The tiniest teacher

Today I gained a new appreciation for mothers everywhere... I watched Ella all day. These are the lessons I learned (most of them I already knew):

1. You're lucky if you get a shower.
2. You will hear every nursery rhyme played simultaneously in one room no less than 6 times within a two hour span.

3. You will deal with tantrums, crying and food throwing. Sometimes it will even be from the child.
4. Everything that can bonk, will bonk.

5. Just because her Christmas T-O-Y-S are hidden does not mean they'll stay that way. (Seriously, she's a mini Sherlock Holmes).
6. Her bragging that you let her sit in the 'Big Girl Chair' to eat will most likely get you into trouble with her mom.

7. Attempting to rotate Kix in as an acceptable dry cereal 'snacks' (always plural) when you run out of Peanut Butter Cap'n Crunch ('Cwunchies'), will hopefully go unnoticed.
8. The 'must have' item for fall just may be a hat with ears sown on it. They are too cute.
9. They will scream and cry when you lay them down, but they'll forget all about it when they wake up.
10. Elmo is good medicine.
11. You will be tired out, somewhat frustrated from time to time, and very messy... But your heart will melt everytime she says your name.

some big news for little me

I received an email in my inbox this morning announcing that Absolute Michigan voluntarily added my blog as a link, and was that okay? Sure it is! Check me out on the list here.

Special thanks to the folks at AbsoluteMichigan.com for adding me, and special thanks to you for now giving them some traffic (hint hint).

despairing, but not defeated

I recently had an in-depth conversation with the husband of a friend about the human condition. As a policeman he is regularly called on for 'civil' situations, which are most often anything but civil. He sees alcohol abusers, negligent parents, youth offenders, ringleaders for trouble. His perspective of humanity is a broken one. Even though this was his occupation of choice, one he entered because he wanted to help society, it has ultimately warped his perception of most people and left him with an inability to trust. He calls himself a 'realist,' because really, can you trust anyone? They'll most likely swindle you, rob from you, hurt you. It's wise to shut people out without a second thought. Why risk it?

I listened this week to a message at the recommendation of my friend Laura by Rob Bell from Mars Hill Church in Grandville, MI. (He's recently garnished a lot of attention for his first book Velvet Elvis which I bought yesterday. Expect a full report soon). This message (Week 349) began with Pastor Rob saying repeatedly "You already have everything you need to be content." He reminds us that you can be sitting in a funeral, crying and still be 100% content, because it's more than a mind set, it's a place you can live in. He goes on to say that those who are regularly looking to someone else to fulfill their joy, seeking contentment in things or another person will never truly find it. They become, as he says, full of despair. He cites them as people who say things like, "The second album will never be as good as the first one." Disappointment is to be expected. It's realistic.

My policeman friend can't really help it that he's gotten this way. He went in ready to help, and was faced with the harshest of realities, on a daily basis. The negativity has become blinding to him. The saving grace in all of this is the determination that has grown in him to be a good parent, and to instill patriotism, morality, and the heart of the Golden Rule into his children. To him, the day may be long, and full of discouragement or frustration, but at night, the tender heart of his young son restores hope down deep inside him.

There IS good in the world. Sure there are untrustworthy people bent on evil, but there are also those who will fight for justice, truth, upright living, and for making the character of God known in the earth. There is a remnant of those who haven't turned their hearts on God, or a deaf ear on others.

Last Thursday I was driving home from a Northern Michigan Advertising Club meeting in Traverse City and was going through the small town of Kingsley around 3:30 pm. I knew driving back would be slow since I was following a school bus that I would have to repeatedly stop behind until it turned onto a side road. I was ready to be back at work, but sighed and resolved myself to it. Just about that time, the bus in front of me had to stop at a train track crossing. 2 early teenage girls were sitting in the back seat of the bus and both quickly turned around to look at me. One grinned wildly and began to wave. Without thinking I smiled back and began to wave at her with equal enthusiasm. Thrilled that she'd chosen someone who would respond, she pulled her fist in to her chest in a 'YES!' motion and high-fived her friend. They'd gotten exactly what they were looking for.

In that moment, I thought about how simple life was, and how small victories were celebrated as a child. How all the world was good, and how the future was so full of hope. We could be anything we wanted, and it was really only a matter of time until we became it. There wasn't a question, we would fulfill our dreams.

So how do we strip away the layers of despair that have crept up on us, and find again the childlike heart? One way is to do something about it. When presented with an opportunity to reach out, we need to take it. Before the message at church today, we watched a short video clip about Operation Christmas Child. You can touch the life of a child this holiday season, encourage them to not only keep dreaming, but meet the Best Gift yet. Another part comes from a conscious effort to seek and find the good in every situation, and the other part is trusting God to reveal it. If we're open to what He's speaking, we'll hear Him even in the most unlikely moments. We'll see Him on the face of a little girl as we sit in traffic. We'll hear it in the bedtime prayer of a child. We'll even see him in Walmart when we run into that woman who has never been able to have children, carrying her new infant.

Yes, despair is all around us... but so is Hope.

We just have to be willing to look for Him.

best snippet of the day

Here's the scenario from our living room moments ago...

Shattered vase on the floor that arrived there seconds earlier from Ella tripping into the table, my dad dancing like a leprechaun pushing the vaccuum to clean it up, Lacey clapping her hands and singing 'We're vaccumming, we're vaccuuming, we're all having fun,' as she tries to convince Ella there is nothing to be afraid of. All this while I sit on the sofa laughing hysterically and cradling a balling baby with terror in her eyes saying 'All done!? All done!?'

Classic little slice of the Miller family.

a few MORE of my favorite things

This entry has been a long time coming, and I'll warn you, it won't be for the fashion-faint-of-heart. It WILL however be full of links and items that are making me smile lately, so for those of you who love shopping online (like I do), you should appreciate some of my findings. Why delay the fun any further?

As most of you know, I am a fan of everything Sephora, and Philosophy products fall under that category.

One of the best things about ordering from Sephora online is that you get to choose 3 free samples with every order, your way to try before you buy. When placing an online order recently, I decided to make one of my free sample choices Philosophy's "Present" Clear makeup.
Essentially, this serum serves as a makeup primer. You rub it in like moisturizer, wait 2 minutes, and then apply makeup as usual. The 2 days (which happened about 3 weeks apart) that I used the sample of Present, my boss commented about how 'stunning' my skin looked. It really does fulfill it's claim to 'give your face an airbrushed look.' My full tube is headed to my doorstep as we speak. (Plus, how can you resist the way that Philosophy packages their products? So understatedly clever and basic).

Next up, my boss and I have been spending a lot of time searching vintage fabrics online. We have been finding great duvet covers, blankets, handbags and throw pillows. I keep gravitating to anything paisley, or patterns that include queen anne's lace/vines. Loving these pillows from West Elm.



And you have to check out Boots and Toddi for some great duvet covers, rugs, etc...

If you're just looking for some unique accessories for your wardrobe or home, you may find it here.

And if you're looking for a secret home decor place on the web, maybe you'll love this site as much as I did. Don't forget to check out the Black Forest dinnerware. It's a little lonely, but like nothing I've ever seen.

Yesterday I stopped into a small boutique in downtown Traverse City called Euphoria. She had many eco-friendly and unique lotions, candles and accessories. (Plus, her website and print collateral are charming with a trendy edge). For those of you local girls, if you've walked past her shop a bunch of times and never stopped in (like I had), you really need to check it out. Very fun. While browsing I came across some unique jewelry that she carries from an artist named Dana Roth in Portland, Oregon. I was particularly taken with her Dictionary Definitions necklaces. These necklaces come with several different definitions on them, and I particularly appreciated 'Character.' Also, I got a kick out of her beer can jewelry as well. Not my personal favorite, but what she's known for. Also, you'll be pleasantly surprised that about 50 retail locations across the country carry her products. Maybe one near you...

There, I think I've given you enough to chew on for awhile, plus, holding all of that in was almost too much sparkle to bear. Enjoy, and let me know what you think.

we are entrenched in a battle

If there's one thing I've learned this year it's that when a hurtful situation comes into your life, one that is beyond your power to control, your response is your most powerful defense. It's interesting how a personal struggle enables us to have insight into that type of a situation. Because I got an 'education' on the collapse of a marriage, I've had many people ask for my advice about the topic. My experience has not made me an expert on the subject by any means, but I've definitely gained one or two helpful gems by going through it. (And aren't the greatest revelations the 'simple' ones?)

The gem is this... Fight for your heart.

When faced with a personal attack, our human default mechanism is always self-protection first. Some reacting in anger, allow their hurt and emotion to get the better of them by lashing out. Others quickly erect a barrier around their heart to shut out hurt and protect self, promising themselves not to become vulnerable again. Something deep down inside goes quiet.

We are not in a bitter fight, we are aiming to keep our hearts soft. We are to be wise with our emotions, and put our faith in God. In our lifetimes, people will hurt us, so it should go without saying that we are to use some wisdom when choosing where to place our trust in the first place, and the speed at which we should give it to someone else. This can often eliminate a problem before it has a chance to start.

In my situation, my fight was not against him or things controlling him. It was not against myself with 'why did I make this decision in the first place?' It wasn't even against the devil necessarily. My fight was against becoming jaded. What do they say about a wounded animal? It in turn, wounds. This is what my fight was against. It was more than just fighting against the desire to crawl inside and fade away, or rise up as some hard, protected 'strong woman.' It was a conscious, daily, choice to tell the uncontrollable pain that it couldn't control me. It was about fighting to keep a tender heart... the kind that gave love as a response to hurt; refused to return anger for pain; and chose to pray for the one who was wronging me instead of becoming the woman who swears off men resolved that they are 'all alike.' This is essentially how I could wholeheartedly believe for reconciliation until the end.

This is our battle... The balance of not allowing a jaded world (or individual) to harden us, while not becoming such a harbor to ourselves that the 'real us' begins to disappear. Paradoxically, it's about fortifying our heart, while keeping it pliable. Guarding ourselves while remaining vulnerable.

This is ultimately how you weather a life-altering situation and walk away without regrets. You didn't end up full of hate.

You kept your heart pure.

And that's what you needed to do.

the lights are much brighter there

On my drive home tonight I couldn't help but notice a few classic examples of what a great little town I live in.

First up is the moose that stands proudly in front of Woodstock Gifts downtown. He's always appropriately dressed for each season, as you can see. This is his mummy impersonation, although I prefer the pair of red, white and blue boxers he pulls out for the 4th of July. I only wish this were in fact, a prank pulled by sophomores.

Next, how convenient! I was just wondering where I could find a magnet that doubles as jewelry...

And finally, I'm sure the chamber of commerce meant well, but... I wish they would just come out and tell us how they really feel.

And to think Lake City missed out on Governor Granholm's 'Cool City Initiative' funding? Frankly, I'm shocked.

this is what's new

No work for me today, so you'd think I would have had a chance to sleep in. Unfortunately, a foreign-number-turned-wrong-number call awakened me at about 9:10 this morning on my cell phone. I wasn't really upset though because I had several items to tackle today, and getting an earlier start was just fine with me.

I did some online banking, then got ready and drove over to Cadillac to actually go to the bank as well. I have needed a new register, had to order more checks, and needed to open a savings account for quite some time now. Today was one of the first weekday opportunities I've had in the past year. Once that was done, I pampered myself with a manicure/pedicure. I haven't been into Rose Nails in months since I removed my acrylic nails earlier this year. I had forgotten how nice it was avoid the incessant questions...

'Haf you hubband called?'
'No, my 'husband' and I have been divorced for a year and half now. He hasn't called.'
'You know he mahweed ageen?'
'Yes, this town is small enough to know that he's gotten remarried.'
'You weesh he caw? You know weyah she wuk?'
'No, I don't want him to call. Yes, I know where she works...'
(slight pause to let it all sink in)
'You haf boyfend?'
'No. No, I don't have a boyfriend. No, I'm not married. No, I'm not expecting a baby. Nothing new to report since I saw you 5 months ago.'
'Go washa han.'
I gladly run to the sink to avoid the continuing line of questioning. I guess I'm just a glutton for punishment because this is the exact conversation we have everytime... and yet I still go there.

Once my nails were finished, I stopped to pick something up to eat and headed over to watch Ella. Lacey and Jon went for an ultrasound today and found out we're having another baby girl. So sweet, I can't wait. They adjusted Lacey's due date to March 10th from the 20th. Oddly enough, Ella will be 2 on the 9th. Doesn't get much closer than that! Hopefully this baby makes it to the hospital before she is born!

Ella has gotten so clever. When asked what a kitty says, she meows. When asked what a doggie says she screams 'arf!' When asked what Aunt B (me) says, she cocks her head to one side, lifts her shoulder to ear and says 'Hey Hey!' So cute. (At least I've taught her something; even if it is a little flirty).

Yesterday I rented an Academy Award winning documentary called "Born into Brothels."

It's an amazing story about a photographer who spent 2 years familiarizing herself with several prostitutes in the red light district of Calcutta. She wanted to document their lives in pictures, but felt that she needed them to be comfortable with her first. In the meantime she built relationships with several of the children of these women. Doomed to also end up 'In the Line,' she felt compelled to give the children an opportunity at a better life. She brought several cameras over and began teaching weekly photography classes to a handful of the children. Eventually the pictures taken by the kids were sold in the US at Sotheby's and the funds are being used to pay for them to attend boarding schools. In the DVD extras, they pick up 3 years later with the kids. One of the boys has even been accepted into the most prestigious high school in the United States. It was really amazing. Personally, watching this re-inspired me to remember that no matter what field of work you are in, if your heart is open, you can reach out and help to change the lives of those around you. Sometimes I think it's so easy to look inward and even feel sorry for ourselves, completely ignoring the fact that we have so many resources at our disposal... and a God who cares even more than we ever could. I'm including a couple of my favorite stills taken by kids in the film.


Also, just so you know, this documentary is rated 'R' for two scenes of very harsh language that appear as subtitles.

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a post about a young musician named Jimmy Needham. I had to have the CD shipped to me because he hasn't been added to iTunes as of yet. I got the album in the mail on Saturday and have listened to little else since. I just wanted to write a followup to that review now that I've heard the album in it's entirety. First of all, the lyrics in this album are incredible. Not only do they reveal an obvious deep understanding of biblical truths, avoiding cookie cutter statements and contrived rhymes, he executes them in a very catchy way. Channeling tempos reminiscent of Jason Mraz, you find yourself drawn in to hear what clever thing he'll say next. Jimmy's sincere desire to honor Christ and to make him known shouts loudly out of every line. And his voice... Incredible. It's a little raspy at times, and has been compared to Stevie Wonder. Ranging from effortless bluesy soul-filled notes in "I am New" to a more tender side in "Dearly Loved" I have quickly become a fan. You will too. If you haven't checked it out yet, please do.

Also arriving on Saturday was a little album called 'Shine on Us' by Daniel Eric Groves.

My brother-in-law Jon recently sent me a link to his website because he remembered that I had known him from church when I lived in Tulsa. He was just beginning back then, but has since been married, relocated to Hudsonville, MI, and begun pursuing music as a career. Also a good album to check out, I particularly like "You're so Good." (Take special notice of the album cover. THAT is this season's 'urban organic' chic in action and I'm totally digging it).

home tour

We recently finished the renovation of the office building I work in. It's a 100+ year old home that up until a year ago, was just sitting there, full of potential. Buried just beneath the cracking plaster and commercial-grade carpet was a beautiful story waiting to be told. We moved our offices into the home, and lovingly restored one room at a time. When recently asked to join in the local historical home tour, we decided to hurriedly finish the remaining rooms and prepare for today.


(Since this picture was taken, the front lawn and shrubbery has been completely re-landscaped. Some of you have seen this picture already. Also take note of the one visible window in the house next door, it will be mentioned later in this post).

I worked today for 8 hours, on a Saturday... On my feet... With no chance to break for food. I told the story of the downstairs renovation from peeling up the carpet to shining up the original hardwood pocket doors, no less than 30 times. We had a steady flow of people all day, and were unofficially named 'Best in Show.'

When we moved in, we found an undated black and white picture of the house that the previous owners had left behind. Jeannine (my boss) had it custom framed and hung it near the entry. One older lady that was touring made me smile as she cleared her throat, looking at the old photograph of our building. She pointed to the first level window of the neighboring home near the edge of the photograph and said, 'That used to be my bedroom. Every night the lady who lived in this house would bake pies and I would lay in my bed as the scent wafted over, tempting me. Some Sunday evenings I would even be invited to partake.'

The home itself was originally built by a man who worked for a chair company located here. Over the years it also served as a boarding house. Several rooms on the second floor have letters on the doors signifying how each room had been rented individually.

The tour went smoothly and was a success, but even now my tired feet, voice and sleepy eyes are begging me to give them a break. Thankfully I get to take Monday off.

I think it is a unique blessing to be part of a community that is so historic in nature, and to be able to work in an office that really feels more like a living room.

please be real

This morning I had to run a few errands for work. On my way back, a light drizzly rain had begun to fall, and I was listening to a song about the wonder of God. I am having a good hair day, and I had just picked up coffee, so the combination of the elements and music were making for a distinct air of joy deep down inside. I felt glad for today.

As I pulled up toward the stop light, I noticed that the back of the car next to me was plastered with bumper stickers for political candidates, many of which were names I didn't recognize. For a fleeting moment I had to applaud the guy for making his voice heard, but wondered why you'd want to jade the look of your vehicle so much. To each his own, right? Once we stopped at the light, I looked over again and noticed that he was also making his religious beliefs known, wearing them loudly on the driver's side door. "Jesus Christ Already Died for Your Sins," it read. Wow, I thought, way to cut right to it. But what I saw next literally jolted me from my state of peace. On the back door of the car was this magnetized sticker, "Abortion is Murder."

Now, many people believe that abortion is a woman's right. I however, side with Mr. Political Statement. I do believe that abortion is murder, and I do believe that we should fight for the lives of the unborn. But I also believe that we should live lives of authentic faith, whether or not we drive a car that looks like a Bible billboard. We should shake things up a little, but who do we touch when we just anger them?

It's easy to wear a cross around your neck, it's a great fashion statement that anyone can make. It's more difficult though to present Christianity as a real, living, authentic and viable way of life. I think it's more important that people see Christ in our actions and love for people, than hear our shouts of why lost people are doing it wrong.

Can we just be real?

dream again

Driving home from aerobics (and lamenting my sore muscles), I listened to the song "Dreamer" by Bethany Dillon. As I sang along with the now familiar words, I couldn't help but let my mind wander back to the dreams I had as a little girl. Back then, my thoughts were always so lofty, always about aspiring to be something important, crucial, pivotal in God's plan, and always full of the faith to know that fulfilling those dreams was not only possible, it was just a matter of time. Those were sweet days, when discouragement didn't exist, before the realization that maybe my dreams needed a healthy dose of reality. I remember those moments fondly.

Unfortunately we grow, and seemingly from nowhere come the Dream Thieves. We've all encountered them, and in many different forms. Whatever way they show up, they leave us feeling the same, inadequate, like you just aren't enough; don't quite measure up. Sometimes they even tell you that you're too much. Those are sinking moments.

I think that God Himself grieves over those losses for us.

For me, there are specific memories I have, instances where well-meaning adults, or vindictive peers said things that made something inside quiet the dream. There have even been times when I know that I myself unwittingly (or I'm sorry to say, wittingly) pointed someone away from their destiny.

These thoughts swirled as I drove, and then shifted to the way God began to restore me. When I attended worship school at Victory Bible Institute, we were spoiled with several guest speakers who had been fortunate to make a living doing the thing they were created for: worship. One particular day, Darrell Evans (the man who penned many famous worship songs including 'Your Love is Extravagant,' and 'Let the River Flow') was speaking to our class. He told of how he knew he was called to lead people in worship, and had spent countless hours at home in intimate times with the Lord. He was waiting tables at Village Inn one evening when a few lyric lines started rolling over and over in his mind. While taking a break, he scribbled out the words on a napkin... "Let the poor man say I am rich in Him, Let the lost man say I am found in Him, And let the river flow..." Years later, and unbeknownst to him at the time, this song would literally circulate the world, drawing people into a place of sincere response to God. He stressed the point of this inspiring moment happening in an unlikely locale, when he felt he couldn't have been further from his destiny. He closed by reminding us, "God will find you anywhere." With that simple thought, somewhere deep inside me a dream started to breathe again.

If you have a God-inspired dream, it doesn't matter where you are on the globe, He will 'find' you and help you move into making His dream for you a reality. He'll work your circumstances, your heart, and your geographical location right into His plan, if you'll let Him.

Approximately 8 months ago, I was in conversation with a dear friend when he made a simple comment... Or at least it seemed simple at the time. He casually said, 'It's just good to know that I'm doing what I was created to do.' This sentence not only struck me then, it has repeatedly come to my mind as a standard for my own life. What would that really feel like? Dare I dream that I'll ever truly be able to say that?

While reading these thoughts, please do not misunderstand me. It is infinitely more important to me to know God intimately, than it is to think about all the great things I could do for God. Going through a time that feels mundane and monotonous is for our good. It's during those times that we are to press in and discover Him more. Just like Darrell waiting tables at the Village Inn, we have our own set of circumstances and training grounds. It's when we actively seek Him first, that He moves mountains in our lives.

I recently changed the welcome message on my cell phone to be a constant reminder that God has my best interest at heart - and that He wants me to fulfill my destiny even more than I want to. It reads "God dreams bigger for you than you do for yourself."

Let Him quiet the dream thieves. Let Him teach your heart to sing its dream-song again. He wants you to accomplish great things in life even more than you long for it yourself. This is the lesson that bears constant reminding...

being part of the clan

My mom's side of the family is notable for several reasons. First of all, much to our pride, and the chagrin of PETA, there's my grandpa: Claude Pollington. Ever heard of him? Most likely not, unless you subscribe to World Bowhunter Magazine, or your living room is flanked with the mounted torsos of multiple woodland creatures, like his. (We can virtually give my niece Ella a guided tour of the 'Back 40' with one 'Name the Animals' trip around the living room. This is what my brother-in-law, who married-in, mind you, has dubbed the 'Animal Morgue'). Some might find it troubling that my extended family so celebrates the deer in this way. Maybe you're more comfortable knowing that Christmas is celebrated in their house by placing a felt-covered, plastic buck atop the tree instead of a star?

Either way it's a unique part of my mom's family history... One that involves being the daughter of the 'Whitetail Wizard' and on several occasions chit-chatting around the table with a certain rocker named, Ted Nugent about his latest kill. (I wish I was joking).

Another item that is reserved for the Pollington clan is middle-of-the-night-eating, or as I like to call it the-worst-thing-you-can-do-to-yourself. It's a nasty little habit. The trick to avoiding it is not waking up. If you drink a bottle of water before bed, you better have another one handy because you're going to need to wash down that peanut butter sandwich and Little Debbie snack cake you'll eat at 4:30 in the morning, by the light of your cell phone screen. Or so I've heard. Invariably, you'll also have trouble going back to sleep, so you'll lay awake, pre-writing this blog in your head, click the light on and then resolve to put it on paper when you realize you're breaking your blogger's block for the first time in a week. You'll click the light off, lay there thinking and then actually go online and post. This will most likely help you work up an appetite.

I come by it honestly though, I guess. My mom has told me that her brother Matt sometimes actually cooks a whole meal on the stove in the middle of the night. She has cracked me up with her ridiculous recounts of eating a bag of Lay's potato chips in bed, shoveling them into her mouth so long that she actually falls asleep with one hand in the bag. She apparently interprets the name brand of the chip as a suggestion of what it should do in bed next to you, as opposed to what it actually is, the name of the creator of the chips. (Finding that I've published this information to the web should thrill her. She'll probably come after me tomorrow night with her salty, greasy little mits).

There are benefits to being in the Pollington lineage though. Every holiday get-together is a riot. From my Aunt Cynda, who my dad can make laugh until she wheezes, to the crazy phenomenon of how there seems to be a new baby with each holiday, we enjoy and love each other... Even if the time is spent laughing about how similarly crazy we all are. And if that's not enough to be thankful for, we can celebrate the free drug samples we get in exchange for Dr. Grace's hunts on Grandpa's property.

There are even some benefits to being awakened during the night and then discovering hunger pangs. Once your bladder is relieved, your tummy is happy, and your blog has been scribbled out on a night stand note pad (then published to the web), you can get back to sleep... Really good, deep, sound sleep.

Hopefully.

the final batch

Lauren and her sweet mom, can't tell they're related can you?

Oops, the flowergirl dribbled.

Rings on their fingers and smiles on their faces.

Lauren and Andy dancing. This is one of my favorites.

Lauren and her Dad.

2 more wedding pictures

As promised, I'm attaching a couple more pictures from Lauren and Andy's wedding. I'll be including more on Flickr, but for now, here are a couple that I got back today.

Mr. and Mrs. Lauren and Andy Stokes.

steele hammers it out

We live in a world that is inundated with advertising. I bet it is safe to assume that the last place you want to encounter an ad is here. With that in mind, let me 'add' this. I like to endorse people that I believe have something important to say, or promote music I believe in. I also like to report fun pop-culture findings and/or unique beauty product discoveries. I wouldn't really call this promotion, I would prefer to call it 'suggestion from a trustworthy source.' I only pass on information to you that I myself (1) was thrilled to hear, or (2) would be ticked to find out you knew and didn't share with me. I'm actually providing a service if you think about it.

With that in mind, I spent some time today in Border's. I recently listened to an interview with the writer of Provocative Faith, and have been interested in reading it ever since. Once I had located it in the store, and tucked it securely underarm, something else caught my eye. A book called 'FlashBang.' The interesting thing about this book was not just the eye-catching cover or the fact that it was published by Relevant Books, it was the name of the author: Mark Steele.

Mark is a resident of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and owner of Steelehouse Productions. He's also father to Morgan, Jackson and Charlie, and all-around-funny-guy. Coincidently Mark is a personal friend of my former boss out there, and attended many of the same child birthday parties that I did. I've actually babysat his kids on a couple of occasions. I wasn't surprised to see he'd ventured into book-writing at all because he's made a name for himself around T-town over the years, but I didn't know he actually already had one on the shelf. I was pleasantly intrigued to check it out. I was even more impressed when I spent the next 2 hours pouring over the pages, laughing until my sides ached, and repeatedly having the spiritual 'I get it!' light go off in my head. I'm not even a quarter of the way through this book and would easily recommend it to anyone who is looking to live an authentic Christian life in a world that so easily allows us to be religiously stale. Essentially, Steele is encouraging us to live lives that leave lasting marks, God-craters if you will, everywhere we go.

...And people are hopping onboard for this challenging and hysterical ride.

"[FlashBang is] Engaging and compelling. [The book] has a very clever way of putting your defenses down and communicating truth."
-Ralph Winter, producer of X-Men, X2 and Fantastic Four

"Witty, clever, punchy and provocative. Mark Steele drives the point of life significance home while keeping you rolling off your chair. You laugh so hard that when the truth of the message smacks you in the face, you realize you've been sideswiped with a revelation we all need... to truly impact others and live authentically ourselves."
-Ted Haggard, pastor, author and president of the National Association of Evangelicals

Admit it, this post is oddly endearing... just like me

I was thinking today about several random things I'm thankful for, and I want to share them with you. But let me begin the list with a very important item before I ramble on for 1,000+ words. My 'I'm thankful for' list begins with you, my reader. Thanks for stopping by. I know that there are millions of other places you could be visiting on the web right now, but here you are 'reading me.' Everyone is welcome, and I'm just thankful you're here. With that said... I think it's safe to assume that you stopped by for one of the following reasons:

1. You know me, you like me, you're just as obsessed with blog-reading as I am, and you want to see what's new in my world.
2. You were clicking away at the 'view next blog' button above and are generously giving my heading a second glance.
3. You found me from the supporting link of a fellow blogger.
4. You googled the words 'Jesus,' 'Freaks,' 'Sephora,' or 'Spanking.' (Nice combo, I know).

No matter how you landed here, I'm glad you did. For the newcomers, this blog bounces somewhere between 'deep thoughts,' 'incoherent ramblings' and 'fashion 101.' Comments are welcome, unless you leave "Anonymous" comments suggesting I visit your site for insurance rates, sleep aids, or making money online. (In which case, please kindly BEAT IT!)

*clears throat, straightens jacket* And now for the rest of the list. (This is a short list of the ones that first popped into my head).

Things I'm thankful for, love to celebrate, and get joy from:

Seasons... cookouts, turning leaves, the first snow, budding trees. An unexpected call from an old friend. Being close enough to share an inside joke with someone, with just one glance of your eye. Spending quality time with family. When a normal day turns into a special occasion because you got a gift in the mail from a loved one, 'just because.' When you do something new to your hair and someone gives you a compliment before you tell them you changed it. Finding money in your clothes. Having such a relaxing weekend that you can go all day Saturday in your pajamas (showering optional). Hearing a familiar song that has a nostalgic memory attached to it. Taking a roadtrip. Losing 5 pounds. Knowing your future is secure in Christ no matter what happens in the world. Taking a great picture. Going to church and hearing something that was 'specifically' for you. Being commended for a job well done. Picking up right where you left off with a great friend you haven't seen in ages. Discovering growth in yourself. Being really, truly loved by someone. Being able to give love away. Hearing a contagious laugh and joining in. Encouraging someone during a tough time. Getting the same in return. Having a reliable car to drive. Health. Answered prayers. Discovering that your life is full of possibilities. A hot drink in the morning (Lattes are preferable, tea is tolerated). Afternoon rain. A favorite scripture. Being able to sit down at the computer, write your thoughts, express your gratitude, and have the opportunity to share it with people all over the world.

Incredible.

(Editor's note: If you found this entry to be disjointed, random, and yet somehow still heartwarming, then you've come to the right place. That's what my regular readers have come to know and love).

big is the new small

I've been thinking a lot about the idea of faithfulness. It can take on many forms: marital fidelity, doing something repeatedly and with dedication, being full of hope and belief, and even being a trustworthy and dedicated friend. But I've realized something unique about faithfulness... It really matters in the small things... Because afterall, aren't the small things really the big things in life?

In the Gospels, we see a story about a servant who pleases his master, gaining this response from him, "...Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much..." (Matthew 25:21).

This is a familiar passage to me, but as I prepared to sit here and type, it got me thinking about my own life. I am sure there are areas where I am cutting corners, or that I am being faith-less in. And if I'm REALLY honest, there are parts of me that are probably just apathetic enough to willingly 'let an area slide,' so to speak. (Not that it goes unnoticed by God, or anything). We all have these areas; no one is perfect. But if we want to truly make God smile, truly put Him first, and make our lives reflect more of Christ, then we need to peer into those areas, no matter how uncomfortable they are.

When we allow God to highlight an area of weakness in our lives, we often (almost by default) experience guilt or condemnation, sometimes even fear. This is the little rule of thumb that I go by when I experience any of those things. God wants us to live lives of peace... He's a good God. Anything that causes us uneasiness (with the exception of God's conviction), isn't of God... We don't have to feel guilty for our mistakes (beating ourselves up over them, or letting the devil make us feel defeated), we need to repent for them, and ask God to help us be more faithful to Him next time. Little victories have great significance.

Just like the pleased master in the passage from Matthew, when He finds us faithful in the small things, He can reward us with bigger opportunities...