Monday, December 15, 2008

Musings

I had a dream last week that was quite scary but in the retelling of it, it sounds quite ridiculous and juvenile. Basically, I was kidnapped and made to play in a game that would cost my life as well as the life of my husband and son unless I won the game. I suppose that doesn't sound juvenile or ridiculous after all. The other players would win my car if they came out on top. I know, a little twisted and crazy but the truth nonetheless. I was entered into the game because it was my car - no more, no less. At the end of the dream though (as happens in dreamland) I realized that I was part of a terrorist attack because I believe in Jesus and that my prayers would be answered whether I lived or died. The dream didn't finish. I woke up before my end came or that of my husband or son.

Here's what woke me up. I realized near the end of the dream that this would never be me. I don't live a life that's so different from everyone else that I could be targeted in anti-Christian terrorism. Maybe as an American or as a woman but probably not as one who believes in Jesus.

Please understand, I don't want to be a target for terrorism. I don't want to be a target period but part of me believes that I should. I should want to live a life so different from culture, so counter cultural that I would be a target. That I would have to "carry my cross and follow" Jesus to my death.

Such morbid musings. I know. I guess I enter into places such as this intermittently throughout the year because like so many other people my age, I don't want to live a mediocre life. I don't think I do on most days but then there are days when I realize that I have not yet reached my full potential and I become saddened. What would my life look like if I did? Where would I live? What would I do? Who would I hang out with? Where would I go to church? Would I recycle? Would I make all my own clothes? Would I only buy fair trade?

Sure. I do my part but I know there's more.

What would you do if you could do anything?

Me? I think I'd live overseas to help fight hunger, homelessness and poverty. Big dreams huh?

So, go on, tell me what you'd do. Don't comment on my hopes. What are yours?

Thursday, December 04, 2008

The Holidays Are Here!

I don't know if you've caught onto this yet but I'm a pretty optimistic and upbeat person. I've got a pretty great life with great parents a great husband and a great kid. I look forward to life and most of its details. With that said, I'm betting you could probably guess that I'm one of those people who loves holidays, every single one of them - Memorial Day, Valentine's Day, my birthday, my anniversary, July 4th, Labor Day, Halloween, but I especially LOVE Thanksgiving and Christmas. They sort of belong together for me and can't really be separated.

I start thinking about my Christmas wish list in July - I'm not kidding. It changes quite a bit throughout the months and weeks leading up to Christmas but it starts then. That sounds really selfish but it's a science and I have to get the list just right. I need to have enough little gifts that I desire to even out the big one or two. I don't want to seem too greedy. I've tried doing that whole Advent Conspiracy thing where you don't buy gifts for anyone but sponsor a child or buy a goat for a children's home in some far away place but it never quite works. I really thought Marty and I would succeed this year. We got 2 angels from The Salvation Army's Angel Tree program and were going to buy them presents instead of buying stuff for each other. Then, over Thanksgiving, he buys me a gift. I don't know what but he broke the deal. So, now I've got to figure out what to get him and he's a hard one to buy for.

Over Thanksgiving I bought a gingerbread house for Ella (my one and only niece) and Justice to decorate. We had a blast putting that thing together. About halfway through though, they start to eat the decorations. It wasn't the best looking gingerbread house I've ever seen but so much fun that I hope it sticks as a tradition.

This week at work we've been having Secret Santa. Kelly figured out early I was her Secret Santa but that's okay. She was easy to buy for and I always appreciate that.

Justice has loved looking at all the Christmas trees everywhere. He actually likes pulling the ornaments off the trees because he thinks they're balls. Should be fun once we get a tree up in the house.

I think I should also mention that we've been watching Elmo's Countdown to Christmas since November 1. I couldn't help myself. I was desperate for a new Elmo video and this one is by far the best of the four we have. So, I now know it by heart.

This is all over the place but I knew I could simply blab and that would be okay. I'm just so full this season that I needed a place to put the excess.

I hope your holidays are as enjoyable as mine.
Peace to you,
Joy