MarytheKaytheBlog

How to Remember Our Troops Every Single Day

Our daughter came up with a simple way to remember our troops every single day.  When she told me about it, I thought it was brilliant--and decided to join in!  

Whenever the clock reads 9:11--she prays for our troops.  

If she happens to notice the clock at 9:11 am, she says a quick prayer for our soldiers.

If she is still awake at 9:11 pm (and she ALWAYS is, the little night owl!), she prays for the soldiers.

It's such a simple gesture.  But, certainly, not so simple to the men and women who give their very lives so that my family is able to live a free life.  The VERY LEAST I can do for our troops is to PRAY FOR THEM.  And pray for THEIR FAMILIES BACK HOME.

Won't you join us?  Whenever you notice a clock that reads "9:11" please stop for a moment and pray for our soldiers.

I love our country.  Today, I am especially grateful for the men and women before us who have forged the way, who have fought the battles, who have stood for justice, and who have given their lives.

Happy Memorial Day, America!

And, thank you.

Who are you thinking about--and praying for--this Memorial Day?

11 Words that Changed the World Forever

11 simple words are ringing out

All over the world today 

Simple words standing alone,

But put together, they are words

That changed our world forever.

 

All of creation has been singing these words

And joyfully

 

Since that very first Easter:

 

He is not here

He has risen

Just as He said

(Matthew 28:6)

I pray that you are able to sing those words today

 Through smiling lips

 And a heart full of joy and peace.

 

We worship a God who IS

And WAS

And IS TO COME

Just as He said.

 

Happy Easter, dearest readers.

 

An Easter Morning song for you...that I wrote!

You didn't know I was a songwriter, did you?

I didn't tell you, mostly because I don't want you little people to feel bad about my talent.  Because, what I'm hearing from musicians worldwide, is that my talent is unlike anything they've ever seen or heard.

Don't worry--I won't keep bragging on my songwriting talent.  I think it will speak for itself. 

But, before I make my galaxy-wide debut, I want to tell you about the gift I'm about to impart to you.

Many, many mornings I find myself singing this song in my head as I arise from my bed.  So, not only am I giving you my galaxy-wide songwriting debut, I am giving you a gift that keeps on giving...I SO HOPE that this song STICKS in your head, and that for all the mornings in your long life ahead...you may remember this song...and may it bless your mornings, as it has blessed mine...

*ahem*  (clearing throat for my solo)

*me me me meeeee*  (warming up)

OH, BUT WAIT!!!!  Before I go on, I need to make sure you know the MELODY of my song!

(I didn't say I wrote the MUSIC.  Only the WORDS.  I'm not a freaking prodigy, ya know.  Alls I gots is the words.)

The music for my song is "Up from the Grave He Arose."  A lovely traditional Easter song.

One more thing:  My husband said this song is a little sacrilegious.  Especially during Easter week.  Please please know that I--in no way--am making light of Jesus' resurrection.  I love Jesus, and I plan to sing Him the real words on Easter morning with a big happy smile on my face.  Even if my Easter shoes do pinch a little bit.  Growing up Baptist, this song is a part of my faith heritage, and therefore I am allowed to make up silly words to similar traditional hymns. (According to Baptist By-Law #4398 extension 12.)

Okay, start humming...

Up from the bed she arose!  (she arose)

With a mighty stink upon her breath (on her breath)

She arose a' groggy from the cozy bed,

And she's pro'bly grumpy 'till she has caffeine...

She arose!  (she arose)

She arose!  (she arose)

Oopsie, she's laid down again...

So...what do you think?  Do you think I have a future in song writing? 

You have to admit--the tune is catchy!  (Too bad I didn't write the tune...)  But, the words ard catchy, too.  Just wait--when you get up tomorrow morning, I just betcha you'll be singing these words...

Or, if you're really lucky, your husband will be singing it to you... "With a mighty stink upon her breath..."

You're welcome.

What's your favorite growing-up-church song?

After the Storm

I almost didn't write tonight.  But, since the last post I wrote was 2 days ago, and it was about the tornado that hit our little town, I figured I'd better post something, or you all would send in a search team to find me.  Only...you'd find me tidying up my messy house, doing a load of laundry, making a batch of strawberry freezer jam, and putting away approximately 42 pairs of my daughters' shoes they have strewn all over the house.

And none of those things are tornado-related.  I have no excuse for not writing after the tornado--except life.

We have power back at our house, and are SO thankful that no lives were lost in the tornado's destructive path.

We have friends who have lost trees in their yard, and lived through the tornado's terrifying roar, while destroying their neighbor's homes.  We know people who have lost their homes.  And we know people who have lost their jobs and their businesses to the tornado.

And yet, we have hope. 

Branson is a small town, with a mighty spirit.  Just ask anyone who lives here.

Oh, but we don't have any special formula for that hope.

There's no big secret why our town has such a mighty spirit. 

Once you get to know us, it's pretty clear... Whether times are good and our economy is booming and people are smiling; or times seem devastating, and crumbled buildings and homes and lives seem overwhelming...

We look to the One who created it all, created us all.  He will carry us through.  Good or bad, He will sustain us.  He will give us peace.

Our town worships a faithful God.  Inside brick churches and wood, big churches and little, wild and crazy churches and stuffy ones, and even a log cabin church or two.

And come Sunday--we will be worshipping Him again.  Thanking Him for life, and for protection.  Thanking Him for the strength to rebuild and renew.

Surely my soul remembers
And is bowed down within me.
This I recall to my mind,
Therefore I have hope. 

 The LORD’S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,
For His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness. 
“The LORD is my portion,” says my soul,
“Therefore I have hope in Him.”

-Lamentations 3:20-24

How do you stay hopeful?

Photo credit

Valentine's Day...OR the valiant Danes rode in the salient van to the tiny land...

Remember back in elementary school, when one of the Valentine games every year was to see how many words you can make from the words "Valentines Day?"

I always worked furiously on that game.  Man, I scribbled word after word, amazed at my brilliance.

valiant, Dane, dainty, salve, veal, instead, salient, van, tiny, leaven...

And every stinking time, some kid would beat me.  Usually by 10 words or more.

 

Those are some mighty groovy pants, girl!  And...a...halter top over a turtleneck??

But, most of my Valentine's memories are really great ones.  Valentine's Day is one of my favorite holidays...mostly because it comes right after my birthday.  Growing up, our family celebrated holidays in a big way.  My mom was just really great about that.  I'm pretty sure that all of my birthday parties growing up had a heart theme...heart cake, pin the arrow on the heart, pass the heart, heart cups and plates...  There were always Valentine treats on the table for my brother, sister, and me at breakfast.  My dad always sent beautiful flowers to my mom for Valentines.

But, I know that not everyone has a birthday right before Valentine's.  So, I'm sure not everyone has the same fond feelings toward the pink and red holiday.  Maybe even some of you have some sad Valentine's memories... 

Whatever the case, I sure hope that this Valentine's Day you remember the One who loves you most.  The Valentine who never disappoints.  The One who thinks you're beautifully made, and longs for a relationship with you.  The Valentine who created romance, and warm fuzzy feelings, and candlelight, and roses.  The only Valentine who loves you utterly, and completely, and forever.

That kind of love is hard to resist.  When you stop and think about it.

 “The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”  (Zephaniah 3:17)

                                                       

What do you think about Valentine's Day? 

What are your fun memories?

Inadequate

Sometimes this old world can feel overwhelming, and overpowering.  Some days I feel surrounded by people who are hurting.  And some days, I am the one hurting.  Some days I look around and see darkness and evil lurking in tragic news stories, in movies meant for entertainment, and even in the sex trafficking at the Super Bowl.

Sometimes, I feel overwhelmed and inadequate with my small light in a dark-feeling world.

I feel inadequate in raising daughters who love themselves as God does.  I don't know how to raise daughters who respond in kindness, yet are bold enough to speak up.  I don't always know how to balance grace with tough love in my parenting decisions.

Today, I feel inadequate--and frankly, worn out from loving, caring, listening, talking, encouraging, and making decisions.

Today, more than ever, I am feeling drawn to pray, and to stay plugged into the only power source that is lasting.  Actually, that's not quite saying it right...  Lately, I've felt like I'm in a swirling sea--and the only sure thing is God's amazing life buoy.  And if I don't cling to Him with all my might, I could be swept into the swirling darkness all around me.

I don't know about you, but this darkness makes me MAD.  Sometimes I want to cling to God out of pure stubbornness--just to show the devil that he cannot have me, and he cannot have my family. 

Today, I am doing battle with my inadequate feelings by praying.  Praying for my hurting friends, praying for protection for my family, and praying for the sweet daughters I don't always know how to raise.  And I am plugging into God's Word to find the energy to keep my little light shining in this dark world.

How about you?  Have you felt inadequate about anything lately?

“But you, Israel, my servant,
   Jacob, whom I have chosen,
   you descendants of Abraham my friend, 
I took you from the ends of the earth,
   from its farthest corners I called you.
I said, ‘You are my servant’;
   I have chosen you and have not rejected you. 
So do not fear, for I am with you;
   do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
   I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

  “All who rage against you
   will surely be ashamed and disgraced;
those who oppose you
   will be as nothing and perish. 
Though you search for your enemies,
   you will not find them.
Those who wage war against you
   will be as nothing at all. 
For I am the LORD your God
   who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
   I will help you. 
Do not be afraid, you worm Jacob,
   little Israel, do not fear,
for I myself will help you,” declares the LORD,
   your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

                -Isaiah 41:7-14

How to Sabotage Yourself

This list of 7 ways to sabotage yourself really struck a chord with me today.  I hate to admit that I may be sabotaging myself in more than one way...

Also, (just to keep things honest here) because it is Monday...and because my messy house feels out-of-control...and because I am feeling like my parenting skills are not enough to handle today's issues...and because I am about to eat a big bowl of ice cream even when I am not hungry... (Cookies and cream, in case you're interested)

Posting a nice, tidy list of 7 things seemed like a good way to feel a little control.  Yes?

Now, back to the all-serious, spiritual part...

How to Sabotage Yourself:

1.  Stop asking God for help.

2.  Turn to food or drink for comfort.

3.  Rely on yourself and human wisdom.

4.  Stop living a lifestyle pleasing to God.

5.  Live independently and stop having fellowship with others.

6.  Refuse direction from those in authority over you.

7.  Neglect your spouse and don’t make time for your children.

 (Note: This list is completely plagiarized from our pastor's sermon this morning.  So, since I've admitted that, I guess it's not really plagiarizing anymore, right?)

What do you think about this list?

Would you add or subtract anything?

Merry Christmas, Hallelujah, and a SMILE!

HAVE YOU HEARD THE NEWS???

Turn UP the volume, and listen--to HEAR the GOOD NEWS! 

(Please click here, if you cannot see the video below.  I promise it's worth it!)

 

Merry Christmas, dearest readers.  I pray you find hallelujahs for the newborn babe in the most unexpected places.

Hallelujah!  Christ is born.

Amen.

You know you need to slow down when your dreams are like this...

Sleeping Dog from Joe White on Vimeo.

Is it just me....or are you kind of feeling crazed--like this dog?  Okay, but starting right now, I'm going to do something about it.

Important announcement:  (Loud and annoying clearing of throat)

The management at Marythekay.com would like for you to know that customer service may be a little spotty over here for a while.   In other words, I'm going to focus on having fun with my family until the New Year.   Oh, you know me and my tendency for OCD...I won't be able to stay away totally.  I'm sure I'll post a couple of times before then. 

In the meantime, I sure hope YOU are enjoying some time with your loved ones, too.  Also, I hope you are taking some time to slow down, and remember why we celebrate this whole season anyway.  I get so busy, and so wrapped up in my whirlwind agenda each day that I lose sight of the sweet little baby, who came to our crazy sinful world--just because He loves me, and wants to save me from the crazy sinful world that I get so caught up in...

This crazy sinful world sure can stress me out sometimes, make me sad, or lonely, or so angry I can't even think straight.  Sometimes this old world can make me say things I don't really mean deep down, or get my feelings hurt, or feel so tired and overwhelmed that I can't imagine ever getting ahead.  Sometimes this world is just downright mean.

Oh, but that little baby, who came because He loves me, is like a warm glowing candle.  The crazy sinful world doesn't seem so terrible when it has the golden light shining around it.  Even when things seem dark, I can look for the candle, feel its warmth, and find my way.

My prayer for you this season, is that you slow down enough to remember the baby.  And feel the warmth of His love in your life.  Because, when you boil it all down, that's what this whirlwind life is all about:  Love.

I sure hope you know about that kind of Love.

I really miss these people...

Today, I was looking through some pictures from this summer, and these 2 pictures stopped. me. in. my. tracks.

Oh my goodness gracious--I really MISS these people!  These pictures are of some of our summer staff this past summer.  We had an AMAZING group of high school and college  students who worked on our team at our summer camp.  This may have been one of our best summers ever, as far as staff goes.  (Of course, I probably say that most summers!)

Just look at their handsome and pretty faces:

Ah, I really love these people!  These are good, good kids.  (Dang, that makes me sound old to call them "kids."  But, they are.)

 (Just to be honest here...I also really miss those chips and salsa.  They're gooood.)

When I watch the news too often, or read about the JUNK going on in the world, I can get REALLY, REALLY depressed about the future of our world.

HOWEVER.  When I look at this picture, and think of each of these individual high school and college students, I realize...our world has hope.  Because there are pockets of students in our world with CHARACTER.  There are young men and women in this world--like these in the picture--who are not afraid to stand up for what is good, and right.

 Oh, sure.  They struggle just like we all do.  I follow many of them on Facebook, and I see the updates of some who are testing out the party scene.  Or, I see the boyfriend/girlfriend struggles some face. 

But, guess what else I see?  I see young men and women who are keeping their eyes mostly toward Jesus.  I see young people learning that faith is all about walking it out, day by day.  And getting back up and starting over, when necessary.  Also, I see in some of them a passion for Christ that I have not experienced.

I feel like a Mama Hen to these kids.  I love 'em all, and am pulling so hard for them to succeed. 

Seeing their picture today sure made me smile.  It also reminded me how MANY I need to be praying for--more consistently.

Certainly God has me raising 2 young daughters on a daily basis.  But, seeing this picture today reminded me how God has placed me in another sphere of influence.  Every summer, I have approximately 30 little chickadees to take care of.  In the midst of a stressful summer schedule, I don't always remember that.

Seeing these pictures today was a good reminder to be more aware of the people around me.  God has placed me here for a reason, and for a season.

I betta git bizzee.  Fo shizzle.

What about you?  What is your sphere of influence?

Are you staying committed to that sphere of influence...Or, like me, do you need to git bizzee??