It feels like 100 years since I've blogged.

I remember the days when I used to blog all the time...

Times have changed.

Full schedule and all that.

And, I just realized that all those little things I want to say to the world (as if the world cares) I say on Facebook or Twitter.   When I blog, I always feel like I need to give more than 140 character update....something more profound or explanatory or expository.    Of course I know I can always get away with just posting a picture of my precious offspring.

Offspring

Anyway - I was thinking about a little something I wanted to share.   I've noticed I've started implementing in my household recently.   I thought perhaps it might help someone else.   It's a little thing I call "Set Up For Success".  

Backstory.  I have a problem with mornings....see, I need to get out of bed, curl up in a chair with a cup of coffee (preferably that's been made for me with the right distribution of frothed milk & raw sugar), a warm blanket and my reading and ease into the day.    Ask me how often that happens.   <radio silence>  Apparently, my daughter has inherited this character trait as well.    So if there are things we have to do in the morning that are undesirable and necessary, the odds of it actually happening are about as low as my coffee being delivered to me on a silver platter every morning, properly frothed and sugared.

Undesirable and Necessary.....we all have those items on the checklist, don't we?

So here's how it works....

The "Set Up" ::  for us this happens the night before...but it's the action part, the prep, the "just do it" part.
The "Success" ::  it's the result.   There is success because we've spent time in the setup.   It's actually more like, "a higher likelihood for success".  

Example:   Somebody doesn't like taking a shower in the morning and that's the only time that this person can do it (I'm not naming any names, but it's not me, ok?).
The Set Up:  Bathmat on the floor, shower curtain pulled to the side as if to beckon you in, robe on the doorknob, towel by the shower, shower cap of the day hanging on the tub spout
Success:  Fall out of bed, everything is ready - no setup required to complain about.

Baddah bing, baddah boom.   Shower.

Example:  Somebody likes to procrastinate in going to the gym in the morning.   <Why you lookin' at me like that?>
The Set Up:  Gym clothes at the foot of the bed, water bottle, keys and MP3 player on the counter
Success:  Fall out of bed, get dressed and everything needed is by the door ready to go.  No more "I can't find this or that so I will just stay home"

Badda boom.   Gym.    (Of course, I am still looking for the "Set Up" that will help me not sit in the parking lot for 20 minutes tweeting about how I don't want to go work out.   Suggestions appreciated).

Setting up for success is about having an action plan, but part of it is setting up your mindset.   "I am going to the gym tomorrow because here are my clothes and my water bottle is ready to go, blah, blah, blah". One of my favorite verses from the bible tells me to "be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2).     Our mind and thoughts are POWERFUL things!    Even if you're one taco short of a combo plate, you still have the power to make choices and change your mind about things.

There are lots of other ways I can implement the "Set Up For Success" strategy in my house...for now, it's just something that I've been rocking in beta.

So maybe this gives you - all 2 of my faithful readers that have stuck with me over the last year of flailing blog posts - a little motivation to find an area where you can set yourself up for a higher likelihood of success.

Be blessed!
k

In my last 2 posts, I've shared some thoughts with you on the book of Nehemiah. If you haven't had a chance, I would encourage you to read Part 1 and Part 2 so this post will hopefully make more sense! For those that have hung with me, I hope that you have picked up a nugget or two. Thanks to those of you who have given me feedback - I appreciate you!

In my last post I began to share some of my thoughts from the book of Nehemiah - a book that has been speaking (very loudly!) to me lately. Towards the end of the post, I listed 11 lessons that I have learned from Nehemiah & the Israelites...lessons that I saw as being relevant to those undergoing seasons of transformation. Today I want to elaborate a bit on the first 6.

In my next post, I will cover the last 5 lessons:

Most of us can recall a time in our lives where we experienced a season of transformation. Maybe you are in the midst of that season. Maybe you look at it as restoration…or change…or sanctification…or recovery…or….? Whatever word you choose, the fact remains that it is difficult and requires the power and grace that can only come from the God of the universe. Those things attempted in our own strength may last for a time, but true transformation (restoration, change, recovery, etc.) is life-long and sends a message of hope to those around us. There is much to be gleaned from the Bible on the topic of transformation. One book in particular that has been speaking to me recently is Nehemiah.

A little background on the Old Testament book of Nehemiah: The book was written during a period of restoration in and around Jerusalem after the exiles had returned from Babylon. Nehemiah, an Israelite living in the citadel of Susa, was cupbearer to the King Artaxerxes. In the beginning of this account, he hears disturbing news from his brother who has just come from Judah. “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire” (v1:3). This news was distressing to Nehemiah, whose response was sorrow and mourning. Nehemiah approached the king to request a leave of absence so he could go back to his broken land and rebuild the city where his fathers were buried.

In the book of Nehemiah, the physical restoration of the walls of Jerusalem paved the way for spiritual healing in the Israelites. The rebuilding of the wall is followed by a time of renewal (chapters 8-10) and reformation (chapters 11-13). For me, I long for a time of renewal and reformation in my life but for now, my aim is to gather knowledge and learn from the Israelites and their time rebuilding the wall of their city. The following are lessons that I see as I have read thru the book of Nehemiah:

1. Seeking God in humility and repentance can bring about His favor and provision for the process of transformation.
   
2. Making a move towards transformation in your life will invite voices of opposition.
   
3. The work of transformation does not require special skill – only willingness to work
   
4. Opposition will continue during the work of transformation
   
5. During the work of transformation, be on guard for exhaustion, discouragement & fear.
   
6. Have an arsenal of tools for responding to opposition
   
7. Sometimes a change of direction is required in order to continue the work of transformation
   
8. Don’t overlook opportunities to take up the cause of others
   
9. More opposition? Yes…and sometimes from within your own people.
   
10. When true transformation occurs in your life, even your enemies will take notice
    
11. The voice of opposition will occasionally find you even as you walk in freedom
    

In part 2 I will begin to elaborate on these lessons in a little more detail. I hope that this has whet your appetite a little ;)

Transforming hugs & kisses,
k

Shortly after Kindergarten started, I made myself a promise. The promise was...from that day forward I would relinquish my need to control hair and wardrobe choices for my precious offspring. However, I retained the right to intervene in said choices should any of the following conditions occur:

1. Inappropriate showing of the bid-ness
2. Visible skin square footage exceeds comfort level of either parental unit
2. Outfit selection with blatant disregard for extreme weather conditions
3. Hair in the face

Let me say (and those of you that know me don't need to be told) I am a FAR cry from being anywhere near a fashion statement. In fact, I'm sure that my faceless picture has appeared in a few "DON'T DO THIS" sections. But, I do think I have a knack for putting together some cute outfits for Abby. I have a decent sense of what colors match and am able to pair appropriate footwear and even accessorize when necessary. So when Abby began to have an opinion about her clothing, I was sure that it would fall in line with my own (right) opinion.

Boy was I wrong...

I remember the first time Abby and I had a full blown argument about what she would wear to school. Good grief...I couldn't believe how immature she was being. Uh...I mean....um....I couldn't believe how immature I was being. I'm arguing with a five year old - one who wants to wear plaid shorts with a tie die shirt....this can't end well.

I can't say it was exactly that day that I made the promise to myself...it may have been a few arguments later.

It's been a good exercise in self-control for me. I could always to a little better at hiding my obvious dis-like of a certain pairing. And because I can't completely keep my mouth shut, I do offer my "opinion" and then add, "but in the end, it's your decision".

Of course I would love for my kid to be perfectly groomed and well dressed. But WHY IS THAT???? Would I be embarrassed because she's wearing some mis-matched outfit or her hair is not perfectly coiffed? Do I have insecurities that are softened by having a put-together child? Why is it so hard for me to let it go?

I haven't been able to answer that question so much, but I have stayed true to my promise. I do love seeing Abby free to express herself through her wardrobe selection, even if the colors don't match or the patterns clash. My prayer is that when I do need to stand firm with her on an issue, she will know and understand that it's over something important and not over some silly thing like a pair of plaid pants cuffed all the way up to her knee.




















What I have come to realize is that what she wears on her body (as long as it satisfies my standard of "appropriateness") is not nearly as important as the character that is developing on the inside. How she rocks her 'do is a drop in the bucket compared to the brain that's underneath that beautiful head of hair.

So...where do you need to pull back the reigns a bit and let the petty stuff roll?

Just askin' is all...

Rock that plaid, y'all.
k

I just wanted y'all to see these pictures from 2006 to prove that I actually have grown stuff before. It's not that I'm insecure or anything...really, I'm not. I'm not insecure at all. Do you believe me? Because I need you to believe me. I'm not insecure. I can grow stuff...see the pictures?



Now that I have that disclaimer out of the way, I can get down to business.

Most of you probably know that Club Amaro has joined together with our very good friends down the street to grow a vegetable garden this season. Because they have a large family (six) and a big yard (huge, I'm telling you) the garden plot is...well...the size of a small country. Ok, I'm exaggerating, it's only the size of a small state.

After the last few days, I've been reflecting on the lessons that I have learned from my time (or lack thereof) with the garden. Of course it's not enough for me to just keep my thoughts to myself, I have to blab them all over the web. So if you're not interested in my thoughts on the garden, I'm sure there are much more worthwhile things to look at during your time here on the web. Have you been to Hulu.com?

Ah, I see you're still here...fabulouso! I've broken my thoughts down with commentary (what's new, right?)...

1. PROPER PLANNING & PREPARATION IS EVERYTHING

Do not....I repeat....DO NOT put me in charge of ANYTHING that requires graph paper, rulers or mechanical pencils. It will not go well for you.

If you don't properly plan and prepare (or if you don't plan and prepare at all), there will most likely be more work for yourself down the road. Putting more work up front will pay dividends and perhaps save alot of hassle.

I don't always want to take the time to prepare or plan. I can be a very lazy person sometimes. There are those times when it's inconvenient for me to prepare and plan.

Where in my life am I choosing comfort and convenience over diligent planning and preparation?

2. BE FLEXIBLE - CIRCUMSTANCES DON'T ALWAYS COOPERATE

File this one also under: I AM NOT IN CONTROL.

You know, it is really not so cool when you plan to go harvest and weed, then out of nowhere comes a torrential downpour. Not cool at all.

I need to be ready for things to come my way. However, it's impossible to be ready for everything - in fact, you can really get spun out trying to be ready for everything. I think it's more important to be flexible. Flexibility allows us to take circumstances just as they come. We can surely count on there being times when things are out of our control and any attempt to control them brings us S~T~R~E~S~S! That stress drains us of our energy...energy that should be used for taking care of things that we DO have control over. Better to be flexible with things that you have no control over.

Where in my life can I exchange my need to control the planet and everyone on it with flexibility?

3. NEGLECT IS A TERRIBLE THING

Note to self. Do not start a garden and then leave the state for 2 weeks.

Sometimes neglect cannot be avoided...in the case of our garden, we had the unfortunate situation of all parties leaving town for at least two weeks (in the case of our friends, leaving overseas for a month). So the garden was quite content to continue on without us...in ways that we could never imagine. I'm hoping I don't need to elaborate here...do I need to paint you a picture? Weeds, people. Big weeds. And crabgrass. Tall and prolific grass. And poison something-or-other. And big, unidentifiable vegetables.

For those times of neglect that cannot be avoided, please see #2 above.

However, sometimes neglect occurs because we don't want to face something. It can also be attributed to laziness or the "P" word (procrastination - you probably don't know anything about this, but I was actually consulted by Webster himself when he wrote the definition).

Where in my life am I neglecting something? Why am I doing that? Who and or what is suffering because of my inability to do what needs to be done?

Reminder - there is almost always other parties who suffer when I choose to neglect something!

4. IT'S EASIER TO REMOVE SOMETHING WHEN PREPARATION HAS OCCURRED

Have you ever tried to pull a weed out of hard, dry ground? Have you ever tried to pull a weed out after a few days of rain? Weeds are a wonderful analogy for sin in our lives. Don't get me started, I could do a whole post on that alone. Weeds are bad for a garden, but I know they do serve a purpose. Once we decide to pull that sucker out, it goes so much easier if we do a little preparation on the front end. You can't make it rain, but a little watering makes the process easier.

Like dealing with weeds, confronting sin in our lives is not easy. It can be overwhelming, scary, difficult or bring on anxiety or denial. Or all of the above and then some. Coming before God in humility, with a genuine desire to overcome our issues can be like a much needed dampening of hard, dry ground. This act must be consistent and persistent to be effective, though. A hard, dry ground responds much better to consistent watering in proper amounts over a period of time then it does to just dumping a big bucket of water over it!

What sin in my life am I not confronting? What needs to be taken to the throne of my Lord in humility? Where am I not being consistent and persistent with my "bringing to the Lord"?

I actually have much more than this on my mind, but I'm sure that you're about to beat me with a 3 foot zucchini at this point. So I'm going to leave it at 4 and call it a night. If you're still with me, you have my sincere thanks for enduring through my introspection. Most of all I thankful for the Co-op which has been yet another tool that God has used to teach me. If only I could pass the tests on the first taking!

Tomatoes, Peppers and Basil...oh my!

Lots of love,
k

"For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he may have enough to finish it; lest perhaps, after he has laid the foundation and is not able to finish, all those seeing begin to mock him, saying, This man began to build and was not able to finish." Luke 14:28-30

This evening I had one of those...moments. The kind of moment where a complete life lesson flashes before my eyes and convicts me all in a single moment.

The picture above (taken with my cellphone, by the way!) is a scene from a place called The Old Mill. Now I have been to alot of picturesque places in my life...but this place took my breath away. Actually, I'm at a loss as to how to describe what I saw. If I was held at gunpoint and forced to give some sort of explanation, I would say it was like The Hobbit meets Thomas Kincaid.

The Old Mill itself is not necessarily the topic of this post...see, I DID NOT have The Reb with me (gasp!) and was not able to capture what I saw (I was kicking myself). And my policy is: no pics, no post. We are planning on going tomorrow morning for the "photo shoot". If you are tired of seeing pictures of Abby, I suggest you unsubscribe to this blog now.

Here's the sirloin of my post for this evening...

We knew nothing of The Old Mill...it was NOT in the AAA handbook (and if it is not there, it doesn't exist, right?) or any websites, etc. So, how did we find it? Well, the Amaro's rock the GPS - we go nowhere without plugging in our coordinates. So we were on our way to dinner...tonight I picked, so I plugged the info into the GPS. If any of you have GPS, you know that after you plug in your details there is that option...you know the one.

Fastest Time vs. Shortest Distance

I am ALL about "fastest distance"...why wouldn't I be? I want to be there now...no time for anything else. Because you know...you hit that shortest distance option and there's no telling where that stinkin' GPS will take you. Shortest distance does NOT equal fastest time. That's why you have an option ;)

Well I must have swallowed a little too much chlorine in the pool today because I clicked "shortest distance". Sure enough, we were winding through residential neighborhoods - no freeway within a 5 mile radius for sure. Of course, I was lamenting the entire time as we weaved through wooded areas and hit 15 stop signs and 37 speed bumps. But along the way, we saw it...The Old Mill...tucked in a very unsuspecting spot. If we blinked, we may have missed it. And we surely would not have seen it had I selected fastest time.

We stopped the car and walked down the cobblestone path...and then I laid my eyes on the scene...and then I knew...and then I was convicted.

SLOW DOWN.

THE FASTEST WAY IS NOT ALWAYS BEST.

STOP SIGNS ARE NOT AN EVIL CONSPIRACY SETUP SPECIFICALLY TO MAKE YOUR LIFE DIFFICULT.

SPEED BUMPS ARE THERE FOR A REASON.

DRIVING 20 MILES PER HOUR DOESN'T HAVE TO PRODUCE ANXIETY.

ENJOY THE JOURNEY...IT'S NOT ALWAYS ABOUT THE DESTINATION.

YOUR DAUGHTER IS GROWING UP SO FAST...DON'T MISS IT.

You know me...when I get schooled, I love to turn the table. So my friends - where in your life might you be in need of the "shortest distance" option?

Slow down...you may just stumble on an old mill of your own.

stop signs, speed bumps and winding roads,
k

ps - stay tuned for pictures from "The Old Mill"

Tonight I'm feeling a little nostalgic. For one, Mike is sitting here listening to old Michael Jackson songs..."Beat It", "Billy Jean", etc. You know, the really good years. It's bringing back alot of memories of the 80's.

As if that weren't enough...as I'm sitting here writing, somewhere in San Diego my high school class is celebrating 20 years. Facebook has been buzzing with all my classmates talking about what they will wear and where the after-party is.

TWENTY YEARS. Am I really that old?

Some may argue that my level of maturity has not quite reached the level of my actual age - but still.

It seems like just yesterday that I was rockin' my Esprit gear, jettin' around in the Dodge Colt with my personalized KRISKOM license plate. Driving like Mustang Sally on a Red Bull...navigating that Patrick Henry exit lane to get out to Arby's in time to slam some lunch before the next class started. I could really go on and on about my high school memories...it could quite possibly bore you to tears unless you were there with me.

This little trip down memory lane has made me think a bit...what have I accomplished in the 20 years since I wore my cap & gown? I have a beautiful family and great friends...I have a great house and community...I have some skills that I have honed over the years allowing me to contribute to the family income. Most important is my relationship with God...He has been faithful to me over the years. He has given me peace and hope through the difficult trials I've experienced in my life. His is the strength that I rely on each and every day...a firm foundation that never leaves me or forsakes me.

So I wonder where I'll be 20 years from now? Maybe Esprit and Forenza will be in again. It's fun to think about, but I'd rather just enjoy today.

Thanks for trippin' with me...
Now I've got to "beat it".

k

Don't pop your corn just yet, I'm not doing a scene reenactment from The Green Mile.

Poor Edward Delacroix...Percy should not have told him the truth about the mouse city. BAD PERCY.

No, I just thought I'd share a little milestone with y'all, straight from the driveway of Club Amaro. We're officially down to two wheels...well...I shouldn't say we're "rollin' on two" just yet. Let's call it, "DAY ONE".

Do you remember when you first learned how to ride your bike? I can't remember learning myself...I just remember that time my knee came into contact with about 5 1/2 feet worth of sidewalk. I'll spare you the details of the aftermath. You know back then, we never wore helmets or pads...we were hard core bikers, man! Rub some neosporin on it and get back on your bike.

So this afternoon we were out in the front yard with some friends. The kids were all riding their bikes in the cul-de-sac. I'm watching poor Abby rockin' this bike that is way too small for her. Not to mention, the training wheels are cadywampus so they aren't even serving much of a purpose. As I was watching her ride, I could tell that she had all the confidence in the world...the confidence that comes from a little pair of training wheels.



I thought to myself, That girl needs to shed those training wheels and start rollin' like a big kid.

How hard can it be to teach a kid to ride a bike. I mean, you give them a little push...they wobble a bit and they're off, right?

"Mike...I'm thinking about maybe taking those training wheels off" [Translation: "Mike...go get the training wheel removal tool, take off the training wheels and teach this girl how to ride her bike."]

Abby was very excited and a little nervous at the prospect of riding her bike big kid style and so began "Bike Riding 101" at Club Amaro. It was such a contrast watching her without the training wheels...before she had been so confident and sure of herself. Now, only a few minutes later she's nervous and jerky.

So here's the thing. I'm watching my child attempt to ride her bike without the training wheels and I'm immediately reminded of my own journey in life.

There are those times in life when God calls me to a new level of "riding" with Him. Maybe I've been riding along doing things in my own strength, or maybe I've just been riding along in a comfortable place - not growing - just comfy. Maybe there are those times where I've been getting a steady diet of milk and God is calling me to take on some meat. Whatever the circumstance, taking the next step can be like removing the training wheels from my bike.

Sometimes, even getting on the bike can take everything I've got - let alone trying to ride the thing. Maybe I let the bike sit awhile in the garage...leaving it to collect cobwebs of rebellion and denial in the corner. Eventually I will get on the bike, but the uncertainty of what comes next can be even more unbearable. Will He hold onto me until I get it right? What happens if I fall, will He be there to pick me up? What if there is a curb ahead and I freeze, will He remind me to slow down?



Training wheels serve a purpose...but they limit us. The safety and stability they provide are only for a season.

My child, shed the training wheels and let me teach you to ride. The open road awaits.

I'm willing to send you 5 bucks if you look at this post title and NOT sing that Janet Jackson song. C'mon... You know you can't help yourself. Sing it with me.

"I'm in...control, never gonna stop. Control, to get what I want. Control, I got to have a lot. Control, now Im all grown up"

Depending on what decade you grew up in, you may find yourself asking, "What is she talking about now". But if you're a child of the 80's like me, you are well aware of Ms. Jackson's tribute to leaving behind her naivete for the greener pastures of maturity. This picture of me I paint for you is not a pretty one...big hair complete with "wall-o-bangs", oversized Au Coton sweatshirt, braces and I'm sure more than a few pimples. An impressionable young high schooler ready to take on the world with my anthems of adulthood.

Lately the topic of control has occupied my thoughts. Category 4 tornado's will do that, I guess. Specifically, I am thinking about how much I can control when a tornado strikes. I've been reading on tornado preparedness...studying about how tornado's form...looking at pictures of tornado aftermath...reading about the most destructive tornado's in the history of the world. I know, I know - that sounds a little obsessive. I promise you I'm not going to turn into one of those freak tornado chasers like Helen Hunt from the movie Twister. I just think it's good to know what I'm up against.


Why do we seek to control things? What is the root of that? I think part of it can be attributed to fear. Fear of the unknown, fear of...fill in your blank.

When it comes down to it - I can be prepared...but I can't control the tornado. Worrying and fretting about tornado's doesn't change anything at all. What worrying and fretting does is causes my mind to be distracted by things that are out of my....sing it with me, now....CONTROL. Jesus Christ had a few things to say on this matter. For example, "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" (Matt 6:27). Or if you prefer, "Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own" (Matt 6:34)

Do you have something that you are worried about in your life?

What exactly is the remedy for worry? I suppose each of us has our own way that we go, but as for me, I must choose daily to cast my cares upon the Lord (Psalm 55:22). Jesus is the liberator of fear...but it's something that requires ACTION on my part. That action, in my opinion is prayer...sometimes it's as simple as me saying, "Help me, God!" Sometimes it's more in-depth where I'm pouring out my own garbage at the foot of the cross so he can fill me with the peace that transcends all understanding (Phil 4:7).

Losing control and gaining peace in the process. I need a dose of this everyday. Sorry, Janet...I'm kickin' you to the curb.

k

Operation Birthday Party is underway. The Command Post is operational, I've got the platoon leaders at the ready with their orders and the heavy artillery is poised and ready for deployment. 1st and 2nd platoon will deploy from base camp covert, with light and noise discipline to establish a perimeter. 3rd platoon will come in behind and charge in providing suppressing fire and securing the objective in an attempt to outflank the enemy party crashers.

It's clear that I have lost my right mind...either that or I've seen Band of Brothers one too many times. Maybe both. Regardless...the birthday party is a go.

You know - I won't go into my years of birthday party issues with you here...it's just not the right place and I may launch into another Airborne flashback. But at a certain point, it's time to let go of the things that hold us back.

I woke up this morning with a song in my head - a specific lyric of the song kept rolling over in my mind:


It's from a song entitled, "Come Undone" and just because I'm shameless, I'm going to do a shameless plug for my brother, who wrote the song (along with his band, TapWater) - please check them out - they are PHENOMENAL musicians - world twang, baby!

Anyway - this lyric kept rolling around in my head...now I don't know about you, but I have 2 big oak trees in my front yard and despite the freezing temps that seem to hug the days around these parts, they are STILL holding onto their dead leaves!! It's sort of an odd phenomenon.

I started thinking about the oak tree, holding onto its leaves, not wanting to let go of the deadness it holds onto. It reminds me of myself...what am I holding onto that's dead...that's lifeless. Or more than that, what am I holding onto that's sucking the life from me? I used the "birthday party issues" as a tongue in cheek example, but I have more dead leaves to ponder than that.

So how about you - what are your dead leaves? Just a little thought for you and me as I tie off my last goodie bag and head off to sleep.

Love & suppressing fire,
k

Greetings fellow Americans (and those of you from faraway places like Burma, Turku, Surabaya and Petah Tiqwa that manage to randomly access my page through Bloggers "next blog" functionality).

I thought this would be an appropriate Thanksgiving post picture, don't you? It has absolutely nothing to do with my post (neither does my title for that matter). But hey, sometimes it's ok to just go a little coo-coo crazy, right?

I've stopped a few times during the day to ponder what I would post in celebration of the Thanksgiving holiday. I had a nice little list all lined up of all the things that I'm thankful for in my life...the same things that alot of you are thankful for as well, I'm sure. But, ahhh...I grow weary of being so predictable.

Sometimes I get uncomfortable in the comfort of my blessings (yes, brace yourself people, it's going to be one of those posts). Please understand - I don't want to diminish the things that I'm thankful for...they are gifts to me from the providential hand of my Heavenly Father. But it is possible to practice and experience thankfulness while being aware of those in this world that suffer more than we could possibly comprehend. Sometimes it's in that awareness that we come to more fully appreciate the real treasures in our life.

Recently I came across a book - the reading of which brought tears to my eyes and shame to my soul. Tears, because I saw pictures and read of the suffering and oppression of a people group. Shame, because I knew so little about it even though it has been going on for years. I had my excuses for not knowing...but once you know something, you are responsible for how you handle the knowledge. Isn't that what they mean by "knowledge is power"? Maybe I'm wrong, but the way I see it is...when you know something, it can have the POWER to change you.

I'm not here to give you a history lesson, a sermon or a "talkin' to" (maybe you'd disagree). But if this one gal from Middle Tennessee could possibly lead one person to be slightly more aware then they were before, then I will have exceeded my goal for this post. Maybe I should have higher expectations...maybe I should expect that every single person reading this post would take 15 minutes to step away from the turkey and get outside their comfort zone to think about something not so comfortable. Hmmm...

The book I've referred to is entitled, "Voices of Sudan". The following quote comes from "Collective Lens", a blog that promotes social change through photos.

Published in 2007, David Johnson’s Voices of Sudan portrays the daily life of the victims of the ongoing Genocide in Darfur. While visiting the Darfur region, Johnson took a large number of photos, and when he returned home to the United States he was motivated to help the situation. “I told myself, ‘I must do something with these photographs,’ and that something turned into this book. I pray that this book helps to restore a voice to the Sudanese by causing two things to happen: people will be informed and hearts will be provoked to reach out and help the Sudanese.”

Here is a short video that details the book:


This article gives a background on the Darfur Genocide.

Human Rights Watch has a good section on its website highlighting Darfur. The video on this link has some stirring images and information.

This .PDF file is heartbreaking. It contains drawings by children of Darfur, as well as background on the drawings.

In addition to the atrocities that are occurring there in the Sudan, there are serious problems arising from the refugees that are fleeing the country. Click here for a video from CBN that highlights that.

The International Christian Embassy, Jerusalem (ICEJ) is addressing the Sudanese refugee situation through a program entitled, "Operation Hope".

It was an ICEJ table during my lunch break one day that I found the "Voices of Sudan" book. It was at that table where I shed tears and promised myself to be more aware of things outside of my little world.

Our precious children could sit by pumpkins with their angelic smiles and grow up never knowing the true wealth of the lives they lead. We can make our lists of blessings for our blog, groceries for our feasts, to-do's and to-don'ts...never considering the oppression and suffering that occur beyond the four walls of our thoughtfully decorated homes.



Knowledge is power.

I confess that I don't know much about the group behind this video ("Advent Conspiracy") - but I can't argue with their message for this Christmas season:



So what do you think??

I'm taking G.I. Joe with the Kung Fu grip back to the store...


k

As with anything in life, those things that mean so much to us usually come with a price. Although I'm still finding myself awed by the beauty of my fall tree colors, winter is knocking, coming to steal my lovely greens, golds, oranges and reds. He is not waiting for me to get my fill of trees teeming with beautiful leaves...AT ALL. The yellowing grass is taking each leaf prisoner. Branches are making themselves highly visible. No longer hidden, they are proudly displaying their barrenness. All these things are signs of the upcoming season...one that this San Diego native is not ready to embrace. I want my trees back.

15 years in the Bay Area only slightly prepared me for the dirty little secret that Middle Tennessee would reveal to me today. Now those of you from places like Chicago, Buffalo and North Dakota will probably laugh at me (as soon as I can get to my point). And those of you reading from my hometown may wag your finger at me and say, "told ya so". And that's ok. I love my location...even with its dirty little secret.

So what's the secret? What's the price I'm paying for my trees? It's 19 degrees outside right now, people. Yeah. That's not a typo. 19, Nineteen, NINE + TEN, TWENTY - ONE.

The last two days it's never gotten above 42ish, I think. This is a whole new reality for me. One that involves socks, mittens, scarves and I may even have to break down and buy some ear muffs. I hear you people from the Midwest laughing...just keep making fun of the San Diego native girl...you'll get yours...just wait.

Ahhhh...but those trees. Those trees would never turn if it wasn't for that crisp fall air. There's a price to pay...as there is for most things that are worth anything. The key is finding contentment where you are, whatever price you're paying.

The apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Philippians, "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Now I don't know if Paul had a winter scarf or not, but I still find inspiration - and challenge - in this verse.

Am I content in any and every situation? Are you? Just a little something to ponder while I'm waiting for my electric blanket to pre-heat.

love & mittens,
k

ps: the image for today's post is a digitally altered version of one from my tree photo shoot. My friend Julie over at The Land of Lost Luggage has inspired me (and given me a homework assignment to boot!) with her digital alterations and mixed media art. This is my first attempt - and, maybe not up your alley - but I kinda dig it. Wanted to share it with my peeps.

Today I decided to take a drive around town and photograph trees.



I know that I spent way too much time recently talking about how much I love, love, love fall. Well, I think my "full blown love affair" with fall has turned into psychotic, maddening obsession. The reason is the trees, man. THE TREES!!!! I've almost got into 23 accidents on the road because I CAN'T STOP LOOKING AT THE TREES!



The bursts of color that my eyes are seeing right now are making me crazy. The reds, the oranges, the yellows, the maroons and yes, even the greens. I can't decide which I favor. Sometimes, I like me a nice solid colored tree...just standing by itself.



But then there's the mutiny color pattern...that's where MOST of the tree is a solid color except for one little area that's decided to go off and change into a different color.



I saw one today that was full-on yellow - there was the one part that was burnt red....it just made me crazy. I couldn't take a picture of it either because there was nowhere for me to stop the car. Believe me, if there was even a piece of gravel that I could have pulled over onto to get the picture, I would have (as it was, I took my life into my own hands getting some of my pictures from today). Later on in my photo shoot, I just started sticking my camera out the window while driving in an attempt to capture some trees that were not quite on my path.



After I got home from my photo shoot, I took a few pics of trees on our property. An older gentleman was walking the hood and we started chatting. I felt the need to explain to him what I was doing standing in the street taking pictures of trees. He told me that he has lived here all his life and that if I loved what I was seeing now, just wait. "This ain't nuthin'" he said. WHA? I don't know if I can take more color. I wish that I already had my new big girl camera...



Back in the comfort of Club Amaro, I found myself gazing out the kitchen window. One of my backyard trees is just starting to pop...now I may actually have to start doing some dishes so I can stare at it.



It was nice to have a little time to take in some nature and not have to think about red or blue or Rock O. Bama (how Abby says his name). I hope you are finding your own way to get a little peace from the craziness of this election season.

Feel free to check out Dropshots for more of my tree pics.

Love & a nice red orange yellow maroon green tree,

k

SECRET MESSAGE: Juss tell me when da numbah seven come by.