Need a Do-Over

As each of my kids entered 6th grade we transferred them to a year-round school about 25 minutes from our house. You are probably thinking, I’m nuts! There were advantages, I promise. It was a great school, year-round fit our family, and the drive to and from provided time for conversation. But the downfall was that when the kids forgot something it wasn’t a quick trip back home. Thus, this mom (trying to teach some responsibility) made the rule you only get one free trip per year.

Well, my youngest had to ask for a free trip this week. She had forgotten her homework that was imperative she turn in that day. Of course, she didn’t forget on her way there – no, she remembered as she was getting out of the car. She asked for her free trip – a second chance – and we were off for another hour in the car.

Reflecting on my attitude, I realized I’m so thankful God is more gracious than I. He doesn’t only give one free trip or do-over per year. Yep - we all love do-overs and second chances, don’t we? A chance to make right the mistake or wrong we’ve committed. I can tell you, I’m always in need of a do-over!

What a blessing that our God is a God of do-overs and second chances. Over and over through scripture He gives His people another chance, whether they deserve it or not. God gave Moses a second chance after he shattered the stone tablets. God gave David a do-over after all the lies and deceit surrounding Bathsheba. Jesus gave the adulterous women a second chance. Jesus gave Peter a second chance and has given Alene many do-overs!

Amazingly through Jesus, we get a new chance every morning!

The Kid has a Mullet

I asked Blake awhile back if he thought he should get his hair trimmed. As a mom I know what looks good, and I was just making a suggestion. Hehe He didn't look bad, just a little shabby. Blake sweetly answered he would as soon as he finished his college finals.

Yesterday afternoon I get a call, it was Blake. He was relieved and excited he had just finished his last final and had completed his first year of college. He said he’d be over later because he had something he wanted me to see. I figured it was a bad test grade or something. You never know with this crazy kid!

He eventually walked in the house spouting, “Hey mom, you like my mullet?” I didn’t scream. I ran to him and gave him a big hug and said, “I never knew you wanted to be a Billy Ray look-alike!”

I love this kid because he could careless what anyone else thinks. The picture explains it all -- holes in the jeans, tattoo's, dingy white t-shirt, all that and a mullet to boot! You can tell he's not too picky about things that don't matter - for cryin' out loud he let a friend cut his hair!!! But on the other hand, he's extremely sensitive to the things that do matter and God is using that to raise him up to be an incredible worship leader for his generation. But for this week, Blake will be sporting a mullet while he shoots a video (of himself, I guess) for church.

You have to love all the surprises that come your way. These kinds of surprises I can handle, it’s the life-altering ones that throw me for a loop.

Newcomer Feature

During one of the most busy weeks of my life thus far, I was informed that Dirty Laundry Secrets - A Journey to Meet the Launderer was chosen as a Newcomer Feature at this years Women's Ministry and Bible Study Expo. I couldn't believe it. I have no idea how it came to be - but Hallelujah! God is so good to go before me, behind me and beside me.

Along with Jill Savage, Laurie Cole, Jen Hatmaker, Mindy Ferguson, Shaunti Feldhahn, and Lysa TerKeurst, I will get to share the "the rest of the story" -- how I wrote it, my vision for it and a bit about myself. If you are looking for your next study or you're leading a group in the Fall, you don't want to miss this Expo. I'm sure you will find just the study you are looking for.

I'd love for you to join me on this journey. You can hear my interview tomorrow at 2:45pm by logging online here or you can call-in to (646) 727-2510.

I'm totally amazed and stoked!

Fighting

Last week I had the opportunity watch two movies. That is huge for me, because I’m not much of a TV or movie watcher. My brain won’t slow down long enough to enjoy them.

My daughter and I went to see Fighting. After we got there she tells me, “Mom, this is more of a dad movie. BUT I so wanted to come see Channing Tatum.” Good grief. And grief it was. Channing Tatum did a great job. And if you like these types of movies, you’d love this one.

However, when I take time to relax and be entertained I don't care to watch people knock each other’s lights out. To me that’s not entertainment – that’s real life. I see enough of that in my everyday, ordinary life – no need to go to the big screen for that! No – I’m not involved in a fight ring (if you know me, you know I am a big baby), but I see people pulling each other down, fighting for their place, cutting others with rude remarks so they can look better.

The sad thought I was left with from the movie was that they weren’t fighting for anything with purpose. They fought for revenge, to prove themselves, and gain money. The movie left me questioning my own life. Do I have a cause or do I fight aimlessly? What am I fighting for?

A little bit later hubby rented the movie, Ghost Town, and we watched that. I have to admit, I was pretty "movied" out by this point. Although I thought the movie was a bit slow (probably because I was tired of movies at this point), I did enjoy my time with hubby. I muddled through each scene as Bertram Pincus had no regard for people skills – whatsoever! OK – he could be funny in a slow demeaning kind of way.

Towards the end of the movie Pincus begins to realize he’s got problems and asks a fellow dentist for help. The dentist refers him to a poster hanging in the office. The poster got me. It put a frog in my throat – OK – a tear in my eye. Did I mention I was a baby?

“Only a life lived for others is a life worth while.” Albert Einstein

That left me asking myself, What am I living for? What is my ultimate fight?

What are you fighting for? Money, fame, or revenge?

At the end of the day I hope to say, “I gave my all in the fight for others.”

Thanks to these two movies, my eyes have been opened to the fact that I need to get my fight on. Fighting not for myself, but for others.

What are you fighting for?