Powerful words

Do not I love Thee, O my Lord?
Behold my heart and see,
And turn each cursed idol out that dares to rival Thee.

Do not I love Thee from my soul? Then let me nothing love;
Dead me my heart to every joy which Thou dost not approve.

Out of the mouths of babes

Every so often, I have the privilege to babysit Charlie and Nora Strevel. They are two adorable little girls who I love very much.
Charlie has recently started thinking out loud in book dialog. A few weeks ago I overheard her as we were walking outside narrating this:

"Julia and Charlie were best buddies. One day while they were outside, Charlie decided to tie Julia to a tree with her rope...."

Well, she'll write interesting books.

New Generation

The children born in America during the Twenty-first century will not know about home phones, cassette tapes, boards games, or even dial up. Some of the things they will know are (but certainly not limited to) text messages, computers, and last but certainly not least......silly bands.
I did not realize that learning to "decode" silly bands was a skill until today.

"Oh, is that a teapot sill band Emma?"

"Julia, that's an eagle head."

Happy Birthday to Katie...

Eighteen years ago today, a beautiful little girl was born. She looked like a little fairy with her cute curls, and adorable smile. She also had a wild imagination,maybe that's why we were such friends. I don't remember the first time we met, but I'm sure there were fireworks and a rainbow. Or not.

Today is her birthday.

She's been a wonderful friend to me ever since I learned not to believe half of what she tells me. We've been through alot. Crazy adventures in the park, ACT stress, or just giggling in bed. Thank you for being a friend to me at all times.
May the Lord be your highest joy for the next year and many more to come. I love you very much.

By the way, the lack of a birthday card, present, phone call, or even the acknowledgement of your existence today doesn't mean I love you any less. Don't worry, I'm still getting around to all of that.

Redbox

This might come as a surprise to some, but I'm about as good with things electronic as an 80 year old woman. No joke. Someone had pity on me about a year ago and showed me how to copy and paste. What a beautiful day that was.
Now I'm sure that there is a place for computers and want not, but I like someone you can talk to. So I can say, "Excuse me Sir, this is the first time I've used one of these things, and I'm not all that smart so could you please help me out?"
Well, Mom finally allowed me to return a movie we had gotten from a Redbox this weekend. She gave me very specific instructions on how to use it, and I had forgotten them by the time I had driven to the mailbox.
When I arrive at Wal-Mart, there is an older man with a MSU cap on in front of me returning a movie. I start trying to watch how he does it without letting him see that I'm watching him. Unfortunately, he sees me.
"Do you know how to use these things?" he asks.
"Actually I'm watching you."
We both look at each other, then at the big red box. He starts trying to push his DVD into every slot visible.
Finally I say, "Oh yeah! Mom told me to touch the screen!" I poke the screen like it's going to come alive.
There was our problem. Now that box sucked that DVD in like magic. That old man was so nice, he stayed with me the whole time I was returning my movie. We were still both weary of this new electronic contraption.
We parted a little dazed and ready to be on our way.

As I was washing dishes one night, I was blessed to over-hear this lovely conversation between Emma and Dad. Emma was pointing out that most families have appearances that make it obvious who they're related to.
Emma started going down the list of families in our church to prove out point.
".....and you know, all the Greens have um, moles."
"Moles??" Dad and I both said.
"Yeah, you know. Moles on their faces and stuff."
"Emma, you might not want to go around saying that to alot of people." Dad said after a awkward silence.

After looking quite puzzled for a moment, Emma replied, "Oh wait, I meant dimples."

Beware all under-aged Spray Painters

Yesterday Mom sent me to Wal-Mart to get spray paint for my sisters' bed that needed a new color. After taking my time finding the right price, picking out the perfect shades of paint and primer, and calling home twice to re-affirm Mom's opinion (this all took about 25 minutes.) I headed to the check out line.

I was not prepared for what happened next.

The cashier said, "I'm going to need to see some ID please."
"Um, okay." I stuttered, pulling out my drivers license trying to think why she'd be wanting it. No one had slipped a pack of beer in my cart while I wasn't looking had they?
Apparently, you must be18 or older to buy spray paint.....?
Are that many kids getting high off that stuff? We have about 15 bottles laying around the house. I hope a spray paint addict never comes over.

Or maybe, grafitti? If that was the case I could have just drawn her a stick man to show her that I sure wasn't into that sort of thing. I'm very artisticly challenged.
I found this whole episode quite amusing. Here is a warning to all of those who were going to buy paint under the age of 18, you can't do it.

When I turn 18, Wal-Mart better look out, I'm going to buy every bottle of the stuff they have.