You either Laugh or Cry

Recently our home caught on fire and burned down. We are all safe and no one got hurt. However this even has proven to be a greater lesson in faith than I could have ever imagined. After leaving my home and crossing the street to watch the flames chew at the interior of our home, I had the sinking realization that I was not in control of the situation. Me not being in control has always been my point of conversion. You know how for some it was living a hard fast life, or abuse of the mind and body that caused them to see the light. For me it was recognizing that I can not control people places or things. While it may not compare to thoughts of suicide, drug abuse, or prostitution, my need to be in control was eating away at the very core of who God designed me to be. So for me to walk out of the burning house and sense that I was not in control, was the beginning of the reminder of the focus of my faith journey. So there I was safely accross the street, realizing my lack of control, and while holding the hands of my children, I began to pray out loud. My praying out loud is not a new thing or an indication of an end time. It is just what I was led to do - so I did it. While I prayed, I kept feeling a need to let go of the worry and celebrate the now. Celebrate the lives that were not harmed. Celebrate our safety. Celebrate the rapid response of the fire and police departments.

The police and fire department were fantastic and very helpful at such a stressful time. We kept a very positive attitude during the entire time. One of the fire fighters commented that despite the tragedy our family had such a positive attitude that it actually made their work more fun. That was when I was reminded of the saying you either laugh or cry and I really believe it is true. Since the fire, I have done plenty of both. However I choose my dispostion each day and that is different than being the victim of everything that comes my way. I cried because my family was displaced. I cried at the inconvience of the fire. I cried at not having all the answers for my children. I cried at their frustrations. Yet I laughed when my children shared their joys during the days following the fire. I laughed at the enemy that thought we had been defeated. I laughed because in the midst of it all, I still have joy. No matter what our circumstances we can choose our disposition. Perhaps laughter does not always seem appropriate however our response to all that is around us does not have to be defeatest. My laughter in the midst of it all is my indication to the world I am more than a conqueror!

Naked Amoeba - Deep Soul Mix

Naked Amoeba - Deep Soul Mix
There is so much great music online.  I love checking out the wide variety on podomatic.com and soundcloud (just ot name a few).

Dream a World

Like most parents I (secretly) believe our children to be the most wonderful and fascinating creatures on earth. Of course I am not crazy to let them know this beliefe all the time. Yet there are times that even I have to step back and consider the gift of our children. The other day I had one of these moments. I had picked up our four year old and while riding in the car she openly shared with me a dream she had. She said she dreamed that if we don't forgive others that means we don't love each other. She paused long enough to hear my brief response. Then she went on to say God wants us to forgive everybody because that means we love everyone. Now you can argue how could a 4 year old have such insight or say that I made this story up because no child thinks this way. That's up to you. For me there is a lesson and as far as I'm concern she can drop the mic and walk off the stage. Let the church (mosque, shrine, temple) say AMEN!

http://nightblue.podomatic.com/player/web/2011-07-03T14_50_33-07_00

http://nightblue.podomatic.com/player/web/2011-07-03T14_50_33-07_00

Diaspora Dolls by 4Diaspora Designs

Diaspora Dolls by 4Diaspora Designs

Happy New Month!

Happy November!!  Just wanted to put that out into the universe before the month gets all messy with hype and over doing and heaviness.

I love the beginning of the month ...any month because I love second chances.  The beginning of the month for me is my indicator of a fresh start, change of attitude, reassessing the game plan, bright hope for tomorrow all rolled into one.  This takes a lot of pressure off of January 1 since I treat every month the same.

This also allows for me to accept was has and has not happened and move forward.  That's right move forward and celebrate life just as it is and not as I think it should be.  This is hard sometimes.  Especially when I find myself being a little less than gentle with myself.

So, it is a new month what are you doing to enjoy and celebrate?

The Beautiful You

As I was entering the public library I ran into one of the parents from my son's school.  Before saying hello her response was "what are you all dressed up for?".  Mind you I had just freshly showered and changed into clean clothes (a regular practice for me) so I probably had that shinny new penny look about me.

I started to think what an odd question to ask.  Although I really think the parent had another thing in mind when asking but that is another posting.  While I did not answer her question, I know that for most there has to be a reason to "dress up". I was not in anything fancy (although my blouse did have ruffles) yet the comment was made.  For many mothers with young children, brushing your hair or putting on lip gloss before going out is a big step.

I am hear to tell you the frumpy mom look is soooo last centry.  For real.  No seriously.

Think of how you feel when you walk pass a mirror and see a vibrant reflection of you.  If you could high five yourself  you would.  So why the stained t-shirt and run down shoes?  There is no valor in going without a shower and not combing your hair.  This is not for anyone but you.  If your mate or someone on the street likes what you have done that is just extra.  Stop whinning that you don't have time or it takes to much effort and start reminding yourself that you are worth the time and the effort.

Beyond the fact that you are worth the effort is the message we send to the world and to our children.  This is not a shallow posting about what everyone else says is the "in thing".  Self care is one of the healthiest things we can pass on to our children.  Especially now as there are more and more messages that are not necessarily healthy in their approach to how we care for ourselves in the midst of daily living.  We are our children's first teacher in all facets of life...including how we care for our selves.

Today is a very good day to begin to honor yourself and the beautiful packaging God gave you!