or make a list myself – but I like those a-ha type ideas. 

It’s good to go for a visit, but there’s no place like home and I love that South is my home.  now if we could get that whole bookmark thing going ….

Where Am I ?

Right now, I’m in the middle of watching the 6th grade choir concert (last week) and 6th grade graduation (next week).  I’m almost done watching soccer try outs (last Saturday and again today).  I am over half way through cleaning a room we call the “extra room”.  Funny, there was never any extra room in it. 

That room holds the tredmill, exercise bike, stability ball, medicine ball and weights.  Guess what I have not been doing !  Now, I’m going to get back on the program … starting Monday. 

This weekend we are taking a trip to TN to see Christi and work on some stuff for camp.  I’m feeling good about the things I already have in order for camp this year.  Sometimes I wait until the last minute and cause myself extra stress.  This year I have a complete menu ready and a complete shopping list, along with a running list of ideas. 

In addition to church camp this summer, Chelsea will go to art camp and premier soccer camp (if she makes the team) and she will increase her workouts at CAP Elite to twice a week.    I am in the process of trying to find her a soccer trainer for the summer.

 So, I’m not blogging as much right now but I should be back on track soon.  I know that will make my blog fans – both of them – happy.

Have a great Wednesday!

Great Weekend

I had a great weekend.  Scotty received some new instruction for his finger and it is working !  Scotty and I spent some time working on stuff for second session this year and for camp as a whole. I did about 15 loads of laundry (yes, I had that much) and I even folded it!  Scotty’s Aunt Rose came Sunday after church and spent the afternoon with us.  Throughout the entire weekend I couldn’t help but think how blessed I am.

 Chelsea spent the weekend getting sent to bed because she was sick and would not, not, not stay still.  She was better last night and will go to school today.  After school she has her last U12 soccer practice and will receive her evaluation.  I have a meeting for parents of students who will be in Jr High next year.  YIKES!  My baby will be in 7th grade.  She had her meeting for incoming Jr High students this past Friday.  I thought it would make her more comfortable, but it gave her more things to obsess about (an unfortunate trait she gets from me). 

Have a good week !

Heart Check –

I said in my post yesterday that I was going to write about my thoughts on John Dobb’s sermon titled “Jesus Came to My Town in a Hurricane.”  I plan to do that today, but I am only sharing my thoughts and how I was stirred to really think about some things in my own walk with Jesus.  This will be a personal post that will be a little out of my comfort zone to post and will more than likely bore you – but hey, it’s my blog.

When things like 9-11 , hurricanes, tornadoes and freezing temperature affect people, it’s easy to feel compassion.  I encourage Scotty to give blood (because I cannot), I make a donation to a relief effort, I give a homeless person some cash for a hot meal.  It’s easy to feel compassion for someone who loses a family member.  I cook for them, I send a card.  That’s what I do.  John’s sermon made me examine my heart and ask “What do I do to serve others and show compassion on a day to day basis?  Why am I waiting for something to happen?  Does something huge and devastating need to happen for people to need compassion?”  Of course not.  But I know I have failed to show compassion.

The next question I was forced to ask myself was “Am I using the talents and the resources God has given me to help others?”  I might not make a 6 figure income (I know this must come as a shock!) but I do know how to write letters, understand a hospital bill, use the Internet and cook (another shocker!).  I can also plan a meal and a menu for 100 + people.  All of these things are second nature to me, but I have been too selfish to show up sometimes when needed.  I use the excuse that I work and have to take care of Scotty and Chelsea and our home.  I do have to do those things, but I know I could spend some time helping other people instead of watching TV (shout out to Roger here).

John mentions that after the hurricane he was offered an “EXIT”.  I am sure there are countless people who are so grateful he did not exit when he had the chance.  Instead, he stayed and showed Christ’s love.  Again, I had to do a heart check here and ask myself “How many times do I take the easy way out when it comes to serving?  How many times do I actually look for the easy way out?”  I know I have had opportunities to show Christ to people that I have missed.  I also know that I have taken advantage of opportunites too.  This is not a thought process of beating up on myself.  It’s just a little heart check and I was convicted in my heart by some of the things I heard. 

Thanks John.  I needed that.

Another post for another day will ask the question “Am I showing people Christ’s Church or the Church of Christ?”