Queen of Nonsense

Yoga in the Church? Unheard of...Absurd...or not?

2011-05-19T18:01:00.003-05:00

‎"While an alarming number of Western Christians suppose they can achieve physical and spiritual well-being through a form of yoga divorced from its Eastern worldview, in reality attempts to Christianize Hinduism only Hinduize Christianity" - Hank Hanegraaff

http://www.equip.org/bible_answers/what-is-yoga-

I don't understand why some Christians feel they must embrace yoga. There are many good things you can do to stay in shape that don't come out of false religions. If you've ever been in one of my Bible Study classes, chances are, you've heard what I think about it. I understand that there are many benefits but can't you get those same benefit without opening your mind to these false things? Funny thing, I taught Bible Study classes for a long time at a church where I PREACHED against Christians and YOGA for years. Fifteen minutes after I left, the new staff member's wife was teaching yoga up in that same church and some of my former students were in the class. Obviously they didn't buy my take on it. I understand I have no real standing where exercise is concerned. I'm not concerned about your stretching, but I'm very concerned about the things that are creeping into out theology at the same time we are embracing these things of the world. What do you think? Opening your mind to things God said to stay away from or harmless? You know where I stand, what about you?

As Easter approaches...

2011-04-21T20:44:00.000-05:00

Seven Stanzas at Easter
John Updike

Make no mistake: if He rose at all
it was as His body.
If the cells' dissolution did not reverse, the molecules reknit, the
amino acids rekindle,
the Church will fall.

It was not as the flowers,
each soft spring recurrent;
it was not as His Spirit in the mouths and fuddled eyes of the
eleven apostles;
it was as his flesh: ours.

The same hinged thumbs and toes,
the same valved heart
that – pierced – died, withered, paused, and then regathered out of
enduring Might
new strength to enclose.

Let us not mock God with metaphor,
analogy, sidestepping transcendence;
making of the event a parable, a thing painted in the faded credulity
of earlier ages:
let us walk through the door.

The stone is rolled back, not papier mache,
not stone in a story,
but the vast rock of materiality that in the slow grinding of time will
eclipse for each of us
the wide light of day.

And if we will have an angel at the tomb,
make it a real angel,
weighty with Max Planck's quanta, vivid with hair, opaque in the
dawn light, robed in real linen
spun on a definite loom.

Let us not make it less monstrous,
for in our own convenience, our own sense of beauty,
lest, awakened in one unthinkable hour,
we are embarrassed by the miracle,
and crushed by remonstrance.

Source: 'Seven Stanzas at Easter, in Telephone Poles and Other Poems (London: Andre Deutsch, 1964), 72–3.

HGCID & VS...or tell it to Jesus!

2011-03-19T23:10:00.008-05:00

Don't you wish you knew the nature of a call before you answer it? I get many calls from people who profess to want help or spiritual guidance, but what they really want is someone to listen and tell them whatever foolishness they're engaged in is OK and then tell them why it's OK with God...when it clearly isn't. Sometimes they just need to tell it to Jesus! So I've invented the Holy Ghost Caller ID and Voicemail System (HGCID & VS) to help with this dilema and to keep myself out of your business when I don't belong there. Coming soon, Holy Spirit Email & Text Message Retrieval and Forwarding Program (HSE&TMRP.) I'm very excited about it.

"Hello, you've reached Donna's new Holy Ghost Caller ID and Voicemail System. Your call will be handled in the manner most appropriate for the nature of the call."

"If you are currently living in continual and unrepentant sin and would like someone to tell you it's OK, or that God would want you to be happy... the Holy Ghost will be routing your call on up the line so you can tell it to Jesus. Neither of us will tell you what you want to hear."

"If you are in the middle of doing something you know is stupid, sinful, hurtful or crazy and want someone to pat you on the back and understand...the Holy Ghost is going to forward you on so you can tell it to Jesus. He will refer you to His Word."

"If you are struggling with some real deep personal issue or have a tragedy that has befallen you but you just want to tell me how much you hate Christians...you're going to be screened by the Holy Ghost and he will tell you to...tell it to Jesus. He will be able to comfort you so much better than me and He won't get mad at other Christians."

"If you have a problem with another Christian and want to 'share' a prayer request(gossip,) if you have a problem with a friend and just need to tell someone the horrible wrong that was done to you so we can all be mad together (gossip) or if you have some news that can't wait (gossip,) the Holy Ghost is going to intercede in this call and send you on to the Boss so you can...(you get it by now) tell it to Jesus."

"If however, you are struggling with anything I can truly help you with, pray over with you, cry over with you, laugh over with you, tell you what God says (and you care to listen,)help you get out of a bad situation, OR if you need to tell me how pretty, smart and witty I am, you can leave a message and I'll get back to you."

Legacy

2011-03-10T09:40:00.007-06:00

This morning I'm heavy hearted because a man I love very much has gone to be with the Lord. I'm also rejoicing because I know where he is and I hear the music is fantastic. You see, Tom Myers was the Choir Director for my church growing up and was also the Choral Director at both the Jr. High and High Schools. He's the man who taught me music. I could always sing. I was born singing. But someone had to teach me how to make it beautiful. Someone had to teach me to read and understand music. Someone had to teach me how to make the harmony I always heard in my head work. Someone had to teach me to breathe from my diaphragm, not sing through my nose, warm up my voice, stand up straight,and blend. Someone had to teach me how to enunciate, make a pleasant tone, stay on pitch and all about the round vowels...and let's not talk about the dip-thongs. Someone had to teach me to be a leader. Someone had to give me a family bigger than my nuclear family. Tom Myers did those things. If you were a choir kid, you're family. It doesn't matter if you ever attended school or were even in the youth group at the same time, we're family. He was our musical Father and he called us his "kids." Now our musical Father has gone to be with our Heavenly Father and I believe he's heard, "Well done my good and faithful servant. Enter your rest."

I had the privilege of growing up in a small town full of godly mentors. I had many teachers who cared about me personally. I grew up in a church where generations didn't seem to matter. I was "raised" by Central Baptist Church as well as my parents. They gave us a godly foundation that can't be shaken. They had more musical talent than you could shake a stick at (still do) and during my time, the person who led all that talent was Tom Myers. He also loved all that talent. He delighted in it, I think it would be fair to say. In our schools, he gave us a musical legacy that is hard to beat. We had Sweepstakes choirs. ONLY Sweepstakes choirs. It wasn't optional. He knew the way to instill pride in the now and the future is to remind us of what came before us. Excellence. Nothing else was acceptable. We were trained for excellence. We also took trips every spring break and in the spring, we would put on a Broadway musical. This all required money and strength so we spent a lot of time fundraising and most of us learned to be very good at it. We had a high school choir full of athletes who may not have been the best singers but were ever bit as valuable as hard workers. No choir nerds in our choir. It takes a lot of work and brute strength to sell 40 pound boxes of fruit and build sets. The girls were never excused from hard labor. We were taught that we were every bit as capable and strong as those football players. I chunked a lot of boxes of apples in my day. We also had kids from our church choir in the Texas All-State Baptist Youth Choir every year and there was another trip. I loved our trips.

He hauled us all over the Eastern United States, Mexico and parts of the West, and to an immeasurable number of President's houses (my favorite is still Monticello) and that was just during my years. Those trips were amazing. We started every day with student led prayer and a devotional. The bus didn't roll until it was done. Even then, we were being taught to be godly leaders by example. We weren't given a devotional to read, we were just given the day it would be our turn and we had to do the work. We had the same bus driver all 4 of my years because he like driving us. Why? We were good kids. We didn't have a choice. Nothing but excellence was acceptable, remember. Hauling kids all over the country is not something that can even be done in today's educational climate. His family came with us no matter their age at the time but still, their family vacations were our family vacations. It never occurred to me as a child what it cost him and his family. Mrs. Myers loved us too and she never begrudged us this privilege. She packed up the kids and got on the bus and loved us like he did. I watched her and in her I found a godly example of a wife, mother and woman. He could not have found a better partner. She was truly his partner. I wonder if they ever got to have a family vacation?

Through our musicals, we were taught to be performers. Everyone was included. We auditioned for parts and sometimes you got to learn to be a gracious loser. Sore losers? Never saw one. Those musicals were another thing I looked forward to getting to be old enough to do. As it turns out, I can't act but I can sing a MEAN "who could be mistaken," behind a tombstone in Fiddler. Creative. People came from all around to see these productions because they were excellent. You see the theme.

Over the years,his "kids" have suffered a lot of loss. He attended every funeral he's been physically able to attend. Lately, that's where we've seen one another. The last time we spoke was right after Pam, Kathy and I sang a little Southern Gospel trio at Audrey's Mom's funeral. I broke many vocal and musical laws and I thought he was coming over to give me a critique, as usual. Instead, with a tear in his eye, he gave me a pat on the back and said "good job." He was speaking to all of us. I think there was much more than music wrapped up in it. In my life I've received many "good job's" but that''s the one that means the most because it took a lifetime to earn and it came from someone who meant the world to me.

There was a study done on two families, The Max Jukes family and the Johnathan Edwards family. Max Jukes believed in liberation from laws, no formal education and hated imposed responsibility. By all accounts he was a drunkard and lazy. In contrast, Johnathan Edwards was a man of faith, an evangelist. He was hard working, God-fearing and Bible believing. Edwards "was a godly minister who was credited with igniting The Great Awakening through his sermons. He served for a brief period just before his death as president of what is now known as Princeton University. He believed in leading by example. Of 1026 descendants of Max Juke, 300 were convicts, 27 were murderers, 190 were prostitutes and 509 were either alcoholics or drug addicts. It is estimated that the Jukes had cost the State of New York almost $1.4 million dollars to house, institutionalize and treat the family of deviants. By contrast, the 929 descendents of Jonathan Edwards included 13 college presidents, 86 college professors, 430 ministers, 314 war veterans, 75 authors, 100 lawyers, 30 judges, 66 physicians, and 80 holders of public office, including three U.S. Senators, seven congressmen, mayors of three large cities, governors of three states, a Vice-President of the United States, and a controller of the United States Treasury.

Those are some legacies! I thought I would count the legacy of Tom Myers and his "kids" but even now, one generation later, it's too great to count. The musicians, choral directors, educators, and ministers alone is a staggering number while people who have failed at life are very few. That's a legacy. I know he's proud of every one of us. He wasn't always sunshiny. There were times he was out and out grumpy. In the High School, everyone didn't like him. He didn't care. He wasn't there to be liked. He was there to teach us the music and life. I believe he succeeded. Did I mention I loved this man?

I may have to miss his funeral. If I do, it's because we are taking our family to Washington DC, a place where Mr. Myers took me twice and BECAUSE he took me there twice I developed a love for those historic and patriotic places. They don't have a Mr. Myers so it's our privilege to pass along that love to my kids. I think he would approve. I know he would.

So to Mr. Myers, we bid adieu, for now. And to Jeanette, Nanette, Tommy, Corby and Shannon, I say, "thank you for the music." He couldn't have done any of it without you. I love you guys too. We all do and we share in your grief and your loss. Thank you for allowing us to do so. Thank you for sharing your lives and allowing him to be that musical Father for us. I promise you,it hasn't been wasted.

Like Charlie Brown before me....

2011-03-08T14:12:00.002-06:00

The good the bad, the ugly...the crazy, the cult and the Easter Circus

2011-02-17T22:33:00.008-06:00

I wrote that last post completely excited to meet with those ladies and maybe get a little Bible Study going at church. I love studying God's Word and I hate biblical illiteracy. I believe God gives us all different passions and mine is definitely in education and discipleship. I'm interested in EVERYTHING and I WANT TO KNOW IT ALL...even though I know I never will.

What has happened since then has been amazing and more than I would have ever asked. Out of that desire to begin a study has come a new "gig" for me. I'm now the Director of Women's Ministries at Pin Oaks Christian Fellowship. Pin Oaks!

I'm honestly not sure how it happened but I do know this, I told God "yes" a couple of years ago when I stopped teaching my High School girls class and decided to begin to prepare to step into ministry. I didn't understand what "prepare" was going to entail. I thought I was going to take classes at the seminary and get certified in Women's Ministry which is the only thing available in my particular case without starting all over. (Which I might do, you never know.) I didn't know the journey would be so, well, hard. If you read this blog, you got to share much of it with me. The good the bad, the ugly...the crazy, the cult and the Easter Circus ((shudder.))

I'm super excited for this new chapter. I've already had so much support and I see God's hand at work. I hope we grow a ministry that is God focused. I don't know why He chooses to use me. He knows I'm going to mess up big time at some point but I also know those are His favorite kind of people. Imperfect. Messy. Willing. Hungry.

At the same time I'm astounded at my prayers that are being answered and the benefit they bring for my church. God is doing amazing things at Pin Oaks. If you don't have a church home, I'd love for you to join us. For a small glimpse at some of those answered prayers, read this from August of 2008. It wasn't ever re-edited and fairly poorly written, but some of you will get the gist. That dream church team isn't such a dream these days. There have been some substitutions but they are great substitutions! We are truly blessed.
Dream Church Team

Wondering about the Easter Circus? That was part of a rant-y rant a few years ago. Got myself all worked up over that one. Easter Circus

Getting the itch

2011-01-04T23:25:00.002-06:00

I've been on a ministry hiatus of sorts. It's been a nice time of healing. Much needed. But recently, I've really been missing my ministry. I've been praying that God would lead me and either let me know how to proceed with figuring out how to scratch that itch or take it away.

Yesterday, I received a call from a precious lady from church who wanted to get some of her friends together to do a small Bible Study and wanted to know if I could help get them started. Well that's like wagging Drano in front of a meth head. I couldn't get in the car fast enough! What a blessing to meet with those ladies. A group of women, who..on their own...decided to study God's Word. Who ever heard of that!!??!! Not me, well not in a long time. Just being in the room with them humbled me and blessed my heart.

So as I'm moving forward with what I believe God has called me to do, it's different for me than it has been in the past. In the (sort of recent)past, I've been condemned, judged and found wanting by people who didn't even know me and it's given me a case of ministerial "yips." So I'm asking those of you who read this blog to pray for me as I try to figure out where God is leading and how to best follow Him.

The itch is growing and it''s not going away. Sweet!

Is it too much to ask? Why yes...yes it is!

2010-11-09T08:10:00.014-06:00

I wish businesses would decide to operate on my schedule. Who do I speak to to make this happen? My day has already been frustrating a little bit because I can't get the rest of the world to bend to my will.

I needed to take the dog to the groomer this morning...they won't work on my schedule, they require Copper be there by 8, whether I have tired head or not. So I drag myself out of bed at a positively unhealthy and ungodly 7 am. I'm a night person so that means I'm going to be cranky today. Because while more sensible people would go to bed at a reasonable hour, let's be honest, I'm not that girl. That's the privilege of my pretty, pretty, princess life. I get to set my own schedule. Usually. I also needed to get the oil changed. No problem, I say to myself, they're in the same parking lot as the vet. This will be cake. Not so much. They don't open until 8am and I was there at 7:45 watching them enjoy life, laugh, smoke ciggys, tell jokes and ignore me. UGH! They asked me to leave and come back in 15 minutes. I chose to come home and blog a bit instead. Oil still hasn't been changed so I have to go back.

SO this is how I would like to propose my day go when we have to do this dance again, but first let me introduce you to the cast of characters:(I've interspersed some of their real characteristics which you will notice disappear once we get into the ideal day...lest you get confused.)

Manny, Moe or Jack: Interchangeable tattooed up, chain smoking, can't be flirted into a discount, oil change persons from here on out to be referred to as "MMJ."

JenniferJessicaTiffanyHeatherWeHateHer: Ultra perky, cute, skinny, better hi-lights than me, vet tech who loves my doggies, takes evil delight in telling me what all is "due," shotwise that I was unaware of,
and adding an extra $100 to my bill, but is ambivalent about my night person-age. From here on out to be referred to as "JJTHWHH" Nah, let's go with just "WHH."

Skippy or Scooter or Chipper: Interchangeable imaginary grocery boy who is almost certainly of Greek descent and "Stamos-ish" and will insert himself into my day as needed to bring my groceries over to the vet/oil change place so I don't have to get out and trouble my pretty little head with such a trivial thing as groceries, which are already my sworn and mortal enemy. Groceries come with implied work. Except Little Debbie, who we love/hate...but I digress. We love "SSC."

SO, this is how things SHOULD work:

Me: ring, ring. (I'm calling to make an appointment. It would be absurd to expect them to read my mind and just "know" wouldn't it? I'm almost sure it would.)
WHH: Hello, Your Highness. We've been looking forward to your call. When would you like to bring in your sweet doggy at our expense? Can we book you a complimentary day at the day spa down the road? We'd love to treat you just for the privilege of doing business with you.
Me: Well, I'm a little sleepy so I'd like to roll in "around" 10am-ish but I'm going to be really lazy today and it will probably be 10 pm before I remember to pick up my precious angel doggy. I'd prefer to skip the spa. Too much touching (another story for another day.)Will you please come over and pick him up from me at the oil change place?
WHH: My pleasure!
Me: Kthanksbye!

WHH calls over to oil chage place.
WHH: Hey MMJ, Queen Donna will be rolling in there "around" 10-ish. Please be sure you've moved all of your other customers out and extinguished your cigarettes in advance so we don't have a repeat of the "asthma incident." Flash the light twice when she gets there and I'll personally skip on over and get precious Copper so she doesn't ever have to exit her vehicle. Please notify the other interchangeable ones that this is not an appropriate time for a break.
MMJ: You betcha! We live for visits from the Queen. I'll call up SSC and have him get the grocery list and run it on over when she gets here.
WHH: We're a well oiled machine! Thank you MMJ. Kthanksbye!

MMJ calls over to down the road grocery store.
MMJ: Hey, SSC. The Queen is going to bless us with a visit in the morning-ish. Will you check with her to see if there is anything they need over at Casa Lawson. Have it ready and bring it over "around" 10.
SCC: Sure thing, MMJ.
MMJ: Kthanksbye.

SSC send me a text that says:
"Your highness,it would be my pleasure to deliver whatever you need from my grocery store while you are having the oil changed. It would make my day if you would allow it to be our gift to you. No charge and we're going to set you up an a weekly Dr. Pepper home delivery service."
Me: Thanks!!

Now, I know this SEEMS to be a lot to ask, but I can dream, can't I? Isn't this what my congressperson is supposed to do for me? Let's make it happen!

*Crazy use of run-on "sentences" intentional.

Also, it should go without saying, but I'm putting MMJ ON NOTICE for not working me in before they opened. If I'm there and they are there, clock it in and let's get it done. Just saying.

I've included a gratuitous picture of Copper who is an actual maniacle-evil genius dog, but is also too cute for color tv! Also, yes, he did drag his blue bed onto the top of Teddy, the giant Beagle dog's bed claiming ownership of both. Seriously. What a diva!

Sports...Church...Sports...WHY?

2010-10-20T00:32:00.011-05:00

My poor blog! It must be wondering where I've gone. Well I'm here. Like Winnie-the Pooh, I've just been thinking in my thinking spot. I asked on my Twitter page for some ideas because I was plum out of ideas and got a few good suggestions. The first one is probably not going to go the way you're expecting, but what can I say...it's what's on my heart.

The idea was to write about fanatical sports parents. I'm sure it was to put my usual sarcastic/humorous/ tell-it-like-it-is spin on it....but I can't. I'm sure you'll understand why by the end. I'm going to preach instead. (Yeah...what's new?) Besides parents know if they are behaving badly. They're ON NOTICE!! You can tell them I said so.

*Disclaimer: I'm using the example of sports below, but it is just the word I'm using for anything that interferes with the time you would spend at Church and with your Church family or your time with Christ.*

I noticed a trend when I used to teach in Children's ministries at church and it was even more pronounced when I worked in youth. The trend? Sporting events were being held during the times that used to be reserved for families to attend church. Back in my day, Wednesday evenings and Sundays in entirety were off limits. But not anymore. So attendance at church was dependent on sports. I didn't understand because I have different rules here at Casa Lawson. My children played sports for a while, soccer and softball, and Ashley went to Nationals for Tumble & Trampoline but we wouldn't put either a game or a practice in front of church. I just wouldn't budge and it was respected every time and many parents thanked me for having that boundary so they didn't have to worry about making tough decisions.

In my Bible Study classes it was a topic that was often discussed and moms would tell me that the kids wouldn't always get to play sports, but they would always be able to go to Church. God would still be there, right? Besides...little Joey/Judy/ is a natural and wayyy more talented than your average bear and is going to go pro for sure and at the minimum is going to get a fabulous scholarship. Boy am I old fashioned. They felt they had taught their kids to love Jesus and that love wasn't dependent on Church attendance. True. I give them that. I would give them some scripture :"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:25 * Crickets. Nothing! No one got it. So eventually I let it go. I try not to judge and I'm not raising their kids. It's really not my business, I told myself. I regret it. (Side note: Ashley got a fabulous scholarship. Not for her fabulous athletic talent, but for being a ...SCHOLAR. That's right. She did most of her homework. Just saying.)

Now if asked that same question, I would still go back to the Word, but I would also tell this story. This is not one Mom or one child, but I assure you it is a compilation of several conversations I've had with several moms who I believe would share this with you if they could. Like a novelist sometimes does, I'm molding them into one "character" for the sake of anonymity and timeliness. I wouldn't dare tell their private stories, they aren't mine to tell but I will share a bit of what haunts them with you. Let's call her, "Jane."

What is haunting Jane? The loss of a child. By the child's own hand. You understand what I'm saying. The worst thing you can imagine, these moms have walked through and come out on the other side, broken, scarred, wounded, changed and they are ferocious survivors but with a few regrets. Of course Jane is in no way to blame. Jane and Joe loved this child passionately and gave her everything. They gave the child boundaries and rules and chores and gifts and family and everything else a child needs. They took the child to church until sports or some other hobby/passion intervened. Then it always seemed there would be time later. This was not a child lacking for anything. Did people miss some clues? Probably but that isn't relevant to the story. What is relevant is this? Ask yourself: Who are the closest people to you child? Who are the most influential people in your child's life? What is your child learning is the most important thing in life TO YOU? If your child is struggling, who will he/she go to? Will they give godly advice or the advice of the world? Will they call you or decide to follow a child's wishes? Do they love your child like Jesus? Does your child have Christian friends? Be honest...are they really Christians or just say they are?

Almost without exception, Jane's kiddo was surrounded with people with the same interests into the same stuff, but not Christian friends. They were very serious about getting recruited and getting scholarships and going faster and pushing harder and being the best until the child cracked under whatever pressures children crack under breaking wide open the hearts of those who love them. I'm sure there were many other pressures and the sport or hobby in and of itself isn't to blame at all. The above questions though shine a light.

Could the child talk to a Christian Mom or friend, how about a Pastor or Youth Minister? Was there a previous relationship that would make the child feel safe and welcome to have such a conversation? Would they have understood what was going on? During my tenure working with youth girls, I can think of at least 5 who came to me with suicidal issues. The first one took me off guard so I passed it on to the youth minister and hoped he would handle it. He didn't, but the child took my advice and talked to her mom. After that, I have a no tolerance policy. I'll go with you, but we're going to talk to your parents and we're going to be sure they understand. Jane still loses sleep and she's wracked with questions she won't get answers to on this side of Heaven. Her heart will never be whole. Her family will never be complete again and she is left with a question in her heart that she dares not utter, "Did my child ever really truly know Jesus. Did she really put her faith in Him?" Because she can't remember the last time the child mentioned Jesus. She can't remember the last time they made that simple thing we call Church a priority. They meant to. They had good intentions.

If you don't have a Church home, I'd love to invite you to mine. One of the most important things to us (aside from doctrinal issues of course...you know me) was to be sure our child was loved and could be comfortable with the leadership as well as make sure there were other parents who would love my child and give him GODLY advice should he need it. If he's in a crisis, I know his youth minister will be there for him at 3:30 am if he doesn't feel he can call on me. I know his pastor would do the same. His friends aren't all Christian but his best friends are and if something is amiss, I know their parents are watching out for him and I'm doing the same for them. We aren't playing! I'd rather be wrong and hated than keep my mouth shut and lose one more child. I hope I articulated this well. I hope you can see how such a simple thing can have such eternal consequences. The fact that God said it should be enough for us but let's be honest. Sometimes we need a reminder of why He said some of the things He said.

Please don't think I'm holding either myself or my children up an an example of perfection. I'll have to tell the truth and shame the Devil...we're far from it! I only used our rules because they're the ones I'm familiar with. I'd love to hear your feedback. Do you agree or disagree? Do you also have a story to tell?

Let's share

2010-07-21T15:32:00.001-05:00

New "share" button, so feel free to browse the archives and "share." If you "share" a poorly written one, just say it was written by "anonymous." :-)

Don't want to even smell of smoke

2010-03-26T02:18:00.028-05:00

A few years ago, I had the privilege of leading a group of women in Beth Moore's study "Daniel." I never imagined that years later one of her lessons plus some words to a young preacher from the Word would speak very personally to my life. I'm going to share a teeny bit of my real life with the hopes it speaks to you. I hope that if you are at the bottom you can know that there have been many on the path before you and we've made it, in Christ. Praise Jesus! I entered 2008 with a life-long, genuine, mature faith. I'm walking in 2010 with a refined faith. Refining is hard, no joke, but I believe it's better.

I have an unreasonable love for God's Church. I say unreasonable, not because we shouldn't love the Church, but because I've seen so many things happen there that I've often wondered why that love hasn't faded. I realized a long time ago that this love is a gift from God to help equip me for my calling. I felt sincerely called to minister to women particularly in the Church, but of course anywhere else needed. In 2008, I purposed to set about building my "ministry resume" in preparation to enter into a volunteer ministry position whenever He said, "now!" Even with all that I've walked through, I am so much more sure of His love for us.

I've had a mostly blessed life. There have been tragedies but I have always looked at them through my God colored glasses and with my sense of humor. In the past, even in the roughest times, I knew that God was going to work it all out for good. He made the promise in Romans 8:28. "For we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Cool. That's me. Then a series of events happened that would challenge my faith. I used to joke and say that if Satan wasn't messing with me I must not be accomplishing much for the kingdom. I won't say that lightly ever again.

This time last year, I found myself in a place where, for the first time in my life, I felt useless to the Kingdom and well...just generally useless. I was in a church that had no need for my gifts. I was supposed to be building my "ministry resume" and I found instead that I simply didn't fit. It was hard on my self-esteem but I told myself God was working and I pushed it to the bottom of my heart and told myself to get over my little hurt feelings. It's good to learn to be a follower and learn from other people so I set about to do just that. Then summer rolled around and tragedy struck, and struck, and struck and kept on striking. I felt as though the rug had been jerked out from under me. Most of these things that happened were personal , many were things that happened to other people and I was collateral damage, but a few Church related. I won't get into specifics, because I can't think how it would lift up the name of Jesus. I couldn't walk into a church without bursting into tears...big problem. If you know me, you know I don't cry in public. Ever. Didn't even know it was possible. I couldn't go anywhere, couldn't do anything, couldn't read my Bible and my prayers were all yell-y. (Serious, I wondered if God was going to smite me just to SHUT ME UP!) I needed help, and because of the circumstances, I had almost nowhere to turn. What I did have was a Comforter sent to me by my God, who promised never to leave me nor forsake me. That's no small thing.

I've always taught people that it's OK to be angry with God as long as you are moving toward Him. I yelled, screamed, blamed, cried, threw stuff and every tantrum an adult can throw, I threw it at God. I never for one minute doubted His love for me, but I didn't like Him at all. I felt like a runaway three year old. He has always been "home base" for me. I've never had to know how to get "home", He's always been there. So like that three year old, when I found myself "lost," I didn't know how to get home because I'd never left before. I'd never wrestled with the God who let bad things happen to those He loves passionately. Intellectually, I understood it. It's not all about me. I get my one piece of the puzzle, but I can't see the whole picture. Suddenly, I was wrestling with some big things. Here are just a few of the things I wrestled with: How can I love and serve a God who...
1) Lets Christians forget they are people and He is God
2) Lets children harm themselves
3) Let children be harmed
4) Lets heinous people into heaven if they repent ..and the big one
5)How can I love and serve a God who would die for murders and pedophiles and evil people and love them as He loves me??? I wasn't sure I cared to share Heaven with "those people."

One day, I looked over and saw "Old Faithful." (My main Bible.) It hadn't been cracked in months. So I opened it and set about reading the love letter written to me from my Father. I won't lie and tell you rainbows popped up over my head, birds sat on my shoulders to sing, small woodland creatures made me a new knock-off couture wardrobe and the world suddenly made sense... but after a lifetime of studying the Word, it was a healing balm. I was reminded that He will NEVER leave me nor forsake me, that if someone touches me they have touched the apple of His eye, that He knows His plans for me and they are for my good and not my harm. It reminded me that Paul had a thorn in his side that was never removed, that Jesus mourns when bad things happen to us and He is always near. I was reminded that the Book Of Job was there for a reason and even when it seemed he was deserted, he wasn't. Then I was reminded of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Here's where it gets good!

They were tossed into a literal fire and didn't burn! Not only that, but SOMEONE was in that fire with them hanging out and walking around. They told Nebuchadnezzar before he tossed them in, "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and He will rescue us from your hand, O King. BUT EVEN IF HE DOES NOT, we want you to know, O King, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." (Daniel 3:17-18) To his face! I determined that this was going to be me. I could fall down, crack and be broken by the gods of this world, or I could trust God to somehow deliver me. I decided to trust that my bonds would be burned, but only those things that were bondage and nothing else! He would be there hanging out with me too. I decided to trust Him to deliver me. He loves me as much as he loved them. How fab is that?

Here's how Beth describes the situation. We're all going to the furnace at some point in our lives, be it tragedy, trials or illness, and as Christians, we will be delivered. There are 3 possible ways we can be delivered.

1) We can be delivered FROM the fire. Meaning God just drives our bus around the whole thing and we never have to be in it. This is often how I'm delivered, but not this time. That ship had sailed.
2) We can be delivered BY the fire. Meaning it may literally take our earthly life and put us face to face with the Father. There were days I thought this might be the one, but it was not to be.
3) We can be delivered THROUGH the fire. Meaning, we will go into the fire, but we will come out the other side. HE will be there with us. This is where I am. Praise Jesus.

Here's my favorite part of the Shadrach & friends story. Neb sees them walking around in there and yells at them to come out. Their restraints had been burned off, but their clothes were not burned, nor a single hair on either of their heads singed. And here's the good part..."There was no smell of fire on them!!!" (Daniel 3:26-27.)

Praise Jesus for the fire. Fire refines. It purifies and allows things to be shaped. It is my sincere prayer that from now on, I don't even smell a teeny bit like smoke. I hope I smell like the refreshing fragrance of Jesus...with a little Oscar De La Renta tossed on top.

After everything, I can say that "I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I've committed unto Him against that day." I leave you with these verses from 2 Timothy. I almost made them a whole separate post, but it all goes together. Old Testament and New...Old Donna and new, refined Donna. These verses are my living testimony right now. Today.
Maybe you should consider making them yours.
"So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or about me His prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God who has saved us and called us to a holy life-not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given us before the beginning of time, but has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who has destroyed death and brought life and immortality to life through the gospel. And of this gospel, I was appointed a herald, an apostle and a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day. 2 Timothy 8-12

That which came before

2010-03-03T15:03:00.006-06:00

I have been blessed with two truly amazing kids. Ashley is all about the here and now and is always stylish and current. Tyler has an interest in those things that came before him as well as things current. He knows more about 80s rock than I do and his whole personality gives off one of those "wise beyond his years" kind of vibe. Lately he's been wearing Terry's leather(y) jacket circa 1984 or so. It's old, tired, out of date looking and recently suffered a mortal wound (thank God.) I hate that jacket. I didn't like it back when it was being worn by Terry and it hasn't gotten cuter with age. However, it seems boys aren't concerned with cute. Tyler loves it because it belonged to Dad and Dad is the coolest, in his eyes. He's right.

Tyler and I have developed a habit of watching two shows on The History Channel, "Pawn Stars" and "American Pickers." They get some cool stuff in that pawn shop and the "pickers" find some cool stuff picking through other people's junk. One episode had the pickers finding an old leather jacket from the 40s or so in an old barn that was totally cool looking. I told Tyler, "Now, that's how you wear a leather jacket." So we decided to set about seeing if we could find a bomber jacket from the 40s. We found one from 1942 that looked like it had lived a good life and ordered it. It just came in the mail and it's totally cool. I'm not a fan of "used" clothing, but I've found myself day-dreaming a lot about that bomber jacket and 1942.

In November of 1941 my Daddy was born, in March of 1942 my Mom was born. The Greatest Generation was fighting WWII. Some areas of the country were still dealing with The Great Depression. My GRANDMOTHERS were 32 and 22. My 32 year old grandmother didn't marry until she was 29 and didn't have a baby until she was 32, which was almost scandalous. She was a firecracker her whole life and my very best friend.

I wonder about the previous owner of the jacket, T. Plier on Cecil Street. Who was he? Where did he wear his jacket? Was he a farmer, like much of my family? Did he work in a factory? Was he a poor man and this "steerhide jacket" a luxury or was he affluent? Maybe steerhide was affordable in 1942. Was he a cool woman who didn't care that it was a man's jacket? Did he fight to keep my son, who would eventually attain his jacket free? Was he a traveling preacher who took the Word of God to the rural areas of our great country? Was the "bomber" jacket ever worn to "bomb" something? Probably not, it wasn't military issue,but I am overwhelmed today by a sense of thankfulness for those who came before me and kept my country safe for me. Those who fought abroad and those who fought in Washington. Those who protected our borders and our constitution. Those who protected my right to worship and speak freely. I hope we don't blow it for those who are coming behind us. It's a great legacy we carry.

(The top picture is the jacket he liked. the picture on the left is Tyler's new, old jacket. Close, huh?)

Grace and Truth to You: A Word of Caution from the Prince of Preachers

2010-01-08T15:45:00.004-06:00

First, I added a picture...pretty proud of it. Second, I stole this from the blog of Wade Burleson...a Southern Baptist Calvinist Pastor. His blog is Grace and Truth to You: http://kerussocharis.blogspot.com.

A Word of Caution from the Prince of Preachers: "'Watch and pray, as a Christian church, each one of you as members of it, that we may not be allowed to flatter ourselves with a nominal increase, unless it be a real increase from God, for ‘what is the chaff to the wheat?’ Suppose the report should be that there are so many added to the church, but suppose that they are not added to the Lord now, nor found in Christ hereafter? We have done these people serious damage by, as it were, endorsing their pretensions to Christianity when they have no real claim to it. We may have helped their delusion, we may have rocked the cradle of delusive slumber into which they have fallen, and out of which they will never wake until they open their eyes in hell. ‘What is the chaff to the wheat?’ I wish that such a text as this would go whistling through some of the churches! I would like to hear of its being preached from every pulpit in London, and I would pray the Holy Spirit to apply it to the conscience of every hearer. Your admission into the church by infant sprinkling, or by confirmation, or by the right hand of fellowship, or by believers’ immersion, all go for nothing unless you have been admitted into union with Christ. Your sitting at the Lord’s table; coming often to holy communion; being found regularly occupying your place in public worship; joining in the solemn hymn; bending with others in earnest prayers—these things are all nothing, and less than nothing and mockery, unless your heart has been renewed. Unless you have the Spirit of Christ you are none of his. ‘Ye must be born again.’'

C.H. Spurgeon
January 17, 1867, Sermon No. 862"

On Notice BHO!!

2009-11-06T20:05:00.004-06:00

Dear BHO,
You're on notice...again. You know why. That speech was offensive.We needed a strong leader. We got Joey Tribiani giving a speech..."How YOU doing???" I would like to remind you that the Medal of Honor is a military award, while the Medal of Freedom is a civilian award. The shout out guy, who you called a Medal of Honor winner, was a Medal of Freedom winner. The award was given....wait for it, you're going to love this one BHO...BY YOU!

I am happy that you've warned us not to "jump to conclusions." I bet the police officer in the Gates scandal wished you knew that sentence a few months ago. I'll not jump to conclusions if you won't. Promise.

So once again, I must point out that Mr. Perfect did not write this post, just in case your administration has decided to hijack bloggers' free speech rights...If you're going to lock me up, you better get me a cute designer jumpsuit or I won't go nicely or quietly. Let's be honest, I don't go anywhere quietly.

Cant sleep.

2009-10-02T01:21:00.003-05:00

Today started out wonderfully. Then it went awry. I am not a fan of awry.

If you read my blog, you've noticed a turn in the tone. I used to be funny and my goal was simply to keep family and friends updated on the Lawson's and maybe make you smile. Then there came a time where I fell into a spiritual funk. I haven't tried to hide it from you or to be fake. I'm tired of fake happy Christians who never have a trouble, or sin, or hit a bump in the road. I LOVE real happy Christians. This last 8 months has been a very trying time in our lives. We've hit some bumps in the road, had to make some tough decisions and we've had to take a few stands. Mr.Perfect gets cranky when he has to take a stand. We've watched several dear friends have to deal with very difficult circumstances. YUK!

So I'm posting this and hoping you will hear my heart. I have many dear friends who are in pain. I have many dear friends who are broken and bleeding and are out of strength. I have many dear friends who are confused and disillusioned. There are also entire bodies of Christ bleeding and they don't know what to do. This is always true, but when it's close to home, it's a bit of a shock. You may very well be one of these precious loved ones. If you think it's you, you may very well be one of them.

So I'm posting this here and, believers, I'm asking you to lift up some godly people in prayer. We are people who desperately need peace, wisdom, and to know how to handle ungodly things in a godly manner. I love that God doesn't require us to know all the details to lift one another up. I won't go into details because I don't want to cause unnecessary hurt to the beautiful name of Christ and I hope someday to look back on this post and be unable to remember why I posted it.

You know I love to pray for you too. Feel free to leave your prayer requests here. This is not the time to discuss anything negative you feel about the Church, I have plenty of other posts where you can do that. This is not the time to bash Christians or anyone else for that manner. I'm just asking you from my heart to pray. I'm asking you to take on the pain of someone else for a brief while and bring it to the Father. Don't keep it, that wouldn't be helpful. We are the universal "Church" and I believe we are one body. We'd love to hear from you if you are praying with us. I'm growing weary.

*If you are wondering where's the funny, ranty Donna we love, go down to the earliest posts. They all need to be edited and rewritten but you might get a chuckle.*

Blatantly stolen from the imonk...

2009-09-04T15:22:00.002-05:00

Imonk posted this on his twitter. I've spent the last year and a half in this church. There's wisdom here.

"Churches that announce Satan hates them and God really likes everything they do = Humility Fail"

Second verse, same as the first

2009-08-26T20:53:00.003-05:00

I guess it's time to dust off the old "Rules for Church Visitation" and put them into play...again. I've always wondered how people could "church hop." Now I know. I honestly have no desire to step a toe into a church for a good long while. However, I'm going to do as I've always advised others and go...because The Word says to (kindof.) I'm hoping being obedient will bring back my spark and my fervor for the Lord and His Word.

Things that make you go hmmmmm

2009-08-22T18:02:00.002-05:00

I came across this quote today and it struck me. I thought I'd share it with you and see what you think:

"With or without religion, you would have good people doing good things and evil people doing evil things. But for good people to do evil things, that takes religion." - Steven Weinberg

Modern Day Prophets Part 2

2009-05-30T11:39:00.000-05:00

Prophet Sharing, Part Two
by Charles R. Swindoll
Romans 10:13-14
Are you what we might call a modern-day prophet, a tomorrow-thinker in a world of yesterday-dwellers? Or do you know somebody like that? Though often unpopular and unthanked, these people perform a vital role in society. They look at the future and issue precious warnings.
A legend dated around AD 89 states that the apostle John lost the first transcription of his apocalyptic vision. The account was preserved only by word of mouth, since the document was lost during the persecution of Domitian. In it a fifth horseman emerged. This rider actually led the other four, says the legend. You remember the other four: War, Pestilence, Famine, and Death. As the lead rider became nauseated by the deeds of his fellows, he pressed far ahead of them. He entered every village, every city, with a great cry and terrifying predictions. To the rulers of each place he warned of those who came hard behind him, and as proof, he showed them the blood on his own horse's hooves. Then, as always, he went on, for his urgency was great.
Behind him citizens fell into profound arguments. Some called him a liar. They said the blood was that of goats, not humans. Others considered him insane . . . and a few claimed he had not passed that way at all; they merely imagined him there. Theological, philosophical, and political debate abounded. In the end, no one said, "A prophet has been among us," so his warnings did not prevail. The four horsemen ultimately arrived, and as predicted, slew their three times tens of thousands.
Meanwhile, the legendary fifth horseman came to the outermost reaches of the earth and turned about, satisfied with his work. However, as he revisited one city after another---all now destroyed and desolate---he realized nothing he had said had made one bit of difference. Unrepentant, arrogant, indifferent, and disobedient, they had refused to act upon the truth they had been told. The legend concludes with the fifth horseman rejoining his companions. Together they slew all mankind and destroyed their cities.
And the identity of him who led? The name of him who warned, according to the legend?
Reality.

Excerpted from Come Before Winter and Share My Hope, Copyright © 1985, 1994 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc.

Modern Day Prophets

2009-05-29T15:05:00.002-05:00

I got this in my mailbox today from a dear friend who knows my spiritual gifting, personality and some of my struggles. This is a good read from Swindoll. It comes from his "Insight for Today" and I assume that I have permission to reprint it becasue he emails it out to lots of folks. Modern day Prophets are forth tellers as opposed to fore-tellers...not Old testament Prophets. If you're reading this blog, you know at least one here's a good little lesson:

May 29, 2009
Prophet Sharing, Part Oneby Charles R. Swindoll
Amos 3:7-8
Have you noticed? Some people have the uncanny ability to see so far into tomorrow, you feel like you're operating in the shadows of yesterday. While you and I are evaluating where we've been, those forward-thinking people are forever exploring where we're going. Instead of reacting, they're on the offense . . . probing, innovating, analyzing, and warning---always warning. While we search for ways to settle in and find comfort on our sofa-like surroundings, they are confronting the consequences of reality, facing the music before we even realize the prelude has begun.
Prophets, I suppose we could call them . . . seers who frown while others yawn . . . restless, troubled, contemplative souls. They're not unlike the characters in a thought-jabbing cartoon published years ago. The whole message is contained in a single frame as the figures of a man and a woman are falling upside down through space.
"Gertrude," says the man, "we can't go on living like this!"
Those who slumber in the sleepy, warm twilight of sundown, finding a great deal of security in the mediocrity and predictability of sameness, cannot bring themselves to see either potential danger or possible tragedy. But those who see their world adrift, moving all too rapidly toward a bleak and disastrous dawn, shout across the chasm of complacency, "We can't go on living like this!"
Perhaps they are not upside down after all. They just seem that way. Thinking ahead keeps them topsy-turvy in their heads. While chatty, laughing tourists are taking snapshots of the lowlands with rose-colored filters, those lean, tough-minded climbers have scaled the rugged peaks. It gives them a stark view of what's ahead. Tomorrow's storm keeps them from enjoying today's lull. They're hard to live with, sometimes impossible to understand.
Robert Greenleaf, in his classic book Servant Leadership, recalls a story which grew out of Beethoven's composition, the C# Minor Quartet, Opus 131. When first played in the composer's lifetime, it appeared to be unlike anything the master had ever written before. "Ludwig," a friend asked, "what has happened? We don't understand you anymore." It is reported that Beethoven, with a sigh, replied, "I have said all that I have to say to my contemporaries; now I am speaking to the future."
If you are one of those seers, a tomorrow-thinker in a world of yesterday-dwellers, take heart. Realize that you must be true to yourself. While you may not be applauded for your warnings, you will be rewarded for your efforts. Just be patient with those who lack your zest and zeal. Say your piece, make your contribution, shout, if you must . . . but keep in mind that prophets were seldom heeded, rarely thanked, and never popular.
We'll talk more about this topic tomorrow.

Excerpted from Come Before Winter and Share My Hope, Copyright © 1985, 1994 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc.

Dainty Hymnal Sniffing Live Christmas Tree Singer

2009-05-06T23:04:00.003-05:00

If you've taken one too many spiritual gifts inventories (SGI) and you don't feel the SGI makers understand you, I assure you this will be the last inventory you ever need. My shero, Stacy from Louisville has made the definitive guide and all you need to know are your initials.

http://stacyfromlouisville.blogspot.com/2009/05/stacy-from-louisville-get-off-your-duff.html

The above was my calling before I got married. Mr. Perfect says it just about sums me up. My married calling is: Dainty Casserole Burning Hymn Yodeler. I think this is perfect and I don't even have to do much work to get there. Just got to work on the "dainty" part. What? Stop laughing! I can too be dainty!

God has reminded me today....

2009-05-04T19:32:00.003-05:00

God has reminded me today that the same grace and forgiveness that I desire to receive from others when I fall or fail, I must offer to others when they fall or fail. None of us are perfect. We're sinners saved by grace. I never forget that I want to be given a lot of room for mistakes and I want a large learning curve. I often forget that others are plodding along also and require the same room for mistakes and need the same learning curve.
Why God chooses to use humans to accomplish His work is beyond me, but I'm grateful that he does. If I were Him, I'd be done with us and I would have gone on and let the rocks cry out.
I am thankful for forgiveness. I'm thankful for imperfect men in scripture like Peter, Paul and David. I know God loved them, forgave them and used them mightily. I hope to be used of God in some small way to make a difference here on Earth. I find that the more I learn, the less I know.

In the interest of the grace and forgiveness message of this post, I'm not going to put any person on notice. However, the world press is not a person. So, I'm putting the hysterical press of the entire world ON NOTICE for attempting to create a world panic over the Swine Flu (H1N1 virus) causing unnecessary worries. The flu is dangerous and this appears to be no more dangerous than the generic flu... but I forgive you. Now stop it.

Church discipline...Oh my!

2009-04-20T16:52:00.006-05:00

Church discipline has always been an interesting idea for me. Churches used to be very serious about it. I remember the first time I read about the punishment stool used for members under discipline. I thought, "I'm not showing up to church to sit on the naughty stool and wear a dunce hat or whatever...who does that???"

I know several people who've been disciplined by their modern church. In every instance they've been tossed out of their church without any of the Matthew 18 protocol attempted. They've all been guilty of the same offense, disagreeing with their Pastor. In every instance I have personal knowledge of, the Pastor just punted them. There was never a chance of reconciliation. I have personally disagreed with my Pastors several times over the years. I've always tried to be very respectful to the person who is my spiritual leader. On at least one occasion I failed, and was shown love and mercy...not a punt. So while, I totally understand biblical discipline, I haven't seen it well done. I think for the most part, it is not done...especially not for biblical reasons.

This new series of posts being done by the iMonk should be interesting. I don't know where he's going with it, but I'm interested and I thought you might be too.

http://www.internetmonk.com/archive/where-is-church-discipline-when-you-need-it-part-1-a-better-approach

Rants...Easter Circus...rant...regenerate membership

2009-04-16T00:19:00.012-05:00

You know I've been concerned about the state of the church for a long time. I've written about it very vaguely and not specifically because there are a lot of places you can read about statistics and churchy stuff and if you look at what is happening to some of our denominations, you might be surprised. I don't get into theology and doctrine here because there are so many others out there doing a great job of it. Trust me, while I love this stuff, I'm not qualified to be a "theology" blogger. I'm a "question-asking-tell-it-like-it-is, strong-warrior-woman, stream-of-consciousness-blogger for Jesus." I don't think this makes me worthless to the kingdom. I am about as conservative in my understanding on women in ministry as you can get, or so I thought. More on that a little later.

***Note: I'm going to talk to the church here. If you're not a member of "the body" I'm going to politely ask you to close your eyes and hit the X . Thank you. I'm talking about the "SBC church universal" not necessarily my local church, so if you are reading this and getting huffy, ask yourself if your local body could be a bit guilty. The SBC is all I know, so I can only speak on it and not other denominations. Some of them go too far the other way. There is also much more good than bad, I believe, but this isn't a post about the good. But I defend them, ask anyone.***

Mr.Perfect is constantly telling me that just because I have something to say doesn't mean anyone wants to hear it. He's right 99.3% of the time (the other .7% is when he disagrees with me.) So I've been making a concerted effort to keep the majority of my concerns to myself. I think this is giving me an ulcer, and making me cranky and frowny. I never know who reads this so I have in the past been very careful what I say so as not to offend anyone. If you know me well, you know that offending people is one of my spiritual gifts (I'm kidding, don't get offended.) It is never my intention to offend anyone but sometimes being "plain-spoken" is offensive. I think being purposely offensive and mean is wrong. So I am truly not trying to offend you but I think the following needs to be said. I was hoping someone else would say it for me, but it looks like it's gonna be me. (Of course.)

CHURCH, FOR REALS? WAKE UP!

1) We seem to be mostly concerned with how many butts are in the seats and on the rolls. The Southern Baptist Church (my people) are very proud that they are a body of churches with a regenerate membership, yet many of those believers can't be found. We keep them on the rolls forever, whether we've seen them in 20 years or not. Some of them we see the day we dunk 'em and not again until we plant 'em. This keeps our numbers up. Does Jesus care if we are the largest denomination? We like to make mega-churches that are full of pastor worshipping people. Because some of our churches are personality driven, not Word driven, we can have a dunk 'em and ditch 'em mentality. The thought at those churches is that there is no need for discipleship other than the preaching because a) only the pastor can be trusted to know the Word well enough to teach it and b) we can't ask people to give their time to come to church and learn the Word, they are too busy these days. I call foul!

2) We call ourselves New Testament churches. The New Testament church (correct me if I'm wrong) was a church of believers. It was a tough time for believers, but the church (body not fabulous building) was their home. We've become more concerned with being sure that the unbeliever is at home and comfortable in our buildings than making a home of any kind for believers. The unbeliever should always be welcome (not in leadership...I can't believe I have to mention that) but never comfortable! If I hear one more time that the church is "a haven (or hospital) for sinners NOT a home for saints" my head just might explode!!

3) The Holy Spirit doesn't need us to throw a circus for Him to be able to do His job. Did your church have a (figurative) circus for Easter? Did you hire (figurative) clowns and(figurative) tight rope walkers to come? Did you have the Easter bunny come out and hide eggs so that the "lost" will come and bring their children... so then you can sneak up behind them with a pool of water and dunk em? OK, admittedly that's a little extreme. But how far is too far? Is paying $100 to the church member who brings the most visitors going too far? Is giving a gift to everyone who comes to your church going to far? Is paying people $10 per hour to attend your church going too far? I wonder how churches survived before they discovered the "seeker" model?

4) Women are precious to Jesus. They seem to be less precious as leaders to the SBC. I don't believe women should be pastors. I feel the Word is clear about that. I struggled with having a woman as worship leader and one of my dearest friends is one...kind of. Because she's in a SBC church, she does all the work of a worship leader. She has more musical talent than the rest of her church all combined, but she isn't allowed to be called staff or even have the title "Worship Leader." Her ministry has no input when plans are being shaped. She has a whole lot of responsibility but no authority. Men in her position are staff.

5) No one ministers to women like another woman. I believe that it is a very specific and God-called ministry. In the past 14 years this is where I spent the majority of my time. I've noticed a trend. If you feel God has called you to be a Women's Ministry Leader and your husband is not in ministry you will likely have a hard time. I suppose God only calls people to ministry in pairs. I've witnessed this several times now personally and so I did a little research. There is a feeling among some Pastors that only women who have a "quiet and gentle spirit" are fit to serve. I wonder if this is because if you're a meek and mild mouse you will just do as told and not make any waves or ask any questions? If you are a "question-asking-tell-it-like-it-is, strong-warrior woman for Jesus" you may be feeling like a heathen headed for hell because of your personality. This has been true for me, but it's also true for many others. Jesus sure seemed to have a different attitude toward women than many churches.

I have more to say, but this seems like a good stopping point. If you're offended, please leave me a comment and give me some insight. I'd love to have some understanding of the "why" or some scriptural backup for any of it. I'm that cranky old man and I'm tired of all this junk on my lawn! And, reluctantly, because of all this and the fact that being frowny makes wrinkles, I must put my beloved SBC ON NOTICE! (I'm sure other denominations are on notice too, but I don't have first hand knowledge and this was family business.)

Is America a Christian Nation?

2009-04-06T17:45:00.004-05:00

I'm asking the question because it's in the news today. Our President (who's ON NOTICE with me, you might remember) is in Turkey, a Muslim nation, telling them that we are NOT a Christian Nation. " And I've said before that one of the great strengths of the United States is -- although as I mentioned, we have a very large Christian population, we do not consider ourselves a Christian nation or a Jewish nation or a Muslim nation; we consider ourselves a nation of citizens who are bound by ideals and a set of values."
http://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2009/04/obama_and_president_gul_of_tur.html

This quote is from a Newsweek article that came out Saturday
"It was a small detail, a point of comparison buried in the fifth paragraph on the 17th page of a 24-page summary of the 2009 American Religious Identification Survey. But as —president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, one of the largest on earth—read over the document after its release in March, he was struck by a single sentence. For a believer like Mohler—a starched, unflinchingly conservative Christian, steeped in the theology of his particular province of the faith, devoted to producing ministers who will preach the inerrancy of the Bible and the Gospel of as the only means to eternal life—the central news of the survey was troubling enough: the number of Americans who claim no religious affiliation has nearly doubled since 1990, rising from 8 to 15 percent. Then came the point he could not get out of his mind: while the unaffiliated have historically been concentrated in the Pacific Northwest, the report said, "this pattern has now changed, and the Northeast emerged in 2008 as the new stronghold of the religiously unidentified." As Mohler saw it, the historic foundation of America's religious culture was cracking." http://www.newsweek.com/id/192583

I believe that we are a country founded on Judeo-Christian principles. I believe we have been in the past and are now a Christian Nation. I believe that we need to do all we can to hold on to that before we are just a country who used to be a Christian nation before we became "enlightened." This does not mean I believe we should be a theocracy. Evangelism, anyone? What do you think?

Inspiration Network "inspires" you to make them rich!

2009-04-06T16:00:00.004-05:00

If you are still on the fence about the "Prosperity Gospel," here's a news piece on the "Inspiration Network." It's 6 minutes 45 seconds long and worth a watch.
http://www.wcnc.com/video/?nvid=308987&shu=1 Shouldn't these people be spending their time in False Teachers Anonymous? Somebody is not listening to the Queen of Nonsense!

Also, here's a blog post by Wade Burleson. He's a Southern Baptist Pastor who differs with me on several things, but we agree on many too. Here's his post calling on Southern Baptists to be careful where they broadcast their services and to ask for financial accountability from those with whom they do "business." Well, it sorta says that, I just put the Donna "no bull" spin on how he said it.
http://kerussocharis.blogspot.com/2009/04/seed-faith-giving-makes-some-people.html

As far as I know there is no television station that has truly Christian values. I'd love to hear about one if you know of one. Until then, all "Christian" stations stay blocked in Casa Lawson.

Repost: God says leave and cleave!!! Today's Nonsense winner is...

2009-03-30T20:57:00.006-05:00

****Back in September, my friend Dalia asked me to write out her story as a warning to everyone. I did and she was able to remedy the situation once she saw it in print. Now, I''m re posting it because she is in need of a reminder and I thought it might be a good reminder for us all. ****

Dalia! So before you get all over me for spreading my friends business all over the entire www, she asked me to tell her story. Let this serve as a warning for all of you parents, soon to be parents, and grandparents. If you have babies or toddlers, I know they are cute now, but start setting those boundaries today. This could be you in a few years. Our Bible passage of the day comes from Genesis 2: 24. "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh."(NIV) In the King James it says, "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh." In other words, LEAVE AND CLEAVE! You can't learn to cleave if you won't leave. Why would you ever need to learn to weather the storms of life together if there are never any storms?

As you know, I can be just a teeny bit bossy. If I know that you are breaking the law, I will turn you in. Then I will visit you in jail...maybe. As a rule, I don't put up with nonsense, except for my own...even if I am the Queen of Nonsense. People generally don't call me if they are doing something foolish and ask me what I think, because if you ask me...I will tell you. My friend Dalia can't seem to learn this, so occasionally she calls me in the middle of her foolishness. Now you need to understand that God only made a few hearts like Dalia's. She is one of the sweetest, most beautiful people I have ever met. She reminds me a lot of my Mom. She is a loyal friend and I believe she loves Jesus with all her heart. She is also a doormat. A beautiful doormat, but a doormat nonetheless.

Dalia is the Mommy to 3 grown sons. I use the word "Mommy," because she still babies them all. I have seen her leave an adult party to drive home and cook them a meal from scratch because they called and told her to. THEY WERE IN HIGH SCHOOL, AND ALL HAD DRIVER'S LICENSES, JOBS AND CARS! They are now all adults. The youngest two still live at home, but one goes to college and they both have jobs.

The oldest one recently married and inherited an instant family. He lived at home until he got married. He has his own home now, but apparently, even so, they keep temporarily moving into Dalia's house without asking. She would rather be liked than happy, so she is letting them just live in her house. She is cooking for them, watching their kids and not asking one thing in return. She hasn't asked them why they are there because she doesn't want her son mad at her. She also won't tell them to leave. AAAGGGHHHH!!!I remember telling my Daddy I was mad at him one time. He was unconcerned with whether I was angry or not. He didn't stop to worry that I might not like him. He told me that I could "get glad in the same pants I got mad in." That is country speak for, "Watch your mouth. I don't care if you are mad. Get over it."

When Ashley was a baby I developed my parenting "mission statement." I didn't call it that, but I have quoted it enough over the years that both kids know it by heart. Mr. Perfect and I have set this standard, and I think it has worked. It goes like this: "It is not my job to be your friend. It is my God-given job and responsibility to be your parent. You will grow up to be a God-fearing, law-abiding, tax paying citizen of Earth. You may choose only whether you do it the easy way or the hard way. Either way, I'll go with you. I'm up to it. I love you!"

One of the things I first loved about Mr.Perfect is that he treated his mother like a queen. I wanted to be a queen, and I knew that he knew how to treat a woman because I witnessed it in them. They both think the other is perfect. She loves to spoil him and do special nice things for him. He loves to do nice things for her. It makes them both all happy inside. However, it is a treat and not an every day occurrence. He would never, ever take advantage of his mother. To him, she is a gift from God and should be revered as such. He would put her on the throne and meet her every need before she thinks of it, if he had the means. She would do the same for him, but she knows solving all his problems would keep him from being independent. I love their relationship. She is available for him any time he needs her, but she never meddles or butts in. They are an example I think everyone should follow.

Here is the Rant of the Day: It is not loving or kind to your children to set no boundaries and to let them just run all over you. It is not loving to never cut the cord when they are adults. It is not loving to allow adult children to take advantage of your kindness. It is not loving to allow your son to teach your grand babies to run all over you. It is not kind to allow your Grandsons to grow up thinking women are nothing more than their servants. It is not loving to "baby" your adult children and meet their every need before they have a chance to be independent and work things out on their own. It is not loving to let your adult offspring be children! It is abusive and a strong godly woman will not allow herself to be treated in such a manner by anyone, much less her son. She is setting an example and she will not want her daughter in law to be treated this way. Your adult children cannot learn how to have a successful marriage if they have a "mommy" in the middle.

So, obviously I had to put Dalia ON NOTICE! She is a fearfully and wonderfully made woman of God who needs to grow a backbone. She wants you all to comment and give her some ideas as to how to get her son and his family out of the house. (OK, she thought you would all tell her how sorry you felt for her, but I told her this audience would probably not come to the pity party.)

Here is my suggestion: On a large fluorescent pink poster board, write the following in large letters and attach it to your front door. Then there can be no confusion.

HOUSE RULES FOR ADULT CHILD WITH HIS OWN APARTMENT:
1) Love you. Mean it!
2) GO HOME NOW.
3) Call next time before you VISIT.
4) GO Home NOW! You should have left before you got to this line. Now GO!!!

Dear President Obama,

2009-03-11T15:43:00.003-05:00

Dear President Obama,
You are forcing me to spend time considering civil disobedience. I love America, Mr. President, and I love that we have freedom of EVERYTHING! The fact that I can sit down and write this is just one freedom I'm grateful for. I didn't vote for you, Mr. President. I don't expect you to be my biggest fan. However, as a God-fearing, law-abiding, tax-paying, rule-following citizen, I must take you to task. There are MANY places where I have issue with your political decisions, but today I am going to focus on the sanctity of life.

I knew you were the most radically liberal, pro-death candidate that we have ever seen. I tried to warn my friends, Mr. President, but some of them told me I was wrong. I, myself am as radically pro-life as you are pro-death. I believe life begins at conception in EVERY case. I believe we should protect every life. Old life, deformed life, unwanted life and inconvenient life. Every life is precious to the One who created it and He alone has the power over it. I am even pro life in my belief that supporting capital punishment is supporting life. You, Mr. President, know the reasons and I don't need to explain them.

I have refused to be a member of a Baptist General Convention of Texas church because their abortion stance was that they believed abortion is wrong except in cases where there is rape, incest or where the health of the mother is a consideration. In those cases they believe that abortion may be the lesser of two evils. (I guess that would make the baby the other evil .) They have recently gotten bolder in their pro-abortion statements and are getting pretty radical themselves. (They've been "ON NOTICE" for the last 9 years with me.) I know that those are babies!

Now you have made two executive orders that are causing my tax dollars to not only end life in OTHER countries, but to create life with the PURPOSE of ending it. Did you consider the lives of those babies while you were signing those orders? Did you feel their heartbeats with every stroke of your presidential pen? Did you even study the science on adult, placental and cord stem cells? You have turned my country into a country that now values death! Shame on you, Mr. President.
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/International/story?id=6716958&page=1
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/10/us/politics/10stem.html

So, I would like to respectfully request (demand!) that since our taxes for last year are already paid, that you not spend ONE PENNY of my money either creating a baby to be killed or killing babies. We are in a financial "situation" here in this country, in case you haven't heard, Mr. President. Why are we spending money overseas to kill babies? Foolishness. Foolishness.

Unfortunately, I can't ask you to check in at "False Teachers Anonymous," Mr. President, because you are proving to be exactly what you advertised yourself to be. Oh, and yes, this letter is much less "strongly worded" than I really wanted to make it. Mr. Perfect will be cranky if he has to pay to feed and house the Secret Serice Agents that would be moving in if I wrote it in the tone I really feel.

Sincerely,
Donna Lawson,
God-fearing, law-abiding, tax-paying, rule-following citizen

PS. You, President Barak Obama are ON NOTICE!

If you miss the rant-y Donna, you'll love this!

2009-03-09T21:07:00.008-05:00

I haven't had a "Rant of the Day" post in quite some time. I've been trying to be a kinder gentler Donna, but guess what? I hate kinder, gentler Donna. She's not really kinder...in her head, and nobody knows what to do with gentler Donna. So, she's out and rant-y Donna is back. I know a few of you have missed me.

Rant of the Day 1: http://davidwilkersontoday.blogspot.com/2009/03/urgent-message.html From David Wilkerson's post:
"AN EARTH-SHATTERING CALAMITY IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN. IT IS GOING TO BE SO FRIGHTENING, WE ARE ALL GOING TO TREMBLE - EVEN THE GODLIEST AMONG US."

If you think that God has given you inside information on the end of the world, please smack yourself. If you have several times in the past made the same declaration and put a (wrong) date on it, please check in at "False Teachers Anonymous" and be happy we didn't stone you. If you don't have a basic understanding of scripture, please don't speak for God. Matthew 24: 36 says, "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." And church, let's stop bowing down in front of every wacko who proclaims himself a modern day prophet. It makes us look like a bunch of ignorant, stupid people. Then we wonder why they don't want our Jesus. Seriously, we should all use some discernment. We live in a wonderful, blessed country. The poorest person in America is prosperous compared to most of the world. However, I wonder what Christians in China, N. Korea or other countries where the church is seriously persecuted think when we declare that if something bad happens in America, it's the end of the world. Come on. If you believe this, you need to go down the hall to "I'm an Ignorant, Stupid Sheep Anonymous."

Rant of the Day 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0CyolAOeWQ

Dr. Hagee speaks regarding his book and says his book, In Defense of Israel, will prove that "Jesus did not come to Earth to be the Messiah," (20 seconds in) and that "...since Jesus refused by word and deed to claim to be the Messiah how can the Jews be blamed for rejecting what was never offered?" (32 seconds in).

Edit: The above video was removed by Hagee so here it is again: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7m6pPnQjn7w&feature=related

This guy has been making me crazy for years. Mostly because while he is a Word/ Faith teacher and teaches a prosperity doctrine, you have to listen for a while to hear it. He's sneaky. His website seems to say that he holds to the "essentials"of the Christian faith, yet when my father was dying from cancer, someone gave him a tape where Hagee proclaimed that if you were sick it was because of your lack of faith or unrepentant sin. Period. THE ONLY REASON PEOPLE ARE EITHER ILL OR POOR. Now, he is coming out and saying that Jesus didn't come to be the Messiah, that he REFUSED to be Messiah and the Jews will be saved another way. John 14:6 says "Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." No man means no man. Shame on you John Hagee. You go on and check in at "False Preachers Anonymous."

Rant of the Day 3: If your name is Benny Hinn, if you use the term "seed-faith offering" or if you offer to send either: a) salt pouch, b) anointed cloth, c) Jerusalem candlesticks, d)"I'm a fool who was parted from his money" toe ring (OK, I made that one up), etc. in exchange for my "partnership," please smack yourself. I've decided that "seed-faith" is a term used only by false teachers. You have a reservation at "False Teachers Anonymous." Check in ASAP.

Rant of the Day 4: If you have a show on either TBN, CBN or almost any network that calls itself "Christian," please sit down and consider that you are a bit of the problem. Not too long ago, TBN and the like only showed "Name-it and Claim-it, Blab-it and Grab-it" preachers. Now, in an effort to give a little diversity, you can catch some old Billy Graham Crusades and some other mainstream teachers. I've even seen Beth Moore on the schedule. I wonder how many people tuned in to catch the (NOT WORD/FAITH PREACHER) Rev. Graham and stayed for all the false teachers to follow. Either way, I need the people behind those two networks (Paul & Jan Crouch and Pat Robertson) devoted to false doctrine masquerading as "evangelistic" doctrine, to both smack themselves and then...you guessed it...slide it on into "False Teachers Anonymous."

Now, on to other serious business. I regretfully have to put my right eyelid ON NOTICE! for aging faster and drooping farther than my better behaving left eyelid. This is beginning to give me the appearance of a stroke victim and is freaking out my mother who is sure I've had an "incident." I'm telling you, either snap back or I will, WILL introduce you to a lovely plastic surgeon who will handle that for the both of us. However, the cost will make Mr. Perfect's head blow off and then I will be lonely and have to get a job. If I have to get a job because my eyelid couldn't snap back into place I will be cranky. SO until I re-achieve symmetry in eyelid-dom, you, right-eyelid are ON NOTICE!

To know and follow hard after you

2009-03-05T00:37:00.006-06:00

This song has been on my mind this week. I've been singing it in my head constantly. This is where I'm currently residing.

Pure and Holy Passion

Give me one pure and holy passion
Give me one magnificent obsession
Give me one glorious ambition for my life
To know and follow hard after You

To know and follow hard after you
To grow as your disciple in your truth
This world is empty, pale, and poor
Compared to knowing you, my Lord
Lead me on and I will run after you
Lead me on and I will run after you

The part that I love is "to know and follow hard after you." I'm finding the older I get, the less I want to sign up for hard. Someone recently asked me if I was interested in going and ministering to "hard" women. I thought, "I have babies to raise, hard women don't like me, my rims might get stolen, I'm pretty sure I have a hair appointment on "hard women" day, I'm not called to work with those women, I might break a heel, I don't know if my pedi can stand up to this ministry..." You name it, I thought of it. I would never admit it, but sometimes I want to "be acquainted and take the easy way...around you." Do this preach to anyone? It sure preaches to me.

I have somewhere along the line gotten spiritually soft. I'm not sure how it happened. Did a lack of discipline grow out of discontent? Did I let myself get distracted by things that aren't eternal and then just use that as an excuse for spiritual laziness? I've been in a desert of sorts. God and I have had communication problems. Now, I've known and loved Him as long as I can remember. I know He hasn't moved. His promises haven't changed. His Word hasn't changed. He still loves me passionately. His requirements of me haven't changed. He wants me to know and follow HARD after Him.

This might require me to go to a place I'm not comfortable. This might require me to let my children follow hard after Him. This will definitely require me to find the spiritual fire of my youth. I used to be the first in line for hard. So, I thank you for your prayers. I really was in a tough spiritual place, but now I'm ready to run after Him.

***Disclaimer: Due to the "assets" God gave to me and the physical limitations I'm still dealing with from November's fall, I will not literally be marathon running after Him...probably. (What, stop laughing. He could make me run, but only HE.)***

Sometimes I'm not very funny

2009-01-25T17:37:00.002-06:00

If you know me, you know that I love to laugh! Seriously...love. But lately I find that my heart is heavy and I'm not laughing as much. I am a person who cares about everything, but sometimes I care too much and things that wouldn't cause other people to so much as pause will keep me from sleep for weeks.

I am at such a place right now. I won't go into specifics because a) you never know who is reading a blog and b) I believe I can ask you to pray for me without mentioning specifics. God knows, trust me He knows.

So that you don't worry, there is no new health issue, no family issue, no child issue, nothing that need cause you worry. Just a "body of Christ" issue that I'm praying through and I'm asking you to pray with me.

Don't worry, I'll be back to funny before long. I hope. Thank you.

Flowering the cross

2009-01-15T01:09:00.004-06:00

I'm going to start with a confession. I'm not an artist. Beauty often escapes me. I often don't get symbolism. If I see a black canvas, I don't think about the deep and meaningful things it might symbolize. I think somebody should slap some color on that baby! When I see a Jackson Pollock painting, I honestly think, "I could do that." When I was in High School, I had the wonderful opportunity to visit the Smithsonian Museums twice. When we came across the "Venus de Milo" ( a copy, I'm sure) I actually said, out loud, "I didn't do that!" I then proceeded around the National Museum of Art saying, "I don't get it." (However, I totally got the beauty of Fonzie's leather jacket and Dorothy's ruby red slippers.) True story, with witnesses. Did I mention, I often don't get art? In many churches, there are a lot of beautiful rituals and symbols. In the Baptist church, we don't utilize a lot of symbolism. I do understand much of the symbolism used in the Bible. I "get" the Bible. I don't "get" some of the things churches are teaching these days.

There is a custom among Catholic and many liturgical churches called "flowering the cross."
Children put flowers, usually fresh flowers, on a cross on Easter morning as way to symbolize the new life that emerges from the death on Good Friday. I have never heard of this until tonight. I'm willing to concede that this may be beautiful and packed with meaning and lessons. I'm putting this at the top, so you'll know that I understand that it is a real thing. I'd love to hear about how wonderful it is, feel free to leave your thoughts on it as comments. However, I don't get it. I'm probably about to offend a few folks.

Today I saw a sight that quite frankly offended me. It was a big cross covered in chicken wire and white silk flowers. I assume that even though it isn't Easter, it was supposed to symbolize something like what I mentioned above. I saw it as a symbol of what is wrong with Christianity. I'll explain.

I've been concerned about the state of the church and youth ministry lately. I spent a large portion of the last couple of years as a teacher of High School girls and general youth worker. I loved it. I tried to be a Titus 2 woman and as an older woman teach the younger women. I loved it. "My girls" will always be precious to me. Many of them are about to graduate, including my own sweet Ashley. They have almost without exception grown into mighty warrior women for Jesus. However, statistics say that most of them will graduate from high school and never darken the doorstep of a church again. Many will walk away from their childhood faith. According to Barna, “despite strong levels of spiritual activity during the teen years, most twentysomethings disengage from active participation in the Christian faith during their young adult years - and often beyond that. In total, six out of ten twentysomethings were involved in a church during their teen years, but have failed to translate that into active spirituality during their early adulthood.” This terrifies me! Somewhere, somehow, church, we are failing. When I say church, I don't mean the building, I'm talking about the people. You and me.

Parents have decided to let the schools and the church raise their kids with disastrous results. Not me, mind you. I am the Queen and I will not abdicate the throne! During my time with the youth, I could not believe how unplugged parents are. I shouldn't know more about your kids' life than you do. We are failing to teach our kids respect for life, respect for other people, respect for their elders, manners, modesty, and how to have some common courtesy. The most tragic thing we are failing to teach our kids is Jesus. We are not passing to them our faith.

Some churches have so watered down the gospel, I wonder if God recognizes it. We tell everyone what they want to hear. If you tithe to your church, you will be rich. If you love your fellow man, isn't that all God asks of us? The only sexual sin we talk about is homosexuality. If you tithe, love everybody and manage to avoid being attracted to the same sex, you're in! What a bunch of poppycock! We don't teach them God's Word. We don't help them understand the Word. We don't challenge them to learn the scripture...or even learn to find passages in the Bible. We don't teach them to live out and breathe in the very Word of The Holy God. We assume they aren't going to read scripture anyway. We teach people to be good parents, employees or dog owners. We teach them that a big church is a good church. We pretty up the Word so it doesn't offend anyone. How are we going to grow in number and be culturally relevant if we are offending people? In many youth ministries they play lots of cool games, have some relevant music and go on some fun trips. They teach the kids those things above and if they are very progressive they add, "don't have sex." Hmm. I wonder why they aren't buying it? Everybody knows you can't fool kids and old people.

When I saw that flowered up cross, I saw an image of today's church. Covered in chicken wire to hold and hide the scars, struggles and splinters. Decoupaged with flowers to show how beautiful your Christian life will be. Silk flowers to show that your faith will never fade or grow weak. Claim Jesus and it will be beautiful and easy and you will never hit an ugly spot in life. This is the lie we are selling and our kids are walking away from this product because they realize it is foolishness when they hit the first bump in the road. The ones that are buying it are no better off.

A more realistic showing of the cross would have big old railroad tie holes, blood, bits of flesh stuck in the wood, splinters and some sweat. Those big old holes symbolize where your Savior and mine was nailed to the cross. They represent the very real price paid for our sin. My sin required more that a staple. They remind me not to go there again. The blood was spilled to redeem me from hell. I don't belong to Satan, I'm a child of the King. The splinters are for the little struggles and setbacks in life that distract us from being fully sold out to Jesus. I can't possibly read my Bible daily and get my kids to soccer practice too. Splinter. The flesh torn from the back of our Savior I think represents our faith. Sometimes it might get torn apart until we feel there's nothing left. Stripping the flesh off our faith and leaving us laid raw is something we don't see coming until it is almost too late. The sweat represents us growing in Christ as we struggle to live out our faith. It is for sharing our faith with someone who doesn't want to hear. It is for pulling out that Bible and studying the Word. It is calling a godly friend or even pastor and laying your doubts on the table.

We need to stop teaching that "flowery cross" gospel. I understand the fact that Jesus is no longer on the cross and that He suffered all of that for me. I don't believe for a minute that He did it so we could be rich or happy or good. He did it to redeem his Bride from the very pit of hell. We need to be concerned that we are losing our young people. We need to be concerned about all of the big fat baby adult Christians. I am not slamming the church. I have a special love for the church, however, I'm not blind. I love youth Ministry and have had the privilege to grow up in a great one and to work with some godly youth ministers who grieve over these statistics. I know many who are doing what they can to help avoid the mass exodus of our kids from the church and subsequently their faith. Don't think I'm blaming only the church. I think parents need to do their Deuteronomy job. But I don't have any room in my life for a "flowery cross," I need to be reminded of the ugly, violent, struggle and the holy price paid for me.

For an intelligent discussion on the merits of children's and youth ministries, see http://www.internetmonk.com/archive/the-liturgical-gangstas-4-what-about-childrens-and-youth-ministries. Something to think about.

Prayer request

2009-01-07T00:47:00.004-06:00

It's late. I'm up. That is not unusual, I'm a night person. I can't sleep. Again, not unusual. However, tonight my heart is heavy. I am asking you to pray for my friend, WC Phillips, his wife Sybil, my friend Audrey and the rest of their family. I know this blog doesn't reach a lot of people, but the ones who read are Prayer Warriors and so I'm asking you to pray. I'll explain in a minute. This feeds onto my Facebook page. If I've tagged you, it's because you are a friend of Aud.

I've been accused of being "too heavenly minded to be any earthly good." There is a reason, a good one. I can't wait to get to heaven. If you hear tomorrow that I was run over by a bus. Don't cry for me. By the time you hear about it, I truly believe I will be with The Father, possibly nagging Him with all of the questions I've stored up...but probably not. I'll probably just be worshipping.

My girlfriends will have come over immediately to clean my house and make it look like we never lived here. My friend Laura will be stationed at the bottom of my stairs to throw her body in front of anyone who even looks like they are headed upstairs into the "kid's zone." Several people will bring over the mandatory "funeral casserole." Several of them have a few frozen in case it is needed for such an occasion.(Feel free to feed my people. They like their food. They aren't trying to starve, no matter if I'm in heaven or not.) Someone will be at the funeral home overseeing my hair and make-up. (Just because I'm not breathing doesn't mean I can't be cute.) Some one will call the preacher and tell him that my funeral is already written and notes for it are on the very front page of my Bible. (True. That's how much of a control freak I am.) Someone will have the responsibility of telling everyone not to dare show up in black to my funeral or you will be turned away at the door...unless you are wearing black for health reasons like it is the only thing that fits or you need to wear black for its slimming properties. We know how to support each other, we have unwritten rules in place. We are Southern Bells who are properly trained. We are like the military. We get the call and we are on "active duty." We know how to care for a family in times of mourning. We know how to comfort anyone who shows up at the funeral home, and we know how to do it without messing up our "do" or make-up. We do it with a cute little accent and a "bless your heart." We have walked this road together many times with each other and we are a well oiled machine. They will mourn later.

Mr. Phillips is one of those wonderful godly people who invested in me, loved me, and influenced me. His wife, Sybil is one of the godliest women I have know and that's saying something. She did all of the above thing plus a few more. She fed me more times than I can remember, she's loved my kids like they were her own grand kids...even babysitting Ashley when she was little. They introduced her to Carmen (CCM singer.) I lived my Jr. High and High school years as much in their house as mine. I am still welcome in their home any time. I don't have to call, I get to be on "drop by" status. In fairness, everyone is on "drop by" status. They love visitors. He was a bi-vocational minister. He was a shepherd as well as a preacher. They consider me family and I consider them surrogate parents.

They are the parents of one of my oldest and dearest friends Audrey. She is beyond description. She is all the things I want to be wrapped up in a beautiful package. She isn't perfect and that is my favorite thing about her. She is the polar opposite of me, but she loves Jesus with all her heart. We share that passion. When I need a "sanity break," I head to her house in Austin. She is a great listener, which is a gift for a talker like me. She was, I believe, a "whoops" baby. She has brothers and a sister close to my parents age. She is also a good daughter. He heart is in missions, but she's in Texas to help care for her ailing parents. Most of you know her, so I don't need to say much more about her. She is my sister who is not related.

Mr. Phillips' health has been on the decline lately. Recently it has accelerated and he has had to be in the nursing home. This has been difficult, but especially heartbreaking for his wife. She has been his caretaker for years and was fully prepared to do it forever. Last night, they received news that his doctors wanted to gather the families to talk about hospice care. This is a tough pill to swallow. So, Audrey has headed to Livingston to be with her family, comfort her Mom and help make difficult decisions. Mr. Phillips has been taken off of his medicine except meds to control pain. He won't be here with us on Earth much longer.

So I ask you to pray for him and his family. He is a man who will see Jesus soon, maybe by the time you read this. Please pray for wisdom for his family. They have hard days ahead. Please pray for Mrs. Phillips as she contemplates life without her love. Pray for their children, including Audrey as they mourn and also support their mother. They don't mourn as one without hope. They know where he will be.

There will soon be a "welcome home" party in heaven and it will be a grand one befitting the status of the saint who will be joining them. He will hear, "well done, my good and faithful servant. Enter your rest." He has loved his Jesus for a very long time. His Jesus has always taken care of him. I have to admit I am not sad for him. I'm excited for him, but I will miss him. In the meantime, please pray for his loved ones.

I end with my favorite quote. It is from Spurgeon's "Morning and Evening."
"The Lord’s people shall also enjoy light in the hour of death. Unbelief laments; the shadows fall, the night is coming, existence is ending. Ah no, crieth faith, the night is far spent, the true day is at hand. Light is come, the light of immortality, the light of a Father’s countenance. Gather up thy feet in the bed, see the waiting bands of spirits! Angels waft thee away. Farewell, beloved one, thou art gone, thou wavest thine hand. Ah, now it is light. The pearly gates are open, the golden streets shine in the jasper light. We cover our eyes, but thou beholdest the unseen; adieu, brother, thou hast light at even-tide, such as we have not yet."

I fell down and saved the lives of a couple of "crackheads"

2009-01-05T08:02:00.006-06:00

If you know me, you know I have a hard time staying upright. If I could get paid for falling down, I could pay for Ashley's college. (More about that in another blog.) Sadly, I'm not very good at it so I am often injured. The last time I met the ground caused a convergence of events I could never have imagined. I'm sure there's a moral to the story besides, "sleep late," but so far that's what I'm going with. This is a wide sweeping saga. Please to enjoy and don't feel guilty for laughing at my misfortune. I'm doing it myself.

Background information:

1)For the last several months, my Mom has been going through some scary medical problems. Her doctor retired or moved or something and she had to break in a new doctor. Apparently her old doctor had been overlooking "enlarged spleen and lymph nodes" and "elevated liver enzymes" for a year or so now. Her new doctor sent her to a specialist immediately. My mother is not a good patient. She has "white coat syndrome." This means that if you are a doctor, she will not be able to speak to you... at all. So I have been going back and forth to appointments and biopsies, etc. for several months. I was with her when he diagnosed her with NON-ALCOHOLIC cirrhosis. (She requires that I make sure you understand it is non-alcoholic. She's never had a drop of alcohol in her life. This would be irony. Her brother died from alcoholic cirrhosis) So, the Wednesday night after election day, I was scheduled to go down and take her to a new specialist for treatment options.

2)Last year Celia and Mom gave me a totally cute Coach purse and wallet for my birthday. I then acquired *ebay* a new Coach umbrella. I was styling! I must confess I loved that purse.

3) My Papa spends his leisure (all) time at the Nutrition Center in his town playing 42. Somewhere along the way some genius had the idea to have criminals (that's the judicial system calling them criminals. I'm just repeating it) work off their probation and parole there. Of course criminals prey on old people and my Papa is old, 91 to be exact. Yup, he's still a spark plug. There have been rumors of a mother/daughter , ummm...crack addicted, from now on to be called "crackhead" team that have been "staying" with my Papa to "keep him company." I'm not sure what this means and I don't want to know. They have been spreading stories about him around town, but I wasn't too concerned. I hope to be scandalous if I live to be 91, maybe not this scandalous, but scandalous in a godly sort of way, none the less.

So on the morning of Obama's historic election as POTUS, I went out early to exercise my constitutional privilege and vote. "I fell down" doesn't quite capture the violence of what occurred next. In my slow motion memory, I hit a (thankfully) manicured toe on an uneven crack in the driveway, flew 50 feet into the air and landed with the force of 20 Sumo wrestlers on my left knee, caught myself with both wrists (mistake...should have only used one wrist) and bounced to my left elbow.

***Did I mention I was IN MY VERY DRIVEWAY where God and everyone could see. I asked God to just take me home right then and there. I mean, I was looking semi-cute, I was dressed (I'm not trying to die nekked...or naked,one of my rules) and I was sure to be found. Of course, He said, "NOPE." I guess it wasn't my time, and the ensuing events would provide too much "sweeps week comedy" for Heaven Cam. Yes, I am convinced I am a prime time sitcom on television or the equivalent in Heaven. I'm sure I am appointment TV like "The Cosby Show" was in the 80s, but I digress.***

Somehow I manged to drag myself to the car, drive myself with my arms, don't recommend it, and vote. I'm not sure how I did that, but I am one stubborn broad. I had Ash drive me to the doctor after school. I told them I had a 4 hour drive to make in 2 days and I needed them to fix me. "Pshh yeah," was the response. So I was diagnosed with sprains, strains and contusions. It sounds much cuter than it actually is. The doctor prescribed steroids to help with healing. Did I mention that I am allergic to almost all pain medicine? Bonus! I was a mess. I couldn't hold anything because I had nasty sprains in both wrists and my knee was flat, and causing my whole leg and foot to swell so I couldn't wear a shoe. Pain is too minor a word. A side effect of steroid treatment is that it shoots out your immune system, and I don't have a good one to start with.

So after calling Mom and letting her know I couldn't make her appointment, I had Ashley drive me to church on Wednesday evening. Why? I can't answer that. Stupid is all I can come up with. I was the most pitiful thing! I had one grossly swollen leg, two swollen wrists and couldn't even hold my phone. I sat in church with my leg propped up on a chair. Of course, I was also coming down with a nasty atomic "bug" and had most of my voice. When we got home I couldn't pick up my purse to get it out of the car and forgot to ask one of the kids to get it out. I also forgot to say "lock the door." Mistake.

That night a large, well organized purse theft ring hit North Texas and they hit the mother lode when they got to my car. My purse as well as Ashley's. They immediately went to Wal-Mart and laundered my money into almost $600 worth of Am Ex gift cards and phone cards. They took my life! You never know what all is in your purse until it is stolen. It is a major pain in the derriere. You have to call and cancel everything. This is a pain on a good day, but I couldn't hold a phone, was super-sick and had no voice. Several credit card companies thought I was a dirty caller. (Props here to Chase who refunded our money immediately and then investigated.) The last few months have been a pain dealing with the fallout from the purse theft and I can't even bear the thought of dating a new purse, much less falling in love. Fortunately, I have a totally cute second and third string purse "bench" so I'll be OK. Getting a new driver's license was also a trick because I couldn't stand in line. My knee kept getting worse and worse.

So, after Mom's appointment that I missed, I called her to see what her treatment would be. She said they were just going to watch her. WHAT? Are you kidding me? You don't watch cirrhosis. This is what happens when I'm not there to "advocate" on her behalf. Then she tells me that she is glad I'm not there because she is worried I might over-react to her next news and do something "stupid." It seems these "ladies, um, crackheads" that had befriended my Papa had moved into his house, stolen (pawned) almost all of his things and he had signed a bunch of blank checks allowing them to steal all of his money. When he ran out of money, they threatened him with harm. He was now at my uncle's house, terrified and the "crackheads" were IN MY PAPA"S HOUSE! She was right. I would have gone to jail that day had I been there. I would have called the jail and told them I would be checking in. I would even tell them what time to expect me. I just needed to give the 'crackheads" a few minutes to meet Jesus and get right with him before I sent them to Him and then I would check in. Does this seem an over-reaction? I don't think so. So instead, in a classic moment, I put the whole thing on the prayer list at church. Maybe those "crackheads" will get Jesus and try to make restitution. It cracks me up to think about my Pastor praying for "Donna's Papa's Crackheads."

Needless to say, it has been stressful around here. It has now been 2 months. My knee is healing on track, but I still can't wear a shoe. It still swells up every day. My wrists are still painful, but getting better every day and I am still dealing with respiratory issues from the nasty "bug" I caught. (I had an asthma attack during the church Christmas Program and I was on stage singing. Classic Donna.) It will still be a while before I am all the way healed, but there is good news. My Uncle Don was able to get financial power-of-attorney for my Papa and he was also able to convince my Papa that the "crackheads" were not his friends. They are now both in jail, for the time being at least. They won't have to stay long. I bet they have no idea how close they came to meeting Jesus. See, the moral of the story really is "sleep late." If I would have slept in, none of this would have happened...or maybe it would have happened later. Who knows?

A website for you

2008-12-30T11:35:00.002-06:00

I noticed that my blogging has been a little light lately. There are three reasons.

1) For some reason, my sarcasm seems to be on vacation. I can't remember the last time I had nothing to say. I actually do have something to blog about, I just want to be able to do it justice.

2) I've been sick and broken since November. As usual, there's a story behind it. As soon as I am officially over the "winter junk" that I deal with every year, I'll be telling you about the "Donna fell down/my non-drinking mom has cirrhosis/ Crack ho's (Yup, I said "ho" and it is accurate) have taken over my 91 year old Papa and how it culminated in the theft of my totally cute Coach purse, Coach wallet and Coach umbrella." It's a funny one. You'll like it.

3) I've been reading the blog known as "Stuff Christians Like." It is a total ripoff of the popular website, "Stuff White People Like." I have laughed and laughed. It is totally spot on. I suggest you go to http://stufffchristianslike.blogspot.com/ and start at the beginning which is January last year. I can't believe I didn't think of this one. Frank, you will find a kindred soul here. He can make fun of us because he is one of us. I'm up to June and my heart is healthier from all the laughing I've been doing. So until I'm back up to being my smarty-pants self, Jon Acuff will keep you company.

Why don't we care?

2008-12-26T21:43:00.002-06:00

I was reading a blog (http://www.theprodigaljon.blogspot.com/) who has another blog I love (http://stufffchristianslike.blogspot.com/) and he had this video. It's Penn of Penn & Teller talking about a guy who gave him a Bible. His question made Jon pause and I thought I would share it here. Why aren't we sharing our faith?

I have never seen the righteous forsaken nor their seed begging bread.

2008-12-07T16:55:00.006-06:00

I hear a lot of talk about the economy lately. People seem scared. We were discussing this a bit in our Life Group this morning and I was reminded of our personal economic low. I thought I would share it here. This is a story I used to share often, but it's been a while. I am constantly astounded by how much my Savior loves little old me and has for me only good plans. When I say, "This is good, God," He says, "You haven't even entered the beginning of good yet. Hold on, THIS is going to be good."

So here is the story of Terry & Donna in 1995. This is going to be good. If you are worried, you aren't alone, but don't let that worry become crippling...keep following the Lord. He may take you somewhere new and cool.

In 1995 we were living in Albuquerque and Terry was an accountant. He was looking for a new job because being Terry Lawson in Albuquerque in 1995 was not a high paying job. In September, he was offered one of those "too good to be true" jobs. He would be the CFO for a small home health care company owned and operated by a Christian family. They would pay our moving expenses, find a place for us to live and there would be a big old raise. The only catch...it was in McAllen, Texas. Texas is good, I'm from Texas, but a border town...I wasn't sure. We prayed about it an felt it was the way to go, so in October, we went. Terry's dad helped us move and his new company found us a cute little house to rent. The rent was expensive, but we were rich now...right? The leasing agent was so kind and eager to please. They even let us pay our deposits out in installments because she was a friend of his boss. She made everything perfect for us, even brought us a housewarming gift, though we were only renters. Life was sweet. Ashley was 4 and Tyler was 18 months. Our needs were met with a little left over...not so much.

Terry was at the job only weeks when the bill collector calls started coming, not to us but to his office. It seems the sweet little company wasn't paying their bills. Payday rolled around and the paycheck bounced. (It might not have been the first paycheck, but it was one of the first.) We had to borrow money from my parents to pay the rent while the company got the money together for payroll. Until that day, I didn't even know that a paycheck could bounce. Several paychecks bounced and then they stopped coming all together. Terry was in a position of having to decide who to pay at the company when money did come in. He rightly paid those who were supporting a family on the no paycheck they got. Most of the workers were minimum wage workers with no other options. We had options, a little savings and generous family so we were the bottom of the pile. (Seeing his heart for those poor workers made me love him more.) As the weeks wore on and he came to understand the true scope of the financial issues, we realized we were in trouble. We were getting no income, yet he was working and we still had bills.

Add to this the fact that we were hated in McAllen. This was during the beginning of NAFTA and white people in McAllen were assumed to be working in Mexico taking a high paying job from a Mexican worker. As a matter of fact, that was true much of the time. Terry didn't work in Mexico, but no one would talk to me to know that. My neighbors would slam the door in my face and I couldn't get waited on in stores. Nobody wanted my dollars, only pesos. I have never been so lonely. I need an audience, as you know.

Christmas rolled around and we had no money. We sent the kid's Christmas list to my sister like we always do and she decided to buy our gifts for us, and we would pay her a bit at a time. This would become the year the "Santa Thief" saved Christmas. She went out and bought every single thing on the list! (I had included their birthdays in the list I sent, so I wouldn't have to send more than one list.) She bought Tyler's new "big boy" bed that was to be for his birthday. She even bought things we would never buy like an electric JEEP for the kiddos. She was worried and that's how she felt she could help. She payed and was told to pull around to the side to get her truck loaded up. While she waited, she realized she never got her credit card back, so she went back in to the store. The cashier was gone. The manager said he must be on a break and made her wait. Poor guy. He didn't know who he was dealing with. A phone call to the credit card company showed $500 in new electronic equipment had already been bought from the store next door, while she was waiting and the manager wouldn't call the police. Huge fit later, everything was free!! Also, the "Santa Thief" got to have a lovely Christmas meal down at County. (Don't mess with my sister, Buddy. You're lucky the police got to you first.) I always say that "God will use a donkey if donkey's what He's got." That guy was the donkey. (OK, don't write me, I know he wasn't used in a Ba lam's ass sort of way, but he was the donkey none the less.) God provided for us beyond what we even imagined! Now, not everyone in financial straits gets an electric Jeep, but it can happen.

Eventually Terry began having chest pains from the stress and we said, "Enough." No one is allowed to harm his health, so we made the decision he would have to quit. He had never left a job with no new job on the horizon. We were 3 months into a 6 month lease. We had never broken a lease, this seemed unforgivable. We were all alone in a strange land with no place to go and no way to go there. I called the leasing agent the day after Christmas and she told us to "GO." She actually apologized and told us no rent would be due for January and we were free to leave as soon as possible. She said that they were not in the business of holding people hostage in a lease that was harmful. She said it wouldn't be godly and her boss would not hold us. I didn't know what to say. Within the next 2 weeks they had mailed our entire deposit back to us (even the non-refundable part) and along with 401k money that came from Terry's accounting job in Abq, we were suddenly able to afford to live. We stayed with my parents while he looked for a job in Texas. How did that happen? (Someday, I might tell you the story of how we got the company in McAllen to pay all the wages they owed us, plus a tip. It's a good one if I do say so myself.) Terry eventually took a job in Dallas and we moved to Mesquite...right in the perfect time.

Here are just a few of God's blessings that we got to partake of because we were obedient:
1) While we were staying with my parents, my Daddy had a heart attack. Had I been still in Albuquerque, I wouldn't have been able to afford to get home to him. I'm the one who is the caretaker in my family and God knew he would need me. He placed me in his HOUSE right when he needed me. How cool is that? I got to take care of my Daddy.
2)Shortly after we moved to Mesquite, my Granny was diagnosed with breast cancer, again. She was my very best friend and I was heartbroken, not for her but for me. This time she wasn't going to beat it. Because I was close, I was able to be her caretaker for the last few weeks of her life. This stands as one of the biggest privileges of my life. It is a beautiful thing when a saint goes to heaven. I wouldn't have missed it for the world and I was there because of all that happened in McAllen.
3) Somehow, we ended up with enough money to buy a house after all that foolishness. Months of frugal living and getting Terry's back salary, plus a few other things and all of a sudden we went from no home no job to great home and great job. So much more than we imagined.

These are, of course, but a few of the ways God took care of us. We were never forsaken and our children never begged for bread. (Psalm 37:25) I used to think that Terry losing his job was the worst thing that could ever happen, but I was so wrong. We discovered that we are so loved, by our families, by friends who were constantly trying to find us jobs, and by our Heavenly Father. So I have lowered my standards. If the paycheck clears, I'm happy. I don't worry about the future so much. I let tomorrow worry about itself. I don't get too attached to stuff...except my A/C. I miss my stolen purse, but I've been just fine without it. I would be sad to lose my home and my stuff, but I know that I have already gained that which I can't lose.

And by the way, the realtor in McAllen? I've googled her several times over the years trying to find an address so I could tell her how much their actions meant to us and say "thanks" one more time. I can't find a trace of her and she's a realtor. Make of it what you will.

Rules for church visitation

2008-11-11T22:48:00.005-06:00

I had lunch today with my girlfriend Kristin and girlfriend-in-training, 5 month old Allison. It was nice to lunch with someone else's baby. She didn't roll her eyes or heavy sigh at me even once. **sigh** She was very well behaved and kept herself entertained. She even cracked herself up a few times. I'm not sure she realized Kristin and I were there. She just held court and cracked herself up. She's going to be a diva, that one.

Kristin thought I should share these rules with you guys. I have many friends and family members who, for one reason or another, are out visiting churches. Maybe you feel God is leading you to a new house of worship, maybe you have to visit Aunt Sally's church for Christmas. Now, I am trusting that you know the Lord. I don't share these with just anyone, only people I know are firmly in the body of Christ. If I'm iffy about your eternal status, I figure you need all the church you can get! If you don't know Jesus, stop reading now. I'm willing to let you sit through to the 12th altar call.

Terry and I are veteran church visitors (not to be confused with church hoppers.) When we have to go forth and track down a new church home, we have it down to a precision system. This took years of trial and error. I hope it helps make your church visiting experience a little easier.

Terry would like me to tell you that he used to dream of , just once, visiting a church incognito. His dream for years, was NOT to hear, "Oh, you're Terry! I have just had a marvelous time getting to know your wife. She's a spark plug! I hear you're an amazing teacher. How is that toe healing up? We prayed for you on Wednesday, keep us posted." Terry always felt like the Christmas goose. They always knew who he was and he felt like he was at a job interview. He just yearned to be stealth.

How do you make an impression before you ever visit? I have no interest in visiting 300 churches. The way to avoid that, call first. If I can't get any information from the receptionist or secretary, end of call. If they sound like they don't attend said church...goodbye. Why would I attend if you won't? (I know there are lovely church secretaries who worship elsewhere...don't email me.) Needless to say, I usually get passed up the line until I end up in the Pastor's office so he can answer the questions on the Pastor Test. (I'm pretty sure they all stay on the line so they can all be amused by the crazy lady caller.) ***Yes, this is a real thing. Yes, it came about by necessity. There are just some things I don't want to learn on accident again. Yes, this MORTIFIES my non-confrontational and preferably invisible husband. NO, I have never had a Pastor object...to my face. They love it when you ask well informed, well-intentioned questions, respectfully in a cute lil' East Texas accent and end it with, "bless your heart." They usually tell me they wish other people would ask more questions. Yes, they do tend to remember the accent, and it does tend to leave an impression, and we were never incognito.*** In my defense, he knew me before he married me.

This has led us to come up with the following Rules for Church Visitation. These are foolproof and guaranteed to get you in and out without homework. Don't laugh, I have some dear friends who recently visited a church for the first time and left with homework. I'm still laughing myself to sleep over that one. These rules might require some sacrifice, but it will be worth it. This is serious business, after all. Under these rules, there are several churches who thought I was a single mom for years. He's stealth now.

Lawson Visitation Rules (tongue completely in cheek)
1) NEVER use your real names. Tyler= George. Ashley= Frieda. I just make a mean face and intimidate anyone who tries to ask my name. They never even notice Terry. The names George and Frieda are currently free. Feel free to use them.
2) Never, ever fill out a form! If they try to force you, just pretend to fill it out and put it in your Bible. If you give them one shred of information, they will haunt you for years.
3) Never be even 2 minutes early. This leads to awkward staring and forced conversation with strangers who you may have already decided you don't like.
4)The second the final song is finished, hit the parking lot at a run. You may have to leave your babies (George & Frieda) behind if they can't keep up. I know you will miss them at first, but someone will put their pictures on the news and I'll claim them and return them home. Our first Sunday at Stepping Stones, I ran out with Jeff running behind me. I beat him to my car and we were out of the lot before he caught us. It may sound rude, but I didn't leave with homework. (He forgave me.)
5) Make like a New Yorker (the only time I will say this) and NEVER make eye contact. If you accidentally look anyone in the eye who is over 55, you must abort and immediately enact rule #4.
6) Don't sing too loud, they will try to recruit you for the Praise Team. Never tell your friends named Donna that you sang in Carnegie Hall or or in the All-State Choir or you might be joined up on accident before you visit.
7) Never participate in a small group. You may attend, (don't forget rule 2 & 3) but don't show off the smarts or the next thing you know you have your own class. If you really wow em', they'll make you a deacon and then what will you do?
8) Use you caller ID and door peephole. Some of those pesky churches actually visit you even if you carefully followed rules 1 & 2. I'm not sure how they do it.
9) Don't accidentally show interest in the babies in the nursery or you will be the new nursery worker. As a matter of fact, Your baby, George or Frieda, might need to learn these rules before you can trust them alone in the nursery. They might get a little blabby and out you to those nursery lady. Begin calling them George and Frieda immediately so they will be able to keep up.
10) If all else fails and it's heading downhill and you are about to get sucked into a class party or homework or some such, just say very loudly..."YOU KNOW WE ARE REALLY CATHOLIC!!"

And I would add as an amendment...
If you have a wife who is going to call first anyway and give the "Pastor Test" respectfully, with a cute lil' East Texas accent and end it with, "bless your heart," you may all need to learn a non impact Midwestern accent and duct tape the wife's mouth. IF YOU DARE!

Grateful

2008-11-11T14:37:00.003-06:00

Today is Veteran's Day. (It is also my Papa's 91st birthday. Mine's tomorrow. I turn 34 again. I'm getting really good at it.) I have nothing smart to say, no wisdom to impart today. Just a huge giant "thank you" for those who have served, fought and died so that we can be free. I know several men and women who have served. I am grateful beyond words that I can worship as I choose. I can live where I choose and when my children go to bed at night I know they are safe. You gave up much to keep our nation free. Some of you returned to a nation that didn't welcome you home and didn't save a place for you. You did it willingly and you served honorably. You are Pastors, carpenters, IT guys and gals, teachers, mechanics and many other things. Because of you I am free and I will never take it for granted. Thank You!

(Tomorrow I will be back to my old snarky self.)

Vote

2008-10-30T23:35:00.002-05:00

So it will soon be time for me to drink my own kool-aid and vote. This is the first time in memory I haven't been excited to exercise my constitutional privilege and vote. I don't like my presidential choices and I have much to say about our country's primary process, but that will keep for another rant. I am going to hold my nose, hold my breath and vote for the candidate that most closely mirrors those things that are the most meaningful to me. My top (in random order)
a) sanctity of marriage
b) sanctity of life
c) border security and no amnesty for illegal aliens
d) supreme court
e) drilling
f) war
g) taxes and no socialism

I know many people disagree with the things I have on my list. There is a great bit of disagreement, even among people I love and respect. So if you agree with my candidates, vote. If you don't agree with me...vote anyway, just be sure you are informed. There are many great non-partisan voter's guides out there. Be informed and then, as we say in Texas, vote early: vote often. (Just kidding about the often.)

Oh yeah, I am putting Alan Keyes, ( http://www.alankeyes.com/) ON NOTICE for not having a successful campaign so I could vote for him. I never got to know him well enough to know how deep my devotion would be. :(

This just breaks my heart.

2008-10-05T17:44:00.005-05:00

I've had a Facebook page for about 6 months and I have just been having a blast reconnecting with old friends who are also on Facebook. Last night I decided to look on MySpace to see if there were old buddies lurking there, so I did a classmate search. I found out that without a last name, I can't place most of the people because they look like grown-ups. (When did we grow up? I'm pretty sure I haven't.) I came upon a lady from my class who I couldn't recognize and so I started poking around on her page. What I found there broke my heart.

This was posted among her blog entries as the eulogy her ex-husband wrote for himself...to be read at his funeral. This isn't well written, but it shook my world and reminded me that we are not all who we seem to be.

" (to be read at my funeral)
This may be a surprise to many, even those who think they know me best. Lots of you will talk about the wonderful things I've done or the good man and a strong christian. However I am bound for hell. I know God exists I have never had a doubt I know he's a god of love though I've never felt it. I have called on him repetitively, but never repentant. I've tried to live a good life but my heart is full evil. The only true emotions felt are lust and hate. So though I'm sitting next to you saying the prayers. I pray for you. Our paths are different. For where I'm heading is lonely and my eternity I fear I just wish Gods love will shine to you. Please feel free to cry, but not for me, but for the lost saint sitting next to you...........I'm Sorry"

This guy wanted this read at his funeral so everyone would know that he had been deceiving them. That he was a faker. That he talked the talk, was probably fluent in "christianese," but ultimately had no relationship with Christ. I can't imagine the horror at his funeral when people who thought they knew him heard this. If I had been there, I would have taken it personally. Maybe people did know what was truly in his heart and he didn't realize it. Either way, my heart breaks for him, and also for the man he could have been. However, as I sat in church this morning, I looked around and realized just how little I truly know people. I hadn't really realized until today how little I invest in others.

We are relatively new at our church, so it is natural that we don't really know anyone intimately yet. So I began to think, how many people do I know? I don't mean how many people am I acquainted with, buddies with, but how many do I KNOW and LOVE? I realized that the answer is really pitiful. I have lots of friends, but we don't spend a lot of time together. In the last fifteen or so years, I have really only bothered to get to KNOW and LOVE one person. One??? I couldn't believe it. Then I thought about how many people I have allowed to truly KNOW and LOVE me in the same time frame and the answer is one. Now that one person is a true sister and we can't live on this planet without each other, but I don't think God ever intended for us to be so closed off.

So while this guy never intended to, he has touched my life. I am going to make an effort to invest in more people, to KNOW and LOVE them. I am going to maybe even let a few people in to KNOW and LOVE me, not just the Donna I want them to know, but the godly, sinning, repentant, funny, cute imperfect hot mess that I am. This will be hard for me.

Look around at the people in your life. Could someone like this guy be lurking there? Would you know? Have you invested yourself in others enough? Have you opened yourself up to the wondrous possibilities and possible pain and disappointment from walking alongside your fellow man...not a few steps in front or behind, but beside?

This is going to be rough for me. I let people think they know me, but I guard my heart closely. However my example is Christ and he was real! I hope this gives you something to think about and maybe just maybe this man's death can speak to us and some good can come.

" 7Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son[b] into the world that we might live through him. 10This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for[c] our sins. 11Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us." 1John 4: 7-12

Terry Lawson is ON NOTICE, and my plan to Donnaize The Biggest Loser

2008-09-25T22:30:00.007-05:00

I have a confession. I love reality TV. I know you are surprised, I seem so much classier than that, but it's true. Plus, with economic uncertainties and a looming college bill, I'm worried that Donna is going to have to get a job. (I'm sorry, I blacked out there for a minute. I haven't worked in almost 19 years and the prospect terrifies me.) So as I sat here watching one of my favorites, "The Biggest Loser,"...on TIVO with no commercials, of course... I got really mad at Terry! I was going to win that money, become a huge celebrity (complete with my own paparazzi,) and save myself from having to become a productive member of society! But not now, NO. First, they won't cast Terry and second, they can't cast me until they redo the show.

I'm watching the show and thinking, "I could soooo kick that Jillian's behind! I wouldn't stand there and watch her talk to me that way. I would snap her like a twig!" Then, after she comes around to my way of thinking, over chicken fried steak, we would be snarky, sarcastic besties. I know her life will never be fulfilled until I get on the show and show her how she could stand to gain a few. Then she wouldn't have to be so cranky. Everyone knows you can't be all angry and eat cheesecake at the same time. She is a few hot fudge sundaes away from happy. There would probably be fewer pounds lost, but I bet it would be more fun and still good TV. I don't think I want to be besties with Bob. He is too touchy feely for me, and we all know I am not a huggy girl. **shudder**

This is where Terry comes in. I realized as I was watching that they have done two seasons of couples now, so that must be their new thing. Darn him and his healthy eating, gym working out, fabulous body having ways. It was already difficult for the rest of us to keep up bad eating habits because he does the grocery shopping. (Disclaimer: If you read my last blog post, you know that I already know that our bad habits are wrong. That would make the answer to your question....YES! I know I am being a hypocrite and if you really knew me you would already know I'm OK with it.) Now, I love the way he looks. I have to admit that, in the past, I tried to chunk him up a bit because he works with mostly women and I can't be sure that they are all old and ugly. So, I tried to make him less cute, but: 1) it's not possible, (He's a cutie no matter what) and 2) back to those healthy eating gym going ways. It didn't take. So I am going to have to put Terry Lawson ON NOTICE! We could have won $250,000 and I could be a star if he would have just pursued a less healthy lifestyle. I just know I would have been the show's breakout star and be saved from an uncertain life of possible gainful employment!

They would have to make lots of changes to accommodate my "eccentricities." First, I wouldn't be caught dead either on a scale or in that get up they make contestants wear to weigh in. Not only would I not do it on national television, I wouldn't do it all alone in my house in the back bathroom, lights off, with a towel shoved under the door to muffle my screams! Uh, uh. No way. Not happening. That would have to go. Also, all that exercising won't work for me. I walk around...OK sit around... barely breathing as it is. God gave me this asthma as a "birth"day present, so I assume He never wanted me to be a gym rat. I've done it in the past with almost fatal results. So, all that exercising is going to have to be cut wayyyyy back. I'm thinking a nice karaoke contest for immunity. Trust me, the other fatties on the show will thank me. They don't want to keep hauling it all the way up a mountain and back down again. Oh yeah, Allison Sweeney will have to be recast. I'm not sharing the screen with her. I'm gonna need them to cast an uggo. Oh, and we will also be trying to sneak some Jesus into the show because, well, it's what I do. I'm going to have to be promised that I can be either the blue or purple team because I look great in those colors and they both work with my eyes. I would consider black in an emergency because of its slimming effects.

I'm going to need them to bring in the chef that Oprah had when she lost all that weight. She ate good and still swunk up. That's what I'm talking about! Still healthy eating, just not cardboard eating. Plus, I'm not about to be cooking for all of those people. There is no way they will be broadcasting my weight. I'm just going to have to tell them how much I weigh, and how much I lost and they will just have to take my word for it. I don't care if everyone else weighs in. They should have negotiated a better deal. Another thing, I don't care to share a room with other people at "The Ranch." I don't know them like that. I'll need my own room and bathroom with a jacuzzi tub. (Karaoke might make me pull a muscle. It's for health reasons.) Since Terry won't be with me, I'll need that couples thing to go, too. Most importantly, I will not be crying and whining on camera about my weight. 1) I am never mistreated or teased...to my face, and that's all I really care about. 2) I don't cry. It's one of my things. My maiden name was Cryer, but I just can't live up to it. So, I will be spending my confessional time probably whining that it's too hot and wondering why they can't film in Texas? Finally, they are going to have to remove the words "biggest" and "loser" from the title. "Biggest" is just rude, and since we are all made in God's image, we will not be "losers." Let's be honest, under my new rules no one will be a loser in any sense of the word. I'm thinking a nice new name like, "The Donna Show," would be good, but I'm still kicking around titles.

This is my plan. Remember, this is all Terry's fault.

OK, That's enough! Stop it now!

2008-09-24T12:15:00.007-05:00

I have decided to begin this post with my rant of the day! I am sick and tired of people declaring that they are going to live in unrepentant sin...for Jesus. This past week has seen both Ray Boltz and Clay Aiken come "out of the closet." Ray Boltz, if you are unfamiliar, was one of the biggest voices in Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) in the late 80s and 90s. He put out music that moved my soul. I sang "Thank You" and thought of my grandmother many times. Clay Aiken is not a CCM artist, but is a mainstream artist who has always been a professing Christian. But now they are both tired of "living a lie!"

There is no sin in struggling with weakness. The apostle Paul himself had a "thorn" that he struggled with. There are many guesses as to what it was, (I've heard everything from migraines to a miserable wife) but in truth we aren't sure.The sin is in what you do with it and how you handle your struggle.

Please hear me, being an acting homosexual is not commititng the unpardonable sin. Jesus offers forgiveness for EVERY sin. Many evangelicals like to act like it is the worst thing that you can do. I personally believe it is because we are comfortable pointing out sin we aren't committing. You don't hear a lot of sermons on other ways we defile God's temple. I have no hate for homosexuals. In fact, if you know me, you know I have a special soft spot for them in my heart for them. They tend to love my accent and my hair and get my jokes. I understand struggling with a weakness. God loves me no more than He loves each of them.

I'm going to step on my own toes here. I love food! For me to come out of the closet, would be for me to declare, "I am going to wake up every day and eat Ding Dongs until I pass out in a food coma! I am not going to temper myself or deny myself any caloric indulgence! I am going to wrap God's temple that is my body in so much cholesterol laden fat that He will never want to visit! It is OK because God made me this way. He knows I love Ding Dongs and would not want me to be miserable or deny myself the thing I love!" Of course, this is ridiculous. Not only would that be unrepentant sin, it is very unhealthy. So I struggle, but I don't kid myself. Sin is sin. Period. But continuous, unrepentant sin is quite another. Somebody has apples on their orange tree. The Word says we will be known by our fruit.

So for the fact that they are confusing the Body of Christ with their twisted doctrine, I am putting Clay Aiken and Ray Boltz on Notice! Stop pretending that your sin is exempt from being sin!! It is insulting to other people who struggle with sin and it is confusing to immature Christians. When faced with an amazing opportunity to be a witness to a whole group of struggling, confused people, you chose to claim your sin as God's best for your life. GIVE ME A BREAK! God still loves you. The Body is hemorrhaging enough. Please don't add to the blood loss.

I've been trying to think of an intelligent way to say what I've been thinking about this whole government bailout thing. Luckily, my friend Chip, wrote it first and so I decided to print it here. I have his permission. You don't have to agree, but I share this point of view:

Tough Love
We stand at the edge of a defining moment in the history of our great nation, again. These times crop up every once in a while and unfortunately they arise because of our past failures as a nation to do the right thing. Our demagogues that get elected every cycle haven’t in the past and apparently now in the present been able to grasp the simple concept of the responsibility they hold in Washington. I’m not sure at what point in our history this started eluding our politico’s but I do know that the prior understanding has long since disappeared in that Xanadu called D.C.
In our nations history we have had great sacrifices made by every generation that have protected and benefited future generations to come and we are all better off because if it. While not every one has the ability or desire to serve in the military we all face a very important opportunity in our lives currently; an opportunity for every person, regardless of situation, to make a difference for future generations to come.
Our elected officials in Washington are on the brink of passing massive bailout legislation which as of this morning might possibly now include student loans and credit cards. It is time for everyone to stand up and let Washington know that the time for some tough love is upon us. It is time to end this ocean of easy money and put a stop to this politically correct feel good notion that everyone is capable of owning a home. Truth be told anything that is obtained easily isn’t valued and we are seeing this maxim play out in spades. History shows these bailouts don't stop future ones because nobody actually pays a price for bad decisions. As a father of four I can assure you that if there is no price to pay for derelict behavior, the behavior continues.
This wont be an easy thing to do certainly, however the prudent and proper course of action rarely is the easiest. We all know our statesmen in D.C. wont make the tough decisions, their track records are evidence enough regardless of political party. So it is up to us to step forward and write that letter, type that e-mail or make that phone call to put a stop to this mobius strip we find ourselves on economically as a nation.
Just like our elected officials need a nudge to get them moving down the proper trail, here lies the prod for you. Take 20 minutes out of your day and do the right thing, for many it will be the first time to step out and make a decision that you know might be painful to you. However it is far less risky than decisions made by prior generations.
To get you started you can find the contact information of your Senator here http://www.senate.gov/general/contac...nators_cfm.cfmWhen you finish with them feel free to move on to the House. You can find your congressman’s contact info here https://forms.house.gov/wyr/welcome.shtml
The one thing you can be sure of in Washington is that those who serve there only care about one thing, returning to their jobs upon re-election. It’s time again to use this fact to steer our country in the right direction since its obvious nobody currently has their hand on the wheel.

You tell 'em Chip. I'll vote for you. have you thought about running for office?

God says leave and cleave!!! Today's Nonsense winner is...

2008-09-05T19:11:00.009-05:00

Dalia! So before you get all over me for spreading my friends business all over the entire www, she asked me to tell her story. Let this serve as a warning for all of you parents, soon to be parents, and grandparents. If you have babies or toddlers, I know they are cute now, but start setting those boundaries today. This could be you in a few years.

Our Bible passage of the day comes from Genesis 2: 24. "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh."(NIV) In the King James it says, "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh." In other words, LEAVE AND CLEAVE! You can't learn to cleave if you won't leave. Why would you ever need to learn to weather the storms of life together if there are never any storms?

As you know, I can be just a teeny bit bossy. If I know that you are breaking the law, I will turn you in. Then I will visit you in jail...maybe. As a rule, I don't put up with nonsense, except for my own...even if I am the Queen of Nonsense. People generally don't call me if they are doing something foolish and ask me what I think, because if you ask me...I will tell you. My friend Dalia can't seem to learn this, so occasionally she calls me in the middle of her foolishness. Now, you need to know that God only made a few hearts like Dalia's. She is one of the sweetest, most beautiful people I have ever met. She reminds me a lot of my Mom. She is a loyal friend and I believe she loves Jesus with all her heart. She is also a doormat. A beautiful doormat, but a doormat nonetheless.

Dalia is the Mommy to 3 grown sons. I use the word "Mommy," because she still babies them all. I have seen her leave an adult, dress -up party to drive home and cook them a meal from scratch because they called and told her to. THEY WERE IN HIGH SCHOOL, AND ALL HAD DRIVER'S LICENSES, JOBS AND CARS! They are now all adults. The youngest two still live at home, but they go to college and have jobs. The oldest one recently married and inherited an instant family. He lived at home until he got married. He has his own home now, but apparently, even so, they have moved into Dalia's house without asking. She would rather be liked than happy, so she is letting them just live in her house. She is cooking for them, watching their kids and not asking one thing in return. She hasn't asked them why they are there because she doesn't want her son mad at her. She also won't tell them to leave. AAAGGGHHHH!!!

I remember telling my Daddy I was mad at him one time. He was unconcerned with whether I was angry or not. He didn't stop to worry that I might not like him. He told me that I could "get glad in the same pants I got mad in." That is country speak for, "Watch your mouth. I don't care if you are mad. Get over it." When Ashley was a baby I developed my parenting "mission statement." I didn't call it that, but I have quoted it enough over the years that both kids know it by heart. Terry and I have set this standard, and I think it has worked. It goes like this: "It is not my job to be your friend. It is my God-given job and responsibility to be your parent. You will grow up to be a God-fearing, law-abiding, tax paying citizen of Earth. You may choose only whether you do it the easy way or the hard way. Either way, I'll go with you. I'm up to it. I love you!"

One of the things I first loved about Terry is that he treated his mother like a queen. I wanted to be a queen, and so I knew that he knew how to treat a woman because I witnessed it in them. They both think the other is perfect. She loves to spoil him and do special nice things for him. He loves to do nice things for her. It makes them both all happy inside. However, it is a treat and not an every day occurrence. He would never, ever take advantage of his mother. To him, she is a gift from God and should be revered as such. He would put her on the throne and meet her every need before she thinks of it, if he had the means. She would do the same for him, but she knows solving all his problems would keep him from being independent. I love their relationship. She is available for him any time he needs her, but she never meddles or butts in. They are an example I think everyone should follow.

Here is the Rant of the Day: It is not loving or kind to your children to set no boundaries and to let them just run all over you. It is not loving not to cut the cord when they are adults. It is not loving to allow adult children to take advantage of your kindness. It is not loving to allow your son to teach your grand babies to run all over you. It is not kind to allow them to grow up thinking women are nothing more than their servants. It is not loving to "baby" your adult children and meet their every need before they have a chance to be independent and work things out on their own. It is not loving to let your adult offspring be children! It is abusive, and a strong godly woman will not allow her son to treat her in such a manner. She is setting an example and she will not want her daughter in law to be treated this way. Your adult children cannot learn how to have a successful marriage if they have a "mommy" in the middle.

So, obviously I had to put Dalia ON NOTICE! She is a fearfully and wonderfully made woman of God who needs to grow a backbone. She wants you all to comment and give her some ideas as to how to get her son and his family out of the house. (OK, she thought you would all tell her how sorry you felt for her, but I told her this audience would probably not come to the pity party.) Here is my suggestion: On a large fluorescent pink poster board, write the following in large letters and attach it to your front door. Then there can be no confusion.

HOUSE RULES FOR ADULT CHILD WITH HIS OWN APARTMENT:
1) Love you. Mean it!
2) GO HOME NOW.
3) Call next time before you VISIT.
4) GO Home NOW! You should have left before you got to this line. Now GO!!!

So, maybe I was wrong about Teddy

2008-09-03T00:08:00.003-05:00

I'm sure he missed the kids and all, but as it turns out, Teddy was in pain. Today he was diagnosed with hip dysplasia. This is a degenerative disease and manageable, but not curable. If you know him, you know he was very poorly bred. I like to say he's twice the dog! We love him like family. He is a good and faithful friend to all of us.

We covet your prayers, for us... because we have to put him on a diet, and as I mentioned before, he's not about to starve. He will find food. I always had disdain for people who treat their pets like people, but I think I may have become one. I already have my personal architect, Quenton, designing him a chic cart in case he loses the use of his back legs. And if worse comes to worse, I will put him in a giant purse and have him become a purse dog. There are two problems with that plan. 1) He weighs in at over 50 pounds and lifting him is no easy feat, not to mention carrying. 2) Copper isn't about to let Teddy become a purse dog unless he gets to be a purse dog too. Between them, that's quite a load. Now that I think of it, I better have Quenton design two carts. If Teddy needs one Copper will insist on one too. His will have to be cuter, or he will just be impossible. Maybe a double stroller...

I've been trying to figure out who I can put "ON NOTICE" over this, but he is God's creature and I'm not calling out God. He knows what he's doing, but He's not doing it my way. Go figure, the God of the Universe doesn't consult me on His decisions. Boy, would I mess this world up. Let's all pause and give thanks that Donna isn't in charge. In the words of my favorite After's song, "Thank God I'm Not The One!"

Even though I misdiagnosed him for my previous post, the lesson still stands and I am thankful that we can learn a great lesson even in the midst of a hardship. I am going to have to go check my veterinarian license. I must have gotten it at aTm. ;P

God's grief

2008-08-31T01:39:00.007-05:00

I think I got a small glimpse into how God grieves when we fail him. Believe it or not, it came by way of our Giant Beagle Dog, Teddy.

Teddy is really Tyler's dog and he knows it. He is a bit of a "Mother Hen." He needs to be in the center of whatever we are doing. He would prefer if we make it all about him. He loves us all with everything he has. When we step on him or fall over him, he always forgives us happily, tail wagging. He greets us at the door when wecome home after having been gone with a "Snoopy dance," and he does the same when dinner is served. He has even forgiven us when, on occasion, we run out of food and he has to wait until morning to eat. He gets a little grumpy and will come by and lick me. I know he's telling me that he is basting me because if that food doesn't come soon...he's eating me first.

Lately we have all been out of sorts just a bit. Ashley is excited to be a Senior, but nervous about all of the decisions and responsibility of picking a college. Tyler is happy to be in High School, but nervous about going to his school. I have been stricken by early "empty nest syndrome" and Terry is tired of looking older than he is. (He got a man make-over today, and he's hhhhoooottt)

I have been reading the book, "Disappointment with God" by Phillip Yancey. He is a brave man. Most of us would never admit that we have ever disappointed with our Savior. This got me to thinking about grieving.At one point, we lost 4 family members in less than 4 years and one of them had a mean form of dementia before she passed, so I have seen many people grieve. I have held many a hand through the grieving process. I know I don't grieve properly, because my family always tells me I am "holding in my grief in." I suppose it is true. It is hard for me to mourn for someone who has attained that which I someday hope to attain. Heaven. I am not a crier, so I usually am stoic. I am good to have in an emergency because I don't have a panic button. So over the years, I've been closely acquainted with grief, but very seldom has my heart been torn out. The most grieving I do is when I see things in Christians, myself included, and churches that I know break the heart of God. Then I began wondering what is is like when God grieves. I know He grieves. The Bible is replete with numerous stories of people grieving God. For a biblical example, read about the Jews. Or how about this: "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30" We wouldn't be warned not to grieve the Holy Spirit if it never happened.

This all converged Monday morning, the first day of school, into a spectacle I hope I never have to witness again. Terry left for work before any of us, including the dogs, were awake.Then we all got up early to start our day. This had not happened all summer and even the dogs had gotten used to sleeping in. Then their kids were with them most of the day. When it came time for the kids to leave for school, I heard Tyler tell Teddy he couldn't go to school and then he shut the door. I cannot ever properly describe the scene that followed, but I will try. He immediately started crying and jumping around like he was on fire. I called Terry at work to tell him to mortgage the house! The dog was hurt and I was taking him to the hospital. Terry didn't answer. The dog just kept wailing, but he also ran to the back door. I realized then he wasn't too hurt. Maybe he needed to go... He ran out and ran around the pool and began to try to dig out under the fence. He was trying to get to the kids! He was in a freak out because his "babies" left. (It might be because they left him with me.)

I made him come back inside. I checked him out to be sure nothing was broken. He was still baying and howling and carrying on like a paid mourner at an 18th century funeral. I sat on the floor with him and I held all 50 pounds of him while he wailed. A beagle snout turns into a great microphone when it is blasting in your face. Now, this was all not fair, because I had "have nervous breakdown" on my schedule for that morning because of that empty nest thing and he was stealing it. I sat and rocked him and we cried together for a literal hour. Then I noticed his tail start wagging and at that point, he was just using me for my ear scratching abilities.

He then went and put his chin on the window sill where he can see the driveway and stayed there all day until the babies were home. He forgave them for leaving them and pretty soon, he was back to "Snoopy dance" again

I realized that I grieve my Father when I walk away from Him. He yearns for me to return. He waits and watches. He wants to hang around with me and have my life center around Him. He does a happy dance, maybe not literally but you get my meaning, when we return. But those times when we leave Him or sin against Him, we break His heart. I can now imagine that if Teddy's grief is maybe 1/10,000 of God's grief, I don't want to be responsible for it. I also love knowing that as soon as we ask, we are back to "happy beagle" time. Immediate forgiveness. Beautiful. A promise you can count on. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9" Isn't our God beautiful and creative. I love it when he teaches me a lesson using props. I just hope they are a little quieter props next time.

The Dream...church...Team!

2008-08-23T00:58:00.006-05:00

Last year I was teaching in the youth ministry at church. I was also thinking, I am so fed up with foolishness that I think I will start my own church. (Sorry Wes, I guess this is what I do when I should have been paying attention. My bad.)

We will do things God's way! We will not care what cool new program is "in" right now or what the trends or statistics say. We will ask the Lord for guidance and we will obediently follow. We will not have a CEO or "hatchet person." We will treat God's people with dignity and respect. If you say God is speaking to you, you better not contradict scripture. We will not even hear a "that's not my calling," or "I've done my time." And we will never, ever, have someone tell you where to park. I believe if you can drive, you know what the stripes are for.

I looked around me and I realized that I had almost everyone I needed right there in front of me. Somehow, I feel God had put the best of the best in that ministry at that time. So I will import one family full of foolishness hating folks and here is a new virtual church! Woo Hoo. Of course we can't ever meet or "do church" because we are all people and with people comes foolishness. But just imagine... It should be noted that I don't hate my own foolishness. Only the foolishness of those who don't amuse me. At least I'm honest. So here is our church staff line up. (Not in order of importance.)Tell me what you think.

Pastor- Wes: I know he's a youth minister, but he will be a pastor someday. He will be a pastor who is a shepherd. He truly cares about his people. I believe that he will put together some amazing, dynamic, challenging messages that will make you think Jesus is in the room. He is going to have to have a few more kids because I believe you have to have at least 5 to qualify as a pastor. Maybe you can adopt a few from China. They have a bunch extra and Terry won't let me have one. My friend Laura can help you with information. But I digress...

Associate Pastor or "Jesus Police"- Tyler : We all know the boy is going to "make a preacher" some day. I want his mentors to be the best, so we are starting him out early. He will spend a lot of time like Jesus did when he was a boy. He will be asking everyone challenging spiritual and theological questions. This will keep us all on our toes. However, for now, he is the Jesus Police. He will go around asking people : "Why is that movie OK for you to watch if it isn't OK for your kids?" He will also be in charge of making sure the schedule stays on schedule. You can't mess with that boy's schedule.

Youth Minister- Marcus: He is a youth minister called to youth ministry. I really believe it is its own special calling. He will teach the kids Jesus, make disciples, witness to the lost and throw an occasional pie or roll of toilet paper. Whichever the situation warrants. He will also let the rest of us spend some time in youth because we love it and for most of us, this is our behavior level. I didn't put Wes here, because I already made him pastor and I don't think he'll have time for two jobs, but he can come in any time, I'm sure.

Music : Tricia and Donna: Trisha will be in charge. I am not in her league. She is amazingly talented. The woman can sing and play! She also can do it all while making a lung and a foot and a brain. I'm pretty sure she could also throw a roll of toilet paper at the same time. I decided to put myself here as second in command because: 1) I made the list and 2) I will be in charge of old fogey music. The music most of you don't like, but you would if you ever read and digested the words. That's right. We will sing some hymns. Then we will live them out. We will not only sing hymns, we will sing praise music, worship music, old music, new music, and if we need to, we will sing no music. On occasion, we might need to get "back to the heart of worship."

Men's ministry- Chip: I imported him and his family. We need them. Chip is a wise man of God. He is a "man's man." Plus he is an amazing golfer. You know you can't have a men's ministry without a golf tournament. It simply isn't done. I think he will be great at growing men into "God's Men!!"

Women's Ministry-Me: I am so excited about my pretend ministry!

Administrator- Terry: We are going to take advantage of his financial education and non-profit experience. This job is perfect for him. He once was almost sure this was where God was calling him, but then he decided it was not. Maybe God will call him to the pretend church. There will be no financial foolishness when Terry is on the case. A plus is that we will have the cutest administrator in fake land.

Education Minister- Frank & Kristin: I put them both here because they are specially suited and it's a big job. Frank will be writing a lot of our discipleship material and so will Kristin. They are both smart, witty, and talented. They will be overseeing everything that falls under adult discipleship.

Pre-School & Children's Minister- Laura and the kids: Sorry, Laura. I know you thought you had moved out of this role, but you have experience and you're really good at it. The girls will help out a lot as will the boys. This is a godly woman, married to Chip, who will be sure our littlest ones (remember, there are babies and potential babies everywhere) are taught about Jesus. She will rock them and tell them Jesus loves them. She will organize the workers like no one else but Marcus could do. She will make sure people show up.

Whatever she wants- Elisha: She has earned the right to do whatever she wants. She can hang out with youth, teach kids, be the secretary or rest...whatever.

I think this is a good start. There are a few holes. If you think we should move someone around, let me know. I'm sorry, you will not be able to refuse your virtual position. It is pretend, after all.

You have to love them, but you don't have to keep them in your boat!

2008-08-15T21:26:00.010-05:00

A few years ago, I was talking to my friend Audrey about how I was tired of Christians and the shallow, worldly way we often treat each other. (That's right, I said it. You know you've thought it too.) She said, "Jesus said we have to love them but He didn't say we have to keep them in our boat." She is a woman of few words, but when she speaks, she is like E.F.Hutton. I listen.This has been life changing for me.

What, or who, is your boat? It is your nearest and dearest. You can't fit as many people into a boat as a house. A boat is a very intimate setting, so whoever is in it with you better love you, warts and all, and vice-versa. It's not a ship. It's small and sometimes stinky and can get a little messy. You need to work together in your boat to get anywhere. If you don't row together, you are just wasting energy. Sometimes, you may have to toss someone overboard. I believe women struggle with the concept. We tend to try to keep a whole house load of people and ALL of their business in our boats. I meet so many women just burdened by people in their boats. Some of those people are trying desperately to jump, but the good intentioned woman keeps dragging those poor souls back in. Some need to be let go.

I met a beautiful woman this past week in our Sunday School class. She was asking for prayer for some co-workers who were making her life miserable. Our lesson that day was partly from Acts 15: 36 - 40.
36Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us go back and visit the brothers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing." 37Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, 38but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. 39They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, 40but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.

I love this passage and I believe it teaches us a valuable lesson. You see, Paul literally put Barnabus out of his boat. What is usually focused on here is the "sharp disagreement" between Paul and Barnabus. Nobody understands Paul point of view, because we know the end of the story. They had been a great pair! Oh, God had used them together mightily. You see, Barnabus had brought the newly saved Saul (Paul) to the disciples. Saul had tried to go to the disciples himself, but they were afraid of him. (Acts 9:26-27) Paul and Barnabus were together on the first missionary journey (Acts 13-14.) They were tight. Then came the "sharp disagreement," a kerfuffle, if you will. Barnabus wanted to include his cousin John Mark on the next trip and Paul was fed up with the boy. Mark had deserted them earlier and Paul was not in a forgiving mood. So, they split. It doesn't tell us in the text, but I know it was miserable and agonizing for the both of them. I know they missed each other, but the relationship was no longer the best thing for the ministry. Paul thought John Mark was useless, but Barnabus saw something worthwhile in him.

Here's my favorite part. Together they were one amazing missionary team, but separately...they were TWO great missionary teams. Twice the people reached for Jesus, twice the ground covered. Twice the greatness! If they had not split, it would have been less than God's best.

Ladies, sometimes we need to "clean house...boat." Sometimes a relationship is no longer God's best. I have cleaned out my boat lately. There are quite a few great....and not-so-great Children of God treading water around my boat. I still love them,in an agape kind of way, but we were no longer God's best for each other. I know they are happy to be released and I am glad to have room for some new boat mates. I am also glad to have room to breathe. Those other people, they will flourish without me. I will flourish without them and separately, we will storm the world for Jesus and reach more ground.

That lady in class? She is tossing those work ladies out of her boat! We are going to pray for them, but the relationship is going to change. I'm thinking I'm going to make room in mine for her. As you might have heard, I have a few openings.

Catching up with the Lawsons

2008-08-10T17:58:00.003-05:00

It was pointed out to me recently that I neglected to keep you up to date on the comings and goings of the family. There is a good reason. Terry has lived in fear ever since we were married that I would use him as "material" when I begin my career as a stand up comedienne. He has officially forbidden me to write about him, so of course I will catch you up. I love a challenge. Terry's manager, Johnell, recently moved to the beach. (Let's pause and ask God to give her the strength to cope with the cool ocean breezes and laid back lifestyle. I know it's going to be hard on her.) Because he's the Superman of the IT world, he has been given her old job. This "promotion" has come with the loss of a few perks. He was working from home two days a week and off by 5:00 every day. Now he has to go into the office every day and gets home between 7 and 7:30. Somehow, God has smiled on him and he looks younger and younger every day. ;) Why do women get old and haggard and men age and become distinguished. I'm going to take this up with God, but I'm sure He's heard it before.

I must be very nice to him because as I'm typing, he and Tyler are cooking scrambled eggs and pancakes and Mamma knows not to bite the hand that feeds her. He really is the best. I surely don't deserve such a man. I should point out to you that he was raised by amazing parents and my "Proverbs 31" mother-in-law helped to form him into not just a good man, but a godly man. He is so much like his dad that sometimes you can't tell them apart. If you compare old pictures, it is spooky. The elder Lawson is an amazing man of faith and they are both role models for me. I will never be half the woman my mom-in-law is, but it's a worthy goal to try.

Tyler tells me his name is "copyrighted." He gets this from me because I try to claim that my image is "copyrighted" every time someone tries to take my picture. I am not photogenic. I am much cuter and nicer in person. However, no one...especially my father-shutter-bug-in-law has any respect for my claims and they snap away anyway. I checked into Tyler's claim of being copyrighted and it turns out, he never completed his paper work, so I can write at will. This summer has been a summer of transformation for Tyler. He has up and gotten a life! He is a quiet boy (in public) and usually keeps to himself. However, when we changed churches, we changed Tylers. He has gone to camp with a bunch of kids he didn't know, made lots of new friends, and gone to "Fish Camp" at high school. That is the name for freshman orientation. He will be a freshman in the fall and is a little bit anxious about the whole high school thing. He will, of course, love it once he's there, but as for now, he's not convinced. Feel free to leave here a few great high school stories from your past. He needs to hear them.

Ashley is of course, out in the pool with a friend. We consider ourselves blessed if she is at home. I'm worried we will forget what she looks like. There is earth shattering news on the Ashley front...ready? SHE GOT A JOB!! A real, W-4, paycheck and responsibility job. It made her daddy so proud that someone else in this house had a job, he got a little tear in his eye. She also takes after her mom and needs an audience at all times and so she is usually "hanging out" with friends. She is going to be a Senior in the fall and she is excited about that. (I'm excited to have both kids at the same school.) She is not, however, excited about college. She has a touch of the "Peter Pan Syndrome." After spending every day she has been on this earth trying her best to grow up in a hurry, she has now slammed on the brakes. College and everything that goes along with the process is a little scary.

I'm too young to have a high school Senior as a child and I'm already dreading the "letting go part." I have taught women for the last 11 years and a big part of it has been teaching them that you raise your children to not need you. You raise them right in the Lord, and let them go. You trust you did your part as a parent. [My "speech" to my kids has been, "You will grow up to be a God fearing, tax paying, law abiding citizen. You may choose the easy way or the hard way."] I know I am biased, but I do have the two best kids God has ever made. I know she is ready. Truly, she hasn't needed us since she could open the refrigerator. See has always been independent. I raised her to be that way. Now it looks like I'm going to have to drink my own kool-aid and prepare to let her go. Honestly, I'm completely prepared to be a hypocrite and lock her in the basement until she's 40, but that would be selfish. Let's hope I am not too selfish. Feel free to leave her some fun...but appropriate...college stories that can help her shake of the nervousness.

Big changes are a coming. I'm just along for the ride. If you have a minute, would you ask God to help me get through this last year with Ashley at home? I'm afraid, I might ask him to help her fail all of her classes and have to repeat her senior year. I'm almost positive that would be wrong of me. Almost, positive...but tempting.

Continuation of previous post...

2008-08-04T17:17:00.004-05:00

I have decided to put my 20 year old AC unit "ON NOTICE!" It can't seem to cool my house when it is over 100 degrees. Yesterday was 107! Yikes. If you are gonna run with the big boys and be an AC unit here in Texas, you've got to know it will be 107 and be prepared, AC unit. We do our part by having the nice AC tech out every year and giving him our retirement savings just to keep you happy, AC unit. You repay me by making me sweat in the uncomfort of my very own home. Shame on you, AC unit. If I want a nap during the day, and we all know I do I have to haul in three extra fans in addition to my ceiling fan and encircle my bed in a vortex of wind. Terry is worried I am accidentally going to create a tornado and end up in Oz. He doesn't mind if I go, but he's worried I'll take him with me and he doesn't have enough vacation time to make his way home on the yellow brick road. He is also positive I'll spend my yellow brick road time whining that I'm hot and that he's making me hike.(( You know it, buddy boy! ) Did I mention he's a wise man? For making the Queen of Nonsense sweat and needlessly worrying Terry about Munchkins and wicked witches, I'm putting you "ON NOTICE'" 20 year old AC unit...but please don't die. We love you.

Runner up is Kathy's fairly new AC Unit that made her come home from our fabulous weekend and find it dead. That's not nice. Also to the 14' alligator caught by Kelly's husband and boys. Don't go getting yourself caught and giving mama a heart attack in the process. Shame, shame on the both of you. Alligator, you're from Louisiana. You should know better.

Last, but not least, head on over to http://movingmycheese.blogspot.com/. This is my cool buddy Frank's blog. There is a beautiful new baby at his house and he is one proud dad. He's a deep thinker, apparently except if his food is too spicy. He always provokes me to think. Read his blog, but scroll down and pay special notice to the video under "real preachers of genius." After you watch it, you'll know who else is "ON NOTICE!"

Dancing Queen...NOT

2008-08-04T17:11:00.002-05:00

Praise the Lord for friends! I just returned from my no husbands, no children, no boyfriends, no strangers, annual sacred Girlfriend Weekend! If you are a girl, you should round up your friends and head out for some rest and relaxation. Seriously cool. My group of girlfriends grew up together. Seriously. Kathy moved to town when we were 6. She's the new chick. We have an interesting bond that can only come from time, familiarity and love. No greater women will you find on this planet. We are also all pretty cute, if I do say so myself. All of my girlfriends are just naturally gifted "christian counselors," so there were lots of calls back and forth between some folks in need of prayer and and a shoulder to cry on and the rest of the group.

We had a blast as always. We are a holy group. We participated in lots of fellowship ((baptist speak for eating so much it is surely a sin,)) giving to the needy ((baptist speak for retail therapy)) a little meditation, ((sleep,)) sharing ((baptist speak for "catching up")) and praise music ((Pam brought her guitar and we also went to the Sunday Gospel Brunch at Threadgills.)) Note: If you care to go see the movie, Mamma Mia!, you should ask how many children of the 7o's are there and if they are singers. There were 6 of us and we are all singers. I know the rest of the audience thought our 6 part harmony was sent straight to them from God...and probably asked him to make us shut up. (The answer, NO!) Then of course there was the Abba tribute band we briefly formed in the van after the movie as we sang along to our newly acquired CD. I'm sure we could go pro. We would look amazing in the costumes, and we need a paying gig to make up for some of the "giving." We missed seeing our dear friend Amy because of the gospel brunch. I hope to get to see her next time. She's a warrior for Jesus. I wish you knew her. You'd love her too.

As we were in Austin, we had the opportunity to listen to 3 live music "events." The first was a girl and her keyboard outside on a deck overlooking Lake Austin at a coffe house. She was amazing and relaxing. The girl whining about the heat (me) was annoying but thankfully distracted by the cool music and portable fan. The second was very good cover band, "Pie." They did mostly 70's music with a good deal of 80's and a little 60's music thrown in. Once again, the 6 singers belted it out along with the band, although the speakers were loud enugh to keeep us from distracting the rest of the audience...I think. There was some dancing, but don't worry, it wasn't me. I have learned my lesson the hard way. We almost got "bounced" because Shelly fell asleep on the couch. The poor girl is 8 months pregnant in the record-breaking Texas heat with 5 other crazy women. We wore her out. By Saturday evening, she just needed a little nap, so she snuggled in on a leather couch during the music and took a little snooze. The people of the establishment, however, saw it differently and to them she looked like a passed out drunk chick. Shelly is an attorney, so when they asked about her, she opened her eyes and very succinctly explained to them why they would not be kicking her out. They were so embarassed. I was kind of hoping they would haul us downtown so I could have some more interesting stories. However, none of the rest of my group cared to go to jail so I could have interesting stories. They were probably right. I don't think they would do my nails properly in jail, and I don't have any shoes that match the uniforms. DO they let you shop before you get locked up so that you don't clash? Hmmmm.

I want to ask you to pray fervently for my friend Polly. She isn't blood kin, but she's family, and she's ill. Please pray for her health and let's just on and ask for healing ,if it's God's will. Please pause for a moment and do it now...I'll wait... Then whenever you think of it, please do it often. She is an amazing woman who has had an interesting life. I love her like a sister and so would you if you knew her.

Today's "Good Job" was a tie, so it goes both to Kathy's dog, Shadow and to the not kicked out of the music, Shelly.

Kathy's dog get's the "good job" for not biting me when I so richly deserved it. I accidently knocked her upside the head and then fell keister over teakettle into her little doggie hole she had dug to keep herself cool. I'm sure she is not accustomed to entertaining humans in here little doggie hole, but she was a gracious hostess She allowed me to fall on top of her into the hole, and then dust myself off and climb out. She didn't even laugh in my face, although she ran behind the car to laugh at me behind my back. I heard her, but I couldn't be mad. I was laughing at myself. Then she came back around so I could apologize. She forgave me for defiling her litttle spot, but I don't think we are going to be "besties." So thank you for not biting me and "good job."

Shelly gets a "Good Job" for not giving birth and for being a trooper. We do allow children at Girlfriend wWekend who are in the womb, but once they are out, it simply won't do. Her law is family law and it doesn't ever stop. This woman is amazing. She handled business with compassion and tromped around with us without complaining. This is more than I can say for the whiny girl (me) who drug around holding a little portable fan to her face asking everyone if they knew it was hot. Shelly never complained and I was amazed at her.

Mission trips and the beloved mouse

2008-07-10T21:17:00.004-05:00

I am not usually a jealous person. Really. I am so blessed that I can't begin to complain, but these last couple of weeks, I've been a little green. It seems like the whole world is out making a wonderful difference for Jesus and I'm just ...not.

My buddy Kevin is on a musician's mission trip in Africa and I'm so envious I could literally puke. That's right, I said puke. Dahlia, Jeannie and Vicki are in Vietnam working with the Lost Orphans group. They are able to post pictures and they are amazing. A few weeks ago, my friend Kathy and girls from the youth group were in Romania working with The Joshua House group and AIDS orphans. Ashley & the youth group are in New Orleans hosting Sports Camps and last week Corinne was in Guatemala breaking her foot. (The foot breaking wasn't a planned event, but she enjoyed it anyway. How, you ask? She fell and was caught by a cute boy. If you remember being a teenager, you get it.) I know that these people are out there being "Jesus in skin" to others.

So what of us who are behind the scenes? I know I'm not the only person out there who misses out on some of the fun because we have "grown-up" responsibilities (or asthma.) Sometimes we feel that we are useless to the Kingdom because we aren't always on the visible "front lines." We feel that unless we go on a cool trip or cut an enormous check we are doing nothing. This is a lie. Where would the world be if it weren't for parents who raise mighty warriors and prepare them for battle? I think of those children out there in New Orleans right now working at Sports Camp in the devastating heat, whose only goal is to bring Jesus to someone who doesn't know Him. Someone prepared them long before they got on a bus. We should remember that it is a privilege to wait and pray for those who are away from us. We make a difference, too. We may not get the praise, but those the Lord sends out can't do their job if they aren't just smothered in prayer. So, I'm giving myself a break. I wish I was there, but I am content to be here...on watch...standing in the gap...for as long as necessary. Oh, and sooo thankful that God sent someone else to do the cooking and sweating part. Thank you, RaeNell & Sarah.

Now, onto "rant of the day." Let me preface by saying I have serious issues with Pat Robertson. I feel he has done some damage to the name of Christ, but I have also at times shamed my Savior's name, so I only throw a very small nerf stone. That said, I saw something that appalled me the other evening. Guess who is responsible? That's right...the beloved mouse, Mickey. Disney/ABC Family has a new show titled "The Secret Life Of Teenagers." I can't comment about the show yet other than to say I am saddened by the culture to which our children are exposed. I'll comment on the show after I've seen enough of it to get an idea which way it is headed. (On a side note: John Schneider, aka Bo Duke was in it, and time has been kind to him. Very kind.) The rant comes from the disclaimer. Pat Robertson's 700 Club comes on directly before this show and is followed by a disclaimer that "The preceding CBN telecast does not reflect the views of ABC Family." The show that follows is the above mentioned teenager show about a pregnant teen. I have read online that the disclaimer has to do with Robertson calling for the assassination of Hugo Chavez, but how would any average TV watcher know that? What it says in actual language is, "We don't approve of the Christian show, but the one about teenagers who engage in premarital sex and reproduce like bunnies is okey-dokey." Because of this NONSENSE, I am calling out Disney and, MOUSE, YOU ARE ON NOTICE...again.

Today's nonsense

2008-07-06T23:50:00.003-05:00

So, today I enter the blogging world. I hope to use this as a place to keep family & friends up to date on the comings and of the goings of the Lawson Clan. I will also, probably more often than not use this for "Rant of the Day," "You're on Notice," and "Good Job."You know those things you need to say, but no-one cares to hear. Yeah, that. Who knows, I might also learn how to post pictures.
Today's nonsense is at an all time low because our source of most nonsense (teenage girl) is serving the Lord in New Orleans. It was weird to drop her off for a trip with a youth group in which only 3 months ago, I was deeply entrenched. What made it weird was that I only knew 4 parents and only 2 that were going on the trip. I'm so glad that there are adults that have stepped in to fill the gap, but it broke my heart to feel so out of place, to introduce myself to the new youth "guy" and he had no idea who I was or who my child was. He's new, so I'm giving him time.
On the new church search front, I'm struggling. Terry & Tyler have found a church they love, but I am hesitant to trust. If you have any idea how to become trusting, I'd love to hear it. I need to move on. Unfortunately, I am today's nonsense.
Today's "Good Job" goes to Ashley who has spent the summer learning to stand up not only for herself, bit also for the "least of these." I am so proud of her for speaking up when she needed to. She also earned the money for her Mission Trip the hard way. That's right, WORK! She may have even broken a sweat, but I'm not sure.
I am calling out "Outlook Express/" They are ON NOTICE!! For some reason, either Mr. Outlook or Mrs. Express hates me and refuses to find a connection...but only for me. They love Terry and deliver his email lickety-split. Not Cool. You are officially ON NOTICE, Outlook Express.