MarytheKaytheBlog

What I've been up to...

Oh, dearest readers, I have so much to tell you!

And, because you KNOW I cannot seem to make any story short...*grin*  I will go ahead and tell you my EXCITING NEWS ALL AT ONCE!!!!  (Yes, I'm yelling!  Or rather, squealing!!!!)

(Okay, now I can't decide which one to tell you first!!!  Ha!!)

Like a big goober, I'll go in alphabetical order:

1.  I AM A THIRD GRADE TEACHER!!!!  An incredible new school in our community is starting a private classical elementary, and has chosen to entrust me with 18 precious third graders this fall!!  I could not be more excited to be hired to do something I am passionate about.  To have the privilege of inspiring and cheering my students to become world changers is a dream come true for me!

2.  TODAY, I SUBMITTED A BOOK PROPOSAL for a book I am ghostwriting for my dear friend Riley Banks!!!!!  Okay, I am actually refraining from posting the actual number of exclamation marks I am feeling right now.  This is a very dignified blog, you know.  I cannot wait to be able to share more of Riley's story with you!  I am humbled to be given the task of writing her amazing story.  And I promise to keep you posted along this wild book proposal ride!

Whew!

Obviously, we have a LOT to catch up on!  

I think the easiest way to begin telling you all about the past year would be to let you read about how my heart was being tugged last spring, and for the whole year before.  (Click here to read it.)  Re-reading the words I wrote over a year ago reminds me how--even on my craziest or darkest of days--God is always there, leading me through.

Last spring, I wondered whether I should keep writing this blog.  I had hoped and dreamed of writing as a part-time job, but hadn't been able to accomplish that.  My heart felt restless to create, yet I didn't understand how to make that happen.

During that time, Dave and I spent countless weekly lunch dates at our favorite BBQ restaurant (Danna's, of course!) dreaming about our future.  His job was stressful, and he felt like God was stirring his heart as well.  We talked and dreamed about how our family could best spend our days making a difference.  Looking back, it's easy to see how God was working in each of our hearts.  But at the time, we felt like we were doing a whole lot of talking, dreaming, and praying...and not much hearing.

How fitting that we finally heard something last fall while sitting at our favorite BBQ restaurant.  Or rather, that's where we received the text that changed our lives.

...to be continued.

Okay, enough for today.  I've jammed the exclamation point key on my keyboard, so I'd better call the technician.  (Or...maybe I just need a nap...since I only got a short nap last night...)

Hugs all around!!!  ARM PUNCHES!!!!!!!!

Where is the Nativity?

Oh my goodness.  How I have MISSED you, dearest readers.  I know you all must think I had died...or fallen off the edge of the world.  But, I've been here.  Quiet, and busy pondering what life needs to look like in our home.  Speaking of which, I have SO MUCH to tell all of you!!  Goodness sakes--so much around here has changed!  But, first--this post.  Because this post has brought me back to this space, I want to share these thoughts first.  Then, maybe in the days to come I can start sharing some of the things that have changed around here since this summer (when I last posted.)

(Have I mentioned HOW MUCH I have missed all of you?)

This picture is what brought me back to you guys...

 Okay, so the picture didn't bring me back here, exactly.  But, what's missing in the picture.

Today, as I was rushing around (okay, tearing through the house, running to my next event), I noticed my little side table in front of our Christmas tree.  More specifically, I noticed that the table was empty.

In fact, I stopped for just a moment in front of the table.

Where is the Nativity?

In that moment of pause, I realized that our tree is up.  The lights were even sparkling in the broad daylight.  I noticed the stockings were hung by the chimney with care.  I even noticed the hurriedly tied taffeta plaid ribbons on the candles that normally flank the Nativity set.

But, why hadn't I set up the Nativity?

 In my own typical fashion, I started reminding myself of the excuses about why I had forgotten the Nativity.  (Who else gives themselves excuses?  Like, I am having a conversation in my head where I am telling myself excuses--to make myself feel better...Does anybody else notice how crazy that sounds?!!)

Here were the excuses I listed off (in my imaginary conversation with myself):  

Decorating this year was a VERY haphazard, VERY rushed to-do, that I needed to check off my list.  I completed it one night late--and only because my youngest was dying to give me a surprise ornament...once the tree was up.  

I ended up decorating days later than normal--just because life has been crazy busy.  I'm kind of impressed with myself that I even have decorated this much by now.

Our family has had a recent big change, and our time at home has been very limited.  When we do get home in the evenings, we do the essentials and fall into bed.

Today, as I was giving myself all of my excuses for why I had neglected to put the Nativity up, I realized one thing.  

That one thing is what I want to share with you:

The Nativity is the ONLY thing that matters during this season of crazy busy.

The thing that I had neglected in all of my busyness and excuses, was the only thing that matters.

Wow, that is such a lesson for MYSELF.  In all of my rushing around, checking things off my list, even trying to be "present" in each moment...none of that matters.

What matters is the Nativity.

Humble Mary and Joseph traveled to Joseph's hometown, so that Mary could deliver MY DELIVERER.

The One who loves me in spite of my busyness and oversight--He came as a tiny baby so that I could have peace and love and joy in this crazy world we live in.

Jesus came as a baby for ME.

And Jesus came as a baby for YOU.  For all the world to know that He loves them.

Today, I hope you are able to take a quiet moment and reflect on your own Nativity...

Where is YOUR Nativity this season?

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

                    -Luke 2:4-20

BE Somebody's Hero: Be Somebody's "Bubba"

I know I haven't written here in a very long time.  I have to admit--I've missed you guys.  But, it's been a much-needed break.  Life needs to be about the living, not about the blog post pictures and titles.

So, I read something that inspired me.

And it made me smile.

And it made me teary.

Because it's about my family.

It's about the hero of our family...my dad's big brother, my Uncle Berry Lee.  My dad's "Bubba."

I read my dad's words about his Bubba on a day that lots and lots of families in Oklahoma lost loved ones and homes, and experienced moments of terror.  So, probably, I was waxing extra nostalgic about family.

(Okay, this is when you go read it, too.  Go on--go read.  I'll wait on ya!)

My dad's words are especially meaningful because they explain a little bit of why my family is so special:  You see, we had a hero--years and years before I was even born.  Our family owes so much to my Uncle Berry Lee, who gave my dad love, encouragement, and a faith that has saved us.

When I am feeling especially sentimental about family, I sometimes wonder why I get to be blessed with such a wonderful family?  Why did I get loving parents when other kids get abusive parents...or some orphans, who have no one to tell them they're wonderful and loved and wanted?

Why was my family blessed with a rich and grace-filled faith, when others are born into families who don't believe anything...or even worse--believe in a faith that encourages abuse, intimidation, and hatred?

It's not that my big extended family doesn't have problems.  Oh, we've got 'em.  We've pretty much experienced all the icky problems that humans face.  

But, even in the midst of these problems--the anger and resentment and judgment and desperation and sadness--we still have that little voice inside us, that voice that says, "No matter what, my family loves me."

So, why do we get to feel each other's love?  Why do we get to have a loving family, when others do not?  Why did we get a hero?

I don't have the answer.  

BUT, the other day, as I was reading my dad's words, the answer that came to me very clearly was,

"BE somebody's hero.  If you don't have a "Bubba" writing you letters and being your hero--then BE somebody else's hero.  YOU BE THE HERO."

It really doesn't take that much effort to become somebody's hero.  Spend some time.  Speak a few encouraging words.  Tell him the truth.  Tell him he's wonderful and loved and wanted.  Write him a letter.

So, today, these are my words for you:  Please, please--for the sake of our big and disaster-filled world--please BE somebody's hero today.  

And be their hero tomorrow and the day after, too.

You never know how much your encouragement can mean.  Our family has learned how much it can mean...even generation after generation.

Thank you, Uncle Berry Lee.  Thank you.

 

(My mom's family is pretty amazing, too.  I'll tell that story another day:  I'll tell you all about George and Virginia.)

Sometimes, you just need to make turkey sandwiches

Several years ago, a friend of ours called during Thanksgiving weekend and said he needed our help.  He had already started driving the several hundred miles towards our home, and was really hoping he could stay with us for a while.

We told him, "Of course" and said he could stay as long as he needed.  

We got the guest room ready, and waited--not really knowing how we'd find our friend once he arrived.

His arrival seemed pretty normal.  He pulled up in his Texas-sized truck, wearing his usual jeans and cowboy boots.  We hugged and exchanged the typical "how was your trip?" small talk.  We made our way to the kitchen table, where I'm sure I offered him something to eat and drink.

There, at our kitchen table, our friend explained in a quiet voice how messed up he'd gotten.  He told us that he'd checked himself out of rehab, and started driving towards Branson for help.  

Now, I should tell you a couple of things here.  First of all, I am keeping much of this story vague--because it is not my story to tell.  The only reason I even mentioned his checking himself out of rehab is so I can BRAG on how AMAZINGLY BRAVE he is!  I'm not sure I've ever been PROUDER of someone than I am of this friend, who has been sober for several years now.  (I wish you could see the big goober smile on my face as I write these words!  See?  I'm proud.)

Second, I should tell you that our friend headed to Branson for not only our help--he had a couple of friends here that he was reaching out to.  We certainly cannot take the credit for helping him.  Which, is really funny that I'm even saying that--because GOD gets all the credit anyway.  This story is all about God's kindness and redemption.

Now, I've given you a whole lot of background information to tell you this:  The whole time our friend was staying with us, and getting his life back together, I felt this burden, this burning desire to be able to ENCOURAGE our friend...to TELL HIM just the right things that would make everything better...to COUNSEL HIM in just the way he needed to get healing.

But, guess what?

No matter HOW MUCH I prayed for God to give me the words to say to him...

No matter how many great things I thought of to tell him...

No matter how strongly I felt about certain things I wanted to ask him...

God kept telling me one thing:  Be quiet.  

Over and over again I felt God was telling me not to give one word of counsel, and even not to ask any leading questions.  I sensed God was telling me that this was Dave's time to counsel, and Dave's turn to talk and share in this particular situation.

Oh sure, I chatted with our friend a lot.  We talked every single day, and some days I even got to listen as he chose to share about his struggles.  We talked about books and movies and history and the South.  

I loved our daily chats.  But, so many times I felt helpless towards our struggling friend.  Here he was--living in our guest bedroom--and yet, I couldn't say anything or do anything to help him.

Ah.  But, one day, God helped me see how I COULD help our friend...how I already WAS helping our friend:  I could make him turkey sandwiches.

I'd already been feeding our friend daily, but just never thought of that as a way of helping.  But, God showed me that by FEEDING our friend, I was helping to FEED his SOUL.

From that day on, I saw my meal preparations as the way that I was helping our friend recover.  I was feeding his body, and his soul.

From that day on, I took great delight in piling on the turkey extra-high, as if our friend could feel my encouragement and love in those bites of turkey sandwiches.  I stopped feeling helpless in staying quiet, and started finding great joy in my daily meal (and turkey sandwich!) preparations.

How about you?  Do any of you find yourselves in a situation where you feel inadequate to help a friend or family member?  If so, I encourage you to look for ways different than just telling or counseling.

Sometimes, now matter what words you want to share--eloquent and sensible as they may be--sometimes, words fall upon deaf ears.

Sometimes, a friend isn't ready to hear.

Or, sometimes, someone else needs to do the talking and sharing.

Sometimes, the very best thing you can do--is make a nice, thick turkey sandwich.

I sure hope the next time you are preparing a meal--for your family, or for a friend--that you remember:  You're not just feeding a body; you may also be feeding a soul.

So, please be sure to pile on that turkey--extra high!

Happy Easter! He is Risen!

He is not here!

For He is risen!

(Please please CRANK UP THE VOLUME before you push play!  I promise you'll be glad you did!)

 

Happy Easter, dearest readers!  I'm sorry I've been so quiet lately...but I must admit, the break in writing has been much needed.

Now, go ye forth and CELEBRATE the BEST NEWS IN THE WHOLE WORLD!!!  He is risen!!!!  Celebrate with chocolate eggs, deviled eggs, Honeybaked ham and mashed potatoes, and plenty of yellow and hot pink Peeps.

To keep writing, or not to keep writing...

For about a year, I have been struggling with what to do about this blog.

I started this blog for one reason, and as all blogs seem to do, mine has evolved over time.  Okay, so I'm going to be really transparent here.  I started this blog as an opportunity to make writing a part-time job--either with advertising opportunities on the blog, or from other writing opportunities.  

There, I said it.  Surely, a lot of you knew this already.  Why would anyone spend hours (yes, hours--plural) every day creating something...for free?

I have been struggling lately, wondering WHY I continue to write here, when my original goal has not been realized?  I mean, I don't have time for this kind of HOBBY.  Sure, this writing hobby is good for the soul.  Sure, it fulfills a creative need inside me.  I've recorded some wonderful family memories here these past 3 years.  And there have been a couple of writing opportunities.  Just not enough.

But, really, the bottom line is this:  I need a part-time job.  And this blogging gig isn't cutting it.  

And yet, for some reason, I haven't felt good about giving it up completely.

Then, I read words like these.  Words that begin with the most awesome title of all time:  The Parable of the Flying Naked Baby.

WHO could RESIST reading a story with a title like that?

(Go.  Go read the story NOW.)

Ah.  That is why I write.

Stories.

The stories.

I have been drawn to stories since I was a little girl at my Gram's Sunday table, listening to the adults' stories of "the old times," while nibbling on olives and pickles and sipping tea out of a sweaty green glass.

I have been staying up way too late reading stories in books since I was a little girl finishing Nancy Drew mysteries long after everyone else in the house was sound asleep.

For as long as I can remember, I've been a good listener--because I just love hearing people's "stories."

I don't watch t.v. shows, unless they have good stories. (Reality shows have stories, yes they do...I don't know about the "good" part, though!)  And I sure don't like reading non-fiction self-help books because, hello?, where's the story???

All of these rambling words to say this: I may not blog as often, or as much here.  But, I will continue writing...at least for now.  Because I want to have a place to tell my stories.

And maybe (hopefully) I will have the opportunity to tell the stories God is writing in my life.

And those are the most important stories of all!

What God has been Stirring in my Heart Lately...

I've felt for quite a while that God has been doing something new in my heart.  I don't even know what.  I just know that my heart has been thawing, and even sometimes yearning for change.

And change scares me to death.  So, for my heart to want change is big.  Like, God-size big.  

I have no idea what God is doing--or what He's planning for me or my family.  I just know that for now, I am supposed to keep putting one foot in front of the other, daily walking out my faith.  Putting one foot in front of the other for me right now means raising 2 sweet girls, and providing a loving and encouraging home for my husband and daughters.

Maybe God doesn't have any big changes on our horizon.  Maybe He is just working on a heart that has been a little too distant from Him.  Maybe He is working on a heart that acts like a spoiled child sometimes, comparing herself to others and whining, "Why not ME?  Why can't I do that/have that/live like that/???"

Ugh.  I cringe even having to type that out.  I can't imagine what God must think of my whining sometimes.  Yuck, yuck, yuck.  I hate whining.

But, back to the good stuff.  God is working on me.  And I'm glad.  (I'm not always glad.  Just being honest here.)

I really do long to live a life that is poured out love to others--my family, my friends, and those I come in contact with.

But, the honest truth is this:  I am selfish with my time.  I am introverted by nature, and I love living in my cozy little home, behind my curtains, and behind my phones with Caller I.D.  Living a life that is decided by ME how and when I reach out to others.

However, I have a strange feeling God may be calling me from behind my pretty red curtains, beyond my comfort zone, and beyond my control.

(Dangit, don't you hate giving up control?  Well, I sure do.)

So, what am I telling you here?  Probably a whole lot of nothing!  Just that God is working on my heart right now.  Just like a little pin my parents used to have...with the initials:

PBP,GIFWMY  (or something like that)

Please Be Patient, God Isn't Finished With Me Yet

Is God working on any of your hearts right now?

In case He is, I found these 2 recent blog posts to be JUST the kind of thing my heart is yearning for...JUST the kind of love poured out my heart is longing to do...  

I thought maybe these words would find a soft spot in your heart today, too.

Please read The One Thing That Will Change Your Life and please please please read all the way down to their commitment.  Wow, knock socks off. 

And then please read Stepping Back, Slowing Down, and Focusing Up.  Again, please please please read down to the part where she writes a letter back to "Friend."  That just knocked my socks off, too.  THAT is what life is all about.  Forget publishing a book, forget reaching #5 on Amazon, forget a fancy schmancy book tour--reaching out to others is what matters.

So, that's the state of my heart lately.

How's your heart?  What's God doing in your heart lately?

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.  -Galatians 5:13

Tying up 2012 in a Pretty Bow

Last night as I was working away on the last of my Christmas cards (I KNOW!!), I saw a piece of paper with my husbands handwriting--with a list of 7 questions and answers.  

I couldn't resist reading every word he'd written.  It was fascinating.

And, then I couldn't resist coming over here to tell you guys all about it!

The (fabulous and cool!) list of questions my husband had answered was from Michael Hyatt's blog.  If you don't already read his blog, you should.  It's amazing, and chock-full of helpful and inspiring advice about life and leadership and pursuing your dreams.

These 7 questions of Michael Hyatt's are a wonderful way to spend some time thinking about last year.  There's no better way to set goals for the new year, than using last year as a gauge.

Here are the 7 questions to help you tie up 2012 in a pretty bow, before stepping into 2013.  2013 is fresh, with no mistakes (name that movie).  I pray that 2012 inspires you to step into 2013 with your eyes fixed only on those things which are important.

 1.  If last year were a movie of your life, what would your genre be? Drama, romance, adventure, comedy, tragedy, or a combination? 

Mine would be adventure, with some intrigue mixed in as I searched high and low, and high and low again to find better ways to help my child with dyslexia-type issues. 

2.   What were the two or three major themes that kept recurring?  These can be single words or phrases. 

Facing the reality of the (rising prices and non-rising salaries) economy in our personal finances and jobs.

Trying to make good long-term life and financial decisions, rather than the feel-good short-term ones we'd RATHER make.

Being more deliberate about bonding and making memories for our little family of four.

 3.  What did you accomplish this past year that you are the most proud of? These can be in any area of your life—spiritual, relational, vocational physical, etc.  Be as specific as possible.

Receiving my first-ever paycheck as a writer!

Helping both daughters achieve some educational success this year!  (And it has NOT been easy.)

Starting a new hobby for our family--hiking and adventuring!

Playing more board games together, and enjoying nights together, at home.

More consistent at having a daily devotional time.

 4.  What do you feel you should have been acknowledged for but weren’t?  Okay, this is a little too personal for me to respond to directly. 

 5.  What disappointments or regrets did you experience this past year?  As leaders, we (Michael Hyatt) naturally have high expectations of ourselves and others. Where did you let yourself down? Where did you let others down? 

I gave myself a break, and didn't teach my Christmas Around the World classes.  As good as that was for me personally, part of me was sad to not to have taught them.

I haven't run in a month and a half.  I have missed those endorphins.

I was reminded that even people I love dearly can disappoint me.

6.  What was missing from last year as you look back?  Again, look at each major area of your life. Don’t focus now on having to do anything about it. For now, just list each item. 

I didn't read as many books.  I blame you, Netflix!!!  

A family vacation (Working on improving that one this week!!)

A maid.

And a clean house.

 7.  What were the major life-lessons you learned this past year?  Boil this down to a few short, pithy statements.

 Even the smallest daily commitment for devotions/quiet time reaps spiritual benefits I need and crave.

I need to remember (again and again) that love is an action.  And I need to show it daily, and even when I don't feel like it, to the people in my life.

Create a home environment that is fun and uplifting...to come home to.

I sure would LOVE to hear some of your answers...!

Oh, and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!  I sure do love ya'll.  I really, really do!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, dearest friends!

I wish you all the very best things today!

But, I couldn't very well wish you the very best, unless I at least shared the very best in my life...

I hope that you can take a couple of quiet minutes to watch this little video.  As you watch, just let the words and music wash over you, and into your heart.

The very best gift any of us could ever receive--is this gift:  The day Love was born.

Oh, how I hope you know this kind of Love.  

 

A beautiful picture of mercy

Chasing the American Dream is as synonymous as being American, as living in the United States.  But, lately, I'm not so sure the American Dream is as glittering, or alluring to me.  I find myself living in a country that is not what I want it to be.

In fact, that seems to be a theme in my entire life right now--things are not what I want them to be.   People and places are not as rosy as I have them painted in my mind.

I'm finding myself frequently disappointed by reality.

Lately, as I was describing this disappointment with my husband, he told me something very wise:

"Maybe that's how things are supposed to be.  Maybe that's what keeps us from loving this world too much, and longing for Heaven."

Ah.  That totally resonated with me.  Suddenly, my growing disappointments clarified. Suddenly, they seemed less personal, and more purposeful.

For much of this last year, God has been stirring things up in my heart.  I don't know where the swirled feelings and dissatisfaction with the American Dream will lead me...

But, I'm open.  I'm open to where God is leading me.

And to be completely honest with you, being open to God's leading scares me to death.  

Strangely, though, I also feel peace with the fear.

I don't feel God calling me to Kenya, and I don't even know if He's leading me out of my comfortable life.  I just know that videos like this one below...stories like theirs...have touched places in my heart that didn't care as much before.

Watching stories like these make me realize how silly the American Dream is.

People matter.  Not things.  Not comfort.  Not stability.  Not political parties. 

People.  God's people matter.

And what is my role in helping God's people?

I don't know.  But, I'm open.