Tuesday, May 31, 2005
One Day At a Time
Man, the abuse I've taken on my Star Wars review hasn't been pretty! Thanks to all the comments, and yes, I probably should go see it again and not focus on Anakin, but I still stand by what I wrote about. And I will agree with one anonymous comment that Windu was a bad actor as well...mercy! And I didn't even mention the lightsaber scenes...while cool and effects were nice, a little long!
We had a great Memorial Day weekend and our gathering on Sunday morning was a great morning. David Meyer, one of our veterens from Iraq, drew the parallel of memorial day to communion and it was awesome as was his presentation of the American flag to the body as a thank you for love and support during that time.
Ali has been reading a book called "Grace-filled Parenting" (I think that's the name) and I read a chapter out of it yesterday...more convicted on giving my kids some slack as God gives it to me. Discipline will still be there, but there truly are some things where grace needs to be in place, i.e., my oldest and his need to be rid of his shoes in every kind of environment.
Life is still busy and this summer doesn't necessarily mean that it will slow down. I'm going to be teaching in our elementary program and am very excited about the curriculum we have. VBS is next week and we are doing a Marketplace theme...exciting! Then we have some travels to San Antonio, Belton, Abilene before heading back home.
Finally, had a bizarre dream early Sunday morning. I was on a game show of sorts and the jist of the game was to guess what TV show the line came from. I was on a role (hey, it was my dream) and the stuff was coming from Gilligan's Island, Brady Bunch, Dukes of Hazzard, etc. (Wierd that there were no shows from my life!) Anyway, the last question was a quote that I knew was from the show One Day At A Time, and it was Dwayne Schneider, the super, who said it. I clicked the buzzer, said "one day at a time" and got it WRONG. The answer came back as "Be Near" I was mad because there was no show called Be Near...and then I woke up. Now I'm one who begs God to speak to me in every possible way but must admit, I have yet to discern his still, small voice so matter of factly. But could this be...
One Day At a Time to Be Near...whether anyone would agree with me or not, it is ironic/coincidental/maybe even spiritual. I need to Be Near or Draw Near every day...taking it One Day at a Time. (In all of this, I'm not sure that Schneider plays any significant part, i.e. the role of God or something). But my odd dream...what do you think?
We had a great Memorial Day weekend and our gathering on Sunday morning was a great morning. David Meyer, one of our veterens from Iraq, drew the parallel of memorial day to communion and it was awesome as was his presentation of the American flag to the body as a thank you for love and support during that time.
Ali has been reading a book called "Grace-filled Parenting" (I think that's the name) and I read a chapter out of it yesterday...more convicted on giving my kids some slack as God gives it to me. Discipline will still be there, but there truly are some things where grace needs to be in place, i.e., my oldest and his need to be rid of his shoes in every kind of environment.
Life is still busy and this summer doesn't necessarily mean that it will slow down. I'm going to be teaching in our elementary program and am very excited about the curriculum we have. VBS is next week and we are doing a Marketplace theme...exciting! Then we have some travels to San Antonio, Belton, Abilene before heading back home.
Finally, had a bizarre dream early Sunday morning. I was on a game show of sorts and the jist of the game was to guess what TV show the line came from. I was on a role (hey, it was my dream) and the stuff was coming from Gilligan's Island, Brady Bunch, Dukes of Hazzard, etc. (Wierd that there were no shows from my life!) Anyway, the last question was a quote that I knew was from the show One Day At A Time, and it was Dwayne Schneider, the super, who said it. I clicked the buzzer, said "one day at a time" and got it WRONG. The answer came back as "Be Near" I was mad because there was no show called Be Near...and then I woke up. Now I'm one who begs God to speak to me in every possible way but must admit, I have yet to discern his still, small voice so matter of factly. But could this be...
One Day At a Time to Be Near...whether anyone would agree with me or not, it is ironic/coincidental/maybe even spiritual. I need to Be Near or Draw Near every day...taking it One Day at a Time. (In all of this, I'm not sure that Schneider plays any significant part, i.e. the role of God or something). But my odd dream...what do you think?
Monday, May 23, 2005
Star Wars, Friends & Death
What a title! At least 3 things I want to touch on. I'll start with the last and work to the first.
Wylie Brown died on Friday and his funeral is tomorrow in Abilene at Southern Hills at 10 a.m. I, along with several from our staff and church will plan on attending. You see, Wylie was a great man of God who served as a Shepherd at Southlake Blvd. Church. His wife, Alice, was our Children's minister as well. Due to declining health in Wylie (a couple of strokes and other illnesses) Alice had to retire and devote full time to Wylie. But now this giant of a man, spiritually and physically (I think he was in the 6' 9" catagory) is no longer groaning in his earthly tent. Praise God for that! Wylie loved gospel music and had a great deep bass voice. He will be missed and yet we will see him again. I can't wait to see Alice just to hug on her!
This past weekend we went to Sugar Land, Texas and got to see great friends! We stayed with Ron & Penny and were treated like royalty at their home. They are an amazing couple full of the Holy Spirit with just as amazing kids. I may get in trouble on this next part, but I want to name names. We loved getting to see so many friends this trip. The Fridges, Lindseys, Gowens, Beasleys, Roberts, along with the Clydes and Dana Wright (missed Shiela!) all gathered for worship on Friday night. An awesome night of praise, prayer and confession! Then we were able to see all the staff and elders of the First Colony Church of Christ at the home of the Normans on Saturday night. Then on Sunday morning we saw EVERYONE! Brenda, Bryans (great talking with Don), Billingslys, Parks, Smiths, Rhodes, Menefees, Hamiltons, Stirmans, Carlisles, Calverts, Wolfes, Waddills, Aarons, Crowders, and many, many more. Dana, thanks for opening up your home and being such a great host as we invaded your new "theater" room (nice!) and watching IRobot! And Ron, I love pool cleaning! I'm still thinking about it and even though you won't believe me, that was the most fun!
Now this leads me to my review of Star Wars Episode III. If you haven't seen it and don't want anything spoiled...stop reading!
I did not totally enjoy this movie as so many others have. Two of my coworkers and I got into a fist fight over this today. They both have black eyes and I have some teeth missing along with some scratches (just kidding). I thought the actor for Anakin was WEAK! and he did not help his co-stars by his lack of acting. I tolarated Padme and liked ObiWan as well as Yoda (a puppet!). I appreciated the understanding of the transformation of Anakin to Darth Vader and thought that was a great part of the movie, from his time next to the lava flow to becoming DV. All the while new life being born with the birth of Luke and his sister. Some GRIPES:
Is Padme of human origin? If so, the timeline sure did not seem to take nine months to form and even if it did, she was not big enough to have had those twins at their size!
If the master Jedi were truly "masters" (and I mean those quotes in the most sarcastic way possible) then why couldn't they feel the "shift" in the "force" when all the people around them "turned" and sabotaged them. Come on, the puppet felt it! Yet aside from Anakin, they were ALL "masters!"
Finally, when Anakin stopped Samuel L Jackson from finishing off the sith, then the sith threw SLJ (I think his name was Windu) out the window, Anakin at first said "What have I done?" and said this in the most pathetic non-acting way possible. Then in an awkard two second pause turned and bowed to the sith and claimed him his master! It was too easy and fast. I understand that "good intentions" of wanting to go to the dark side out of love for his wife, but seriously!
Sorry, one more little thing: how is it that NO ONE KNEW of Anakin and Padme's relationship...even Obiwan!
That's it! Sorry for the length. Be blessed!
Wylie Brown died on Friday and his funeral is tomorrow in Abilene at Southern Hills at 10 a.m. I, along with several from our staff and church will plan on attending. You see, Wylie was a great man of God who served as a Shepherd at Southlake Blvd. Church. His wife, Alice, was our Children's minister as well. Due to declining health in Wylie (a couple of strokes and other illnesses) Alice had to retire and devote full time to Wylie. But now this giant of a man, spiritually and physically (I think he was in the 6' 9" catagory) is no longer groaning in his earthly tent. Praise God for that! Wylie loved gospel music and had a great deep bass voice. He will be missed and yet we will see him again. I can't wait to see Alice just to hug on her!
This past weekend we went to Sugar Land, Texas and got to see great friends! We stayed with Ron & Penny and were treated like royalty at their home. They are an amazing couple full of the Holy Spirit with just as amazing kids. I may get in trouble on this next part, but I want to name names. We loved getting to see so many friends this trip. The Fridges, Lindseys, Gowens, Beasleys, Roberts, along with the Clydes and Dana Wright (missed Shiela!) all gathered for worship on Friday night. An awesome night of praise, prayer and confession! Then we were able to see all the staff and elders of the First Colony Church of Christ at the home of the Normans on Saturday night. Then on Sunday morning we saw EVERYONE! Brenda, Bryans (great talking with Don), Billingslys, Parks, Smiths, Rhodes, Menefees, Hamiltons, Stirmans, Carlisles, Calverts, Wolfes, Waddills, Aarons, Crowders, and many, many more. Dana, thanks for opening up your home and being such a great host as we invaded your new "theater" room (nice!) and watching IRobot! And Ron, I love pool cleaning! I'm still thinking about it and even though you won't believe me, that was the most fun!
Now this leads me to my review of Star Wars Episode III. If you haven't seen it and don't want anything spoiled...stop reading!
I did not totally enjoy this movie as so many others have. Two of my coworkers and I got into a fist fight over this today. They both have black eyes and I have some teeth missing along with some scratches (just kidding). I thought the actor for Anakin was WEAK! and he did not help his co-stars by his lack of acting. I tolarated Padme and liked ObiWan as well as Yoda (a puppet!). I appreciated the understanding of the transformation of Anakin to Darth Vader and thought that was a great part of the movie, from his time next to the lava flow to becoming DV. All the while new life being born with the birth of Luke and his sister. Some GRIPES:
Is Padme of human origin? If so, the timeline sure did not seem to take nine months to form and even if it did, she was not big enough to have had those twins at their size!
If the master Jedi were truly "masters" (and I mean those quotes in the most sarcastic way possible) then why couldn't they feel the "shift" in the "force" when all the people around them "turned" and sabotaged them. Come on, the puppet felt it! Yet aside from Anakin, they were ALL "masters!"
Finally, when Anakin stopped Samuel L Jackson from finishing off the sith, then the sith threw SLJ (I think his name was Windu) out the window, Anakin at first said "What have I done?" and said this in the most pathetic non-acting way possible. Then in an awkard two second pause turned and bowed to the sith and claimed him his master! It was too easy and fast. I understand that "good intentions" of wanting to go to the dark side out of love for his wife, but seriously!
Sorry, one more little thing: how is it that NO ONE KNEW of Anakin and Padme's relationship...even Obiwan!
That's it! Sorry for the length. Be blessed!
Saturday, May 07, 2005
Butterfly Kisses Dance
Last night I had the most wonderful time with my daughter. Our church put on a butterfly kisses dance and it was the best! We both dressed up and she was so hilarious going. I'd open the door for her and she would be so "tomboy" about it all, rolling her eyes. The night started with a picture, some punch, making some Hair Wreaths, eating a light buffet and then the men gathering in a circle facing our s. We quoted a pledge to them of love and protection, we blessed the 5th grade s that were present, then prayed. Then the dancing began with a slow dance to the song "Butterfly Kisses." Elizabeth did great but by the end was ready for the slow song to be over. When it was done, her word was "Finally!"
Then we got into the chicken dance, YMCA, Hand Jive, Bunny Hop, Hokie Pokie and a miriad of other great 60's - 80's tunes. In those songs, my went wild. What a "crazy dancer" as she called it. It was a "freeform" of swing dancing. I worked up a great sweat. Then we went to ride the horse and carriage, prentending that we were in the land of Genovia and waving as a prince and princess should. Came back in and immediately went to the "Build Your own Sundae Bar"...MMMMMMMM! More Dancing with the final song being Butterfly kisses once again. This time, I picked her up and held her and we danced cheek to cheek watching the slide show of all the pictures sent in by all the parents of these s.
The only time I cried was during the last verse of the song when the little is getting married and the line say..."And she leaned over/and gave me butterfly kisses/with her mama there/putting little white flowers all up in her hair!" Everytime I think about that scene that I pray is WAY OUT IN THE FUTURE, I choke up...I love that thought and it's more about Alison than Elizabeth! Anyway, the only place I messed up is that her curew was 9 and I didn't get her home until about 9:20!!! Got to nip that in the bud, huh!
Precious memory, no doubt!
Then we got into the chicken dance, YMCA, Hand Jive, Bunny Hop, Hokie Pokie and a miriad of other great 60's - 80's tunes. In those songs, my went wild. What a "crazy dancer" as she called it. It was a "freeform" of swing dancing. I worked up a great sweat. Then we went to ride the horse and carriage, prentending that we were in the land of Genovia and waving as a prince and princess should. Came back in and immediately went to the "Build Your own Sundae Bar"...MMMMMMMM! More Dancing with the final song being Butterfly kisses once again. This time, I picked her up and held her and we danced cheek to cheek watching the slide show of all the pictures sent in by all the parents of these s.
The only time I cried was during the last verse of the song when the little is getting married and the line say..."And she leaned over/and gave me butterfly kisses/with her mama there/putting little white flowers all up in her hair!" Everytime I think about that scene that I pray is WAY OUT IN THE FUTURE, I choke up...I love that thought and it's more about Alison than Elizabeth! Anyway, the only place I messed up is that her curew was 9 and I didn't get her home until about 9:20!!! Got to nip that in the bud, huh!
Precious memory, no doubt!
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
BUSY, BUSY!
What a crazy week! Aside from a days work, on Monday night I had a committee meeting in regards to our pulpit minister selection; on Tuesday it was double duty...I helped our preshool with the sound while they put on an excellent program and we had our worship ministry rehearsal/gathering; tonight we have our Wednesday gathering and then following I'll be in another meeting relating to our Elder selection process; tomorrow is the National Day of Prayer and we are "hosting" the event at an outside location at the noon hour, then tomorrow night will be part two of the preschool program; Friday night our church is putting on a father/daughter dance and my only duty is to have a great "date" with my 7 year old. Saturday will be a day of rest!!
BUSY, BUSY! And I know I'm not alone...whether here in the DFW area or anywhere else in this Blog world. But I was reminded last night of keeping things of importance on thr forefront, i.e., my family! I don't want to look back and think about how great it was that I was on "this" committee or a part of "that" meeting or that we had such great "worship rehearsals," and yet my family suffered. I, we, all need to refocus our priorities! Help me, Lord!
Blessings to you today!
BUSY, BUSY! And I know I'm not alone...whether here in the DFW area or anywhere else in this Blog world. But I was reminded last night of keeping things of importance on thr forefront, i.e., my family! I don't want to look back and think about how great it was that I was on "this" committee or a part of "that" meeting or that we had such great "worship rehearsals," and yet my family suffered. I, we, all need to refocus our priorities! Help me, Lord!
Blessings to you today!
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!
I'm back? I must say I have many excuses running in my head as to why the long pause in blogging. My first thought was to get on to everybody for continuing to blog when EVERYONE knows April is national don't blog month. But that's just not true, it's actually don't clog month! Then I thought I'd be pious and tell everyone about the great virtue of fasting from blogging...oh how it enriches the soul! But that's just not true as well.
Truth, as I see it, is that I'm not a good journaler! I'm the kid in highschool who would get the assignment September 6th to turn in a journal December 15th...and so on December 14th I'm staying up late with 4 different colored pens making up stuff with the most common entry being "I didn't feel like journaling today!" The grade wasn't based on content but on participation, so I would get an A. (I found this worked in college as well, but don't tell anyone!)
So that's my dilemma when it comes to blogging. I love the concept and idea...I enjoy reading other's thoughts...but I have a difficult time getting motivated to do it! I thought putting a quote up and playing a game would make it more interesting for me, and for a time it was (Congratulations, Val, on winning--you may collect your prizes of a pen and magnet next time I see you!)
Actually, life has been hectic and today is no different. the month of May is no different. But sometimes you just have to knuckle down and go for it! So after all that, what's up in my world...
Not much!
Just kidding! The work at Southlake is going well. Planning and leading the worship is great and I love the people I'm around. I love and enjoy my workers as well as those involved in our worship ministry. We're searching for a pulpit minister/senior pastor/teaching minister-pastor and I'm on the committee. It's an amazing committee of dedicated people all coming in submission to the Lord and to one another with the emphasis of calling upon and listening to the God. We are in the process of choosing additional shepherds and I will be involved in it. (Not becoming a shepherd, but all the pre-stuff). Our church is in charge of the area wide National Day of Prayer on Thursday and I've got that hat on as well. And what is funny to me about not blogging for a while is that I am now the IT director in our office. THAT HAS BEEN A HEADACHE THAT I HOPE IS NOW RESOLVED AND TRULY ON THE BASCK BURNER! And I think that it is.
Now, before you feel sorry for me (and very few of you would) I'm not the only one going full steam ahead, we all at the office are going full steam ahead. And it is a good thing! Just pray for us.
Finally, my family is doing well. I love Alison so much and she has been very strong throughout all of this job stuff. And we talk which is a must. The kids are doing are also doing well. Elizabeth is standing over my shoulder and just saw her name on the screen. She's a little antsy about a field trip today. We get to go to a Daddy/Daughter dance on Friday night...I'm pumped! The the next weekend, is Daddy/Son camping and so David, Andrew and I will go and face the great unknown. OK, I need to go make lunches for everyone one. Hello Blog World!!!
Truth, as I see it, is that I'm not a good journaler! I'm the kid in highschool who would get the assignment September 6th to turn in a journal December 15th...and so on December 14th I'm staying up late with 4 different colored pens making up stuff with the most common entry being "I didn't feel like journaling today!" The grade wasn't based on content but on participation, so I would get an A. (I found this worked in college as well, but don't tell anyone!)
So that's my dilemma when it comes to blogging. I love the concept and idea...I enjoy reading other's thoughts...but I have a difficult time getting motivated to do it! I thought putting a quote up and playing a game would make it more interesting for me, and for a time it was (Congratulations, Val, on winning--you may collect your prizes of a pen and magnet next time I see you!)
Actually, life has been hectic and today is no different. the month of May is no different. But sometimes you just have to knuckle down and go for it! So after all that, what's up in my world...
Not much!
Just kidding! The work at Southlake is going well. Planning and leading the worship is great and I love the people I'm around. I love and enjoy my workers as well as those involved in our worship ministry. We're searching for a pulpit minister/senior pastor/teaching minister-pastor and I'm on the committee. It's an amazing committee of dedicated people all coming in submission to the Lord and to one another with the emphasis of calling upon and listening to the God. We are in the process of choosing additional shepherds and I will be involved in it. (Not becoming a shepherd, but all the pre-stuff). Our church is in charge of the area wide National Day of Prayer on Thursday and I've got that hat on as well. And what is funny to me about not blogging for a while is that I am now the IT director in our office. THAT HAS BEEN A HEADACHE THAT I HOPE IS NOW RESOLVED AND TRULY ON THE BASCK BURNER! And I think that it is.
Now, before you feel sorry for me (and very few of you would) I'm not the only one going full steam ahead, we all at the office are going full steam ahead. And it is a good thing! Just pray for us.
Finally, my family is doing well. I love Alison so much and she has been very strong throughout all of this job stuff. And we talk which is a must. The kids are doing are also doing well. Elizabeth is standing over my shoulder and just saw her name on the screen. She's a little antsy about a field trip today. We get to go to a Daddy/Daughter dance on Friday night...I'm pumped! The the next weekend, is Daddy/Son camping and so David, Andrew and I will go and face the great unknown. OK, I need to go make lunches for everyone one. Hello Blog World!!!
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