Tonight, Sweet Beth Moore is hosting "Converge" for her home town girls. Tickets were supposed to go on sale the Monday after Hurricane Ike ... but, do I really need to say more? We were a town without power ... Centerpoint really wasn't so concerned I was supposed to get tickets! I put Dean on the case to get the tickets and he came through with second row seats (do I really need to say he is amazing? He is.) (Um, did I put the period in the wrong spot? I honestly can't remember!) Anyways, it is tonight ... and, I can't even begin to tell you how much I need it. Today has been draining. Today has been exhausting. Today has been demoralizing. Truly it has been bad. But, tonight ... well, tonight will erase it from my memory. Tonight will rejuvenate my soul. Tonight will bring encouragement so badly needed. Tonight. Um, Beth, I will be sitting on the second row ... I will be the one who looks like she has been through the war zone (I teach Kindergarten for crying out loud ... I am probably the only 40 year old who gets a daily announcement 19 times that there are only 14 more days until Christmas!) and who is proud to call herself a "home town girl"! Can't wait!
PS ... I went to my first Beth Moore Tuesday night Bible study the 1st September we had moved to Houston. Pastor David in Orlando used to say there is no where lonelier than a crowded room. Um, wrong. A crowded room of girlfriends is lonelier. Truth. That night she said how we were her hometown girls and I really wanted to raise my hand and say "Um, I'm not a home town girl, I'm from Orlando and I will never be a home town girl, but thanks for letting me come anyway". Time doesn't really heal all wounds, but it sure does soften them. Has it really been just over 2 years ... and, here I am calling myself a 'home town girl". Does anyone have the recipe for Humble Pie?!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Commentary on the Snow
(Disclaimer ... I wanted to put words with the last post, but, for some reason it was underlining everything and it was making me crazy. So, I posted it and here are my thoughts on the day)
It snowed in Houston, TX today. Snow. Actual snow. I grew up in the snow, but, I dare say there hasn't been a snowfall that brought me as much joy as this one. Go figure! It didn't stick. It wasn't enough to make a snow ball. There won't be a snow day tomorrow. There will be no snow angels. But, it brought joy, joy, joy.
Dean called to let us know snow had been spotted at his office. Torrey and I were at school and before you knew it, she was out the door with a gaggle of staff kids. Oh, how they ran. Their laughter still makes me smile. I'm sure you heard them wherever you are! We hurried home to make sure we got pictures ... she and Zack stayed out in it for quite awhile. Running, laughing and just marveling at the wonder of it all.
Yesterday into today have been rough. Yesterday in Houston was muggy and humid ... and a balmy 78 degrees. Last night the front rolled in ... or rather stormed in as it came with fast, fast winds (we just lived through the hurricane ... we don't need reminders!) and suddenly it was cold. No, freezing! This morning, it was rainy and cold ... very, very cold. (I had to stop for gas because I didn't want to stop last night since it was so windy. Who knew?!) It was gray all day, but one friend in my class was convinced it was going to snow, so we were on "snow patrol". Two weeks before Christmas. 19 Kindergartners. Cold weather. Possibility of snow. No playground. No matter how you do the Math, it does not lead to a good outcome! I didn't believe the snow would come. I couldn't believe the snow would come. But, come it did. And, with it ... JOY!
This morning, I woke to news I wasn't expecting. Not anything that affects Dean and I, but someone we love. And, we hurt for him. We terribly hurt. Just like the snow today, we have to hope that "snow" is coming. We have to believe that "snow" is coming. We have to look forward to the "snow" that is coming. And, with that "snow", will come joy ... joy that will make you run around like a fool just so you can fully experience that joy. We pray that it will come quickly for you ... and, until then, we are ready to stand in the gap for you because we truly do love you! And, YOU know who YOU are!
And, so we look forward to tomorrow and what it will bring ... um, Lord, could we please ask for warmer weather in Houston?!
It snowed in Houston, TX today. Snow. Actual snow. I grew up in the snow, but, I dare say there hasn't been a snowfall that brought me as much joy as this one. Go figure! It didn't stick. It wasn't enough to make a snow ball. There won't be a snow day tomorrow. There will be no snow angels. But, it brought joy, joy, joy.
Dean called to let us know snow had been spotted at his office. Torrey and I were at school and before you knew it, she was out the door with a gaggle of staff kids. Oh, how they ran. Their laughter still makes me smile. I'm sure you heard them wherever you are! We hurried home to make sure we got pictures ... she and Zack stayed out in it for quite awhile. Running, laughing and just marveling at the wonder of it all.
Yesterday into today have been rough. Yesterday in Houston was muggy and humid ... and a balmy 78 degrees. Last night the front rolled in ... or rather stormed in as it came with fast, fast winds (we just lived through the hurricane ... we don't need reminders!) and suddenly it was cold. No, freezing! This morning, it was rainy and cold ... very, very cold. (I had to stop for gas because I didn't want to stop last night since it was so windy. Who knew?!) It was gray all day, but one friend in my class was convinced it was going to snow, so we were on "snow patrol". Two weeks before Christmas. 19 Kindergartners. Cold weather. Possibility of snow. No playground. No matter how you do the Math, it does not lead to a good outcome! I didn't believe the snow would come. I couldn't believe the snow would come. But, come it did. And, with it ... JOY!
This morning, I woke to news I wasn't expecting. Not anything that affects Dean and I, but someone we love. And, we hurt for him. We terribly hurt. Just like the snow today, we have to hope that "snow" is coming. We have to believe that "snow" is coming. We have to look forward to the "snow" that is coming. And, with that "snow", will come joy ... joy that will make you run around like a fool just so you can fully experience that joy. We pray that it will come quickly for you ... and, until then, we are ready to stand in the gap for you because we truly do love you! And, YOU know who YOU are!
And, so we look forward to tomorrow and what it will bring ... um, Lord, could we please ask for warmer weather in Houston?!
Friday, December 5, 2008
Things That Make You Go Hmmmmm
Remember Arsenio Hall? If not, my title makes no sense to you ... pretend it does. Lately, there have been some things that have caused me to go "Hmmmm". Many, many things. And, here they are ... in no particular order.
So, it was reported this week that an atheist group wants their own holiday. Dean reminded me that they already do. April Fools Day.
Small dogs poop more than big dogs. A lot more. How is this possible? And the stink ... shudder.
I went to Target and while I was there I went to the Starbucks to get a Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate ... I have only heard rave reviews (unlike the disasterous honey latte of the spring). The girl looked at me and said "No you don't" ... why is it you think of the good come back when you are aisles away? I should have said "What? You live in my head?" ... but, I didn't. And then she proceeded to go on and on and at one point she said "I'm not trying to be rude" ... again, aisles away when I thought "Too late!" I made the wise choice to get nothing. Somehow I knew I would be getting a sneezer.
Where do Kindergarteners get all their energy this time of the year? If I only had a quarter of their energy I would be set!
And, why is it I feel so short tempered this time of the year? When did I turn into a Scrooge? Grrrr.
How old do your kids have to be before their hair is no longer your "domain". I mean, how much longer will I be able to tell Torrey how long/short her hair can be? Did you know she goes in for a haircut tomorrow? She wanted to cut 7 inches ... we negotiated to 5. And, for the record, I wasn't the only parent involved.
Charlie Brown Christmas. Best Christmas program ever. Ever. (Don't tell me you have never tried to do the dance ... I am a master at it!)
I have to go to a cookie exchange on Sunday. Would it be wrong to bring Oreos? What if they were dipped in white chocolate?
How late is too late to send out Christmas cards? I am going to make them this year ... and, guess how many I have finished?
And, on that note, guess how many presents I have wrapped? Or, should I say, NOT wrapped. Brother.
Is it wrong of me to have sick children breathe on me so I can have a sick day? To be fair, I only pick the ones who are sick enough to make me "sick" enough to stay home to get some things done. I'm not THAT crazy!
Did you know that the weather in Houston is EXTREMELY hot in the summer (crazy hot ... and, we spent 8 summers in Florida!) and freakishly cold in the winter. Seriously. Today it was in the 40's ALL day. I am still frozen. I came home to Dean wearing 3 layers. In the house. With the heat on. It was that cold.
I guess that is enough "Hmmmmm" things for tonight. I really should have been making a list as I thought of them this week because they just kept coming. I will post this and think of more ... but, that is me. Maybe I am a little bit crazy. I wonder how long until my brother makes a comment. Time starts NOW ...
So, it was reported this week that an atheist group wants their own holiday. Dean reminded me that they already do. April Fools Day.
Small dogs poop more than big dogs. A lot more. How is this possible? And the stink ... shudder.
I went to Target and while I was there I went to the Starbucks to get a Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate ... I have only heard rave reviews (unlike the disasterous honey latte of the spring). The girl looked at me and said "No you don't" ... why is it you think of the good come back when you are aisles away? I should have said "What? You live in my head?" ... but, I didn't. And then she proceeded to go on and on and at one point she said "I'm not trying to be rude" ... again, aisles away when I thought "Too late!" I made the wise choice to get nothing. Somehow I knew I would be getting a sneezer.
Where do Kindergarteners get all their energy this time of the year? If I only had a quarter of their energy I would be set!
And, why is it I feel so short tempered this time of the year? When did I turn into a Scrooge? Grrrr.
How old do your kids have to be before their hair is no longer your "domain". I mean, how much longer will I be able to tell Torrey how long/short her hair can be? Did you know she goes in for a haircut tomorrow? She wanted to cut 7 inches ... we negotiated to 5. And, for the record, I wasn't the only parent involved.
Charlie Brown Christmas. Best Christmas program ever. Ever. (Don't tell me you have never tried to do the dance ... I am a master at it!)
I have to go to a cookie exchange on Sunday. Would it be wrong to bring Oreos? What if they were dipped in white chocolate?
How late is too late to send out Christmas cards? I am going to make them this year ... and, guess how many I have finished?
And, on that note, guess how many presents I have wrapped? Or, should I say, NOT wrapped. Brother.
Is it wrong of me to have sick children breathe on me so I can have a sick day? To be fair, I only pick the ones who are sick enough to make me "sick" enough to stay home to get some things done. I'm not THAT crazy!
Did you know that the weather in Houston is EXTREMELY hot in the summer (crazy hot ... and, we spent 8 summers in Florida!) and freakishly cold in the winter. Seriously. Today it was in the 40's ALL day. I am still frozen. I came home to Dean wearing 3 layers. In the house. With the heat on. It was that cold.
I guess that is enough "Hmmmmm" things for tonight. I really should have been making a list as I thought of them this week because they just kept coming. I will post this and think of more ... but, that is me. Maybe I am a little bit crazy. I wonder how long until my brother makes a comment. Time starts NOW ...
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
And, This Just In From the "It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time" Department
So, last night we braved the elements to go to our first (and, my last) Monday Night football game. The Texans were playing the Jacksonville Jaguars ... and, we were there. Before I begin the story there are some facts you must know ...
#1 I do not really know so much about football ... will it bring world peace? or a shorter line at Target? I don't think so. I know that when the guy in the striped shirt holds both his arms up in the air, half of the people watching the game will be happy ... the other half, not so much (or, in the case of last night, do naughty things with their fingers).
#2 I do not like cold weather. And, it was really cold last night. The roof of Reliant Stadium was damaged during Hurricane Ike (oh, how we curse you Hurricane Ike!) ... so, there we sat like idiots in the cold. Now, to our favorites reading this from New Hampshire or colder ... we know that temperatures in the 40's are not so cold to you, but, to put it in perspective, temperatures in the summer of 100 are really not so hot to us. Thankfully, Linda had the sense to bring blankets and socks ... otherwise I would not be writing this post because I would have frostbite. I really need to buy a warm coat ... maybe that should be point #3.
#3 We could have put our names in for a chance to win tickets to go watch the Texans play on Lambeau Field next week. We did not even put our names in the hat because we know that Lambeau Field is in Wisconsin ... and, if I was struggling through a game in the cold in Houston, Texas, what would I be like at a game in Wisconsin?!
#4 Parking was a bit of a challenge because of tailgaters. For some reason Dean did not want to park his precious by the open fires. Scaredy Cat!
#5 And, speaking of tailgaters ... what's with that? They were out there for the ENTIRE game. I thought the point of going to the game was to go inside and watch the game. Who knew that some of Houston's happenest night spots were in the parking lot of Reliant Stadium.
#6 Seriously, I was a bit freaked going into the game. There were a lot of people who were trying to get in and the vast majority had just spent hours at Houston's happenest night spot (see above post).
And, so, I decided that while I really had fun at the game last night, I will watch from home. Because we all know I really only watch for the commercials!
Dean told me tonight that this was Houston's first Monday night football game ... ever. So, we were there for the making of History ... and, to make it even better, the Texans won. Didn't see that coming!
Know why Linda is so happy? Long Underwear. Truth. She is extremely smart.
And, we are not so smart ... I don't even own long underwear! But, it was a night to remember. I can now cross that off my list of 100 things I want to do ... wait ... I haven't made that list yet. I guess I can start now ....
1. Make list of 100 things to do
2. Go to Texans game on Monday night in freezing temperatures
#1 I do not really know so much about football ... will it bring world peace? or a shorter line at Target? I don't think so. I know that when the guy in the striped shirt holds both his arms up in the air, half of the people watching the game will be happy ... the other half, not so much (or, in the case of last night, do naughty things with their fingers).
#2 I do not like cold weather. And, it was really cold last night. The roof of Reliant Stadium was damaged during Hurricane Ike (oh, how we curse you Hurricane Ike!) ... so, there we sat like idiots in the cold. Now, to our favorites reading this from New Hampshire or colder ... we know that temperatures in the 40's are not so cold to you, but, to put it in perspective, temperatures in the summer of 100 are really not so hot to us. Thankfully, Linda had the sense to bring blankets and socks ... otherwise I would not be writing this post because I would have frostbite. I really need to buy a warm coat ... maybe that should be point #3.
#3 We could have put our names in for a chance to win tickets to go watch the Texans play on Lambeau Field next week. We did not even put our names in the hat because we know that Lambeau Field is in Wisconsin ... and, if I was struggling through a game in the cold in Houston, Texas, what would I be like at a game in Wisconsin?!
#4 Parking was a bit of a challenge because of tailgaters. For some reason Dean did not want to park his precious by the open fires. Scaredy Cat!
#5 And, speaking of tailgaters ... what's with that? They were out there for the ENTIRE game. I thought the point of going to the game was to go inside and watch the game. Who knew that some of Houston's happenest night spots were in the parking lot of Reliant Stadium.
#6 Seriously, I was a bit freaked going into the game. There were a lot of people who were trying to get in and the vast majority had just spent hours at Houston's happenest night spot (see above post).
And, so, I decided that while I really had fun at the game last night, I will watch from home. Because we all know I really only watch for the commercials!
Dean told me tonight that this was Houston's first Monday night football game ... ever. So, we were there for the making of History ... and, to make it even better, the Texans won. Didn't see that coming!
Know why Linda is so happy? Long Underwear. Truth. She is extremely smart.
And, we are not so smart ... I don't even own long underwear! But, it was a night to remember. I can now cross that off my list of 100 things I want to do ... wait ... I haven't made that list yet. I guess I can start now ....1. Make list of 100 things to do
2. Go to Texans game on Monday night in freezing temperatures
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
