Random Thoughts

In just two days school starts for the kiddos! I am going to miss them, but I am excited to see how much they will learn this year. Both are so eager to get back to school. I am certainly happy that they like school because that makes my life a little easier.

Yesterday was a slow day. We had dinner at Marie Calendars and then went to the park where we stayed until after dark. The weather was just so nice out. I found myself lounging on Sophia's Dora blanket pondering life.

I am so blessed. Really for all of the pain that this year has held, I have become a better person for it. I struggled for a time with bitterness and with the idea that some offenses cannot be forgiven, but with a lot of good reading and a good therapist by my side, I have embraced joy once more and am able to move on with no malice or bitterness in my heart. That, to me, is amazing because there was a time when I was under a very black cloud that seemed neverending.

I have had good friends by my side who have supported me each step of the way, and I've learned that friends are friends - period. I don't have a single friend who holds anything over my head as a friendship ender. This has freed me to be honest and open about so much in my life. It has allowed me to struggle through with feedback based on honesty. It has been a cool revelation. So, to those friends, thanks a bunch.

I'm sitting here typing listening to some preacher on the television. He's speaking from the book of Revelation. The point he is trying to make is that God hates cowards. So he went to the old testament to convince his congregation that God loved David because he was brave. OMG - where does this crud come from????? I will NEVER have my kids under this kind of crap. I turned it off. God loves His children because He loves them NOT because of how they perform. I mean why do you love your kids? Do you love the brave one more than the one who cowars at anything "scary" or new? This whole fear tactic kind of preaching is what I grew up under, and I'm done with it. I pray my kids will know God in a meaningful and personal way. I'm not aiming to raise bigots or fearmongers. I'm raising kids who will know how to love people just like Jesus did.

This mom has enjoyed her summer with her kids surrounded by forever friends! So cheers to the friends - one in Mexico as I type - hey, Michelle! And, one in Lake Havasu sunning - hey, Jen! A few in Coeur d' Alene - kids say hey!!! And, the others likely at church today, shout out to you all as well.

And to the readers out there who look at the same moon, let me know who you are! I see readers in Africa, Australia, Alaska, India and all over Europe and the United States. Drop me a line, I'm curious to know who you are!!!! As a side note, Africa is one of my dream destinations!!!