Random Thoughts

We all have ‘em.  Here are some of mine:

When I walk through a store and there are clothes hanging on a rack, I always have the feeling I’m going to  painfully catch my eye on the exposed end of the rack.

I have been known to, upon finding a song that touches me, repeat it over and over for hours.

I do not like the smell of smoke – that’s too kind – I violently detest the smell of smoke. Upon encountering it, I will either (a)  hold my breath until I start to feel lightheaded, or (b) breathe so shallowly that I can actually feel brain cells withering.  I would rather smell a toot than someone’s smoke.

I keep all my make-up in a basket that I put away in the cabinet each day. Every morning when I’m getting ready, I lay all the make-up products on top of the counter. For the past 4 months, however, I seem to now lay the little fellas on a towel because I subconsciously feel it’s cushier for them. It’s just recently come to my conscious mind to notice this about myself. (Once a mother, always a mother. Now that my kids are gone, apparently I am transferring my caring skills to inanimate objects. This is scary.)

“They” say that, to most people, the thought of speaking in front of an audience is only one step less frightening than the thought of dying.  Public speaking is probably one of the top 4 or 5 things I like to do – especially if it has something to do with Jesus.

I am addicted to carbohydrates, but want to be addicted to raw vegetables and fruits.

The only two times I’ve been in the hospital were to give birth, but  I came home with three children. (Having twins is really quite the time management pinnacle.) I’ve also never had surgery, and have all my innards, which by the way, I’ve never seen any of.

I want to hold a baby gorilla. 

There are some people (actually many people, and mostly men) that when I talk to them or look at them, that I try to figure out what they looked like when they were little. 

One of my pet peeves is listening to someone with long fingernails click, click, click on the keyboard.

I’m a very passive driver.  I’m one of those people who allow other people to pull in front of them all the time.  You’re welcome. Unless you’re one of those hyper drivers that can’t stand letting people cut in front of them, in which case I’m sorry if you’re the one behind me.

The Geico gecko looks so real to me now that I forget that he is an animated figure. I love him.

I would actually skydive if, instead of being attached to a skydiving instructor, I was attached to Mike. But, Mike isn’t good with heights. And, he’s never gone skydiving. Thus, my impending skydiving experience has issues.

Many times while people are talking to me, I’m praying that God will help me see the truth of the conversation, and this person.

I love the Bronx accent, and in my opinion, have perfected mimicking it in as much as a born and bred Texan can. I will occasionally, while talking to someone, slip into said perfected accent when it wasn’t planned.  This also happens with my British accent as well.

We just returned from the movie theater.  Harrison, Steven, and George, why???????????

I’m grateful for the random thoughts that people have. Makes life more colorful.

Love,Kim

 

The times – they really are a changin’

One of the side effects/benefits of living one half of a century is that you are a witness to 50 years of watching the direction the world is moving.  If you are a keen observer, you might see that it moves in the same path that the Bible describes. Grateful for people all through the ages who have the ability to notice what needs to be noticed:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vou4qUu5YY

Love, Kim

 

Loves of my Life

Very grateful for all these that God has given me.

Love,Kim

 

What was the Choice again?

There are people who choose to live radiantly. They live in light. They choose to not miss out on things that truly count.  They look for things unseen. They connect vertically and horizontally with others. They know that Christ, people and relationships have endless value compared to money, status, statistics, always being right, always winning, always trying to look the best, always being the most educated/most aware/most popular. They choose to  learn the lesson and grow deeper even when they get sideswiped with lifejunk. They choose to keep their heads about them regardless of the pressure or stress. They choose to manage their emotions, while still being in touch with them and knowing how to express them in a way that benefits others. They choose to focus on the bigger things in life and not allow the petty things to dictate their thoughts, words, and actions. They choose to encourage others at all costs. They choose to see what others ignore. They choose to be in each moment. They choose to pray about their choices. They choose Life.

“This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessings, and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live, and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him. For the Lord is your life.” Deut. 30:19-20

There are people who choose to live this way. I’m grateful for their example. I think they’re paying attention.

Love, Kim

 

 

 

You’re Going Where???

I get the opportunity to sit, talk, and share lifestuff with younger women from time to time.  One, in particular, wanted to know how I was so comfortable with our three kids pushing geographical limits every now and then.  Easy answer. I want them to be wherever God wants them to be. Even easier now that they’re adults (Lauren-25, Ryan/Patrick-22 in two weeks). Is it really  that easy? Well, let me say, it’s a process.

When Lauren was in 5th grade, she told me she wanted to go to Africa and be a missionary. At that time, a parent’s worst “fear” (ha, ha – all things are relative, aren’t they?).   We did have a missionary to Africa at our church, but he wasn’t a particular focal point of Lauren’s world. Wasn’t sure where her desire was coming  from. Not too long after that, I sensed God was wanting me to say a prayer about giving her completely to Him(as Africa loomed in my mind.) All of her, to all of Him.  Very scary prayer for a mom to pray, even though spiritually and intellectually I knew she belonged to Him anyway.  Emotionally, I wasn’t willing to concede and say what He wanted me to. For two weeks, I resisted, but He persisted. No rest. Finally, half mad/half scared, I gave her over and tearfully said, “Do whatever You want to with her.”  Immediately, I felt a huge burden off of my heart. With obedience came refreshment. Also came a lightened spirit about no longer having to worry what was going to happen to her. As if my parental fear was going to help me know how to protect her in the next minute, hour, month or year when I have no idea what’s going to happen.  Ahhh, yes.  Much better for her to be in His hands than in mine.  About a year later, the exact same prayer was said for Patrick and Ryan. Much easier the second time. Knowing what I know now, it seems like He gets more extreme where He keeps taking His children, but even in that, there always is a puzzle piece that could only come from that place. Father does know best.

Since that prayer, Protestants Lauren and friend Katy have had rocks thrown at them by Catholic children in Ireland, only to eventually win their hearts, along with some of the parents. She and Nathan have collected money to release a wailing childless woman from a hospital in Ghana. They have also sat temporarily penniless and “homeless” on the curb by a trash dumpster in a small British town, deciding they were meant to be together “til death do we part”. She spent time with directionless widows in Bosnia when she herself had just become one, experiencing the difference between those who have hope, and those who have none.

There’s the time I spent two whole nights frustratedly crying over trying to reroute Ryan from Sarajevo to Budapest, instead of the original Venice. Had received an email saying he was coming home, was sick, and an ATM had “mistakenly” taken all his money. I was trying to let him know I had gotten him a plane out of Budapest – he just needed to get there. The bank would not let me know if the money I had put in his account was actually there, and the airline would not let me know if he was on the plane. Interesting growth moments each time all control gets taken away from you.  For Ryan and me. I kept praying, “God, I don’t know where he is.”  Over and over, God kept saying quietly, “I do.”

Then there’s Ryan and Patrick spending two weeks in Israel during one of the most turbulent times, but still getting to walk where our peace-filled Savior walked; Ryan missing trains and being separated from his friends in Germany, but getting to “truly” journey during the process of making his way back to them; Patrick not being able to get to his French hostel, sleeping under a tree in a park, being run out by the Parisian police/dogs, but realizing how important people/relationships are in his life. And, then last week, Lauren being swept away to Myanmar, and returning with the understanding this might be where her mission work lies.

Next week, Ryan and Patrick will be winging their way to the Kenai peninsula in Alaska to learn how to be  commercial salmon fishermen for eight weeks. Would never have thought to encourage them that way. Not sure why God wants them there, but we’ll find out sooner or later. For now, I’m going to assume it’s a character-building thing. Wonder if it has something to do with being fishers of men????  Too obvious? Maybe, maybe not. Just want them to absorb whatever God has in store for them.

This is all right before Lauren and Jack move to Chicago on Thursday, and while Patrick considers going to Bejing for a year next May to teach English to Chinese students.

Bottom line, all three of these precious people have been to Africa and back, and they are each, all the better for it.

So grateful God pursued me into emotionally giving them over to Him. Again, they’re in much better hands, and so am I. They would never have learned the life lessons they have learned under my wing.

Love, Kim

(p.s. Mike is obviously involved in this all along the way – he just chooses to not be blogged about. Prefers privacy. What’s up with that?)

 

Am I bothering you?

My friend Mindy and I live in different states, but share quite a few weekends together each year, either at her house, my house, or in the case of this story, at a retreat for her church. We weren’t 100% in the mood for a Ladies Retreat that weekend. To top it off, there was one woman in the group who we repeatedly disturbed might possibly have annoyed during the weekend because of our  “overabundant cheerfulness”.  We were, apparently, 100% in the mood to laugh. I ran across this poem the other day where I wrote about the experience:

My friend Mindy and I find most everything funny, from buffalo wings to Monopoly money.

We usually start giggling ’bout something or other, then comes the snorting - one after another.

We can clear out a room when we lose self-control; some folks get perturbed when we get on a roll.

Like the time when we went on an Arkansas trip; we tried not to laugh, we did bite our lips.

It was for a retreat, and “Church Lady” was there – with her pursed lips, lack of humor, and eye-squinting glare.

She eyeballed us a few times for disturbing her peace, but none like the hour when we just could not cease.

We’d gone to a play ’bout the last week of Christ’s life; nothing funny there, only rejection and strife.

The crowd wanted Messiah to meet His demise; they refused Him, mocked Him, and told unjust lies.

Pontius Pilate was worried ’bout condemning this Man; he and his wife were scheming what he should next plan.

This was a serious scene (without violence or rage). . . . until. . . . a pigeon made the choice to enter the stage.

The bird circled twice before deciding to land; seems he was uninvited, not part of the plan.

He then perched on top of the actress’ head, and started aggressively making his “bed”.

He kept tangling himself in this poor woman’s hair - it was just so amusing, and so hard to bare.

The silly bird kept screeching and flapping his wings, while the lady pretended  to not notice a thing.

We looked at each other with a questionning stare – “How can she keep acting with a bird in her hair?”

By this time, we were almost flat on the floor – as we laughingly guessed what else was in store.

What got to us next, when we caught our first breath. . . . . was the way this mad fowl flew out of “the nest”.

Instead of flying up and into the air, it decided to divebomb  an onlooker’s chair.

It fell to its death, for the moment it seemed, ’til we saw it struggling to get back its steam.

It stretched out its neck, and cooed something awful; our laughter was now at the point of unlawful.

He managed to get up out of the chair; then seemed to fly off without a moment of care.

This bird got his 15 minutes of fame; he pulled it together, but we weren’t the same.

Others were fine, but “Church Lady” was prudish. . . . . she would not give in, and forget our brief rudeness.

We normally can hold it together in public – but sometimes in life, you’re just gonna flub it.

We decided to leave and give her some space, started laughing again with each single pace.

Some reserved folks miss out, trying not to start rumors. . . . . . my advice is to get a friend that has humor!

I’m grateful for people who laugh.

Love, Kim

 

 

Myanmar

Lauren, Ashley, Matt, Brian, Josh

Update – May 15, Thursday

The team is doing well.  Lauren will be able to update now.

Update – May 12, Monday

Well, the fact that you are getting this email means we did not make it into the country on a 30 day tourist Visa. I am not too surprised by this, as it is very rare to get a Visa at a border town.  Anyway, we did get a day pass into Burma today. We had a meeting about our next steps tonight. We have like 3 options on the table.

1) We stay here and work with refugees and still send supplies over.

2) We go to Bangkok and try for Visa’s through the Embassy or

3) we head home.

Keep praying that we can get Visa’s and at least go among the people and offer comfort and pray for them and with them. (written by Matt)

  

Update – May 11, Sunday

Received an email from Lauren that they were in Mae Sot, Thailand. They went to the border today, and are going back again tomorrow. She thinks they might be able to get into Burma now, but will let us know.

Happy Mother’s Day, Lauren. You’re spending your day mothering others, just the way your Father wants you to.

Additional info from Matt: Anyway, we tried to get day passes, but it was too late in the day when we went. So we went down to the river and looked over into Burma and prayed. I hope so badly that we can get in tomorrow…. They are going to try to bring 30 trash cans full of goods, and if they get confiscated then we will try again the next day only go a different route. … Oh, today we bought tons of supplies to make 30 of these trash cans. In them is food, stuff to make temporary shelters, a pot, some cooking oil, mosquito netting, dish soap, bath soap, and a bunch of other supplies to meet immediate needs. Pray with us that over the next few days a couple of things will happen: 1) That we get 30 day visa’s, 2) that we can get all the supplies in without being confiscated and 3) that we can actually make it to Yangon .

Update – Saturday, May 10

Lauren called from Bangkok at 1:30am central time, and had just 30 seconds to talk.  She said they were going to be able to go into Burma “tomorrow”, but for only one day. (Bangkok is 12 hours ahead of USA-central time). The airline had lost all their luggage (which probably is a good thing so they don’t have to mess with it for now), but they did still have their water purifiers. She said they were all feeling good about the situation.   

Friday, May 9

For those of you who know Lauren, here is some information: (1) a brief note from her this morning-May 9,  (2) a note from our pastor about the team and their mission, (3) a map that Jennifer pulled up of the area.

(1)hey everyone, i’m in hong kong for a layover, then we’re heading to bangkok.  we barely managed to get water purifiers in LA, but did it and got on the plane in time.  just found out UN pulled out of burma because the govt was stole their food they were trying to get to the people.  don’t know much else, except we’re meeting the guy in bangkok still. feeling good, just miss little jackabee already.  trying not to think about him too much.  anyway, don’t know when next i write will be, but just wanted to let you know where i am at the moment. love you guys very much,lauren

(2)Dear church family,
Once again, I tip my hat to you. Thank you for responding with passion to the plea that went out earlier this week about the relief trip to Myanmar. Five members of The Village will board a plane Thursday morning on their way to Myanmar to assist in relief efforts for the next 14 days. They’ll be working with an agency called Thirst No More, and their main goal will be to provide clean water to the area.Thank you for making it possible for the five to go. In all, we had more than 100 of you respond in a matter of hours, with offers to sponsor someone or make the trip yourself.  Matt, our church’s short-term missions pastor, and Josh, worship pastor at the Denton campus, will be joined by Ashley, Lauren and Brian. The group will be leaning heavily on our prayers.Officials now estimate the death toll at more than 100,000. It’s hard for me to imagine that. I beg you to pray for this country and for our five-person group. Pray that amid horrendous devastation that our Lord’s name will be glorified. Pray fervently for the things our group will see, feel and touch … that God will draw them closer through this experience. We’ll keep you updated on the group’s progress as soon as we hear from them.Matt.

(3) Maphttp://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=116355068350205276966.00044c9c53b69771e3fca&hl=en&ie=UTF8&z=6

I’m grateful for people who take care of others.

Love, Kim

 

 

 

Few of my Favorite Things

the speed and inflection with which john cusack speaks

homemade chocolate chip cookie dough

reading my first book by brian mclaren (i’m a third of the way through-hope he doesn’t turn on me-but definite mind expansion has been performed so far)

the smell of a freshly peeled orange

mike making dinner for me and arranging the food on my plate in a special design 

crayons

lil’ Jack’s newly learned words

people who suffer well

homemade bread

handwritten note from a loved one

ryan’s humor

maine in october

a singer, an acoustical guitar, a mellow sound

long lifetalks with patrick

laguna niguel, california

italian food

people who truly appreciate ____________________(fill in the blank)

lyrics to lauren’s songs

oak trees 

making up and telling stories to go with the awards I give to people at my office

laughing with mindy

freestyle stained glass (not in a design)

people who put more effort into saving souls than saving the planet, and saving baby humans more than saving baby seals

listening to tom nelson go through the book of romans, verse by verse

my children having a real live relationship with jesus

autumn colors – gold, brick red, dark green, pumpkin, sage green, tan

gorillas

photos of my family

smell of gardenias on a bush and magnolias on a tree

self-evaluation

movies where the main character goes through the journey, and you get to watch them grow because of it

receiving unexpected money from out of the blue for exactly the need i have that day

people who truly walk in the spirit and you can sense it before they even open their mouths

christmas festival in germany

memory of my father and mother dancing in the living room

the moment you realize you’ve made a friend for life

non-conservative conservatives

an enlightened moment when reading the bible

health

long lunches with friends

mentoring younger women in their lives, their faith, their families

whales

people who have found their own identity and are living their own life

a walk in 72 degree weather

riding in a convertible

discernment

a president that prays

sunday afternoon drives with mike

a touching story that makes me cry

questionning god on a subject, and receiving the answer in 1-2 days

people who avoid continually  talking about global warming, coffee, recycling, sushi, growing their own ____________________(fill in the blank)

people who have original thoughts, think for themselves, and don’t feel compelled to talk only about trendy topics

going fast in a ski boat

my sister’s gardens

matt chandler thinking out of the box

eating meals outside

honesty

lots of trees that surround a house

long dinners with friends

nehemiah

cozy couches that you sink in when you sit down

people who have clever comebacks

passionate prayer

ornaments on the tree

grace

graciousness

a grateful spirit

love, kim

 

 

Bubbleology

Want to do whatever I can to help America with any strains of mental illness:

http://www.therightfoot.net/mystuff/whatever/swf/bubblewrap.swf

I’m grateful for stress relievers (and for Patty sending this to me!).

Love, Kim

 

Not a Fan

So, because I kept hearing about/reading about Ann Lamott,  I gave into society and bought not one, but two, of her books. I knew she was a humorist, and, supposedly a very “honest” Christian writer. The humorist part might be there somewhat, but I’m not seeing the blatantly honest part. I do see that she is very liberal in her thinking, which isn’t the problem. But to me, she is so overwhelmingly liberal, it makes me question the authenticity.  She is like a checklist for things that must be adhered to in order to wear the big “L” label.  I’m not seeing the individuality at all. Repetitive. There were one or two points of light, but mostly  very much pushing an agenda. The thoughts that stir her thinking as given to her by her mentor, pastor, and apparent resource center, Veronica, are shallow and one-dimensional. Too much chaos. Too much lack of clarity. There was a time when people had more of a decided heart about God, about grabbing hold of their own lives. It now seems to be “popular” to be lost, to be directionless, to not only not have “the” answers but to have no answers.  There are lessons being taught to us everyday. Just have to be willing to be students. My two cents, for what it’s worth.

When I think of honest contemporary writers, two that come to mind(out of many) are Donald Miller and Kay Warren. In reading their books, I almost found myself wincing for them when they shared so much of their faulty thoughts. But they are honest; they are sincere; they seem authentic. They’re coming from two different places in life, two different age groups, two different tax brackets, subcultures, backgrounds, parts of the country, but they both seem Spirit-led.  While Donald Miller’s work is quite trendy right now, Kay’s is probably a tiny more obscure, but still they both get their messages across very powerfully. Blue Like Jazz is my favorite of Donald Miller’s, and Kay’s book is called Dangerous Surrender. I am a fan.

I’m grateful for quality books. I haven’t found one in a bit that has kept me riveted. I’m reading two new ones. Will let you know.

Love, Kim