Because you don't read about poop enough on my blog...

Before I get to that, I must tell you something. I have no idea why I can't write these days. It's like I go through periods of time when my creativity bottoms out and God is saying, just be quiet and listen. Stop writing; stop talking; stop brainstorming. Just listen. I do enjoy listening, but I enjoy storytelling, too. So, I suppose I should be blessed by the balance and not being overwhelmed in any one area all the time.

Alas, all my accident-prone friends will appreciate this next story. My photog friends will appreciate it; anyone who's ever chased kids will appreciate it. Anyone who has OCD, even just a little, guaranteed to appreciate it. So, part of this little obnoxious OCD battle that goes on in my head includes, sometimes going to crazy measures to make sure I won't get sick by way of contamination. With that said, the very sight of bird poop makes me cringe (filthy gross birds). And, therefore, I sometimes literally leap away from animal droppings. I'd rather sit on cold concrete or stand for a few hours than sit on a chair that's been graced by a bird. Anyway. The other day I was traipsing through an outdoor area, taking some family photos. I was just on a mission to rock out some great shots before the sun went down and not really paying attention to where I was walking.

All of the sudden, one of the family members says to me (with crinkled nose), "Do you smell poop? I smell poop." I sniff the air few times. "Nope, I don't smell anything." (because changing about 87,562 diapers in my life has made me immune to the smell of feces). Family member #2. "Yeah, I totally smell poop. Check your shoes, everyone." 

Right shoe, clear. 

Left shoe, completely and fully defiled with excrements from someone's dog. 

Now. WHO let's their dog poop on a walking path!?!? Come on, people of the world. The little blue poop bags you carry around the neighborhood to show everyone you're doing your civic duty by picking up dog crap also (and especially) work on paths, too. 

Come on. My shoes were nearing their end-days anyway; I threw them in a trash bag never to be seen again and went in to Jimmy John's to console myself with an Unwich and some chips - wearing my husband's shoes. 

No shame. 

Grossed out.

Use your poop bags, people.

PS. It wasn't my client's dog who left the deposit.

Nasty storms and million dollar houses. Let's learn from this.

If you've known me for more than a second, you have most likely learned that I'm terrified of severe weather. It could have something to do with the fact that I watched Wizard of

Oz every single day for a few years of my childhood; or, it could be that I'm a little bit OCD and big freak-nasty storms that I can't do anything about (except go hide) make me feel out of control and anxious; and, well, like I'm going to throw up. I'll do just about anything I can to get away from a storm. Today was no different.

I was headed down the highway when I saw some ominous clouds looming up ahead. I had the opportunity to exit the highway right then and take an alternate route (which would get me away from said scary clouds). So, off the highway we went. I was driving peacefully for a good 10 minutes or so when it started to rain. After a few more minutes, the rain was really pouring down and, as my heart rate was increasing, I was giving myself a pep-talk. It went something like this, "Suck it up. It's not the end of the world, just rain. You're 31. Keep driving and don't freak out." So, I drive on and guess what happens next...

I. Can't. See.

The rain was coming down so hard that I couldn't see a foot in front of me. So, I quickly pull off the road (into a neighborhood with million dollar houses, btw). Awesome. I'm getting flustered and can't stop thinking about what I'd do if I had to find some place to take shelter and none of these people are home because they're all doctors and lawyers and such. I really was expecting this spring rainstorm to turn into total devastation, I think. The rain calms down after a minute; I pat myself on the back for surviving and we start to drive again. No sooner do I get back out to the main road, I start getting hailed on. ARE. YOU. SERIOUS. At this point, I have the snow globe effect going on in my head. Do I stop the car? Do I go find someone? Do I haul all the kids out? Is there a tornado creepin' up us? I was just losing control (in my head). After another couple minutes, the hail subsided and the rain tapered off for the most part. I drove on, and started thinking.

Driving through a storm is a lot like God's will for our lives. I saw something unpleasant coming during my drive and turned from it. I thought I had control; alas, God wanted me to learn a lesson and TRUST in Him that it would be okay. I thought I could make the drive by going another direction; then I couldn't see; then I got confused and when I thought it was getting better, I got hailed on! Then, don't you know, God cleared up the sky and took away the rain when He wanted to; in His perfect timing! Isn't going through one of the Lord's lessons JUST LIKE THAT sometimes? And, as we know, sometimes the best lessons learned come from the toughest challenges endured. So, my friends, sometimes God puts us through things to bring us closer to Him; to build that relationship of trust, of tough love. All I can say, is use it as a chance to learn and praise him. Always, always, praise Him. All things are good, even the nasty storms.

I went outside, and lived to blog about it.

If you know me even a little, you probably know that I'm an indoors girl. If I'm outside, it's for a reason (e.g., walking to and from the car, taking a walk, taking photos, going to a BBQ or because I locked myself out of the house [again]). I can't remember ever liking outside. I've been swarmed and stung by an entire nest of yellow jackets; I've had more tick bites and random bee stings than I can count; I've fallen out of a tree onto my back; I've leaned up against a trashcan only to have my skin covered in fiberglass particles; I've busted up my face on a patch of ice; a big snake snuck into our bunks at girl scout camp; birds have crapped on my clothing; a bicyclist ran me off the bike path while I was roller-blading; I've been tossed from seat to floor while going over rough waters on a boat and I can't stand amusement parks. That's a whole other story. I also don't care for weather too hot or too cold, I'm a 72 and sunny kind of girl. You see, in addition to my serious environmental allergies (all trees and grass and basically anything that blooms), there's really no reason for me to be outside. It's just an accident waiting to happen.

Alas, I have four little darlings that want to go out. And, as much as I would love to just read books, cook food, and play house all day turning them into little hermits like myself - I have to put my selfish desires aside and go...out there. It's uncomfortable for me to be outside; and, I'm awkward (at best) pretending to navigate the great outdoors well, but I do it anyway. You know, for them. For those little people who are clawing at the door - ready to go play - as soon as the sun comes up.

Yesterday, we took a hike with my mother-in-law, Willing Cook and her crew. As we treked through the wilderness, I couldn't help but think how (to me, anyway) hiking through the unsteady terrain, hopping muddy waters (and occasionally getting my foot stuck) and carefully darting around throrn bushes can also be like our walk as followers of Christ.

You see, friends, when we follow Christ, we aren't guaranteed a bed of roses. Sometimes we walk a thorny path of challenges and struggles. Sometimes we do have opposition, persecution, and uncertainty smacking us in the face. We often find ourselves stepping over barbed wire, pushing branches out of the way, and dirt out of our mouths. Much like my quest outdoors, though, we have to step aside our innate desire to seek self-fulfillment. We have to trust in Jesus, and Jesus alone, when those times happen. One of my biggest daily challenges, in my walk with Christ, is forcing myself to step aside and know that He has it all figured out. Maybe that's yours, too?

I can't help but think that He's using my children to help separate me, from myself. I can't help but think that He uses the little mundane details of life, like wearing my baby through some muddy trails while chasing after another, to humble me; to separate me from myself; to make me more like Him.

Phil. 4:13 - I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Having challenges and struggles? Please let me know how I can pray for you.

PS. This post is linked up with Ruth and all the wonderful bloggers at GraceLaced.com. Please go visit each of their blogs to read more AND be sure to congratulate Ruth on her new baby - her 6th boy!!