So, I’d like to say I’ve had some kind of great Epiphany and share something really deep and meaningful here, but so far it hasn’t been that kind of a week.

But, I am making an effort to spend a little less time online (okay, I still sit at this computer WAY more than I should… babysteps!). And after griping to my husband B~ that I really wish God had a blog (wouldn’t that be cool - just pop online each day to see what message God wants to share?) I’ve made a more concerted effort to take a little time each day just to pause, read my Bible, read a chapter in the Yancey book, and let that be my “blog” from God. I’m reading from The Message which is actually a paraphrase of the Bible, rather than a direct translation. I like the way Eugene Peterson (the author) writes in contemporary language… gives it sort of that “blog-y” feel. So here’s what I read in God’s blog today:


Since Jesus went through everything you’re going through and more, learn to think like him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you’ll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want.

Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.

Posted by Peter the Apostle 1Peter 4:1-2, 12-13

So if there’s any Epiphany, that’s probably it - I need to get over myself a little and accept that sometimes things don’t go the way I want them to!

Otherwise, life has been filled with the usual craziness of every week. K~ wants to start taking horseback riding lessons and we’re about ready to give in, at long last. She is blessed with a next-door neighbor who has four horses and will let her use one of them to take the lesson and the teacher will come there, so I don’t even have to do any driving. I really don’t love the idea of her riding, but my sweet K~ has been horse obsessed for probably six years now and the obsession doesn’t seem to be fading. She just better not get hurt!
Meanwhile, A~ (my 9 year old) had to recite a poem in class today, and I totally forgot to have him practice one last time this morning, and yet it sounds like he did just fine. I confess, I tend to hover over him when he has presentations ; I make him practice a million times and give him lots of advice. I know I need to back off and just let him succeed or fail on his own, but it’s just so hard! So this time our chaotic Wednesday night did it for me. He didn’t have any props (it was a Shel Silverstein poem and props would have been easy to do) but oh well!
And R~’s new thing today is to ask me “Does God still love me?” when I scold her for not picking up her toys or playing around at naptime. I can’t decide if she’s trying to manipulate me or if she really doesn’t know. Anyway I just assure her that yes, of course God still loves her… but he also wants her to obey her parents!

My “work” has also been a little busy this week… “work” being the Cambodian adoption advocacy group I work with. Lots of discussions on our yahoo list and then today I spoke with a Senator’s aide about a possible hearing on the issue. The thing that bugs me about congressional aides is that they often act like they are very important and are condescending to speak with me. This is more than a little annoying because I know a hundred times more than they do on this topic, have been working on it for years, and besides, they weren’t elected - they just work for someone who was, and that person can be booted out of office if they don’t treat their constituents well! Ahem, apparently I needed to rant a little on that one. I’m sure this guy’s nice enough, just overworked and stressed or whatever. I just miss the common civility that seems to be in short supply everywhere these days.

Well, that just about sums up the last three days for me. Until next time: Nanoo Nanoo! :-)