Thursday, January 27, 2005

Stuff

I belong to a couponing and refunders site on the Internet. Many don't even know that a subculture of freebie lovers and cheap shoppers even exists. It is really quite thrilling to use a coupon on a sale product, have the coupon doubled and then pay pennies for something! I don't remember when the last time was that I purchased something at full retail - I just can't do it.
Anyhow - while reading some of the chitchat posted on the board I noticed something quite remarkable today. People shopping for stuff, albeit 90% off the price, they don't want or need. Hmm makes me think. Is that still a good deal? Are we so consumer driven that we are buying hair color in a shade that doesn't work for us just because it was cheap?

Sunday, January 23, 2005

Getting Real

I am pondering something...trying to figure out if my thoughts are so influenced by pop culture that I am unable to see biblically about this issue. We are encouraged to get real by Dr. Phil (whom I adore), Oprah and a myriad of others. Jesus was about being real. We tell each other to "keep it real." But what happens when real seems so negative. I have said for the past 3 years that I am happy living where I live because the people are great even though the town is not fantastic. I have said the shopping is good too. Now, the people and the shopping are fine - the town is still ugly. But if I am going to keep it real I have to admit that I do not like living here at all. In fact I have said that I do, believing that I do - but as I have uncovered layers of stuff recently I have to face the fact that I just do not like being here. Everything biblical would encourage me to be content and that it is not about me. But how do I marry the Keep it Real syndrom with Christian contentment. When asked, "do you like living here" can I say quite honestly say, "no, but I don't always have to like everything." I hate to offend those who have been born and bred in these parts. I am not screaming to pack up and move either. But I would love to be able to be absolutely honest.

Friday, January 21, 2005

Mike Cope

It has been an amazing thing to read Mike's blog updates on the situation with Chris and the other Highland kids. Heart wrenching.
I am struck by something again and again. While a member at Highland during our great years at ACU I was definately a "copeite." Mike would recoil in horror if he heard me now - but it is true. And I am struck again today at his incredible gift. It is the gift of language. He uses just the right words to conjure up pictures and images and emotions - so incredibly well. God has a mighty servant in Mike Cope.

Thursday, January 20, 2005

American Idol

Yes, I am a fan! I will even admit to having read Clay Aiken's new book. It was wonderful. Tease me if you like....
While watching last night it struck me that something is wrong here. I am not American and so I do not pretend to fully understand all the cultural nuances, however I know that something is wrong here. I think this culture does a fantastic job of instilling external confidence in children. When I think of South African kids they seem so much less sophisticated, much more aware of their "child" status in the pecking order of life. That can be good and bad. However, I think I am discovering that this external confidence is not always grounded in a sense of self-esteem because of self awareness and acceptance. I think it is a disguise used to ensure acceptance. Do you see the difference? I may be reaching but I am wondering why so many people think they are better than they actually are. I think we spend time praising people and complimenting them for being special when they are ordinary. I am all about praising my kids - I am a Mom. But praise for an external accomplishment does not take root in the heart like recognition for effort, responsibility and hard work does. I think we have over awarded, over "certificated" and have told so many people how special they are, that very few really are. I love giving my kids cards, coupons and surprises, but that is because of who they are, not what they can do. Our society tells us that we can be anything we want and that is not true either. Ambitions and drive are the cornerstone of progess and I am thankful for that. But, honestly people I am never going to be a scientist. It is awesome to be passionate about your thing - that is how God designed us. But lets put our big girl panties on and realize we do not need to be King of the World!

Wednesday, January 19, 2005

Homesick

I was thinking about a friend from High School the other day. We haven't seen each other since graduation. She began travelling the world and I was doing the career thing. I moved from South Africa to America and literally did not think of her for years at a time. Then, just a month or so ago I felt an overwhelming need to reconnect with some of these people. Homesickness will do that to you - you know that deep longing for what is familiar. And, it doesn't matter how long you live in a country different to your own, you always feel just a little unsettled. How we should feel here while longing for heaven....
Anway I tracked her down via email and today I received an incredible response. A full update of 20 years - wow. Funny thing is she wrote..."just wondering why you tracked me down - thought you may have heard I was a bit of a lost soul." I don't quite know what to do with that right now - perhaps God had me do it for that purpose. We are both South African, she lives in the United Arab Emirates and I live in Amarillo, TX. Small world when you are homesick!

Tuesday, January 18, 2005

Wondering why?

I am out of my league - in way too deep....I don't even really know what a blog is but I created one. I read someone else's and thought hey I need one of those. So here I am!