The Best Day Ever!

Leave it to my six year old to put things in my life right back where they should be! I am so grateful for her!



See, I came down with a bad case of Strep. No, I mean BAD as in my doctor was worried about how swollen I was and prescribed me liquid Amoxicillin instead of pills (like a normal grown up). When I went to get the prescription filled the pharmacist asked if I'd need a syringe for "her." (Looking at my 2 year old) I said, "Actually, the prescription is for me." And...the caring pharmacist laughed.

Then, my husband made a completely normal mistake and misplaced his car keys. Only problem...months ago we misplaced the spare set. So, I had to go to the dealership and get them replaced. Good thing we don't have one of those fancy new cars with the smart keys...these only cost us 15 dollars.

So, after a couple of days that I could have definitely lived without, I go to pick up Belle today after school and am greeted with, "This is the best day ever!" (Really? Convince me!)

1. It was walk to school day, and though we live just blocks from the school, we don't always walk as we should. Today was a perfect day (weather wise) for the national event and every Central school student that walked to school received a handful of prizes (bottled water, pencil, junior policeman badge, healthy fruit roll-up, and ever coveted STICKER).

2. Belle got to "shop" at the school store today after winning a gift certificate in the weekly raffle. (She had to have finished all of her homework to be entered in the raffle, and since we were out of town for my brother in law's wedding last week, it was definitely a task...so I was glad she was rewarded for her hard work. And, no, it wasn't rigged!) She got markers. They are the most popular thing for 1st graders in the store!

3. She was the MYSTERY PERSON! Every day since the beginning of the year, I have heard about the mystery person and how she "wasn't it." The teacher picks a characteristic at the beginning of the day and doesn't tell the kids what it is. If she observes someone doing that particular thing throughout the day, she announces the mystery person at the end of the day and they get to pick a prize! Today was "Quiet Worker" and Belle was the mystery person. She picked a heart ring that has a smiley face on it.

4. AND...if that wasn't enough, her gym teacher that finished filling in the maternity leave she was covering gave EVERY STUDENT a lollipop! How fun!

So, yes, I am still on dayquil and antibiotics. Yes, I need sleep cause I am cold and achy. Yes, my 2 1/2 year old has mastered temper tantrums and screaming and has made it her goal to show off her skills. But, my 6 year old had the best day ever...and that's good enough for me!

My Life According To...Jason Mraz

Got this from a Facebook note I was tagged in. TOO FUN!

Using only song names from ONE ARTIST, cleverly answer these questions. Pass it on to people you like and include me (presuming I'm someone you like). You can't use the band I used. Try not to repeat a song title. It's a lot harder than you think! Repost as "my life according to (band name)"

Pick your Artist
Jason Mraz

Are you a male or female?
Boy’s gone

Describe yourself.
Geek in the Pink

How do you feel?
Better

Describe where you currently live?
Who needs shelter?

If you could go anywhere, where would you go?
Falling all over the world.

Your favorite form of transportation:
Plane

Your best friend:
Mr Curiosity

You and your best friend are:
You and I both

What's the weather like?
Not so usual

Favorite time of day:
Tonight, not again.

If your life was a TV show, what would it be called?
The beauty in the ugly

What is life to you?
A Beautiful Mess

Your relationship:
I’m yours

Your fear:
If it kills me

What is the best advice you have to give?
Life is wonderful

Thought for the Day:
I’ll do anything

How I would like to die:
Lucky

My soul's present condition:
Live High

My motto:
God moves through you

If I could change the world...

I love things that rock my world!

No, really...I love it when my entire core is shaken, my priorities are tested, and my world is reordered into action.

This happened most recently at the Willow Creek Leadership Summit. Now, for those of you that either don't know Willow Creek or know its reputation as a mega-church from a distance allow me to clarify something...this wasn't some churchy "Kumbaya" thing. This wasn't a sit around and judge others kind of thing. This summit had "Christians" and "Non-Christians" presenting. It had top leaders and analysts present. We heard a former Prime Minister (Tony Blair), a Rock Legend (Bono), a political analyst and former white house advisor (David Gergen)...all household names pretty much across the world. There were pastors from multiple backgrounds, denominations, and locations. There were those expressing the need for life-saving Aid as well as Trade that empowers people to help themselves and their communities. Young entreprenuers shared their approach to leading into this new tomorrow.

There were people hurt by "Christians" who, in spite of that, rose to their calling and not only forgave, but became a change in the world.

There was inspiration, innovation, and intentionality like I haven't seen. And Christian, non-Christian, spiritual, religious or otherwise...only good can come from that!

My world was rocked. But I am constantly reminded by the little voice in my head, the skeptics in the world, and the cliches all over posters that "someone" can't do everything...BUT EVERYONE CAN DO SOMETHING.

So... here are my small steps to make my impact on my world and the world.

The Planet: 1. Reduce energy in simple ways. 2. Ruthlessly recycle and consider my decisions in regards to waste.

Poverty, Aids, and other Global Issues: 1. Increase my awareness by readings and discussions. 2. Give what I can financially by sacrificing purchases or making smarter ones.

My community: 1. Stop "running" and be present. 2. Encourage "communal" living. (Open door policy).

My children: 1. Continue to provide for them in all ways and in doing so remember a child whose need is not being met. 2. Give gratitude for my circumstances and pray for those in need like never before.

My husband: 1. Remind him of the incredible man and leader he is. 2. Think of him as more important than myself.

My household: 1. Care for my home as the blessing it is. 2. Eliminate clutter and simplify in turn allowing it to run smoother.

My home church: 1. Continue to support it with my time, treasures and talents. 2. Open my home and life up to others who are longing for a church community.

My body: 1. Be aware and concerned that what I am consuming is nutritionally well. 2. Be a part of a holistic approach to fitness. (yoga, pilates...)

My mind: 1. Read 30 minutes a day. 2. Communicate what I've learned.

My relationship with God: 1. Read the word daily, slowly and quietly soaking it in. 2. Practice adoration.

All of the above: Live out the Gospel.

Long list? Maybe.

Easy steps? We'll see.

Failure? Definitely.

Grace? Thankfully.

Change? Amazingly.