Next Newspaper Article

Unfortunately, I 've been a bit uninspired lately. Thus the lack of inspiring words on my part. However, I had to dig deep last week to whip out my next article for the KC Star which will run December 20. I'll give you a sneak peak if you promise not to tell anyone!

I saw an advertisement the other day for “maintenance free living”. Although I’m aware that the ad was directed toward seniors, I had to laugh at what I believe is quite a misnomer. Surely a place like that just doesn’t exist, not even in my white-haired future. My current, crazy life is far from effortless. My lengthy to-do list reflects all the items I must maintain. Presently, I must maintain my family’s schedule, my checkbook, my car, my health, even the highlight job on my hair. The level of maintenance varies along with the frequency of upkeep but it’s still there demanding attention from time to time. I certainly believe my life will always require maintenance no matter my age. This also includes maintaining my relationship and faith in God.
Faith can be one of those things that get lost in the shuffle. Life throws so many distractions our way. Those distractions can come in various forms, whether it’s devastating disappointments or hard earned successes. Even everyday life has a way of stealing our focus. We sometimes lose sight of what we’re living for. And just like our lawns and our to-do lists, our faith can quickly become neglected.
Another thing I know is that it is much easier to maintain something than it is to go back and fix something that has not been tended to. It is better to carefully protect and attend to the things we deem important as opposed to procrastinating and saving their upkeep for another day.
We have choices everyday. We choose to embrace or ignore opportunities countless times every hour that we’re awake. The decisions we make are quick, sometimes without thinking. We decide things big and small like spend or save, worry or trust, look someone in the eye or look away.
Maintenance free? I think that is better at describing home siding than it is living. Someday cooking, lawn care and snow removal may be something I am no longer responsible for. But maintaining my faith and my relationship with God must always be a priority.

Rapping with my homeboy

Today was a first. A first concert for my son.
Toby Mac to be exact.
E is growing up.
I couldn't help but watch the teenagers in front of us and wonder what it will be like when he is one. I want him to know that being a Christian doesn't have to be boring. We need to enjoy life every once in awhile. I felt a little bit like a kid myself tonight "rocking out" to bands such as Reliant K, b.reith, family force 5 and of course, Toby Mac. Funny, I actually know some of the words too!
I had so much fun! I haven't laughed this hard in a long time! I really just wanted to sit and watch Ethan- watch his enjoyment in the evening. I remember enjoying watching my children's expressions at the circus or Elmo Live when they were seeing it for the first time. Watching my children take in new things is one of my greatest joys.

Although there are many firsts behind us, I realize there are many ahead for my growing boys. I hope I take the time to watch their faces.
I hope I stop to relish in those once in a lifetime moments.
I pray that raising my boys is more than reminding them to brush their teeth and fighting about getting homework done.
Life seems to blur out of focus when I'm stuck just taking care of daily chores.
It was nice to deter from the mondane and spend a whacked out evening with my son and his current love for rap music.
I wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else!

I'm glad that you've found my new site! It is with renewed focus that I start this new blog. Am I still awaiting EmmeKate? Yes and No.

I must confess, I'm tired. Tired of "awaiting". I've always wanted what God wants for me. But I think I have been farsighted. I've been deficient in seeing what is so near.

God's Word, God's nudgings have a way of acting as a corrective lens.

My eyes are tired from squinting to see what is ahead. Instead, I can choose to look at what I can read so easily in front of me.

Only God's vision is 20/20. My sight is skewed by imperfections. But if I rely on Him to bring things into focus, I won't have to strain so hard to see!

Putting on a new pair of glasses is great but sometimes vanity takes a hit. I remember how I felt in second grade when I got my first pair. I remember a boy in my class telling me I looked like a teacher. That was insulting to a 7 year old!

Just as that boy felt compelled to share his opinion about my new spectacles, people can feel compelled to share their assessment of my "predicament".

Some may say I never should have started this journey or at least should have given up long ago.
That's not what a girl with new "glasses" needs to hear.

So, here I go, continuing on my journey. I'm not sure what's up ahead. But I'll walk with confidence knowing I can at least see where to place my next step. And I'll choose to find God's best for me each day instead of looking at tomorrow.