On Hiatus

I would like to thank you for your interest in my blog. Your continued support and feedback warms my heart. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year. In honor of the holidays, I will be taking a short break from writing to spend time with loved ones. I look forward to chatting with you more in 2009! See you then.

Lessons from the Baxters

Love, sex, prayer, sickness and adoption are just a few of the themes tackled in Karen Kingsbury's (with Gary Smalley) Redemption series of five books about the highs and lows of the Baxter family. I have been encapsulated by this fictional family.

What I love about these books is the wide range of topics discussed. I enjoyed the fact that this Christian family is far from perfect. They struggle with everything from their faith the fidelity. There are doubts about God's existence and fears about contracting HIV from an adulterous affair.

Kingsbury produced a masterful creation. You will fall in love with this family from the beginning and experience every emotion along with them. Stay tuned for much more on these incredible books.

Heaven on Earth

As I was snacking after work, our daughter asked what I was eating.
My response was, "a little piece of heaven." Our son then walked over
and said, "I want some." I gave him some of the Cashew Lovers
Poppycock that I was enjoying. He said, "Mmmm, heaven." I love children!

Sexperimentation

I recently became aware of a 7-day sex challenge recommended by Pastor Ed Young of Fellowship Church in Dallas, TX. What he proposed is that his married members participate in creative sex for seven days in a row and then take inventory of their relationship afterward.

The buzz this challenge created made it all the way to CNN! I was impressed. The fact that CNN is taking notice of this man is quite an accomplishment in and of itself. I am pleased that Pastor Young does not ignore married sexuality the way many churches do. I am also happy to see that they encourage creativity and excitement.

However, I do understand many may have mixed views about this challenge. Many women may find this challenge oppressive and frustrating. What is you aren't "in the mood?" It may seem more like an obligation than an opportunity. I think if we can see the positives, we can all benefit.

Overall, I have seen many positive comments from the parishioners and positive press for sex that honors God. Kudos to Pastor Young and his beautiful wife.

Posing Nude

When I signed on today, I saw an article featuring Jennifer Aniston. At 39, she has posed nude (save a necktie) for the cover of an upcoming GQ magazine. I saw the cover, and she looks amazing! However, what's the point?

Most people agree that she is a beautiful woman, and I am not here to dispute this fact. My question is, what does she gain by sharing her naked body with the entire world? GQ is a men's mag, so we know that she is posing mostly for men. I honestly feel badly for Hollywood women who feel that they must share their bodies with fans in order to claim the spotlight.

I think this proves that women struggle with self-esteem and body image no matter what tax bracket they fall into. While her body is toned and shapely, I can't imagine that she just woke up one day and said, "I need to pose nude. It would make me feel good about myself." Even if she did, we know publicity is the real reason. I mean, look, I'm writing about it after seeing the article, so it's working for her.

In my youth, I have been guilty of wearing clothing strictly because I thought would attract male attention. As adults, do we still dress only to garner attention? I understand the motive, but it's very dangerous. Men are so visually stimulated. Do you really want your husband or teenage son bombarded with images of naked women when he stops in to grab milk at the grocery store?

It is bigger than self expression. While I am aware that she is free to do as she pleases, I believe we should consider the consequences of our actions. Just because we can, doesn't mean we should. What happens if she is a mom someday, and her son's teacher has her posted on his bedroom wall? I know that sex sells, but it shouldn't. Our bodies are temples, not made to be degraded.

More Crazy, Hot Sex!

I promise I do not look for books with sex in them, but I have stumbled onto some lately.... Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove Series is a collection of stories that take place in Washington state. In 16 Lighthouse Road, we are introduced to several couples covering a spectrum of ages.

Not only did I fall in love with the characters, but I immediately got sucked into the storyline that begins with the disappearance of Grace's husband Dan. He just vanished without a trace, and she and her daughters are left to figure out where he is and why he left.

Now, the couple relationships are smokin' hot! They are passionate, respectful and red hot. I love it! Some have been married for weeks, while others for many years. Some are on a second marriage after a painful divorce or being widowed. No matter what, the physical love between them is evident. Macomber is not shy at all about providing vivid imagery.

As a married woman, I believe it's important to celebrate the marriage bed. While we are all presented with challenges in this department, God meant for it to be a gift for us. I am pleased to see this author celebrating married sex that's alive and filled with joy.

The Fake Church (Pt 2)

The church often takes the Job approach, telling people that their hardship is because of their own sin. That may well be, but other possibilities exist, and they should also be explored first.

As a forever church member, I've seen my share of travesties. Once a busload of young men from a juvenile correctional facility arrived at church on a Sunday morning. They looked liked regular kids from the streets. Instead of rejoicing at the opportunity to serve and minister to the teens, the pious church ladies set out to give them makeovers! "Pull up your pants, young man." "Why is your hair braided?" "Earrings are for women!" Tragic!


When our Lord walked the earth, His focus was on the individual. He first met their needs and then ministered the gospel. IN THAT ORDER. He dined with thieves, and conversed with whores. If our Savior, who was without sin, could do so, who are we to behave life the Pharisees?

While some churches follow His example in earnest, too many do not. Too many impart pain instead of love. We need to step out of our comfort zones, remove ourselves from the pedestal and follow Christ's perfect example. Only then can the world experience God's love.

A Boyfriend for My Daughter

I was driving home today after picking up our kids. My 5 year old daughter proceeds to tell me how her classmate has an ex-boyfriend. She's 5 too. Seriously. But wait, there's more. She too wants a boyfriend, but she has no idea why. There's a boy whom, I will call Chad. He has four girlfriends, one of which is my daughter apparently. One girl wants to kiss him! Chad also, in her words, "like believes he is the strongest man in the world, even though he's only 5. Wow!

I had to resist the urge to tell her to choose someone without such an inflated ego. For goodness sakes, do not share a man with 3 other girls! Do not follow him around, and do not do everything he does! But, alas, I remembered, she is only 5. I still remember the crush I had when I was 6. It's harmless right? I'm not so sure.

This was a hard conversation to hear from my little girl. I developed a dislike for poor Chad. I want to lock up my daughter in her room for the next 20 years. My parents would laugh if they knew how I was being paid back this way! Oh well. What goes around comes around.

I Hate Wrinkles!

Each year I get a little older. Things are not quite the same as they used to be. When I got married, I was thin and perky! After several years and two children, some things have definitely changed.

So as my body changes and skin looses its elasticity, there are some questions I have to ask. When the crows feet come, will I want them tightened? Botox? When the boobs sag and deflate, should I get them filled out and lifted up? Should I give up on sit-ups and schedule a tummy tuck?

Is it vanity? Does it matter?

I think it does matter. How I look affects my self-esteem. It affects how I respond sexually. If I am in shape, I can function better in my daily life.

I like to enjoy what I see in the mirror. There's nothing wrong with that right? But how far is too far?




I can't obsess over my appearance, but I should take pride in myself. After all, my body is God's temple.


I don't know if there is a "right" answer. Just food for thought. I'd love to know what you think.

The Fake Church (Pt 1)

You've seen it all before. Come as you are. Experience the love of God here. Unless...you're poor, Hispanic, gay, democrat or otherwise. You get the picture.

The church, with its good intentions, has managed to alienate almost everyone. How welcome do you feel when visiting a new church if you look differently than the majority of the members? Do you catch the sideways glances periodically?

And what happens when you actually become a member and get to know the people? One day in small group, you reveal that your wife had an affair and your son has come out of the closet? What's the reaction? Pacifist smiles and sympathetic pats on the back? Offers of prayer? How soon until the coffee and lunch invitations cease? You have just been judged.

The "religious right" are known for being notoriously unaccepting of differences. Instead of running to the church for shelter, many flee for fear of judgement. The same is true for believers and unbelievers alike.

When the Claws Come Out...

I have seen the most vicious things happen when two or more girls are involved. The situation can get very ugly very fast. I have experienced workplace sabotage and seen boyfriends stolen away from best friends. The adjectives and nouns used to describe other other women can make your neck hairs stand on edge.

Why can't girls get along? It's and age old question, but it still fascinates me. I believe jealousy is at the heart of it.

When I was growing up, I was on the skinny side. Consequently, my nickname was "Snakehips". I had no hips and no boobs. I always envied girls who had them. Crazy, huh?

As women, we're the same way. If someone is taller, thinner, sexier... The list is unending. Soon we begin to cast judgement on her character, simply based upon appearance. She becomes conceited, and we call her names under our breath.

Unfortunately, the Ten Commandments do not allow us to envy others. We are admonished to rejoice when others do. That's a sharp contrast.

Women have enough trouble in the world without tearing down each other. Maybe the next time we see a pretty woman, we can tell her so instead of giving her a dirty look.

Counting My Blessings

This year, we celebrated Thanksgiving in our new home. In this economy, we don't take that for granted. Our neighbors are nice, and our neighborhood is safe. I am so thankful.

I had some much needed time off work. What made it very special was sharing it with each other and with some of our close family. In times of trouble, I find it therapeutic to think on simple things like this.