Na-nu Na-nu

the strangest ideas pop into my head, just after waking each morning. usually, i just let them wash over my brain until i have fully surfaced into conscious reality, but this morning, i began allowing each random thought to protrude from my mouth, attempting to let my husband in on all my "secrets." right or wrong, i think that i discovered one truth that has been hidden from all of us, until my discovery, today. (you may want to fasten your mental seat belts for this one)

we all know that sleep helps our bodies recover and rebuild. we know that we need rest and that we function better when our nights are complete. yet, even with all that is known about R&R, there are still many questions left unanswered, including: What ACTUALLY happens to our bodies while we are asleep? and, as of this morning, my answer is:

We are temporarily transformed into aliens.

yes, i DID just state that as though it were truth.

i mean, who can know for sure if i am wrong? is anyone truly prepared to argue that we do NOT become aliens?

my reasons for this seemingly absurd comment are as follows:

1) when we sleep, our bodies are relatively "useless" to the human world, as we just lie around until we are awakened. however, as many aliens utilize the power of the mind to accomplish tasks, our value in that realm is absolutely intensified by our full submission to the world of the subconscious.

2) dreams are similar to reality, but just different enough to appear as an alternate state of life as we commonly know it. i believe this is the wrestle between our human and alien forms. the human part of us reveals things as they are (circumstances, people, places, memories), but the alien part changes them (your friend suddenly has a different face, you find yourself with HERO powers/abilities, etc.)

3) waking up takes time. it is a process to fully change back from alien to human form, and thus the process of waking up can often be frustrating and slow. the snooze button is actual an ingenious invention of those who recognize the tug between realms.

4) "morning breath" is actually a remnant of having been altered. while aliens may be able to access more of their brain power than humans, they do belong to other worlds and their concept of hygiene is vastly different than ours, similar to that of amphibians and reptiles. when we awake, we are not dirty, as we may think. we have simply arrived back in human form with "alien" left on our tongues.

after perusing my thoughts, i realize that i sound like a crazy person and NO, i don't actually believe that we experience nightly body snatching. but, it is fun to think about these types of things and the child in me will always be willing to explore my thoughts and visions, no matter how bizarre they may appear to those around me.

and to all of my readers from the planets beyond...LIVE LONG AND PROSPER!

:)

Raindrops on roses...

- the smell after rain
- eating fresh baked bread (sweet cream butter or nutella make this even better!)
- opening a delightful bottle of red
- dark chocolate (70% preferred)
- lounging at home with a good read
- pondering destiny
- knowing that I am known (by TOTWIC)
- lying in the arms of my Beloved Husband
- hearing the sound of children's laughter
- watching videos of nieces and nephews
- chewing on some good WORD
- worshiping in total abandon
- being "clarified" by my sweet, patient earthly father
- speaking words of encouragement
- bonding with a close group of friends or family
- listening to someone share "their heart"
- walking through the Magic Kingdom
- going out for sushi
- stepping naked toes into wet sand
- surprising or being surprised

these are a few of my favorite things...

Tokens and Time-Warp

This evening, I entered the world of Disney Quest. For those that are unfamiliar with this Disney-owned venue - located in Downtown Disney - it is a 5-story building, home to dozens of arcade and virtual reality games.

It was a very rewarding experience, hanging out and D.D.R.-ing with my husband and bro-in-law. Still, I could not get over the reality that would have been, had we not had the gift of this free venture. My precious mother-in-law is a Disney Cast Member (The Dis' way of saying "staff") and therefore has regular (and greatly appreciated!) perks like park entrances and discounts. One of the many seasonal blessings is a set of tickets to DQ (don't get confused now...I know you're all suddenly dreaming of Oreo Blizzards!). And, don't get me wrong, it's a great place. A clever twist on normal Disney attractions, it is a brilliant way to rein in those, not typically wowed by giant, cartoon-like, costumed characters. Still...at the end of the day, it doesn't seem that original. Loaded with classic video games (free with ticket for endless place) and outdated VR experiences, it is not really more than a glorified Chuck E. Cheese's (hoorah for Suh-wheet 80's birthday parties...you know you had one). I for one would not be willing to dish out the $40 per person, due this establishment, on a "normal" visit. Had we catered our own day out, we'd have reached a grand total of $120, plus tax, for our little trio. And while I reveled in being able to relive childhood favorites like Ski-Ball and Pac-Man (though I missed the ever-popular "Wack-A-Mole"), I'm not sure I could have justified the investment beyond typical arcade admission.

So, thank you Betsy: it was a blast to be treated. Thank you Danny for being a fun big brother and being will to DDR with me. Thank you, Beloved, for being such a wonderful husband and preferring me today.

But Disney...please help the middle class and consider lowering your prices, at least in this locality.

(And for those reading...know that this comes with all the love in my heart..I am a Disney Fanatic, after all!)

Shout Outs to Heaven

Last night, I had the great privilege of reconnecting, with my little sister, after a nearly two-week lull in correspondence.  Between babies, sickness, bad phone connections, and altered work schedules, we've simply not be able to find common time and space.  But, being that we're as close as twins are usually thought to be, the silence between us felt painfully longer than it really was.

Needless to say, we made the most of the gifted hour and exchanged words regarding the faithfulness of G-d in our lives over the past couple of weeks.

And, I realized something...

TESTIMONY IS THE HIGHEST FORM OF WORSHIP!

Why?

Because it is ALWAYS rooted in G-d and always provokes the sharer(s) and receiver(s) to fix their gaze on universe's Great King.  

The path of testimony, therefore, begins and ends with He who IS the beginning and the end.  Thus, it is the highest form of worship, because no other being has option to take credit; no person or situation can receive glory for whatever breakthrough has occurred.  

In so many expressions of worship, we find room for err, either due to distraction (time, focus, energy, etc.) or displaced recognition (taking credit for something NOT our own).  Yet, the very nature of testimony defies these weaknesses by its initiation in the SPECIFIC DESIRE to give account of what G-d has done.  And, because of His great love for us, it edifies us in the process.  We become encouraged and strengthened as we are reminded that G-d is Good!  And, it causes us to keep trusting, to abide in Him, no matter our present set of circumstances.  Essentially, testimony is a Heavenly Pep Rally, where believers find themselves pumping adrenaline and cheer leading for the LORD.  

Testimony starts with G-d moving, causes us to recognize we can do nothing apart from Him (thereby initiating perseverance in our faith), and leads us to further testimony.  It is a successful cycle that has proved itself for generations, beginning with those who penned our very scriptures...which is why reading the WORD is so refreshing, so challenging to our daily walk.  It stirs our spirit and reminds us that G-d truly is the same "yesterday, today, and forever."

So, the next time your needing a little "tune-up," give it up for G-d: walk to the closest relational "open-mic," and shout out.  I guarantee you'll be refreshed for the next step.

it's a new dawn, it's a new day

it’s “shelf time” again. not that i am forgotten, nor is he. we are merely getting ripe for the next harvest. every time i find myself waiting for the next use by the Master, i realize that, though familiar, it is always a new experience. while i can certainly learn from time past, i cannot use former strength to ease the weight of new challenges. i have to “re-learn,” die to self, and desire and recall that without death, true life cannot spring forth.

does He do this to punish? certainly not!

proverbs mentions that “the Lord disciplines those He loves; as a Father, the son He delights in...” (Prov. 3: 12). though i do not consider myself a spiritual masochist, i have learned to understand that the chastening of the Lord is one attribute that can always be trusted. for, i know that we serve a G-d who literally IS LOVE; therefore, any action He performs must be born out of love’s definition. it cannot be motivated from anything else, because G-d will never contradict Himself. so, i can trust ALL things that He initiates, whether they are comfortable or not, in the present. for, a G-d who sees and knows ALL things for ALL TIME can certainly discern the outcome of my present circumstances better than I, who have limited input into that which is yet to come.

and so, once again, we are waiting...but not in vain. for, we do not wait on man, who errs, but we actively lean on, trust, and place hope in the one who gave us breath. if he can spur life from NOTHING, He can re-birth that which he fashioned in the first place. roles may change, tasks may require different attention, but the heartbeat will always echo that which was first established in the DESTINY of our lives.

(and so we) WAIT on you LORD, that you may give us our food in due season.
- Psalm 104:27

Finding Autumn in the Midst of Winter Park

There’s something about familiarity...

In our fast-paced society, there lives a constant drive for the latest fad, newest adventure, and greater thrill; though, ironically, the sweetest emotional fulfillment often provided almost always come from those things deemed “Old Hat.”

Ah, but how I love the smell of that dusty, old brim. There's a security in its touch and a comfort in its fit. Yes, it is actually the presences of our FAMILIAR - I think - that gives us fuel for adventure - the boldness to jump into unknown values and uncharted waters - confident that our jump will fly from the well-grounded footing.

Today, I have been reminded of such reality and the incomparable amount of joy and inspiration such settings bring.

Wind-blown trees, live music, sunshine on my face...dogs on leashes boutique stores and the smells of changing seasons...

Though I have roamed from land to land, I never tire of those things which make me feel “at home.”

Stick it to the Mon...

Are monopolies legal? Last time I checked they weren't - and not that kitchen basics are of real concern in the grand scheme of an economy with a national deficit numbering BILLIONS - but I made an observation today that I'd like to share...

In trying to stock our kitchen and remain budget conscious, my spouse and I have opted to purchase needed "staples" a couple items at a time, tagging them onto our weekly list of groceries. It allows us to build up our storehouse without exhausting our bank account.

This week's addition: Cocoa Powder. Now, I'm almost positive that when I lived in Columbus, Ohio, I was able to buy a generic brand of Cocoa. However, in the last few weeks, I've had trouble finding anything but a name brand. Finally making my bi-monthly run to Wal-Mart, I felt confident that I would be able to feast my eyes on a Great Value version of cocoa. Yet, to my shock and amazement, there was none to be found. Literally, Nestle and Hershey's are the ONLY options available on the shelf. It was the same madness I had found in every other Florida store.

Upon perusal of online grocery stores and after multiple Google searches, I have come to the conclusion - be it true or false - that the less-than-satisfactory chocolate companies in our nation have played a dirty trick on us. Honestly, if their products aren't really even going to taste like something worth spending more on, couldn't they at least provide an opportunity for cheaper brands to have a little competition???

And yet, when all is said and done - because we are TRUE CONSUMERS and therefore respond to Supply and Demand principles - the end of my story is ironically contrary to my opinion:

I BOUGHT NESTLE for $4.00

Darn!

Future-ama

Back in 2000, I had the privilege of fulfilling a childhood dream of visiting Disney World Orlando, with my entire immediate family (Father, Mother, Sister). We spent nearly a week in all four parks and saw EVERYTHING, even the rides that most would label as "lame." Among those experiences most-remembered was the famous "Spaceship Earth," at Epcot.

Originally opened in 1982, this "people-mover" ride - complete with narration and animatronics - is enclosed inside the large, ball that identifies the park itself. When first ridden, I was underwhelmed by the experience, valuing it as merely a walk through time and a legitimizing of the overall DISNEY EXPERIENCE. It's concepts were dates, as well as its technology and I remember wondering how long it would survive, in light of so many other new attractions.

Well, my curiosity was quenched yesterday, as I revisted this historic site, this time with my new husband. Disney recently re-invented the ride, installing personal, interactive computer screen into each moving pod. Dame Judy Dench now narrates and the storyline has been altered from that of technology's progress to the evolution of the world's modes of communication.

At the very end of the ride, while being slowly moved down the far wall of the globe's interior, each computer screen asks its pilots to answer a series of questions, while inputting personal information. The result - after the addition of a quick digital photo snap - is a personalized FUTURE. Though I could express my feelings about our outcome, I think I will let the image speak for itself and leave you with this:

Should my spouse grow a ponytail and take up Tai Kwon Do?

...

RESUMPTION and REBIRTH

here i am once more, not as i was formerly known - however - as i am now presently addressed under a new surname.

still, my mind functions relatively similarly, as does my heart, though both are now taken up by the other half of myself: my dearest husband:)

in other news: elections, tropical storms, and examination of purpose.

let's begin with the one that is ironically the easiest for me to explore...ELECTIONS. at present, we have 53 days until american citizens are able to cast their vote toward the next leader of the free world. with too many topics up for grabs when considering this extremely passionate subject, let me to this alone: we HAVE to begin educating ourselves on the issues most important in this life. it is not about getting hung-up or distracted by those "platforms" to which we've so long bent a knee. would it be easier with more choices for parties? certainly. but, at present, that is not an option. so, bottom line? we must all do our best to weed through the absurdly biased opinions and BS to which we are numb to subjugation and seek the heart of G-d for a decision that will best serve our families, our nation, and our world for the next four years. it's muddy and no one is PERFECT for the job, but someone's gotta do it and it's better to just pick and be confident for yourself. let's stop arguing about the in between.

TROPICAL STORMS. huh. never thought i'd see the day when i would even pay attention to these guys, unless they hit Andrew or Katrina-like power, being that i'm shamelessly a Northern Girl. yet, as i now find myself a Floridian, or at least married to one and here until further notice, i'm waking up to realities that are no longer a distant story in the news. these puppies affect my weather now...crazy how we so frequently remain blind until we're affected. it's kinda sick, really, but we're only human and we come by this ignorance honestly. i am aware this year of exactly how many storms have occurred, thus far, what they're named, and what path they've travelled. i think i may reconsider my life calling and contemplate meteorology. nah...

though, that does bring me to today's final point: PURPOSE. what is mine, or more specifically in this present season: what is ours, meaning the husband and me??? this is the question we've all asked ourselves multiple times, but whenever we enter new realms of life and understanding, it is not uncommon to re-ask, trying to grasp how it is supposed to look, feel, and breathe inside new dimensions and circumstances. hence, we're asking again in order to clarify our NEXT STEP. we're not interested in wasting time or energy on the wrong thing. so, we wait. a good place to be at, whenever i recall the leaders that have gone before us. it is the great ones that were willing to intentionally pursue, without concern for time or opinion. so, we lean on the ONE TO WHOM WE CLING and trust HIS VOICE ALONE for answering these questions that sometimes seem clear and sometimes carry fog. what will the response be this time, O GREAT KING?

we are ever changing...

Three beeps to the wind

my phone died.

i have another, but all of my phone numbers are not yet uploaded.

shame on me.

i left a friend in the lurch.

i am home now and charging for future calls.

my sincerest apologies for the inconvenience.