So, I mentioned this a little while ago and started to write and then didn't publish it and then started to write and then ended up writing a different post...maybe I'll get there this time.
The first thing you should know is that I am NOT talking about the little (or big) fuzzballs that live in the trees outside and go completely crazy to find nuts they can't remember where they buried. (Though some of my little family is relatively close to that explanation.)
B and I play a card game called Magic: The Gathering. Yes, we've been over this, I'm a nerd. I'll give you a moment to Google and then realize how MUCH of a nerd. Go ahead. I'll wait.
..........
Better? Moving on. Without getting too in to details that you may or may not now know, this game holds weekly tournaments on Friday nights. There are also some higher level events (we'll move on). Generally you find a store that has space and hosts the Friday night tournament. Most people that play these games have crazy store loyalty. You find a store, you like and you go there, and that's generally it. You may go to a regional qualifier at a different store, but you game at your store.
In 2010, around September, we found a little store in Clovis that hosted events and Friday Night Magic. Sweet deal! You may remember that we had a few things happen and that we ended up getting super busy, went to go by the store in Mayish...it was closed. Bummer!
Enter Auguts 2011, we run in to a guy that we played with at the now closed store. He's gaming at a store called Crazy Squirrel. No joke, that's the name of the store. I did ask him to repeat what he said and heard him right the first time. Crazy Squirrel Game Store. They sell anything that you could imagine, as long as it does not have a cord. :) All table top games. Board games of all kinds, card games, dice and chip games. Anything that you could play on a table. It's amazing. So many games I didn't even know existed, but are entirely too many hours of fun. I digress.
So, we start going to this store. The first people we meet and talk to are probably Jen and Scott (the owners) and Isaac. He's loud and talks a lot, however, he has a giant heart and hates conflict. You can imagine that we hit it off pretty well. We also ran in to Julian, whom we met at the other store, he was still playing the same kind of deck and was just as sweet and kind of timid as he had been before. We enveloped Frank (who is now our roommate) and Matt, loud and crazy and all over the place, and we wouldn't have him any other way. He's passionate about EVERYTHING he does. We also have Trisha and Morgan, they started playing again right about when we started going to the store. Remi, Isaac's cousin and Julian's girlfriend of a couple months now, also came in to our little circle of friends. A few more weeks and we also got Jocelyn and Zac, she is a lot like me and he is a lot like B. It's kind of crazy. He didn't talk much, he's starting to talk more :) Aaron came along a little after them. He's a lot like Morgan, it's kind of scary.
So, after a few weeks of going every Friday for the tournament and staying later than we should have playing OUTSIDE the store after it closed, we decided to start going to Denny's...tables and chairs and food (those are like the three nerd requirements). Denny's gets expensive though, so we started inviting people over to the apartment. Now, just about every weekend, we have our friends all in one place.
This is my Squirrel family and I love them. It's been weird not having them all in one place because of the holidays. I miss having them around all as a group. We plan events together (like our Secret Squirrel for Christmas :) And going to higher level events for the game we all play) I'm blessed to have them all in my life and to have found another family of friends.
There you have it...I should go in to more detail, but maybe you'll meet them in later blog posts. :)
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
A Call To Action - Lysa TerKeurst
I am so rebelious. I don't know what to do with myself. There are reasons I'm reading what I'm reading. Yes, I know that these devotions are going out to THOUSANDS of woman. Ever feel like all of them knock the wind out of you?
This particular devotion is SERIOUSLY a call to action. Not to get out and protest anything, but to act for the temple of God...more precisely, the one He gave me. I think I always end up feeling the way I do when I read Lysa's devotions, because when she describes herself, all I can think of are the exact things I'm doing that she's talking about. She's saying my life...that's all there is to it.
“Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food.” Romans 14:20a
I have to really sit with that scripture for a moment. I hadn't really thought about what this particular though was saying. I am God's work and I'm craving something so much that I am replacing the leader of my life with food. Ouch. Yes. That's me.
Then she goes on to talk about a couple other verses that I've read (with the ladies of my Tuesday night group even) but it sheds a new light.
Old thought patterns:
“I need these chips. I deserve this ice cream. I must have that extra large portion.”
New thought patterns:
Chips will only taste good for the moment. But the calories are empty and will do nothing good for my body. 2 Corinthians 7:1 reminds me, “…Let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit… out of reverence for God.” (NIV 1984)
This ice cream will give me a sugar high but then I’ll crash and feel terrible. Psalm 34:8…reminds me to get into God’s Word and let it satisfy the deep hungry places of my soul, “Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.” (NIV 1984)
This extra large portion will overstuff me and make me feel sluggish. I can’t look to this food to soothe me. Psalm 34:5 says, “Those who look to [God] are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.” (NIV 1984)
I'm not strong enough to do it myself, I keep promising myself I will and I keep failing...so what do I need to do? Crave and taste of God...He is GOOD and only has the best plans for me...so why have I replaced Him? Is it that much easier to push away the one love that could help?
I sit here tonight needing to get a lot done and while I work furiously, I grab the odd chocolate or snack around. I need to grab on to my Father, with both hands.
Abba, This is the time of year that people make resolutions, I would rather be closer to you than anything else. Help me to reach for you just as much as you reach for me.
I've only posted parts of the devotion here, the scripture and the pieces that go with it above. To read the rest of it, go to Proverbs31.org and click on the devotion button on the right.
This particular devotion is SERIOUSLY a call to action. Not to get out and protest anything, but to act for the temple of God...more precisely, the one He gave me. I think I always end up feeling the way I do when I read Lysa's devotions, because when she describes herself, all I can think of are the exact things I'm doing that she's talking about. She's saying my life...that's all there is to it.
“Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food.” Romans 14:20a
I have to really sit with that scripture for a moment. I hadn't really thought about what this particular though was saying. I am God's work and I'm craving something so much that I am replacing the leader of my life with food. Ouch. Yes. That's me.
Then she goes on to talk about a couple other verses that I've read (with the ladies of my Tuesday night group even) but it sheds a new light.
Old thought patterns:
“I need these chips. I deserve this ice cream. I must have that extra large portion.”
New thought patterns:
Chips will only taste good for the moment. But the calories are empty and will do nothing good for my body. 2 Corinthians 7:1 reminds me, “…Let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit… out of reverence for God.” (NIV 1984)
This ice cream will give me a sugar high but then I’ll crash and feel terrible. Psalm 34:8…reminds me to get into God’s Word and let it satisfy the deep hungry places of my soul, “Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.” (NIV 1984)
This extra large portion will overstuff me and make me feel sluggish. I can’t look to this food to soothe me. Psalm 34:5 says, “Those who look to [God] are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.” (NIV 1984)
I'm not strong enough to do it myself, I keep promising myself I will and I keep failing...so what do I need to do? Crave and taste of God...He is GOOD and only has the best plans for me...so why have I replaced Him? Is it that much easier to push away the one love that could help?
I sit here tonight needing to get a lot done and while I work furiously, I grab the odd chocolate or snack around. I need to grab on to my Father, with both hands.
Abba, This is the time of year that people make resolutions, I would rather be closer to you than anything else. Help me to reach for you just as much as you reach for me.
I've only posted parts of the devotion here, the scripture and the pieces that go with it above. To read the rest of it, go to Proverbs31.org and click on the devotion button on the right.
Something that hit me...
I'm on break...poking around Pinterest before I go eat my lunch...and I stumble in to the inspiration search. There are a lot of great quotes. I then find this one.
My eyes welled up with tears and my lips curled in a small smile. Why? I think I may have been needing to hear this...and read it and know it in the deepest parts of me. Isn't this what God continually tells me? I'm worthy, I'm human and He loves me just the same!
Thought I'd share with y'all. I have three more entries for today. One on my Daily Dose and one I started about my Squirrel Family. Get excited! :)
My eyes welled up with tears and my lips curled in a small smile. Why? I think I may have been needing to hear this...and read it and know it in the deepest parts of me. Isn't this what God continually tells me? I'm worthy, I'm human and He loves me just the same!
Thought I'd share with y'all. I have three more entries for today. One on my Daily Dose and one I started about my Squirrel Family. Get excited! :)
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Living Clutter Free - Glynnis Whitwer
To be honest, I really didn't take this particular devotion seriously when I read the title. I saw it when it came in earlier today...but I didn't even open it. I knew it would be there waiting. Even now...though I know what it's speaking to me, I'm fidgeting in my seat.
Let's revisit the fact that I am a control freak desperately trying to recover from this condition. I also happen to be like the energizer bunny...and I hate getting behind on anything. I commit to things and get them done...that's it.
Not so much lately.
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1
The scripture reminds me of the reading I'm doing with the women's small group at church. :) It also reminds me of the shame and embarrassment that I feel when my husband takes on household duties to give me the extra time I need to pay attention to everything else I've committed to. Ok, no, this is not the 50's, but I'm used to being able to do my job, keep to my commitments and keep an immaculate house. I'm used to being a regular Wonder Woman. I'm used to controlling things. Nasty little word.
My problem with this devotional stems from me knowing that I have felt cluttered and burdened down for a while. That I need to experience the freedom of giving that control to God...but I don't do it because I know I can do it right? So what if I keep getting sick, so sick that I can't work. So what if I lose a few hours of sleep each night to keep up with things. I'll keep pressing through, I can do this...right?
The honest truth is that I am drowning in my own pride and people keep telling me that I'm doing a lot...and I feel like I'm not. Sure, I get the things out and things happen by the grace of God...but it's not me.
I don't have a friend coming over to my home to help me organize. I don't actually need that. If you came in to my home you'd probably look at me like I was a little crazy. Sure there are a few things out of place, but a couple hours powering through it would fix that. What I need, more than a friend with a cup of coffee (oh please no, not at this hour) is a release and really doing the things that I keep saying I'm going to. I need to make the time that I keep saying I don't have and then keep saying I'm going to make.
I miss the structure of my life somewhere I allowed something to get in my way and I started getting buried in my life. Getting to the point where your body starts to rebel is NEVER a good thing.
It's 11:15. I still have things I need to get done. They will wait and I will take the time I need for God and my husband that I haven't been giving either of them.
Abba, I'm not sure why you would have chosen a child like me. I can only be so entirely thankful that you did. As I struggle I know you are right there to catch me and I am thankful for that too. Help me to make the time I need to make, take the burden I've put myself under and help me to realize the truths that you've been showing me all along.
What's suffocating you?
Let's revisit the fact that I am a control freak desperately trying to recover from this condition. I also happen to be like the energizer bunny...and I hate getting behind on anything. I commit to things and get them done...that's it.
Not so much lately.
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1
The scripture reminds me of the reading I'm doing with the women's small group at church. :) It also reminds me of the shame and embarrassment that I feel when my husband takes on household duties to give me the extra time I need to pay attention to everything else I've committed to. Ok, no, this is not the 50's, but I'm used to being able to do my job, keep to my commitments and keep an immaculate house. I'm used to being a regular Wonder Woman. I'm used to controlling things. Nasty little word.
My problem with this devotional stems from me knowing that I have felt cluttered and burdened down for a while. That I need to experience the freedom of giving that control to God...but I don't do it because I know I can do it right? So what if I keep getting sick, so sick that I can't work. So what if I lose a few hours of sleep each night to keep up with things. I'll keep pressing through, I can do this...right?
The honest truth is that I am drowning in my own pride and people keep telling me that I'm doing a lot...and I feel like I'm not. Sure, I get the things out and things happen by the grace of God...but it's not me.
I don't have a friend coming over to my home to help me organize. I don't actually need that. If you came in to my home you'd probably look at me like I was a little crazy. Sure there are a few things out of place, but a couple hours powering through it would fix that. What I need, more than a friend with a cup of coffee (oh please no, not at this hour) is a release and really doing the things that I keep saying I'm going to. I need to make the time that I keep saying I don't have and then keep saying I'm going to make.
I miss the structure of my life somewhere I allowed something to get in my way and I started getting buried in my life. Getting to the point where your body starts to rebel is NEVER a good thing.
It's 11:15. I still have things I need to get done. They will wait and I will take the time I need for God and my husband that I haven't been giving either of them.
Abba, I'm not sure why you would have chosen a child like me. I can only be so entirely thankful that you did. As I struggle I know you are right there to catch me and I am thankful for that too. Help me to make the time I need to make, take the burden I've put myself under and help me to realize the truths that you've been showing me all along.
What's suffocating you?
Friday, December 23, 2011
Daily Dose: The Rich Home - Sharon Glasgow
See, I told you I would get better about this. :)
Today is full of distraction for me...we're packing to travel down to see our families this weekend. You may be thinking to yourself that a self-admitted control freak like myself must have everything under control. Well, you'd be wrong. When I pack I like to do it at least a day ahead of time. I like to write out the outfits that I plan to pack and put them in my duffle in the order in which I will wear them. That didn't happen this time. My week has been clouded with being tired and having a ton of other things to do. I barely finished the Christmas cards for my coworkers last night in my insomnia ridden wee hours.
When I started reading this devotional, I was tempted to just skim through it, smile and nod and then I would have done what I needed to, my mind would have been able to go back to what it was worrying over. That's not what my Heavenly Father wanted from me, it's never what He wants from me when I'm spending time with Him.
“Now when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to test him with hard questions.” I Kings 10:1 (NKJ)
This is the first piece of scripture Sharon gives us to digest as she talks about the length of the trip the Queen took to seek knowledge about Solomons' God. Of course that nagging feeling that I knew exactly what she was talking about made me start to cringe. I thought to myself, "Ok God, I know...I'm not making the time I should with you." right as she came to her point about opening our Bibles and actually looking for the knowledge there.
Her second point sticks in my side. I'm the one visiting people this Christmas season, but what she's saying is that we shouldn't be worried about how clean and prepared we are for this weekend...we should be worried about showing people Christ, especially this time of year. With all my planning and need to set things out, am I showing people the love that runs my cup over? Sure, for Thanksgiving and many weekends, we open our home to our friends, we try to be there to listen, to talk or just to hang out...but what about right now with the crazyness we're experiencing right now planning this trip? My next question to myself is, "how do I change it?" I'm not sure...but I do know that God has given me a love to share, not to hide behind my human vices.
So, my prayer is a little different than the one at the end of the devotion. It goes something like this, "Abba, I'm a mess. You still love me and help me, like the gentle Father you are. Help me to show people that love through my actions and words this weekend. Let our families and friends see You more than us as we celebrate the greatest gift ever given, Christ. Help me remember that it's not about the food or anything else, but about that silent, holy night when a baby came to fulfill prophecy and save the world. "
Can I challenge you? Traveling or receiving travelers, can you just show love? Yes, make the mashed potatoes and candied yams...but remember the real reason you're making them.
Love,
M
Today is full of distraction for me...we're packing to travel down to see our families this weekend. You may be thinking to yourself that a self-admitted control freak like myself must have everything under control. Well, you'd be wrong. When I pack I like to do it at least a day ahead of time. I like to write out the outfits that I plan to pack and put them in my duffle in the order in which I will wear them. That didn't happen this time. My week has been clouded with being tired and having a ton of other things to do. I barely finished the Christmas cards for my coworkers last night in my insomnia ridden wee hours.
When I started reading this devotional, I was tempted to just skim through it, smile and nod and then I would have done what I needed to, my mind would have been able to go back to what it was worrying over. That's not what my Heavenly Father wanted from me, it's never what He wants from me when I'm spending time with Him.
“Now when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to test him with hard questions.” I Kings 10:1 (NKJ)
This is the first piece of scripture Sharon gives us to digest as she talks about the length of the trip the Queen took to seek knowledge about Solomons' God. Of course that nagging feeling that I knew exactly what she was talking about made me start to cringe. I thought to myself, "Ok God, I know...I'm not making the time I should with you." right as she came to her point about opening our Bibles and actually looking for the knowledge there.
Her second point sticks in my side. I'm the one visiting people this Christmas season, but what she's saying is that we shouldn't be worried about how clean and prepared we are for this weekend...we should be worried about showing people Christ, especially this time of year. With all my planning and need to set things out, am I showing people the love that runs my cup over? Sure, for Thanksgiving and many weekends, we open our home to our friends, we try to be there to listen, to talk or just to hang out...but what about right now with the crazyness we're experiencing right now planning this trip? My next question to myself is, "how do I change it?" I'm not sure...but I do know that God has given me a love to share, not to hide behind my human vices.
So, my prayer is a little different than the one at the end of the devotion. It goes something like this, "Abba, I'm a mess. You still love me and help me, like the gentle Father you are. Help me to show people that love through my actions and words this weekend. Let our families and friends see You more than us as we celebrate the greatest gift ever given, Christ. Help me remember that it's not about the food or anything else, but about that silent, holy night when a baby came to fulfill prophecy and save the world. "
Can I challenge you? Traveling or receiving travelers, can you just show love? Yes, make the mashed potatoes and candied yams...but remember the real reason you're making them.
Love,
M
Monday, December 19, 2011
Daily Dose - Room for Jesus - Micca Monda Campbell
Ok, before I start this Daily Dose, I'm going to warn you...you may cry. Just saying.
I'm still reading my daily devotion through Proverbs 31 Ministries. You can sign up for it through their website.
So, as I read today, I look at the past posts I've made and I am pretty ashamed at the number of times I see the word busy. The great thing about God though? He starts working on you before you really know it and then you see something He put in to your day and get a lump in your throat.
Luke 2:7 is the scripture that inspired this particular devotion.
Put down your pen and book...and newspaper and let go of the mouse, just read for a minute. Micca recounts a story of her mother...and the first grandchild. Like many people I know, Micca's mom keeps baby Jesus out of the nativity until Christmas morning. Apparently this distressed her grandson. He asked where Jesus was and was told that Jesus did not come until Christmas. So, until that day, the little boy waited with anticipation for the Saviour. This child was excited to see the baby that many people have no room for...that people were too busy worrying about the census to make a space in a real room for Him at the time of His birth. Working with kids, I find that they teach me more about my relationship with God than most adults ever can. Micca goes on to talk about how the adults were all expecting to exchange presents and spend time together, while the first grandson...ran to the manger to see if Jesus had come...and there He was, a baby in a manger, just like God had promised, there sat the Messiah.
If a little boy can make room on Christmas morning and the days leading up to that fateful time, then can't I put aside my baking and doing and cards and wrapping, to anticipate my God? This should be a daily anticipation, filled with JOY! We sang Joy to the World yesterday with the kids, have you ever really thought about the lyrics? It's all about celebrating and receiving Christ. When you hear little kids sing this song...it seems more like the joyful praise it should be.
Micca's closing prayer ends with "Welcome home Lord." I'm encouraged to make that a daily prayer.
So...can you make time today?
I'm still reading my daily devotion through Proverbs 31 Ministries. You can sign up for it through their website.
So, as I read today, I look at the past posts I've made and I am pretty ashamed at the number of times I see the word busy. The great thing about God though? He starts working on you before you really know it and then you see something He put in to your day and get a lump in your throat.
Luke 2:7 is the scripture that inspired this particular devotion.
Put down your pen and book...and newspaper and let go of the mouse, just read for a minute. Micca recounts a story of her mother...and the first grandchild. Like many people I know, Micca's mom keeps baby Jesus out of the nativity until Christmas morning. Apparently this distressed her grandson. He asked where Jesus was and was told that Jesus did not come until Christmas. So, until that day, the little boy waited with anticipation for the Saviour. This child was excited to see the baby that many people have no room for...that people were too busy worrying about the census to make a space in a real room for Him at the time of His birth. Working with kids, I find that they teach me more about my relationship with God than most adults ever can. Micca goes on to talk about how the adults were all expecting to exchange presents and spend time together, while the first grandson...ran to the manger to see if Jesus had come...and there He was, a baby in a manger, just like God had promised, there sat the Messiah.
If a little boy can make room on Christmas morning and the days leading up to that fateful time, then can't I put aside my baking and doing and cards and wrapping, to anticipate my God? This should be a daily anticipation, filled with JOY! We sang Joy to the World yesterday with the kids, have you ever really thought about the lyrics? It's all about celebrating and receiving Christ. When you hear little kids sing this song...it seems more like the joyful praise it should be.
Micca's closing prayer ends with "Welcome home Lord." I'm encouraged to make that a daily prayer.
So...can you make time today?
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