The Coolest Trick Ever

So I just got back into the room from a junk food run to Conoco convenient store here in Breckenridge. And like so many of you have experienced before, the darn credit card wouldn't scan. You know that look that comes across the face of the cashier before he has to pull out the typepad and start punching in your number by hand? I hate that moment. It's almost as bad as that Visa commercial where the world is spinning just perfectly to the music until the guy decides to pay for his food with cash - then the whole world freezes and no one knows what to do. . .you know the one. . .that's what it always feels like. So in my anticipation of the dreaded cashier gritting of teeth, I have to tell you that today I was so amazingly surprised. The COOLEST thing happened. . .

Instead, this guy, with a smile on his face, said to me, "no worries, I have a trick!"
And what did he do next? The craziest thing. . .he pulled out a plastic bag and wrapped my credit card in it. Was he going to just throw it away? No! Not my precious Frontier credit card!!

But after wrapping my card in the bag he then proceeded to swipe the card again - yep, with the card inside the bag! - and get this. . .it worked perfectly!!!!!!!! He proceeded to tell me that a customer had shown him the trick not long ago and that never once had he tried it that it didn't work on the very first try. Isn't that cool?

So there you have it. . .another bit of useful knowledge from Amy. Now tell me this. . .have any of you readers ever heard of this before? What other "cool tricks" do you know of to share with me? As you can tell, I'm easily fascinated.

There's A First TIme for Everything

After 5 seasons of watching Dancing with the Stars, I am posting my first admission of defeat. I have never missed on picking the winner until last night. YES, I know, Kristi was hands down the best dancer, but for some reason I so wanted the underdog to win this time. So sorry Jason. I voted as much as I could. . .here are a few highlights from the night. . .

Literally SIGNS of the Times

Last Saturday Cool River volunteered at the annual "Superior Days" festival. I couldn't help but notice how very different festivals are in Colorado from the ones I grew up going to in Kentucky. Check out the pictures and you'll see what I mean (click to enlarge them). . . No doubt about it, I live in Boulder County! Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!!!!!

Happy Late Mother's Day to our Family!!!!

Emma, Claire and Olivia perform at Golden West Retirement Center in Boulder with the Flatiron Youth Chorale. . .









We love you Gran, Katie, Grandma, Abuela, Mama, Titi Carol, Nancy, Kay and Gay!!! Hope you had a terrific Mother's Day!!

Reason #1 Why You Should Never Leave a Puppy Alone

So if you were planning on calling me today. . .don't bother. . .

Mother's Day Cool River Hike

Male Bonding

A typical Saturday night at the Colon's. . .Kevin and ECO putting the finishing touches on Sunday's service. ECO is not necessarily a "manly" dog, but in this household full of girls, he'll have to do. . .

Happy Mother's Day to Mommy from Claire

Notice I'm wearing the necklace that I wrote about in my previous blog. :-)

Emma's Piano Recital

We spent our Saturday afternoon attending Emma's piano recital. She did a terrific job. . .forgot her glasses, but luckily most of her songs were memorized. Sorry for the unsteady hand of the videographer. . .Enjoy!!

Emma's First Trophy

Just wanted to be the bragging mom for a moment and share a picture of Emma with her very first trophy. She earned it by scoring a "superior" in her first ever piano competition. Why don't you share what you are bragging about today. . .

$2.49 Mother's Day

Have I taught my girls well or what?

For those of you who know me well, you are probably aware that I am a super bargain shopper. I can sniff out a sale from miles away. I never buy anything (except food, of course) unless it is on clearance. The Target clearance endcaps are my best friends. And if it says 75% off you can always count on my attention being drawn to the rack for at least the next few moments. I think it drives Kevin crazy. But this frugality serves our family well. And the proof that I have passed this gene on to my children came out today as we were shopping in Dillards.

After successfully purchasing dresses for both Emma and Claire for a grand total of $32.29, we were on our way out of the store when Emma said, "Mom, look! 75% off jewelry!" Of course we rerouted to the jewelry counter. And as we browsed the rejected pieces of jewelry that filled the racks, Emma and Claire went off to the corner and obviously started conspiring about something. Then all of a sudden they started asking in their sneakiest voices, "Mom, do you like this,? How about this,? "This would be pretty on you, Mommy" I figured out pretty fast what they were up to. . .Mother's Day is only a few days away.

At this point I knew that I was going to have to search the racks for the best of the worst, and then do my best to make sure that they understood that THIS was my favorite of all without saying it. . .

It was so much fun to listen to them whisper and giggle as they thought I had no clue what was going through their minds. Their conversation. . ."$14.00??? That's a lot of money. . ."$5.00?? How about that?. . ."Mom do you like this one?". . .All the while I was looking for something that was both "me" and cheap at the same time. And there it was - a plain silver chain with a little tiny charm on it. . .Perfect.

So, I played the game along with them. They said that they wanted to buy something for someone very special. I said I thought they would like this, and showed them the necklace I had found. "Mom, can we use your credit card?" "You mean you don't have any money?" "Not with us." "Okay, but you are gonna owe me." "We know!"

So off to the counter we went to pay. And as I was instructed not to look, they slipped their treasure to the sales clerk. I gave the clerk a smile and she nodded as if she understood what was going on. She quickly hid the necklace in a box and took the credit card from Emma. Emma and Claire are really giggling at this point. Then the best news of the day came. . .The clerk announced to Emma and Claire, "That will be $2.49. Their eyes grew huge! "$2.49! What a deal!!!!! At which point they both looked at each other and in the middle of the jewelry department started giving each other high fives!!

My girls. . . yes, they are definitely mine! After watching this story unfold, that $2.49 necklace is going to be a great Mother's Day treasure. And this "someone very special" is going to love acting completely surprised on Sunday when I get to open it up. I hope I get to hear those giggles lots more.

Why Do I Love Homeschooling?

I love it because I get to be creative. . .

Now that the weather is nice, it makes staying home to get the days school work done very difficult. The sun seems to beckon to me very early in the morning and the thought of staying indoors instead of enjoying the day is not at all attractive.

So what did we do this morning? We took school on the road.

First we drove around looking at the last of the flowering trees in our neighborhood and all the girls chose their favorite ones. We talked about the life cycle of a tree and how the flowers would soon be fading away and new leaves would soon appear (science).

Next we stopped by the local Starbucks for coffee, Vitamin Water, hot chocolate and a steamer. And as we sat there enjoying the smell of the freshly brewed joe, we completed a lesson on dinosaurs and Noah (history). In the middle of it all we ran into a friend who works next door at Land Rover and said, "hello." (Can we call that social studies since I explained his job to the girls?)

Next we gathered up our books again and went to Borders. After browsing for a while we found a quiet corner and studied the Sumerians for a while (history). And although the High School Musical books were somewhat distracting on the wall beside of us, we again had a successful lesson.

We grabbed some Chickfila on the way home and I insisted on fruit instead of fries - thus prompting a dialogue about healthy eating and making good choices (health).

Now it is time to go upstairs and plant sunflower seeds in tiny pots so we can watch them sprout (science).

This afternoon the girls have choir (music). All in all, I think we have had a really successful day of school. Now do you see why I love homeschooling?

Take a Hike

The second annual month of May Madness at Cool River was officially kicked off today with a hike around Woneka Lake. We have started using May as a month where people can get out of the routine of regular group life and play a bit or change the pace before summer small groups start. Our family chose the hiking group. The girls loved it. We saw a muskrat, birds big and small, a snake and lots and lots of bugs and ants. I talked with many people that I typically don't have the opportunity. What a great Sunday afternoon! What have you done lately to connect with some new people either inside or outside of your circle of influence?

Derby Day

Every year on the first Saturday in May, the Colon family continues the tradition of watching the Kentucky Derby. With sweet tea and derby pie in hand, we and our friends, the Smith's (the only other family in Colorado who even knew the Derby was on today), make our picks and cheer on our favorite horses. It's the little piece of Kentucky that we like to hold onto and our girls love it. The horses are called to the track and the music begins. I wonder if I will ever get to the point that I can sing "My Old Kentucky Home" without getting teary eyed? And for the next few minutes we are transported back to the Bluegrass State that we once called home.

Today, Claire and Kevin's pick won. Too bad we didn't put a few bucks on that one. Claire actually picked first and second place. The picture above is of the girls official picks.

The tragic ending was an unexpected tear jerker. I could hardly believe that they had to put the 2nd place philly, Eight Belles, to sleep on the track after receiving compound fractures in her two front legs. Now you should try explaining that one to three little girls. Not so much fun.

But, despite the sadness of the race, Big Brown won BIG! Another year of Derby has come and gone. Next year the tradition continues.

Happy May Day!

Yesterday it was 80 degrees here. The sun was out. The trees were in full bloom. Spring had sprung. . .but not today! Welcome to my Colorado spring!

Juggling

I'm sitting here at the kitchen table this morning juggling. . .well, not juggling for real. . .but my own version. I got up early to take a run and get myself ready for the Bolder Boulder 10K. . . that I now have to run because I made it public of my intent yesterday on both my blog and facebook. I suppose there is no going back now. My coffee cup is almost empty and I am in need of a bit more brown water to get me into the afternoon hours. I just finished updating my facebook group, "church planting wives," which is turning into another great adventure. Emma is across the table doing her math. Claire, my second scholar, is beaming because she just finished school for the day, Olivia is begging for food and gum and ECO (the dog) keeps eating the girls toys and running under the bed to safety. It's a typical morning in the Colon household. . .

And in the middle of it all, I'm wondering. . .what is it that you are juggling today? People say to me all the time, "I don't know how you do everything that you do." That statement always hits me as seeming so odd. I know that I do a lot, but you do too. We all do a lot. Busyness is the status that most people carry around today. I'm not unlike you. The only thing that I can say that others might not be able to is this. . .I am busy with things that I love. I am busy with things that I am called to do. I am busy taking care of myself and my family. I am busy enjoying life. I am busy enjoying my kids and my husband and life. I have learned the art of saying "no." and it has paid off. Now I must admit. . .some days the busyness kicks my butt. . .even though I love what I do. I want to escape it all and hide under the covers with a box of chocolates and a good movie. But days like today I am rejoicing because life for me, as stressful as it can get sometimes, is just as it is intended to be. I love the peaceful feeling of that.

So. . .what do you need to add and subtract today to your "busyness" so that it can be just as God intended? What are you really intended to juggle? AND what do you need to do to find quietness in the middle of it all?

My Newest Goal

May 26. . .Bolder Boulder 10K Race

I have lived in Boulder County for almost 6 years now and I've never run the biggest race of the year. There has always been some excuse for me to wait until the next year. This year I'm not waiting any longer!

Wish me luck! I exercise all the time on the eliptical and doing pilates, but it has been quite a while since I have run far distance. So today. . .the running begins. Anyone want to join me?

Claire's Baptism

What a fun day! Claire was one of 6 who got baptized last Sunday. She was such a big girl and did a terrific job. She said the water was "super warm." We should have had a hot tub party after church! :-)

What Happened?

I'm really not as addicted to Starbucks as it may seem from reading my recent blogs. Really. It's just the world that I live in. In Superior I am surrounded by the lifestyle of technology, fitness, outdoors, "Green," $ (or lack of it) and yes. . .Starbucks.
It's the social hangout. It's were you go to meet your friends. It's where business men and women go to work and relax and get their next shot to help them through the day. It's where we do Bible studies and book clubs. It's culture. And yes, no matter how hard I try not to some days, I have learned pretty well how to morph into my Starbucks world.

I realized this in a huge way last night as I was confronted for the first time with the new Starbucks cup. Laugh and laugh as much as you wish, but I bet some of you reading this have experienced a similar shock if you have patroned your local Starbucks this week. This new cup bothered me so much that I had to do some research on it this morning. You can read my findings here if you care.

Anyway, to sum it up, Starbucks is going for the shock factor with their new cup. They are going retro to shake things up a bit. They are trying to create conversation. And obviously it is working. But what bothered me the most about my experience last night was how something as insignificant as a cup had such a quick and shocking effect on me. It's ridiculous. We are talking brown water here! And yet it struck something inside of me and I'm not completely sure why. Maybe because it rattled my predictable world.

So this morning I am thinking. . .how is it that something as insignificant as a cup of coffee can rattle me so much? And how is it that every day when I am faced with so many injustices - so much sadness around me - so many people in need and so many people without hope - those things don't prompt me to do something. Those things don't rattle me enough to Google them. Those things don't shake me enough to relentlessly strive to make a difference. But a cup of coffee. . .I can spend hours of useless time on that one. Doesn't make sense, does it?

I'm gonna think on this some more and add to this blog after I get some good answers. Until then, I'd love to hear your comments.

Jesus Smiling at Starbucks

So Kevin and I were on our date night on Tuesday. . . After a gourmet dinner at Chipotle :-)we found our way to Starbucks (the newest one in Superior - did you know that we now have 7 Starbucks in about 2 square miles from our house??) as usual. We really enjoy using this time to check up on each other. We ask questions like, "how is your week going?, "what has God been teaching you?, "how are we doing?" We get catch up on the girls as far as school and plans for the summer. We dream about the future. Yes, we often talk about church (but just for a brief time), and before the night is over something typically comes up about money. Yes, money. . .that thing that we never want to talk about.

So this week the conversation turned to money once again. My husband, who is mostly oblivious to the rising cost of food and gas, needed to be reminded to spend wisely. And as the conversation continued I shared with Kevin that in March we overspent in gas and groceries by about $200 (according to our budget). Most of you reading this blog knows just how easy that is to do lately. Anyway, we agreed to be very careful this month. And then Kevin went into his typical speech about how it's up to God to provide for us. It's up to him to keep us afloat. If He wants us to stay in Superior (which we know that he does), then He is going to take care of us. It's as easy as that. (BTW - Sometimes Kevin's faith makes me crazy!! Come on. . .worry a little bit with me, Kevin! :-)) So we vowed to continue to be wise and that was that. (Yet in my stomach I am always still a bit nervous even though God has provided in huge and small ways more times than I can count.)

Anyway - this is the point where I now know that Jesus was smiling at Starbucks - completely giddy at the event about to unfold. . .

A long story short. . .the very next morning as I was balancing my checkbook and paying monthly bills I opened what I thought would be a bill from the mortgage company. Instead it turned out to be a check for $256.00. We had overpayed in our escrow account and they were paying us back. That check had sat in a pile for at least 2 weeks unopened. I had no idea. But Somebody knew that there is a perfect time for everything. . .and once again, He provides. . .another lesson learned. Yep, another time Kevin was right. . .humph. . .

Can't Focus. . .Too Much Information

I have started to write this blog many times this morning. So many things have happened since I have really given you something good to read that I can't seem to narrow down my topics. If I write about everything that is going through my mind you would find yourself reading a novel instead of a blog. So instead I am going to attempt some quick bullet points just to get everyone caught up. Then we will go from there. How about that?


*Claire is getting baptized in 2 weeks (April 13)! It's been about a year since Claire made the first step in asking Jesus to come into her heart. Her sister, Emma, had just done the same thing not too long before, so we wanted to make sure that it was truly a heart thing for her and not simply a following of big sister. Claire was only 5 years old, but even at such a young age I was amazed at how persistent and emotional she was to make this decision. So in 2 weeks we will be celebrating! There is NOTHING more important, humbling or fulfilling than to watch your child choose to follow the Lord. Way to go, Claire!!!

*I've just joined a book club in Superior in an attempt to get to know more ladies in our town. I'm learning to read FICTION. It's killing me, but I know I can do it! Non-fiction and biographies are more my style. The things we do for the Kingdom! :-)

*Homeschooling continues to be quite the journey. The end of year 4 is only months away. I'm not sure who has learned more - the girls or me. I'm a bit nervous because this is the first year that Emma will be officially tested by the state to see if she is learning up to standards. Of course she is, but still. . .it makes me nervous. In testing Emma they are also testing me and my abilities and success as a teacher. I'll just be glad when that part is over. In the future I am going to try to blog more about our homeschooling adventures.

*My greatest frustration today??? Looking down at the gas gauge only to see the needle in the red! $3.19/gallon?? How long can this go on???? I have 3 kids to put through college!!!!!! I have 3 wedding to pay for some day!!!! Can anyone say "amen!?"

*ECO - let's just say that he and his hair still have a long way to go (you may need to read the previous blog about my dog to understand).

*Do you have a great husband or know of a truly great man? For me, greatness is not perfection, but instead it is character and integrity that shines through even in times of conflict or adversity. It is the way that a person carries themselves or conducts themselves when the temperature raises. It is the ability to have fun and to laugh at themselves or situations, being able to put even the toughest of times into perspective. It is consistency and noble character. It is doing your best and never giving up. It is loving others relentlessly and asking for nothing in return. Thank you, Kevin, for being a GREAT husband and a truly GREAT man! I'm so proud of him. You should read this blog entry. . .

*What are you reading? I need a good book. Non-fiction or biography, please!!!

*Olivia is starting to read! SAT, HAT, CAT, BAT. . . . WooHoo!

*Way to go TOPPERS! In Colorado there have been red towels waving as we have watched Western Kentucky University (mine and Kevin's alma mater) fight their way through the NCAA tournament. Unfortunately, the fight is over until next year. Now I have to side with my dad's team - Louisville!! So, go Cardinals!!!!!

That's all for now. More soon. . .

Happy Spring!

Spring in Colorado is a guessing game. On Easter morning we woke up to 2 inches of snow. Two days before we were playing at the park. Once again this weekend, we are enjoying another beautiful and sunny day, but tomorrow the snow returns. I have to admit that I do love the seasons, no matter how unpredictable they may be. I hope you are enjoying the anticipation of warmer weather as well. Maybe these little smile will continue to brighten your Spring. . .



















FYI...For those of you who wish I would actually do some writing again, I plan on starting to do that again as early as tonight. . .so don't give up on me yet! Check back!

A Day with Dad at the Butterfly Pavilion

Kevin took off this morning to enjoy a rainy Spring Break outing to the Butterfly Pavilion. Check out brave Claire and Rosie the tarantula!! We had a great day and I thought we would just share it with you.

My Poor ECO Boy

Today I am kicking myself for not taking more pictures of our dog before his first tragic day at the groomers. I really don't have a good one to share. Many of you know that on New Year's Eve our cockapoo fell and fractured his femure. At this time her was only 5 months old. He then was sentenced to surgery and 6 weeks in his kennel. And what a long 6 weeks it was.

The funny thing about 6 weeks is that you would be amazed at how much a puppy's hair can grow in that amount of time. I must admit that ECO was resembling a black and brown "Cousin It" until this morning. Poor guy, he couldn't even see where he was going. I felt as if I had to help him out by getting him groomed, but he was such a cute fluffball. . . Like I said, I wish I had a before picture.
Instead, I have only one picture to share. . .the after shot. I know. It's sad. . .All I have to say is this. . .ECO IS NOT A POODLE!!!! No offense to you poodle lovers out there, but I never intended to own one. Yet, today I do. His hair once was at least 3 inches longer all over and all shaggy. Hopefully it will grow just as fast during the next 6 weeks. I'll let you know.

Oprah's Big Give

For years I have watched Oprah. I'm not what you would call a die hard fan, but when I am flipping the channels late in the afternoon she often catches my attention (or maybe that is Brad Pitt, or Johnny Depp sitting beside her that catch my attention). All the same, we all watch Oprah every once in a while.

As a matter of fact, I was glued to the television just last week as her new reality show, Oprah's Big Give, aired. Who doesn't love to see someone doing good in our world today? It gives us a boost. It touches out hearts. It makes us feel good.

But yesterday, I have to say that I stopped feeling so good about Oprah. . . . read on to see why. I don't want to make anyone mad - just informed. Everyone knows that she has leaned towards the New Age end of faith for quite some time. I suppose I'm just suprised by her boldness this time.

Oprah does great things for people. I like her. I'm sure I'll still watch her show the next time George Clooney is sitting beside her and I'll still spend my hours waiting to see who makes the "biggest give." Just thought you would like to know this one. . .as I was listening to some of it I can definitely say this. . .I believe it's a pretty messed up deal.

Oprah's New Jesus

Oprah has skyrocketed the career of another author on her book club. But this endorsement is a bit heart-wrenching. She's taking her fans through a year-long "Course in Miracles" by Marianne Williamson. Each day, her book club site features a different lesson on this essentially new religion. Here are some quotes from this book:

• "There is no sin."
• "A slain Christ has no meaning."
• "The journey to the cross should be the last ' useless journey."
• "Do not make the pathetic error of 'clinging to the old rugged cross."
• "The name of Jesus Christ as such is but a symbol... It is a symbol that is safely used as a replacement for the many names of all the gods to which you pray."
• "The recognition of God is the recognition of yourself."
• "The Atonement is the final lesson he [man] need learn, for it teaches him that, never having sinned, he has no need of salvation."

Quote from a pastor somewhere in cyberspace. . .Last night, I told a longtime friend who is not a believer that I had stepped down as pastor of RCC. She replied, "Well it's hard to have a church that teaches what you believe. Most people aren't so narrow." [dagger in the heart] Jesus is indeed more appealing when he's not the way, the truth and the life. But any other Jesus is a whole other religion.

Read what Church Norris writes. . .yep I said Chuck Norris. . .just do it :-)

FOLLOW UP. . . MY FRIEND, ALETHEA, WROTE A SIMILAR BLOG ENTRY ABOUT OPRAH AND ADDED AN UNBELIEVABLE VIDEO. CLICK HERE BECAUSE YOU'VE GOTTA WATCH IT!!!! IT'S TITLED "FALSE TEACHER" on April 3, 2008.

What bugs you?

Do you want to know what really bugs me? Well, since you asked. . .what really bugs me is when I try to log onto an account that I have used many times before and all of a sudden the computer no longer remembers my password and neither do I. Do you have any idea how many minutes I just wasted of my day trying to think of every possible word that I could have ever typed as my password on Amazon.com? So frustrating.

Do you know what else bugs me? People who walk around the world talking to the air. You know what I mean. It bugs you too. They are talking so loud that they could be heard in the next town. Their arms are flailing as they laugh or share their dirty laundry with the entire coffee shop or grocery store checkout line. I mean, do I really need to know what she is having for dinner tonight or how mad she is at her husband? No. But still, I am subject to the story of her life. Yep, those little ear pieces that people walk around talking on drive me crazy. How rude!

And do you want to know one more thing that makes me crazy? Complaining women. . .hhmmm. Yes, today I wear the badge of a major complaining female. And why am I telling you about it? Simply because I can.

I'm trying hard to find a spiritual application to this. . . just hold on. . .it's coming. . .

Okay, how about this. . .I wonder how many times the Spirit who hangs out with us day in and day out wants to complain just like me? I wonder how many times he wants to choke me for the things I do that are ridiculous and so far away from his heart? I wonder. . .do I bug him more that I make him smile? Probably so.

Okay, I'm convicted. Time for another latte to soothe the pain.

Just For Fun

Click on above pic to watch some hilarious and often even inspiring video blogs from my all time favorite - Steven Curtis Chapman. Make sure you watch the Video Blog song.

March 2, 2008

From one extreme to the other. . .what a difference 24 hours can make!















Driving to church. . .















Welcome to Cool River!

March 1, 2008

Why do I love Colorado so much? Just look at these pictures and you will see a glimpse of the first day of March. Yes, it's still brown, but the sunshine and mountains are oh so beautiful! Today I took Claire and Olivia for a hike on a trail about a mile from our house. Yes - those are spaghetti straps that Claire is wearing. Today has been a beautiful 70+ degree Saturday. Tomorrow they are forecasting 2-4 inches of snow.

Amy Time

I've found a new coffee shop to read and write. It is called Cafe de Paris - this little hole in the wall, eclectic spot in downtown Louisville, CO. I can't quite figure it out. I assume it is supposed to have the flavor of Paris. I mean there is a statue of the Eiffel Tower wrapped in white Christmas lights standing in the corner. And yet, there are Chinese lanterns hanging from the ceiling and some very odd little reindeer candle holders sitting on the tables. I must say that it reminds me much more of a thrift shop than a coffee shop. (If you can mean that in the nicest possible way, that is exactly how I would like it to be taken.) All I know for sure is that the coffee is great and I can deal with the new age kinda crazy music playing in the background as long as I can count this as time alone. How I love my time alone.

Did I mention the flags on the wall above my head? There is one with a ying yang, one with a Jewish star, one with what I will choose to believe is a Christian cross (yet I'm not exactly sure), another of something written that I think should be a Muslim symbol, and one with a giant picture of the Pink Panther. Now that is the Boulder County that I love!!!

Anyway. . .alone. To my extroverted friends that word even makes many of you cringe. But to me, it is pure bliss. Now don't get me wrong. I would never choose to stay this way all the time. But o how I crave it. This is where I refuel. This is where I get to think and read and journal and feel the most like Amy. This is my time that helps me conquer the world every day. And without it. . .let's just say that you don't want to experience Amy without it. Ask Kevin.

So what is Amy doing while alone today? I am reading 2 FABULOUS books. Though I never really meant to read them hand in hand, they actually compliment each other quite well. If you get a chance, you've gotta grab them. Mastery (one I previously blogged about) is one for any believer who desires to understand the Kingdom of God and their spot in it. The Multiplying Church is written by Bob Roberts. If you have followed mine and Kevin's writing in the past you have figured out that we love him and his family and the impact he has made on our lives through his life lived out is off the charts. Bob is one of the greatest examples I have ever known of someone who truly lives out the Kingdom of God. See how the books go hand in hand? So read them if you can.


So what is my purpose for writing today? Nothing really. I just felt like writing. That is one thing I have not felt in quite some time.

Read Kevin's Stuff

This month Kevin is the featured blogger on a site called vinceantonucci.com. Vince is a church planter who has a cool church in Virginia Beach. He also has a big audience on his blog as he writes for newchurches.com. Anyway. . .all this is just to say, you should really read Kevin's stuff. Here are the links.

Blog entry 1
Blog entry 2
Blog entry 3
Blog entry 4
Blog entry 5

Another Olivia-ism

The other day in the car. . .
"Mommy and Daddy, guess what. . .God and Jesus and Moses are in my heart!!!!!!"

The Book that Will Change Everything

Okay, so we all know that the Bible itself is the most life changing book there is. Read it. Read it. Read it. And then after you have been doing that for a while, pick this one up to read alongside it.

Mastery by E. Stanley Jones

It's an old one. But it's not hard to understand like so many classics. A long time ago I heard a good friend talk about E. Stanley Jones and how he is one of those more silent great minds and authors. This book was written first in 1955, but man, it is rocking my 2008. I will be so bold to say that if you only plan to read one book in 2008 - make it this one. If you are seeking to figure out you and how you relate to God and his Kingdom - read it. If you have never considered something so deep - read it. If you are going crazy because there are things about yourself that you have tried to conquer but fail every time - read it. This book will change your entire paradigm of thinking about the Kingdom of God and your place within it. Mastery - The Art of Mastering Life.

It's out of print. Click here to find it.

It can be read as a daily devotional or a book. I find myself reading about 10 days worth at one time.

E. Stanley Jones said that, "The art of living is the least learned of all arts." In his book entitled "Mastery," he went on to say this, "Man has learned the art of existing, of getting by somehow with the demands of life, of escaping with half-answers, but he knows little about the art of living with all its demands."

Best Video of the Year

The Kentucky girl in me loves basketball, so this video, in my opinion, is a "MUST SEE." If you cry easily, beware! And also be ready to cheer!

The New Piano

The girls used to call this the yellow Vietnam room (because of all of our Vietnam paintings and decorations.) Now it is officially the yellow piano Vietnam room. We were given this piano for free the other day and the girls are thrilled. Who cares if it is out of tune. To them, LOUD is what matters.

Time Flies

2008 - It came in like a lion this year. Kevin and I said "hello" to the new year in the emergency pet hospital in Boulder. He tells the story really well on his blog, so I won't go into details. Because of the drama that came with that night and the days to come, I failed to really sit down and think about my hopes and dreams for the new year. Now it is already January 21, and here I sit finally taking the time to catch my breath and think on this next year. . . this year that is already one month complete.

My grandmother is always talking about how quickly time flies. I think I'm starting to relate. It drives me absolutely crazy when I think about all of the things that I hope to accomplish - all of the things that I want for my family - all of the things that I need to do - all of the ways that I hope to grow - only to blink my eyes and see that time is slipping away so quickly. At the end of the day I do well to say that my kids got out of their pajamas today, the family was fed, the laundry was done and I read my Bible for maybe 15 minutes. Where does the time go?

And if the time is flying by so quickly, how am I possibly going to tackle living my hopes and dreams? How will I ever meet my goals? Is there really enough time? I surely hope so. . .

You see - this year I do expect to accomplish more than dressing and feeding my kids, getting through a day of school and taking a shower every other day. This year I have big plans. . .

I'll tell you all about them soon. . .