Archive for July, 2007
The Other Side
July 30, 2007 11:10 amI grew up in church. I can’t remember not being in Sunday School as a child and furthermore, thought softball was invented by God (because sports were introduced to me at church). So I’ve always had to struggle with the concept of no god. I couldn’t understand why one couldn’t easily be convinced of God by all the evidence. People work extra hard to disprove God. So it wasn’t until today I realized how it feels not to be a believer!
I listen to many podcasts, but I love one particular pastor who is “trendy” these days. He was talking about being “green” and I realized as I debated with his message that this is what it feels like to be a nonbeliever. To sit and hear the message and although you know you need to accept his words and action because of all the evidence around you - you chose not to obey. I mean I know I need to walk more, drive less. Eat from local farmers and conserve energy. I’ve seen the rise of disease in my world due to “environment” and I can’t argue with temperature changes (I mean I live in Texas!). But with all the evidence I still don’t change my lifestyle. Why? I WOULD HAVE TO CHANGE MY LIFE! If I accept what I see in front of me, I would have to change. I don’t want to change. I like my life the way it is. Its easier to use a gas lawnmower than a electric. But I also know if I don’t change for myself then I should at least change for my daughter and my future generations.
So what do I do with these new feelings? Do I swallow the red pill or the blue pill? Do I act as if I don’t know and keep living and leaving the same footprint or do I accept what I know is right and make the changes? I guess this is a bigger question than a blog can handle.
Nonetheless, I know what it feels like to be sitting on the other side.
Categories: Thoughts
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10 Random Things About Chris!
July 25, 2007 4:57 pm10 Random Things about CHRIS!
I’ve been tagged by my wife ~ Summer.
1. During my senior year of college I would run 5 miles in the morning and 5 miles after work in the evening. I don’t run anymore.
2. The night my mom announced to me she was getting married for the third time I was sleeping over at Summer’s house (we didn’t date at that time, she just secretly like me). Don’t worry her mother, brother and four girls were all there. I was the stud. HAHA
3. In high school I was a member of the FFA (Future Farmers of America) because I heard you needed to be in alot of clubs to get into college. Poor club choice on my part.
4. I rarely cry.
5. The day my wives ring arrived at my home I was at work. I raced home to get the package and while returning to work (speeding) I got a pulled over by the cops. He didn’t buy my story and gave me a ticket. Sweet and Sour day.
6. I have a birthmark - my wife can tell you where.
7. I dream regularly about winning the Lottery and starting churches.
8. During my freshman year of high school I was a car hop at Sonic. That is why Summer married me.
9. Summer and I still have the same bedroom furniture I slept on when I was in high school - just repainted black (badly).
10. McCool, MS is named after my family.
Categories: Thoughts
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She Works Hard for Her Money
11:50 amI do. I try, at least. Some days I work harder than others; like yesterday for instance. Super bad day. Annoyed at everything and everyone around me. For what reason? None in particular. I just decided to quit talking about noon, and stayed pretty silent for the rest of the day. Now, if I had my own office, it wouldn’t matter as much….but I don’t. We are in one big office with our own desks, but totally no personal space. So, everyone got to experience my silence.
So, clearly I’m back at work. I left my beautiful child to continue working. Something I’m feel half and half about (but at this point in our lives, I don’t have a choice in the matter). I pride myself on working hard, advancing, and having contact with adults & knowing what’s going on in the workforce. I like my role that I play in my job, even thought I don’t necessarily agree with how our company is run many times. But, I think about Tatum every 5 minutes, wondering what she’s doing, wishing I was playing with her, and not our nanny or my husband (although I trust them both dearly). I miss her terribly. And everyday at 5:00 pm, I jet out the door, praying that traffic doesn’t take me over 45 minutes to pick up Tatum. I must be getting punished because it sometimes takes me an hour to get home, which leads to an anxiety attack or emotional breakdown in the car because 1) Austin traffic was backed up everywhere, I literally felt as though I was stuck and would never be able to return home, 2) Tatum needed to eat and there were no bottles ready for her, and 3) I just wanted to be home & hang out with my family! A night that myself, Chris, and Tatum got to actually be all together now that our schedules are crazy again with Chris working long hours.
But I got home, cried, and then I was ok.
Categories: Thoughts
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10 Random Things about ME!
8:34 am10 Random Things about ME!
I’ve been tagged by Amanda Gregory & Vida Hirschy y Salazar y Forrest.
1. I worked at Pizza Hut for 5 years while in high school & the most I made in tips in one night was $150—-thanks to Heber Springs being a tourist town on a lake—and lots of drunk cute guys coming in (we’d even get hotel keys…nice….I never took one).
2. My husband, Chris, asked me to his Prom (we went to different high schools) and he doesn’t remember asking me. I also said no (I was scared b/c I had a crush on him….I was very shy!)
3. I was the Junior High Drum Major.
4. I was 1st chair Snare Drum for Heber Springs High School Band for four years (yea yea, so clearly I was a band geek).
5. I gag at bananas. Gag. Gag. Gag. Gagging now.
6. I recently have been given the label: Mrs. Rodgers…would you like to be my neighbor? So, I like having a bazillion friends—-do you want to be my friend?
7. I snort when I laugh (and also cry if you make me REALLY laugh hard, very few people have this gift).
8. I avoid conflict like the plague.
9. I live by a budget. (Good bye Banana Republic, I love you).
10. I am learning how to make major life changing decisions with someone other than only myself.
*I am adding one more!*
11. I have gone to Sonic almost every day for a Large Vanilla Dr. Pepper since I was 17 years old. Top that.
I now tag: My husband, Chris, Haylee Davis, Kim Masengale, & Misty McCaslin.
Categories: Thoughts
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Daddy~Tatum Time
July 13, 2007 8:34 amI started a new schedule at work (ITT) this week. I work three twelve hour days in a role and then have two days completely off. I will be spending my days off (Thursday and Friday) with Tatum. I’m kinda excited about the chance to spend part of my work week with my daughter. I know I will look back one day and really be thankful for the moments I’m with her. I will get to see a lot of “Firsts” and that is something many dads miss.
Lucky this week Summer has been home with me and I’m not jumping into this head first. Thank God for good wives.
Categories: Thoughts
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Doing Ministry with People you Trust
July 11, 2007 9:50 amI feel fortunate to serve with people I trust. When I finished college I just assumed I would always do ministry and dread the relationship I had with the senior pastor. It was always common to hear about youth pastors and staff staying at church for a year (maybe two) and then moving to the next place - hoping the next church would be better. I have been fortunate to serve with great men of character and men I can trust.
Yesterday I told my current lead pastor something very personal Summer and I have been feeling. It was very hard for me to share my feelings but because I trust my lead pastor so much (actually his more of a good friend) I felt free to open up. Not only has he led us in starting an emerging (postmodern) Assembly of God church, but he has created an environment for spiritual maturity. He has given grace and mercy where many pastors would kick you out on the curb and curse your name among men. His a great man and leads an extraordinary church.
It’s important to trust the people you serve with.
Categories: life
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