My best friend, Debbie, hugged her son Friday and watched his plane head for Afghanistan. He is beginning his second tour, but this time, as a captain.
He is in Special Forces in the Air Force. He is one of the heroes that rescues wounded soldiers and civilians in a war zone. They often enter hostile territory in helicopters and risk their lives to save others. He and his unit were chosen for National Geographic's "Inside Combat Rescue", a series designed to portray the brutality, the humanity, and the gravity of war. The show was, frankly, hard to watch.
I want Jeff to come home safe. I have loved this kid for nearly 15 years now. I have watched him grow, struggle, work, succeed, and yes, sometimes stumble.
There are thousands of "Jeffs" fighting for my freedom right now. Thousands of moms and dads, sisters and brothers, nephews and nieces, cousins, grandparents, and friends who hope and pray their son or daughter comes home safe. But none of them sent their soldier to die.
God did. Two thousand years ago, in the war for humanity, God sent His Son to die. Jesus donned the uniform of humility and love and fought for each of us on the cross. And won.
"For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." - John 3:17 (NIV)
On this Memorial Day, please remember all those who have served and died, pray for those who are currently serving to return safe to their families and praise God for His love that conquered sin and death.
Happy Memorial Day.
Amberly
Monday, May 27, 2013
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Camera Shy
I am struggling right now.
I want a really nice camera. I have my eye on one particular one and have for a few years now. I love the little camera I have and enjoy making stationery and scrapbook pages out of the pictures I take. I want to get good at photography and relish the idea of learning all the capabilities of a great camera. I even want to take a class or two.
I have been saving pennies for awhile and even have asked that in lieu of Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, birthday, etc gifts that I get $20 to put in my camera fund. I am willing to wait. It will take a long time, but I think it is worth it.
My husband is not so keen on this idea. He thinks spending $900 on a camera is frivolity and frankly, foolish. He is right. I cannot feed my family with it, sit on it, use it for a footstool, or move up on the payment schedule at my job because of it. It is not logical. We need a new stove, new couches, and new mattresses. Those purchases would make sense.
Here's the rub. I work hard, rarely ask for something in particular, stretch our dollars well, don't ask for flowers or jewelry, and am a cheap date on the rare occasion we go out. And I really want that camera. When my husband objects, I take it very personally because I am listening to his reasoning with my heart. It hurts my feelings that he does not support me.
It is his job to be my protector. He makes me feel safe and is a good dad. He is trying to protect me from spending money foolishly. Instead of appreciating his logic and care, I am crushed.
This is a struggle between the sexes that has gone on since Eve had her eye on a nice camera. Failing to appreciate that which one's partner brings to the table leads to disappointment and strife. A lack of humility on either side can also create disunity.
I am writing a book (slowly) on the Blessings of the Curse; an attempt to get people to see the beauty in the Curses that God gave men and women and that which we can make strengths.
If it sells well, maybe I can afford that camera :)
Have a great week! Amberly
I want a really nice camera. I have my eye on one particular one and have for a few years now. I love the little camera I have and enjoy making stationery and scrapbook pages out of the pictures I take. I want to get good at photography and relish the idea of learning all the capabilities of a great camera. I even want to take a class or two.
I have been saving pennies for awhile and even have asked that in lieu of Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, birthday, etc gifts that I get $20 to put in my camera fund. I am willing to wait. It will take a long time, but I think it is worth it.
My husband is not so keen on this idea. He thinks spending $900 on a camera is frivolity and frankly, foolish. He is right. I cannot feed my family with it, sit on it, use it for a footstool, or move up on the payment schedule at my job because of it. It is not logical. We need a new stove, new couches, and new mattresses. Those purchases would make sense.
Here's the rub. I work hard, rarely ask for something in particular, stretch our dollars well, don't ask for flowers or jewelry, and am a cheap date on the rare occasion we go out. And I really want that camera. When my husband objects, I take it very personally because I am listening to his reasoning with my heart. It hurts my feelings that he does not support me.
It is his job to be my protector. He makes me feel safe and is a good dad. He is trying to protect me from spending money foolishly. Instead of appreciating his logic and care, I am crushed.
This is a struggle between the sexes that has gone on since Eve had her eye on a nice camera. Failing to appreciate that which one's partner brings to the table leads to disappointment and strife. A lack of humility on either side can also create disunity.
I am writing a book (slowly) on the Blessings of the Curse; an attempt to get people to see the beauty in the Curses that God gave men and women and that which we can make strengths.
If it sells well, maybe I can afford that camera :)
Have a great week! Amberly
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Scales off my eyes (or the other way around)
Recently, I saw one of my old students at a track meet. He was on his way to a wrestling match and had all that he needed to be successful: a bag of gear, ample water, and his weight (in Sharpie) on his arm.
Wow, no wonder I never became a wrestler.
I cannot fathom writing my weight on my arm. Not now. Not ever.
I feel judged enough about my weight all the time. Mostly, by me. When I have to enter my weight on the treadmill at the gym, you would think I was entering the PIN numbers to Warren Buffet's personal bank account with all the security I employ: cupped hands, sideways glances, and ninja swiftness.
Numbers do not define me. My value is not limited to digits. I am more than three simple numerals.
And yet, I cringe at the thought of others knowing that information.
"But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”" - 1 Samuel 16:7
Lord, give me your eyes today to see me the way you do. Not the way the scale does.
Amberly
Wow, no wonder I never became a wrestler.
I cannot fathom writing my weight on my arm. Not now. Not ever.
I feel judged enough about my weight all the time. Mostly, by me. When I have to enter my weight on the treadmill at the gym, you would think I was entering the PIN numbers to Warren Buffet's personal bank account with all the security I employ: cupped hands, sideways glances, and ninja swiftness.
Numbers do not define me. My value is not limited to digits. I am more than three simple numerals.
And yet, I cringe at the thought of others knowing that information.
"But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”" - 1 Samuel 16:7
Lord, give me your eyes today to see me the way you do. Not the way the scale does.
Amberly
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Capitolization
I get to go to Washington D.C. next week. With 40 junior highers.
Despite the fact that I am low man on the totem pole (due to the fact that I am part-time), I get to be a chaperone on an amazing whirl-wind trip. I have already been to all the places we are going. I went on four trips with students when I taught in Fullerton. Last year, my family and I celebrated my in-laws 50th wedding anniversary with ten days in that area.
I am still geeking out.
I am still excited about "sharing" the sights about which I am crazy with students about whom I am crazy. I am especially excited to hear from docents and tour guides about the history of our nation in their area of specialty. I am always impressed with their breadth of knowledge and passion about the subject area.
As Christians, we are essentially docents and tour guides who specialize in Christ's transforming power in our lives. We have the opportunity each day to "show and tell" that which we have experienced through the grace of God. We must study His Word, communicate with Him regularly, and trust His Spirit to guide us as we guide others.
When I am guiding others, I pray that I am less concerned about whether or not they think I am wise and more blessed by my passion for my Subject and His for me.
Lead on! Amberly
Despite the fact that I am low man on the totem pole (due to the fact that I am part-time), I get to be a chaperone on an amazing whirl-wind trip. I have already been to all the places we are going. I went on four trips with students when I taught in Fullerton. Last year, my family and I celebrated my in-laws 50th wedding anniversary with ten days in that area.
I am still geeking out.
I am still excited about "sharing" the sights about which I am crazy with students about whom I am crazy. I am especially excited to hear from docents and tour guides about the history of our nation in their area of specialty. I am always impressed with their breadth of knowledge and passion about the subject area.
As Christians, we are essentially docents and tour guides who specialize in Christ's transforming power in our lives. We have the opportunity each day to "show and tell" that which we have experienced through the grace of God. We must study His Word, communicate with Him regularly, and trust His Spirit to guide us as we guide others.
When I am guiding others, I pray that I am less concerned about whether or not they think I am wise and more blessed by my passion for my Subject and His for me.
Lead on! Amberly
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