Spontaneous Thought Explosion - From Her Brain, Not Mine

I'm very excited to introduce a GUEST BLOGGER today.
Alycia from Coloring Outside the Lines has graciously accepted my request to have a Spontaneous Thought Explosion on My Blog! So without further ado...

“Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly. Never forget that the devil fell by force of gravity. He who has the faith has the fun.”

I was recently asked to write a post for a fellow blogger along with some other bloggers. The topics that were to be discussed, to put it midly, were heavy, Violence, Economy, Stem Cell Research and Christianity to name a few. I have touched on a few of these subjects from time to time, but have a tendency to steer away from them as I enjoy writing with a more light-hearted flare. Even though there was no pressure put on me to write a “Fire and Brimstone” message on the aforementioned topics, I fretted. I stared at the list willing for a subject to jump out to me and inspire me to write the “Post Heard ‘Round The World” for you to read. I kept coming back to one word, Christianity. Why was I considering this a “heavy” topic? When exactly did Christianity become one of the serious and controversial topics for people to discuss among themselves, a word whispered with a cringe of who might judge you?

Being a Christian involves so many personal acts from the individual. Setting a good example, helping those in need, spreading the Good Word…but what about humor?

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine. Proverbs 17:22

If you attempt to watch the news these days you will be quickly consumed in the sadness of violence, selfishness, greed, the economy, unemployment rates, etc. It kind of makes it hard to smile and laugh doesn’t it?

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.
—Philippians 4:4

Key words here: Rejoice and Always. Always? Seriously? How on earth are we supposed to rejoice with all the negative around us? How about some “Fruit Salad” to get your rejoice digestion started?

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
—Galatians 5:22-23

Against such things there is no law? So we are not forced to be grim and serious speaking Christians? What better way to lead people to The One than with spreading some of that Fruit Salad around.

But that doesn’t quite answer the question of being happy during hard times does it? Try this one…

But let all those who take refuge and put their trust in You rejoice; let them ever sing and shout for joy, because You make a covering over them and defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You and be in high spirits. -Psalm 5:11

There is your answer…taking refuge and putting our trust in God. That is where we can rejoice in the hard times. We have His promise that He will defend and protect us. That is by no means saying that we are immune to heartache and tragedies. Some of us, if not all of us, will face times that we feel crushed and brought to our knees. It’s what we do when we are on our knees that determine our emotional outcome. By seeking that refuge we find our joy in the hard times and reason to rejoice.
My favorite story in the Bible about humor and laughter is when Sarah is told that she is geriatric pregnant lady with no MediCare around to save her and no TLC to televise her extrordianry pregnancy. She laughed and even named her son after the word laughter. Talk about a sense of humor in hard times!!

ALYCIA

I'm on the hunt for more guest bloggers. Send me an email if you're interested in writing a Spontaneous Thought Explosion!!

Spontaneous Thought Explosion - "things"

It's Sunday night and I'm totally drained. Physically and emotionally. I'm normally an upbeat person and my cute kitten and toddler pictures probably lead you to believe that "this girl must never get down," but I've not been feeling so recently. I've been feeling unappreciated, old and over-worked. There's no need to go into details, because I know that most of these "things" will pass (meaning I'll get over my pity party.) My gripes are so insignificant compared to...well...just about anything that's going on in our world today. But for one, these "things" that are getting to me, have prevented my brain from doing any spontaneous thought explosions. I've started writing several times and my brain just sort of chokes up.
I have been reading a lot though. Mostly the newspaper and online news. This is probably one of the "things" that is getting to me and keeping me from putting my thoughts together in a legible way. The news is mostly depressing.
For instance, 3 teenagers were arrested (in my city) for plotting to wreak havoc at their high school, on the anniversary of the Columbine shooting. In their homes, 28 explosive devices were confiscated! A sawed-off shotgun, videos, notes and even a list of targets. Thankfully, someone blew the whistle just in time. All the schools in the city had to be sweeped for bombs. Can this really happen in my city? It's unbelievable. Have you noticed the headlines recently? Seen this one? In Month, Mass Shootings Claim 53 Lives
What do we do with this information? It's terrifying. And just writing about it gives me chills. What drives a civilized human to want to shoot old people in a nursing home? What drives a teenager to want to kill his classmates? How can a parent point a gun at their own child and pull the trigger?

I know, my blog is normally funny, cute, and mostly light hearted. Sorry for this damper. I'm just too drained to do much writing right now. I'll snap out of it soon I'm sure. Maybe you can help!

If you've written a post concerning one of my Spontaneous Thought Explosion topics, please leave the link below. And make sure there's a link back to me within your post. You can use my button on the sidebar if you choose.
In fact, I would love to find another blogger with some real insightfulness to showcase on my site! I already have one blogger friend in mind! Leave me a comment if you'd like me to read one of your posts for consideration. This doesn't mean you have to write something new. Maybe you've already tackled these topics. Just let me know. Thanks all! By the way, your comments really lift my spirits.

Spontaneous Thought Explosion - Making ends meet

How are we going to get ourselves out of this mess? I've been watching the news, reading the news, listening to the news, but I'm sure I don't even know half of the story regarding the economy. It's just so horrific to think that intelligent Americans in high ranking positions have made such appallingly greedy and plainly stupid decisions. AIG for instance. What about the automotive industry? And of course there are all of the banks! I'm neither an advocate or an opponent of President Obama, but I don't feel confident about his stimulus and bailout packages. On the other hand, I wouldn't want to be in his shoes.
Where does a trillion dollars come from anyway? I can't wrap my mind around that number, A Trillion!

Anyway, here's how my family is dealing with the recession. First of all, we're a one income family and it's a very modest income at that. My husband and I have both had bouts of credit overload before we were married. We vowed to never abuse our credit again. Right now, besides our relatively small mortgage ,we only have 2 other open lines of credit. We never use our credit unless absolutely necessary and only when we can pay it off. We have learned to be patient and save for things we would like to have. Often that means we just don't spend!

I wish I could say that I'm a savvy coupon shopper, but I'm not. I use them when it's convenient, but my main goal recently has been to cut back on waste. I hate to throw food out. If necessary I will put a list on the refrigerator door reminding my family what needs to be eaten. If I don't regulate that, then food ends up going bad before it is eaten. It can be tricky feeding a family of 6. We go through 3 or 4 gallons of milk in a week! Grocery lists are crucial and I'm getting a little better at meal planning.

I always try to consolidate my errands to save gas. I shop at thrift stores and on craigslist. I've sold boxes of baby clothes on ebay. I've trained my kids in these lessons also. We do buy a lot of our clothes new too, but almost strictly from the sale racks at places like JC Penney, Sears and Target. I love showing off my $10 shoes or a $50 outfit complete with accessories. It's a thrill. Many of my youngest son's clothes come from a great little boutique...above my living room. Yep, my attic. He doesn't mind the hand me downs one bit...yet.

One of our biggest frugalities has been not taking any vacations. We haven't taken a real vacation in over 4 years. Summers have come and gone and we've stayed homebound. This is actually a big downer! I recommend that everyone go on a get-away at least once or twice a year. There are so many ways to do that on a budget. Time and scheduling have been our enemies. There is good news on the horizon for our family though. We will be going on an epic vacation this July. My father-in-law is taking the entire extended family to ...drum roll...Maui! (I'll give more details later) Although travel arrangements are being covered, there will be many expenses that we will have to cover ourselves. And I'm happy to say that not one cent will be placed on a credit card. If it were, we wouldn't be going.

As it is, my family, at this moment, is not feeling the recession's pinch. My husband has a good job. We have cell phones, cable tv, internet access and other comforts, but my fears are mounting. Job loss, a serious illness or natural disaster can take everything away in a blink of an eye. Is God telling us something in this recession? Is this a reminder? I think maybe it is. A reminder to start living within our means! God blesses honest work. God commands our tithes. God blesses generosity. And God also blesses our wise spending.

Now that you've read my post and written your own, place my link (or use the button from the sidebar) into your post annoucing your Spontaneous Thought Explosion, sign Mister Linky with a direct link to your relevant post and then leave a little chirp. Please follow these directions carefully to avoid being removed from Mister Linky.

Spontaneous Thought Explosion - Growing older and wiser

Turning 40 soon - When does the wisdom kick in?

After reading the numerous comments left for me on my first Spontaneous Thought Explosion post, I’ve decided to delve into the “funness” of getting older and the wisdom I have gained or not. Writing is good therapy!

Yep, I’ll be 40 this summer. I’m not quite sure what it should feel like. I’m noticing all the physical changes. The grey roots that I try to cover. The wrinkles between my eyebrows that are starting to give me a permanent angry look. The weight gain that doesn’t come off as easily as it use to. And especially how much younger the 20 year old women look!
I guess this is all par for the course. But what about this wisdom I hear of? Am I suppose to turn wise automatically when I turn 40? I use to think that!

I remember when I was in my 20’s, a young mother, I joined a group called MOPS (Mother’s of Preschoolers.) MOPS is a Christian based group that meets in churches all around the world. It was, to me, a wonderful support, full of mothers of all ages. I was one of the younger ones and I remember so vividly looking up to the moms who seemed so mature when actually they were just a few years ahead of me. Our group also included an older woman (grandmother type) from the hosting church. She was our mentor. She looked at us with caring and knowing eyes. Ready to teach us all she knew. Whether it was how to bake a pineapple casserole or work through a rough spot in our marriage. I can see back then that I was being taught, but soon it will be my turn to lead the way. She is what I strive to become. A Titus 2 Woman.

Titus 2:3-5
Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.

So when does this wisdom kick in?! I’m trying to figure it all out. My childhood memories, the hurts I’ve endured, the ramifications from decisions I’ve made throughout my life. I’ve always felt the need to use these past experiences to clarify why I am who I am. Well... all of this, plus the influences in my life, makes up “ME.” It is for those happy or hard times that I realize I have gained immeasurable wisdom and I’m becoming the mature, albeit wacky, woman I‘m suppose to be. I have much more to learn as life comes at me, but maybe as I go, I will also touch the heart of a younger woman and be an encouragement to her life.

Here's a quick list, off the top of my mind, of some women in my life and wisdom that they shared and I pass on to you:

My Mother and my Grandma Rachel both taught me that I am a daughter of the King. That foremost, I am loved by God.

My Grandma Peggy taught me to sing, to whistle while I work, and to take pride in appearance.

My high school buddies, taught me about true friendship and standing up for someone that I care about.

The close friends I've made over the last 10 years or more, have taught me about keeping confidences, being supportive and non-judgemental.

(My daughter, at one year old, is re-teaching me how to slow down. To enjoy the sunshine, flowers and hugs. )

Now it's your turn. Do you have something to add about this topic or are you raring to go on one of the other topics I've mentioned? Once you've written your post, either grab my button on the sidebar or just place a SillyLittleSparrow link into your post reminding your readers that they can find more stories here. Then, sign Mister Linky using either your post title, your name or whatever you'd like and add the direct link to your relevant post. Don't forget to leave your little chirp too. Before long, we'll have everyone exploding with spontaneous thoughts!

A non-writer's writer's block

My brain has been in overtime recently, yet I sit here at my blog and go blank. Throughout my busy days, I come across topics that totally drive my mind to spontaneous explosions of questions and impulses to debate, but then I sit here with my shiny new laptop and don't know where to start. I can't even call this writer's block, because, well, I'm not really "a writer." Just a woman who shares this world with you.

Today, I'll just write down some topic headlines and over the next few weeks I will really zone in on some of them. Your comments will be really helpful here! Give me somewhere to start. You'll see that my list doesn't make for typical "Silly Little Sparrow" posts. No babies, kittens or uneventful ramblings, but don't worry, I won't leave that stuff out, you can be sure!
So in no particular order, here are the things on my mind...

1. The economy - Who doesn't have their opinions? their worries?
2. Stem cell research - I have questions, don't you?
3. Violence around the world - A pastor gunned down, A family wiped out, Another high school shooting
4. Closer to home - How to parent a teenager, How to parent an adolescent, How to parent a toddler
5. When does the wisdom kick in? - I'm turning 40 this summer
6. Saving money and saving the Earth - Recycling, reusing, conserving
7. Christianity - Why are there fewer Christians these days?

We'll start with these 7. If you've already written a post about one of these topics or would like to write along with me, We'll call this the Spontaneous Thought Explosion! Sign the Mister Linky below with a direct link to your relevant post and remember to post a link back to me also. You can use my button on the left side bar. I can't wait to hear what we all have to say!