Turning It on Its Head

For years David and I have struggled to fit in family devotions in the evenings.  It seemed like we could never get into a routine -- David usually works until 6, and then we're rushing to get dinner on the table and rushing off to various meetings, scouts, practices, etc.  We just never hit our stride, and it was frustrating to both of us.

When we went to Together for the Gospel, we came back armed with two weapons in this battle.  One, a reinforced resolve to schedule the time in however we could.  Two, a book we could work through together with the kids:

Long Story Short is an 18-month study of the Old Testament that points forward to Christ.  It has been a great structure for us to follow -- simple, well-thought-out, and to-the-point.

But more importantly, we decided to unflinchingly turn our schedule on its head.  Instead of trying to squeeze devotions in at the end of the day when everyone is tired and feels pressed for time, we instituted morning family devotions.  Every weekday, while David gets dressed for work, I run around and drag children out of bed and make sure they are on the couch pretty close to 7:00.  That may seem late to you regular-school people, but my kids are not used to getting going that early.  It's one of the many perks of homeschooling -- sleeping in a little later than the rest.

But no more!  We are getting up and getting into God's word before the day slips away -- even on summer vacation!

A Very Happy Date-a-versary

Fourteen years ago tonight, David and I went on our first official date.  It was to see the following terrible, awful, movie:

But since it was our first official date, we are inextricably linked to it for all eternity.

We don't usually share this information with people, but now all of you can join us in a collective groan for our sad late-90's selves and our small town and how there was nothing else to do.

*sigh*

You can read the story of how we met and married here.

Overheard

Scene:  Maddie is ready for bed, wearing an ill-fitting nightgown that routinely slides off her shoulders.

Daddy (aside, to the adults in the room):  Maddie, you look like a hussy in that nightgown.
Maddie (doesn't miss a beat):  No, Daddy, I look like a flower.

Stop Me if You've Seen This One

The other night I came across this picture of actor Jason Alexander:

If you watched Seinfeld, you know it's from the episode when George decides to wear a toupee.  The storyline comes to a climax when Elaine snatches the hairpiece from his head and throws it out Jerry's apartment window.

I DON'T LIKE THIS THING! AND HERE'S WHAT I'M DOING WITH IT!
source

When I saw the picture, I giggled and showed it to David, hoping to spawn a happy memory.  David immediately said, "let me show you something," and proceeded to show me this:

And then my head exploded.

Did you have any idea that Jason Alexander was the dancing McDLT guy?  This was a new revelation to me.  

I remember the sandwich well...I remember thinking it would have been perfect if only they had put the cheese on the HOT side so it would melt.  Who thought putting it on the COLD side was a good idea?  That's just crazy talk.

Stars and Stripes Forever

This will probably come as a great shock to all of you, but in my opinion the number one Independence Day celebration in the country is in Boston.  I have only attended one time, but that's enough to cross it off my bucket list.  I'd love to take the kids sometime when they're older.

After an entire day in the sun, everyone's brains were a little fried, so by the time Keith Lockhart wrapped up the 1812 Overture (with real cannons over the Charles River -- yea, and verily the same river that was there for the first battles of the Revolution!) and the first strains of Sousa's "The Stars and Stripes Forever" echoed over the Esplanade, the entire crowd went ballistic.

Here's a taste:

It's probably the best day of the year for piccolo players.

(Here are the original lyrics)

And here's a fun version from a supermarket on the Cape last year (don't miss the trombones over the balcony at the end):

Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.

I Peter 2:16 ESV 

Another Reason Why I Don't Keep a Gun in the House

This is a poem by Billy Collins, who was the poet laureate of the US from 2001-2003.  I often think of this poem since we moved.  We have a barking dog on the street behind us, but he's not quite as bad as Billy states below.  Enjoy!

Another Reason Why I Don't Keep A Gun In The House

The neighbors' dog will not stop barking.
He is barking the same high, rhythmic bark
that he barks every time they leave the house.
They must switch him on on their way out.

The neighbors' dog will not stop barking.
I close all the windows in the house
and put on a Beethoven symphony full blast
but I can still hear him muffled under the music,
barking, barking, barking,

and now I can see him sitting in the orchestra,
his head raised confidently as if Beethoven
had included a part for barking dog.

When the record finally ends he is still barking,
sitting there in the oboe section barking,
his eyes fixed on the conductor who is
entreating him with his baton

while the other musicians listen in respectful
silence to the famous barking dog solo,
that endless coda that first established
Beethoven as an innovative genius. 

Turn My Striving Into Works of Grace

I've been doing summer things instead of blogging this past week, such as...

Checking out homeschool choices for next year.  Buying used books.  Reading longer.  Making salsa.  Swimming.  Watching my kids swim.  Replanting houseplants (they only get love in the summertime, poor things).  Sewing tablecloths.  Hanging curtains.  Spackling, sanding, and painting.  Making the kids do more chores than they're used to (yay!).  Exercising.  Eating out.  Cleaning out all that stuff I never should have moved to begin with.  Buying spray paint with plans in mind.

So...all happy things.  I'm trying to not be overly ambitious or overly concerned with the list.  Summer is precious,  and one month of it is already gone.

TGC Women's conference was lovely.  We were so immersed in the atmosphere that a tropical storm descended on Florida while we stayed there, and we had no idea until the drive home was extremely rainy.  I had a chance to reconnect with two friends from California while there, and had good fun with the ladies from here in Charlotte.

Katie and me

The messages are not yet up on the TGC website, but they should be soon.  If you have to pick just one or two, I'd choose Paige Benton Brown's message on the temple of God and Piper on Isaiah 6.  Kathleen Nielson is no slouch, either.  Or Don Carson.  Or really anyone who spoke.  So I guess my point is, don't just pick one or two.

The Gettys led us in song all weekend, and I was moved by the scriptural truths in their music.  Here's a favorite verse from "Holy Spirit, Living Breath of God."

Holy Spirit, come abide within;

May Your joy be seen in all I do—

Love enough to cover ev'ry sin

In each thought and deed and attitude,

Kindness to the greatest and the least,

Gentleness that sows the path of peace.

Turn my striving into works of grace.

Breath of God, show Christ in all I do.