I'm grumpy today. I hate falling back to standard time.
So, in light of that (pun intended), today I'm grateful for Daylight Savings Time.
Is it March yet?
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Attitude of Gratitude-Day 5
Lately, I've been missing my friends in Washington State a lot. More than usual, I mean. I can't put my finger on why. Perhaps it's the time of year. Olympia was a great place to live and a great place to raise a family. We had wonderful friends and had traditions that we looked forward to every year. We loved the culture and the overall "feel" of the Northwest (although it's no secret that I was not a fan of the seemingly constant rain). I hesitate even putting it out there though because I don't want it to seem like we don't like it here. We do. But, it's different. The pace of life is faster. The people are different. The culture is all its own--as it should be! We didn't move to Olympia and instantly have a community. In fact, I moved to Olympia and grieved the life we left behind in Phoenix. It took time to build a network of trusted friends.
So today, I'm thankful for the life we lead in Olympia. The people and the community impacted us in a profound way. It has shaped the way that we pursue new relationships and traditions. And it has given us wonderful memories and a place that we can always call home.
So today, I'm thankful for the life we lead in Olympia. The people and the community impacted us in a profound way. It has shaped the way that we pursue new relationships and traditions. And it has given us wonderful memories and a place that we can always call home.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Attitude of Gratitude - Day 4
Jake.
He makes me laugh every day with his incredible sense of humor. He once told me that he wants to be Jim Carrey when he grows up. He loves slapstick, physical humor but he can also be wickedly ironic and his sense of comedic timing is amazing.
He also has the biggest heart of anyone I know. He cares about people and their feelings. He can't imagine why anyone would choose not to be nice. He chooses to see the good in everyone, as best he can.
He marches to the beat of his own drum. Best of all, he's okay with that. I will never forget the day he told me that he WANTS to be different -- that he's THAT kind of person.
There are so many things that I am grateful for. But, most of all, I'm grateful that he's happy...and that he isn't afraid to dance and sing and jump for joy.
He makes me laugh every day with his incredible sense of humor. He once told me that he wants to be Jim Carrey when he grows up. He loves slapstick, physical humor but he can also be wickedly ironic and his sense of comedic timing is amazing.
He also has the biggest heart of anyone I know. He cares about people and their feelings. He can't imagine why anyone would choose not to be nice. He chooses to see the good in everyone, as best he can.
He marches to the beat of his own drum. Best of all, he's okay with that. I will never forget the day he told me that he WANTS to be different -- that he's THAT kind of person.
There are so many things that I am grateful for. But, most of all, I'm grateful that he's happy...and that he isn't afraid to dance and sing and jump for joy.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Attitude of Gratitude
I am generally what you would call a "glass half empty" kind of person. Recently, a friend quipped that it's not half empty -- it's just the wrong size glass. And after some reflection, I think that actually nails it. I think my glass is probably too big. I expect too much from people. Well...that's isn't exactly it either. I WANT to expect more from people -- all the while knowing that the bar is too high (and yes, I realize it raises the bar for myself exponentially). And so, it sets up a cycle of expectations and disappointments until I finally just start bracing myself to be disappointed in hopes that I will be surprised. And, for the record, I often am.
These past couple of days, I have been noticing a lot of "I'm grateful for..." posts on my facebook feed. And, as much as it pains me to say...I think it's a great idea. You see, I'm not one to follow the crowd. In fact, I tend to do the exact opposite of what the trend is. While it would be easy (and perhaps entertaining) for me to post my pet peeve(s) of the day, I will spare you.
My goal for this little project is to end the month with a clear picture that my glass is not half-empty. And, it's not the wrong size. It's actually a very large glass that overflows.
Since it's November 3rd, I'll start out with three
These past couple of days, I have been noticing a lot of "I'm grateful for..." posts on my facebook feed. And, as much as it pains me to say...I think it's a great idea. You see, I'm not one to follow the crowd. In fact, I tend to do the exact opposite of what the trend is. While it would be easy (and perhaps entertaining) for me to post my pet peeve(s) of the day, I will spare you.
My goal for this little project is to end the month with a clear picture that my glass is not half-empty. And, it's not the wrong size. It's actually a very large glass that overflows.
Since it's November 3rd, I'll start out with three
- I'm grateful for my niece Madison, who celebrated her 11th birthday yesterday. She is a beautiful young lady, whom I have loved watching grow up. I miss her and her family a lot.
- I'm grateful for my friend Darcy (for many reasons). Today, it's because she gave birth to her son Cameron on this day, 11 years ago. He has been a loyal friend to Jake and I love they have the kind of friendship that transcends the miles between them. I miss him and his family a lot as well.
- Had I started this project on Nov 1st, this would have been my first post: I'm grateful for my husband and that he loves me despite my short-comings. I never dreamed I could have the kind of love we share. In fact, I didn't even know it existed.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Awestruck
There are certain things I will never get tired of, living in the Nation's Capital. Coming out of the Smithsonian metro station and turning around to see the Washington Monument is one. Visiting the Lincoln Memorial will never get old. And, I will always get teary when I see the World War II Memorial.
But days like today make me feel like a kid on Christmas morning.
This morning, the President will be speaking about his jobs plan. Right across the street from my office building. We recieved an email yesterday saying that there would be traffic delays and the street would be closed to pedestrian traffic for a time. I made an effort to get to the office a little earlier than normal and took a few minutes to survey the scene. Dump trucks are strategically parked on the Georgetown Waterfront, facing the river. A giant American flag is hung behind the podium. Key Bridge provides a beautiful backdrop on a stunning fall morning. The President's Own Marine Band is rehearsing. The Secret Service is giving me the stink eye as I stand there with my mouth gaping open, taking a few pictures.
It's moments like this that I try to take in and savor. These are experiences that very few people have. It's not lost on me. People around me are complaining about the President ruining their lunch plans. But, I happen to think that it's pretty stinking cool that he'll be less than a block from my office entrance.
But days like today make me feel like a kid on Christmas morning.
This morning, the President will be speaking about his jobs plan. Right across the street from my office building. We recieved an email yesterday saying that there would be traffic delays and the street would be closed to pedestrian traffic for a time. I made an effort to get to the office a little earlier than normal and took a few minutes to survey the scene. Dump trucks are strategically parked on the Georgetown Waterfront, facing the river. A giant American flag is hung behind the podium. Key Bridge provides a beautiful backdrop on a stunning fall morning. The President's Own Marine Band is rehearsing. The Secret Service is giving me the stink eye as I stand there with my mouth gaping open, taking a few pictures.
It's moments like this that I try to take in and savor. These are experiences that very few people have. It's not lost on me. People around me are complaining about the President ruining their lunch plans. But, I happen to think that it's pretty stinking cool that he'll be less than a block from my office entrance.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth leaves the whole world hungry and blind
I can't believe I live in a country that still allows capital punishment.
I can't believe I live in a country that carries out the death penalty on a person who very likely could be innocent. I am against the death penalty in all cases, but Troy Davis' case has just left me dumbfounded and heartbroken. I blogged recently about Casey Anthony and how our justice system isn't perfect and we don't always get it right. I wondered then where the angry mobs of people were when an innocent person is prosecuted. When an innocent person is put to death. That is likely what happened last night in Georgia. It crushes me to think about it.
It's not that I don't think people should be held accountable for their actions. I do. But, I don't believe that the State should play God. And, please don't point me to Leviticus 24:20 unless you are willing to follow the other 600 or so laws in the Old Testament. And, don't tell me that his lawyers failed him because I believe that there were factors other than incompetant lawyers at play here (not the least of which is racism). And, don't try to sell me on the fact that there is always collateral damage in war. I've heard all of the arguments and there is no way I'll ever be convinced that capital punishment is okay. Especially in this case.
There was doubt in this case. We are not 100% sure than he committed the crime. Yes, I know he was convicted, but sometimes we get it wrong. The jury members have admitted that if they knew then what they know now, they would not have voted to convict him. And now he is dead. And Mark MacPhail is still dead. And, I don't believe there has been any justice in his murder. And, it proves to me once again that the State cannot be trusted with capital punishment.
It is worth noting that another man was executed last night in Texas. The crime was heinous and there is no doubt that Lawrence Russell Brewer played a role in the hate crime again James Byrd, Jr. And yet, the victim's own son objected, saying "you can't fight murder with murder". Amen.
I believe in a just God and I know that He will deal with Troy Davis and Lawrence Russell Brewer accordingly. It's my only comfort today.
I can't believe I live in a country that carries out the death penalty on a person who very likely could be innocent. I am against the death penalty in all cases, but Troy Davis' case has just left me dumbfounded and heartbroken. I blogged recently about Casey Anthony and how our justice system isn't perfect and we don't always get it right. I wondered then where the angry mobs of people were when an innocent person is prosecuted. When an innocent person is put to death. That is likely what happened last night in Georgia. It crushes me to think about it.
It's not that I don't think people should be held accountable for their actions. I do. But, I don't believe that the State should play God. And, please don't point me to Leviticus 24:20 unless you are willing to follow the other 600 or so laws in the Old Testament. And, don't tell me that his lawyers failed him because I believe that there were factors other than incompetant lawyers at play here (not the least of which is racism). And, don't try to sell me on the fact that there is always collateral damage in war. I've heard all of the arguments and there is no way I'll ever be convinced that capital punishment is okay. Especially in this case.
There was doubt in this case. We are not 100% sure than he committed the crime. Yes, I know he was convicted, but sometimes we get it wrong. The jury members have admitted that if they knew then what they know now, they would not have voted to convict him. And now he is dead. And Mark MacPhail is still dead. And, I don't believe there has been any justice in his murder. And, it proves to me once again that the State cannot be trusted with capital punishment.
It is worth noting that another man was executed last night in Texas. The crime was heinous and there is no doubt that Lawrence Russell Brewer played a role in the hate crime again James Byrd, Jr. And yet, the victim's own son objected, saying "you can't fight murder with murder". Amen.
I believe in a just God and I know that He will deal with Troy Davis and Lawrence Russell Brewer accordingly. It's my only comfort today.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
I'm so busy!
It's been a long time since I've posted anything. I've been writing, but nothing is ready to be posted yet. There's a lot on my mind -- from my visit with my 91 year old grandmother in August, to a new baby in the family to embracing my new role of being the mother of a middle schooler. It's all swirling in my mind right now. "I'm so busy", I tell myself. And, I hear it all the time from other people.
Here's the truth: We aren't THAT busy. We are just busy with the things that we make a priority. Yes, there are times when we are double booked or have a lot on our plate. But, let's be real...most of it is stuff that we choose to put on our plate. And, we make the time for the things that are at the top of our priority list. How often do our plans change because something comes up that is higher on our priority list? I tell Jake all the time that he has to prioritize. Is piano a priority? Then don't waste your time on video games (I'm sure he'll need therapy for all the times I have told him what an amazing pianist he would be if he spent 1/2 the time practicing that he does playing Xbox). And, he reminds me that sometimes we just need a break from all of our commitments and resting *is* the priority. After all, God did it (Gen 2:2). He sanctified it and made it holy (Gen 2:3) And he commanded it (Deut 5:12). Now, I don't want to make this a debate about what day the Sabbath is supposed to on be or how we are to observe it -- I use those verses merely to point out that rest is part of who we are as God created us.
Lloyd and I try really hard not to be "too busy" to just be in the moment. We love to have a house full of people and now that we have a house that will fit more than 3 people in it, we long to just be able to spontaneously invite somebody over instead of planning it 3 weeks out. Some of the best parties I've ever had are those that just "happened". It's not that I think planning is bad...but when somebody invites me over for dinner and I tell them I'm busy until November, I think it speaks volumes about how important they are in my life.
When we lived in Olympia, we built a deck on the front of our house so that we could intentionally hang out in our neighborhood, engaging people as they passed by. I remember one day last summer, I'd had a stressful day and just wanted to hang out with people. I posted on Twitter and Facebook that I'd be out on the deck with margaritas and whoever wanted to drop by was welcome. We had people on our deck late into the night -- talking, laughing & forging new friendships.
I've said before that I believe people have a desire to be known. I also believe that we were created to be in community with one another. God gave Adam a companion because it "is not good that the man should be alone" (Gen 2:18). Our triune God did this (this was not an accident or an after-thought). We are social beings -- we were not created to live behind a privacy fence and not engage in the world around us. And the only way to get to know people in an intimate way -- a way that is condusive to long lasting relationships is to not be "too busy" to invite them over for dinner in the first place. Invite somebody. Get to know them. Invest in them. Make them a priority. Your life will be richer because of it.
Here's the truth: We aren't THAT busy. We are just busy with the things that we make a priority. Yes, there are times when we are double booked or have a lot on our plate. But, let's be real...most of it is stuff that we choose to put on our plate. And, we make the time for the things that are at the top of our priority list. How often do our plans change because something comes up that is higher on our priority list? I tell Jake all the time that he has to prioritize. Is piano a priority? Then don't waste your time on video games (I'm sure he'll need therapy for all the times I have told him what an amazing pianist he would be if he spent 1/2 the time practicing that he does playing Xbox). And, he reminds me that sometimes we just need a break from all of our commitments and resting *is* the priority. After all, God did it (Gen 2:2). He sanctified it and made it holy (Gen 2:3) And he commanded it (Deut 5:12). Now, I don't want to make this a debate about what day the Sabbath is supposed to on be or how we are to observe it -- I use those verses merely to point out that rest is part of who we are as God created us.
Lloyd and I try really hard not to be "too busy" to just be in the moment. We love to have a house full of people and now that we have a house that will fit more than 3 people in it, we long to just be able to spontaneously invite somebody over instead of planning it 3 weeks out. Some of the best parties I've ever had are those that just "happened". It's not that I think planning is bad...but when somebody invites me over for dinner and I tell them I'm busy until November, I think it speaks volumes about how important they are in my life.
When we lived in Olympia, we built a deck on the front of our house so that we could intentionally hang out in our neighborhood, engaging people as they passed by. I remember one day last summer, I'd had a stressful day and just wanted to hang out with people. I posted on Twitter and Facebook that I'd be out on the deck with margaritas and whoever wanted to drop by was welcome. We had people on our deck late into the night -- talking, laughing & forging new friendships.
I've said before that I believe people have a desire to be known. I also believe that we were created to be in community with one another. God gave Adam a companion because it "is not good that the man should be alone" (Gen 2:18). Our triune God did this (this was not an accident or an after-thought). We are social beings -- we were not created to live behind a privacy fence and not engage in the world around us. And the only way to get to know people in an intimate way -- a way that is condusive to long lasting relationships is to not be "too busy" to invite them over for dinner in the first place. Invite somebody. Get to know them. Invest in them. Make them a priority. Your life will be richer because of it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)