Bending... Breaking... and Stretching the Rules!

Today I did one of my favorite things… I tested the rules. I like the term ‘tested’ much more than ‘stretched’ or even ‘broke’ because it makes the alleged rule breaking much less serious sounding! Loosely living by the motto ‘All rules are made to be broken’ I often test different systems, wondering the real reason for their existence.

Over the Christmas holiday, my bags seem to expand and gain weight far more than my physical body does. Perhaps that’s a blessing – it takes all the extra caloric intake and stuffs it inside the walls of my suitcase instead of my inner thighs. However, I always have issues with bringing stuff BACK after a Holiday in Idaho! Having an extremely early flight this morning, I spent my last evening in Potato Land rolling, cramming, stuffing… ANYTHING to try to make everything fit in my carry-on. Because of the rise in gas prices (and yes, this has stayed in effect even now as they have fallen), the airlines charge for each suitcase checked. I was determined not to have to pay the $15 it took to check a bag… or a box… or anything else for that matter. The only problem is that I ended up with a VERY pregnant carry-on roll bag, laptop case, purse, nice pea coat (which I planned on wearing), huge snowboarding coat, and a few misc items like 2 huge hardback coffee table books, a bible, and a large mug. Watching me struggle, my mom kindly offered to pay the stupid fee but… no. This had become more than a way to save a few bucks. It had become a challenge.

I woke up this morning with a HUGE birthday bag (big enough to fit a small child) outside my door. My mom had the brilliant plan for me to put my coat, laptop bag, purse, and misc items all together, thus only bringing on the allocated 2 items (one roller bag… and a ‘small personal item’… hmmmm…). After successfully fitting everything in these 2 ‘items’ I began to laugh, as the birthday bag far exceeded the roller bag both in size and in weight. Furthermore, my hopes to be inconspicuous and sneak this on the airplane flew out the window, for the bag was covered from top to bottom with brightly colored hippopotamuses covered in birthday hats, blowing party poppers.

I was a bit nervous walking through the airport, but other than the security guard asking me if I was MOVING somewhere (my response was to nervously laugh and quickly say ‘no!’), it seemed to be working just fine. Maybe I WAS inconspicuous. An amazon girl, wearing a bright pink coat with a roller suitcase and birthday bag big enough to fit a real baby hippo in perhaps wasn’t as bad as I thought. Then I noticed everyone in the gate whispering and staring. My face began to heat as I imagined what they were saying ‘look at all that stuff… why did we have to check the bag??’

As the gate agent explained the rules to us before boarding (one SMALL personal item and a roller bag) I pretended like I didn’t hear. However, as they called us to board, I took out my boarding pass and my heart fell as I realized… I didn’t have a seat assignment! Looking like a poor puppy who is about to get caught for something horrible, I treaded (with my giant hippo bag and carry on in tow!) to the counter… expecting to get a major rebuke. However, a rebuke didn’t come… instead, the woman smiled at me and said ‘wow… you’re tall! Today’s your lucky day!”

Thinking my ‘lucky day’ included an exit row seat, which made me ecstatic with excitement, I looked at the ticket… first class. I ran on the plane as quickly as possible, piling all my stuff around my feet, covering it up with a blanket, and sighed with relief – I had made it!

The good news is… The bag didn’t break open and contents didn’t spill out of our fearless friend Hippo until AFTER I was already on the tram headed to the main terminal. The bad news is… I had to walk holding him together while still rolling the pull bag, looking much like a very tall old woman bent over because of a torn lower back muscle.

I definitely fulfilled the challenge and broke a few rules in the process. However, next time, to save the wear and tear on my muscles and nerves, maybe I’ll just pay the $15.

The Miracle of Christmas... true Scrooge Conversions

Life just doesn't get any better than this. I'm sitting here, watching Elf, the snow is blowing in like mad outside, the Christmas tree is lit, the coffee is warm, my family and friends are close by, and the big breakfast dad is slaving over is wafting from the kitchen. But I have enough blogs about my passion for all things Christmasey. No, the point of this post is not to highlight me and Christmas's love affair.

This is to honor a friend of mine - a 'converted Scrooge' of sorts - who is trying desperately to neglect her former ways and embrace the spirit of the season.

The first thing I noticed was the Christmas ornaments decorating her blog. Then, as she catapulted herself at me this morning, my eyes caught her Christmas sweater. Yes, Christmas. There was the seat by the fire she chose, which also happened to be almost hugging the Christmas tree.

I am now convinced, even the biggest Christmas scrooge can have a true conversion. You just have to add enough snow, Christmas cheer, and singing loud for all to hear. Kaatje... my hat goes off to you (even though it IS the coolest pinkest snow hat in all the world).

Traditions!

I am part of a family who LOVES Christmas. After the traditional weekend-after-Thanksgiving decorating, I walked around my house in awe, and counted 6 Christmas trees (and rumor has it, my mom has buckled and added a seventh ‘Music Tree’ in her bedroom!). I used to think all our traditions and celebrations were normal…. That is, until I expressed details to my co-workers recently.

I HATE commercial Christmas, even though I find myself going to the Christmas-music-only radio stations, singing ‘Rudolf’ just as loud as the next guy. This year I have actually tried to make most of my gifts… starting in October enables more thought into each one (not to mention the discovery of a buried sewing ability!!). The traditions my family embraces are for the sole purpose of celebration, of taking time once a year to grow closer in our relationships with each other, and mostly, to celebrate, with unhindered passion, the reason we are alive – to adore Jesus, who came for each of us personally and sacrificed everything!

So, blogging world, I am going to share with you just a few of our traditions, starting with the day after Thanksgiving (because of course that’s when the Christmas season officially starts!) in hopes you will adapt, or maybe just smile and appreciate, a few of the following:

1. The night of Thanksgiving, we watch the cheesy family Christmas movie ‘All I Want for Christmas” as a teaser for the next days’ activities

2. The morning of that ‘black Friday’ we wake up super early to join the other million crazy people in the mall taking advantage of ‘door busters’ and free things…REALLY valuable items like mini-Mickey Mouse snow globes…

3. After taking a nap to make up for the lost sleep the night before, we blare Christmas music, drink peppermint mochas, and help my dad prepare for the evening – his famous TURKEY SOUP!

4. We have people over to eat the turkey yumminess, bundle up and…

5. Go to ‘Christmas in the Nighttime Sky’ the charity event our small town puts on which celebrates the first day of the Christmas season with fireworks choreographed to Christmas music, famous Idaho baked potatoes, a HUGE bonfire, and hot chocolate stands. The cost of admission is one unwrapped toy, donated to these kids.

6. Tons of Christmas baking (our last name isn’t SWEET for nothing)

7. Christmas caroling to neighbors – with plates of goodies as love offerings

8. Intensive searches for new, fun Christmas music

9. Starting on December 13, we begin the ’12 days of Christmas’ with a needy family, or simply a family we want to reach out to. Each day, we anonymously leave a gift on their front doorstep with a poem. (‘on the first day of Christmas… etc…). On Christmas Eve, we show up on their front door, sing to them, and present them with the big final gift.

10. ZILLIONS of Christmas productions (this used to be worse when we were little)

11. Christmas Eve is taco soup night (with my dad being the ultimate chef). Christmas eve service is followed by lots of laughter and fun with friends around the candle-lit table, Kenny G serenading us in the background with his Holiday album (if you haven’t heard it, you NEED to… it’s amazing)

12. While my parents pull together last-minute things, and my dad begins the cooking frenzy, me and the brothers cuddle up by the tree and put on ‘Preacher’s Wife”… our Christmas eve traditional movie!

13. After “Preacher’s Wife” we fall asleep under/by the Christmas tree, where we wait all night for Santa to come… (Jeff usually ends up on the couch… SHOCKER!)

14. The next morning, we have a strict 7am rule with the parentals. Before then, we can wake up and open our stockings, which usually includes small items from the dollar store, and cards from our grandparents and uncles and aunts.

15. Right at 7, we jump on our parents, excited for Christmas morning! It usually takes several minutes, but they eventually roll out of bed, start the coffee, then… it’s present time!!!!!!!!

16. We open gifts slowly, really relishing the moment. One at a time, taking turns… making it last as long as possible

17. After presents and clean up, my dad immediately heads to the kitchen (do I see a pattern here???) to finish up breakfast

18. We eat a huge and yummy breakfast, then spend the rest of the day eating, laughing, playing games, sleeping, and watching movies. If it’s snowing (which I’m earnestly hoping/praying for THIS year!) we make snowmen or go sledding.

I hope you have enjoyed our Christmas traditions. I know most sound quite childish, but they really are great, and provide stable moments in our year. I always have a good case of nostalgia, which makes me excited for the years to come… when we add spouses and eventually kids to the mix. How great is it to be part of FAMILY!

Oh Christmas...........

Right now my heart is thumping faster than my fingers can fly across the keys. It may have something to do with the fact I’m OBSESSED with ‘Christmas in a Cup’ (peppermint white mochas) and have more than my share of caffeine every day, or perhaps it’s just making my issues worse. The problem? The fact I’m in love with Christmas – yet why is there SO MUCH TO DO!

In my mind, this truly is the most wonderful time of the year. I enjoy everything about it! Shopping, crowds, caroling, peppermint, family… the list could go on and on! However, in this moment I want to stop, take a breath, and focus on ENJOYING the actual season, instead of making the wonder a theoretical idea or something merely witnessed in movies.

When I was home in Idaho for Thanksgiving, I enjoyed the days AFTER this holiday the best, for the celebrations of Christmas had finally begun! During that period of time, I was rushing through the mall in order to meet my mom, and saw an old woman in the lobby of a store, completely enamored by a snow globe. Then I began to think… when was the last time I really stopped to watch the ‘snow’ fall through the glass? Reaching center court, I then saw a very young boy, probably about 2 years old, standing under a snow machine holding out his hand, hoping to catch the pieces of small ‘snow,’ completely caught up in that moment, forgetting anything else in the world existed.

So here I am, enjoying the IDEA of Christmas, but more aware of the knots in my shoulders than the actual joy of a cup of peppermint hot chocolate, soft blanket, and doing nothing but watching the fire crackle. As I rush down the streets, I try and sing the Christmas carols, but fear I am chasing something I end up running right past. The fact is, I wouldn’t even be where I am today if the miracle of Christmas had not taken place. It is the foundation for all I am, for all I believe in.

There’s something about the beginning of life and the end of life which so inspires me. The look of that little boy, and the expression on the face of that old woman tells me they realize something I don’t – that sometimes the most important thing we can do is to take a deep breath to stop and watch the snow fall.

The Art of a Letter...

My grandmother is a letter QUEEN. Even at almost 89, she still sits and writes letters to family and friends almost every day! You know the kind: envelope, stamp... handwriting.

I fear this is a lost art in my generation.

Don't get me wrong. Some days, I check my Email before my feet hit the floor. My text message notification sound makes me SO happy... and I rush to grab my phone to see what the digital message may say. I use the internet to share pictures, stories, even videos at the click of a button. But sometimes I wonder if all this GREAT stuff is replacing something truly personal and wonderful.

There's nothing like going to the mailbox, sifting through the advertisements and bills, to see your name written in REAL handwriting in a card-sized envelope. It's almost like holding a piece of the sender... for they took time, sat down, and wrote their thoughts and feelings, all the while with your face in mind.

I have done my best to keep up with the writings of my grandmother. I try and reply to all her questions in similar manner. However, as the busyness of life takes over, I find myself sitting down and starting the letter with 'Dear Grandma K, thank you for your letter. However, I was just wondering... WHY DON'T YOU HAVE EMAIL AGAIN??'

Then I stop, ponder the simple life she lives, and wonder if all my technology is really 'better' after all. It certainly is FASTER, but should we sacrifice the art of personalization for speed? I want to make it my goal to be intentional about connecting with people in more personal ways. At the end of the day, relationships are what we all treasure most.

I think I'm going to dust off my stationary, sit down, and write Grandma K a letter. Perhaps in a week or so, I just may find a reply hidden in my mailbox.

NOT 'Just Another Conference'

One of the most intense weekends of my life just passed. Being the second time at the Joyce Meyer Women’s Conference, I should have been prepared for a few days of intense worship, amazing teaching, early mornings, late nights, crazy booktable… but as much as I MENTALLY prepare for something, my body just doesn’t adjust sometimes.

On Saturday morning, however, my heart was enlarged, and my life was changed. Watching Lisa get up and speak to 17,000 women (in the Rams football stadium!), observing the look in their eyes, watched their faces show the heart change they were experiencing… I suddenly remembered why I do what I do. So often, I take for granted the amazing opportunity and privilege I have to serve such an amazing ministry. Watching the tear-stained faces of all those women, gathered together, did something miraculous in MY heart. I felt it enlarge. I no longer am content living life as I have. I want to do more – be more efficient. Be more effective. Live and love more than I am even now or thought possible.

God is so amazing – even when we least expect it, He will come and change our outlook on life in an instant. He can do more in a split second than we can do in years and years on our own. So thank you – to everyone who lays down their life every day for Him. You don’t have to be in full time ministry… you can be a stay at home mom. Or a businessman. Or someone in the secular workplace. But today my prayer for you is your heart would also be enlarged for the people in YOUR sphere of influence.

In closing, here are some of the pic highlights from the weekend:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Phil Wickam! His table was right across from us:

This is what lack of sleep will do to ya...

Darlene Zschech's worship is nothing that can be put into words.

Lisa speaking... I can't tell you how powerful this moment was.

The Trophy Wife... (more trophy, less wife)

I've been dealing with this horrible cough for the past 3 weeks or so. You know the kind... the one which flares at exactly the wrong moments: during emotional prayer times, important phone calls, heart-to-hearts with friends. I'm not one to get sick often, so it's been pretty irritating for me to deal with! So, in hopes of shaking it quickly, I went with my roomie one night to the gym with the sole purpose of sitting in the sauna. I had tried everything else... I thought perhaps sweating it out of my lungs would work!

One of the side effects of this horrible sickness is lack of energy. So, a simple walk out of the house and into the steamy sauna was enough to make me collapse on the floor. My long frame, laying there fully clothed, like a limp rag doll must have been some sight. A few minutes later, through the foggy steam, a man came in and, through the haze, worriedly asked if I was ok. I assured him I was, I just liked my mouth being close to the steam... I needed some major zap to my lungs!

We began chatting about superficial things, and the more we talked, the more uncomfortable I became. He told of his upcoming travels to Austria and Russia, and when I asked him the nature of his visit, his simple reply was 'uhhh... it's complicated.' Now THAT caught my attention. Was he a real-life version of Jason Bourne? A member of the FBI, traveling all around the world ensuring the safety of this country? Thankfully, we were not alone in the room, but regardless, I wanted out. So, at my first opportunity, I made my escape to the women's locker room.

I made the decision then and there to go into the dry sauna, simply to get away from this man. Unbeknownced to me, however, he had gone into the pool, awaiting my arrival back into the area in hopes to continue our conversation. As I closed the dry sauna door, I breathed a sigh of relief to finally be alone, able to relax. That relief was soon short-lived, for I then watched him, through the glass in the door, enter out of the pool, and follow me into the room! As he walked in, he immediately started to pour out his life story, the wife of 25 years leaving him, his desire for a 'good Christian girl' to enter his life and fill an impending void, his experiences with others he had dated... almost like I was the interview-ee, and him the interviewer... but the problem was, there was NO WAY I wanted the position!

Then, came the real reason for his trip overseas: speed dating. It followed the format as we are familiar with, but the difference is... after the 30 seconds of convo, he would choose his bride. His house was large, he informed me, so there was plenty of room for the ones with kids, those who usually were left behind. Through all these words, there was always an underlying hint that I may be able to be the 'good Christian girl' who would be able to save him the time and effort of a long ride on an airplane... and I could be the lucky one to move into his large house and make him happy.

It all sounded very much like an episode of 'Dr. Phil.'

Thankfully, before he had a chance to officially get on one knee, I was relieved to see my roommate through the plated glass, and I hurried out to meet her. With a quick goodbye and goodluck to the man, and a panicked look at Hannah, I pretty much ran out of the pool room.

Moral of the story: even bad coughs are not worth trips into the sauna. Next time, I'll wear my fake wedding ring and act like I speak another language.

The Feel of Fall

I love living in a state where the seasons change. Not being a huge fan of cold, I enjoy the Colorado summer heat (it only lasts a few months out of the year!) and try and soak in as much as possible during this short time, hoping it will get me through the long and cold months which are soon to blow in.

However, this year I've decided to embrace the cold and welcome the change. Instead of being so focused on WHERE I'm going while driving down the road, I've made a conscious effort to watch the leaves change around me. Instead of being bitter that I can no longer go outside in tank tops, I've chosen to embrace the sweaters and boots. After the busyness of summer dies down, a warm cup of coffee, a fuzzy blanket, and amazing friends will follow. And you know what will follow THAT?????

Thanksgiving. Then Christmas. The BEST time of the year. OOOOO I love the holidays!

So I guess the cold isn't half bad. I'll just put on a sweater, go for a walk, and enjoy the feeling of the cool air caressing my cheeks.

Excited to blog!

For the past few months, I've tried my hand at blogging on myspace. Because this social networking site was not designed solely for this task, I soon lost interest and fell short of my 3-times-a-week goal. However, my good friend Carly Barron inspired me to start a 'real' blog... so here I am!

I look forward to beginning this blogging journey. I enjoy the art of journaling, and think this may be a good avenue for me to post my thoughts, even if I'm the only one who sees them! I enjoy to travel, and do it quite frequently, so I will write of my journeys, and post as many pictures as I can (once I figure out how to do so!)

I also very much enjoy READING other peoples blogs... so please, if you are contemplating beginning such a venture, please do not delay! Let's start on this journey together.