Our Viola

Well, it's been awhile since I've posted, but I couldn't resist showing the world some updated photos of our little love. Here she is out on our porch, reaching for the nearest object to put into her mouth, of course.

And here she is in her yellow dress, enjoying the sunshine coming through the window on a snowy day!

A Tale of Two Houses

As many of you know, we’ve been trying to sell our house now for about fifteen months. I say fifteen because it’s been so long we’re not really sure how long it’s been, so we say fifteen. It’s been a long and arduous process that we wouldn’t wish on anyone. I wish I could write and tell you that Nick and I were able to totally trust God to sell our house, and we endured this difficult time with nothing but patience and perseverance. But alas, deep down we constantly lost faith in His ability to sell it, and became spiritually, emotionally, and financially drained by the entire process. Prayers for God to sell our house turned into incessant begging with hearts that often didn’t believe the Lord could do what we were asking of Him. After all, our house is in the wrong neighborhood, lacks proper fencing, is on a noisy street, and the basement ceiling is just too low. But, as the Scripture says, with God all things are possible, and our house has finally SOLD!

But wait, there’s more! Our house selling alone is indeed something to be celebrated—but the Lord in His grace has blessed us with a huge blessing at just the right time concerning where we will live next.

A couple of Wednesdays ago, Nick’s employer (a commercial real estate executive) told him about a property they had purchased. It included 50 acres of land, on which stands an old, gorgeous, historical farmhouse. They plan to build apartments on the land, but want to keep the farmhouse intact to turn into the clubhouse for the apartments. However, they had qualms about leaving the farmhouse sit for a year or longer, afraid that vandals would have their way with it and that there would be plumbing problems if the pipes weren’t used for awhile. So—this is amazing—they asked us to live in it until the apartments have neared completion—for FREE! (up to 3 years)

We were elated when we learned of the possibility that we could live there. But at that time, we still had to sell our house. Well, the very day afterward, a couple of construction contractors came and looked at our house. The day after that, we signed a contract with them. In less than a week, we will close on our house. Talk about God’s timing!

Now it seems that all that time spent trying to sell our house was well worth it. We remember at times saying to each other “God must be preparing the perfect place for us to live next since this seems to be taking FOREVER!” He was indeed. One of the uncountable things that we love about our Lord is that He blesses His people when they are so far from deserving anything good. We do not deserve this blessing—we have so much to learn about being wiser with our finances, being patient, and persevering, but still the Lord, in an outpouring of His grace, has blessed us in this and many other ways we don’t deserve. In just the past couple of years, the Lord has blessed us with a beautiful and healthy daughter, free seminary tuition for Nick, a free car, a free motorcycle and helmets, a caring church community and incredible friends and family, and I’m honestly probably forgetting something right now.

So if anything, we hope that you’re encouraged by this testimony of God’s provision in our lives. If you are in a season of need, know that our Lord knows your needs and can provide for them in immensely bigger ways than you can ever imagine.

We will be moving on October 12th, so if you live in the area and can help us move, please come and celebrate this blessing with us!

Viola means "Lovely Lady"

A Baby Story

Viola Mason Nye was born Thursday, July 13, at 8:07am. She was "supposed" to be a boy--ultrasounds can be wrong! She weighs 8 lbs. 7 oz. and is 22 inches long and has a full head of dark brown hair! Below is the story of her birth. I hope you enjoy it! Pics can be found on Nick's blog. I'll put some on here when I remember how :)

On Wednesday, July 12, the day I predicted Viola would be born, I woke up at 5am with mild cramping and questioned whether or not I was having contractions. I began to time them, and after having four at regular intervals, I woke Nick up. Pretty soon they were occuring every five minutes. I called my midwife, and she advised me to take a shower, and if the contractions became more intense, to come into the hospital. Well, the contractions weakened, and after 10am I was only having about one an hour. I became incredibly discouraged, as I knew my family was already on their way down to Louisville. I was afraid they'd make the long trip and I wouldn't go into active labor. Obviously, the biggest discouragement was that I knew I'd have to be patient and wait for the baby to come when she was ready.

My mom, dad, and sister came down in the early afternoon and helped keep me distracted. We went on a long walk in the park, went grocery shopping, and watched Miss Congeniality 2. We went to bed, and Nick and I prayed for the baby to come soon. I was having difficulty sleeping, and personally prayed that I would have intense contractions 5 mins. apart, my water would break, or that I could get a good night's sleep. Well around 11:00, the contractions started again. Wanting to be sure, I started timing them myself, and as they grew intense, I woke up Nick. We slept with a spreadsheet between us Nick had made the morning before to track my contractions. We tried to sleep between them, and Nick haphazardly scrawled the information on the sheet. By 3:00 am I took a shower and walked around to see if their intensity changed, and as they grew closer together, we contacted the midwife and threw our things in the van to head to the hospital. In the dark and rainy night, my dad helped me to the van and we drove to the hospital.

We checked in, and I was examined. The nurses were delighted to tell me that I was already 8-9 cm dilated and I would have the baby in just a few hours. What a relief! I got my gown on and walked into the labor and delivery room. In between contractions, I got to eat popsicles and ice chips, and tried to remain relaxed during my contractions. Nick was an amazing coach and my greatest source of verbal encouragement during this time. We tried to remember all we had learned in our natural childbirth class so that I could have an epidural-free birth, and that really paid off.

When my midwife arrived, she checked me and pretty soon she asked me to push. The baby was still fairly far up the birth canal, and I hadn't dilated anymore. Therefore, she asked me to labor on my side for about an hour, which was quite possibly the most difficult part of the birth. I had an overwhelming urge to push and was pretty uncomfortable to say the least. After the birth, my arms and back muscles ached because during this time I was gripping the side of the hospital bed for dear life! However, laying on my side helped move her down the canal, and her arrival was very near!

My midwife came back in and pretty soon I was pushing again. By this time, my family had arrived at the hospital, and along with the nurses and Nick, they offered tons of encouragement and support. It helped immensely to know how close the baby was to coming. In addition, they informed me that the baby had a full head of dark hair! This made me want to push like a crazy woman so I could see her, who I thought was a him :) The final pushes were not easy, but at that point I think I could've done almost anything to see my little one! And at last, she was here! Nick shouted, "Honey, he's here!" Then the nurse promptly opened up our baby's legs and said "It's a she!" Wow. We were totally surprised, although I must say that in that at the moment, I was just glad the baby was out of me, and that SHE was okay.

Over the past couple weeks we've really enjoyed getting to know all of Viola's quirks. She loves her hands, and always has to have them close to her mouth so she can suck on her fists. So far, she can make noises that sound like a goat, and chimpanzee, and a wildcat. She smiles a lot in her sleep and has a signature "grumpy old man" face when she's thinking really hard, or just making a mess in her pants! She also LOVES having her hair washed but hates having her clothes changed. I know I'm biased, but I think she has a ton of personality and will continue to surprise us in the years to come!

Confidently Counter-Cultural

Yesterday was my last day of work. The place where I worked was pretty great--my bosses, co-workers, my job doing editorial work, etc., all of it. I've wanted to be a full-time wife and mother pretty much my whole life, but I felt myself becoming apprehensive about my last day. As I continued to reflect on the possibilities of why I felt hesitant instead of joyful, I realized I cared way too much what others thought of me.

This discovery isn't much of anything new or surprising. I've struggled with people-pleasing for an eternity, and this is just one more way my desire to please others has fleshed itself out in my life. I'm blessed to have family and friends that support my decision to be a stay-at-home mom, and those people are my ultimate support system. So why was I so quick to listen to comments other people at work made concerning my decision? Why was I so quick to read into their facial expressions, particularly their questioning eyes, that inquired- "How in the world can you stay home when your husband's still in grad school?" and "Why would you want to stay home? That's boring." My favorite question was verbal "So, you're just going to be a stay-at-home mom?" like I'm going to be sitting on the couch eating ice cream and watching Oprah all day instead of being a caring, diapering, comforting, nursing, cleaning, errand-running, Christ-loving, husband-loving, baby-loving mom. The word JUST packs a punch in that one.

But through all the comments and implied comments, I didn't really feel angry towards these people, because they are a product of our culture, a culture that generally doesn't value stay-at-home motherhood. And also I realized I need to work on my response to people I disagree with, and be confidently counter-cultural. I especially need to develop thicker skin, as it seems like the Lord continues to call Nick and I to do things that are not culturally acceptable. I want to be tough, yet have a tender heart, and I know that is something only Christ can do in me.

Head Butts & Minivans

It's been a long time, yet again, since I've written. It seems that all my Internet time lately has been spent looking for the perfect baby sling and diaper snappis, and reading reviews upon reviews on baby accessories. Ah, the plight of a mother-to-be! But what a sweet plight it is.

My midwife told me today words that are both encouraging and little bit scary--I'm now at the point in my pregnancy where I can go into labor and they wouldn't try to stop it because the dear little babe is ready to come out anytime now! I'm still 3.5 weeks away from the magic date though, and being the realist that I am, I'm expecting to be late. So we'll see about that.

Lately the little guy's favorite thing is to head butt me at the spot where my huge belly bulge and right hip joint meet. It's uncomfortable, but the way I see it, it's just another indication that he's a healthy baby, and proud of it. We can't wait until he gets here.

There are so many preparations to still be made, but they're mostly minor. It's so easy to get caught up in the details and all the baby stuff that's out there, but the Lord is constantly reminding us that it is He that ultimately equips and prepares us for parenthood, and we continue to be reminded of his provision. One recent sign of this is our purchase of a minivan! I can't believe we drive a reliable car now. Amazing. I do miss the Volvo though, Mr. Belvedere Stealth Bomber. He had a lot of character. Naming the minivan is another story, as a silver minivan has much less character than an old Swedish car. But at least the baby is named!

Who knows, by the next time I write, I might actually be a mama.

What's In a Name?

Naming someone whom you've never met is a difficult task. However, it's very important. It's a huge privilege to grow a child in your tummy, and then actually name it. It's almost as huge as Adam's role in naming the animals. That's why thinking up baby names is a very important task.

Right now you are probably thinking of some people you know whose parents didn't really think that naming them was that important. That person's name might be Robbie Roberts or the fraternal twins, Male (Molly) and Female (Fe-molly). (Note: These twins actually exist, according to our previous pastor's wife, so hopefully she's not lying)

There are several factors one must take into consideration when naming a child. Some are probably true for everyone and some are just my own preferences. You can try to figure out which are which.

1. You cannot name your child the same name as someone else in your immediate or extended (2nd cousins and beyond may not count) family, unless it's a "Jr."

2. The child's first and last name should probably not rhyme. They will sound like a storybook character or something.

3. Unique names are okay, but overly unique names usually equal teasing at recess.

4. Bobs, Toms, and Tims everywhere have requested that no one ever be named their names ever again. There are just too many of them.

5. Middle names are just as important as first names even though they're used less often. Maybe that's why I haven't given into the middle name Nick has picked out just yet.

Are there any additions to the list? I've got to get back to work.

What I Didn't Miss About TV

On the eve of our church's Cultivate Beauty (formerly also dubbed Kill Your TV) month, Nick and I got a deal on a TV. For the first time in two years of marriage, a silent invader perches in our midst. It has been purposely placed in a frame of bookshelves packed with books. It's not too large, and our main reason for getting it is to make movie-watching a less strenuous experience--we were getting tired of watching flicks on our laptop and getting everything set up for the big event. Also, we can have friends over to enjoy films with us.

In the couple of weeks we've had it, we've caught bits and pieces of several sitcoms and other shows. In many ways, I haven't been impressed. The one-liners, canned laughter, and commercials every 5 minutes get really old. We've been spoiled by watching episodes of Alias and Lost on DVD, with no interruptions and the ability to pause it for water breaks. I really do think that TV can give one ADD--it grabs your attention, leaves you hanging, and in your antsiness you walk in circles and console yourself with junk food. That really can't be good for you.

So, this past weekend, we resorted to watching about 8 episodes of Lost, uninterrupted. I'm pretty sure that was unhealthy too. But it was a lot more fun!

What I'm Reading...

Today I'm at a loss for words anywhere near profound. I haven't blogged in so long so it's doubtful I have much of a blossoming readership. Anyway, I just feel like listing the books I've been reading.

The Book of Job from the chronological Bible

A Chance to Die (the life of Amy Carmichael) by Elisabeth Elliot
-Her life is a beautiful one to learn from - a woman missionary to India decades ago

What to Expect When You're Expecting (I'm on month four :)
-Helpful hint: When prego, stand at least twenty inches away from microwaves. Question: Who stands closer than that anyway?

Rain in Oxford

I'm currently sitting at a hotel room desk in Oxford, MS, on my blog for the first time in weeks! The fun thing about hotels is that when you don't own a TV it's such a treat to be able to watch it and not feel guilty about it since you don't watch it at all usually. AND I get to watch TLC. Ah, pure joy.

Nick and I are in town for the wedding of Laura Beth and Alex, which starts in just a few hours! I love weddings, especially when they unite two of the sweetest, creative, and dynamic people you know. Yes, Nick and I are big fans of LB and Alex.

Welp, I don't really have a lot to say, this is more of a note to remind you that I'm still alive. More to come next time I have internet access!

His Unmerited Favor

After an arduous, stressful, and eye-opening divorce from my prior job, the Lord has brought a variety of things to light in my life. Some are beautiful, some are ugly, and some are in-between. But what it all comes down to is the fact that I feel I have God's unmerited favor. Looking back at the past year of my life, I can honestly say that it is not because of my good works, pure heart, or godly attitude that I've been blessed by God. Not to say that those things don't matter to God, because they do. They really do. But some blessings just aren't earned. They were bought with a price on the cross of Christ, and through some queer transaction, have fallen into my life, infusing it with joy.

My new job isn't perfect, but it almost is. I definitely don't deserve it. I actually have no idea how I was hired, considering how I blubbered in answering questions, blushed uncontrollably while searching for the correct answers, and forgot the names of my interviewers. By his grace, everyday I work I read about all kinds of subjects-philosophy, photography, BMX racing, travel, and law, and then I write about them. The office I work in is as quiet as a library, my boss listens and cares when I have questions, and my co-workers are kind. It's unreal, and for that I feel incredibly blessed.

For the past year of transition we've encountered, I have seen God's hand, but not quite as clearly as now. Now in the midst of fall, things are strangely beginning to bloom. Dead leaves are turning green before falling off the tree, and clinging there with hope. Relationships are meaningful again. I'm actually re-learning how to be a godly wife again. And as God pulls me nearer to Him, I feel at peace knowing my God is one who gives unmerited favor.

Vulnerability and Silence

Maybe it all started with J-Lo, this love for being real or vulnerable. Or maybe it was reality TV. But no matter how it started, you cannot deny that these days, it's cool to be "real." I think that scripture in many ways conveys this message--there is a theme throughout of being honest, seeking truth, and being vulnerable with the Lord and in appropriate settings, other people.

I hope to write a book one day, but I tell ya, lately I've been pretty uninspired. But when I do write one, if it's a genre that allows for personal antidotes and reflections, I hope I can be vulnerable with my readers. However, you can be sure, there are little "pearls" of information you'll never find in my books. This is because I will never share the deepest intimacies of my relationship with my husband or other memories that I hold closest to my heart. There are certain details that should only be shared with the Lord and maybe a family member or other special person in your life. If I put all my personal stuff out on the line, for me it's the equivalent of "throwing my pearls to swine." I hope my readers won't be swine, but that's beside the point.

I write this to discourage others from being vulnerable with every cowpoke they meet. Spilling your guts isn't as respectable as using discretion regarding what you share, how much you share, and with whom.

My dad is a quite, wise, and godly person. He once quoted my grandpa as saying "I'd rather be silent and store up wise words to share than an idiot always running my mouth."

Thanks, Dad.

Deep Red Embarassment

Blushing is somewhat of a curse. If you are a blusher, you would know what I'm talking about. Somewhere at your core, something sizzles. Then it seeps through once-blue veins, tingling your toes, tingling your fingers, then the tip of your nose. There you sit, a 20-something who by many standards is an adult, blushing like an idiot. And you canNOT hide blushing.

It could be because someone saw you tear up, because you stumbled over your words, or because you're in an interview and can't think of the slightest intelligent answer for the question you were just asked. Those are the reasons that I blush.

But sometimes I try to think of myself as sorta holy because I blush. You know, because it makes me look really humble and innocent and stuff. The thing is, I don't think anyone else thinks of me that way--they probably think I'm just shy! Plus, I don't remember reading any scripture about redness=holiness. That's just not how it is.

I have to say though, I'd almost rather feel anything else than embarassment. I guess that just makes me prideful? Or maybe just normal...you decide.

Secret Confessions of a Childhood Bookworm

I am the kid who grew up on a farm and hasn't the slightest ability to identify pieces of farm machinery. I am the kid who would go outside to read for a bit and then jump up and go inside where the bugs wouldn't distract me from my reading.

I write this blog so you may get an honest picture of me. A love for the outdoors has captured me only recently. As I read comments on my post, I felt perhaps one might picture me as the kid who embraced nature, loved getting dirty, and would bring home frogs in my pocket. You would be mistaken. My sister was that person.

When we played "Little House on the Prairie" she got to be Laura. I was Baby Carrie. Don't remember Baby Carrie? That's because she never did anything. And that's what I did. I'd tromp around with my sis for a bit, then get tired of it and go inside and read books about people who played outside and had wonderful adventures. Meanwhile, Hillary was out playing in the old corncrib, discovering the latest litter of newborn kittens, tending to birds with broken wings, and pulling up wild onions. I now realize that my sister is awesome for many reasons, including her love for nature.

When I moved to the city (if you call Fairborn, OH a city) I regretted all the time I'd wasted. I grew up on a farm where I could walk out the door and into a wonderland. I lived in a place where I had to drive to enter beauty. Like where I live now, in Louisville. But I can say that not only am I entranced with God's beauty in the outdoors now, I also try to use my time wisely when I'm indoors. I'm no saint, but I try not to spend all day on the internet--that became a lot easier when it got shut off at our house last week--hence the long time, no blog. Nick and I don't have a TV--don't think it's evil, just unnecessary. So I read, definitely don't play video games, I listen to music and sometimes write.

I love visiting my parent's farm, and I'm actually learning more about it now. I can't wait until our children can romp around on granpma and grandpa's farm and enjoy the fullness of what God's creation has to offer.

Where's the Joy in Joysticks?

A couple Sundays ago, I found myself in the rotation to teach children's church. We had more kids than usual, many of which were just visiting our church for the Sunday. As we delved into the lesson about the different ways God answers prayer, I found myself wanting to curl up in a stained-glass window nook for awhile and pray God would answer my prayer for the kids to pay attention!

My biggest frustration with the kids that evening wasn't that my feelings were hurt when the kids didn't listen. I admitted I felt somewhat unprepared, and I am also not the best disciplinarian out there (I think Mom-dom is when you learn that for real) But the biggest thing that broke my heart about children's church was the content of the conversation that kept the kids from listening to the Bible lesson. The culprit? VIDEO GAMES.

I stink at video games. I remember struggling through Atari games when I was little, and then as a teen getting beat by my little brother at any game imaginable on the Play Station, errr, whatever it was. I'm one of those people who moves the controls when they play: if I want my character to jump, I make my hands jump. I'm a big goober. So maybe that's why I disliked the kids talking about video games the whole time. I know they're small. I know they have a lot of learning to do. They are not the holiest little suckers ever, and no one should expect that of them. But I could see how in their world of wizards, ninjas, gnomes, and dragons, praying to God just didn't seem to thrill them much. They rattled on, talking as if they were actually the characters in the games, like "I killed the dragon with my magic purple laser gun" and stuff like that.

Today, it seems that the latest entertainment is focused on sedentary things that take place indoors. Sure, it may promote eye/hand coordination, problem solving, quick thinking, and the like. But what children are losing out on is HUGE. A true sense of adventure, where they themselves are catching frogs, jumping off boulders into cool rivers, and swinging from vines in the forest. A true sense of imagination, where they narrate their own stories of far away lands, instead of letting someone else's imagined lands keep them from dreaming of their own.

Only a couple days after the children's church incident, as I still was mulling things over in my head, Dr. Mohler had an interesting topic on his radio show. Please read the following excerpt, and if nothing else, consider how to raise your own children so they still find wonder in the simple things: like talking to a supernatural God, and making mud pies. You can read the rest at Dr. Mohler's Blog.

Have Children Forgotten How to Play Outdoors?

Author Richard Louv believes that America's children are now suffering from a syndrome he identifies as "nature-deficit disorder." In his new book, Last Child in the Woods, Louv suggests that the current generation of American children knows the Discovery Channel better than their own backyards--and that this loss of contact with nature leads to impoverished lives and stunted imagination.

"In reality, many children have almost no contact with nature. They play indoors, focusing on electronic screens that produce an artificial experience. They are surrounded by creature comforts and watched over by anxious parents who are afraid that violent criminals are lurking behind every green tree. "Our society is teaching young people to avoid direct experience in nature," Louv observes. "That lesson is delivered in schools, families, even organizations devoted to the outdoors, and codified into the legal and regulatory structures of many of our communities."

*The "Fahr"

Where in the world can you sample juicy "Pork Butt on a Stick," watch pig races, enjoy world class mullett- watching, and ride "Chang," the rollercoaster? Why the Kentucky State Fair of course!

Last year, we just buzzed in and out of the fair so we could see Switchfoot play for only $5. This year, we opted for the ultimate challenge-- to spend a whole 5 hours at the State Fair with three of our buddies.

The first step was to tour the art exhibits. We saw Lynn's Paradise Cafe's "Ugly Lamp Contest." The saddest thing about that was, alot of the lamps weren't that ugly! They looked like they belonged at Grandma's house, but they were not meant to be in an ugly lamp contest. I wish some of them were in my house, where they could be loved and appreciated! However, I had no such sympathy on the lamp that had used Q-tips glued all over it....blechhh! Then on to the photography, where we saw a picture that had been taken of some people we knew, unbeknownst to them.

Next came the pig races. An announcer and his cousin, Cletus, ran the show. The piggies were named things like "Christina HOG-ulera" "Sylvester StalLOIN" and "Jean Claude Van HAM" Haha. Anyway, it was pretty interesting. One of the great things about witnessing the races was witnessing the audience members, specifically the ways in which Kentucky parents choose to dye and cut their young children's hair! :)

Next we had some fair food- chicken and cheese sandwiches, FRIED TWINKIES, frozen lemonade, all the yummy stuff. After Lindsay and I got our wedding rings cleaned for free, we continued to wander around the indoor flea market and booths inside the expo center. After riding The Giant Wheel and getting all shook up from riding the rollercoaster, Chang (this is a silly name for a rollercoaster, I must say!) we packed our sweaty selves into the car and sped off to church.

Quite an eventful day, I must say!

*This is how you say "fair" with a southern accent! :)

the.lost.art.of.listening

I have a good friend who's basically in a horrible position right now. I cannot tell you how much I could learn from this woman. Through sobs and details of her gut-wrenching story, she tells me over and over again what she does to survive: pray unceasingly. Abused by sharp words, attacked by loneliness, and wrestling with big decisions, she tells me what she read in 1 John today, and starts to cry. In a distracted manner, I try to think of what to say as mosquitoes nibble my ankles and toes as I pace outside the coffee shop. After our second conversation, I stopped trying to solve her problems and just tried to listen. I realized how difficult this was for me, and she sensed it, and told me she didn't need answers. She just needed to share. That statement was incredibly freeing to me--I didn't feel pressured to spurt out Bible verses, and to say all the things a pastor's wife is supposed to say. I sensed the Lord telling me that I was to bear her burden with her, and to listen. Neither of which is going to be easy for me, I'm sure.

I feel convicted though, of late, that I should start to be more like the people I love to be around. It probably sounds selfish, but I love people who are good listeners! I don't like being interrupted, I don't like it when people have wandering eyes in conversation, and I don't like it when I'm sharing my heart and people just try to solve all of my problems. I love it when people remember little details of my life I've told them several weeks down the road, and when they ask questions that just unravel my core and help me to discover more about myself and the Lord. I hope I can grow into this kind of person, and soon! But I guess that's where praying unceasingly comes in--that which I've seen lived out in the life of a dear friend.

Gateway Drugs: Part Deux

This blog is a linkage to Nick's blog, "Kissing is Like Smoking Pot."

I want to address a little weasel called LEGALISM. You hate that word, don't you! The thing is, at the end of the day, many Christians confuse legalism with discipline. I'm sure people have said it many more eloquent ways than that, but it's true.

If you read Nick's blog, you may have thought "Drawing boundaries? That's so legalistic! There's no grace, it's all black and white." That is something that I struggled with a lot. I didn't want to be so wrapped up in not breaking our rules that I was missing the point: staying physically pure. But when we set our boundaries and stuck to them through our entire engagement, it was such a precious gift- not to give us spiritual bragging rights, because we know it was only because God sustained us that we were able to do such a thing. In the words of the great Don Whitney, "Disciplined people are holy people" (ok, that's a paraphrase.) If only I were disciplined in EVERY area of my life!

Another thing to add is that at Sojourn several weeks ago, we talked about Bible reading. Daniel was talking about how so often we fear legalism so much, we don't even try to do ANYTHING consistently, like read our Bibles. He encouraged the congregation to start a Bible reading plan and stick to it for a whole year, not switching plans or Bible studies 50 times a year.

I fear that we've become a Christian culture so afraid of legalism we won't be a disciplined, and thus holy, people.

My Day: Eventful in the Worst Kind of Way

Who knew so many confrontations could occur over the course of nine hours? Things were SO INTENSE at work today. Just to let you in on a couple things, I work for a company that coordinates care for the elderly, and we hire caregivers to go to their homes. We have a lot of great caregivers, but once in awhile, we get a few BAD seeds.

Sunday I had to go work a shift because a caregiver didn't show up... well she came in today, totally clueless about her poor status with the company... and I confronted her, telling her I had to work her shift because of her irresponsibility... and she giggled and said "Yeah, that's cool, I totally forgot y'all called me about that shift!" Aye aye aye. Yeah, as you can guess, she's fired.

Two caregivers came in who went against a RIGID company policy, but I didn't have to deal with them.

Then disaster struck. A woman who had been terminated due to not showing up for a shift came for her final check. Our caregivers sign a release stating that if they do such a thing, we will deduct from their last check as a consequence. So this woman, after the deduction, got a $0 check... and SHE WAS LIVID! I told her to tone it down then got my boss... he came out, she spewed out threats, racial slurs, profanity, and mocked his name and the company, wouldn't leave the premises, and she finally got her car and drove away with even more hate leaving her lips... it was so CRAZY!

Perhaps this is such a bore to read, and some people go through stuff like this every day in their jobs... but wow, writing that really helped me get a load off.

If you think about it, pray God would bless our office with peace and help us to be a light for Christ to our caregivers--many have been through a lot of hard things and really need some love. When difficult situations come up lately, we as a staff are trying to remember the caregiver probably is going through some extremely tough times, and unfortunately, we are the brunt of their anger at the moment.

I have learned so much about the balance of Grace & Truth from working there... giving caregivers grace when they're having a rough day and are running late to work, yet still being truthful and acting as a disciplinarian at times to assure they don't walk all over you.

When It Rains It Pours...and Then Some

Wowie wow wow. This week has been crazy! And the awesome things is, I'm at the blissful point where I can laugh about it instead of going bonkers! I've been debating whether or not I should list all the bad things that happened, but I'm thinking I shouldn't. I don't want to take the focus away from my God- the God of glory who reigns over creation, who always provides for us in our time of need.

At just the right time, He provided us with a house.
At just the right time, He provided us with a church to attend.
At just the right time, He provided me with a job.
At just the right time, He provided Nick with a job.
At just the right time, He provided a car.
At just the right time, He always provides for the simplest of our needs.

He will do it again!

Here's a simple little prayer I wrote a couple days ago.


AUGUST PSALM

Father, make me wise, so my eyes may see what’s true

So when I do wrong I don’t lie to myself or to you

And Father make me heartsick when it’s You I don’t obey

I don’t want to lose all you’ve taught me along the way

Father, make me humble, when I want to be the best

When I feel ignored or wronged help me to look to You and bless

And Father when I cry may I not first seek human arms

But long for your affections and your smile that unarms

Father, make me a fighter, when passivity takes control

My flesh is weak, without your meat I’ve no hope in this world

And Father when I lay down and crave an idle, comfortable bed

Help me to see it’s about You, not me, and I’ll follow you instead

Father, make me a lover, when faults become exposed

May encouraging and caressing words come out in sweetest prose

And Father make me thankful you are sovereign in all these things

In your son the Christ you’ve brought to light the example of right living