I'm visiting Nanny-land today.
Something a little scary occurred to me over our lunch.
It took a minute to sink in amidst the whine of activity.
No, my revelation wasn't that I required my daughter to cut my pizza into bite size pieces, thank you very much.
While the three-year-old related a story she raised her chubby little fingers over her head and made air quotation marks.
This shouldn't shock me considering I know both her mother and her nanny, but the fact that I've never seen a three-year-old quite pull this sly and smooth movement off made me stop and think.
We are such products of our environment. Both where we are forced to live, and where we choose to live (physically, emotionally, spiritually, mentally.)
To bring it even closer to home, people are watching us and catching our attitudes and quirks.
Nanny has been shaped by me, forever scarred, and is passing my influence along to the next generation. As amusing as that is, the good stuff anyway, I cringe when I realize that some of my not so wonderful attitudes have been passed to my children as well.
What if we all made a few promises to ourselves.
That I will stop and think before I act.
I will act as if I want to bless others.
I'll "try." How about you?
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Scribbles and Scrambles - I Told You That!
Do you struggle with remembering things?
I do. Sometimes it borders on scary. My husband and I have this game we play; we affectionately refer to it as, “I told you that!”
Apparently, we both have rich conversations with each other -- in our heads. Our mouths don’t get engaged nearly as often. I’ll discover something critical, like, he’s going out of town tomorrow, purely by some backhanded comment.
His eyebrows jump, and he grows a sheepish grin. “I told you. Didn’t I?” He really thinks he did, too.
But I do the same to him, and it’s slightly possible I also hear him without actually listening to what he just said. My oldest daughter often says, “You just asked me that question.” Oops! Note to self…listen to the answer.
During Sunday’s sermon, my pastor used the illustration of a group of life-roughened men who lived in a shelter near my pastor’s college. Every Friday night, a group of ministry students put on a small church service. The residents of the shelter were fresh off the streets. And they dragged their dysfunction to church with them. Every Friday the residents got to choose a song. Every Friday they chose “Victory in Jesus.”
This group of addicted, worn-down, beat-up men was anything but victorious. Why that song? Why not “Jesus Loves Me?” I’d find more comfort in that if I wore their shoes. “Amazing Grace” now that’s a song to celebrate.
Maybe, prophetically, they wanted to sing about what could be, someday.
I think the choice in song ties into memory. As great as the other songs are, I want to believe that no matter how pathetic I am right now, I actually have Jesus, the King of kings, working in my life, fixing, changing, breaking and winning.
The prophet Samuel set up an Ebenezer stone for the Israelites to remind them that God had been with them right up until that point, and that He hadn’t gone anywhere. I think “Victory in Jesus” became an Ebenezer stone for those shelter residents. Jesus promised, Jesus did it, and Jesus is going to finish it.
So, if you forget everything else today, remember that if you have Jesus, then you have victory in Him.
Oh, and that you need to be fully dressed if you go out in public.
I do. Sometimes it borders on scary. My husband and I have this game we play; we affectionately refer to it as, “I told you that!”
Apparently, we both have rich conversations with each other -- in our heads. Our mouths don’t get engaged nearly as often. I’ll discover something critical, like, he’s going out of town tomorrow, purely by some backhanded comment.
His eyebrows jump, and he grows a sheepish grin. “I told you. Didn’t I?” He really thinks he did, too.
But I do the same to him, and it’s slightly possible I also hear him without actually listening to what he just said. My oldest daughter often says, “You just asked me that question.” Oops! Note to self…listen to the answer.
During Sunday’s sermon, my pastor used the illustration of a group of life-roughened men who lived in a shelter near my pastor’s college. Every Friday night, a group of ministry students put on a small church service. The residents of the shelter were fresh off the streets. And they dragged their dysfunction to church with them. Every Friday the residents got to choose a song. Every Friday they chose “Victory in Jesus.”
This group of addicted, worn-down, beat-up men was anything but victorious. Why that song? Why not “Jesus Loves Me?” I’d find more comfort in that if I wore their shoes. “Amazing Grace” now that’s a song to celebrate.
Maybe, prophetically, they wanted to sing about what could be, someday.
I think the choice in song ties into memory. As great as the other songs are, I want to believe that no matter how pathetic I am right now, I actually have Jesus, the King of kings, working in my life, fixing, changing, breaking and winning.
The prophet Samuel set up an Ebenezer stone for the Israelites to remind them that God had been with them right up until that point, and that He hadn’t gone anywhere. I think “Victory in Jesus” became an Ebenezer stone for those shelter residents. Jesus promised, Jesus did it, and Jesus is going to finish it.
So, if you forget everything else today, remember that if you have Jesus, then you have victory in Him.
Oh, and that you need to be fully dressed if you go out in public.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Serials and Scenarios - MaryLu Tyndall - On The Plank
MaryLu Tyndall BOLDLY shares her thoughts. Pour a mug of grog and join us.
Pick one…..Pink iguana, purple cow, periwinkle giraffe. Which one and why? Can be negative or positive.
Definitely the periwinkle giraffe. Tall, elegant with a commanding view of the surroundings and her choice of the most succulent leaves upon the treetops. Who wouldn’t choose that over an iguana or a cow?
Favorite turn of phrase or word picture, in literature or movie.
“He was actuated by a belief in himself that was tempered by no consciousness of his limitations.” Captain Blood, by Raphael Sabatini
“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a large fortune, must be in want of a wife.” Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen
What would you write if there were no rules or barriers? (epic novels about characters in the Bible, poetry, greeting cards, plays, movies, instruction manuals, etc.)
Without any restrictions, I’d still write the type of inspirational, romantic, adventurous novels that I currently write, but I believe I’d touch on more controversial, edgy, and real-life issues in my stories than the CBA allows presently.
What makes you feel alive?
Walking along the beach while talking to my Father in heaven. How much more alive can someone feel than when they are in the presence of their Creator?
How does something worm its way into your heart? Through tears, truth, humor or other?
Honest and deep emotions expressed without barriers, hang-ups, self-consciousness, or fear of consequence. Whenever someone in a book or movie pours out their heart and has everything to lose and nothing to gain from it, I always cry.
Where would you most like to travel ----- moon, north pole, deep seas, deserted island, the holy land or back to a place from your childhood, somewhere else? and why.
Deserted island, of course. Warm sun caressing my skin, turquoise waters lapping on the shore, peace and quiet, away from the hustle and bustle of my busy life. Sounds like heaven to me.
Favorite season and why?
Spring. Everything is fresh and beautiful, resurrecting from the deep sleep of a cold winter. It reminds me of God’s renewing grace, His resurrection power, and that His mercies are fresh every morning.
Favorite book setting and why?
The Caribbean or anywhere in the warm tropics. I suppose because it reminds me of the carefree days of a childhood spent on the warm Florida beaches, and of course I love the sea—the wild, unpredictable, tempestuous sea. What a great backdrop in which to write about adventure and romance!
Super power you'd love to borrow for awhile?
Flying. I’ve always been envious of birds. What would it be like to soar with the wings of eagles?
Favorite chore
Favorite—Chore? Do these two words go together?
Describe something you can see, hear, taste or feel without telling us what the item is.
The soothing aroma tickled her nose and drew her from bed like an enchanting song. Plodding down the hall, she rubbed her sleepy eyes, and breathed in a deep whiff of the rich, dark bouquet. Her mouth suddenly woke and began to water in anticipation before she even reached the kitchen. Grabbing the pot, she poured the ebony liquid into her cup, added the creamy sweetener, and then held the mug, allowing the warmth to seep through her fingers and palms like the rays of sun on a summer’s day. Lifting the cup to her nose she inhaled the rich, spicy tropical aroma and smiled. Then placing her lips gently on the rim, she took a sip. That first sip was always the best. Ah, the sweet, warm nectar of the morning.
Anything you'd do but don't because of fear of pain? What is it? Ex. Bungee jumping, sky diving, running with scissors.
Public speaking.
Societal pet peeve…sound off.
Relativism. Our current society believes there is no absolute truth, and in the name of Political correctness and not offending anyone, we have corrupted our society by compromising the ultimate truth found in the Word of God. The thing that really bugs me about this is that this same principle does not apply when the world deals with Christians.
Pick a Genre - Describe a kiss….Historical
He leaned toward her and hesitated. His warm breath wafted over her.
Her heart flopped in her chest.
He leaned nearer.
She closed her eyes, unable to move.
His lips touched hers. The room exploded in burst of heat as his kiss, gentle at first, grew hungrier, searching, exploring—like a parched lion drinking from a newfound spring.
Wrapping his arms around her, he pressed her against him, and for a moment, she melted into him, unable to resist.
Withdrawing his lips, he hovered near her face and tilted his forehead against hers. Their heavy breaths intermingled in the air between them.
Pick one…..Pink iguana, purple cow, periwinkle giraffe. Which one and why? Can be negative or positive.
Definitely the periwinkle giraffe. Tall, elegant with a commanding view of the surroundings and her choice of the most succulent leaves upon the treetops. Who wouldn’t choose that over an iguana or a cow?
Favorite turn of phrase or word picture, in literature or movie.
“He was actuated by a belief in himself that was tempered by no consciousness of his limitations.” Captain Blood, by Raphael Sabatini
“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a large fortune, must be in want of a wife.” Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen
What would you write if there were no rules or barriers? (epic novels about characters in the Bible, poetry, greeting cards, plays, movies, instruction manuals, etc.)
Without any restrictions, I’d still write the type of inspirational, romantic, adventurous novels that I currently write, but I believe I’d touch on more controversial, edgy, and real-life issues in my stories than the CBA allows presently.
What makes you feel alive?
Walking along the beach while talking to my Father in heaven. How much more alive can someone feel than when they are in the presence of their Creator?
How does something worm its way into your heart? Through tears, truth, humor or other?
Honest and deep emotions expressed without barriers, hang-ups, self-consciousness, or fear of consequence. Whenever someone in a book or movie pours out their heart and has everything to lose and nothing to gain from it, I always cry.
Where would you most like to travel ----- moon, north pole, deep seas, deserted island, the holy land or back to a place from your childhood, somewhere else? and why.
Deserted island, of course. Warm sun caressing my skin, turquoise waters lapping on the shore, peace and quiet, away from the hustle and bustle of my busy life. Sounds like heaven to me.
Favorite season and why?
Spring. Everything is fresh and beautiful, resurrecting from the deep sleep of a cold winter. It reminds me of God’s renewing grace, His resurrection power, and that His mercies are fresh every morning.
Favorite book setting and why?
The Caribbean or anywhere in the warm tropics. I suppose because it reminds me of the carefree days of a childhood spent on the warm Florida beaches, and of course I love the sea—the wild, unpredictable, tempestuous sea. What a great backdrop in which to write about adventure and romance!
Super power you'd love to borrow for awhile?
Flying. I’ve always been envious of birds. What would it be like to soar with the wings of eagles?
Favorite chore
Favorite—Chore? Do these two words go together?
Describe something you can see, hear, taste or feel without telling us what the item is.
The soothing aroma tickled her nose and drew her from bed like an enchanting song. Plodding down the hall, she rubbed her sleepy eyes, and breathed in a deep whiff of the rich, dark bouquet. Her mouth suddenly woke and began to water in anticipation before she even reached the kitchen. Grabbing the pot, she poured the ebony liquid into her cup, added the creamy sweetener, and then held the mug, allowing the warmth to seep through her fingers and palms like the rays of sun on a summer’s day. Lifting the cup to her nose she inhaled the rich, spicy tropical aroma and smiled. Then placing her lips gently on the rim, she took a sip. That first sip was always the best. Ah, the sweet, warm nectar of the morning.
Anything you'd do but don't because of fear of pain? What is it? Ex. Bungee jumping, sky diving, running with scissors.
Public speaking.
Societal pet peeve…sound off.
Relativism. Our current society believes there is no absolute truth, and in the name of Political correctness and not offending anyone, we have corrupted our society by compromising the ultimate truth found in the Word of God. The thing that really bugs me about this is that this same principle does not apply when the world deals with Christians.
Pick a Genre - Describe a kiss….Historical
He leaned toward her and hesitated. His warm breath wafted over her.
Her heart flopped in her chest.
He leaned nearer.
She closed her eyes, unable to move.
His lips touched hers. The room exploded in burst of heat as his kiss, gentle at first, grew hungrier, searching, exploring—like a parched lion drinking from a newfound spring.
Wrapping his arms around her, he pressed her against him, and for a moment, she melted into him, unable to resist.
Withdrawing his lips, he hovered near her face and tilted his forehead against hers. Their heavy breaths intermingled in the air between them.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Serials and Scenarios - The Reliance
The Reliance link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1597893609
The Author link: http://www.mltyndall.com/
The Review:
After reading “The Reliance” I’m certain I don’t want to encounter a pirate. My senses aren’t up for it. I cringe when a hero and heroine passionately kiss the first thing in the morning -- morning breath – ewww. The pirates in “The Reliance” exercised my gag reflex big time. Though I still love the sea, I think I may pass on any rides offered by scruffy men, nor will I consider grog as an interesting alternative to tea.
I’ve seen Johnny Depp’s pirate crew. I knew what I might find between the pages of a novel about pirates. MaryLu Tyndall has created a group of men so repugnant that they rival the big screen version. However, there are a few good men and a very good God who give us heroes to cheer along with the scoundrel induced shudders.
Without reading the first in the series – “The Redemption” – I picked up “The Reliance” and enjoyed an uplifting story full of adventure, love, sights and smells. I even got a little annoyed when I couldn’t finish it with only three chapters to go. I could read so much more if only I didn’t need to sleep. Sigh.
I’d suggest picking up “The Redemption” since it tells the beginning of the story of Charlisse and Merrick. Then move on to “The Reliance” but only if you are looking for an action filled love story with some very sensory scenes. There is an unfinished story or two that need to be told so expect yet another upcoming tale.
Come back tomorrow for MaryLu’s interview. If you think “The Reliance” is a book you’d like to read, then you are going to want to see some of her answers. I’ve added a few new questions to the Dreg’s Pick and Choose List-O-Questions. Mary Lu did not disappoint.
The Author link: http://www.mltyndall.com/
The Review:
After reading “The Reliance” I’m certain I don’t want to encounter a pirate. My senses aren’t up for it. I cringe when a hero and heroine passionately kiss the first thing in the morning -- morning breath – ewww. The pirates in “The Reliance” exercised my gag reflex big time. Though I still love the sea, I think I may pass on any rides offered by scruffy men, nor will I consider grog as an interesting alternative to tea.
I’ve seen Johnny Depp’s pirate crew. I knew what I might find between the pages of a novel about pirates. MaryLu Tyndall has created a group of men so repugnant that they rival the big screen version. However, there are a few good men and a very good God who give us heroes to cheer along with the scoundrel induced shudders.
Without reading the first in the series – “The Redemption” – I picked up “The Reliance” and enjoyed an uplifting story full of adventure, love, sights and smells. I even got a little annoyed when I couldn’t finish it with only three chapters to go. I could read so much more if only I didn’t need to sleep. Sigh.
I’d suggest picking up “The Redemption” since it tells the beginning of the story of Charlisse and Merrick. Then move on to “The Reliance” but only if you are looking for an action filled love story with some very sensory scenes. There is an unfinished story or two that need to be told so expect yet another upcoming tale.
Come back tomorrow for MaryLu’s interview. If you think “The Reliance” is a book you’d like to read, then you are going to want to see some of her answers. I’ve added a few new questions to the Dreg’s Pick and Choose List-O-Questions. Mary Lu did not disappoint.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Scribbles and Scrambles - It's In His Skies....
As the dark acid-washed-denim sky lightened, softened in the east, my eyes were drawn upward. An owl, head mechanically swiveling while it watched the field, perched on the power pool.
This is one of the reasons I love my home.
The turkey clusters/herds/flocks grow a little boring. Turkeys are not exciting animals.
I have even been known to yawn at deer, unless one plunges from the woods onto the pavement in front of me.
Ten days ago, I stood outside while fat, puffed snowflakes fell from the sky, landing on my eyelashes and nose while I tried to shovel up their friend’s carcasses. Yesterday people walked around in shorts. (This is not recommended by the National Optometrist Association. Iowans are not known for bronze, easy-on-the-eye skin.) While I shoveled a Robin sang. Maybe it was complaining, but my ear accepted the tune as music.
But I don’t think it’s the wildlife that entices me to call this place home. For sure, it’s not the fish-belly white skin or the occasional foot of snow. It’s deeper than those perks and quirks.
After returning from a blissful trip to Hawaii, I struggled with the Iowa December. Minnesota’s lakes, Hawaii’s ocean and artistic arrays of sand, Seattle’s temperatures, Colorado’s stark beauty all call, siren song style, to me. My soul longs for the breathtaking poignancy of those places, sometimes even the loneliness of those slivers of beauty.
But one afternoon, a few weeks home from Hawaii, I stood in my backyard while the breeze tossed my hair, and I lifted my face to the sun. As I opened my eyes, I realized that when I looked up I couldn’t really tell the difference between paradise on earth and home.
May you find a sliver of paradise in your circumstances, and in your place in this world.
This is one of the reasons I love my home.
The turkey clusters/herds/flocks grow a little boring. Turkeys are not exciting animals.
I have even been known to yawn at deer, unless one plunges from the woods onto the pavement in front of me.
Ten days ago, I stood outside while fat, puffed snowflakes fell from the sky, landing on my eyelashes and nose while I tried to shovel up their friend’s carcasses. Yesterday people walked around in shorts. (This is not recommended by the National Optometrist Association. Iowans are not known for bronze, easy-on-the-eye skin.) While I shoveled a Robin sang. Maybe it was complaining, but my ear accepted the tune as music.
But I don’t think it’s the wildlife that entices me to call this place home. For sure, it’s not the fish-belly white skin or the occasional foot of snow. It’s deeper than those perks and quirks.
After returning from a blissful trip to Hawaii, I struggled with the Iowa December. Minnesota’s lakes, Hawaii’s ocean and artistic arrays of sand, Seattle’s temperatures, Colorado’s stark beauty all call, siren song style, to me. My soul longs for the breathtaking poignancy of those places, sometimes even the loneliness of those slivers of beauty.
But one afternoon, a few weeks home from Hawaii, I stood in my backyard while the breeze tossed my hair, and I lifted my face to the sun. As I opened my eyes, I realized that when I looked up I couldn’t really tell the difference between paradise on earth and home.
May you find a sliver of paradise in your circumstances, and in your place in this world.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Scribbles and Scrambles - Return from North
Sounds ominous, doesn't it? I traveled north and lived to tell the tales.
Some tales will forever be with-held for reader ease and comfort and writer save-faceiness. (Yes, another new word, feel free to pass it along.)
I almost dreaded my visit to the great twin cities. Why? Three words. Self Defense Class.
Michelle, the friend who found such great delight in my spinning glass debacle, signed up the females in her household for said class. She even gave me one of her daughters since it was a mother/daughter opportunity.
Poor kid.
Oh, I played it up. Told her I was going to get some read-white-and-blue "bad boy" parachute pants from which to deliver roundhouse kicks to heads.
I even decided I could maybe do a bit of heckling. After all, this would be my fourth self-defense class, and believe me, with two brothers I'd developed the art of roundhouse.
But, since I'm such a good sport, and feel the need to make others laugh, I took my good attitude to self-defense class and waited for some sweet openings.
I learned something. Quite a bit, actually. Did you know that you can listen to your inner chicken and avoid awkward or ugly situations?
Okay, I knew that.
You can also rush the bad guys and use surprise, wicked elbow thrusts and power stomps to pretty much deliver a really bad day.
So far I haven't had a chance to use my new empowerment. But, man, did we have fun with it at the mall.
Some tales will forever be with-held for reader ease and comfort and writer save-faceiness. (Yes, another new word, feel free to pass it along.)
I almost dreaded my visit to the great twin cities. Why? Three words. Self Defense Class.
Michelle, the friend who found such great delight in my spinning glass debacle, signed up the females in her household for said class. She even gave me one of her daughters since it was a mother/daughter opportunity.
Poor kid.
Oh, I played it up. Told her I was going to get some read-white-and-blue "bad boy" parachute pants from which to deliver roundhouse kicks to heads.
I even decided I could maybe do a bit of heckling. After all, this would be my fourth self-defense class, and believe me, with two brothers I'd developed the art of roundhouse.
But, since I'm such a good sport, and feel the need to make others laugh, I took my good attitude to self-defense class and waited for some sweet openings.
I learned something. Quite a bit, actually. Did you know that you can listen to your inner chicken and avoid awkward or ugly situations?
Okay, I knew that.
You can also rush the bad guys and use surprise, wicked elbow thrusts and power stomps to pretty much deliver a really bad day.
So far I haven't had a chance to use my new empowerment. But, man, did we have fun with it at the mall.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Serials and Scenarios - The Watchers
Before I head off to the land of Vikings, and most excellent coffee, let me leave you with thoughts on a new book release.
Yes, I'm visiting Michelle, my French Press mentor and separated-at-birth twin. Yes, there is another person like me out there. You northerners might want to watch out.
Michelle tends to play the straight man, unless bent over double, laughing at my latest stupid human trick. She's the one who drew everyone's attention to my body smashed against the revolving door at the writer's conference in September.
But, she makes great coffee, and is pretty good at killing fictional characters. She's signed us up for a self-defense class Friday night. If you hear any loud crashes from the northern corner of the United States, it's probably us.
Mark Andrew Olsen, Christy Award nominated author of "The Assignment" has written a new supernatural suspense novel. Go to the Amazon buzz page:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764228188
My review of "The Watchers."
If you like globetrotting spiritual warfare novels, you're going to want to check out "The Watchers."
With a different twist on the standard warfare, "The Watchers" tackles some intriguing church history, and some tragic realities about the current state of religion. Crossing cultural and racial boundaries, Mark Andrew Olsen writes of an age-old demonic plan, and the way it could play out in our age of technology.
Some segments are truly creepy and will give the Big Honkin Chicken Club members a shudder or two. The novel reads very much like a screenplay and would be an action-packed movie. Christian themes of prayer and submission are well handled. The Gospel is present, obvious and not overdone.
Though written in omniscient POV, my least favorite, and though the main characters are not always believable, I found this an enjoyable read. My character issue likely stems from the omniscient POV. Dylan ended up being a little stereotypically alpha-male. But in a thriller genre, a reader generally isn't looking for depth of characterization.
Overall, Mark Andrew Olsen tells a great story with compelling writing.
Fans of Dekker, Peretti, Mapes and Mackel will find this a satisfying power-packed read.
Yes, I'm visiting Michelle, my French Press mentor and separated-at-birth twin. Yes, there is another person like me out there. You northerners might want to watch out.
Michelle tends to play the straight man, unless bent over double, laughing at my latest stupid human trick. She's the one who drew everyone's attention to my body smashed against the revolving door at the writer's conference in September.
But, she makes great coffee, and is pretty good at killing fictional characters. She's signed us up for a self-defense class Friday night. If you hear any loud crashes from the northern corner of the United States, it's probably us.
Mark Andrew Olsen, Christy Award nominated author of "The Assignment" has written a new supernatural suspense novel. Go to the Amazon buzz page:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764228188
My review of "The Watchers."
If you like globetrotting spiritual warfare novels, you're going to want to check out "The Watchers."
With a different twist on the standard warfare, "The Watchers" tackles some intriguing church history, and some tragic realities about the current state of religion. Crossing cultural and racial boundaries, Mark Andrew Olsen writes of an age-old demonic plan, and the way it could play out in our age of technology.
Some segments are truly creepy and will give the Big Honkin Chicken Club members a shudder or two. The novel reads very much like a screenplay and would be an action-packed movie. Christian themes of prayer and submission are well handled. The Gospel is present, obvious and not overdone.
Though written in omniscient POV, my least favorite, and though the main characters are not always believable, I found this an enjoyable read. My character issue likely stems from the omniscient POV. Dylan ended up being a little stereotypically alpha-male. But in a thriller genre, a reader generally isn't looking for depth of characterization.
Overall, Mark Andrew Olsen tells a great story with compelling writing.
Fans of Dekker, Peretti, Mapes and Mackel will find this a satisfying power-packed read.
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