Feb. 1, 2008 - It's a long shot, but...
I never meant for this to become a political blog...and I haven't really posted much else recently, so I decided to mix it up a little. Aren't you glad? 
A little background...Anyone who knows me, knows I love an audience. I adore being in front of people. It's just FUN! For many people, it is a serious phobia, but it is positively energizing to me! I had always interpreted this to mean that I liked acting. And I do. I have done my share and it is certainly an exhilarating experience to hear the applause and know it is for you and the other cast members. But it is hard work, my friends. Many hours of rehearsal for a couple of hours on stage. Then, poof, it's over!
On the other hand, I thought I did NOT like public speaking. I always was on the very verge of losing my lunch in Jr. College in my public speaking class. Of course, I was much younger and was giving speeches on topics I was not passionate about (how earthquakes happen is one I remember groaning about). I am a little older now (*grin*) and I have a passion for encouraging and equipping women, specifically moms in the Journey (often Chaos) of Motherhood.
One of my favorite topics to share on is Personality Styles and how whatever our own personality is colors our world. It is so great to see a friends eyes light up when they understand why their husband/child/friend act the way they do. It seems silly to think that people have never considered that everyone does not process things the same way, but often, although many know that, they don't really understand it.
After briefly sharing about Personality Styles with a group of leaders from my local support group over lunch at our last homeschool convention, I was invited to speak at one of our monthly meetings. I jumped at the chance. It was easily one of the most fun events of my entire year!! I did not have hours of rehearsal, just brushing up on a topic I am already passionate about, creating a simple handout and sharing for a little over an hour with about 50 or so women. The feedback I got was so affirming. I am convinced that when I grow up, I want to be a public speaker. 
This brings me to the title of my post. Lysa TerKeurst is having a contest to give away a scholarship to the SheSpeaks conference in NC. I know it's a probably a long shot, there are several other entries, but I do not know how they are deciding who to award this prize to, so I decided to throw my hat in the ring too. I have thought a lot about attending a conference to polish up on my speaking skills and learn how to market myself. I am still a full-time SAHM, but I would love to have a weekend gig now and again..if I only knew how! Attending this would certainly be a great way to start to learn, I have adored the folks at Proverbs31 for many years. Many of their devotions have brought me to tears. Motherhood is just so sweet and it is for such a very short time that we have our children.
The cost of these types of conferences is a little daunting, especially for a single income family. Our finances are still a little off kilter due to our recent move and we have some **really important big events already scheduled for this year that we are putting our extra resources towards...so unless I win, or God provides in another way, I will not be able to attend this. I know He is a big God and He orders our steps. He would not have gifted me this way if he did not intend for me to use it somehow. I will trust His timing...and his provision.
**Really big event being my oldest son's Rite-of-Passage event. He has already turned 13, but hubby is organizing an entire weekend event. It will be very memorable for all of us, I am sure.
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Jul. 31, 2006 - Haven't been here in a while
Well, hello friends...if there is anyone still reading...
I really do want to blog more often, I just struggle with the discipline of doing so. I have done a lot of surfing around the blogosphere this weekend and have been inspired again to use this outlet as a place to think things through. As evidenced by my last entry (personality styles), I need to engage my mouth (or my hands) for my brain to be working. And I value feedback (as long as it is nice 
~meaning you are allowed to disagree graciously).
Anyways, BooMama is hosting a Tour of Homes and I have enjoyed popping in and seeing how others decorate and where they live. I did not participate...but if she does the Christmas Tour, I just may. I love Christmas...and a tour just might inspire me to pull out the stops when decorating!!
As I have been visiting the various homes/posts, I have seen many blogs I would like to visit again...and a few whose beliefs don't really line up with my own. You know what? I am not going to change their heart in one single comment...in fact, I am not going to change their heart AT ALL!! That is the Holy Spirit's job. It grieved my spirit to see so many Christians who felt compelled to make (what was percieved by the "sinner") judgemental comments rather than just leaving a nice post about that persons home and perhaps through more friendly posts, winning them over time. My heart hurts for those who don't know Christ yet, or for whatever reason, have turned from him during this season in their life. But how does it help them if they recieve judgemental comments from people they don't even know? Does that soften their heart towards Christ? Does it make them open to listening to Christians who may already be in thier circle of friends/influence?
Just some random thoughts floating around...
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Mar. 12, 2006 - Christain-ese
My husband is a prolific blog reader. Obviously, he's not reading sappy mom blogs, so his Google reader list differs from mine. Sometimes in an effort to spark discussion between us, he'll share something of interest. Such was the case yesterday.
I don't remember the name of the blog, but the topic was "Free Chicken Sandwiches from Chik-Fil-A with Sunday Bulletin." Apparently, if you lived in a certain town in Virginia and brought in your church bulletin to the local Chik-Fil-A on Monday evening, you could get a free chicken sandwich.
Savvy marketing on the restaurants part...what was disturbing to me was the comments after this particular post. There were many who mentioned bringing in their bulletin from the local "church of satan." Also, there were those who said that they refused to even eat at a place that "loved Jesus." I know that we should read things from different viewpoints and perspective to help us be open minded and culturally relevant, but I just want to cry when I see such disdain for my Savior.
As we sat together reading these boorish comments, I said, "This is all my fault!! The world think this because of me and my actions!! (Of course, I was speaking figuratively) If only..." My husband quickly cut me off. He had a very valid point that I had not considered before. He said, "Honey, I think it is the media's fault. They have a left-wing, liberal slant and they always portray Christians in the worst possible perspective. Then, when we act like the imperfect people that we are, it just reinforces the already bad impression that non-Christians have."
WHOA!
While I don't feel "off the hook" in terms of my representation to the world, I do realize that the media does have an awful lot of input into most folks impressions of Christians and even more so in shaping their worldview.
How do we resist that? How can we make a difference? I am praying that in my little homeschool corner of the world, I am raising radical world changers who will help turn the tide of our morally bankrupt culture. I am endeavoring to teach them the truth so that when they are faced with counterfeit (in the media and elsewhere) they will instantly recognize the difference and stand up for truth.
I am also guilty of being somewhat insulated. Church friends, Christian co-op, Christian band for the kids, Christian Homeschool support group. My husband works for a church... How can I make a difference and reach a lost and dying world when I don't even know anyone who isn't saved?!
I took a step towards that this week. I let the kids play in the FRONT yard with the dreaded neighborhood kids. I met another mom on our street. Pray for me as I reach out and step out of my comfort zone.
