Christmas Synonyms

Each one of these is a common Christmas song or saying

1. Move hitherward the entire assembly of those who are loyal in their belief.
2. Listen, the celestial messengers produce harmonious sounds.
3. Nocturnal timespan of unbroken quietness.
4. An emotion excited by the acquisition or expectation of good given to the terrestrial sphere.
5. Embellish the interior passageways.
6. Exalted heavenly beings to whom hearkened.
7. Twelve o'clock on a clement night witnessed its arrival.
8. The Christmas preceding all others.
9. Small municipality in Judea southeast of Jerusalem.
10. Diminutive masculine master of skin-covered percussionistic cylinders.
11. Omnipotent supreme being who elicits respite to ecstatic distinguished males.
12. Tranqulity upon the terrestrial sphere.
13. Obese personification fabricated of compressed mounds of minute crystals.
14. Expectations of arrival to populated area by mythical, masculine perennial gift-giver.
15. Natal celebration devoid of color.
16. In awe of the nocturnal time span characterized by religiosity.
17. Geographic stat of fantasy during the season of mother natures dormancy.
18. The first person nominative plural of a triumvirate of far eastern heads of state.
19. Tintinnabulation of bacillating pendulums in inverted, metallic, resonant cups.
20. In a distant location the existence of an improved unit of newborn children's slumber furniture.
21. Proceed forth declaring upon a specific geological alpine formation.
22. Jovial yuletid desired for the second peron singular of plural by us.

Celebrating Lauren

A group of college students from Houston Baptist University came to our church. They are a group that call themselves "Focus." They sang during worship hour and then later again that day at our Thanksgiving service that evening. They were very good. My daughter Lauren who is six was with us both times. She really seemed to enjoy the music in the morning. During the morning service they took a love offering. Lauren took out her wallet and put some of her money into the offering plate, nobody encouraged her to do so. I cried.

That evening during the service she drew a picture. This is what the stage at our church looks like. This is what Lauren saw and drew that night during the service.

It made an impact on her, and me.

I Am the True Vine

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch of mine that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that I may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and apppointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.

ESV

I haven't been in very close fellowsip with the Lord lately. I have been able to bear artificial fruit out of habit. I don't want that kind of fruit. I want the kind that is from the Lord. I need to get back into His Word. I need to get back my love for His Word. It has to be my priority. I don't feel close to God right now. He hasn't moved. I have. I am in a difficult time right now, actually I make it seem like I always am. I need God now and always. I know He is there. I need Him to know that I am here.

This is one of my favorite passages in the Bible. It reminds me of being in Africa and watching David Crane preach from this passage to the people of Malawi. It just illustrates so well in my mind how imperative it is that I stay in touch, connected, to the True Vine. I'm stagnate and I want to continue to grow. I can only do it in His presence.

Pro - Life

Today my daughter and I participated in San Antonio's Life Chain. This was my second one and her first. I plan to take the other two as well next year. The event was from 2-3pm and we were running late. I was actually quite glad that we did because we got to see all the other people standing on the streets holding signs. We also got to be one of the cars, minivan actually, honking while driving by. April really got a kick out of that part.

My daughter April is alive today because I chose not to have an abortion. I could have made the wrong "choice" I'm glad I didn't. I chose life. Life is a gift from God, not an option.

True Love

I remember the first time I fell in love. I remember how it felt. I remember how I felt alive. I remember knowing he would be gone one day. I can still remember the details I tried so hard to burn into my memory so I would never forget them. I knew my heart would ache when he was gone because it hurt so much just to think of it. I don't think I ever got over it. I think I was okay until I met him. I think I've felt incomplete ever since.

I've spent years trying to get that feeling back, longing to find that overwhelming sensation of pure euphoria again. I believe that was when I became co-dependant. I have never felt complete or happy without a man since. I feel completely alone and disconnected without one. I feel lost. I feel empty. I feel scared. I don't feel adequate. I feel needy. I hate it.

I feel that way again today. The difference between then and now is that I have found that One true love. The One who fills my void. His name is Jesus Christ. He is the lover of my soul. He is the One I have spent my whole life yearning for. I think what I felt back when I was 16 is just a glimpse of what I'll feel when I am finally in the presence of Jesus. To view Him in all His splendor (thanks Amie) worshipping Him in the way I was created to do, that is when that void will be gone. I was created with that void for a reason. To draw me to Him. To show me that something is missing.

I know Jesus. He has completely rescued me. He is the knight in shining armor that I have always wished would show up. He's my hero. He is all I need to feel complete.

Today my desire to feel that hero in the flesh is so strong that it cripples me. So strong that I feel so sad and alone and I go back to my ways and yearn for a man to make me whole. My God loves me and He knows the desires of my heart and he touches me everyday in the flesh through my children with that pure untainted love that He has for me. I love Him so much it overwhelms me.

I am walking away from an unhealthy relationship. I believe I have to do so in order for me to heal. I know this will be very hard for me. I have spent almost the last twenty years making sure I didn't have to go through life alone because I was scared to. Now I'm scared to stay in the relationship I am in more than I am to be alone.

What I do here and now is critical to my recovery. I have to break this cycle that I have created of unhealthy relationships. I am who I am in Christ not in my relationships with men. This will be one of the hardest things I have to do, but God made sure I'm not doing it alone. He is always with me. He is carrying me through. I am excited to see what's on the other side of this dark valley because I know that He is going to bring me through it and bless me from it.

Life Chain 2008

San Antonio
Life Chain '08

Sunday, October 26th
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
San Pedro Avenue,
north and south of Loop 410

"Super Brownie" by Lauren Gray

Super Brownie by Lauren Gray

yearbook yourself

This is so much fun.

FIREPROOF

This is my story, this is my song...Praising MY Savior, all the day long.

I don't know how much my husband will do before he gets out. I try to not think about it. It's very hard. I start to think about how long he's gone, how much longer, getting a job and hardly being around the kids, having to raise my kids by myself, what my expections of a marriage were and how this is where I'm at. It's heartbreaking that my kids don't have their dad around and more that I do this alone.

We get married for companionship. We have children to be a family. It's hard to feel and be a part of that when I do it alone.

But God loves me and He knew I would feel this way and He let me know I was not alone by bringing me to Him soon after Tim was gone. He knew I would be lonely so He showed me Himself. I never KNEW the Lord Jesus before Tim went in. He has sustained me and brought me to Him and showed me that He is my provider of all things. He has shown me that He never leaves me and He never disappoints me nor will He.

I'd probably be dead by now or wishing I was had it not been for Him freeing me of my sin and my desire to be rebellious.

My husband signed a plea for 7 yrs. I don't know if that means he'll do all of it. He has been up for parole 3 times and been denied all of them, obviously. He also got a 10 yr sentence. I don't know how all of this works. If he doesn't get in more trouble the longest he'll do is 2012. I can't even think in those numbers.

I don't know if you know but my husband and I started having problems before April was born. We got back into drugs. I got pregnant and we seperated. I stopped and he continued on drugs. I had April and then wanted to be irresponsible too. I got hooked. We got back together off and on. We fought a lot. We gave our kids to our parents so we could continue to do drugs. We got in a physical fight -he's been in custody ever since.

My parents and I fought on the way home from the hospital. They dropped me off at my house, alone, with a broken jaw. I was still hopped up on drugs. I went through several days of aloneness awake, wired and wacked out. I got what I wanted. I was completely in charge of my life and nobody could tell me what to do. I was scared, broken, and alone.

I remembered what my husband had said to me about finding answers from God in the Bible. One night I decided to try God and take His advice. I spent 2 1/2 hours reading my Bible for the first time ever(2005.) God led me through the gospel. I read of His Son and His sacrifice and His love for me; and I finally understood. I believed and I wanted to follow.

I was reborn. It almost happened overnight, my change. I feel like Paul on the road to Damascus. The scales fell off my eyes and I understood. I saw how ugly my heart is and how beautiful Jesus is. I gave up a lifestyle and what seemed like a lifetime of drug, alcohol, and tobacco use.

The drugs were first. About a week after my jaw. I decided I never wanted to be that way or that person again. It only led to ugliness. There were times when I did want to but after I heard a song on KLOVE I could see clealy in my mind Jesus' wrists pierced. He was bleeding and He was on the cross... for me; and I realized He was there for me... for my forgiveness... for my freedom. I understood what He had done for ME.

I realized He loved me. He loves me unconditionally and I'm never alone. I had been longing for that my WHOLE life, well ever since puberty. I knew where He had found me, I knew HE brought me to Him. I knew He had saved me -from myself, and my sin and a life of embracing it. I couldn't go back to that life. I couldn't look Him in the eye (visual picture in my mind) and go back there.

The smoking was next. One day I was smoking and I could feel my jaw and mouth tingle every time I smoked and just knew how stubborn I was for continuing to smoke despite all of the negatives. I knew that it was hindering my healing process... and I said no more. I threw away two packs. And just stopped.

It took a little longer for the drinking to stop. I thought I could be okay with it and I was having trouble with the whole "reality" of it all. But He showed me to be of sober mind.

I don't want to smoke. I don't want to do drugs. I don't want to be drunk. That used to be all I wanted to do.

I'm not angry. I am not bitter. I am not hateful. I am not playing the victim. I am not out for revenge. I am not in bondage to those things anymore. I am free in Christ. I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me.

I am a new creation.

It's been three years -look at me now. I am a miracle. God is real. Jesus is alive. He is living in me, guiding me, carrying me, giving me strength.

This is my testimony. I don't know if you know it. Not many people know all the details and it's probably not a good idea to tell everybody. But this is what my God did for me, this is who I've become -because of Him, not because of me. I feel His power in me everytime I choose Him and not sin.

This is my story,
This is my song.
Praising my Savior,
All the day long.

To Ever Live Without Me - Jody McBrayer

Revenge, nobody wins.

Paul Sheppard

Paul Sheppard's radio ministry "Enduring Truth" is now available to download in mp3 format for free.

http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/Enduring_Truth/

Yes, for free.

How exciting is that? I was and still am stoked! He is one of my favorite pastors to listen to. I have several others that I like but I really enjoy his wit and humor. Now I can listen to him whenever I want. I have already put several of his teachings on my mp3 player and listened to it in my car through my speakers. Check him out. He's been a real joy to me. I have spent many Sundays getting ready for church listening to him.

This is probably the best message I have heard yet of his. I heard it today 9-5-8. I highly recommend you check him out. I sooo enjoy him. Did I mention how much I enjoy him?

Beth

I went to the Beth Moore event here in San Antonio this weekend. She is really good. She is fun, she stands on the word of God. I really enjoyed it. I had never seen her before and was definetly wow-ed.

I don't really have the time to write so much on it now because tomorrow is the kids first day of back to school and I need to get us all to bed and it's already 8:15. I just wanted to give a shout out to all those who went and tell my mom thanks for taking me. It was so good. I had a great time and was honored to go with my mom and priveledged to be of the same faith with my mom.

recall

Global Recall Notice


The Maker of all human beings is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart. This is due to a malfunction In the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units. This defect has been technically termed “Sub-sequential Internal Non-Morality,” or more commonly known as SIN, as it is primarily expressed. Some symptoms include: Loss of direction, foul vocal emissions, amnesia of origin, lack of peace and joy, selfish and/or violent behavior, depression or confusion in the mental component, fearfulness, idolatry, and rebellion.

The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory-authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this SIN defect. The Repair Technician, Jesus, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required. The number to call for repair in all areas is P-R-A-Y-E-R. Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure.

Next download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, into the heart component. No matter how big or small the SIN defect is Jesus will replace it with : love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.

For further details on the use of these fixes please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth). WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded.
DANGER: The human being units not responding to this recall action will need to be scrapped in the furnace. The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility.

Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important recall notice, and you may contact the Father at any time by knee-mail.

Thank you for your attention - GOD
unknown author

when i grow up

So, today I took my 290 vendor exam. For those of you unfamiliar to the TechSkills course lineup for the MCSA track I took a certification test for Server 2003 and did not pass. It was a hard test. I had completed the course about 6 weeks ago and just got the chance to take the vendor exam. I will take this again. This time the school pays for my test. If I do not pass the test this time I will be responsible for the fee for the test which is at least a hundred dollars. Let's hope that doesn't happen.

Well, I learned today what I thought I was pretty sure of. I am not excited about the sys admin position. That's system administrator which is what the SA stands for MCSA. That's Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator. I really wanted to take web design but there isn't much of a demand for it here in San Antonio. I would prefer something with a little more room for creativity. I will finish my course work and obtain my certifications. I then intend to begin working in a sys admin position.

I really don't know what I want to be when I grow up. I know what I would love to become or be but I don't see either of those things happening. I either don't have enough faith in myself or I'm just being realistic. I wanted to be a model most of my childhood. I know want to be a singer/songwriter. I don't think I'm blessed with talent in that department.

Maybe a mathematician, computer programmer, or computer animated graphics designer. I don't know. I guess I don't really want to be any profession. I just want to learn different things. I would like to learn carpentry. I would like to restore classic cars. I would like to be a great writer. I would like to work in advertising. I would like to work for Sony. I would like to take apart electronic devices, troubleshoot, and fix them. I like to work with tools. I like to do things with my hands. I like to fix things.

I really love my job now. I love working at my church. Right now my job is oversee the workers that are teaching the children. During my job I interact with children, youth, teachers, and parents. My job is to be pleasant, respectful, kind, professional, and to shine the love of Jesus on those that I come in contact with. I am the first and last person that these people see as they come through the nursery. I love my job. I love people. I love Jesus. I love leading others to Jesus. I love it. I can't believe I am paid to do this job. It's not work, it is natural for me.

That's the kind of situation my job needs to entail. I am a people person. I like to be around people. I like to talk to people. I am friendly and I have excellent people skills. I worked in the service industry most of my adult life.

I would really love to get into the computer side of my church. I would love to be my church's computer "guy." That would be great. Or to design websites for churches. To design ads, posters, websites, music playlists, etc. for Jesus. That would be great. That's why I started this blog to do just that.

I would also love to work for a Christian radio station like 1100 AM KDRY or KLOVE. I would like to work at a Christian bookstore. Give me a job that advances the kindgom. Give me kingdom work. Can I put that on my resume? Is there an ad for that in the paper? That's the job I want. I want to glorify God in music and pictures. Multimedia for Christ.

End of summer 2008

Well, summer is almost over and the kids go back to school soon. I am still not finished with school. I take a test Tuesday but I still have about a months worth of course material left. No telling how long that will take in real time. Hopefully soon. I'll need to get out there and start looking for a job in a whole new field. I don't even have my resume put together yet. I'm not too sure if I'll got the intern route or just get out there. I guess it depends on the money.

The kids have really enjoyed the YMCA this summer. They have all been going there. April goes year round for the preschool and the bigger kids were just going for the summer. I tell you it's a great program. They have taken the kids on field trips to places such as the Silver Stars basketball game, Malibu grand prix, bowling, Enchanted Springs Ranch -out in Boerne, the missions, Ripley's wax museum, etc. I have been so impressed with the program, the staff, and the smiles on the kids faces.

We are taking this last week of the summer off to just relax. I don't know how I'm going to be able to get myself out of bed in time each day. I'm real worried about that. Anyway, we've had a great summer and the older two are doing great at swimming lessons. We pretty much plan to be at the pool a lot this last week.

Chick fil A

Chick fil A has a kids eat free on Tuesday kids meal per adult purchase. It's a pretty cool deal. Last time they had a craft this week they had face painting. The kids also get a free ice cream which the adults usually get to finish.

facebook

I am now on facebook. That sure can take up a lot of your time. It's pretty fun. It's free and you get to connect with people you haven't seen in awhile. I have a lot of my church family as my friends. That's the neat part that I can go and view the profile of my church family members and come away feeling encouraged. I love being around other Christians. They fill me up. They remind me of how good we have it as believers. Maybe one day I'll try My Space, I hear it's better... but for now blogspot, imeem, facebook, and being a mother and going to school will have to do. Like that's not enough.

We went to the coast this last weekend and it was great. My kids and I went with my parents. Did I mention how great my parents are? They are. It was great to get away as all I've managed to do this summer is go to school or paint my house. The house looks great too. Thanks again to those great parents. Oh, a shout out to Mary Ellen too for being the one getting the ball rolling.

Well, my goal is to now get all of us horizontal and sleeping.

believe

access denied

Why we press on

In the girl there's a room
In the room there's a table
On the table there's a candle and it won't burn out
In the woman there's a song
In the song there is hope
in the hope revolution

In the boy there's a voice

in the voice there's a calling
In the call there's a promise and it won't quiet down
In the man there's a vision

in the vision is a road
it's the road to his freedom

oh, Tell me what you know
About God and the world and the human soul
How so much can go wrong

and still there are songs

In the man there's a plan
in the plan is his future
and the future's for his child and he won't slow down
In the girl there's a faith

in the faith there's a prayer

in the prayer there's a promise...

In the boy is a dream

in the dream he is standing

and he stands without falling and he won't back down

in the woman there's a picture

in the picture is a girl

in the girl there's a room...

Tell me what you know

About God and the world and the human soul

How so much can be wrong

and still there are songs

In their hearts and souls an unstoppable refrain

Hope stand in defiance

In the girl there's a room

In the room there's a table

On the table there's a candle and it won't burn out

it won't burn out

--Sara Groves

Not my will, but thine Oh Lord

But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shalll mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not grow weary, they shall walk and not faint.saiah 40:3311

JESUS...

ROCK-

when you need someone to depend on

SUSTAINER-

when you're running out of strength

FRIEND-

when everyone else has failed you

REDEEMER-

when you have nothing to give

COUNSELOR-

when you need someone to talk to

CREATOR-

when you need new life

FATHER-

when you need a firm but gentle hand

SAVIOR-

when you need a love that will not fail

HEALER-

when life hurts

...HE'S EVERYTHING

YOU NEED

- anonymous

I am

test

Abba Father

God has used my father countless times to bless me. I am so thankful that God chose my dad to be my earthly father. I could have gotten lots of other possibilities but He knew my dad was the right one.

The other day my car stopped working. So I called my dad like I always have done. I also called my father-in-law as well. They both came over and together they fixed my car. It was only the battery. They cleaned up the battery cables and my dad bought and put in a new battery. Problem solved. That's how it has always been with my dad all my life. Unfortunately it took me 31 years to see it clearly. When I called him, without hesitation in a confident cheerful voice his words soothed all my anxieties when he told me he would be over as soon as he could. And he was.

Our Heavenly Father wants to take care of all our needs and take away all of our anxieties as well. "Cast all your anxieties on Him for He cares for you."

It wasn't until I realized who God is that I realized who I was. Knowing how holy God is showed me just how sinful I am. I was very aware of how wrong I can be and how wrong I had been. As I sat and listened to God (read the Bible with an open mind and let the words really sink in) He taught me. He taught me things I never knew or wanted to know. Those teachings really resonated in my heart and changed me. I didn't want to continue in the person I was. The more I listened to God and obeyed Him the more I changed into someone more like His Son Jesus Christ. 

That's what God wants to do for us. He wants to make us more like His Son Jesus Christ. He wants us to come to Him asking for His help in faith that He can and will deliver. And He will.

I have an amazing earthly father. I can't even fathom the wholeness of who my Heavenly Father is. I notice that the more I come to understand who my God is the more I want to know Him. The same holds true for my earthly father.

I love my God and my father. What a blessed girl I am, they both make me feel like the princess I am. They both encourage me to see what a wonderful creature I am and that I should be treated in such a manner. I am truly blessed.




Thank you, Abba Father.
Thank you, daddy.

The Roman Road

Have you ever heard of the Roman Road? I was talking to some guys today at school and neither of them had. So, just in case you haven't I thought I would share it with you.

The Roman Road is a collection of Scriptures found in Romans that tell about man's sinfulness and God's grace. These Scriptures, collectively, have helped people to understand God's plan for His people and for their lives. Many people have come to Christ by the hearing God's Word in these Scriptures. I am one of them. It is God's Word that speaks to our hearts. It is God's Word that changes our hearts and our lives. We are sanctified by God's word.


NKJV
Romans 3:10
There is none righteous, no, not one

Romans 3:23
for all have sinned an fall short of the glory of God

Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates His own love toward us in that while we were still sinners, Chrit died for us.

Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 10:10
For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Romans 10:13
For "whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved."


There's nobody living right, not even one
Since we have compiled this long and sorry record as sinners and proved that we are utterly incapable of living the glorious lives God wills for us
But God put his love on the line for us by offering his Son in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatsoever to him.
Work hard for sin your whole life and your pension is death. But God's gift is real life, eternal life, delivered by Jesus, our Master.
With your whole being you embrace God setting things right, and then you say it, right out loud: God has set everything right between him and me!
Everyone who calls, 'Help, God!' gets help.
THE MESSAGE


We have all wronged God. None of us deserve His heaven. But He loves us so much that He gave us the choice to choose Him and His way. God sent His Son Jesus to be the sacrifice for our sin, for all of our sins, for each and every sin. To reject Him is to reject His offer of forgiveness. To recieve Him is to recieve His gift of grace. We no longer recieve what we deserve, instead He gives us what we don't deserve. - what we could never earn. Right standing with Him. Righteousness. That is the righteousness of His Son Jesus Christ. God himself in the flesh creating a bridge for us that leads to God the father and life in heaven. God himself lived the perfect sinless life that we never will. It is through Christ only that we can walk through that bridge and have the father. Trust in the One who created you, who chose you, who called you out. Give your life and your desires over to His way. He will never leave you empty or regretfull. Those who truly believe in Christ and call out to Him for His help will recieve it.

I know I did just that. Not once have I ever regretted obeying God's choices for my life. The only thing I do regret is when I don't.

Giving your life and heart to Christ isn't something you do once, it is something you do every time you make a decision. You choose to make the choices that gives God the glory; and in doing this He changes you from the heart to where His glory becomes more important than your own desires, until His glory becomes your desire.

Funny

Woo - Hoo!!

I passed my 220-602 vendor exam today for A+ IT Technician. So I am now A+ certified. I just have to go to the Pearson Vue website and apply for my certificate. I am so happy to have completed that.

Praise the Lord for He is good.

"It takes a lot of courage to say what you said"

Well, I finally said something. I couldn't stand it any longer. I just told them I was uncomfortable with "him" being dressed like that. The father said "well, that's the way he feels most comfortable." (weird response) I said that I felt that it was inappropriate for a child his age to be outside like that. [this is where his mother turns around and gives me two looks at once: 1. I'm crazy, out of my mind 2. who do I think I am -ooh if she could just give me a piece of her mind.] The father then told "him" to go inside and put some shorts on and told me that he would make sure he had some shorts on. I said thank you.

Ten to fifteen minutes later the dad came back and said he had been thinking about what I had said ... he said that kids nowadays (not a real word, I'm sure) wear almost less than that at the swimming pools. It's not like he was in the front yard and he is in the back yard in the security or privacy (i'm not sure which he said) of their back yard. He said that's how he is inside the house and sometimes he may come outside like that and he may not catch him. - in a nice way of saying we don't think you should tell us what our kids can and can't wear and we will let him to continue to do so.

I further explained that I was uncomfortable for my kids to be around a child wearing so little and that my kids wouldn't feel comfortable wearing so little in front of them. I expressed that I am very uncomfortable for my girls to be exposed to a boy wearing so little and being around them. I did not want my girls to become comfortable in a situation where people are not wearing clothes. (hence an inappropriate situation where Lauren doesn't realize that the situation is inappropriate because she has always been around older boys in their underwear and it seemed okay) That is my number one red flag issue.

I think as a father he can respect that. I think as one who has a daughter he can understand. I think the mother probably will not be so understanding about our little chat. But what's most important what my neighbor thinks or what my children set their standards to?

I was uncomfortable in having the conversation and I hope it doesn't cause too many problems. I could not remain silent any longer.

Fat Guy In a Little Coat

I don't think I am wrong in finding it inappropriate that my 9 year old overweight neighbor boy plays outside sometimes wearing only his two sizes too small bikini underwear. This has been going on for the four years that we have lived here. He has twin siblings that are 4 years old and they are now sometimes starting to do this. I believe this is only to cover up how odd the 9 year old is. The twins didn't used to do so, just only recently. One time I went over to their house for something and he was sitting at the computer in only his too small bikini underwear. I tell you my children do not go over and play at their house.

Where does this child learn such behavior? Does the father do this? One can only spend four years wondering.

I have young children and I am very uncomfortable about this going on in front of them. Today I asked the boy to go inside and get dressed. After me heckling him for several minutes he went inside. I probably should have mentioned it to the neighbors years ago that I was uncomfortable with this, but didn't. I mean really, who is prepared for this type of situation. They are moving soon and maybe I should just let it go. I just can't seem to get comfortable with my kids either seeing this or having to go inside because I don't want them exposed to this.

I believe I am to the point to where I am ready to ask the parents to please keep their son clothed when he is around my children. I don't know, I'll have to spend some time coming up with the right words to say and still be able to shine the light of Christ on these neighbors who do not know him.

Either way, I do not want my children to have to see this anymore. I'm not too fond of it either. Did I mention that this child sometimes runs around in white bikinis and has a running hose in his hand? Did I mention that sometimes he jumps on the trampoline in his really too small can't seem to fit all the way in his bikini underwear. It's disturbing.

April

Every calendar in the world has my daughter's name on it today.

Even better though today marks my personal 3 year mark. Praise God.

Isaiah 53

Good stuff.

Back to School

I was finally able to go back to school today. It felt so good to be there again. I was so encouraged by the warm welcome I received from my schoolmates. It feels good to be out learning and doing something to better educate yourself. One of the things that I really like about my school is that I have met a few believers there that I am encouraged by. It is always a good thing to be around other believers. I always leave feeling positive. It's was also nice to come in and score an A on my test.

I am very eager to get my A+ certification. That will open the door of opportunity for so many different good paying jobs. I will do good to get some experience in the IT field. I really think I am going to enjoy it. It is very difficult which makes it rewarding. It also comes rather easy for me. I can tell that it is not forced, it is something that I have a natural ability for.

I am currently in N+ (Networking) but I have yet to really start it. I have been studying for the vendor exam for my 602 in order to receive my A+ certification. I am fortunate to not get nervous on tests. I am rather looking forward to taking it. I just have to wait for the voucher to come in. I am going through the Alamo Work Source to get my schooling paid for. It is a great program. They are very flexible and help me to find work. Right now I don't need work. My instructor says once I get that A+ he will be able to offer me jobs that are constantly coming in. I am looking forward to going to school tomorrow which is good because lately my energy level has been pretty low. I just need to get back into my routine.

I am working towards my MCSA right now. I will finish up my A+ and my N+. After that I go through MCP and then Server 2003. I can't remember what comes next. I usually don't get too far ahead of my schedule or I'll lose what I'm supposed to do right now. I have been told that I would be good for Server and that there aren't enough that know Server. I can't wait to begin working in the IT field being paid to do something I enjoy that I will be constantly challenged at. I intend to go all the way up to MCSE which is more certifications and a lot more money and harder.

Did I mention that I really like and enjoy my school?