Well, That Was Rare!

Do you remember the actress Kim Field from The Facts of Life and Living Single? She was on today's rerun of The Wendy Williams Show. Unlike many (most?) child actors, she took her money and ran off with it to college. Pepperdine, to be exact. She now has a successful career working with money-machine Tyler Perry as a producer or something (I didn't pay close attention here, as I am not exactly Tyler Perry's demographic.)

Anyway, Wendy was talking to her about the fact that she developed physically at a very early age, and that many young women struggle with body image, etc. Wendy then went on to ask her if she had any advice for young women who struggle with such perceptions.

I almost fell out of my chair when I heard her response. No kidding, I was genuinely shocked. Kim looked directly into the camera and said, "Girls, you were created by God himself in His image. God doesn't make mistakes. Go forth with confidence knowing you look exactly how you are supposed to. Have confidence." I may have butchered some of the last part of her quote but you get the gist.

To clarify, I wasn't shocked at the content of what she was saying, as I happen to agree with her.

Rather, I was shocked that a person worthy of being on national television would speak so candidly regarding God on national television.  You don't see or hear that very often. I am impressed with her courage to risk alienation. We should all stand up for what we believe in, and Kim's words to young women were very inspiring. Kim is not exactly an A-list celeb, but in my mind she is an A-list person.

Burned Out But With Good News

I'm burned out on religion stuff. I am supposed to be doing a course where I read the entire bible in 90 days (a tedious undertaking if you want to actually digest what you're reading), a women's bible study on the book of Ruth, and Crazy Love by Francis Chan for our "small group."

I think it is difficult to savor what it is you're trying to learn when you have so many other critical or important things you're trying to do. But! At small group tonight we were discussing a chapter of Crazy Love when I have my own revelation.

God is consistent. Sin is sin. What God views as a sin on Tuesday he will also view as a sin on Wednesday. This makes life very easy. You always know where you stand. Some people might resist this notion because it makes it hard to justify things but if you let the principle guide you, you'll probably do pretty good. It is when you approach with the attitude of, "Well, we're all sinners so I am bound to fail. I will just ask forgiveness later" then you're probably setting yourself up for failure in God's eyes and your own. Nobody has to fail. That is a comforting feeling to end my week with.

Nobody Likes An Emo Kid

Well, yesterday was rough! Sorry for all that verbal diarrhea, I just had to get it all out.

And then something amazing happened-when we went to church, it was as though the entire sermon had been written for me.

The sermon was about how we allow our minds to work, how we combat negativity, what is expected behavior from a Christian, etc. I'm not paraphrasing very eloquently so forgive me, but know that the pastor hit a home run with his message to me.

I walked away feeling revitalized and confident that I could modify my behavior to make it not only easier on myself, but easier on others. And most importantly, pleasing to God.

I'm off the pity pot.

Well! THAT Was Crappy!

Mr. Case's truck is having problems. Costly problems. As we were discussing it, I said in passing, 'Thank goodness we have one working, paid off car to rely on!'

Yeah, I'm an idiot for putting that out into the universe!

Later that evening someone hit Mr. Case while he was driving the other car. The same car that someone hit in August, that required extensive repairs.

The good news is, Mr. Case was not hurt. Because of the nature of the accident, he could have been severely injured.

I don't know if I jinxed something, or what, but the poor car! More frame damage. At this rate, we will never, ever be able to sell it (even though we were not planning to do so.)

The other driver hit him pulling what appears to be a common maneuver where my husband drives- the man was in a "turn only" lane but decided he wanted to go straight instead, other people on the road be damned!

Of course his insurance keeps banker's hours so we have to agonize till Monday over whether they're going to cooperate, etc. I don't know anything about the state of Texas; Mr. Case has a license there and is insured there since it is where he drives but I am not sure of the procedures, etc.

I can't even bring myself to post a picture of the damage. In California when the guy hit me, I took it to a very reputable shop and they did a fantastic job. I don't know what Mr. Case will do. There's no more side mirror, the door is off alignment, I could go on and on.

Tomorrow we are trying a new church because honestly? There is a lot more going on that I am not at liberty to discuss and I am overwhelmed and in desperate need of some Divine Intervention. Like, literally thirsting for spiritual nourishment. The next few weeks promise to be as dramatic and stressful as they come and I need some help.