The Da Vinci Code...Book Review

A new addition to my blog...book reviews as I finish them.

Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code is brilliantly written with an amazing understanding of art and European history. With the aid of a fast-paced story line and an air of superior enlightenment, the author generously sews poisonous seeds of doubt regarding the beliefs and history of the Christian faith. I'm not sure what disturbs me more, his clever way of weaving lies into the tapestry of Christianity or his carefully crafted word pallet that attempts to paint dark things as light.

Perspective Make Over

Like most teenagers, I always tried to help my mom dress "cooler". My sister and I were always ready with some fashion advice in those years. Recently, I'm amused at the changing tide. In the last years finances have been tight and I find myself gratefully receiving "mom-me-downs". The humor of this is not lost on me! I guess either my mom is way "cooler" than my teenage mind thought or fashion is just not as important to me as it used to be. Maybe both.

How Tall Are You?

Yesterday my 4 year old stood right next to me and looked up into my face. Puzzled, he asked me, "Mommy, are you just a little bit taller than God?"

After I stopped laughing, I was remind how important my role is in his understanding of God's character. He needs to see unconditional love, a blend of mercy and justice, and a patient teacher. Help me today Lord, to grow a taller character.

Wishful Thinking

I love how kids see the world, especially on Groundhog Day. I briefly explained to the kids this morning with breakfast about Groundhog Day. When I picked up our daughter from Kindergarten the excitement had built. She exclaimed, "Mom, do you know it's a holiday today?!" She was sure there wouldn't be any mail because "the postoffice doesn't work on holidays." Then it occured to her, "We need to have a party and make special food!" This really humored me. (What foods are traditional for Groundhog Day!?!)

As if this wasn't humorous enough, later in the afternoon I picked up our son from school. Typical post-school chatter. I asked him, "Did you talk about Groundhog Day?" He matter-of-factly replied, "Yeah...I know all about it. The groundhog saw his shadow...and now there's gonna be 6 more weeks of school." Good luck buddie...try 16 more weeks of school!!

Don't Miss This

You have got to hear this clip from you tube! Click. Listen. Contemplate.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjo85WhbYqM

Seriously!?

I'm sitting on the couch checking my email when I hear my 4 year old calling, "Mommy, I need you!!!" I run upstairs to see what is going on only to find him in the bathroom laying on the floor with his bottom up in the air. GROSS! He says, "I need you to wipe me." To which I reply, "What? When are you going to be able to wipe YOURSELF?"

He matter of factly says, "When I'm 18...." Oh, the joys of parenting.

And the Book Pick Is...

Well, I didn't get much feed back on book ideas for 2009...so I did some looking on my own. Tonight I will start reading the classic by Henri Nouwen; "The Way of the Heart". I have a good friend who calls him her favorite Dead Mentor. :)

What to Read...

I need some help deciding what books to read in 2009. I would love some suggestions from those who read my blog; that is of course if anyone really does read it. :-)

Looking Forward

" 'I said to the man who stood at the Gate of the Year,
'Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.'
And he replied, 'Go out into the darkness, and put your hand into the Hand of God.
That shall be to you better than light, and safer than a known way.' "

George VI, 1939 Christmas Broadcast

winding.

hazy.

unpredictable.

unknown.

Looking Back

Bittersweet.

Ripping, rejoined.

Longing, satisfied.

Lacking, completed.

Tears and smiles

Fears and miles.

Joy and sorrow.

Paused.

Little Man's Point of View

I was getting the kids ready for Christmas Eve services tonight. Everyone was bathed and putting on the nice clothes I laid out. I put a wool sweater vest and shirt on my little 4 year old and combed his hair nicely. Only moments later I saw that his hair was a mess and the vest was gone. When I asked him about it he simple said, "I don't wanna wear that 'hair-suit'!" How could I argue with that...we left the wool vest behind.

Thought of the day...

Sometimes I'm on top of it,
but most of the time IT is on top of me.

Fit to Be Tied

I'm not sure why it bothered me so much, but I past by them every time I entered the convention center. It was a bargin..a steal at only $5; but it made me cringe as I stepped through the doors.

The sign read "Witnessing Ties", with sayings like; "Thou shalt not murder"..."Army of God"..."One Nation Under God"... and a host of pictures; praying hands, crosses, and even a pastor's bookshelf. Since when are ties for witnessing? Where do most peope wear ties? That's right, church. And are these really the messages of the Gospel?

THere are better uses for your 5 bucks. Why not bring the homeless guy a sandwich and look him in the eyes when you give it to him? Or buy your struggling coworker a coffee and ask if she's doing okay? Maybe send a sincere card for the family who is dealing with grief?

It's in our service to others and our sincere words that the message comes to life. I guess I'll pass on the ties.

Funny Kids

Some recent funny quotes from my kids:

I gave my 4 year old some tic-tac's on the way to pick up his sister at school. When she got in the car he informed her, "I got some tic-tac-toes and you didn't get any!".

On the ride home she told me all about the "pil-a-grims" and religious "purse and cute shun". Then she ask me, "What is that anyway?"

My big 7 year old informed me recently that he's just about as smart as I am....and that He almost knows everything. Hang on to that as long as you can buddy! Pretty soon you'll be feeling like the rest of us.

They make me laugh; they make me cry;

They fill me up and completely drain me.

The paradox of parenting...

My Little Clown

He turned 4 a couple weeks ago, unbelievable! He surprises me with his profound words. Here are a few recent ones:
- "I wish I was a man before I was a kid."
- "God is a big boy. He made the whole wide world."
- "Mommy, you're pretty like a crystal."
True to costume, he makes me smile and laugh. And, I'm still uncovering the unique layers of my little clown.

The Tale of a Turkey

The last few months have been a little lean, the longest we've ever gone without a pay check. God and I have been talking about this regularly and He has some creative ways of providing...

I was excited to hear how much company was coming... three weekends in a row! And then it occured to me, "How am I going to feed all these people?" (Sound familliar?)

Later that day I saw a sale advertised at local grocery store for $8 turkeys!! I'm no expert, but it seemed like a pretty good deal. I went to the store right away... on a mision to the meat dept. When I ask the worker where the $8 turkeys were, HE actually laughed at me. Then He replied, "That's just something we advertise to get people in here. The few that we had were gone in under an hour!" I was so disappointed.

What now God? I only walked a few steps more for my answer. Another meat dept. employee asked me if I was finding everything okay. I replied matter-of-factly, "Yeah, everything but the $8 turkeys." To my surprise the man said, "Just wait here." A moment later he came back with a turkey... not just any turkey...we are talking totally huge-fill up half my cart-monster bird!!!!!!!

I made roasted turkey, turkey sandwiches, turkey hot dish, turkey noodle soup, .... and all for 8$!!! The masses were fed and I still have some left in the freezer. It was like the loaves and fishes story told in a modern day Tale of a Turkey.

Our Fall Garden

We planted everything September 1st. This week we have been harvesting leaf lettuce, spinach, and arrugala. Next month we hope to have fresh snow peas, green onions, carrots, and some yummy herbs. We'll have to wait until early summer for the strawberries. This is a fun project that both Jason and I really love. If you live nearby, drop in for a salad! :)

The Thing about Grace...

I have a child who I often describe as being "fair, as it pertains to him". Unfortunately, I think My Heavenly Father could describe me this way sometimes too.

While we were away for three years, we rented our home to a woman and her three kids. Coming back to see the horrible condition of our house has been agonizing. Daily I seem to discover new ways that she destroyed things in our home....and daily I find myself muttering angry things about her as I execute another repair. I justify it because it is a "righteous anger"!!!

The other day the I felt God stirring in my heart...asking the questions that I didn't want to hear...highlighting fault I would rather not see. After downing a full glass of ice cold humility, I began to see who I really am..."deeply flawed, ungrateful and tenaciously fair (as it pertains to me)". And then the familiar phrase..."my grace is sufficient for you"... and for her too. He was entitled to righteous anger at my rebellion, the ways I willingly destroy the life He intends for me. Yet, He offered me costly grace instead. And the thing about grace...is that once you have been measured by it, you surrender your right to judge others with the ruler of justice.

First Day of School

..."the Three" in front of our house. They were ready with back packs on an HOUR before we needed to leave. The littlest still wasn't sure why he wasn't going to school.
The Big guy wanted to show everyone his new shoes that light up. Thanks Nana and Papa.
Pink and Poka-dots are a perfect way to start Kindergarten. Meanwhile, a mom feels so many different things on this literal first day of school ever...excitement, nervousness, a little sadness, but most of all the unfamiliarity of that first step in a long journey of letting go. Start growing those wings my sweet children.

With Gratitude...

I thought it appropriate, on the eve of my 34th birthday, to list some of the things for which I am grateful. Here goes:

- colorado blue skies and sunshine

- fun family night

- "the three", my love for them, and their love for me

- spacious counter tops and closets

- a loving hard-working husband , although he is far away

- dear friends in many time zones

- dishwasher, dryer, and wall-to-wall carpeting

- being near to family who I have missed so much

- house plants and herb gardens

- the Father's unconditional love

- memories

- health and energy

- spontaneous coffee drinking

- freedom and life with out war and fear

- redemption from slavery

- people who understand

- ice cubes and fans

- public parks and the library

- garage sales and clearance racks

- untexpected kindnesses

- peace amidst uncertainty

- birthday bouquet from mama's rose garden

Ahhh. It is good to be 34.