What Song Does Your Life Sing?

**Before I begin I have to say, I'm working on a new "name, " "title", or whatever it's called in the blogosphere, for my blog.  Mostly because this super cool title has been used.  Like a million times.  Apparently about 100 other people thought this was a cute, catchy idea for a name too...& way before we did. Who knew, right?  & Far be it from me to step on anyone's toes or infringe on their copyright which truthfully sounds way too scary for me.   So, as soon as i figure out better name or how to actually go about editing the one I have (whichever may come first) I'll let y'all--ahem,  all 3 of my readers--know.  Now, onto the good stuff...

If my life story were a song, it could surely fall into one of 3 musical genres:

1)  A sad country song about my momma, my daddy, my first grade teacher, the family dog, & all of life's disappointments

2)  A loud, angry, screaming, ranting, kiss-off heavy metal masterpiece that would point out all the ways other people have failed me & let me down & send a clear message about how that made me feel

3) An insanely awesome, heart-bursting, make ya wanna jump up, dance, clap, shout & scream Praise & Worship song that would acknowledge My Redeemer's love, mercy, grace, & faithfulness in my life & how that trumps all the CRAP this world has & will throw at me. 

I choose #3.  Every day.  Every time.  Life isn't perfect.  It isn't fair.  People suffer.  I suffer.  But when I look back at my life--at all He has done & all He's doing now--all I can say is "Wow!"  The bad stuff is so much more bearable when you don't have to bear it alone.  I'm glad I realized that long ago & even more glad I chose to give it to Him rather than expecting any human being to fix it or make it better or less painful.  He doesn't always work it out the way I hope or expect.  & Sometimes He doesn't work it out at all.  Sometimes i just have to stand there while life beats me up & leaves me bruised.  But He sure does have a way of comforting me in the midst of all that nonsense.  And, oddly enough, that comfort remains when it's all said & done.  The bruises may still ache.  My heart may still ache.  But because i know He's there, it aches a little less.  Over and over and over and over and over and over and over again He’s proven that He’s faithful.  Faithful in the ways I least expect.  Faithful in giving me the things I didn’t even know my heart desired.  That, my friends, is love.  The Word says that, "Love covers a multitude of sins." I also believe that Love trumps a dozen heartaches, disappointments, sufferings, & failures.  I hope you all know that kind of love.  

So, what kind of song does your life sing? 

My Husband Made Me Do It...

Ok...so...here's my disclaimer.  This was all my husband's idea.  We're driving in the swagger wagon (aka the minivan i have affectionately dubbed, 'Otis') and he starts a conversation about how i should really start writing.  In an attempt to hide my eyeroll and sigh of exasperation, i indulge him by actually letting him continue.  He's bugged me for years about writing a children's book, writing a teenager book, writing any book i feel inspired to write...and i always have the same response: "I don't really think i have anything to say that people would find all that interesting."  But this time he came fully-loaded to the conversation.  Both guns blazing.  He pointed out a few facebook statuses that i wrote that got more that 5 'likes' and that people seem to respond when i have something to say.  & this time he tugged at my heartstrings by suggesting the ever-elusive (yet something i've secretly wanted to try for years) blog.  He had even come up with a catchy title for my blog.  Pretty cool, isn't it?! 

The bottom line is this, folks.  I'm not really sure what i'm doing in the world of super trendy, cool-looking, & mind-blowing blogs.  I don't have a million recipes for homemade everything to share.  I don't have any 5 minute fat busting workout routines to offer.  I'm no fashionista with tips and trends.  God knows i don't have any sage parenting wisdom to offer because mostly i just try to survive every day.  I'm well aware that my mom, my husband, my best friend, and maybe 1 out of my 4 sisters will be my ONLY faithful readers and certainly my biggest cheerleaders.  What i'm trying to say is that i'm just a housewife.  Plain & simple.  Once upon a time i was a school teacher who loved languages and reading books and journaling.  I was borderline obsessed with exercise.  Now i'm mostly just a mom.  i homeschool our 4 kids...not because i'm weirded out by public schools or as some silent protest against indoctrination or to take a silent stand for religious freedom.  i do so because i can.  because it's fun.  because i love teaching and i love watching them learn.  i workout every once in a while (although i'd love to lie and say i do it everyday).  And the only book i read regularly is my Bible.  So i guess this blog will just be a way to feed that part of me that has decided to trade private journaling in for a really public way to share the hilarious, frustrating, overwhelming, joy-filled, ordinary things that happen in my daily life.  Once i figure out how, i'm sure i'll add pictures and change up the font every once in a while.  And maybe, just maybe, i'll say something along the way to make you smile, or giggle, or actually 'lol'.  If i'm really lucky, God will drop a word in my heart & i'll be obedient enough to use it to inspire you...make you feel not-so-alone on this crazy journey called "life".  I guess i'm just gonna hang on and see where this thing takes me.  I hope you enjoy the read....i mean, ride...