The Brunette Superhero

The brunette superhero has caught my attention lately.  Angelina Jolie is staring in a new movie entitled, “Salt”.  I can’t help but wonder why there appears to be a captivating fascination with the intelligent, tough, and shapely brunette woman.  Wonder woman, Zena warrior princess, Tomb raider, etc.  Are there brunette superhero women among us?  Honestly, I believe there are.  In my opinion, I would venture to suggest two of these women are women like Michelle Bachmann or Sara Palin.  As far as I can see in their personal lives, they appear to be women of noble character.  Both have a high regard for life and give their husbands something to be proud of.  In their jobs, they display courage, integrity, and an ability to respectfully speak their mind.  Regardless of their points of view, shouldn’t these women be celebrated?  Sadly, these women are the object of ridicule by media, feminist organizations, and fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who disagree with their words or conduct.  Women who are praised by these groups are women like Oprah or Hilary Clinton.  Oprah is a wonderful example of what a woman can accomplish and graciously gives of her wealth, yet lacks true morality and the intellect to properly explore deep issues of content.  Hilary is another wonderful example of what a woman can accomplish…. If accompanied by the help of a man.  Hilary gave up the opportunity to rally women of every political affiliation behind her by standing on her own against her husband’s infidelity.  Instead, she remained by his side as a crutch for her career.  OH! Let’s not forget she had a statue done of her from the breasts up. Yes, the legacy I hope to leave is a mold of my breasts!  These women are the great feminists of our day.  I find feminism is not to promote the progress of women.  It is a means of women using and abusing men to get ahead and/or what you want from them.  Other women are not exempt from abuse if they get in the way.  Needless to say, courage, respect and integrity are not highly regarded and strongly opposed by male and female feminists.  Some male feminists appear to me to be men who couldn’t quite make it among real men so they join the weaker sex as a place to successfully dominate.  It is no wonder the real life brunette superhero is so demonized!  She is not easily dominated and puts them to shame.  So, where does she fit in society?  For some, they wish for her to remain in comic books, movies, and fantasy.  As for me, stay strong brunette superhero!  There are plenty of men who are sure enough of themselves to handle you and women who long to find someone worth admiring!

Inside the Holy of Holies

Ten weeks ago, the Lord led me to do an in-depth study of the Old Testament tabernacle.  As I combed diligently through Exodus 21-40 studying each color, fabric, skin, ritual and pieces of furniture in detail, I often wondered why did the Lord find this necessary for me at this time?  I am reminded that each time I choose faithfulness above reassurance of my steps; I am richly blessed and filled with joy at what is at the end of my journeys.  Plus, how can one gain nothing from studying any part of God’s word?  The last three years, I have gained great strides in my prayer life.  My first study was on spiritual warfare, followed by a study on the songs of ascent (Psalm 121-134).  The more ground I covered, I found myself more and more appreciative of Christ and the Holy Spirit.  How much I take full advantage from morning to night that I have full access to God’s thrown.  I wasn’t aware of how much until I had reached the end of my study.

Jeremy shared with me that at the end of my study, he planned to take me to visit the life-sized replica of the tabernacle on display in Hudson, WI.  I was thrilled!!!….Now that I had become so scholarly about this amazing structure.  We planned our trip for Friday after looking at a couple of schools for Lynn.  After a weary and frustrating time looking at schools, I was dying to be in the Lord’s presence!  I couldn’t wait to go before the Holy of Holies and be reminded that all would be well…. in my soul.  Upon our arrival, our plans were brought to a screeching halt because we had not made an appointment to go on the tour.  I walked out of the building livid.  Lord, I want to feel closer to you today by going in your tabernacle.  How dare they tell me I can’t it!  I was so angry, I couldn’t speak almost the whole way home.  I didn’t want to talk to anyone.  I WANTED TO SEE A PIECE OF MY GOD!!

Later that night, I finally gave opportunity for the Lord to speak to me.   He told me, “I am excited for you to see the tabernacle and see what my dwelling place looked like, but I also want you to experience having to come before me my appointment only.”  I was stunned.  Wow.  Don’t be shocked when the Lord has something special for you and He chooses to add some additional drama to be sure it sticks.  As a prayer warrior, I burst straight through that curtain that was torn from top to bottom many times a day without a thought.  I made my appointment for today.  I took my family and my visiting in-laws to see His tabernacle.  Oh… was it worth the wait.  To my fellow prayer warriors: when you come before His thrown in spirit as you pray, visualize the Holy of Holies and what it represents.  It will fill your heart with joy with each prayer that follows, even the little ones.  At His feet, before the thrown of grace once a year feels too hard to bear.  As I continue to absorb all that I have seen, heard and read, I am ecstatic to obtain a new visual of Christ’s sacrifice.  May this experience cause me to no longer take my precious moments in prayer for granted. 

I’m sorry there are no pictures of my visit.  We were instructed not to take any pictures of the tabernacle.  I bought some pictures that were for sale.  Ask me when you see me if you would like to see them.  If you would like to schedule your own tour, click here for details.

YMCA Day Camp!

Lynn spent a fun-filled week at the YMCA day camp!  She learned new games and songs, made crafts, and went swimming every day!  I wasn’t sure if she would be too shy to meet new friends and participate.  I think she held back a little, but had a great time.  I thought, for sure, she would be completely exhausted each day I picked her up.  She was, but of course, she fought with everything she had to stay awake and got herself so excited about the next day, she struggled to fall asleep at night.  It was nice having something for her and getting time to myself.  Next week starts another week of…. summer.  Only a month and a half until school starts!

Happy 4th of July!

A walk down town in Red Wing

What to do with Lynn…….

As many of you know, Lynn’s school will not be open next year.  We are searching and praying for a solution to this dilema.  There are 2 schools left.  One is another Lutheran school and the other is a non-denominational christian school.  Today, I attended a meeting for the non-denominational school only to find…… the school closed down too, but there are efforts to keep it going by starting a completely new school.  I was asked if I wanted to be on the school board and get this school moving.  I am not sure if we are going to be here.  I don’t want to take on a project…. just find a school!!!  I am at a loss for what to do.  I hope to check out the Lutheran school soon.  Otherwise, moving seems like the only other option.  All options are not easy.  Keep us in prayer.

Free Garage sale!

Last weekend, I brought Lynn with me to help with an all free garage sale.  Last year, I attended by myself, but was invited to participate this year as well.  It is held in St. Paul in a rough neighborhood.  There are 5 young men who live in a converted condominium that was once a church.  It is refered to as, the Ekklesiah house.  These young men wish to make a big impact in their neighborhood for Christ.  They are near and dear to my heart.  I wished to bring Lynn this year so she can see not all kids get to grow up in the suburbs or in a safe small town along the golf course.  It wasn’t as much of an impact as I had hoped.  She just seemed a little scared.  Oh well… maybe another time.

Father’s day

I slept the whole morning of father’s day while Jeremy took care of both kids.  When he came to wake me up, I wished him a Happy Father’s day and told him he got to celebrate by being a great father!  He chose the Red Robin for where he wanted to dine out.  I was glad it was Father’s day and not Mother’s day.  For me, my dining experience was not so great.  As soon as we arrived, we discovered we had forgotten Gideon’s diaper bag and had to buy diapers and formula at the nearest Walgreens.  Once the food came, Gideon was desperate to eat!!  After eating, he manufactured quite a poopy diaper.  When I went to change him, there was a woman vomiting profusely as Gideon cried.  I finally sat down to my cold burger, gobbled it up, and it hit my stomach like a rock…… ugggg. 

At least Jeremy had a great time!!

Time to hold Gideon…..

Lynn graduates from Kindergarten!

SHE DID IT!!  Lynn has finished her first year of school.  I can’t believe how fast it went.  Last Thursday night, there was a ceremony for all the kindergarteners and the rest of students in Lynn’s school to congradulate and say good bye.  This year is the last year her school will be open.  It was emotional for those who have attended to helped fund this school.  As for us, we are too new and our thoughts are in finding a new school for our children.  Lynn will be seperated from her friends, her age and older.  I snapped a few shots of that night.

[caption id="attachment_764" align="alignnone" width="225" caption="Our adorable graduate!"][/caption]