Musings from the Middle

Why Hanukkah?

2010-11-30T21:00:00.000-08:00

I have had many interesting conversations with friends lately regarding Hanukkah, so I figured, why not tackle the subject in a blog?

The conversations basically start the same:

them "you celebrate Hanukkah?"

Me "Yes"

Them "Oh, I didn't know you were Jewish!"

Me "I'm not."

Them (long pause and confused look)

It's at this point I get the distinct pleasure of doing 2 things I love: talking about history and talking about Jesus!

Hanukkah is actually a historical celebration of freedom, very much like our 4th of July. If you are interested in reading about the history of Hanukkah, I would encourage you to do so, at one of the many wonderful sites out there that have already done an excellent job in telling the story! My purpose here is not to recount the entire story for you (although if you'd like me to sometime, just ask! I am such a history geek!) Basically, Hanukkah is a historical celebration of the rededication of the temple of the Lord. Unlikely band of farmers and tradesmen become soldiers to defend their families, kick enemy butt, get their country and the temple of God back. Nuff said.

What I find so wonderful, is that all the readings associated with Hanukkah have to do with being a light to the World, and of course, looking forward to THE light of the world that was to come. The Messiah. Now the interesting thing to me is that Israel meant nationally, being a light to the rest of the world, showing them what it meant to follow God, how they were different. Enter Jesus on the scene. Think of the times in Scripture that Jesus refers to himself as "the light of the world". It is thought that these references all came during or very near to the Festival of Dedication (Hanukkah!). Jesus Literally declared himself the LIGHT of the world! The fulfillment of all they had been waiting for.

Hmmm, I don't know about you, but this seems to have some personal relevance as well! It becomes a great time for me personally to check my walk with God. How am I doing? Am I furthering the cause of Christ or the Cause of Kate? How am I doing at pointing people to look at THE ONE who is THE LIGHT?

So, what exactly do we do to celebrate? My kids and I read about the history, and over the 8 days of Hanukkah ask ourselves very real questions about pointing people towards Jesus. We light the menorah and usually do whatever advent reading we are using this year by it's light (this year we are reading Bartholomew's Passage. REALLY AMAZING! ) We play the Dreidel game and talk about the reasons for the symbols and what they all mean.

It is working? Are they getting it? Well, sometimes you never really know if what you are teaching is sinking in. I think every parent out there can relate to that feeling! Sometimes you just do the best you can and then pray it works in the end.

However last night I had a wonderful moment. My son has taken a keen interest in making balloon animals. so much so that he has brought them to many places just to make them for kids! A few times he's brought them to Awana, and this week his awana leader asked him to bring them again so he could use him as part of the object lesson. He was psyched about it! When we got home he gave me the brief run down of what happened. His leader was talking about sometimes people think if they follow God with their life, He's just going to tie them up with all sorts of rules and knots, (holding up a plain balloon) BUT in the hands of the Master, He can shape their life into so much more. At that point Jonathan twisted it into a dog in 10 seconds flat. The kids got the lesson. In the Hands of God, we can be shaped into so much more than we ever thought to dream of! My son was so proud, but my mothers heart melted at what came next:

Me : "See son, your good at Balloon animals, and tonight you got to use your talent to point people to Jesus."

Son: "Yea!" Grinning from ear to ear, turns away to head to bed. then he stops and turns back. "Hey mom?"

Me : "Yes?"

Son: "I DID shine my light today, didn't I? Just like we talked about when we lit the Menorah?"

He got it. In that moment, the lesson became more than an ancient historical story, and suddenly became real. And he understood the point of it all. SO, even if every person I know thinks I am insane for celebrating Hanukkah when I am not even Jewish, I don't care. My kids are gaining some valuable lessons from it, and I am just grateful God brought it to my circle of influence 3 years ago. So my friends, I wish you all a very Happy Hanukkah!!!

Happy Thanksgiving all!

2010-11-25T09:49:00.000-08:00

What a great day to be thankful! The sun is shining bright off the snow, sparkling and shimmering is such a way that I almost like it! :) I read a fellow blogger sharing the very first Proclamation by George Washington, who established the first Nationally recognized celebration of the holiday. I was moved by it and thought you'd like the opportunity to read it as well! So thanks to George Berkin for posting this today!

President Washington set the first Thanksgiving for Nov. 26, 1789, a few short years after the hostilities with Great Britain had ceased. He called on his fellow citizens to publically express their gratitude for the divine help in that conflict.

Abraham Lincoln, during the troubled days of the Civil War, revived the practice of setting aside a day to render thanks to God. And in 1941, another troubled time, Congress settled on the fourth Thursday in November for this very American holiday. Here is George Washington’s proclamation in its entirety:

By the President of the United States of America, a Proclamation.
Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor-- and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.
Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be-- That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks--for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation--for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war--for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed--for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted--for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.
and also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions-- to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually--to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed--to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord--To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease of science among them and us--and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789. Go: Washington

ABC's of Thanks!

2010-11-23T21:30:00.000-08:00

Being we are coming up on thanksgiving very very quickly, I thought this would be a great time to stretch my gratefulness muscles and list out at least some of the things I am grateful for! OK, I also saw some of my other friends doing it and thought it was a grand idea to put it in ABC form! SO, here goes:

A is for Apples. I love love love a good apple! (honey crisp are my fav's!)

B is for Bible, and I am grateful I can still own it, read it and share it publicly. May I remember to pray for those who do not have the same freedoms I enjoy.

C is for Coffee. My sweet, satisfying, multipurpose elixir of happiness!

D is for dad. No joke. I am so lucky to have him! He is one of the wisest people I know and one of my closest friends. I am lucky I get to see him as often as i do!

E is for Eric Dykstra and his awesome wife Kelly, our pastors at The Crossing Church. It is truly a blessing to have these 2 leading our church, and it's amazing to be a part of changing the world under their leadership!

F is for Food. Most of us have no concept if what it is to be truly hungry. Even in those times things have been tight, I have never been without food for my family.

G is for, of course, God. And by God I mean, God the Father, Son (Jesus) and Holy spirit. . Knee bent at the cross, He is the leader and Lord of my life. One way, no fast passing. Without Him..... I'd not be here writing this right now. And at the vary least my life would be major suckage!

H is for Hollianne. My sweet little girl who has magical hugs and smiles! She is my miracle baby, and my life is so much richer because of her!

I is for insane friends. (you all can now wonder if I mean that you ARE insane, or that you are insanely GOOD to me! Or, maybe your insane for BEING friends with me!)

J is for Jonathan. My lego-loving, star wars junkie, dramatic BOY. He keeps me on my toes every day, and has made my life full, boisterous, and incredibly fun! There is never a dull moment with you dude!

K is for kick butt movies! I really love a good movie! Our family loves to hang and watch a movie together!

L is for Laughter. It is always soothing to the soul and I am so glad the Lord gave it to us! What a great gift!

M is for Mike. Love of my life. My darling husband. The first man who has equaled me in stubborn resolve. Together we have conquered more than I believed I could ever live thru, and managed to take turns pushing each other to keep on and not quit! My husband has loved me thru the darkest moments of my life, and the deepest pits of my life. Without him and Jesus, I wouldn't be the woman I am today!

N is for Nana, which is what my kids call my mom. Since I used M for Mike, I had to find a space for her! My mom is also one of my best friends. And believe me as a kid I did NOT ever think that would happen! hardly a day goes by I don't talk with her, and I am so glad she lives so close. I marvel at how much she can accomplish when she sets her mind to it, (yep, the good side of stubbornness!) and how good she is at just loving on people. My mother also deserves her own food network show, that's how good of a cook she is. No really, I am not kidding. She's amazing, but she's also pretty humble and will probably hate it that I am bragging on her here! I could write a whole blog page about each of my parents and the blessing they are to me (which is probably a good idea, file that thought for later).

O is for odors. The good kind! some of my personal favorites include fresh baked bread, pumpkin pie, apple crisp, cookies, the ocean, and springtime after a rain!

P is for Pizza. Yep, love it in all forms. our personal favorites come from Solo's Pizza cafe!

Q is for Quality time with my family! I am constantly amazed that the things my kids remember most, are usually the simplest, and easiest and most relaxed our family was.

R is for remotes....so I don't have to get off my fanny to change the channel. this seems like such a small thing....but really......yea.....it's cool!!! We've all taken it for granted!

S is for the Sparkly Bible Babes! My small group and my closest friends, Y'all know who you are! I am lucky to get to do life with you ladies!

T is for Twix, my son's awesome rabbit. Seriously wasn't sure about getting a rabbit for a pet, but he's turned out to be the best one we've ever had!

U is for my uvula. I'm not really sure what it's for, but I'm pretty sure it's important I have one!

V is for our veterans, those who have served and given their time and sweat, bled and died for this country, to protect and serve. I could NEVER express how thankful I am for all of them! In fact I love thanking servicemen in person whenever I see them!!!

W is for Wheat, because I am a huge lover of freshly baked bread! There is just nothing like that first fresh slice of bread from the oven with butter.....MMMMM! That is one of those homey smells for me!

X is for X-citing X-periences!

Y is for my yard. I really have been blessed with a nice looking yard, and my kids have some good space to play!

Z is for zealous passion and vigor for life! Both for the portion God has allotted me of this, and also for those who spur me on to be Zealous for the right things!

SO, there you are! The ABC's of what I am thankful for this year! I found this really fun and a challenge to do! It's amazing how when you stretch those gratefulness muscles you find so much more than you can list! In the words of Steven Furtick, a pastor I respect, "Gratitude begins where my sense of entitlement ends". May we all spend this weekend unplugged from our entitlement addictions, and focused on the blessings that surround us!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Oh Happy Homeschool day!

2008-09-10T13:13:00.000-07:00

Today was a good homeschool day! A day where the wonderful exploration of learning took place! our co-op is doing a series called Lessons from History and we decided to start our reading on Julius Ceaser today. You know, the light stuff! :) That reading lead to a search for a map on the Ancient Roman empire and where is was, a discussion of how they conquered the lands they did, reading about weapons, army's, arena's, gladiators............. and a question: did the romans use silverware? I don't know, but Google is a beutiful thing! Googled that to find yes they did, they even began using glasses at this time because Glass blowing techniques were invented. THAT lead to a search of you tube for video on Glass blowing and what it is! WOW! a 2 hour side jaunt............. but by Golly what an educational day!!!! Now THIS is why I homeschool!

the Onion Soldiers

2008-09-02T20:15:00.000-07:00

Tonight while playing a rousing game of Professor Noggin, Civil War we had a funny happen! Mike and Jonathan and I were playing and it was Jonathan's turn to read the question. He started out reading and got to the words "the Union Soldiers" however it came out "the onion soldiers"! Of course, my mind working the way it does, I immediately began to have all sorts of funny images pop into my head! visions of veggietales newest character, The Onion Soldiers Lobbing giant onions of various brands at thier enemies shouting cries of "VIDALIA!" In order to distract thier enemy, they launch a rocket filled with diced onions, upon impact it explodes and distributes the onion everywhere. while the enemy is distracted by the fumes assailing thier eyes, the Onion soldiers close in for victory!!!!

I know, I am warped, but it was funny!!

my New favorite quote

2008-08-25T20:43:00.000-07:00

I have a new quote! I just love it!

Some People say I have a bad attitude.......................those people are stupid!

Jesus in Carhartts

2008-08-22T13:01:00.000-07:00

Read this article today, a friend emailed it to me and I was very challenged! may it bless you!!

Kate

Jesus in Carhartts
How do we respond to obvious, yet unspoken, need?

Eileen Button

Matthew 5:42 says, "Give to those who ask, and don't turn away from those who want to borrow."
That seems easy enough. Most believers are happy to give to those who have the courage to ask. But what should your response be when the need is obvious, yet the request is unspoken? And, how do you follow Jesus' command to meet the needs of others when you can barely meet your own?
I asked myself those questions while buying diapers at a local grocery store. A few weeks prior, my husband and I had moved with our six-month-old son to center city Philadelphia to begin a new church and "save Philly for Jesus!" Brad and I were young, in love with the ministry, and felt ready to serve God in a radical way.
In short, we were passionately clueless.
I was attempting to buy the cheapest package of diapers with Stephen strapped securely in the cart. "What exciting piece of plastic will be on your butt this week, Stephen?" I asked.
Stephen just looked at me with his big blue eyes. One day, he would wonder out loud why his mom is such a wacko.
A woman in my peripheral vision crouched in front of the cans of baby formula. It wasn't easy to determine that she was, in fact, a woman because the oversized beige Carhartts coveralls she wore swallowed her body like a heap of laundry on the floor. She was tiny and wore a red bandana on her balding head. When she looked up at me from her squat position, I caught a glimpse of her desperate eyes that sunk into her dark gray face.
Although I mouthed the word "Hi," she ignored me, turning her attention to the shelf and nervously piling cans at her feet. I quickly realized she intended to steal them.
Shocked by the realization that I was about to witness a crime, I grabbed a package of diapers and wheeled my cart into the next aisle where Ritz crackers and Cheez-Its sat in neat little rows.
"God, what do I do?" I prayed, my mind searching for a Scripture that might give me a quick answer to her desperate situation. It came up blank.
I considered offering to buy the formula for her, but money was tight and our budget would be blown. I reasoned with myself that I was wrong and assured my troubled mind that she had every intention of purchasing the formula. I chided my arrogance and presumption.
I looked down at Stephen, sitting so happily in the grocery cart. Here was a baby who didn't know what it meant to go hungry for more than a minute. My heart cried out for the child whose mother had to steal to feed him.
As I stood in the "10 items or less" aisle, I saw the bandana-wearing woman once again. She was leaving through the automatic doors holding a grocery bag. See, she bought the formula after all. I relaxed … until I realized she was carrying a wrinkled brown paper bag, not the store's colorful plastic bag. Also, she was exiting through the entrance and steered clear of the checkout aisles.
I looked away and nervously scanned the shoppers to see if anyone else was watching. I felt like an accomplice to her crime, but was somehow exhilarated. Sure, I knew that stealing was against God. After all, he included it in the Ten Commandments. But somehow, this kind of stealing felt justified, and I was certainly not going to do anything to jeopardize a baby's chance to get some much-needed food. If I were completely honest, I would steal for my baby in a heartbeat if I felt that level of desperation.
I paid for my groceries, loaded Stephen and my bags into the stroller and headed for the exit. As I left, I almost collided with two official-looking men who were walking into the store. "What a stupid broad," one said.
One of them carried the woman's brown paper bag filled with her baby's food. My face felt hot and tears stung my eyes as I nervously scanned the streets looking for the Carhartts, hoping that I might find the woman whose baby needed to eat. She was gone.
And so was my moment. The opportunity to help someone who desperately needed it was right in front of me. The chance to be Jesus to a woman wrestling with life—and losing—had stared me directly in the face, and I'd looked away.
I'd love to say that I never looked away again. While I have extended my hand to many, there are countless times I have passed a man sleeping under cardboard or a woman slumped in a doorway without offering even a glance. Matthew 25:42 echoes in my mind, "For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me."
We are surrounded by tremendous needs. If we truly desire to live like Jesus we must listen to both the expressed and silent pleas for help. Then, we must do something.
As for me, the image of the woman in Carhartts returning home empty-handed to a crying, hungry baby still haunts my soul.

The attack of Larry Boy!

2008-08-19T21:38:00.000-07:00

AAACK! I am totally being overrun by CUCUMBERS! I am serious, there are more cucumbers coming out of my garden than I could possibly keep up with! I am really running out of ways to use them too! This morning after checking the garden I had 18 stacked on my counter, some as long as my forarm. 18 cucumbers! What the heck am I gonna do with that many! My kitchen counter looks like a breeding ground for Larry the cucumber's clones. I have become the crazy lady on the block who gives cucumbers to everyone who passes by her house. "hi there person walking by! want some cucumbers? PLEASE?"

Today I made 2 kinds of cold cucumber soup that were very good (even if the Yoakamites did not appreciate my culinary skills) and managed to use 12. then I made a batch of gazpacho that used another 1, still leaving 5. (yes I am a math wiz!) And then my friend stopped by to talk and I was able to dump a bunch on her! Yippee! I am cucumber free.............. until tomorrow when Larry's clones attack me again!

The Leap from the Lions Head

2008-08-18T21:36:00.000-07:00

Do you ever have days when you wonder what in the world God is up to? Days there are sporatic events that appear to get thrown into the mix and leave you going "WHAT?". Yes I am a person who belives God is sovereign and in control and has a plan, but darn it sometimes I just cannot figure out what the heck He is up to!

But one thing I know He's defineately teaching me. Who would I rather tick off and disappoint? God? or _____________ (fill in blank here with current situation, person, etc).

God recently lead me to do something that involved immense trust and obedience on my part. and I don't get it, But I am starting to think that is beside the point.

Remember the scene in the 3rd Indiana Jones movie where he is at the edge of a cliff and the clue he has to follow is "Only in the leap from the lion's head will he prove his worth." That is exactly how I felt this week. Standing at the edge of a cliff, knowing God is leading me to step off the edge, almost being able to see his hand held out saying "will you trust me?" Knowing that stepping off that edge could mean some serious consequences, yes also knowing I can't go back.

You know that is the kicker with this following Jesus thing. I know what happens to my life when I run it. I KNOW what the fruit of Kate is, and it is not pretty. How many crossroads in my life has He lead me to and said to me "will you still follow me or will you leave?" And the thing is, he always gives you this choice, but really it's a non choice if you really, really, really are His. I always think about the diciples when I get choices like that, because he said that to them once and I will never forget Peter's response: "Lord, where would we go? you have the words that contain Life!" Can't say it better than the Bible! Yes, I have done life on my own, and it wasn't pretty. so yes, there is a choice, but really deep down I know there isn't. Cause I am going where He is, even if that leads me to crazy places that no one understands but Him and Me. And maybe not even me! So yes, I leaped from the Lion's head today..................and I have no idea what I am doing...................but I have peace. I guess that's God for you!

excuses

2008-08-15T14:28:00.000-07:00

I love the excuses I get when I ask my kids to do things. Some days it feels like they have an excuse for everything! Today I heard the best excuse ever! It was from the mouth of my 3 year old. She was playing hide and go seek with her brother and her babysitter and it was her turn to count. "I can't count" she said "I have an owie on my finger". WHAT? HOW IN THE WORLD DOES YOUR OWIE AFFECT YOUR ABILITY TO COUNT I'D LIKE TO KNOW!

Made me wonder if God ever thinks that about all the excuses I give Him. "I can't do that God, I'm not qualified, I haven't been here long enough, everyone will laugh at me, no one will listen to me, I'm not good enough.............................." Blah blah blah blah blah.

I think God would really appreciate it if we all opperated more like Nike shoes: JUST DO IT. simple slogan, hard to follow sometimes! Especially if it might upset the delicate balance of my comfort. But the Lord God Almighty who made the vast expanse of the universe, really isn't that concerned with my comfort. He's concerned with my Character. And sometimes building my character means I have to walk out into uncomfortable places when He holds out His hand to me and whispers "will you trust me?"

Well, it's not easy, it's not always fun, but I know how life turns out when I do things my way. I already messed up my life pretty bad once. I don't entend to go back there ever again. So help me Lord, to just do it...............without the excuses!

Anything is possible

2008-08-14T20:57:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my 3 year old daughter came up to me, curled on my lap, looked up at me with those big cute eyes and said "mommy, can I have an orangutan?"

I did a double take......"what did you say?"

"Can I have an orangutan?"

"No honey you can't."

"mommy?"

"yes Hollianne, what is it?"

"What's an oragutan?"

After I stopped laughing, (and I did for awhile) we discussed what an oragutan was, where they live, and why they don't make good housepets! ( It was hard enough changing diapers on human children!) She was not going to be dissuaded. She was convinced that once we move to a bigger house, then we can have an oragutan!

But I love it! I just love that my kids have wild imaginations and come up with the most interesting things. And they absolutely think anything is possible. While the rest of the block is asking thier dad's for puppies kitty cats and goldfish, tonight my 3 year old is presenting to her daddy, all her reasons for getting.............an orangutan. Way to think out of the box kid! God's gonna do great things with you!

Modified what???????????

2008-08-14T08:16:00.000-07:00

The other day I was at a 4H picnic and a friend was relating the woes associated with home remodel. I can relate. My life and home are CONSTANTLY in a state of remodel. Remember the old addage: the shoemakers kids are the last to get the shoes? same is true for Home Remodel! Anyway, I digress! As she was telling us about her kitchen, what she meant to say was: my Modified Crippled Kitchen. What came out was "Modified Crippled Chicken"!!!! Ok now you ALL know me! I just couldn't let that one go! Suddenly we were all discribing the newest Olympic move: "he's preparing for his next move, OH and he shocks the Audience...........the Modified Crippled Chicken Ladies and Gentleman, UNBELIEVABLE!

Laughter is good medicine, good for the soul, and WAY fun when you get amunition like that!

Religion or Relationship?

2008-08-08T20:29:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a day. I was blessed by a friend today who took my kids all day so I could just sit with my foot up, a task that is ............well.............boring. Being that I had all this time, I decided to use it to read a book my father had given me a couple weeks ago: The Shack, by William P Young. When dad gave it to me to read he warned me: give youself 8 straight hours, because you won't want to put it down!! He was right and I am so glad I did! Yes, I know this book is surrounded by scores of controversy right now, and that was one of the biggest reasons I thought I should probably read it!

The book is really excellent, and I would really recommend everyone read it! the main Character, Mack, in the book is going thru what he calls The Great Sadness. I've been in one myself, and the authors discription is one of the best I have found to discribe that feeling. I don't want to give the story away, But I will tell you this, the book will challenge you to look at what in your life is mearly religion, and what is relationship with HIM. The book is fiction, (like Narnia books are) and I have read alot from those who are opposed to this book. Most of the quotes they use to defend thier arguments are taken out of context with the rest of the story. And they dissect it as if it were a theology book, not a work of fiction. Truth is if they used their same arguements against the Chronicles of Narnia, those would be books of heresy and blasphemy also. I found the story to be beutifully written, inspiring and challenging.............and all it's critics to be dead wrong about this book.

It was timely I read The Shack. I've recently seen some pretty aweful things done to a friend of mine in the name of God. It's unbeliveable to me that we belivers are so good at shooting our wounded. This book challenged me to forgive in areas I didn't realize I wasn't forgiving! It challenged me to look at my heart, REALLY look at it, and see it how GOD saw it.

So, my best advice to you............ignore the hype, read the book, and evaluate for yourself. Do not let critics opinions keep you from this one! And as you read it I challenge you with this question: do you have religion, or a Relationship?

Just a click.................

2008-08-05T16:47:00.000-07:00

I learned a very valuble lesson today. My oldest daughter's facebook account broadcasted that she had joined a new group...............one who's name I will not mention because it is so offensive. I was shocked, dismayed..........and freaking out a bit. Worse still was that I knew the announcement that she had joined such a group would have gone out to every friend listed in her account......our church, pastor's wife, children of friends............it was a just a bit mortifying. After some discussion with her mother and my hubbie, mom went to confront her. Turns out she got a popup when she was checking her account on the Wii, and hit ignore (she has witnesses that verify this), but somehow it still went on her facebook account as her joining this group. All tecnical sleuthing done by stepdad indicates she is telling the truth. She's just sick about it, and incredibly upset that anyone would think that of her. and all it took was just a click.

Whole situation made me think..................... how many times in my day does this happen to me? how many times do I think I've hit the "ignore" button on Satan and his Popups in my life, only to find that he somehow sneaked in the backdoor? How many times have a totally contrary message to who I am been broadcast to all my friends and people I care about? how many times am I misunderstood by those who's opinion matters the most? Just a click?

Lord, may you always make me aware of the Popups I have missed that need to be erased out of me!