Monday, April 30, 2012

Lessons Learned in Moving


Packing, unpacking and caring for my family made it impossible to visit my home on the web. Moving into a house taught me many interesting lessons, some involving humorous results. I hope you'll enjoy listening to my latest discoveries.

1)  When you want convenient food on the cheap, think casseroles. You can always freeze half for later to avoid paying for take-out.

2) Moving is a tiring process which can result in creative time saving tactics. The first night here I didn't want to unpack some of my personal items. Rather then using my herbal essence shampoo and Avon body wash, I opted to use my daughter's body wash and shampoo in one. Up until a couple weeks ago,it's safe to say it's been at least 24 years since I used anything with Big Bird on it.

3) If you want the new neighbors to welcome you, a small lap dog will do the trick. Some little girls on our block spotted Skeeter,(our full grown 3.5 pound miniature pinscher). They instantly fell in love with our dog, and ring the door bell at least 3 times a week to visit and pet our miniature pinscher.Skeeter is enjoying her new fan club.

4) Julianna won't need to look far to experience other cultures. Our street is filled with Ukrainians, African Americans and Hispanics. My hope is that she'll grow up learning to embrace diversity, and realize we are all God's children.

5) Weeding is a dreadful, time consuming task but it also means we have a yard. Whenever I see the neighborhood kids playing in their yards, I know it's worth it. Someday my daughter is going to enjoy kiddie pools, swing sets and the other essential parts of childhood.

6) Some of the neighbors have 3 car garages while others live in shacks and trailers. The economic diversity should give Julianna a great advantage. She'll learn at a young age how to interact with people of different backgrounds.

7) One neighbor has Avon advertised on her van and another neighbor drives a taco truck. I joked with my family that I'm hoping they'll befriend me. How can I pass up deals on beauty products or authentic Mexican food?

8) When you're in a new home and don't have a washer or dyer, have no fear. If a baby spits up on all of your pants and skirts you can easily pull on those old maternity jeans. A big thanks to the clothing designers for inventing fashionable maternity jeans!

9) Jesse enjoys coming home from work and telling me how he can park the truck in his garage. Every time he touches the garage door opener he looks like a small child inside Toys-R-Us.

10) Moving into a bigger place means different things for a husband and wife. I don't fully understand the excitement behind having a man cave decorated with Star Wars characters. Jesse doesn't understand my obsession with couponing for cheepies and freebies. I think my idea of creating larger stock piles scares him. Maybe men and women do come from different planets.



Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Beauty According to the Bible's Standards



I felt good putting on my medium size Gap sweater and size 10 pre-pregnancy jeans before heading out to run an errand. Much to my surprise the jeans were actually lose fitting, indicating that I shrunk down to a smaller size after having a baby. While inside the store another shopper found herself drawn to my 6 month old daughter's charming behavior. I gladly welcomed the comments on how cute Julianna is, but my jaw dropped when she asked when my next baby was due. After I explained that I wasn't expecting a baby she remarked that I must still be carrying around baby fat. I was upset to see how this woman made false assumptions, and even more angered by our culture's beauty standards.

I thought about what my life would be like if I fit into a size 6, only to realize how miserable I would be. A small size would mean counting every calorie, never being able to splurge on desserts and still feeling hungry after each meal. It also occurred to me that being a size 10 isn't an indicator that you've neglected your body. I don't make purchases from the junk food aisle on a regular basis. I avoid processed foods, load up on fresh veggies for snacks and go for walks on a daily basis. Sure I enjoy an occasional pilgrimage to the golden arch but it's only as a monthly treat.

Tonight the Holy Spirit reminded me that I am no longer a slave to our culture's unrealistic expectations."It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by the yoke of slavery" (Gal 5:1 NIV). I'm free from comparing myself to the models in women's magazines. Free from carrying around an obsession about being thin. Free to be content as the medium sized princess God created me to be.

As I clothe myself in Holiness, it's important to see what a princess is supposed to look like. According to the king of kings my outward appearance must show fruits of the spirit. Love, joy, patience, faith and gentleness are only some of the traits others must see in me. Before I put on my make-up each morning, I must also remember to give myself a spiritual makeover. The Bible is here to show me how to wear the fruits of the spirit while untangling my own sinful nature. Only then will I experience true freedom in Christ.