wading back in

Christmas Morning started exactly the way it has for years, with the kids searching for the baby Jesus, who is hidden nearby. We always look for Him and make sure He's in His place in the Nativity before we start Christmas Morning PRESENTS! It keeps us focused on Him, in a time when He could easily otherwise get forgotten. My kids were wonderful. They were grateful and cute and just delightful. It was a glorious, beautiful morning.... in fact, we had such a great time that I really didn't take many pictures! Here a few shots of the kids opening up their favorite gifts... including the fedora that hasn't come off yet, the rollerblades & helmets, and sewing machines. i was impressed with how the kids really took their time, enjoying each part of the day. At this point, they hadn't even seen the garage of fun! More on that soon... but for now, I just need a little more time to *sigh* enjoy this family time we have together and to *bleck* clean up my pigpen home. I hope you are all enjoying the downtime... see you soon!





Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
1 Chronicles 16:34

Please stand by....

Hello, All!
No, I haven't forgotten about you guys! I have a bunch of posts coming... about our awesome Christmas, the garage of hope, (including some incredible treasures like my receipt for registering to vote... as a democrat!!! hahaha!) a choice I need help making, and mooooooooore.... but today I must prepare for 33 guests that are somehow coming to my tiny home. Prayer & patience appreciated.

Hope you're all doing well... can't wait to get all caught up!

love,

gasping for air (part 2) ... the rant of italics and ALL CAPS

Okay, so... how on earth do you start a hysterical mommy rant about the SO.MANY.THINGS. that are wrong with third graders having a dating scene? Here's a start...
Why why why is it that we are now okay with children being little grown ups? Children are dressing like shrunk-down prostitutes, singing wildly hott songs, and being taken to the store to buy PRESENTS for their third grade BOYFRIEND? And then they are taken to school to corrupt MY children?
*deep breath*
Seriously, how do you allow children to have just enough exposure to the world without becoming one of them? How do you keep little girls pure until they are strong enough in their relationship with Christ? How do we train our children to shine brightly for Jesus, and keep the corruption from putting that fire out? Why do 8 year olds need to worry about whether or not it is okay to have a boyfriend that you don't kiss? At what age do they now worry about having a boyfriend that they don't have sex with? 6th grade???
*struggling for air*
I'm trying to teach my children why this is not okay. I don't want to tell them, "because you are Christians" or "because God said no." I don't feel like this is enough somehow. I am afraid that if they are spoonfed rules of what to do, they'll do what they want when they are out of my sight. I want them taught to know the nature of God... to know who He is...to fall in love with Him. I think obeying someone who you know loves you and wants what's best for you is just so much infinitely easier to do than to obey a dictator who you think only wants to spoil your good time with cute boys. Obedience out of love is so much ... pure-er

me: "hey girls, i was thinking about the 'dating' thing you were talking to me about yesterday. can you think of any reason why God might not want you to be doing things like dating and kissing when you are just a young girl?"
twin 1: "ummmmm... cause it's gross?"
me: "well, yeah. but dating and kissing aren't always gross. why do you think God might not want third graders doing it?"
twin 2: "probably because if you are dating when you are so young, as soon as you are old enough to get married you will probably think you should hurry up and get married and then you will get a divorce cause you were in too big of a hurry and you didn't marry the man God picked for you who would've been a nice husband."
me: *hears hallelujah chorus in her head and finally breathes easier. God is still on the throne*

How can a young person stay pure?
By obeying your word.
Psalm 119:9

gasping for air (part one)

Yesterday my girls educated me on how the whole 3rd grade dating scene works. Apparently, so-and-so is seeing this girl, and so-and-so and this boy are about to break up because 'he just doesn't spend enough time with her.' and these two are dating.
me- *trying to stay calm and just breathe* "what do third graders do when they are dating?"
twin 1- "well, basically? they just go on dates."
me- "where do they go on dates?"
twin 2- "umm. good question *eye roll* I guess just on the playground. So lame.
me- *to self* why is there no air in my whole house?
twin 1- "yeah well this boy says that if you don't kiss you can't be boyfriend and girlfriend."
me- *gasping for air* "that is not true. remember that wedding we went to where the bride and groom kissed for the first time at altar? it is absolutely possible to be boyfriend and girlfriend without kissing. and you are absolutely not going to kiss any boys in elementary school, THAT is for sure."
twin 2- "well, yeah, duh. i don't understand why parent let them do that! some kids even bring presents for their boyfriend or girlfriend! and so-and-so keeps hitting on so-and-so. It's ridiculous. take a hint. she doesn't like you, dood."
me- *turning blue* "how does a third grade boy hit on a third grade girl?"
twins 1&2 simultaneously- "he keeps telling her she's hot"
me- *hits the floor and dies."

huge rant to follow.

Even children are known by the way they act,whether their conduct is pure, and whether it is right.
Proverbs 20:11

Wordless Wednesday... Discovering Sun-In

(no words, just laughter and mocking... bah hahahahhaha! will the garage treasures never end?)

Commit everything you do to the Lord.
Trust him, and he will help you.
He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn,
and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.
Psalm 37:5-6

Another installment of Garage Treasures

Look what I found! A handwritten treasure! I won a speech contest in Junior High, and gave our 'graduation charge'...

How young, idealistic, and ridiculous was I? I totally believed that life was about dreams and being happy. I wish I could go back and teach this poor girl about the hope of heaven, and the happiness that comes with knowing that your future is in God's hands.



Transcription:

The Future
Not only does today mark the end of Jr.High school, but it also marks the start of our future. This can be good or bad depending on what you make of it.
As high school students, we can expect a lot more studying and hard work, but with work will come the rewards of success and happiness. Before we know it, we’ll be graduating again– this time as the class of 1990– Wow! Times are moving very rapidly and we must move with them.
We must learn the trades and skills that it takes to make it in this modern world. We must study hard so we can eventually eliminate some of the pressures we have today. Maybe space travel will become safer and the wars around the world will come to a halt? Who knows? Anything’s possible. True, the world needs our “modern touch” and so we must prepare for it.
However, we cannot forget to have fun, nothing is as valuable as happiness. I know our class doesn't have a very hard time enjoying ourselves, yet we can tone ourselves down in time to learn. That’s something we can apply to our lives.
Some of us are planning on college, some want to stop at high school and get a job, some will join the military and some of us don’t know what we want to do with our lives. But we have the choice and that’s what counts. We can do anything we set our minds to.
We have the talent and knowhow to meet all the goals we set for our selves. Don’t forget to dream! Dreaming is our future. As our very fitting motto goes, “our dreams of today will become the realities of tomorrow". And we, the graduating class of 1987 will succeed. *insert applause here*

Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions;
I will put them into practice with all my heart.
Make me walk along the path of your commands,
for that is where my happiness is found.
Psalm 119:34, 35

ps- anyone else identify with the dorkiness? or was it just me who talked like that in 9th grade????

More Garage Treasures

Another installment of "junk from my garage" just for you. The husband and I are still working in there to make our garage of death into the "garage of happiness and good stewardship of what God has blessed us with"- it hasn't been easy... but yesterday we made some major progress. Here are some more little discoveries we unearthed in the rubble. By the way, we have improved it so much, it's now referred to as "the garage of hope"


Warning- what you are seeing here is probably unidentifiable unless you are either old, raised in Los Angeles, or a former drama geek. Or, if you're like me... and have to admit to all of the above. What you are feasting your eyes on here are things that money just can't buy... anymore. (click on the picture to enlarge)

• Top, left: One of several mimeographed pages from a notebook. I remember picking up the still damp sheets of paper from the office... the smell is fading from my memory now, but the old skool copy method still bears a place in my heart.
• Top, middle: A page of the notebook I found where I wrote out lyrics to songs that 'touched my very soul'- oh how dramatic and intellectual.
• Top, right: My Duran Duran pencil box. Awesome! (green with envy yet?)
• Background: One of two KROQ calendars I saved. Major legends inside. Sting, Robert Smith, Depeche Mode. Seriously? Why didn't good Christian music surface until after I was a teen? When I look back on even the classics, I cringe at the lyrics I listened to over and over and the "heroes" I chose for myself. I am so grateful for this generation where my kids can listen to music that is both enjoyable and edifying!
  
• Middle, left: My pee-chee. What's a big pile of high school junk without one?
  
• Peeking out in the middle: River Phoenix fanbooks. Such a crush. Such a tragedy.
  
• Next over on the bottom: Playbill from seeing the legendary Marcel Marceau in person. (quite timely a find since I still have no voice here)
  

So many more things... so little time. I'll continue this soon. The memories just keep flooding to my heart. Lots of happy times, lots of big mistakes. Though I'm happy to have the recollection of all, I can't help but think how much heartache I caused the Lord and others with my foolishness. Praise the Lord for new beginnings!

Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth.Remember me in the light of your unfailing love,for you are merciful, O Lord.
Psalm 25:7

Garage Treasures Continue

Alright, I am sick. I am tired. I am slightly cranky. But I had my husband drag up my pieces of treasure from the garage so i could photograph them. As you can see, I didn't take the time to make sure the flash was right when I took the pics, but there is quite a bit of fun to be had anyway.
I found so much wonderment I'm going to have to do this in installments.This is a collage of the albums I found. The 45s were in the Shaun Cassidy case you see pictured. You KNOW you are jealous now. If you click the pictures, you can see the titles so you can verify that I am telling the truth, and not just making this fabulous inventory out of thin air. Here is a partial inventory of what I discovered (the list is not complete... I don't want ya'll to stumble from covetousness)

• The Little House - anyone remember this? Welcome to the Disney Read Along Storybook. You will know it is time to turn the page with Tinkerbelle rings her little chimes like this......(chime) Let's begin now.
• Duran Duran's New Moon on Monday single.
• Kool and the Gang's Ladies Night single. For your rollerskating pleasure.
• Kenny Rogers' Don't Fall in Love with a Dreamer... what on earth?
• Shaun Cassidy's Da Doo Ron Ron ... Be still my beating heart.
• Queen's Another One Bites the Dust
• Devo's Whip It
• The Stand By Me album. The movie where I met and fell in *love* with River Phoenix
• The Grease Soundrack. The first album I bought with my own money.
  
• The WHAM! Make it Big album. Wake me up before you Go-Go, won't you?
• Fame Live! I SO wanted to go to that High School (where you start paying... in sweat!)
  
• Cyndi Lauper... the coolest weirdest chick in the 80's
• Band Aid's . Oh, I loved this single. Duran Duran even participated. I could *sigh* pick out Simon's voice every time. Although not pictured, I have the We are the World album still too. Ah, the social consciousness of the "me generation."
• Two more D2 ... The single, then the Arena album.
  

It wasn't long after the Arena album that I got my pink boom box (sent it away in the garage sale... more of that later) and therefore graduated to cassette tapes. My children have no idea how to use either.

There are lots more treasures out there, but I am feeling slightly feverish, so I must go lay down now. If I wake, I'll treat you to some more finds then.

Hahaha.

Christmas Musical

(click picture to enlarge)

So, on Friday night we had our big church Christmas Musical. This was an amazing experience for me on so many levels.

For one, I was the Children's Ministry Representative for the musical. In a nutshell, that means I was basically in charge (with LOTS of support from my team, and all the Glory to God) of the 75 kids, 12 teens, & 7 directors it took to produce this extravaganza. We've been practicing and preparing since early fall. There were many debacles, (such as making 75 angel costumes with glitter wings when the people who were supposed to do it had to bail out at the last minute leaving most of them unfinished, or completely undone) lots of learning opportunities, tons of props to make, and an amazing amount of unexpected expenses, but all things being said, it was an incredible experience for me. Toward the end, I was working a JILLION hours, barely sleeping, and running really super hard, but God is good. I have to say that though I was tired, I would do it all over again because it was such a close time for me & Him. My prayer life flourished due to necessity. Because I had never done anything big like this before, I hung on so tightly to Him (for dear life, really) that I could feel God's presence in a different way than ever before. Often, one gets opportunities like this only when we are in the midst of a storm... but honestly, even if this musical was a storm, I was so sheltered that it almost always felt like smooth sailing. The production, by the way, was an INCREDIBLE way to end it. It wasn't just over, it was good. Like, really good. Entertaining & spiritual, and lovely in every way. *sigh*

Now, Friday was also my first opportunity and watch the entire thing through....so I got to play the part of proud parent. Burstingly proud. My twins had speaking roles that they had to audition for (remember way back to the auditions?) and they did an amazing job. Originally, the play had NO twins in it. Can you believe that? The girls could not either. So, on their own they dreamt up a scheme to present to the directors. I told them they would be on their own for this one. I couldn't ethically help them- so they had to convince the directors that the role could be turned into twin angels instead of just one. That they did! They bravely went in and told a PANEL! of adults their idea. Then, they auditioned and ultimately won the part among the large group of hopefuls.
I'll confess that at this point I did not have a lot of faith. What you need to know about my girls is that they are SHY. Like, never talk to adults unless bribed SHY. I thought for certain that they would never, ever, ever be able to pull this off on stage. Let me just tell you how wrong I was. They were awesome! I realize that my view could be tainted because I love them so much... but I am all the way convinced they were incredible!!! Those two little divas used their superpower of speaking simultaneously to bring charm and comedy to the play. Is it possible for your heart to burst with love? 'Cause I came pretty close when those little 8 year old ladies lifted their arms right on stage and gave Glory to God in the Highest!

Glory to God in highest heaven,
and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.
Luke 2:14

PS cousin judi,
I read your request for the garage treasures first, but I haven't photographed them yet. Maybe later... still feeling crummy :(

Sneak Preview

I have a zillion topics to talk about this morning. (okay, well, maybe just four)

• We had our big yard "sale" Saturday
  
• Went to my husband's Christmas Party last night
  
• The Christmas Musical was Friday
• Found one more mother lode box in the garage of hope (notice the name change!)
  

However, all of this must wait as I have to take my laryngitis-y self off to church to teach a class this morning. Can't wait to share it all with you!

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Romans 12:1

Natalie.

In September, our church had our friend Rob Biagi and his family out for a concert that was OFF THE HOOK!!!! (can I pull that off?) We filled our nearly 1,000 seat sanctuary with singing kids and dancing parents. They put on a show that could only be topped by a grand finale featuring Natalie, their toddler daughter, who came out and brought down the house with her adorable dance moves.

Not two weeks later, the Biagis discovered that Natalie has Leukemia. This precious family needs your help. First, and most importantly, in the form of prayer. Second, they're having a fundraiser dinner soon, so if you're a SoCal resident... maybe you can sign up for that. Third, if your children's ministry needs a great rockstar to come and lead your kids into the Lord's presence with fun and style, consider booking Rob to come to your church. You will not be dissapointed, plus you'll be helping out a super cool family with an important ministry.

I'm sure none of us wants to imagine the kind of pain the Biagis are going through now. Please remember to give your rotten kids just an extra special hug today. I know I will

So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. 20 Jesus has already gone in there for us.
Hebrews 6:18-20

Wordless Wednesday... Teal Masacara

another awesome cleaning-out-the-garage find

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:19-21

Wrestling.

Today I got MAD. I had to face a situation where I had to stand my ground against people who, in order to accomplish their goals, were making it impossible to accomplish mine. It wasn't that they were wrong to fight for what they needed- it's just that it conflicted with what I needed. And when we were both wrestling over the same space, it occurred to me that I was getting the wrong kind of furious. My eyes were welling up with tears and I'm pretty certain smoke was about to come out my ears.
All of a sudden, the scripture Ephesians 6:12 came to mind: For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Aha!!! I was not wrestling against these people, I was not fighting against their plans, I was in the middle of something much bigger. We were all falling victim to the wiles of satan, who only wants to bring division and bitterness. How do you fight that? With compassion and mercy, that's how. By being mad but not mean. By standing firm, but not kicking anyone in the shin.
Instead, of course, God handled the whole thing. It worked out fine, naturally. He took care of the 'fight'- and we were able to come to an agreement where nobody got kicked. Praise the Lord!

Be angry but do not sin
Ephesians 2:6

Cousin Judi Blogs!

My cousin Judi, whom I wrote about here, FINALLY caved in and began a blog of her own. I have begged and pleaded for her to get on it for EVER- because she has so many brilliant insights that she shares with me all the time. I keep telling her that others can benefit from the beautiful things she learns from the Lord. She tries to tell me she can't write, blah blah blah... but she has AT LAST gotten one started here..... will ya'll please pop over and welcome her to the blogosphere? I know you'll just love her!

You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.
2 Timothy 2:2

Sunday Morning Treat

As part of my morning devotion routine, I'm going through the Bible using a commentary by Pastor Jon Courson, (seriously, a modern-day Paul for me as far as pointing me to and connecting me to Christ) and today I read something that really made an impression on me.
I'm currently in the book of 2 Corinthians, and we are reading about King Jehoshaphat, who just was told that he was going to go into battle with his people, and they would win- but they would not have to fight. It's an incredible story- I encourage you to read it this day if you haven't recently. (If your Bible isn't handy- click here) Anyhoo- the people believed and therefore experienced a really cool victory.

About their belief, Pastor Jon says this;
When the people heard that God would fight for them, they immediately worshiped Him. Would you have done that? Why is it we believe the promises of men but doubt the promises of God? When we know we're getting a tax refund, so sure are we that we are it's coming that we have it spent before it arrives. Yes when we read that God will supply all our needs, we don't believe that particular promise belongs to us. In other words, we have more confidence in the government than we do in God. We need to be like Jehoshaphat, a man whose work God commended. We need to claim the promises of the Word and say, "Victory is coming! God will come through!"

My internet friends, I pray this encourages you this day the way it did me. Believe with me that He will provide what you need, and celebrate when He does!

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
Phil 4:19

Street Carter

Oh, my sweet and tenderhearted Carter Jane! I love her so much. I love her ability to love others so completely. I love that she has compassion that is unparalleled in this house. I love that she is silly and funny and happy. She is kind and smart and creative.
She is also a dork. Here you will see she is wearing her infant cap that she found in her doll clothes. She wore this hat home from the hospital. I cracked up completely. Spencer didn't notice. Her fashion-conscious twin couldn't even look... but my fab husband (from whom she gets her sense of style) called her "Street Carter" and told her she looked cool. This is a picture of the smile that love created.
What a wonderful relationship that girl has with her daddy. I truly believe that his love for her made him see her as cool instead of dorky. It's such a lesson for me about the love my Father has for me. I am humbled and touched. I am so blessed that He sees me as His Girl instead of the dork I truly am. Hallelujah!

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new
(2 Corinthians 5:17)

Not Proud of Myself

Yesterday, I checked off a bizzillion things of of my to-do list. I picked up stuff for the musical, got my oil changed, went grocery shopping, and shipped a Christmas gift to my favorite Airman. The best part was being alone. It's amazing how motherhood has hyper-enhanced my craving for solitude.
The picture above is quite symbolic of how I still manged to feel some shame on a day when I'd normally be crowing like a rooster with pride for all my accomplishments. While being in a Walmart McDonald's chowing down a fish filet sandwich, fries, and a diet coke while watching The Office may not be my proudest moment, it is a display of honor and glory compared to the moment I was reminded of just 40 minutes before.
I was waiting outside the oil change bay to turn in my keys, when I noticed another lady right in front of me. I searched my memory banks trying to think of from where (when you've been in the same area for 20 years, you have to really search) when all of a sudden it hit me. About 10 years ago, I was doing the home party circut as a demonstrator when I finally got my first recruit. One day, we were supposed to go to a meeting together. I decided that I could not take her for this or that reason so I called and left a message on her machine to let her know. Right after I hung up the phone, I said something nasty about her. It was mean spirited and awful. I instantly felt convicted. Then I looked down at the phone. It was not hung up! I was just mortified.
The next time I saw her, I did not mention a thing. After all, maybe she didn't hear. Maybe I really did hang up. Maybe I was off the hook. We were talking and she said something like, "That's why I never do that, and I also know to always make sure I hang up the phone after I leave a message on an answering machine." ugh. caught. I didn't know what to say. I didn't take the opportunity to apologize. I just nodded and prayed for a hole to open up on the ground.
I never saw that lady again. It sounds weird to say, but I have thought of that moment like a trillion times since. I still get a stomach ache thinking about it. I am so ashamed of myself. I have asked forgiveness from God, but I never knew if I should ever do anything else.
So, here I am standing next to this lady at the oil place. It was clear that she did not recognize me at all. She made polite small talk while I prayed, "God, is this your way of giving me a chance to say how truly, deeply, honestly sorry I am?"
In the end, I chose not to say anything. The benefit of me saying anything would be for me to have a relieved conscience, I couldn't see one thing that would be a blessing to this poor lady. To remind her of a painful moment? To bring up something that maybe she had forgotten? Or maybe she really didn't hear? No, I decided that it would be selfish to say anything other than, "Yes, this is a beautiful day, indeed."
I don't know. Should I have apologized? What would you have done? I know one thing's for sure. I can't handle guilt very well. The bad thing is that it is givin' me an ulcer. The good thing is that it will keep me from doing anything cruel like that ever, ever again. Praise the Lord that He can create a clean heart within me and restore to me the joy of my salvation!

Have mercy upon me, O God,
According to Your lovingkindness;
According to the multitude of Your tender mercies,
Blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
And cleanse me from my sin.

For I acknowledge my transgressions,
And my sin is always before me.
Against You, You only, have I sinned,
And done this evil in Your sight—
That You may be found just when You speak,
And blameless when You judge.

Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
And in sin my mother conceived me.
Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts,
And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Make me hear joy and gladness,
That the bones You have broken may rejoice.
Hide Your face from my sins,
And blot out all my iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from Your presence,
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,
And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.
Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,
And sinners shall be converted to You.

Psalm 51:1-13

Wordless Wednesday- My Happy Spot

Siegen, Germany

Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

Matthew 28:19-20

Finally accepting it.

Alright, I'm finally accepting it. Christmas is really going to come. I'm doing most of my shopping online because, well... nobody pushes, there's no lines, and frankly... I am running out of time. Here are some of my favorite finds:











For my brother who is engaged ... this coffee mug (the ornament is for his fiancee) I ordered these on Cafepress. Quick and easy, baby... That's what we're going for! All I had to do was make the design and they do the rest!

I'm making these ornaments for my nieces and nephews.
I just ordered the pre-cut stars, added the wire and viola!
Some fancy packaging and a couple of fun other touches and I am home free! We have over 30 kids to make these for, so I'd better get crackin'!

Now, none of my friends or family IRL ever comment on this blog, so I never know who reads these... I'm starting to have second thoughts about posting the other finds. Maybe I'll have to save that for another time.

I hope you are all having an excellent time getting ready for the gift giving season. I really do love it too, I love shopping and wrapping and watching the presents be opened...but the best part is remembering that Christmas is about the greatest Gift ever given ....

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son
And whosoever believes in Him
Shall not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:16

rescued.

In 1997 (WHOOPS! Now I think I'm younger than I am... it was 1987!) I moved from Los Angeles County suburbia to a hick town in Riverside County, CA. I was fifteen and in September I started my 10th grade year in a new school. It was the first move I had made since I was a toddler, and I was not taking it well. Each day I would sit on the planterbox outside of the lunch area and eat my lunch all by myself and cry. I would pray for a friend, just one. I missed my old school, my old friends, my old mall.

Little did I know that at about the same time, a girl named Brandy sat with her mother, praying for a friend too. It seems new girls don't have a corner on the 'lonely teenage girl' syndrome. Bran & I headed to school the next day and the rest, as they say, is history.
We celebrated my 16th birthday together that year, exchanging those sacred best friend necklaces- remember those? She had the half that said Be Fri... I had the st ends portion.She was in my wedding, and I in hers. Together we had many, many adventures and she has remained a lifetime dear friend to me.

Brandy has grown to be an incredible Christian lady. She is an amazing mother and a fantastic friend. Ever have one of those friends who can do anything? That's my BeFri, Brandy. She is intelligent, creative, and funny. She can sew, dance, do accents, cook, play the guitar, and sing like nobody's business.

This weekend, she drove all the way down to come do worship for our children's ministry quarterly volunteer meeting. I was so excited to share her with the volunteers- to give them a chance to experience the gift of being led in worship by a girl who loves Jesus with her whole self. They, of course, loved her. Today I heard several compliments about her talent and beautiful spirit. I, of course, could not even introduce her without crying. I wish I could think of a word that described the feeling. Proud doesn't seem right... but nothing else even comes close. Love? Connection? Inspiration? I suppose it was the overwhelming feeling of God's hand in our lives. The little peek into the fact that our Lord knew just what He was doing as He mapped out our lives. That He knew that Brandy would be there that day singing beautifully even before the day we decided to stay up all night (and Brandy crimped her elbow with the geometrix tool from yesterday's post!!!) even before we met that day in the gym, even before that day we prayed for a friend, even before He created the foundation of the earth. Oh, what a blessing it is to have friends, isn't it? Its the rare person you find that makes you want to be closer to God just by knowing them- and Brandy, well- she's that girl for me.

There are “friends” who destroy each other,
but a real friend sticks closer than a brother
Proverbs 18:24 (nlt)

The Motherlode.

So, in the spirit of taking care of what we've been blessed with, my superhero hubby and I headed out to the garage of death to wade through the mounds of crud. What I found was a box filled with stuff so incredible, I had to share with you guys my treasure. I tell you, pure joy. You don't find stuff this craptastic just every day. Here's the top 10 discoveries:

discovery number one:
Anyone old as me able to identify this gem? Oh, that's right!
It's a Geometrix (Geometricks?)! I used this baby in high school to make spiral, triangle & oval curls. I also was able to use the straightening/crimping iron to make the ULTIMATE 80's hairdos. You know you're jealous.


discovery number two:
This is a later issue of Sassy, but it still makes me smile. I see that it came in Feb '93, which explains why it's this standard shape and not the original funky shape that I loved in high school. The funny thing is that at the time this came out, I had already been married for a year and a half. I can't believe I thought I was such a grown up and THIS was my reading material...haha.

discovery number three:
This, my friends, is the liner notes for the Duran Duran RIO album. Oh, sweet nectar, how fantastic of a discovery is this? I am only slightly ashamed to say I sang right out loud "Her name is Rio and she dances on the sand!" when I pulled it out of the box.
My son hung his head in disgust. What can I say?


discovery number four:
Perm rods. White and teal for your tight perm pleasure. In my Holly Hobby bag.... glad I saved these. You never know when Tia the Wondergirl will get married and up and leave me and I might need an emergency perm.

discovery number five:
This is the oh-so-awesome Holly Hobbie bed comforter that I put on my bed proudly. Oh, yeah, there's more...





discovery number six:

This purse shows that I was so fashion in third grade. You tell me, is this awesome or what? The treasures keep comin'!






Discovery number seven:
I wore this beret. on purpose. to HIGH SCHOOL.

Apparently, I had no friends, since nobody stopped me.

le sigh.




Discovery number eight:
So, we weren't the richest family in the world, so you can imagine my shock and awe when my mom brought this ESPRIT gym bag from the local thrift store. I used it as my 8th grade P.E. bag and held my head high.




Discovery number nine:
This here is my apron from waitressing at Bob's Big Boy. That button? Oh that's the brilliant upselling tool. When a customer asked about it we had to say "Oh, By The Way would you like......"
and then we could suggest a hot fudge cake, or strawberry pie or whatever. But we spent our time thinking of more inappropriate things, like: "Oh Boy That Waitress"



Discovery number ten:
Yah, this is what it looks like- a treasury of hair pretties you wish you still had. A butterfly claw clip, a spring loaded drama mask clip, and a polka dotted scrunchie. From the phase when I wore polka dots every.single.day.




I know you are all impressed. You should have seen the stuff I threw away! The coolest thing about this 'junk' is that it acted like a time capsule for me, reminding me of this incredible journey God's been taking me on since I met Jesus at age 9. Though I was not following Him in these years, I can still see His hand in every memory, His love and mercy with every year that passed by. I can't wait until my kids are interested in the stories.

The people crossed the Jordan on the tenth day of the first month.Then they camped at Gilgal, just east of Jericho. It was there at Gilgal that Joshua piled up the twelve stones taken from the Jordan River. Then Joshua said to the Israelites, “In the future your children will ask, ‘What do these stones mean?’ Then you can tell them, ‘This is where the Israelites crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’ For the Lord your God dried up the river right before your eyes, and he kept it dry until you were all across, just as he did at the Red Sea when he dried it up until we had all crossed over. He did this so all the nations of the earth might know that the Lord’s hand is powerful, and so you might fear the Lord your God forever.”
Joshua 4:19-24

ps:Speaking of years past, my friend Lisa tells me that today is the anniversary of the release of Michael Jackson's Thriller album. Which anniversary, you ask? TWENTY FIFTH.

ugh. I'm old.