Un-tightening..

Tight. It has good, bad, and real meanings. Today I am just talking about boring old muscle tightness.

While trying to figure out why my body is "tight", I went through various situations in my mind and was talking about them outloud. One of our family friends who is an engineer said, "this sounds too much like root-cause analysis"..

Which is precisely what it is--figuring out WHY something hurts and not "just" taking another pill. Although, if you don't take a muscle-relaxant when things are really hurting, those crazy muscles never do relax enough to get better.

But it has to be more than just taking a pill, right? So, I consider my options..

1) Stretching. Yes, of course I like stretching. I teach pilates, right? Is it possible that I can stretch everyone else and forget about my own body?? Yes, it happens all the time. Welcome to the life of a mother, eh?

2) Private class. Yes, I even asked Charlotte to give me a private class where we worked on deep stretching. I felt great, but it started hurting again after a while of sitting.

3) Massage therapy. One of my fellow pilates teachers is a massage therapist. I did a bunch of subbing for her in exchange for a free massage. And yes, she did a great job--unclenching some things.

4) laying low/ icing. Yes, that is what we are doing now. Even if all this stuff is working, the muscle ends are fried and need time to heal.

So, yes, the house is messy, but we are functioning. The deep tissue massage really did help, so I really do recommend it for anyone--but especially if your regular life is pretty crazy.

But I really did not want to have to go through THIS again, thank you very much.

Extreme living produces some crazy results in the neck/ shoulder muscles. Was it the mad dash home and extreme meat thawing blitz? Was it the lifting of the big roaster right after that? Was it driving? Was it sitting? Was it related to teaching/ demonstrating pilates? Was it from crafting? computering? ... what? See? I have no idea.

So, the Lord doesn't have to reveal exactly why things hurt in order to make me know I have to slow down a little. Seems to be my theme song for this time in my life.

So, here we have ONE more week in the life of a blitzing hedgehog. Feel free NOT to imitate my great example or use me as a role model for anything or anyone, except on how not to do things. (Not that anyone would be tempted to do otherwise..just sayin')

And this makes my crazy home sing. Moms the Word/link up.

Just another day..

Among the other things that happened this week, I had this unusual call from my mother at around 9:30 p.m. on Thursday night. She was calling from Green Bay, WI.

"What are you doing in Green Bay, Ma?"

"I decided to go to this big concert thing with the ladies from my Bible study group"

"So, how is it going?"

"It's awful. It's loud. There's this guy up there singing and all he can say is "GONE"

(me, laughing) "Did you take that as a sign to go?"

"Oh, yes. As soon as I read the word "GONE" on the screen, I said, I'm outta here"

So, we chatted on the phone while she was back in her hotel room. How my mother gets herself into these snares is beyond me. If she is still struggling with this kind of stuff, where will I be in 25 years? Will I be trapped a Christian rock concert in some far away city? or worse? Will I be up on stage performing with them? O.K. that would be a long shot, since I don't really sing. Then again, these rappers don't sing, do they?

When she called, I had just finished the world-record for me worst display of hospitality that I have ever endeavored. Do you remember how I told you guys that Will likes to entertain foreigners from work? Yes, I think we have mentioned that here a few times.

And for the most part, I enjoy it. Except the stressing out part--over the condition of the house, which is never stellar, but especially on Thursdays. So, my typical Thursday rolls around and I do my customary training in Batavia and arrive home in pain.

Now, for some reason I have been struggling with shooting hip/ butt/ back pain that even goes up into my neck --for almost the entire week. Is it the scoliosis? Is it the sitting? the standing? the demonstrating? the craziness of my life? I don't even know.

So, when I got home, I instructed everybody on what to do to get the dinner on, while I laid on a hot water bottle. I called Will and suggested we could cancel or he and the kids could do everything. I was glad he chose the latter option, since I hate canceling, and it was one of the guest's birthdays!

So, one of the guests was from Singapore. His name was Ben, and it was his birthday. His English was very good, and he was a believer. The other was Charlie from Shanghai. (Now Charlie CAN NOT be his real name, but whatever..) Charlie's English was not as good, but he managed just fine.

For dinner, I had a simple meal of baked chicken, white rice with no seasonings, and steaming vegetables. I had a simple boxed cake for dessert for the birthday. The kids did all of the cooking and serving, and I laid on my bed (in my pajamas--no less).

When it came time for dinner, I came out of my room. I felt kind of odd, but I had to eat too. As far as they know, all American housewives live in their pajamas and don't do any work, since I am the great example for them. They were pleasant and seemed at ease with the situation. (I was glad they were foreigners, since my typical American friends would have teased me to death..)

And the evening was pleasant. The Gospel came out for Charlie's sake. He seemed to not be slightest bit interested. "I have no religious interest", but it has to start somewhere, right? Why not in the home of a hedgehog?

The craziest thing about this meal is the "high praise" we received from these people, their bosses, and all of the corporate food chain. In my mind, that is a total joke, which is precisely why I am relating the entire story to you. I can not imagine a simpler meal, with more humble accommodations than that which we served.

As I was sitting on an ice-pack yesterday, my husband tossed his blackberry toward me to receive yet (another) compliment for the pathetic little dinner, and all I could do is laugh.

All the times I scurried around getting this or that perfect, barking orders here and there, serving elaborate food, etc., in the past are such a rebuke to me now. What was I thinking?

Well, I best be off. I'm going to inflict my friends with sewing instruction today, hoping to downsize my stash and have some fellowship time with my local church girls.

Certain Hedgehogs should not be allowed out.

That would be me. The hedgehog in question is, of course, me. And I would have preferred not being let "out" this morning, but I was forced to go and conquer the world, even though our power was out. No power meant no water and no coffee. A hedgehog without a shower and coffee is a sorry creature. And did I mention getting dressed in the dark?

So, I dropped off the students at the aforementioned educational institution which poses as a church on the other 6 days of the week; i.e. Hallstrom. My husband teaches a Bible class, so I can leave, if I choose to leave. So, on this particular occasion, I chose to leave and get coffee.

So, I'm in the Starbucks--trying to get my bearings.. I mean.. the coffee, and it occurred to me that there's a bathroom in there with running water. So, without thinking too much about the repercussions of it, I stuck my head under the faucet in the Starbucks bathroom. I used a little hand soap to "wash" my mop and face. (Yes, I brought a gym bag with a towel in it) I brushed out my hair, put on some makeup and drank down a venti. I waltzed out of there like nobody's business. You would have thought I came from the salon or something.

I was thinking, "Now, this isn't so hard" and "maybe I should do this more often.." and went back to Hallstrom. I was no sooner finished with my breakfast and discussion with my new best friend, Ruth, when someone mentioned a "fundraiser" lunch for the Medieval History Class. All of a sudden, I gasped a big gulp of air.

Fundraiser! I volunteered to bring the meat for the fundraiser! What time was it? 9:30. It needed to be here BEFORE 11:30 for lunch.

At this point, the rest of the morning is a blur. I could picture the package of cooked, shredded beef sitting comfortably in my freezer at home. So, what happened next can only be described as an: ultra blitz.

And by the grace of God, no speeding tickets were issued. I got home, found the beef, and thawed/ cooked on high enough beef to qualify for a fundraiser. All the while, I am asking God for a miracle. And sure enough, he delivered. The beef got there, thawed and heated up by 11: 22?

And me? I was wondering where they issued the tranquilizers. But really, the rest of the day went pretty well, even though I didn't get home until 9:00 p.m. It's all in a day's work for the average hedgehog--but BOY, did that shower feel good!

He loves us--God loves the women.

Last week I shared with some of you my desire to communicate God's love to a particular group of women that I am leading in a Bible study. In my cry for help, I asked everyone I knew to pray for these gals. Some of them have been mistreated by men or have just been privy to others' experiences. Not that these are an excuse to twist the Word of God to make it more palatable for them, but it does lend itself to wanting to deal with this subject with delicacy.

So, with respect to them, I really am not going to comment further on the nitty gritty of what we are discussing in our study. But your comments were helpful!! And so were your prayers. I have been humbled by seeing God work so powerfully in each one of them and in their personal understanding of what God's intentions are toward women--and that is love! God loves you, women! When you read the beautiful offer of salvation, it is a story of love--for men AND women.

I have been reminded by my bloggy friends that I have not commented any further on God loving women. So, my friend, Julie of Herding Grasshoppers did a masterful rendition of her view on this subject. And Mrs. P of Titus 2 also gives a lot of good insights here and there about these specific issues.

I will say this, though. When you come to the Bible with a hard question or something doesn't seem right, we have to step back and remember that God is love. At His core, He is always loving. If he places a restriction on someone in a specific situation, it is with their best interest in mind. If he says, "no" in one spot, it is so he can say "yes" in another. He is not just a big meanie up there who he is looking for ways to make our lives miserable.

I have loved you with an everlasting love.... He calls from above. If you do not have the faith to receive this, He will help you overcome that also.

I apologize for not going into this more on this blog. I have enough "drama" in my life right now, if you know what I mean. LOL.

Here are my "hedgehog" ways of knowing God loves me.. yes, little old me.

1) He saved me. Romans 5: 8 While I was at my worst, God reached out his hand and saved me. I am forever grateful.

2) He encourages me. When I am down, I read His Word, and I am brought closer to him and to a right perspective.

3) He disciplines me. (not severely) but just enough to let me know when I'm straying from the path.

4) He answers my prayers. I don't even pray that often or well, but he hears me all the same.

5) He provides for me. I have never gone hungry even one day in my life. I have clothing, shelter, and so much more!

6) He gives me useful work for my hands to do. Yes, work is a blessing--especially when I know I can work for him.

7) He dwells with me. Yes, being "in Christ" and "abiding in Him" come with the blessing of being with God, and that is a marvelous thing.

These seven things are just the first things that popped into my head, and I have hardly skimmed the surface. Interestingly, all of these blessings are available to any believer in the Lord Jesus whether they are men OR women. Now, that is a pretty neat thing, don't you think?

Time for a Craft Day!!

It's crafting time in the Webber household, and I'm inviting all my friends, family, and blog "fans" to an open craft day--where I supply all of the materials.

Yes, this will be worth the trip to Rockford, OK?? O.K. you stalkers, time to come out of your shell. I'm hosting a free (donation only) craft day.

We are making: mittens.

or a bag

or slippers

It is THIS coming Saturday, October 30th, at the Winnebago Farm Bureau Building.

Does it sound exciting to you??? yes? Good.

Here's what you need to do.

Email me and tell me you are coming. or leave me a comment. or just tell me. How easy is that?

Next.

Get your sewing supplies organized. You need: a sewing machine, scissors, pins etc. and extension cords. If you want, bring an iron/ ironing board.

Next.

Plan on bringing a soup or bread item for lunch to share. We need food if we are going to knock out some big projects.

These make great gifts, and they are very easy to do!!

Look forward to seeing you all there.

Don't be a stranger!!!! I know you are out there!!! Yeah, you...

Women: thoughts so far

So, as with any good Bible student, we make a lot of observations before we make conclusions, right?

But we have to set some rules for this. If your beginning hermeneutic is something other than "God is loving"; your results are going to be different in the end. God delights to prove his love to us. He longs to use the failures and weaknesses of men (and women) to prove that He is who he said he was---a loving, holy, and perfectly just God.

If your image of God has been tainted by abusive men or angry women, you have to acknowledge that up front. Although I can not get in your head or your heart and wipe away the pain that others have caused, I can assure you that they were not representing God (even if they said they were). While certain men (so-called Christians) have come off treating women like crap in thought, word, or deed, has tainted people's view of God that the rest of us have to bend over backwards to make up for their nonsense.

Be assured, God is no man's debtor. These people will answer to God for their harsh treatment of women at the judgement seat.

So, the real question is not whether men abuse women or people abuse other people. That should be obvious. Just look around. People abuse people more and more every day. The entire pornography industry would not be alive and well if it were not for man's sinful delight in not only abuse of people but other people's delight in watching it. (yes, it is gross, gross, gross..)

But the real question is this: Does God, at his heart, think of women as any less than men? Are his specific instructions regarding their roles whether in the home or the church reflect a lesser stature to women? Do the graphic and horrid pictures of women being treated as (prostitutes, etc.) reflect God's approval on such situations? or atleast some form of tolerance?

Yes, these are hard questions.

They are worth grappling over. And they are areas that satan has definitely got a foothold on. Somehow that clever weasel has not only managed to treat women abusively over the ages but twist a few pieces of Scripture and blame God for the abuse. I don't have that kind of brain power to un-ravel that ball of yarn, but I can tell you that it is riddled with lies-- a lot of them.

What lie shall we un-ravel first? Any takers? Help me out here, ladies. There's so many that I'm not even sure where to start.

How do you know God loves women?

On Monday mornings, I'm involved with a group of ladies who are trying to figure out the Bible. They have all sort of questions and answers, but one thing that seems to be a stumbling block for quite a few of them is God in relation to women. I don't struggle with this, so I need your help.

It seems to be that many bits of Scripture lead them to believe that God does not love women. I asked them to try and come up with a few examples of things that are particularly challenging for them personally. So, while they are finding their own examples, I would like you to tell me how you know God, through his Word, loves you, as a woman. How are you comforted, affirmed, aligned, protected, and just beautifully loved by God? What Scripture references have encouraged you in this?

Have there been "tough" passages that have made you wonder if God's love is shortchanging women? If so, how have you dealt with these things?

Look forward to your thoughts.

Something good

I kind of wanted to write about something interesting, something kind of high brow like. So, I pondered and pondered. nothing. So, like Winnie the Pooh, I tried singing a little hum de dum tee diddle do.. and when that didn't work, I tried blitzing.

Ah, nothing clears the mind like a good blitz. A good family blitz and some fresh cleaning products makes my life special.

And I remembered something funny that happened this week, except it isn't really funny or weird. Here's what happened.

For a while now, we have befriended a young man who recently got saved. Rather than hang out with the unsaved friends at work or the match-making crowd in the mega-churches, he has decided to hang out at our humpty dumpty farm chapel and with our family. Almost every single time I ask "Ryan" if he wants a bite after the meeting, he always says "yes". Now, I'm thrilled because there's always room for one more, and the young man is a great example of going on for the Lord Jesus with an uncommon tenacity. And I am playing the role of a "pseudo-mom" and Will the "pseudo dad".

So, it's only a matter of time before we stop "performing" for our guests and let them see what messes hedgehog families actually make. And then, very gradually, they sort of find themselves helping us with small bits of housework, like the dishes, for example. (Of which Ryan told me that the amount of dishes we had for that evening is about a month's worth for him..)

But never, can I remember, have I actually asked a guest to be a part of the blitz. until Wednesday. I gave in. O.K. if the dude wants to eat here and hang with the family, we might as well have him blitz too, right? So, sure enough, Ryan entered the blitz. He was fantastic. He actually made my boys work harder and faster! I think he likes hanging out with Hud and Than since he brought along his new "mac book pro" to have Than help him get it up and running. And of course, he had to buy Logos to keep up with Will. (Hanging out with the Hedgehog family is expensive, I guess...)

And yes, we belong to the "mac cult", of which my children are officers and recruiting agents. I have no idea or opinions on this issue. I just do what they tell me to do, on the computer they tell me to do it on. I post the pictures they take on the cameras that they use (and they buy).

In fact, I will have no problem wearing Depends some day when my kids tell me it is time. Right now, they haven't had a need to have opinions on that issue, PTL.

For now, though, I still direct the family blitz with whomever is currently on my soil--family, friends, enemies, guests, hedgehogs, or JW's knocking at the door. And that, my friends, is going to down as one of my ONLY claims to fame.

"She who made people work"

"She who made people work hard and fast"

"She who made people work hard and fast and loved every minute of it"

"She blitzed" and then she died. The end.

Not sure why.. but

Have you ever been so intrigued by a topic that you had to get to the bottom of it? Yes, I have. And I do it all the time.

Yesterday's discussion with some of my (homeschooled) students, revealed that drug abuse is alive and well amongst their peers. And that their knowledge of drugs and its dangers was far more advanced than mine. Although I did not suspect any of them to be involved with drugs, it was very clear to me that they had known some kids who were involved. (not kids who go to our co-op, but just people they knew)

So, I asked them: what sort of drugs do these people take? Most of them take things like pot, or cocaine, or "cheap stuff" not like meth or heroin.

They also mentioned that programs like "Dare" were just peaking kids' interest in drugs, rather than accomplishing the goal of getting kids off drugs.

And as my mind wandered from that discussion, I recalled the recent news stories that I've been hearing about prescription drug abuse. The most recent story of this was on the case of a Florida woman who seemed to be from the "right side of the tracks" and was given a prescription for oxycondone, an pain killer.

So, I wanted to do some research on this because this could very likely affect someone I love or someone you love down the road. Here is what I've come up with.

Oxycondone is an opiate, sort of a manufactured form of opium. In the U.S., heroin used to be a prescription drug made by Bayer--can you imagine? Now we think of heroin users as the "most addicted" form of drug abusers. I am not sure when heroin made it from the prescribed status to the "illegal drug" status, but it was before my time. But my understanding is that oxycondone makes heroin look wimpy, very wimpy. In fact, it has put the makers of this stuff into a tailspin to make it "better".. whatever that means?

So now we have "oxycondone" as our modern-day prescribed "heroin". It is given to everyone from cancer patients surviving their last days to fibromyalgia patients. And prescribed opiates come in many shapes and sizes, depending on your ailment--vicodin, anyone?

The problem with these types of drugs is that they are highly addictive. Thankfully, I have never had a drug addiction or an interest in drugs, but I probably would be stupid enough to take medicine that was prescribed--especially if I were in a lot of pain.

And yes, I took vicodin after the C-section and the hysterecomy. And noticed a huge amount of pain and anxiety after deciding to be done with taking it after 5 days!! I was taking the medication for five days, people. After it happened not once, but twice, I decided never to take that medication again--for anything. But my question was why? Why the big drama of going off the meds? Now it is clear--opiates..

So, what is to be done? What if you, or someone you love has inadvertently gotten addicted to a pain killer, such as ocycodone? I would probably start here. This tells of personal stories and help available to regular people (like us) who have gotten help. In polite circles, we really do not want to bring this kind of thing up, do we?

How do we start a conversation with someone, "Oh so, how is your Bible study going? and uh. oh.. I think I'm addicted to prescription drugs.."

Well, let's talk about this stuff, OK? If you know someone who has chronic pain, ask them. So, what are you taking for that? How often do you take it? What do you feel when you take it?

Let's give a rip and care for people. There are other ways to deal with chronic pain. And there has GOT to be a better medication out there. And then I can teach them pilates or something!

Seriously, I am not an experienced chronic pain person, so I do not claim to know all the answers, but I just thought I'd put this out there. Can we at least raise awareness of this in our little circles of influence? See? I'm doing my little part right now. And I plan to tell my kids and family, as soon as they get out of bed... well, I'll probably let them wake up a little bit, first.

Too relaxed hospitality

We had a guest last night that was probably the "lowest maintenance guest" we've ever had. In fact, he was so low maintenance, I totally forgot he was here.

Will has a friend that he takes classes with at Moody. Kevin flies in from Montana, spends the night and they drive up to Moody together. So, he got here yesterday afternoon. We did our regular pizza dinner and crashed kind of early, while Kevin and the kids stayed up late playing cards.

Since I crashed early, I also woke up early. I had a great, long, uninterrupted morning and time with the Lord and then blogging until it was 8:00 a.m. Once I noticed it was getting late, I bounded up from the couch, carrying my bathrobe--over my head. Why I was wielding the bathrobe over my head at that moment, I have no idea. But I do a lot of crazy things. A stretch, perhaps? a declaration of the morning blitz? what? So, I cruise around the corner in super-woman fashion (still in pajamas) waving the bathrobe cape and I practically crashed into our houseguest and screamed.

Nothing like a pleasant good morning to get your blood pumping. And then my motor-mouth starts going, "Oh!! I forgot you were here" And "Kids! Did you realize we had a guest?"

Oh sure! That's really a great way to make everyone feel welcome, eh? Kids glance up from their Bible reading and roll their eyes at me. I deserve it.

Is it really beyond me to say.... nothing? !!! especially when like I just did something....... stupid???!!

And the problem with all of this is--I really did forget we had a guest. I was stunned by seeing this guy in my house. Now that is scary. What's wrong with me? Other than being A. D. D., a hedgehog, a blitz queen, nothing is wrong. Absolutely nothing. AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH.

How's the ole boy doing, anyway?

My Mom took a drive to Michigan Tech for parents' weekend. She picked up Jamie (left) and his roommate, Cameron (right) and went to see the beautiful land of the Keweenaw Peninsula. This is Brockway Mountain Drive.

Here are the boys near the annual snowfall gauge. The red arrow represents last year's snowfall.

Here are the boys at the Quincy Mine Hoist. My Grandfather, Burt, was a huge part of making this a reality.

Mom told me the guys particularly loved "Fort Wilkins".
And here they are pointing to where they are each from in relation to where they are now, which is at the tip of that right line. US41 is a highway that starts right where they are and goes all the way down to Florida.

Yes, my Mother is awesome for taking the boys all over and THEN taking them out for pizza at the Ambassador, a famous pizza place in their area.

It sounded like everyone had a blast. It's so sweet of my Mom to take Jamie and his roommate (whose parents couldn't make it) on all of these fun adventures.

So, I am so thankful that it appears, from all practical purposes, that Jamie is doing well. He loves it and is enjoying all of the military challenges and academic challenges as well. I'm encouraged that he is thinking about: where do I want to live next year? and: how many semesters will it take for me to graduate? etc. Thank you, Lord for the blessing of our ambitious son, who is serving you by doing his best away from home!

This is making my Home sing this week! Go over there for more encouraging thoughts from other like-minded people.

Lost?

It appears that my directional sense is not the only thing that is lost. While I was waiting in line at the deli counter at the grocery store, a nice young man looked at my foot and noticed my insert was popping out of the back of my sandal. (I wear an insert on one foot to correct a scoliosis problem)

So he says to me, "It looks like you've lost your sole"

And I say to him, "No. My soul is saved, but my shoe is falling apart. Thanks for telling me!"

And he laughed and walked on.

It probably made him think, eh?

---------------------------------------------------------------------

The Son of man came to seek and to save that which is lost.

Meltdown on I-90 E.

So, the traffic was intense and getting worse. Where was the Randall Road exit, anyway? Wasn't this near Elgin? So, why isn't it showing up on my radar?

I was tired, exhausted and overwhelmed. Not only had my GPS been stolen the day or so before, but I was too tired from trying to be the perfect mom, hostess, and pilates teacher all in the same week. It seemed like the detour off 294 S toward 88W was a perfect time to have a meltdown. Somewhere in this big city lurked the little town of Batavia where Inner Elements is located. I was already going to be an hour late and I'm several weeks behind in observations and practice hours.

Why? Why am I doing this? This intense pilates training that somehow in my mind "God will use" (if I live that long?) and... all for what? I'm not hip, thin, perfect bodied or any of that. I don't fit in with those people. And yet, I WANT to learn this stuff. When I do have a few free minutes to study, my mind says, "YES!" and "I get it!", and I remind myself that God's people need to learn how to take care of their bodies also. They need structural alignment, bio-mechanical connections and "closed kinetic chains". Just because every other pilates studio is intertwined with yoga, accupuncture and Reiki, and secular counseling, doesn't mean that mine needs to be. If indeed there is a mind and body connection, then why need fill the mind with a spiritually healthy information while we repairing the body?

So, then I get back on the pilates train again and had a wonderful remainder of my training class, even though I was an hour late and fairly on the verge of tears for the remainder of the day. The thoughts were not just about frustration over being late for my training but just about myself falling short of my own desires to be a godly wife, mother, friend, etc.

You see, when I got home from a day of training/ teaching, I would be coming home to meet house guests--a lovely young couple from Connecticut that was passing through on their way to South Dakota, for her brother's wedding. Not that these sort of people expect you to be perfect, but you want it to be a pleasant time. You want them to be encouraged and uplifted, etc. Since I knew I'd be gone all day Thursday, I decided to make the chicken pot pie ahead of time, put it in the fridge the night before while I pushed my kids to get the house picked up and clean before prayer meeting Wednesday. And as you can see, I have officially over-extended myself AGAIN.

It's an addiction. And it always works out, but I wonder: Why? Why do I do this? Is the cute little couple with two babies going to give up serving the Lord if the find out the bitter truth that Mrs. Webber is a complete hedgehog, who overcommits and over-extends herself 9 days out of 10? Are they going to... like... find out the truth? Yes. And why even hide it? I'm not organized every day or any day, for that matter. And on most days, I do just fine with my "system" if you want to call it that. But there are days... and you know the ones I'm talking about.. where you wish you could crawl into your tub and cry and then sleep for a week but there's coffee to serve and people to encourage.

And you do it. And you find that not only did you have strength for the task, but you seemed to be healed by doing it. And the very thing you feared to be burdensome or scary is the exact thing that God used to do his will.

In other words, he was totally glorified in your inability. In fact, he was waiting for you to come to the end of your rope so you could worship HIM. And all the while, he let you find the end of yourself again.

I may never heal from addiction to over-commitment. I may never get over my tendencies. But I do plan to learn from them. And if you keep reading this, you may be tempted to think that somewhere in my psyche I have this deep seated theological problem or something. But that this point in my life, I have just simplified it by saying, "some people are like that, and I am one of them".. and that's about as far as I've gotten.

Thanks for listening once again. And I would start a new hobby tonight or form an organization since I happen to have 10 extra free minutes, but I think I'll go to bed. What do you think?

I'm alive, just so you know

10 things that have happened recently, not necessarily ranked in order of importance, significance or monetary value.

1) Snapgrades is a wonderful resource I have discovered recently that is a truly intuitive grading resource. If you teach other people's kids, like I do, you can have their grade averages sent to them very easily without extra drama and time. I have had several parents report in that they really appreciated this!! The best part? It has a free version! I am currently using the free version, but there is a much more complicated system for a fee.

2) My dear husband got home from Moscow. Yeah!! (So, yeah.. I don't feel like blogging when I'm busy playing catch up with my sexy man)

3) We went to a wedding this weekend of one of the guys from a "young mens Bible study" that Will taught about seven years ago. It seems like those "young men" are growing up and starting families of their own. All three fellas are going on for the Lord. One of them is still single and has informed us that he would like to go into the ministry. Incidentally, they all have "less hair" and more wisdom than they did seven years ago.

4) My mom was visiting and already went back home. Miss you already, Mom.

5) My dad is in Newfoundland hunting moose. He already got his moose--yum, yum.

6) Today was picture day at our co-op. I think it is a record--we all managed to get our pictures taken at the right time and place.

7) We turned on the heat for the first time this weekend. Kind of fun. It's still warm in the day time, but the nights are cooling off.

8) Jamie is alive and doing well at college. Seems like he's keeping up with everything.

9) I picked some chard from the garden and sauteed it in butter. Really everything would taste good with butter, but this was fantastic. I think I'll do that again.

10) I can hardly believe how random this list is. If I have any readers left after this post, I have a few funny stories up my sleeve for later on in the week. Right now, my brain is almost as soft as the rotting pumpkins that are sitting on my deck. And if I hit publish, I'll wonder why I didn't get all of those obvious grammatical errors that will be so obvious tomorrow.

But for now, they aren't so obvious, and I'm alive, and that's all I really wanted to say. LOL.