Speaking of camping

So I think it's safe to say that Jenny doesn't like camping. Me, well I like the idea in theory, it's the actually doing it part that seems problematic.

And I blame it on being a girl.

Before we had kids, my hubby and I went on a three WEEK camping trip. Yes, you read that right. Three weeks roaming around Colorado, Utah and New Mexico. It was a fun trip (except for the Utah leg where it was way too hot for my tastes.) We went white water rafting, drove to the top of Pike's Peak and explored the cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde. I saw things I never would have seen before.

But in many ways, I did it because my husband loves camping. I mean, loves it. The man willingly goes outside to do...anything that takes place outdoors.

We've talked about going camping lately (since I refused to consider it while the kids were too little). They are older now, and even interested in going. Going camping on your own is one thing, but going camping with three kids is another thing altogether.

You see, I have this thing about hygiene, and making sure they are clean. And I worry about ticks and bugs and sunburns. I would have to plan out and buy everything that we would eat and that just takes a lot of effort. So between my worry and the amount of pre-planning involved, we've just never gotten around to actually doing it.

We spent all day at a state park this weekend. The kids splashed in the river, went fishing and my 4-year old even caught a fish. We went hunting for shark's teeth on "fossil beach" (my hubby found 4) and hiked in the woods. But the coolest part? When we were all done, we came home and I got to take a long, hot shower. I can enjoy nature and all of that, but at the end of the day, that shower is pretty awesome.

I really like hot showers. I mean, a hot shower makes me feel undying gratitude towards God that I live in a time and place where I can enjoy central air and indoor plumbing. And frankly, when I have those things, I'm a much nicer person to be around. If I had to go without all those creature comforts, I would survive. But why go without them if you really don't have to? Go out, enjoy nature, and then come home to that aforementioned shower. It seems like a good plan to me.

So after a very hot, very sandy, very dirty day at the state park, I found myself very grateful. And being grateful to God, even if it is for things like a couch to sit on and a bathroom to get clean in, is always a good thing. We have what we have because of God. And as long as we don't lose sight of the Giver of all things, I think God still loves those of us who prefer to shower every day. And enjoy nature in our own way.

So to Jenny and all you non-campers out there, I say, God still loves you! Excuse me now, though, I'm feeling the need to go and take a shower.

Tagged

The first rule of the game, however, is to post the rules of the game. Here
they are:

Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things
and post these rules.

At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people
to get tagged and list their names.
Don’t forget to leave them a comment
telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

Eight Random Facts about Sarah:

1. I didn't ride a roller coaster until I was fifteen because I was a big chicken.

2. I got caught stealing a sticker when I was 9 and was so mortified that I never stole another thing in my life. I started walking around stores with my hands held away from my body so that everyone would know that I wasn't stealing.

3. I was obsessed with unicorns growing up, and the sticker I tried to steal was, in fact, a unicorn sticker.

4. I broke my sister's arm when I closed the car door on her. I think she was 4 or 5.

5. I cannot sing. Well, I can, but it doesn't sound very good.

6. My first submission was a poem that I sent into The New Yorker. Yeah, I was completely deluded.

7. I am addicted to Diet Coke with Splenda and I have no intention of stopping.

8. My first car was a '72 Volkswagon Convertible Bug, which I later killed by not getting the oil changed. Something I swear to this day my father never mentioned to me.

Okay, these were supposed to be random facts and here I am telling you all the bad stuff about me:-)

Okay, I tag Miss Erin, and anyone who reads this! Y'all, we want to hear from you! We know you're reading...

Twelve Years!

Today is my anniversary!! I've been married to the best guy in the world for twelve years now and I fall more in love with him everyday.

It's all because of Jesus.

And I mean that with all my heart.

I used to be one of those girls who thought I'd never find anyone. I never had a boyfriend , or even a date in high school. I had a huge crush in college on one of my closest friends, but he didn't have the same feelings.

I met women who were in their forties still waiting for "the one" and was terrified that would be me.

I met my hubby in the most unlikely of places, but there was no doubt in my mind that God had brought us together. We have a fabulous marriage. He is my best friend.

I wanted to share this because of where most of you are. I figure a lot of you are not married, and many of you dream of finding that guy God has picked just for you. My encouragement is to be patient. Let God be in charge of your love life. Let Him be in control. He knows us so much better than we know ourselves. I am so glad that God didn't give me the guys I thought I liked before! What a mess that would have turned out to be! I am so glad he set me aside so that I would be ready when I met Jeff. We have a great marriage because we both depend on God to work out sin in our own hearts. It's not because we are special, but because God is special. He is the only one who can make a relationship between two sinful people, absolutely wonderful.

So let God lead. You won't regret it:-)

Our friend, Sarah

Sarah Sumpolec, one of the authors on Girls, God, and the Good Life, was on the Tyra Banks show in January. She was featured with several people who believed in wicca, satanism, and witchcraft. Sarah was interviewed because she practiced solitary witchcraft as a teen.

Later she found truth, and put away (burned) all of the things that once seemed like power to her. She found that knowing Christ took her down a road of destiny, instead of darkness.

As she shared her testimony on national TV, I sat in my living room and cheered her on. What I should have been doing is praying for my friend.

The backlash has been huge. I visited her website and the sheer amount of comments from those who believe in wicca and satanism has been overwhelming.

And yet Sarah continues to hold up the "light" of her faith as she responds with truth, with compassion, and with integrity. I was angry for her as I read some of the statements calling her a fraud or insisting that she was on the Tyra Banks show for publicity.

You see, I know Sarah. She's more than just a name to me. She's a friend. She's real. She's smart. She's incredibly funny. Most of all, she loves Jesus and it shows in her life, and in her writing, and in her relationships.

So, I'm asking you to join me today in praying for Sarah Sumpolec. Ask God to protect her, and to give her wisdom, but most of all to walk beside her as she speaks to new friends (and those who don't want to be friends) about an amazing God.

Prayer: Father I pray for Sarah today. I ask that you encourage her. I pray that you give her exactly the right words to say. I pray that she will celebrate with you the one or two or hundreds that respond to what she had to say, and allow you to influence their life and destiny. You never promised that when we spoke truth that it would always be positive. Lord, you showed us that truth might not be received by all, and yet you continued. Be with Sarah, wrap your arms around your beautiful daughter today, and may we be encouragers to her also. In your powerful and precious name. Amen