Okay, so be honest. . . who are the other "list makers" out there? I know who some of you are. Let me just confess the extent to which my daily list controls my life. Basically, if I do not have a list, I literally stand there immobile and can't figure out what to do. Sick, I know.
So, this morning, I am feeling pretty good about myself. It is only 9am and I have already crossed off over half of the items on my list for the day. Today that is about 5 things. So, I still have 5 more to go. Of course, the remaining 5 are a little more time consuming. So, I just admitted that my level of self worth is directly measured by the number of items crossed off my list. That's not healthy.
Anyways, I just love sociology, anthropology, psychology, and any "ology" that involves the study of us crazy humans. So, I love to stop once in a while and take a look at the way we do do things. I can't tell you the affirmation I felt when a respected friend of mine confessed to me that she too is a list addict. She even confessed to writing something down that she already accomplished, just so she could feel the satisfaction of drawing a line through it. HA! I can relate. And for those of you who think that is crazy, you're right, it is! But, we all do crazy things. And I personally think it's great fun to discover the craziness of people (including myself).
But, here's something God has taught me over the past few years. Most of His plans for my day, He does not reveal to me ahead of time. He reveals them to me as "divine appointments". And if I am too busy pouring over my "list" and fretting over what I have accomplished (and what I have not accomplished) then I might miss the good stuff. So, although I still think it is OK for me to have my list and to allow it to give me some sort of order. . . I really have learned to hold it loosely. God has specifially taught me to leave margin in my life to simply be AVAILABLE. That has been a difficult discipline for me. But, it is definately one of the greatest changes I have made to be a better daughter of Christ.
So, I must now confess that I did not have "post on blog" written on my daily list. This is causing me just a wee bit of anxiety as I realize the time I have spent on something that didn't make the list. So, I guess I'll get going.
Please feel free to confess your strange habits to me. It is likely that I WILL laugh and make fun of you and point out what a freak you are, but all in love and good humor.
Oh, sarcastic humor. That's another interesting human tendency. Some people get it, others don't. I think I'll save that for another post.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Angel aunts
Seriously, I am surrounded by angels.
Aunt Kelly calls me this week and asks what I think about Alli and Liv going with her and Katie to Georgia for Labor Day weekend. WHAT? Are you serious? We haven't been to GA in almost 2 years, and my kids are DYING to go. You would be willing to take them with you? That is just crazy talk. But, that's the deal. If all goes well, they are going to include two small children on their 12-hour-each-way road trip! And my girls will be FOREVER grateful. They will have cherished memories of this trip. I offered to go along, but at the same time thought it would be totally awesome to have that time to get "ready" for the school year to start on Tuesday (the day after they return). But, I will definately go along if that works out better. Actually, Timm and I tossed around the idea of taking off for the weekend since we wouldn't have the girls We would like to get to NYC a couple of times this year. But, Timm has traning Thurs and Fri, so if we drove we couldn't leave until late Friday. That would be pretty crunched. And flights were too expensive. So....probably not gonna happen. Still praying about the possiblity. But, might rather look for cheap flight deals and go as a family in Oct.
ANYWAYS......
We are seriously surrounded by angels. . .
Aunt Kelly calls me this week and asks what I think about Alli and Liv going with her and Katie to Georgia for Labor Day weekend. WHAT? Are you serious? We haven't been to GA in almost 2 years, and my kids are DYING to go. You would be willing to take them with you? That is just crazy talk. But, that's the deal. If all goes well, they are going to include two small children on their 12-hour-each-way road trip! And my girls will be FOREVER grateful. They will have cherished memories of this trip. I offered to go along, but at the same time thought it would be totally awesome to have that time to get "ready" for the school year to start on Tuesday (the day after they return). But, I will definately go along if that works out better. Actually, Timm and I tossed around the idea of taking off for the weekend since we wouldn't have the girls We would like to get to NYC a couple of times this year. But, Timm has traning Thurs and Fri, so if we drove we couldn't leave until late Friday. That would be pretty crunched. And flights were too expensive. So....probably not gonna happen. Still praying about the possiblity. But, might rather look for cheap flight deals and go as a family in Oct.
ANYWAYS......
We are seriously surrounded by angels. . .
Monday, August 18, 2008
Good Weekend
Just thought I'd say a quick hello and mention that we had an awesome weekend.
Timm had the day off Friday, and we had some KKFT (Kelly Kelly Family Time). We went to the DIA, which was really fun and made me wonder why we do not take advantage of the museums and such more often? IT was so great to see everything through the girls' eyes. Such wonder. Pls, I hadn't been there in FOREVER. So, it was very cool. Then, we went to late lunch. I was looking over my coupons before we left to see if I could find a BOGO deal. But, the girl's said "We're going to Detroit? Can we go to lunch at Mr. Fo-fo's?" I am always amazed at their memory. Last month, Sam was telling us about Mr. Fo-fo's. It is a little Deli in Detroit that was purchased by a Christian organization with the goal of providing job training for kids in the area. Nothing fancy, but a very cool mission, so, that's where we went. They are known for their HUGE corned beef sandwhich. Timm and I split one and were STUFFED.
After that, we ventured up to Timm's new school. We played on the playground, and met the building and grounds man.
OK, so I better move along on my account of the fun weekend. I'm losing you already, I know.
So, KT offered to have the girls spend the night. We dropped them off early Friday evening. So, their fun continued into the night (including Chuck E Cheese, ice cream etc). And, mama and daddy had fun too. We went to "the clem" and walked around on a beautiful evening. Enjoyed the fresh air, visited a couple of bars with patios and had a couple of beers. Then, we ended the eveening with a visit to Del Taco. Yum. It was funny because we were sitting outside finishing our food and one of the employees was finishing work and asked "what are you guys doing tonight?" We realized that, as we were getting ready to head home at 10pm, he was getting ready to go out for the evening. He was trying to convince us that we should go to this cool place for the evening of fun. . . but we were happy to be heading home.
Anyways, Saturday TImm and I were able to go and play some tennis together on a gorgeous morning. Then, in the afternoon, we headed down to Detroit for the monthly bbq with the homeless. KT went along. Beautiful afternoon.
On the way home, we picked up Collin. He came over to spend the night so his mama and daddy could enjoy a night out with friends. He is so stinkin cute. It was fun. But, it was very strange having a little baby spend the night. It's been a long time! I was up a lot because I am not used to all of the little noises those little buggers make as the "sleep". We were totally happy to babysit. And totally happy that our days of having babies in the house are in the past :)
Alright, I will get this over with. Sunday I went to church early to do the nursery. Daddy got two girls, and baby out the door and to church. So, I was able to see Collin again in the nursery. Later in the evening Sunday, we had our first meeting with Communitas without our leaders. They were literally on their way to NY for their final trip there. It was weir. But, always fun to hang with that group.
OK, I must go. Really not much of a post. Just felt like giving an update.
Timm had the day off Friday, and we had some KKFT (Kelly Kelly Family Time). We went to the DIA, which was really fun and made me wonder why we do not take advantage of the museums and such more often? IT was so great to see everything through the girls' eyes. Such wonder. Pls, I hadn't been there in FOREVER. So, it was very cool. Then, we went to late lunch. I was looking over my coupons before we left to see if I could find a BOGO deal. But, the girl's said "We're going to Detroit? Can we go to lunch at Mr. Fo-fo's?" I am always amazed at their memory. Last month, Sam was telling us about Mr. Fo-fo's. It is a little Deli in Detroit that was purchased by a Christian organization with the goal of providing job training for kids in the area. Nothing fancy, but a very cool mission, so, that's where we went. They are known for their HUGE corned beef sandwhich. Timm and I split one and were STUFFED.
After that, we ventured up to Timm's new school. We played on the playground, and met the building and grounds man.
OK, so I better move along on my account of the fun weekend. I'm losing you already, I know.
So, KT offered to have the girls spend the night. We dropped them off early Friday evening. So, their fun continued into the night (including Chuck E Cheese, ice cream etc). And, mama and daddy had fun too. We went to "the clem" and walked around on a beautiful evening. Enjoyed the fresh air, visited a couple of bars with patios and had a couple of beers. Then, we ended the eveening with a visit to Del Taco. Yum. It was funny because we were sitting outside finishing our food and one of the employees was finishing work and asked "what are you guys doing tonight?" We realized that, as we were getting ready to head home at 10pm, he was getting ready to go out for the evening. He was trying to convince us that we should go to this cool place for the evening of fun. . . but we were happy to be heading home.
Anyways, Saturday TImm and I were able to go and play some tennis together on a gorgeous morning. Then, in the afternoon, we headed down to Detroit for the monthly bbq with the homeless. KT went along. Beautiful afternoon.
On the way home, we picked up Collin. He came over to spend the night so his mama and daddy could enjoy a night out with friends. He is so stinkin cute. It was fun. But, it was very strange having a little baby spend the night. It's been a long time! I was up a lot because I am not used to all of the little noises those little buggers make as the "sleep". We were totally happy to babysit. And totally happy that our days of having babies in the house are in the past :)
Alright, I will get this over with. Sunday I went to church early to do the nursery. Daddy got two girls, and baby out the door and to church. So, I was able to see Collin again in the nursery. Later in the evening Sunday, we had our first meeting with Communitas without our leaders. They were literally on their way to NY for their final trip there. It was weir. But, always fun to hang with that group.
OK, I must go. Really not much of a post. Just felt like giving an update.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
cliches and more
Most of you are aware of my inability to retain the correct words or sequence to successfully deliver a cliche when I intend to. I always seem to get one word off. . . or I screw up the order. . . or the emphasis. Like, "Take one for the group" instead of "take one for the team".
So, it shouldn't surprise you that I messed up the job title that Timm was offered. I wrote that it was "resident in training". Whatever. That isn't it at all. It is "principal in residence." Hope I got it right this time.
Also, we realized that when we use the name of the organization, it flags them and they find our blog. Riveting reading, I know. But, I did go back and remove their name for now. I would hate for them to have to endure checking out my blog whenever I ramble off the name of their organization.
I will also add that they do NOT need to Timm to act as interim principal after all in the school that was farther away.
So, tomorrow, he will start in Detroit. Principal in residence.
Yipee
So, it shouldn't surprise you that I messed up the job title that Timm was offered. I wrote that it was "resident in training". Whatever. That isn't it at all. It is "principal in residence." Hope I got it right this time.
Also, we realized that when we use the name of the organization, it flags them and they find our blog. Riveting reading, I know. But, I did go back and remove their name for now. I would hate for them to have to endure checking out my blog whenever I ramble off the name of their organization.
I will also add that they do NOT need to Timm to act as interim principal after all in the school that was farther away.
So, tomorrow, he will start in Detroit. Principal in residence.
Yipee
Monday, August 11, 2008
ch-ch-ch-ch-changes. .
Gotta give the update of changes in our family life.
First of all, Timm was offered a new job and has accepted! He is currently finishing his last two days of employment with Richmond Schools. He will begin working for a Charter schoool organization in two days. He was offered a choice of three jobs in the area. Two were principal jobs, the third is a RIT (Resident in training). Basically, they said they would really like for him to step into a building principal job. However, they confirmed his plan to ultimately work in New York. Sonce they are planning to open two new schools in NY in 2009, they felt that it would work best to place him in the RIT position. But, then they asked if he would accept the position of "interim principal" at a school ina school that is located about 70 miles away from us. Until they find a permanent candidate for that. He accepted. So, they offered him mileage and/or hotel costs in order for him to assume that role. So, the ultimate goal would be for Timm to open the Belleville school for the 2008/2009 school year. When they find the right person to fill that position, they slide him into a school in Detroit, which is only about 40 miles from our home. Then, he is prepared to move to NY for the 2009/2010 school year to open a new school there.
In the meantime, we still have our house up for sale. Still have people looking about once every two weeks. . .
We plan to home school the kids and be prepared to relocate when God moves us. . .
We had our final Michigan meeting with our pastor and his wife and the Communitas team this week. Timm and I were asked to take on a leadership role with the Michigan group, as everyone continues to launch to NY. For the past year, we have functioned as a "launch team" for a church plant. That means, we have dealt with many logisitcs and made an effort to build a team of people who feel connected and on mission. Now, the role of our group is changing.
Yesterday, our pastor announced that we are now "Communitas" the church. In other words, as they start their mission in NY, we are a part of that. However, our role here in Michigan is going to look a bit different. But, we are to mirror as closely as possible what is happening in NY. We will meet on Sundays at the same time, using video and technology to be linked with them. We will meet in small groups through the week, and study the same material that they are. We will discus some of this material during our large group gatherings on Sunday. We will all make it a priority to be involved in serving opportunities individually and in groups, as a way to extend the love of Christ to those in need, making it a part of the fabric of our lives. And, one by one or two by two, we will leave Michigan, launch to NY, and integrate into Communitas there.
Here is the difficult part. . . that means a much bigger time commitment to Communitas than what we have had this past year. At the same time (at least for Timm and I) our time is being stretched by new endeavors. What gives?!?!??!
Well, logically, our involvement in our current church. kensington. Ouch. It's hard to do. But, if we can not find the time to pour into our call within Communitas, we need to consider our level of involvement at Kensington. We were challenged and encouraged to consider unplugging from our commitments there. That STINKS, but it makes sense. Our Pastor confessed that he made the mistake of holding on too long to his commitments there, and being divided for too long, and he doesn't want to see us do the same thing and burn ourselves out.
Why is this hard? Because we love that church. LOVE. And, it is an awesome place to serve. It is a place comitted to seeking the lost, loving everyone, serving everyone, getting off your duff and LIVING for the Kingdom, etc. It is a growing, thriving, living extension of the hands and feet of Jesus. So, what we are being asked to do is to step out of that arena, and instead take on the role of leading a group of people that will ultimately shrink down to nothing and fizzle out here in Michigan, as they leave for NY. I know, there is my natural optimistic view of things coming out. But, it's TRUE. God is asking us to do something that doesn't appear very rewarding or impactful in the immediate sense. So, God is challenging me to look beyond the immediate. I've never been gifted at seeing a long term vision. So, this is a stretch for me. I don't like the idea of giving up my involvemnt in something that is tangible. Something that i can physically SEE making a difference in people's lives. Something that is comfortable and something that I feel pretty good at. Why would God want me to give that up? Well, I believe he is trying to not only stretch me, but to strengthen my weaknesses.
So, another twist. Just when I thought we had things figured out. . . just when I thought we would hang out here for another year doing what we are already doing. . . God reveals more to me. It's like, he knows we can only handle so much as once. So, little by little, he reveals his plan.
Well, I must stop rambling and get on with my day. But, here we are. . . heading into the next school year. . . new job. . . new church. . . new serving roles. . . new opportunities to serve Jesus. . . and who knows what else lies ahead????
First of all, Timm was offered a new job and has accepted! He is currently finishing his last two days of employment with Richmond Schools. He will begin working for a Charter schoool organization in two days. He was offered a choice of three jobs in the area. Two were principal jobs, the third is a RIT (Resident in training). Basically, they said they would really like for him to step into a building principal job. However, they confirmed his plan to ultimately work in New York. Sonce they are planning to open two new schools in NY in 2009, they felt that it would work best to place him in the RIT position. But, then they asked if he would accept the position of "interim principal" at a school ina school that is located about 70 miles away from us. Until they find a permanent candidate for that. He accepted. So, they offered him mileage and/or hotel costs in order for him to assume that role. So, the ultimate goal would be for Timm to open the Belleville school for the 2008/2009 school year. When they find the right person to fill that position, they slide him into a school in Detroit, which is only about 40 miles from our home. Then, he is prepared to move to NY for the 2009/2010 school year to open a new school there.
In the meantime, we still have our house up for sale. Still have people looking about once every two weeks. . .
We plan to home school the kids and be prepared to relocate when God moves us. . .
We had our final Michigan meeting with our pastor and his wife and the Communitas team this week. Timm and I were asked to take on a leadership role with the Michigan group, as everyone continues to launch to NY. For the past year, we have functioned as a "launch team" for a church plant. That means, we have dealt with many logisitcs and made an effort to build a team of people who feel connected and on mission. Now, the role of our group is changing.
Yesterday, our pastor announced that we are now "Communitas" the church. In other words, as they start their mission in NY, we are a part of that. However, our role here in Michigan is going to look a bit different. But, we are to mirror as closely as possible what is happening in NY. We will meet on Sundays at the same time, using video and technology to be linked with them. We will meet in small groups through the week, and study the same material that they are. We will discus some of this material during our large group gatherings on Sunday. We will all make it a priority to be involved in serving opportunities individually and in groups, as a way to extend the love of Christ to those in need, making it a part of the fabric of our lives. And, one by one or two by two, we will leave Michigan, launch to NY, and integrate into Communitas there.
Here is the difficult part. . . that means a much bigger time commitment to Communitas than what we have had this past year. At the same time (at least for Timm and I) our time is being stretched by new endeavors. What gives?!?!??!
Well, logically, our involvement in our current church. kensington. Ouch. It's hard to do. But, if we can not find the time to pour into our call within Communitas, we need to consider our level of involvement at Kensington. We were challenged and encouraged to consider unplugging from our commitments there. That STINKS, but it makes sense. Our Pastor confessed that he made the mistake of holding on too long to his commitments there, and being divided for too long, and he doesn't want to see us do the same thing and burn ourselves out.
Why is this hard? Because we love that church. LOVE. And, it is an awesome place to serve. It is a place comitted to seeking the lost, loving everyone, serving everyone, getting off your duff and LIVING for the Kingdom, etc. It is a growing, thriving, living extension of the hands and feet of Jesus. So, what we are being asked to do is to step out of that arena, and instead take on the role of leading a group of people that will ultimately shrink down to nothing and fizzle out here in Michigan, as they leave for NY. I know, there is my natural optimistic view of things coming out. But, it's TRUE. God is asking us to do something that doesn't appear very rewarding or impactful in the immediate sense. So, God is challenging me to look beyond the immediate. I've never been gifted at seeing a long term vision. So, this is a stretch for me. I don't like the idea of giving up my involvemnt in something that is tangible. Something that i can physically SEE making a difference in people's lives. Something that is comfortable and something that I feel pretty good at. Why would God want me to give that up? Well, I believe he is trying to not only stretch me, but to strengthen my weaknesses.
So, another twist. Just when I thought we had things figured out. . . just when I thought we would hang out here for another year doing what we are already doing. . . God reveals more to me. It's like, he knows we can only handle so much as once. So, little by little, he reveals his plan.
Well, I must stop rambling and get on with my day. But, here we are. . . heading into the next school year. . . new job. . . new church. . . new serving roles. . . new opportunities to serve Jesus. . . and who knows what else lies ahead????
Why home school?
This is the question I have been asking God, myself, and Timm for several weeks.
Why would God call us to do this? Why would I agree? Why would Timm agree that God is calling our family to do this? Don't we have enough going on right now? Why this?
Why?
Why?
Why?
So, through some prayer, reflection, discussion, research, reading, and thinking. . . I am coming to grips with it. Thank you to everyone who has been involved in the past weeks of my quest for answers. You know who you are!
So, throughout my quest, I have uncovered some of the answers to the basic questions. I have logically weighed some of the advantages and disadvantages of choosing home schooling. And I have surrendered to the fact that, regardless of how I FEEL, God is obviously calling me to give this a whirl.
Jesus says "Blessed are those who hear my commands and obey them" (Luke 11:28) We have a promise that obedience brings joy. He does not promise that we will FEEL like doing what he asks!
So, after reading some excellent material referred to me as a new home schooling family, I knew that I needed to sit down with Timm and develop a vision for what we hoped to accomplish with our children. That is just the way my brain functions. A vision enables me to focus and draw motivation. It helps me to determine what things to say YES to and what things to say NO to. Because, I am in a WORLD of choices now. Curriculum, courses, activities, schedules, priorities, etc.
So, we were able to come up with these four MAJOR goals that we hope to accomplish while our children are under our care. Of course, there are 75 million other things we COULD include. But, we tried to focus as best we could.
1) We want our children to accurately understand the Christian faith and to enjoy a vital realtionship with the Lord.
2) We want our children to build the capacity to think critically and solve problems.
3) We want our children to LOVE to LEARN and EXPLORE the WORLD.
4) We want our children to value serving others with their God given time, talent and treasure.
This is the framework we are going to start from. Hopefully these goals will stand the test of time and help us to corral our impluses to "do it all" and to rethink decisions over and over again while growing discouraged and tired. . . .
Today, we are going to explore a gymnastics program that is available to home schoolers. Ater that, we are going to visit with a family I personally respect who is doing the home school thing well. We are going to look over their curriculum. Possibly, beg, borrow and steal all we can from them. I have already done this with several other families who are doing this thing well. Thanks to you all, and again, you know who you are!
IT's an adventure. . . let's roll. . .
Why would God call us to do this? Why would I agree? Why would Timm agree that God is calling our family to do this? Don't we have enough going on right now? Why this?
Why?
Why?
Why?
So, through some prayer, reflection, discussion, research, reading, and thinking. . . I am coming to grips with it. Thank you to everyone who has been involved in the past weeks of my quest for answers. You know who you are!
So, throughout my quest, I have uncovered some of the answers to the basic questions. I have logically weighed some of the advantages and disadvantages of choosing home schooling. And I have surrendered to the fact that, regardless of how I FEEL, God is obviously calling me to give this a whirl.
Jesus says "Blessed are those who hear my commands and obey them" (Luke 11:28) We have a promise that obedience brings joy. He does not promise that we will FEEL like doing what he asks!
So, after reading some excellent material referred to me as a new home schooling family, I knew that I needed to sit down with Timm and develop a vision for what we hoped to accomplish with our children. That is just the way my brain functions. A vision enables me to focus and draw motivation. It helps me to determine what things to say YES to and what things to say NO to. Because, I am in a WORLD of choices now. Curriculum, courses, activities, schedules, priorities, etc.
So, we were able to come up with these four MAJOR goals that we hope to accomplish while our children are under our care. Of course, there are 75 million other things we COULD include. But, we tried to focus as best we could.
1) We want our children to accurately understand the Christian faith and to enjoy a vital realtionship with the Lord.
2) We want our children to build the capacity to think critically and solve problems.
3) We want our children to LOVE to LEARN and EXPLORE the WORLD.
4) We want our children to value serving others with their God given time, talent and treasure.
This is the framework we are going to start from. Hopefully these goals will stand the test of time and help us to corral our impluses to "do it all" and to rethink decisions over and over again while growing discouraged and tired. . . .
Today, we are going to explore a gymnastics program that is available to home schoolers. Ater that, we are going to visit with a family I personally respect who is doing the home school thing well. We are going to look over their curriculum. Possibly, beg, borrow and steal all we can from them. I have already done this with several other families who are doing this thing well. Thanks to you all, and again, you know who you are!
IT's an adventure. . . let's roll. . .
Saturday, August 2, 2008
popcorn gut rot
Yes, you read that correctly. It says popcorn gut rot. Every once in a while, I intentionally induce this condition on my body. Today was one of those days.
Earlier today, I had an overwhelming craving for movie theater popcorn. Before you picture what I mean, stop right there, and picture about 7 times more butter than any human should consume. Ahhh. That's what I"m talkin about.
So, I had a marvelous time. KT and I went to see Hancock. We chose the movie theater, not based on what was showing, but based on the fact that when you go to this theater and empty the contents of your wallet in exchange for a tub of popcorn, they let you put your own butter on it. When you have this freedom, you can implement the straw trick. If you aren't familiar with the straw trick, it is simply a means to get the "butter flavored topping" deep into your bag. Sick, I know. But, effective in extinguishing that burning craving for BUTTERY popcorn!
Anyways, the movie ended up being excellent. Love Will Smith. It had action, comedy, drama, and did I mention Will Smith? I'd recommend it.
Earlier today, I had an overwhelming craving for movie theater popcorn. Before you picture what I mean, stop right there, and picture about 7 times more butter than any human should consume. Ahhh. That's what I"m talkin about.
So, I had a marvelous time. KT and I went to see Hancock. We chose the movie theater, not based on what was showing, but based on the fact that when you go to this theater and empty the contents of your wallet in exchange for a tub of popcorn, they let you put your own butter on it. When you have this freedom, you can implement the straw trick. If you aren't familiar with the straw trick, it is simply a means to get the "butter flavored topping" deep into your bag. Sick, I know. But, effective in extinguishing that burning craving for BUTTERY popcorn!
Anyways, the movie ended up being excellent. Love Will Smith. It had action, comedy, drama, and did I mention Will Smith? I'd recommend it.
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