Tales From Another Planet

I thought I'd do a quick review of our first few days back to school. I'm sure this school year has been difficult for many families, with New Year's Day on a Friday, and back to normal for most schools on Monday, it can feel a bit rushed. The adults still feel the need to get all our shopping and errands done over the weekend, and suddenly it's like there was no holiday at all! We had some neighbors over for dinner Sunday night. They mentioned as they left, that the Kindergarten age daughter has to wake up at 6:30am to get ready for school. Granted, when I was in high school I had to get up at 5:30 because we had to leave by 6:30am, but still it seems a bit excessively early for a Kindergarten student. I'm so glad that we are able to homeschool (and I get to sleep in too). Monday morning, we woke up at about 8am, ready to get back to school. There was relatively little resistance, even though we had taken a full two weeks off. I had started using a "mornin...

I was reading in Matthew the other day to "let your yes be yes". So, I've decided not to make any resolutions this year. Not that I normally would, but it feels a bit taken for granted that people start trying to improve themselves this time of year. The salad shelves in the grocery store are empty. Gym membership advertisements are popping up left and right. My husband says his motto for this month is "New You". But the reality is, that most of us who do make resolutions rarely keep them. So I'm not going to resolve anything. I'm not going to force change for one month (or less). I'm not going to pressure myself into doing something that may not be right for me. Do I still want to exercise more? Sure, but I don't have any greater desire for that than I did on December 12th. Do I still want to eat healthier? Of course, I even bought some clearance salad before New Year's when it was at a great price. Do I still want to be a better parent?...

This social economy, it ain't workin' out for me I ain't got nothin' to offer anybody No smarts, no skills, ain't got no money Just my hand, my feet, my humility On the other hand, I've got it all figured out My faith, my family, my wisdom, no doubt The theologians and preachers who shout Don't have anything more than my clout But when it comes down to it,       the truth is this, The final trumpet and shouts and      all will be bliss. In heaven - no different by clothes      or by creed, Our houses are built based on      what we believe. No matter what side of the fence       you may fall, Don't let your life pass without      giving your all. All your fears, all your shame, all your doubt,       all your strength, All your pride, all your mind, all your love      in His name.

Back by popular demand (and because she asked me to keep writing), it's husband's blog post.  Next up in the series of Live Trax album reviews, Live Trax Volume 2. DMB Live Trax Volume 2 09.12.2004 1) One Sweet World 2) What Would You Say 3) So Much to Say » Anyone Seen the Bridge » 4) Pantala Naga Pampa »  Rapunzel 5) Joyride 6) #41 7) The Best of What's Around 8) Lie in Our Graves 9) The Stone 10) Drive In Drive Out 11) Loving Wings » 12) Where Are You Going 13) Hello Again 14) Jimi Thing 15) Warehouse » 16) Sugar Will 17) All Along the Watchtower 18) Stay (Wasting Time) 19) Everyday 20) Too Much After the initial release in this series, LT1, fans immediately began asking (with renewed intensity) for their favorite shows to be released.  12.31.1996, 7.10.2004, 12.3.1998, 2.19.1996, etc, etc.  This pick for the second show, which was performed some three months before, was confusing to fans. Nick-named "Central Park West" as an homage ...

Coming off of the busy holiday season, I've been challenging myself to try to find some time to have a true Sabbath, or rest time during my week. With young kids, it can be hard to truly get away from it all. Now, I'm not saying that I don't "zone out" by watching TV or reading a book or surfing on the Internet. I'm talking about true rest. Time to think deep thoughts, without interruption. Time to enjoy God's creation in solitude. Time to pray deeply and sing loudly and read thoroughly. How do we create this Sabbath rest in the middle of our over-scheduled busy lives? I have a few tips and ideas that you can try to see how they work. Wake up earlier. This would be a lot easier if I didn't end up with my two-year old in our bed almost every night. If I get up, he's sure to realize that his warm snugly (i.e. his mother) is no longer in bed and will follow shortly. However, it may work on some occasions or for other people. Go to bed later. ...

**This is a guest post by my husband. He is going to review Dave Matthews Band Live Trax. There are 36 posts so far, and I will be publishing them on Thursdays, for those who are interested in Dave Matthews Band. His great love for the Dave Matthews Band is to be shared with all.** This post is unlike anything you've ever read on this blog.  That's because for the first time in the history of the Internet on this blog, my wife is not writing a blog post.  The text you're reading was written by her husband. I'm not sure why my wife has asked me to write a guest blog post, nor am I sure why she wanted me to write on any topic I choose, but being the good husband I am I'm taking her up on the challenge. I thought I'd take my blog post (likely, eventually, posts) to avoid anything controversial.  Instead, I'll do a series of reviews on the Live Trax series of albums from Dave Matthews Band.  Why, you say?  I say why not. DMB Live Trax Volume 1 12.08.19...

Normally, I don't post on Wednesdays, but this deal was too good to pass up. Schoola is currently offering an additional 40% off gently used items with discount code HOTSTYLES. I'm not sure how long this sale will last, and if you combine it with a free $20 credit, you should be able to get 2-4 quality used items for free! I don't recommend Schoola if you're paying their "normal" prices (I've gotten some funky things occasionally, like girls pants instead of boys, and 3 month instead of 3T clothing and prices are a little high in my opinion). But if you combine some credit and a sale, you can't go wrong. Also, free shipping! I just ordered a free pair of 3T pants with a very small credit I had left over that was expiring this month. If you haven't signed up before, use my referral link below to get a $20 credit! Click here for a $20 credit for signing up at Schoola! **The above link is a referral link, but no one pays me for my opinion. Thank...