Easter...Do you Really Know the Meaning?

I've never blogged about this particular holiday for several reasons. One of them being how commercialized this christian holiday has become. The coloring of the eggs and the hunts, the bunnies, the baskets, the new clothes, etc. Not that I'm totally against these things, but rather, what they have become: The spotlight of the season. It's Easter for crying out loud - nothing pretty about the blood shed, nails and thorns. If Good Friday to Sunday doesn't spiritually move you, then maybe this blog is for you. When I found this writer on Friday, I had to grab a tissue. And then I knew I had to be a copycat and post her exact words here, for you to read. With an open mind and a tender heart, I implore you to hear her heart:



It’s Easter.

Between ages 0-32, I celebrated Easter the fun way: with bunnies, baskets, and expensive clothes. What better way to say “Jesus reigns” than dressing my preschooler in a $45 dress to show her off in the church lobby? (You’re welcome, Jesus. Be blessed.)

Now, let’s be clear, if you had asked me what my Easter priorities were as I stood all fancy in the lobby, I’d become grave and mention the resurrection. For crying out loud, I’m a Christian. But truthfully, between the outfit shopping, the Easter baskets, the egg ______ (dying, stuffing, hiding, hunting), the pictures, the lunch menu, and the gift buying, Jesus was flat last. I started thinking about him as the band started at church, and I thought about him for a whole hour.

That’s just true.

But for the last three years, Jesus has messed with me. Frankly, he’s hijacked all my holiday endeavors. I’ve always celebrated holidays with a Cultural Major and a Spiritual Minor. Take Christmas, for example. I endlessly spent on garbage no one needed and worked myself into a December frenzy and oh well. La de da. Now I’m overwhelmed by the poor and the disgusting consumerism cycle and the heinous neglect of Jesus and the appalling nature of it all.

Then we got to Easter, or as God called it, Passover. “Easter” is a little name picked up from the Anglo-Saxon fertility goddess of spring, ‘Eostre’, who saved a frozen bird from the harsh winter by turning it into a magical rabbit who could lay eggs. Hence: ‘Easter’, bunnies, and eggs. Why are elements of a pagan religion associated with the highest holy day of the Christian faith? (Oh bother. Can’t we just carry on and dye our Eostre eggs in peace?)

Assessing the typical American Easter, on one side I see Jesus on the cross, humiliated and mutilated, bearing the failures of every person past and present, rescuing humanity through an astonishing miracle of divine redemption, splitting history in two and transforming the human experience for eternity. On the other side, I see us celebrating this monumental heroism with chocolate bunnies and boiled eggs, with Jesus as an afterthought. It doesn’t make sense. (Insert some of you tossing this book in the garbage. Don’t mess with my Easter fun, you hippie chick.)

Austin New Church decided to rethink “The Traditional Easter Service That Brings In More People Than Any Other Day Of The Year.” It is our church’s two-year anniversary, and certainly we could stand more foot traffic, but I’m not sure Passover is best celebrated by a high-attendance Sunday of people who won’t be back until Christmas Eve.

We literally asked ourselves: What would Jesus do? Would he drop a bunch of cash on fancy clothes? Buy out the chocolate and plastic egg supply? Find the biggest church in town and spend twenty minutes posturing in the lobby?

Who in Austin might want to celebrate the astonishing hope of resurrected Jesus, but might feel uncomfortable surrounded by beautiful people dressed to the nines? Who needs the gospel spoken into their brokenness, but might not be welcomed by the saints in the sanctuaries? It came quickly to us:

The homeless.

If Jesus came to proclaim freedom for the captives and good news to the poor, then Passover uniquely belongs to the bottom dwellers. So we cancelled service and took church downtown to the corner of 7th and Neches, where our homeless community is concentrated. We grilled 1300 burgers and ate together. Our band led worship, then in a powerful moment of solidarity, we shared communion. It was a beautiful mess of dancing, tears, singing, and sharing. It wasn’t an “us” and “them” moment; it was just the church, remembering the Passover Lamb and celebrating our liberation together.

Now, if we get one repetitive request when serving our homeless friends, it’s this: “Do you have a bag?” (Could also be: Can I have that bag? Can I take that trash bag? Do you have a bag I can put this bag in?) So this was the perfect moment to give away seven of my nine purses, which were nice and roomy, just like the ladies want.

When the gals had a perfect view for maximum impact, I hollered:

“Hey girls! Anyone want one of…these?”

Cranberry red leather.
Green with gold buckles.
Chocolate brown bohemian bag.
Turquoise with short handles.
Burnt orange across-the-shoulder.
Shiny black backpack bag.

And one little purse I debated on bringing. It was a tiny thing, hot pink crocodile by Gianni Bini, functionally useless but fashionably magnificent. Our street girls want the biggest bags possible, since they carry everything they own. A wheelbarrow would be a huge hit. So my little vanity purse was a wildcard, but at the last second with a conspiratorial nudge from the Spirit, I threw it in.

Not surprisingly, it was the last purse left. What self-respecting homeless woman picks a hot pink purse that would barely carry her bus pass? Glamour handbags are only for women who have eight others and a house in which to stash them. So I stood there with my one little purse, when it’s rightful owner, the one for whom I daresay that purse was stitched together, made a beeline for me.

She had on her Easter finest, tights included, though it was ninety degrees. Flouncy dress with – what else? – hot pink flowers. Hair done in sections with matching beads, pink floppy hat on standby. Leather dress shoes polished to a sheen. Dainty ribbon necklace and rings on four fingers.

She was six-years-old. Her name was NeNe.

Never has a purse better matched its owner. She slipped that hot pink number over her arm and never put it down, not even to eat. Her mom looked at me and no words were necessary; mothers speak a silent language. I took her picture and fussed over her beauty and breathed a thank you to Jesus for the nudge.

I serve a Savior who finds a way to get pink purses to homeless six-year-old girls.

Jesus is a redeemer, a restorer in every way. His day on the cross looked like a colossal failure, but it was his finest moment. He launched a kingdom where the least will be the greatest and the last will be first, where the poor will be comforted and the meek will inherit the earth. Jesus brought together the homeless with the privileged and said, “You’re all poor, and you’re all beautiful.” The cross leveled the playing field, and no earthly distinction is valid anymore. There is a new “us” – people rescued by the Passover Lamb, adopted into the family and transformed into saints. It is the most epic miracle in history.

That is why we celebrate. May we never become so enamored by the substitutions of this world that we forget.

“It was just before the Passover Feast.
Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father.
Having loved his own who were in the world,
he now showed them the full extent of his love.”
~John 13:1

I Ran Away with My Hubby!

Even though it's already been two weeks since we did it, I still feel exhilarated and a little giddy inside when I think about the reality of what we did.

In our 21 years of marriage, we have never, EVER, left the state (or even the city, for that matter) WITHOUT THE KIDS!

My husband and I had been wanting to visit Las Vegas with our dear friends for several years now. We just decided that the timing was perfect so we took the plunge and ran away for three days -- without looking back!

Just so you don't think we crossed the line and became irresponsible parents, Nap Nanny was staying at our house and looking after the kids while we were gone. Also, don't forget that my kids are all teenagers; ages 14-19 (wow, am I really that old??)

After we realized we needed to stay AWAY from the strip (they don't call it the City of Sin for just any reason), we found ourselves enamored with the immense town, the magnificent hotels and the incredible, whirlwind of activities just waiting for our enjoyment. Caesars Palace was probably my favorite. Then there was the dolphin show and the fascinating lions and tigers, the breath-taking water and light show to Frank Sinatra's soothing voice, the Hoover Dam, the Gondola Ride at the Venetian, the Fremont Street Experience with 12.5 million synchronized LED lamps, the famous Gold and Silver Pawn Shop from Pawn Stars AND the view from the top of the Stratosphere. The shows, which was the main reason for the trip, are nearly beyond description. We saw KA and Blue Man Group but my favorite was Mystere Cirque. Thanks to my main squeeze, we had 3rd row seats, so our view was spectacular!

Aside from the shows and the shopping, the event that left a lasting impression was driving to Bootleg Canyon to zip line! I have always wanted to do this, so another bucket list item has officially been checked off! We soared from the top of Red Mountain gaining an eagle's eye view of this desert area - a total of four times! You just can't imagine what it feels like to be suspended from cables while sitting in a para-gliding harness exploring the mountain from an aerial trail (unless you've done this before!)

We crashed every night at midnight or later whining because of our throbbing legs, only to do it all over again the next day! I am also excited to report that my friend and I BOTH lost 2 pounds on this fast track vacation! Our calf muscles prove how much walking we did!

My hubby and I have truly done our best to enjoy the kids during each stage of their lives. I can honestly attest to really enjoying the freedom that comes with having three teenagers who are nearly self-sufficient!

Before I start becoming ungrateful for my trip, (all this reminiscing has made me want to plan another one!) I will leave you with a few pics of our adventure. Enjoy life - it really is too short!

B R E A K !!

I finally did it.

I did something for myself that was well needed and long over due.

I took a break.

A really.long.break - to regain my sanity!

I have been off Twitter since December, haven't blogged since January, took a 3-week break from Facebook and quit all my iPhone games!

You know what was really strange? Life went on without missing a beat. Nothing major happened that rocked my world and I not only survived the sabbatical, I enjoyed it!

I have returned to Facebook but I do not post half as often as I used to. I am still not back with the twitter gang but now play a few people on ONE phone game only.

So why did I do this? Certainly there was a purpose, right? In very simple terms, I let the electronic world take over my life and it was time to regain control! When I find something I truly enjoy, it totally takes over; Facebook, Twitter, phone games, couponing, writing or reading blogs, etc. Though I love to do ALL of these things and more, I had to put the brakes on.

My newest addiction has been Pinterest...if you haven't discovered it, you really must! I fought it off as long as I could and then finally signed up in January and have loved every minute of it. I spent 12 hours reorganizing my pantry because of Pinterest and, oh, the craft and home decorating ideas, gardening tips and recipes are nothing short of sweet apple pie! It truly has changed a vast amount of things over here in our abode!

You can make Carmelita's like this:or cute chicks...And even learn how to grow onions from cut onions!!And make healthy cream mixes and save money to boot!As Pinterest says..."I pin because it makes me happy!"

Unlike phone games, Twitter and Facebook, I see Pinterest as beneficial to my entire family. I truly have acquired an overwhelming amount of knowledge from my hours of surfing and my family has immensely enjoyed my new recipes!

There you have it. I feel like a new woman. Inspired. Rejuvenated. Refreshed.

Since this is Spring Break and my kids are at camp for the first time EVER, I am off to clutter my dining room table with 100's of recipes that need to be organized into my recipe binder. This is a project I have been putting off for two years now - I am just dying to tackle this fun endeavor during my solitude time.

Enjoy your week and for goodness sake, take a guilt-free break when you need to! If you don't take care of you, who will?

Encouragement from the Winter Summit

I know I am rather tardy in sharing this news, but February is always blazin' crazy for my family! The Homeschool Moms Winter Summit I attended a few weeks ago was beyond amazing - the classes, the table talk time, the intimate fellowship, the skits, the speakers and oh, the worship! The worship was divinely spiritual and somehow reached into the depths of my hurting heart and brought me to tears within the first ten minutes of being there.

I am always in awe of the wisdom and experience that so many ladies have AND that are willing to freely share to the rest of us who may possibly be struggling in similar areas. I was reminded, encouraged, strengthened, relieved and convicted .... so many emotions to deal with in two short days yet perfectly timed by the Holy Spirit. I attended the Summit last year but often wonder why my arrogant pride kept me from attending the prior two years thinking that I didn't "need" what they had to offer. I can attest to the validity of this weekend and shout loud and strong that your sanity may depend on this short, little getaway! It truly is one of the best things I do for myself, which in turn, benefits my family.

At the end of the Summit, all the moms that had graduated at least one child was called to the front where they received a standing ovation from the hundred's of moms still making the journey. I felt very honored and humbled to be a part of this receiving line but was even more honored when this command was given: "We want each of you to pass the baton onto these ladies by giving them this "scroll" that must accompany a hug and the words, "I believe in you and I know you can do it!" With a handful of these beautiful paper scrolls, we launched into the crowd grabbing the necks of these ladies that so desperately needed to be told that someone believed in them and whispered an encouraging word in their ears. Here are the life-changing words that caused my eyes to flood:



I BELIEVE....

...that homeschooling has led me to the foot of the cross - which is the very best place for me to be.

...that since He called me, He will equip me. It will not be by my own strength or power, but by His Holy Spirit.

...that homeschooling has done and is doing a work of sanctification in my life. God wants me to intimately need Him more and more every day.

...that despite my weaknesses, I serve a God who supernaturally will bring to fruition all the He has purposed for my children.

...that a remnant is being called to radiate God's truth and the love of Jesus to the world.

...that Homeschooling is the most difficult thing that I have ever loved to do!

...that God hears the quiet yet desperate cries of homeschool moms as they "call out" for His strength and guidance.

...that homeschooling has taught me more about MYSELF than any subject I have ever taught.

Even if you don't home school, I hope you can substitute a different word for homeschooling (like parenting!) and still gleam some golden nuggets from this list.

Very thankful, I am, to the ladies who gave almost an entire year planning for an event that I'm positive was meant just for me!

Progressing Upward!

After being on a monotonous plateau for weeks on end, I can excitedly say that we have achieved some forward progression.

With a twinkle in my eyes and goose bumps on my arms, I am elated to report that my daughter can definitely hear better! I have had nothing monumental or even note worthy to share about her implant journey for 5 or 6 weeks. However, I am now busting at the seems to give God the glory on three specific happenings within the past few weeks.

Just two weeks ago, Adam was in his room making some boy noises while playing with his Legos. Victoria was reading in the family room, which is approximately 25 feet from his room. After a few moments, she asked what the noise was. I had to stop and listen and then commented that it was probably the humming from the ceiling fans. She seemed puzzled but went on reading. She then insisted that it couldn't be the fans and asked where Adam was. When I told her he was in his room playing, she stated that she heard him making noises! I was shocked considering the distance to his room. When Adam came out of his room, she asked him if he was making noises with his mouth. He sheepishly answered yes and wanted to know how she knew that. SHE HEARD HIM!!

Episode number two...Victoria was at home alone while I was with Adam at guitar lessons on Tuesday. In a panic, she began texting me to tell me that she heard a very loud popping sound. It eventually frightened her since she had no idea what the sound was or where it was coming from. The texting went on for 5-10 minutes as I tried to assure her that it was probably the freezer or the ice maker. She even called me asking if I could hear it through the phone. Finally, with much glee in her words, she texted me to say she had found the sound - it was my crockpot lid "popping" since it had moisture around the edges! I was flabbergasted when I walked into the kitchen and heard the sound myself. Why, you ask? Because it wasn't loud or irritating or scary. I just cannot believe she heard that from her bedroom and considered it loud!

She is also more aware of environmental sounds and actually asking me what they are - a definite positive step in the right direction!

Okay - are you ready?

Here we go for the grand finale. Sit down for this one because you'll want to stand and scream "GLORY" after you read this!

We were at a friend's house in the kitchen while Victoria was in their family room watching a movie. She could not see me at all. I wanted to ask her a question, so I called her name. I expected her to answer me and then, like normal, she would have to come into the kitchen to see what I wanted. However, this time proved to be different. I called her name and she answered, "What?" Then I asked, "Are you crocheting?" She responded with a no. Then I said, "Well, you need to crochet that white flower for the headband so that it will be ready for tomorrow." In case you didn't catch that last sentence - that was a LOT of words for a deaf person to hear AND understand. Remember, she can't even see my body much less read my lips. Bear in mind that this has never, ever happened before. Here comes the GLORY part - not only did she hear me AND understand me, but she answered me with, "Ok, I will make it when this movie is over." ARE YOUR GRASPING THIS???

The four of us at the table just sat there for a second in disbelief and complete amazement - I just had a two-person dialog with my deaf daughter from another room! The goose bumps were huge on my arms and then I realized...she has finally accepted the implants. She is embracing them and utilizing them to their fullest capacity.

It was worth it.

Patience and perseverance did shine through - and with vibrant colors!I am so very proud of my little princess. So hard to imagine that God loves her more than I do!

Traditions!!

I absolutely LOVE traditions.

I love old ones.

I love flexible ones.

I love new ones.

I love the ones shared with friends and family

And I love the ones with just our family of five.

A very special lady in our life, whom the kids reverently call Nap Nanny, gave us this tiny tree with 12 little boxes and 12 miniature ornaments as a means for a countdown to Christmas about 10 years ago. It holds a very special place in our heart - not only because of whom the giver was, but also, the memories that have taken place because of this little tree.

With a creative mindset, my husband and I began to think of ideas to make the implementation of this new tradition fun filled and memorable. Over the past 10 years, we have tweaked it so much that you never know what to expect from year to year (which is part of the fun as well!) One year, we took the paper chain idea and wrote activities on every piece of paper. Each night a child ripped off a chain and read what the activity was. Sometimes it was as simple as watching a movie at home with the lights out while eating popcorn. As the kids got older, the activities began to change to bowling, ice skating, driving around to look at Christmas lights, watching a Christmas musical or play at another church, playing a newly bought game, etc. When we were home together, we also ate dinner by candlelight - no matter what was served! Such fun memories we have made over the years. Last year I added a new twist to our countdown. I made sure each stocking had 12 small items in them (always $5 or under) and each night after dinner or our family festivities, the kids were allowed to reach into their stocking and try to guess what they felt before pulling it out! Although they highly enjoyed the 12 nights of surprises, everyone agreed that they didn't want this tradition to continue since their stockings were completely empty on Christmas morning!

A new tradition I started last year which I will continue is something I found on Pinterest (which I will blog about my addiction to this new craze later!) It's very simple that will bring lots of smiles. Every time something memorable, exciting or just plain note worthy happens, write it down on a small piece of paper with the date. Fold it and then drop it in a glass jar. That's about it - I told you it was too simple! Do this all year long and then on December 31st (or whatever end of the year date you pick), grab the family with some Welch's Sparkling Grape Juice and take turns pulling out a piece of paper and reading what it says. I took our little tradition to Ohio this year so that we could do it with the grandparents - what better way to reminiscence about the wonderful things that happened during the year while catching them all up to speed. We spent almost 2 hours and had a lot of "oh, I forgot about that" and "remember how funny that was!" The kids are already saying, "Did you write that down for the jar?" Big clue that the activity was a hit!

I could write a 5-page blog on traditions that have come and gone and ones that will never leave us. I believe it's what keeps the family together. What better way to make your heart smile than to pass something so special from your childhood onto your children.

Just remember - when first starting a tradition, be flexible. If no one is enjoying it, then be ready to make changes or ditch the idea completely! You certainly don't want any bad family traditions!

I would love to hear from each of you - what are some of your favorite family traditions? Ones that you grew up with or some that you have started with your family. I absolutely adore stealing ideas, so please do share!

Do You Know Your Expiration Dates?

I found this on Simple Saving Savvy and found it to be very helpful. You can find the entire list here:


With help from experts and product manufacturers, Real Simple compiled a guide to specific product expiration dates. These dates are offered as a rough guideline. The shelf life of most products depends upon how you treat them.

Edibles, unless otherwise indicated, should be stored in a cool, dry place. (With any food, of course, use common sense.) Household cleaners also do best in a dry place with a stable temperature. After the dates shown, beauty and cleaning products are probably still safe but may be less effective.

Here are a few of the most common household items that coupon users tend to stockpile and guidelines for how long they can be stored and consumed.

Dried pasta – 12 months
Frozen vegetables – Unopened: 18 to 24 months (Opened: 1 month)
Ketchup – Unopened: 1 year (After this time, color or flavor may be affected, but product is still generally safe to consume.)
Opened or used: 4 to 6 months (After this time, color or flavor may be affected, but product is still generally safe to consume.)
Marshmallows – Unopened: 40 weeks (Opened: 3 months)
Mayonnaise – Unopened: Indefinitely
Opened: 2 to 3 months from “purchase by” date (After this time, color or flavor may be affected, but product is still generally safe to consume.)
Mustard – 2 years (After this time, color or flavor may be affected, but product is still generally safe to consume.)
Olive oil – 2 years from manufacture date (After this time, color or flavor may be affected, but product is still generally safe to consume.)
Peanut butter, natural – 9 months
Peanut butter, processed – Unopened: 2 years
Opened: 6 months; refrigerate after 3 months
Rice, white – 2 years from date on box or date of purchase
Salad dressing, bottled – Unopened: 12 months after “best by” date (Opened: 9 months refrigerated)
Tea bags – Use within 2 years of opening the package
Air freshener, aerosol – 2 years
Bleach – 3 to 6 months
Dish detergent, liquid or powdered – 1 year
Laundry detergent, liquid or powdered – Unopened: 9 months to 1 year (Opened: 6 months)
Bar soap – 18 months to 3 years
Bath gel, body wash – 3 years
Body lotion – 3 years
Hair Care Products – 2 to 3 years
Deodorant – Unopened: 2 years (Used: 1 to 2 years)
For antiperspirants, see expiration date
Foundation, oil-based – 2 years
Foundation, water-based – 3 years
Lip balm – Unopened: 5 years (Opened: 1 to 5 years)
Mascara – Unopened: 2 years (Opened: 3 to 4 months)
Mouthwash – Three years from manufacture date
Nail polish – 1 year
Nail-polish remover – Lasts indefinitely
Perfume – About two years. To get more mileage out of a perfume, resist the temptation to display a pretty bottle on your vanity. Instead, stash it away in a cool, dark place.
Facial Moisturizer – 12 months after first use