Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Something Americans don't like to talk about

Lately, as I have been filling out job applications yet again, I have had to fill out several profiling questions on various Web sites. My 11-year-old self would have checked "Other" and put in "Russian Jew," as I was extremely excited to identify myself as someone who may be of Israeli descent. But I learned that really I'm just white and nobody cares, so that's what I put. (Besides, I don't want a repeat of that previous neighbor who asked me if my parents and I speak Hebrew together... wait, what?)

After reading a particular article posted on Facebook from a church friend at Fellowship Greenville - http://www.russellmoore.com/2008/05/29/transracial-adoption-the-gospel-and-you/

...I decided to blog about something. As we church searched, I made a comment that seemed very obvious to me, but I realized that not many people think about it. I refuse to make my home church a place where I only see white people.

There are several reasons for this.

First of all, I grew up in a church that was filled with people of all different races, and so I thought all churches just loved people in all their variety, and that God does, too. Well, I was wrong about all churches - true churches, yes - but it taught me from an early age that God made variety and loves variety. I want that for my children. I grew up and would meet people and I would just know them... I didn't think "She's Hispanic, she's black, she's white, she's Asian." (With the exception of my best friend calling me orange... I knew I wasn't white and that proves it!)

Secondly, I would hate to be a part of a congregation where I couldn't bring my friend, someone who needs to hear about Jesus, or someone who's church seeking like me, because they wouldn't be welcomed. That would be so, so sad, if a difference so superficial got in the way of someone hearing God's Word and growing in His word.

And, honestly, if I bring someone who's Asian and all they see is white people, maybe it would be hard to feel connected. I think I've been to a couple of services where I've been the only white person, but I didn't really feel like that was important or on my mind, because I was welcomed, engaged, and people took the time to really have conversations with me. But I can imagine it would be nice to see someone else there that looks like me. I think that's human. (Personally, I don't think I'd care. I'm more about where God's leading me.)

So, I'm comfortable calling our new church home, and I know I might be weird for even thinking about these things, but I'm not afraid to think about any subject, or discuss it. Also, I'm not saying all churches have to be like evenly mixed or something. There are some churches that are culturally knit closer than others - I know one of my old churches had a whole congregation that met on Sunday nights that was all Spanish speaking, and another all Arabic speaking people, and I was invited to attend the Arabic services (but I was working in the nursery and could not). I just refuse to be a part of a close minded congregation that isn't focused on the Gospel and more focused on people's clothes, hair styles, skin color, makeup, weight, etc.

Oh, and one more thing... how would my sister have felt?




Sunday, December 1, 2013

2007 Christmas Letter



My 2007 Christmas Letter - and by amazing I really only meant Leah:

Hi Everyone!
I've been at BJU this past semester, and took website design, English 102, intro to computer programming, college algebra, general psych, orientation, and Old Testament messages. Some of those look familiar? Yes, it was round two for me...they didn't transfer some of my credits.
I was one of two female computer science majors to complete the semester. Both of us worked in the dining commons. There were 70 tablewipers in all to cover the 21 meals a week.
I am thankful that God allowed me to go there this semester; I met some amazing people! Examples: my roommates, Leah, Amy, and Bethany. They are from Vermont, Nebraska, and Minnesota. Leah had two sisters on the hall of our dorm.
Leah's taught me so much about God. I love her like a sister and I think she treated me like one would a little sister. We're only a year apart but she is really confident about things in general and I was not most of the semester. I could talk to her about anything and she always knew something to say. She'd always get out her Bible and share one of her favorite verses. Read Psalm 91 if you get the chance.
Some of my more interesting memories include moving into the wrong building the first night, leaving my (work) shoes in the library one day, teasing Bethany for studying too much (nursing major), getting basically locked into the closet twice by Amy (I’m sure Bethany helped too), and finding notes that encouraged me and pointed me to God from Leah and random people. Talk about crazy - for 5 days, Leah was confined to the hospital because they thought she had whooping cough (she didn't). One morning, she popped the window screen with a spoon, ran along the ledge 2nd floor, in her pajamas, and said hi to everyone else....and then set her voicemail to "I'm so glad to hear from you! I'm in the Psych Ward right now and probably going on my daily walk to the bathroom or washing my hair for the 3rd time since I'm not answering the phone!"
One of my teachers, to put it short, reminded me of God, in that he was absolutely perfect in how he taught us grace. He never gave a grade to us, but he was realistic in expectations. Another teacher of mine just showed me how people do notice when one has joy despite all the hard things that may come in life, and that that joy is something others recognize as coming from God alone.
Do's and Don'ts at BJU
Don't eat RibeQ. (reprocessed meat)
Do buy scantrons off your Jr. High aged Chapel Buddies. (they get 'em cheaper)
Do sleep in until 7:35 if you have an 8 o'clock (12 minutes to get ready, 6 to get breakfast from the dining commons, and 7 to run to class and eat; it worked)
Don't get hit by a car if you aren't wearing hose on Sunday (you'll get demerits as they transport you to Barge, the on campus "hospital")
And don't go to Barge. They'll quarantine you!

Merry Christmas!

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

A long week

So begins a long week for me... Erik won't be able to talk again until the beginning of next week.
I have many goodbyes to say.
I have presents to finish, a meeting to attend, a presentation, and I really need to get by Brookwood, Publix, and Mr. K's Bookstore soon.
I need to wash my car, too.
So many things to do...

Lord, just keep my eyes on you.

Friday, November 1, 2013

November 1st

Today it is so gloomy outside, it looks like it should just get it over and pour already. It sprinkled enough to get the wood for my parents' deck wet, and my car as I washed it. This makes the anticipation of Erik getting here even worse for me.

In exactly a month, we'll have our last day in Greenville. In some ways, I'm so ready... just to be there instead of in between, to be with Erik daily again. In other ways, well, I don't want to leave the best city I've ever known, the people who are close to me... I know this is going to be hard. But I trust God with all my heart!

I have been working on my speeches for the upcoming 3 events, trying to finish my Christmas cards, and wrapping Christmas presents. I am getting close to being finished with a lot of those. I need to start packing for Wednesday soon, really. I want to be very organized about it!

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Work For God, People Notice

You're sitting in class and the teacher gives out an assignment. Maybe you groan (at least inside) and ask yourself why you have to do this pointless paper. I'm going to tell you now, though, it isn't pointless. You may say, "But you don't even know the subject!" That's right, I don't, but there is more than just a grade at stake for those of us who follow Christ, no matter what task we are given.

There are many ways you can "work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters," as Colossians 3:23 says. For one thing, your attitude about work is called to change just by your reading that one verse! When you're working for God, you can't complain and fuss or pout. If you're the only one not complaining, you'll be noticed, and that gives you the opportunity to give God the glory! Is it worth joining in and complaining about a task when you can, instead, shine for Jesus by putting your pride aside?

Philippians 2:14-16 "Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, 'children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.' Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life."

Also, your work ethic is important. A work ethic is the standard to which you do your work, and the manner in which you accomplish it - if you have a good work ethic, your motivation to do your best drives you to complete tasks on time, to produce quality results, and to put true effort into what you take on. You're not trying to be a teacher's pet by doing your best - you're trying to please your Creator, who's given you the abilities to succeed.

Another way you can shine is to make sure you are honest in all manners. This is especially hard for some students. It's easy to copy someone else's math problems when you "didn't have time" to do all of your homework because you were studying for another class's tests; easy, and wrong. It's easy to read something online or in a book, and seeing it is worded just so perfectly, copy that into your paper, and "just not say" it's someone else's words; easy and wrong. It's hard to do the right thing, but it's worth it.

From your thoughts to your actions to your words, you will have many opportunities every day to shine for the Lord. Will you choose to do the right thing, or will you choose the easy way out?

 







Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Day One - No House

So today was Day 1 of not having a house. True, most of my stuff is still in the house, but I didn't sleep there last night. And tomorrow I'll sit in that house and watch it all get packed up. But today I'm at work, finishing up two projects, and I didn't have to run the dishwasher and throw in laundry before I left, which is kind of a weird feeling. I'll still have to do laundry at some point, of course. But just saying...

If it entertains you, I kept some really funny things with me. I have all my Christmas cards and letters, all my Christmas gift bags, some Christmas gifts, 120 GGFG books, lots of snack foods, a small box of crafts and note cards, and 3 Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes - none of which are going with me when I leave.

Unfortunately, I think I forgot to run the last load of dishes... and I forgot to get the placemats out of the dryer. And I need to take one last load of trash out. But I think I'm good besides that... we'll see what tomorrow brings (or breaks).

Thursday, October 10, 2013

What would you do all day?

I would wake up around 8 am, eat some breakfast, and do the dishes. Half an hour and I'd be ready for the day. I could throw in a load of laundry or run the dishwasher.

I'd go to the gym, work out about 45 mins, and then take a shower. Maybe I'd run to the bank or the grocery store on the way to or from. I'd have time to return things, or pick up dry cleaning or a headlight bulb for the car. There's always some little errand that needs to be done.

I'd have lunch, and, depending on what I'm making, I'd start on dinner. I'd sweep, mop, vacuum, dust, scrub tubs and sinks and toilets, wipe down counters and clean the stove, fridge, and microwave.

I'd re-order contacts, call about appointments, and pick up things that get left undone. I'd do simple repairs and replacements. I'd volunteer at church, I'd bring someone a meal when they are sick, I'd take the time to write letters and cards. I'd call a friend.

I'd do emails for GGFG, book marketing, still would manage incoming articles and scheduling... I'd work harder on the second book.

I'd have evenings with my husband.
And I haven't even thrown in kids, yet!

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Blogs are opinions

If people would just read the URL for some of the articles they post... they might have a clue that the reason some of these are "so unbelievable" is because they really are fakes. Do some research, validate your sources are real, and notice the citations (or lack thereof).

Sometimes people have good motives in posting / reposting. But if you are reposting, you should try to make sure it is the truth.

The amount of fake and even comedic blogs that are given the same credibility as verified sources are has increased drastically on Facebook. People need to develop their research skills.

Saturday, September 28, 2013

GGFG - Always on My Mind

Youth Groups:
Eau Gallie First Baptist
First Baptist Mauldin

Bookstores:
Calvary Chapel / The Chapel Store
Mr. K's Bookstore
The Vineyard

Book Signing:
Buncombe Street United Methodist

There are several churches or groups that haven't set any dates but we're talking :)

Friday, September 27, 2013

Lists. Lots of Lists.

More on moving - so, I made a lot of lists. There are lists of things to change or cancel. There are lists of things to take care of in each room, what to keep in each room, and things we can't take with us. Yes, that opened container of cookie dough is just going to have to get eaten in the next few days ;D

Things that I'm keeping with me:

1. Cleaning supplies. Last out, first in.
2. Also first needs: roll of toilet paper, paper towels, and a couple of hotel handsoaps.
3. My journals and irreplaceable books, GGFG stuff
4. Laptop and gadgets
5. Important papers
6. JAKE! and her seed and water and all
7. My spices
8. Some simple tools
9. Clothes for Fall and Winter (layers)
10. Peanut butter from Publix

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Moving Stuff, it's just Stuff. I have a lot of Stuff.

For those of you who don't know - we have to move out of the house we've had the privilege of renting for the last (almost 2 years) in mid-October. So, I'll be in between places of our own from then until December whatever (when we get to Kansas). To make things better for myself, I make lists.

The things that have complicated my decisions:

1. The seasons are changing - and it's going to be way colder there than it gets here.

2. I'm taking a big trip to Florida before we leave (but after our stuff gets packed up). GGFG, you're worth the chaos. I have to lug around... let's just say, a lot of books :)

3. I have to keep out the Christmas presents, cards, etc.

4. Erik's down there... I'm up here... I'm still working. :/

5. If I for whatever reason lost everything that was getting moved (due to mold, fire, whatever), what would I absolutely have to keep? My Awana books and journals instantly came to mind, but there are other things, like my antique plaque from my great-grandmother with the verse on it.

6. My office didn't quite get perfectly organized still... but it's getting better.

7. My bird, Jake, has to keep a routine.

8. We'll be house-less just long enough my travel size stuff won't be enough... but I'll need the travel sized stuff for FL and the trip to Kansas.

9. Thanksgiving. I'm going to have a hard time not having my kitchen around then.

Monday, September 23, 2013

You never know

If you never tell someone you need 20 books sponsored, they'll never know.
The books would have never been printed, not even shelved.
And 19 girls in a girls' home wouldn't have 19 books.
Who know who might be saved while reading the words of girls like them?

And if you never tell someone you $60, they'll never know.
If you don't have the $60, you can't afford to enter a book into a contest.
And if the book were to win, you'd increase your exposure by 200%.
It could happen, you know.

So I'm not too proud to ask.

And if you never tell someone you have a book, they certainly won't put it on their shelves.
They'll just sell the same old books they already are.
They've never heard of you or your webzine.
So if you're too scared to walk in, they'll never know.

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Several Super Sad Things

I read this article - http://www.americanownews.com/story/22098681/tragedy-strikes-greenville-family-again

First, the obvious sadness - that their parents died while their children were young, that the brother died so young, and now the woman died in this accident. Also, it is so bizarre that the latter two accidents' sites were not far apart - sad and strange.

What I also find sad... and this may just be the news article's lacking... is that these kids were not given much attention in the story. I wonder who they will stay with... I wonder if their mother's boyfriend mentioned, is their dad. Or if he is at least committed to them.

If he is the dad... I think it's sad that he was just the boyfriend, and not her husband - three kids and you can't commit? Or maybe this was a new relationship. Maybe something went wrong before. I'd hate to be this guy, though, because if he's got a conscience at all, he's going to be struggling about the accident that left three children motherless.

I also think it was sad... (I don't have kids but...) that this woman was out so late at night when she has three young kids. I can see going out with your guy for a great evening, but if you're out in the wee hours of the morning, what are you doing? Not much is open. If you're out til the sun's up, what energy are you going to give your kids the next day?

And practically - did they have an all night babysitter? Or did they dump the kids at a relative or friend's house so they could go party? She was 23... if she was going out all night regularly, she wasn't taking responsibility and putting herself aside for the routine that three small children require.

I can't imagine this story is completely uncommon - maybe not the tragic ending, but the choices that lead up to this kind of situation...

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

The Story - Sep 11, Three Years Ago


So I was not exactly in a good mood when I left to go to his house. I was frustrated about some things, and I didn't feel that great, so I had to go by the store to get some allergy medicine. I also picked up a McFlurry (snack size) for a dollar something. So I was sitting in my car out front of his house taking that medicine and finishing my ice cream when he came out to me and made some story up for why we couldn't go inside and we got in the truck.

The next thing I knew we were downtown and supposedly we could work on a project on the laptop; he'd brought it, but we ended up not even bringing out of the truck. Apparently I didn't care, because I didn't ask about that. So we walked for a while... and ended up on the bridge at Falls Park. We were standing there and he was teasing me because I'm scared to look straight down. He said he would stand behind me for thirty seconds and I was supposed to look straight down.

I said something like, "This just isn't doing anything for me, I just imagine people falling."
And I think he said something like, "Well how about this?"
And I turned around...

And he was down on one knee, will you marry me?

This can't be for real. It is... wow. Is this really happening? Tonight? Just a day, just an ordinary day...
He said something about "How's that for an adrenaline rush?"
I didn't know what to do with myself. I honestly couldn't think straight. I felt so light-headed!

I remember taking a step, apparently I said yes, taking another step...

Uh-oh, a little big...

"Quick, let's get off the bridge!"

We watched a wedding reception for a little while after that... too perfect :)

Friday, August 30, 2013

Why I'm not so sure about house churches

Okay, I want to make this clear - I'm interested in your comments, so let this be a conversation!

In case you are totally unaware, on the other hand, there's been a movement for a long time called "Home Church" or having "House Church." Despite the fact that this seems to be a phrase with multiple definitions, I would like to refer to the ones that hold church exclusively with immediate family members as "Home Churches" for this article, and ones with limited but multiple families included as "House Churches."  I found naming them useful, because they are different.

I would like to exclude House Churches that meet once a week as a big church, because the things I'm discussing may not apply. Those kinds of House Churches act much like Small Groups and are almost indistinguishable in difference to me.

For the most part, I find less issues within the House Churches, as there are multiple leaders / fathers included. For one thing, I think these different families coming together could more easily keep each other in check with what the Scriptures teach, and accountable in leadership in general. I read an article in USA Today that is a basic introduction to the concepts: http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/religion/2010-07-22-housechurch21_ST_N.htm
I think the article's title describes the goal - to keep things small, simple,and friendly. The potential for encouragement and accountability is certainly attractive and necessary.

I see a danger for both Home Churches and House Churches "that are started in an effort to counter 'the institutional church.'" This idea is found on http://www.gotquestions.org/home-church.html, which also
points out, "while often listing the above reasons to more closely align with the biblical model, the real reason often seems to be displeasure with large church movements."  This seed of bitterness can be detrimental to spiritual growth. More time can be wasted avoiding structure or traditions, complaining about how "they" are (referring to large churches), that could be used to further the Gospel and build one another up.

Even in House Churches, I see a potential for neglecting the structure of the church found in the Bible.  "In Acts there is a leadership structure including apostles, pastors and deacons." (http://www.connectboise.org/?p=1838 ) And since House Churches and Home Churches often say their ideas are Scripturally based, I hope they don't ignore that the Scriptures teach "in Acts they met daily 'in the Temple' and 'from house to house,'" that is, both at a larger setting with other parts of the body of Christ, and smaller gatherings.

In both scenarios, I like ConnectBoise's questions, and think that these are worth answering. Some groups may have answers to these questions, and if so, who could find fault? But, if the Home Church or House Church is isolated, it isn't building into others' lives, so it is a danger. Considering the questions could be beneficial:
 
"Where are the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers? Where are the deacons? How do you send missionaries? How do you plant churches? How do you fulfill the great commission? How do you utilize your gifts for the body of Christ?"

"The house church can lack organization, focus, mission, leadership, and accountability if not tied to a fellowship and /or leadership of apostles or those in other positions of authority in the church...
1. A disconnect from other believers or churches around them
2. No clear leader
3. No significant financial contributions
4. No missions sending capacity or apostolic function
5. A closed mind to meeting with larger bodies"


In Home Churches, I have gathered that the father leads, and assuming he isn't going to just up and leave, what happens if he becomes ill? Travels for work? There's not much support for the family if there's just them. Even in House Churches, there is potential for a lack of support: "If the house church depends on one leader to do everything, it can quickly fall apart if the leader leaves."

I found a site where a man shared his experiences and talked about his decision to move to House Church: 
http://www.housechurchresource.org/expastors/nest.html 

He says there was "so much activity (conferences, seminars, mega churches, parachurch ministry, books, etc.) with so little impact," (John White), and I can agree with him. While leading Cru and a youth group, I became frustrated by the big push for events with Cru, and the ineffectiveness of some events with our youth. The ones who knew God could grow in the weekly meetings and serving at special events, but the ones that didn't care, didn't care more or less because they attended these things. Their relationships with God were personal, and I couldn't sit with them every morning and read their Bibles with them and pray with them. What they gained from what we provided was ultimately up to them and God. And becoming ultra busy and spending lots of money wasn't a responsible way to act. What were we modelling? I still cringe when a teen says to me, "We're going to this conference and going to get our Jesus fill!" Ummm... wrong on so many levels... 2 hours after they come back, hey, even on the ride back, what's changed?

No church setting is perfect, because it's made up of imperfect people. There are two extremes to every problem, and it's easy to get off focus. If you're a part of a group that's more focused on bashing everyone else / their system than furthering the Gospel and creating opportunities that disciple over a lifetime, consider sharing with your group that anything that doesn't glorify God and encourage others is time wasted. Study God's Word, seek Him daily.

What do you think about House Churches? Home Churches? Other forms?


Thursday, August 29, 2013

Never Filled - revamped version

Never Filled

By Hillary Beth

You will never be able to fill someone else's need.

In this life, you might encounter people who need healing from painful situations. You'll meet people who need love and have never known anyone who truly loved them. You might find that a friend or family member needs guidance, forgiveness, or comfort. You might come to know someone who wants a really close relationship, to feel known and appreciated. In the right context, all of these things are okay, and it is good and right and our duty even, to be there for others; the Bible tells us:

Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Romans 12:15
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.

For people who need healing, remember, you are not their Healer. Only God can fulfill that role. Only God knows their deepest hurts, and their deepest needs. You can help point them to God, and start them on the right path to healing, and even walk alongside them in that journey, but you can't "fix" them.

There are people who need love and have never known anyone who truly loved them. You can show them love because God has shown you love. The best thing to do is to not forget that God is not only the best example of love through Christ's death for us, but also has changed your life daily with that same love.

You might find that a friend or family member needs guidance, forgiveness, or comfort. To a degree, you can offer these things - you can give someone advice, you can forgive those that have wronged you, and you can comfort those who have lost a loved one or something dear to them. But ultimately, God knows everything, all sin is against God, and God's comfort is the deepest comfort there is. So, unless a person seeks God, makes peace with God, and finds their peace in Him, that person will remain lost and broken deep inside.

You might come to know someone who wants a really close relationship, and wants to feel known and appreciated. We encourage each other by offering kind words, thanking others, recognizing others in their successes, and letting others shine instead of stealing the lime light all the time. But some people are never satisfied, and never feel famous enough, appreciated enough, or close enough to another person (think of someone who's very clingy, or doesn't know what to do unless they are following someone else around). This person desires a close relationship with God, whether they realize it or not, and can develop their identity better when they stop trying to find their identity in others and find it in their Creator.

As a Christian, you must keep this in mind - you are not, and cannot pretend to be, someone else's Savior, nor should you seek that someone else be that for you. No person can satisfy another person in the way God does; no person is good enough, knowledgeable enough, or able to love like God loves us.

What Christ has done on the cross is good enough for those who are in need - and good enough for you. If you are feeling unsatisfied today, ask God for your needs -

Philippians 4:19
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Another play



Hillary Beth Miller
Theater 101
Nancy Halverson
12-1-2008
(575 words)
Millicent Scowlworthy
     The set in Millicent Scowlworthy helped greatly in telling the story. From the cold look of the opening scene with the silver school desks and the plaque-less monument to the warmth of the diner to the intrigue of the living room, each scene had a set that kept the plot moving and was easy enough for the actors to manipulate in this complex storyline.
     First of all, the opening scene was of dark and silvery tones and appeared cold and more impersonal. This went well with the arrival of students that were from all different cliques and groups; they were just beginning to be united, and only for the cause of remembering the events they were about to portray.  Also, the darker colors added to the solemnness and gravity of the occasion as the students picked their parts. The formal appearance given by the silvery chairs added to the intensity that held the audience to wonder what all the fuss was about.  The seriousness and formality created add to the credibility of what is going on, instead of this gathering appearing to be a bunch of highschoolers  just getting together to hang out.
     Once the scene changes to the diner, a sense of relief can almost be felt. This is accomplished by the warm, inviting atmosphere portrayed by the wooden counter with its trendy bar stools at the back of center stage, and the neatly arranged tables and chairs throughout that the students slowly fill. The relief is a key ingredient to the beginning of this scene; after all, the audience and the students are both waiting to see if some of the kids might have been caught by the police heard at the end of the last scene, which would have interrupted the students’ play! Considering the placement of the seating, the stageability of both the play, and the play inside this play, is proven quite workable, although obviously much time and thought had to have been put into the exact placement of each piece for this to occur.
     Finally, the last scene is brought about after the police yet again catch up with the students. There in the living room of one of the students, a sense of intrigue is kept up, amidst the comfy couches and various footstools and coffee tables. A well placed guitar comes in handy for one student during the students’ reenactment of the wrapping up of the events that leads to the climax. The various lamps and familiar odds and ends are kind of an irony considering the horrors of the events that occur in this scene, but this irony only adds to the impact on the audience. Almost every student is able to easily participate in the drumming sounds used to create the gunfire in this scene by using the surrounding furniture. Everything comes together in this scene to a heightened peak of emotion, and placing it in the setting of a house, where many people seek quiet and refuge and strength, brings the level up a notch.
     With thoughtful placement of set pieces, good judgment in the use of colors and textures for  the materials used, and good attention to details that help to move along the plot, this production of Millicent Scowlworthy did an excellent job in telling its story. The set not only created mood and atmosphere for each scene, but also aided the actors in performing their roles without awkwardness.

Routine is not evil

Some people act like a routine is the worst thing a person could ever possibly subject themselves to. I completely disagree. I know it's often going to be hard for me to keep any kind of routine, but I feel like I fall apart without some resemblance of one.

I knew, when I got married, my husband and my biggest difference was routine. Don't get me wrong - he has some - but his daily routine constantly changes based on his training schedule, location, and scope.

I like having a routine. It helps me center myself, evaluate myself in a good way, and know when it's time to rest and when it's time to push through and keep working. Sometimes, my routine goes away pretty much, because I have to choose - do I work everything around so that I'm free when my husband is, or do I try to do my own thing and just hope I get to ever spend any time with him?

Abosutely everything I planned for this Fall basically isn't working well. But, I decided there are some things I can keep the same through all of this:

1. Reading my Bible daily (usually with Erik)
2. Posting to GGFG / having Megan post every Friday (and now maybe Tuesdays as well)
3. Writing in my journal (even if it's not every day)
4. Eating breakfast (yeah that seems small but I like breakfast)


Hopefully, most days until we move I can also still:

1. Exercise at the gym 3 days a week
2. Take walks 3 days a week
3. Play with Jake
4. Blog

Friday, August 23, 2013

Germany and Egypt



Germany and Egypt
By Hillary Beth Miller

Tumbling, pouncing, scratching,
Biting, yipping, yapping, barking, flapping
Go the puppies round-and-round.
Running, jumping, hopping,
Creeping they come.

Messes, toys, shredded newspapers,
Bitemarks, clawmarks, scratchmarks,
And puddles with piles left behind
Are all puppy trademarks.

Splashing, wet, soapy,
Cold and scared at bath time;
Warm, clean, fuzzy after.

Scared and shivery, whiny,
And stressed at the vet,
The puppies are so changing!

Sleepy, quiet, still,
No messes, dirty but lovable,
Sweet and silent,
Cuddling, huddling,
They lie in some warm arms.
Cozy, resting, warm and sweet
They sleep.