The Better.

Disclaimer: Typing on the iPad today, so please forgive typos. Also, paragraphs are shown with "//":) // Just a couple weeks ago, Brandon and I were driving down the road, and I saw a neighborhood church had a sign saying on April 29th they were going to serve the community. I made a comment about how interesting that they chose the same day that Firewheel (our home church) would be serving the community. Brandon said something that really struck me (and, as usual... he was right on). He said, "I hate it how churches tend to get upset about how someone stole an idea from someone else. Ultimately, the more Christians who serve those who need Christ... the better!" I love it when he speaks the truth! However I don't love it when he beats me to it! Without even meaning to, he showed me my childish nature. I wasn't totally in the mindset of "they stole my idea" (note: I am not actually claiming that the concept of serving people originated with me), but I could tell those little-kid-feelings tried to creep. The more churches who catch on to the notion that the goal is not to make everyone come to us to hear about Jesus, the better. In fact this whole notion where believers go out to organizations, whether Christian or not, and serve people's actual needs, the better. The more people who are exposed to Christians as people of action and not people of self-absorption, the better. // We don't serve to promote Firewheel Church. We don't even serve to promote the faith that has changed our lives. We serve because that is what Jesus did, and we want to be like Him. We serve because we want others to know about the man who took us in our sins, loved us at our worst, and changed us... for the better.

My Little Musician

Yesterday a dear friend invited Summer out to one of the places she works: Gymboree Play & Music. This place somehow teaches children to interact with music, to have fun, and hopefully learn things like rhythm. It's an amazing concept. Growing up, I was often teased and ridiculed in the church pews (yes... the irony) for not being able to clap on beat while singing to worship songs. I get the concept, count to four and clap on every other. It was just lost in transition somewhere between my brain and my fingers. So the thought of being able to train my daughter how to do this before the age of 14 months is pretty enticing!

We walked in (only 4 minutes late!) and joined all the other eager babies gathered around the drums. Summer was shy at first, but she was also intrigued. Babies were climbing on the drums, standing over them, hitting them, and then there was the giggling... so much giggling! When class started, we (I mean, the babies) were supposed to hit the drums in rhythm and then everyone stop at once. It was when everyone would stop that Summer would get the courage to bang away.

Most of the class went like that, but with a variety of instruments. Summer had a great time! Whenever there was a clearing in the middle, she would rush to be the center of attention. After all, my girl is not afraid of a little spotlight getting on her! I would love to say that our time is going to be filled with different activities like this, but honestly - every day is so different from the next. My stay at home time is only consistent in the main characters: Summer and her mom. Hopefully soon, we will establish a norm. But as for now, we'll enjoy each day as it comes! And who knows, maybe this class put Summer one step closer to being a little Maestro!

To My Kitchen...

Dear Kitchen,

I have some good news and some bad news for you. I know, it's a little awkward coming at you with this since we've tried to keep our distance. But I'll shoot straight with you. Assuming you're like me, you want the bad news first so the good can pour some feel goody goodness all over it. So here we go...

The Bad:

We are no longer going to be awkward buddies living under the same house. No, you and I are going to become quite close. You see, I've been thinking about and flirting with the idea of joining eMeals for some time... and it.has.happened. There, I said it. Now, you should know from our prior experiences (albeit brief) that this means spills, smells, frustration, and loud music coming from the radio/podcast/whatever strikes my fancy. Brandon (you know, the one you have a positive relationship with) and I went shopping at Wal*Mart yesterday and we purchased... green stuff: cucumbers, green onions, asparagus (spell check?!) along with strawberries and bizarre little things like beef broth. Don't blame me, blame eMeals. You see, this awesome little service creates a 7 day menu for me, along with a shopping list divided by grocery sections. This nifty list included prices specific to Wal*Mart, though when we find that winning lotto ticket we can later specify for Kroger. It quite possibly might maybe be just too easy! But then this is where you come in... along with all that they give me directions and tell me how to cook stuff. So there you have it. You, me, and a lot of greens. This is going to happen.

Ok... so Mister Kitchen, I can see by your expression that you are in sheer shock. But remember, I had good news for you as well. No, really.

The Good:

I was perusing an awesome blog called Creative Organizing and went ahead and entered my name into the giveaway for a workshop on organizing my kitchen (i.e. you). That means, no longer will I be pushing and shoving just to get your drawers to close. No longer will I be balancing Pyrex on each other in hopes that gravity took the day off. And no longer will I be purchasing vegetables only to forget I have a "veggie section" in the fridge and wait till the day after I start smelling them. Phew! That should be a load off for you!

In the end, I think we're both coming out of this for the better. Just bear with me and I'll try my best not to get distracted as I discover the art of providing sides with my main (only) dish. You might notice Brandon (you know, the one you act so buddy-buddy to and never make things smoke for) is getting pretty excited. He understands some food may burn and I expect him to go for seconds. He understands that he might need to throw the chicken on the burner just a little bit longer when I'm not looking. He understands I'm trying to do better. So I hope you can embrace our renewed relationship with the same mindset. And I will see you tomorrow. And the day after...forever.

So long, farewell!

Lisa

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For those who need proof, see below. However, we didn't do the salad *this time* because the meat couldn't come out of the crock pot until 9:30. Next time there is salad... it will be made, picked at, and possibly eaten.

Maybe we didn't get all the way to plates and stuff, but notice how there is dip available for our French Dip!

Up close and personal... it was so good! Tomorrow's meal:

- Creamy Salsa Chicken

- Steamed Rice

- Strawberry Salad

- Toasted French Bread

Moving Forward

Often times when people take a long break from their blog, they feel the need to explain their absence. Well, considering it has been a year and for the sake of brevity - I'm going to skip that and talk about the next chapter. :)

Tomorrow is my last day to work at the church. Wow, did I just type that? Our church has been a huge blessing in our lives, not just as an employer but a place we know we can find truth, accountability, encouragement, and friends. This point, moving forward, I get to stay home with the sweetest little girl I know. I get to operate my own business with Thirty-One gifts. And, I get to step into a new role at my church: A volunteer. I'm still not sure what all these new roles will entail. I know it won't all be baking sugar cookies and accepting tea party invites, but I am definitely looking forward to partaking in my share of those kinds of activities!

It is my hope in this next year to keep you posted on learning how to be a stay at home mom and the adventures I get to have with Summer. And who knows, maybe Brandon will make a cameo appearance into the festivities as well!