I reinstated chore cards yesterday.  It wasn’t my idea; Sissy has been asking me for awhile now to get them out again.  She gave some convincing arguments so I put them back into practice.  Chore cards are a system of doling out the workload around the house. Each child has an envelope with their name on it that hangs on the refrigerator.  I created index cards with pictures on the front and a chore description on the back. 

I divide the chores up evenly in each child’s envelope and they are then responsible for completing the chore.  Some chores have to be done once a day (taking out the trash) and some once a week (sweeping the back deck).  There are three big chores which have to be done throughout the day and each child only gets one of these; Before dinner help, after dinner help, and laundry helper.

At this point, you may be wondering why Sissy was asking for these cards.  This summer I have been very lax with the chores.  The kids really have not had much responsibility at all this summer.  We have been taking it easy.  When I do need something done, I’ll just pick a child and ask them to help me with the task. 

The laid back chore mode has worked well this summer except for one thing; they really have no control.  The kids don’t know what to expect or when to expect it.  Sissy likes the idea of knowing what her chores are and doing them on her own time.  She likes having control of her day.  I don’t blame her.

For anyone who thinks I am living a life of ease with three school age kids who help with housework and occasionally fix their own dinner, let me move on.  J Yesterday, I received a call from my husband that he needed my help on one of his larger properties.  He had limited time and help.  He thought some rain was moving in.  He needed me to blow the grass off the sidewalks, patios, and parking lots of an apartment complex he cuts.

I left my kitchen floor half swept and I strapped on a heavy duty commercial grade blower and started walking the property.  It was 95 degrees with the heat index even higher and then add in Tennessee humidity.  It did not take long of me weaving in and out of patio furniture and going up and down steps to work up a good sweat.

I only had one person come out and leer at me.  I guess he had never seen a 6 foot tall woman run a backpack blower before, or maybe it was because my face was beet red, and my neck and legs  were green with sweat leaden grass particles.  I’m sure I was a sight!

I understood Sissy’s point better after that phone call from my husband.  It is hard when you have your day planned to drop what you are doing to help someone with a chore.  I’m sure my Mom feels the same way.  She stopped in the middle of her errands to babysit.  You don’t feel like you are in control of your day when you are at someone else’s beck and call.

Who is in control of your day? Do you let your sinful nature have control of your day?  Do you plan for your day to go one way, but then a sinful thought or action takes control and derails your plans? 

I know I have this problem.  I walk into a situation telling myself to keep my mouth shut, but before I know it, something awful has spewed out.  I lost control. Sometimes these things can change the course of our day, our week, or our life.  Sometimes these words, actions or thoughts can change the course of our marriage or other relationships.  Our bad actions or bad advice will influence others in ways that we wish they hadn’t.

I found a passage in God’s word I have been meditating on.  I like being in control, but I have the Spirit of God living in me.  My day would go better if I turned over the controls to Him.

Romans 8: 5-10 (NIV)

 Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.

The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.

You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.

But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. 

Tonight was FFE night at my house; FFE – Find it, Fix it, Eat it.  It is nice for me to have a break from cooking dinner and the kids learn their way around the kitchen.  They like concocting their creations and there seems to be a sense of satisfaction that they fixed their own dinner themselves.  We all need a break sometimes. 

A few times this summer, when nerves seemed to be wearing thin, we would all take a break from each other and rest.  Each child was required to get on their bed and stay there for a pre-determined period of time.  They could read a few books or play with a quite toy, but no talking was allowed.  After the short rest they were always more appreciative of each other’s company.

The kids have really enjoyed their break from school this summer.  This was my first summer in six years as a stay at home mom.  We certainly have had a lot of fun, but the break is almost over.  School starts in 2 ½ weeks.  Reality set in for the kids when I took them clothes shopping today.  They came home from the shopping trip and pulled every board game out of the closet that we have not had a chance to play yet!

As summer break draws to a close, I find myself very anxious; trying to fit things in or regretting not getting more projects completed.  You know – the adult version of pulling every game out of the closet.  I am making a “to do” list of all the things that I need to buy or do in order to make the transition back to school a success.  I seem to have an appointment, play date or meeting scheduled for everyday next week.

I accepted the role of PTA president for the upcoming school year and have regretted that decision all summer. My hubby insists that I will do fine, but I am very weary just thinking about it.  There seems to be a million things to do in connection with the office and I really don’t have the inclination like I did.  I’m sure once school gets back in swing, I’ll be in the right mind set about it again.

For now I am just going to take a deep breath and try to enjoy these last few days of summer with my kids and try not to overbook.  Take time for myself and take time with God.  Because in Him, the only true rest is found.  I forget that sometimes...

Psalm 62:1-2 (NIV)

My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

1 John 3:19
This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence.

I visited a great historic house yesterday built between 1864 and 1867.  I felt weird about taking my camera because a family with three kids actually makes the house their home.  The owner is a friend of the family, but it was the first time I had been to her house and did not want to impose.  She gave me the website to visit and I wanted to share it with you.

 If you don't have time to read, at least be sure to click on the pictures.  They are so much better than I could have done anyway. We got to go everywhere including the 4 story tower!  So go enjoy the virtual tour…

http://www.historicbeeches.com/

My daughter came in the house upset today because the two puppies were fighting with each other.  Not play fighting, but real fighting.  She could not break the fight up.  I told her to throw a pitcher of water on them.  Sure enough, that stopped the fight.  My daughter took her favorite puppy in the laundry room to survey the damage. 

She was upset about the whole incident and nothing I said seemed to help her.  She is a daddy’s girl and they share a bond when it comes to the dogs; so I had her give him a call. He was able to calm her down and explained that they had to establish a pecking order so to speak.  She still blames the puppy who is not her favorite for the whole thing.  “That puppy needs to go”, she says.

Later this afternoon, my children were rehearsing in the living room for a show they were putting together complete with costumes.  I was asked not to peek because they wanted to surprise me.  I took my laptop to my room to catch up on blog reading, but soon I heard a fight brewing.  I could not make out exactly what they were saying, but the tones of their voices led me to believe they were arguing.

Sure enough, moments later, I heard feet stomping down the hall and the cross words could be made out.  Sissy and Bubba were having “creative differences” over the show.   They disagreed over the choreography and costumes, but it soon reverted to pettiness.  He said she was being too bossy and she said he was not listening to her ideas.

They came into my room and both collapsed on my bed in a huff.  Paddy slowly crept in behind, standing between them just looking at me with his big blue eyes.  He shrugged his shoulders and just stood there while they both pleaded with me to see their side and make the other child behave.  I told them I wanted them to work it out. 

When my children are fighting I try not to jump in and settle things immediately.  I want them to learn how to talk through their differences, how to listen, and how to compromise.  So they sat on my bed and talked it out.  I interjected only twice.  Once to tell Sissy to watch her tone – the words she was saying were fine, but her attitude made them come across very ugly.  They worked it out and went “on with the show”.  I was so proud of them!

Psalm 133:1 (NIV)

 How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!

I thought about disagreements that I have had with my Christian brothers and sisters.  I wonder how many times I have gone to God asking Him to see my side so to speak; asking God to intervene and change their heart or actions.  Please don’t misunderstand me; Prayer is the first place we need to go when there is trouble in God’s family, but do we ask God to bring peace when we ourselves are not doing anything to promote it? Do we ask God to change their hearts without considering that maybe it is our heart that needs the change?

Early in my marriage, I came to my Mom for some advice about a disagreement I was having with my husband.  She told me that she recommended prayer, but to be careful.  “Be careful of what?” I asked. “Well” she said, “don’t be surprised if you go down on your knees asking God to change your husband, but come up from your knees with YOUR heart changed.”  I learned her words are so true. Prayer is powerful.

I think Christians, for the sake of unity, avoid talking to their brothers and sisters about conflict.  They think they are doing the right thing by walking away or keeping their mouth shut.  I believe at times this IS the correct action, however, if you walk away with bitterness and hard feelings in your heart, wouldn’t it be better to talk about it?  Calm down if you must, but approach your sibling in love and work your problem out.  It will take effort, but it is an effort well worth it.

Colossians 3:13-15 (NIV)

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Ephesians 4:2-3 (NIV)

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

By the way, my grandfather was released from the hospital today. Thank you for your prayers.

It has been a tough week, but with God’s help I made it through.  Thank you for all your prayers and encouraging comments.  I had no problem talking to my children this week explaining the real issues of life and death, most they already knew and understood.  Strangely, it was some of the traditions of our society associated with death that I had a hard time explaining. Now that these traditions and rituals are complete, I do feel a sense of release and completeness regarding Granny’s death.  

Granny passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully in her sleep. My husband, his mom, his aunt and uncle all entered her house to find her snuggled serenely in her bed.  She was 81 years old, but had no health problems.  She grew up in a rural Tennessee county and had a very limited education.  She was married at the tender age of 14 and was the mother to 6 children.  She worked two jobs most of her life to support her family.

She was fond of taking pictures and almost always carried her camera with her.  She took pictures at every family event and non-event.  She would always ask you to stand over there so she could “strike” your picture.  Her house was covered with our pictures.  It may seem odd to you, but while the family was all together, we “struck” a few pictures we knew she would be happy with.

So in memory of Granny I added a few pictures under an album called Granny B.

I have tossed and turned all week.  I can’t sleep. 

In addition to the death of my husband’s grandmother; my grandfather has been in and out of the hospital all week.  First, leftover gallstones after the removal of his gallbladder and now re-admitted again tonight for pancreatitis.  Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas probably brought on by the gallstones.

We bury Granny tomorrow.  I can’t believe she is gone. My husband really struggled tonight after visitation.  I will write more about Granny later, but I just can’t right now.

I turned to God’s scriptures tonight as a sleep remedy and I wanted to share the verse that gave me peace.

Psalms 56:8 (RSV)

Thou hast kept count of my tossings;

Put thou my tears in thy bottle!

Are they not in thy book?

Shortly after my last post, I learned that my husband’s grandmother had passed away a bit unexpectedly.  Arrangements have not been finalized because two of her children are out of state on vacation and are trying desperately to get last minute flights back.

She was active in our lives and much loved.  We will miss her greatly.

I was tagged by Rhonda to list 8 odd or special things about me. I thought it was time I did this anyway and listed more than 8 things.  I know your thinking this is the most exciting post yet! J My posts almost always include a bit of my life so you get to know me, but I thought I would include a bit about me that you might not know.  Please leave a comment and let me know what surprised you or where you already had me pegged!

1.     I met my husband when I was in 1^st grade.

2.    I drive a truck. (4 doors so the kids fit)

3.    My dream come true is being a stay at home wife and mother.

4.    I love eggs – boiled, fried, scrambled, deviled, eggs in the basket… should I go on?

5.    I’m stubborn and hard headed.

6.    I’m not a big shopper, but I love a good deal.

7.    I wish I could do more hiking.

8.    I am a notary public.

9.    I’ve visited 19 states and 1 foreign country, but lived in the same metropolitan area my whole life.

10. I’ve attended private school, public school and home school.

11.  I am 6ft. tall.

12. I’m bad at video games.

13. I took both piano and guitar lessons, but can’t play either one.

14. I have no tattoos.

15. I would love to visit all the homes of Laura Ingalls Wilder (1 down).

16. I like mudding with 4 wheelers.

17. I’ve ridden a horse bareback.

18. I like being out on the water – ocean, lake, or river

19. I like history and despise math. (Sorry Dad, I know you tried).

20. Both my parents and my husband’s parents have been married for over 30 years.

21.  I have lived through a F3 tornado.

22. I have an Associates Degree in Paralegal studies.

23. I know sign language.

24. I like to play tennis, basketball and volleyball, but don’t really watch any sports on TV.

25.  I’m not very crafty, but with Mom’s help did make all the curtains for my house. (Never again!)

26. I’ve spent 6 years in the Real Estate title and escrow business.

27.  I think trees are one of God’s most beautiful creations.

28.  I don’t like crowds.

29. I regret not always keeping God first in my life.

30. I have a loud voice.

31.  One of my first jobs was at Baskin Robbins. (YUM!)

32. At different points in my life I wanted to be a ballerina, teacher, missionary and a lawyer.

I will not tag anyone, but I do admire volunteers. (Hint, Hint!) Volunteers only have to list 8 things.

We had some strong storms in our area last night.  As my husband and I sat in the living room talking, the rain started hitting the window harder and the wind picked up tremendously.  After seeing first hand the 1998 Nashville tornado and ducking inside my in laws' basement at the last minute; we are a bit more cautious than we used to be.  I flipped on the TV to see if there were any warnings.  No alerts were rolling across the screen, but we recognized all the signs and got the kids out of bed and to the bathroom.

After things had died down we peaked outside. From the front door we could see four limbs and a cable down, and from the back door only one limb was down.  The tornado sirens were going off in the distance and I called my parents who live a few miles over to make sure they were fine.  We got the kids back to bed only to have the power flicker on and off a few times and then eventually go out for almost two hours. 

We drove around the neighborhood on the way home from church this morning and every yard had at least one branch down, carport roof ripped up, or some other form of minor damage.  In fact, there was one large tree blocking the entrance from the main road that had to be cleared.  We are guessing this is what caused the power outage for the neighborhood.  The news said it was only straight line winds, but I guess we were safer in the bathroom even if it wasn’t a tornado.

This morning during his prayer over breakfast, my 6 year old prayed that we would not have any more storms.  I love to hear my children pray. When God answers their prayers it is such a teachable moment of faith building, but in my head, I immediately disagreed with Paddy.  I want God to send storms. I love thunder and lightening and I know the wind strengthens the trees.  We need the good hard rains too.   I would never “correct” his prayer or tell him what to prayer for, but it made me realize that sometimes we ask things of God that we would not ask, if we knew more.

God in His infinite wisdom will not grant some of our requests because, quite frankly, we ask them in ignorance. How often, have we asked God not to send any more storms into our lives; when those hard times are the very things that draw us closer to God?  Those storms are the very things that make us stronger.  God is faithful to see us through the storms safely.  I guess that should be our prayer.

Psalm 32:6-7 (NIV) 

Being a southern girl I was taught to use my manners.  I am not the shinning example of manners, but I do try to address people with “Sir” and “Ma’am”.  I teach this to my children as well, but my teaching method is more by example than my forcing them to say it.  Maybe I am too lax about it.  My mother in law, on the other hand, is more demanding about it.  All her grandchildren are required to answer with “Yes or No Ma’am” at her house.  No, ifs ands or buts!

I believe treating people with respect is more that just using your manners or calling them Mister.  I can use all the right words, but my body language or tone of voice can convey anything but respect.  My children know what is expected at Grandma’s house and they comply, but quite frankly if their hearts are not truly in it; then it is not respect.  Just because they have developed a habit of using the right words does not mean they really, truly, deep down honor their Grandma.

It is the same with us and God.  Just because I am in the habit of using all the right words and phrases does not mean my heart is in the right place. Just because I go to church and go through the motions of worshiping God that does not mean I really am.

Isaiah 29:13 (NIV)
The Lord says: These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men.

“Rules taught by men” Hmm… Every now and then in my life I have to take a step back and reconsider what I have been taught.  Mind you, not sound Biblical doctrine, but traditions - traditions of men.  In what areas am I just going through the motions?  Do I do things just because they are expected and required of me or do I truly love God with all my heart when I act?

I am still contemplating the answers to these questions.  I despise acting like someone I am not.  I believe these questions are worthy things to ponder and that a time of self examination will only bring about a better me. So tonight I ponder these scriptures without a conclusion for you.

For the record, my children truly honor and respect their Grandma, but we have not reached those trying teenage years yet! J

 Psalm 78:35-37 (NIV)

 They remembered that God was their Rock,
       that God Most High was their Redeemer.

 But then they would flatter him with their mouths,
       lying to him with their tongues;

 their hearts were not loyal to him,
       they were not faithful to his covenant.

As I type this, I am sitting here watching the BBC World News on our local PBS channel.  I like to watch the BBC simply because they give a different view of world events than our normal American stations.  But really I don’t like to watch the news.  It upsets me.  I almost consider it a necessary evil. I don’t want to stick my head in the sand, but I certainly don’t want to dwell on it any longer than I have to.

I know many of my spaces friends enjoy posting and commenting on world events, but it is not something you will see often on my blog.  There are undoubtedly many more qualified and educated people out there than myself to do these subjects justice.  The recent situation with Iran does have me on edge though.  I realize as a Christian that these events should only strengthen my faith.  The truth of the Bible is obvious and prophecy is simply being fulfilled.

When my spirit is anxious I turn two places for comfort.  First and foremost, I go to God and his word.  Nothing soothes me faster than spending quite time with Him.  The Psalms comfort me more than any other book in the Bible and I always turn there first.

My family is my next source of comfort.  My hubby can lighten my load and make me laugh when I need it most.  My children are a great source of distraction and laughter as well.  Taking time to focus on them and help them with the problems of their pint size world does wonders to ease my apprehension. 

When Paddy was three years old he woke the whole house up at 4 am on December 23^rd singing Jingle Bells at the top of his lungs from his bed.  He was so excited about Christmas and couldn’t contain himself.  That story is a favorite at my house.  We laugh and retell it often.

Tonight, as I was tucking Paddy into bed, I had political thoughts and events in the back of my mind.  I was delighted when he asked me to sing him a song.  I can’t sing, but I love to.  (My children and God are the only ones who like my singing)! I readily agreed and started singing a popular children’s song.  He stopped me soon after I started saying, “No Mom, not THAT song!”  Then he requested Jingle Bells. 

So tonight, a hot July night, I sat on the edge of my youngest son’s bed and belted out two verses of Jingle Bells.  He joined me on the chorus and for a moment all the world’s problems were forgotten.

Philippians 4:7-9 (NIV)

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Both Sissy and I have been under the weather today.  Her more so than me, she is actually running a small fever.  We have been taking good care of ourselves, drinking lots of fluids, vitamins, and extra sleep.  The boys feel fine, but are pouting a little at the slower pace of the household. In order to spend some time together but still let the “sickles” rest we watched two movies in a row this evening.  (Two movies in a row is a rare treat in our house). 

The boys picked out a cartoon movie that we all enjoyed and then Sissy got her pick.  Being 10 now, she is starting to take interest in “big people” movies.  You know what I mean, no cartoon people, real plots, character development and even some subplots.  In spite of the boys groans she decided on Jane Austin’s Emma starring Gwyneth Paltrow.  She had never seen it before, but thought she was ready for this  grown up movie.

She was ready and she followed the conversation and plot very well, but the boys were another story.  I told them they could go play if that got bored and did not have to watch it.  I did have to stop the movie several times to explain to them what was going on.  They asked lots of question that had nothing really to do with the movie like; why did the arrow bounce off the side of the target and other “technical” things. 

By the end of the movie (when the kissing started) they were under a blanket in the floor suffering through it, but they hung in there until the end.  Watching my boys made me laugh.  They were free to leave at any time, but still they stayed.  They endured.  They wanted to be together and spend time with the family. 

Their endurance made me contemplate the subject.  We endure so much for the people we love.  I’m sure we all have a story to tell of something we have endured just to be with or spend time with a loved one. 

Jesus endured and suffered much for us on the cross. (Hebrews 12:1-3)   Praise God for that! There is a great deal written in the Bible about God’s enduring love and forgivingness for us. (Psalm 136)  Praise God for that! We, as Christians, have to endure much for our faith and will be welcomed into heaven for it. (2 Timothy 2:12) Praise God for that!

But I wanted to go a totally different direction and just leave you with this encouraging verse tonight.  As my boys endured in order to be with their family tonight, so should we endure with our Christian family (maybe not under the blanket though). So hang in there everyone!

Romans 15:4-6 (NIV)

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I really enjoy going to my Mother in law’s house for dinner.  Not only is she a great cook, but she is a generous one.  She is generous in the amount of food that she cooks and generous in faithfully sending home leftovers with us.  My family fills our bellies at her table and then there is always more food for later. 

I have been chewing on a passage of scripture for a while now and several more that I have run across that seem to go hand in hand with it.  My Bible commentary says that preachers of God’s word “need to internalize the message, making it part of his own life”, but I think this applies to all Christians.

Ezekiel 3:1-3 (NIV) 

And he said to me, "Son of man, eat what is before you, eat this scroll; then go and speak to the house of Israel." So I opened my mouth, and he gave me the scroll to eat.

 Then he said to me, "Son of man, eat this scroll I am giving you and fill your stomach with it." So I ate it, and it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth.

There are similar passages found in Ezekiel 2:8-10, Revelation 10:9-10 and this one in Jeremiah.

Jeremiah 15:16 (NIV)

 When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God Almighty.

The commentary used the words, “internalize the message”, but that seemed too textbook, too formal; almost as if someone had written that explanation without feeling.  Without having been filled up themselves.  There was something more, but I could not put my finger on it. I needed to chew on it longer.  I needed to savor those passages.

 I’m not sure why, but eating God’s word was a hard concept for me to grasp.  Then I realized that we use similar expressions in our everyday speech such as: “a slice of humble pie”, or “biting off more than you can chew”.   I was chewing on God’s word.  That is what I do every time I meditate on a passage of Scripture.  But I wanted to let God’s word fill me up.  I wanted my heart to echo the Psalmist:

Psalm 119:103 (NIV)

How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

Psalm 34:8 (NIV)

 Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.

Psalm 81:10 (NIV)

 I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth and I will fill it.

The words “Open wide your mouth and I will fill it” made me picture a baby bird with its mouth open as wide as possible waiting for the mother bird to give it a worm. Or even a newborn baby who opens their mouth wide and searching when you touch their cheek. Did I come into God’s presence that way?  Do I read God’s word expecting, wanting, waiting, searching for fullness that only He can give?

Jesus offered water to the Samaritan woman at the well and he offers the same to us. Are you hungry for the righteousness of God’s word?  If you are not filling yourself with the goodness of God’s word then in your empty hunger you will reach for something else.  Compared to God’s word it will be junk food.

Matthew 5:6 (NIV)

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Isaiah 55:1-2 (NIV)

Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat!  Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.

Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.

I am certainly not a preacher, as the commentary mentions, but I do need to fill myself up on the word of God.  Ingest it and digest it.  It would be a good idea in this case, to overeat or maybe have a bag of leftovers ready.  Leftovers I can send home with someone else. When I am talking to a friend, I need to make sure that I am so full of God’s word that it is Him I am sharing and not myself.  God’s word, God’s message and not mine…

Diversion

For Ms. Noel

By: Theresa Richardson

I watched a black movie

with a black friend.

But does it really matter

the color our skin?

We sat in my living room

and watched it together.

We saw hardships and hard times

while sitting on leather.

While eating popcorn

and drinking a coke,

we watched black people

mistreated by white folk.

Some scenes were disturbing,

but it needs to be shown.

Its hard to watch

even in your own home.

We need to remember

lest we forget,

but I hate that we call it

entertainment.

I’m exhausted tonight.  We spent yesterday at the zoo and today at a local water park.  There are so many things going through my mind, but I am much too tired to make any sense.  In fact, I tried to leave some comments on a few friends sites and had to give up because all my typo’s and misspellings were looking very foolish.

This past Christmas, part of my children’s presents were season passes to Nashville Shores (the local water park).  We have been many times this summer trying to get our money’s worth.  The kids love it and because of some free tickets we have even been able to take some of their friends with us a few times.

I enjoy the slides, pools and time of fun with my children.  I also enjoy just relaxing and soaking up the sun.  Honestly though, what I enjoy the most is people watching.  Is that bad?

I am always amazed at people.  We come in all shapes, sizes, colors and varieties.  Let’s face it, when you are at a water park there is no hiding or disguising how God made you. J As I watched people one verse kept coming to mind.  God loves each one of us and we are all made wonderfully!  God makes no mistakes.

Psalm 139:13-15 (NIV)

For you created my inmost being;
       you knit me together in my mother's womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
       your works are wonderful,
       I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you
       when I was made in the secret place.
       When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,