A Heart That's Full

Yesterday was a blessed day. I don't know that there's really any other way to describe it. Darin and I figured out that we won't owe quite as much in taxes as we'd feared; I played Hand and Foot with the kitchen crew at church: "the guys" (Ed Pohl, Ed Paris, Chuck Moore and me) beat "the girls" (Rose Pohl, Francine Paris, Linda Moore and Ruth Price); and I received notification that I've been accepted to write a few Bible Study lessons for BaptistWay Press for publication in Spring 2009!

Of course, saving money is always good news, and for those who may still be getting to know me, I love to play (and win!) at card games. But the true delight to my heart is the opportunity to try my hand at writing for publication. I considered trying to do this back in 1996 or so, but the demands of grad school, ministry, and work shoved the idea from off the back burner onto the top of the refrigerator! So, it was with great trepidation that I sent a sample lesson in August of last year. I'd only heard from them once by early October, and even tried to get some face time with the editor when we were at the BGCT, but he looked at me like I'd just fallen off the turnip truck. Needless to say, I shed a couple tears of joy and excitement when I received the email last night asking me to accept a writing assignment.

As Darin and I prayed together last night before going to sleep, I couldn't help but tell the Lord how full my heart felt with joy and gratitude. I still feel a little of that today. So, thanks, Lord.

Recommended Instructions

If you look to the left, you'll notice the red sweater I'm wearing has a white collar (and cuffs). It's one of my favorites, since I like the way it fits and I love the color red. Unfortunately, I've spent several hours over the last two days trying to make it look like it does here. The reason? I followed the washing instructions.

At the very top, the tag read, and I quote, "Hand wash cold. Do not bleach. Lay flat to dry." I did just as it said: cold water, no bleach and the top of the dryer to finish the job. Honestly, I was suspicious. It is red and white. But I thought the manufacturers knew their own product well enough for me to trust their instructions.

Clearly not. The collar and cuffs, following this meticulous effort at accuracy, were pink when the drying was done. So, I've been carefully dipping the discolored portions into (wouldn't you know it) hot water and bleach! I'm still waiting for the final results, but it's looking good so far.

I think what really gets me is that as I was working on it yesterday afternoon, I looked again at the label and read to the end of it, where it says, "Dry cleaning recommended." Now you tell me.

Why did they put the recommended care instructions at the end of the label? Shouldn't they have started with that? Good recipes don't start by telling you to bake the cake and then list the ingredients for it.

Unfortunately, we sometimes treat our loved ones and our relationship with God in the same way. We know what priority they should place in our lives, and we know what blesses them and makes them feel loved, but too often, we put them at the end. Yet, the best results always come when we follow Jesus' example for managing the time we have on this earth. He knew to first get alone with God before he tried anything else (Mark 1:35 ). And he knew that people, not things or even tasks for people, were what really mattered (Luke 10:38-42).

God, you've given me such simple, recommended instructions for living life. Help me to actually use them, focusing on who is important, rather than what I think is urgent.

Chocolate I.Q.

Today, when I was entering the HGTV Dream Home Sweepstakes, an ad caught my eye that I couldn't resist. The Fine Living Channel was offering a Chocolate I.Q. test. (Warning!!! If you love chocolate, don't start the quiz until you have a Snickers or cup of cocoa handy, or you'll wish you had!)

Last Spring, I led a small-group session for a women's retreat ("Chocolate Boutique") that afforded me the opportunity to learn a lot about chocolate as we compared the richness of God to the richness of cocoa treats. It was not only insightful and significant in delving deeper into the character and nature of God, but it was also a lot of fun. We got to taste chocolates of all kinds! (Needless to say, this was not a retreat for someone on a diet.)

So, I thought that with the vast knowledge I gleaned from my recent studies, I'd do fairly well on the Chocolate I.Q. quiz.

Or not.

50% isn't passing, is it? I got 5 out of the 10. Hope you do better.

American Gladiators

Ok, so here's a confession you probably never wanted to know. I think the show American Gladiators is somewhat interesting. Now, don't get me wrong, I think Hulk Hogan and Laila Ali are the worst television hosts since Pee Wee Herman, but the actual competition kinda impresses me. (Minus the creepy women on testosterone.) And I love to watch Greco-Roman wrestling with its actual rules and limits . . . and clothing. On the other hand, I've never had a remote interest in "professional" wrestling, even when the Von Erich brothers came to town in 1986. Wasn't a fan then, either.

The reason this comes to mind is a quote I found today from Jay Leno:

"The show American Gladiators is a big hit on NBC. This show is for people who like professional wrestling but are unable to follow the plot."

I think I'm insulted.

Birthday Greetings of Prominence

I am very fortunate and so blessed to have one remaining grandparent who will be celebrating an important milestone this year. Grandpa (Ken) Brown (my dad's dad) will be turning 90 years old on April 28. I'm particularly excited about this for two reasons: (1) he's still here - we've nearly lost him a few times, and I'm so thankful that the Lord has seen fit to let him remain a little longer, and that as of last week, he's doing well, and (2) I'm sending him a very special birthday greeting this year. Actually, I'm having it sent . . . from the White House! Any U.S. citizen turning 80 or older can receive a special birthday greeting to commemorate the big day. So this afternoon, I sent off my request.

If you know a senior adult who might enjoy this kind of fun surprise, here's the White House Greeting website. (Look under Invitations and Greetings, click on Guidelines for information about greetings.) You can make your request for a greeting in three ways: online, fax or snail-mail, as long as you get it in six weeks in advance. In addition to birthdays, they also will send baby, wedding, and anniversary (50th or more) greetings. But just in case, you might want to make sure the folks involved like the guy in office. ;-)