Swine Flu Vaccine… interesting information October 21, 2009

This video article is incredible to me.  I urge you to watch. (It is a lengthy one, but well worth your time. So carve it out maybe after the kids are in bed or something).  I subscribe to Dr. Mercola’s weekly newsletter and updates. He is an advocate for wellness and I believe, truly, offers a very well-rounded view of many health issues and concerns.

I think this is very interesting.  I am not completely anti-vaccine, but I have many questions and concerns about them – due to effects on my children and my nephew.  The most important thing as parents I think we must do is THINK FOR OURSELVES — listen to both sides, don’t just let the media, or dr.’s tell us what to do for our kiddos.  I like to believe that I approach most areas of my life this way.  I don’t believe what a pastor preaches on Sunday just because I like him, what he says evokes some kind of emotion in me, or it “seems” to make sense … rather, I look in God’s Word to see what it says and ask the Holy Spirit to guide my thoughts and conclusions.  Even in dealing with my own children, it’s crystal clear that what works for one usually, almost always, does not work for the other because they are different people and they process the world differently filtered through their personalities and experiences.  Just like all of us do.

So, I’m just sayin’… just keep an open mind and REALLY CHECK OUT ALL THE INFORMATION!!  We have so much information at our fingertips thanks to the internet and various social media resources. I believe that is a gift. Granted, too much information can also be overwhelming, but we are blessed to have it.  We can make very educated and informed decisions in a completely different way than was available not very long ago. So many people speaking up, from all areas of expertise and various “places” in life, just, in my humble opinion, cannot be totally off base.

There is something to all of this.

I’m just sayin’…

Kick off your Shoes and STAY AWHILE!! October 17, 2009

It’s been months since I’ve posted.  We’ve been a little preoccupied.  And so…

Here’s the scoop!!

The Kelly’s are moving to Springfield, Virginia the first week of November!!!  Mike accepted an offer to become the Children’s and Family Pastor for The Journey.  We are super excited and once again, amazed at God’s perfect plan for us.  We went there to interview the first weekend of October and by the end of our visit, it was clear that this was a good fit and an amazing church family!!

One of the greatest things about it is that the lead pastor, Jerry Jones, was Mike’s youth pastor at Riverlawn.  It will be really great for him to work with someone who knows him and with whom he also shares history.  Springfield is about 15 minutes outside of Washington, D.C. and so the church is made up of lots of military/government families.  That means quite a bit of transitions as they transfer around every few years (we have lots of experience with transition!!) and also a seemingly automatic sense of community and connectedness. Mike and I think those must be necessary for survival in the military life!!  So many amazing, down to earth, real people that have what we would consider to be incredible jobs… naval intelligence, secret service, “I’d have to kill you if I told you” kinda stuff  But it’s just what they do.  The evidence of God’s grace and power were pretty neat to watch in just the short days we were among them.

Mike and Jerry have been in conversation since the middle of February.  Mostly, Jerry offered his support and advice to Mike as we looked for God’s next place for us.  He mentioned that he really wished he was in the place that they could hire someone like Mike. Knowing that The Journey would need a Children’s and Family Pastor soon, he really didn’t think it would be until more like January of next year.  He called us the day after we had received a call from a church in Tallahassee that we thought was going to bring us down for a final phase interview saying that they had changed their mind and were not going to pursue Mike as a candidate.  Jerry called really thinking we had already taken a job somewhere (we thought it was happening too) and was excited to ask Mike if he wanted to start the process with The Journey.  We did and it went quickly.  It seemed that God’s hand was all over this and Jerry and the leadership were also making statements to that end.  One elder remarked, “Mike, it just seems like God has kept you for us.”  That was so encouraging and affirming to both of us!!  This truly is a place where we believe God is leading us in His fulfillment of so many of the desires and passions that we’ve expressed to Him.  It’s a small, growing church that is full of young families and children that are given a place of importance and honor in the church.  It’s obvious that this community of believers are connected to one another and that is a vital part of their life together. The Journey is a place where we believe we can allow roots to grow and give Mike a place to flourish in his gifts and passions and desire to lead.  It’s a family-friendly city with lots to do and experience and a place that our family can call home for a long time.  That’s been our desire especially as our kids are getting older. We’ve uprooted a lot over the last 12 years and we are more than ready to settle-in, kick our shoes off, and stay for a while

So we are doing this crazy whirlwind move thing again… this one sets the record.  I think as of today I have just a little over 2 weeks to get it all together before we drive the big truck and the three kids in the mini-van and whatever animals accompany us up North to Virginia.  We are excited even though it’s a bit overwhelming.  It will be so great to live so close to D.C. and around so much history and great things to do with the fam!

Much more to tell, but so much to do.  Please keep praying as we still do not have a house there yet. We are looking for a rental and doing it long distance is NOT EASY! We saw a few properties while we were there, but mostly discovered what we DIDN’T want live in.  So we’re working with a realtor in our church and Jerry and Lucy to find us a home.  Crazy process to say the least!! We know our house is out there somewhere… and we hope to narrow it down very soon!!

We appreciate all of you, friends and family, for the incredible support and love that you’ve shown us especially during the last 6 months as we’ve questioned the Lord and waited on His plan to be revealed to us.  We feel so much peace and an abundance of joy as we move to this next chapter.!!

Wise Counsel from Emerson… July 27, 2009

This quote was sent to me by a dear friend after what seemed to be a long stint of absurdities and a few blunders.  Such encouragement to me then, and a welcome reminder today as I reflect over the last few months in the attempt to gain wisdom and move on to the next chapter….

To one of his daughters who was away from home, at school, he [Ralph Waldo Emerson] writes:

“Finish every day and be done with it.

For manners and for wise living it is a vice to remember.

You have done what you could; some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can.

Tomorrow is a new day; you shall begin it well and serenely, and with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense. This day for all that is good and fair. It is too dear, with its hopes and invitations, to waste a moment on the rotten yesterdays.”

Friendship… July 9, 2009

“When we honestly ask ourselves which people in our lives
mean the most to us, we often find that it is those who,
instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen
rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm
and tender hand.

The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of
despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of
grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not
curing, not healing and face with us the reality of our
powerlessness, that is a friend who cares.”

- Henri Nouwen

organic, healthy living… Our beginning July 8, 2009

I’ve been “into” the organic, what’s-really-in-the-food-that-you-eat lifestyle for about 6 years now.  All of this was opened up when our first son started having continual ear infections at the tender age of 5 mos.  So, when the doctor insisted on tubes at a year old, I asked him to give me 3 mos.  I researched everything I could get my hands on.  I realized that with the introduction of cow’s milk, things were even worse for my sweet boy.  And, I did all this with the knowledge that I was allergic to milk as a child and still do not tolerate it really to this day.  I cut dairy completely out of my diet (I was still nursing) and never gave him cow’s milk in a bottle again.  Initially, we went “raw”: Eating mostly raw fruits and vegetables, some eggs, and limited chicken and fish, no red meat–for 3 mos. I can honestly say that was the time that I had felt the best in my entire life… and hey, I lost the baby weight too!!

The hardest part was that this lifestyle is not “normal” or “accepted” as a way of life in our American culture.  I had to learn to stay out of the middle aisles of the grocery stores, shop at local growers and farmers markets, and find the grocery stores that stocked organic, natural foods.  It was well worth it.  Now, it truly is our lifestyle. Thankfully, there were other families around us, and that we were in ministry with, that were starting their own journeys toward the same end.  I had support and ideas and wasn’t all alone.  That’s what I want to offer through a series of blogs about our experience and the things that have evolved over the last 6 years for us.

I will blog more about our journey in the next few days, but I started all of this in my excited anticipation of the movie that has already started showing in theatres across the country.  You can watch the trailer to Food, Inc., The Movie and start your own educational journey!  It’s changed our life and we are the better for it.  Oh, and we aren’t completely crazy about this (yet?  You will see us in fast food places here and there)… my kids eat fast food sometimes and we splurge on things, but overall, my pantry is filled with natural and organic.  YOU CAN DO IT!!!

I promise.

Pep Talk from God… July 5, 2009

My husband keeps this posted on his mirror in the bathroom and it struck me today, so I thought I’d share it with you!  We’ve been traveling through some ministry valleys lately and it just really helped me to remember just exactly the PATH that I am on…

This is the Manifesto inspired by Mark Batterson’s book, In a Pit with a Lion On a Snowy Day: How to Survive and Thrive when Opportunity Roars

QUIT LIVING AS IF THE PURPOSE OF LIFE IS TO ARRIVE SAFELY AT DEATH

SET GOD-SIZED GOALS.

PURSUE GOD-ORDAINED PASSIONS.

GO AFTER A DREAM THAT IS DESTINED TO FAIL UNLESS GOD INTERVENES.

KEEP ASKING QUESTIONS. KEEP MAKING MISTAKES. KEEP SEEKING GOD.

STOP POINTING OUT PROBLEMS AND BECOME PART OF THE SOLUTION.

STOP REPEATING THE PAST AND START CREATING THE FUTURE.

STOP PLAYING IT SAFE AND START TAKING RISKS.

EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS. ACCUMULATE EXPERIENCES. ENJOY THE JOURNEY.

FIND EVERY EXCUSE YOU CAN TO CELEBRATE EVERYTHING YOU CAN.

LIVE LIKE TODAY IS THE FIRST DAY AND LAST DAY OF YOUR LIFE.

DON’T LET WHAT’S WRONG WITH you

KEEP YOU FROM WORSHIPPING WHAT’S RIGHT WITH GOD.

BURN SINFUL BRIDGES. BLAZE NEW TRAILS. CRITICIZE BY CREATING.

WORRY LESS ABOUT WHAT PEOPLE THINK AND MORE ABOUT WHAT GOD THINKS.

DON’T TRY TO BE WHO YOU’RE NOT.

BE YOURSELF.

LAUGH AT YOURSELF.

QUIT HOLDING OUT.

QUIT HOLDING BACK.

QUIT RUNNING AWAY.

CHASE THE LION.

Will I Ever Get this Thang? July 1, 2009

It’s definitely been difficult (as you can tell since it’s been 1 month since my last post) to maintain some kind of discipline with this blog thang.  I have tons of ideas and thoughts swirling around in my head & heart all day long, but seems like while life flings things at me daily, I haven’t figured out the blog groove yet. But, I’m a work in progress

I am still excited to see how it will all unfold and am continually encouraged by my friends, and hubby, to keep writing. So, I guess that means that my discipline must start with just writing about whatever comes to mind or happens in my day instead of waiting for words to jump into the computer on their own, huh?!

Sorry that you’ve now read something like 135 words and been left with nothing profound!  But thanks for the support as I embark on Day One of the Discipline to Blog… we’ll see how I do

My Dancin’ Girl May 28, 2009

Tonite I watched my beautiful little princess do her “thang” in her final Dance Showcase (aka dance recital) of the year.  First of all, let me just say, in case you were wonderin’ … that yes, she was the prettiest one there and the best dancin’ babe you eva’ saw!!

But, it just made my heart flash forward like 12 or 13 years, to when she’s a teenager — and all of the stuff that will come with those years.  I’ve prayed many times (since before I even had kids) that I would have as much grace in dealing with my OWN kids as I have had with so many other teens that God has passed through our lives in ministry. There’s this thing inside me, too, that stems from my own upbringing that shoots some hesitation (and even fear, if I’m honest) through my heart.

I remember one night while I was lying on the couch in Sonoma county holding my sweet, sleeping baby girl that this rush of emotion came over me.  That, of course, meant tears.  I just kept pleading with the Lord that she would be spared from some of the emotional and spiritual junk that I had to wrestle with as a young woman.  God clearly spoke to me through a vision in college that I would be the “break” in a long cycle of family dysfunction and disconnect from God. My legacy would be different. One that honored God and redeemed His purpose for the family. But, at that moment, I was overwhelmed by the possibility of her heart hurting so deeply as mine had.

I know God reminded me of His promise in the midst of my tears and pleading because He loves me.  He keeps His promises.  Time and time again, He has shown me that He will never fail me and He is always on my side.  Not only have I prayed since Jr. High that God would give me cute kids (sure did! pray that. and actually get some extremely cute kids!) but I’ve asked of the Lord to help me make choices that would bring Him glory and break the cycle that Satan intended to use to destroy me.  And He’s proven that when I delight in Him, He gives me the desires of my heart.

He has already given me all I need to do the impossible… make those teenage years between a mother and daughter be full of love inspite of the conflict that will come.  Jesus is my Healer and my Strength.  My heart’s desires were realized through marriage and motherhood. That sweet dancin’ babe will continue to be the JOY of my heart, even when we’re tangled up in some teenage drama!  And I will teach her WHOSE Princess she really is and help her to delight in the Lord each day so that she, too, will realize the desires of her heart.

What an amazing gift I’ve been given!  Britton, I love you and am so proud of you!  I absolutely can not wait to see the woman that God has created you to be. I promise to help you discover that woman step-by-step as you dance through each glorious song of life that God gives to you   Even when the chorus might bring tears…

okay, guess I am May 22, 2009

This blog adventure has proven the theory… I’ve got some perfectionism in me.  I’ve been crazy stressin’ over the way this whole thing is gonna look to the cyberspace world the last few days.  Gotta have this right and that right… well, what does so-and-so dot com’s blog look like and miss thang at blogspot dot com does it that-a way.  AAAHHHH!  Then the man who lovingly puts up with me says (paraphase), “just start and let it all work itself out”. And I think, but someone’s gonna click on the about page and wanna know this-and-that, and it should look all put together when they get here. I haven’t done the about page yet, I don’t have a picture, and on and on it goes.

And I remembered some wise counsel I received as a young wife… “Laura, people come to your house to see YOU!”  My mentor saw right through me and my excuses and spoke straight to my heart.  Marriage, ministry and motherhood have certainly continued to reveal this part of me… the fleshy stuff that becomes an obstacle in my total surrender. The surrender to see myself the way that my Creator sees me.  And He doesn’t expect me to be perfect.

But the fleshy part convinces me that everyone wants to see the mask and cover up what is really going on inside.  Folks, we do it to each other too, don’t we?  Putting on the “together face” at church every Sunday even though we’ve had World War 3 in the car with our kids, lost our temper way too many times the past week, cut people off in traffic, been incredibly rude to some lady at the register who probably had her worst day ever…  And we expect when we ask in the hallway at church, “how are you?” to hear “great”!  We don’t really stop and wait for the yucky stuff.  But we should.

We all know that the friendships that are the dearest to us are the ones where we can just be ourselves, no strings attached. But we continue to buy into the game in our relationships, our marriages, even with our kids.

I know it all started a long time ago for me.  Growing up with divorced parents naturally caused lots of insecurity to grow inside of me.  And the Father of Lies has certainly put in plenty of time to make sure that insecurity rooted itself in many ways.  And those roots branch out into things like trying to look and be perfect. But really, what matters is that I am true to myself and to the woman God created me to be. That’s what matters for all of us.

It’s okay if my kids’ toys are everywhere if you pop by unannounced… I’m a mom who loves and plays with her kids and YOU don’t feel like you have to clean YOUR house when I show up there next time.

It’s okay if I say, “it’s been rough”… and you see that just because I’m a pastor’s wife doesn’t mean that every moment is holy and full of prayer and fasting!

It’s okay if I mess up and yell at my kids… when I say “I’m sorry. Mommy shouldn’t have done that.”  I’m teaching them that they don’t have to be perfect either.

It’s okay if my first attempt at a blog isn’t all purdy and put-together… you’ll learn more about me that way than you ever could with all the bells and whistles.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.   ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9

Here it goes… May 21, 2009

Well, after listening to tons of my friends, my husband, some people I’ve worked for and with, and even a really sweet gal that I don’t even know (via my husband) … I’m doing it… I’m gonna start this blog thang! That sweet lady stranger’s advice was “she’s just gotta start writing”. This certainly isn’t the first adventure that I’ve jumped into completely blind!  And I do love to write, so what could I possibly have to lose?

nothin’

And I’ve learned over the years, that I seem to process life “out loud”… in journals, with a good girlfriend chat over the phone, food, or a cuppa joe, a walk with the hubby or a long talk that uses all the words I didn’t get to use on the little people in my house that day! And he just listens as the words spew out all over the place… he’s great that way!

So, your patience will be required in the first month or two as I get the hang of all of  this… I am quite a novice to all things blog, except that I read plenty of them already.

I hope this is a place where God is revealed and the journey is always focused toward discovery of the delighted heart!