Cloudy with a Chance of Insecurity

I've been reading a lot about insecurity and digging out the many roots I've found it has in my life lately. Most recently, Brent and I were watching Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs from our local Redbox ... well, wouldn't you know it? I found insecurity right there in the theme of the movie.

Sam Sparks plays a weather girl-wannabe in the movie. You start to realize that she says very smart things - and then negates them with a really stupid comment. Turns out, she is a nerd at heart. When she was younger she had the glasses, ponytail, and love of science. But - as most of us know - her peers didn't think that was cool, so they made fun of her. Now, unlike Flint who had a mom that encouraged him to be true to himself, Sam (for whatever reason) didn't. She completely changed her image to fit in, but it didn't make her happy.

I find myself in Sam's shoes everyday. Do I change myself to fit in with the people around me? Do I become what people want me to become - or expect me to become? Or do I hold on tight to who God created me to be and ride that wave. Up ... and more importantly, DOWN. It's extremely hard to go against the grain. I've been there, we all probably have.

I know people who actually hate me because I believe in, and love, God.

I know people who think I am crazy (or too old fashioned) for wanting to be a stay at home mom.

I know people who think I'm too frugal because we buy used and have a tight budget.

But I try to remember who it is I am actually trying to please. I know God sees when we are persecuted - especially for Him - but He calls us to love him regardless. I know God honors those who put others before themselves. And I know God blesses those who try to glorify Him with everything - including finances.

So, break out those glasses and throw up that pony tail. It's time to be true to who we are! Because the God of the universe made us EXACTLY who we are ... and He doesn't make mistakes and as the song goes, "You make everything glorious ... and I am Yours. So what does that make me?"

Glorious.

Holiness, Evangelism, and Tattoos

I've always wanted a tattoo - a visual reminder of something God taught me and an outward sign of my faith. You can save the schpeels on why tattoos are bad; I get it from Brent enough. He has never really gotten on the bandwagon. Too permanent. He tells me to write on myself (things that I would like to get as tattoos) and to express myself in that way, that non-permanent way.

But it doesn't feel the same.

Today I wrote two words on each wrist, Kadhosh and Hagios. Both words mean "to be holy" and I like that reminder. Kadhosh is from the old testament; Hagios, the new. The reminder to me is that holiness really means to be separate or set apart. I should be set apart from people in my words, actions, and thoughts.

A woman asked while I was donating blood what they meant, and I told her. She kind of laughed and said, "Well I fail at that every day." So I said, "So do I. It doesn't mean I am holy through anything I do, but God's love makes me holy."

I was able to talk about God with a perfect stranger because of a tattoo. It made me realize God is Sovereign. He is Sovereign in the Bible. He is Sovereign today.

He is even Sovereign in tattoos.

Nothing can separate us from God. He can use everything. He can use our past, our present, and our future.

So what made me think he couldn't find a way to use our tattoos?

True Beauty

Precious Sisters

Never has there ever been such a distinct love-hate relationship. Of course, not so much hate … but more annoying.

But I never realized how precious my sisters were to me until I didn’t have them anymore (not literally, of course).

When I moved away, I realized how important my sisters were to me and not for the reasons I had originally thought. I used to rely on them for clothes, money, rides, hand-me-down shoes and doing my hair or make up (or both). I was obviously a lot younger, so my way of showing admiration and adoration was through borrowing things, following them, hanging out in their rooms, etc – which looking back was most definitely very annoying.

Recently, I’ve begun to treasure them (and really miss them). The things I used to admire are no longer the focus. It’s not about how smart they are, how accomplished, how popular, how pretty, how stylish, or even their life stage.

It’s about them.

Both are brilliant in wisdom and in action. Both put their families first and themselves second. Both rely on Christ for strength, patience, and joy. Both pour out to others through encouraging advice, blogging, emails or even Facebook messages and statuses. Both honor God with their lives and that is what makes them precious to me now. I look up to them for those things these days.

Now, I long to borrow their time, rather than their clothes; follow in their footsteps, rather than around the house.

I wish I would have spent more time treasuring these things when we were all together, living in the same house. But – I guess – that’s the way things go. Kids don’t see the important of siblings … until later in life when everyone grows up a bit.

The Great Dog Debate

When kids are little, they want a dog. They write their parents letters, they make presentation about how great dogs are, and they try to convince them of how much they are willing to do for the dog’s care.

I did it. My brother did it. Most of my friends did it.

Now, all parents know that kids will not take care of a dog. Kids are fickle that way, and this leads to many parents avoiding the dog discussion altogether.

But that’s a mistake. No, kids probably won’t be the ones taking care of the dog … but everyone’s lives will be touched by it. In the year we have had Giselle, I have already learned so much about dogs …

1. Dogs have this uncanny response in dangerous situations: protect people. Story after story is told about dogs rescuing kids, protecting owners, or even finding lost people. I’m not trying to be biased, but I haven’t heard too many stories about cats saving people. Giselle is our family dog. Although I doubt she could save Brent or me from frostbite, she is just as protective as other dogs. If you don’t believe me, ask our friends what happens when they approach the house. Alarms sound in the form of her ferocious howls and growls. This story was posted today on HappyNews.com:

3-Year-Old Kept Alive In Frigid Temps by Family Dog

Victoria Bensch’s parents were frantic when they realized she had wandered off into the Arizona wilderness. Rescuers were immediately dispatched and began searching for the 3-year-old child, wearing only a short-sleeved shirt and pink pants. During the night the temperatures got down into the mid-30s, and a dark night with no moon made it difficult for the authorities to find little Victoria.

15 hours later a rescue helicopter saw Victoria face down in the dirt, with her dog Blue by her side. Although cold and barefoot, she was stable, and was flown to Phoenix Children’s Hospital for frostbite treatment and swollen feet. When interviewed Monday on Fox and Friends and asked how she kept warm during the night, Victoria simply said: “Blue keep warm.” Yavapai County Sheriff's Office spokesman Dwight D'Evelyn agreed, crediting the Queensland Heeler with keeping Victoria alive, and doctors agreed she was extremely lucky to have survived the freezing temperatures.

2. Dogs also have an unnatural ability to make people laugh. Whether it is chasing their tails, doing tricks, or sleeping – they seem to always make people laugh. Giselle is the funniest little ham.

She walks funny – with her little fancy prance.

She eats funny – by bringing mouthfuls of food to where we are and dumping it out just to eat near us.

She even sleeps funny – with all her legs in the air and snoring under her blanket!

3. Dogs love the weirdest things. Giselle loves underwear. We’re not sure why, but she does, and she’s not ashamed. It doesn’t matter how deep you hide it in the laundry basket … she takes her time pulling everything out to get to the underwear. Then she pulls it out and leaves it on the floor. I come in and our floor is covered by scattered underwear. It disgusts me … but secretly cracks me up.

All that to say ... get a dog.