I'm about to kick 40 in the face.

Really ... it is just a number.

And, I will hit it tomorrow FULL FORCE.

Mama didn't raise no sissy.

Text conversation between Beau & me while he was at La Petite Belle's soccer scrimmage.

(Real names are in the texts, seeing as we call our kids by their real names at home & not their blog names. So, please excuse this.)

Spoken like a true encourager of violence.

A little later, I got this text.

Needless to say, my girls are polar opposites. 

(Don't worry. K Belle laughed at the text when I showed it to her. She's got one great sense of humor, which she gets from me, of course. She's also aware of her natural non-athletic abilities. She's content to excel at other things.)

I was about to get all "crazy mom" on somebody.

Yep.

I know. 

Shocking.

But, you can read about it here because that's where I'm posting today.

So, hop on over.

Because that's the way it's supposed to be.

Yesterday, I joined with some hard-working volunteers at our local food bank.

After we had donated our almost 600 lbs. of peanut butter and jelly from one of our women's ministry events, this group volunteered their time to package food boxes for needy families. These people meant business. We packaged 2 palettes of food boxes (stacked 5 high) in 2 hours. We used all the food they had that was ready for packaging. The great thing about this was knowing that the boxes we packed would be delivered to needy families today all over our state and possibly country.

It was a good feeling.

You know that feeling you get? It rises up from the heart. It's one of those warm, fuzzy feelings. It can even make you feel empowered to think that you could do even more.

We always have a good feeling when we do something for others ... when we feel like we're making a difference in someone's life ... when we're helping, giving.

I think it's because that's how God has designed us.

Over and over again in Scripture, (and there's a lots that say this) God commands us to help the needy, to care for those in need.

It's pretty much our job.

But, the great thing about this "job" is the benefit God says we get from it too.

In everything I have pointed out to you [by example] that, by working diligently in this manner, we ought to assist the weak, being mindful of the words of the Lord Jesus, how He Himself said, It is more blessed (makes one happier and more to be envied) to give than to receive. Acts 20:35

It simply makes us happy. So much of a happiness that others would look at us and envy the happiness we have from helping others. That's a pretty big happy!

So, when we're feeling unhappy, or down-in-the-dumps, what better thing for us to do than help someone out? God's promised automatic happiness when we do so.

The helping of others is not just for them; it's for us.

This is it.

This is the week I "turn old," as my kids say.

I'm mentally preparing myself.

I must admit that within the last six months, I have noticed some signs of age creeping up on me:
I can't run like I used to be able to run.

My eye cream ... not working. Crow's feet have turned into crow's legs.

My eyesight is getting poorer and poorer. Vision has changed drastically in just 5 months. I'm getting pretty scared about my next driver's license vision test.

More and more waking up before the alarm clock has ensued. I might as well just get up and eat my Fiber One and bananas at 4:30 a.m.

The gray hairs are popping up like weeds! Just when I pluck one out, I find four more. Ugh.

My love for flowing dresses that don't constrict or touch my body at all is inescapable. A daily moo-moo will suit me just fine, thank you.

And, I'll spare you the gruesome details of all my hormonal issues that encompass more than being a crybaby.

Despite all these things, there are times I forget that I'm going to be "over the hill." I have to remind myself ... "Hey ... Did you forget your age? You're not 20 anymore, silly."

So, yes ... this week I "turn old." But only in numbers.

I must say I would not want to be any younger. I treasure the wisdom I've gained over the years and I'm finally beginning to understand me and liking who I am.

So, shut up, 40!

Who's teaching this kid her theology?

La Petite Belle made an interesting statement yesterday.

She said, "I have this deal with God."

I said, "Really?"

She said, "Yeah. I ask for the opposite of what I want and He'll give me the opposite."

I said, "What?"

She said, "Like I'll say, 'God, I don't want a pony. I don't want a pony. I don't want a pony. And, then God'll give me a pony.' It's this thing we have."

This child is trying reverse psychology on God, the Almighty. 

Then I had to explain how that's not how God works and she should know that. This child has been in church since birth. God says to bring our needs to Him ... to ask anything in Jesus' name and it will be given to you ... 

(unless it's a pony).

On a totally different note, I found this yesterday morning before the previous discussion.
(kinda messy, I know ... found on the back of a receipt, sitting in the cup-holder of my vehicle)

Whew! At least she's gets the most important part of what we've taught her.

I'm not sure where she gets her competitive spirit from. (wink)

I don't think being competitive is a bad thing. Winning is pretty awesome. It's better than losing so why wouldn't you want to strive for it. 

I do teach my children to simply do their best in everything because that's all God and their daddy & I expect. That's it ... Your Best! (And, Mama knows when it's not your best.)

K Belle is definitely more laid back, not very competitive at all. La Petite Belle, on the other hand, is VERY competitive. Not sure if that's due to her always playing sports or not, but she likes to win. And, on the opposite end ... doesn't like to lose EVER.

(at practice last week ... in her volleyball uniform after a game ... this child does TOO much)

So imagine her dismay when her new soccer coach said these words: "It's not about winning. It's just about going out there and having fun."

Huh? Her contorted facial expression pretty much said it all.

This concept of not trying to win is totally foreign to her. I did some explaining and we giggled about how her last coach would say: "It's not about having fun. You girls need to go out there and win."

What a difference.

La Petite Belle was put on this team where only three other girls had ever played soccer before. Everyone else on the team was new to the sport. So in Saturday's game, which they lost, La Petite Belle pretty much told the girls where they needed to be on the field and how to play.

She was becoming irritated by the fourth quarter. 

She played awesome, but it was not enough. Her teammates are still in the learning phase.

Again, she showed no expression as the coach talked to the team at the end, praising them for how well they played, especially those who had never played before. She didn't even do the huddle yell.

We headed home and she expressed her lack of enthusiasm for this coach because he's not hard enough on them and doesn't care about winning. This is going to take some adjustment.

I'm pretty sure this year's going to be about learning how to be a good sport and how to not get upset with her teammates. (probably going to have to try a different league next year)

Look at this cutie in her early soccer years:

More Guilty Pleasures

What I can't get enough of lately:

1. GOP Debates

Is it a sign that you're getting old when you DVR these things and get great pleasure in watching the candidates make digs about one another and the current president? I truly enjoy them. (especially while sipping my night-time tea ... definitely old lady business)

Besides ... how amazingly beautiful is Michele Bachmann. 

Beauty is definitely not criteria for president. If it were, she would win hands-down.

Gorgeous. She's 55, ladies. That's 5-5!

I could write about each candidate and give you my opinion on them all, but this post would be too long. I will tell you who my favorites are ... yes, Michele, also good 'ol Newt Gingrich (he's quite the whipper-snapper ... again, I think only old ladies say "whipper snapper."), and Rick Santorum (not sure anyone even knows who he is). 

However, I'm afraid none of them will get the nomination and that the Republicans will go with their typical Ken-doll-like pick of Mitt Romney, who I think could be a character on "Mad Men." 

Seriously ... Could he not be the Republican Ken Doll? For real.

I do like him more now than I have in the past since I've seen him in the debates. He's gotten a little spunkier and shows he is passionate about things. Good going, Mitt.

2. "Dance Moms"

OH. MY. WORD.

Have you seen this crazy show?

My girls were in dance. And, yes, I have first-hand experience with moms just like this. Not fun. Dance is supposed to be fun. Geez.

But, I can't stop watching. Guilty.

#3. Do I need to mention Pinterest again?

Seriously can't stay away!!

This is me pretty much EVERY NIGHT! I may need an intervention.

(Even found this picture on Pinterest ... ridiculous.)

#4 Kemp's Fro Zing!

I've only found this at one store in town. So good if you like that tangy taste similar to those flavors at your local frozen yogurt places.

#5 Pumpkin Spice Latte

Thank God it's back, ya'll. I've had two this week.

Any other guilty pleasures I should know about? Fill a girl in.

Hell ... not a fun topic.

I'm reading this book.

It's basically a response to Rob Bell's controversial book about hell, Love Wins. In Bell's book, he raises the question of whether or not there really is a literal hell.

Chan does address Bell's writings in this book, but also focuses on what Jesus said in reference to hell and Jewish beliefs about hell. It's quite interesting and at times, I feel like I'm reading a textbook because of all the references and etymology.

As I am reading, I find the view of universalism (the thought that all human beings will eventually be saved) incredibly unbelievable due to the total lack of Scriptural support. I also find it very difficult to understand how anyone would come to the conclusion that there is no hell when it's spelled out in black and white (and even red when Jesus mentions it) in the Bible. Despite the fact that I've read the no-hell believers' reasonings & arguments, I just don't get how their references offer any support for their view.

I guess anyone can believe anything they want and can try to make Scripture back up that belief. 

Good thing God's not bound by what we believe. We can believe a lie until the day we die. That doesn't change what the truth is.

I have great compassion for these people that believe they will have a second chance to accept Jesus after  they die. But, I don't understand it when the Bible clearly lays out that the choice we make is here on earth. That's it. There's not a second chance. Either you choose to follow Jesus or you don't. After death will be too late.

Although I don't understand the logic in the no-hell or the second-chance view, I do see the importance of researching such views so that we, as a Church, understand and can defend what we believe against what they believe. Simple apologetics.

I must say. The book has really challenged me.

It's challenged me, not by informing me about each doctrine, but by causing me to face the reality that many people that I am around day-in and day-out, will spend eternity in hell. It's sobering. It makes me question ... what am I going to do about that? Knowing that people around us, even people we love and care about, could endure eternal punishment should stir us to desperation. But, for some of us, it doesn't. God help us!

The book is also challenging me in my own faith when it references Luke 13:22-30. It's where Jesus is asked if many will be saved. He answers that few will be saved, but not only that, but there will be those who think they are saved, and not make it into the kingdom and be cast out. This is something that he's not saying to just your average Joe off the street, it's "church-goers" if you will, and church leadership, like Pharisees. 

Wow. Can I ever be a Pharisee? Can't we all? So judgmental. So full of anything but compassion. We should be very careful not to be so puffed up in our knowledge, so full of ourselves and our position that we lose sight of what following Jesus is all about.

We should always question if we're where we're supposed to be with God. Are we content? Have we gotten lazy in our relationship with Him? Are we in right relationship with Him? What more can we do to draw close to Him? To know Him more? To love Him more?

Our daily prayer should be: "God, search our hearts ... "

Per Request ... Beau in all his glory!

Got this sweet little comment last week:

I am trying to find an old post of yours in which , BEAU is on video and is very very funny, I bookmarked it a long time ago and would go there from time to time to laugh, I think he may have danced? I dunno but ...... I wrote you then and told you how much I appreciated that particular video, I have looked now for an hour, no luck, please share that old post/video again, I need a laugh and want to blog about it ! :)

thanks
Anjie

I feel like Robert in "Everybody Loves Raymond."

 Always, always, always ... Everybody loves Beau!

The love is warranted. I get it. I married the man.

Although he's gotten a little crankier in his old age (Yeah ... he has. Haven't we all?), he still makes me laugh like no one else. And, he never fails to make life interesting with his daily antics.

Case in point: The Hair Ball (just one example)

He likes to clean out my brush and make tiny hair balls with the hair he's pulled out of it. He places the formed hair ball in different locations in our bathroom. Disgusting. I know. He says it's my hair so I shouldn't be disgusted.

It's a battle. And, you're in luck ... I've documented the most recent one.

To my surprise, I find this delicate hair ball on top of a vase on our vanity.

I move it on top of the toilet paper roll, knowing that I will be out all day and he will definitely be the next one to the toilet. Genius.

Later that evening as I go to pour my bath water, I find the hair ball on top of my shampoo bottle.

So, I move it to his cologne bottle & that's currently where it is at this moment.

And, the struggle continues.

Told you. With Beau, life is never dull. That's one of the things I love about him.

I'm not real sure if Anjie's referring to his eyebrow war video or his part in the "Dad's Got Moves." So I'll share both.

For any new readers, this is explained here, "The Great Eyebrow War."

And, "Dad's Got Moves." Um ... yes, he does.

Everybody Loves Beau.

I do too.

Love, not Sacrifice

Saw this tweet while reading about the Book of Hosea for my post here last night.

It's true. That's what the Bible says.

God desires our love above all things. Love more than sacrifice.

The sacrifice comes out of the love. When there is sacrifice with no love, it's just obligation.

I know when I don't really love someone, and do something for that person. I do it because it's the right thing to do. It's almost as if it's for my own good. Definitely an obligation.

That's NOT what God wants.

He doesn't want our sacrifice when we see it as something we have to do. And, I don't want to offer a sacrifice with that mindset. I want to offer a sacrifice out of love for Him. There is a difference.

The two really do go hand-in-hand and you can't have true sacrifice without love.

Love God first (which includes obedience) and the sacrifice will follow. 

Loving God should never be a duty.

Busted.

Beau and I were on a retreat this past weekend and left the girls with my mom and dad.

My mom apparently made a pound cake that was quite delicious and La Petite Belle (surprise, surprise) decided to cut her piece with her fingers, making it look like a "rat ate out of it."

The busted moment was caught on tape as K Belle was recording a video to send to me.

You can hear Nana in the background asking what happened to the cake, and the girls cannot stop giggling. It made me giggle too ... although I do not condone getting a slice of pound cake with your hands.

I love Dick Cheney.

I always have.

Not just because La Petite Belle, as a young child, would call and talk to him on her play phone and refer to him as her "other daddy," or because of his extreme intelligence, but mostly because He reminds me of one of the most precious men in my life ... my granddaddy.

(That's me next to him on the couch ... the only picture I have. As you can see,  I really need to find some better pictures.)

Oh, how I miss that man. He was most awesome!

My best memories as a child include him.

He would take me out with him to feed the cattle or just go out to the barn. Grandma would pack biscuits for the "long walk" which was actually just across the street. 

He would take me on walks. Lots and lots of walks to see the nail in the road that marked the edge of his  property.

He would take me with him to the full-service gas station and buy me Coke in the bottle and Pop Rocks. Wow. I'm surprised my stomach didn't burst. Isn't that what happens when you drink Coke and Pop Rocks? He'd also buy me Big Red cola. Pure red joy!

He smoked a pipe. I love, love, love the smell of a pipe probably because of him. I still picture him leaning on the mantle, near his massive library of history books, puffing away at that pipe.

So, actually this post wasn't about Dick Cheney at all. 

My granddaddy was the best!