Friday, February 15, 2013
Thursday, February 14, 2013
A Sweet Day
I love Valentine's Day. The world turns pink and it's a great holiday to eclipse the winter with flowers, warm dinners and perfect little packages. This is what I've loved this Valentine's Day:
God's gift to me = the kids slept until 7am!
Finding Frank had left a valentine for each of us on the dining room table - such a sweet little moment to wake up to :) I love that he bought Charlotte the fanciest card of them all - covered in princesses and glitter - she adored it.
Making hot pink chocolate chip pancakes for the kids.
Helping Sam spell the names of all his wonderful CBS classmates and then watching both kids run toward the church with boxes of candy in hand for their incredibly teachers.
Seeing Sam's excitement as he showed me the valentines he had received, and the freedom from guilt as I let him eat conversation hearts. Sugar seems less destructive on holidays for some reason.
Meeting Frank for Japanese food for lunch - and watching the kids excitedly give him their homemade cards.
The late afternoon delivery of a dozen red roses from my wonderful, patient, long suffering husband.
The fact it's gorgeously sunny outside.
Spending a wonderful evening with our new church family tonight.
I like this day :) <3 br="">
God's gift to me = the kids slept until 7am!
Finding Frank had left a valentine for each of us on the dining room table - such a sweet little moment to wake up to :) I love that he bought Charlotte the fanciest card of them all - covered in princesses and glitter - she adored it.
Making hot pink chocolate chip pancakes for the kids.
Helping Sam spell the names of all his wonderful CBS classmates and then watching both kids run toward the church with boxes of candy in hand for their incredibly teachers.
Seeing Sam's excitement as he showed me the valentines he had received, and the freedom from guilt as I let him eat conversation hearts. Sugar seems less destructive on holidays for some reason.
Meeting Frank for Japanese food for lunch - and watching the kids excitedly give him their homemade cards.
The late afternoon delivery of a dozen red roses from my wonderful, patient, long suffering husband.
The fact it's gorgeously sunny outside.
Spending a wonderful evening with our new church family tonight.
I like this day :) <3 br="">
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
More Than Halfway There!
I love February. Okay, I love all months with a holiday in them. I think that's why God picked my birthday for August - dead of summer, nothing happening - I NEED AN EVENT, PEOPLE!
Speaking of events, I checked our donation page, and I'm over halfway to the goal I set to raise $10,000 in 12 months for Royal Stage. Exciting!!! :) My God is so nice - thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who has taken the time to donate. You have no idea how grateful I am!
My children also awkwardly thank you:
(It was windy).
We are having a big dinner show benefit on the 24th. If you can come, please do! We have a headlining act, lots of talent from Royal Stage performing, plus a yummy Italian dinner and art gallery. Ooh and raffle prizes. Yes!
If you can't come, will you please consider buying a "ticket" anyhow? Just a quick donation worth the ticket value ($20) would help cover expenses and would bless my socks off! And, if you're feeling exceptionally daring - make it a monthly contribution (gasp!)
It's so easy - you can do it blindfolded (though that isn't recommended, lest you accidentally donate $2000000 - but heck, that's fine with me).....
http://www.gofundme.com/kw8s4
SO. There is my February excitement!
Other things I love this month:
- Frank's birthday (where I annually attempt to surprise him with something but he always finds out)
- Valentine's Day! (this year with the added bonus of fondue with our new church family? yes plz!)
- There is pink everywhere! Thank you corporate America for dedicating yourself wholeheartedly to the world's greatest color. Shopping is just more fun when the world is in a cute blush.
- An excuse to eat cookies. (GIRL SCOUTS. I know where you're at!)
Please donate
http://www.gofundme.com/kw8s4
Speaking of events, I checked our donation page, and I'm over halfway to the goal I set to raise $10,000 in 12 months for Royal Stage. Exciting!!! :) My God is so nice - thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who has taken the time to donate. You have no idea how grateful I am!
My children also awkwardly thank you:
We are having a big dinner show benefit on the 24th. If you can come, please do! We have a headlining act, lots of talent from Royal Stage performing, plus a yummy Italian dinner and art gallery. Ooh and raffle prizes. Yes!
If you can't come, will you please consider buying a "ticket" anyhow? Just a quick donation worth the ticket value ($20) would help cover expenses and would bless my socks off! And, if you're feeling exceptionally daring - make it a monthly contribution (gasp!)
It's so easy - you can do it blindfolded (though that isn't recommended, lest you accidentally donate $2000000 - but heck, that's fine with me).....
http://www.gofundme.com/kw8s4
SO. There is my February excitement!
Other things I love this month:
- Frank's birthday (where I annually attempt to surprise him with something but he always finds out)
- Valentine's Day! (this year with the added bonus of fondue with our new church family? yes plz!)
- There is pink everywhere! Thank you corporate America for dedicating yourself wholeheartedly to the world's greatest color. Shopping is just more fun when the world is in a cute blush.
- An excuse to eat cookies. (GIRL SCOUTS. I know where you're at!)
Please donate
http://www.gofundme.com/kw8s4
Monday, February 4, 2013
Little Bursts of Purpose
As I was driving the other day, there was a homeless man holding up a sign that said simply "HUNGRY." Homeless people are not uncommon around where we live - I usually drive past 4 or 5 on any given day as I drive from my house to Roseville. The down and outers form a little invisible divide between my home and everywhere I need to get to. We live on a street without any homeless people in sight, but close enough they're always on my mind. We've never seen a shooting on our street, but we know of many people who have - and more regularly lately we've heard gunshots as we sleep. I hate it.
They form a boundary line like a sign saying "You Are Now Entering Denial" whenever I try not to think about them.
But, I love it. It reminds me to be grateful for how God protects our little family, and to remain aware of what's out there. That there's a need right in my own backyard.
I'll tell ya - from scheduling arts therapy classes for rescued prostitutes, teaching dance to a group of girls made up exclusively of those recovering from eating disorders, self-harm and sexual abuse, and working all winter with a whole crew of children who live off of food stamps and government housing....the reminders of the need become overwhelming at times.
I feel guilty buying my daughter a new dress. I feel guilty taking my son out to a special lunch. We aren't rich, we don't function beyond our means, but like anyone in the 'burbs, we can afford to do nice things. I don't understand why God chose us to be ones allowed to do that. Sometimes it makes me angry. Sometimes it makes me cry. I work hard to have it always make me grateful.
I'm often impressed by the creativity of signs homeless people come up with. Between growing up near San Francisco and living in an um, colorful region of Sacramento, I've seen the gamut of creative, witty, snarky, silly, rude, touching cardboard signs. I am way way way far from "street", but I do have some pretty good sign stories.
Which is why the fact this guy simply wrote "HUNGRY." caught my attention.
Project 365. It's always in my head. I wish it would just go away sometimes. I just want to go home. Why do I have to always have Project 365 in my head?
I ask myself, and then reach into the side console of my car where I know I stashed a $1 bill. There's also a 10 and I didn't realize it. Impulsively, I grab the $10 and stick my hand out the window. HUNGRY comes over to the car and gets it. He looks at it like it's a mistake. "Oh my GOSH!" he shouts, and then gives it back so I can see.
I am not thrilled with this, people. That's my McFlurry money for times of emotional need. But when I keep my hand out and look into his eyes, I see that my ice cream fund can stand to suffer a little.
"I want you to know this is because of Jesus." I don't even realize the words coming out of my mouth. "I want you to know He loves you. He does. What's your name?"
We're at a stoplight so he hurriedly tells me it's Jeremy, and his wife Sheila is across the street - I see a woman bundled up in a sleeping bag. He thanks me and tells me they are going to go get lunch right now. I tell him again it's all about Jesus, okay?
Who knows if he heard me. But I did get a glimpse of him running over to his wife, and seeing how relieved and joyful they were.
Over ten stupid dollars.
There is so much I can do in this world that I just don't do. It's so silly, you know? We could ALL do so much more. I'm relieved for days I can do a little. Even if it won't count for much in the end. I hope I helped for just that day.
I saw Jeremy and Sheila again the other night, in the exact same spot. She was in the sleeping bag and he was sitting next to her. I am praying for another opportunity to see them. If I do, I want to stop and hang out with them. Like I have time for that - but whatever. The world can wait. Because it's people like this that are GOD'S world. And I like hanging out there.
They form a boundary line like a sign saying "You Are Now Entering Denial" whenever I try not to think about them.
But, I love it. It reminds me to be grateful for how God protects our little family, and to remain aware of what's out there. That there's a need right in my own backyard.
I'll tell ya - from scheduling arts therapy classes for rescued prostitutes, teaching dance to a group of girls made up exclusively of those recovering from eating disorders, self-harm and sexual abuse, and working all winter with a whole crew of children who live off of food stamps and government housing....the reminders of the need become overwhelming at times.
I feel guilty buying my daughter a new dress. I feel guilty taking my son out to a special lunch. We aren't rich, we don't function beyond our means, but like anyone in the 'burbs, we can afford to do nice things. I don't understand why God chose us to be ones allowed to do that. Sometimes it makes me angry. Sometimes it makes me cry. I work hard to have it always make me grateful.
I'm often impressed by the creativity of signs homeless people come up with. Between growing up near San Francisco and living in an um, colorful region of Sacramento, I've seen the gamut of creative, witty, snarky, silly, rude, touching cardboard signs. I am way way way far from "street", but I do have some pretty good sign stories.
Which is why the fact this guy simply wrote "HUNGRY." caught my attention.
Project 365. It's always in my head. I wish it would just go away sometimes. I just want to go home. Why do I have to always have Project 365 in my head?
I ask myself, and then reach into the side console of my car where I know I stashed a $1 bill. There's also a 10 and I didn't realize it. Impulsively, I grab the $10 and stick my hand out the window. HUNGRY comes over to the car and gets it. He looks at it like it's a mistake. "Oh my GOSH!" he shouts, and then gives it back so I can see.
I am not thrilled with this, people. That's my McFlurry money for times of emotional need. But when I keep my hand out and look into his eyes, I see that my ice cream fund can stand to suffer a little.
"I want you to know this is because of Jesus." I don't even realize the words coming out of my mouth. "I want you to know He loves you. He does. What's your name?"
We're at a stoplight so he hurriedly tells me it's Jeremy, and his wife Sheila is across the street - I see a woman bundled up in a sleeping bag. He thanks me and tells me they are going to go get lunch right now. I tell him again it's all about Jesus, okay?
Who knows if he heard me. But I did get a glimpse of him running over to his wife, and seeing how relieved and joyful they were.
Over ten stupid dollars.
There is so much I can do in this world that I just don't do. It's so silly, you know? We could ALL do so much more. I'm relieved for days I can do a little. Even if it won't count for much in the end. I hope I helped for just that day.
I saw Jeremy and Sheila again the other night, in the exact same spot. She was in the sleeping bag and he was sitting next to her. I am praying for another opportunity to see them. If I do, I want to stop and hang out with them. Like I have time for that - but whatever. The world can wait. Because it's people like this that are GOD'S world. And I like hanging out there.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Let God Use....
Sometimes I resist blogging because there are so many critics out there, so quick to tell me I'm "too emotional" and to "save it" for a personal journal. I've been chastised more times than I can count for wearing my heart on my sleeve or for being who I say I am.
I have a ton of faults. But one of my strengths (and yes, I have had to deliberately choose to recognize it as a strength) is that I am who I say I am. I am likely the most "un-fake" female on the planet. If I like you, you know it. If I don't like you, you know it. I love Jesus and evvvvvverybody knows it. I am who I am - sometimes it works well for me, and often it does not.
But this is me being real about something that really matters to me - the non-profit we founded in 2010, which has been such a blessing to see thrive, grow and change lives one at a time. I could fill pages with all the awesome things Royal Stage has done - from teaching therapeutic acting classes to rescued child prostitutes to producing professional-caliber shows which allow low-income families to experience live theatre for free - it's just been an incredible journey.
The wonderfulness is what makes the constant prayer on my heart so difficult - is this a ministry I am meant to lead, and if so, how can it work well with my life that has become so busy and so complex with a marriage, two kids, a writing career and some sort of social life?
So I ask you to please pray for me if you read this. I have no doubt Royal Stage is meant to exist. We are completely unique in what we do, and God has made the process far too simple and joyful to be outside of His will. But as director, I find myself too exhausted and too emotionally invested to go day-to-day the way I am. Selfishly, I want to experience His joy too! Selfishly, I want to be able to do this for my entire life without feeling a hundred-pound emotional weight upon my shoulders.
And hopefully, unselfishly, I want people to come alongside and help - experience the amazing side of Royal Stage that I have. The reason I love it. The reason I do it. The reason God orchestrates it and compels it to exist.
Please do not take this as ungrateful if you've helped us get this far. I have an AMAZING team of people who donate financially, pray faithfully and serve to meet so many needs within our group. This blog post is a reflection of the next level in which we need to reach in order to grow, financially & physically stabilize and thrive.
I ask you to please prayerfully consider the following:
But I do ask you to please consider. There IS a way for you to help. Truly. I cannot think of a single person I know who cannot do something that will matter big time in the end.
Here is a form to help you.
Thank you so so much for reading this. I apologize for the heavy tone - sometimes it's just difficult for a soul to be light on its feet while at a fork in the road.
I have a ton of faults. But one of my strengths (and yes, I have had to deliberately choose to recognize it as a strength) is that I am who I say I am. I am likely the most "un-fake" female on the planet. If I like you, you know it. If I don't like you, you know it. I love Jesus and evvvvvverybody knows it. I am who I am - sometimes it works well for me, and often it does not.
But this is me being real about something that really matters to me - the non-profit we founded in 2010, which has been such a blessing to see thrive, grow and change lives one at a time. I could fill pages with all the awesome things Royal Stage has done - from teaching therapeutic acting classes to rescued child prostitutes to producing professional-caliber shows which allow low-income families to experience live theatre for free - it's just been an incredible journey.
The wonderfulness is what makes the constant prayer on my heart so difficult - is this a ministry I am meant to lead, and if so, how can it work well with my life that has become so busy and so complex with a marriage, two kids, a writing career and some sort of social life?
So I ask you to please pray for me if you read this. I have no doubt Royal Stage is meant to exist. We are completely unique in what we do, and God has made the process far too simple and joyful to be outside of His will. But as director, I find myself too exhausted and too emotionally invested to go day-to-day the way I am. Selfishly, I want to experience His joy too! Selfishly, I want to be able to do this for my entire life without feeling a hundred-pound emotional weight upon my shoulders.
And hopefully, unselfishly, I want people to come alongside and help - experience the amazing side of Royal Stage that I have. The reason I love it. The reason I do it. The reason God orchestrates it and compels it to exist.
Please do not take this as ungrateful if you've helped us get this far. I have an AMAZING team of people who donate financially, pray faithfully and serve to meet so many needs within our group. This blog post is a reflection of the next level in which we need to reach in order to grow, financially & physically stabilize and thrive.
I ask you to please prayerfully consider the following:
- do you know someone who would be interested in attending one of our kids' classes? (our teen/adult classes are awesome - we need more children!)
- do you have time to help with promotions or fundraising?
- do you have a calling on your heart to help support Royal Stage, regardless of where you live?
But I do ask you to please consider. There IS a way for you to help. Truly. I cannot think of a single person I know who cannot do something that will matter big time in the end.
Here is a form to help you.
Thank you so so much for reading this. I apologize for the heavy tone - sometimes it's just difficult for a soul to be light on its feet while at a fork in the road.
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