Battle of the Titans - World Cup Style

It has happened just as World Cup lovers dream! Argentine vs. Germany. Two international powerhouses playing each other. Each team playing its own unique style of "football". There has been 120 minutes of play (90 regulation and 30 minutes overtime) and penalty kicks (5 for each team) have been kicked. Germany has done it - penalty kicks masterfully blocked by Germany's tired, but amazingly skilled keeper. In the 63rd minute or so, Argentina's incredible goalkeeper was severely injured. He was taken off the field and the backup keeper was brought in.

This is never a good scenario and certainly did nothing for Argentina. The backup keeper just did not have the passion and momentum as did their no. 1 GK. (Having a daughter who is a phenomenal keeper in high school, I was feeling strongly the goalkeepers pressure. Wow! What instinct the German GK had! And that's what it took!) He was able to block not just one, but two penalty kicks to clinch the win. Argentina's less experienced goalkeeper substitute never had a chance against the kicks by German strikers who nailed the ball into the net every time. It was a win well deserved. And they did it in front of their own fans -- at home. Though the Germans have not been one of my favorites in this World Cup, today they have certainly won my utmost respect.

There's frustration, tears, anger, and disappointment on the Argentine side; but the Germans? I just know they are waiting for England......

Is there enough security in the country of Germany to hold the lid on that kind of matchup?

Italy took Ukraine down 3-0. Not a huge surprise, though you have to tip your hat at the Ukraine team. Playing in the quarterfinals of the World Cup is an honor that they should relish for a very long time.

Portugal meets England tommorrow morning; then in the afternon, France meets Brasil. No premature results here. Anything, I repeat, anything can happen.

Deviation (from World Cup stuff)

This morning I thought that it would not be wise to do yet a third blog about World Cup soccer being played from June 9-July 9 in Germany. So, even as I am watching Australia and Italy play, and anticipating the Ghana-Brasil game tomorrow, I will not bore you with my sentiments....at least not today!

There's a couple of things I would like to address today. First, we saw our youngest daughter on Saturday. We were able to wrangle an hour of her time in a laundromat where she had come to wash off a week's worth of dirt and sweat! She is a counselor at a Christian camp in the North Carolina mountains this summer. Last summer she was also was at camp for five weeks, as a CIT (Counselor-in-Training). It was then that she realized that this was a ministry she wanted to do for God in her high school years (and perhaps also in her college years). Her very first week of being a counselor, she saw 4 of her campers come to know Christ. She called us that weekend to tell us about this and that she was really excited about what God was showing her.

If you are a parent and have ever had the privilege of knowing your children are hearing God talking personally to them.....you'll know that there are no words for it. I'm excited for Lauren and what God is showing her. She seemed very tired when we saw her Saturday, but that would be expected. As I sat down and watched her put the quarters in the washing machine herself and put her clothes in the machine herself -- I realized that she is growing up. She'll be 16 in a couple of weeks, and I'm proud of who she is and who she is becoming. Even though seven weeks is a long time to be without her, I am reminded once again that she is not really ours. Not first of all. She is God's first. If He has asked her to serve Him in this capacity this summer, then who am I to get in the way of God's plans? I am her mother, yes, but He is her Creator and Savior. How I'm proud of that girl!

Secondly, blogs. In the past couple of weeks, I have read much from bloggers writing about blogs, the intentions of blogs, the misuse of blogs, the addiction of blogging, and so on and so forth. It's disturbing to me, but on a far different level.

First of all, I realize that when I created my personal and ministry blogs that there was a part of me that truly thought people would care to know what I was thinking. That's pretty heady stuff and probably not as true as we would like to think. The intention of my ministry blog is to keep those interested updated in a more detailed way. Prayer letters must be somewhat concise and compact, and in a campus ministry such as we are involved, often many of the really good details must be forfeited. That was the intention of that particular blog.

As for this blog, I have honestly had to rethink why I am committed to it at all. I do not have a vendetta of some sort to air out here, I do not necessarily like to "stir up others" - as in the intention in many blogs that I have read, and I do not think it's necessary to give private, very personal details about myself. If others need to do that, then okay. For me, it's just to let others know the multi-layers that make up Me. The things that I find funny, disturbing, and amazing. As I am in the process of writing a book on our experiences as missionaries in West Africa for nearly 20 years, this blog gives me another avenue of creativity and "blowing out the cobwebs" - so to speak. Writers need motivation and exercise of their writing abilities. This is just a "workout" for me, so to speak.

The deeper issue I have with those who blog in lieu of developing personal, face-to-face relationships with others is this: it feeds the underlying problem of feeling isolated. While this may be a connection to the world in some strange way, that is certainly not how we are designed to interact on a day-to-day basis. We need people - and not just the words gleaned from a blogging comment section. Just a couple of days ago, I read an article that put definition to my concerns. While the article never addresses our advanced technology as a factor in the study that was sited, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that it does figure greatly into the problem. Despite all the technology in the world and hundreds of ways to stay connected in some way, more and more of the world's population feels isolated and disconnected. The reason (in my opinion)? We replace those eye-to-eye, voice-to-voice relationships with static, distant cyber relationships. And, in the long run, they can never totally satisfy and complete us as a warm, caring face that we can see.

Anyway, this is just some simple thoughts I have on blogging. I think some people take this new, fandangled opportunity way too seriously and misalign the intentions of what a blog should really be. I don't believe it should be a place to antagonize, rant and rave (on a consistent basis), or feel that we now own a right to be a bonafide journalist, just because we press "publish post".
Though we can inform and educate about something important to us, blogging does not necessarily make us experts.

Enjoy blogging! Have fun with it! Let those who care about you already know a little more about your whims and wishes, likes and dislikes....but I don't think it should be a pulpit or podium, though it can always be a place for encouragement, friendly discussion, enlightening, and finding others who think in uninimity or not - with us!!

Enough deviation! Australia and Italy are still nil-nil at the 81st minute (which means there is only 9 more minutes in regulation play). Italy was favored to sweep this game, but, that's what makes soccer so exciting. Anything can happen in any given game! (Like Ghana, for instance!)



http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,200769,00.html

Still An African At Heart

Yes, I'm still talking soccer. Yes, the World Cup is still going on. It takes four weeks to meticulously move 32 teams down to 2 - then finally to THE ONE - on July 9th. It's good stuff.

The game today between the USA and Ghana was a hard one for me. I am a born American and proud of it! However, since 1983, I have either lived in West Africa or have been closely tied with two countries there. (We have actually lived in Liberia and Ivory Coast for a total of 10 years - and that includes being in the middle of two civil wars in both of those countries) One of our daughters was born in Liberia. Some of the greatest people I know live there. Saying all that, when Ghana took USA down 2-1, I cried. On one part, it was sadness for the US, though I have felt no particular affinity with this soccer team. They simply have not showed themselves World Cup contenders. They just didn't have the "gusto" that it takes to play "football" with the rest of the world. But Ghana did!

Now, Ghana.....commentators on ESPN are calling them a surprise. Well, they didn't ask me. I said it from day one when they played Italy and only lost 1-0. There was something in their eyes, a rhythm to their team that bore watching. But I'm not sure if other Americans caught it. I imagine they didn't want to see it. I tired of the commentators not giving Ghana the critique that they were due. It was all about how US was fast and sharp and this other stuff. Meanwhile, Ghana dominated the passing, possession, and scoring. Hm....

It basically takes an African to play football with another African. A European team nor a North American team will have a hard time taking Ghana down. However, South American teams have some of the same kind of rhythm in their play. Brasil possibly could do it next Tuesday, but Ghana will not lie down for one second. It will be a match made in heaven, to coin a phrase.

They are an incredibly organized team with precise speed and extraordinary passing ability. And, of course, if you have known any West Africans, they do have the gift of flair, drama, and charisma. You just gotta love them! And, Kingston, their keeper, was amazing. He was fearless and intimidating. Having a daughter that is a keeper for her high school team, I always watch closely the talents of the goalie. Kingston is a "keeper" - a pun was intended!


So, pull up a chair, and watch with me as this Ghanian team makes world history by moving into the second round. In the privacy of my living room, I was dancing the dance that most West African women dance when they are celebrating anything, particularly a birth of a baby.

This victory for Ghana and the advance to the next round is definitely a birth of something big for West Africa!! Don't let them catch you by surprise -- you have been warned!!

More Than a Game

This afternoon my heart is heavy for my African friends in Ivory Coast. As a few of you may have noticed, I have not written in this blog since 8th of June. The World Cup (the best of the best in soccer - known as futbol or football by the rest of the world) started on June 9th, and every spare moment I have had, I have spent watching some of those games.

After having lived in Africa off and on since 1985, we have become very familar with soccer and what it really means to the countries around the world. Someone wisely said that a soccer match is not just "life or death" to a team, to a country; it's much, much more than that. To you Americans reading this, that statement may sound extreme as well it probably is, but the fact still stands that there is a majority of countries in the world that eat, drink, live, and dream soccer! Most likely if you think of soccer, you think of Brasil, and rightly so. They are a dominant force in the international world of soccer. But there are others, and a World Cup year (played every four years) puts on the world stage the best of the best.

You may or may not know that we lived five years in the country of Ivory Coast. We know what soccer means there. This is their first showing in the World Cup, along with Togo, Ghana, and a couple of others. The Ivorian Les Elephants by far, for the first-timers, have had the best showing, the most stamina, the strongest persistence in the face of formidable opponents. Placed in the bracket known as "The Death Zone", they held their own, showed their incredible talent, and won over the hearts of those who watched them. Playing two of the toughest teams in the World Cup: Argentina and Holland would possibly had caused a weaker team to "tuck tail" and retreat. But not the Ivorians.

Facing these two amazingly talented and complex teams is nothing compared to what they and their countrymen have endured in the past four years in their country. Civil war took this stable, productive West African country completely by surprise in September of 2002, and it has and never will be the same. We were there at the beginning of the demise. Trapped in a guest house in the capital city of Abidjan for ten days. Even then our hearts ached for what these people would have to face. We had seen it all before in Liberia.

So, for the Ivorian soccer team to be able to play big on the World Cup fields in Germany this summer has been a boost to people who are war-fatigued, discouraged, distressed, and who have lost hope in the foundation that was once solid underneath them. Not to mention that the soccer team consisted of players from both the south and north parts of the country, bringing a strange kind of unity to a country viciously divided by political, tribal, and religious obstacles.

When the whistle blew at the end of the game today against Holland, even while wiping tears from my eyes, I cringed at the thought of the fighting that will possibly start back up again tomorrow. Or will the two sides decided to watch the rest of the World Cup (not to finish until July 9)? Will they restrain themselves in order to cheer on their African counterparts: Angola, Togo, and Ghana?

Just today on BBC it was sited that the segment of militia that was due yesterday to meet at a neutral camp and turn in their arms did not show. Not a one of them. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize why they did not show. It's World Cup time and their Elephants were playing today. And, believe it or not, that is more important than fighting a war.

"A Segment of Society"

When Tom Hanks remarked that he realized a "segment of society" would be offended by the controversial The DaVinci Code -- was he speaking only of American society or the world as a whole? This morning as I was scanning my favorite news sites, and besides the 72-point font headline that related how Zarqwahi had been killed in an air raid and it was a great blow to terrorism, (I have some comments for that one, too) the other really big story to me (besides the World Cup starts tomorrow in Germany!) was that China has now completely banned The DaVinci Code from its national theatres. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/5059658.stm


Well, Tom, add China to India, Pakistan, and the Fuji Islands, who have already banned the movie in their countries, and that is a substantial amount of "society" that is doing more than just being offended. And these are not even Christian countries! While some religious groups in America are making a loud, gritty to-do about the movie, there are others (including pastors and churches) that are sitting back and watching to see what will happen (or choosing not to address it because it doesn't deserved to be addressed?). Do we not consider that there may be baby Christians in our midst that are struggling with Truth and may need some mature spiritual guidance through this phenomenon?

In our summer Bible study with college students, we will address this controversy to the extent of projecting Truth in the dark face of heresy and depravity. If we don't, who will? Their professors certainly will, their friends and classmates will -- and what kind of "truth" will they hear from those? It is not our intention to give full face to this movie, but to simply give some guidelines of Truth to help these students (most who titter-totter from one extreme to another) handle properly the things of God and know how to discern and "garbage" the things that are not from God. What another great opportunity to train young Christians in apologetics - defending their faith in a very dark, debased world!

Back to Tom Hanks. It makes me wonder what Tom Hank's agenda about acting in this movie when I read his reaction to critics of the movie. He, himself, in an article written a few days ago, said there was a lot of "hooey" in the story, but that religious dialogue is always good to open up. What is he saying? What is his intentions in getting involved in this? And Ron Howard? Opie of Mayberry never would have dreamed of this! Read the rest for yourself if you are so inclined. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4764407.stm

Have I seen the movie? Probably won't. But I do have a friend who owns the book, and without having to contribute a dime to author Brown, I probably will read the book.

What? No Transfats in Poptarts?

You may or may not know about the law that went into effect this past January ('06) that every food item being marketed for sell to consumers had to list, along with nutritive values and such, the amount of transfats found in that particular food product. While I like the idea of having that defined, I am wondering about how it is really calculated and how accurate it is.

One of my lazy, quick, and very unhealthy breakfasts is to eat a Poptart with my coffee. This morning I looked on the back of the package and saw where there are 0 Transfats found in the Poptart I was going to eat. When I looked at the ingredients on that back, there are no tell-tell signs that would prove otherwise. Hydrogenated and partially-hydrogenated fats is a sure sign that there are transfats in a food product, plus, let's don't forget the saturated fats. Transfats are the main ingredient in some (mainly processed) foods that cause major cholesterol buildup in arteries and longterm damage to the circulatory system. They're not good in any form, at any time. And our bodies do not do a good job of ridding themselves of these fats either. So...

Still, how do you get a Poptart to stay in its infamous, perfectly formed rectangular shape, popping with fatty, but good stuff right underneath the surface? It's a mystery to me - and please know that I am an extreme skeptic when it comes to food products and usually what I put in my mouth (okay, except for the Sundrops and Poptarts! -- but we all have our dark sides!).

If you are a purist when it comes to food, you will consume absolutely no processed foods. A purist will only eat those things that are grown in nature and that are not brought together with binders, fillers, and artificial anything. I am a partial-purist. Probably 85% of my diet is all natural, whole foods. My family has slowly, and mostly unknowingly followed my lead, but it has taken 10 years for the process. Now, when my husband or daughters go off somewhere and are not able to eat as I usually feed them, they say that their bodies crave for healthy, natural stuff. That's a great compliment and relief to my culinary beliefs.

While it takes a lot more effort to cook from scratch using no shortcuts or processed additions to the meal, it is a tastier, more satisfying meal.

So, as I'm writing this about healthy foods and all, I am feeling pretty guilty about eating that Poptart this morning. If it were up to me, I would not even keep them in the house. That would force me to eat cereal and/or fruit for breakfast. But Poptarts is one of the few things that I relent and buy for my family.

Sigh....so I guess I'll just trust that my arteries are no worse for eating that Poptart since there are no transfats in them.....and go on with my day!

What in the World?

Al Gore is wanting us to know that he's probably not going to be running for president in '08. Who's asking? And who really cares? Do we really want to relive all that?
And would he stand a chance against the former first lady?http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,198102,00.html


What's all the hype about 6-6-06? Well, if you are superstitious or ultra-religious, you might want to read something into those numbers. Actually, I find it the most interesting that a town named HELL in Michigan is going to make some money off these numbers!http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,198104,00.html


What in the world were these college students thinking they would accomplish by entering a large balloon filled with helium? A dare? A moment of exhiliration and excitement? This is so sad and such unnecessary deaths. What is it about some kids in their 20's that make them think they are invincible, immortal?
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,198108,00.html


Perhaps the most sobering article in this blog. Pakistan is banning The DaVinci Code as to not be offensive to the extremely small minority of Christian under its sovereignty? Plus, they (even Muslim leaders) take offense to how Christ (to them an important prophet of Allah) is portrayed in the movie. And in America, how many theaters are showing this movie? This is irony at its darkest hour.
http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=entertainmentNews&storyID=2006-06-04T085617Z_01_ISL154282_RTRUKOC_0_UK-LEISURE-DAVINCI-PAKISTAN.xml

Tit for Tat

Just a few interesting tidbits for you today (it's actually evening).

PROCESSED FOODS HIT WEST AFRICA
I read it last night on BBC World News. Fufu is a chewy starch that is made from cassava roots and such. It is boiled and then pounded numerous times until it becomes a taffy-like substance that can be served with African stews and soups (not akin to any American stews or soups except maybe split pea soup or such). Now, there is a company in Ghana, West Africa, that is packaging dried, instant fufu. Just add water and stir. Now true African connaisseurs would beg to differ about the taste of the instant fufu tasting anything like real, time-consuming fufu. Probably much like comparing instant mashed potatoes with the real, boiled, smashed, whipped stuff.

But the fact stands that West Africa is coming into the way of western civilization: the fast-paced world of the working woman needing a quick way to prepare supper. Grant it, the majority of women who happen to live in suburban or rural areas of West Africa could never afford or would never dream of preparing the instant fufu, but for some, perhaps it just might work. In a world that knows nothing easy or quick, it's quite certainly a novelty right now.


Read the rest of the article, if you are interested, here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/5010070.stm

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I have a beef with convenient stores and gas stations now that the lottery has passed in North Carolina. Twice now I have gone in to buy a Sunday paper and a Sundrop (my favorite soft drink in the whole wide world) and have had to wait at least 5-10 minutes before being able to check out. I'm not exaggerating. Last time was two weeks ago and it took 7 1/2 minutes for me to be waited on. There were two cashiers but both were busy helping people buy lottery tickets. This one woman in front of me was getting a crash course on the different kinds of tickets, the best odds, etc.... I, frankly, could care less! But I find it highly irritating that I, because I do not want a lottery ticket, and might need to check out quicker, would have to wait behind lines of lottery-hungry citizens.

I haven't said anything yet, but when it happens again, I will most likely complain to the cashiers, write a letter to the corporate office of that particular gas station, write an editorial to the paper, and not patronize that particular store anymore. It's infuriating. Have a separate checkout line for lottery purchases. Don't make non-gambling people have to wait for small purchases.

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I think I'm finished for the night. It's time to enjoy the rest of the late spring evening with family and a bowl of popcorn. Yeah.........good stuff.

Doin' the Me Thing

So, it looks like I fell off the face of the earth....perhaps I did. Right into the world of laundry, making birthday cakes, helping to cheer on the daughter with exams, organizing my desk, visiting my mother at her mountain house, planting flowers, herbs, and vegetables, counseling, cooking, and all the other things that are done in the Town of Me.

I actually like Me most of the times these days. I had always heard and read that entering the 40's (I entered a few years ago, believe me) brought a new awakening, a loosening of judgement on self and others, a keen understanding of things that have never made sense before, a calmness of spirit that in your 20's and 30's you could only wish for, and a beauty that far surpasses botox, collagen treatments, and Oil of Olay. I declare that it is true.

I smile more with my family, I laugh more with friends, I listen more than talk, I cook more with pomp and flair, I decorate more with bold color, I sing more with the radio in the car, I think more before I speak, I spend more time looking at the flowers, and I feel more strongly about my faith than ever before!

Before this begins to sound cheesy, I will stop. I do want you to know that "doing the Me thing" --at least for me -- does NOT include: leaving my family to find myself, spending money on things that will put us in debt just because I feel it will somehow satisfy me, speaking my mind to people just because I feel I've lived a while and have the right to, and doing more for myself and less for others because I deserve it. I am weary and quite disturbed by the number of women that are walking away from their families just to find themselves, give themselves more, etc.... Our society (if you listen even with one ear) will tell us that we deserve more than our families can give us.

However, to me, that is not where true satisfaction comes in. Growing older, accepting that fact, and basking in the pure elemental bliss of the blessings that God has given us over the years is just about heaven on earth to me. I may not always come across that way to my family. There are struggles....my changing body, the raging hormones, the added physiological tension that has entered my body and threatens to blow deadly rays of fire to those around me. Oh, yeah, I struggle with all that stuff.

But having been somewhat philosophical and extremely in tune with myself and life around me for most of my life, I have chosen to call a spade a spade and a heart a heart.

My youngest daughter leaves in a week to do some volunteer counseling at a camp in the mountains for seven weeks. She will turn 16 while she is away. I am having trouble with that part. But I'm loving the realization that she just wants to do for others, invest in lives, and learn more about God for herself. Yep, that part, I'm really liking.

I am dedicated to doing some major writing on my book during those seven weeks. But there are also some other obligations and opportunities that I need to be faithful with. Balancing them into the priorities for my summer schedule is going to be the key.

So, I'll just keep "doing the Me thing" -- and thanking God for the blessings and opportunities that come with that!

Mothers and Mustard Seeds

Today I'm feeling a little melancholy. Actually it's more the pain I have had in a tooth for over a week now. I'm trying everything to treat it without going to the dentist. (Way deep inside my head I'm thinking root canal, but I won't say that outloud!) Often when we have pain, it causes us to think deeply about issues under the surface. Even though there's so many other things out there in the world that I want to comment on, my mind refuses to focus on them long enough to put the thoughts together.

So, let's talk about mothers and mustard seeds. I'm referring to the passage in the Bible where Christ is telling his disciples that faith, even as small as a mustard seed (and that's small) can move mountains and see incredible things come to pass! (Matthew 17:20) (I think I'll claim the mustard seed faith for this aching tooth!) Also, back a few chapters is the Parable of the Mustard Seed (Matthew 13) describing how the kingdom of heaven will start with just a small seed, but grow large, very large --

Mothering holds the same principle. We start with something very small, a tiny baby helpless and dependent on us, and we begin to nurture them, feed them, teach them, and believe in them. In my case, twenty-two years later, nineteen years later, and fifteen years later I look up and find these incredible, amazing, young ladies that seemingly came out of nowhere! But, I, being one of those things called a "mother" know that it didn't just happen overnight. I was there for almost every living, breathing moment. The metamorphosing (probably not a word, but you know what I mean) of a small, helpless infant into a interdependent, unique young adult is nothing more than amazing!

But it takes a lot of faith just like the principles taught in the book of Matthew about the tiny mustard seed. There are numerous times when I have to admit that I floundered in my faith for what my girls could become. But those feelings never lasted long. Motherhood in itself is a remedy for that. I am, by nature and choice, my daughters number ONE fan!

A mother's faith in a child is not in what we can see (that would be awfully defeating and depressing at times - particularly while they are in the twos and the teens), but in the persons that we believe our children will become. Our love, our prayers, our lives are wrapped up in helping that faith come to fruition!

A mother's love, a mother's faith in a child can make all the difference in the world. It frees a child to actually take those first step into adulthood with a certainty that defies nature and gravity! And it's quite the thing to watch!

Just last week all three of my girls were sitting around the coffee table talking about the days of their childhood. I pressed myself to be still and quiet and just listened. As a mother, it is natural to have doubts about the efficacy of our role and we can't help wondering if it is seen in a positive light by our children as they look back.

I must tell you that it's all I could do not to whoop it up, shout, cry, dance, and generally do a good old "boogie" dance as I was listening to them. Though they talked about some of the things that were hard as we were going through them, it was the lessons, the memories, the principles gained, the love cherished that won out in the end!

So, on the doorsteps of another Mother's Day, I want to tell my children to hold off on the presents and breakfast in bed for me. I am so honored and privileged to have three wonderful daughters that has grown from tiny little mustard seeds into beautiful thriving plants that I have no doubt can storm the testings of this life!

But on second thought, I'll just let them do the breakfast in bed thing 'cause they love doing it (don't they?) and if they want to get me a gift, it's okay, but how do I tell them that it can't measure up to the gift I receive each time I look deep into their eyes!

Keep watering those seeds. Don't give up. Never lose faith. The watering, the tending, the pruning, the plucking, the nurturing is worth it all in the end!

Politically Correct -- So To Speak

I've had it with the victimology thing. It's everywhere. Anything one says, any phrased coined, any opinion shared outside one's own home can be misconstrued, unnecessarily judged, or frowned upon in the most demeaning way. "Victimology" is a term I've known has existed for quite some time now; however, it is bravely and astutely explained and exemplified in a book I recently read. While the book is written by an African American male defying gravitating circumstances and stereotypes of his own people, it is plain to me that victimology runs along the lines of any race, any group of people bound together by a common cause who feel they are not being heard or understood or have been wronged in some way. The book gives me hope for these precious African American college students that I minister to and with on a daily basis. In them I see the desire to shake the "victim mentality" and make their own way in life -- using the talents and gifts that God has truly given them. In them I see hope and determination to be different and to make a difference in this world. This book gives them the momentum and the assurance that they are not alone in their feelings.

Veering back to the word "victimology", I must say that recently I read an article that dumped the oozing slime that makes up the word into the streets! Sea World, in Australia, has decided to change the names of the "fairy penguins" to a more politically correct, possibly less offensive name. Hold your breath -- it's a really original name they came up with! "Little penguins" is now what these unique little species will be called.

What IN the world is that all about? While, the officials at Sea World are quick and repetitive about the fact that the homosexual world has not put any pressure on them to make this change, they just felt it was conducive to being aware of any possible future sensitivities from the gay and lesbian society. To that, I say, I don't believe it for a second. Something has already come down the pipes or this kind of radical change would never have come about. Perhaps there are employees at Sea World that have voiced their concerns about the name - being of the alternative persuasion. Who knows? The article says that "someone" thought it might be offensive and so they decided to change it. "Someone" sure has a lot of pull to change the name of an animal that has had that name for a very long time! What gives anyone the right to do that? To read for yourself this newest victimology outbreak and others from around the world, follow this link. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,193744,00.html

Before I sign off, I need to be heard for what I'm really saying here. I do not believe in prejudice statements, feelings, or actions that cross over the line because of racist sentiments. No group of people should be disrespected in anyway. I am a Christian first, and the Bible is clear that there is no respecter of persons with God. We are all loved by God, but on the other hand, we are all judged by His holy and just nature -- all the same way, because we are sinners. There's no ifs, ands, or buts -- even though there are those who would like to think they can somehow slip past the judgment thing. Accepting the death, burial, and resurrection of God's son, Jesus Christ, is the only way past it! (John 14:6; Romans 3:23; 5:8; 6:23; John 3:16)

I abhor the remembrance and reality of slavery in any manner. I abhor prejudice born from traditions and societal influences. I abhor the demeaning anyone for the sake of hatred or false self-esteem. HOWEVER, "victimology" goes beyond that. Victimology requires that we erase, forget, or cover up history. Victimology requires that we give up our opinions and standards if they do not sooth the defile hearts of those in the grip of sin. Victimology requires that we become tolerant of any belief system put before us. Tolerance, while good for friendships and families and even in working relationships for the sake of unity, only weakens a culture when expanded to be all-inclusive. Psychologically it is impossible to be tolerant of all belief systems and cultural innuendoes and still remain a unique person of value and faith. There are factions in America that cry out for tolerance on all levels. To them I say, visit some of these other countries where tolerance has been put into place or where democracy has never been given the opportunity to shine in its best light. Don't be comfortable to live in this "land of the free and home of the brave" and decry the very principles that make us just that.

Victimology will always be a seed of failure.

On "Teaching Our Children While They're Young" and Other Stuff

While missionaries in West Africa, one of the most somber things that we saw was the Muslim fathers on Fridays taking their little boys by the hands and attending Friday prayers. Most of the little boys were wearing long white robes just like their fathers. They listened to the Imman with the same fury and fascination as did their fathers.

In some ways, these Muslim fathers are just like we Christian parents are (or should be). So much of the teaching that we do is by example, by involving them in the important parts of our lives, and helping them to be exposed to the things that really matter in life. However, that is where the similarities end. In Africa and other countries (I won't speak for American Muslim families since I am not as familar with their routines), Muslim fathers desire that their sons are interjected with the same passion for fulfilling Mohammed's vendetta by fueling hatred for anyone who speaks against or opposes Islam. Believe me, it is taught at a very early age.

The above picture was taken just this week in Palestine during a celebration/memorial service of 10 years since the 100 Palestinian civilians were killed in Qana by Israeli soldiers. As you can see, it is not only grown men involved in these remembrance ceremonies. Boys with intense anger written all over their faces are also included in this. Many of them, as in the picture, dressed just like their fathers.

A sobering thought that Muslim fathers might be more faithful and proactive in helping their children remember things that are important to them more so than we Christians do with our children. If our children are going to be able to live strongly and endure in a world filled with so much passion, intensity, hatred, and complexities, we need to be doing more as parents. We need to actively teach, live, celebrate, and breath our faith, our beliefs, our convictions -- and we need to do it with our children.

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The Vatican has had its hands full for quite some time. Now, there seems to be more dissension on the use of condoms in the case of AIDs patients. While a segment of the cardinals and clergy are sticking with the traditional "anything that prohibits reproduction between a male and female during sexual intercourse is wrong in the sight of God and the Church", there is a growing sect of cardinals and priests that biting at the bit to change this thinking. Instead of me rephrasing the whole article, if you are interested, you can follow this link and read it for yourself. I just find it interesting and disconcerting on many levels. I'll watch the story and perhaps make other comments on it at a later time.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,193040,00.html

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Evolutionists will stop at nothing to attempt to prove their theories. Just recently there was a study done with about a dozen Starlings, a song bird known for its clear, musical quality. In this (in my opinion) needless, wasteful study, the birds were being observed to see if they had the evolving quality of human language by adding "words" to their complex musical discourse. I am an English major, so this article interested me. However, if you are interested in evolution, birds, or grammar, this article might interests you, too.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,193232,00.html

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Jeff is preparing for a missions trip to Brazil - this will be his first trip to South America. He's very excited about seeing what God is doing in that part of the world.

And why is it that soccer (the sport of choice for my youngest daughter) can be played in the mud and the rain and other sports can't? Don't mind me, I'm just a little disgruntled because I'll undoubtedly attend a soccer game this afternoon in just those conditions! But I am Lauren's #1 fan, so gotta do it!!

"The Interpreter"

Every once in a while, there's time for a movie, and every once in a while, we actually watch one that is halfway decent!

"The Interpreter" with Nicole Kidman (2004) is such a movie. Taking in consideration our endearing connection with Africa, it was a film that struck home to us. Even though the country in Africa is fictional, it could be the story of about one in a dozen countries. As a matter of fact, our first place of missionary service, Liberia, is reliving this story right now in some ways. Charles Taylor has been placed in custody of the International Tribunal and is being tried as a war criminal, much like Saddam Hussein.

It tugged at my heart in many ways, but mainly because of the complex loyalty and struggles Nicole Kidman shows in this political drama. She was born, had grown up in this fictitional African country and was now serving as an interpreter in the UN.

There's so many elements to this movie. It's defining and strategic, but it's also emotional and victorious on many levels.

It's one that I recommend if you are so inclined to be challenged to think and feel beyond the American mindframe!

A Near Miss

This weekend I was blessed to be able to go to my parents for a quiet, but very special Easter. My two younger daughters actually went with me which gave me some incredible quality time during the journey! However, because this was the fourth weekend in a row that I have had to go somewhere (mainly ministry opportunities), I almost was too tired to savor the blessings!

When I think of my best friend who lost her mother four years ago, I should be ashamed of myself. My mother is still vibrant and alive, beautiful and so soothing to be around. I cherish the times I am with her and my dad, who is an incredibly interesting, jovial fellow. This weekend, however, everything felt in slow motion, a little defunked, slightly off kilter. But I did try to push through it, look my parents in the eyes, smile, listen, share, and savor them.

In the car, I eavesdropped on a conversation one of my daughter was having with a close "friend" -- who happens to be a male -- and talked with both of them about silly things, random things, trying to praise them, thanked them, just being real with them. Never, ever would I want to be guilty of missing these priceless moments again.

In the past, because of the overwhelming twists and turns of ministry, I know I have missed opportunities. I have fretted and fumed through probably some very very potentially special times. I can't take those back and I don't usually go back and feel guilty about them. I have what I have now and I am going to enjoy it. Any time, any moment spend with those we love are gifts that God gives to us over and over again!

So what if my permitted daughter drove (at night) down Hwy 218 which is very rural and very windy. I survived. (twitch, twitch!) So what if I didn't have a new Easter dress this year. I survived. So what if I am dragging today and can't seem to focus on anything. I'll survive.

But the family times won't -- if we don't breath them, smell them, taste them, enjoy them!

Spring Cleaning

I've got to get this off my chest before I can move on to other things! What is the big deal about spring cleaning? Who started that anyway? I do not believe it is a biblical concept; at least, I don't see it in the Bible. When the pollen starts yellowing our cars, the birds start singing non-stop, and the lawn mowers are taken out of winter storage, somehow people get into the mode that the house must be cleaned from top to bottom!

Actually I've read the stories about how - back in the day (whatever that means) - women would take advantage of airing out quilts and other items that could not really be washed when the weather turned a little warm. Okay, I've got some quilts that I can put out on my clothesline......um....I don't have a clothesline. (When did that happen?) Okay, I could just drape them across our deck and let them "sun".

True confession time: I hate housecleaning whether it is winter, spring, summer, or fall (did that sound like James Taylor singing?). So, to say that I must be pressured by society's norm and turn my house inside out during my favorite season of the year seems cruel.

I would prefer to do this kind of aggressive cleaning in the lazy days of summer when humidity drives us to turn the a/c on and the music up. I could do it then. There's less responsibility for other things at that time. But, oh wait! Summer is to be more carefree and laid back. How can you do that if you are feeling pressured to clean, clean, clean?

Okay, I'll set my PDA for "spring cleaning" in the fall. Just when the cool, crisp winds blow and football and homecomings are sounds in the autumn nights! It's the perfect time. Humidity is down, I could open the windows, let the sunshine in, and turn on the music....and clean. But, oh wait! What about school camp? The opening of classes at the local university where I minister? The promise that I would put the finishing touches on the book I am writing? Fall is a perfect time for all that. How can I do all that and deal with the pressure of cleaning?

Well, that just leaves "old man winter" time. Why didn't I think of that before? When the breezes turn too brisk and we replace sweaters with coats, the sky is gray and the clouds omniously looking like snow (which usually never comes to where I live!). I'll build a fire, turn on upbeat music, and get to work on all those neglected spots that need cleaning. But, oh wait! There's Christmas to contend with. Baking, shopping, spending time with family, and reaching out to the needy. There's so much going on in the winter. Basketball, progressive dinners at the university, and final exams to help my daughter get through. Winter is to be a time of recharging our batteries. Somehow, it doesn't seem right to insert "spring cleaning" into such a special, dormant time!

Hmmm......well, I guess that means I'm pretty much booked up for the whole year. I'll try again next spring! Or maybe I'll just start on it today!

Creative Ministry

There's always those that attempt to shut you down when you are doing something for God. This college campus we minister on is no exception! During the summer, one of the most effective outreaches has been the SOAR program. Organizations take their places in a designated area at least 18-20 times during the summer, being available for freshmen and transfer students to glean from what is available to them on campus when they arrive in the fall. For the past two summers, we have made personal contact with over 400 students. Many of them see us, speak to us, know where they can find us, and have attended Bible studies.

This summer, a certain director of this program has rearranged things so that this will no longer happen. Jeff heard him last summer make the comment that mainly only Christian organizations were taking part in the summer program. And what's with the older people (i.e. Jeff??) sitting at the tables. Where's the students? It was obvious that Mr. Director did not like 1) that Christian organizations were about the only ones taking advantage of this outreach, 2) that older people were manning the tables, and 3) that it seemed to be effective for us for some reason.

Now, I will not judge Mr. Director and his spiritual state because of these new developments, but I can't say that I haven't tried! It's hard to believe that a Christian would want to shut down Christians from getting themselves out to the students. This summer, ONLY students can participate in certain activities during the summer. There will be NO literature tables. ONLY students (have I mentioned that ONLY students can participate?) can represent any student organization!

Okay.........so this is where we get creative. First of all, we will soon be electing officers for next year. We are praying that these will be proactive students (some who will be staying in Charlotte for the summer and can participate in these opportunities). Also, Jeff is looking into seeing if we can just set up literature tables on an independent basis around campus during the summer. We will advertise in the magazine that is mailed out to every potential and registered student during the summer. We will distribute flyers. We will hold Bible studies right on campus in open view of others.

God has given us a job to do on this campus: to shine His marvelous light onto this campus so full of darkness. Pray we'll find creative ways to do this. As Emeril Lagasse so often says, "We'll just kick it up a knotch! BAM!! BAM!!"

Too Tired to Tilt Over??

The numbness that comes with fatigue is actually not a bad thing sometimes. I'm learning that. After a "mountaintop" experience this weekend at a Ladies' retreat in Virginia, I have come home to the realities of my life and all the expectations of me! It must be exactly how Elijah felt after the Mount Carmel experience. He was completely drained, so he tucked his tail, and hid. While in his solitude, his fatigued brain starting playing tricks on him. He felt all alone in his fight to save the world, and it just didn't feel right to him anymore. Jonah had much the same reaction after running from God and then finally doing what he was supposed to do in Nineveh. Afterwards, he just wanted to die.

So, with those two wonderful examples in front of me, I am trying to analyze all my feelings today. I have come home to my wonderful family which involves dishes, laundry, dirty floors, and cooking. There's another major drama going on in one aspect of our ministry (this is not an unusual thing -- it's almost constant!), and another girl who stood me up last week for discipleship now wants to meet again......today, right away! One of my parent's closest friends (he's been like a daddy to me) is in the hospital very sick with his heart.

That's what I mean about being too tired to tilt over. All this is going on and I feel like I'm looking at it all in slow motion. The only thing that seems important to me right now is a nap. Then I struggle with guilt about all this other stuff going on. Then I remember that feeling guilty about doing anything but work is an indicator of an stress-proned person, and I remember that I do have those capabilities of being controlled by stress, which in realizing that stresses me more.

I think I will just lie down and sleep...........and wait for the ravens come and feed me. :)

Just a Word Can Cure Confusion

Talking things out really helps at times. Yesterday was one of those times when I was able to feel connected to someone that is important to Jeff and me, our ministry, and just our lives in general. But differences in personalities often lead to misunderstandings that can affect many facets of life. Even though there may have been other things I would have liked to ask or say, I walked away from that meeting with a much lighter heart in many ways. I do hope that the other person is thinking the same.

I, for one, am a person who has great need for communication in any form. Words of affirmation are important to me as is spending time with people I care about. While life is demanding and overwhelming at times, I know for myself that if someone will tell me that it's okay, will acknowledge parts of my life that have been profitable (or harmful -- I learn so much from those encounters, even though they are not as fun!), and will present the supposition that they are "involved" - even if not directly, it helps me so much.

For others that do not need affirmation or that believes that it is a spiritual defect in my character, I must beg to differ. While I struggle constantly with not doing or ministrying for glory received of man, it is more the fear of not being "understood" that haunts me! I do not care as much if a person agrees with me as much as I am that they have completely taken the time to hear me and attempt to understand.

Another issue I struggle with is my ministry of discernment. Sometimes I really wish that God would take it from me because it oftentimes bogs me down with stark awareness of things gone awry! But, at other times, it is a priceless tool in my counseling and times when people ask for advice or direction. When I see something that is not quite right and it is a situation or person that I care deeply about, I will bow under the weight of it. God has directed me over and over again to allow those times of insight to lead me directly into intercessory prayer -- and I'm working on that.

There's something freeing about being part of a solution or to be able to offer sound counsel to someone willing to receive it. I know distinctly that it is a large part of my calling to use this particular ministry (of discernment) for God's glory -- and use it wisely and biblically.

Talking out misunderstandings, not drawing to premature conclusions, and making the effort to involve myself in the healing or "solution" process are all innate desires of my heart (spiritual and emotional).

Remember: if you're bogged down with miscommunications and there is a rift in a relationship, "just a word could cure confusion". Talk it out with grace, sincerity, and humility!

Makeup Mania

Well, it has finally happened. Perhaps it has happened somewhere else before, but just this morning I was reading my "daily fix" from BBC World News and saw it.

First of all, how many of you ladies out there are guilty of this? (If you are a guy and guilty of this, I don't want to know) You're running late, you dash out of the house, get in your car, and head down the busy streets to wherever.... On the way, you glance in your rearview mirror -- not really to check traffic behind you (smile, you know it's true) -- and you are reminded of what you did not have time to finish in the house. You're following me, aren't you?

You fiddle in your purse or makeup kit, take out the mascara, bend the rearview mirror more to your liking, and you proceed to finish the fine tuning of your face. With quick, absent-minded glances to the road every once in a while, we work until we are satisfied that our face is what we want it to be (at least for now).

How many times have you seen it? Ladies whisking away at their eyebrows or eyelashes while their cars hover omniously on the white lines. Yes, I am guilty, too.

Well, in England, in a small town called "Mold" (I'm not kidding), Ms. Maddock was "busted" for doing just that. Did someone turn her in? Was there a cop sitting beside the street that saw her? No, it was a speed camera. It caught Ms. Maddock with BOTH hands off the wheel (while I have been guilty of driving handless, it's never been for makeup). What looks like a compact in one hand and mascara in the other. The camera follows her through traffic for as long as possible. She was fined 200 pounds for this offense and six points put on her record! Was her license suspended. No, not this time. That had been done just the week before for a DUI!

Check the story out at:http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/north_west/4785686.stm

And safe driving, you makeup maniacs!! You never know when someone may be watching!

TV Trivials

Did I actually call television trivial? Well, yep, I did. No one...I repeat no one is going to die if they do not have one (even though the withdrawal pains would be something out of this world for most). Come to think of it, I wouldn't imagine that it would be a pretty sight to watch some people have to wean off their television addictions though. I'll even admit mine: one time a year, I stay constantly glued to the television. March Madness. The Big Dance. HOWEVER, this year my schedule has been ironically arranged so that during both of the big weekends of the NCAA playoffs, I'm either at a counseling conference or at a singles' retreat. Hmm.... what kind of tablet do I take for those withdrawals?

Let me update you on our tv situation. (Refer back to the blog entitled LSD and TVs) We actually lived without a television in our family room for 8 weeks -- and the last time I checked, no one had psychological fallout from it. (That does not mean there were no comments or pity parties, but those roll off my shoulders after raising 3 daughters!! Am I hard or what?)

Finally, after Jeff worked some hours with his dad's business to earn the money for the tv, we were ready to buy. A 34-inch widescreen would give the illusion of being large without paying the $3000 or so price tag. Being married to a thrifty, money-clinched-tightly-in-the-fist (a nicer way to say "tight wad"?) man, I had to do my homework and balance the budget and what would be practical for our large family room, and what was a solid buy. The 34-inch widescreen seemed to be the way to go.

So, we headed down to the closest H.H. Gregg store. Never did it dawn on us that it was six days before the Super Bowl -- and that this might not be the best time to expect them to give us a really good deal. I had been in the store the week before and met C- He was a personable fellow and was so much help with all the questions I had. The tv was on sale that previous week for a price that Jeff could handle without breaking out in hives. :) But, something came up that Saturday, so we didn't get to buy it.

That's how we ended up walking into the store on a Monday night. C- met us in the tv department and we started the negotiations. However, two things worked against us that night. 1) the Super Bowl was coming up and we did not know that there were NO negotiations planned that week for anyone. (*Did you know that most electronic stores charge a 30% restocking fee for televisions brought back within two weeks after the Super Bowl? That's how bad it has gotten with people buying big tvs in order to watch the big game in style and then try to return the tv.)

2) Harder-than-nails managers on duty that night. After an hour of C- going between our demands and the managers on duty (who had to ultimately approve the deal), we knew that it wasn't going to happen that night. C- was exhausted and frustrated, I could tell, but he kept up a good front. He was a great asset to H.H. Gregg that night. (and the reason we eventually went back there) Because, when we left the store, we were disillusioned with H.H. Gregg's platform that says they are willing to make a deal for anything sold in their store. It was only $100 that we were asking off the tv. Only $100. Mere change in the pockets of that company, but those managers that night stood by their Super Bowl vendetta.

Defeated, but still determined, we waited for two weeks. (Don't ask me if it was a patient wait, okay?) I kept looking for sales of this particular television at other stores, but none popped up. Finally, we decided to go back to H.H. Gregg and see if we could get anywhere. C- met us at the door and within 15 minutes, we were loading our new 34-inch widescreen tv in the back of Jeff's truck. The difference? Different managers that day were in charge of the deals and the Super Bowl had passed.

Timing is everything........