Things troubling me...

Ok, I know that so many will read this and think I am crazy, but I know that alot of you will agree with me as well. I am seriously burdoned, saddened and concerned with the television shows like "Jersey Shore" and now "Jersey Licious" that showcase the most grotesque, defiling and hideous behavior of women. Illicit sex, gossip, lies, brawling, cursing, sensuality and seduction... is this what we want our young woman turning into? Is this the image that is being idolized by teen girls in America? Is this behavior admirable or desirable? It would be insane to think that there is not an agenda in this "reality" TV industry. I long for the day when true beauty returns to American culture\entertainment, when what is longed for and admired in the eyes of young impressionable teens is modesty, decency, respect of self and others, purity of word and deed, kindness, graciousness, truth and honesty. Unfortunately most of what people see on TV becomes their reality and ultimately their trajectory. God help us, heal hearts and bring to life all that is beautiful in your creation of woman. Help me to be that bright and shining example to all that are behind me and watching me.

Contemplating Jesus

I have been really overwhelmed the past few days at how proud I am... not in any one particular thing, but in comparison to the untouchable beauty, grace, love and humility of Jesus. I have to turn my head in shame at my sin, at my humanity. I guess I am just inwardly aware of how elevated and lofty I make my own opinions, assumptions and ideas about people and issues. My judgements and accusations sicken me. I am writing this honestly because when these times of the year come up and I am horrificly stricken with the reality of what Jesus went through, and more importantly who He IS, I am so deeply aware of how far I am from being anything like Him. Think about the Lamb, being led to slaughter... the Lamb that is God of the universe?! Jesus Christ is the most beautiful Name, the most wonderful thought and the most deeply penetrating and moving figure I have ever encountered in my life. He was laden with the grief of the world, He was scourged, He was mocked, He was completely obliterated for others... and I get offended when I get cut off on the freeway? Seriously. I can't put into words how deeply I want to experience the purity, humility and unconditional love of Jesus in my life and more importantly how badly I desire to see others transformed, impacted, broken and put back together by this same phenomenal Person. I am such a long way from knowing intimately what I perceive and have been taught, but the greatest gift of life is the journey we are on to know... to understand... to become.

Happy Resurrection Week!

Things I will miss...

Looking down at dimpled baby hands holding tightly onto a warm bottle while heavy eye lids melt into deep, much needed sleep.

Hearing little feet hit the floor and scamper toward the bedroom door on a Saturday morning.

The sounds of Sesame Street, mingled with baby coos and cries, coffee maker brewing and my sweet husband turning the front door handle and telling us all how much he loves us and will miss us.

Trying to make it through a family dinner at a restaurant; silverware flying, drinks spilling...

Family snuggle sessions on weekday mornings...warm little feet, tickling, kissing cheeks and laughing.

Why I am now a blogger.

I constantly have words, ideas, thoughts, opinions and emotions that I rarely capture on a daily or weekly basis. I want to start capturing these things, not only for my benefit, but for my children, my friends and anyone else who would like to listen. I used to love to write, I spent most of my childhood hours doing so, but after many years of term papers, reports and writing because I had to, I fell out of love with this wonderful art form. I hope that whoever reads this finds inspiration, identification and encouragement.