Revisiting WBS

To take a few days to play, I decided to rerun some old posts this week. This particular post came from the first month I started blogging, back on June 29, 2006.

It's official.

I have WBS. I've suspected it for years, but rationalized it away. The symptoms have been there my whole life, but who wants to admit to having such a malady? I didn't want to be treated differently. Some hinted I may have it and my husband has suffered from my condition for decades. Finally we have a diagnosis.

I have Whiny Baby Syndrome.

It was confirmed on Monday while I was having lunch with a couple of friends. No, they didn't tell me I have it. They're much too nice for that. But you know you have Whiny Baby Syndrome when you find yourself getting defensive when pushed for an explanation or when the words coming out of your own mouth suddenly sound stupid. You can be sure there is a problem when pointed questions punch you in the gut and really nice people give you a half-hearted "Mmm" while nodding their heads slowly, their facial expressions resembling people who are not buying the swampland in Florida or your story.

I was sure I had WBS when I heard my recent responses to the question. You know, THE question this time of year, "How's your summer going?" Some sob story came out of me about how my summer had just begun because my husband's production was finally over. One night was especially embarrassing when I told a couple that church "crap" (yes, I actually used that word--OUCH--see how bad I have it?) was biting into our summer. PLEASE! My life is not that bad. (Funny, you'd think I'd know this. One of my kids hears this about his own life nearly daily.) My life is very good, in fact. I have nothing to complain about. I must be a whiny baby.

"Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe" (Philippians 2:14-15).

OW, OW, OW!!! Forgive me if you have had to endure my complaining and thank you for your patience. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to clean up my star (it's not shining so good) and tend to the gaping hole in my head.



Photo Credit: Addrox

Heart Training

“Sufferers want to be ministered to by people who have suffered. They are suspicious of people who appear to live lives of ease. He (God) has given a role to messy, wimpy people like me. He has made us His ambassadors of reconciliation, and suffering gives us credibility with a hurting world and demonstrates God’s sufficiency to meet our needs.”

by Stephen F. Saint in his essay, “Sovereignty, Suffering, and the Work of Missions”

Like everyone, I have suffered. You can't live on earth without experiencing it. Yet why is it when I read a quote like this my head starts spinning?

Have I suffered enough for God to use me?
Must I be seen as a victim to have credibility with others?
Is it possible for others to know my suffering enough to trust me?
It is essential for them to know it?
Have I missed seeing God at work because I've been too scared of the risk?
Does speaking of my suffering draw others to me or tempt me to wallow in my misfortune?
What may God ask me to go through strictly for the sake of ministering to others?
Why must life be so hard?
Why does God like to do things the hard way?

Though I may not like it, I recognize nothing strips me of pride like suffering. When life is out of our control, I can't rely on myself anymore. I have only One place to turn. Nothing builds compassion or empathy quite like suffering. It helps me discover what's important and purifies my heart.

Suffering is a crash course in heart training.

Once I've been pushed and pulled, once I understand my place in this world and my utter reliance on Him, God, in His impeccable style, says, "NOW, we're cooking. NOW I can really use you." And He uses this imperfect, hurting person to help other imperfect, hurting people, uniting us as a beautiful body.

He shows me how to love.

Truly He causes all things to work together for the good for those who love Him, for those who are called according to His purpose.


Join this week's host, Kathryn, at Expectant Hearts for more ideas on this quote.



Photo Credit: Dude Crush

We Love You Drama Queen

Poor Drama Queen.

She makes it too easy.

Drummer Boy: All I've ever wanted to do is love you, Drama Queen.

Drama Queen: Stop it. Don't touch me.

Drummer Boy: But I love you.

Drama Queen: Ew!

Ladies Man and Miss Innocent One must get in on this easy action.


Don't you just love the look on her face?! See how satisfied everyone else is?

Drama Queen: Help! Mom! Dad! Do something!

Mom and Dad: Awww. . .

Poor girl. Don't you feel sorry for her?

7 Quick Takes (Volume 88)

1) A sign Miss Innocent One, our baby, may need a name change:

She put on a new swimsuit cover up and made a surprising comment.

Miss Innocent One: This thing makes me look like I have boobs. BONUS!

Her dad stared at her without saying a thing.

Miss Innocent One: Stop looking at me like that, Dad. I AM a girl.

Yes, indeed you are sweetheart. Sigh.

2) Watch out forces of bad health. Take heed evil boot camp instructors and back-breaking laborers, flat feet and non-supportive furniture. Backman and Posture Princess are on the job!


There are distinct advantages to being friends with a chiropractor. Your son gets to don a cool costume, hang out with his fun friend (the chiropractor's daughter) and be Backman at local festivities. Ladies Man had a great time with the gig. Can you tell?

3) I had another family project in mind, but unfortunately for Ladies Man and Miss Innocent One, they were the only kids home to get in on it.

Ladies Man (with a sigh): Now what time are we starting?

Me: 9:00.

Ladies Man (exhaling in true Napolean Dynamite form): Okay. . .

Me: But we'll only work until noon. We'll just get as much done as we can by lunch time and be done.

Ladies Man: That sounds reasonable.

What? Has formal thinking developed in this child that he actually recognizes it? Glory be!

4) Kevin: Why are we always waiting on you guys?

Ladies Man: You're the bear and we're the cubs. That's the way it's supposed to work.

Anybody get how that explains it?

5) We enjoyed watching the annual Homestead Days Parade on Saturday. The high school band marched by with Drama Queen leading the snare drummers. She's the middle snare player with the brown ponytail. Can you see Drummer Boy on the far end of the line, marching alongside for the first time as an instructor?


Ladies Man made his debut in the band. He kept telling us he was going to stink, but I think he looked pretty good. He's the tall trombone player second from this end. He marched in step, held his horn high and his slide synchronized with the girl next to him, so he must have been playing the right notes.


Nice job, guys! We're proud of you!

6) Even Miss Innocent One participated in the parade. She rode a float for the Junior Firefighters. See her waving to us in the red shirt?


It's the first parade we witnessed as parents without kids. Talk about making a person feel old! They're growing up. . .sniff, sniff.

7) While we're in a wistful mood thinking of children growing up, I don't mind warning you that Toy Story 3 is NOT a good flick to watch if you have a newly graduated or soon to graduate child in your house. I've been having nightmares ever since seeing the movie, waking up in a panic about Drama Queen being a senior.

Man, this mother gig is tough. First they suck the life out of you and then they leave, ripping your heart out.

But for today, all my chicks are in my coop and I'm going to enjoy it. Have a great weekend friends and catch more Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.

Invocation

O Holy Spirit, love of God, . . . descend plentifully into my heart;
Enlighten the dark corners of this neglected dwelling,
And scatter there thy cheerful beams!
Dwell in the soul which longs to be thy temple;
Water that barren soil overrun with weeds and briars,
And lost for want of cultivating,
And make it fruitful with thy dew from heaven. . . .

Come, thou hope of the poor, and refreshment of them that languish and faint.
Come, thou star and guide of them that sail in this tempestuous sea of the world;
Thou only haven of the tossed and shipwrecked.
Come, thou glory and crown of the living,
And only safeguard of the dying.
Come, Holy Spirit, in much mercy,
Come, make me fit to receive thee.

Augustine of Hippo



Photo Credit: hop_76

Four Reasons

I've got four reasons. . .

for being in the grocery store every other day.

I'm not getting as much done as I'd like to.

my house is not usually clean.

I need to put the smack down.

there's a lot of laughter in my home.

my summer is a joy.

Speaking the Truth

I hear the weariness, the resignation in her voice. I see the sparkle missing in her eyes. She's worn down, tired, asking God for relief He doesn't seem to give. She tells me the latest and I listen intently, trying to understand, looking for a different approach only an outsider could see, yet it's complicated and I feel inept and helpless. I've got no solutions, no way to fix her situation. I've prayed with her and for her and see little change. God is working, I have no doubt, but. . .

What's a friend to do when there's nothing to do? What's left when you've listened and prayed and have no advice, when all you can do is wait on God? How can you be a good friend when words sound trite and completely inadequate?

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Isaiah 55:10-11

Speak the Truth. Remind her what is true. She may already know it, but bringing it before her again helps her focus. It buoys her whether she recognizes it or not. Uttering the Word of God is the kindest thing I can do, for it is the only thing promised to yield her ultimate good even if she doesn't accept it or like it or fails to see immediate relief or inspiration. His Word will not return empty. It will accomplish what He desires. It will achieve His purposes.

A friend offers the Word of God.

I know this is not easy and often feels awkward. What if it's a hard word she doesn't want to hear? Do I pour salt in her wound? What if she thinks I'm off my rocker or finds me "too spiritual?" What if she rolls her eyes at my offering and tells me I don't understand?

But what if my holding back deprives her of God's message? If I truly love her and want what's best for her, I will give her the best salve I have.

Be a real friend.

Speak the Truth.

Offer the Word of God.



Photo Credit: Donnaphoto

Happy With What We Got

"I don't need all that stuff," my husband said, after reading what I wished I could get him for Father's Day (see # 7).

So as not to ruin the moment, I squelched the smart aleck comment lingering in my head--"My love is all you need." I knew that would earn an "oh, brother" and quick trip out of the room. Instead I said, "If I could, I'd get it all for you."

"I know," he said, wrapping an arm around my shoulder and giving me a kiss, "but I don't need it."

Something about the way he lingered said it all.

Man, I like that guy.

7 Quick Takes (Volume 87)

1) Oh my goodness, my readers crack me up! After the final performance of our church musical, a couple of women greeted Kevin and congratulated him on another good show. And then one of them said, "But I am disappointed about one thing."

Kevin held his breath.

"Tami's been bragging on your butt," she said, "but with you in the orchestra pit I didn't get to see it once."

I nearly snorted and thanked God for a husband with a sense of humor!

2) Drummer Boy had a mishap at work this week. He was painting stripes in the parking lot when he spilled the bright yellow paint all over his leg. It covered his shorts, his shin, his sock, his shoe. . .

I guess you could say he was a marked man.

(Please, no eye rolling for my cheesy attempt at humor.)

3) Miss Innocent One has taken to freezing orange juice and consuming it later as a slushie. This is all well and fine until she thinks it makes a complete breakfast.

Me: Honey, you really should have some protein with that.

Miss Innocent One: Yeah. . .

Me: You have to eat more than orange juice.

The minute it escaped my lips I knew I'd hear about it.

Drama Queen: Eat more than orange juice?!

Yeah, yeah, give me a break. I still had morning mind.

4) Want to see where I've been writing blog posts?


This is one of the coolest spots in my house. It's an enclosed porch on the second story. Surrounded by trees, you feel like you're in a giant tree house.


I wish I could say I've been super inspired, but. . . I'll let you be the judge. At the very least, it's a great view!


5) Just when I'm feeling happy about my fitness level, God reminds me to get over myself already. My cardio and stability ball class decided to join the boot campers yesterday morning and MAN was I humbled. I thought myself in good shape, working out 4-5 times per week, seeing muscles I never knew I had, but yesterday in boot camp--YIKES!! Everybody left me in the dust, making me feel like a total wimp.

It's good for me, I know, both physically and emotionally. I get the message, Lord, loud and clear. I can always do better. There is no coasting in God's economy.

6) Kevin, Ladies Man, Miss Innocent One and I watched America's Got Talent. Some guy swallowed a sword and then had his fiance put a moving drill down his throat. It was tough to watch. Even the judges could hardly take it. Here's a link if you've got the stomach for it. I distracted myself by perusing the sale ads from the paper.

Me: What does Daddy want for Father's Day?

Miss Innocent One: And don't say socks and underwear.

Kevin: I could use a tie tack.

I gave him a blank stare. I mean, c'mon, how boring is that?!

Ladies Man: Dad, you should get something really good.

Kevin: I don't know.

Me: How about a new fishing pole?

It was his turn for the blank stare. He hates fishing.

Me (groping as I flip through pages of suggestions): A nice cooler (yawn)? A new sleeping bag (when would he use it?)

Ladies Man: How about some power tools?

You must realize this boy has ulterior motives in suggesting these.

Miss Innocent One: You could make your own act. Would you like a drill you could swallow?

Ladies Man (pointing at the t.v.): Can you imagine this guy's kids? "Daddy, what can we get you for Father's Day to stick down your throat?"

Kevin never did give us any good ideas. So the pressure begins. I'm a terrible gift giver. I always wait until the last minute and then have trouble finding anything good. My husband puts me to shame. For Mother's Day he gave me a jewelry armoire after hearing me and our girls talking about pooling our bling together. It's beautiful, fits well in our bedroom and was on sale to boot! Somehow a tie tack just doesn't cut the mustard compared to that. Am I right? Taking any suggestions, people, and bring them on in a hurry. I don't have much time!

7) What I'd really like to give Kevin for Father's Day is a new vehicle. His truck is functional, but wearing out, and he hates driving a truck, that's a stick shift, with no air conditioning and bad shocks. I drove it around for a few days this week and nearly got sea sick with the rocking. But sadly, my budget is not that large. Sigh.

Do I get points for wishing I could give you a big gift, honey? If I had all the money in the world, you'd own a nice vehicle AND a grand piano. We'd fly off to fun destinations every four to six weeks and I'd hire someone to finish the attic rooms FOR you and I'd buy season tickets to the Lied Center and we'd have a weekly dinner date at expensive restaurants and an unlimited account to the Apple store for the latest gadgets.

Instead, you get a bouncy truck, getaways to hick spots in Nebraska, a little help with the attic, fast-food lunch dates and my undying adoration. I hope that'll do it for ya! Please know I love you despite the crappy gifts I send your way.


I wish you all a Happy Father's Day. May you honor and enjoy the men in your life. Be sure to catch more Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.

To Wear or Not to Wear. . .

It was only a dress.

Nothing immodest or revealing, just a crazy zebra dress.

I wasn't even looking for it the day I purchased it, but something about the fun print drew my eye. Did a midlife crisis nudge me to funk up my wardrobe?

But as much as I wanted to act young and spunky, something stirred in my gut. Was it over the top? Would it cause too much attention? Is it appropriate to get funky in church? The questions kept me awake. Would wearing a zebra dress in God's house dishonor Him? Was I being too self-centered jazzing up my wardrobe? How could a simple piece of clothing cause so much anxiety? Was God trying to tell me something?

I came right out and asked Him.

Lord, I don't want to dishonor you in what I wear. You know I've been worried about this silly dress. I want to hear you right. Help me know Your thoughts.

Into my head popped a verse.

Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. (Romans 13:14)

I tracked other verses using the word "clothe."

Therefore as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (Colossians 3:12)

Awake, awake, O Zion, clothe yourself with strength. . . (Isaiah 5:21)

. . .All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another. . . (1 Peter 5:5)

These "clothing" items--compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, strength--developed as we clothe ourselves with Jesus, are internal character traits, not external attire. In other words, more important than what I wear is the attitude with which I wear it. God told me to get over myself already.

It was only a dress.

God is more concerned about what goes on in my heart than the funk I wear on the outside. The dress itself doesn't matter as much as my attitude. Of course I want to be honoring in what I wear. I pray about this all the time. But FIRST, before I ever look in my closet, I need to cultivate my relationship with God. For if I neglect to clothe myself with the Lord Jesus Christ, nothing I wear on my exterior will reflect Him.

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.

1 Peter 3:3-4

I wore my zebra dress with confidence, thanking God for clearly addressing a minute concern in my life. I like to think He grinned as I donned a replica of His creation and maybe even shook His head saying, "That Tami, she cracks me up." But more than that, I hope He added, "She's my girl, though. Let my Spirit shine."



Photo Credit: Adam Foster | Codefor

Scenes of Summer

I'm not getting nearly as much done as I should this summer. ARG!

But I've sure enjoyed having these yay-hoos around. Well, most of the time.


Love you guys!

Our Weakness, God's Strength

“Sin crouches at our doors, looking for fault lines, searching for a point of entry into our hearts and souls. Which is why it’s so important to allow God to expose and confront the cracks in our characters.”

by Joanna Weaver
Having a Mary Spirit

Weaknesses? I've got plenty, enough to beat myself up forever. I try not to go there, though, because one of my worst flaws is self-absorption and stewing over my faults feeds it too much. But I'd be lying if I didn't admit to wishing for greater fortitude and pining away to feel more grown up and sure of myself. I desire a tougher gut, greater decisiveness, an ability to forsake my own comfort for the sake of God's kingdom. God is teaching me, but I'm on a huge learning curve.

And yet God designed me this way. Specifically. For a reason. I need to look at my shortcomings correctly, like Paul who rejoices that His Lord must fill in those gaps.

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.". . .For when I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

I waste my deficiencies if I don't allow God to work on me and use them to His glory. My weaknesses are only weaknesses if I don't let God have His way with me. It can be scary to give Him reign like that in my life. What may He ask me to do? What might He put me through? How much pain will be involved? What will He require of me?

But if I don't allow God to do what He must, my flaws are for nothing except easy attack points for the enemy. This is why one of my consistent prayers is "Make me better than I am, Lord. Make me into YOUR image of me and give me the courage to do what it takes."

. . .For when I am weak, then I am strong.



Join this week's host, Deborah, at Chocolate And Coffee for more ideas on this quote.



Photo Credit: genibee

Prayer For Love Amidst Noise

In a world of self-seeking, of self-sufficiency
there is often very little space for love
Little time for giving, or receiving
In the midst of living, the bustle of the shopping centre
the noise of office or workspace, the party small-talk
there is real loneliness
unnoticed by all but you
Give us discernment, Father, to see people as you see them
to be your love in this world
to be willing to give sacrificially of time, and self
that others might know the depth of your love
All: In our busy lives, Lord, help us to be your love in the world

by John Birch



Photo Credit: Imaji

7 Quick Takes (Volume 86)

1) I thought about calling this 7 Quick Takes: The Butt Edition, but didn't want to alienate any of you weaker constitution types. Consider yourself warned.

2) Kevin, Miss Innocent One and I were out for lunch when I made a comment about my husband's derriere. (I just couldn't help it.)

Me: I love those jeans. They hug his butt good.

Miss Innocent One (with one eyebrow raised): 'Cause that's not weird.

Don't let her smart aleck comment fool you. She said it with a big grin, as if she likes knowing I find her dad attractive. My kids are pretty much unphased by these sorts of comments. They're used to it and always shake their heads with a smile. I see it as building a sense of security and grossing them out at the same time. It's win-win, I tell you.

3) Our summer musical at the church opens tonight. Anybody need a night of giggles? Come on down!


4) During the first week of summer, my kids drove me NUTS sleeping in, laying around the house, watching movies and playing on the computer, while I ran my little fanny ragged. Since I feel better when they're as busy as me (or at least trying to appear that way), I'm happy to report they've each found a way to make their mommy less agitated.

Drummer Boy's been a busy guy working 6:AM until 4:30 PM each day, but doesn't seem to mind it. I see it giving him a sense of accomplishment and easing his stress level over his lack of funds. I bet he dreams in dollar signs.

Drama Queen's kept herself occupied and in the dough as well, babysitting a few days a week, taking a shift at her regular job every so often and "hanging" with friends. She won't be around much in July, so she's happy to be earning what she can now.

Ladies Man has been a mowing and weeding fanatic, trying to earn money for an i-Pod. I'm so tired of hearing about it, I've been tempted to throw twenty-dollar bills at him to get him to zip it already, but I didn't. This is good for him, I know. I'm not some silly woman only concerned about butts.

Miss Innocent One has kept busy helping paint sets at church and reading her little eyes out. I love seeing her sprawled out on the couch engrossed in a book, but I have to admit I get a little jealous. My eyes wander from my messy kitchen to the couch, my dirty bathroom to an absolutely beautiful novel I'm trying to read, my piles of laundry to the rocking chair on the back porch, the weeds in the garden to the stack of books on my kitchen counter. When is a mother supposed to soak in all the reading she'd like to do?

5) Another instance of Ladies Man living up to his name:

We're watching an episode of Divorce Court when Judge Toller poses a polling question.

"Mrs. Doe thinks Mr. Doe has too many female clients in his line of work. Do you think this is a problem in a marriage?"

Ladies Man pipes up immediately. "It could be, but he probably just needs to give his wife more attention."

How did he get this kind of wisdom about women at fourteen years of age?! And don't tell me it's because of his mother's amazing parenting skills. I spend half my days talking about his dad's butt.

6) You know that 80's song "We Got the Beat" by the Go-Go's? Miss Innocent One surprised me the other day by knowing the words to it. She said she learned it on Dance Dance Revolution. Who says video games aren't educational?

Later we were painting a whale for the church musical and tripping over each other as we finished the backside.


Me: Here, trade me places. I'll take the tail and you take the butt.

Almost on cue we both started singing ala Go-Go's.

You got the butt, you got the butt.
Yeah, you got the butt!


Isn't she cute?!

7) I still haven't found my summer groove (read: I don't know what I'm doing on any given day and the day gets away from me WAY too easily and how I want to read some good books!), but I'm learning to roll with it and be grateful for a little change (Can you believe I said that? Me, Miss I-Hate-Change?!). Pray I get something accomplished too, okay?

Have a terrific weekend, friends. Click on over to Conversion Diary for more Quick Takes.

Conquering Defeat

Melancholy hovers without reason.

I'm tired, tired of thinking, of striving, of planning, sick of my weaknesses, of worrying about others, of keeping myself in check, of fighting wrong thoughts, of squeezing every last ounce out of each day.

I know a portion of my battle is self-imposed, expectations I place on myself I would never put on others. Yet even those involve the power of suggestion from a higher source. The prince of darkness revels in my ability to defeat myself. My weary soul wants to say, "Whatever. I give up," but God, in His merciful way, steps in, whispering a soothing word.

The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.

He tells me to shut off my brain, to stop trying to figure everything out.

The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.

He gives me permission to rest. He says I don't have to be "on" at all times.

The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.

He reminds me to enjoy His goodness and blessings, both big and small.

The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.

He says, "I AM, so you don't have to be."

My spirit takes a deep breath and sighs. This is why He is called Father. And though I don't completely understand how to be still, I want to. I will remember it is God who works in me to will and to act according to His good purpose. I will stop pressing on in my own power. I will lean into Him as a child, trusting His plan.

And I will let Him do the fighting.

The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.

Exodus 14:14

Photo Credit: woodleywonderworks

Only Getting By

My routine changes up each summer and I'm left feeling out of sorts for a few weeks. I blame it on trying to keep everyone busy, on always having a body in the house, on extra household chores with so many bodies around, but if I'm honest, I can't pin all my summer woes on others. When my daily routine changes, my time with God changes as well. I want to say summer makes it more difficult. Mornings are not the same with one kid going to work at 6:AM, another at 7:15 and the younger ones meandering around sometime after that. I can't get up early any more to find quiet time to myself and everyone's staying up later too. What's a girl to do to find some alone time?

But I've slacked. No one's tying my hands behind my back. No one's sitting on my Bible. No one's forcing me to stay in bed. And lately I've been disappointed in myself, seeing signs of my neglect in my thought process. I am preoccupied with the temporal. I dwell on myself. I am impatient with my kids. I dream of escape.

“Oh Lord, take Your plow to my fallowed ground
Let Your blade dig down to the soil of my soul
For I’ve become dry and dusty, Lord I know there must be
Richer earth lying below

For I’ve been living in Laodicea
And the fire that once burned bright, I’ve let it grow dim
And the very Word I swore that I would die for all has been forgotten
As the world’s become my friend”

Lyrics by Steve Camp
“Living in Laodicea”

I've asked God before to "dig into the soil of my soul," and wow, was it painful. I'm still recovering a few years later, yet I know without His cultivating, I will never be a masterpiece. Without His touch, I will not experience the best of life. Without Him steering my ship I will miss out on great adventures and amazing miracles. Though my heart is deceitful and I can never be sure of my motives, I want God's best more than the world, so I pray for His plowing. I pray for Him to make me more than I am now. I pray for motivation to abide with Him and perseverance to remain when Satan taunts and the world beckons. I pray in the words of David.

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.

Psalm 51:10-12

Oh Lord, plow away. Make me more than me. Make me faithful and true and devoted. Make me worthy to be used.

See how others interpreted this quote by visiting our host, MiPa, at Miriam Pauline's Monologue.

Our Honeymoon: Enough Memories to Last a Lifetime

What do you think of when you think of your honeymoon? Was it good, bad, monumental, disappointing? What feelings do your memories conjure up? I actually wrote a post last summer about traveling with my husband, detailing some of our honeymoon memories. You can read that post here.

So rather than regurgitate old information for this post, I dug out some photos. Everyone likes to see some pictures as long as they have control over how long it takes, right? You are free to scroll through these at your own pace and enjoy or heckle or applaud or throw tomatoes, whatever trips your trigger. Remember you're in control here.

For our honeymoon, we took a trip to the Bahamas (thank you, Mom!). We stayed at the Lighthouse Beach Hotel right across the street from the ocean.


Here's the view from our room and balcony.


Doesn't it just make you sigh?


One day we rented a scooter and rode all over the island. Here's the only friends we made there (if you don't count the guy who invited us to a party our first hour there, saying, "Are you going to the party? There's gonna be coke. Are you going? To the party? Come on to the party. Come on. There's going to be coke. You wanna go to the party. It'll be fun at the party. Are you going to the party?" Yeah, I think he'd already had enough "coke," thank you very much.) We bought peanuts or something from these cuties.


One place we rode our motor scooter was a swanky resort we couldn't afford to stay in. Kevin got a shot of me there. Don't you love the 80's look I've got going on?! Dig that flipped up collar. Wow.


One day we bought passes for a day trip to a private island. As we pulled up to it I couldn't help humming, "Just sit right back and we'll tell a tale, a tale of a fateful trip. . .a three hour cruise, a three hour cruise. . .here on Gilligan's Isle."


We spent the day here with other tourists, being served an authentic Bahamian lunch, getting very sunburned snorkeling and relaxing in the double hammocks.


Though I'm not crazy about living in my swimsuit (it's not my best look, you know), we sure did that week. I don't know if it was the lack of anyone I knew that made it okay, or that my new husband only had eyes for me, but whatever the case it worked to my advantage. Look at this awesome tan!


Though we were sunburned and slightly injured from a scooter crash, we never forgot why we were there. Hello, it was our HONEYMOON! Those of you with squeamish stomachs may want to turn your head away for the next pic. Forgive me if it's completely inappropriate, but I just love it. How many couples have pictures of themselves in bed on their honeymoon?!


No, we didn't make fast friends with the housekeepers and invite them to take this picture, although it's not for their lack of trying. One day we came back to our room to find two housekeepers sitting in our room smoking. As we timidly approached, one said, "Is this your room?" After our affirmation, they said, "Well, come on in!" They finished their smoke and conversation and then left.

But we weren't close enough to ask them to take our half naked picture together. That would just be weird. Instead we took a half naked picture of ourselves with the self timer on our camera. Because that's so much more respectable. And not weird at all.

Yes, our honeymoon was glorious and memorable with great scenes like this swelling our hearts, lighting the flames of romance, encouraging us to consummate our union. Sigh. (Please, no gagging from the peanut gallery!)


We're coming up on our 25th anniversary next year and we've got plans for a trip of some kind. I'm super stoked. This trip will be even better with a little age and experience under our belts. Plus, I'm still crazy about the guy.

Maybe you like reading sappy stories about honeymoons. If so, click over to more tales at our Marriage Monday site, Chrysalis, hosted by one of the world's most generous bloggers, e-Mom. And how about doing a little reminiscing of your own? Grab your husband and think back to your honeymoon. What made yours memorable?