So at last year's dress fittings for The Prom, there were really beautiful, teeny tiny, 4 inch heeled shoes for the guests to choose from. Gorgeous shoes, but they weren't the most comfortable or safest for some of our guests to wear all evening. So as a way to honor our guest's feet for the October 2nd Prom at the Vineyard, we're going to bling out 200-500 pairs of flip flops!
If you have any unused flip flops, ribbon, faux flowers, glue guns, sewing scissors or anything else "crafty" and you would like to donate them, please mark your donation "Bling the Flops" and place in the outreach bins in the lobbies at the Vineyard Community Church in Springdale by Sunday, September 13th. Or just let me know and I'll come get them.
Also, if you're snazzy with a glue gun, bring a friend and meet me in the Great Rooms at VCC from 2-7pm on Sunday, Sept 13th. I'm trying to gather about 60 volunteers to help bling out these flip flops!!! Come armed with a glue gun and sewing scissors and a smile.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Friday, July 31, 2009
things I've been learning
During the summer of '09, the vineyard I attend has been going thru the 10 commandments as part of their Summer of Love series. Basically, identifying why the 10 commandments fall under the 2 most important commandments - to love God and love each other.
Anyway, this past Saturday Joe taught about commandment #8 - not stealing. You shouldn't steal things, even if you really want to. And to go further with that commandment, not only don't steal, but live generously. Give what you've got.
Immediately after I left church that night, Isaac and I drove to ashland to visit family. I slept almost the entire 3 hour drive. I woke up as we turned onto the street where Isaac's family live. I literally woke up as we passed by my brother-in-law's truck with the new tags hanging out of the license plate, almost touching the ground. This particular b-i-l is a complete jerk. Total jerk. I could have completely reasoned with myself on why it was okay to simply reach out and take the tags. He would have never known. But instead, I said out loud - "Thou shall not steal. Even though I really want to." I know better than to steal things. What would I have done had I not gone to church that night?
But then I started thinking about all of the different ways that I maybe didn't steal, but I wasn't generous. Like the other day when I went thru Arby's. I had a coupon to get a $5 sandwich for free. As I sat in line waiting for my order, I just beamed with joy about the great deal we got on our house (totally believe that was a gift from God) and just before I left for Arby's, I found out that I got a sweet, sweet deal on some appliances we needed. Anyway, I pulled forward in the drive thru and paid for the drink and fries, handed the man my coupon and waited for my food. I noticed that their was a lady in a truck behind me and then I remembered how the vineyard encouraged us that "small things done with great love will change the world" and one simple way to show that is by paying for the person behind you's food. But then I talked myself out of it, because I didn't have any cards. Lame-o. And then God reminded me how I had just been celebrating all that He had given me. that He's the provider of all good things. I ended up paying for her food and asked the cashier to tell her that God loved her. But as I pulled away, all I could think about was how far I have to go. While even though I have grown leaps and bounds in regards to giving money away, I clearly have a LONG way to go. This idea of being a servant and being generous is still not natural to me. There are moments when I hear a clear call, but there's also those moments where I want to steal or at least not give $6 away.
In small group last night we discussed this section of James 3
13 -16 Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here's what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It's the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts. Mean-spirited ambition isn't wisdom. Boasting that you are wise isn't wisdom. Twisting the truth to make yourselves sound wise isn't wisdom. It's the furthest thing from wisdom—it's animal cunning, devilish conniving. Whenever you're trying to look better than others or get the better of others, things fall apart and everyone ends up at the others' throats.
17 -18 Real wisdom, God's wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced. You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor.
Once again, this evening I was reminded of how far I have to go. I got so ticked because I didn't receive this huge coupon book from one of my favorite stores... long story. But the point is that in the long run, it doesn't matter. It wasn't mine to begin with. This past week I have been reminded over and over again that I've got a lot to learn about commandment #8 and that I am not overflowing with mercy. And I don't treat everyone with dignity and honor.
2 steps forward, 1 step back....
Anyway, this past Saturday Joe taught about commandment #8 - not stealing. You shouldn't steal things, even if you really want to. And to go further with that commandment, not only don't steal, but live generously. Give what you've got.
Immediately after I left church that night, Isaac and I drove to ashland to visit family. I slept almost the entire 3 hour drive. I woke up as we turned onto the street where Isaac's family live. I literally woke up as we passed by my brother-in-law's truck with the new tags hanging out of the license plate, almost touching the ground. This particular b-i-l is a complete jerk. Total jerk. I could have completely reasoned with myself on why it was okay to simply reach out and take the tags. He would have never known. But instead, I said out loud - "Thou shall not steal. Even though I really want to." I know better than to steal things. What would I have done had I not gone to church that night?
But then I started thinking about all of the different ways that I maybe didn't steal, but I wasn't generous. Like the other day when I went thru Arby's. I had a coupon to get a $5 sandwich for free. As I sat in line waiting for my order, I just beamed with joy about the great deal we got on our house (totally believe that was a gift from God) and just before I left for Arby's, I found out that I got a sweet, sweet deal on some appliances we needed. Anyway, I pulled forward in the drive thru and paid for the drink and fries, handed the man my coupon and waited for my food. I noticed that their was a lady in a truck behind me and then I remembered how the vineyard encouraged us that "small things done with great love will change the world" and one simple way to show that is by paying for the person behind you's food. But then I talked myself out of it, because I didn't have any cards. Lame-o. And then God reminded me how I had just been celebrating all that He had given me. that He's the provider of all good things. I ended up paying for her food and asked the cashier to tell her that God loved her. But as I pulled away, all I could think about was how far I have to go. While even though I have grown leaps and bounds in regards to giving money away, I clearly have a LONG way to go. This idea of being a servant and being generous is still not natural to me. There are moments when I hear a clear call, but there's also those moments where I want to steal or at least not give $6 away.
In small group last night we discussed this section of James 3
13 -16 Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here's what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It's the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts. Mean-spirited ambition isn't wisdom. Boasting that you are wise isn't wisdom. Twisting the truth to make yourselves sound wise isn't wisdom. It's the furthest thing from wisdom—it's animal cunning, devilish conniving. Whenever you're trying to look better than others or get the better of others, things fall apart and everyone ends up at the others' throats.
17 -18 Real wisdom, God's wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced. You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor.
Once again, this evening I was reminded of how far I have to go. I got so ticked because I didn't receive this huge coupon book from one of my favorite stores... long story. But the point is that in the long run, it doesn't matter. It wasn't mine to begin with. This past week I have been reminded over and over again that I've got a lot to learn about commandment #8 and that I am not overflowing with mercy. And I don't treat everyone with dignity and honor.
2 steps forward, 1 step back....
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Abbi Grace
I am an aunt again. Little Abi Grace was born at 9:24am this morning. 3 weeks early and she was still over 8lbs. wow.
All little babies look like old men to me. But I'm sure she's destined to be cute.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Sometimes you just have to laugh out loud
CINCINNATI--A Colerain Township man allegedly told cops during a traffic stop that he didn't need valid license plates because he was Jesus.
It's a story you saw first on wcpo.com.
An officer reportedly pulled over 30-year-old William Raymond Wayt at the intersection of Sheed Road and Harrison Avenue in Green Township around 3:30 Wednesday morning for expired license plates.
At that point, Wayt allegedly told the officer he did not have to provide identifying information because "he was Jesus, and he owned 49 states, so he was on his own land and didn't need tags," the officer wrote in court paperwork.
Wayt, wearing camouflage cargo shorts and a white t-shirt, was booked for driving under suspension, false statements and improper display.
All charges are misdemeanors. The display count refers to this license plates on his 1979 Chevy truck. Footage of the incident is not available because Green Township police cruisers are not equipped with cameras, according to a spokeswoman.
So, I'm just wondering which state he doesn't own...
It's a story you saw first on wcpo.com.
An officer reportedly pulled over 30-year-old William Raymond Wayt at the intersection of Sheed Road and Harrison Avenue in Green Township around 3:30 Wednesday morning for expired license plates.
At that point, Wayt allegedly told the officer he did not have to provide identifying information because "he was Jesus, and he owned 49 states, so he was on his own land and didn't need tags," the officer wrote in court paperwork.
Wayt, wearing camouflage cargo shorts and a white t-shirt, was booked for driving under suspension, false statements and improper display.
All charges are misdemeanors. The display count refers to this license plates on his 1979 Chevy truck. Footage of the incident is not available because Green Township police cruisers are not equipped with cameras, according to a spokeswoman.
So, I'm just wondering which state he doesn't own...
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
selfish moment
Most of you know that my Grandma Johnson hasn't been doing so hot since last April. Early stages of Alzheimer's and Dementia.
I haven't been able to see Grandma in a while so I've called a couple of times in the past weeks. When I called tonight I talked to Grandpa for a while (which is rare - he ususally gets off the phone quickly - but there had been a problem with one of the aides today) and at the end of the conversation, Grandpa asked me to hold on while he got Grandma on the phone.
I'm guessing he set the phone down, but I heard the whole conversation he had with Grandma. Basically, he said that Jennifer was on the phone (she no longer recoginizes me as 'Jenny') and Grandma asked who that was. Grandpa explained that I was their grandaughter.... She just really didn't want to talk on the phone. Sometimes she gets angry or frustrated easily, which is part of the disease, and I could hear it in her voice. Again, Grandpa asked her to just to talk for a second on the phone to me, etc. And again, she asked who Jennifer was. He again explained that I was there Grandaughter and that I was Winnie's daughter. She picked up but I could tell that she had no idea who I was. So I just said "Hello, Grandma. This is Jennifer, your grandaughter." We both asked how the other was at the same time. I said I was good and then she said that it was nice of me to call. End of conversation.
These 2 diseases just seem to be devestating. There are definite good moments, but it seems that the person you've known for so long is slipping away. And for their sake, you have to pretend that you don't notice. And honestly, nobody has it harder that my Grandma. How scary for her. And my Grandpa Johnson and my mom work endless to take care of her. They and other members of my family get the majority of the stress and have to deal with it everyday.
Here's my selfish moment - sometimes I get really upset that she doesn't remember me. Most times it's okay. I live the farthest away from her and I don't see her as much. And she tries to remember me. She does. Sometimes she thinks I'm her cousin or sometimes I'm her daughter. And sometimes she just gives me a blank stare. But there are the times when she knows who I am and we talk like we used to. Funny thing is, she always remembers who Isaac is. Go figure.
But as selfish as it sounds, I just don't want my grandma to forget me. It's not that I've done something so great in life, it's just that she's my grandma. And I want me to remember me.
Some days are just harder than others. There. Hopefully I'll quit balling now.
I haven't been able to see Grandma in a while so I've called a couple of times in the past weeks. When I called tonight I talked to Grandpa for a while (which is rare - he ususally gets off the phone quickly - but there had been a problem with one of the aides today) and at the end of the conversation, Grandpa asked me to hold on while he got Grandma on the phone.
I'm guessing he set the phone down, but I heard the whole conversation he had with Grandma. Basically, he said that Jennifer was on the phone (she no longer recoginizes me as 'Jenny') and Grandma asked who that was. Grandpa explained that I was their grandaughter.... She just really didn't want to talk on the phone. Sometimes she gets angry or frustrated easily, which is part of the disease, and I could hear it in her voice. Again, Grandpa asked her to just to talk for a second on the phone to me, etc. And again, she asked who Jennifer was. He again explained that I was there Grandaughter and that I was Winnie's daughter. She picked up but I could tell that she had no idea who I was. So I just said "Hello, Grandma. This is Jennifer, your grandaughter." We both asked how the other was at the same time. I said I was good and then she said that it was nice of me to call. End of conversation.
These 2 diseases just seem to be devestating. There are definite good moments, but it seems that the person you've known for so long is slipping away. And for their sake, you have to pretend that you don't notice. And honestly, nobody has it harder that my Grandma. How scary for her. And my Grandpa Johnson and my mom work endless to take care of her. They and other members of my family get the majority of the stress and have to deal with it everyday.
Here's my selfish moment - sometimes I get really upset that she doesn't remember me. Most times it's okay. I live the farthest away from her and I don't see her as much. And she tries to remember me. She does. Sometimes she thinks I'm her cousin or sometimes I'm her daughter. And sometimes she just gives me a blank stare. But there are the times when she knows who I am and we talk like we used to. Funny thing is, she always remembers who Isaac is. Go figure.
But as selfish as it sounds, I just don't want my grandma to forget me. It's not that I've done something so great in life, it's just that she's my grandma. And I want me to remember me.
Some days are just harder than others. There. Hopefully I'll quit balling now.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
remembering
yesterday I posted a blog about my sincere distain for Carrie Prejean and her apparent lack of integrity. I am not recanting what I said - I still whole heartly believe it - however, I was reminded last night of something.
While Carrie's actions irritate me, we're in the same boat. I have said things and done things to people in my past that have hurt them and hurt God.
Look, there's no such thing as a perfect christian or a perfect church. Over the past several years I have heard numberous friends say, well, I'm not going to act like so and so. Or they're a bad Christian. Or how stupid could blah, blah, blah. And sometimes I'll say, "but that's us". basically, we're just as jacked up as whoever we were talking about. Last night I forgot who I was for a second.
Me and Carrie, we're in the same boat. I may not like some of her actions, but I need just as much mercy and forgiveness from Jesus as she does.
While Carrie's actions irritate me, we're in the same boat. I have said things and done things to people in my past that have hurt them and hurt God.
Look, there's no such thing as a perfect christian or a perfect church. Over the past several years I have heard numberous friends say, well, I'm not going to act like so and so. Or they're a bad Christian. Or how stupid could blah, blah, blah. And sometimes I'll say, "but that's us". basically, we're just as jacked up as whoever we were talking about. Last night I forgot who I was for a second.
Me and Carrie, we're in the same boat. I may not like some of her actions, but I need just as much mercy and forgiveness from Jesus as she does.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
What Right Do We Have As Christians?
I've just got to say it- I am not a fan of Carrie Prejean. I am also not a fan of Perez Hilton. Seriously, who picked that guy to be a judge? I thought the original controversy over her answer at the Miss USA padgent was a bit blown out of perportion. Perez Hilton clearly has a lack of maturity. Clearly. However, it almost became this big hoopla of her losing the crown over her answer on gay marriage. As the Miss California padgent crew and several other news sources pointed out in the following days, Carrie was behind in the overall score even before she answered that fateful question. However, some Chrisitans and certain news stations made this huge stink (and continue to) about her answer to the question making her lose the crown. Surely Carrie knew the scores in the aftermath, yet she never set the record straight. In fact, she added to the fire with a bit of smugness. And then came the topless shots and the fact that she didn't disclose the information to the padgent ahead of time and also that there was a communication issue.
I watched the press conference when Donald Trump stood by her side and said that all was well and that she would still be Miss California. Carrie just sat there so smug. Instead of being humbled that she almost lost her title for ridiculous crap she had done, she had this sense of, "I beat the system". Instead of apologizing for the topless shots, she made excuses. She was 17 at the time. Her friend took some. The professional photographer leaked the others to embarass her. She was so angry at the photographer, yet she took the photos so she could get work like that. Her answer to the reason why she failed to tell padgent officals about the topless photos - it was a 12 page application. And she's studying to be a teacher??
Today, Carrie was dethroned from the title of Miss California. Padgent officals are saying that Carrie wasn't keeping up with communication that she was pushing her own issues while representing Miss California. Carrie's pastor appeared on HLN network and basically said that she's done everything she's been asked to do, blah, blah, blah.
The thing that bothers me the most is that thru all of this, it seems that Carrie and her following have been more than willing to tote the whole "Because I'm a Christian, this is why I've been kicked out/picked on/etc" . How about you take some responability for your actions, apologize for your poor judgement, be grateful that you weren't kicked out 3 weeks ago and grovel for forgiveness from padgent officals? Carrie Prejean represented the state of California and had obligations to uphold. She was to be truthful in her answers and clearly, choose not to be and has been toting the gay marriage soapbox ever since.
It's not just Carrie Prejean that annoys me. It's when I see Christians act like they're owed something. That they're only getting picked on because of their beliefs, not because of their own irresponible behavior. What do Christians have to be smug about anyway?
there. that's been bothering me for a while.
I watched the press conference when Donald Trump stood by her side and said that all was well and that she would still be Miss California. Carrie just sat there so smug. Instead of being humbled that she almost lost her title for ridiculous crap she had done, she had this sense of, "I beat the system". Instead of apologizing for the topless shots, she made excuses. She was 17 at the time. Her friend took some. The professional photographer leaked the others to embarass her. She was so angry at the photographer, yet she took the photos so she could get work like that. Her answer to the reason why she failed to tell padgent officals about the topless photos - it was a 12 page application. And she's studying to be a teacher??
Today, Carrie was dethroned from the title of Miss California. Padgent officals are saying that Carrie wasn't keeping up with communication that she was pushing her own issues while representing Miss California. Carrie's pastor appeared on HLN network and basically said that she's done everything she's been asked to do, blah, blah, blah.
The thing that bothers me the most is that thru all of this, it seems that Carrie and her following have been more than willing to tote the whole "Because I'm a Christian, this is why I've been kicked out/picked on/etc" . How about you take some responability for your actions, apologize for your poor judgement, be grateful that you weren't kicked out 3 weeks ago and grovel for forgiveness from padgent officals? Carrie Prejean represented the state of California and had obligations to uphold. She was to be truthful in her answers and clearly, choose not to be and has been toting the gay marriage soapbox ever since.
It's not just Carrie Prejean that annoys me. It's when I see Christians act like they're owed something. That they're only getting picked on because of their beliefs, not because of their own irresponible behavior. What do Christians have to be smug about anyway?
there. that's been bothering me for a while.
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