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Why Nicolas Cage Creeps Me Out
It was a bad case of the Mondays. I spent the day in bed, not feeling well–trying to fight the guilt of not feeling well–trying to force myself to feel better. I even got up and showered, did my hair & make up, but soon after I grabbed all the kids from school, I went right back to bed, fully clothed. I lead a youth group about 20 minutes away on Mondays, so I found a little strength after a pleading prayer and headed out.
After a great night of hanging with amazing kids, I headed home to my own amazing kids… to find this greeting me:
Now what is disturbing to me is that I hate Nicolas Cage. I’m sure he’s a nice person blah blah blah, but as an actor, I think the world of film could do without him. When I see him, or worse hear his voice, I think of the slicked back creepy uncle who walks around with his hand his pocket jingling his “change”. I imagine him with a Marlboro in one hand a luke-warm half drank bottle of beer sitting in front of him while he invites his nieces and nephews who are passing through the kitchen to come and sit on his lap. He just…creeps. me. out.
Now I know there are people out there who think he’s wonderful, artistic, blah blah blah. But I think he’s a creeper. And now thanks to my two teenage children, who will remain unnamed Alyssa and Cody I now have creeper status pics all over my house: My mirror where I sit to put my make up on, the microwave where I cook my food and the computer mouse where I sit typing. He’s freekin’ everywhere.
What I love about this rather disturbing prank is it came from my kids. Our lives get so bogged down–get your homework done, hurry up and eat we have football–don’t make too much noise dad has to work overtime tonight–go to bed—do…-go…-do…-go. Sometimes as families we forget to have fun. Fun and humor is such an important part of your family. If your family doesn’t feel like you can play together, there is a sense of safety that is missing–and it is vital.
We should be able to joke with one another, even pick on each other (within limits) and maybe even once in a while, post creepy pics of your most hated actor all over your house. Simply cause some laughter, connect, and show that you care–in a round about crazy sort of way, a way that shows your kids that you know them, and that even as an adult, you know how to have a little fun. With spring break approaching, now is the time to put down your agendas, and have some fun with your kids.
How have you created an atmosphere of fun in your family? Comment–let me know, I would love to hear from you!
WARNING: This MIGHT Make You Feel Guilty
Late this morning I’m laying in bed with my love, snuggled under the covers, protected from the ridiculous cold front that blew into Florida over the last few days. We are talking about the day and the happenings ahead. Zac is popping in and out of the room whining about his tooth that is getting ready to fall out, declaring he will probably never eat again.
I am going through my list of to-do’s and whining that I have so much on my plate. Venting (and looking for sympathy) I tell him how I get really stressed with having to do work, and clean house and take care of the kids–balancing it all. He hugs me and asks me if there is anything I can do to help.
And then we start talking about this kid:
He is so fun to WATCH and truly the voice of inspiration that we all need in our lives right now! Michael proceeds to share with me how Kid President has Brittle Bone Disease. This precious child has had over 70 broken bones in his life, and endured the pain of breaking bones making videos for us to watch. Yet he still wants to encourage us. Every time he makes a video, his parents sit holding their breath, hoping he doesn’t break something. Yet he still dances.
I looked at my husband, with eyes wide, and responded with, “Well don’t I feel like a big piece of #@?$!”
I live in the poor-me-lets-complain-about-my-life-I-can’t-do-it world a majority of the time. And here is this kid, with a life threatening disease, who risks pain to just make the world a better place. I don’t want to have to make lunch and work. I don’t want to have to clean up my house and take a shower.
I officially suck. God’s grace is officially awesome. Today I officially start over with a new attitude, will you?
VISIT kidpresident.com
Rage Against “The Man”
Wednesday brought me great excitement. I hadn't seen my Hoodies in a few weeks so I was ready to have a house full of teenagers along with my counters covered in red solo cups. I decided that I would teach these kids a little about Christmas. My plan: quickly go over the Christmas story and then talk about how Jesus was a long awaited promise, and answer to prayer. I planned on digging into prophecy until…
I learned that 80% of the kids in my living room did not know the real reason behind Christmas. I will wait until you read that last statement again, because I know you are overwhelmed with disbelief. …. ….. ….. ….. …. …..
On to plan B (which I never had to begin with) Open the Bible and start with Mary getting pregnant. So we chatted, and decided that we are not much different: chosen, but scared, favored in need of making a choice. For the first time, they understood the Christmas carols they have been singing for years. And finally knew that the words were “Silent Night, Holy Night” and NOT “Silent Night, HOPELESS Night”.
After the Hoodies left and the shock of the evening subsided, I thought of how many people out in the world don't really know why we celebrate Christmas. So as my family and I rage against the man this Christmas, I believe Jesus wants me to share the real reason for Christmas this year with strangers, family and friends.
So now, I am praying God will bring people across my path, divine appointments so to speak. And this weekend I will empower and equip my kids to share the story of Christmas with everyone they know.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only son, that whoever shall believe in Him will not perish but have everlasting life. God sent his son not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17
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People Fighting for Phones But Not Jesus
I watched this video the other day with my daughter. People fighting over phones. But would any of these people fight like that for Jesus? This is just the icing on my Christmas Cake–the very reason I am making a change in my family for Christmas.
The behavior in this video has become the norm. Our entire society is numb, lukewarm even.
But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! Revelation 3:16
Our kids deserve better. So tonight, I will have a conversation with my kids about Christmas and the value of people, not things. I will start by showing them this video. I will share the scriptures God has laid on my heart. After that, I have absolutely no clue what I am going to say. I will simply speak the truth and see what they have to say! This season I want them to know that the little things don’t matter, only Jesus does.
But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! 42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about…” Luke 10:41-42a
Jesus is our ONE THING, and as fun as Christmas is, and can be, the presents and the lights are dim in comparison to what our light is like when we are shining it for Jesus.
Are you willing to do the same with your family?
Clean Your Filthy Self, Would Ya?
A few months ago Michael and I bought a new-to-us Suburban. We got an amazing deal on it, but it was dirty inside and out. Not just dirty, but filthy. It was disgustingly abused, neglected F.I.L.T.H.Y. The truck was worth the deal and so it wasn’t too painful to pay a bit to have it cleaned. Even the guy who scrubbed, shampooed and vacuumed my new wheels told me how filthy my truck was. Even though it was my truck, it wasn’t my filth. I was simply cleaning up someone else’s mess.
Last week during my cleaning frenzy I was polishing the inside of my truck and I immediately started to blame the previous owners for the cracker trail under the backseat. I caught myself. I couldn’t.
At some point, we have to take responsibility for our own mess. Even when we want to blame the previous owners–mom, dad, grandparents, ex-spouses–something tells us, we are the ones who left a trail of pain, hurt and if-onlys. There comes that moment when our life is our own, regardless of who molded us, abused us, neglected us or hurt us. We have to take ownership of our filthy lives and learn how to maintain some level of “cleanliness” without blame.
It’s not easy but it’s necessary. Living a life blaming our previous owner won’t make our carpets any cleaner. Take the time to do a deep thorough cleaning, ridding your heart of the past you cling so tightly to. With that you will find a renewal that will finally make your life your own.
Thoughts?
