My best and worst hair appointment ever

So the other day I got my hair cut. I have a fabulous hairdresser and he was kind enough to fit me in because it had been months since I’d been there and my hair was traumatizing me.  While I’m sitting on the couch in the salon I happen to notice three books written by Bible Study author, Angela Thomas. Her books were on the table and I picked one up and sort of freaked out because it was one I had asked Randy to pick up for me at Lifeway the day before. It’s a Bible Study book that I’m considering for our women’s Fall study and I am watching the downloads online but needed the book to do the homework. But we decided at the last minute not to get the book right now. So I see the very book sitting there that I wanted to get the day before. I asked the receptionist if the book belonged to anyone in the salon. She looked at it and said, “Oh, that’s Michael’s client. She writes those books and sometimes brings them in to leave. You can have it.”

My eyes got all bug eyed and I lost all composure in that cute little upscale salon. I said to my hair dresser, “YOU cut Angela Thomas’s hair?!!” And he said, "Well, that’s not her last name anymore but yes, I cut her hair. She was just in last week…..” And he goes on to tell me about the conference she’s speaking at in June that I’m going to. I laughed when he asked me if she knew me. Ha! “Uhhh…no, she doesn’t know I exist.” Now I’m not usually a groupie or a  gasp at famous people kind of a girl, but I have to say that this got me a little excited. I just did a study by Angela Thomas and it impacted me and all the ladies in so many ways. I have said probably a million times in my head…..If I could just have an hour with her to tell her what she has meant in the past few months I would love it. Of course I never dreamed that would be possible. But guess.what?!

I just might get to tell her. You know why?

Because I’m just so “happening” to get my hair done on the same day she’s getting her hair done in a few weeks.

Did I really just admit to that out loud and on my blog?

What’s really sad about this is that I don’t get my hair done but like every 3 months. And I’m having to go back JUST so I can meet her and maybe talk to her for like 5 minutes. I said to my hair dresser, “ I can’t afford to get my hair  cut again in just a few weeks so what’s going to be my excuse for coming here the day she’s here?” He said, “Oh just come for a wash and style and you can talk to her while she waits.”  

So how creepy is this? Me stalking a Bible Study teacher and author. A hair stalker no less than.

Watch my kids come down with strep throat or something. I’d hate to bring them to the salon half dying. Ha!  I’m kidding. I wouldn’t do that. Or watch Angela’s bodyguards intercept this covert operation and send a double in her place and lock me up for harassment. Now that would be my luck.

Okay, so that was the best part of my hair appointment. The worst part was what happened to my hair. Basically I got a perm with a flat iron.  I asked for curls. Annnnnd, I got them. I had these Shirley Temple ringlet curls all over my head and they were so tight that he even tried to loosen them with a hair dryer. But that didn’t work. I couldn’t complain though because he was cutting hair for a famous chick and he was sneaking me in to see her. I laughed off the curls and then tried to go incognito the rest of the day. I tried stretching the curls out with rubber bands and bobby pins but to no avail. All I could think about was my dead poodle. We had a graduation to attend at our church and I couldn’t show up looking like that so I ended up having to wash the curls out. What’s bad is when I got out of the shower my hair was still wavy while soaking wet. This would be normal for a curly headed person but I have straight, fine hair. It eventually all came out. But other than that it was a fabulous hair appointment because I got a free Angela Thomas Bible Study book, got my hairs cut, and arranged a covert operation!

But don’t tell anyone.

What happened when I left my ipod

Remember that walk I shared about that I took with a friend? The one I thought would be more like a stroll in the park that ended up being a four mile haul across town? Yeah, that one. Well, that walk has started a new walking routine for me and I love it. It’s not the four mile routine but a little more than half of that. At first I would take my ipod and start my morning out at 6:30am with a worship playlist – oblivious to what was around me. But last week I left my ipod at home and something really wild happened. I saw the world around me in a new way and felt like God put up flashing divine signs all around me through His creation.

It started out with seeing this adorable little tree that I pass every time and think of Alice in Wonderland…….I thought it was so cute. I was still oblivious to what God would soon open my eyes to on this walk – the one I’ve been doing for a while but never like this morning. 

Soon I started noticing more trees…. but these were not cute little fairy tale trees like the first one that captured my attention. These were huge, towering trees like this one…..

And it made me think of the verse that talks about oaks of righteousness and so I started praying for my kids to be like that one day. Over and over I kept noticing these huge trees and the Spirit of God was moving in my heart to pray for my children, the children represented in our Moms In Prayer group and the kids at our school. Strong, firm, healthy oaks of righteousness standing strong for God. Over and over these trees would be right in front of me and beside me. I was praying hard for our kids and then suddenly out of nowhere I saw this tree and it hit me like a ton of bricks:

It felt like a punch in the stomach to see this broken down tree. I was like, “What in the world, God? For real, right in the middle of my awesome prayer time with you about oaks of righteousness and this is what I come across?” And then I had to wonder if all those other trees and prayers were really coming from the Spirit of God or just random thoughts from a brain freed up of musical stimuli.  But it was in the next moments that I felt the urgency to pray for the pruning and restoration of broken down souls at our school. I also felt the Holy Spirit speak into me and say don’t be so quick to try and fix broken areas in my children myself. But to trust Him and let Him be the healer and tree doctor. That sometimes we must experience the brokenness in order to be rebuilt into something more beautiful for Him. And only He could do the ultimate and lasting healing. I also had to ask myself before God in what areas I was broken.

Still, after seeing the broken down tree I was glad to go back to seeing towering oaks and massive magnolia trees. I was encouraged with thoughts of the Body of Christ and how all types are used by Him and for His glory. The tender saplings struck me this day and reminded me of babes in Christ. I’d never really noticed the newly planted trees before. Not in this way. Because I’m not an observer of trees but this day they just kept jumping out in my path.

Funny how I’ve left my ipod at home every walk since. I can’t say I’ve had another experience like this one but I will never ever look at these trees the same again. My walks are refreshing and I look forward to my prayer time with the Lord. It makes me realize how much I’ve missed my extended talks with Him and hearing from Him through His awesome creation.

I hesitated in posting this last week so I waited……I feel like some experiences are just for Father/daughter to share. I wondered if this was one of them. But for some reason I felt compelled to share it in writing tonight and so I pray I’m hearing right.

Linking with Michelle today over at Graceful – been missing that blog lately. I loved and appreciated her post about Mother’s Day especially.

A few things scrumptious and a word about Mugs and Muffins

Little girls dressed up traditionally make me smile. And this one little girl imp articular (weird how you spell that word) makes me beam. Love her hair in a bun – which we’ve done almost daily since her ballet recital. Mamma figured out a new do and now that’s all she does. Dance-Mom, that’s what I am. Be ever so jealous. Ha! I’m kidddding.

The hydrangeas in the bun came from the backyard - can you tell I’m slightly excited about having them? Not only are they in every single room of the house but we now put them in hair-do’s.  I was supposed to save my first clippings for Mugs and Muffins on Saturday but….I caved and snipped them and put them all over the house. I thought they would last til Saturday but they didn’t. Ooops.

Sophie is such a Daddy’s girl….I love this picture of Randy with his tool kit fixing a Madame Alexander doll with Sophie that she accidently broke. He did it! Dads can fix anything.

Mugs and Muffins was fabulous on Saturday! Our speaker was wonderful. She spoke confidently and gave such glory to God as she shared her heart with us. Not only did she share her personal struggle but she talked with us how we could help someone else who might be struggling with an eating disorder or another kind of issue. She talked about how all addictions come from the same side of the brain – so if it’s food, drugs, alcohol, sex, or whatever…… it is can get such a strong grip on us that our thinking isn’t even rational. At times intense counseling or therapy is needed. The type of therapy that was suggested for Kendal, at the time of her deepest need, involved a home treatment plan where her husband and both her Mom and Mother-in-law were to prepare all meals for her and monitor her for at least 30 minutes afterwards…making sure she ate her food and didn’t spit it out or throw it up. It involved 6 months of this before new patterns arrived and stayed. When asked if she still struggles she said that there are some days that can be hard for her but overall she has victory in this area. I love how she reminded us that for some people God allows there to be freedom instantly from a stronghold while for many others it’s a slow, hard process. It’s that thorn in the flesh that Paul talks about- never really leaving but learning from a set of skills and by God’s grace, to manage or cope with that “thorn.” And how that keeps us dependent on Him.  It was such a wonderful morning of hearing about God’s healing power and being motivated to be that part of the Body of Christ that would be willing to get involved to help someone else when they walk through a dark time.

Our prayer was that this event would move us a step closer to God and to each other. And I believe He has done that and is doing that. Four precious women who are in the midst of an addiction struggle attended this event and how my heart has been praying, aching and loving on them without them even knowing it. I sat down this morning to write out a note to each of them – not really sure what to say – but sure God put it on my heart. So I prayerfully and a bit hesitantly scribbled my heart on a little notecard and while doing so asked Him to use it to bring each girl a step closer to Him and to others. When we share from our weaknesses it’s amazing what He shows up to do. It’s true: when we are weak, He is strong. Lord, thank you for my weakness.

Talking about weakness. Can I just say that I’m so thankful for our Women’s Ministry Team. Without them we’d never be able to do the things we do. People think it’s me running this stuff but it’s not. I have an amazing team of women who gather together for prayer, planning and then work hard to get stuff done. There were times on Saturday that I forgot something major – like unwrapping and setting out the muffins for instance – yeah, that was just a wee bit of an oversight. But I turn around to get everyone gathered to pray right before we started the morning and they’re all unwrapping muffins and getting the coffee out. And that was a good thing since our only food/beverage was centered around muffins and coffee! I needed these ladies to jump in and do what they did. What a huge blessing. I am still learning a lot in leading, speaking and facilitating. I have a long way to go. I’d much rather just be there instead of having to learn as I go while feeling foolish so many times. But I keep hearing that the process is just as important as the outcome. And I’m willing to go through it in order to bring women together for the purpose of growing closer to Him and to others.

Kendal, if you’re reading……THANK YOU for how you helped in supporting the mission of our women’s ministry on Saturday. I love you and I love what God is doing in you.

Two pictures that say it well

Mitchell: The Lego Master. We drove to the Toy Store today to submit his Lego creation into a contest that might win him $50 if he were to get first place. It was priceless what happened as we walked in the door. The store was packed and as soon as Mitchell walked in with his display the customers gathered around his creation and were talking about how cool it was. We turned in his registration form and then looked around for a while. When we left we spotted his creation in the front and center of the store window. Every contestant’s creation is displayed somewhere in the window until next Saturday when they announce the winner. As we walked outside we saw a group of teen boys taking a picture of Mitchell’s Mario Scene. There was a little sign next to the display that had Mitchell’s name and age on it. Mitchell stood next to the boys with a slight grin and observed his own handiwork and then about 45 seconds later he says, ever so gently, “I’m Mitchell.” They said, “Really? That’s awesome dude.”

And Mother and son stood beaming from ear to ear.

And yes, I know I just totally and completely bragged all over the place about my own son and was even obnoxious about it but hey, it’s Mother’s Day and a girl can be proud of her boy. I sooooooo hope he wins first place. We talked about it though……the whole “do your best and you really could win but you may not but it’s still fun to participate..blah, blah, blah” But on the inside? I’m whining and begging like the baby of a family for God to grant first place to my boy. Ha! Okay, not really. I’m not that bad, but it’s close. Will you pray and fast too on his behalf? Just Kidding. You can eat but in your prayer beforehand could you throw in first place and Mitchell? I’m kidding ya’ll.

Sophie: The dance diva. This pretty much is how I find her ballet shoes ALL over the house. I saw them outside our bedroom door this morning and had to snap the picture because it’s so Sophie. It’s like she takes them off mid-plié every single time. Her tutu’s are all in a pile from where she dressed up and her bags are packed to go to Palau. No, we’re not really going to Palau but she has been packing for the last few weeks and pretends to go there to see her missionary cousins. I’ve been meaning to tell them so they can expect her the next time she packs and boards a plane. I love her imaginary play right now. It’s so much fun.

My kids make me proud and I love being their Mamma.

And today I am remembering the two women who gave life and love to our children. I pray blessing and peace over them. Hope and confidence. Joy and happiness.

And for those who desire to be a Mom and aren’t: I pray for strength to keep hoping, trust that He has a plan for you and joy in the wait.

Happy Mother’s Day everyone!

Getting to meet a blogging friend tomorrow

I’m super excited about getting to meet and hear my blogging friend, Kendal Privette, speak at our annual Mugs and Muffins event tomorrow morning. This is where we all bring a mug and pay $3 at the door and have some muffins and coffee and hear a speaker share her heart. We try and find women who love God and aren’t afraid to be real and honest about their struggles, pain and hardships. Because really, we all have them don’t we?  I first read Kendal’s book over a year ago and we have emailed off and on and finally I’ll get to meet her in the morning for the first time. Kendal shares openly on her blog and in her book  about her past struggles with anorexia.  And this is what she’ll be talking to us about on Saturday. Our ministry team has been praying and asking God to bless this event….to bring the women and students that He wants to be there and that we’ll receive warmly what He has for us.

So if you happen to read this and would say a prayer for Kendal and for the women that attend, I would so appreciate that. Would ask you to pray for a sweet spirit to be among us. For an openness to share, to pray with each other afterwards and to encourage each other in this very short time together. He did that for us last year and I’m praying He’ll do it again this year. It’s Mother’s Day weekend and I’m understanding too that there are a lot of other events scheduled for tomorrow but such is life…….busy, busy!!  We’re still hoping for a good turnout.

Oh, and I’ve got to come back here and show you pictures of Mitchell’s Lego submission for the Lego contest at Toys & Co, our most favoritest toy shop ever. He’s gunning for the $50 first place prize for his age category. Last year he had a patriotic theme going with The White House and few other key historical buildings that I should be remembering but don’t. But this year he has gone a totally different direction from the political scene. The suspense is killing you isn’t it? Just like the trying to find the third book of the Hunger Games. I know, it’s riveting. Okay, I’ll tell you. It’s a Mario Brothers theme and it ROCKS! I really hope he wins but even if not, he has a way cool Mario land to keep in his room.

Have a great Saturday shopping for Yo-Mamma and cooking for your kiddo’s.

Help Wanted by Darlene Brock–giving away 6 copies and Starbucks Gift Cards

Hands down, Motherhood is one of the hardest and most wonderful things I’ve ever done in my life. At one time in my naivety I thought having to speak in front of people would be the hardest thing I would ever have to do in my life. But that was before our four year old asked where babies come from or before she shoved a recorder flute up her nose and performed before all the Old Navy customers. Or the time our son took a black sharpie to the front porch railings…….of the house we hadn’t bought yet.

Motherhood – it is truly a wonderful mystery of challenge and delight.

And this is why I’m always interested in new books on the subject of parenting. I recently discovered an author, Darlene Brock,  who has written a book called “Help Wanted: Moms raising daughters” 

Help Wanted is flavored with honesty, humor, compelling stories and creative solutions. It navigates the various jobs moms must accomplish in the dynamic, yet often challenging mother-daughter relationship to make the maximum difference in their child’s life.

In addition to appearances on Fox News, CNN.com and Daytime TV, critics have praised the honest and humorous stories and compelling creative solutions Brock offers.

I’ve been reading her blog and am reading her book right now and it has been a refreshingly easy read with great insights.

I love this one excerpt of her writing:

“I read an article today in the Wall Street Journal about nagging your husband being hazardous to your marriage. Indeed true. But I contend nagging your teen is just as hazardous. It's the you ask, they ignore, you ask again, they mumble a response, you bring it up again they roll the eyes. If you're in the middle of this verbal volleyball match get out. It just becomes a mother nagging their child, not an adult female requesting and expecting their teen to be a responsible human being.

Here's what you do instead. Set expectations, make requests, establish consequences then just stay on course. If they do it immediately take a few minutes for a personal celebratory dance in your bedroom. If it takes the reminder system you have set up but still gets done, then you had a good day. If they fail miserably and belligerently disregard your requests then enact the already established consequences.

Bend if you need to, sometimes you will, remember these are the teen years. They require a good amount of flexibility. But what you shouldn't do is keep repeating yourself. It's tiresome for both you and your teen. Then in the midst of it all love and listen, that will be the most effective communication a mother can have with their child at any age.”

The exciting thing is that she is offering to give away six ($5) Starbucks gift cards ($10 to the first person) and a copy of her book just for reposting this blog post on your facebook page! That’s it. You repost on your facebook page and if you’re one of the first six people to get back to me saying you’ve reposted on facebook you will get her book (Kindle version or signed physical copy) and a SB gift card. Whoo-hoo!

Please be sure to leave in your comment your name, email address and that you have reposted on facebook.  Darlene Brock’s publishing group, The Media Collective, will contact you for a mailing address and to ask you if you want a Kindle version or physical copy of “Help Wanted”.

The giveaway will end on Monday, May 14th and winners will be announced back here on Tuesday. 

Happy Mother’s Day my friends!

She saw two womans getting married

Our five year old was eating her cereal at the table this morning – it was just the two us while the boys still got ready upstairs (ironic: isn’t it usually the girls always getting ready last?). And she says to me, “Mom, I saw two womans getting married on the TV this morning.” My heart sank as I wasn’t ready to have this discussion with her yet – about what God says verses what much of the world says about marriage. But it was here and she brought it up. I said, “Really?” And then she told me about the two men that were also getting married. I explained to her that the way God designed marriage was for a man and a woman only. The Bible makes it very clear and the Bible is true and our guide to life.  I said a few other things and she said, “Yeah, that’s what Dad said too.” That gave me a sense of relief that she had two separate conversations and they both had the same gist to it. Not that I doubted that would be the case but I think it shows her that we are very much on the same page with this issue. So in one breath I cringed at the thought of discussing homosexuality with my five year old but then again I’m thankful we had a good discussion about Truth. And that it came from us, her parents. Well, I guess it was the news that abruptly threw us into that conversation. What’s weird is that she never hears the news in the morning…..she just happened to catch it this morning. We explained to both the kids that we would be voting for the Marriage Amendment today and why. Mitchell said, “I wish I could vote.”  We’re thinking about taking the kids out of school a little early to go with us. Not sure if that’s a good idea or not. We’re still thinking that one through.

My prayer is that this vote today will reflect the Truth of God’s word and the guidelines He has set up for us so that we can live peacefully and successfully. That’s why God sets up this stuff for us – it’s for His glory and our benefit. He graciously sets boundaries in place for us for our own good. He does it out of love, not angry restriction. His grace tells us the Truth ahead of time so we don’t have to aimlessly wander through this life wondering what will hurt us or help us.

So yeah, we’re totally voting for the Marriage Amendment today.